February 2020 Community Board

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/MUSIC/THEATRE

WESTSHORE FILM SERIES TO HOST FILM “THE PUBLIC” on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 7 p.m. at West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church, 20401 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River, Ohio. In the 2018 film, “The Public”, an act of civil disobedience turns into a standoff with police when homeless people in Cincinnati take over the public library to seek shelter from the bitter cold. Written and directed by Emilio Esteves, this David versus Goliath story tackles some of our nation’s most challenging issues, homelessness and mental illness and sets the drama inside one of the last bastions of democracy-in-action: your public library. Free and open to the public, donations accepted.

FREE WRITING PROGRAM FOR BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH AND INFANT MORTALITY: Black women facing the maternal health and infant mortality crisis in Cleveland will have the opportunity to tell their own stories in a free writing program beginning in March 2020. The American Association of Clergy and Employers (AACE) is launching Beauty for Ashes: Stories of Maternal Hope, a restorative journalism project that will empower women in Cleveland to tell their first-person narratives of struggle and perseverance. Though this project, more Clevelanders will learn about the problems of maternal health and infant mortality, seek solutions, and become activists for change. To help shed light on this issue, Literary Cleveland is partnering with AACE to offer a free eight-week writing workshop which will provide black women the space to tell their stories on their own terms. Participants’ stories will then be shared through several media outlets, including FreshWater Cleveland, Radio-One 107.9 FM, and WERE AM 1490. By sharing stories of firsthand experience, participants can make a difference and help save the lives of children and mothers in our community.  Interested participants can visit https://www.litcleveland.org/events-programs/beauty-for-ashes or call 440-494-6290 for more information.

FATHERHOOD INITIATIVE AND ROCK HALL PARTNER to Help Dads and Kids Make a Musical Connection through a program encouraging fathers and their children to visit the museum and discover a new hobby together. Fathers and their children who visit the Rock Hall can participate in self-guided activities that lead them through discovering a new hobby and exploring the museum together. Special guides can be found on the Fatherhood Initiative website, or at the Rock Hall’s Welcome Kiosk. Visitors who live in Cleveland can take advantage of free admission through the CLE VIP Program. Visit rockhall.com for more information about exhibits, programs and events.

WRITERS SUPPORT GROUP every other Friday.  6:00pm to 8:00pm. Published and Non-published Writers Welcome! Lakewood Public Library 15425 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107. February 14th, February 28th and every other Friday thereafter.  6:00pm to 8:00pm. Members are requested to bring works in progress, up to 15 double-spaced pages, to read. Please bring at least 5 copies to share with others. All genres of fiction, poetry, stage plays and screenplays welcome. Critiques and suggestions are encouraged but with the understanding that the writer’s vision is sacred. This is not a class. It is a support group of aspiring writers.

CLELBRATING BEETHOVEN: Internationally acclaimed pianist Pierre Réach will pay tribute to Beethoven as part of the 2019-2020 Performing Arts Classical Piano Series presented by Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C^®). His free performance begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9, in the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Gartner Auditorium, located at 11150 East Blvd. in University Circle. Seating is on a first-come basis the day of the recital.

BAND SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN FOR CLEVELAND METROPARKS SUMMER CONCERTS: The Cleveland Metroparks is seeking a diverse array of local and regional bands to play its popular summer concerts throughout the park district. Bands who wish to be considered for inclusion in this year’s summer concert lineup, must apply online. Full details, criteria and an interest form can be found at: clevelandmetroparks.com/concerts. The band submission deadline is February 24^th.

MUSIC NEAR THE MARKET: Featuring Cleveland’s world-famous Beckerath Organ. Every Wednesday, 12:15-12:45 p.m. Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, W. 30^th and Lorain Avenue.

SPACES, at 2900 Detroit Avenue, offers free gallery admission. Its hours are Tuesday through Friday from Noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays- open until 8 p.m. Free gallery tours available upon request.

WALKABOUT TREMONT is held every second Friday from 6 to 10 pm.  For more information, visit walkabouttremont.com

78^TH STREET STUDIOS, 1300 W. 78^th Street. Art Opening for over 50 studios and galleries every 3^rd Friday of every month, 5-9 p.m. 78streetstudios.com.

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART CLEVELAND (MOCA) at 11400 Euclid Avenue is now offering the public free daily admission. Hours are Tuesday – Thursday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. MOCA Saturdays: different activities each week to engage and explore. Family Fun provided by PNC.

COMMUNITY

PROJECT RED CORD engages residents to understand what human trafficking is (and isn’t) and how to help. An educational event by Renee Jones Empowerment Center, kNOw Human Trafficking, will be open to all on Thursday, April 16, 6-8pm at Urban Community School (4909 Lorain Avenue).  Human trafficking and street prostitution are issues throughout Ohio, including the west side of Cleveland. The goal of this gathering is to engage, educate and empower residents to better understand what human trafficking is, and what it isn’t. Residents will be able to hear from survivors, local organizations and receive tools they can implement.  For more information, email jtaylor@dscdo.org or call 216.961.4242 x233.

WARD 3 DEMOCRATICE CLUB MEETING: Tuesday, February 18th at 6 pm. at 2556 West 6th St., Tremont Pointe Office. Any questions feel free to email Joseph RRider@Yahoo.Com.

THE CLEVELAND WEST SIDE VILLAGE invites you to a Program on Fun, Fitness and Aging. Saturday, February 29, 2020, Doors open at 10 am, Program will begin at 10:30am At Carnegie West Library, 1900 Fulton Rd. Learn about the benefits of exercise to the aging process, about opportunities for exercise near you, and about exercises you can do. Dr. Emily Kullman, Associate Professor of Exercise Science at Cleveland State University will present on the benefits of exercise, and Judy Pestak, Silver Sneakers instructor, will demonstrate simple exercises that can be done at home or at a gym.

CUDELL IMPROVEMENT ANNUAL MEETING: Saturday, March 14, 12:30-3:30 p.m., Brennan’s Banquet Center. This celebration of the Cudell & Edgewater neighborhoods is FREE and open to all! Enjoy the taco bar, award and board election results, and keynote speaker Eric Gordon, CEO of Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Donations will be collected for Marion C. Seltzer School: school uniform items (khaki/navy/black pants, solid color polo/button down shirt), book bags, hats, gloves, travel-sized personal items (toothpaste, deodorant), or individually wrapped food items (such as cereal bars)

SOCIAL MEDIA SITES FOR OHIO CITY NEIGHBORHOOD: #OHCNeighborGames2019; #OHCCommunityConversation2019; Facebook: Ohio City incorporated; Twitter:@OhioCityTweets; and Instagram: @OhioCityInc.

CONSUMER

PARATRANSIT SURVEY: Northern Ohioans for Budget Legislation Equality (NOBLE) will be conducting a survey regarding Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) paratransit rider experiences for the next couple of months in an effort to improve paratransit services in entirety.  If you or someone that you know utilizes paratransit and would be open to hearing more about and or taking the survey please contact our organizer, Brittney Madison at BMadison@organizeohio.org or 330-571-3333.

2020 EXTERIOR PAINT PROGRAM: Contact the City of Cleveland Community Development Department, 601 Lakeside, Room 302, for an application and income eligibility requirements. Applications are due by February 28, 2020.

REPORT SCAMS: Call the Cuyahoga County Scam Squad at 216-443-SCAM (7226). Hang up if a caller threatens you with arrest or property seizure, claims to be a grandchild or loved one in trouble with the law; asks you to wire money, mail cash or pay with gift cards; if a repair person calls out of the blue and wants to “fix” your computer.

DOES YOUR HOME HAVE A SMOKE ALARM? If not, call the operation Save-A-Life 24-hour hotline at 216-361-5535 to apply for FREE smoke alarms.

DONATIONS

THE SPANISH AMERICAN COMMITTEE, 4407 Lorain Avenue is collecting donations for the victims of the earthquake in Puerto Rico that have arrived in Cleveland and are in need of winter coats and clothing. Drop off between 8:30 a.m. ad 5 p.m. For more information call 961-2100.

ALUMINUM CANS FOR BURNED CHILDREN (ACBC): Instead of throwing aluminum cans out or placing them on your curb, collect them and take them to your local fire station. This will help benefit a pediatric burn survivor or prevent a child from a burn injury. For more information about ACBC call 216-883-6633 or visit www.acbcohio.org.

EDUCATION

MAYOR FRANK G. JACKSON SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM:  Applications for the Mayor Frank G. Jackson Scholarship Program are open now through March 27, 2020. To learn more and to apply, visit: www.city.cleveland.oh.us/node/164463.  The Mayor Frank G. Jackson Scholarship Program was created by the City of Cleveland in 2007 to provide scholarship funds to the following individuals:  1. City employees; 2. Dependents of City employees; 3. High school seniors graduating from the Cleveland Metropolitan School District; and 4. High school seniors in the Youth Development Program or involved with the City of Cleveland Department of Recreation.  Scholarships are renewable for up to three additional years from the first awarded academic year. To be eligible for renewal of the scholarship, students must maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA and full-time status. The City of Cleveland’s Mayor Frank G. Jackson Scholarship program is administered through College Now Greater Cleveland. For questions about the scholarship applications, please contact College Now Greater Cleveland at 216-635-0324.

STUDENT OF THE YEAR SCOLARSHIP 2020: The Public Relations Society of America Greater Cleveland Chapter Cleveland Student of the Year award honors one outstanding public relations/communications/marketing college student with a scholarship. Applications are being accepted for the 2020 Student of the Year scholarship. If you meet the qualifications outlined below please apply!. Deadline to apply is March 5, 2020. Must be a current student majoring in public relations, communications, marketing or related field of study, graduating after June 28, 2020, and in good standing. Must be attending a university/college in the Northeast Ohio/Greater Cleveland area OR originally resided in Northeast Ohio/Greater Cleveland. PRSSA membership is not required to qualify but is recommended. Applicants will be judged by the Scholarship Committee of the PRSA Greater Cleveland Chapter based on meeting the qualifications outlined, as well as the quality of responses to the listed prompts. The top applicant will receive a $2000 monetary award dispersed for the next class session (summer session, fall semester/quarter). The top five applicants will receive the opportunity to be interviewed for an internship at one of the participating organizations/companies in Greater Cleveland (to be announced). NOTE: This is not a guaranteed internship, but an opportunity to be interviewed. Past winners of PRSA Cleveland scholarships are not eligible. To apply visit the PRSA website at prsacleveland.org and got to Student Scholarship Program.

TEACH FOR AMERICA seeks Associate Board members: Teach For America (TFA) Greater Cleveland is recruiting a diverse group of emerging leaders to our founding Associate Board who are dedicated to promoting the mission of Teach For America to achieve educational equity in Cleveland. We are seeking individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who believe in the limitless potential of students, share a conviction to change current systems of inequity, and who will support efforts to ensure all students have the opportunity to attain an excellent education. Members will support TFA’s efforts through their involvement in our community outreach, appreciation of our teachers, and event planning. As a member of the associate board you will be able to leverage your skills, broaden your professional network, and develop your leadership skills while gaining deeper understanding of the educational landscape in Cleveland. If you are interested in being a part of our founding Associate Board, please complete the application by visiting this site https://bit.ly/2Rwr6jc

TRI-C PROGRAM EXAMINES MEDIA BIAS AND THE INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM: Learn how to look past sensationalized headlines and determine the legitimacy of news sources during an upcoming discussion at the Western Campus of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C^®). The free program — “The Media Bias Chart: The Importance of Rating News Sources for Reliability and Bias” — will take place from 12:30-1:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, at Tri-C’s Western Campus Theatre in Parma. Vanessa Otero, who created the Media Bias Chart to provide a system for rating news legitimacy, will lead the discussion. The Colorado patent attorney’s infographic chart debuted in 2016 and went viral as people sought ways to make sense of the media landscape. Visit www.tri-c.edu/mediabias to reserve a seat at the free event. There will be a reception after the presentation. Call 216-987-5508 for more information. Western Campus is located at 11000 Pleasant Valley Road in Parma.

GORDON SQUARE COMPUTER LAB: Free classes Tuesdays from 10am to 4pm; Thursdays from 11am to 6 pm, and alternating either Friday 1-5 pm OR Saturday 9-11am. For more information or to register, call Digital Literacy Coordinator Alicia Greasby at 219-961-4242 ext. 235.

METRO WEST COMPUTER LAB: Free classes on Mondays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wednesdays from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m; Fridays from 1-5 p.m.; and every other Saturday from 9 a.m. -11 a.m. at 3167 Fulton Road, Third Floor, Suite 303. For more information and to register call Digital Literacy Coordinator Alicia Greasby at 216-961-9073 ext. 235.

FREE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS TRAINING FOR YOUR STUDENTS: The Red Cross is offering FREE youth disaster preparedness presentations for elementary-aged students. The 30-to-60-minute classroom-based presentations are designed for students in grades K-5. To learn more about the program or schedule a presentation contact: John.Gareis@redcross.org or visit redcross.org/youthprep.

COLLEGE NOW Greater Cleveland on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Carnegie West Branch Library, 1900 Fulton Road: College Now assists adults with student loan debt, starting a degree program, returning to college to finish a degree, finding scholarships, financial aid and much more.  Contact CoLean Williams, Adult Programs Specialist, to schedule an appointment: CWilliams@collegenowgc.org 216.635.0182.

FREE COURSES: Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) Aspire offers free courses to help you improve your academic skills, prepare for the workforce, work towards High School Equivalent (HSE)/GED Test Preparation, and prepare for a job, college or training. High school graduates are welcome if they meet testing requirements. Register online on the 15^th and 30^th of each month at www.tri-c.edu/aspire. (If the 15^th or 30^th is on a weekend or holiday, registration will be on the following weekday. You must attend orientation to enroll.) For more information and a complete list of classes and resources visit: www.tri-c.edu/aspire.

WORKFORCE 360°: Do you need your GED or High School Diploma? Are you 18 to 24 years old? Are you a resident of Cuyahoga County and eligible to work in the United States? If so, OhioGuidestone offers a program for you. The program includes: paid training; GED Assistance; help creating a resume and preparing for interviews; financial literacy training; leadership training; transportation assistance; help finding a job; help with healthcare, child care, housing, food assistance, and legal needs; help with additional education; Occupational Training in customer service, hospitality, culinary, and health care; support for one year following program completion.  Orientations held every Tuesday at 10 a.m. For more information or to sign up call 440-260-6813 or email Nicole.Buongiorno@OhioGuidestone.org or visit Workforce 360° Center, 3235 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115.

LEARN TO SPEAK ENGLISH FOR FREE: Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) Aspire offers English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) courses for free. Register online on the 15^th and 30^th of each month at www.tri-c.edu/aspire. (If the 15^th or 30^th is on a weekend or holiday, registration will be on the following weekday. You must attend orientation to enroll.) For more information and a complete list of classes and resources visit: www.tri-c.edu/aspire.

EMPLOYMENT

WEST SIDE CATHOLIC CENTER WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT JOBS PROGRAM: The program runs from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Monday thru Friday for a period of eight weeks. All jobseekers are guaranteed job offers in the area of their interest and may exit the program prior to the eight weeks upon accepting an employment opportunity. We assist with obtaining childcare vouchers and provide childcare in the interim. We assist with bus tickets for all SNAP eligible individuals. Work clothes, interview clothes and all supplies needed for class are provided for free. A free lunch is provided after class. Those individuals who are interested or need additional hours for SNAP will have a choice of two exploratory introductions to either FOOD SERVICE or MANUFACTURING. Question or registration…..call Frank Johanek   216-631-4741  ext. 167

U.S. CENSUS BUREAU employment recruiter will be at the Carnegie West Branch Library, 1900 Fulton, on Tuesday mornings from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Recruiting Assistant John Wagner will provide information and answer questions about current, local, part-time job opportunities with the Census Bureau.  The Census Bureau offers great pay and hours to fit your schedule.

FOOD

CLEVELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY branches now serve free meals to children age 18 and under Monday thru Friday from 3:30 -4:30 p.m.

LINCOLN WEST GLOBAL STUDIES HIGH SCHOOL FOOD PANTRY, 3202 W. 30^th Street, 3-5 p.m. on February 11, March 10, April 14, May 12 and June 9^th. Fresh Produce. Bring your own bags. Enter from North side parking lot.

GREATER CLEVELAND FOOD BANK: Call 216-738-7239, or visit GreaterClevelandFoodBank.org for food assistance. Apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) if you are under sixty (limits are higher for persons age 60 or older or persons receiving disability assistance) and your monthly family income is $1,316 or less for a one-person household; $1,784 or less for a two person household; $2,252 or less for a three person household; $2,720 or less for a four person household. Add $453 for each additional household member.   For information about Food Stamps (SNAP) applications, food pantries, free produce, and hot meals text FOOD to 63566.

HEALTH

WANT TO STOP SMOKING: Information on how to stop and where to get help can be found at: www.healthycle.org/ditchtobacco.

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE: Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org. The Lifeline is FREE, confidential and always available.

IMMIGRATION

IMMIGRATION DETAINEES IN NORTHEAST OHIO: If you need legal assistance with an immigration matter and cannot afford an attorney, Legal Aid may be able to help. Call the Legal Aid’s Detention Project at 888-817-3777.

RECREATION
LINCOLN WEST SCHOOL AS A NEIGHBORHOOD RESOURCE, 3202 W. 30th: Free night recreation and community programming. Open 6-8 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays on days when school is in session thru March of 2020. Free space for community groups for meetings and extracurricular programs. Programs available for residents include: arts & crafts, basketball open gym, batting cage, cooking class, indoor track, Near West Rec, soccer, tutoring, weight room & Zumba. For more information visit neighborhoodleadership.org. Site coordinator is Michelle Cruz. For more information visit www.neighborhoodleadership.org.

SERVICES

RENEE JONES EMPOWERMENT CENTER, 3764 W. 25^th Street, Suite 200.: Restoring the lives of Human Trafficking Victims through holistic services and advocacy. Services include therapy, case management, life skills, employment assistance, weekly support groups and more. Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays from 12:30-8:30 p.m.; Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. To make an appointment call 216- 417-0823. For more information visit: www.rjecempower.org or email: rjones@rjecempower.org.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER’S LATINA PROJECT offers culturally sensitive services that take into consideration the realities of the Latino life. Services provided in Spanish and free of charge include information about legal rights & Justice System Advocacy, personal assistance & escort, counseling services, weekly Spanish-speaking Support Group/childcare and more. For more information call 216-229-2420 or visit www.dvcac.org.

VOLUNTEERS

BILINGUAL TUTORS NEEDED FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS TAKING THE GED, Tuesdays & Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Seeds of Literacy,3104 W. 25^th Street. Seeds of Literacy offers FREE one-to-one GED tutoring to adults in Cleveland. In association with Esperanza, Seeds of Literacy has expanded its services to include tutoring for Spanish-speaking adults in the Clark-Fulton community. Bilingual volunteer tutors are needed. Curriculum, practice tests and tutoring will be conducted in Spanish. Training for tutors will be provided. For more information visit http://www.seedsofliteracy.org, or to volunteer call 216-661-7950 or email: SHARON@SEEDSOFLITERACY.ORG.

CASA of Cuyahoga County, a program of Child and Family Advocates of Cuyahoga County, needs volunteers to advocate for children who have been neglected and abused. CASAs are everyday citizens who are appointed by the Court to advocate for the safety and well-being of children and represent the children’s best interests. CASAs are trained to investigate, facilitate, advocate, and monitor one or two cases at a time to help the Court make the best decision for a safe, caring, and permanent home for children involved in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Those interested in becoming a CASA, please visit cfadvocates.org or call 216.443.3377 for more information.

GIRLTREK: a public health movement for Black women and girls, is training 3000 neighborhood captains to hold 1,000 walks in neighborhoods around the country in 2019. To sign up to participate email lead@girltrek.org.