(Plain Press February 2024)

ARTS

BORDERLIGHT THEATRE FESTIVAL is now accepting applications for its upcoming 2024 event (which will run from July 24 to July 27, in and around Playhouse Square). Established and emerging companies in theater, dance, circus, immersive experiences, puppetry, street theater, spoken word, stand-up comedy and more are encouraged to visit borderlightcle.org/apply to apply for the fringe portion of the festival by February 4.

BRENT KIRBY’S 10X3: Bop Stop (2920 Detroit Ave.) is proud to present 10×3, a songwriter/band showcase hosted by Brent Kirby on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 7pm-10pm. It is a pre-arranged open mic, showcasing 10 songwriters/bands, presenting 3 songs each, with at least 2 of the songs required to be originals. This month’s events will be held on February 7 and February 21. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged at the door. The event will also be livestreamed on Bop Stop’s Facebook page at showtime.

FAMILY OPEN STUDIO: Arthouse Inc. (3119 Denison Ave.) offers a family-friendly, pay-what-you-can art workshop on the third Saturday of each month from 1pm-3 pm. This month’s Family Open Studio will be on Saturday, February 17. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Visit arthouseinc.org to sign up or call 216-398-8556 for more information.

MOCA OPENING CELEBRATION:  Cleveland’s Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa) will kick off its 2024 Winter/Spring season at our free opening celebration Friday, February 2 from 7 pm-9:30 pm. The season includes three new exhibitions: The United States debut ofManabu Ikeda’s Flowers from the Wreckage; a two-location experience of Andrea Bowers’s Exist, Flourish, Evolve, located at moCa (11400 Euclid Ave.) and the Great Lakes Science Center (607 Erieside Ave.); and a new immersive mural created by Ariel Vergez, presented in partnership with Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center. If you have questions or if there are additional access services or accommodations that can make your experience more inclusive, please contact access@mocacleveland.org.  

MUSIC NEAR THE MARKET: Come enjoy free live music and our magnificent Beckerath pipe organ every Wednesday of the year at 12:15 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church (2031 W. 30 St). For more information or to receive program notices, please contact Robert J. Myers at 216-283-1700.

NEAR WEST THEATRE (6702 Detroit Ave.) offers a variety of ways for you to get involved in local theater, including auditioning for upcoming productions, volunteering as a backstage crew member, and volunteering at the box office. For a full list of opportunities and to apply, visit nearwesttheatre.org/get-involved. Questions? Email info@nearwesttheatre.org. Please also note that we are committed to diverse, inclusive casting. We will cast artists without regard to disability, race, age, sexual orientation, color, gender identity, etc.

ST. PAUL’S STREET STUDIO: Missing a chance to play live music or share poetry in person? Check out the St. Paul’s Street Studio and join us to share music/spoken word in a peaceful atmosphere of respect. We provide a piano, drums, acoustic guitars, and microphones…and an encouraging circle of listeners. All are welcome! The event is held at St. Paul’s Community Church, 4427 Franklin Blvd from 1 pm – 2:30 pm in the sanctuary. This month’s session is on Saturday, February 10. For more information, contact Ian Heisey at 216-973-1486 or heisey2140@sbcglobal.net.

WRITERS UNPLUGGED: Come hear local author Susan Patrone talk about her latest novel, The Musical Mozinskis, Wednesday, February 7 at 7 pm at the South Branch of the Cleveland Public Library (3096 Scranton Rd) as part of its Writers Unplugged series. Books will be available for purchase and signing at the end of the event.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH   

FREE FILM SCREENINGS: Celebrate Black History Month with free screenings of the following short films about Cleveland-area Black history presented by the Cleveland International Film Festival: From Mopping the Floors to Making the Cakes: The Story of Archie’s Hough Bakeries, Olympic Oaks: Continuing Jesse Owens’ Legacy, and Station Hope: A Conversation Saturday, February 3 from 2 pm-4 pm at the Jefferson Branch of the Cleveland Public Library (850 Jefferson Ave). Stay after the films for a discussion with Tyrone Owens, cousin of Jesse Owens.

FREE JAZZ CONCERT: The Theron Brown Group, one of the hottest jazz groups in all of Ohio, returns to perform on Saturday, February 3 at 2 pm in honor of Black History Month on the third floor of the Main Branch of the Cleveland Public Library (325 Superior Ave. NE)

INVENTORS AND INNOVATORS WORKSHOP: In this free workshop for children and teens, we will use stop-motion animation to create short biographical trailers about African American inventors and innovators. Learn how to use clay or LEGO figures to represent the historical individuals in your animations. Wednesday, February 7 from 3:30 pm-5:30 pm at the Fulton Branch of the Cleveland Public Library (3545 Fulton Rd.).

WRITERS&READERS: Join us for a free screening of HUSH: Help us say Help, a documentary film that explores mental health within the Black community, Friday, February 23 from 5:30 pm-8:30 pm at the Louis Stokes Wing of the Main Branch of the Cleveland Public Library (525 Superior Ave. NE). Breaking down the stigma around mental illness, the film grippingly explores the Black community’s challenges through personal stories and expert commentary. Stay for a book signing and an impactful panel conversation with director Antwon Lindsey and local advocates discussing available resources and ways to support mental wellness and those struggling.

CAREERS

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS provided by the West Side Catholic Center offer individualized employment services and job readiness training. Classes run from four to fifteen weeks depending on the career track. We offer Culinary and Environmental Services Career tracks along with many other good job opportunities with supportive employers. The program includes a stipend allowance, free transportation and meals, a job acceptance bonus, a 90 day on the job bonus, one-on-one guidance, and computer lab assistance. Start dates are January 31, February 28, and March 27. For more information, call Ellen Saracina at 216-631-4741 (ext. 143).

COMMUNITY

BENJAMIN ROSE SENIORS PROGRAM: Please join the Cleveland West Side village for a program on Monday, February 26 at 3pm at the Carnegie West Branch of the Cleveland Public Library (1900 Fulton Rd.). The topic: “Benjamin Rose: Let’s Rethink Aging Services in Your Community.” Learn about programs and services that you or family members can use.

COLLECTIVE THOUGHTS: A news discussion group that meets on the second and fourth Sunday of every month from 9 am to 10 am at Harbor and Bridge at 4321 Bridge Ave. The next two meetings will be Sunday, February 11 and Sunday February 25. The meetings are a chance to read, reflect, and respond to difficult and divisive issues. We often talk about local issues (housing, policing, politics, gentrification, etc.), and sometimes talk about more broad ones. Email Matt at harborandbridgecc@gmail.com for a copy of the article we’ll be discussing at the next meeting.

POLICING COMMITTEE MEETINGS are an opportunity to regularly engage with local Cleveland police commanders and officers to identify problems, learn about available resources, and discuss ways to improve your community. The First District Policing Committee hosts its meetings on the first Thursday of each month at 6 pm at St. Ignatius of Antioch (10205 Lorain Ave.), in the cafeteria. It will host its next meeting on Thursday, February 1. The Second District Policing Committee meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 6 pm at Bridge CLE at 3389 Fulton Rd. (on the northeast corner of Trowbridge and Fulton). It will host its next meeting on Tuesday, February 13.

TREMONT THINK AND DRINK: Join us for an engaging book discussion while enjoying your favorite beverage at Lincoln Park Pub (2609 W 14 St) Monday, February 12 at 7 pm. This month, we will be discussing Quietly Hostile, a collection of essays by Samantha Irby.

COMMUNITY GUIDE

PLAIN PRESS will publish the annual Community Guide in the March issue. In the Community Guide, the Plain Press offers nonprofit organizations and government agencies serving residents in the Plain Press target neighborhoods a free listing of their name and phone number. New organizations that have not been listed in the Community Guide in the past should email their contact information to: plainpress@gmail.com. Organizations that have changed their name or phone number should also send that information to the Plain Press. The Plain Press offers ads in the guide for organizations that wish to place additional information in the guide beyond their name and phone number. To advertise in the guide, contact Ed Tishel at plainpressads@yahoo.com.

ENERGY ASSISTANCE

APPLICATIONS: To apply for the Winter Crisis Program (WCP), Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), or Home Weatherization Assistance Program, visit energyhelp.ohio.gov or download the Energy assistance Program Application. You can also call the Ohio Department of Development for an application at 800-282-0880. Call 711 for TDD services, for those who are hearing impaired.

EDUCATION

FREE CLASSES FOR SENIORS: Through Program 60, Ohio residents aged 60 and older can register for regularly scheduled credit and noncredit courses at Tri-C on an audit, tuition-free, space available basis. Must register in person at an Enrollment Center. tri-c.edu/program60, 216-987-6000, enroll@tri-c.edu

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR WOMEN: Cleveland-area women aged 25 and up who are currently enrolled in a four-year or graduate degree program are encouraged to apply for $2,000 or more in financial aid from College Club West for the 2024-25 school year, at collegeclubwest.org/scholarships. The deadline to apply is March 15. Scholarships will be awarded based on educational goals, financial need, and academic record.

ELECTION

EARLY IN-PERSON VOTING, ahead of the March 19 primary election, will begin Wednesday, February 21. The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections (2925 Euclid Ave.) will be open nearly every day for voting until Sunday, March 17. For a full list of hours, visit boe.cuyahogacounty.gov/voters/vote-early-in-person. Please note that you must now bring a valid photo ID in order to vote.

VOTE-BY-MAIL APPLICATIONS are available at boe.cuyahogacounty.gov or by calling 216-443-8683 (VOTE). Applications must be received at the Board of Elections by Tuesday, March 12 at 8:30 pm.  Once you receive your ballot in the mail, fill it out and mail it to the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections at 2925 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115. Ballots must be postmarked by Monday, March 18 to count.

FOOD

CHANGES TO MAY DUGAN FOOD DISTRIBUTION: Since January 8, the May Dugan Center (4115 Bridge Ave.) no longer offers drive thru food distribution and has returned to in-person pickup only.  Distributions are available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays every week.Each time you will receive pantry bags, produce and meat (when available). Appointments are available between 11:30am-6:30pm on Monday and Wednesday, and between 11:30am-3:30pm on Fridays. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins will be accepted. Questions? Call 216-631-5800 (ext. 300) or visit maydugancenter.org/food.

COMMUNITY SHARE-A-MEAL: Please join us for a free meal on Wednesday, February 7 and Wednesday, February 21 at St. Ignatius of Antioch Church, 10205 Lorain Ave. All are welcome. Join us in the cafeteria and enter through the rear door. Doors open at 4:30 pm for coffee, appetizers, and catching up with friends. Dinner will be served at 5:30 pm. A mini food pantry is available on occasion. Community meals are held the first and third Wednesdays of each month.

FOOD ASSISTANCE: Apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other public benefits over the phone at: 216-738-2067 or text FOOD to 63566 for information regarding SNAP applications, food pantries, free produce and hot meals.

FREE FRESH PRODUCE is available at Orchard STEM School (4200 Bailey Ave.), via the monthly mobile food pantry sponsored by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank the first Wednesday of every month. This month, the pantry will be held on Wednesday, February 7. While you’re there, don’t forget to join us for our Parent TownHall Meeting, located in the Inquiry Garden. It is a great opportunity to offer your input and feedback, as well as address your concerns, to help our staff understand how to best serve you and your family.

HOMELESS

IF YOU NEED SHELTER contact  Cuyahoga County’s Coordinated Intake office at 216-674-6700. Hours of operation: 8 am – 8 pm, Monday – Friday. After hours and weekends please call 2-1-1 for an on-call Coordinated Intake representative. If it is after hours women in need of assistance may also go directly to Norma Herr Women’s Center, 2227 Payne Avenue, and staff will assist you in contacting Coordinated Intake the following day.

RECREATION

FREE SUNDAYS at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History for all residents of Cleveland or East Cleveland. Please reserve your tickets in advance at cmnh.org/visit. Proof of residency is required upon arrival.

ROCK HALL’S CLE VIP PROGRAM offers current Cleveland residents free admission to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The free CLE VIP tickets are available online only, at rockhall.com/ticketing, and upon arrival at the museum you must show proof of residency such as a driver’s license, state ID, or photo ID with a City of Cleveland address. Children under 18 without an ID may gain entrance with their parent or guardian. Limited to five minors (without ID) per one adult admission.

TAXES

AARP TAX PREPARATION ASSISTANCE: Volunteers from AARP will be on hand to help seniors and most other individuals file federal and state tax forms for free, every Friday from February 9 to April 12 at the West Park Branch of the Cleveland Public Library (3805 W 157th St). Registration required. Call 216-623-7102 to check eligibility and schedule an appointment. Visit aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide to find additional locations and to review the list of documents you will need to bring to your appointment in order to complete your tax return.

FREE TAX PREPARATION ASSISTANCE is also available at various Cuyahoga EITC Coalition community locations, including the Clark Branch of Dollar Bank (3115 W. 25 St.), the Gordon Square Arcade (6516 Detroit Ave.) and The Centers’ Gordon Square location (5209 Detroit Ave). By appointment only! To find additional locations or to schedule an appointment, visit refundohio.org or call 2-1-1.

VOLUNTEERING

CLEVELAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL is seeking volunteers to help put on the 48th edition of the festival, which will run from Wednesday, April 3 to Saturday, April 13, primarily at Playhouse Square (1501 Euclid Ave.). A wide variety of opportunities and shift times are available, and volunteers typically receive two free vouchers (which can be exchanged to see any film at the festival) for each shift they work. For more information and to sign up, visit clevelandfilm.org/support/volunteer.

CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE is seeking volunteer ushers and assistants to help out at their upcoming shows and special events. Most performances are held at the main CPT campus (6415 Detroit Ave.), in the evening hours. When volunteering at a performance, volunteers are welcome to watch the performance after they’ve finished their duties. For more information, visit cptonline.org/support/volunteer or contact Jabri Johnson at jjohnson@cptonline.org or 216-631-2727 (ext. 215).