Nan’s Neighborhood News, April 9

NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS

ALL CITY AWARDS RECEPTION

I got a sneak peek at the All-City Art Show on Friday (between conversations with Emma (“Are you going to buy my picture, nanny? Are you?”) and Jane, and was much impressed by both quantity and quality – 180 artists are showing, 40% more than last year’s 40% increase over the year before; the Waterloo arts community is obviously responsive). The gallery looks wonderful.

The awards reception this Thursday should be even more fun – at the Arts Collinwood gallery, 6-9 pm. They draw a big crowd – not all 180 artists will be there, but it will a nice gathering. All ages welcome  — cheese and crackers, pizza and pop for the kids.  The big excitement is the announcement of three cash prizes in each category (Professional, Intermediate, Amateur and Children)  — that’s a lot of prizes.

The Arts Collinwood  gallery is at 15605 Waterloo Rd. Call 216-692-9500.

ART IN FULL BLOOM AT WATERLOO 7

Visitors jammed the Waterloo 7 gallery on Friday evening, viewing the spring-evoking works Jerry Schmidt has gathered for the show: paintings of wildlife, botanicals, sculpture, blown glass flowers and much more. Wunderkind Gallery was buzzing, too – and rightly so. The newly colorful walls were a great background for the collection of children’s art (some of which could easily have passed for professional – probably not one of the five-year-olds). The little violin player was a charming addition. Waterloo 7 and Wunderkind are at 16006 Waterloo;  Friday 6-10  Sat 2-10  Sun 1-6. Phone 239-293-9458.

ALOHA AT LOWLIFE

In its continuing determination to present new directions in all things alternative, Lowlife Gallery, 16001 Waterloo Rd. , offers “Aloha from the Underworld.” 16101 Waterloo. Thursdays: 6pm-10pm, Fridays: 6pm-11pm, Saturdays: 5pm-11pm.

PRINTS AND MUNNIES AT SHOPAROONI

ShopARooni (the store for everything you didn’t know you wanted) has engaged  Superelectric Press and its array of printmakers for the ShopARooni Annex. 15813 Waterloo, 216.383.3633

It has also opened its second Annual Easter Munny Show, with customized Kidrobot Munny figures from all over.  Tons of local talent and a slew of mail-in entries coming, but there’s still plenty of room for you – if you get to ShopARooni and buy your customizable Munny. www.shoparooni.com,  15813 Waterloo.

RECORD STORE DAY AT MUSIC SAVES

Music Saves is gearing up for Record Store Day 2009 from noon-11 PM.  Cheap grab bags, free goody bags, discounts for anyone wearing an indie record store t-shirt, fabulous prizes, and a diorama contest!  Create a music themed diorama in a shoebox and drop it off by Thursday April 16 in hopes of winning a $100 gift certificate.  Other Waterloo establishments are catching the enthusiasm, more events TBA.  15801 Waterloo Rd  www.MUSICSAVES.com.

WATERLOO’S FIRST FIRST NIGHT

UpStage Theater’s first Waterloo show was a big success; the dinner theater sold out and the Saturday/Sunday shows were popular, too. I was home with a feverish Emma, but her mother and grandfather reported a terrific show, with impressive choreography and costumes and (as the grandfather kept repeating) amazing discipline.

IN THE ART CENTER

Mommy and Me attracted an active group of toddlers and babies, who spent several happy hours coloring, sculpting, chalking and dressing up. This one might be a keeper; let Arts Collinwood know if you’d like it to become a regular offering (216-692-9500; info@waterlooarts.org).

Next up in Arts Collinwood’s anniversary series is FAMILY OPEN STUDIO, Saturday April 25, 1-3 pm: Come play with clay! Have fun making art with your family in our new community Art Center, and let us clean up the mess. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free to members!

If you’re not a member, you can join by calling 216-692-9500. Or on the Website at www.waterlooarts.org. Or by attending Play with Clay with $10 (the minimum membership) in your hand.

The AFTER-SCHOOL visual art sessions (3-6 pm) are at capacity, but there are still places in the dance and percussion program on Tuesdays. The programs are designed for children five to twelve, and are free to qualified families.

MUSIC ON WATERLOO

AT THE BEACHLAND

Friday, April 10 – Neighbors at the Beachland

The Attention Deficit Glee Club, a year-old group of Beulah Park residents (you all know Beulah Park, the eccentric enclave at the end of E156 St) will be playing in the Beachland Ballroom Main Stage. Doors open at 8pm, the band opens at 9pm for the Smokin Fez Monkeys.  Come and cheer for  Danyl Chambers, Louise Foresman, Lelia and Dave Snodgrass and Brian Whitely.

FOOD IN THE NEIGHBORHOD

PERENNIAL FAVORITES

Sunday Brunch in the Beachland Ballroom Tavern.  Listen to live music while you savor chef Kimberly’s creations and sip your favorite drinks. 11am – 3 pm, 15711 Waterloo, 216.383.1124.

The Slovenian Workmen’s Home Friday Fish Fry offers walleye, shrimp, pork chops, goulash and macaroni cheese, with sides of coleslaw, home or French fries and polenta. One frequent diner comes specially for the coleslaw, which is shredded very fine, in an oil dressing – pretty divine. 11:30 am to 8 pm, 15335 Waterloo, 481-4378.

At Fotina’s Friday fish fry, you’ll get French or home fries plus coleslaw along with your fish, and if you don’t like fish, the full breakfast menu is available. Dine in or carryout; 4PM till 7PM Fotina’s Restaurant, 400 East 156th Street, (216) 692-1375

The Grove-Light East-West Dining Deal was cooked up by Grovewood Tavern & Light Bistro, offering $20 gift certificates to diners who spend $60 at each restaurant over 60 days. Mail in your receipts and the gift certificates are yours. Mail receipts dated between 3/15/09 to 5/15/09 to 17105 Grovewood Ave., Cleveland 44110; for details and conditions, call 216-531-4900.

The Coit Road Farmers’ Market stocks a remarkable number of items for its size – its vendors love it dearly and work very hard. You’ll usually find fresh eggs, Middlefield cheese, honey, cornmeal and oat groats, a huge selection of spices, apples and home baking. The chocolate and goat cheese ladies visit frequently, and there are almost always cabbages, potatoes and carrots – though of course the big attraction is the seasonal fresh veggies (picked the previous day and driven to the market at dawn). You can get a cup of coffee, and if you missed breakfast, Sandy the universal bubbe often has a soup pot simmering.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

FUN FOR FAMILIES

Celebrate Earth Day April 18, 2 —4 PM. Meet at Edgewater and regain your appreciation for nature or share your appreciation with others, by participating in a litter cleanup, or receive and help give away free white pine tree seedlings.

Individuals, families, or groups are welcome. Meet at the upper pavilion (entrance from West Blvd.). Gloves and trash bags provided.

And if you’re looking for entertainment while the kids are home on spring break, check out the nature program schedule at the parks: Junior Naturalist will meet on April 16, 10:30am—Noon. at the Wildwood Pavilion for a morning of navigational exploration. Students 7-14 can learn how to use a compass and follow a course as part of a scavenger hunt.

And on April 17, 10—11AM, children age 3 to 5 (accompanied by an adult) can take part in Preschool Nature Discovery. Meet at the Edgewater upper pavilion (from W. Blvd) for a tree program/giveaway.

881-8141 x3001 or www.clevelandlakefront.org.

FUN FOR SENIORS – and the community

The Lakeshore Golden Age Center (GAC) will give you lunch and take you to aquacise on Mondays and Wednesdays (with craft sessions afterward); on most Tuesdays at noon they have a Wii program (synthesized exercise on large screen TV – very popular). And you can keep up the physical conditioning on Thursdays with gentle seated exercise to strengthen the upper and lower body. 12:30 at the Center.

Every day is a free lunch day at the Center (though a dollar donation is very gratefully received – and it’s a good lunch). On Mondays, besides the swim sessions, you can play pinochle or take a computer class. On Tuesdays, it’s craft classes and DVD movie screenings; Wednesdays feature Bible class and bingo; and Thursdays line dancing and seated exercise sessions. On Thursday, March 24, a foot doctor will be in attendance at 1 pm, and there will be a presentation on living wills at 2 pm.

The Lakeshore Golden Age Center is open Monday through Thursday. 11-3. Membership is only $8 a year; many of the entertainments are open to all ages. Call 216-481-0631 and ask for Lynn. Or go to www.gacgc.org.

HELP WITH DIGITAL TV

If you’re elderly, and you are worried about the June conversion to digital TV, call the Cleveland Dept of Aging (216-664-2833). They’ll answer your questions, help you get the converter box coupon (and hook up the box if you can’t get anyone else to do it) and coordinate transportation for getting the converter box home from the store. (They remind us that a TV connected to a cable, satellite or other TV service does not require a converter box.)

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

LEARN LOCAL HISTORY

The Collinwood/Nottingham Historical Society will meet on Thursday, April 16, at the Lithuanian Hall, 877 E 185, 6:30pm. Call Mary Louise Jesek Daley at 664-4236 or ward11@clevelandcitycouncil.org. Charter membership is only $5.

MEET THE E.185TH ST. BLOCK WATCH

This month’s speakers are Julie Donaldson, City of Cleveland Dept. of Consumer Affairs, Captain Deberra Schroeder, Office of Homeland Security, Sue Brandt, E.185th St. Merchants & Professionals Assoc., Councilman Michael Polensek and Fifth District Commander Drummond.

At the last meeting: presentations from the owners of the new sports bar Winners, and Gabriella’s (clothes for clubbers and – ahem – strippers), and a pointed discussion  about the transfer of the 800 Club’s liquor license to the new owner. Commander Drummond reported on the district’s crime stats (which you can also get for yourself at www.crimereports.com) .

The Block Watch has applied for funding to buy cameras for residents who are prepared to snap pictures of suspicious characters.

The Block Watch meets 6-8 PM at Lithuanian Village, 877 E. 185th St. Call 481-7660 for details

ORGANIZING FOR SOCIAL INCLUSION

If you belong to an organization that serves the community, you may be interested in the training being offered by Neighborhood Connections (the small grants program affiliated with the Cleveland Foundation). It will take place on Monday, May 4, 9am to 4pm at Trinity Commons .

Groups that may be marginalized include young people, older adults, the homeless, mentally ill, physically disabled, the formerly incarcerated, renters, welfare recipients, or people of a different race, culture, or sexual orientation from the majority.

Only organizations in the city of Cleveland are eligible, and must send three to five people for the training. The cost is $50 per group. Scholarship money is available. For an application, go to www.neighborhoodgrants.org, and look on the right side of the page. Applications must be received by April 17.

DEALING WITH THE EFFECTS OF FORECLOSURES?

Neighborhood Connections invites you to a Community Conversation on the foreclosure epidemic: Tuesday, April 28, 6:30-8:30pm at Trinity Commons (2230 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland). This conversation will focus on what resident-led groups can do about the foreclosure crisis. Presenters include a neighborhood group that did research on house flipping that led to criminal indictments, a block club that used a variety of methods to combat vacant and abandoned buildings on their street, an arts organization that placed art work in vacant storefronts, and a community organizing group working with residents to reach out to folks in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure. There’s no cost to attend.

Please feel free to call (216.393.4641) or email Tom O’Brien (tobrien@neighborhoodgrants.org) if you need further information on either event.

DRIVERS NEEDED

Restore Cleveland Hope is looking for drivers able to accompany the indefatiguable, the indomitable,  Joan Southgate on part(s) of her In Their Path 2009 walk.  Joan will set out from Bratenahl on May 1 to walk to St Catherines, Ontario – a  mere 220 miles, much less than her 2002-2003 jaunt — the 519 miles from Ripley, Ohio, to St. Catharines.

Joan is repeating her walk in an effort to raise $250,000 to turn University Circle’s historic Cozad-Bates house into an Underground Railway history center.

If you are able to help or know someone who would be willing to drive a rental car call: Restore Cleveland Hope (216) 231-0301. If you would like to donate or help, call the same number or email letitiabaldwin@gmail.com

Did I mention that Joan turned 80 on March 4?

VOLUNTEER FOR AN ARTS PROJECT

Many hands-on opportunities to participate in the 2009 events happening on Waterloo!  For starters, check out the Waterloo Mural Project at www.waterloowalls.com, and the Arts Collinwood website at www.waterlooarts.org.  And remember the big one:  the Waterloo Arts Fest in June.  Contact folks at either of these sites to see what’s available.

If murals and festivals aren’t your thing, there’s always gallery sitting (a soothing activity), distributing publicity flyers – and occasionally, knocking down a wall (though we’ve pretty much finished with that).

Call 216-692-9500 and ask!

AND THEN THERE’S EUCLID!

THIS WEEK’S RECYCLING TIP: Recycle media for a good cause.  See VASJ entry, April 18.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 8

DID I HEAR YOU CORRECTLY?  Wellness Wednesdays brings audiologist Nancy Adamson from Cleveland Clinic to explain hearing loss and how to cope with it.  She’ll help you sort through the maze of hearing aids to find the one that’s tailor made for you or your loved one.  And in case you didn’t hear it correctly the first time, the program will be presented twice… 10:30 AM AND 7 PM, in the Shore Rm.

THURSDAY APRIL 9

TALK IT UP!  Fans of the book Diary of a Wimpy Kid in grades 3-6 are invited to get together with others to discuss the funny journal entries and explore activities based on the book.  Euclid Library Shore Rm, 2-3:30 PM.

FRIDAY APRIL 10

“JESUS, THE MIRACLE WORKER, A Musical-Drama Adaptation of the Life, Miracles and Ministry of Christ” at Kingdom Community Fellowship Church, 771 E 260.  There will be two performances – Good Friday Evening, April 10, at 7:30 pm and Sat Matinee, April 11, at 2:00 pm.  Call the church office at 216-289-5232 or Pastor Willie Gary at 216-324-2451 for more info.

Last chance for LENTEN FISH FRIES.

PAT WINFIELD & THE JUKE JOINT JUNKIES, Harland Pub. 9 PM (8 PM door)

SATURDAY APRIL 11

INDOOR MARKET in Shore Cultural Centre, 9 AM-2 PM featuring your favorite vendors.

EASTER EGG HUNT at Living Waters Church of God, 24951 N. Lakeland Blvd. (on the corner of 250th street and N. Lakeland Blvd).  Over 30,000 eggs!  Several pallets of Easter merchandise will be given away.  Hundreds of baskets and prizes, 11:30 AM.  216-289-6673.

SUNDAY APRIL 12

Happy Easter!  EAST SHORE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH celebrates with its annual EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE at the north end of East 264th by the lake at 6:30 AM, followed by the 1st Annual Easter Morning Progressive Breakfast – 7:00 to 8:30 AM.  Call 216-261-1688 or visit www.eastshorechurch.com for details.

TUESDAY APRIL 14

Gallery opening:  The ANNUAL SPRING ART SHOW presented by Euclid Art Assn. at Euclid Public Library runs through Saturday April 18 during regular library hours.  Make it a point to see what our talented local artists are up to when you visit the library!

WEDNESDAY APRIL 15

EUCLID ART ASSOCIATON– SPRING ART SHOW RECEPTION from 6:30-8 PM in Euclid Library, awards for the winning entries will be presented, light refreshments.

THURSDAY APRIL 16

Have you tried the COMMUNITY YOGA PRACTICE with LIVE MUSIC by Brandon Kocher of Fireside Symphony yet?  It’s a slow flowing vinyasa yoga class with Michele; reiki and meditation. Bring a healthy veggie dish or beverage to share with friends after the practice. $15 drop-in or use your monthly unlimited, 4- or 8-class pass plus a donation for Brandon ($5 recommended). All are welcome, 6-7:30 PM in Shore Cultural Centre.

PHILLIP MORRIS fans will want to know that their favorite Plain Dealer columnist will speak at the monthly Euclid Democratic Club meeting at 7 PM in Kristy’s, 434 E. 200.  Open to all, no matter who you voted for!

FRIDAY APRIL 17

The EUCLID HIGH SCHOOL BIG SHOW is REALLY big this year.  Beauty and the Beast runs Friday April 17 through Sunday April 19, with advance sale tickets available now.  Saturday the 18th offers a real treat:  PRINCE AND PRINCESS LUNCHEON AND THEATER–  Lunch at noon, followed by photo with a play character, a walk on stage, then the 2 PM matinee performance, all for only $10 for students, $13 for adults!  216-797-7828 for info or tickets.

SATURDAY APRIL 18

Finally here!  It’s off-season for woollybears, so Dick Goddard returns to the third annual SPRING FLING on April 18 held from 10 AM-3 PM in Sims Park.  Bring your leashed dog for a rare romp in the park, watch or enter dog tricks & obstacle course contests!  Be the first ever winner of the Crazy Spring Hat contest!  Learn spring landscaping tips with Home Depot and other vendors!  Stuff yourself for the benefit Euclid Pet Pals!  Something for all.

COMIN’ 2 DA STAGE/ COMEDY SHOWCASE hosted by Tropikana in Shore Cultural Centre Auditorium, presented by Urban Tours/Big Business Entertainment.  Two show times: 4- 6 pm & 8-10 pm, doors open 1/2 hour before.  Tickets $15.   www.shoreculturalcentre.org

The ConsciousNest at 20150 Lake Shore Blvd presents a dyamic program on TRANSITIONING:  COPING WITH CHANGE IN LIFE AND AT THE END OF LIFE from 2-4 PM, $20 fee.  www.theconsciousnest.net

From 10:00 AM to Noon, the Euclid Family YMCA hosts HEALTHY KIDS DAY!  This national event celebrates healthy living, helping kids and families embrace healthy habits they can sustain for a lifetime.  They’ll offer a vast array of health education seminars for parents and children, health-related vendors, healthy snacks and fun activities for all.  Activities include arts and crafts, face painting,corn hole games, relay races, and much more.

THE HILLS COME ALIVE…with the colors of spring wildflowers, in Euclid Creek Reservation for those who meet up in the Highland Picnic Area parking lot from 10-11:30 AM.  This 2.5 mile walk reveals spring flowers tucked into the hillsides, so prepare for a possibly muddy uphill expedition.

Villa Angela-St. Joseph Athletic Department sponsors a USED BOOK AND MEDIA SALE from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the school’s cafeteria.  In addition, a bag sale takes place on Sunday, April 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  For those interested in donating to this fundraiser, please drop your books (adult and children’s), CDs, DVDs and audiobooks off at the school (18491 Lake Shore).  There will be a special drop off event on Thursday, April 16th from 6-10 p.m.  Questions?  Call the Athletic Department at (216) 481-8414 ext. 224.

SAVE THE DATE:

May 15 & 16, the First Annual Euclid RELAY FOR LIFE fills Euclid High School outdoor track with 18 hours of exercise & entertainment to benefit the American Cancer Society.  Currently seeking participants and cancer survivors as well as food donations (coffee, bagels, etc) and early morning entertainers.  Join a team in progress, or build your own.  It’s free for all survivors, who are invited to take the first lap at 5:30 PM on the 15th followed by a free dinner for survivors and one guest.  Teams are asked to raise $100 per person and can fundraise before (on the website if desired) or during the event.  Live entertainment, DJs, food, and games throughout the night will keep you hopping.  Unlike demanding 3 day events, how much you actually walk is up to you as long as one person from your team is on the track at all times.

For more info or to register your team or a cancer survivor visit www.RelayForLife.org/Euclid. or call Jennifer Berman, 216-289-2700 x3934.

May 16 & 17, the Friends of Euclid Parks will finish last fall’s EUCLID CEMETERY CLEANUP in time for the Memorial Day celebration.  2009 is EuclidTownship’s Bicentennial-as the home of early settlers, the cemetery is a jewel in the bicentennial crown so let’s give it the polish it deserves.  Who’s a “Friend of Euclid Parks”?  YOU are, if you show up to help!  Bring the family for a Euclid history lesson as you work.  School clubs welcome.  Scout troops–earn your badges in service to the community!  Email Madeline Scarniench at MScarniench@cityofeuclid.com to join the list of volunteers, or reply to this newsletter