Community

This is Euclid

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. 

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Volume 11, Issue 4, Posted 4:26 PM, 04.01.2020

Perspective

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.

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Volume 11, Issue 4, Posted 4:26 PM, 04.01.2020

Karen's Corner: What shall I do today?

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.

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Volume 11, Issue 4, Posted 4:26 PM, 04.01.2020

Help for Alzheimers is Available

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. 

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Volume 11, Issue 4, Posted 4:26 PM, 04.01.2020

Tales from the Heart of Texas

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.

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Volume 11, Issue 4, Posted 4:26 PM, 04.01.2020

A Call to All 20:4


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)

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Volume 11, Issue 4, Posted 4:26 PM, 04.01.2020

Interested in helping your community? Consider joining the Euclid Kiwanis.

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. 

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Volume 11, Issue 4, Posted 4:26 PM, 04.01.2020

Rep Kent Smith announces the launch of the Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library in House District 8.

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.

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Volume 11, Issue 4, Posted 4:26 PM, 04.01.2020

Euclid Community Comes Together to Support Local Businesses

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.

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Volume 11, Issue 4, Posted 4:26 PM, 04.01.2020

LCA Reschedules Annual Spring Meeting

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.

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Volume 11, Issue 4, Posted 4:26 PM, 04.01.2020

Takahata Talk

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!

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Volume 11, Issue 4, Posted 4:26 PM, 04.01.2020

Euclid Alumni Take 5 with Kate McLaughlin '83

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.

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Volume 11, Issue 3, Posted 5:26 PM, 03.09.2020

2nd Annual Kid's Maker Fair

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!  

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Volume 11, Issue 3, Posted 5:25 PM, 03.09.2020

A CALL TO ALL WOMEN 3/20

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!

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Volume 11, Issue 3, Posted 5:25 PM, 03.09.2020

It’s Pancake Breakfast time with Greater Euclid Kiwanis!

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.  

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Volume 11, Issue 3, Posted 5:25 PM, 03.09.2020

Children’s Grief Support Camps Offer Hope and Healing

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.

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Volume 11, Issue 3, Posted 5:26 PM, 03.09.2020

Lake Erie Folk Fest a Hit!

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.

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Volume 11, Issue 3, Posted 5:25 PM, 03.09.2020

Euclid Schools Earns State Auditor Award for a Third Straight Year

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.”

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Volume 11, Issue 3, Posted 5:25 PM, 03.09.2020

Euclid Alumni News

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. 

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Volume 11, Issue 3, Posted 5:25 PM, 03.09.2020

Become the Leader and Speaker You Want to Be

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.

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Volume 11, Issue 3, Posted 5:25 PM, 03.09.2020

GCDC To Host Manufacturing Training Pilot Information Session

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. 

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Volume 11, Issue 3, Posted 5:25 PM, 03.09.2020

Takahata Talk

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.

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Volume 11, Issue 3, Posted 5:25 PM, 03.09.2020

The Census, Ten Facts We Bet You Didn't Know

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.

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Volume 11, Issue 2, Posted 5:53 PM, 02.05.2020

Hospice of the Western Reserve Earns Highest Level In National Veteran-Centered Care Program

Hospice of the Western Reserve (HWR), headquartered in Collinwood, has been named a Level 5 Partner with We Honor Veterans (WHV), a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Level 5 is the highest level WHV partners can attain and includes several required activities and yearly recertification. We Honor Veterans was launched in 2010 to address the growing need for veteran-centered care, especially as veterans are aging and need access to palliative and hospice care.

As a partner in the program, Hospice of the Western Reserve provides specialized care to veterans facing a life-limiting illness through its Peaceful & Proud program. Last year, HWR provided care for more than 1,400 veterans and their families. Level 5 partners place a greater emphasis on paid and volunteer staff education and caring for Vietnam era and combat veterans and serve as mentors to other hospice programs.

At HWR, a continuing education program for paid and volunteer staff providing direct care incorporates webinars, videos and presentations from the VA and Veterans Service Commissions focusing on issues such as trauma informed care, PTSD, moral injury, suicide prevention, soul injury and self-awareness.

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Volume 11, Issue 2, Posted 5:53 PM, 02.05.2020

Happy February!

Happy February, Euclid Observer!  During the first 31 days of 2020, I attended the swearing in ceremonies in several House District 8 communities including Beachwood, Euclid, Richmond Heights and Woodmere Village.  Those ceremonies marked the transition from a 2019 campaign season to the launch of a new partnership in governance for 2020 and beyond.  To new and returning Mayors and Council Members, I say: treat your colleagues with respect and look for shared opportunities of cooperation that will advance positive outcomes in your cities. 

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Volume 11, Issue 2, Posted 5:53 PM, 02.05.2020

Through open dialogue, Simon’s Supermarket turns its Euclid shoppers into stakeholders

It’s not exactly common for grocery store owners to be on a first-name basis with their customers, but Simon Hussain isn’t just any store owner.

In 2017, Hussain opened Simon’s Supermarket on Euclid Avenue near East 260th Street—the third location in his growing chain that now also includes locations in Buckeye and (as of 2020) Bedford for a total of five stores. The vision behind the concept is to bring healthier food options into lower-income neighborhoods and known food deserts. To that end, the Euclid project received $650,000 in grants and loans from the Healthy Food for Ohio program, along with active collaboration with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health’s “Creating Healthy Communities” program.

“[We believe] access to healthier food options should be an inherent right,” explains Michelle Benko, program manager for the Cuyahoga County Board of Health.

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Volume 11, Issue 2, Posted 5:12 PM, 01.12.2020

Clarity

Just about everyone uses this time of year to set goals and start out on new ventures. The problem with new beginnings is that you often rely on old methods. If your plans didn’t work with your scheme then, why should they work now? Are you going to the same pool of friends, acquaintances or resources to get advice? Are you rehashing the same questions about life and purpose you’ve struggled with for the last decade? Well, it’s time for something new. Clear out your head-fog. Get clarity with your vision. Set a trajectory for iterative short-term successes. Get started!

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Volume 11, Issue 2, Posted 5:53 PM, 02.05.2020

A True Celebration!

For the past 7 years, Faith in the City has celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the Sunday before
MLK Day. More times than not, it seems there is a snowstorm. Sunday, January 19 was not different.
As inclement as the weather was, it did not stop the speakers, choir or attendees from celebrating Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr., recognizing the important work he accomplished and owning the fact that there
is still more work to be done.
Lake Shore Christian Church has hosted this celebration for the past 7 years. The celebration this year
started with Fr. Joseph Fortuna from Our Lady of the Lake Parish speaking about where we’ve been. Fr.
Joe shared his experiences of witnessing discrimination and bigotry as a child and young adult. He
shared stories experienced with family members and in his neighborhood that made him both
uncomfortable and frightened. If he felt this way as a young white man, how must those that were the
object of these ugly encounters feel?
Rev. Michelle Trotter from the House of Jubilee followed revealing her experiences of racism. She
shared the fact that she was pretty unaffected by racism as a child. It wasn’t until she was an adult,
when the Trayvon Martin shooting occurred that she was really hit with the reality of racism. How could
everyone not understand her anger with this situation as a human being, not to mention a black
woman? She helped us to confront the realities of racism today.
Rev. Rosalind Hughes from the Church of the Epiphany challenged us to recognize where we might be
personally struggling to speak up and act in ways that promote justice, fairness and unity. Are there
times that we have stood by silently, witnessing discrimination but not speaking up? How can we make
a difference in our place and time? What does our Christian faith require of us?
To me, one of the highlights of our celebration was the talk by Miss Za’Niyah Smith a freshman at
Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School. She spoke about what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. means to
her. She was so clear on the difference that Dr. King made in her life. She talked about the
things that she was able to do because of what Dr. King accomplished. Her focus and passion
were inspiring to me.
It is not possible to have a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. without talking about service. Pastor
Gerald Cameron from Celebration United Methodist Church reminded us of the importance of service.
We are called to support each other on our journey. We are sister and brothers travelling together and
when one of us stumbles, it’s up to us the help them along.
I was honored to talked about the future in Euclid. Looking out over the diverse crowd of young and old,
black and white, male and female, I couldn’t help but smile seeing an example of what should be
everywhere. The respect and affection that people felt towards each other was palpable in the
sanctuary. The event is called Unity in the Community and that’s exactly what it felt like. People
ventured out in a snowstorm to not only pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. but also to make a
statement about what they want the future to look like in Euclid. I pray that those that experienced
what I experienced, help spread that respect and affection all over the city of Euclid!

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Volume 11, Issue 2, Posted 5:53 PM, 02.05.2020