LaSalle Theater Open House this January!

Please join Northeast Shores at the LaSalle Theater on Monday, January 11th at 6:30 for a community open house. The theater will be open for the neighborhood and interested stakeholders to view the current conditions of the building. We look forward to showing off the building and letting the community see what a tremendous asset the theater can be again for East 185th Street. Please dress warmly and wear sensible shoes as the theater has no heat and is in poor condition. Also, it couldn't hurt to bring your own flashlight to see small portions of the theater that do not have working lights.

Immediately following the open house, there will be a brainstorming and visioning session of what potential reuse the community would like to see for the LaSalle Theater. The visioning session will occur at 7:00 on January 11th in the Federated Auto Parts training room (just next door to the theater). There will be warm beverages and refreshments to help defrost after walking through the LaSalle Theater. Please come with your best ideas for what could be done with the theater and hear other people's dreams for what the theater could be used for. (Thanks to Wendy Sattin and CNDC for moderating this session.)

Interested attendees can join us for both sessions or either one. In other words, if you just want to see the theater out of curiosity, come to the open house, take a look, and go on with your evening (if you aren't interested in potential plans for the theater that may be presented at the visioning session).

RSVPs are not mandatory or required, but they sure would be appreciated. Please e-mail your attendance plans to jboksansky@northeastshores.org or call (216) 481-7660.

This event is open to anyone and everybody so please help spread the word!

All Cindy Wants for Christmas

In the most recent Scene Magazine (free and available everywhere), Northeast Shores Board President and Beachland Ballroom Co-owner Cindy Barber shared what she most wants for Christmas. What does she most want? Artist immigrants for our Waterloo Village initiative.

What Cindy wrote:

All I want for Cleveland is homesteading legislation like in Paducah, Kentucky, where they created a live-work artist community by giving away houses.

Here in Cleveland, instead of letting out-of-town investors and shady developers land-grab our savable foreclosed properties, let's create a national call, and invite artists and immigrants with entrepreneurial spirit to repopulate our city by giving them $1 homes if they have the will and means to rehab the property, a plan to be self-sustaining to keep the property out of future foreclosure and a willingness to invest emotional capital into Cleveland. It means getting creative with the building and housing code, and finding a way to funnel some of the "stimulus" funds we are getting into a revolving loan program perhaps, but we need population and we need small neighborhood jobs more than anything.

Forget the medical mart or condoing the lakefront — if we don't focus on repopulating the abandoned properties in our neighborhoods in a faster, more inventive way, we might as well hire Blackwater to usher visitors in and out of the central city in a couple years.

As board president of Northeast Shores Development Corporation in North Collinwood, I am seeing firsthand how slow it's going to get abandoned HUD properties turned around. I'd love to see council and city leaders get back to our progressive roots and ask themselves, "What would Tom Johnson do?" (Maybe take over RTA!) Just let me help write the press release for the Great Cleveland Housing Rush of 2010. — Cindy Barber, owner of the Beachland Ballroom and former editor of Cleveland Free Times

Support our merchants and Shop 185

Shop at participating E.185th businesses and collect stickers to fill the spaces on the “I SHOP 185″ postcard available throughout the district.

After your card is filled, return it to a participating business (see list below). You will be entered into a drawing to win one of several awesome prizes. The more cards you complete, the better your chances of winning! And really, when you shop in your community and support local merchants, EVERYONE WINS!

Here is a complete list of participating businesses: Beachland Hair Design, Chili Pepper’s, Federated Auto Parts, LakeShore Automotive, Northeast Shores Development Corp, Patria Imports, Tuthill’s Florist, Adriatic Pets, Arabica, Fresh Catch, Helping Hands Day Care, Joe Compoli, Attorney, National City Bank, Shore Carpet, Azman Meats, Best Friend Self Serve Dog Wash, Blue Sky Bike, Cebar’s, Groom Room, Gus’ Diner, Lakeshore Florist, Martin’s Men’s Wear, Music Emporium, Old World Plaza Barber Shop, Oz Collectibles, Scotti’s Italian Eatery, Seven Star Muffler, Used Cars Inc, Video Game and Record Exchange, Villa Rosa Pizzeria, and Vince’s Barber Shop

Holiday Decorating Contest

From Collinwood Observer:

It is time to reward the folks who spend so much time, effort, and money to decorate their homes for the holidays. The Observer's First Annual Holiday Decorating contest is eligible to all residents of Collinwood. You can enter the contest by:
1) Email a photo of your home to christmasincollinwood@gmail.com
2) Mail a photo of your home to: Christmas in Collinwood c/o Collinwood Observer, 650A East 185th Street, Cleveland Ohio 44119
3) Don't have a computer? Don't have a camera? You can still enter! Call the Collinwood Observer at (216) 531-6790. Say, "I have the most beautiful house!" or "I have seen the most beautiful house!" Then tell us the address.

We will take the picture and make sure you are in the contest.

Awards will be given to the following categories! Most Artistic, Best use of Color, The "Griswold" Award (most possible lights per square foot), "A" for Effort, Best Decorated Street, and Best Decorated Business. Plus a fabulous prize will be awarded for "Best in Show".

Judging will be done by a self-proclaimed panel of experts, made up of business owners, residents and actual artists. Contest ends on Christmas Eve. Winners will be announced in our January 7, 2010 issue.

Be sure to log on line at www.collinwood-observer.com to see all the entrants.

Get your Lightpost NOW

The East 185th St. Block Watch has been awarded a CityWorks grant to help pay for the cost of Decorative Post Lights for our front yards. These post lights are offered by Cleveland Public Power. The CityWorks grant pays up to $149.00 towards the cost of the light post. If you want any of the additional items, you have to pay for that item. Additional items are not part of the grant allocation money.

Please contact us for a flyer showing the styles and the cost as well as the add-ons that are available. There is also an application for the lights. You can pay the price in full or you can have it added to your CPP bill.

If you would like to participate in the program, please contact Denise Lorek at dlorek@northeastshores.org or (216) 481-7660.

Weekends on Waterloo Part Three

The big art sale at Arts Collinwood starts in mere hours. I want to go to there!

THE CITY’S KID-FRIENDLIEST ART SALE December 11,12,13

The Arts Collinwood Holiday Art Sale is the kid-friendliest anywhere. Not only does it have a supervised craft corner in the Art Center, where the kids can make art while you shop; not only does the Café understand the importance of cookies and cocoa (with cocoa, it’s the whipped cream); but on Sunday December 13, the last day of the sale, you can take the family to the Beachland for brunch and a puppet show, and shop afterwards. Food, entertainment, art – Waterloo Road has it all.

For shoppers, so does Arts Collinwood. From vintage clutches to museum-quality glass to wearables, paintings, photography and scented soaps, your main problem will be choosing. (And the jewelry!) More than 30 of the area’s top artists will show their wares on December 11 (5-11 pm), 12 (11 am – 11 pm) and 13 (11 am – 5 pm). New talents have joined with some Arts Collinwood favorites to create what I’d have to call a fabulous shopping experience if I were given to advert-ese: Michelle Biondo, Sunia Boneham, Amy Casey, Jon Cotterman, Designs by Arielle and Pamela, Joan of Art (Deveney), Chris Dixon, Gretchen Goss, Scott Goss, Ann Grecar, John Gulyas and Maryann Posch, Mark Hartung. Jon Hicks, Jeanetta Ho, Mariamne Ingalls, Megan Kelly, Chris Kolcsar, Chadd Lacy, Nathan Longnecker, Michael Mikula, Michael Romanik, Steve and Michelle Romanik, Susan Skoczen, Mark Sudduth, Randall Tiedman, Tutu's Designs, Beth Whalley, Karin Wishner, Brent Kee Young, Sandra Zodnik, Linda Zolten Wood.

HOLIDAY SAVINGS AT THE CAFE

And on any weekend during the holidays, save $1 off your purchase at the Arts Collinwood Café with a receipt from any of these merchants: Arts Collinwood Gallery & Café, Azure Stained Glass, Beachland Ballroom & Tavern, Blue Arrow Records, The Boardwalk, Cakes By Sweetwater, Fotina’s, Low Life, Mac’s Lock Shop, Music Saves, Neighbor’s Choice, R&D Sausage, Raddell’s Sausage, Star Pop, Shoparooni & The Annex, Slovenian Workman’s Home, This Way Out, Waterloo 7 Gallery and Wunderkind Gallery.

The café, BTW, is introducing some seriously delicious food; on Friday I had gingered tomato soup and a most elegant plate of crostini with olive and white bean tapenades.

And every penny you spend in either the café or gallery will not only purchase pleasure, repleteness and the gratitude and admiration of your friends – it will also help pay for art lessons for kids who are bursting with creative energy; or for paints and canvas that a starving artist will turn into another masterpiece. How can you resist?

Weekends on Waterloo Part Two

Official Grand Opening of StarPop tomorrow.

Check out StarPop as one of the fun parts of Weekends on Waterloo.

Here is the StarPop info:

Star Pop (starpopcleveland.com) is a unique place to grab some of your last minute holiday gifts, including vintage and modern toys, t-shirts, clothing and accessories, children’s books, video games, movies, music, art, and more. Star Pop is celebrating its official grand opening on the night of December 12, 2009 and invites you to come enjoy some holiday treats while you explore all that the store has to offer. Star Pop is conveniently located immediately off of I-90 in the Collinwood neighborhood of Cleveland’s Eastside at 15813 Waterloo Rd (at the corner of Waterloo & E. 160).

Star Pop’s customers are quickly adapting to the store’s eclectic mixture of “all things cool.” Moms and dads will find toys and fashions from their youth at prices that they can afford, alongside new and used toys, books, and movies their kids will love. Star Pop’s approach isn’t just fun, it’s sustainable. Although many of the items in the store are brand new, none are ordered from catalogs; they have all been salvaged from local families and estates in an effort to cut down on waste and to keep collectible and practical goods out of landfills and forgotten attics alike.

Come check out Star Pop for some of those hard to shop for friends and family members. Plus, don’t forget to leave time to check out Star Pop’s neighbors including the Beachland Ballroom & Tavern, Arts Collinwood, Music Saves, Shoparooni, Low Life Gallery, Blue Arrow Records, Waterloo 7 Gallery, and This Way Out Vintage.

Star Pop is the newest addition to this vibrant, growing community of locally owned businesses. Owner Troy Schwartz, a Cleveland native, has been collecting toys and other pop culture collectibles since he was 9 years old. He is the fourth generation in his family to work in the toy business and both his great-grandparents and grandparents owned toy stores up until the 1960’s.

Star Pop
15813 Waterloo Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44110
216-965-2368

Tuesday-Thursday 3-9, Friday 3-10, Saturday 2-10, Sunday 12:30-6

Extended holiday hours will be posted at www.starpopcleveland.com or call to inquire.

Weekends on Waterloo Part One

It is that time of the year again when we all get our fair share of holiday shopping on Waterloo Road. This year's Weekends on Waterloo is going to be huge! For the next several days, we will be posting the details of special events and holiday happenings on Waterloo this year.

Here is the first of many blog postings for Weekends on Waterloo. This one is from the wonderful Waterloo 7 Gallery located at 16006 Waterloo Road.

The Waterloo 7 Gallery Christmas Art Show, sponsored by Pabst Blue Ribbon.

Wrap up your holiday shopping at Waterloo 7 Gallery, 16006 Waterloo Road, Cleveland.

Join us December 12 for a night of live music and unique gift shopping. We've loaded the Gallery with one-of-a-kind jewelry, sculpture ranging from stocking-sized to garden-sized, hand-painted treasure boxes, blown glass, wood art, pottery, purses, dolls, and new fine-art prints for everyone's individual taste! Enjoy a PBR beer or glass of wine with the artists and find the perfect gift for that special someone (or a treat for yourself!) Visit the Wunderkind Gallery within Waterloo 7 for a great selection of Kids' Art. Bands playing from 7PM - 11PM include Oldboy, Ben Barr, and Jenna Fournier.

The show runs from December 12 through January 1. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 2 - 8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 2 - 10 p.m.; Sunday 1 - 6 p.m. Phone: (239) 293-9548.

Breakfast with Santa a Huge Success!

Santa Claus ate breakfast with the children of North Collinwood last Saturday, December 5th at the Lithuanian Hall, which was decorated in its Christmas finest, thanks to Ruta Degutis.

The East 185th St. Merchants Association, Arts Collinwood and Northeast Shores Development Corporation joined together and invited Santa to breakfast with the children of North Collinwood. Santa and his elves flew in from the North Pole to hear the Christmas wishes from the children of North Collinwood.

French toast and sausage was provided by Gus’s Diner. Milk and juice was provided by Lucky’s Diner and coffee for the parents was provided by Arabica. O.H. Perry Elementary School provided carolers to entertain the families with holiday songs. After the children visited Santa and ate their breakfast, they visited the Arts Collinwood craft table where they made Christmas decorations to take home.

Bob Diliberto, a North Collinwood resident, commented “this breakfast is better than going to the mall and paying $35.00 for a picture with Santa. For $5.00 we got breakfast, a picture with Santa and I didn’t have to leave the neighborhood.”

Many thanks to Santa, his elves, the student volunteers from VASJ, carollers from OH Perry, Gus’s Diner, Lucky’s Diner, Arabica, E.185th St. Merchants Association, Arts Collinwood, the Lithuanian Hall and Northeast Shores for making Breakfast with Santa Claus possible. As you can see from the photos, a good time was had by all.

Great Announcement from Blue Arrow Records

Blue Arrow Records is proud to announce that this Friday, December 4th a book release party for "Mick Ronson, The Spider With The Platinum Hair." (Ronson was the talented guitarist with David Bowie's band in the early 70s.) The book, written by local authors, Weird and Gilly, features interviews with Ronson's family, friend and colleagues including "... Steve Popovich (manager). Lou Reed, Mick Jones, Ian Hunter, Chrissie Hynde, Glen Matlock, ... and a host of others."

The authors will be at 16001 Waterloo Road to do readings and book signings. Also on hand will be DJ Slider (AKA, Mr. Dave Swanson) who will be spinning treasures from his vast archives to help celebrate the talents of Mick Ronson. In addition, we are also honored to feature numerous local musicians playing homage to Mr. Ronson.

This book will make for a wonderful and unique holiday gift for any music fan! There will be a raffle held at the end of the night. First prize being a signed copy of the book, second prize being a vinyl copy of Mick Ronson's solo albums.

The festivities will be from 6-9, snacks and beverages will be available. Please plan to join us.

Santa is confirmed!

Santa has just sent a message to us confirming his Breakfast date this Saturday, December 5th at 10:00 until noon at the Lithuanian Hall, 877 East 185th St.

He told us he can't wait to have breakfast with the children of North Collinwood. So all of you children in North Collinwood get your list together, you don't want to forget to ask Santa for that special gift you want for Christmas. And remember he knows if you've been naughty or nice so be good for goodness sake!

If you have not gotten your ticket yet, please call Laura Robinson at 383-9671 or Denise Lorek at 481-7660 to make sure your spot is reserved and we have enough breakfast for everyone.

Upstage Auditions for Aladdin

Upstage Players is looking for some young people to play a part in Aladdin. Auditions are coming up!

Here is the news straight from Upstage Players:

Local children's theater company, UpStage Players, invites any interested area 7- to 15-year-old to audition for the troupe's spring musical, "Aladdin," this coming weekend.

Auditions will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2009 for 7- to 11-year-olds and on Sunday, December 6, 2009 for 12- to 15-year-olds. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with auditions starting at 9:00 a.m. sharp on both days. No late-comers will be admitted. The event will end at 2:00 p.m. (all children will be required to stay for the entire time; a short break will be allowed for snacks, which will also be available for purchase).

Auditions will take place at the Slovenian Workmen's Home, 15335 Waterloo, in Cleveland. Callbacks will be scheduled by the artistic director. Those auditioning are asked to bring comfortable shoes, as well as a current photo, $5 for photocopying/folders and a copy of his/her birth certificate.

"Aladdin" will be performed on March 26, 27 and 28. Tech week will begin on March 20th and end on March 25th. All actors, actresses and tech crew members will be expected to be present for every tech week rehearsal.

Based in the Waterloo Arts district of Cleveland, UpStage Players is a non-profit children’s theater company dedicated to the preservation and appreciation of theater through the education of children. The company is committed to making theater a hands-on experience, while building self esteem, promoting responsibility and enriching the lives of young actors and actresses. Through the development of workshops and full-length productions, young people are afforded a positive social outlet and an opportunity for just good old fun! For more information, contact Carrie or Bud at (216) 731-5793 or e-mail upstageplayers@gmail.com. You may also visit the organization's website at www.upstageplayers.com.

For more information, call (216) 978-2395 or visit www.upstageplayers.com or www.myspace.com/upstageplayers

Santa Claus is coming to East 185th!

Northeast Shores, the East 185th St. Merchants Association and Arts Collinwood have contacted Santa Claus and asked him to come visit the children of North Collinwood.

Santa will be at the Lithuanian Hall, 877 East 185th St., on December 5th from 10:00 am until Noon.

Admission is $5.00 for breakfast and a picture with Santa. There will be crafts and fun for all.

For tickets, please call Denise Lorek at Northeast Shores 216-481-7660 or Laura Robinson at 216-383-9671.

Hope to see you there with your Christmas wish list. Remember Santa knows if you have been naughty or nice so be good for goodness sake.

So you thought elections were over?

The election for new board members of Northeast Shores is January 19th at the General Meeting. If you would like to have a say in what happens in North Collinwood, consider running for the board of Northeast Shores. The general election is open to the public but you have to be a member to run for an office or to have a vote.

You can use the application to become a member of Northeast Shores today located at www.northeastshores.org/membership.php. If you join now, your membership will be good for the remainder of 2009 and 2010. Call (216) 481-7660 for more information if you would like to run for a board position.

Please do your part to make North Collinwood a better place to live, work and play.

Muskoka Under Construction!

Northeast Shores Development Corporation continues to commit and increase the number of homeownership opportunities in the neighborhood by acquiring and renovating vacant, abandoned and previously foreclosed properties.

This fall, Northeast Shores commenced construction on 19205 Muskoka, which is a three bedroom, one bath colonial home scheduled to be completely renovated top to bottom. We are proud to say this property is presold to an artist couple whom are relocating from Lakewood to become a part of our growing artist community. The couple is eager to move closer to where they work, entertain and join their artist friends who already live in the neighborhood. Northeast Shores has worked closely with the buyers to design their home to meet their needs as artists.

19205 Muskoka combines the best of vintage charm with today’s modern conveniences. The first floor includes a mid-size living room with carpet and a brick fireplace. The buyers have a significant interest in having open space, so we were able to remove the dividing wall that divides the dining room and kitchen. Removing this wall has allowed the homeowners to install bar-height countertop which offers better usage of the space and allows additional seating while entertaining their guests. This is just one of the many designs implemented to convert this once-vacant property into a renovated home designed directly for the needs of the buyer.

Northeast Shores offers affordable housing and maintenance-free living in our community. Check out the Northeast Shores website which lists several properties that still need homebuyers. Please don’t hesitate to call Northeast Shores Development Corporation if you which to tour our properties and select your new dream house.

General Membership hears final Rec Center Plans

This past Tuesday, the general membership of Northeast Shores was invited to hear a presentation covering the final designs for the new Recreation Center to be built on Lakeshore Boulevard.

Attendees heard from Paul Volpe of City Architecture as he reviewed the process of the designs and showed the detailed plans for the center. The drawings were quite impressive and thoughtful for what the community has requested over the years. The center, once built, will truly be state of the art with all the modern amenities needed to be a first-class building.

Attendees had the opportunity is ask questions of Paul Volpe and he was very diligent to respond to all the questions.

Tired of missing great community meetings like this? Become a member of Northeast Shores today! Just go here: http://www.northeastshores.org/membership.php

Missed the presentation but want to read Steve Litt from the Plain Dealer review the designs? Just go here: http://blog.cleveland.com/architecture/2009/10/city_architecture_design_for_c.html

Ribbon Cutting at Lakeshore Beach Apartments

This past Monday, the Lakeshore Beach Apartments were officially completed with a ribbon cutting attended by Mayor Frank Jackson and Councilman Michael Polensek.

The complete renovation of the 108 units at Lakeshore Beach Apartments was hailed as a model public-private partnership. This $14 million project was completed with assistance from the Department of HUD, Ohio Housing Finance Agency, the City of Cleveland and US Bank.

Mayor Frank Jackson commented about how important the improved apartment community was to the quality of life for the renters living there. Councilman Polensek expressed how impressed he was with the workmanship done by the contractor and how quickly the transformation occurred.

Lakeshore Beach Apartments is majority-owned by Dominium Development & Acquisition. Non-profit minority owners are Northeast Shores and Christian Relief Services. Jeff Huggett, principal for Dominium, stated during his comments that "the project went through a lengthy local review process and that process actually led to the project being improved."

Brian Friedman, Northeast Shores Executive Director, shared the history of Lakeshore Beach Apartments and how the renovation is one more incremental step in the fulfillment of the Lakeshore Plan. He commented that "Admittedly, we were skeptical of Dominium because they were new to the area. After underwriting their experience and reputation, we found that Dominium was a great for-profit developer to work with." Brian Friedman finished his comments by sharing some specific details where Dominium showed their thoughtfulness and finished his comments by inviting Dominium to please return to the community and invest again soon.

The ribbon cutting was held at the brand-new community center available for use by the residents. This new building, located in the center of the project, boasts a computer center for residents, meeting room, and playground. The total project went very smoothly due to the total cooperation of the residents that remained on-site through the total redevelopment.

Congrats to Scene Best of Cleveland Winners

This past week, Scene Magazine printed their annual Best of Cleveland awards. Several neighborhood businesses and individuals won accolades. Many even have Northeast Shores relationships worth noting. So, how did North Collinwood clean up during this year's awards? See below:

Direct (and rather obvious) Northeast Shores Connection

Best Politician Quotes - Mike Polensek, Ward 11 Councilman (page 54)
Councilman Polensek is awarded for his candid representation of the neighborhood and his strong stance on many topics of city importance. Connection to Northeast Shores? As many of you are aware, Councilman Polensek is a strong supporter and funder of Northeast Shores and its initiatives. It would be difficult for Northeast Shores to even be founded, no less continue without the ongoing support of this seasoned politician.

Best Neighborhood Catalyst - Cindy Barber (page 54)
Cindy is recognized for the impact the Beachland Ballroom has had on not only Waterloo Road but the entire neighborhood and region. As noted, several galleries and shops are now opening to be near the Beachland Ballroom. Connection to Northeast Shores? Cindy is the current president of the board for Northeast Shores. We have the pleasure of experiencing her guiding leadership and vision as she participates in various Northeast Shores committees and decisions.

Best Music Store - Music Saves (page 58)
Music Saves won not only the editorial award but also won the people's choice award in this category. Melanie and Kevin that run Music Saves should be very excited that their music store at 15801 Waterloo Road won both of these awards, effectively sweeping the category. And they won for good reason - Music Saves is a fabulous store where you can find music not commonly found at your big box retailer. Music Saves also does a great job promoting up and coming acts with in-store concerts and their listening station. Connection to Northeast Shores? Melanie and Kevin came to Northeast Shores almost six years ago with a dream to open Music Saves. Northeast Shores purchased their building and assisted with renovations and financing for their operation. After establishing themselves, Northeast Shores assisted with finding bank financing and sold the property to Melanie and Kevin to cement their place on Waterloo for years to come. This opening under a lease then converting to an ownership model has been repeated several times since Music Saves.

Winners with not so obvious connections to Northeast Shores

Best Place to Buy Trashy Pulp Novels - Blue Arrow Records (Page 54)
Blue Arrow Records (run by Pete and Debbie Gulyas) are awarded not because of their great depth of vinyl, but instead for the various old '50s and '60s pulp novels available at the store. Connection to Northeast Shores? Blue Arrow Records is located at 16001 Waterloo Road in a building formerly owned and modestly rehabbed by Northeast Shores.

Best Museum You Probably Haven't Been To - National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame (Page 57)
The Polka Hall of Fame is recognized for preserving the history of over 100 years of Slovenian-style polka. Many of the most famous polka artists (such as Frankie Yankovic) are displayed in the hall of fame located just next to Euclid City Hall. Connection to Northeast Shores? For many years of the East 185th Street Festival, volunteers from the Polka Hall of Fame sold beer at one of the three beer stands at the festival. For volunteering, Northeast Shores and the Polka Hall of Fame split proceeds from the beer stand.

Best Behind the Scenes Organizer - Myra Orenstein (page 69)
Myra was recognized for the wide range of projects that she is involved in, especially running the Coventry Village Special Improvement District. Connection to Northeast Shores? Myra was the layout and publishing consultant for the Northeast Shore Lines for the last several issues. This publication was in the black each time Northeast Shores printed it. Recently, the Shore Lines stepped aside for the new Collinwood Observer (which Myra is not involved in). We are hoping to work with Myra on some other project in the future, because she was incredible to work with.

Best New Bookstore - Horizontal Books (page 60)
Horizontal Books was recognized for their new bookstore located at 1921 West 25th Street. West 25th Street? Huh? Connection to Northeast Shores? The owners of Horizontal Books originally were looking at locating in the LaSalle Theater. Challenges and delays in Northeast Shores acquiring the vacant theater led to the owners seeking a more immediately available spot and, voila, West 25th Street. Many of the ideas discussed with Northeast Shores and our architect are evident in the new store. We are hoping that Horizontal Books may consider a second location now that we own the LaSalle Theater and their West 25th Street location is open and established.

Also, check out the great ad for Waterloo on page 100 of the Scene Magazine. The ad was created by Marlee from Shoparooni and states that Waterloo is the best neighborhood on the whole friggin planet. Nuff Said.

LaSalle Theater purchased covered by Crain's

Crain's Cleveland Business covered Northeast Shores purchase of the LaSalle Theater and Tavern.

The article read as follows:

LaSalle Theatre awaits next act
Northeast Shores sets stage for revitalizing E. 185th St. landmark
By Stan Bullard

After staking its claim to the old LaSalle Theatre in Cleveland's Collinwood neighborhood by buying the foreclosed property, Northeast Shores Development Corp. is exploring ways to revive the landmark on East 185th Street.

“We're not a preservationist group, but we want to make sure it has a good shot at survival,” said Brian Friedman, executive director of the Northeast Shores neighborhood group. “We want to bring the power of our nonprofit status to bear on it and explore every option for restoring the property. If we come to the conclusion we have to demolish the building, we will be the one making that decision.”

Northeast Shores commands LaSalle's fate after paying PVF Capital Corp., the Solon-based parent of Park View Federal Savings Bank, $150,000 for it on Sept. 28, according to Cuyahoga County land records. Besides the 800-seat theater, the block-long, 25,000-square-foot complex at 819 E. 185th includes three storefronts, five second-floor apartments, a parking lot and an adjoining tavern — all empty.

Mr. Friedman said his staff's “marching orders” from its board are to secure financing to renovate the property and find new uses for the complex.

The biggest unknown is what to do with the theater. Northeast Shores will take an entrepreneurial approach to that task.

“It's really finding someone with a vision for the theater more than anything else,” Mr. Friedman said.

Nearby multiplex movie theaters already serve the area, so putting a cinema in the space is not viable, he said, as it was at the renovated Capitol Theatre on the city's West Side.

One avenue the nonprofit is pursuing is renovating the empty apartments as four lofts. It has applied to the Ohio Housing Finance Agency for $300,000 to help restore the apartments, Mr. Friedman said. If it wins a grant, the nonprofit would need to decide if the prospects for other space are strong enough to spend the money.

Councilman Michael Polensek, whose Ward 11 includes the theater, sees making a go of the complex as essential.

“It's a symbol of East 185th Street,” Mr. Polensek said. “We've had some successes on East 185th Street, but the challenge is the economy.”

Putting the block-long LaSalle complex back into working condition should take about $2 million, Mr. Friedman said.

Keith Hamulak, a CB Richard Ellis retail broker who has sold properties on the street for a new supermarket and construction of two new banks, said Northeast Shores has the expertise to advance a project, even if it means leveling the 1927 landmark. He described East 185th as a “healthy corridor” in the city.

Thoughts from the Northeast Shores Intern

We asked Megan Lanning to share some thoughts about her current experience interning here at Northeast Shores. Here is what she wrote:

As an intern at Northeast Shores and the newest member to their team, I am able to see first hand what it takes to improve the North Collinwood area. My name is Megan Lanning and I am the Commercial District Intern at Northeast Shores. I am a member of the Villa Angela-St. Joseph class of 2005 and a soon to be graduate of Cleveland State University’s Maxine Goodman Levine College of Urban Affairs class of 2010 with my degree in Urban Planning. Part of my graduation requirement was to fulfill an internship from a list of places that CSU provides. Instead of using their suggestions I decided to contact Northeast Shores for and Internship opportunity where I knew I would get hands on experience in the field of Urban Planning. It wasn’t long after the initial contact that I had an interview and then a position.

Since my first day on the job, I have been introduced to new programs and projects everyday. I have learned about programs and projects such as, the Paint Program and the Storefront Renovation Program, to the LaSalle Theater project and the Corsica Gardens. Through observing these programs, I have learned so much more about Northeast Shores than I knew before. I have such a great respect for the amount of community involvement each member of the staff has, no matter how great or small the task, the staff here at Northeast Shores makes it a point to inform and get the opinions of the community. Like most college students I am nervous to graduate and enter the real world, but Northeast Shores has shown me how to apply the concepts I have learned in the classroom to the problems most urban areas are facing. I will be graduating in May and couldn’t be more proud to say that I had the experience of working with Northeast Shores Development Corporation.

Megan is a pleasure in the office and her time with us is passing way too fast!

Community Organizer on Channel 19

Our own Community Organizer, Denise Lorek, was on Channel 19 News talking about the power of block clubs and cameras in reducing burglaries.

Check out the story here:
http://www.woio.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=4189710&at1=News&h1=Action News Alert: Burglaries on the Rise&flvUri=&thirdpartymrssurl=

Waterloo covered on Channel 5 News

Jerry Schmidt, owner of Waterloo 7 Gallery, was interviewed about his metal sculpting work and the redevelopment on Waterloo Road. Check out the Channel 5 news story here:
http://www.newsnet5.com/video/21206608/index.html?taf=nn5

If you see Jerry, thank him for positively representing the neighborhood.

Northeast Shores sponsors Purple Light Nights

For the second year, Northeast Shores is a sponsor of Purple Light Nights, which is an initiative to raise attention during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

We are shining our purple lights at Northeast Shores to remember domestic violence victims, celebrate the courage of those who have survived, and provide hope, information and services to those who are still living with violence and abuse.

For more information or to see Purple Light Nights activities, visit the website at www.domesticviolencecenter.org

Beware of falling concrete! (Its not the Marquee that is dangerous!)

Contrary to public opinion, the barrels surrounding the LaSalle Theater are not because of the marquee. We have heard from dozens of people that believe the marquee is unstable and is at risk of collapsing.

Let’s set the record straight. It is not the marquee that is creating the risk to the public.

The orange barrels are surrounding the building to protect the public from pitting that is occurring on the sandstone of the building. Several years ago, the owner of the LaSalle Theater attempted to repair some sandstone pitting and cracks with a concrete epoxy. This concrete epoxy was not developed for this use and never adhered to the theater’s façade properly. From time to time, this concrete epoxy has failed to adhere to the building and has come crashing down to the sidewalk along East 185th Street.

If someone was in the wrong place at the wrong time, this concrete epoxy could come crashing down on their heads causing serious injury. Because of this risk, the Cleveland Housing Court declared this condition a danger to the public and required the previous building owner to barricade off the front of the building.

Northeast Shores purchased the LaSalle Theater in its “as-is” condition. In other words, it is now the responsibility of Northeast Shores to properly repair the LaSalle Theater façade so that the orange barrels and fencing can be removed.

In anticipation of this requirement, Northeast Shores has made some leads on grant funding to cover this significant expense but application for these competitive funds could not occur until title transferred. Please continue your patience with this ugly street condition while we await word of grant funding and can proceed with the necessary work to repair this dangerous condition.

In the meanwhile, Northeast Shores knows the marquee does not gleam as it once did and we look forward to restoring the marquee as well. Look for future information about sponsorship opportunities for you to support restoration of the marquee

Northeast Shores purchases LaSalle Theater and Tavern

On September 28, 2009, Northeast Shores purchased the LaSalle Theater and Tavern after several years of negotiations.

Northeast Shores initially became interested in buying this block of East 185th Street when the properties entered foreclosure in 2006. At that time, Northeast Shores attempted to purchase the properties from the former owner but was unable to complete the transaction before the foreclosure proceeded. The previous owner attempted to retain title to the properties but eventually the foreclosure proceedings were successful and title reverted to the mortgage holder, Parkview Federal and Savings.

Following standard company policy, Parkview Federal proceeded with eviction proceedings of the commercial and residential tenants in the property. Some of these tenants were sad to leave the East 185th Street Business District and Northeast Shores made attempts to relocate one of these tenants to a space farther north in the district.

Upon vacancy, Parkview Federal put the property up for sale and entertained several offers for the property. Northeast Shores bid on the property at less than half of the asking price and waited months as Parkview Federal vetted through other offers that did not culminate in a sale.

In the meantime, rumors that Parkview Federal intended to demolish the theater became deafening when Parkview Federal proceeded with seeking a demolition bid and inquired to the City of Cleveland Building and Housing Department about the process for seeking a demolition permit. Councilman Mike Polensek stepped in and had the theater declared a local landmark to prevent the demolition of the theater.

Upon local landmark status, Parkview Federal reduced their asking price and Northeast Shores was able to strike a deal to acquire this key property. It still took several months to secure acquisition financing, given the building’s vacancy and uniqueness as well as the current lending environment. Thankfully, Village Capital Corporation stepped to the plate and offered to provide the financing for the purchase.

While the theater and tavern are now in safe hands, the saga continues. Northeast Shores needs to renovate and retenant the building. To do this, Northeast Shores must raise significant grant and loan funds to bring the theater back to its historic grandeur.

We are excited about undertaking this difficult redevelopment project. Once restored, the LaSalle Theater can continue to be an anchor and landmark for future generations on East 185th Street. Pick up future issues of the Collinwood Observer or check out the blog on the Northeast Shores website for future chapters as this project continues to evolve and develop.

Euclid Beach Event Draws Thousands

We hope you were one of the several thousand that attended today's Remembering the Sights and Sounds of Euclid Beach Park.

This year's event was bigger and better than the last several years. It was great to be on hand for the dedication of the shuffle board courts. The car show was bigger and better than ever with the Kiddie Hook and Ladder Fire Truck making its first return to Euclid Beach State Park since the amusement park closed forty years ago.

It was incredible to see the park so alive with people sharing their memories of the amusement park with their children and grandchildren. A favorite memory of today was watching a grandfather teach his grandson how to play skee ball.

Thanks to the volunteers of the Euclid Beach Park Now for making an unforgettable event happen right here on our lakefront.

Collinwood Observer Covered by WKYC Channel 3

The great community story of the Collinwood Observer being published was covered by WKYC Channel 3. Check out the great story here:

http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/news_article.aspx?storyid=122190&catid=2

Collinwood Observer is in Print!

The very first issue of the Collinwood Observer is in print and has been distributed.

The first issue looks great and Northeast Shores is proud to be a key partner in this wonderful new neighborhood-driven publication.

The debut issue includes a full page of Northeast Shores news on page nine.

Come by our offices and pick up the debut issue and save an extra copy for prosperity.

Look for new issues of the Observer to be available every two weeks.

Exit Stencil in Sunday Plain Dealer

Waterloo's own Exit Stencil Records was highlighted in yesterday's (Sunday) Plain Dealer section as "Tastemakers" in Northeast Shores.

This is a great accomplishment for Ryan Weitzel and crew at the recording studio. They are doing great stuff and the studio is wonderfully warm corner of our community.

If you missed the story, you can read the whole story:
http://www.cleveland.com/music/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-0/1253349023110300.xml&coll=2

Beachland Post Office to Remain OPEN!

Last night, we received word that the Beachland Post Office located on East 185th Street will remain open and we are no longer at risk of losing our post office.

We want to thank everyone that completed a survey, contacted the post office directly, or contacted a politician on behalf of saving our post office.

We were told that our efforts to save the post office was the highest turn-out in Northeast Ohio of any community whose post office was threatened. This only reinforces our belief that this neighborhood is as strong and committed as any in our country. In addition, this outpouring of support also shows what we are capable when we all work together on a shared goal.

The Post Office is distributing a letter that reads as follows:

September 11, 2009

Dear Postal Customer:

In my letter of July 11, 2009, I informed you that the US Postal Service was conducting a review of Postal operations at the Beachland station with the possibility of consolidating it into the Collinwood station. After careful review of all data and customer input it has been determined that retail operations at this station will not be consolidated at this time.

Thank you for your patience during the review process.

Harry Myers
Manager, Customer Relations
2200 Orange Avenue, Room 206
Cleveland, Ohio 44101-9996

Staff show team spirit on Patriot Day

To commemorate the anniversary of 9/11 and to celebrate the return of football season, Northeast Shores staff painted two buildings in the community with VASJ school colors and Browns colors.

Look for additional lettering to occur this week to finish up this project.

Hope this neighborhood brightens up your day and shows the world that this is a neighborhood that cares (...about football).

Sights and Sounds of Euclid Beach

Euclid Beach Park Now is about to embark on the FIFTH reunion event at the Euclid Beach State Park. This event keeps getting bigger and bigger and bigger. You have got to see this event! Two weeks to showtime!

Come on out from 1:00 to 5:00 pm on Sunday, September 27th at Euclid Beach State Park.

Here are more details about the event from Elva Brodnick, the President of Euclid Beach Park Now:

Welcome to our Fifth – yes Fifth! – year of bringing you
Remembering the Sights & Sounds of Euclid Beach Park.

2009 also marks the 40th Anniversary of Euclid Beach Park closing, September 28 1969.

It all began rather innocently really.

Back in 2005, Carol Ward, our local State Park Naturalist, approached EBPN with the idea of doing “a little memorabilia event” at Euclid Beach State Park. Have EBPN bring out a few Euclid Beach pictures and signs maybe, let people come and enjoy remembering the Park, nothing elaborate you see . . .

Yes, well . . .

But then we got to thinking . . .

What if we put signs with photos up all thru the Park showing where things were at Euclid Beach? And since we’ll have the signs up, hey, we could also take people on guided tours around the Park. And can we get “Frozen Whip” there? Humphrey popcorn balls and candy kisses?

How about we lay out the Carrousel right where it ran at Euclid Beach?

What about the Rocket Ship Car? Or the Thriller Car? Other “Euclid Beach” things?

And wouldn’t a car show be cool, The Cars we Drove to Euclid Beach, showcasing cars 1969 (when the Park closed) and older. (Which is in its 3rd year.)

Then Laughing Sal showed up last year (and enjoyed herself immensely!)

So here we are again. We’ve grown every year, and have had a huge lot of fun bringing the 1500 to 2500 (in 2008) of you to “Euclid Beach for a Day”. We figure we’ll be doing this for years to come – just as long as all of us will be Remembering the Sights & Sounds of Euclid Beach Park.

Thanks for your support!

More details at euclidbeach.com

Community Organizer Tweets!

Denise Lorek, the Community Organizer for Northeast Shores, has started her own twitter page.

Get all your updates on the specific activities of Denise at twitter.com/neshoresdenise

Blog about Duncan Blog

How do you know the world is coming to some strange end? When people start blogging about other people's blogs, that's how. Kind of like this post right here.

The Duncan YoYo people have hit the road with a tour across the country to show people that they make YoYo's and that YoYo's are cooler than other stuff.

The Duncan people made a stop on the tour at our very own Cleveland YoYo Club located on Waterloo Road. They brought pizza and generally rocked out with Perry and the YoYo crew.

Check out Duncan's take on the event here:
http://www.duncancrew.org/tour/?p=175

Duncan has been super-supportive of this new, grassroots YoYo Club which is just trying to provide another opportunity to keep the youth engaged and off the streets. If you are interested in the Cleveland YoYo Club, stop by their clubhouse on Sundays from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.

if you can't make it on Sundays but still want to help, stop by Mac's Lock Shop at 15702 Waterloo Road and ask for Perry Jr. Also, please thank him for his generous efforts to get this club off the ground.

Christian Fellowship Center in the news

The lead story in today's Plain Dealer Metro section covers the challenges the community has experienced with the ongoing construction delays at the Christian Fellowship Church.

The Christian Fellowship Church sits north of Lakeshore between Bonniewood and Overlook Park Drive. Over the last decade, Northeast Shores has received numerous complaints about the building conditions at the church.

The details and status of this neighborhood frustration are well-documented in the Plain Dealer today. Please read the full article at:
http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/08/delays_in_north_collinwood_chu.html#more

Walk All Over Waterloo on Thursdays

Waterloo is hosting a series of great Thursday evening events called "Walk All Over Waterloo".

Come by each Thursday from 6:00 to 10:00 pm for more fun that you should be allowed to have in Ward 11.

Walk a dog this Thursday

Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound is coming to North Shores Collinwood.

North Shore Collinwood Walk & Wag will be here Thursday, August 20th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The walk starts and ends at Best Friend Self Serve Dog Wash located at 640 East 185th Street.

This free event is a program of Steps to a Healthier Cleveland.

No registration required. For more information, call 644-STEP or e-mail nicole@cndc2.org

EPIC Night a Huge Success

The annual Night Out Against Crime occurred this past Tuesday at Humphrey Park. This citywide event rotates around the city and we were proud to host this year's festivities.

The turnout was absolutely amazing and the feeling of community overwhelming. It was great to see so many friends and neighbors come out and enjoy a night in the park.

The music coming from the stage was fantastic and very inspiring.

Hope you could make it this year. Thank you to Mayor Frank Jackson and the city staff responsible for this great event.

Upstage Underground Presents "Class Action"

From our friends at Upstage Players:

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Don’t miss your chance to witness the free summer performances of the young adult division of one of Northeast Ohio’s hardest working children’s theater companies, UpStage Underground, a part of UpStage Players. From July 31st to August 2nd, the group will be producing and performing Class Action, a popular PG-13 collection of one-act plays about the comedies and dramas of teen high school life. Featuring performances by 12 local teens (hailing from Cleveland, Euclid, South Euclid, Eastlake, Wickliffe and Beachwood) and directed by five adult and UpStage alumni directors, Class Action was written by Brad Slaight.

UpStage Underground’s opening performance will take place at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31st at Waterloo 7 Sculpture Gardens (16006 Waterloo; Cleveland). All audience members are invited to stay after the show for a dessert celebration. On Saturday, August 1st, the first of the group’s two performances will commence at 11:00 a.m. at West Point Park in Downtown Willoughby, Ohio. At 2:00 p.m. that same day, Class Action will be performed at the Arts Collinwood Gallery (corner of Waterloo Road and E. 156 St. in Cleveland). The troupe’s final two performances will take place on Sunday, August 2nd. The first show will begin at 11:00 a.m. at St. Jerome Church (15000 Lakeshore Blvd.; Cleveland). UpStage Underground’s final show of the summer will begin at 2:00 p.m. at Euclid Beach Park (16000 Lakeshore Blvd.; Cleveland). All five performances are sponsored by Downtown Kiwanis #2.

UpStage Underground, the 13-19 year-old division of UpStage Players, is an outdoor performance troupe specializing in edgier and lesser-known one-act plays. Each summer, the group enlists multiple directors to maximize creativity, instead of having only one director and one inspired vision. Often, the group’s directors are former actors in both UpStage Underground and UpStage Players. By the end of summer, the actors have faced many challenges from their directors and have pushed themselves to new heights as artists. In addition, they have created something fun and exciting, and have shared this free experience, as well as themselves, with a wide array of audiences.

Based in the Waterloo Arts district of Cleveland, UpStage Players is a non-profit children’s theater company dedicated to the preservation and appreciation of theater through the education of children. The company is committed to making theater a hands-on experience, while building self esteem, promoting responsibility and enriching the lives of young actors and actresses. Through the development of workshops and full-length productions, young people are afforded a positive social outlet and an opportunity for just good old fun!

For more information, call (216) 978-2395 or visit www.upstageplayers.com or www.myspace.com/upstageplayers.

Yo-Yo Club Now Online

Yo Yo Yo, check it out!

The Cleveland Yo-Yo Club is now online and you can follow the story of this grassroots neighborhood group at:
http://clevelandyoyo.blogspot.com/

The Cleveland Yo-Yo Club is run by Perry Prine from Mac's Lock Shop and Steve Brown. (Yes, that Steve Brown. The National Yo-Yo Master.) The club meets each Sunday at 15813 Waterloo Road (entrance is off of East 160th Street).

Come by, throw some tricks, make some friends.

Looking for a job?

Northeast Shores was made aware of two potential job opportunities for people looking.

Learn to do Cabling:
The Advanced Technology Academy has training funds available for Cuyahoga County Residents ages 18 – 21. We are looking for students to learn Residential and Commercial Cabling. The requirements are as follows:
1) Cuyahoga County resident
2) Age 18 – 21
3) Low income family (Workforce Investment Act guidelines are similar to those used for other programs, such as HEAP or Food Stamps.)
4) Clean criminal record (They must go into homes to install cable – no felonies allowed)
5) Valid Drivers License (They will eventually need to get a CDL in order to drive the installation trucks)

If you meet the above guidelines, course costs will be covered (about $2000). They must attend 120 hours of training (8 hours per day for three weeks). If you complete and pass all requirements for the course, you will receive nationally recognized certifications, and be recruited by top local Cable companies, such as Time Warner and Cox Cable.

Please pass this information to those whom you think would qualify and be interested in doing Cabling. Please have anyone interested, call Bob Stewart 216-987-3347 or Regina White at 216-987-6304.

Jobs are waiting – do not delay!

Protect our city!

Now Hiring - City of Cleveland Police

Applications obtained and filed: July 20, 2009–July 31, 2009
Where: Cleveland Convention Center, 500 Lakeside Ave., Cleveland, OH
Hours: Weekdays 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Saturday hours 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Additional hours and locations: 5:00p.m.–8:00p.m. at the following locations

Tuesday, July 28, 2009
JFK Rec Center
17300 Harvard Ave.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Cudell Rec Center
1910 West Blvd.

Thursday, July 30, 2009
Glenville Rec Center
680 East 113th

Civil Service Entrance Exam: Saturday, August 22, 2009

Questions about Police Civil Service Entrance Exam? Call (216) 664-2467.

To be notified of the Civil Service Entrance Exam for Firefighters and other opportunities in the Department of Public Safety, call (216) 623-5233.

YOUR OPPORTUNITY YOUR CHOICE- MAKE IT COUNT
Competitive Salary • Excellent Benefits • Paid Training • Career for Life

Save the Beachland Post Office Branch

Due to declining revenue, the US Postal Service is considering closing 16 branches in Northeast Ohio.

Unfortunately, one of the branches being considered for closure is our very own Beachland Post Office located on East 185th Street.

This move could be devastating for the neighborhood. East 185th Street has already had to respond to several hits including the closing of Tops Family Markets, Medic Drug and Lakeshore Chevy. While we have responded to these closures with the opening of Save-A-Lot and Rite Aid, losing the post office is one more black eye to this proud historic district that we should not have to endure

As many of you are aware, the Beachland Post Office is a major draw and attraction to the East 185th Street Business District. Losing a post office is very damaging and is rarely undone after it happens.

So, how can you help us save the Beachland Post Office? Please print off the attached survey, complete it, and mail it in by this Friday, July 25th.

Here is a helpful hint. The post office has to consider the impact that the closure will have on customer access and real estate values. Therefore, please make sure to mention in your survey the impact this closure may have on these items.

In particular, it would be helpful if respondents stated "Yes" and "No" to question four. This question is intended to measure whether closing the Beachland Post Office will reduce the number of trips you make to East 185th Street. Please make it clear to the US Postal Service that this closure will indeed reduce the number of trips you make.

For more information, please also read the Plain Dealer article on the potential closures here:
http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/07/postal_service_considers_closi.html

POCustomerSurvey

CCC Students Tackle the Neighborhood

Thanks to Cuyahoga Community College (CCC), Northeast Shores has ten teenagers helping us with us with our various community endeavors this summer.

These ten teenagers live in Euclid and nearby Cleveland neighborhoods and have been all over the community beautifying our neighborhood and removing blight. You may have seen the student workers planting at Wildwood State Park or cleaning up the East 185th Street Business District.

We want to thank the students for their dedication to their work and we want to thank CCC for letting us have this opportunity.

Safety Fair this Saturday

The 5th District Safety Fair is from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm this Saturday July 18th in the parking lot of Dave’s on Lakeshore Blvd.

Northeast Shores hopes you can join us in showing our support for Commander Drummond and our 5th District officers. Thank you and hope to see you Saturday.

Summer Newsletter Now Available

The Summer 2009 Newsletter is now available on-line and throughout the community.

If you are a member, you should have already received your copy in the mail.

If you aren't a member, why not? Consider joining by e-mailing Denise at dlorek@northeastshores.org

In the meanwhile, the newsletter is available for pick-up at most neighborhood eateries and several retailers. You can also pick up the newsletter from our offices or the Memorial Nottingham Library.

Don't want to leave the comfort of your home air conditioning, download the newsletter now at:
http://www.northeastshores.org/newsletter.php

Recreation Center Coming Soon Sign!

It is finally official AND public. Mayor Frank Jackson and the City of Cleveland have erected a coming soon sign for the new Recreation Center to be built on Lakeshore Boulevard! The sign went up this past week! Hopefully we will have a groundbreaking date to share soon.

Carrousel Coverage Continues!

Our efforts to return the Euclid Beach Carrousel to its rightful place at Euclid Beach State Park were also covered on Fox 8 News and the News Herald.

Check out the Fox 8 story directly by following this link:
http://www.fox8.com/news/wjw-euclidbeach-txt,0,5365750.story

You will have to pick up a News Herald to see their coverage because it isn't on their website.

PD covers Carrousel status.

The Plain Dealer covered the status of the Euclid Beach Carrousel in the Monday, July 6th Metro section.

Please join Northeast Shores in our efforts to return the Carrousel to Euclid Beach by contacting the Western Reserve Historical Society and demanding a decision be made about the Carrousel's future. E-mail your thoughts to the Western Reserve Historical Society at alowrie@wrhs.org

The Plain Dealer story can be read at:
http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/07/euclid_beach_carousels_resurre.html

Blight is gone!

We want to give a big, big thanks to the City of Cleveland Building and Housing Department for their efforts to remove some of the most blighting elements in the neighborhood.

First of all, the city demolished the ugliest, most blighted home in the neighborhood. The ugly home previously located right at the bend on Shiloh is now history!

If the demolition of the ugliest house in the neighborhood wasn't enough reason to celebrate, the city followed that effort up with the demolition of the half-built condos on Lakeshore Boulevard and East 143rd Street. While it is disappointing that Rysar Properties wasn't able to finish the new homes, water and ice damage to the existing framing over the last two winters sealed the structure's fate. The city tore down the framing earlier this week, which removes a very obvious blight at the neighborhood's western entrance.

Thanks again to the city for improving the appearance of our quality community.

Waterloo Arts Fest is almost here!

Holy molly! Jeez, Louise! The Waterloo Arts Fest is just a few days away. Have you cleared your entire Saturday for so much fun it might hurt?

Hope so, because this year's Waterloo Arts Fest is bigger and better than before. Come on over to Waterloo and check out all the great live music, children's arts, and our kick butt stores and galleries.

Don't miss out! Bring your friends! Bring your family! Bring your sworn enemies and joust in the middle of the street!

All the details of the day's great activities are right here: http://artscollinwood.org/check-out-whats-on-the-agenda-for-the-waterloo-arts-fest/

Waterloo Streetscape Underway

The very first phase of the Waterloo Streetscape is under construction.

We are very, very excited to have the City of Cleveland commence this important neighborhood project with the construction of the bump-out node at the intersection of East 156th Street and Waterloo.

When completed, the bump-out will become a new gathering place in the community for additional outdoor arts events and concerts. In addition, the bump-out will also boast the first placemaking element as designed during the Waterloo Streetscape.

Please note that the node will not be totally completed this year. The curbing, sidewalks and other infrastructure will be completed this month and the tower element will be installed later this summer. Meanwhile, the paver bricks for the new patio area and other landscaping will wait until 2010 for construction.

Regardless of its phased-in development, we hope you share our excitement that the Waterloo Streetscape is moving forward. We want to thank Councilman Polensek and Mayor Jackson for their leadership and dedication to this neighborhood improvement.

To see the entire Waterloo Streetscape, look here:
http://www.northeastshores.org/initiatives.php

Disagreement with the Ohio Supreme Court

Northeast Shores is very disappointed with the 5-2 Ohio Supreme Court decision to end the City of Cleveland's homerule right to require city employees live within the city limits.

Regardless of where you as a reader stand on the issue, everyone agrees that this decision erodes demand for housing in our fine community. Mass exodus or trickle, this decision will have a long-term impact on private school enrollment.

While we will survive this erroneous decision, this is a sad day for North Shores Collinwood and for Cleveland.

E185 Parade a Success!

The first annual Alive on East 185 Parade and Sidewalk Sale was wonderful this past Saturday. It was great to see so many families walking the street and seeing the specials being offered by the participating merchants.

We also want to thank all the parade participants. It was great to see so many schools and community groups come out and support the event.

Overall, it was a beautiful day with beautiful people with beautiful weather on a beautiful street. Thank you to everyone that made the day an incredible success.

The new East 185th logo was unveiled and was well received, as well.

We are having a parade!

In just one day, East 185th Street will be alive with the sights and sounds of the first annual Alive on East 185 Parade and Sidewalk Sale.

The parade kicks off at 10:30 and will be the length of the entire street! Line up early for the vantage point to see the parade and get more than your fair share of candy!

The sidewalk sale will start immediately following the parade and last until 5:00. Stroll the street and check out all the great wares on special sale for the day!

Waterloo Walls starts with a KABOOM!

Well, it is official. Waterloo Walls is not just a dream or a fantasy. Waterloo Walls exists!

How do we know? Well, because the first mural is up. The first mural is fantastic. The first mural hits you in the face like a stick of dynamite - KABOOM!

For those that refused to participate in the actual painting of the mural or the last two fundraisers, you can still redeem yourself. Carry your sorry, lazy behind to Waterloo this Friday for the official unveiling of the first Waterloo Wall.

In the meantime, get a sneak peak by showing up on Waterloo anytime and taking a look. The first mural is on the western wall of Shoparooni, located at 15813 Waterloo.

(Pictured are mural artist Christopher Diehl and an unknown volunteer.)

VASJ hires new football coach!

The VASJ Vikings are now staffed and ready to take the field this fall with the hire of John Storey as head coach. John Storey is returning to his glory on the sidelines.

Please enjoy the following press release from VASJ (and see you this Saturday at the Alive on E185 Parade):

John Storey is returning as Head Football Coach at Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School. A VASJ Hall of Fame inductee, he takes over the program immediately. Storey, an alumnus of St. Joseph High School, one of VASJ’s predecessor schools, succeeds Matt Melle, who helmed the Vikings for the 2007 and 2008 football seasons.

“In collaboration with a search committee comprised of VASJ coaches, parents and staff members who interviewed numerous candidates, the athletic department and administration decided that John is the ideal choice to lead our football team as VASJ builds into a 21st Century model of Catholic education,” said VASJ President Brian Menard. “Beyond his legendary status in the Viking Village, John brings years of mature coaching experience on the high school and college levels to the position. His recent loyalty to the players and the school upon the departure of our previous head coach, along with his quiet passion, adherence to the Marianist and Ursuline traditions and belief in the ‘student-athlete’ concept of coaching and teaching, has proven that John’s goals are harmonious with VASJ’s mission of high academic achievement and developing student gifts.”

John Storey is no stranger to being employed in the Viking Village. Since 2007, he has served as a special assistant for admissions and alumni development, in addition to duties as an assistant coach for the football and wrestling teams. His former positions include: head football coach, athletic director and head wrestling coach. He also taught health and physical education for many years and was an assistant football coach (defensive coordinator, offensive coordinator, offensive line coach) under Bill Gutbrod for many years.

Two highlights of Storey’s coaching career with the Vikings was leading the 1990 wrestling team to the Division I State Championship, a year in which he was also named the Division I Ohio Coach of the Year. Another highlight was his service as defensive coordinator for the 1989 Football State Championship team. Furthermore, over his 25-plus years of coaching wrestling, Storey guided eleven wrestling standouts to individual state championships.

Prior to his rejoining VASJ in June 2007, Storey was an assistant football coach and admissions assistant for St. Edward High School from 2004 to May 2007. Preceding his time at St. Ed’s, he was employed at John Carroll University from 1994 to 2004. There, he served in a variety of capacities, including: football operations, football recruiting coordinator and as an assistant football (defensive coordinator, linebacker coach, defensive end coach) and assistant track coach. He has a B.S. in health and physical education from the University of Dayton.

“To meet the challenges of the upcoming season, I look forward to the commitment of the Viking community to continue our rich traditions of academic and athletic excellence,” Storey said. “Hail red and blue!”

In affirming Storey’s selection, Athletic Director Nancy Naujoks said, “We are truly blessed to have someone of Coach Storey’s experience here on our staff so willing and able to provide leadership and inspiration to our players. We had a wonderful group of nearly two dozen coaches who interviewed for the position, but in the end, Coach Storey’s dedication and commitment to VASJ made him the successful candidate and a perfect fit as we move our program ahead.”

We are having a Parade!

Northeast Shores and the East 185th Street Merchants and Professionals Association are sponsoring a parade and sidewalk sale next Saturday, June 6th.

The parade kicks-off at 10:30 am with over forty units in the parade including the Euclid Beach Rocket Car and Ronald McDonald. The parade will run the length of East 185th Street so come early to pick out the best spot to see the parade and get your fair share of the candy that will be tossed. Speaking of candy, Northeast Shores staff and volunteers will be distributing bags for kids to use to collect their candy bounty. These bags will be emblazoned with the new East 185th Street logo.

Immediately following the parade will be a sidewalk sale that will last from the end of the parade until 5:00 pm. Merchants as well as neighborhood groups will be on hand to provide great deals on their products and services.

We are very excited for what we hope is the first of an annual event to celebrate the East 185th Street community.

See you there!

East 185th Street has a new logo!

East 185th Street now has a new logo. It was done by Jason Bacher with Kent State University as part of a class project. We were so incredibly impressed with the design that we decided to go straight from class project to the approved street logo (after getting feedback from merchants at a great meeting we had on April 28th).

The logo goes with a great branding strategy for the street. We will share additional details about the brand soon but, in the meanwhile, here is the logo. Enjoy and comment:

Waterloo needs your input

We need your input!

Some of you are familiar with the Waterloo Streetscape design that was vetted at meetings in 2007. (Didn't see the concept drawings? A little fuzzy on what was proposed? Check them out here: http://www.northeastshores.org/userfiles/file/initiatives/Waterloo_Streetscape.pdf)

The city has recently come up with some money that will pay to have the build-out completed at the corner of E. 156 and Waterloo, and there's some additional funding to pay for an installation on that site. We're working to ensure that there's a plan/process/funding for public art to be incorporated into the design for that space, but there's a deadline looming and our response will have to be quick. So please join us for a meeting to discuss design considerations this coming week on:

Tuesday, May 26 at 6:30pm in the Arts Collinwood Gallery, 15605 Waterloo Rd.

If you know of anyone who would be interested, and may not have read this message, please forward it to them. If you can't join us, or have thoughts you'd like to share in advance, please send your comments to s.gyorki@artscollinwood.org.

Thanks for helping to shape a great arts district.

Pancakes for Murals!

Admit it, we have all been to a pancake breakfast in our lives. Either to support your school or Kiwanis or Rotary or the Hospital or something.

Well, when have you been to a pancake breakfast to support paint on a wall? Never, you say? Time to change all that!

This Saturday, May 23, will be the first ever Waterloo Walls Pancake Benefit. Come to the Beachland Ballroom from 11am to 3pm and support our neighborhood mural program. Tickets are $8 a piece and all proceeds will support creating beautiful pieces of mural loveliness on Waterloo.

For more information about Waterloo Walls, check out: http://www.waterloowalls.com/

For more information about pancakes, check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnCVZozHTG8

Mayor Jackson welds on Waterloo

City of Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson recently visited the Waterloo 7 Gallery. He participated in a one-day apprenticeship in welding. We want to thank Mayor Jackson for visiting Waterloo and participating in our arts renaissance.

The Waterloo 7 Gallery is owned and operated by second-generation metal sculptor Jerry Schmidt. The Waterloo 7 Gallery has fabulous examples of Jerry's work but also the work of over a dozen other artists. Learn about about this amazing gallery at http://www.schmidtsculpture.com/

Other elected officials that participated in this program (but not pictured) include State Representative Kenny Yuko and Cleveland Ward 11 Councilman Mike Polensek.

Waterloo Cafe is now open

The Waterloo Cafe is now open in the space formerly known as Cafe Marika at the Arts Collinwood Building (15601 Waterloo).

Check out the new cafe for coffee, beer, fresh cookies and great salads.

The space is open from 7:30 am to 10:00 pm most days, but will stay open until 2:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Also, the space has free WiFi!

Stop by and check it out.

Pull that stubborn garlic mustard (Year 3)

It's that time of year again! Time to pull the garlic mustard from Wildwood State Park.

For the last three years, the Friends of Euclid Creek and the Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District have planned volunteer days to pull invasive species from Wildwood State Park.

The most stubborn of the invasive species is garlic mustard.

So, come on out this Saturday, May 9 at 10 am to help pull garlic mustard. After the pull, try a garlic mustard snack and take home a recipe list on how to use garlic mustard in your cooking.

Meet us at Wildwood State Park located at 16975 Wildwood Drive. Dress for the weather and bring garden or work gloves. Drinking water couldn't hurt either.

For more information, contact Claire Posius at (216) 524-6580 ext. 16 or e-mail at cposius@cuyahogaswcd.org

Busy week here almost done!

No matter where you live in this great neighborhood, Northeast Shores was crazy-busy launching new programs and events this week.

If you live or own a business near East 185th Street, you should be excited about the NEW branding campaign for the business district. On Tuesday night, David Middleton and Jason from Kent State presented the new logo, advertising, banners, bags, etc. for the street. Merchants in attendance were very excited about this new development and now we are moving into implementation. The new logo will be posted on this blog as soon as we receive it electronically.

If you live off of East 156th Street, you should be excited about the new block watch that started last night. Residents of all the streets off of East 156th Street (Corsica, Trafalgar, Parkgrove, Arcade, Huntmere etc.) were invited to the first block watch meeting for this area. Councilman Polensek, Commander Drummond and our Community Organizer Denise Lorek explained how to develop this block watch for the area. See our online calendar for the next meeting if you missed it or contact Denise at dlorek@northeastshores.org to have your name added to the mailing list.

If you love community gardens, you should be excited about the new community garden planned at Corisca and East 156th Street. There are nearly 20 neighborhood residents that have volunteered for year one for this garden. The land will be tilled in May and then planting can commence. If you want to be part of the garden, e-mail Denise at dlorek@northeastshores.org and ask for some land.

If you are concerned about neighborhood foreclosures, you should be excited to know that Northeast Shores co-sponsored a foreclosure prevention event last night. In partnership with the Cuyahoga County Auditor's Office, we mailed letters to all neighborhood homeowners that have "at-risk" mortgages asking that they come last night and meet with one of several credit counselors for a one-on-one session. Nearly 50 families took us up on the offer and, hopefully, that means 50 less foreclosures in the community. If you missed the event and think you need help, just dial 211 on any phone and explain your circumstances.

Whew! That was just the last three days!

Have CRS create your dream house

The Cleveland Restoration Society (CRS) Heritage Home Program helps homeowners turn their current homes into beautiful, restored community gems. Not only that, the interest rate offered is incredibly low.

Here are a couple success stories and program details shared with us by the fine staff at CRS:

In late 2007, Daniel Wilson and Lisa Kucharski were having work done on their Nottingham Road home, an old farmhouse built in 1878, when their contractor discovered the house’s original foundation was inadequate. Wilson and Kucharski called on the Cleveland Restoration Society (CRS) and took advantage of CRS’s Heritage Home Program.

Similarly, Thad Gregory contacted CRS in the fall of 2008 as his project list for a 1920s front porch Colonial Revival on East 150th Street quickly expanded. The Gregory’s needed to address some drainage issues, add additional living space and make necessary upgrades throughout the house.

The Heritage Home Program, which is made available to Ward 11 residents by Councilman Michael D. Polensek and Cuyahoga County Treasurer Jim Rokakis, is a 3.5% APR, 7 or 10 year loan for home repair and restoration projects. To be eligible for the loan, a house must have been built prior to 1960 and retain character-defining elements such as the original exterior cladding and wood or steel windows. Wilson and Kucharski used the Heritage Home Program to jack up their house and pour a new foundation and re-grade their lawn to slope away from the structure. The Gregory’s also capitalized on the loan program to correct the grade of their side yard, as well as finishing their third floor attic for additional living space, updating the kitchen and primary bathroom, installing a rear kitchen door accessing the backyard, adding a second bathroom in the basement and refinishing their hardwood floors. The Heritage Home Program can be applied to a wide range of home improvement projects, addressing all the issues that come along with maintaining and upgrading a historic property.

To find out if your home is eligible for the Heritage Home Program, or to take advantage of the Cleveland Restoration Society’s free technical assistance, call JP Kilroy at 216-426-3116, or visit www.clevelandrestoration.org.