Northern Ohio’s bicycle groups are coming together to produce the first ever Cleveland Bicycle Week\, May 12 – 16\, 2008.
The idea is to promote cycling during National Bike Month by hosting fun and educational activities. Thursday May 15th attend a one-day conference for government officials\, health and wellness agencies\, the media and other interested parties. On Friday\, Andy Clark of the League of American Bicyclists will present Cleveland with a Bicycle Friendly Community designation (at the Cleveland Planning Commission meeting\, 9 am at Cleveland City Hall). Other events include\:
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Cleveland opens its newest green space and bike/pedestrian trail at Treadway Creek in the southwest neighborhood of Old Brooklyn.
Grand opening ceremonies include remarks from Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and officials from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
The George Gund Foundation invites you to participate in a lively session to learn about two new flexible\, easy-to-use\, web-based tools to assess a nonpofit'\;s capacity to engage in public policy and advocacy work and evaluate the results of such advocacy efforts. These tools are designed for use by nonprofits and funders alike.
Access free parking through the Trinity Cathedral lot at E. 22nd &\; Prospect Avenue.
Special guest\: Sue Hoechstetter\, Director of Foundation Advocacy\, The Alliance for Justice\, Washington\, D.C.
Please RSVP to Joyce Hancock at jhancock@gundfdn.org or 216-241-3114
Cleveland Museum of Natural History Explorer Lecture Series with Nicholas Wade\, science reporter for The New York Times\, discussing what the rapidly advancing field of DNA research is revealing about humanity'\;s past. The ancestral human population of 50\,000 years ago may have been very different from present-day people. But it had established the principal institutions of human societies\, such as trade\, warfare and religion. Humans also had developed a fully articulate modern language\, which enabled them to break out of Africa. As they traveled to other regions of the world and adapted to different conditions on each continent\, it is clear now that human evolution continued vigorously.
Get Hands-On with the stewarship of the Rocky River. Meet at the Coe Lake Gazebo/Pavillion behind Berea City Hall. Trash bags provided. Long pants\, work boots and gloves recommended.
Click here or contact Jared Bartley at 216-524-6580 x14 or jbartley@cuyahogaswcd.org for more info.
Sponsored by the Cities of Berea and Middleburg Heights\, Cuyahoga Soil &\; Water Conservation District and the Rocky River Watershed Council\, in cooperation with the Cities of Broadview Heights\, Lakewood\, North Olmsted\, North Royalton and Rocky River.
A National River Cleanup 2008 Participating Event!!!
Volunteer day of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association and City Year
Civil matters only (NOT criminal)
First come\, first served
Visit the neighborhood clinic to speak with an attorney about your legal problems including landlord/tenant\, consumer issues\, family law and more.
Bring all important papers
Questions? Call 216-687-1900
Annual RiverDay with educational and cleanup events for the whole family to raise awareness of the Cuyahoga River. Sponsored by Friends of the Crooked River.
Join this group for seasonal adventures in sketching the Old Woman Creek estuary. Bring your own pencils\, paper\, and other sketching materials. All skill levels welcomed- attendance at all classes not required. For more information visit www.oldwomancreek.org or call (419) 433-4601.
Saturday\, May 17\, 10\:00am - Noon\: Get ready to get a little dirty for a good cause. Help us pull Garlic Mustard\, an invasive plant that out competes native species and isn'\;t a good food source for wildlife. Bring garden or work gloves if you have them and drinking water. Meet at the Wildwood State Park entrance parking lot\, 16975 Wildwood Drive\, off of Lakeshore Blvd. Contact Claire Posius at (216) 524-6580 x16 or cposius@cuyahogaswcd.org. Sponsored by the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District\, Euclid Creek Watershed Council and ODNR-Wildwood State Park.
In addition to the diverse selection of vegetable and flower varieties (all grown at Crown Point)\, events include farm tours\, mini gardening workshops and children'\;s activities.
Spaghetti dinner fundraiser to help develop a green roof on Cleveland State University'\;s new fitness building\, sponsored by the CSU Student Environmental Movement. Minimum donation $15.
Contact\: Erin Huber at 440-463-1862.
Celebrate the city'\;s tranquil green space by the lake (and the only park owned by Cuyahoga County) -- Whiskey Island and the U.S. Coast Guard Station will reopen to the public with the dedication (at 3 pm) of a new bridge on the only road leading in. Through the work of County Engineer Robert Klaiber\, a bridge for bicyclists and pedestrians was also built alongside the auto bridge to connect with a proposed bike path from Edgewater Park.
In addition to the diverse selection of vegetable and flower varieties (all grown at Crown Point)\, events include farm tours\, mini gardening workshops and children'\;s activities.
Evelyn Bryant (Education Coordinator\, Certified Horticulturist) New Agrarian
Center\, George Jones Farm
Topics include
-Using organic and natural gardening products vs. herbicides
-Fundamentals of composting (vermi-composting)
-Bed and soil preparation
-Building a stronger and more sustainable regional food system in Northeast
Ohio
Free and open to the public.
Food and drinks provided by Nature'\;s Bin.
Drawings to win organic gardening products.
Seating is limited. RSVP to Lindsey by Friday\, May 16.
Call or email for details 440/582-5200.
Spring Tea Benefit\: A party and a fundraiser for the Ohio Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides.
Featured speakers\:
Refreshments catered by the Mustard Seed Market.
Donation at the door. Tax-deductible contributions can be made out to NCAMP or sent to OCAMP at 13507 Ardoon Ave. Cleveland\, Ohio 44120.
For information\: OCAMP@neo.rr.com or 216-291-3424.
Learn to identify common wildflowers of the woods and about flower folklore with Breann Hohman\, Firelands Coastal Tributary Watershed Coordinator with the Erie Soil and Water Conservation District.
Bring along a copy of Newcomb’s Guide to Wildflowers and practice using the key. 1.5 mile hike along gravel and paved trails with hills\, stairs. No registration required. For more information visit www.oldwomancreek.org or call (419)433-4601.
Keynote Speaker\: Marc Dann\, Attorney General\, State of Ohio
Please respond by May 8
Cleveland Jobs with Justice is a local coalition of 58 labor\, community and faith based organizations working together to promote workers rights and social justice in the Cleveland area.
For more information\, call 440-333-7007 or visit www.clevelandjwj.org
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There is much buzz in Ohio and other aging industrial centers about the promise of green collar jobs\, a green economic renaissance\, the revitalization of manufacturing\, advanced energy jobs\, and pathways out of poverty. As Van Jones of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights says\, how are we going to get from “rhetoric to reality?” Join the E4S Network May 20th to hear about several local green job projects and to explore future potential for Ohio’s green jobs market.
Areas landscaped with perennial native plants that don’t mind getting “wet feet”\, rain gardens are an attractive way to reduce the impact of stormwater on streams and Lake Erie. Rain gardens are designed to capture and filter stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces such as rooftops and driveways. Learn about these systems and take home a guidebook containing information on how to select a site\, construct your own\, what type of plants work best and more.
Visit www.oldwomancreek.org or call (419)433-4601 for more information.
Stormwater conference sponsored by the Tinkers Creek Watershed Partners and the Chagrin River Watershed Partners\, Speakers will discuss the latest developments in policy\, engineering\, and program activities such as\: funding options\, innovative technologies for stormwater management\, best management practices\, low impact development\, water resource management\, comprehensive water quality management\, and research.
Join cyclists worldwide in a silent\, slow-paced ride in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways.
Current Ohio rides include Columbus\, Oberlin and Cincinnati. It’s easy to add a location\, so those hoping to do so in Cleveland will be the catalyst for honoring Gary Krach\, Charles Barr and others you may know. More information.
The Cleveland Section of the Ohio Planning Conference is offering a distance learning series to OPC members and guests free of charge. This session covers\:
Too often\, community groups and residents of low-income communities are left out of the brownfield redevelopment process. Learn how to engage community members so they can see the opportunities presented by brownfield sites. Assess how community development corporations can play a major role and find out how the community can weigh the costs of brownfield redevelopment. Hear from community members as well as technical experts.
Co-sponsor\: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.Please RSVP to Ann Klavora at ann.klavora@shakeronline.com or 216-491-1436.
Winner of the 2006 TED [Technology\, Entertainment Design] Prize\, the motto of Sinclair’s group\, Architecture for Humanity\, "\;design like you give a damn"\; sums up his design vision. With projects ranging from designing mobile health clinics combating HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa to establishing mine clearance programs and building playgrounds in the Balkans his mission is to create sustainable and innovative living standards for the masses.
Fee. Part of MOCA'\;s Talalay Lecture Series.
Archeologist Brian Redmond speaking about a prehistoric Native American settlement on Sandusky Bay at the Curator'\;s Forum Lecture Series of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
An excellent opportunity for up-close viewing of wetland birds and plants!
Staff guided. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED – a limited number of canoes and personal floatation devices are available. Ages 10+ welcome. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Call (419) 433-4601 to register.
You are invited to the 18th annual Heartwood Forest Council\, to be held Memorial Day weekend in the Shawnee State Forest near West Portsmouth\, Ohio. The theme of this year’s Forest Council is “Burning Issues\: Climate is a Forest Product.” Each year\, Heartwood partners with one or more local organizations to host the Forest Council over the Memorial Day weekend in a different state in the Heartwood region.
Hosts for this year’s event include Heartwood\, the Buckeye Forest Council\, Save Our Shawnee Forest\, Voices for the Forest\, Meigs Citizens Action Now!\, Protect Biodiversity in Public Forests and EarthWatch Ohio. The Heartwood Forest Council is the largest annual gathering of citizens from across the Eastern\, Midwestern and Southern U.S. who care about the health and well-being of our nations forests. We will focus on threats to our region and to human and community health\, in an atmosphere of collaboration designed to form stronger personal and organizational connections. While addressing the issues we face and celebrating the work that we do\, the Forest Council offers participants an opportunity to identify lasting solutions and proven action steps that will move us as a community toward a shared vision of a healthy\, just and sustainable society.
For more information contact Andy Mahler\, Heartwood at 812-723-2430\, andy@blueriver.net\, www.heartwood.org or David Maywhoor\, Buckeye Forest Council\, 614-487-9290\, 1-866-OH-TREES\, david@buckeyeforestcouncil.org. Many cars will be heading down to the Shawnee State Forest from the Cleveland area. If you are interested in car pooling check out the Heartwood website to connect with others interested in carpooling or call Stefanie Spear at 216-387-1609.
U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall speaking on "\;Let Them Eat Ethanol"\; at the City Club of Cleveland.
40 independent merchants
Keynote Speaker\: Guion S. Bluford\, Jr.\, Ph.D.\, First African American to fly in space
Entertainment provided by The Eric Gould Trio
For more information\, please call 216-381-3266
Big Creek Cleanup
Stream Stewards are needed to help protect our local streams and Lake Erie.
Assistance is needed at the Fern Hill Picnic Area (off Big Creek Parkway just South of Brookpark Road)
We will clean the Big Creek north and south of the Fern Hill Picnic Area along with crossing over Brookpark Road to clean the creek between Sams Club and Wal Mart!
Dress for the weather
Wear long sleeves and slacks
Boots or work shoes are recommended
Bags and work gloves will be provided
Children under 18 must have adult supervision
Rain date is June 4\, 2008
For more information\, contact Amy Roskilly at 216/524-6580\, ext 22 or aroskilly@cuyahogaswcd.org
This event is sponsored by Friends of Big Creek\, City of Brooklyn\, Parma Councilwoman Mary Galinas\, Cleveland Metroparks\, and the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District
Learn a tested system to identify and cultivate donors who love your mission—donors who will give for operations\, capital\, and endowment. Find out how to grow your organization’s visibility in the community and engage your board in the fundraising process without requiring that they ask for money. This entry level workshop is designed for board members\, executive directors\, CEOs\, and fund development professionals. By the end of this seminar you will have the fundamentals to embark on the path to sustainability and grow your major gifts programs year after year.
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To register\: Go to http\://sforce.benevon.com/intros/midwest.htm and fill out the registration form. RSVP Required! Space is Limited.
Questions\: Contact Alaina Szlachta at 206-709-9400 ext. 132 or alaina.szlachta@benevon.com
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The seminar features presentations by orthopedic surgeon Matthew Kraay\, M.D. "\;Joint Replacement for Arthritis"\; and rheumatologist Donna Sexton-Cicero\, M.D.\, "\;Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis -- What'\;s the Difference?"\; Wachovia Securities financial advisor Cynthia McHugh will present "\;Six Steps for a Secure Retirement"\; and John Blaha\, B.E.P.A. will speak on "\;Preparing for Your Financial Future Through Estate Planning."\;
Space is limited and reservations are required. A catered lunch is provided.
Call the Arthritis Foundation at 216-831-700 ext. 195 or 800-245-2275 ext. 195 to register. Registration deadline is May 19
Please join ParkWorks and the students of John Hay and Cleveland School of the Arts as we celebrate the completion of their new shared campus.
The campus is off of Carnegie Avenue between Stokes Boulevard and Stearns Road
Parking off Carnegie\, adjacent to John Hay and Cleveland School of the Arts
RSVP to Gina Love Slade\: glove @parkworks.org OR 216-696-2122 ext. 101
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To showcase job\, volunteer and start-up/at home business options for older adults\, family caregivers and teens
Presenters are from organizations that provide jobs (paid\, volunteer and at-home) opportunities for older adults\, family caregivers and teens. Presenters offer insight and activities designed to assist an intergenerational audience in finding and preparing for paid and unpaid opportunities.
For older adults\, teens and family caregivers (adults caring for other adults or older adults caring for young children) looking for employment\, volunteer and home business opportunities.
To become an Opportunity Fair Partner\, call Judith DeCrane at RSVP 216-391-9500 ext. 120 or Susan Murray at Fairhill 216-421-1350 ext. 113.
Join GEO as we discuss a historical measure for the state of Ohio - the passage of Am. Sub. Senate Bill 221 that was signed into law by Governor Strickland on May 1st\, 2008. This bill includes the adoption of a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS)\, which provides that 12.5% of Ohio'\;s Electricity will come from renewable energy resources by 2025.
For a list of speakers and more details on the event visit\: http\://www.greenenergyohio.org/page.cfm?pageID=1612
Be among the first to see our new summer attraction featuring endangered amphibians\, red river hogs and New Guinea singing dogs. Plus\, you'\;ll enjoy the rare opportunity to see Australian Adventure at sunset
Dress\: Business Casual
Complimentary food provided by Outback Steakhouse
Open bar\, live music and animal encounters (adults only)
RSVP by May 21 at 216-661-6500 x 4403 or by email at VIP@clevelandmetroparks.com
As part of National Preservation Month\, Kara Hamley O'\;Donnell\, Cleveland Heights Historic Preservation Planner\, and Michael Fleenor\, preservations program director for the Cleveland Restoration Society will discuss Cleveland Heights'\; diverse architecture. The event is free.
A full day devoted to "\;Ageless Living."\;
A day'\;s worth of activities focusing on mind\, body and spirit. National experts will set you on the path to healthy living. The day begins with "\;Cleveland'\;s Biggest Stretch"\; on Wade Oval\, led by Prevention fitness expert\, Chris Freytag.
Are you experiencing streambank erosion problems?
We are hosting a workshop on May 31\, 2008 entitled\: “Vegetative Streambank Stabilization for Streamside Property Owners.” This free workshop will cover the causes of increased streambank erosion\, cost-effective techniques for protecting and restoring your streambanks using natural vegetation\, and a hands-on demonstration of selected practices.
Time and location are yet to be determined\, but will be posted on www.MyRockyRiver.org by May 15.
Contact Jared Bartley at jbartley@cuyahogaswcd.org or 216-524-6580 x14 for more information or to RSVP.
American Lung Association’s annual asthma walk.
Greater Cleveland Asthma Coalition and others will offer information about handling asthma risks.
As part of National Preservation Month\, take a behind the scenes tour of Heights High School built in 1926 which includes the Tiffany chandeliers in the auditorium. The event is free.
Civil matters only (NOT criminal)
Intake begins at 9\:45 a.m.
Visit the neighborhood clinic to speak with an attorney about your legal problems\, including Transfer on Death Deeds\, Powers of Attorney and Living Wills.
Bring all important papers
Questions? Call 216-687-1900
Sustainable energy festival with exhibitors and speakers about what you can do to help the planet\, create jobs\, and save money by supporting a renewable energy economy.
“The Basis and Current Implications of Global Warming” will be the topic of a presentation by Dr. George Collins\, Professor Emeritus OSU and Adjunct Prof. Astrophysics at CWRU. David Beach\, Director of the GreenCityBlueLake Institute\, will introduce Dr. Collins.
Sponsored by EarthWatch Ohio\, Geauga Forum Series\, and Geauga County Democratic Party. Free and open to the public. For more information\, call 440-834-4989.
No charge for this event.
Reservations are required.
RSVP to planetorganics@aol.com
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Kamm’s Corners Farmers Market returns with fresh produce\, cheese\, honey\, meat\, coffee\, and lots of other food and fun! The market will continue every Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM through October. A perennial exchange takes place on opening day. To participate\, simply divide your plants and bring them to the market to exchange with other participants.
Opening day entertainment includes a musical performance by Brand New Hat. Gary Richmond\, chef/co-owner at Johnny Mango will be offering a cooking demonstration at 12\:30 PM. Additionally\, Yester Year Horse &\; Carriage will offer rides for only $1!
Dr. Whitlow is the featured speaker at Kamm'\;s Corners annual town hall meeting. Other speakers will include Ward 21 councilman Martin J. Keane. KCDC Executive Director Steve Lorenz will offer updates on current neighborhood projects and future plans.
Giveaways at the end of the evening include Cleveland Indians tickets and gifts from area merchants. The Bob Bohr Award for Community Safety will be presented along with Community Improvement Awards.
The ongoing foreclosure crisis\, shifting demographics that include more single-parent households\, an aging population and the associated cross-generational living\, and growing interest in alternative housing options all combine to make cohousing an increasingly compelling housing choice. Cohousing has been developed successfully in many states in recent years but not yet in Ohio.
Mr. Charles Durrett\, author of Cohousing\: A Contemporary Approach to Housing Ourselves\, and a pioneer in the field of cohousing development\, will be the lead speaker at the forum. He has been involved in over fifty cohousing development projects.
To RSVP\, please contact Kim Scott at 664-3803\, kscott@city.cleveland.oh.us
Stream stewards are needed!
Join the Friends of Big Creek in this clean water initiative. Help us protect our local streams and Lake Erie!
Assistance is needed at these locations\:
1. Archmere Park\, Archmere Avenue\, west of State Road
2. Brookfield Park\, Brookfield Avenue\, between Bellaire and W. 130th
3. Brookridge Elementary School\, 4500 Ridge Road (behind Brooklyn Branch of Cuyahoga County Library
Refreshments will be provided
Dress for the weather
Wear long sleeves and slacks
Boots or work shoes are recommended
Bags and work gloves will be provided
Children under age 18 must have adult supervision
Rain date is June 14\, 2008
For more information\, contact Amy Roskilly at the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District at 216/524-6580\, ext 22 or aroskilly@cuyahogaswcd.org or Rachel Napolitano\, Bellaire-Puritas Development Corporation at 216/671-2710
This event is sponsored by the City of Cleveland\, City of Brooklyn\, Friends of Big Creek\, Dona Brady\, Councilwoman-Ward 19\, Martin Sweeney\, Council President-Ward 20\, Kevin Kelley\, Councilman-Ward 16\, Bellaire-Puritas Development Corporation\, Longmead-McGowan Connection\, Cuyahoga River RAP\, Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation\, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District\, West Park Community Council and the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District
Meet at the Scenic Park Picnic Area (by the Marina) in the Cleveland Metroparks Rocky River Reservation. The Main Stem of the Rocky River gets a lot of use\, and unfortunately it shows. Trash bags provided. Long pants\, work boots and gloves recommended. Stick around after the cleanup for hot dogs on the grill!
Visit www.MyRockyRiver.org or contact Jared Bartley at jbartley@cuyahogaswcd.org or 216-524-6580 x14 for more information.
Sponsored by Cleveland Metroparks\, Cuyahoga Soil &\; Water Conservation District and the Rocky River Watershed Council.
Scientist Mark Lyons of Cleveland State University discusses the diversity of mussels living in the Lake Erie watershed and demonstrates field research methods used to study them.
For more information visit www.oldwomancreek.org or call (419)433-4601.
An excellent opportunity for up-close viewing of wetland birds and plants! Staff guided. Ages 10+ welcome. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED – a limited number of canoes and personal floatation devices are available. Call (419) 433-4601 to register.
The annual summit of the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency\, celebrating the agency'\;s 40th anniversary. The luncheon speaker will be Robert Puentes of the Brookings Institution\, speaking on a transportation vision for the 21st century.
Cleveland Public Power (CPP) and Home Depot will detail energy efficiency and conservation initiatives with easy step-by-step methods.
Tonight'\;s topic is\: Explaining the benefits of each Energy Star appliance and how to cool a home with less energy.
These four Home Depot locations will offer the same clinic on the same day\:
To sign up for any of these clinics call Cleveland Public Power at 216-420-7704 ext 235.
Join Zach Rinkes of Ohio State University Extension for a walk through swamp and upland forest habitats and learn to identify native trees by leaf characteristics. Ages 12+. Terrain\: grave/paved trails\, boardwalk\, hills.
For more information visit www.oldwomancreek.org or call (419) 433-4601.
June 15-21 and/or June 22-28
Training ground for the country'\;s leading naturalists. Located along Terra Alta Lake in Preston County\, West Virginia\, its numeous habitats are home to a wide variety of wildflowers\, trees\, ferns\, club mosses\, mammals\, cold-blooded vertebrates\, and invertebrates.
Weeklong residental camps include hands-on lessons on mammalogy\, botany\, macro-invertebrates\, ornithology\, herpetology\, nature photography and teaching methods as well as field trips to spectacular nearby scenic areas.
Graduate credit available. Call 304-242-6855 to register. Scholarships available.
For more information\, visit\: www.mountainnaturecamp.org