Northeast Shores

Attention Collinwood Residents, The Cleveland Energy Saves Program now gives those households that do not qualify for the Housewarming or Weatherization programs the chance to improve their homes energy efficiency. Residents should take advantage of this one-year energy-efficiency program. Now you can make those updates to your home to keep you warmer.  The new program offers costs incentives that were never available before. 

This program is made possible through the City of Cleveland, the Cleveland Housing Network(CHN), and Cleveland Action to Support Housing (CASH). Now, any resident may take part in the benefits of increasing your home's efficiency and cutting down your utility bills. The new Cleveland Energy Saves Program now gives residents the opportunity to:

Over the past several months, a new program has been taking form in North Shore Collinwood. Northeast Shores and the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture (CPAC) have been working to develop Artists in Residence, a two-year program that aims to make our neighborhood an even better place for artists to live and work.

Last week, the organizations launched the Artists in Residence grants program. Over the next two years, the program will provide $100,000 in funding to artists who live or work in the North Shore Collinwood neighborhood to support their community arts projects. The partners involved in the project will distribute this grant money in three rounds, with $30,000 available in the first round. The program asks artists to submit their ideas for arts projects that would address one of five priorities identified by neighborhood residents, workers and visitors – telling the story of neighborhood residents; raising the visibility of neighborhood assets; addressing public safety; combating vacancy; or providing opportunities for neighborhood youth. If you are a resident of North Shore Collinwood or work at least 15 hours a week in the neighborhood, you are eligible to compete for a grant of up to $7,500.

Applications for the first round of funding are due March 16th. You can learn more about the grant program athttp://www.cpacbiz.org/ftp_file/11-12/Summer2012Guidelines.pdf and access the application form at http://www.cpacbiz.org/ftp_file/11-12/Summer2012ApplicationForm.pdf. Northeast Shores and CPAC will also be holding grant workshops with additional information about the application. The first workshop takes place at the Slovenian Workmen’s Home, 15335 Waterloo Road, Saturday, January 28, from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. A second workshop will also take place Thursday, February 9, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Workshops are free and open to the public, but you must register athttp://artistsinresidencegrants.eventbrite.com/ or http://artistsinresidencegrants2.eventbrite.com/.  

Grant funding is just one part of the larger Artists in Residence initiative. Northeast Shores and CPAC are also in the process of launching several other program features, including a new low-interest loan program designed specifically for North Shore Collinwood artists. These loans will support artists who want to create arts-specific space in the neighborhood that’s not always easy to get a residential mortgage to cover. Examples might include conversion of a garage into a recording studio or purchasing equipment to do home-based printmaking. Details about this new offering will be available in early February.

Artists in Residence has been made possible through the investment of several national foundations, including Leveraging Investments in Creativity, the Kresge Foundation and the Ford Foundation, and through additional generous support from a Charter One Growing Communities Grant and funding from the George Gund Foundation.

If you have any questions or would like any more information about the Artists in Residence program, please contact Seth Beattie at 216.481.7660 orsbeattie@northeastshores.org.

Seth Beattie is Artists in Residence Coordinator at Northeast Shores.

The staff and board of Northeast Shores persevere to make North Shore Collinwood a better place to work, work, and visit. Each year, Northeast Shores hosts an annual meeting where staff results from the last 12 months are shared with the membership present.

In summary, 3 neighborhood homes were rehabbed and 189 people were referred to housing programs including foreclosure prevention, credit counseling and/or loan programs. 73 businesses were assisted with a variety of needs including exterior improvements, loan packaging, zoning issues, site selection assistance, and/or permitting issues. Northeast Shores supported 4 community gardens, and staffed 218 community meetings with over 3,500 residents participating. NESDC was the fiscal agent to volunteer initiatives that received over $30,000.

These numbers alone do not share the whole story. Each person or business impacted by Northeast Shores had a need and we tried to fill that need. Each number has its own story to tell but we wanted to at least share the raw statistics on how we did over the last year.

We still have a lot of work to do to have this neighborhood meet its full potential. If you have a neighborhood complaint or need, please do not hesitate to contact us at (216) 481-7660 so we can help!

The children of North Shore Collinwood must have been very good last year! Santa visited VASJ High School again on December 10th for Breakfast with Santa.

The Alive on 185 Committee, VASJ High School and Northeast Shores joined together and invited Santa to breakfast with the children of North Shore Collinwood. Santa and his elves flew in from the North Pole to hear the Christmas wishes from the children.Bettye Hines, Branch Manager of the East 185th St. Key Bank visited Santa with her grandson. Bettye said, “I was very impressed with how well-organized the event was.” Bettye went on to say that she really liked the fact that there were so many things for the children to do. Bettye’s grandson had so much fun he did not want to leave. Bettye indicated that “it was a joyful time for herself, her husband and most of all for her grandson.”

French toast and sausage were provided by Gus’s Diner. Milk and juice were provided by Lucky’s Restaurant. O.H. Perry Elementary School entertained the families with holiday songs. After the children visited Santa and ate their breakfasts, they visited the craft tables where they decorated their pictures of Santa. The children also had the opportunity to enter a coloring contest sponsored by Family Sports. The winners of the contest won a bag full of goodies donated by Family Sports.

Many thanks to Santa, his elves, the student volunteers from VASJ, Gus’s Diner, Lucky’s Restaurant, the Alive on 185 committee, Family Sports, KeyBank and Northeast Shores for making Breakfast with Santa Claus possible. As you can see from the photo, a good time was had by all.

For the second time this year VASJ has come out to help make East 185th Street beautiful. September 20th was a day of service for VASJ High School.

Six students along with Jill Latkovich the campus ministry advisor visited Northeast Shores for the start of their day of service in the community. Jill told me “I want the students to know what Northeast Shores does, so I want to start our day at your office”. The students met with Jack Storey our AmeriCorp VISTA volunteer and Charlie Kamen our Programs Manager. As a native of the East 185th Street neighborhood Jack extolled the virtues of growing up in the East 185th St neighborhood. “If nothing else Cleveland can claim Superman and Life Savers” Jack told our visitors. Jack also shared what being an AmeriCorp VISTA is and why he chose to participate in that program. Charlie shared how he started as an unpaid intern at Northeast Shores. When Charlie’s internship was over he was offered a part time job at Northeast Shores as the Programs Manager. The point that both Jack and Charlie were making is that volunteering is a good thing and you never know where it may take you. After the students were done with their tour of the Northeast Shores offices we went out in to the field to get dirty.

With funding from the City of Cleveland we were able to add some fall flowers to the flower beds on East 185th St. We planted mums at the LaSalle Theater in anticipation of the Halloween events planned for the LaSalle. On October 22 there will be a child friendly Halloween party, followed by trick or treating on East 185th Street. Some of the merchants will be participating in trick or treating at their establishments.  This event will be from 11:30 to 1:30. On October 29th there will be a pop-up gallery “LaSalle Style” at the theater. Hours for this event are 6:00pm to 10:00pm.

We finished our morning planting mums in the flower beds of Muldoons and the beds at VASJ High School as these are the gateways to East 185th. We wanted these gateways to be inviting to the people visiting our neighborhood. VASJ and Northeast Shores want everyone to know we are proud of our street and neighborhood.

I want to thank the students of VASJ for helping me make our neighborhood a great place to work, live and visit.

Northeast Shores has put together a short survey so we can learn what you think about the neighborhood and what direction you’d like to see our community go in the coming years. Now we want to hear from you!

You can take the survey online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Collinwood, or stop by the Northeast Shores office at 317 East 156th Street to fill out a paper copy. Two lucky people who finish the survey by October 15th will receive $25 gift certificates to one of our great neighborhood businesses. So take the survey today and help us in making the neighborhood an even better place to live, work and visit.

Everyone can take advantage of the Housewarming Program even those residents who may be over qualified!

It’s that time of year when the temperatures are dropping and its time to prepare your home for the cold weather season that’s approaching. Here in our office we offer a Dominion East Ohio Housewarming program for those that are eligible and within the income constraints. But for those residents who are interested in weatherizing their home but aren’t in the income constraints you still can make your home more efficient at a low cost. Good Cents is offering this program with Dominion East Ohio. Dominion East Ohio is offering up to $1250 in rebates to encourage homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient. It all starts with a comprehensive home performance assessment - an energy audit - if you will. This three to four hour evaluation by a trained BPI certified auditor typically costs $400-$500. Through Dominion, it is now only $50. GoodCents is running this Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program. To enroll, call 877-287-3416 or visit www.DEOHPwES.com.

Here is a quick video on what some of their services could do for your home to improve its efficient, cut your monthly utility bills and overall help save more money for your pocket and conserve energy. 
http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/money/consumer/consumer_specialist/save-up-to-1250-to-improve-your-homes-energy-efficiency

If you have any questions about enrolling please contact our Housing Program Manager: Charlie Kamen at 216-481-7660 ext.31 or ckamen@northeastshores.org. I can help show you how you can take advantage of this program in your home.

Here is a quick video on what some of their services could do for your home to improve its efficient, cut your monthly utility bills and overall help save more money for your pocket and conserve energy.
http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/money/consumer/consumer_specialist/save-up-to-1250-to-improve-your-homes-energy-efficiency

If you have any questions about enrolling please contact our Housing Program Manager: Charlie Kamen at 216-481-7660 ext.31 or ckamen@northeastshores.org. I can help show you how you can take advantage of this program in your home.

Project Pop-up Galleries and Northeast Shores Development Corporation present, "LaSalle Happenings".  The exhibit will be hosted on Saturday, October 29th, 2011 from 6PM-10PM.  The LaSalle Theater is located at 823 E. 185th Street, Cleveland, OH 44119.  Project Pop-up Galleries' goal with this exhibit is to encourage the community and Artists to work together to create an environment that becomes activated with human action, interaction and organic growth.   

About Project Pop-up Galleries:Project Pop-up Galleries will develop temporary ‘pop- up’ galleries in the Collinwood district through utilizing vacant residential and commercial properties. This project intends to increase awareness of the available housing and business opportunities in the neighborhood of Collinwood.  Additionally, Project Pop-up Galleries will provide Artists an affordable, unconventional space to exhibit their work and the opportunity to contribute to the development of this emerging Artist’s community.

On Thursday, August 18th I sat watching out the window of Northeast Shores in anticipation of the arrival of Valerie McCormack, the Executive Director, of Shoes and Clothes for Kids. Valerie is the Santa Claus of school supplies. For the second year in a row her organization provided over 60 book bags filled with school supplies. On behalf of the children who would soon be receiving the supplies, I thanked Valerie profusely. Valerie commented, “I am just glad that we could help the children be prepared for school”. My car was already pretty full of supplies donated by Northeast Shores but we found room in my little Ford Focus for the book bags. Once my car was all loaded up I made my way to Lakeshore Beach Apartments. 

The children started lining up at 3:30 even though we were not supposed to start until 4:00. They had their little faces pressed up against the door in anticipation. Once we opened the door to start handing out the book bags and supplies it did not take long before every child who was there was loaded up and ready for school. There were lots of smiles and happy faces. We even gave some pencils and notebooks to the moms who were returning to school to learn critical job skills.

This is only part of making sure these children excel in school this year. The management of Lakeshore Beach in collaboration with Joann Scott, a local resident has started a mentoring/tutoring program to help the children with their homework.

Let’s hope for a successful school year for all the children of North Collinwood.

It’s an unusually warm Tuesday afternoon, and a group of Collinwood artists and other community members are sitting patiently in the work area at Azure Stained Glass Studio on Waterloo Road. The group is in the middle of sheet after sheet of brightly colored glass art, the beautiful work of neighborhood artists Mary Zodnik and Ben Parsons. They’re waiting to hear about a major new initiative launching in the North Collinwood neighborhood.

 Then the news comes. Collinwood has been selected to host Artists in Residence, a two-year, $500,000 initiative designed to increase artists’ role in neighborhood revitalization.  

 Thanks to Leveraging Investments in Creativity and the Kresge Foundation, two national arts funders, the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture and Northeast Shores Development Corporation have been given the ability to launch a giant experiment to ask: What happens when the neighborhood helps artists … And when we ask artists to help the neighborhood.

 Between now and 2013, the program will provide artists with small loans to help them buy or fix up properties in the Waterloo area (and for long-term artists, to rehab their existing properties elsewhere in the neighborhood), as well as small grants to carry out community projects together with non-artist residents. The program will also work to help artists connect with other homeownership services and will market the neighborhood and the city as a good place for artists to live and work.

continued.

Throughout North Shore Collinwood, there are a number of homes just waiting to be purchased. However, strict lending guidelines are preventing many prospective homebuyers from qualifying for homeownership.  Northeast Shores is offering a Lease with Option to Purchase Program to assist those with the desire to become a first time homebuyer.

continued.

Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland, a local non-profit housing counseling agency that provides homebuyer education,  down-payment-assistance, home repair lending and foreclosure prevention, announces it has recently partnered with eHome America, the nation’s premier online home ownership education program offering access to quality, accessible information and education for first-time home buyers.

continued.

I just wanted to take a moment to introduce myself to all of you. My name is Jack Storey, and I am currently serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA – Volunteer in Service to America – at Northeast Shores Development Corporation. While the AmeriCorps is a national organization, my roots are right here in this community. 

Nearly my entire Irish Catholic family grew up on these streets; I spent a large portion of my formative years with my grandmother at her home on East Park Drive. My Uncle Kevin Storey was co-owner of Muldoon’s until he passed in 1992; my father has co-owned Trade Winds Lounge on 200th since 1983; and many of you know my Uncle John, better known as Coach Storey of the VASJ Vikings.

When I returned to Cleveland from obtaining my graduate degree in Winter Park, Florida, I ran right back to North Collinwood. I love this neighborhood, I love the people, and I love the potential. I have had the good fortune to travel this country extensively, and I can honestly say that there’s no place quite like North Collinwood. Though we’ve had our ups and downs in this town, I am extremely proud to call myself a resident and an active member of this amazing community.

I’m looking forward to working closely over the next year with Northeast Shores and all of you to help ensure that our neighborhood is getting what it needs. But rest assured, my commitment to this neighborhood didn’t start, nor will it end, with this year of service. Regardless of where I may lay my head in the future, North Collinwood will always be my home.

Are you a member of Northeast Shores?

Would you like to be able to take advantage of Neighborhood Specials?

Did you know that when Northeast Shores applies for grant money, we have to provide our list of members?

Would you like to help increase our chances of getting grant money for North Shore Collinwood?

cont.

Northeast Shores would like to thank the following

Cloud 9 found a home at 15613 Waterloo Road in the former Salty Not Sweet storefront. Cloud 9 celebrated with a soft opening in early May, and will be having a grand opening at the Waterloo Arts Festival.

The Color Guard and Drill Team from Collinwood High School started our third annual Alive on East 185 parade on Saturday, May 21st. They were followed by over 25 different groups and organizations including a bagpipe unit donated by Paran Management. This year’s winners for best units were: First Place went to the Lithuanian Village Dancers who danced down East 185th St., Second Place went to the Football Team from VASJ and Third Place went to Nothing but the Best Hair and Nail Salon. Each one of these units will receive cash prizes for being the best units in the parade. Ruta Degutis from the Lithuanian Village commented “the dancers had so much fun that they are already thinking ahead towards next year’s parade”. Linky from PNC Bank and the Pink Panther were waving to the children and passing out candy. Cebars had a boat in the parade and the Harland Pub had their all terrain vehicle driving down the street. The Salvation Army had their disaster unit and volunteers walking with Lt. Chris Mauk. We would like to thank 5th 3rd Bank for handing out water to the parade units as they marched past the bank.

Recently, we rebuilt two homes at 387 East 163rd and 391 East 163rd into gorgeous, energy-efficient homes that offer an affordable monthly mortgage payment, maintenance-free living and 10 year tax abatement. Be a part of the Waterloo Village Model Block by purchasing a home and/or referring a friend, neighbor or co-worker and earning $500.

A rainy Saturday morning in the Waterloo Road district did not dampen the spirits of music fans in search of their very own music, memorabilia, live performances, signings and special product releases of a global magnitude. That’s right, the fourth annual Record Store Day (RSD) landed on Waterloo with a bunch to do, and a lot of fans supporting their beloved local record stores and shops.

On RSD 2011 we found many an umbrella open, shielding the rain as music lovers lined up outside of Music Saves. The annual event founded in 2008 has grown each year with more stores participating. This year there were special events at MUSIC SAVES, Beachland Ballroom, This Way Out, Native Cleveland, Star Pop, The Café at Arts Collinwood & Gallery as well as Blue Arrow Records and Boutique and the SS Boardwalk. “Lots to do, lots to see and BUY,” stated Cindy Barber at the Beachland Ballroom & Tavern. “We have brunch here till 4pm and we’ll be spinin' tunes with DJ’s Bill of I Rock Cleveland, and Vince from Gotta Groove Records. This afternoon’s agenda will switch to the ol’Tavern being open for libations and live music tonight.”   

On the windy morning of April 20th, the The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Euclid Creek Tunnel at the Sewer District’s Easterly Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The Euclid Creek Tunnel is a $197 million project that will capture combined sewer overflows, or CSOs, drastically reducing raw sewage that enters our waterways during heavy storms. Construction is scheduled to begin on Euclid Creek Tunnel in April, 2011, and will continue for four years. It is anticipated that water quality at Euclid Beach State Park, Wildwood State Park, and Euclid Creek will dramatically improve with completion of this project.

Cleveland Ward 11 Councilman Michael D. Polensek said, “I want to thank the board of the Sewer District for making this difficult decision. This project is much needed for the protection of the environment and will dramatically improve the neighborhood.”

Spring is here! It’s time to remove clutter and clean your file cabinets during your spring cleaning. Come out and join some shredding fun. Northeast Shores and Fifth Third Bank have partnered to sponsor Literacy for Identity Protection, “A Sound Investment.” This event will provide information to help keep you and your family from becoming victims of identity theft, one of the fastest growing forms of consumer fraud. A shredding truck will be available to shred your personal and confidential documents. This event is free and open to the public!  Monday, May 2, 11am- 2pm, at Fifth Third Banking Center, 972 E. 185th St, in Collinwood.  *Limited to 5 boxes or shopping bags per person*

On Saturday April 16th, the Easter Bunny visited the children of North Shore Collinwood. VASJ graciously let Northeast Shores host breakfast with the Easter Bunny in their cafeteria.

This is the third year the Easter Bunny has visited our children. We had a sell-out crowd of over 150 people for breakfast that was donated by Gus’s Diner. Lucky’s Restaurant provided juice and milk. Café Corso donated coffee. PNC Bank donated coloring books and crayons for every child who sat on the Easter Bunny’s lap.

At 11:00 we had an Easter Egg hunt in the rain. Yes, it rained on our very first egg hunt. The rain made the hunt a little hectic and crazy but all the children received some candy or little toys for their successful gathering. Susanne Youdath from PNC Bank made sure we had plenty of eggs and candy for the hunt. Thank you, Susanne.

Jill Leftowich, the Campus Ministry Counselor for VASJ, commented, “What a wonderful event the breakfast was.” Jill was so impressed with the event that she asked if VASJ could host Breakfast with Santa Claus when he comes to our neighborhood this December. Jill told me that she would like to expand on both events. “We could have crafts and games upstairs in the gym and breakfast with pictures in the cafeteria,” Jill said. Let’s hope the children of North Shore Collinwood are all on the good kids' list so that Santa will visit us!

During my still somewhat short tenure here at Northeast Shores as the Housing Program Manager, I have found my duties rather rewarding. This sense of reward can be heavily attributed to the fact that I have been assured that individuals have experienced substantial reductions on their Dominion East Ohio utility bills as the byproduct of their involvement in the Housewarming Program. Funding is currently available to provide energy conservation services to your home. In most instances, this service is free.

Compliments of Housewarming Inspector, Tim Davis:

“The weatherization program can benefit any household. The home weatherization program funded by Dominion East Ohio Gas is available to all gas customers with proper applications. The service is free to all qualified applicants. Benefits can include attic and wall insulation, electric panel upgrade, furnace and hot water tank inspection, as well as replacement if need be the case. All work is performed by professionals in the field. The program is offered year-round with summer still providing a perfect opportunity to receive this service. The Housewarming program can reduce energy consumption by up to 40%.  Northeast Shores Development Corporation has successfully coordinated this program for over 15 years. This program operates consistent with the core values of Northeast Shores Collinwood by contributing to the quality of life of the residents of North Shore Collinwood.”

As you make your plans for a busy and entertaining summer, please keep a couple of dates in mind.

On Wednesday March 16th,  the East 156th St. Block Watch had the biggest attendance yet at their meeting. With over 50 people in attendance, Gregory Soltis from Neighborhood Progress Inc asked the group what they would like to see happen in their neighborhood with federal stimulus money that is headed their way. Greg commented, “I was really impressed with the turnout at the meeting! It is great to see that so many people are invested in the health of Collinwood. On top of so many people being there, it was just great to get people's input about what they want their neighborhood to be. After all, they are the ones that live there and know it intimately.”  Some of the ideas the group would like to see implemented are Free WiFi on Waterloo, a changeable sign to announce events and meetings, a Farmers Market, more gardens (indoor and outdoor), an Interactive Art Park and a playground around the East 140th corridor.

It’s that time of year again! The gardens will be in full swing in the next couple of weeks.

North Shores Collinwood car, trucks, and boat owners will never be cleaner.

Area businesses have a tool to match their business expansion and location needs with the space that will work for them by utilizing the website established by Cleveland Neighborhood Development Coalition (CNDC), an umbrella group for Community Development Corporations (CDC’s) in Cleveland.

In 2009, Northeast Shores partnered with HUD to acquire foreclosed, abandoned and vacant homes located within North Collinwood. Once the partnership was developed, Northeast Shores implemented the $5,000 HUD Home Program. The $5,000 HUD Home for Sale program was designed to sell single family and two-family properties in an “as is” condition. This program presented an opportunity for residents and those whom have a great interest and desire to own property in North Shore Collinwood to become an active participant in stabilizing our community. The goal of the program was to maintain homeownership, establish a bridge between vacant properties and occupied properties and preserve North Collinwood’s housing stock by requiring quality rehabilitation practices from end-buyers. To date, we have brought six out of the ten homes back to productive use. The program was measured with great success by allowing first time homebuyers the dream of owning their home, feeling a sense of pride and putting sweat equity into their home.

As you may have seen in various news outlets recently, the total population in the City of Cleveland dipped just below 400,000 people living within Cleveland’s borders according to the 2010 United States Census. Various news outlets have also widely reported that the city’s total population of 396,815 represents a loss of 17.1% of the city’s total population since the 2000 US Census. The media has reported less on what occurred in individual neighborhoods. Therefore, this article informs the Observer readership about what the 2010 US Census told us about the City of Cleveland neighborhood of North Shore Collinwood.

If you were not at the Taste the Neighborhood on Tuesday, February 22nd, you missed out on some wonderful food and festivities. For the third year in a row, 20 local restaurants donated food or beverages to this fundraising event for Northeast Shores. Northeast Shores would like to thank the following restaurants for their generosity: Beachland Tavern, Bistro 185, Blitz Barbecue, Boardwalk Tavern, B & M Bar B Que, Café @ Arts Collinwood, Café Corso, Chili Peppers, Congin’s Pizza, Convenient on 200th St., Dave’s Supermarket, Fresh Catch, Giorgio’s Oven Fresh Pizza, Gostilna at Knezak, Grovewood Tavern, Gus’s Diner, Lithuanian Hall, Lucky’s Restaurant, Muldoon’s Saloon & Eatery and Scotti’s Restaurant. These restaurants all donated their food and time to this event to make this our best ever Taste the Neighborhood Award Ceremony.

For the first time in the three years that we have been hosting this event, we had a record, sold out crowd. Board Member Cindy Barber and Councilman Polensek were overheard saying what a wonderful event the Taste the Neighborhood is because it brings the community together. We had merchants, restaurant owners and residents all coming together to celebrate our accomplishments.

This year for the first time, we had a female North Collinwood Hall of Fame winner: Jan Dean. Jan has given many hours of herself volunteering for various organizations from the Auxiliary Police to the Senior Advisory Council. Jan was also a founding member of the 5th District Police Community Relations Board. Jan was appointed to the Community Relations Board by then Mayor George Voinovich. Jan has been a Member of City Club since 1995. Jan commented, “It’s a great honor and an awesome responsibility to be the first woman inducted into the Collinwood Hall of Fame."  She said she hopes she can live up to the honor.

We also honored the Hospice of the Western Reserve with the Investment of the Year Award for their purchase of the Christian Life Center. By purchasing the Christian Life Center, Hospice showed their support and commitment to this area.

Blue Arrow Records owners Pete and Debbie Gulyas were given the Business of the Year Award. Pete and Debbie own and operate three different businesses on Waterloo including Blue Arrow Records and Blue Arrow Boutique. In addition, Debbie formed the Waterloo Alley Cats Project to help the feral cat population in the Waterloo area. If you would like to help Debbie provide food and medical care for the feral cats in the Waterloo Business District, you can make donations to the Waterloo Alley Cats via Northeast Shores.

Block Club of the Year went to the Windward Block Club. Pete and Karen, along with the Windward Block Club, adopted planter boxes on East 185th St. They are a close group who really look out for each other. Pete and Karen show their commitment to their neighborhood by being long time members of Northeast Shores. Pete is also on the Safety Committee of Northeast Shores.

For our listening pleasure, we had music provided by One fun Dj and entertainment by Deep 3.

A Chinese Auction finished off the night. We had over 30 baskets donated to Northeast Shores for us to raffle off. Our guests went home with some really nice baskets that were donated by residents, businesses and board members. A fun night was had by all who attended.

Denise Lorek is the Community Organizer for Northeast Shores serving the North Collinwood area.

Enjoy living in a newly rebuilt single family home where you will be within walking and bicycling distance from the Waterloo Arts & Entertainment District! 

These homes have been designed with upscale features and conveniences. We have incorporated trendy features to appeal to those that like a home with its original character, but a cutting edge contemporary feel. These homes were re-designed by a team with years of experience in writing rehabilitation specifications, designing floorplans, they've had construction management and a structural engineer to ensure that the properties would be structurally sound and safe.

Both homes listed below include a 1year limited warranty, new plumbing, electrical, roof, 12 year tax abatement, $1,500 appliance allowance, a microwave that ventilates to the exterior, dishwasher, garbage disposal, energy efficient furnace, bathrooms, garage opener, basement glass block windows, new driveway, vinyl siding and for the safety and security of your home, we have installed a wireless/motion detector ADT security system.

387 East 163rd Street $450.00 (estimated monthly payment @ 5.5% interest rate, includes taxes and insurance)

This property offers a charming floorplan that will allow you to have dinner parties inside. The first floor entrance includes a ceramic foyer, living room with new carpet, dining room with hardwood flooring; kitchen with ceramic tile, butter rum granite counter tops, café wood cabinets with brush nickel handles, stainless steel appliances, first floor full bath with stand-up shower and you will enjoy having a first floor mud room with pantry/laundry room with utility tub. Upstairs, there are 2 bedrooms, a large full bath with a European soaking tub, linen closet, and separate stand-up shower. On a cool spring/summer day enjoy a cook-out in the large fenced-in backyard with a patio for your grill, and a brand new garage with garage opener, or take a walk down your new concrete driveway to your front porch to enjoy a conversation with your neighbor, or just sit on your front porch and enjoy a glass of lemonade. 

The Waterloo Merchants are a crafty bunch always cooking up events during the year. Valentine’s Day 2011 was no exception with the February edition of "Walk All Over Waterloo." Great concerts, dining, shopping, and art were provided all weekend long! 

Troy Schwartz of Star Pop stated that, “the Saturday trivia contest and heartbreaker music as supplied by John Copic on Friday was a success. The Event was also tagged by CASE, was an AOL event, and TV coverage occurred. The Pop Up Gallery at Key building was also held and had many travelers. Cleveland State University also interviewed Megan at Native.”

From the famous Slovenian Workmen's Home  a Fish Fry was featured along with the Upstage Players Alley Craft Show. The show featured a fresh indie pop–up boutique and craft show to benefit Upstage Players – a local, non-profit, children’s theater company. Upstage Players is gearing up for their spring production of Seussical the Musical, to benefit causes like the Waterloo Alley Cat Project (WAC). This funraiser helps the WAC Project feed, shelter, spay/neuter, and vaccinate local feral cats. The Beachland Ballroom and Tavern hosted the“Remember the Davenport” Winter Ball and Benefit. This was a special, catered, prom-style event to benefit a local mother struggling to save her home and to support her five children. Local bands played as Black Sabbath, Wilco, The Replacements, and No Doubt.

Arts Collinwood sponsored an event called “Eat Your He’ART Out!” with anti-Valentine’s specials in the café on food and drinks. All weekend long! One popular event featured live interactive trivia with great prizes from Waterloo businesses from 7-9 PM with music by This Moment in Black History.

On a bitterly cold Friday night, Northeast Shores Development Corporation and the Alive on East 185 Committee hosted the first annual Candy Cane Cruise. For slightly more than two hours, visitors to the district drove up and down East 185th Street honking and spreading holiday cheer.

Registration for the event occurred in front of the Lithuanian Hall. Participants received an ornament emblazoned with logos of the Candy Cane Cruise and East 185th Street. In addition, the registrants received a goodie bag with items donated by many neighborhood businesses and institutions including VASJ High School, Euclid Hospital, Key Bank, Huntington Bank and PNC Bank. Of course, goodie bags included copious candy canes too!

Participants were encouraged to stop at various locations along East 185th Street for special events during the event. Arabica Coffee hosted trick demonstrations from the Cleveland Yoyo Club as well as historical artifacts were on display thanks to Euclid Beach Park Now. Merchants and restaurants also had specials and freebies for participants in the Candy Cane Cruise. “I think it’s great that Northeast Shores and the Alive on E185 Committee is trying to attract more visitors to the district,” said Steve Newman of Chili Peppers.

Santa had breakfast with the good children of North Shore Collinwood on December fourth at the Lithuanian Hall. Ruta Degutis made sure the Lithuanian Hall was decked out in holiday decorations. The twinkle of the lights matched the twinkle in Santa’s eyes as he listened to the children’s wishlists. All the children got to take their pictures with Santa. After they had their pictures taken, they were able to decorate a frame for each picture with help from volunteers from VASJ High School.

The children had french toast and sausage donated by Gus’s Diner, as well as milk and juice from Lucky’s Diner. Coffee for the parents was donated by Arabica. Breakfast was served up by volunteers from VASJ High School. Thank you so much to these merchants of East 185th St. for helping make this a very filling event for the children of North Shore Collinwood. Please remember during this Holiday Season to shop and eat at the local establishments in our neighborhood.

I would also like to give a big thank you to the volunteers from VASJ. They made this event truly special. As you can tell from the picture, even the volunteers had a good time with Santa. This article would not be complete without an even bigger thank you to SANTA and his helper who came all the way from the North Pole to visit with our children and hear their Christmas wishes.

In anticipation of new funding becoming available in 2011, now is the ideal time to submit your application and all relevant supporting documentation to determine your eligibility for the Dominion East Ohio Housewarming Program. The program is designed to assist low-income Dominion consumers with maintaining warmth in their homes while concurrently employing energy-efficient methods that will result in a markedly noticeable difference on your Dominion utility bill. Services will be provided to both homeowners and tenants who fall within the specified income guidelines. Such services consist of:

• Safety assessment of your furnace, hot water tank and electrical box
• Installation of carbon monoxide alarm
• Furnace maintenance or replacement contingent to the condition of your existing furnace
• Insulation in attic/sidewalls
• Minimal repair/replacement of damaged windows within reason
• Consumer education regarding energy efficient practices

Individuals who have been deemed eligible for utility assistance programs such as (HEAP) Home Energy Assistance Program and PIPP (Percentage of Income Payment Plan) would also fall within the income guidelines for the Housewarming Program. To acquire an application and additional information regarding the necessary supporting documents, contact me, Mr. Shannon D. Harney, Housing Programs Coordinator/Property Manager at Northeast Shores Development Corporation (216) 481-7660 x31.

In 2010, Northeast Shores successfully advocated that the City of Cleveland rebuild Waterloo based on the preliminary plan created in 2007. After being awarded nearly $4 million for the 2012 construction of the new Waterloo Streetscape, the City of Cleveland engaged Osborn Engineering and Knight & Stolar Landscape Architects to develop construction drawings for the impending improvements.

On November 29, thirty-five merchants and stakeholders met at the Waterloo Slovenian Workmen’s Home for the first public meeting to begin the review of the preliminary design. Feedback was accepted on these draft plans so that the curbcuts, bump-outs, and road width can be finalized.

The public is invited to a meeting on Monday November 29th from 6 PM to 8 PM at the Waterloo Slovenian Workmen’s Home located at 15333 Waterloo Road to provide input to the City of Cleveland regarding the development of the Waterloo Road Streetscape Plan. Representatives from Osborn Engineering (Consulting Engineer) and Knight & Stolar, Inc. (Planning Consultants and Landscape Architects) will be on hand to present preliminary concepts. Public input will be gathered for the streetscape plan improvements slated for Waterloo Road between East 152nd Street and East 162nd Street.

On Saturday October 9, Cleveland Restoration Society (CRS) working with Northeast Shores organized a tour and walk through of The Historic LaSalle Theatre. Twenty Five CRS members and neighbors walked through the building. It had been rumored by several clean-out contractors that a trunk had been found. The Snoop confirmed the presence of the trunk. Can it be true that valuables have been found among the treasure of the LaSalle? On Wednesday November 17 from 6 PM to 8 PM you can find out. The public is invited to the opening of the trunk.

As we approach the winter season, we all browse through our storage containers or closets to determine if we need new gloves, boots, coats and ear muffins to fight the winter months in Cleveland. Northeast Shores has implemented a referral program that can earn you $500 in extra money towards the purchase of winter attire just by referring a family, friend, co-worker, to purchase one of our newly renovated single family homes.

Are you part of a Block Watch group? If not, why not? If you are, thank you!

Block Watches are about meeting your neighbors. If you know your neighbors, you will recognize strangers who come in to your neighborhood. Block Watches are about sharing information. You can learn about the various programs offered by Northeast Shores, the City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County and various other agencies. Block Watches are about being proactive, not reactive to potential problems in your neighborhood. Block Watches are also about being the “Eyes and Ears” for the police. Our “men in blue” cannot be everywhere all the time. The police need residents calling them, reporting suspicious behavior. As Commander Drummond always says, “If it looks suspicious, it probably is suspicious, so please make the call to the police.”  Remember Zone Cars are deployed to our area based on the calls for service received from our area. So make those calls to the police. You are not bothering them. You are helping them do their jobs. 911 if it’s an emergency, 216-621-1234 for non-emergency calls.

There are several block watch opportunities for you in North Collinwood:

If you live in the East 185th St. area, you can go to the East 185th St. Block Watch meetings. This group meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 6:00 pm at the Lithuanian Hall, 877 East 185th St. (corner of Kewanee).  The Chair person for this group is Denise Lorek.

If you live in the East 156th St. area, you can go to the East 156th St. Block Watch meetings. This group meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 6:00 pm at the Arts Collinwood Community Center 397 East 156th St.  The chair person for this group is Patricia Harrison.

The Cleveland Restoration Society (CRS) is sponsoring a tour of the Theatre space of the LaSalle Building on October 9, 2010 from 10 AM to 12 Noon. The tour is open to membership of CRS as well as the community. To register, please contact JP Kilroy at CRS (216) 426-1000 or John Boksansky at Northeast Shores (216) 481-7660.

The LaSalle is a pre talkie movie theatre, the interior of which is virtually intact, built in 1927.

The building was purchased by Northeast Shores and is undergoing stabilization repairs to the roof and limestone façade. The repairs were made possible by a generous grant from a Finance Fund grant. Purchase of the building was made possible by financing from Village Capital with support from Councilman Michael D. Polensek. The building is a Cleveland City Landmark and is currently undergoing the application process to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A comprehensive rehabilitation will then hopefully take place re-establishing the LaSalle as an anchor for continued economic development on East 185th Street.

On Wednesday, September 22, residents and merchants, young people and seniors from all over the East 156th St. neighborhood joined together for food, entertainment and fellowship.

Reverend Becham from B&M Barbecue fired up the grill around 4:00 so he could “get some smoke in the air” as he put it. As we waited for the neighbors to show up, Rev. Becham handed out some samples to those of us that were there to set up for the festivities. After finishing my samples, I knew I wouldn’t have to worry if the food was going to be good. It wasn’t just good, it was excellent!

It was a beautiful night for a cook out. The food prepared by Rev. Becham included ribs, wings, fried chicken, mac & cheese, and spaghetti. Bobby Qasim from Lakeshore Food Mart provided the pop. Dessert was from Cakes by Sweetwater. If anyone went home hungry, it sure wasn’t because there was not enough good food.

Northeast Shores Development Corporation continues it commitment to increase homeownership in the neighborhood. If you are tired of renting and looking for a wealth-building opportunity, becoming a homeowner will establish a step into wealth-building. We currently have 2 renovated homes for sale in the North Shores Collinwood, both properties offer easy access to I-90, which means you can be in downtown Cleveland in just 10 minutes!

Been "adopted" by the cat outside? Feral and free-roaming cats are the largest contributors to the cat overpopulation crisis. The Cleveland APL is committed to ending this developing tragedy and has a new TNR program to assist caretakers of feral (unsocialized, outdoor) cats. If you are feeding a cat outside, we invite you to be part of the overpopulation solution and take advantage of our services! Through our Animal Welfare Clinic, we offer the following services for feral cats and their caretakers:

Spay/Neuter Services
Feral and homeless cat appointments are $25 for cats and
$15 for kittens (8 - 16 weeks). The fee includes:

• Spay or neuter surgery
• Ear-tipping
• Rabies vaccine
• FVRCP vaccine
• Felv/FIV SNAP testing is available upon request for $30

Cleveland Residents Can Help Stray Cats for $10 >>

Trapping Education and Trap Loan Program

Humane traps are available to our clients for a non-refundable fee of $5 per week, per trap. A fully refundable $20 deposit is collected when the trap is issued. Our TNR Services Coordinator will provide how-to demonstrations and written instructions on how to successfully and humanely trap feral cats. How-to workshops may be coordinated for groups of caretakers and other interested parties free of charge at the Cleveland APL.

Help save a cat today! To sign up for our feral cat services, or for additional information on how you can help, contact the Cleveland APL's Spay/Neuter Services Supervisor at

 216-377-1624

 Live, Create, Join, Play in North Collinwood: a Growing Community.

• Remodeled 2-bedroom units
• Carpet
• Laminate flooring
• 10 minutes from Downtown
• Hop, Skip, Walk  to the Waterloo Arts/Entertainment District

Brag to your friends about the North Collinwood Community Recreation Center that you will be able to enjoy.

Please contact Camille Maxwell, Real Estate Development Director at (216) 481-7660 ext.30 to tour these apartments today.

Although Frankie Yankovic, America's Polka King, rose to fame in this blue-collar community on the shores of Lake Erie, North Collinwood is better known these days for rock and roll. In fact, since the Beachland Ballroom opened on Waterloo Road ten years ago, the area has become a hotspot for musicians and artists of all kinds.

Now community leaders have a message for visitors: If you like it, why not call it home? North Collinwood, they say, is affordable, close to everything, and friendly to artists.

“We’re marketing it as a living, breathing community and not just a nighttime destination,” says Brian Friedman, head of Northeast Shores Development Corporation, a nonprofit community development organization in North Collinwood.

It’s more than just a slogan, Friedman says – he’s ready to sell you a house. Along with its marketing push, Northeast Shores has launched an effort to rehab vacant, foreclosed properties. After thoroughly rehabbing the homes, the group offers them for sale.

Friedman says that the target markets are musicians and artists who are seeking affordable places to live. The community supports artists by providing them with a sense of community and a place to create their work, he adds.

Each year, the staff and board of Northeast Shores persevere to make North Shores Collinwood a better place to work, work, and visit.

Recently, I was asked to share what we accomplished over the last 12 months. After finishing the tally, I was surprised how many lives we had the opportunity to improve over the last year.

Nine neighborhood homes were rehabbed and 108 apartment units were rehabbed at Lakeshore Beach Apartments. 24 families received free Sherwin Williams paint from the Cleveland Paint Program. 74 people were referred to credit counseling and/or loan programs. 25 homes were insulated through our weatherization activities. One storefront on East 185th Street was rehabbed through the Storefront Renovation Program. 82 businesses were assisted with a variety of needs including loan packaging, zoning issues, site selection assistance, and/or permitting issues. The LaSalle Theater was acquired and work has commenced on bringing the property back to its historic glory. Five neighborhood marketing events occurred including the second annual Alive on East 185th Parade and Sidewalk Sale. New East 185th Street signs and banners were designed and installed. Eleven businesses added new signage to their buildings. 108 properties were monitored through the Cleveland Housing Court process. 4,701 residents attended 325 neighborhood meetings staffed by Northeast Shores. We were the fiscal agent to eight small volunteer initiatives that received $24,000 for their efforts. Twenty rain barrels were delivered to reduce storm water runoff and we supported three community gardens.

Almost a year after fifty local residents converged on the Arts Collinwood Gallery to discuss a plan to build a Tower to be a 'flexible framework for changing public art displays", a "stage for ‘guerrilla art’ such as concerts, poetry readings and plays" as well as a a highly visible marker of the new Waterloo Arts and Entertainment District, Moritz Metal and Wood installed the Tower last week. It is a collaboration of artist, Christopher Diehl, and Moritz Wood & Metal fabricator and artist, Mike Moritz.

On Thursday, August 19, the management of Lakeshore Beach Apartments, Northeast Shores Development Corporation and "Shoes and Clothes for Kids" teamed up for the first “Back to School night”. This event was held in the new Community Center located in the front of the apartment complex. Over 200 parents and children gathered for hot dogs and bookbags. "Shoes and Clothes for Kids" donated 90 book bags to this event. Northeast Shores and Lakeshore Beach Apartments donated school supplies and food.