The Cuyahoga County Division of Senior and Adult Services (DSAS), through its Livable Cuyahoga Initiative, is hosting the Return-to-Work Fair to help older adults build skills, explore opportunities, and access resources to reenter the workforce. The Return-to-Work Fair is free and open to the public.
Whether returning to work or exploring a new career, participants will connect with workforce professionals and community partners offering practical employment resources. The event will feature interactive workshops, information on training and career opportunities, and guidance on developing resumes and searching for jobs online.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, August 19 Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Location: Cuyahoga County Public Library Parma Branch 2121 Snow Road, Parma. Click here to register. For more details, hhs.cuyahogacounty.gov/dsas or call 216-420-6750.
Murals of West Park
West Park’s public art portfolio may be expanding.
A July 1 Far West Design Review District agenda listed a proposed Destination Cleveland mural for 14901 Puritas Avenue, with the project categorized as public art and marked for final approval before moving on to the City Planning Commission process. The project site sits in the Bellaire-Puritas area, giving West Park another reason to pay attention to what is appearing on its walls.
But West Park already has one of Cleveland’s most visible mural landmarks.
At the corner of Puritas Avenue and West 161st Street, the mural “More Alike Than Different” stretches across an industrial corridor with a message much larger than paint. Local and official coverage has described the original mural as a 30,000-square-foot public art project celebrating people with different abilities. Sources have also noted it as the largest permanent mural of its kind in Ohio and among the largest in the country.
The West Park Times first encountered artist Garrett Weider’s work in 2021, when the mural project was just getting underway. At the time, WPT reported that the mural’s theme was “More Alike Than Different” and that the project would celebrate inclusivity, particularly for people with disabilities, with Weider painting the mural with help from the community.
The finished work became more than a colorful wall. News 5 Cleveland reported that the mural included more than 50 panels, each measuring 4 feet by 10 feet, and that it was unveiled on Cleveland’s Down Syndrome Day in 2021. The mural brought together more than a dozen groups and was primarily painted by individuals with different abilities.
Cleveland City Council later described the mural as a project originally brought together through a coalition of local organizations and designed by local artists Garrett Weider and Mike Geeze. Council coverage of the mural’s Phase II expansion said the project continues its mission of highlighting and celebrating individuals with different abilities.
The 2026 version of that program seeks three new mural designs across Cleveland neighborhoods, with installations expected by September 2026. The program materials say locations are identified through partnerships with neighborhood CDCs and Cleveland City Council representatives.
That combination may be what makes the mural feel so different from a standard beautification project. Yes, it is large. Yes, it is colorful. Yes, it transforms a highly visible wall. But the point of the mural is not only what people see from the road. It is who the mural makes visible.
The West Park Times previously featured The Wash House & Cafe as a neighborhood business built around making an everyday errand feel more welcoming, social, and comfortable. It also features a giant wall-sized Weider mural inside and pictured below. That kind of local business setting is part of the same broader public-art conversation: art does not only belong in galleries, museums, or downtown districts. It can show up in laundromats, cafes, commercial corridors, and long-overlooked corners.
West Park is not usually treated as one of Cleveland’s obvious public-art destinations. But between “More Alike Than Different,” interior neighborhood art seen in local businesses such as The Wash House & Cafe, and now a proposed Destination Cleveland mural on Puritas, a fuller picture begins to emerge: West Park has walls with stories on them.
Old Lorain Connector Trail opens Aug. 11
A long-anticipated infrastructure improvement in Cleveland’s West Park neighborhood officially opened to the public on August 11, marking a significant step forward in local pedestrian and bicycle connectivity.
The Old Lorain Connector Trail, a newly completed multi-use path of approximately 0.3 miles, now links the Kamm’s Corners/West Park area directly to the Cleveland Metroparks Rocky River Reservation and the broader Emerald Necklace Trail system. The ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the completion of a project designed to improve safe, non-vehicular access between residential West Park streets and one of Northeast Ohio’s most extensive park networks.
The trail begins near the intersection of Riveredge Road and Bradgate Avenue and provides a direct connection to the Emerald Necklace Trail near the Little Met area. Officials and community advocates have highlighted the project as a meaningful enhancement to neighborhood mobility, recreation access, and overall quality of life for West Park residents.
August events at Blessed Trinity Church
The following free events, activities and community services are offered in August at Blessed Trinity Church, 14040 Puritas Ave. All are welcome, although income eligibility requirements apply to certain food-assistance programs.
Aug. 5: Mobile Pantry fresh-produce giveaway, 5:30–6:30 p.m., in the parking lot next to the Joseph Center. The pantry serves people with qualifying low incomes. Please do not arrive before 4:30 p.m.
Aug. 9: Free community meal, noon–1 p.m., in Fogarty Hall beneath the church. The meal continues on the second Sunday of each month.
Every Tuesday: Bountiful Basement food pantry, 9:30 a.m.–noon, in the basement of the Joseph Center.
Every Wednesday: Bountiful Basement food pantry, 5–6:45 p.m., in the basement of the Joseph Center.
Questions? Visit the Blessed Trinity Church website or its Blessed Trinity Cleveland Facebook page, or call 216-671-5890.
Back-to-school backpack giveaway slated for August
Justice Center to reopen today, June 24
The Justice Center Complex will reopen to the public today, June 24. With the exception of jury trials, normal operations will resume. Individuals selected for jury duty should call the Court at the number on their summons for further instruction. On June 23, the complex was closed to the public due to power and water system issues. Preliminary reports indicate that a ruptured water line in the Courts Tower has caused significant flooding and triggered power outages in parts of the facility. County building and maintenance staff continue to assess damages and make necessary repairs.
Justice Center Complex closed to the public due to water & power issues
Due to issues with the power and water systems, the Justice Center Complex will be closed to the public today, Tuesday, June 23. The issues are affecting both the Court Towers and Corrections Center. The buildings will remain closed to the public until further notice. In-person visitation is currently unavailable for Corrections Center residents.
Justice and Corrections Center officials are assessing the situation and monitoring conditions within the Corrections Center facility and will make adjustments as needed to ensure the safety of all staff and residents.
Building and maintenance staff are assessing the situation and working to determine the scope of necessary repairs. At this time, a timeline for restoration of services and reopening is unknown.
The Cleveland Division of Police portion of the Justice Center Complex remains operational.
West Park Mother’s Day Gift Guide: Where to Shop Local
Mother’s Day is next Sunday.
This year, consider picking up your gifts in West Park.
Warren Village Plaza
Start with variety at Buyer’s Outlet, where you’ll find a wide selection of indoor and outdoor plants, greeting cards, and numerous fun and practical gifts, making it easy to put together a unique Mother’s Day bundle with just one stop.
Also in Warren Village Plaza is K&K Portage Market — just a brief walk away — offering a mix of wines and other beverages, desserts, and many other beloved items and treats. Does mom like pickled eggs or Boston cream pie? You can find these at K&K!
Flowers & More
Flowers are a timeless Mother’s Day go-to classic. Affordable Florals offers beautiful arrangements for a range of styles and budgets.
Puritas Nursery & Garden Center is an authentic choice for plants, hanging baskets, and garden accents—ideal for moms who love gardening and maybe even participate in the annual GardenWalk!
West Park Salons
If relaxation is the goal, consider a visit to West Park Beauty Salon or Salon Love. A fresh cut or color session can be a simple but meaningful way to treat her to some well-deserved time for herself. Gift cards for Salon Love can even be purchased online.
Sweet Treats, Donuts, & Coffee
For a lighter, more casual celebration, West Park’s coffee shops and bakeries offer the perfect setting. Pick up something fun and colorful from Peace Love and Little Donuts, or grab a cozy table and a handcrafted drink at Common Grounds, or 5 Points Coffee and Tea.
Unique Gifts & Local Charm
For a true taste of Cleveland, Only in Clev features locally inspired apparel and goods—perfect for moms who love their city.
Whether it’s a bouquet, a quiet cup of coffee, or a carefully chosen gift, celebrating Mother’s Day locally adds an extra layer of meaning. This year, skip the big-box rush and discover what West Park has to offer—thoughtful, close to home, and made with care.
Happy Mother’s Day to moms of West Park and beyond!
Blessed Trinity Church Upcoming Events
Now that warm weather has arrived, Blessed Trinity Church, 14040 Puritas Ave., has many events planned. They are free and open to the public. All are welcome.
- May 6, Mobile Pantry, fresh produce giveaway, 5:30-6:30 pm in the north parking lot.
- June 5, Mulberry gathering in the edible forest. Pick for yourself and share with Bountiful Basement.
- June 7, Clothing giveaway. Donate clothes, toys, bedding and baby items, noon-12:30 pm. The giveaway starts at 12:30 pm. Rain date is June 14.
- June 19, Juneteenth celebration with ‘surf and turf” dinner. Details to follow.
- July 12, Classic car show and parish cook-out. Details to follow.
- Late August, Apple picking begins in the edible forest.
- Tuesdays, Bountiful Basement, 9:30 am-noon.
- Wednesdays, Bountiful Basement, 5-6:45 pm
- Wednesdays, Witness for support of Ukraine, 3-3:45 pm, weather permitting
- Wednesdays, Tai Chi classes, 6:30-7:30 pm
North Olmsted Auto Title Location to Relocate
The Cuyahoga County Auto Title’s North Olmsted office, located at 27029 Brookpark Road, is relocating. In order to continue to serve customers, the office will move across the street and operate out of the North Olmsted License Bureau at 26642 Brookpark Road beginning Monday, April 27.
The new permanent location at 28895 Lorain Road in North Olmsted will open to the public in September.
The North Olmsted Auto Title office will also be closed to the public on Friday, April 24, to allow staff to prepare for the move.
Coffee with a Cop at Canary’s Family Restaurant April 24
Take a Hike® Announces 2026 Season Featuring Five Distinct Tour Seasons, Expanded Summer Series, and New Experiences
SUBMITTED
Take a Hike®, Cleveland’s premier guided walking tour program, returns for its 2026 season with its most dynamic and expansive lineup to date—introducing five distinct tour seasons, an enhanced Summer Series, and new ways for locals and visitors alike to experience the city’s history, culture, and architecture.
Building on the momentum of a record-setting 2025 season that welcomed more than 6,500 participants across 200+ tours and 35 unique experiences, Take a Hike continues to grow its impact—connecting people to Cleveland’s past while showcasing its ongoing transformation.
“Take a Hike is about more than its tours—it’s about bringing Cleveland’s history to life in ways that are engaging, accessible, and memorable,” said Eileen Cassidy, Executive Director of Historic Gateway Neighborhood Corporation. “With five distinct seasons and new ways to experience the program, we’re continuing to grow and evolve while staying rooted in our mission to celebrate and preserve the city’s rich heritage.”
The 2026 season is organized into five curated tour seasons, offering year-round opportunities to explore Cleveland through different lenses:
- Spring Series (May) – Celebrating Historic Preservation Month with tours focused on adaptive reuse, neighborhood revitalization, and the power of place
- Summer Series (June–September) – The program’s signature season, featuring the widest variety of tours across Cleveland’s historic districts
- Fall Series – Highlighting neighborhood cultural heritage and new indoor tours
- Holiday Series – Festive tours showcasing Cleveland’s seasonal traditions and historic destinations
- Winter Offerings –Select self-guided and indoor tours developed in response to strong guest demand
Summer Series: The Signature Experience
At the heart of the 2026 season is the Summer Series, offering a robust lineup of free, 60 and 90-minute guided walking tours designed to engage, educate, and entertain. Tours take place throughout the week across Downtown Cleveland and surrounding neighborhoods, with multiple routes offered each day.
Guests can explore iconic districts like the Playhouse Square, Ohio City, AsiaTown, and beyond—experiencing Cleveland’s architecture, cultural heritage, and stories of transformation firsthand.
New for 2026: Solo Adventurer & Slow Roll Tours
This year introduces two new monthly tour offerings within the Summer Series:
- Solo Adventurer Tours – Designed for independent explorers, these tours create a welcoming environment for guests attending on their own, with optional opportunities to connect before or after the tour
- Slow Roll Tours – Offering a more relaxed pace, these tours are thoughtfully designed for guests seeking added comfort and accessibility, while still delivering the same rich storytelling experience
Passport Program Returns to Reward Exploration
Back by popular demand, the Take a Hike Tour Passport Program continues in 2026—encouraging guests to explore more and engage deeper.
Participants can pick up a passport at any tour and collect a sticker for each experience attended. Completed passports (8 stickers) can be submitted for entry into prize drawings held twice monthly. Prizes include hotel stays, sports tickets, and local dining experiences.
Returning participants can continue adding stickers to existing passports or start a new one, with completed entries remaining eligible for drawings for one year.
Spring Series tours are now open for registration. Summer Series registration opens May 1, with tours running June through September.
For a full schedule and to register, visit TakeAHikeCLE.com.
About Take a Hike®
Take a Hike® is a program of Historic Gateway Neighborhood Corporation, with support from Historic Warehouse District Development Corporation. Through guided tours and public programs, it brings Cleveland’s historic neighborhoods, architecture, and cultural heritage to life—advancing the organizations’ mission to promote preservation through education, advocacy, and engagement.
Legal Aid offers free legal help for those impacted by eviction, money issues and more
By Tonya Sams of The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
Today, people are facing a new and complicated set of challenges. Some are worried about where their next meal is coming from while others fear that they will not be able to pay their rent. Legal Aid, which offers free civil legal representation for those with low incomes, may be able to help you in those areas and more.
Legal Aid has been working to gain access to justice for those in our client communities since 1905. It’s the fifth oldest legal aid organization in the United States. Legal Aid serves residents in Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Lorain Counties.
Many of those who seek legal representation from Legal Aid get positive results. In 2025, 82% of clients represented by Legal Aid found solutions to their problems and achieved their goals. Last year, Legal Aid was also able to achieve the following outcomes for our clients:
- 96% safety secured
- 79% evictions or involuntary moves prevented
- 97% assets secured
- 96% barriers to education
- 86% debt reduced
Attorneys at Legal Aid help clients who need help in several areas including:
- Housing: foreclosure; eviction; landlord/tenant issues; utilities; public housing
- Work: unemployment compensation; IRS tax issues; sealing criminal records; securing a valid ID or professional license
- Money: loans (school, payday, auto, debt); public benefits (SNAP, energy assistance, cash assistance, supplemental security income); bankruptcy; estate planning
- Family: domestic violence; divorce; custody; education
- Health: medical bill collection; access to medical records; Medicare and Medicaid; marketplace tax credits and penalties
More detailed information on these topics is available on Legal Aid’s website: lasclev.org, click “Services & Resources” then “Legal Resources”
Legal Aid attorneys represent and advise clients and go into the community to educate residents regarding their rights and services that are available to prospective clients. One such initiative is Legal Aid Brief Advice Clinics. Attendees receive brief advice from attorneys regarding their legal matter. These clinics are held in libraries, community centers and other trusted sites. Some are on a first-come, first-serve basis while some are by appointment only. For a full schedule of brief advice clinics, visit lasclev.org/clinics.
If you have quick questions regarding tenants’ rights and rental housing, call the Tenant Info Line at 440-210-4533 or 216-861-5955. For quick questions regarding employment, unemployment and student loans, call the Economic Justice Info Line at 440-210-4532 or 216-861-5899.
Request Legal Aid’s help by calling 888-817-3777 during normal business hours or by applying online at lasclev.org/apply. When speaking with a Legal Aid intake specialist be sure to have income information and necessary documentation related to your legal issue on hand.
To invite Legal Aid to an outreach/education event: lasclev.org/OutreachRequest
To request materials for your community group: lasclev.org/BrochureRequest
Tonya Sams is a Development & Communications Manager with The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland.
Blessed Trinity Church Mobile Pantry & March Events
Blessed Trinity Church, 14040 Puritas Ave, invites neighbors to attend these special events in March. All are welcome.
March 4, Mobile Pantry, free produce giveaway, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
March 8, Community Meal, free food & fellowship, noon-1 p.m.
Tuesdays, Bountiful Basement, 9:30 a.m.-noon
Wednesdays, Bountiful Basement, 5:30-6:45 p.m.
Fridays, Lenten Fish Fry, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
(Photo by Jerry Masek)
Free MLK Day events
Blessed Trinity Church upcoming events
West Park residents are invited to attend these events at Blessed Trinity Church, 14040 Puritas Ave. All are welcome.
Jan. 7, Mobile Pantry fresh food giveaway, 5:30-6:30 pm
Jan. 11, Community Meal, food and fellowship, noon-1 pm
On-going
Tuesdays, Bountiful Basement, 9:30 am-noon
Wednesdays, Bountiful Basement, 5:30-6:45 pm
Wednesdays, Tai Chi, 5:30-6:30 pm
 |
| ALLOW US TO INTRODUCE OURSELVES And drink us in. (You’ll be seeing a lot of us this month). |
| Our team is on the ADOPTION CAMPAIGN trail to get these dogs into a permanent home by end of year. Stop just walking by them. One of these is your next forever dog. Let the adoptions commence! |
Increase in Influenza viral levels at NEORSD Southerly WWTC
We are providing notification of an increase in Influenza viral levels in the untreated wastewater at NEORSD Southerly WWTC. See figure below.
For SARS-CoV-2, notifications are sent when the most recent sample collected shows a 500% (250% for sites with populations greater than 100,000) increase in million gene copies per day (MGC/D) over the average of the previous month’s samples. SARS-CoV-2 notifications may also be sent after two consecutive detections above 70 MGC/D per person (a very high level) as needed. For influenza and RSV, notifications are issued upon two consecutive detections above the level of quantification (LOQ) of 13,000 gene copies per liter. Notifications are typically shared early in the respiratory season to alert the beginning of high seasonal activity. Additional notifications may be issued after a period of 45 days if viral levels are still very high and/or increasing. Summary of monitored targets in NEORSD Southerly WWTC influent:
Increasing viral concentration in wastewater is often a leading indicator of higher transmission, case counts, and hospitalizations in the community. Action steps local officials may consider include encouraging vaccination and notifying stakeholders (long-term care facilities, healthcare facilities, schools, etc.) of the increasing viral concentrations in wastewater so they can consider prevention measures they deem appropriate. Respiratory viral levels in wastewater throughout the season can be viewed on the Ohio Wastewater Monitoring Network Dashboard.