Independence Observes

National Day of Prayer

I had the honor of making introductions during the National Day of Prayer ceremony at the Civic Center.

L-R: Pastor Lisa Thomas (United Methodist Church), Pastor David B. Wiggens (Independence Presbyterian Church), Pastor Matt Jordan (St. Michael Church), Pastor Michele Thompson (Rockside Church and Chaplain for the Independence Police Department), Finance Director Vern Blaze, and I enjoyed the ceremony and luncheon at the Civic Center.

Residents join the National Day of Prayer ceremony at the Civic Center.

Pastor Michele Thompson (Rockside Church and Chaplain for the Independence Police Department), prays for and with first responders.

Among those who gathered with me to pray were Councilman James Trakas, who serves as a captain with the Ohio Military Reserve, Fire Chief Steve Rega, members of the Independence Fire Department, residents, and Rockside Church Pastor Charles Thompson, a Critical Care Nurse at University Hospitals and married to Rev. Michele Thompson. 

In Independence and across the nation, people came together to celebrate the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 2. First established by Congress in 1952, the National Day of Prayer is a unifying event that belongs to all Americans. It offered a unique opportunity to transcend differences through prayer and bring together people from all walks of life to pray for the betterment of our nation.

Throughout the day, numerous events were held at various locations around the City, providing a platform for people to participate and pray for the nation, government, military, business/workplaces, first responders, teachers, students, families, arts, entertainment, and media. Each prayer, each participant, contributed to a collective hope for a better future.

More than 100 residents attended the luncheon at the Civic Center, where local faith leaders led everyone in prayer. Finance Director Vern Blaze also spoke to the gathering about common questions people ask about how and when to pray. He quoted the Bible and the message that it is important for people not to worry about anything but instead pray about everything. 

Later in the day, Rev. Michele Thompson, Chaplain for Independence Police and Lead Pastor at Rockside Church, and Catherine Monnin, Director of Missions, and Community Outreach at Rockside Church, led the service on Public Square to recognize and honor first responders.  

This year’s national theme was “Lift Up the Word—Light Up the World.” Rev. Thompson led the group in praying for police, fire, military, and healthcare first responders who often put their lives on the line for others. Among those who gathered to pray were Councilman James Trakas, who serves as a captain with the Ohio Military Reserve, Fire Chief Steve Rega, members of the Independence Fire Department, residents, and Rockside Church Pastor Charles Thompson, a Critical Care Nurse at University Hospitals and married to Rev. Michele Thompson. 

Here's How To Properly

Dispose Yard Waste

Remember to use brown paper yard waste bags while giving your yard a spring cleaning.

Now that warmer weather is finally settling into Northeast Ohio, most Independence residents are giving their yards a spring makeover.

Here are a few helpful reminders from our Service Department.

● Yard waste must be properly contained when crews come to collect it.

● Yard waste must be put into brown yard waste bags, open cardboard boxes, 35-gallon garbage cans, or the containers with the green lids.

● Yard waste in plastic bags will not be collected.

● You can order, and have delivered, a green-lidded yard waste container by calling the Service Department at 216.524.9191.

The Service Department picks up yard waste every week on your regular trash collection day. You do not need to call to have your yard waste picked up. Have your items curbside by 7:30 AM on the day of your trash collection.

Assistant Superintendent

Earns Business Honor

Independence Schools Assistant Superintendent Tom Dreiling.

The Ohio Association of School Business Officials (OASBO) has recognized Tom Dreiling, assistant superintendent of Independence Local Schools, as its Business Operations Manager of the Year. Dreiling received the prestigious award on April 17 at the organization's annual state conference in Columbus.

"Tom continues to find ways to innovate and collaborate with his fellow business managers. He is a passionate, dedicated individual in the business manager profession, and it's an honor to present him with this award," said Chad Welker, Director of Business Services for the Ohio Schools Council, who nominated Dreiling for the recognition.

At Independence Local Schools, Dreiling oversees the business and operations of the district, including the district's maintenance. In addition to these responsibilities, he is currently serving as the interim superintendent for the remainder of the school year.

Shreds Of Evidence:

Recycling Day A Success!

It was good to see so many residents taking advantage of the City-wide Recycling and Shred Day on April 27.

Plenty of household items, electronic devices, and household hazardous waste was collected.

Nostalgia Fuels

Classic Car Cruise

A Classic Car Cruise will be held Fridays May 10 and 24 and June 14, 21, and 28 from 5 to 8 PM at Independence United Methodist Church, 6615 Brecksville Road.

Check out the free car cruise and enjoy great music. Food will be available for purchase.

For details, call Dale Veverka at 216.407.8657.

Upcoming City Council

& Committee Meetings

May 7

Finance Committee, 3 PM

Planning Commission, 5:30 PM

May 14

City Council Caucus, 5 PM

Followed by City Council Meeting

May 16

Architectural Review Board, 3 PM

Board of Zoning Appeals, 5:30 PM

June 4

Planning Commission, 5:30 PM

June 6

Civil Service Commission, 9 AM

Architectural Review Board, 3 PM

June 11

City Council Caucus, 5 PM

Followed by City Council Meeting

June 20

Architectural Review Board, 3 PM

Board of Zoning Appeals, 5:30 PM

May Offers Variety

Of Food Truck Fare

Nothing beats getting out of the office for lunch with your co-workers on a sunny day. I enjoyed Barrio's cuisine last year.

Don't miss the line up of outstanding vendors we have participating in the Lunchtime Food Trucks on Thursdays and Fridays in May and June.

Here is the May lineup on Thursdays from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. These food trucks will be at 7100 E. Pleasant Valley Road.

● May 9 - Delish Mobile Kitchen

● May 16 - Hatfield's Goode Grub

● May 23 - Cheesy Dave's

Here is the May lineup on Fridays from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. These food trucks will be at Plaza 45, 4500 Rockside Road. Enter from Old Oak Boulevard South.

● May 10 - Barrio; The Cedar Grill; Mangia Dolce (dessert truck)

● May 17 - Smokin' Rock N' Roll

● May 24 - Metro45 Cafe and Catering; Twisted

● May 31 - Cheesy Dave's

Check Out The

Weekly Finance Review

Read Finance Director Vern Blaze’s Financial Update for May 3, 2024 by clicking here.

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