March 2021
CITY OF FAIRVIEW PARK
MAIN STREET CONNECTION
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MESSAGE FROM MAYOR COONEY |
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Greetings!
As we head into March, signs of spring await us! Our clocks spring ahead, we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, and we have warm weather “teaser” days to remind us of the scenery to come. Some of the many things for which we can look forward include visiting our local parks, bicycling through the Rocky River Reservation, dining on outdoor patios, prepping plots at the Fairview Park Community Garden…. and of course, spring cleaning!
As the season changes and we become more active, I encourage you and your families to remain diligent in protecting yourselves and others from COVID-19. We have done a great job of lessening the spread, but there is still work to be done!
Finally, as always if there is anything we can help you with here at City Hall, please contact us at 440-356-2200.
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Daylight saving time will begin at 2:00 AM on Sunday, March 14. "Spring" your clocks forward and enjoy the extra hour of daylight in the evening!
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LEVIES ON THE MAY 4, 2021 BALLOT |
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The City will have two RENEWAL levies, the Street Repair Program Levy and the Fire Tax Levy, on the May 4, 2021 ballot.
The Street Repair Program, entering its 32nd year, is funded by a 0.25% income tax, the tax dollars from which go into a fund dedicated to street maintenance and other associated capital improvements. Per city ordinance, this tax levy must be renewed by voters every eight years. The last RENEWAL in November of 2013 represented the fourth consecutive ballot issue approved by the voters. Voting to RENEW this levy will not increase the tax rate. Click here to see the work that has been completed using the Street Repair Fund.
The residents of Fairview Park will be asked to renew our five-year Fire Levy. This is a renewal only and will not increase your taxes.
The RENEWAL levy helps to fund the operations of the Fairview Park Fire Department and will enable the Fire Department to continue to provide “excellence in service…” just as our mission statement explains. Service excellence is what our residents deserve and have come to expect from our members.
The levy was established in 1975 to provide and maintain fire and medical apparatus, department buildings, and firefighter/paramedic staffing. Originally listed on the ballot as the “Cardiac Care” issue, the 1-mill RENEWAL levy will continue to cost homeowners approximately $37 per year for a home valued at $150,000.
Although the department works hard to minimize expenses, they have increased an average of ½% a year for past 12 years. The number of runs the department has responded to has also increased over 40% in the past 12 years! However, the cost of the levy has remained exactly the same since 1975 (approximately $25 for every $100,000 of home value).
Funding nearly 12% of the Fire Department budget, this past year the levy helped with operational costs associated with the pandemic as COVID-19 patients accounted for nearly for 22% of the Department’s entire run volume.
The Fairview Park Fire Department and its members are proud to serve the residents of our community. Thank you for all you do for us, thank you for your continued support, and know that our department is here to serve you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, three hundred sixty five days per year.
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WASTE COLLECTION SCHEDULE
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To view the 2021 schedule for rubbish, recycling, bulk item, yard waste, leaf, and special recycling collections, click here. |
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RECYCLE BETTER, RECYCLE RIGHT |
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Additional plastic items (ie. yogurt containers) have been added to the accepted recyclable materials list. Click here to learn what additional items you can recycle.
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The Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District is offering Recycle Right webinars and the Wishcycler Video Series. Learn best practices for recycling and what you can do to make a meaningful difference in your community. Get answers to questions about curbside recycling and discuss what, where, how and when to recycle other items you want to discard. |
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FAIRVIEW PARK BUSINESSES
SHOP LOCAL
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BUSINESS OF THE MONTH - COLORS+
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Kristen Pepera and her wife, Lisa Pepera, own the for-profit counseling company Colors+ Counseling LLC located at 21139 Lorain Road (#12). After incorporating their counseling business in 2018, Kristen and Lisa decided to also organize a nonprofit, Colors+, to support youth and the LGBTQ+ population. They opened their counseling business in Fairview Park in 2019 and have found the community of Fairview Park to be welcoming and supportive.
Kristen and Lisa are both licensed counselors and both have experience in mental health, substance abuse counseling, and specialized experience in school/youth counseling including extensive experience with LGBTQ+ matters. Kristen describes their business model as being mental health professional allies that offer support through their counseling services and their nonprofit activities. The nonprofit, Colors+, has weekly virtual ‘drop-ins’ that offer a community experience for youth who can interact with each other in a safe, respectful environment. In addition, there are virtual movie nights, game nights, and a coffee-chat-group that offer care, support and community for parents and adult loved ones of LGBTQ+ youth. Read more.
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FAIRVIEW PARK RESTAURANTS |
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Please click the link below for a list of restaurants in Fairview Park. |
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UNITED WAY 2-1-1 HELP CENTER |
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CUYAHOGA COUNTY AND UNITED WAY OF GREATER CLEVELAND 2-1-1 HELPLINK PARTNER TO OFFER DEDICATED COVID-19 VACCINATION INFORMATION LINE |
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OR IMDIATE RELEA
Every weekday from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, callers dialing 2-1-1 on their phone can speak directly with one of 2-1-1’s trained specialists. The specialists answer questions and share resources to help eligible seniors and others with specific severe chronic diseases connect with local COVID-19 vaccination providers to schedule appointments. Nearly 90 providers, including hospitals, primary care physicians and pharmacies, now offer vaccinations across Cuyahoga County to eligible individuals.
2-1-1 HelpLink is a free and confidential service available to handle calls from those who need assistance with hundreds of resources, including food and meal assistance, shelter or rental assistance, utility assistance and more.
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Cuyahoga County COVID-19 Information |
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COVID-19 vaccine distribution has begun in Cuyahoga County. Click here for information and check back often for more updated information about the vaccine rollout.
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SERVICE AND DEVELOPMENT UPDATE |
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FOOTBALL FIELD AND TRACK CLOSING TEMPORARILY FOR REPAIRS |
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The City of Fairview Park will be repairing the football field turf adjacent to the outdoor track beginning Wednesday, March 3, through Friday, March 12, 2021. There will be personnel and equipment working on the football field turf which necessitates closing the walking / running track and the field weekdays from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM until March 12, 2021. From 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM there will be protective boards and safety devices placed on the turf and the track while the repair equipment is being used in this area. After 3:30 PM (daily) that equipment will be moved and we will open the track and the majority of the field turf for the public until dusk. The track and the majority of the field will also be available to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. This work will be completed as weather allows and we apologize for any inconvenience the turf repair work may cause. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Please contact Director of Public Service and Development Mary Kay Costello (440-333-2200) or the Director of Recreation Kerry Kemp (440-356-4444 x105) if you have any questions.
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KEEP WATER RUNNING FREELY IN AND
AROUND YOUR HOME
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Do
- Have your sewer system snaked annually by a city-registered plumber to remove tree roots and other obstructions before water backs up.
- Keep gutters clean to prevent overflows.
- Use liquid detergent rather than granulated to prevent blocks.
- Make sure the sewer grates and curbs in front of your home are clear of leaves and debris to allow water drainage.
Don't
- Do not flush disposable wipes, even those that claim to be "flushable." Flushed wipes are overwhelmingly the primary cause of city line blockages.
- Do not pour grease down your sink or garbage disposal! This can cause blockages in your home’s system and in the city sewers. Dispose of grease in a container in the trash.
- Do not use the dishwasher, washer, or garbage disposal during heavy rain events when the sewers may already be overwhelmed.
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MASTICK ROAD BRIDGE UPDATE |
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The final stage of the replacement of the Mastick Road bridge will take place this spring. The road will be closed for three weeks when Cuyahoga County puts the finishing touches on the first phase of the bridge construction. The work is weather dependent and the City will keep you posted on the closure dates once they have been determined. |
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Mayor Cooney, Officers Ray Titler, Scott Stover, Zachary Kugler |
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On March 1, 2021 the Fairview Park Police welcomed three new police officers and two newly promoted supervisors. The new officers were selected after an extensive hiring process and will began their field training on March 1.
New Police Officers:
Ray Titler is 27 years old. He grew up in central Pennsylvania and moved to Ohio last year. He currently lives in Cleveland. He has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from Gannon University and is a recent graduate of the Cleveland Heights Police Academy.
Scott Stover is 21 years old. He grew up in and lives in Fairview Park. Scott is the youngest officer ever hired by the Fairview Park Police Department. He has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from Bowling Green State University. He is currently enrolled in the Polaris Police Academy and will graduate in June.
Zachary Kugler is 22 years old. He grew up in and lives in North Ridgeville. He has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology from John Carroll University. He is a recent graduate from the Lorain County Community College Police Academy.
Welcome and best of luck to Ray, Scott, and Zachary! The City is proud to have you as members of the Police Department and wish you safe and successful careers.
Promoted Officers:
Seargent Bruce Mihalak will be promoted to Lieutenant at the City Council meeting on March 1. He joined the force in 1993. He is an accident investigator, a former SWAT team member and an OPOTA certified instructor.
Patrol Officer Jeff King will be promoted to Sergeant. He joined the force in 2014. He is one of our assistant terminal agency coordinators, member of the mobile field force and the 2017 Officer of the Year award recipient.
Congratulations to Bruce and Jeff on their promotions and thank you for your service throughout the years!
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RECREATION AND GEMINI CENTER UPDATES |
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RECREATION CENTER PROGRAMS |
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The Gemini Center is offering programs for residents of all ages. For information about Safety Town, Summer Camp (registration packets will be available March 8), SilverSneakers, Babysitter Training, Life Guard Positions, and more, click here. |
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BITS AND PIECES OF FAIRVIEW PARK HISTORY |
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Hawk's Park
Tracing Fairview Park History, Chris H. Gerrett
Twenty-six acres of property east of West 210 Street and north of Belvidere Avenue, owned by Maria Coffinberry and known as Hawk’s Field, sat idle for many years. In 1951, the opportunity to take ownership of the property by assuming back taxes was precisely what Mayor Bohlken did on behalf of the City. It was not long after that plans for an outdoor recreation area began to be developed. Sketches were created and included baseball and softball diamonds, a football field, tennis courts, a play area, a picnic area, and a formal garden. But the cost would be upwards of $250,000.00, a major hurdle, but not one that could not be overcome.
Four years after purchasing the land, a resolution to rename Hawk’s Field to Bohlken Park was completed. Plans were put in place for a dedication ceremony to be held on August 14, 1955 but postponed for a week due to poor weather conditions. At the dedication ceremony, Mayor Bohlken announced a plan to overcome the hurdle of such a high cost to develop the land into a complete outdoor recreation area. Community groups were given specific areas to develop. Each group would raise its own money and furnish labor and material.
Over the years, many improvements have taken place at Bohlken Park, and in addition to being the home plate for many ball games, Bohlken Park is home to Fairview Park’s annual Summerfest.
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The Senior Center remains closed for in-person programming, but Laura, Cathy and Sandy can be reached by phone. We would love to hear from you! Please call us at 440-356-4437 with questions or to say hello. We are optimistic that the Senior Center can reopen for limited programming soon!
We are continuing to offer virtual activities in March through our partnership with the organization “We Thrive Together”. Some examples of virtual programming are: Strength and Balance class, virtual trip to Kennedy Museum of Art, Jeopardy and a St. Patrick’s Day party on March 17th.
Sandy Milos, the Senior Center’s licensed social worker, is available to assist with a range of Social Service issues, such as Medicare or Medicaid questions, Social Security, Home Health Care or Affordable Housing. Please contact Sandy at 440-356-4463 or at sandra.milos@fairviewpark.org.
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Cathy Eble, Director Laura Brondos, Mayor Cooney, Councilman Minek, Sandy Milos |
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We would like to thank everyone who participated in our 1st Annual Senior Life Office Souper Bowl Contest held on Wednesday, February 24, 2021. Special thanks to the Hospice of the Western Reserve for their assistance in soup distribution, Devoted Health for the donation of Panera bread and our senior judges.
Four delicious soups were prepared by our talented chefs who included Mayor Patrick Cooney, along with staff from the Senior Center; Laura Brondos, Cathy Eble, and Sandy Milos. The featured soup selections were Italian Wedding, Pasta e Fagioli, Butternut Squash, and Cauliflower Potato. While all were delicious, at the end of the day, the Italian Wedding Soup prepared by Mayor Cooney received the most votes and took home the prestigious MVP trophy.
Congratulations to Mayor Cooney and thank you to everyone who helped make this a fun event for our seniors! We look forward to doing this again next year. Special thanks to Ward 2 City Councilman William Minek for presenting Mayor Cooney with his Souper Bowl MVP trophy!
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The Fairview Park Senior Life Office is delivering three frozen meals, fruit, bread and milk every Wednesday to Fairview Park seniors who are age 60 and older. A donation is greatly appreciated. This service is made possible through a grant from the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging. Please call the Fairview Park Senior Center at 440-356-4437 to register or for more information.
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Senior van transportation services are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM-1:30 PM for medically necessary appointments and essential services such as grocery shopping, banking, and prescription pick up. Only one rider or family group is permitted at a time. Masks are required. Please call the Senior Center at 440-356-4439 to make your reservation.
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REGISTERING FOR COVID-19 VACCINATIONS |
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For help registering for your COVID vaccination call:
- HelpLink by dialing 2-1-1
- University Hospitals at 216-800-9367
- Cleveland Clinic at 216-444-2538
- The Senior Center's Sandy Milos for further assistance at 440-356-4463
Click here for more information about vaccine distribution.
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VIRTUAL BOOK DISCUSSION - MARCH
The virtual book discussion will take place Friday, March 26, 2021 at 1:00 PM. We will be chatting via Zoom about The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. Participants will receive a copy of the book courtesy of O'Neill Healthcare. Space is limited in this program so please call to reserve your spot and book today.
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Please be aware that scammers are using this pandemic to take advantage of people. Already we are seeing scammers contacting people saying they need bank account information to deposit a stimulus check or to secure a vaccination for Covid-19. Scammers may ask you to purchase gift cards and provide them the numbers on the gift card. Do not ever give out your bank account information or social security number to anyone who calls you! To report a scam click here or call 216-443-SCAM (7226).
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Click here to view the March Senior Life Calendar.
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FAIRVIEW PARK GARDEN CLUB |
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Are you interested in a chance to win one of the four $500 Visa Cards being raffled off by the City's Garden Club? Thanks to the Garden Club, our community has beautiful fresh flowers throughout the City during the summer. The proceeds from the Petal Power Raffle go toward beautifying the City. Click here for more information about the Petal Power Raffle. For tickets for the raffle, click here. |
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Looking for additional information? |
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