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Spring 2007

Board of Trustees President...

M zi a g a ne

From the Director

T

his is a big year for the Kamm’s Corners neighborhood as several important projects are taking place that will begin the renaissance you have been hearing about for some time. As I write this, the facades are being removed from the storefronts on Lorain Avenue from Gino’s Shoe Repair all the way to the Westpark Barbershop. The City of Cleveland’s Storefront Renovation Program, administered by KCDC, provided design assistance and will return a rebate to the property owner. The building will be restored to its original design, and the results will be remarkable. The former Kilbane’s Tavern will also be renovated this summer with details coming together as this magazine goes to press. And, P.J. McIntyre’s in the former West End Appliance space will open in late summer. Also this summer, the long awaited Lorain Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project will begin. Bids were opened in April for the underground “duct bank” that will carry a much-needed new power source to Fairview Hospital, and eventually the electric, phone, and cable lines. This transformational project, years in the works, will result in new historic lighting, traffic mast arms, sidewalks, and planters, along a significant portion of Lorain in our “downtown.” As residents, we owe Mayor Frank Jackson, and former councilman Mike Dolan our thanks for their diligence in seeing this project through. Fairview Hospital and FirstEnergy are also partners on the project. Asphalt Cinema returns for its fifth season on June 15th with a screening of Happy Feet. There will be a moment of silence for our beloved Balloon Man Gene, who passed away recently. The Kamm’s Corners Farmers Market will kick off June 3rd with a performance by Patrick Campbell, former lead dancer with Lord of the Dance! Fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, cheese, bakery, as well as live music, and a cooking demonstration with famed Tremont restaurant Fahrenheit await you. See the article on page 12 and please plan to join in the fun!

Steve Lorenz

Our cover features City of Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson. Mayor Jackson is the featured speaker at the KCDC Annual Town Meeting on May 30th at St. Joseph Academy. See article on page 6.

Executive Director

Kamm’s Corners Magazine is published by Kamm’s Corners Development Corporation four times per year. Kamm’s Corners Magazine, its management, and Kamm’s Corners Development Corporation are not responsible for any representation and/or warranties oral or written made by our advertisers. Print run: 10,000. Readership: over 18,000. Kamm’s Corners Development Corporation, 17138 Lorain Avenue, Suite 206, Cleveland, Ohio, 44111. Phone: 216-252-6559. Kamm’s Corners Development Corporation is the neighborhood based non-profit planning and development organization serving the Kamm’s Corners community of Cleveland, Ohio. It is the policy of Kamm’s Corners Development Corporation to neither endorse political candidates nor take a stand on ballot issues. E-mail KCDC at [email protected]. Kamm’s Corners Magazine



James Foos, Jr.

Vice-President...

Marlene Herman

Treasurer... Secretary...

Terri Brown Pat McCafferty

Trustees...

Therese Chambers Arth Colleen Gilson Rick Kolar Steve Morey Joe Outlaw Paul Palmentera George Pofok Paul Slebodnik

KCDC Staff Steve Lorenz Executive Director

Dave Walker

Neighborhood Real Estate Planner

Cynthia Janis

Manager, Commercial Development

Marilyn Osborne

Community Relations Coordinator

Tom Keating

Residential Services Coordinator

Jackie Wohleber

Office Administrator

Magazine Staff Marilyn Osborne

Editor in Chief, Advertising

Joe Outlaw

Asst. Editor, Design & Typesetting

Cynthia Janis Contributing Editor

Dave Walker

Contributing Editor

Jackie Wohleber

Production Support

Mission Statement

“To promote, develop, and guide the Kamm’s Corners neighborhood as the best place to live, work, shop, worship, and play.” • Memberships are tax deductible • Spring 2007

Around the Corners Our Annual Town Meeting is coming up Wednesday, May 30th and will be held at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph Academy, 3430 Rocky River Drive. We are pleased to have Mayor Frank Jackson as our keynote speaker. See the article on page 6. Asphalt Cinema will be back the third Friday of June, July, and August. Mark your calendar NOW to join us for a free movie under the stars at West 168th and Albers Avenue (behind Walgreens). Our first movie will be Happy Feet, sponsored by Fairview Hospital. Festivities begin at 6:30. The movie starts at dusk. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and join in the fun! Brass bands and musicians are now being sought for the annual West Park/ Kamm’s Corners 4th of July Parade, sponsored by the West Park Kiwanis Club. Community organizations, local celebrities, local politicians, and area merchants are all welcome to join the parade, too. An application can be downloaded from our website, www.kammscorners.com, or obtained in our office. If you would like one mailed or have any questions, please call Cliff LaRocque at 216-252-1364. Come to the Kamm’s Corners Farmers Market, every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting June 3 through mid October. Buy fresh seasonal locally grown produce and enjoy cooking demonstrations and live entertainment, too. Local amateurs perform in the morning and professionals after noon. See details on page 12. The Kamm’s Corners Farmers Market Entertainment Committee is looking for local church choirs, Irish step dancers, and other locally based amateur entertainment to perform between 10 and noon. A $50 payment will be offered. If your group is interested in performing, call 216-252-6559, ext. 20, or email [email protected]. The West Park Branch of the Cleveland Public Library now has Kamm’s Corners Magazine

free WiFi service. Bring your laptop and do your research on line at any one of the comfortable tables. Located at 3805 West 157th Street at Lorain Avenue. Savor the Moment Coffeehouse located at 4080 Rocky River Drive is now serving waffles on Saturday mornings. For $2.25 you get a plate sized, fresh made waffle, maple syrup, powdered sugar, and butter. An apple cinamon topping with whipped cream is only an extra 75 cents. Savor the Waffle! West Park Meals on Wheels provides healthy meals for those who need them delivered to their homes. If you are interested in the program as a client or as a volunteer driver, please call Karin at 216-251-6255. We are pleased to welcome back Christopher Mehling to the West Park YMCA. For almost a year, Chris was assigned to direct activities in Lakewood and regions further west. We want to thank Joe Cerny for his excellent leadership during that time. He leaves us to become associate director at the Lakewood YMCA. Classic cars from the 50’s and later come to the neighborhood each Tuesday night from 6 to 9 p.m. in the municipal parking lot behind Walgreens. (Same location as Asphalt Cinema.) West Park Station Restaurant and Bar is sponsoring this weekly event. After admiring the cars and talking to the car owners, why not stop into West Park Station for a refreshing drink and dinner? See ad on page 18. The West Park Historical Society is planning a fall event for Puritas Springs Park. If you have any photographs, memorabilia and memories that you would like to share, they would love to talk with you. Please contact them at 216-941-9730 or at wphsmember@ sbcglobal.net. John Marshall High School Alumni Association will be having its 4th Annual Golf Outing on August 25. The event this year will be held at BobO-Links Golf Course. Please call 216941-9730 or visit www.jmhalumni. com for more information. Far Mor will hold it’s 3rd Annual Dunk Tank on July 14. The proceeds from the dunk tank will go to support two walkers for the Cleveland Breast 

Cancer 3-Day Walk that will be taking place in August. Contact the Far Mor for more details of the event at 216251-1417. The 7th Annual St. Mark Run for the Arts takes place Saturday June 2. The 5K race and 1-mile fun run/walk benefits art education at St. Mark School, 15800 Montrose Avenue. Preregister by May 25th for only $14. Late registration is $18. Race day registration is from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. The 1-mile fun run starts at 8:30 am. The 5K starts at 9 a.m. Contact CHAMP Racing for details at 440-666-7434. The City of Cleveland Department of Aging invites all seniors to the 18th Annual Senior Day on Thursday, May 24, at the Cleveland Convention Center downtown. There’ll be an information fair at 10 a.m., a program at 11:00 a.m. and lunch at noon. No charge! Call 216-664-2833 for more information. Enjoy Jazz & Cabaret Night May 24 at 7:30 p.m. featuring the St. Joseph Academy Jazz Band with numerous singers performing in the cabaret style. The concert is in the Saint Joseph Academy Auditorium, 3430 Rocky River Drive. Tickets are $7 for adults. Free for high school age and younger. Call 216-251-6788 x248 for more information. Come to the beach-themed grand opening celebration at Cone Zone & Grill from 6 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6. Pick up a free Hawaiian lei and balloon as you enjoy food and ice cream specials. Popular costumed characters will entertain you. Say hello to owners Lucy Champa and Linda Sobieraj. The Cone Zone & Grill is at 4081 Rocky River Drive. If you have the internet, sign up for KCDC’s E-newsletter if you haven’t already done so. To opt in, visit our website at www.kammscorners.com. Updates will come monthly, with an extra issue occasionally thrown in for news that we feel is time sensitive or of great importance to you. Mark your calendars to participate in the Cleveland Heroes Run on September 23. For more information visit www.clevelandheroesrun.com. Spring 2007

Memorial Golf Classic The West Park – Fairview YMCA invites you to participate in the 2007 Bill Chambers Memorial Golf Classic at Big Met Golf Course, 4811 Valley Parkway in Fairview Park on Friday, July 13th, starting at 9 a.m. All proceeds stay in the neighborhood to benefit the Strong Kids scholarship program, providing life-enriching activities to children in the West Park neighborhood who could not otherwise afford them. For an entry fee of $85, you get: 18 Holes of Golf • Golf Cart Lunch at the Turn • Steak Dinner Prizes • Beverages …and more!

Hole sponsors are welcome! Advertise your business for only $150 per hole, or for $480, get a foursome with hole sponsorship. All players are grouped into foursomes. There’s a shotgun start and prizes for men and women. In 2005, a golfer won a brand new car with his hole in one! This year, Jack Matia Chevrolet and Jack Matia Honda sponsor the Hole-in-One contest with prizes of a new Chevy Cobalt or Honda Civic! All entry fees are non-refundable and all fees, contributions, and donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Interested? Entry forms may be picked up and must be received at the YMCA by Friday, June 29 – 15501 Lorain Avenue; at the KCDC office or website, 17138 Lorain Avenue; or at the Public House, 17219 Lorain Avenue.

Paint Program Starts in May Paint program applications are now available. Participants receive vouchers for free paint and prep supplies in exchange for agreeing to follow lead-safe work practices. For an application or details, go to http:// www.kammscorners.com and click on Residential Programs or call Dave Walker at 216-252-6559 ext. 22. To qualify, applicants must have income below the following income caps:

Family Size 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Income $34,350 $39,300 $44,200 $49,100 $53,050 $56,950 $60,900 $64,800

Applicants must reside in the house being painted. For lead safety, all paint chips must thoroughly be cleaned up. Kamm’s Corners Magazine

… by Councilman Marty Keane

News from Ward 21 and City Hall Dear Friends: It is certainly an honor for me to be preparing this column for Kamm’s Corners Magazine as the Councilman of Ward 21. As many of you know by now, I was appointed on March 26, 2007, after the resignation of Mike Dolan, who became the Director of the Ohio Lottery Commission. I had expressed an interest in the position and accepted the appointment with great pride and pure intention. This is a wonderful community. I was born and raised here, and am blessed to be able to raise my children here. My first month in city hall has certainly been exciting. My colleagues in Cleveland City Council have been more than gracious and accepting. They are all good people representing the great people of this city. I look forward to building the necessary foundation to best serve Ward 21. With the month of May comes First Communions, parks, and potholes. Many of the First Communion celebrations are now under our belts… literally. However, getting our parks and our streets ready for the summer blitz is another matter. The famed hot patch fleet, used in the summer months to more properly fix our potholes, is ready to start out of the city’s Lorain garage. As always, please be careful and patient when our work crews are out on the road. Ironically, the most common complaint I have received is about speeding on our side streets. With summer comes more traffic. With traffic comes delay, which inevitably leads to everyone being in a rush. Please slow down… everywhere. There is nothing worth being on time for worth the tragic consequences of reckless driving. 

Our parks are ready. Certainly a spring-cleaning is needed. Baseball, softball, soccer, and rugby are or will be played on area fields soon. Getting them ready is the City’s job, but all of us can chip in to keep them that way. These parks are ours. If we can all treat them that way there is no reason they will need more than mowing in upkeep. I anxiously anticipate the face lift currently underway on the north side of Lorain Avenue. The building starting at Gino’s Shoe Repair all the way to West Park Barber Shop is currently under renovation. In working with the property manager, as well as the tenants, this is off to an exciting start. Once completed, we will all be proud of that beautiful building. The Far Mor storefront project, further east on Lorain, is also in the midst of renovation and should look great. The Kamm’s Corners Streetscape Improvement Project is set to begin soon. I have met with the main players, including the Mayor’s Chief of Staff, to iron out the final funding issues. While belts needed to be tightened again, all are committed to the project, and are excited about it finally getting under way. Again, we will all need to be patient during construction while keeping our eyes on the prize. The Streetscape, coupled with storefront renovations, P.J. McIntyre’s opening soon, and adding the already open West Park Station and Top Dog hot dog spot, will make Downtown Kamm’s Corners the place to shop, dine, and relax. Please enjoy the summer season and celebrate West Park for the great community that it is. Let’s all work together to keep Ward 21 a terrific place to live. God bless. Marty Keane Spring 2007

Be Sure to Attend the KCDC Annual Town Meeting Wednesday, May 30, at 7 p.m. Join your neighbors and friends at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 30th at St. Joseph Academy, 3430 Rocky River Drive, for the Kamm’s Corners Development Corporation’s Annual Town Meeting. The town meeting is our opportunity to inform you of the events of the past year and to thank you for your continued support.

As always, there will be giveaways at the end of the evening, including Cleveland Indians tickets and gifts from area merchants who will introduce themselves and present the gift to you. The Bob Bohr Award for Community Safety will be presented along with two Community Improvement Awards. You won’t want to miss this feature-packed and fun once-ayear event.

Our featured speaker will be Mayor Frank Jackson. Other speakers will include former councilman Michael A. Dolan and current Ward 21 councilman Martin J. Keane. KCDC Executive Director Steve Lorenz will offer updates on current neighborhood projects and future plans.

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Mayor Jackson’s goals are to heal the rifts that have divided the City, bring excellence back to the Cleveland Municipal School District, attract and retain jobs for City residents, continue the progress in revitalizing the City’s diverse neighborhoods, work with suburban mayors and officials to create a regional economy, and deliver quality services to residents and businesses. Mayor Jackson grew up in Cleveland and attended public school here. He earned his associate’s degree from Cuyahoga Community College. He earned his bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and law degree from Cleveland State University. A Vietnam War veteran, Mayor Jackson was elected to Cleveland City Council in 1989 to represent Cleveland’s Ward 5, where he served as council member for 16 years. During that time, there was a revival in the Ward 5 neighborhood, which turned it into a thriving community with new housing developments and small businesses. His dedication extended to more than just his own ward. As a council member, Mayor Jackson attracted millions of dollars in new investments from the federal government and private sector. He served as chair of the Community and Economic Development Committee and worked to renew the City’s downtown and neighborhoods. In 2002, Mayor Jackson was elected by the 21-member City Council to serve as Council President. During his tenure, City Council worked to retain jobs, encourage new businesses and growth in the city, and improve the quality of life for people in Cleveland. In 2005, his commitment to the City of Cleveland prompted him to run for Mayor. Mayor Jackson said he wants his time in office to be judged on “what we do for the least of us.” He says he will know he has made a difference, if his work unites the lives of children, seniors, disabled people, families, business people, and all who share this great City. He will know he has made a difference when we can all see “One People, One City, and One Mission.” Kamm’s Corners Magazine

West Park Historical Society Seeks Memorabilia Do you have vintage photographs, newspaper articles, souvenirs, etc. relating to Cleveland’s West Park neighborhood? Did you grow up in West Park, which is between West 117th Street and the Rocky River? Then you may have great old photos and mementos packed away. Don’t let them sit in the attic! Help us discover the past and preserve our neighborhood’s history for the future. We can’t do it without you! Let us know about your West Park treasures and remembrances so that they may be shared with other folks interested in the history of West Park. We’re easy to talk to! Contact: Gary Swilik, Trustee, West Park Historical Society, 216-252-9850 • e-mail: [email protected].

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When Eugene Messina saw the fliers posted around the neighborhood for our first Asphalt Cinema back in June 2003, he approached KCDC with an idea. What if he were to dress up with a big hat and make balloon creatures for the children, bringing smiles to their faces and more fun to the event? (He had been practicing his skills with the neighborhood children near his home on Gramatan.) He suggested that if we paid him a flat fee, then the children would pay nothing. They could just line up and get one of his balloon creations. Asphalt Cinema would be his first paying balloon gig. We took a chance on Gene, and he was a huge hit! Every Asphalt Cinema since – and there have been 12 – kids flocked over to Balloon Man Gene for one of his fanciful creations. With a smile on his face and pleasant words for the youngsters who crowded around him on every side, this balloon man was very much in demand. He kept the children engrossingly engaged while he created intricate hats, fishing rods (with fish attached!), long swords, skinny dogs, monkeys going up a tree, smiling octopuses, and more! With dexterous fingers moving like lightning, he quickly and tirelessly produced what each child wanted from a list of options until the movie started. Asphalt Cinema may have been his first balloon job, but soon we were seeing Balloon Man Gene at festivals, grand openings, and parties all around the region, bringing smiles to the faces of thousands of children. Two years ago he married his wife, Lana, who worked by his side. He referred to her as “Lady Lana.” She kept balloons at his fingertips and noted who was next in line. On April 4th, Eugene Joseph “Balloon Man” Messina died unexpectedly from respiratory failure at the age of 54. Hundreds attended his memorial service at Metro Church South on April 16. There, we learned more about his life. He was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He graduated from the Culinary Institute of America with a 4.0 grade point average and spent several years as a chef with Marriott Hotels and other restaurants. He cooked meals for four presidents and developed recipes including the original Bulls Eye Barbecue Sauce and pudding-in-the-mix cake mix. He met his wife Lana at a Bible study session and was very active in Christian ministry for 35 years. His memorial program notes that he encouraged at least 1,000 people to become Christians, including 300 youngsters. Gene considered his balloons to be prayers and “seedlings for the Kingdom of God.” During his memorial service, a member of his congregation shared this story. “When I told my son that Balloon Man had died and gone to heaven, he looked sad for a brief moment. But then he smiled brightly and said, ‘Dad! Now when a kid accidentally lets go of a helium balloon, Balloon Man Gene will catch it and make something out of it for God.’” Friday, June 15, will be our first Asphalt Cinema without Gene. To remember him, we will share a moment of silence and release a single helium balloon in his honor. We hope you will join us.

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Spring 2007

Give Yoga A Go! How can twisting and bending your body have anything remotely to do with spirituality, happiness, or r e l a x a t i o n ? Tr y yoga with a trained professional for even one session, and you will likely glimpse the answer as you leave feeling refreshed and restored. Local resident Maria “Puma” Reyes My mission is to assist people in their discovered yoga in pursuit of health and peace of mind. I am dedicated to providing individuals with a 2000 as a powerful safe and nurturing environment to explore way to gain more their own edges, develop strength and balance in her life. confidence, and live a full and rich life. She studied various styles of yoga, and along the way discovered a strong desire to help others achieve the kind of balance and inner peace she was experiencing. She searched for someone to study under to become a certified yoga trainer. Puma was most drawn to Forrest Yoga, developed by Ana Forrest. According to www.forrestyoga.com, for 30 years Ana Forrest has been fine-tuning Forrest Yoga specifically to address current day stresses — physical and emotional. She uses intense pose sequences, compassionately taught, to develop skills in awakening each of the senses. Forrest Yoga teaches you to bring aliveness, using breath, into every cell of your body. Puma completed her yoga teacher training with Ana Forrest in Los Angeles in December 2004. Aside from building strength and flexibility, Forrest Yoga provided Puma with a safe environment to continue her personal growth. Soon she began using Forrest Yoga to teach her own students to go deep within themselves to achieve balance both on and off the yoga mat. These days, Puma weaves her enthusiasm, humor, and compassion into a style that is based in the principals of Forrest Yoga, while incorporating alignment and East-West psychology. She incorporates core work, flow, deep breathing, and longer holds in pose sequences that get you in tune with your edges. Puma is the only certified Forrest Yoga teacher in Northeast Ohio. Intrigued? Classes are held at River’s Edge, 3430 Rocky River Drive. Sign up by visiting www.pumayoga.net or by calling 216-402-0266. Kamm’s Corners Magazine

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Ms. Murphy has been the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Fairview Hospital since 2003. In her role as Chief Operating Officer she managed more than $240 million in gross revenues and more than $80 million in expenses. She had responsibility for the day-to-day operations of all clinical and nonclinical support services of the hospital. Prior to becoming the Chief Operating Officer, she was the Chief Nursing Officer and Executive over Patient Care Services, and Associate Vice President of Nursing/Operations at Fairview. She began her career at Fairview Hospital in 1978 as a staff L.P.N. Fairview Hospital is a 499-bed teaching hospital with 2500 employees, a medical staff of 900 and an annual operating budget of $337 million. The hospital has residency programs in Surgery, Medicine, and Family Practice. Spring 2007

Spring Has Sprung and Construction Has Begun

…by Cindy Janis In addition to beautiful flowers springing up, ladders and construction workers with hammers are also appearing throughout the Kamm’s Corners commercial district. The City of Cleveland Storefront Renovation Program (SRP) is Work has begun on the Far Mor project. providing design assistance, and a 40% rebate up to $25,000 to commercial property owners for exterior renovations and new tenant signage. Tim Barrett, Architectural Design Specialist for the SRP, created the distinctive signage designs for all the projects. The former West End Appliance building, located at 17119 Lorain Avenue, is being renovated to be a new Irish pub and restaurant. According to owner Patrick Campbell, P. J. McIntyre’s is scheduled to open late summer. Construction is also underway for an Irish dance studio on the second floor of the building. The original granite bulkhead is being restored and new storefront windows are being installed, including three windows on the side to bring light and life to the building. The custom-made wooden storefront doors have a black walnut finish and make a grand entrance to the restaurant. The signage includes a panel sign across the front elevation and a creative projecting sign mounted on the corner of the building with a custom made bracket. The round projecting sign has a distinctive Celtic knot design in the center. The creative new projecting sign for the Far Mor has already been installed on the building located at 15809 Lorain Avenue, owned by Joseph Coreno. The Far Mor letters were installed on a map of Ireland and then applied to the sign that replicates the Irish flag. The original bulkheads and transoms are being restored, and two simulated second floor balconies will be installed. New paint colors have been designed for the building, and the billboard will be removed from the side. The SRP is not a maintenance program. It is a comprehensive exterior rehabilitation program with the goal to make a visual and economic impact in neighborhood retail districts to keep Cleveland strong and competitive in a regional shopping market. One of the guidelines is to restore and maintain original architectural details. The City partners with Kamm’s Corners Development Corporation to implement the program in the SRP target areas. For more information regarding the SRP, please contact Cindy Janis at 216-252-6559 x12 or [email protected].

Kamm’s Corners Magazine

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Top Dog – A Frankly Tasty Alternative

…by Marilyn Osborne

Farmers Market Comes to Kamm’s Corners Looking for tender green asparagus, plump purple grapes, or light red Suncrisp apples? Real food, locally grown, is coming to Kamm’s Corners every Sunday, June 3 through October 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. brought to us by farmers who care about good food grown in their own soil. The Kamm’s Corners Farmers Market sets up each week behind Walgreens at West 168th and Lorain Avenue, in the municipal parking lot. A festive opening day June 3 kicks off with a performance by Patrick Campbell, former lead Irish dancer with Lord of the Dance, and a cooking demonstration with samples from the famed Tremont restaurant, Fahrenheit. Here’s the full schedule: • Ward 21 Councilman Martin Keane and KCDC Executive Director Steve Lorenz will open the market with short remarks at 10:15 a.m. • Patrick Campbell, former lead dancer with Lord of the Dance, will dance at 10:30 a.m. followed by his class from the Masterson School of Irish Dancing. • Fahrenheit restaurant will offer cooking demonstrations and samples using products available at the market beginning at 11:00 a.m. • At noon, an ecumenical service featuring the leaders of several local churches will lead a “Blessing of the Market.” All are welcome to participate. • For music lovers, popular local musicians Brand New Hat will bring their brand of bluegrass, folk, and rock and roll to the market from 12:15 p.m. until 2 p.m.

Sponsors of the Kamm’s Corners Farmers Market include the Charles and Helen Brown Memorial Foundation, Fairview Hospital, Kamm’s Corners Kamm’s Corners Magazine

Development Corporation, Kamm’s Plaza, the Neighborhood Connections Grant program of the Cleveland Foundation, Priority Home Health Care, Rego’s Fresh Market, and River’s Edge Center. Each Sunday, locally grown seasonal fruit and vegetables will arrive at our farmers market usually within 24 hours of being harvested. First offerings will likely be asparagus, lettuce, spinach, cabbage, rhubarb, garlic, and a few surprises. The market also will offer fresh eggs, honey, coffee, and cheese. A Rego’s Fresh Market booth will sell locally produced specialty products varying weekly such as pasta sauces, herbs, and Corbo’s Italian bakery. Cooking demonstrations by local chefs will show ways to prepare what is being sold that day. Health talks and health screenings from Fairview Hospital will focus on what the market has to improve the health of farmers market shoppers. Experience the superior flavor of locally grown produce, picked at the peak of maturity, and sold fresh by the farmer. Jennifer Doyle, a West Park resident said, “I’m very excited to welcome the Farmer’s Market to Kamm’s Corners. I usually drive into the suburbs to get my produce. It will be nice to walk up there and support my neighborhood.” Be sure to come for the festivities on opening day, and make a visit to Kamm’s Corners Farmers Market a part of your Sunday routine. For more information or to volunteer, please call the market manager, Molly Skat, at 216-252-6559, ext. 20 or e-mail her at [email protected]. Also, visit the Market’s website at www. kammscorners.com/kcfarmersmarket. 12

Tired of sandwiches or salads? In April, a shiny, classic hot dog restaurant opened at 16804 Lorain Avenue, the former home of Kathleen’s Kitchen. Done up in mustard yellow and ketchup red accents, Top Dog sports two brand new counters and lots of comfortable stools for the serious business of chomping down on hot dogs. Four varieties are offered: the plain hot dog, Chicago style, Kamm’s quarter-pounder Black Angus, and the popular foot long. “Foot long Fridays are a big hit because you get two for $4. They’re regularly $3 each,” said John Donahue. He and his wife Denise own and operate Top Dog. John has years of restaurant experience, but not as an owner. “I visited a lot of hot dog joints before embarking on this family business venture. I figure if we offer tasty food and great service, then people will come back for more.” He’s right. One of many regular customers is Sister Helen Brown from the Congregation of St. Joseph, a selfproclaimed hot dog connoisseur. She serves as an office assistant for the congregation and represents Ward 21 at the City of Cleveland Department of Aging. A few days after Top Dog was slated to open, Sister Helen called the KCDC office. “Is that new hot dog place open yet?” she asked. “I have a taste for a hot dog and nothing else will satisfy me right now.” That’s how it is with hot dogs! Indeed, for Sister Helen, the “Top Dog Pack” hit the spot: 2 hot dogs with one topping each, fries, and a pop for $5. Extra toppings are 25 cents each. “I watched a man down a plump Black Angus hot dog covered with jalapeño peppers and wondered how he did it.” Sister Helen said. One topping of sauerkraut split evenly over two regular dogs is as adventuresome as she gets. On a recent afternoon, Walter O’Malley, retired owner of The Red Spring 2007

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Denise and John Donahue opened Top Dog in April. Stop in and welcome them to the neighborhood.

Lantern in Kamm’s Plaza, sat at the counter enjoying a Top Dog Pack. While eating, he shared fond memories of visits to local hot dog joints when he was kid. “A hot dog cost a nickel back then,” he said. As he was leaving, he encouraged John and Denise to persevere in the business and said he’d be back for more dogs soon. Don’t want a hot dog? Try the grilled chicken sandwich or a hamburger. There’s fresh squeezed lemonade, a variety of soft drinks, and chocolate or vanilla milkshakes. Breakfast is served all day, too. Enjoy the Top Dog Scramble: two eggs scrambled with a sliced Kosher all beef hot dog, home fries, and toast for $4. Or get two eggs, home fries and toast for $3. Other breakfast options are available with the more traditional sides of sausage links or Canadian bacon. Come to the grand opening Saturday, June 2, from 12 to 4 p.m. featuring dollar dogs, fun surprises, and more. Or stop in any time. You never know whom you might see from the neighborhood eating in this friendly place. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Sundays. Late summers hours soon! Kamm’s Corners Magazine

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Priority Home Health Care Helps Clients Stay Home Maria had been independent her entire adult life until she suffered a heart attack that left her feeling weak. “I simply couldn’t lift things or do a lot of housework anymore. And, I needed help remembering to take all my new medications,” Maria said. The hospital released her to go home because her daughter, Grace, was staying with her temporarily. However, they had to find a way to get Maria through the day once that visit ended. Grace worked full time and couldn’t be with her mother every day. That’s when Maria called Priority Home Health Care. “We help people who can handle their own basic needs but just need a little extra assistance to stay at home,” explained Lori Prutton, RN, Director of Nursing and Administrator at Priority Home Health Care. Maria’s call resulted in a no cost/ no obligation initial visit that took place while Grace was still with her. Together they learned about the

They also discussed the cost of these services to Maria, if any, because many of these services are covered in Ohio under a variety of programs. One is the state’s Medicaid program that helps Medicaid eligible older Ohioans get the long-term services and supports they need to stay in their homes rather than in nursing homes. Other programs include: Senior Options Medicare MR/DD BWC PASSPORT State Plan Waiver Concordia Care Post Hospital Plan Ohio Home Care

President/CEO Gary Burgund and Lori Prutton, RN Director of Nursing/Administrator

President/CEO Gary Burgund opened Priority Home Health Care at 14117-19 Lorain Avenue in 1988. “We’ve been providing excellent services for our clients and supporting the neighborhood for almost two decades.”

From left: Priority Home Heath Care Office staffers Donna Berry, Sharon Smith, Secerine Tinch, Toni Santoro, Barbara Krise. Seated: Lynette Quinones.

kinds of nursing care and homemaking assistance that could be provided such as: Light Housework Chores Laundry Shopping Bathing Assistance Meal Preparation Companionship Skilled Nursing Kamm’s Corners Magazine

All Priority Home Health Care employees undergo a thorough new hire orientation program, are well trained, and receive employee benefits. Each undergoes a background check, including fingerprinting and reference checks. They are also screened for TB as mandated by state regulations. Employee referrals are the primary recruiting tool, keeping turnover low – 10 to 15% compared to the industry norm of 40%. President and CEO Gary Burgund opened Priority Home Health Care at 14117 Lorain Avenue in 1988, as a nurse

Of course, private pay is another route if a client is not eligible for any other program. In Maria’s case, she was eligible for the Medicaid state plan. The plan allows the Medicaid eligible patient up to 14 hours per week of combined services. Another Medicaid program is the PASSPORT program for adults 60 and older. PASSPORT provides for the services of home health aide assistance. PASSPORT can be applied for by contacting the Western Reserve Area Office of Aging. In Maria’s case, before her daughter Grace went home, both became acquainted with Maria’s new caregiver and were pleasantly surprised by her efficiency and her caring personality. 14

staffing company offering temporary assignments. The company focused on home care in 1994, when the state began offering programs to keep aged, blind, or disabled citizens in their homes rather than in nursing homes. In 2003, Priority Home Health Care became Medicare certified and now they offer a full range of services covered by Medicare/ Medicaid, including skilled nursing care, social services, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and home health aid. Mr. Burgund grew up in West Park, graduated from John Marshall High School, and serves as a commander in the Naval reserves. He is proud of the way his company helps both clients and the community. “We’ve had a presence here providing excellent services for our clients and supporting the neighborhood for almost two decades,” he said. Priority Home Health Care is a sponsor of the new Kamm’s Corners Farmers Market. If you think help with personal care and some homemaking assistance may keep you or a loved one living at home instead of a nursing home, find out how Priority Home Health Care may help by calling Lori Prutton, RN, at 216-2514300. Service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Spring 2007

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