FutureHeights inducts four to Innovators Circle
FutureHeights, a nonprofit dedicated to civic engagement, honored four Heights residents at its annual meeting in June by inducting them into the Innovators Circle.
Gina Cheverine, board president said, "FutureHeights created the Innovators Circle in 2009 to honor the vision and efforts of people who exemplify the organization’s mission of promoting active and dedicated citizens who give their vision and energy to make our communities the best they can be."
Tuni and Lee Chilcote, Heights residents for more than 40 years, were honored for their involvement in community issues. Lee Chilcote, an attorney, served on Cleveland Heights City Council. Tuni Chilcote was involved in numerous volunteer projects at her church and neighborhood school. Through their family foundation, The Katherine & Lee Chilcote Foundation, they invested in numerous Heights initiatives, including the launch of the Heights Observer community newspaper.
Diana Woodbridge was honored for her community activism. Reverend John Lentz, who introduced her at the induction ceremony, said she exemplified "the Cleveland Heights way—you name the problem, you don’t shy away from it, you say what has to be said, then call everybody to the table and get down to work." Woodbridge was involved in many Heights projects, including the founding of the Forest Hill Housing Corporation, which later became the Home Repair Resource Center.
Mark Majewski served as the president of FutureHeights and led the organization’s transition from a start-up nonprofit to an established institution. Majewski joined FutureHeights’s advocacy committee in 2003 and became a strong leader, helping to keep the organization focused as it struggled to define and prioritize the many advocacy issues it sought to tackle. Under Majewski’s watch, the organization launched the Heights Observer.
"We recognize, value and continue to be inspired by their example," said Cheverine, "and thank them for their service to the community."
Last year's inductees to the Innovators Circle were Bill Buss, Greg Donley, Julie Langan, John Milgram, Chuck Miller, Andrea Morris, Sarah Wean and Bob Youdelman.
For more information about FutureHeights and to see video clips of the 2010 inductees, visit www.futureheights.org.
Deanna Bremer Fisher is executive director of FutureHeights.