Community Engagement Corner
Spring has almost sprung, St. Clair Superior! February was a busy month with our first community meeting back as a new staff, and our second quarterly business mixer. I am so glad to have met so many of you at those two events, and learned about your interests and ways you want to help activate our neighborhood. We are ready to get to work together at St. Clair Superior Development Corporation!
As the sun comes out and the weather settles in, we are eager to work on cleaning up the community. We have added a “ Community Clean Up Request” form on our website so that you may aid us in organizing cleanups this spring and summer.
We have also added an intake form for our Pilot Home Repair Program. If you have home repair needs, fill out this form and we will get back to you with resources to be able to assist you with your home repairs.
Our February community meeting was so much fun that we are going to continue monthly meetings, and continue to create space for conversations with neighbors! Join us on March 30th at Kovacic Rec center from 6-8pm for our March Community Meeting! We will be providing light fare and resource information. Please sign up at our Eventbrite link here.
I am looking forward to seeing you all out and about at our upcoming events!
Kind regards,
Maeve Kozak, Community Engagement Specialist
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In Our Neighborhood... Boss K9
We are excited to announce that Boss K9 will be officially opening in St. Clair Superior this year! Boss K9, formerly located in the Slavic Village neighborhood, offers a multitude of dog training and canine-related services. Specializing in aggression rehabilitation, Boss K9 also offers off-leash and puppy training. The organization’s membership clients are offered a whole host of services outside of training, such as Pack Walks, an active Facebook community page, events, boarding services, and workshops.
The new location at 6016 St. Clair Ave. will enable Boss K9 to grow and to be closer to their clients. Since they opened almost four years ago, Anna Rencz, the owner of Boss K9, explained that they have continually expanded, and that the new space will allow for them to expand their services in a number of ways and help to train more dogs. The new location will offer grooming services for clients, as well as an expanded retail line of pet products. Boss K9 is excited to hire more team members to the staff, especially people who live in the neighborhood!
Anna is excited to work in St. Clair Superior and to support the local businesses in our neighborhood. She believes having a business like this creates a safer neighborhood because it allows people to be outside with their pets in a safer way, which eventually encourages more neighbors to spend time outside. The entire Boss K9 team is looking forward to the cultural diversity in the neighborhood, and the new restaurants that they will all get to try. Anna is also a resident of the neighborhood and is enthusiastic to get to know her neighbors and explore the area more.
Welcome to the neighborhood, Boss K9! Stay tuned for more information as Boss K9 plans their Grand Opening!
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In Our Neighborhood... Sam Malone
Samira (Sam) Malone is the Director of the Cleveland Tree Coalition and a Cleveland native who is passionate about improving the community she grew up in and belongs to. Sam grew up in the Central neighborhood and currently resides in St. Clair Superior, proclaiming herself the “Mayor of E. 55th”. Sam is a proud graduate of East Tech, and Cleveland State University, where she earned her degree in Urban Planning.
Sam loves how unique St. Clair Superior is. She loves older Cleveland neighborhoods, where you can tell that a lot of the structures are 100 years old or older. Sam considers her pocket of St. Clair Superior a little oasis and loves that she is so close to the city’s biggest asset: the lake. Sam said, "I love my community because we all talk to each other. Even if there are things missing, like economic capital, people still love to interact and want to build relationships. Even in a neighborhood that is lacking in economic capital, there is a wealth of social capital. There is, without a doubt, a comradery on my block.”
Beyond being a patron to some of her favorite businesses in our neighborhood, like Sheliga Drug, Siam Café, and Kafela, Sam is excited to get to work in our neighborhood. Sam is energized by the number of residents in the neighborhood just waiting for trees in their yards, and she is excited to help connect people to tree planting opportunities. Sam believes that we need to realize the St. Clair Superior neighborhood is buzzing and increasing in popularity, and because of that it is important to hold ground and prioritize affordable housing and not just market rate housing to make sure that the neighborhood can be a place for people who are native here.
Thank you for being this month's feature, Sam, and for being our neighbor in St. Clair Superior!
If you or someone you know lives in St. Clair Superior, contact Maeve Kozak at mkozak@stclairsuperior.org to share your story with the neighborhood!
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"Some people think they are in community, but they are only in proximity. True community requires commitment and openness. It is a willingness to extend yourself to encounter and know the other."
-David Spangler-
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Want to learn more about lead poisoning in Cleveland and, specifically, the St. Clair Superior neighborhood? Join us for Lead 101! Get the who, what, when, where and why for all things lead poisoning and prevention. Doors open at 6pm for dinner.
When: Wednesday, March 15th, 6:30-8pm
Where: Kovacic Rec Center, 6250 St. Clair Ave.
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Attention mission minded women! You are invited to an evening of networking for professional women, business owners and entrepreneurs.
MEN: Please share with the women in your network!
When: Wednesday, March 8th, 6-8:30pm
Where: Legacy Hall, 6800 Lexington Ave.
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Graffiti HeArt is hosting their 7th annual Graffiti & Grapes Scholarship Fundraiser! Join this local nonprofit to witness live graffiti, street art, and landscape art performances by local artists as well as a silent auction, live music, beverages and more!
When: Friday, April 21st and Saturday, April 22nd, 6-10pm
Where: Graffiti HeArt Gallery & Museum, 4829 Superior Ave.
Learn more and register here.
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Join us at our next community meeting in St. Clair Superior! Don't forget to bring a neighbor.
When: Thursday, March 30th, 6-8pm
Where: Kovacic Rec, 6250 St. Clair Ave.
Learn more and register here.
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Join fellow Cleveland parents and guardians for a Safe Sleep class!
When: Friday, March 10th, 2-4pm
Where: 6250 St. Clair Ave.
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Cleveland Public Library's Senior Showcase includes interactive workshops, an information fair, and free refreshments and lunch.
When: Thursday, March 23rd, 10am-2pm
Where: Martin Luther King Branch, 1962 Stokes Blvd.
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Cleveland Metroparks is hosting a job fair at the Zoo! Join them to learn more about their seasonal opportunities, including job opportunities at the zoo, parks, restaurants, marinas and more within the Metroparks system.
When: Saturday, March 11th, 10am-12pm
Where: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way
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Join the newly appointed Commissioners on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month to share your experiences and perspectives about policing in Cleveland. Meetings will be held at different locations around the city of Cleveland to ensure the Commission hears from as many communities as possible. RSVP by selecting the ticket with the meeting date; locations will be announced as details are finalized.
March's meeting:
When: Wednesday, March 8th, 6-8:30pm
Where: Towards Employment, 3301 St. Clair Ave.
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Are you hosting an event in the neighborhood? Do you have news or resources you would like to share with the community? Contact Julia at jferra@stclairsuperior.org to be included in the next Spotlight!
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Sustainable Stores Grant Program
Are you willing to make small changes at your business to ensure long-term sustainability for our neighborhood? The Cuyahoga County Departments of Consumer Affairs and Sustainability, with support from the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District, invite retailers to apply for the Sustainable Stores Grant.
Grants, up to $5,000, are available to support retailers’ efforts to eliminate plastic checkout bags from their operations, to educate consumers and retailers about the County's Disposable Bag Ordinance, and to establish a consumer culture of reusable bag use for all shopping trips in Cuyahoga County. Grant applications are due before 4pm on Wednesday, March 15th.
Learn more about the Grant's requirements, who can apply, and how to apply, here.
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REMINDER: Residents can still opt-in to receive curbside recycling services through the City of Cleveland's Curbside Recycling Program. To enroll, complete the online form at clerecycles.com or call 216.664.3030.
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Upcoming Food Distributions & Pantries...
St. Martin de Porres — Monthly Food Pantry
Where: Saint Martin de Porres High School, 6202 St. Clair Ave
When: Every 3rd Friday, 2-3pm
Asian Services in Action (ASIA) — Food Pantry
Where: ASIA Cleveland, 3631 Perkins Ave. Cleveland, OH 44114
When: Fourth Friday of every month
Where: NORA, 1400 E. 55th St. Cleveland, OH 44103
When: Third Monday of every month from 10am-12pm
Details: No residency or income requirements. Call 216-391-6672 for the emergency pantry, which is available Mon. through Fri. from 10am-3pm. Click here for more information.
Famicos Food Distribution — Food Pantry
Where: Hough Multipurpose Center, 8555 Hough Ave. Cleveland, OH 44106
When: The last Thursday of every month from 10am-1pm
Details: Open to all residents of Wards 7, 9, or 10. Please bring photo ID and your own bags or boxes. Fresh produce, canned goods, boxed items. Click here for more information.
Greater Cleveland Food Bank — Food Locator Tool
Details: Use this tool to enter your address and find information for food distributions near you.
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What's Happening in Our Neighborhood...
St. Vitus' Annual Palm Sunday Benefit Dinner
St. Vitus church has scheduled their annual Palm Sunday benefit dinner. St. Vitus’ annual Palm Sunday benefit dinner is Sunday, April 2nd, in St. Vitus Social Hall. Serving time is 10:45am to 1:15pm. Dinner is roasted chicken or roast beef, Slovenian-style soup, Slovenian-style potatoes, great salad, veggie dish, roll and butter and pastry dish. Sit-down and take-out dinners will be available. Learn more by reading this article.
YOU's Summer to Success
Apply now for the Summer to Success through Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU)! This opportunity is open to 14-18-year-olds in Cuyahoga County. Applications are open through May 1st. Download the flyer and apply here.
Cleveland Metroparks' Summer Nature Camp Scholarship
Cleveland Metroparks is getting ready for their summer nature camps! This year they have expanded offerings to include over 140 camps at 12 locations throughout Cleveland Metroparks. A full list of camp offerings can be found here; registration opened March 1st. 10% of all camp spots have been reserved for camper scholarships. Click here for more information and application (due by April 15th). Download the flyer to learn more.
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St. Clair Superior Receives Support from the Economic Growth Foundation
SCSDC is excited to announce a new partnership to promote an opportunity for Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) to navigate assistance programs as part of the recovery from the impacts of the Coronavirus. Across the state of Ohio, various municipalities are announcing their plans for any ARPA dollars they may have received.
Essentially, the focus of this navigational resource is to help MBEs find government-funded assistance programs that they may qualify for. Through a simple intake of basic demographics for each business, such as zip code, industry, number of employees, and basic contact information, we can match them to programs that they potentially qualify for. The intake portal we are using is the Business Growth Compass.
Thank you to the Greater Cleveland Partnership and COSE for securing a grant from the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) within the Department of Commerce and for bringing this resource to our business community. Additionally, thank you to our community partner of Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, Michael Elliott and the Economic Development Working Group for this opportunity.
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At Our Organization:
In Our Neighborhood:
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Not sure what you're looking for? Take a look at our Business Directory to find businesses in our neighborhood that may be looking for new employees!
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This map shows a combination of COVID-19 testing sites throughout Ohio at private companies and retail sites, community health centers, libraries and other local partners. Make sure to call in advance to ensure tests are available and to determine how to access tests when you find a testing site. If testing is not available for any reason, many partners can direct you to an alternate location. Click here for more information.
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As of January 19, every home in the U.S. is now eligible to order four at-home COVID-19 tests at no cost. The U.S. Government is providing these tests to be shipped through the U.S. Postal Service at no cost to purchase or ship. Click here for more information and to order your at-home tests.
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Click here to check vaccine eligibility, book your appointment and to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines. Don't forget to schedule an appointment to receive your booster shot!
- Call the Cleveland Department of Public Health helpline: 216-664-2222. Staff are available Monday-Friday, 9 to 5 p.m.
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View the COVID-19 Booster Shot fact sheet.
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Upcoming Programs at the Addison Branch
Bingo Season — Wed., March 15 | 2pm
We believe the spice of life is socialization. Join us for an all-time favorite game of bingo geared to connect participants of all ages. You might even win a small prize!
Vision Board Your Spring — Sat., March 18 | 12pm
Create a Spring vision board for your future. Use mini motivations and inspirational notes to manifest your goals. Supplies will be provided while they last.
Spring Break Hobby Exploration — Weekdays, March 20-24 | 2pm
Spend your Spring Break afternoons at the library learning new hobbies like origami, board games, and loom knitting. This event takes place daily starting Monday, March 20 through Friday, March 24 at 2pm.
MakerKits: Construction — Sat., March 25 | 12pm
Do you like tinkering, constructing, and making things? Build towering structures and unique objects with LEGO® Bricks and K'NEX® Building sets. Drop-in for 5 minutes or build the entire session.
Amazing Ancient Romans — Thurs., March 30 | 4pm
Let's count on ancient Rome and learn about Roman numerals.
International Carrot Day — Tues., April 4 | 4pm
Plant carrot seeds to grow your own snack while we learn about different varieties of carrots.
Grab-and-Go Early Learning Kits: Rhyme Time — Wed., April 5
Parents and caregivers: learn simple things you can do to help your young children learn early literacy and early numeracy skills. Pick up your free learning kit available at Addison Branch all month long.
Childcare Provider Lunch ‘n Learn (VIRTUAL) — Wed., April 5 | 1pm
Join us on Zoom for our monthly information session for home-based or center-based childcare providers. Learn about community resources for children and families as well as programs and services available at the Cleveland Public Library. This month's session features Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center. Register here.
Contact the library:
6901 Superior Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44103
Phone: 216-623-6906
Library hours:
Mon-Sat: 10am–6pm
Sun: Closed
For more information on events and programs at the Addison branch, click here.
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