“Money is like an iron ring we've put through our noses. We've forgotten that we designed it, and it's now leading us around. I think it's time to figure out where we want to go -- in my opinion toward sustainability and community -- and then design a money system that gets us there.” --Bernard Lietaer in Beyond Greed and Scarcity
The Heights Observer will hold a Photography Workshop Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. in Room A of the Lee Road Library, 2345 Lee Road. It's the third in a series of workshops for people interested in volunteering for the Heights Observer or any other citizen journalism project.
Heights Arts will be celebrating its 10th anniversary next year, and it’s fascinating to look back and remember how various projects began. For example, the idea of a Holiday Store featuring local artists was brought up in a lunchtime conversation at Stone Oven Bakery in 2002. The next step was asking landlord Jon Forman if we could temporarily use an empty storefront for the shop (yes, you can!). Then we had a meeting, rounded up our husbands and friends, scraped the carpet off the floor, cleaned up and painted, contacted artists, and opened the doors.
The arty store began as a partnership among the Cedar Lee Merchant Association (Joan Costello), FutureHeights (Sarah Wean and Lita Gonzalez), Fairfax Neighborhood Network (Elaine Mosbrook), Heights Arts (Sharon Grossman, Jan Kious and Peggy Spaeth), and the cooperation of the City of Cleveland Heights (Nancy McLaughlin).
When the annual State Report Card was released to the public in August 2009, the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District didn't make the honor role.
The results were a lot like last year; the district met or exceeded 10 out of 30 academic proficiency standards, receiving the designation of “Continuous Improvement” – the equivalent of a C letter grade.
Among districts classified by the state as "large-urban poor," CH-UH schools received the second-highest ranking out of 15. The classification is based on student population, not that of the community.
Citizens voting in both the Cleveland Heights and University Heights local elections affirmed the status quo.
Voters in University Heights rejected the charter ammendment that would have created the position of city administrator and redefined the roles and responsibilities of the mayor and city council. They also rejected the ammendment that would have made the Charter Review Commission a part of the city's charter and required it to periodically review the charter.
Upon reading Councilman Sims’ letter in the online version of the Heights Observer, I would like to reply that if he refers back to the Council Minutes of Sept. 8, 2009, his Finance Committee report stated: “…There was a brief update from the Finance Director, in which he reported that the City is on track with revenue collection and is holding the line on expenditures. He does not foresee any real budgetary problems…”
"I come to you with empty hands, I have not weapons, but should I be forced to defend myself, my principles or my honor, should it be a matter of life or death or right or wrong, then here are my weapons, karate, my empty hands."
These words appear on one of the many Hall of Fame plaques earned by Grandmaster Joel Dvorin, owner of Unified Martial Arts Academy on Lee Road in Cleveland Heights.
Unified Martial Arts teaches a combination of tae kwon do, kempo, and judo, with students ranging in
Old media like The New York Times impress everyone by reviewing books as quickly as they’re published. The Heights Observer does them one better by previewing here a book even before it’s been written. The tentative title is Yes! or else Maybe!, which experts in romance say often means the same thing.An IPO (Initial Plot Outline, below) establishes
Q: I consider myself to be a pretty good listener, but whenever my girlfriend is upset and starts to cry, she gets mad when I try to help her. I don’t get it. What does she want from me?
At a time when many urban churches are closing, Fairmount Presbyterian Church in Cleveland Heights is joining with 11 other Presbyterian churches to help a sister congregation, North Presbyterian Church.
Poem for November, 2009
This is a month of great change. Nothing is certain, the poet says; we can take nothing for granted.
-- Meredith Holmes
FutureHeights has formed a partnership with the Council for Smaller Enterprises (COSE) to encourage consumers and business owners to support locally-owned businesses and keep dollars within the Heights community. FutureHeights has promoted shopping at local businesses through its Heights Shops program since 2003.
“One-of-a-kind independent businesses are what give the Heights its unique character," says Deanna Bremer Fisher, executive director of FutureHeights. “Research shows that for every $100 spent at a locally-owned business, $45 goes back into the community, strengthening the tax base. For every $100 spent at a chain store, only $14 comes back. And, nonprofits receive an average of 350 percent more support from local business owners than they do from nonlocally- owned businesses.”
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2009
Council member Steven D. Bullock excused.
Removal of debris
Linda Johnson of Ashurst Road asked for the city’s plan to remove debris after the planned demolition of a house in her neighborhood, and for notification to neighbors as to when the demolition is scheduled to occur. Although such notification is not normally done, the council agreed to honor her request. Johnson also advocated the development of an ongoing way of engaging residents in neighborhood revitalization.
All board members present.
Tax budget and state funding
In June the school board approved the 2010 Alternative Tax Budget provided by the library. Fiscal Officer Mollie Riffle will present a five-year financial forecast at the November meeting. Board Member Glenn Billington called attention to the Ohio Supreme Court ruling that put slot machines on hold, which will affect the state budget. The September Public Library Fund (state support) was down 21.5 percent.
Council Member Bonnie Caplan excused.
Kendra Reddick of Cummings Road complained about inadequate responses by city police to two calls concerning individuals disturbing the peace in her neighborhood. City Manager Robert Downey said that he and Police Chief Lentz would look into the matter. Ms. Reddick was thanked for her concern and asked to stay and speak with the city manager after the meeting.
Exciting children's programs are starting at the Heights Libraries:
No registration for storytimes
It’s easier than ever to attend storytimes at the library. Just drop in. There is no registration for any storytimes at Heights Libraries beginning this fall. So if your little one sleeps through the Thursday Waddlers program at Lee Road Library, you can attend the Friday program at the University Heights branch.
Beginning Nov. 2, library patrons will be able to wipe away overdue library fines at any of the Heights Libraries by donating nonperishable food items, such as canned and boxed goods.
For every nonperishable food item brought in, the library will take $1 off of a patron's fines. Donations will be accepted until Nov. 21 at all four of the libraries and given to the Heights Emergency Food Bank.
The Lee Road Library plans to host its 10th Annual Poetry Slam on at 6 p.m. on Nov. 12.
A poetry slam is a lyrical boxing match that pits poet against poet in the spirit of fun and creativity. At the Lee Road Library, members of the community are invited to see middle and high school students "spit" their rhymes.
The poetry slam is judged and prizes are awarded for first, second and third place winners. Every poet who participates will receive a journal and every person who attends will receive a Chipotle gift card.
Poets interested in reciting their original works in the competition can register by calling the Lee Road Library: 216-932-3600.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2009
All board members present.
Renhill Temporary Staffing Services
Rachel Wixey of Renhill Temporary Staffing Services from Toledo, Ohio, presented her company's full service program that would include the recruitment and hiring of educational aides and teacher substitutes. The service would handle all paper work, calling and payment. Renhill would retain current certified substitutes already in the system. She presented a cost effective program that could be set up in three to four weeks time. The board decided to consider this proposal after more data was collected.
Kindernet invites preschool families to visit kindergarten teachers and classrooms, meet the principal, tour the building, and learn more about their neighborhood school. All elementary schools will be open Friday, Nov. 13 from 10 to 11:15 a.m.
Kindernet is a joint project of the PTA, CH-UH Early Childhood Department, the cities of Cleveland Heights and University Heights, Reaching Heights and the Heights Parent Center. Kindernet offers free programs and events for preschool children living in the CH-UH City School District.
At teaching hospitals, doctors have long been in the practice of circulating through the hospital and reviewing each other’s cases, discussing best practices, collaborating on challenges, and constantly searching for the best techniques. Now that same technique is helping teachers and administrators at the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District improve classroom education.
On Oct. 8, two Harvard University professors who helped develop the Instructional Rounds model met with a select group of CH-UH teachers and administrators to begin training them in the process. This group is now spreading the model throughout the schools and is training other teachers and administrators in its practice.
Fifteen hundred Cleveland Heights-University Heights middle school students received Apple laptop computers in October and local high school students will be receiving laptops over the next two years. The laptops are part of the district’s Teaching and Learning with Technology initiative, which provides laptops and a digital wireless learning environment to all 3,600 students in grades 6-12 in an effort to open new opportunities for both students and teachers.
Monticello Middle School served as the pilot site last year. Students are responsible for the proper care of their laptop during the school year and will be assigned the same computer each year when school begins. Graduating seniors will have the option to buy their laptop for one dollar.
You’ve got to feel for Denise Newman, owner of the Isle of Beads in the historic Heights Rockefeller Building at Mayfield and Lee in Cleveland Heights.
“The bad news is, I have to move. The good news is, I only have to move four doors down. The bad news is, I have to move a million beads!” she says.
Denise never considered moving her store out of Cleveland Heights. She grew up here and bought her home here with her husband after getting her BFA from Ohio University. She is a supporter of the movement to buy locally, I BUY NEO.
Denise Newman opened Isle of Beads in July of 1991 to celebrate her love for beads. For nineteen years she has collected and offered for sale extremely beautiful and extraordinary beads and
As part of a continuing effort to draw on knowledge and experience from across the globe, the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District is participating in an unusual exchange program this year. The program will bring a principal from Argentina here and send a Monticello Middle School principal to Buenos Aires.
The principal exchange will provide the opportunity to work collaboratively with administrators, teachers and students from different cultures and varying perspectives.
Pita master Amaunee Jones, smoothie master Carla Cuccarese and store manager Jaime Wolschleger welcome customers at Liquid Planet's newest location. Photos by Deanna Bremer Fisher.
Liquid Planet, a restaurant known for its smoothies and specialty pitas, opened last month at 12413 Cedar Road in the former Vixseboxse space in the Heights Center Building at Cedar Fairmount. Liquid Planet is open seven days a week, Monday through Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Heights location is the resturaunt's third in Northeast Ohio. Others are at 11002 Clifton Blvd. in Cleveland and 224 Crocker Park Blvd. in Westlake.
Visit www.liquid-planet.com for more information.
Q. My 14 month old is so busy these days! With his new walking skills and curious temperament he’s a little tornado and I’m having trouble keeping up with him and his mess. It can get very frustrating to have to keep running after him and picking things up over and over again and it seems he is most interested in all of the things in the house that he can’t have, such as electrical cords and outlets. Help!
On Dec. 11, 1918, the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra delivered a benefit performance at the historic Gray’s Armory for Saint Ann Church. Some of you may know the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra eventually evolved into the world-famous Cleveland Orchestra. However, most of you probably do not know that it was Father John Powers, pastor of Saint Ann Church, to whom, as Plain Dealer music critic James Rogers wrote at the time, “[Clevelanders] are indebted for this opportunity.” Father Powers, according to Donald Rosenberg’s The Cleveland Orchestra Story, was instrumental (pun intended) in orchestrating (intended, again) this early version of our present-day Cleveland Orchestra.
Heights Arts will present To the Extreme, and Back, a house concert to benefit the organization on Nov. 22.
A Cleveland Orchestra String Quartet, Miho Hashizume, Isabel Trautwein, Sonya Braaten and Tanya Ell, will perform the music of Hungarian master Gyorgi Ligeti, who wrote his first string quartet, Metamophoses Nocturnes, in 1953. This extremely demanding piece explores the limits of the players and combines Hungarian and Gypsy rhythms with the sounds of night to create a work that is irresistibly exciting. Yu Jin will join in to round off the evening with the masterful Quintet in A major by Felix Mendelssohn.
The concert takes place at the downtown penthouse of Rick Maron and Judy Eigenfeld, at 4 p.m. on Nov. 22. Tickets are $40 per person/$35 for members of Heights Arts.
The concert will be followed by a dessert reception. Call 216-371-3457 or e-mail register@heightsarts.org for more information.
As the mother of a six-month-old daughter and an estate planning attorney, planning for the possibility you might die, become disabled or incompetent is a topic near to my heart. It’s also one I often get questions about from people who have, or are expecting, children.
If you drove on Monticello Road this summer, you might have noticed surprising new growth at Forest Hill Church in the form of tomatoes, peppers, cabbages, and dozens of vegetables and herbs.
Church members and friends planted and tended a new vegetable garden in the churchyard near the intersection of Lee Road and Monticello Boulevard. The volunteers harvested more than 300 pounds of fresh produce from the garden for visitors of the church's food pantry and the Heights Emergency Food Center.
With the economic crisis hitting the Cleveland area hard in early 2009, the timing was right for the church to engage in a sustainable project that creatively connects participants to each other, their neighbors, and the earth. More than 20 members volunteered to tend the garden regularly, and dozens more helped
University Heights, the “City of Beautiful Homes,” could also be called the “City of Neatly Landscaped Lawns.” But one resident, bucking conventions, has turned her property into a certified wildlife habitat site, providing an oasis for the furry and winged residents of University Heights.
Liz (who requested that her full name be withheld to maintain her family’s privacy) and her husband are 12-year residents of Glendon Road. The heard about the National Wildlife Federation program on HGTV. The program’s goal is to foster local wildlife. The species that find refuge in Liz’s back yard are not
It is getting cold outside and many people may find that when they turn their furnace or boiler on for the first time, it isn’t working properly. Home Repair Resource Center offers several programs for people who are in need of assistance. If you find yourself in need of a new heating system or repair, make HRRC your first stop.
The HRRC library is full of helpful resources. There are handouts that explain the different types of heating systems as well as the different efficiency
Cleveland Heights residents Scott Jackson (left), Coventry P.E.A.C.E. President Erick Kaufman (center) and Ray Gonzalez (right) replace handrails on apparatus at the top of the hill, during Playground Cleanup Day, Oct. 10. The twice-yearly maintenance of the playground is managed and funded entirely by volunteers, and attracted about 50 workers this year, including students from Case Western Reserve and John Carroll universities.
“Dad, who is this,” I asked pointing to a recent photo. “That’s you,” my father answered. “Who am I,” I asked. “You’re my daughter.” After what seemed like an eternity, my father looked at me with sheer sadness and pain. “I don’t know your name.” I took his hand. “It’s OK, Pop.”
Jack and Milo arrived at PAWS after their owner became ill and needed full-time medical care. Jack and Milo have been together since they were kittens and because we want them to stay together, we are offering a special adoption fee.Jack is a food nut! He is mischievous, lovable and sweet. He loves to have his face rubbed and rolls on his back from attention. Milo is a sweet, gentle curious boy who loves to observe the day's goings on from a perch. He, too, loves belly rubs. These boys do everything together: eat, play, sleep and groom. Could your home be their real forever home? Both have been neutered, tested negative, litter box trained and ready to go home! If interested, please contact PAWS at 440-442-PAWS or visit www.pawsohio.org.
“We want everyone to think globally but shop locally to support the local economy this holiday season,” says Deanna Bremer Fisher. The executive director of FutureHeights is talking about Shop Around the Heights, a holiday shopping extravaganza presented by her organization, so that Heights residents can take advantage of shopping where they live.
Consumers can pick up a passport and shopping bag at one of several starting locations on Nov. 21 and shop from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Locations include the Brew N Bistro at Fairmount Circle, Macs Backs in Coventry Village, Appletree Books at Cedar Fairmount, Boommodern and Heights Arts Gallery in the Cedar-Lee area and Quintana’s Barber and Dream Spa in the Cedar-Taylor district.
To the editor:
Let me see if I’ve got this straight: The knitting of blue, yellow and pink booties and underwear for parking meters and tree trunks is going to give the great city of Cleveland Heights a sense of “community?”
Wouldn't it have been more helpful for the project artists to have knitted sweaters and socks for actual people? Like those who might not be able to afford such things in tough economic times?
The holidays are quickly approaching and what better way to show your holiday spirit than to purchase fair trade items? John Carroll University will host "Gifts That Give Twice," an annual fair trade holiday sale on Tuesday, Dec. 2 and Wednesday, Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on Sunday, Dec. 6 from 7 to 11:30 p.m in the Lombardo Student Center.
Increasingly more families are assuming caregiving responsibilities as they keep their aging relatives at home. Although this experience can prove stressful, it definitely has its positive aspects. How could it not when it offers people a chance to develop talents they never thought they had?
Nov. 13 marks the 50th anniversary of the infamous “bust” in Cleveland Heights history: Cleveland Heights Police raided the Heights Art Theater (later the Centrum), shut down an evening showing of "Les Amants," (The Lovers) and arrested manager Nico Jacobellis - all because of a three-minute love scene that would seem tame by today’s standards.
The Cleveland Heights Historical Society announces a free screening of"Les Amants" at the Lee Road Library, along with the opportunity to hear an accompanying lecture, enjoy free popcorn and not worry about getting arrested and having your case taken all the way to the Supreme Court, which is what happened to Jacobellis.
The event takes place Nov. 13 in the Brody/Nelson meeting room at the Lee Road Library. The lecture is at 6:30 p.m.; the movie begins at 7 p.m. The event is free, though donations or membership applications to the Cleveland Heights Historical Society are welcome.
Singing, dancing, and award-winning musicians will come together as part of Cleveland Heights High School’s production of “The King and I.” Under the direction of Craig McGaughey, students from across Heights High and the district will take part in this musical performance.
The production will run Nov. 5 though Nov. 8. The show begins at 7:00 p.m. on Nov. 5, 6, and 7. On Nov. 8, there is a matinee at 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 for orchestra seating and $6 for the mezzanine.
Five candidates are running for three spots on the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District Board of Education. The position is a four-year term and is unpaid.
The candidates are:
FutureHeights and the Heights Observer asked the candidates to respond to a questionniare. Follow the links above to read their answers and find out more information.
Three candidates are running for University Heights Mayor. The position is a four-year term and pays a salary of $32,250 annually.
The candidates are:
FutureHeights and the Heights Observer asked the candidates to respond to a questionniare. Follow the links above to read their answers and find out more information.
The candidates are:
Darren W. Carter
Frankie Goldberg (incumbent)
Charles Perkel
Nathaniel Pope
FutureHeights and the Heights Observer asked the candidates to respond to a questionniare. Follow the links above to read their answers and find out more information.
Ten candidates are running for four spots on Cleveland Heights City Council. The position is a four-year term and pays $9,270 annually. Cleveland Heights Mayor is elected by city council. This position pays $11,480 annually.
The candidates are:
Bonnie Caplan (incumbent)
Edward J. Kelley (incumbent)
Mark A. Tumeo (incumbent)
FutureHeights and the Heights Observer asked the candidates to respond to a questionniare. Follow the links above to read their answers and find out more information.
http://www.heightslibrary.org/pdf/reports/CHUHPL_CAFR_2008.pdf
As people age, they often find that their house is getting too big and the yard is becoming too much to manage. Yet even thinking about change can be overwhelming. The Alcazar, an institution that offers independent living for seniors, is offering free workshops this fall.
"From House to Home" is a series of workshops designed to help seniors and their children think about the next stage of their lives. These free programs will be held at the Alcazar, 2450 Derbyshire Road, on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 8 p.m., beginning with a reception at 6:30, catered by Ben Cyr, owner of Green Planet Catering.
FutureHeights is accepting donations of new goods and services for its fifth annual online fundraiser, to be held from Oct. 16 through Nov. 15 this year.
"This annual fundraiser is a win-win for everyone," said Deanna Bremer Fisher, director of FutureHeights. "Local business donors receive terrific online presence throughout the auction's run and a tax deduction, bidders can snag some wonderful bargains for themselves or gifts for the holidays, and FutureHeights receives much needed funds to continue its work."
For more information and to donate online please visit: www.futureheights.cmarket.com or www.futureheights.org. Or call 216-320-1423.
FutureHeights is the publisher of the nonprofit Heights Observer community newspaper.With the November election coming into focus, the Heights Observer is announcing its new policy for contributions by candidates for local office.
As a community newspaper staffed by volunteers and committed to equal access for everyone, the Observer is unique among publications in providing opportunity for any member of the Cleveland Heights and University Heights communities to raise and discuss issues of local interest.
At election time, however, this commitment creates a singular challenge in managing the finite space that can be made available for community members who are running for public office.
