Community

Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District will continue to protect the community,
environment with wastewater treatment and stormwater management services

Here's another review you won't publish and since you think I have so much time on my hands, I will use some of it to write back so read this:

 Euclid needs a paper similar to the old Euclid Sun Journal or the one published by Mary Jo Minarik.    Residents are kept in the dark concerning what is happening in Euclid....crime, drugs, thefts, trash, city administration, 'nuisance deer', city services, lazy residents who need to be told to get outside and clean up your friggin' yards (walk down 250th north from Marginal Rd.; it's disgusting).    The administration does its best with what it has to work with.   Our police force cannot be beat.   

What we don't need is a paper to be read thru rose-colored glasses; we need real-time reporting both good and BAD.   I have lived in Euclid since '57 and it is sad to witness the destruction of the city; we lost so many residents and businesses including our fabulous mall; there are way too many absentee landlords renting to Sec. 8s.   Searching for a house here in '61 was a real battle cause everyone wanted to live in Euclid.   

 We need truthful reporting about Euclid and a publisher who can go out on a limb.   The News-Herald does report some of Euclid's bad happenings.

Publisher's Note: To be clear. The Euclid Observer prints all submissions that are factual, not slanderous, and not obscene. If we get the type of stories Jean wants, we will print them. We have no staff. I do not have a newsroom full of reporters that I can assign to the tough stories. What we are blessed with is YOU, gentle reader. And some wonderful citizens that write great stories about a city we love. There are a lot of outlets doing "some real -time reporting". We will stick to the rosey stories until we get something else submitted.

Most Ohioans are actively saving for emergency expenses but many still are struggling financially and can’t pay for an unexpected expense.

Lots of great new looks coming out in the hair coloring world! Have you seen Sharon Osborne's new do? Do yourself a favor and if you are thinking about embracing your inner Elsa, come talk to the professionals to get the real answers behind it all! Blonding is no easy feat and can end up a disaster when in the wrong hands. Good thing Liz at Bombshell Salon has over 10 years experience. Consultations are FREE! 216-215-1896

From the exterior, the new house at 18930 Pasnow Drive looks much like many of the other homes surrounding it. Recently built by Property Improvement Specialists Inc., the home is nestled among 1950s-built houses on a quaint street with single-family, middle-class homes, and frankly, it fits right in.

We may be keeping away from each other, but TOGETHER we can still make a difference for our local soil, water, wildlife and neighborhoods.

After graduating from Euclid High School, Hannah Zavorek went on to pursue her education at Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sport Management - Public Relations in 2014. She has since then made her way back home to Euclid where she works as a Program Administrator for the City of Euclid's Recreation Department, and serves at the C.E. Orr Ice Arena Manager. Hannah has made it a priority to help build Euclid's youth community back up to the one she once knew, as she participated in the programs that she is currently involved with today.

I consider myself to be a reasonably intelligent man that looks at the bigger picture.  Being a minister, I am used to looking hopefully into the future, knowing that today’s difficulties will pass, and the sun will rise again tomorrow.  Never in my wildest dreams could I picture our current situation. 

So, a few days ago, Governor Mike DeWine issued a “Stay at Home” order to most people in the state of Ohio.  When announcing it, he and Dr. Acton talked about the sacrifice involved.  Although this situation is not ideal and it is a little bit inconvenient, I don’t know that I consider anything that I am doing a real sacrifice when I think about the situation that other people have gone through and are still going through.

While the show didn’t go on, it must at some point.

During these trying times, we should attempt to conduct our lives as normal as possible. Parents and guardians with disabled family members are faced with additional challenges at this time. As a parent of disabled young adult, we've chosen to be active and creative. Some suggestions include:Making a daily schedule, Prepare as if you're going out or going to work, Include housework and homework, Partake in arts and crafts, Kitchen activities, Get organized, Try cool coloring, Get some fresh air as often as possible. Each day can be a new adventure. Upfront and Behind the Scenes Heroes This is a very crucial time in history and in our lives. It is a time to remember how fortunate we are. Here is a short list of places and people who are relative and mandatory during these times. There is no specific order, this is my list. You may want to create your own. Family, Hospitals, Paramedics, Police Officers, Government agencies and workers, Drug stores and workers, Postal service and workers, Grocery stores and workers, Gas Stations, Minimarts, City Workers, At&t, Home Depot, Dialysis Centers, Nursing Homes, Mental Health Facilities, Newpapers, Media, Banks. Just to name a few.

Pandemic restrictions are making life more challenging for everyone, especially for those whose lives weren’t easy in the first place.  Just recently, the Cleveland Public Library canceled its plan to provide children’s meals. Among those who’ve had to make serious adjustments to what they can offer during the pandemic is Manna Food From Heaven.

We know that during this unprecedented time, no one should face Alzheimer’s or other dementia alone. Get the support and information you need without leaving home. The Alzheimer's Association is available around the clock, 365 days a year via our free, 24/7 Helpline. Call us today at 800.272.3900. 

All my kids and grandkids live in Texas; Round Rock, Texas.  My children Crystal and Keith’s home town is names after a stone in a creek north of Austin.  The rock served as a landmark on the historic Chisholm Trail.  The creek runs through a community park, founded by the famous baseball player, Nolan Ryan.

            To say the least, youth baseball leagues are big there and have taken a big hit due to COVID-19.  The players and their families form strong family ties. Hence a sweet story my daughter told me.  When one of my grandson’s team mates had to cancel his birthday party, the team came up with a plan.  They formed a birthday caravan.  One of the parents, a police officer, led it with flashing lights.  Another team parent photographed and documented the event for the birthday boy.  Pictures were taken of each car as they approached and unloaded gifts and birthday signs for the front yard.  Just one way to show how big Texan hearts can be. 

            Crystal also told me of wonderful efforts her and my son’s restaurants are making to serve their community and sad stories of the tragic effects on employees. Texas does things differently.  They are slowly shutting down, one city at a time.  And due to Texans owning lots of guns, some of her neighbors have been buying and hording bullets; to protect their property.

             Maybe I’m a Pollyanna, but I see Euclidian hearts matching-up more with stories like the baseball team’s caravan.

Are these uncertain times? No. We knew these days would come.
Now is an Old Day but a New Day. A situation that has actually been before. What's new? The people.
Yes, there is fear, but be brave. Be bold and courageous. Your purpose is to rise above your circumstances by going back, back to the wisdom from a book centuries old: the Holy Bible.
Is it outdated? No. Has it been forsaken? Yes. We must go back to the Old Landmark.
Think back...recall the memories of the stories told to you by your parents, grandparents and great- grandparents. Seize the moments and times spent together learning, loving, living these treasures. Keep them in your heart and in your mind.
Be strong when the battleground for your mind is in combat mode! Find a solid immovable rock to stand on when the floods come and the storms rage. Cleave to it!
Jesus Is.
My Rock.
Never Forget....
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
He set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
Psalm 40:2 The Holy Bible New International Version (NIV)

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Euclid meetings are postponed during April, however they look forward to continuing to help the community in the near future. If you have an interest in serving others and care about your community, Kiwanis may be the right organization for you. If you have an interest in learning more, email greatereuclidkiwanis@gmail.com. 

These are challenging times for many Ohio families. According to the Thomas Fordham Institute’s Ohio Education by the Numbers 2019 report, over 50% of Ohio’s Public School Children are economically disadvantaged. Those parents have to make difficult daily decisions as to how to best grow their children into healthy citizens. But because money is often hard to come by, these families may not have as many books in the home as parents would wish.

The Ohio Imagination Library now changes that as all Cuyahoga County families will be able to have age appropriate books sent to their homes for free.  Parents will have resources available to stimulate and help develop their young learners and better prepare them for school.

Any child from birth to age five can enroll to receive a free, age-appropriate, new book every month from the Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library.

Research shows that book ownership can be a predictor of future academic success. In fact, studies have found that children with just 25 books in their home were more likely to complete an additional two years of education.  The Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library is a partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to ensure children enter the classroom ready to succeed.

There are approximately 75,000 children under the age of five living in Cuyahoga County and because of the $5 million committed to the Imagination Library Program in the fiscal year 2020-2021 budget all 75,000 those kids, ages 0-5, can get a free book every month to help them be ready for school.

You may have seen the meme here going around online. We know - it's got a typo in it. But the point is still good! For years and years, our local businesses have been supporting our raffles and fundraisers and community events. They've also hosted our parties and baked our birthday cakes and cleaned our suits and cut our hair and made our wedding flowers and too many other things to even begin to list. Our small local businesses -- they're our community, just like our neighbors are. And right now, they're going through a really hard time. Imagine if all the businesses that had to close or cut back for the Coronavirus crisis never came back -- all those services gone for good, and all those jobs with them. We want to do what we can to not let that happen.

The Lakeland Civic Association will postpone its regular April meeting until June 11. The Early Learning Village has been the regular venue for LCA's quarterly meetings. The Euclid School District is suspending activity at that school following Ohio governor DeWine's orders.

I teach Bible Stories to 4-5 year olds.  It is a striking honor as their young minds are now able to receive holy thoughts.  God has set the stage for them.  Their slates are untarnished. They are not yet skeptical.  Why, even their honesty is refreshing!

Kate McLaughlin was an avid joiner at Euclid Senior High School, participating in athletics (cross country and track) and enjoying ski club, year book, spirit club and student council where she was elected President her senior year. Kate earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Kent State University, her master’s degree in education from Notre Dame College and then put her skills to use as a community policing specialist and crime analyst for the City of Euclid Police Department. Kate plays a critical role in developing community-police relations, communicates crime prevention and trend data to the public, and currently operates the Crime Analysis Unit for the Euclid PD, where she provides research to help with intelligence-led policing. Kate was Euclid Police Employee of the Year in 2015 and received the Exceptional Service award. In 2018, the Ohio Crime Prevention Association awarded Kate Crime Prevention Practitioner of the Year for the State of Ohio, and she was also named Member of the Year in 2018 by the Greater Cleveland Safe Kids/Safe Communities Coalition. Kate is one of a select group of Euclid Senior High School graduates who was raised in Euclid, raised her own family her, and still lives and works in Euclid.

BAKER CHOCOLATE WHIPS FOR EASTER

Join student entrepreneurs on Saturday, March 14th at Ss. Robert and William Parish Center from 1pm - 3pm. The vendors will be children from Ss. Robert and William and Our Lady of the Lake Schools who will be showcasing their entrepreneurial skills with homemade art, crafts, beauty products, cupcakes, treats and more!  

NATIONAL CONGRESS OF BLACK WOMEN-GREATER CLEVELAND

At this time when we remember, and even revel in, the freedoms we have as women (including the right to vote) let us remember the price many women before us paid as they sacrificed and worked to see this day finally come true! And as we celebrate, let us not forget the women we interact who are pained with the loss of a child due to death, a court order, or a miscarriage....Those who are barren and desire to have a child....Those who are dealing with the loss of a marriage, a home, a business, a dream, or even, the desire to live.
As we console others, let us look to Jesus to fortify us. He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 Holy Bible NIV.)
This great Advocate, Champion and Liberator of women, Jesus, lived some 2,000 years ago. He deterred the stoning of a woman to death who was caught in the act of adultery and whose accusers were guilty of the same. He spoke to a woman whose ethnicity and lifestyle were regarded with contempt. This was considered taboo, yet, he took the time to speak to and listen to her. He rebuked a woman for being too busy to spend time sitting and listening to him as he taught his 12 disciples, and he used another woman that was sitting with his disciples as an example for her to follow. Before his death he instructed one of his disciples to care for his mother. Then He hung his head and died for us.
You are of more worth than you can even begin to fathom; so is every woman you interact with, whether here or on the other side of the globe. Value her and value you. Remind yourself daily that Jesus Christ, the greatest Advocate, Champion, and Liberator of women loves you so much that he willingly died for you! Women! Celebrate and revel in that too!

Join us for the Greater Euclid Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, March 15th, at the Church of the Epiphany, located at 21000 Lakeshore Blvd. in Euclid.  Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 children 3-12 years of age (2 and under are free), and the delicious breakfast will take place 11am to 2pm.  

Managing credit card debt

The beauty of nature provides the healing backdrop for two unique summer camps for children who have experienced the death of a loved one. Both are led by trained grief support specialists from Western Reserve Grief Services.

The fifth annual Lake Erie Folk Fest was a resounding success, with more than 1,000 visitors flocking to Euclid’s Shore Cultural Centre for two days of top-quality programs February 21 and 22. The fest kicked off with an educational concert Friday morning, attended by hundreds of local area students. Dedicated musicians had a chance to participate in an exclusive Master Class on Friday evening. Saturday was packed with a full day of free workshops and performances. And it was all topped off with a show-stopping concert Saturday night.

EUCLID - FEB. 24, 2020 - Euclid City Schools’ treasurer has announced that the district has been recognized by the Ohio Auditor of State for the third straight year.

Treasurer Matt Brown said the district has received the Auditor of State Award with Distinction for the third year in a row. The state auditor presents the award to local governments and school districts upon the completion of a financial audit that meets the criteria of a “clean” audit report.

“By earning this award, these school districts have shown they are committed to educating their students and being transparent with their spending,” Auditor of State Keith Faber said in the press release. “I am honored to present them with this award.”

A clean audit report means that the audit report does not contain any: Findings for recovery, material citations, material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, uniform guidance findings or questioned costs.

In addition, the district is exploring Ohio’s online checkbook program which is meant to make public finances more transparent.  The program is part of the Ohio Treasurer’s Transparency Project that “aims to make government more open and accountable to taxpayers by allowing Ohioans to follow their tax dollars and make more informed decisions.”

I just had another great meal at the Euclid Culinary Bistro at Shore Cultural Centre at our Wednesday Alumni Table and I'm always amazed at the lack of customers at this local, low-cost, high value facility right here in downtown Euclid. Open when school is in session (Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), these students from Euclid, Mentor and Wickliffe High Schools put together great sides, salads and entrees for virtually nothing. Come out and support our local students and the culinary program at Euclid High School while you can at old Shore, because the program will move back to the high school next fall. 

At Bailey Toastmasters, members learn by speaking to groups and working with others in a supportive environment. Our club of about 15 people, meets almost every Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Euclid Public Library for approximately an hour. We're always looking for new members and guests are always welcome.

Greater Collinwood Development Corporation will host an information session with Towards Employment about the workforce organization’s pilot manufacturing training program, March 10th at Five Pointe Community Center. The session will spotlight manufacturing as a family-sustaining career and provide interested candidates with information about the 4-week TE training course. 

God promises everything we need for life so that our joy may overflow!  Practicing Christians cling to this thought.  I especially cling to this truth every time I must be in a group setting with family members who are “unequally yoked.”

Only one determination gets me out my door.  And, it’s never about the joy I need to receive.

My simple determination (prayer) is to take them my joy!  So, with this delightful challenge of service to others leading the way, it is effortless to smile my goofy smile as intense hope hugs me along the way.

Now, can you guess who comes home radiant with even more joy, every time?

Publishers note: This is the first in a series by a wonderful local author. She is an American of Japanese descent born in Hawaii during World War II.

Euclid City Schools’ treasurer has announced that the district has been recognized by the Ohio Auditor of State for the third straight year.

Downtown Euclid will see more growth this year as plans have been set for a major renovation of the ALDI Grocery Store and the opening of a new Pulp Juice and Smoothie Bar. 

It is that time again.  Time for what? It is time to be counted!

As a part of the US Constitution: Article 1, Section 2, it is mandated that the country conducts a count of its population once every ten years. The 2020 Census will mark the twenty-fourth time that the country has counted its population since 1790.  

Many of us know that fun fact about the US Census, however, there is a lot of information floating around that you might not know.  Let’s take a few moments and focus on ten facts.  Make sure you read all the way to number ten, it is the MOST important. 

1.  In January 2020 the U.S. Census Bureau officially started their counting with the population in the rural Alaskan village of Toksook Bay.  From March 12th - 20th, 2020: Households will begin receiving official Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 Census online, by phone, or by mail.  Watch for yours then.  Find out more about this fun fact at https://2020census.gov/en/what-is-2020-census.html.

2.  March 30, 2020 - April 1, 2020: The Census Bureau will count people who are experiencing homelessness over these three days. As part of this process, the Census Bureau will count people in shelters, soup kitchens, mobile food vans, on the streets, and at non-sheltered, outdoor locations such as tent encampments.  It is very important to have as many people counted as possible,  Find out more about this fact visithttps://2020census.gov/en/partners/outreach-materials.html 

3.  April 1, 2020: is National Census Day. By this date, every home will have received an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. Once the invitation arrives, you can respond in one of three ways: online, by phone, or by mail. When you respond to the census, you'll tell the Census Bureau where you live as of April 1, 2020.  Visit the Census website listed in fact number one to receive more information about this.