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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. 

• 

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.

By Jessie Schoonover

People now love doing the laundry.

“I wanted people to be able to do their laundry and relax at the same time,” says Wash House and Cafe Owner Sophia Fernandez. “I want people to find some ‘me’ time while they are getting stuff done.”
Having younger children not long ago, Fernandez knows toting them to the laundromat, where they must sit and wait with bridled patience, isn’t ideal.

Other perks of doing laundry or just stopping by The Wash House and Cafe include:

• Fast-speed W-Fi
• Clean, well-maintained machines
• Lift to upper level of machines
• 36 dryers and 34 washers (never wait!)
• Same-day drop off service (varying charges may apply)
• Ever-evolving and expanding food menu and bakery
• *Machines are new, are available in multiple sizes for convenience, and are capable of washing and drying in less than 45 minutes!
• Competitive rates– per-pound, The Wash House and Cafe costs less. Efficient machines allow for less water and even quicker drying!

“No one ever thought about the convenience of the customer,” Ferndandez says. “I don’t want to be uncomfortable the whole time I’m sitting there,” she says, noting how she feels, personally. That’s one reason, she says, she created the kids’ play area, equipped with multiple televisions and a safe, padded play zone that is partially enclosed so it is easy to see children as the exit and enter the area.

To see everything the Wash House and Cafe has available, visit http://www.washhouseandcafe.com.

Offering way more than laundry…

Some stop for the Caribou Coffee or Mitchel’s ice cream. Some, for the delicious bakery or lunch items, like the NEW ham and cheese stuffed into a croissant. Some for the convivial atmosphere, welcoming to both individuals and groups.

One of the most notable aspects of this laundromat is the accommodating and helpful nature of the staff. Several individuals were greeted at the door, where their laundry was taken and carried for them as they were personally assisted to the machines.

“We’ve even helped people in from the rain with all their stuff,” Fernandez adds. “We do almost anything for our customers.”

Since opening, Fernandez says she has definitely gotten the reaction from customers that she initially wanted: people now love doing their laundry.

“People have even stood in the door and said: ‘man, I love this place,’” she says.

So, there you have it: with The Wash House and Cafe, there’s never a reason to loathe doing a load of laundry again!

The Lakewood Historical Society will present A Century of Bridal Fashion exhibit, ranging from 1890 to 1990, at the Nicholson House on July 19, 20, and 21, from noon until 4 p.m. each day.

This exhibit will feature a display of 30 wedding dresses from throughout the century, along with veils, wedding accessories, wedding documents, and a large selection of photographs.

The dresses have been selected from the archives of the Lakewood Historical Society, The Virginia Marti Archives of The North Coast College, and many are from local Lakewood families. Identifying information and pertinent family history will accompany each dress.

Following the viewing of the wedding dresses, accessories, and photographs, guests are invited to enjoy wedding cake and punch in the tent on the side lawn of The Nicholson House.

Tickets are available at lakewoodhistory.org, or by calling (216) 221-7343. All tickets will be timed, to ensure entry to the exhibition on a reserved day and at a reserved time. Purchase tickets ahead of time, as the availability of on-site tickets is not guaranteed.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students with valid ID. Tickets are nontransferable and nonrefundable.
Proceeds of the event support the programs and properties of The Lakewood Historical Society.

Only about 60 youths in West Park play organized rugby. But those who do, play it very, very well.

On May 18, two local rugby teams won state titles in their respective age divisions. The teams, part of the West Park Shamrocks, were made up of coeds in grades 3-4 flag , and boys in grades 7-8 tackle.

Two other teams, coeds in grades 5-6 flag, and 5-6 grade boys tackle, each finished second in the state tournament. All four teams finished first among teams in the City Cup Championship.

Rugby is often considered the forerunner of American football. Locally, the seven-week season began around April 1. Games are played at St Ignatius High School Sunday afternoons.

For information on how you can become involved in this unique sport, contact Manager Jeff Vollmer at westparkrugby@yahoo.com

PICTURED:
Colin Tedesco

The West Park Kiwanis Independence Day parade goes from 9:30 to 11 a.m. It begins at the intersection of Lorain Avenue and Rocky River Drive, proceeding down West Park Road., before returning to Rocky River Drive.

Questions? Send us an email or leave a comment here.