Students at CMSD’s Campus International K-8 School are collecting warm clothing and other items that they will leave outside the school for people in need to claim.
At 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 13, students will fasten plastic bags with basics such as hats, scarves, gloves and socks, along with tarps that the homeless can use to take shelter, to a fence behind the school.
Campus, located at 2160 Payne Ave. on the grounds of Cleveland State University, is erecting the “Wall of Love” in partnership with Holly Jackson, a Cleveland resident who began the practice after enduring her own hard times. Since November, she has put up about three dozen walls in the Cleveland area, including some that have been restocked.
Though previous projects have drawn volunteers, the Campus K-8 wall is her first partnership. Teacher Kate Grzelak contacted Jackson after seeing media coverage of her charitable endeavors.
The project aligns perfectly with the school’s International Baccalaureate model and its focus on making a difference in the world. Work on the “Wall of Love” has filtered across grade levels and into instruction.
“A big part of International Baccalaureate is the action and service component,” said Sheila O’Rourke, Campus International’s IB coordinator. “All learning you do should involve some kind of action or service.”
Kindergarten teacher Renee Hubeny’s class incorporated the list of new or gently used items sought in the drive into lessons comparing needs and wants. On Friday, they expanded to math, grouping donated items into sets of 10.
“They’re very excited about it,” Hubeny said. “They’re learning what needs are. They want to help others.”
An eighth-grader named Daivieon had planned to organize a fund-raiser for the homeless as a service project. Instead of competing with other appeals, he offered to help coordinate the “Wall of Love.”
His duties included overseeing the making of signs soliciting the donations of clothing and other items. He also gave sales pitches to younger students, encouraging them to bring in “anything you have laying around” to add to the goods piled in bins.
“I wanted to impact homeless people’s lives; I’ve always been interested in helping the homeless,” he said. “Whenever I see the homeless, if I have even a little bit of change, I ask my Mom, ‘Can I give it to them? They need it more than I do.’ ”
Jackson started putting up the walls to help people who do not know where to turn for help, are too embarrassed to ask or just flatly refuse to do so. She has strict rules: Don’t leave donations at a wall; contact her. Items should be placed in plastic zipped bags to prevent damage. Don’t leave a mess. Take only what you need from the wall and pay it forward when able.
Local and national media attention has fueled interest in her efforts and unleashed appreciation that she finds humbling.
“I never expected it to take off the way it did. I started doing another and another and another,” she said. “I just want to make the world a better place.”
See Photographer Dawn Tarka’s work now at 5 Points Coffee
& Tea, located at 3600 W. Park Rd.
Tarka is a local West Park resident, and her work will be on
display at the coffee shop from now until the end of February.
“As a child, I was given a camera as a Christmas gift, and
my interest in photography really started from there,” she says. “I started taking
a lot of snapshots and in high school, I was the editor of our school
yearbook.”
Tarka enrolled in the Sante Fe Photographic Workshop recently and participated in their program which taught about image composition and more.
Aside from taking photographs for the above-mentioned
workshop and during her other travels, Tarka says she still gets an
immeasurable amount of joy from taking photos around West Park.
“Some of my favorite places are the Metroparks and the
police and fire monument (Rocky River Drive),” she says. “Also, the downtown
business area. It really captures the essence of what it’s like to live in West
Park.”
Tarka has lived in West Park for 14 years and looks forward to continuing to document its beauty with her photographs. In addition to her photograph submissions to the West Park Times, Tarka also performs a variety of freelance work.
There will be a ‘Meet the Artist’ event at 5 Points Coffee & Tea from 2:30 until 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 17.
Questions? Contact the West Park Times at, westparktimes@gmail.com.
Community Relations Board realigned under Mayor’s Office of Prevention, Intervention and Opportunities for Youth and Young Adults
Today, Mayor Frank G. Jackson announced that his Office of Prevention, Intervention and Opportunities for Youth and Young Adults (PIOYYA) will expand its services to offer year-round programming at recreation centers. The City of Cleveland will also enhance its youth summer jobs program and offer citywide internships. The new program offerings are geared at giving youth and young adults the tools they need to be successful.
The changes in programming align with departmental changes at City Hall. The Community Relations Board (CRB), led by Director Grady Stevenson, has been moved under the Office of Prevention, Intervention and Opportunities for Youth and Young Adults led by Chief Tracy Martin-Thompson.
“These new services are aimed at empowering youth and young adults to explore new opportunities that will allow them to become more well-rounded and successful,” said Mayor Frank G. Jackson. “Adding the Community Relations Board under the Office of Prevention, Intervention and Opportunity for Youth and Young Adults umbrella will allow us to better residents by aligning the important work these departments are already doing and better position them to collaboratively expand future services.”
Increased Programming and Resources
Programming in the City’s 22 recreation centers will be expanded to include more culturally relevant, evidence-based or research-based offerings aimed at addressing the following target areas:
Education: K-12 Education intervention and enrichment programming, post-secondary education preparation programs, young adult/adult education programs
Job and career readiness: Provide youth and young adults with guidance that will open doors to career paths allowing them to be successful. This will include services such as needs assessments, employment plan, job readiness training, job placement assistance and more for adults ages 18 and up
Health and wellness: Instruction in activities such as yoga and other exercise classes
Youth development, mentorship, leadership and community service: Programming aimed at helping young people improve social, emotional and cognitive competencies with leadership training, giving back to the community and mentorship
The arts: Performing arts such as dance and drama and visual arts such as painting and photography
Sports, recreation and service: Athletic activities to promote physical and social emotional wellness in youth such as skiing and gymnastics
The city issued a request for proposals for contractors skilled in these areas in October 2018. Currently, the City of Cleveland is reviewing vendor proposals and expects to announce new program offerings and schedules in Spring 2019. Legislation to approve vendor contracts will be introduced to Cleveland City Council in February 2019.
Departmental Realignment
The Community Relations Board (CRB) will now be housed under the Office of Prevention, Intervention and Opportunities for Youth and Young Adults.
Key components of CRB’s work directly aligns with PIOYYA’s. The Community Relations Board is responsible, by city ordinance, for improving cross-culture relationships in the City of Cleveland. This reflects a wide diversity of racial, ethnic and religious heritage. The mission of the department is to resolve community conflicts through community outreach with the aid of its community liaisons. CRB also offers resources for formerly incarcerated individuals as well as a youth community diversion and intervention program.
“By strategically coordinating the resources between the Mayor’s Office of Prevention, Intervention and Opportunity for Youth and Young Adults and the Community Relations Board, we can provide our youth access to more meaningful opportunities and comprehensive support services that can make a significant difference in their lives,” said Chief Martin-Thompson. “Investing in our youth today will lead to stronger communities and a stronger Cleveland in the future.”
More About the Community Relations Board and Office of Prevention, Intervention and Opportunity for Youth and Young Adults
The Mayor’s Office of Prevention, Intervention and Opportunity for Youth and Young adults was created in 2017. Later that year, the City of Cleveland issued its report, “A New Model for Addressing Youth Violence as a Public Health Issue.” The new programs offered in 2019 align with goals identified in the report. A key component of the report called for moving away from addressing youth violence merely as a safety issue but also as a public health issue.
Since then, the City of Cleveland has placed social work-trained, trauma-informed coaches in the City’s rec centers. In addition, all recreation center staff have received trauma-informed care training to identify and engage youth dealing with toxic stress.
“The City of Cleveland will improve the effectiveness of its investments in youth and young adults through the realignment of these two offices,” said Director Stevenson. “At the heart of this realignment is improved service to our youth and young adults, providing them with the right tools to build bright futures.”
About the City of Cleveland
The City of Cleveland is committed to improving quality of life for its residents by strengthening neighborhoods, delivering superior services, embracing diversity and making Cleveland a desirable, safe city in which to live, work, play and do business. For more information on the City of Cleveland, visit online at www.clevelandohio.gov, Twitter at @cityofcleveland, Facebook at facebook.com/cityofcleveland or on our blog atclecityhall.com.
CLEVELAND – As New Year’s Eve approaches, the City of Cleveland reminds the public that not only is celebratory gunfire illegal, but also dangerous. The consequences and risks can be significant.
In any area, but especially in a densely populated urban area like Cleveland, the consequences of celebrating New Year’s Eve or any other occasion with a gun can be devastating. The intention may be a celebratory shot toward the sky, but the consequences of that moment can be disastrous for a neighbor or someone blocks away, causing injury or death.
The City of Cleveland also warns the public on the dangers of celebratory fireworks. Fireworks are not only illegal to possess and discharge without a permit, but they can be hazardous and ignite a fire that could quickly get out of control.
Safety forces will be on duty throughout the neighborhoods of the City of Cleveland on New Year’s Eve. Police, fire and emergency medical service personnel will be alert, patrolling and ready, but safety starts at home in the neighborhood.
About the City of Cleveland
The City of Cleveland is committed to improving the quality of life for its residents by strengthening neighborhoods, delivering superior services, embracing diversity and making Cleveland a desirable, safe city in which to live, work, play, and do business. For more information on the City of Cleveland, visit online at www.city.cleveland.oh.us, Twitter at @CityofCleveland or Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofcleveland.
Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019 Dominion Energy Ohio Gas Pipeline Infrastructure Replacement Project – PIR 1203 Munn Road & Rocky River Drive
PRESS RELEASE (City of Cleveland – Ward 17)
CLEVELAND – On Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019 Dominion Energy Ohio’s gas pipeline infrastructure replacement project will begin on the following streets:
· Munn Road – From Rocky River Drive to Warren Road.
· Rocky River Drive – From Claire Avenue to Ogontz Avenue.
· Edgecliff Avenue – From Rocky River Drive to West 159th Street.
· Southland Avenue – From Rocky River Drive to Munn Road.
· West 165th Street – From Edgecliff Avenue to Munn Road.
· West 162nd Street – From Edgecliff Avenue to Munn Road.
The improvements include replacing the old steel mainline with a new plastic mainline in the sidewalk area. One lane of traffic will be maintained at all times within the project limits and traffic control personnel will direct traffic. A Law Enforcement Officer (L.E.O) will be present at all signalized intersections. Access to adjacent driveways will be maintained throughout construction.
All work zones will be removed at the end of each work day. Work will take place Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This project is scheduled for completion in March 2019. If the weather prevents permanent restorations to the sidewalk, temporary sidewalk will be used until permanent restorations can be completed in the spring.
Questions? Contact Dennis Scheid – Hill International at 216-701-2319.
Editor’s Note: Road construction invariably presents hazards to the public. All travelers are urged to use caution in construction zones. Public safety and the safety of workers is a top priority.
About the City of Cleveland
The City of Cleveland is committed to improving the quality of life for its residents by strengthening neighborhoods, delivering superior services, embracing diversity and making Cleveland a desirable, safe city in which to live, work, play, and do business. For more information on the City of Cleveland, visit online at www.city.cleveland.oh.us, Twitter at @cityofcleveland or Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofcleveland.
PHOTO CAPTION: New District 23 State Senator Nickie J. Antonio was sworn in Dec. 22 in a ceremony at the Brooklyn Senior Center. Her wife, Jean Kosmac, holds a copy of The Woman’s Bible. The ceremony was officiated by Judge Melody Stewart of the Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals, who joins the Ohio Supreme Court in January. About 100 people attended the ceremony.
The past week has been a roller coaster for District 13 State Representative Nickie J. Antonio.
On Saturday, she stood before 100 supporters, was sworn in for a new job, and talked with energy and enthusiasm about her plans for the future. On Tuesday, she celebrated the holidays with her wife, Jean Kosmac, and their two adult children, Ariel and Stacey. On Wednesday, she returned to Columbus to participate in a year-end flurry of legislation in the General Assembly.
On Jan. 7, when she returns to Columbus to begin work as the new District 23 State Senator, she will be the first woman to represent District 23, and the first member of the LGBT community ever elected to the State Senate.
District 23 includes West Park, Lakewood, Linndale, Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights, Brook Park, Parma, Parma Heights, Middleburg Heights, Cuyahoga Heights, Cleveland Wards 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, and parts of Wards 3, 12 and 14.
The Senate District is 3 times larger than House District 13, where Antonio served four terms (2011-2018) and was the Minority Whip for the last two-year term. As a State Senator, she is limited to two consecutive four-year terms.
Looking forward to 2019
Antonio said her legislative agenda includes several areas with special meaning for West Park taxpayers.
Jobs: Small businesses are “the backbone of the community,” Antonio said. She wants to help build “the right climate to bring good-paying jobs to the district.” This includes pushing for infrastructure repair funds to fix roads and bridges and create new jobs.
Education: Antonio, a former teacher, says “We need to reduce high-stakes testing for kids. The kids are stressing out over the tests. Instead, they should be happy and excited about going to school.” She also wants to make schools have “more fair and robust funding.”
Healthy communities: “I want to work on decreasing the infant mortality rate and the maternal mortality rate. We’re losing too many mothers in the first year after the birth of their child.”
Antonio is looking forward to working with another Democrat, Representative Bride Rose Sweeney of West Park. The Democrats are in a minority in both chambers of the General Assembly, and Antonio stresses bi-partisanship as a way to keep legislation moving on meaningful items.
Background
In May, Antonio defeated Martin Sweeney in the primary, and in November, she was elected to State Senate. Her past jobs prepared her well for that role.
From 2006-2010, Antonio served 5 years on Lakewood City Council, and then studied leadership in State and Local Government one summer at the JFK School of Government at Harvard University.
From 1996-2011, she served as President of StAr Communication Consulting, working with non-profit groups in a variety of areas. She stepped down to become a full-time State Legislator. She has also worked as a special education teacher, and during the 1990s, was a non-profit executive director of a women’s outpatient treatment drug/alcohol treatment program.
A graduate of Lutheran West High School, she has two degrees from Cleveland State University — a Bachelors in Special Education and Training, and a Masters of Public Administration, with a focus in Public Policy Analysis and Organizational Development.
She also serves on the Community Engagement Committee for the Beck Center for the Arts and is involved in a number of legislative leadership organizations.
How to contact Nickie Antonio, after Jan. 1, 2019:
Call 614-466-5123
Send e-mail to sd23@ohiosenate.gov
For overall Senate info, go to www.ohiosenate.gov
For more specific info, go to www.ohiosenate.gov/senators/antonio
During much of the year, legislators meet in Columbus on Tuesday through Thursday and spend long weekends in their home districts.
See the video below of local Girl Scout Troop #71101 and Brownie Troop #70857 ‘Caroling for Cans’ along Granton Ave. in West Park on Saturday, December 15th.
The large PNC Operations Center, 4100 W. 150th St., is growing. By the end of the year, PNC plans to move about 500 employees from its Pepper Pike and Highland Hills offices to Downtown and this West Side Operations Center. PNC would not say how many employees will move to each site.
The Wash House and Café at 15149 Lorain Ave., is expected to open March 1, 2019.
It is a laundromat/café with free WiFi and a kid’s play zone. The café will have fresh brewed coffee, pastries, and ice cream, according to owner Sophia Fernandez.
“Basically, there is going to be a big kids zone area with interactive learning video games,” says Fernandez. “A 3D projected video game they can play. There’s also going to be books and a TV- it’s going to be a pretty nice kids station.”
“It’s going to be a very different, very modern laundromat with all stainless steel and floors.”
In addition, the cafe will carry Caribou Coffee and Mitchel’s ice cream.
“The one service we are really excited about, is, our wash and fold,” says Fernandez. “You can drop off your clothes on the way to work and they will be washed, dried and folded.”
What are the perks of using this service? They boast being kid friendly and it is brand new. There is also an outside patio where guests can enjoy their coffee and pastries while they wait.
In addition, for those who would like to just purchase food and a drink, there is a walk-up-window for ordering items.
Currently, there is a ribbon cutting ceremony set for 9 a.m., with doors to open at 9:30 a.m.
Little Critters Too is now open at 13712 Bellaire Rd.
It is a day care center for children aged Kindergarten through 13.
One appealing thing about Little Critters Too is its full-sized gym.
“When the weather’s like this, it’s really nice that we have a big gym to play and run around in. We go to the gym daily and it gives them an indoor playground to use all year.” says Anna Vince, a director in training. In her role at the school, Vince also assists in transporting the children safely, using a pick-up program that is designed to send a message confirming when a child has been picked up or dropped off.
“I don’t leave a place until that child is with me or has gotten to where they need to go,” says Vince. “Safety is a real big thing with me and everyone at the school.”
The school also provides breakfast and a snack, and for longer days that include school breaks, they also serve a lunch.
“We have a nice kitchen here on site where we can prepared things,” says Vince.
Little Critters Too came following Little Critters Early Learning Center which is located at 12625 Lena Ave. This is for children aged 6 weeks through 5 years. Both facilities are owned and operated by mother and daughter, Brenda Dillingham and Zshavina Kennedy.
“We needed more space (while at the Lena facility),” says Vince. “We were getting bigger but we like to multiply,” she says, adding, “the more the merrier.”
To learn more or register your child for Little Critters Too, contact Anna Vince, at email, littlecritterselc@gmail.com.
