Category: General Information

By Jessie Schoonover

If there’s any extra room on your holiday shopping list this year, consider adding an item for the Cleveland Animal Protective League (APL).
Their wishlist is ongoing throughout the year/ However, at the moment, our four-legged friends at the APL are currently in need of the following:

• Cat carriers
• Rachel Ray (roasters)
• Pup-Peroni dog treats
• Other soft dog treats
• Canned squeeze cheese
• Paper lunch bags
• Nylabones (all sizes)
• Easy Walk® Harness (all sizes)
• Feliway plug in refills
• Friskies crunchy cat treats
• Cat scratchers
• Non-dust cat litter
• Cat and dog food (particularly wet food)
• Dog treats
• Cat and dog toys
• Office supplies
• Bleach
• Gift cards for Marc’s, as well as gift cards that can be used at any store

For the full wishlist, visit https://clevelandapl.org/donate/our-wish-list/.

“(They) are very much appreciated. That’s what we rely on to care for our animals. But there are many other ways people can help,” says APL Director of Development Judy Hunter. “The wishlist is a great way to collect some items or bring some things in that you have in your home, and then there’s volunteering your time as a volunteer in our shelter, or for foster care.” “We have a wonderful core of volunteers right now who will take the moms and the babies and take care of them until they are big enough to come back to the shelters,” says Hunter. “That really helps us out as well,” she says. Interested in becoming a volunteer for the APL or learning more? Simply go to the Cleveland APL website (https://clevelandapl.org/) and click on the ‘Volunteer’ tab for more information (https://clevelandapl.org/volunteer/). According to Hunter, animals that typically go into foster care include dogs and cats who have just given birth or are about to give birth, along with their puppies or kittens; as well as animals currently being treated for an illness, or recovering from an injury. Those who decide to take in an animal from the shelter as a foster caregiver are given the proper tools and items, such as food, medical care, and amenities like cat litter, which come at no expense to the foster. Individuals are able to purchase things at their own expense, however, if they choose. If this is the case, individuals are often able to write off these expenses on their taxes, as these items are considered to be tax deductible, says Hunter.
For those who become the foster parents of adoptable pets, peer-to-peer as well as staff assistance for questions and more is available any time.
“We have coaches who help fosters,” says Hunter. “Particularly if you are a first-time foster.”
Further information regarding adoption, volunteering, foster care, and more can be found at the APL’s web page, located here. https://clevelandapl.org/

Every second Wednesday of the month from 4:30 p.m. until 6 p.m.

Please bring current I.D. with you. TELEPHONE: 216-251-6976.

(3780 W. 140th St. Cleveland, OH 44111)

Imagine that you wanted to cover the most important story in our community as deeply and creatively as you possibly could. Imagine that you had the resources of a dozen newsrooms at your disposal, from newspapers to radio to television.
What would you want to cover, and how? That’s not just a hypothetical question, and we’d love to hear your answer.
More than a dozen news organizations in northeast Ohio, including our own, are considering creation of a collaborative news organization. Together, the members of this news collaborative would take on maybe one topic for up to a year, aimed at finding solutions to persistent problems.
We’ve discussed a wide range of potential issues, from public safety to public housing. We’ve talked about the risks of gentrification, and the hazards of continued decay in our cities. The need for better social services, and the risks of higher taxes. The need to reduce infant mortality rates, and the need to improve quality of care for senior citizens.
But, mostly, we’ve talked about our need to stay closer to the people we serve. So, one of the first steps we’re taking is to ask what matters most to you, because we realize that you may have ideas we haven’t even thought of.
So, what’s on your mind? What are you most concerned about? What do you worry about, or hope to go better, in your life here in northeast Ohio? If you’d like to help advise us, please fill out the brief survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NEOTopics. Or drop us a note at westparktimes@gmail.com

Exceptional people wanted to work at The Wash House and Cafe’s new location. We are an upbeat, modern laundromat that also offers ice cream, pastries, and delicious quality coffee. Drop-off laundry services are also something we offer.

High school students are welcome to apply! There are after-school shifts and weekend hours available.

Part-time & full-time positions available.

PAY starts at $10 per hour.

*Cashiers’ shifts are typically from 2 until 8 p.m.

*Food Prep: Shifts from 2 until 8 p.m.

*Assistant Manager (1-year experience required); pay to-be-determined.

Apply in person from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Sunday at 15149 Lorain Ave. Cleveland, OH 44111.

Second in a series of stories on local fitness centers
By Jerry Masek
Since Fitness 19 opened in Kamm’s Plaza 10 years ago, more than 2,000 West Park residents have found their way to better workouts.
The family-friendly facility which is open 24/7, offers toys and a play area in a side room for children, so you can drop them off while you work out, says manager Casey Ladiner.
“We try to appeal to many audiences,” he says. “Many members are here to lose weight. Some are senior citizens, or those who want to continue their physical therapy efforts after being injured.”
The staff includes five physical trainers, and at least one of them of them is on duty at all day and evening hours. Although the facility is open 24/7, Fitness 19 also offers less expensive memberships for those who wish to come when staff is present.
“Our goal is to make this place as comfortable as we can, for everyone to enjoy,” Ladiner says. “Sometimes, your first visit to a new facility can be intimidating. Here, we make it easy. I urge people to go our website for a free, one-time guest pass; then call and make an appointment. Let us show you around, and stay for your first workout.”
“Our peak times for users are from 5 to 7 p.m., but even then, you should find openings on our cardio equipment.”
For membership info, services, staff hours, and kids room hours, go to Fitness19.com, or call 216-889-1919.
———Jerry Masek, a certified hypnotist, is active in local holistic circles. If you have a column idea, contact him at jemasek@aol.com.

This Saturday, October 26th, Carol and John’s Comic Book Shop, 17462 Lorain Ave., will celebrate it’s 8th annual Halloween ComicFest. (See information for times below).

Halloween ComicFest features free comics, candy and photography services. It’s also a great way for children and families to enjoy the ever growing cosplay culture within the shop.

Twenty eight different comic books have been created especially for the day, and will be given out free to people in costume. These books include Spider-Man, DC Super-Hero Girls, Iron Man, Pokemon, Sonic the Hedgehog and more!

We also have Laura Wimbels, from the FACESofCLE project, coming in to take free pictures of family, friends and cosplayers in costume.

“We have a lot of fun on this day, and it’s great to see customers interact with each other in costume,” says owner John Dudas. “A kid really lives up to his Batman costume when he sees the Joker walk in the door.”

*Halloween ComicFest is a national holiday celebrated by over 1,500 independently owned comic books shops across the country.HCF is celebrated on Saturday, October 26 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The photographer is available from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Carol and John’s Comic Book Shop is a family-owned business that has been serving the Cleveland area for over 29 years. For full details on the event for this day, visit www.cnjcomics.com . For more information on the day at a national level, and to see all the different books that will be available, visit www.halloweencomicfest.com.

Like fun, modern country music?
Consider seeing the Yosemite Slim band live and in action from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. on Oct. 12, at West Park Station, 17015 Lorain Ave.
Current selections on the band’s setlist include: “Family Tradition,” by Hank Williams Jr.; “Beer Never Broke My Heart,” by Luke Combs, and “Whiskey Glasses,” by Morgan Wallen. You can find more songs covered by Yosemite Slim at their website on the page titled “Song List.” The band has also recorded a single called “Is It Gonna Rain?” This is a country ballad featuring lead singer, Chris Tyra’s 18-year-old son Reese on fiddle. Their original song with music video can be found at the band’s website www.yosemiteslim.net.
According to Tyra, the band got its start in 2015 playing cover songs from a variety of popular musicians and artists, performing on smaller patio venues and similar settings. However, he says, their vibe has definitely evolved since the beginning.
“The whole thing began to transform from a patio-variety cover band to a full-fledged country band after one memorable show when the crowd went crazy for all of these new country tunes we were playing,” explains Tyra. “We all pretty much looked at each other after the show and decided right then and there, country was the way to go for us. We already had a country sounding name; my vocals sounded great singing country, and our three-part harmonies just fit the style of country music.”
In Jan. 2017, ‘The Slim,’ as they are affectionately called by fans, donned cowboy boots, found their twang, and became an official modern country act in Northeast Ohio.
Currently, Yosemite Slim is comprised of members Chris Tyra, who not only manages the band, but also plays acoustic guitar and sings lead vocals; joined by co-founder Joel Bowers (lead guitar/vocals), Aeneas Alldredge (drums), and bass guitarist/vocalist Nick Ballistrea.
“We have also added another bass player to our mix, who happens to be our original member who left in 2016, Jeff Dixon,” says Tyra. “Both Jeff and Nick play for Yosemite Slim and will be trading shows off and on going forward.
“It gives us better flexibility to play more shows and alternate two awesome bass players without affecting our performance or music,” notes Tyra.
Most recently, the band added Katherine O’Neill to play the fiddle.
“She’s just a phenomenal talent,” says Tyra, adding that she joined the guys back in August. “She’s a seasoned musician,” he says, “and we definitely intend on having her play with us as much as possible- as much as she can- in the future. We are now a 5-piece band with a fiddle, we are very stoked for our fans to hear us!”
According to Tyra, while the band members have been involved in increasingly more shows over the years, they still have their day-jobs to keep them busy. “We play about 60 shows each year and plan to ramp up to 80+ in 2020,” says Tyra, “We love the band as a side job but we all balance regular careers and families during the week”.
“We’re gaining popularity,” he says. “It’s one of those things that takes time; playing the right music for an audience who appreciates what you are doing. You also have to have great musicianship and set yourselves apart from other bands doing the same thing. Look the part when you are onstage, put on a good show, but be top notch musicians as well, people respond to that and word travels…and more and more people come see us, it is a great feeling!” We’re looking forward to growing with the West Park area,” he says, adding, “in fact we’d love to do another Hooley!”
Recently Yosemite Slim entered a state-wide contest to open for Jo Dee Messina, national country music star at Thirsy Cowboy. There were a total of around 40 bands on the contest ballet that entered and were ranked based on fan popularity. At the end, Tyra’s Cleveland-based band placed 5th, which was something they felt was validation from an ever growing fan-base as to what they have achieved in 2 short years as a Cleveland band.
While growing and gaining notoriety, Tyra says that the band’s roots remain here. In fact, Yosemite Slim’s VERY FIRST show took place at West Park Station where they are set to play again this October. “West Park Station is really one of our main home bases,” says Tyra, adding, “crowd response has been great, especially in the West Park area. We pretty much pack West Park Station every time we play it, love the venue, the people and energy! We turn it into a honkytonk every time we are onstage there.”
So, come on down and see for yourself, the rowdy onstage antics of this fun and entertaining country band on Oct. 12th, where Yosemite Slim will be performing from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. at West Park Station!

Like lines in a painting or sketch, lives often cross or intersect.

Artist Kevin Joseph of The SAYMO Collective + Gallery hopes to connect artists in the new and inviting space he has established in West Park.

The SAYMO Collective + Gallery is located at 16205 Lorain Ave., and it opened its doors on June 1st.

“We’re growing,” says Joseph. “And we’re always looking for new artisans that would like to join another community of artisans.”

“It is an ego-free environment,” he says.

Currently the collective houses 9 different artists and Joseph says, the art that is there is changed regularly, and often.

“It can be a lot of work but it’s rewarding when people walk through the door and say: you really do change this place a lot…”
So far, the collective has had numerous events, including a Dream Builder Workshop for empowering creativity; a sound bath, and a physic reader.

What drew Kevin Joseph to art and establishing the collective?

“I am trying to let my mind which I cannot control paint something that it cannot see,” says Joseph about painting and art in general.

Ejected from a car in St. Cloud, Minn. in 2018, Joseph says this impacted him greatly and somewhat changed the trajectory of his life.

“I traded in my sedan for a van,” he says. “I just wanted to do nothing but art after that for 12 months.”

“I’m building this,” he adds, “as I hope that someone would build it for me.”

To see upcoming events happening at the The SAYMO Collective + Gallery, or to contact Kevin Joseph to learn about more opportunities, visit Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/saymocollective/.

CLEVELAND – Construction of small cell facilities is underway this week as part of a wireless carrier program to provide 5G Wireless Service throughout Cleveland. Carriers will construct a network of newly installed utility poles at multiple city locations that carry the 5G wireless equipment.  In some locations, equipment may be mounted on existing utility poles.  The new utility poles will be placed in tree lawn areas or on existing sidewalks, providing adequate room for pedestrian access.

A list of locations by Ward, current as of Aug. 6, 2019, is available for reference.  Additional locations are anticipated and will be added as the City is notified by the carriers.

During the work, traffic and pedestrian access may be temporarily restricted or delayed due to the contractor’s operations.  Two-way traffic will be maintained.  Pedestrian traffic may be limited to one side of the street.

Motorists should be alert for traffic signage and flaggers who will direct traffic at the designated work sites.

Questions? Contact Ben Stock of the City of Cleveland Permits and sidewalks Section at 216-664-2384.

	16	3923 West 140th St.
	16	4582  West 150th St.
	16	4311 West 140th St.
	16	3384 West 123rd St.
	16	3711 West 138th Street
	16	3470 West 140th Street
	16	13741 Southwood Ave
	16	3668 West 133rd St
	16	14012 Seneca Ct
	16	3902 Victory Blvd
	16	3750 W 130th St
	16	3501-3555 Norton Rd
	16	13723 Lorain Ave
	16	3384 West 123rd St
	16	4197 West 150th Street
	16	3787 West 133rd Street
	16	13630 Lorain Avenue
	16	3691 West 143rd Street
	16	11705 Berea Road
	17	17108 Peardale Avenue
	17	15310 Lorain Ave.
	17	3147 Warren Road
	17	14035 Lakewood Heights Blvd.
	17	14604 Caldwell Avenue
	17	14601-14853 Fernway Ave
	17	15800 Munn Rd
	17	16110 Edgecliff
	17	15903 Alden Ave
	17	3249 West 153rd St
	17	15416 Montrose Ave
	17	3193 West 165th St
	17	14570 Lorain Ave
	17	15233 Triskett Rd
	17	14416 Rainbow Road
	17	3095 West 159th Street

Story and photos by Jerry Masek

First in a series on local fitness centers

    Woody Allen once said: “Those who can’t do, teach. Those who can’t teach, teach phys ed.”

    Woody Allen never met Kyle Amsdell.

    Amsdell, Owner of Euphoria Health & Fitness, definitely practices what he preaches. For 16 hours a day, he trains with clients.

    Amsdell, 48, could be one of the most physically fit people in Northeastern Ohio. Monday through Friday, he starts his day at 5 a.m., working out with clients in a suburban swimming pool. After a 15-minute lunch break and a series of intensive 30-minute training sessions with individual clients, he heads home at 9 p.m.

    He describes himself as “extremely goal-oriented.” His intensity sets the pace and tone for employees and clients alike at Euphoria. The operation reflects the owner.

    Amsdell has entered 24 Ironman competitions and some 500 triathlons. These events combine long-distance running, biking, and swimming.

Welcome to Euphoria

    The center, at 20445 Emerald Parkway, is near the Grayton Road exit of Interstate-480. It shares the One International Place building with several firms, including Bravo Wellness.

    It includes an outdoor obstacle course that is “one of the best in the nation,” Amsdell says. Euphoria owns more than 80 acres of outdoor training grounds. Athletes can also use trails in the adjacent Rocky River Reservation.

    Swimmers enjoy partnerships with several local pools for training, and have access to a private beach on Lake Erie for open water training.

    Amsdell is one of 10 certified physical trainers on-site. All have key cards for 24/7 access, so they can train with clients well into the evening. Amsdell works with more than 20 clients each day or up to 150 to175 clients per week. Since the center opened in 2007, he estimates that “thousands” of persons have worked out there.

    Although Euphoria attracts those seeking elite training, such as marathon runners and Iron Man athletes, clients have diverse needs, Amsdell says.

    Trainers often focus on specialties such as youth fitness, golf, basketball or football. Weight loss is also a popular concern. Amsdell, a trained dietitian, starts all clients with nutritional counseling; no matter what package they purchase. 

    Also available are corporate fitness programs, group fitness classes, and massage at Green Massage Therapy in the same building.

    Euphoria offers various fitness classes and personal training options. Fees depend on the option. For more info, visit, www.euphoriahealthandfitness.com

—————–

Other local fitness centers: Gunning Recreation Center, West Park-Fairview YMCA, Anytime Fitness in Warren Village, and Fitness 19 in Kamm’s Plaza. They will be featured in future issues.

————–

Jerry Masek, a certified hypnotist, is active in local holistic events.

*This column in no way is meant to replace or contradict regular medical recommendations from a certified medical physician. 

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Have you been featured in the West Park Times? Would you like a print photograph of something that has been featured in one of our issues?

We can provide you with either:

1.) An actual print copy or multiple copies of the exact newspaper print edition you are looking to for,

-OR-

2.) A professional print copy of any photograph featured in the West Park Times taken by renown professional photographer, Jerry Masek.

To get your print newspaper copy or professional photograph, contact the West Park Times via email or telephone at westparktimes@gmail.com, (216) 640-0172.