Non-profits

Clients Now Have a Choice at the Euclid Hunger Center

The month of October proudly marked the Euclid Hunger Center’s first month as a Choice Pantry. The Euclid Hunger Center Board and its volunteers have worked hard in recent months to relocate the Center to a new room in Shore Cultural Centre and create a new client experience that puts control back into the hands of the people we serve. Clients and volunteers are excited and positive about the switch as it has allowed for a more personable and individualized experience for everyone.

Clients are now able to choose which products they prefer as opposed to being handed a prepackaged bag of food items. The move to a Choice Pantry allows the Center to be more efficient and effective in the purchasing of products. When clients have a choice in their products, less food is wasted at home since clients are taking items they know their families will be able to use.

The transition to a choice pantry was not an easy one and we would like to thank Shore Cultural Centre for offering us continued residence, Cleveland Paint Company for their generous donation of paint for our new room, our volunteers who have worked tirelessly to enable this change, The Cleveland Foodbank and the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland for all of their guidance and support, and, most importantly, the community as a whole for their generosity, compassion, and eagerness to help their neighbors.

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Volume 3, Issue 10, Posted 10:45 AM, 11.13.2012

Shopping at Ss. Robert and William

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas shopping time! Ss. Robert and William Catholic Parish has many ways for you to start your shopping – in a peaceful, fun environment!

The Mustard Seed Religious Goods Store is ready for the rush of holiday shoppers. We will be extending our hours from 8:00am until 3:00pm on Festive Friday November 23rd and offering free coffee and tea to our shoppers. Additionally, we are adding extra weekend hours from 4:45-5:45pm on all Saturdays in December. Come look around for unique, heartfelt gifts for those special people in your life. We have new gift items arriving weekly, including candles, books, jewelry and so much more. We invite you to visit us this holiday season and start your shopping at the little shop with great “values.” 

The Mustard Seed is located at 26193 Forestview Ave., Euclid (216.731.0177). Check out our website for holiday hours.

Another shopping opportunity is at the Holly Berry Bazaar on Saturday, November 17th. From 9:00am until 3:30pm our gym will be transformed into a wonderland of Christmas crafts and more. Admission is $1.00 per person and includes free coffee, hot chocolate and cookie stations. We will have many crafters that have lovely gift items including purses, jewelry, baked goods, crocheted items and much more! Bring some friends and spend your day getting into the Holiday Spirit.

We hope to see you there!

Ss. Robert & William Catholic School is located at 351 East 260th St., Euclid.  For additional information go to www.srweuclid.cc or call 216.731.1515.

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Volume 3, Issue 10, Posted 10:43 AM, 11.13.2012

"SIster Said" Local Book Signing in December

Come and take a journey with us back to the 1950’s and ‘60’s to St. Robert Catholic School, St. William Catholic School, and Villa Angela Academy.  “SISTER SAID,” written by Lee a. friend, is the story of a seven year old girl's journey from grade one through grade twelve in Catholic school. 

Starting in the Briardale projects, to the local color of Cleveland and the surrounding area, this book features  songs, T.V. shows, movies and a young person's view of the times. All of the ‘Sisters’ mentioned in the book are named “Mary" and this is about how the author interpreted everything SISTER SAID from what she really meant.

The reader - both Catholic and non-Catholic  - will find this book informative, inspirational, entertaining and humorous. It would make a great Christmas gift!

On Sunday, December 9, 2012 at 12:30 p.m., Lee a. friend will offer her insight into the book and the era, at The Mustard Seed/Ss. Robert & William Catholic Parish, 26193 Forestview Ave., Euclid (216.731.0177). She will have copies available for purchase and autographs.

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Volume 3, Issue 10, Posted 10:44 AM, 11.13.2012

Ss. Robert and William Holly Berry Bazaar

On Saturday, November 17th from 9 am to 3 pm the Ss. Robert and William Catholic School gym will be transformed into a shopper’s dream. A variety of vendors will join our parish crafters in offering a charming selection of goods for every taste. This will be a great place to find holiday gifts for those special people in your life.

Come take a stroll around and see what we have to offer. Admission will be $1.00 per person. From jewelry to painted glass, we will have it all. You never know what you may find in our bazaar. There will be something for everyone. It will be a great way to spend your Saturday!

Ss. Robert & William Catholic School is located at 351 East 260th St., Euclid.  For additional information go to www.srweuclid.cc or call 216.731.1515.

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Volume 3, Issue 10, Posted 4:15 PM, 10.05.2012

Rose-Mary Center Hosts Cleveland Clinic's United Way Day of Caring

Rose-Mary Center has been serving the community since 1922.  As we celebrate our 90th anniversary this year we look at a rich history of continuous development and expansion of services for one of the most underserved and vulnerable populations, individuals with developmental disabilities.  Our services are provided to children, young adults, adults and seniors.  We provide residential services, senior day care, day  activity programs, summer camp and a variety of respite services.  We are known throughout the local community, as well as the entire state of Ohio, for our expertise in providing services for those who have severe, complex needs and require a high level of care in a structured environment.

As part of this milestone anniversary year, we have established a relationship with United Way and the Cleveland Clinic.  One hundred twenty-five volunteers from the Clinic’s administrative offices, managers, environmental service, nursing, and many, many other disciplines were at the Center  on September 28, participating in the United Way Day of Caring.  Projects undertaken included painting, yard work and general cleaning. 


Donna Cantlin is the Director of Development for the Rose-Mary Center.

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Volume 3, Issue 10, Posted 4:06 PM, 10.05.2012

The Mustard Seed, a small shop, with great "values"

Located on the site of Ss. Robert & William Catholic Parish, "The Mustard Seed" Religious Gift Store has recently restocked and reorganized its operation to provide shoppers with an excellent assortment of greeting cards, religious items and gifts. 

“Our purpose is to offer spiritual items that are reasonably priced at a convenient location”, states Fr. John D. Betters, Pastor.  “We are stocked with a variety of items, such as 12 Step greeting and verse cards, fair trade items, candles, prayer cards, Advent and Christmas items, beach glass jewelry, books and much, much more”, says Betters. 

New merchandise is arriving weekly.

The Mustard Seed is located at 26193 Forestview Ave., Euclid (216.731.0177).  Hours of operation are:  Sunday, 9:45 a.m. -1p.m.; Monday, Closed; Tuesday, 3:00-7:00p.m.; Wednesday, 11:45a.m.-2:45p.m.; Thursday, 3:00-7:00p.m.; Friday, 11:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m. and Saturday, 8:45 a.m. – Noon.

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Volume 3, Issue 10, Posted 4:09 PM, 10.05.2012

A "Meet the Artist" invitation from Mary Mavec Opportunity School

The Mary Mavec Opportunity School of Euclid invites you to join them for a meet the artist wine and cheese event. The Mary Mavec Opportunity School of Euclid's mission is: To provide a stimulating, rewarding, and stable workshop environment for adults with developmental disabilities in a richly rewarding and compassionate setting that encourages life-long growth. The Meet the Artist Event is Thursday, November 1st, 6 - 8pm at 21701 Lakeshore Blvd. in Euclid. Wine, hors d'oeuvres & refreshments will be served. $20.00 per person. For tickets, call 216.731.4666  

Vicky Geer is the director of the Mary Mavec Opportunity School of Euclid.

     

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Volume 3, Issue 10, Posted 4:14 PM, 10.05.2012

The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections Launces Efforts to Hire 6000 workers for Election Day

The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections is seeking reliable and civic-minded people to serve as poll workers during the November 6th General Presidential Election.

To help make the public aware of these job opportunities, poll worker applications will be available at over 100 locations throughout the county.

"This is an important and exciting election.  We need to hire the best, most reliable Election Day workforce as possible to help us administer a fair, transparent and smooth Election Day," said Jane Platten, Director, Cuyahoga County Board of Elections.  "We rely on 6,000 poll workers to help us conduct our elections so we need to hire the best, most hardworking team in the field. In order to do that, we are reaching out to all of our community partners in this recruitment effort," said Platten.

Poll workers earn $172.10 for their service, which includes; successfully completing a poll worker training class, attending a meeting the night before the election, and working Election Day from 5:30 a.m. until about 8:00 p.m.

Poll workers must be at least 17 years of age and registered to vote in Cuyahoga County.  State law does not allow convicted felons to serve as poll workers.

Bilingual and Republican poll workers are always in demand.  Each of the county’s 1,063 precincts requires two Democrat and two Republican poll workers to ensure political balance during the voting process.  

Applicants may apply on-line at www.boe.cuyahogacounty.us or call the Board of Elections Poll Worker Department at 216-443-3277.

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Volume 3, Issue 8, Posted 4:23 PM, 09.16.2012

Ss. Robert and William Warrior Open

The Second Annual Ss. Robert and William Warrior Open Golf Outing will be held on Friday, September 14th at Briardale Golf Course. The outing will start with lunch on the course at 11:30 followed by a scramble start. Contests for the longest drive will happen on the 16th hole. After an exciting game of golf, come back to the parish for a delicious clambake or steak dinner to end your day in style.

We’d like to offer golfers the opportunity to join in the fun; the individual golfer rate is $75 and a team of four golfers is $300. If you are not a golfer, you can still join in the fun! Dinner tickets are available for $35 a person. Please call the Parish Office at 216.731.1515 for more information. We hope to see you there!

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Volume 3, Issue 8, Posted 4:24 PM, 09.16.2012

Cuyahoga Land Bank, Career Development and Placement Strategies Inc. partner to create a fatherhood initiative workforce development opportunity

The Cuyahoga Land Bank and Career Development and Placement Strategies Inc. (CDPSI) are launching a pilot program that provides home renovation training to formerly incarcerated fathers through hands-on participation in the renovation of three Cuyahoga Land Bank properties during an internship period.  Fathers seeking workforce re-entry and to strengthen their families are screened and selected for program participation. The Cleveland Foundation and the Cuyahoga County Office of Re-Entry are funding partners in the project.

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Volume 3, Issue 7, Posted 11:31 AM, 08.12.2012

Produce to People: Looking for free, fresh produce?

On June 25, 2012, Ss. Robert & William Catholic Parish, The Euclid Hunger Center and The Cleveland Foodbank joined forces to distribute 10,000 pounds of fresh produce. This program, sponsored by the Foodbank, receives produce from the Northern Ohio Food Terminal, Feeding America, Ohio growers and processors, and other suppliers and retailers; a truck of fresh produce was delivered and distributed to community members within a few hours of delivery.

This day’s distribution included items such as fresh watermelon, cabbage, zucchini, carrots, turnip greens, apples, bakery and bread.

Fr. John D. Betters, Pastor of Ss. Robert and William Parish, states “We were delighted to be chosen as a site for this distribution and pleased to have so much volunteer assistance.”  Volunteers who manned the operation were from the Parish, The Euclid Hunger Center, Euclid Hospital and other local volunteers.

Future Produce to People distributions will take place from 4:00-6:00p.m. on Monday, July 30, 2012 and August 27, 2012 at Ss. Robert & William Catholic Parish, 367 East 260th St., Euclid. Recipients must simply sign an income eligibility form when they arrive.  For additional information regarding the program, please call 216.731.1515.

 

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Volume 3, Issue 6, Posted 4:08 PM, 07.14.2012

Mary Mavec Opportunity School Honors a Senior Board Member

June 19th, 2012 was not just an ordinary board meeting for The Mary Mavec Opportunity School of Euclid. The board members made special arrangements to honor one of their own. James Cosgriff Sr. has given over 50 years of service to Mary Mavec as a board member and an officer. We thank you James Cosgriff for all of your hard work and dedication to our beloved Mary Mavec Opportunity School.

Serving Mary Mavec is a family affair for the Cosgriff’s who have a son that attends the school. His daughter Meg served on the board and his wife Mary was a volunteer for many years.

Mary Mavec Opportunity School provides a stimulating, rewarding and stable environment that encourages life-long growth for adults with developmental disabilities.Mary Mavec Opportunity School is located at 21701 Lakeshore Blvd. in Euclid, Ohio. For more information please visit our website a www.marymavec.org.

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Volume 3, Issue 6, Posted 4:09 PM, 07.14.2012

Euclid Symphony Orchestra Hits a High Note

For over 50 years, the Euclid (Symphony) Orchestra has brought musical excellence to our City. The Orchestra has just completed another wonderful season and the popular Children’s concert was a fine example of the Orchestra’s diversity.

Every year the Euclid Symphony Orchestra performs a Children’s concert and invites all of the schools in Euclid to attend. This year the concert was held on Thursday, May 17 at the Shore Cultural Center, home of the Euclid Orchestra. The schools responding to the invite were Roosevelt, Memorial Park, Indian Hills, Our Lady of the Lake, St John of the Cross and Thomas Jefferson. The first concert was at 9:45am with a second concert at 11am. The Euclid Orchestra presented a story about Cinderella and her Viola. The story introduced various instruments and their sound to the students. The students were shown the differences between string instruments, such as the violin, viola, and cello.

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Volume 3, Issue 5, Posted 4:13 PM, 06.09.2012

Kick Off Summer with the Hunger Center!

The Euclid Hunger Center invites the community to its Kick Off Summer fundraiser on Thursday, June 14, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Pavilion at Briardale Greens. Support the Hunger Center and enjoy good food, live music and a raffle for a variety of gift baskets and other prizes. Music will be provided by Trio Beleza, playing a mix of Brazilian and pop tunes. Tickets are $20/person, $25 at the door with all proceeds supporting the Hunger Center. Briardale Greens is located at 24131 Briardale Avenue, Euclid. For tickets, call (216) 731-3329 and leave a message or email euclidhungercenter@gmail.com.

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Volume 3, Issue 5, Posted 4:21 PM, 06.09.2012

HELP U Shred Opens in Euclid!

We are proud to announce the new HELP U Shred vocational program!

Designed to provide paid vocational training to our Day Program clients HELP U Shred is a model of effective programming for adults with disabilities like those that are being supported and encouraged through a State of Ohio Employment First taskforce.

HELP U Shred opened late last year, utilizing the vacant Post Office facility adjacent to our two Day Support Program spaces. We have created not only a brand new business, but also 28 new jobs for our clients. At HELP U Shred employees are able to mix and match our excellent Day Support Program with shifts of vocational training; this itself is unique, as few other programs offer both types of service at the same location. What’s more, our clients are paid minimum wage for their work as we teach and reinforce the behaviors, skills, and work ethic vital to success in any job.

For the majority of our HELP U Shred employees this is their first time being employed at an hourly rate, in a situation where they have clear, defined expectations and goals. The results have been plain to see for those who know these men and women, the pride of accomplishment of a job well done, of a paycheck earned and relished. Every day is not an easy one for them, some of the jobs are physically demanding and tedious, having to stick to the break and lunch schedule can be a challenge. But everyone is learning that these are the things that work is made of, and they’re lining up for a chance to do it!

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Volume 3, Issue 5, Posted 4:21 PM, 06.09.2012

Euclid Residents Help "Stamp Out Hunger"

The Euclid Hunger Center wishes to thank Euclid residents for their generosity in participating in the U.S. Postal Service Stamp Out Hunger Drive on May 12. Volunteers from the Hunger Center made multiple pickups throughout the day at the three Euclid post offices. An estimated 6,000 pounds of food was donated on the Euclid postal routes.

Hunger Center Trustee Sharon Schutt was elated with the outcome. “Euclid was so generous. It was incredible. We made four pickups throughout the day to three post offices with six vehicles and filled them every time!” she said.

To thank the postal employees, Hunger Center volunteers brought pizza and bottled water to each of the post offices.

The National Association of Letter Carriers conducts the annual food drive in May when letter carriers collect non-perishable donations as they deliver mail along their postal routes.

Kim Fry is an Ohio native who has lived in Euclid for 5 years. She is the Director of Communications at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Cleveland Heights.

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Volume 3, Issue 5, Posted 4:14 PM, 06.09.2012

Kiddie City shines

Euclid area businesses and citizens are great! Thank you for your support of Kiddie City’s recent fundraiser. As a result of your generosity and that of our attendees, we raised approximately $6,000 that will enable our students to take fieldtrips and our staff to host special guests at our 501 (c)3 center.  The children’s educational experiences will be enhanced in many ways.

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Volume 3, Issue 4, Posted 10:39 AM, 05.04.2012

Pre-school eyes creening

Eye screening of 99 children ages 3 to 6 at the Child Development Center at Benjamin Franklin School on Wilmore Avenue took place recently by Lions Club members.  Of the 99 screened, 53 were referred for further eye exams.

The Lions Club International, located in Chicago purchased 10 Welch Allyn Sure Sight screening devices at a cost of over $5,000.00 each.  The local Lions District 13 C was presented one of the devices and is in the process of testing all children in Euclid ages 3 to 6.  Lions Club members are trained to use the device.

Performing the screening at CDC were Euclid Lions Club member Pat Nevar and from the Willoughby Hills Lions Club were Dona Klager, Maggie Dellmore, Dorothy Washington and Pat Conley.  Euclid Lions Club member Sandie Brochak was involved in the screening of children at the Roosevelt School.

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Volume 3, Issue 2, Posted 9:44 AM, 03.04.2012

Join the 2012 Relay For Life of Euclid

Sneakers, sleeping bags and cancer education? It must be the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, an overnight event to celebrate survivorship and raise funds to help create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

Relay For Life brings together teams from local businesses, schools, churches and families for fun, food, music and entertainment, and a night under the stars – all while team members take turns walking or running on a track. Relay For Life begins with a Cancer Survivors Lap and reception to celebrate life. Later in the evening, a Luminaria Ceremony honors those who are battling cancer and remembers those who have lost their fight. The monies raised from this event will go toward the American Cancer Society’s research, education, advocacy and patient service programs.

The 2012 Relay For Life of Euclid will be held at Euclid High School, beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, June 9 and ending at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2012.

The Relay For Life of Euclid is looking for team captains, volunteers, cancer survivors, community leaders and sponsors to get involved in this signature fundraising event. Community members interested in learning more are encouraged to attend one of our upcoming meeting held at the Shore Cultural Centre, 291 East 222nd Street in Euclid:

  • Thursday, April 5th, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
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Volume 3, Issue 2, Posted 9:46 AM, 03.04.2012

The Literacy Cooperative publishes a Framework for Program Improvements in Adult Literacy; offers implementation trainings

The Literacy Cooperative recently published A Framework for Program Improvements in Adult Literacy (the Framework).  Completed this fall and unveiled locally and at the US Conference on Adult Literacy in Houston, the Framework is being enthusiastically received in the literacy community.  It includes a summary of key research-based best practices in the field of adult literacy; a summary of factors that impact learning outcomes and an online Program Self-Assessment tool still in development.

The adult education workforce is largely part-time or volunteer with little formal training in reading and math instruction and/or adult education. In addition, unlike other areas of education or social service, adult literacy has no commonly recognized credentials or other mechanisms to assure quality of practice.  In the face of these challenges, the Framework offers practitioners and administrators readily accessible information on best practices in the field that can help shape program structure and instruction, and inform professional training for practitioners.   The Framework can also serve as an important resource for literacy grant makers seeking to identify quality programs or support program improvements among grantees.

The Literacy Cooperative offers targeted trainings to practitioners and administrators on the use and implementation of the Framework.  The first of these trainings took place October 21 and November 18, 2011 and will be offered again in 2012.   

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Volume 3, Issue 1, Posted 12:40 PM, 02.02.2012

Rose-Mary Center

 “We remember, we celebrate, we believe”

 This year marks the 90th Anniversary of Rose-Mary Center, in conjunction with the 100th Anniversary of Cleveland Catholic Charities.  As we celebrate these important milestones, we reflect on the Center’s rich history in the community.

In 1922, Mr. Caesar A. Grasselli, President of Grasselli Chemical Works, deeded the family's summer home known as "Three Gables" to the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland for a home for children with physical disabilities.  "Three Gables" was renamed Rose-Mary after the Blessed Virgin and the beautiful rose gardens that Caesar Grasselli's invalid wife, Johanna, had created behind the mansion.

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Volume 3, Issue 1, Posted 1:32 PM, 02.02.2012

Unique Volunteer helped children learn through STEP

Every Monday and Wednesday last year, Elizabeth Tilley joined other tutors to volunteer at Marion-Sterling School in Cleveland in a pilot initiative called STEP (Supporting Tutors Engaging Pupils). STEP at Marion-Sterling focuses on first graders who are below grade level in reading and was developed through collaboration of The Literacy Cooperative and a group of community literacy partners. 

Like many volunteer tutors, Ms. Tilley has a passion for reading, language, children and for helping people reach their highest potential. What makes Ms. Tilley different from the other tutors is that she has only been reading for about a decade herself, even though she is 53 years old.

A native of England, Ms. Tilley grew up in a blue-collar town with her parents and five siblings. She faked her way through school by using attitude, copy-cat behavior and deductive reasoning, though she never learned to read well enough to actually comprehend a text. Eventually, she married a Clevelander and moved to the United States, working as a hair stylist until her six children grew up and left home. It was then that Ms. Tilley found herself at a crossroads.

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Volume 3, Issue 1, Posted 12:40 PM, 02.02.2012

Kiddie City's "Fun for Funds"

Place Saturday, April 21 on your calendar and join the KC community at Wickliffe’s Italian American Club for an adults-only dinner, dancing, and a Chinese auction to support the educational enrichment programs for the children at the area 501 (c)3 child care center. Individual tickets are $20 or $150 per table of eight and that includes a pasta dinner, salad and dessert, beer, wine, and soft drinks, and DJ service by Platinum Entertainment. Opportunities are available for tax deductible sponsorships and donations.  Contact Jennifer Boger at 216-481-9044 to get involved.  For more information, check out the calendar on www.kiddiecityeuclid.org.

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Volume 3, Issue 1, Posted 1:29 PM, 02.02.2012

HUD, Cuyahoga Land Bank Renew Ground Breaking Agreement

In the Spring, 2010, HUD and the Cuyahoga County Land Reutilization Corporation, commonly known as the Cuyahoga Land Bank, forged a nationally groundbreaking agreement whereby HUD would transfer low-value, vacant and abandoned properties to the Cuyahoga Land Bank for $100.  HUD ended up with these properties as a result of mortgage foreclosures guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). This agreement was considered essential to stabilizing real estate market values. Instead of transferring these properties to speculators and perpetuating the cycle of tax foreclosure and abandonment, HUD transfers these properties to the Cuyahoga Land Bank for $100 after paying all current taxes.  After one full year, HUD and the Cuyahoga Land Bank have renewed the contract for another year based on the need and success of the relationship.

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Volume 3, Issue 1, Posted 12:40 PM, 02.02.2012

Euclid Animal Shelter needs adult volunteers

The Euclid Animal Shelter, which provides temporary care and living quarters for animals awaiting adoption, relies heavily on volunteers who devote time to caring for the animals and maintaining the shelter facilities.

Due to a recent depletion of its volunteer staff, Euclid Pet Pals, the organization that supports the shelter, has issued an urgent plea for more adults willing to assist the cause.

“We need to replace a number of our adult volunteers who, for various reasons, are no longer able to help out,” explains Patti Burlingham, the Pet Pals treasurer. “In addition, we’ve lost the services of our teen-age volunteers who helped out during the summer, since they’re now back in school.”

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Volume 2, Issue 9, Posted 5:00 PM, 12.31.2011

Animal shelter extends cat sale

For a limited time, the Euclid Animal Shelter is extending its “cat sale,” in hopes of reducing its inventory of homeless adult cats. While the sale lasts, the adoption fee for adult cats will be just $10—a considerable reduction from the usual $70 charge. The fee covers a veterinary exam, de-worming, the initial vaccination and spaying or neutering, if necessary.

Fay Miller, chairman of Euclid Pet Pals, the shelter’s volunteer support group, notes that potential adopters can view pictures and brief  bios of the available animals by visiting the group’s website: www.euclidpetpals.net. Just click on the Adoptions tab.

“Adoptions tend to slow down in the fall,” Miller points out, “and many of our animals are left pining for a home.” That explains the special fee reductions on adult cats. Meanwhile, kittens—which are easier to place in new homes—are available for $35, which is half of the usual fee.

TICKET DEADLINE:  The Pet Pals 9th annual “4 Paws Clam Jam & Boo Bash,” a major fund-raiser, is scheduled Oct. 28 at the Manor Party Center, 24111 Rockwell Drive.

The evening begins with an open bar at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. After dinner, there will be music and dancing until 11 p.m. The program also includes raffles and, since it will be Halloween weekend, prizes for the best costumes although costumes are optional.

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Volume 2, Issue 8, Posted 1:30 PM, 10.06.2011

What Is Euclid Synergy?

Recher Hall has been the home to many community functions, as well as receptions and New Year’s parties. But for the last two and a half years, it has been the meeting place for a church community whose main agenda is to have a positive and godly effect on the city of Euclid. Jacob’s Ladder Church is a city church, dedicated to our beautiful Euclid Ohio.

Through weekly prayer for the city, free tennis shoe giveaways and many other outreaches, JL Church (also known as) is reaching out to the city of Euclid in a big way. JL Church will be sponsoring Synergy Blast Oct. 3, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Recher Hall. There will be haircuts, food, back massages, facials, a kid’s fun house, face painting and much more. But the greatest part about this event is that it's all free!

Jacobs Ladder Church, along with many other businesses and ministries within the city and nearby cities, are gathering to be a blessing to the community. This is an outreach ministry that travels around the greater Cleveland area headed by Gwen Todd and Bobbi Brand.

This event that attracts hundreds of people, will follow Jacobs Ladder Church’s first Sunday service, Oct. 2 at 9 a.m. The hall is located at 20713 Recher Avenue. So come early Sunday morning and experience great music, an inspired message, and good fellowship with some of Euclid’s finest people!

 

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Volume 2, Issue 8, Posted 1:30 PM, 10.06.2011

UpStage Players and Kiwanis of Cleveland collaborate to form historic Builders Club

UpStage Players, the Collinwood-based children’s theater company, recently entered into a partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Cleveland to form a Builders Club within the company. Builders Club is an international organization for middle school students that focuses on developing leadership through service. The creation of this student-led service club as a value-added part of a theater/drama company, rather than a club in a middle school, makes it the first of its kind in not only the state of Ohio, but also the United States.

“UpStage is so excited to be working with this international group that so clearly is aligned with all of the standards UpStage is known for, such as: leadership, team building, community, responsibility, tolerance, inclusion, commitment, standing up for what is right, sharing your talents, imagination and more,” said Carrie Walsh-Hilf, artistic director. “The club will build activities centered on the arts to give back and build up community while developing student leaders.”

Jerry Seppelt, Kiwanis member and advisor to the group, explained, “This is a unique opportunity because it is based on drama. These kids can take their drama and acting skills and bring them to the community. Builder’s Clubs are always student-led. They come up with the ideas, the leadership and the programming. I told them that it is their imagination and excitement that can make it happen.”

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Volume 2, Issue 8, Posted 1:30 PM, 10.06.2011

Euclid YMCA offers membership incentives

Euclid YMCA offers membership incentives

The Euclid YMCA, located at 631 Babbitt Road, is participating in a member-recruitment drive sponsored by the YMCA of Greater Cleveland.

Through Oct. 9, the normal $100 joiner fee is being waived for new members. In addition, current members are being offered a financial incentive to persuade friends and family members to join the Y and re-energize their lifestyles.  They’ll receive a $25 credit toward their membership dues for each new member they bring in.

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Volume 2, Issue 7, Posted 11:34 AM, 09.15.2011

Smooth transitions for the youngsters

It's been a great summer at Kiddie City on East 200th Street. We had visits from G Wiz, ponies and other animal friends, and Euclid Beach Park Now representatives sharing memories of "the good 'ol days." The older children have traveled on foot or by bus to great locations like Gateway Retirement Community, Memphis Kiddie Park and the Natural History Museum in University Circle. Now it's time for many transitions - from a carefree, warm summer to a busy, crisp fall and from a familiar prekindergarten classroom to a new school with new faces. Our teachers have been working hard to help our children prepare for this moment in hopes that their transition to this new chapter in their lives is as seamless as possible.

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Volume 2, Issue 7, Posted 11:29 AM, 09.15.2011

Bailey Toastmasters Chapter receives select distinguished club award

Concluding the Toastmasters 2010-2011 year, the Bailey chapter of Toastmasters International received the Select Distinguished Award, meeting seven of ten goals that help lead to strong, successful clubs. This is the first time Baileys received the award since 2004-2005.

Goals include increasing membership. In the past year, the club increased its membership by seven members, with many new guests coming to the weekly meetings. 

“We’re very proud of what we accomplished this past year, but are also excited to build on this momentum for the upcoming year,” says Janice Sewell, current club president.

Bailey Toastmasters meets each Thursday from 7-8 p.m. at the Euclid Public Library. The general public is welcome to attend.

About Toastmasters
Since its founding in 1924, Toastmasters International has helped more than four million men and women develop their public speaking and leadership skills. Headquartered in Southern California, the organization now has approximately 250,000 members and 12,500 clubs in 108 countries. For more information about Toastmasters International, please visit www.toastmasters.org.

 

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Volume 2, Issue 6, Posted 4:30 PM, 08.09.2011

Cuyahoga County land bank’s first two years a ringing success

In the two years since its formation as a tool to battle the foreclosure crisis, the Cuyahoga County Land Reutilization Corporation, commonly referred to as the land bank, acquired more than 1,200 abandoned properties, forged groundbreaking partnerships with Fannie Mae, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and leading banks, and has been recognized as a national role model for other communities. After two years, there are agreements in place and are still unique on a national level. These relationships have now turned into ongoing partnerships.

The Land Bank’s 2009- 2011 Report, released July 14, details the impressive progress made by the innovative, non-profit community improvement corporation since enabling legislation was signed into law in January 2009.

Dr. Dennis Keating, director of the Master of Urban Planning, Design and Development Program at Cleveland State University, wrote the report, highlighting the land bank’s most significant accomplishments over the last two years.

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Volume 2, Issue 6, Posted 4:21 PM, 08.09.2011

Euclid Collaborative Happenings

The Collaboration and the YMCA hosted Second Annual Fill the Truck Event, Aug. 2, with hopes of filling their truck with school supplies for local children. Sought after school supplies included: notebooks, ruled paper, folders, markers, crayons, rulers, erasers, pens, pencils, binders and backpacks.

The YMCA will continue to accept donations of school supplies until their annual Back to School Rally, Aug. 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. The YMCA is still looking for local agencies and businesses attend, with a resource table and activity for the children on the day of the rally. Those interested in helping and promoting your business can contact Courtney Nicolai at (216) 731-7454. Businesses will need to supply their own table and chair for the event.

The Euclid YMCA is located at 631 Babbitt Road in Euclid. Thank you in advance for your support! Our local youth will benefit greatly from your donation!

 

 

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Volume 2, Issue 6, Posted 4:21 PM, 08.09.2011

Animal shelter update: "Dipstick" finds a new home

“Dipstick,” the Labrador-mix puppy whose photo appeared in the July issue of the Euclid Observer, no longer has to worry about her future. She has been adopted by a local family willing to provide a loving home.

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Volume 2, Issue 6, Posted 4:30 PM, 08.09.2011

Wells Fargo, Bank of America donating properties to Cuyahoga Land Bank

The Cuyahoga County Land Reutilization Corporation (Cuyahoga Land Bank) has gained some welcome collaboration in the battle to alleviate the impact of foreclosure and abandonment in Cuyahoga County from and Bank of America and Wells Fargo. 

A few weeks ago, Wells Fargo, working through the REO Clearinghouse (REO CH), began donating vacant and foreclosed low asset properties to the Cuyahoga Land Bank along with a contribution toward demolition equal to $3,500 per property in their NSP 2 target areas and $7,500 per property in the rest of Cuyahoga County. Bank of America recently entered into a similar agreement with the Cuyahoga Land Bank to donate up to 100 vacant and foreclosed low asset properties following the same monetary donation structure as the Wells Fargo agreement.

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Volume 2, Issue 5, Posted 7:08 PM, 07.09.2011

Euclid Kiwanis supports community and sponsors Poor Man's Raffle

Euclid Kiwanis is looking for a few good men and women to continue supporting projects in the community.  Time and age is taking its toll on various organizations and we are all dwindling in number and increasing in age.  We welcome anyone who would like to join us at Euclid Hospital’s Lake Erie Room on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. 

We usually eat our evening meal at the hospital cafeteria, and if you want to join us, you must get through the line before it closes at 6:30 pm.  We then conduct our meeting, with laughter as one of the more important items on the agenda.  We do have fun.  We also get a lot done for our community, with ongoing projects throughout the year. 

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Volume 2, Issue 5, Posted 7:08 PM, 07.09.2011

New construction zone: Mary Mavecville

You may not have noticed but there has been some major construction quietly going on at Mary Mavec Opportunity School on Lakeshore Boulevard. Students, volunteers and the school’s director have all been working together to create a miniature town complete with schools, churches, sidewalks and skyscrapers. 

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Volume 2, Issue 5, Posted 7:08 PM, 07.09.2011

The Literacy Cooperative receives funding grant

The Literacy Cooperative has received a continuation grant of almost $260,000 from the Ohio Community Service Council (OCSC) that, along with an additional $145,000 raised through host site contributions, will allow the Literacy Cooperative to fund a second year of the NEO Literacy Corps (2011-2012).

The NEO Literacy Corps is an AmeriCorps program possible through a series of community partnerships. Through NEO Literacy Corps, AmeriCorps volunteers can serve in direct service or volunteer coordination roles; working directly with literacy clients or recruiting, training and managing literacy volunteers at their host organizations. University Settlement Inc. is The Literacy Cooperative’s implementation partner for NEO Literacy Corps, responsible for day-to-day operations of the program. The Literacy Cooperative administers NEO Literacy Corps as a part of its Capacity Building Initiatives. 

cont.

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Volume 2, Issue 5, Posted 7:08 PM, 07.09.2011

Birthday beagle for special girl

For 11-year-old Sarah Peterson, a fifth grader at Our Lady of the Lake School, a major highlight of her birthday celebration last month was a trip to the Euclid Animal Shelter to pick up her new puppy—the first dog she’s ever owned.

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Volume 2, Issue 4, Posted 3:45 PM, 06.13.2011