Community

The Euclid Public Schools Alumni Lunch Table has resumed at the Euclid Culinary Bistro at Shore Cultural Centre every Wednesday (when school is in session), 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet fellow alumni and friends from the Euclid Schools and have a good, inexpensive meal while supporting Euclid High School's award-winning culinary arts program led by Chef Daniel Esquivel. Chef Dan runs a tight kitchen and the students really work hard to provide a restaurant-like atmosphere.

For the past seven years big name entertainment acts, like Cedric the Entertainer and the Temptations have been performing right here in the heart of Euclid. Mitchell’s Ultra Lounge has a very spacious and beautiful ballroom on the second floor for the big shows.

There is also a highly rated bar and restaurant on the first floor. Open Thursday to Sunday, be sure to check out their Facebook page for the many specials and listing of the live jazz bands which usually play the first and second Fridays.

Mitchell's is the best place to be on Thursday Night! There is Line Dancing, Drink Specials, Outstanding Wings Specials, and an Awesome Atmosphere! Line Dance hosted by Brenda.

There are many sizes of unique rooms to have the perfect Holiday Party for your company or your family. Located at 24900 Euclid Ave. in Euclid, Mitchell’s is open Thursday through Sunday and sometimes on Monday for Karaoke.

The October Savers Clothing FUNDrive was a success. Thank you to all that donated and gave your time towards the event!

This October, Urban Renaissance Farms has been alive with visitors eager to find the perfect fall pumpkin, as well as others curious to learn more about this small urban oasis—which sits tucked away on East 279th Street in a neighborhood populated by multi-family housing, not far from Interstate 90.

Held over two weekends in October, the recent pumpkin patch events have been a coming-out party of sorts for Urban Renaissance Farms to the Euclid community at large. Though the farm has been up and running since 2015, this is the first year they’ve been able to sell produce such as pumpkins, winter squash, and red raspberry jam and promote the farm as a destination.

It’s an exciting development for Josh Stephens and Jamie Smialek, the married couple that operates the farm alongside their five adopted children. The Euclid residents are leasing nearly three acres of previously vacant green space from the city to develop Urban Renaissance Farms, a concept that is aligned with their desire to cultivate an urban farm culture in Euclid and help urban dwellers get back to their roots, literally.

Regarding a proposed change of language in current Ohio animal abuse law, Goddards Law, ORC 959.131. It is Senate Bill 205 sponsored by Sen. Jay Hottinger and Sen. Sean J. O'Brien.

We already have companion animal abuse/murder laws known as Goddards Law, ORC 959.131 in Ohio. It states those quilty of 1st through 5th degree misdemeanor are eligible for 6 months incarceration and those guilty of 1st through 5th degree felony are eligible up to 1 year incarceration. Senate Bill 205 would only raise the certain degrees of classification for torturing or killing companion animals in each category: misdemeanor and felony.

The problem is not the written law as it stands. The problem is lenient judges and advising prosecutors who refuse to uphold the present laws of punishment for animal abuse, torture and slaughter. The reasons are many but are unknown.

Consider outcomes of cases in this area in the last 10 months:

You are probably familiar with the concept that words carry meaning. At an early age you probably learned a nursery rhyme reciting, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me”. The reality is words are powerful. They carry more than just a message. They carry emotion. Think of them as bubbles filled with emotion. When emotion penetrates the atmosphere, other factors such as perception, understanding, attitudes and behaviors acclimate. You could go so far as to say words are a predictor of one’s state of mind. For my purposes, words are a bell weather. They act as a signpost to signal how people feel about themselves, regardless of the situation at-hand.

Regarding a proposed change of language in current Ohio animal abuse law, Goddards Law, ORC 959.131. It is Senate Bill 205 sponsored by Sen. Jay Hottinger and Sen. Sean J. O'Brien.

We already have companion animal abuse/murder laws known as Goddards Law, ORC 959.131 in Ohio. It states those that are quilty of 1st through 5th degree misdemeanor are eligible for 6 months incarceration and those guilty of 1st through 5th degree felony are eligible up to 1 year incarceration. Senate Bill 205 would only raise the certain degrees of classification for torturing or killing companion animals in each category: misdemeanor and felony.

The problem is not the written law as it stands. The problem is lenient judges and prosecutors who refuse to uphold present laws of punishment for animal abuse, torture, slaughter.  Reasons are many but unknown.

Consider cases in this area in the last 10 months:

Because insurance prices and policy options fluctuate constantly, it’s a good idea to shop for the best value every few years, the Ohio Credit Union League recommends. 

Have you ever experienced an extreme thirst? In the heat of summer, you might think of a time when a cold beverage felt so satisfying. Or after engaging in heavy physical work, you might recall how a quenching drink of water brought a sense of restoration to your body and mind. Likewise, did you know relationships can suffer from thirst? A cure is to replicate a sense of refreshing to become consistent in your thinking, actions and speech.

Greater Euclid Kiwanis activities are in full swing this fall!  Check out the calendar below to learn what’s up next for this exciting new club. There are several fun events and activities in which the community can participate and enjoy.

The Lakeland Civic Association will hold its regular October meeting at the Early Learning Village, hosted by Principal Sanya Henley, Thursday evening, October 10 at 7:30pm. This quarterly meeting of the LCA will celebrate the group's return to the venue on Elinore Avenue that it had enjoyed for many years until Euclid Public Schools was forced to renovate and repurpose the old Forest Park facility.

The two-day Black Diamonds Women’s Conference at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) offers inspiration and guidance to African American women determined to “level up.”

Polkas and sausage, what a great combo. It’s not something that you easily find in the world today.

On September 11, 2019 the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame hosted their 16th Annual Slovenian Sausage Festival at the SNPJ Farm in Kirtland, Ohio.

Over 1,300 individuals enjoyed eight hours of non-stop polka music provided by Canadian polka king Walter Ostanek, Rob DeBlander, Joe Godina, Ron Likovic, Frank Stanger, Anthony Culkar, Patty C and the Guys, the Fairport Jammers and a special Polka Hall of Fame All-Star orchestra.

Bill Azman proprietor of Azman Quality Meats on E 200th Street in Euclid, Ohio won both the Best of Fest Jury Award and the People’s Choice Award. Bill said “I was so busy it didn’t hear the announcement that we had won. We sold out of blood and rice sausage which is typically served in the fall and winter months.”

The party continues at the Polka Hall of Fame’s three-day polka music festival, Thanksgiving weekend, November 28, 29 and 30, 2019, at Cleveland’s Downtown Marriott Hotel. As winner of the People’s Choice, Bill Azman’s prize sausages will be served.

The Memorial Park Community Garden recently hosted an open house for Euclid residents to come out and see what's growing.  It was a beautiful, late summer night and the garden was looking stellar as a diverse mix of Euclidians enjoyed each other's company over snacks from the garden made by current MPCG members.  Experienced growers were on hand to answer guests' questions, seeds were given away to everyone that wanted them, and Euclid High School students were proudly showing off some of the work they have been doing through their Urban Agriculture program at Euclid High School.  This was a wonderful time for the garden, Memorial Park, and for the city of Euclid.  Thanks again to all that came out and we can't wait to open it up to everyone again next year!  In the meantime if you would like to join the waiting list for a plot, if you would like more information about the project, or if you are interested in starting a new community garden in Euclid, please contact us at MemorialParkCommunityGarden@yahoo.com.  

Owner Jason Gardner is following his passion to bring a place for people to gather and play good old fashioned board games as well as many new ones. It is located at 21950 Lakeshore Blvd. #shopeuclid #welovesmallbiz #euclidlive

By now, most of you have noticed the stark absence of squirrels and birds, except for a few flocks of sparrows and an occasional blue jay.  It was on August 16th that my usually musical and chatty back yard was deadly silent. I walked the neighborhood and found it the same.  Very sad.

Heading into my second season as Learn to Skate Director at Euclid’s C.E. Orr Arena,  I am excited to help promote ice skating at the rink where I learned to skate so many years ago, and which inspired in me my lifelong career in skating.

September is the month our thoughts turn to heading back to school, Labor Day celebrations, and plentiful harvests.  This year, the proud gardeners of Euclid’s Memorial Park Community Garden are welcoming residents to visit this special city treasure.  Lots of sweat and loving care has gone into making this community effort happen and the group is excited to share this with the city of Euclid.

The City of Euclid was fortunate to have four outstanding youth join its staff this summer through the federal Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) employment program.  Collectively, these Euclid young people contributed over 500 hours of service over the six week period. 

The weather was beautiful on the shores of Lake Erie for the 11th Annual VASJ Lady Viking Volleyball and Action CARSTAR Auto Body "Soaps It Up" Charity Car Wash held on the front turnaround of VASJ High School on Saturday, August 3rd. Throughout the day the team of 35 washed 114 cars and brought in over $3,000 which included pre-wash ticket sales by the Lady Viking team members and donations from local Allstate Insurance agent, Lynard Zingale, Cleveland Clinic-Euclid Hospital, Action CARSTAR, and API Autobody Products Inc.  The wash has become a way to support the Lady Vikings as well as a local or national philanthropy for the volleyball team and Action Carstar. VASJ Lady Viking Volleyball Coach Mark Royer and Tony Perrino, owner of Action Carstar-Euclid, feel it is important to "give back" and the wash supports this year's philanthropic recipient's (the Euclid Hunger Center) philosophy of "neighbor helping neighbor".

The case of Alfred Schlick who at home, under influence of drugs and alcohol, murdered his dog Mickey by stabbing her to death in the bedroom. Case# 19 crb 00347. He was sentenced to 180 days in jail in Euclid Court on Aug. 29.

Also, another companion animal murder has occurred at 24455 Lake Shore Blvd. on 8-11-19.

Euclid police report states Melissa Thornton threw a cat off a 17th floor balcony at 24455 Lake Shore. The cat lived on in unspeakable condition for a period of time until one officer took mercy and euthanized it.

Thornton was taken to Cuyahoga County and arraigned on 5th degree felony animal abuse. Max jail sentence is 1 year. Case# cr 19 6430 A.

As of this writing, she remains in Cuyahoga County Jail awaiting a GPS and a pretrial set for Sept. 3, in Cuyahoga County Court.

The City of Euclid is embracing a new layout for the Euclid Art Walk this year including temporarily closing a section of roadway for vendor tents, which is popular at other festivals in our region.

I positively loved the Euclid Pond and Garden Tour 2019. Also it was a real joy to attend The Euclid Pond & Garden Tour Appreciation Dinner 8/1/19 At the Euclid Senior Center. I cohosted Sally Barbers Pond & Garden Tour enabling me to attend this wonderful event with other cohosts and owners of Euclid Pond & Gardens on this years Pond tour.
You may have guessed my long time good friend Sally Barbers Secret Pond & Garden was my favorite!
But every pond and garden was delightful and each pond was beautiful , Unique , truly wonderful and all the hosts were very welcoming and charming!


And thanks so much for excellent photos & articles re proposed new Memorial Pool & reviewing major improvements already made in varied aspects of Memorial Park.
I am a long time Euclid resident of Euclid and I love swimming at Memorial Pool in the summers for over 40 years. I have been swimming daily for over 45 years. My late hubby said I had developed fins & scales as a result!
Keep up the good work on a wonderful publication which We Euclid residents genuinely appreciate- keeping us abreast of current events  and those already past. These articles help build our well deserved pride in our wonderful city !
Loving Blessings in Jesus - my Lord and Savior since 1981,
Nancy Mihalick

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Digital content is powerful, varied and persistent. Visual images and messaging channels can influence instantly. These days content doesn’t wait for you to find it. It comes to you on your phone or device based on search history, subscription or location. Truly, content is the commodity of our modern society. But wait! How do you use it? How do you protect against misuse when jumping-in to respond? Avoid misuse for shock-value. Interact with others to enhance mutual understanding. Use these tips to navigate the Digital Age and your role as consumer and participant.

What: First Responders Appreciation Sunday

Hiram College is pleased to announce the following students as members of the Dean’s List for the spring 2019 semester:

Captains Ballplayers Visit Mary Mavec School

A “Give Box” was installed on July 1 at 885 E. 222nd Street (in front of PetFix Northeast Ohio). Give Box-Cleveland is an offshoot of the Little Free Pantry program. Give Box-Cleveland brings this concept to local neighborhoods, activating community engagement to fill an immediate need and increase charity and neighborliness. This is an “always open,” weatherproof wood box that sits on a post filled with free food and toiletries. “Take what you need and give what you can” is the motto.

When you listen, what do you get? Are you inundated with repetitive, useless content? Have you wondered why you never get the information you ask for? Are there times when it seems no one is listening to you? Listening is a complicated communication process. It takes skill and patience to master the ability to shut off inner thoughts and focus on a request for information as it is offered. Likewise, it is challenging to shut off inner thoughts when you have strong feelings about the topic, source or content. As a partner in the listening process, your interpretation of circumstances is critical to what you hear or how you respond.

Dennis Knaus was an accomplished athlete and leader at Euclid Senior High School, lettering in cross country and swimming and serving on his class cabinet. Dennis earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Ohio University and captained its MAC Championship swimming team. A leading expert in foam manufacturing, he has several U.S. Patents. Dennis invented the technology to make low-cost polyethylene foam, used for protective packaging, insulation, and flotation (“Life-Vests”), has grown to a multi-billion/year market. In 1991, he founded Enviro-Tek (ET), a leader in inventing new foam technologies. ET was the United Nations’ primary contractor for eliminating the use of Freon™, an ozone-depleting chemical, in foam. Dennis, a world ranked professional triathlete, was on Saucony’s Triathlon Team and won the New England Championship several times.

­While Ohioans plan to spend less than the national average on back-to-school shopping, it doesn’t mean the annual supply run will be cheap. 

Don’t forget your lawn chair and bug spray when you head out to Euclid’s next Outdoor Movie Night on Friday, August 23rd! This month’s movie is a “throwback” selected by popular vote on a social media poll earlier this summer.

The movie will be on the baseball field at Chardon Hills Elementary School (from Chardon Hills, turn north on E.236th on to Glenbrook Blvd. / from Euclid Avenue, take Sherwood to Glenbrook Blvd).

Join us at 8pm to grab a great spot and play lawn games. The movie will start at sun-down, around 8:45pm.

Thanks to Aladdin Rents, free popcorn will be available to attendees while supplies last. The new chapter of the Euclid Kiwanis will be selling additional refreshments.

Free parking and restrooms will be available at the school. Minors must be accompanied by an adult per the City’s curfew. Check out https://www.facebook.com/SummeratSims/ for programming and movie title updates.

story to come soon

The City of Euclid just completed the rehabilitation of a home at 27100 Farringdon Avenue using Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) funds. The City received over $3.5 million to address foreclosed, vacant and abandoned properties to help stabilize our neighborhoods.

The home on Farringdon Avenue is the 26th home to be rehabilitated using NSP funds and marks the end of this program. It will be offered to first-time home buyers whose income does not exceed 50% of area median income as designated by HUD. A four person household qualifies with a maximum income of $36,850.

The house on Farringdon is a 3 bedroom 1 bath home on a slab with a detached two car garage. The first floor has a living room, dining room, family room, kitchen, utility room, bedroom, and bathroom. There are two bedrooms up with ample closet space.

The home was completely remodeled including painted siding and new shutters, a new roof on the house and garage, new kitchen with stainless steel appliances including a refrigerator, stove, dishwasher and microwave hood. There is a new washer and dryer in a closet adjacent to the kitchen.

Assuming a property record review goes as planned, the City of Euclid will take ownership of the closed Euclid YMCA on Babbit Road sometime in early Fall.  After the Greater Cleveland YMCA closed the facility in March of 2018, the building sat idle as the YMCA explored its options, ignoring requests for comment from The Observer about the future of the property.  Behind the scenes, Euclid city officials were working on acquiring the property for future use and potential redevelopment.

In mid-July, City Council approved the purchase of the property, authorizing Mayor Kirsten Holzheimer-Gail to buy it for $1.  On July 25, the Greater Cleveland YMCA board approved the sale to Euclid. 

Once ownership of the building and approximately 5.2 acres of property shift to the City’s hands, the next step will be tearing down the old building, according to Jonathan Holody, Planning and Development Director with the City of Euclid.  The City will bid out the asbestos removal, estimated to cost $170,000 as a first step.  Fortunately for Euclid, the most recent state budget has $150,000 earmarked for this purpose thanks to the collective efforts of State Senator Kenny Yuko (D-25), Councilperson Laura Gorshe and Mayor Holzheimer Gail.  Euclid will then have to put in $20,000 of City money to get the state funds.  For the building demolition, a $100,000 grant from Cuyahoga County will provide the needed money.

Lakeland Civic Association will hold its second annual free Summer Picnic at its Triangle park, bordered by Birch Ave, Walnut Drive, and Beech Drive. LCA members and guests will gather there for food, music, and games on Saturday August 24 from 5-8 p.m. If necessary a rain date is scheduled for Sunday August 25.

The LCA neighbors are reminded to bring a chair, an appetite, and a competitive spirit for the lawn games. Kids will enjoy water balloons. Picnicers will be served pizza, chicken, pop, water, and cookies. LCA expects another good turnout to socialize with neighbors and meet new friends.

Are you frustrated or exhausted because you’ve tried “everything” and still can’t get breakthrough results? During these challenging times don’t get caught in a self-spiral that feeds blame. Blaming is a consuming attitude. When you cast blame, it wraps you and anyone else involved in blankets of doubt and fear. When relationships are contaminated with blame and shame, they spin and wobble and become loosely formed. Situations become conditional. Trust unravels. Stop doing what is not working before it’s too late. Instead, take a deep cleansing breath and make a radical shift to think and speak in gratitude. Turn your situation upside down by taking on a different perspective. Change your atmosphere and you can change your outcomes.