Three local politicians from different municipalities got together on June 17, at the invitation of FutureHeights and the League of Women Voters, to discuss with residents how Cleveland’s suburban governments can work together — or possibly merge — to share resources and revenues.



The panelists — South Euclid Mayor Georgine Welo, University Heights Councilman Kevin Patrick Murphy and Cleveland Heights Councilman Mark Tumeo — brought different perspectives to the table, though all agreed there was a need for further collaboration among their governments.



Whole Foods Cedar Center Market, 13998 Cedar Road, University Heights, knows how to celebrate community! Their summer “Giving Grill” events are a great way to enjoy a freshly cooked meal right from the grill while helping community groups whose mission is tied to Whole Foods Market’s core values.

On Thursday, July 23, from 5 to 9 p.m., the Heights Libraries will be the beneficiary of this fundraising event. Hungry participants may choose the protein (meat or veggie) and beverage, Whole Foods does the grilling as you wait. Feast on a freshly grilled meal deal while savoring the knowledge that 100 percent of the proceeds of the event are donated to the FRIENDS of the Heights Library. The library is essential to the quality of life in the Heights and is facing a critical economic downturn in state funding. 

The Perfectionist: The New and the Nice, a thrift store at 2841 Noble Road, will close its doors permanently on Monday, June 29. 

Owner Marcie Coleman said that the economy was a major factor in the store’s closing. “We don’t have the business, people don’t have any money,” she said.

Coleman is organizing a yard sale on Saturday, July 4 to liquidate the majority of the wares she had in her store.  The sale will be held at Coleman’s residence at 4456 Monticello Blvd. between South Green and Trebisky Roads.

Dear Editor, 

First let me say that I am one of the community residents that supported Christine Fowler-Mack for CH-UH superintendent. Her professionalism and passion for the CH-UH school district; the fact that she lives in the school district, is a parent of a child in the district; the respect she has earned from parents and staff alike; and her experience as an educator and interim superintendent, made her, I felt, a strong candidate for the position. Was I disappointed when she wasn’t chosen – absolutely.

Public libraries are essential to education and economic recovery in Ohio. 

The Heights Library works hard to meet the needs of its users: we offer resources to help job seekers, classes to improve computer skills, after school programs for kids and teens, Summer Reading programs and homework help during the school year. Of course, we also have books, the latest DVDs, music and other recreational material. In short, libraries make a difference in the lives of our residents and we are busier than ever.

Governor Strickland’s proposed budget will cut the Public Library Fund (PLF) by 30 percent, this on top of the 20 percent reduction already in place this year. This proposal will cut Heights Libraries’ funding by one third. That will be devastating.

The inaugural Miracles Happen 5K Run/Walk on May 31 drew 400 participants who enjoyed the scenic route through Cleveland Heights from Beaumont School to Nighttown.

The event raised more than $55,000 to benefit the Diana Hyland Miracle Fund, whose mission is to advance research for recurrent breast cancer -- focusing on new theories, trials and treatments aimed at managing the cancer and extending lives. The goal of the Fund is to raise $1 million to partially establish an Endowed Chair in Metastatic Breast Cancer Research at University Hospitals Ireland Cancer Center under the direction of Dr. Paula Silverman.

Humans often let their thoughts and emotions run them around in circles (and they think I’m silly because I chase my tail—at least I can catch it). I lie there quietly and watch while they turn around and about, especially when they are angry. One thing sets them off—a conversation, a misunderstanding, an event having to do with this “money” concept—and there they go, spinning… Often they’ll move quickly and are inexplicably surprised when they trip or knock things over.  They speak in harsh tones and don’t understand why they get barked at in return (come on people, this is, like, Animal Communication 101). Sometimes they even throw things—plates, keys, baby wipes—whatever’s handy—as if it will stop the spinning. Then they get mad they have to clean it up. Hey, at least it isn’t my “mess” (I usually keep that little comment to myself, but I should think it would be an obvious insight).

Will your lawn survive the summer heat? Here are some tips for growing and keeping it healthy.

Mowing tips

1) Mow the grass tall, at least 3 inches, even 3 ½. The taller the better. Longer leaf blades collect more sunlight for increased photosynthesis, which is how the plant creates food for itself. More food means more energy and stronger grass plants and healthier roots. Tall grass shades the soil, keeping it cooler, and minimizes sunlight that weed seeds need to germinate.

Sharing a common interest in animal welfare and art, the Public Animal Welfare Society of Ohio (PAWS) and two students of The Cleveland Institute of Art, Melinda Laszczynski and JenMarie Zeleznak, have combined their passions into an event to raise awareness and funding for PAWS on Saturday, June 27 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 8501 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland.

With great joy in their steps, Cleveland School of Dance students performed their annual Spring Performance, Simply Artistic, on May 23, celebrating the school's ninth season at Playhouse Square Center. Under the direction of the school's director, Gladisa Guadalupe, and music director, Lawrence Minadeo, the students, ages four to 18, demonstrated a variety of techniques: Pointe, Character, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary and Spanish Dance. 

Simply Artistic transported the audience into a journey of enchantment via the 10 beautiful and creative acts choreographed by Guadalupe, Libby Lubinger, Alba Topulli, Kyle Primous, Michael Medcalf and Markian Komichak. This year's Spring Concert was dedicated to two of the school's most dedicated and committed dance students, Alexandra De Leon and Alexis Spooner, both of whom are seniors and who departed the Allen Theatre stage with beautiful bouquets of flowers. 

When the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education convened on Tuesday, June 16, and voted to make candidate Douglas Heuer superintendent of the school district, it was met with opposition from a vocal, overflow crowd. 

The board chose Heuer, superintendent of Austintown School District located near Youngstown, over interim superintendent of Cleveland Heights-Unversity Heights schools Christine Fowler-Mack and William Zelei, superintendent of South Euclid-Lyndhurst schools.

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority hosted their community meeting regarding the design of a new Red Line rail station at University Circle on Tuesday, June 9 to a crowd of riders and residents.

Mayor Edward J. Kelley opened the meeting, reminding the crowd that the new station is going to be “the gateway to Cleveland Heights.” He encouraged those who attended to be accepting of the current design but to also provide feedback to the planners and architect so that the station could better serve their needs.

University Heights City Council voted to put the city’s financial advisor, Arman R. Ochoa, on unpaid administrative leave on June 2, pending an investigation into the possible misappropriation of public funds.

The special prosecutor for the case, Johnathan Greenberg, said he could not offer details because his office is still in the process of gathering information. Greenberg expects to complete the investigation in a “few weeks.”

Community volunteers and FutureHeights are planting the seeds of community--and you can help them grow. Every dollar you donate to FutureHeights--by July 15--will be matched by an anonymous benefactor, dollar-for-dollar, up to $15,000!

Your donation today cultivates healthy, sustainable neighborhoods in the Heights through

• The Heights Observer--The East Side's number one nonprofit citizen-written, neighborhood news source serves Cleveland Heights and University Heights and links citizens to resources, to information and to one another. Over 9,000 copies are distributed monthly by volunteers, and heightsobserver.org provides online access to the local news you need to know.
• Town Meetings and online forums like the annual Cleveland Heights State of the City address allow citizens to talk about important issues and exchange ideas.
• Volunteer opportunities--There are more than 400 citizens who give their time and talent as FutureHeights volunteers.
• The Best of Cleveland Heights Awards and Shop Local campaign--Supporting our vibrant, diverse independent business community helps strengthen the local economy.

A public consensus seems to be emerging that local governments must figure out how to provide services at lower cost to taxpayers. However, opinion is all over the map on how to achieve this goal. Is the answer fiscal belt tightening, fewer services, better competitive strategies, consolidation of services, or something else?

At 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, the League of Women Voters Cuyahoga Area, Heights Chapter; FutureHeights; and the CH-UH Public Library will present a public forum titled “Does sharing help? The inside story on cooperative government,” at the Lee Road Library, 2345 Lee Rd.

Panelists are South Euclid Mayor Georgine Welo, University Heights Councilman Kevin Patrick Murphy and Cleveland Heights Councilman Mark Tumeo. They will discuss how each has experienced inter-city governmental cooperation, and answer questions from the public. Deanna Bremer Fisher, executive director of FutureHeights, will moderate the discussion.

Post your questions in advance at www.heightsobserver.org/deck/.

 

Cheryl Stephens, a long-time resident of Cleveland Heights will hold a press conference and fundraiser on June 17 to announce and kick off her run for Cleveland Heights City Council. The event will be held at 2596 Fairmount Blvd is from 6-8pm.  Contributions are $50 and up.  Please RSVP to Erin at 216.650.6340.

Stephens, an economic development professional currently serving on the Cleveland Heights Planning Commission, previously served as the city’s director of planning and development and as director of the Cuyahoga County Department of Development; she currently sits on the Cuyahoga County Board of Revision. Her expertise in economic development also extends to projects that utilize funding such as state and federal historic tax credits.

The recent budget tightening in local government has rekindled a critical issue in Cleveland Heights: the need for a comprehensive master plan and economic strategy for our community.

Nearly 10 years ago, residents created a vision report that described what Cleveland Heights aspired to be. It was a valiant effort, but it omitted one important element—a road map for how Cleveland Heights hopes to achieve these goals. There was nothing about implementation strategy, no specifics about resource allocation, no strategic development focus and no project prioritization. Nor did it provide development plans for the major commercial thoroughfares of Mayfield, Cedar, Taylor, and Coventry roads.

The city has a zoning ordinance that designates approved land uses. But a zoning ordinance is not a master plan and does not provide direction in crafting the future of land development and economic growth in the community.

The Cleveland Orchestra notes with sadness the death of former Orchestra member Steven Witser, who died last week from a heart attack at his home in Pasadena. He was 48 years old. 

A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, Witser was appointed to The Cleveland Orchestra in 1989 by Christoph von Dohnányi. He served as Assistant Principal Trombone (1989-2007), Assistant Orchestra Personnel Manager (1994-2007), and Acting Principal Trombone (2003-04 and 2005-07). He was also active in the Blossom Festival Band and Orchestra. While in Cleveland, Steve was a member of the faculty at the Cleveland Institute of Music. He performed in the Center City Brass Quintet, High Anxiety Bones, and Myriad. A California native, he became principal trombone of the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 2007. 

Artist Carol Hummel crocheted a parking meter cozy in front of Heights Arts Gallery (2173 Lee Road) and sometime late Saturday night it was removed!!!!!  Perhaps it was removed by the person who called the police when Hummel was putting it on the meter?  Hummel explained to the officer that Heights Arts does have city permission to cover the parking meter poles-this first one was a prototype-and no ticket was given. 

Is this an attack on art, or the hated parking meters???

If you find the missing pieces or know the perpetrator, please call Heights Arts:  216.371.3457.   If the pieces are returned, no questions will be asked. 

More info:

In partnership with businesses and knitters throughout the area, this summer Heights Arts is presenting Knitscape Cedar Lee and Knitscape Larchmere,

Home in the Heights, a recently created subsidiary of the Home Repair Resource Center, has sold its first renovated property: a formerly vacant, foreclosed home on Westover Drive in Cleveland Heights.

Publicity about the project brought inquiries from many interested buyers. The final purchasers, Mark Finkenbine and Nadelane Joseph of University Heights, say they loved the potential they saw in the home when they first visited, shortly after renovations began in March.

“We came in just as the house was being gutted and were able to pick and choose colors and tiles and floor coverings. It's a big, collaborative effort, and we’re really looking forward to getting it finished,” said Joseph.

In the current economic climate, many homeowners are choosing to fix up their homes, rather than considering a move. Home Repair Resource Center, a nonprofit organization right here in Cleveland Heights, offers a variety of loan and grant programs to help make home repairs more affordable and less of a worry, as these two recent examples demonstrate:

The design of a new Red Line rail station at University Circle will be the topic of a community meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9 at the Cleveland Heights Community Center.

In October 2007, the RTA board of trustees awarded a contract to URS Corp. to design a new rapid transit station. The design process includes a detailed traffic study; land use and development plan; new design of the bus loop area; and a station entrance building and platform. RTA staff and the architectural design team have been working through the complicated tasks of building a rail station in a confined space, along a busy city street adjacent to active rail tracks.

The Cleveland area has long been known as a bastion for musical talent. Despite ever-changing musical tastes and trends, the talent that has launched (and taken root) here over the past 50 years is impressive beyond measure.

The first annual Big Cool Cats Music Festival shines the spotlight on Cleveland's venerable music scene with an all-day music showcase and festival concert Saturday, June 20, from noon - 11 p.m. at Cain Park's Evans Amphitheatre. Offering a dynamite, mainstage lineup, plus "unplugged" acoustic performances in the Colonnade, this inaugural event, created by Cleveland
Heights resident Steve Presser (owner of Big Fun Toy Store) and Lakewood residents Thomas Mulready (founder of the CoolCleveland.com online network) and Denis Devito (leader of the Cats on Holiday band), is sure to give music fans a thrill or two.

Cleveland Heights-University Heights School Board member Mike Cicero will not run for re-election, citing the need to devote more time to his family and legal practice. His is one of three seats up this fall. Currently serving his first four-year term, Cicero is the only University Heights resident on the board and believes the board needs someone from the community to be an advocate for their children. "University Heights residents disconnect from the district if there is no representation on the board," he says.

On my block of East Overlook Road, there are more than a dozen abandoned, probably foreclosed homes. Some of the lawns are covered with foot tall grass and dandelions. I called City Hall and a patient, helpful, articulate person in the Housing Department said that all City Hall can do is call the owners or banks that own the home and ask them to cut the grass. In the past, the city would have cut the grass and charged the owner/bank for the service. But now, because of massive layoffs, the city can no longer do this. They can only make phone calls. They have no way of enforcing the basic upkeep of lawns.

Monday, April 20, 2009

All board members present.

Finance

Financial statements for February and March were not available from the acting business manager, who is still learning the library’s financial records software. This caused some board members concern. The statements were to be in the board members’ hands within two weeks. No indication of impropriety had been found in the financial records.

World Wide Knit in Public Day started in 2005 by Danielle Landes. It began as a day for knitters to come together and enjoy each other’s company, exchange ideas about knitting, and just knit. By nature, knitting is usually a solitary craft. We knit in front of the television, sitting in backyard, on the deck, or in the car. But we do it alone. This is a day designed for knitters to get out of their houses and meet with other people who love the craft.  

Summer is here. That means the library’s Summer Reading Program is too. Children who register for the program will get a prize for signing up. Visit the library weekly for fun, exploration, stickers, and chances to win other prizes.   

Teens can win weekly prizes for reading manga, comic books, fiction, non-fiction, magazines, the school’s summer reading list, or cereal boxes. Get registered to win food, books, and movies--and receive a prize just for signing up.

More than 40 Cleveland Heights High School juniors or seniors will have a chance to serve as paid interns this summer at the four branches of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library thanks to a $15,320 grant from MyCOM Out of School Time. The students will be referred by high school staff.

Beginning June 7, Coventry Village Library, Noble Neighborhood Library and University Heights Library will be closed on Sundays. Sunday Hours will resume on September 6. Please remember to visit the Lee Road Library on Sundays from1 p.m. to 5 p.m. all summer long!

Long time Cleveland Heights resident Jill Dixon is the winner of the library's national Library Week essay contest. Her photo is one of the slides on the library's Web site: www.heightslibrary.org. You may read her poetic entry by clicking on her photo.

Monday, APRIL 20, 2009

All council members present.

New Poet Laureate

The fourth Poet Laureate of Cleveland Heights is Gail Bellamy. Bellamy, who was introduced by her predecessor Mary E. Weems, read a poem in praise of Cleveland Heights, titled “The Meat in a History Sandwich.”

Monday, APRIL 20, 2009

Councilman Steven Sims excused.

Charter review concerns

Rick Adante, a member of Concerned Citizens for University Heights who has attended the charter review meetings, challenged the need and cost of the proposed city administrator. Councilman Frank Consolo responded that he felt a skilled administration shouldn’t be left to electoral chance. He wanted the change to be made in the charter, rather than through an ordinance, so that the mayor wouldn’t have sole control over the administrator. The cost would be lower than a comparable position in Shaker Heights or Cleveland Heights because University Heights is smaller. Councilman Frankie Goldberg also responded and noted that it had been 30 years since the last charter review and that Mayor Rothschild would be stepping down this year.

Painting the exterior of your house?  Adding exterior lights? Planting a Victory Garden? You can do all this without a permit from the building department.  But, if you want to put in a new driveway, replace the hot water tank, or upgrade the electrical service so you can run a hairdryer and the toaster at the same time, then you need a permit.

In order to understand about this permit stuff, I went to the UH Division of Building and asked Building Commissioner David S. Menn, “Why?”

University Heights residents packed Wiley Middle School on May 19 at a public hearing to comment and ask questions about the draft charter revision, which would reduce the role of mayor in UH government. The Charter Review Commission voted 10-to-1 in favor of the draft.

For some members of the commission, the evening seemed to be a formality required by Council. “I didn’t hear concrete suggestions for changing the document we slaved over,” said Harvey Morrison, who chaired the CRC. When asked if he would consider any further revisions to the draft based on the comments he had heard at the meeting, he said, “Probably not…. It’s an up or down vote.”

This year, Monticello Middle School students didn't need to carry books and papers to school. All they needed were their MacBook laptops.

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights middle schools began a laptop pilot project this year. All Monticello students were given laptops in October. In March, Roxboro and Wiley eighth graders received theirs.

The bell may ring at 3:05 p.m. for Cleveland Heights-University Heights elementary schools, but for some students, that is not the end of the day. At Canterbury Elementary School and Gearity Professional Development School, numerous after-school activities are offered.

This is the third year for the program at Canterbury. Parent Liz Young finds instructors and puts together a brochure, which is distributed to all students at the beginning of each trimester.

A new community garden has taken root in University Heights. It’s the Gearity Learning Garden, planted at the Gearity Professional Development School on May 2 by more than 140 students, parents, teachers and University Heights residents with an interest in "going green."

Brainchild of University Heights residents Josh and Cheryl Hunter, the garden is intended to build community spirit, engage students in the idea of sustainability, and provide them with opportunities to experience natural habitats in the community. The garden, which has 13 framed planting areas, will eventually include a small cornfield, compost and worm bins, and several related art projects.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

All board members present.

Wiley Middle School field trip

Approved: A tour field trip to Sandusky and Detroit for the Wiley Middle School Challenge Choir, May 15-16.

P.A.S.S.A.G.E.

Various staff members and Dr. Wesley Wiliams, an administrator at the Ohio Department of Education, presented aspects of P.A.S.S.A.G.E., the acronym for "Preparing Students for Success in A Global Economy." It involves analyzing decision-making and  district assets, then planning the district’s use of technology to involve students in preparing for whatever future plans they may have. Teachers and specialists from elementary, middle, and high schools presented much detail about what they were doing. The board members reacted with questions and comments.

The Officer Jason West Memorial Scholarship Fund is getting major support from a popular area restaurant. The Bodega restaurant and lounge at 1854 Coventry Road in Cleveland Heights, is sponsoring the Jason D. West Fund Raiser on Sunday, June 7 from 7 p.m. to 2:15 a.m.  

The fund raiser will include a complimentary buffet, $2 draft, $5 sangria, $5 cosmos, and $4 wine. Fifty percent of the evening's profit will be donated to the scholarship fund.

Ellen Barrett, a parent educator at Heights Parent Center for the last 12 years, fields questions from parents about the daily ups and downs of parenting. The same issues impact many parents. If you have questions you would like Ellen to respond to in this column, please e-mail her at ebarrett@heightsparentcenter.org.

Q. My wife and I have always looked forward to meal time but now find that we dread it! We have such a hard time getting our two year old to eat the food that we have prepared for him that we now expect a battle at every meal. It makes us tense and cranky and is very unpleasant. What can we do to get him to eat and enjoy dinner so we can enjoy our family?

As part of its celebration of "Right to Read Week," Saint Ann School welcomed local author Lisa Umina and her pal Milo, star of the book, Milo with a Halo. Umina read aloud from her new story, Milo and the Green Wagon, a story about generosity, respect, and love. She encouraged audience participation, especially in the form of Milo's favorite gesture--a tight hug. Pictured left to right: Lisa Umina, Milo, and kindergarten student Alissa Hallisy. Photo by Laurie Creamer.

High-achieving males at Monticello Middle School have the opportunity to join a group called the "Mighty Males of Monticello" with other accomplished young men. Male students who have potential to become "Mighty Males," but do not meet the grade requirements, have their own program called the "Youth of Promise."

They meet monthly and have guest speakers. NBA player Eric Riley and Cleveland Cavaliers announcer Campy Russell came to speak to the students about making good choices. As a follow-up, students went to a Cavaliers game to watch Russell work, and then met team members. Former Cleveland Browns player Tim Roberts came to speak to the students about social skills and how to treat females. He brought ties for the boys and taught them how to wear them. The 55 students culminated their year by traveling to Detroit to learn about African American history.

Melt Bar and Grilled owner Matt Fish needed a new challenge after racking up regulars and local and national foodie awards at his Lakewood restaurant. Since opening in September 2006, his gourmet grilled cheese concoctions, with names like The Parmageddon (pierogies) and The Lake Erie Monster (walleye), have packed the restaurant every night, even after two expansions.

“Lakewood exceeded my expectations by leaps and bounds,” Fish said. “We have won the ‘Academy Awards’ of Cleveland restaurants, so the natural progression is to translate our West Side success to the East Side. Mindset-wise, I consider Cleveland Heights to be our sister city.”

Last week, while shopping at Severance Town Center, I walked into Dave’s Market to meander through the wine department. They have a large variety of wines at very affordable prices. The store is cool and the wine display is well maintained. Always on the lookout for new wine finds, I bought these two bottles. Both were very good.

2007 Jekel Vineyards Riesling Monterey $11.79

This dry Riesling is very easy to drink. Warm California temperatures, moderated by the cooling ocean breezes, make Monterey a great place for growing grapes. These climate contrasts add a nice complexity to the wine, which has lovely aromas and flavors of orange and tangerine. This Monterey Riesling will go well with lighter summer fare, such as salads, seafood and poultry.

Eddie Maddox, owner of Fast Eddie’s Chop Shop and Crazy Mullets on Coventry, is expanding again --this time to Lee Road. He will open Super Deluxe, a high-end salon at 2207 Lee Rd., in the former Salon DM space in June.

The salon will display the work of local artists. He will have 2 manicure and pedicure stations and 7 hair stations. Nancy Duncan, formerly of Salon DM, will stay on.

From our businesses and backyards to the hallowed halls of the U.S Congress, this is the year of belt-tightening.

What effects do we see? What effects do we anticipate? What exemplary choices are being made now, on every level, that are stemming the tide and paving the way for stability and future growth?

The Heights-Hillcrest Regional Chamber of Commerce is delighted to host what should be a stimulating public conversation, with three people who can answer these questions, each with a unique perspective. Join the chamber of commerce on Wednesday, June 24, for a special luncheon and economic summit with South Euclid Mayor Georgine Welo, Cuyahoga County Planning Commission Director Paul Alsenas, and Director of the Cleveland Regional Office of the Ohio Secretary of State Christopher B. Nance.

Have you ever wished on a Tuesday night you could go to the farmers market? How about Thursday or Friday or any day except the day of the market? You are just craving some quality food and something really special.

Well Fresh Fork Market has a solution for that. The Web-based “virtual farmers market” allows consumers to shop online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Fresh Fork, a startup founded last year by four Case Western students, has relationships with over 70 small family producers within 75 miles of Cleveland. The farmers list their products online, add photos and write descriptions. Users can browse through the inventory, ask the farmer questions and even leave feedback.

Renowned psychiatrist and concert pianist, Dr. Richard Kogan, is returning to Cleveland on Saturday, June 6, to give a lecture and concert in Mixon Hall at the Cleveland Institute of Music. The program, titled "The Mind and Music of George Gershwin", will explore the stylistic period of Gershwin’s music and the psychological forces that influenced the composer’s human and artistic development. The event is being presented by the Cleveland Psychoanalytic Center, with proceeds supporting the center’s programs.

Experience night life on Lee Road Friday, June 12 with the opening of two Heights Arts photography shows. The evning will feature "drama" on the street by Cleveland Shakespeare and music by Heelsplitter.

Boom Modern Gallery will hold its grand opening in its new location, 2218 Lee, midway down the block.

And bring your own camera to join Heights Arts in exploring light on the street and in the Cedar Lee mini-park after sunset.

Get ready for an evening of high-octane klezmer, kvetching and comedy. The nationally renowned, Cleveland-based klezmer band, Yiddishe Cup, celebrates its 20th season and the release of its new CD, Klezmer Guy. Expect everything from mambo and Borscht Belt to, well, schmaltzy violin and clarinet solos.

The free concert is 7 p.m. Sunday, June 28, in the Evans Amphitheater. (www.cainpark.com, 216-371-3000.) No ticket required. Open seating. Gates open at 6 p.m.

The show is the Workmen's Circle 31st annual free Yiddish Concert in the Park. Cain Park/Cleveland Heights is also a producer.

The 2009 running of the 113th Boston Marathon on April 15 massed together 23,163 dedicated runners, each meeting stringent qualifying times by age and gender, for the privilege of running an historic course covering suburban Boston towns each with its own cheering section and personality.

The 2009 race posted an amazing 98.6 percent finish rate, a tribute to the qualifying system. Just to qualify for this prestigious race is the dream of every serious runner. Lisa Robertson and Mark Bellini were among 14 Cleveland Heights residents to qualify for the 26.2 mile race.

Have you ever ridden a bike for an hour at your top speed?  For most of us it would be a tough ordeal.  Try to imagine what it would be like to ride for an hour, take an hours rest, and then ride again, all the way across the USA! 

It’s been 15 years since Barb Seidel opened the doors to her home sewing studio in Cleveland Heights and began teaching local kids a unique set of skills. An accomplished seamstress with a background in art education, Seidel combined her passions for teaching and sewing to create a successful series of after-school and summer classes for kids from ages 8 to 18.

Today, her simple studio is equipped with modern machines and a variety of supplies, giving students everything they need to learn to sew. Ever-committed to personal attention and fun, Seidel’s classes are small, encouraging a warm, close-knit learning environment.

While school breaks offer a much needed respite from the hectic life in academia, they also bring out the laziest part of me. Type A personalities like me tend to smother that gremlin-like, do-nothing part of ourselves and stuff it in a closet somewhere. After all, the inner gremlin is a nuisance: she gets in the way of working, doing and accomplishing.

The word “break” can unleash that nasty little ankle-biter, who seizes control of my mind, body and soul. Set free, she makes me sleep in until 11 a.m., read mindless romance novels, and eat chocolate chip cookies before going to bed.

On August 29 Jillian's Billiard Club & Cafe, 12459 Cedar Road, will host a fun-filled night to raise money for the United Services Organization, a nonprofit that provides morale and recreational services to the U.S. armed forces. The USO seeks corporate sponsors and volunteers to help make the event a success. For $2,000, for example, a donor will receive tickets plus a full page ad in the program.

A local group, Staying at Home, is interested in establishing a system that would help senior citizens stay in their homes as long as possible. A questionnaire distributed earlier this year had a good response and the group is looking for providers who are interested in participating in this program.

The most important needs indicated on the survey include computer assistance, house cleaning, post-storm cleanup, gutters, meal preparation, transportation, handyman, medical bill assistance, window cleaning, home care and pet sitting.

Walk, run, have fun at the 19th annual A Most Excellent Race on June 28! Beginning and ending at Beaumont School, 3301 North Park Boulevard, A Most Excellent Race features a 10K run, 5K run and 5K walk. Proceeds benefit the Achievement Centers for Children’s Camp Cheerful.

For more information or to register, visit www.achievementcenters.org or call 216-292-9700, ext. 226.

Life is about change. You expect your height to change, your voice to change and your taste in food to change. But did you ever expect your name to change – multiple times?

When you’re born, your birth certificate states your formal first, middle and last name. As an infant, your name changes from Theodore to Teddykins or from Patricia to Pattycakes. When you grow from a baby into a child, your birth name takes center stage again, especially when being scolded by a parent or teacher. “Theodore, come in the house this instant!”

Cleveland Heights lost a real gem. Roslyn "Ro" Eugene died suddenly on May 7 after celebrating every day of her 79 years. Ro’s children remember her as an activist. When her two eldest children came home from Coventry School, after a beating delivered by two kids who lived around the corner, Ro sprang into action. She rounded up her husband and five children and visited the home of the culprits. There, both families shook hands, sang songs and created "Coventry Kids for Peace," which may have been the beginning of the community movement that eventually erected the Peace Arch on Coventry Road.

The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes will hold its 2009 Summer Benefit on Saturday, June 20 at the center in Shaker Heights. This year’s theme, "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," challenges partygoers to adopt "good" earth-friendly practices instead of clinging to "evil" unsound environmental habits.

Based on John Berendt’s best-selling book, the evening is designed to evoke the charm of Savannah, Georgia—Southern hospitality with a touch of cheeky fun. The parking lot will be transformed into the perfect setting for a garden gala. The event begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails and a silent auction, followed by dinner (catered by Sammy’s), a live auction and dancing under the stars to music provided by the Special Request band.

The Gesu Women’s Guild presented its 2009 Alice Paulus Award to longtime parish volunteer, Elaine K. Coburn, of University Heights. Coburn received the honor on May 7 at the guild’s "Celebrate Spring!" dinner at Shaker Heights Country Club.

Named in honor of long-standing parishioner and dedicated volunteer, Alice Paulus, the award recognizes a woman who exemplifies Paulus’s willingness to serve Gesu Parish and reflects her spirit of faith and volunteerism.

Coburn and her husband, Don, have been members of Gesu for more than 50 years. They raised five sons and two daughters in the church.

To help citizens understand current government structure in Cuyahoga County, the League of Women Voters has published a new brochure entitled “Citizen Guide to Cuyahoga County Government: Past, Present, Future.” 

The guide includes data from the Governor’s Commission on County Government Reform and the League’s accrued observations after decades of studying Cuyahoga County government.

The diverse and unique local businesses that make each of the Heights neighborhoods are among the area's greatest assets. Each year FutureHeights, a nonprofit organization dedicated to civic engagement and quality of life, hosts the Best of the Heights Awards to recognize local businesses in several categories.

The Heights Observer is looking for people, ages 1-100, to get involved in the paper. After all, the Heights Observer is all about citizen journalism and its power to tell local stories at a grassroots level. We are looking for volunteer writers, photographers, designers, and illustrators. It doesn't matter if you are a professional or amateur, our editorial staff will be glad to have you.

Turn on the local TV news at 6 p.m. and you won’t find it. Flip through the pages of any local “news” paper, free or otherwise, and you won’t feel satisfied. Sit down at your computer, search for “Cleveland Heights Local News,” then sift through banners and pop-up ads, and you might get lucky. You would probably learn more while sipping a mocha at the local coffee shop, or walking down your sidewalk hoping to encounter a talkative neighbor. All you want to know is what someone (anyone) in your community thinks about the new housing development being built down the street, or when that new restaurant on Lee Road is going to open, or when that pot-hole riddled road around the corner is going to be repaired.

None of this news is terribly important on a national or even regional level, but it is, perhaps, the information that is most relevant to your daily experience. And, it is information that has not been easy to find.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

The City of Cleveland Heights prepares for everyday emergencies. However, during a disaster, your community could use your help. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens may initially be on their own and their actions can make difference. The valuable CERT training course is designed to help you protect yourself, your family, your neighbors and your neighborhood in an emergency situation.

Find out more about CERT! Come to an informational meeting:

Thursday, January 29, 2009, 7:00 pm

Cleveland Heights City Hall
40 Severance Circle

For more information, call the City of Cleveland Heights Division of Community Relations, 216- 291-2323.