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On Thursday, April 14th over 150 local and state attendees gathered to honor ten Euclid businesses, organizations and business persons at the Irish American Club for the Euclid Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Chamber Awards Event.  Every year nominations are submitted from the community and the City of Euclid for the Euclid Chamber’s various awards for Large Business, Small Business, Organization, Business Person, Bluestone and Lifetime Achievement recognition. Each recipient received a Proclamation from the City of Euclid along with special commendations from Governor Kasich and Representative Kent Smith and a plaque from the Euclid Chamber of Commerce.

Celebrate our 10th year of showcasing our E. 200th Street businesses and great community organizations by joining us on Saturday, June 4th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on E. 200th Street from Rick Case Honda to Our Lady of the Lake Parish.

In sports, it often doesn't pay to put much stock in so-called  ° omens. "

During the Ohio high school regional basketball playoffs, one Villa

Angela-St. Joseph fan noticed that the state Division III championship game

was slated for March 19-the Feast of St. Joseph. ¢couldn't it be neat if

the St. Joe team won a state title on St. Joseph's Day?"the fan thought.

"Perhaps it's a good omen. "

well, that turned out to be wishful thinking. Coach Babe Kwasniak's

Vikings did make it to the final game in Columbus, but their rather

remarkable season came to an end with a 66-44 loss to Lima Central

Catholic-the same team they had beaten a year earlier to claim VASJ's

sixth state basketball crown. In fact, it was the third year in row that these

two squads met in the championship finals.

Almost incredibly, it marked the fourth straight appearance in a state

championship game for this year's Vikings seniors-first-team All-Ohio

guard Sherman Dean III, Kevin Roberts, Jacob Stauffer, Anthony Turk and

Phillip Bessick. Certainly, they'd hoped to end their high school careers on a

final victory note. But it wasn't to be. And, understandably, they and their

teammates seemed less than jubilant in settling for the runner-up trophy on

Ohio State's Schottenstein Center court.

Nonetheless, the 2016 VASJ squad far exceeded anyone's 

expectations-especially considering that all five starters on the 2015

championship team had graduated. Starting from scratch, Coach Kwasniak's

cagers  fashioned a very memorable tournament run.

And watch out for them again next year. The leading scorer for the

Vikings in the state title game was sophomore guard Jerry Higgins, whose

shot at the halftime buzzer narrowed Lima Central's lead to 27-26. Higgins

finished the game with 15 points. Among the others expected to return next

season are 6-7 freshman Alonzo Gafney, 6-2 junior Noah Newton, and 6-3

junior Dan McGarry who made a significant contribution under the basket

this season.

 Congratulations to Imagine Bella Academy of Excellence Teacher of the Year, Ms. Mary Figueroa! The 5th and 6th grade Mathematics Teacher has also been honored as the January Head of the Class Winner from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Teacher of the Year for Imagine Schools in Northeast Ohio. Ms. Figueroa hosts free tutoring for students and their families to master challenging middle school math concepts. She is active on the campus leadership team and serves as the decision maker for the Positive Character Development Committee. Each day, Ms. Figueroa represents a lifelong learner, demonstrates genuine compassion and displays integrity in all her endeavors. It is a joy and an honor to recognize her as the Teacher of the Year.

Cleveland, OH – For the first time since the inception of the County’s Casino Revenue Fund, funds will be made available for a development project outside of the downtown district. Initiated and championed by County Councilwoman Sunny Simon, primary sponsor of the legislation, Cuyahoga County Council approved a $4 Million, partially-forgivable loan to the City of Euclid in support of Phase II of the Euclid Waterfront Improvement Plan at its regular Nov. 10, 2015 meeting.

Councilwoman Simon, whose district includes the City of Euclid, expressed the broad impact of the Casino Revenue Fund and this waterfront project, “This project proves the importance of taking a regional approach to promoting development in our County. The casino funds are a powerful tool to build on the strengths in our various communities. This will improve the amenities offered to residents of Euclid and will also be a draw for visitors to the City and the County. Our lakefront is a regional asset; I applaud the Council for approving this vital and forward-looking economic and community development project.”

EUCLID, OHIO--This memorable season will go down in the record books as one of most successful football seasons for Euclid High School. The Panthers went 10-3, tied with Solon for the Greater Cleveland Conference championship and advanced to the third round of the Division I, Region 1 playoffs. Their third round playoff appearance was a first in Euclid High School history. The team was led by head coach Jeff Rotsky, winner of the Tony Fisher "Coach of the Year" award and named Coach of the Year for the Northeast Ohio Lakes All-District football team. 

Euclid High School Athletic Director Patrick Higley said it best, "Thank you to the families and friends of Euclid for supporting the team throughout the year, especially last night in less than desirable conditions. This season, you witnessed history. Most importantly, however, thank you to the young men in the program. Thank you for your time, your commitment and desire to be the very best you could be, on and off the field. This year YOU made history!"

The First Annual Catholic Hunger and Shelter Network Recognition sponsored by Catholic Charities/Diocese of Cleveland was held on September 23, 2015 at the Greater Cleveland Foodbank.

Melissa Sirak, Director, had this to say regarding the work of its agencies.  “For over thirty years the Catholic Hunger & Shelter Network has provided quality program and services to those experiencing hunger and homelessness in our communities.  Only with the time, talent and resources of so many individuals can we continue our mission of serving those who have less.  On behalf of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland, thank you for your daily contributions and may you be granted abundant blessings in all the good work that you do.”

The Euclid Hunger Center was presented the “Pantry Perfection” Panty plaque and was applauded for their high standards and the continued work they do in meeting the needs of the underserved residents of the community.

A much anticipated Euclid holiday tradition returns with the 5th Annual Euclid Holiday Celebration taking place on Friday, December 4, 2015! The event will be held from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Triangle Park, which is located in front of the Shore Cultural Centre, 291 East 222nd St., in Downtown Euclid. This festive event features horse drawn wagon rides, free activities and crafts for children, along with the lighting of the holiday tree and free visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus!  A Holiday Church Choir Concert will be held in the auditorium, and the Holiday Bistro on the lower level of Shore will be serving a wide variety of foods for dine-in or to go. Exciting new features this year will include an ice sculptor creating a Fire & Ice tower. The City of Euclid, Shore Cultural Centre, and the Euclid Chamber of Commerce are proud to be partnering again this year on this important community event. 

The Thanksgiving holiday is close at hand. So close, you can almost smell the turkey in the oven, see the candles on the table, and taste the pies! Macy's Parade. Football. Black Friday. To most of us, traditionally, it is the start of the Holiday Season!  Snow, maybe.  Cold, probably. Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, whatever holiday you observe, is coming.  But it's not ONLY the holiday itself that makes the season. It's what you DO with the time between Thanksgiving and that other holiday that makes it joyous!

Laparade is celebrating its commitment to inspiring young lives through quality early care programming and beyond. The center is always striving to be the change they want to see in the community. Laparade Early Learning and Training Center was incorporated in August of 2005, it opened its doors as a quality training center for early care educators who are seeking to become National Child Development Associates. A few months later in November of 2005, the direct operated childcare center was licensed with the State. The childcare center and the training center is located at25000 Euclid Avenue ,  Euclid Place office building. 

At Imagine Bella we have this wonderful thing called “Student of the Month”. How you can become it is not all about being the best student, it’s about having perseverance. Ms. Figueroa describes it as, “Never giving up, even when things are hard”. A student from each grade gets picked by a teacher to be the student of the month.  

On Oct. 1, HGR Industrial Surplus celebrated Manufacturing Day with a site-dedication ceremony and customer appreciation sale that included 20 to 50 percent off most items in the showroom and resulted in more than 225 people visiting and one of the company’s top sales days.

Customers began to arrive before 7:30 a.m. to shop for used industrial surplus goods, including one whose mother built GM auto bodies at the facility. Guests continued to arrive for the 11 a.m. dedication ceremony emceed by Mark “Munch” Bishop of WKNR 850 AM, who shared a brief history of the site before turning the floor over to Brian Krueger, one of HGR’s owners who introduced many honored guests.

Euclid Mayor Bill Cervenik acknowledged the $10-12 million of improvements that HGR has begun making to the fire system, roof and parking lot, saying, “I remember dodging chuckholes as big as your car in the lot when it was owned by the previous landlord.” Council President Kirsten Holzheimer-Gale said a few words and introduced Ward 1 Councilwoman Stephana C. Caviness, as well as Pearletha Taylor, president of the Heritage Park Neighborhood Association, then presented HGR with a friendship plaque from the city. Krueger acknowledged Cheryl Stephens of the Cuyahoga Land Bank who helped negotiate the site acquisition.

In 1942, The Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Mark bought the 25 acre estate on Chardon Hill from the family of Henry Pickands.  Pickands was the heir to the Pickands Mather Company, pioneers in the Great Lakes shipping and mining industries.  The order of Catholic sisters began to provide rest home services for residents of the area in the large, white, Neo-Georgian-style dwelling that was on the estate property.  Of the fifty sisters in the ministry at the time, some were sent to nursing school to be able to better provide medical care to their patients.  The rest home soon outgrew the capacity of the house, and in the 1950s, the Sisters raised money, and built a 100-bed nursing facility in increments.  This home was called Mount Saint Joseph.

This picture was taken on the first day of newspaper flub at Imagine Bella. We learned each other’s names and took so many amazing pictures. We take pictures of school events. We also plan and write articles and put them in the newspaper. That is what newspaper club is about. To read more articles by students, find Imagine Bella’s page inside the Observer.

Imagine Bella was awarded “School of the Year” for Academic Growth and Character Development, recognized for their strong performance among all Imagine Schools in the country. Imagine Schools is a national non-profit network of 63 public charter campuses educating more than 30,000 students in 11 states and the District of Columbia. Imagine Schools partners with parents and guardians to educate their children, providing high quality schools that prepare students for lives of leadership, accomplishment, and exemplary character.

The Summer at Sims Park Concerts are attracting large crowds from throughout the area. The free concerts are held the last Thursday of the month with music beginning at 6pm. In July, the Mike Wojtila Band gave a fantastic performance as the audience enjoyed a beautiful sun set over Lake Erie as well as great food from local food trucks.

Hospice of the Western Reserve Announces Long-Range Growth Plans

Twenty years ago, Hospice of the Western Reserve began admitting patients at its new hospice house – the first in Ohio and one of only a handful in the country – overlooking 1,200 feet of Lake Erie waterfront. At a recent anniversary ceremony, president and chief executive officer Bill Finn announced the agency is engaged in a master planning process with C.C. Hodgson, a firm specializing in healthcare and senior living design services.

 “This is a multi-year journey,” Finn said, speaking before an audience of staff members, volunteers and community supporters. “Our objective is to set long-term goals for David Simpson Hospice House and the adjacent 12-acre Christian Life Center property we acquired in 2009. As we examine the options to grow and to expand this campus, our focus is on solutions that will most benefit the Northeast Ohio region - our patients, families and the community.” 

Hospice of the Western Reserve is collaborating with Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School (VASJ) to support the school's annual fundraiser, "Escape on the Lake" 5k Run and 1-Mile Walk on Saturday, July 11. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the race begins at 9 a.m. at (VASJ), 18491 Lakeshore Blvd., with the Finish Line at the shoreline of Lake Erie, on the property adjacent to VASJ and David Simpson Hospice House. This park-like property, formerly home to the Christian Life Center, and is now part of Hospice of the Western Reserve's Lakeshore Campus. 

Saturday, May 2, 2015 was a beautiful day in downtown Euclid with more than 200 participants for the inaugural HELP Run for Awareness 5k!  Organized with the support of local and regional sponsors the event featured many of the individuals HELP serves as part of their mission to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be respected and valued members of their community. Friends and supporters from across Northeast Ohio attended as the bright sunshine showed Euclid at its early-spring best!

This event is a part of HELP’s ongoing 50th Anniversary celebration along with the upcoming June 11th Open House and Annual Meeting at HELP’s newly built Administration & Training Campus at 26900 Euclid Avenue. Founded in 1965 by parents who had children with developmental disabilities, HELP grew from one group home to now serve more than 700 children and adults in three counties.  Coming to Euclid in 2009 HELP has continued to find a welcoming and collaborative community that encouraged their growth and success. HELP's Euclid operations now include two group homes, the succesful and growing Adult Day & Vocational Program on Shore Center Drive, as well as the HELP Seniors Program located at the Lakefront Community Center.

For more information, employment opportunities and more please visit www.helpfoundationinc.org

Imagine Bella Carnival Nite was a fun, games, and prizes! Read more about it on Imagine Bella's page. 

On Thursday, March 26th over 150 local and state attendees gathered to honor several of “Euclid’s finest” area businesses, organizations and business persons at the Irish American Club on Lakeshore Blvd. for the Euclid Chamber of Commerce’s Annual “Taste of Euclid” Awards Event.  Every year nominations are submitted from the community and the City of Euclid for the Euclid Chamber’s various awards for Large Business, Small Business, Organization, Business Person, Bluestone and Lifetime Achievement recognition. Each recipient received a Proclamation from the City of Euclid along with special commendations from the Ohio Secretary of State and Governor Kasich’s offices and Euclid Chamber of Commerce plaques handed out by Sarah Gyorki, Euclid Chamber President, along with Euclid Mayor Bill Cervenik, Josette Burns-Secretary of State’s office, Chamber Board members Cheryl Cameron (Chair-Action CARSTAR Auto Body), Rebecca McFarland (Euclid Public Library) and Sheila Gibbons, Executive Director, Euclid Chamber of Commerce.

Our Lady of the Lake School is delighted to be congratulating third grade teacher Cathy Gentile on being the recipient of Northeast Ohio Media Group’s Crystal Apple Award for Teaching Excellence. Mrs. Gentile is a dedicated educator, who has touched the lives of thousands of students, including current third-grader Caroline Brown. In her nomination, Caroline wrote: “Mrs Gentile is a true inspiration to her students. She inspires her students to think globally and act locally…. She goes above and beyond in her role as an educator”. We are very fortunate to have talented, caring teachers inspiring tomorrow’s leaders.

After months of preparation, six Euclid High School students reported to Lakeland Community College on April 25th to participate in the fifth annual AWT RoboBot Competition.  An event orchestrated by the Alliance for Working Together, “a coalition started by Fredon of at least 75 local companies seeking to encourage youth to consider jobs in manufacturing.” The competition has grown from seven high schools to 35 this year. 

BlabOnAirCares thanks everyone who came out Saturday, March 21,2015, making Cops And Kids: Bridging the Gap, an enormous success. In a climate, where images and words dominate local and world news about the disconnect between police and the people they serve, we came together in hopes of bridging the gap. On this Saturday morning at Mitchell's Ultra Lounge residents near and far came together to do more than sit and listen. Headlining a panel of five was Sgt. Kevin Jackson. Also, panelist  Officer(s) Dawn Bybee, Brandon Tisdale, Sherman Whatley and Justin Jackson brought their experience to an audience seeking to hear a message to dispel perceptions and foster unity. Below, you'll find recollections from people around the room:

Who has the Teacher of the Year for all Imagine Schools in Northeast Ohio? That would be right here at Imagine Bella Academy of Excellence. Hillary Kaput started at Imagine Bella Academy of Excellence in 2010 as a Kindergarten teacher and won teacher of the year in her current position as a second grade teacher.  Mrs. Kaput strives for academic growth for all students, a positive classroom culture through morning meeting, and works as part of the school improvement team afterschool.

Mrs. Kaput was first picked as Teacher of the Year for Imagine Bella and then she moved onto the regional round. At the regional level, Mrs. Kaput participated in additional observations and interviews from colleagues to be awarded Teacher of the Year for Northeast Ohio. Imagine Bella is so proud to have this amazing teacher as part of our great team that is always growing towards excellence.

The Girl Scouts in Brownie Troop #71092 and Cadette Troop #71440 appreciate the support shown by the neighborhood at their recent "drive-thru" cookie booths at the LaSalle Theater. Northeast Shores was kind enough to provide the space and promotion to the troops, which together serve more than 35 girls in the Collinwood/Euclid area. Over the two Friday nights, the girls sold more than 350 boxes of cookies for a profit of almost $250 (the troop keeps about 69¢ per box sold).

Armond Budish took office as Cuyahoga County’s newest Executive in January, 2015.  One of Mr. Budish’s first initiatives was to meet with one hundred business leaders from throughout Cuyahoga County in his first hundred days in office.  Last month, representatives of four Euclid-based businesses joined in a round-table discussion that brought the Executive one step closer to his goal. 

In a January article in The Plain Dealer, Mr. Budish was quoted saying “We have a unique and diverse blend of talent, experience, and brainpower among the leaders in our business community."  The County Executive is striving to capitalize on that local business talent to make Cuyahoga County an ideal place for job creation and business development.

If you love homemade ethnic food, why don’t you join us at our annual Taste of Nations Gala, which is being held on Saturday, April 18,2015.  The evening will begin with a Polka Mass (The Joey Tomsick Orchestra is providing the music), followed by dinner at 5:45 p.m. (Doors open at 5:00 p.m.)  This is a wonderful opportunity for guests to experience many different international cuisines representing those of Eastern Europe, Germany, the Phillipines, Ireland, Italy, and Latin America.  Parishioners have been preparing and making items to be served in these food rooms.

The City of Euclid showed their love for the Euclid Hunger Center on February 12, 2015, as friends gathered for a Valentine-themed benefit at Paradise Island.  The trustees and staff were there to meet and greet their guests, offering them hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and beautifully wrapped themed-raffle baskets.

“It is always so heart-warming to see the great support we have for the Center and our mission,” states Grace Wright, manager of the Center.  “On a very cold evening many came by to support our ‘Neighbors Helping Neighbors’ philosophy.

As the trustees work to meet the growing needs of the community, we wish to express our deepest gratitude to Mr. Gary DeWine who has served as the President.  He has spent countless hours guiding the board, raising money, and providing physical labor.

In the month of February, students were able to order a sweet treat for friends or teachers with Imagine Bella Academy of Excellence’s first ever Valentine’s Candygram Sale.  Ms. Caddick greeted students in the morning and helped them to address their candygram for someone special. Student helpers delivered candygrams on the morning of February 12th. What a sweet surprise to start off the day!

In its January 2015 issue, The Cleveland Magazine selected and recognized members of the community who “work diligently to create a kind and productive workplace and community" in its “Heroes Behind the Scenes,” feature.  Rev. John D. Betters, Pastor of Ss. Robert & William Catholic Parish was selected as one of its Top Ten Heroes out of a field of over fifty nominees.

Downtown Euclid has traditionally been a hub of commercial and civic activity in the City of Euclid.  Stretching along Lakeshore Boulevard between East 217th Street and East 232nd Street, the area is home to many long-time businesses, non-profit organizations, and even a few churches. 

The Euclid Chamber of Commerce will again be hosting and recognizing it's most successful local businesses, organizations and leaders at the annual upcoming "Taste of Euclid" Awards Event on Thursday, March 26th from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Irish American Club East Side on Lakeshore Blvd.  The "taste" has become a tradition over the past several years with the "best Culinary Treats and beverages" from restaurants in the Euclid area but the Chamber has been recognizing  area leaders for over 30 years.  All of the recipients this year have earned honors for their contributions, and collectively they speak to the strong business climate and positive outlook for Euclid.

The Euclid Observer is a completely community-written paper. If you would like to contribute, go to www>EuclidObserver.com, click on Member Center, sign in, and start writing. We are interested in your ideas, questions, issues, projects, dreams, etcetera.  Share them with your neighbors by become a writer (or photographer or illustrator) for the Euclid Observer.

Anyone that works with volunteers knows that often they go about their business of making a difference and assisting others relatively unnoticed. Well that just changed for Chris McGrath when he received the Community Service Award from Euclid Hospital.

Chris accepted the award surrounded by family, friends and those that have benefited from his hard work over the years. Some of those that have benefited from Chris' dedication include:

Villa Angela-St. Joseph High school where Chris graduated in 1969,

St. Christine Church and Our Lady of the Lake Church where Chris serves as a Eucharistic Minister, Usher and a member of the Parish Life Committe.

Collinwood neighborhood where Chris and his wife, Linda, have lived for 30 years. It is there they raised their children, Erin, Katie and Matthew and enjoy their grandchildren Liam and Regan.

When he is home, McGrath focuses on many community initiatives including Block Watch, assisting neighbors with housing issues, and working to keep his community safe by checking on his neighbors and keeping an eye on vacant homes. He also serves on the Board at the Collinwood Recreation Center.

“When I heard about this award, I was very humbled,” McGrath said. “It actually brought tears to my eyes.”

In typical fashion, McGrath recognized the many others who do so much for the community. In particular, he spoke of fellow Viking parent and longtime volunteer Jim Tobin, who played an integral part in McGrath’s quick treatment for the stroke he suffered over a year ago.

Although the things that McGrath does while volunteering are useful, most people would agree that it is the great love for his community that he demonstrates while serving that makes him special. Chris acts as an ambassador for all of the organizations that he serves.   He continues to be committed to making Euclid where he works and Collinwood where he lives safer, friendlier places, all the while providing a great example for others and encouraging those around him to do the same.

So we at Our Lady of the Lake Church add our congratulations and heartfelt thanks for all that you do, Chris!

You are never too young to take action to make your community better. At Our Lady of the Lake, students learn about social justice from an early age, and engaged learners get in and do something about it. We're so proud of these preschool kids for their great work collecting canned foods for families in need. Caring for each other makes us all feel good!

Euclid High School student-athletes were visited by retired Cleveland Cavalier, Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Big Z answered questions, had a three-point shooting contest, and took selfies with students. Mr. Ilgauskas shared how important both fundamentals and education are to successful athletes. A special thanks to Boys Basketball Coach Javier Collins for organizing this inspiring event.

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

November is the month of Thanksgiving so Recher Hall will have a jam session in their club room for all to celebrate this past year. Bring your instruments, food will be available, and join in the celebration.

Free admission

Jam session starts at 6 PM

A much anticipated Euclid holiday tradition returns with the 4th Annual Euclid Holiday Celebration taking place on Friday, December 5, 2014!  The event will be held from 5 to 9 pm at Triangle Park, which is located in front of the Shore Cultural Centre, 291 East 222nd St., in Downtown Euclid. This festive event features horse drawn sleigh rides, holiday carolers, free activities and crafts for children, along with the lighting of the holiday tree and free visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus!  A free Holiday Concert will be held in the auditorium, and a Holiday Bistro on the lower level of Shore will be serving a wide variety of foods for dine-in or to go. Exciting new features this year include a Holiday Magic Show and an Ice Sculptor. The City of Euclid, Shore Cultural Centre, and the Euclid Chamber of Commerce are proud to present this very special holiday event and are pleased to have K & D Manaement LLC, and Leff Electric as Presenting Sponsors. For more information visit online www.shoreculturalcentre.com/holiday or call 216-289-8578.

4th Annual Euclid Holiday Celebration

• Admission is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
• Join in the festivities from 5pm-9pm:
• FREE indoor kids crafts and activities
• Visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus will begin at 6:45pm.
• FREE indoor Magic of the Holiday show at 7pm and 7:45pm
• Tasty treats including hot cocoa, cookies and kettle corn
• Live Ice Sculpting
• FREE Holiday concert featuring area churches at 7pm in the Auditorium.
• Holiday Bistro located on the lower level of Shore serving a full array of food—Dine in or to-go!
• Horse drawn sleigh rides just $2 for adults, $1 for kids 12 and under, ages 5 and under FREE
• Carolers strolling throughout the park

Meet us at outside at 6 pm for the Tree Lighting Ceremony, music and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus by sleigh!