The Plain Press Community Board is a listing of a variety of free activities and resources for neighborhoods served by the Plain Press. Printing for it is sponsored by Organize! Ohio through donations from readers and supporters.

ARTS AND CULTURE

TRANSFORMER STATION. Eating Atom Bombs by Dana Schutz speaks to the precariousness of our current political and social moment. It seeks to illustrate not what tears us apart and divides us, but rather the universal emotions and experiences that bind us together. This exhibition will be on view through April 15. Close-Looking Sessions: Sunday, February 25, 2 pm and Thursday, March 22, 6:30 pm. Explore select works in Eating Atom Bombs through a series of questions that look closely at the connection between the state of America today and Schutz’s paintings. These are free events, however, registration required. Sign-up at  http://www.clevelandart.org/events/lectures/close-looking-session-dana-schutz. Curator Talks on Friday, February 16, 12 pm and Thursday, March 8, 6 pm at the Transformer Station. The Cleveland Museum of Art Curator of Contemporary Art, Reto Thüring, will lead a tour of the exhibition.  The Curator Talks are free events, no registration required.   Visiting Hours: Wednesday: 11am to 5pm. Thursday: 11am to 8pm. Friday: 11am to 5pm. Saturday: 11am to 5pm. Sunday: 11am to 5pm. Transformer Station 1460 West 29th Street Cleveland, OH 44113 216-938-5429. Admission: free.

SPACES will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a series of exhibitions, events, and publications through
its 3 artist-driven programs and community engagement initiatives. The R&D program in the 2018 season will be themed around the topic of “connectivity.” SWAP is an 8-week intensive residency that culminates in an exhibition of new work produced while the artist is in Cleveland.  On view January 26, 2018 – March 23, 2018: R&D: Julia Christensen (Oberlin, OH), Waiting for a Break
 tracks Lake Erie’s winter ice as it forms, shifts, and breaks in real time over the winter. It extends beyond SPACES, with a concurrent presentation organized by LAND studio in Public Square.   Mahwish Chishty (Kent, OH), Naming the Dead
 comes to the SPACES World Artist Program (SWAP), as their 66th Artist-in-Residence, to continue her work on a project that draws attention to innocent civilians living within a state of war. In Drone Series, silhouettes of unmanned aerial vehicles are decorated with traditional Pakistani folk “truck art” to give these war machines a second skin that juxtaposes the terror and beauty of modern warfare. The Vault: Zak Long (San Francisco, CA), Interpretations/Clarification
The videos included in Interpretation/Clarification explore how we interpret information through storytelling, performance and visual cues. SPACES is located at 2900 Detroit Ave.  Gallery hours are Tuesday – Sunday: 12 – 5 p.m., and the gallery is open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. Admission during regular gallery hours is free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://www.SPACESgallery.org, call 216/621-2314, or email contact@SPACESgallery.org.

CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

CLEVELAND METRO SCHOOL DISTRICT schools’ information is available at http://www.clevelandmetroschools.org/chooseCMSD.  Pre-K information is available at http://www.clevelandmetroschools.org/Page/10335

THE MERRICK HOUSE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM, at Merrick House at 1050 Starkweather Ave. in Tremont, is a provider of Universal Pre-Kindergarten, providing USDA approved meals, degreed teachers, field trips, and parent and teacher action teams. Scholarships for income eligible families (Up to 33% of weekly tuition OR tuition free).  Call 216/771-5077.

METRO CATHOLIC SCHOOL is still accepting applicants for the 2017-2018 school year!  Metro Catholic School is a Preschool through Gr. 8 program located at 3555 W 54th off of Denison in the Stockyard neighborhood.  They serve the educational needs of a diverse and changing population.  They offer a traditional curriculum along with many special learning programs and services in a safe and nurturing environment.   Call 216-281-4044 x128.

URBAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE.  Meet teachers and staff, take a tour of the school, and learn about school programs. All families are welcome, but we particularly encourage those with children entering Pre-Kindergarten or Kindergarten in Fall 2018.

Conozca a los educadores y empleados de la escuela. Conozca sobre nuestros programas, venga a participar de una excursion de la escuela. Todas las familias son bienvenidas. Especialmente o animamos a las familias que tienen niños que entraran en el nivel pre-kinder (4 anos de edad) o kindergarten (5 anos) este otoño del 2018. On Sunday, January 21, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM // domingo, 21 de enero, a las 1:00 hasta 3:00 pm at Urban Community School, 4909 Lorain Avenue, Cleveland.  Questions? Contact Mrs. Pattie Rossman Skrha, Enrollment Director 216-939-8330, ext 145, or pskrha@urbancommunityschool.org at 4909 Lorain Avenue, 44102 Urban Community School provides primarily low-income children from Cleveland’s near west side with an individualized, innovative, and challenging education. Founded and sponsored by the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland, UCS is a faith-based school in the Catholic tradition. Preguntas? Llame a la Sra. Pattie Rossman Skrha, directora de inscripciones al 216-939-8330 extension 145.  La escuela Urban Community provee a niños de bajos recursos y viven en el vecindario oeste de Cleveland con una educación individualizada, una educación creativa y una educación desafiante. La escuela fue fundada y es patrocinada por las hermanas Ursulines de Cleveland. Es una escuela basada en la fe y tradición Catolica.

DEMENTIA

“LIVING AT HOME WITH DEMENTIA,” the beginning of an educational series for 2018 with a presentation by Dr. Charles Farrell. It will be on Saturday, February 10 at 11:00 a.m.  – doors open at 10:30 a.m.  The talk is being co-sponsored by and held at Cogswell Hall, 7200 Franklin Blvd.  RSVP to Diana Cyganovich at <dcyganovich@ameritech.net> . This is free and open to the public.

ENVIRONMENT

SUSTAINABLE CLEVELAND Join the City of Cleveland, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and ioby (in our back yards) for a series of workshops in
10 CLE Neighborhoods through April 2018.  Learn more about how climate action can improve your health, quality of life and community:  Increase access to healthy, local food;  Reduce air pollution, which can lead to asthma;  Improve access to transportation options and jobs;  Decrease monthly utility costs and risk for flooding and storm damage.  More information at  www.sustainablecleveland.org

HEALTH

MEDICAID SURVEY: Legal Aid Society of Columbus needs to hear your thoughts and perspective. They are advocating for  improvements in transportation for those on Medicaid.  If you or someone you know uses Medicaid transportation benefits, please complete this very short survey. <https://uhcanohio.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=70f6455abf8276cb1c4462782&id=38eead3dd6&e=0e384e9620 .The survey is anonymous.

THE PREVENTATIVE CARE CENTER at the Metropolitan Campus of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C^®) is open through April 26.  The care center provides low-cost health care services to uninsured or underinsured adults while giving Tri-C health career students valuable learning and training opportunities in a clinical setting.  It is  open 2-5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is located in Room 105 of the Health Careers and Sciences building at Metro Campus, 2900 Community College Ave.  The center is staffed by students studying to be medical assistants, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapy assistants and dietetic technicians. The students work under the supervision of licensed or certified health care providers.  Services offered at the center include blood pressure readings; glucose and cholesterol screenings; physical therapy and occupational therapy; physical rehabilitation for daily living; pain management; bone density screenings; nutritional coaching; stress management; and exercise and education programs.  To schedule a visit or find out about special health-related workshops, call 216-987-3555. For more information, go to www.tri-c.edu/carecenter.

FREE CPR CLASSES:  GORDON SQUARE CPR is excited to announce that due to support from the Cleveland Clinic, multiple Free Heartsaver CPR classes will be offered throughout 2018. The first classes are Feb 4 or Feb 18th from 2-6pm. For more information, or to sign up, email gordonsquarecpr@gmail.com or visit: https://www.gordonsquarecpr.org/

EMPLOYMENT

CUYAHOGA COUNTY provides assistance with job hunting.  Visit  https://employmentconnection.us/

DETROIT SHOREWAY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION is accepting applications for a Financial Controller, Assistant Property Manager, and a Maintenance Technician. Full position descriptions can be found at http://www.dscdo.org/employment.aspx.  To apply, send cover letter and resume to:  jobs@dscdo.org.

HISPANIC BUSINESS CENTER:  Fund Development Manager.  HBC is seeking a skilled professional to manage, implement, and expand the organization’s fund development activities. Details can be found at http://files.constantcontact.com/4a59d850101/adc2e504-a029-4ff3-8a7d-10ea4518b66a.pdf.  Submit cover letter with salary requirements and resume to: Hispanic Business Center, c/o Jenice Contreras 2511 Clark Avenue Cleveland  44109 jcontreras@hbcenter.org.

LEGAL AID SOCIETY

CIVIL LEGAL ISSUES.  A first come, first served free advice clinic for low-income individuals with civil legal issues.  Please bring all relevant paperwork with you.   West Side Catholic Center  at 3135 Lorain Ave. on February 3 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am.  For more information, call 216/631-4741.

DEBT COLLECTION CLINIC.  Debts hold people back and make it harder to create a stable life. Are you facing issues with debt collection? Are you being sued to collect on a debt? As long as the court has not entered a judgment against you in the collection lawsuit, Legal Aid may be able to help! Free legal advice and counsel at monthly Debt Collection Clinics (starting February 6). To learn more and get an appointment, call 888/317-3777.  Ask about the location.

U.S VETERANS LEGAL CLINIC. A first come, first served free advice clinic for low-income U.S. Veterans with civil legal issues related to shelter, safety, consumer rights, health, education, work or income issues. To attend, call 216-391-0264 for an appointment. Please bring all relevant paperwork with you. On February 7 @ 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm at the VA Community Referral and Resource Center (CRRC) at 7000 Euclid Ave.

PRO SE DIVORCE CLINIC. This clinic focuses on divorce matters.  Those attending will be counseled by volunteer attorneys and provided with the tools to handle divorce matters on their own. Appointments are required, and space is limited — please call 888-817-3777.  Ask about the location.  Bring all relevant paperwork with you. For this clinic, Legal Aid is proud to partner with the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association. February 9.

LENT

LENTEN SOUP AND SESSION at Our Lady Of Mount Carmel West on Thursdays in Lent (including February 15 and 22) at 6928 Detroit Ave. in Fr. Marino Hall from 6:30 to 8 pm.  No charge; freewill offerings are welcome.   West Side Little Italy Block Club.  For more information, call 216/281-9304.

LITERATURE

CLEVELAND HUMANITIES FESTIVAL by Literary Cleveland.  Submit original works including play, poem, personal essay, short story or other literary pieces on the theme of “Health.”  Submissions less than 1,000 words should be sent to info@litcleveland.org with the subject line “Cleveland Humanities Festival staged reading” by Friday, February 9^th.  Examples of the types of submissions they are seeking may include, but are not limited to: Care giver experiences; Doctors, nurses and medical students reflecting on their roles as providers; Stories of dealing with mental illness; Encounters with the health care system; Reflections on aging in American society; End-of-life experiences; and Opinions on our current healthcare system. Literary Cleveland will organize a free staged reading during the Cleveland Humanities Festival, on Saturday, March 17th and Sunday, March 18th at 7 pm at Cleveland State University’s student center ballroom. A director and actors will be hired to perform the work.

CREATIVE WRITING. Imad Rahman, Director of Creative Writing Programming at CSU and author of I Dream of Microwaves, sat down with Lit Cleveland intern Rob Daniels to chat about creating characters, his approach to teaching creative writing, which authors he’d invite to his private dinner party, and more. Visit http://www.litcleveland.org.

DEATH WARMED OVER: Writing Historical Murder Mysteries. The first Between the Lines of the year features acclaimed mystery authors D.M. Pulley and Casey Daniels! A free author talk on the craft of writing historical murder mysteries, brief readings from each author and an audience Q&A. Wednesday, February 21, 7-9p at Happy Dog at the Euclid Tavern, 11625 Euclid Ave., University Circle. Sponsored by Literary Cleveland.

Gordon Square Review will accept submissions for its second issue through March 15.  Writers will receive $25 per accepted prose piece and $10 per accepted poem.  They are unable to consider reviews, interviews, academic work, dramatic scripts, or writing for children.  All submitted work must be previously unpublished in any print or online venues, including personal blogs. For more information, visit http://www.gordonsquarereview.org/submit.html

ONE COMMUNITY READS is a collaboration amongst the City Club of Cleveland, Playhouse Square and all nine local public library systems to create a shared reading experience for the Greater Cleveland community. Go to https://www.onecommunityreads.org for a full catalogue of book discussions, community events, and film screenings centered on Matthew Desmond’s Pulitzer-Prize winning book Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City. Runs through Thursday, April 19 at assorted locations.

MENTAL HEALTH

SUICIDE, as they say, is a permanent solution for a temporary problem. Although you may not think the problems are temporary at the time, they are.  For help for yourself or a friend call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255; opened 24/7.  For more information visit The Jason Foundation at:  www.jasonfoundation.com. The Jason Foundation, Inc. is a nationally recognized leader in youth suicide prevention and awareness.

METRO WEST

METRO WEST ANNUAL CELEBRATION is scheduled for Thursday, February 1 from 6 pm to 8 pm at Menlo Park Academy at 2149 West 53^rd Street.  RSVPs are requested, but not required.  To RSVP, contact Kristyn Zollos at kzollos@metrowestcle.org.

POLITICS

Community/Faith Swearing-in Ceremony of Councilwoman JASMIN SANTANA on February 23 at Family Ministry Center at 3389 Fulton Rd, from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm.  Join community members and faith leaders at this free event.  All members of the community are invited to participate.  Jasmin Santana is the new City Council Member  for Ward 14:  Visit www.clevelandcitycouncil.org/ward-14, call 216/664-4238, email jsantana@clevelandcitycouncil.org, Twitter @jsantanaward14, or Facebook @clevelandcity.

POT HOLES

REPORT POT HOLES to the Division of Streets Street Repair at 216/664-2510 Weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm.  If you report a pothole and then afterwards damage your car driving over it, the city will reimburse you to fix it.

SEEDS OF LITERACY

Seeds of Literacy is looking for tutors for 2018. For more information, visit https://www.seedsofliteracy.org/get-involved/volunteer/ Accepting new students for adult ed and GED prep:  visit  www.seedsofliteracy.org or call 216/661-7950.

SCAMS

REFUNDS FROM WESTERN UNION for scam victims who wired money to scammers through Western Union to apply for refunds by the February 12 deadline. The Justice Department is refunding the money to fraud victims who wired money to scammers through Western Union between January 1, 2004, and January 19, 2017. Consumers who believe they are eligible for refunds should visit FTC.gov/WU for claim forms and updates.  Consumers can contact the claims administrator at 1-844-319-2124.  To report a scam, call the Scam Squad at 216-443-SCAM (7226).

TAX PREPARATION

Free Tax Prep Location at Gordon Square Arcade computer lab (6516 Detroit Ave) To schedule an appointment for tax preparation, call 2-1-1 and explain that you would like to have your taxes prepared at the Gordon Square site OR walk-in Tuesdays 5:30 pm to 8 pm and Saturdays 9 am to 4  pm.   (They will take the first 10 walk-ins on Tuesdays at 5:30 pm and Saturdays both 9 am and 1:30pm.   Site is closed February 3.)  Additional Tax Site – Lin Omni Building (3167 Fulton Road): Wednesdays 5:30-8:00 pm (They will take the first 10 walk-ins) and Saturdays 10:00am-4:30pm (They will take the first 10 walk-ins both at 10am and 1:30pm. Site is closed February 3)