Mayor Gregory P. Kurtz's Weekly Update for February 23, 2024

Leukemia & Lymphoma

Society To 'Light The Night'

Floating lanterns will be released onto Elmwood Pond.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is ready to "Light The Night" with a memorial walk and floating lantern release on February 29 at 6 PM.

The memorial walk begins at the Independence High School cafeteria and ends at Elmwood Pond. Handheld luminaries can be purchased for $5. Every $10 donated allows a lantern to be released.

You can also purchase a Team Cure Seekers T-shirt for $12.

"Light The Night" funds research to find cures and ensure access to treatments for all blood cancer patients. I encourage you to support this worthy cause and participate in the walk. Early weather forecasts show temperatures in the low 50s!

Semi-Annual Community

Garage Sale Is March 16

Proceeds from the Semi-Annual Community Garage Sale benefit the Dorothy Ornas Scholarship Fund.

The Parks and Recreation Department and the Independence Kiwanis Club are gearing up for the Semi-Annual Community Garage Sale which will be held Saturday, March 16 from 9 AM to 2 PM at the Fieldhouse. Doors open at 8 AM for vendors.

Residents can purchase a table to display their wares for $10 with a two-table maximum. Non-residents pay $15 per table with a two table maximum. Set up is March 15 after 4 PM. No early shoppers please.

You can register by clicking here.

New Alert System A Valuable

Communications Tool

Rave’s Mobile Safety system provides a leading critical communication and collaboration platform trusted to help save lives.

At the start of the year, the City completed the move from the SwiftReach telephone advisory system to Rave Alerts.

The City’s Police, Fire, and Service Departments utilize Rave Alerts as a communications tool to keep residents informed during emergencies. My weekly telephone calls now use the Rave platform for enhanced communication. Most residents already signed up to receive my calls and will continue to get them. However, some phone numbers were inadvertently dropped from the system.

One of the many features and benefits of the Rave Alert system is that households can add multiple cellphone numbers of family members to the City’s emergency call list. Doing so will allow each family member to receive alerts and my weekly update call.

If you stopped receiving calls and want to resume getting Rave Alerts, or if you dropped your home telephone landline and/or would like to add multiple cell phone numbers for people at your residence, please call City Hall at 216.524.4131 or send an email by clicking here. Include your name(s), address, and old and new phone number(s).

Historical Society Offers

Century Home Program

The Bramley House is perfect for weddings and baby showers, book clubs, and small business meetings. Rental hours are 9 AM to 9 PM seven days a week.

Has your home reached its 100th birthday? The Independence Historical Society wants to recognize every century home in the City and celebrate their significance.

The historical society is offering a free certificate of recognition and vinyl window cling to display in your home's front window. Additionally, you can receive information about purchasing a century home plaque to display.

Learn more about the century home program, volunteer opportunities, and how you can obtain a membership by clicking here.

Umpires, Coaches Needed

For Little League Games

Umpiring games is a great way to earn extra cash for the summer.

Responsible, reliable adults and young adults age 15 years and older are needed to umpire Little League games on weeknights and weekends from May through July.

Coaches are needed for Little League teams. If you are interested in either position, call the Parks and Recreation Department at 216.524.3262.

Native Sons, Daughters

Event Popular With Kids

This giant gorilla grabbed the attention of kids at the Native Sons and Daughters Late Night event.

The Parks and Recreation Department hosted the annual Native Sons and Daughters Late Night Event on February 10 at the Civic Center.

There were more than 150 people in attendance. The fun included swimming, an open gym, inflatables, and a visit from a giant gorilla! It was a fun-filled evening.

City Engineer Participates

In Panel Discussion

City Engineer Don Ramm

City Engineer Don Ramm was a panelist during the Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District's 75th Anniversary Municipal Recognition Breakfast on February 16.

The panel discussion focused on community conservation and highlighted water, construction, maintenance, trees, outreach, and local action supported by regional and state level government.

Engineer Matt Hartzell also attended the breakfast event.

Ryan Wancata Becomes

City's First Arborist

Ryan Wancata quizzes Independence Middle School Junior Biology Society members on the Swamp white oak tree they planted in November 2023.

Ryan's training gives the City a certified playground inspector, ensuring the safety of all equipment.

Parks and Recreation Department Manager Ryan Wancata became the City's first International Society of Arbor Culture (ISA)-certified arborist when he passed his ISA examination on February 14.

As a certified arborist, Ryan will continue to enhance the City's Elmwood Park Tree Fund program and provide training for both the Parks and Recreation and Service Departments regarding proper tree maintenance. He will train staff in tree safety, proper pruning, planting, and mulching of trees.

In October 2023, Ryan earned certification as an Ohio Parks and Recreation Association inspector for the City's playgrounds. This certification allows him to inspect children's outdoor environments, playgrounds, and the safety of environmental elements located in children's outdoor spaces. Ryan is also a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Associate, giving him the knowledge and skills to promote and implement sustainability/green building practices in the City.

Parks & Recreation

Planning New Programs

Top: Team McGlovin, pictured with team mascot Zeus, won the 2023 Adult Co-Ed Softball League championship. Bottom: The one-mile Elmwood Fitness Loop is now available on the All Trails! app. The app allows people to navigate the loop from their phone.

Last season’s debut of an Adult Co-Ed Softball League hit a home run with residents who were looking for competitive play on the Elmwood Park ball diamonds.

The league’s overwhelming success led the Parks and Recreation Department to develop several new programs sure to be a hit with residents this year. Youth Golf, Sand Volleyball, Adult Kickball, Adult Soccer, Adult Flag Football, and Wiffleball are among the programs that will soon be offered. Watch our website (www.independenceohio.org) for details.

In its continuing effort to meet the programming requests of residents, the Parks and Recreation Department staff in February constructed two indoor bocce ball courts in the Civic Center's White Oak Room. The courts allow players to compete and socialize with friends and family during the winter season.

Skills Camp, Flag Football

Independence Youth Football has two programs available for youngsters.

Registration has begun for two programs sponsored by Independence Youth Football.

The Winter Skills Camp will be held Sundays March 10 and 17 in the Independence High School gymnasium. Two sessions are offered for players in Pre-K through first grade and second through sixth grade. Registration deadline is March 8.

Spring Flag Football registration is available until March 22 for boys and girls in grades Pre-K through sixth grade. Games will be played April 7, 14, 21, 28, and May 3 at Brecksville-Broadview Heights and Independence High Schools.

INDYAlive! Scholarship

Deadline Approaching

Students who are residents of Independence (regardless of school attended) are eligible to earn a $500 scholarship from INDYAlive!

Any student resident of Independence who will complete the requirements for high school graduation by June 2024 and will attend a post-secondary or technical school is eligible to apply.

INDYAlive! scholarship applications are being accepted at City Hall until March 29 at 3 PM.

Get more information by clicking here.