Mayor Gregory P. Kurtz's Weekly Update for November 1, 2024

'Kiss Me Kate'

Premieres Nov. 8

Please note the Independence Community Theater's production of "Kiss Me Kate" will not be held this weekend (November 1 and 2). The production will premiere on Friday, November 8. Performances will be held November 8-10 and 15-17 at the theater, 6652 Brecksville Road. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 PM. The curtain rises on the November 10 and 17 matinees at 2 PM. For tickets call 216.447.0443.

IPD Lt. Bates Shows Hotel Staff

How To ID Human Trafficking

Independence Police Department Lt. Shane Bates discusses s telltale signs of human trafficking with Independence hotel staff.

The Independence Police Department and the City's Economic Development team joined forces to host an informative session on human trafficking for about 40 of the City's hotel managers and staff on October 28 at the Holiday Inn Cleveland South in Independence.

Lt. Shane Bates presented "Human Trafficking: An Inside Look" where he outlined some of the telltale signs indicating an individual is being trafficked. The signs include unattended minors, unexplained relationships with a large age disparity, and persons with no identification or mismatched identification.

"We do not and will not tolerate human trafficking in Independence," Lt. Bates told the group. "Don't think you will get away with it in Independence. We will find you."

The seminar was another excellent example of the Economic Development Department working in conjunction with our business community to educate and help to address problems.

Remember To Exercise

Your Right To Vote Nov. 5

Presidential Election Day is upon us – Tuesday, November 5 – with tight races shaping up for the U.S. Presidency, the Ohio Senate race between Sen. Sherrod Brown and businessman Bernie Moreno, and the selection of a Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge. Voters also must decide the fate of State Issue 1 to end gerrymandering.

As always, the polls at the Civic Center will be open from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM for registered voters to cast their ballots. Remember to bring a photo identification (acceptable photo IDs include an unexpired Ohio driver's license, a state ID card, a U.S. military ID card, an Ohio National Guard ID, a U.S. Department of Veterans ID card, or an unexpired U.S. passport), which is required for in-person voting.

The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections (BOE) began early in-person voting last month. Registered voters can also cast their ballot until Election Day at the BOE, located at 2925 Euclid Ave., in Cleveland.

I encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote. With the current worldwide events, people should take full advantage of our democratic process.

Haunted Hayride

Raises People's Spirits

Parks and Recreation Department Manager Ryan Wancata had a swinging time haunting those who braved the hayride on Saturday, October 26.

These fearless souls await their turn on the Haunted Hayride.

The Haunted Hayride crew stand ready to haunt Elmwood Park.

A non-scary version of the Haunted Hayride was held on Friday, October 25, much to the delight of young children, parents, and grandparents.

Hundreds of families turned out to take a Haunted Hayride through Elmwood Park last week. This annual, family-friendly event offered thrills for all ages. The eerie ride came alive when lurking creatures appeared from the darkness. Amid the overcast skies and chilly evening night, the atmosphere was filled with the sound of howling werewolves and the music of ancient spirits.

Many children came in their trick-or-treat costumes to enjoy this pre-Halloween tradition.

We collected more than 400 canned food items to support the local food pantry. Thanks to everyone who made a donation — your generosity is much appreciated.

Huge thanks to the Parks and Recreation staff for always investing their time and talent to make each year's event special and spooktacular!

Top photo, L-R: Cuyahoga County Emergency Manager Mark Christie listens as Independence Mayor Gregory P. Kurtz welcomes the group.

Bottom photo, L-R: Mayor Gregory P. Kurtz and Independence Fire Chief Steve Rega.

City Hosts Cuyahoga County

Emergency Management Summit

More than 200 first responders and public safety partners attended the 2024 Cuyahoga County Emergency Management Summit on October 30 at the Civic Center. The summit was presented by the Cuyahoga County Department of Public Safety & Justice Services and the Office of Emergency Management.

The summit focused on sharing knowledge while serving as a testament to the strength of the county's partnerships, said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne.

Summit topics included Understanding Cyberspace and Its Implications on Public Safety; Lessons Learned from the East Palestine Train Derailment; and Exploring the Mental Health Crisis Response - First Call.

City Honors Residents

During 90th Birthday Party

L-R: Sharon Clymer and Finance Director Vern Blaze present a 90th birthday certificate to

Nancy Clymer.

L-R: Finance Director Vern Blaze wishes a Happy 90th Birthday to Frank Mauric, who attended the luncheon with his wife, Pina.

L-R: Joan Milla looks on as husband Donald receives a birthday greeting from Finance Director Vern Blaze.

The Community Services Department hosted the City's annual 90^th Birthday Celebration on October 25 at the Civic Center.

Finance Director Vern Blaze was on hand to announce the name of each person who turned 90 years old in 2024. These honorees were presented with a certificate, gift card, and small gift. The following residents were recognized during the celebration:

Nancy Clymer
Paul Cofta
Joyce Eisenmann
Marie Elewski
Eleanor Husarcik
Sylvia Marshall
Frank Mauric
Donald Milla
Anna Potoma
Arlene Saloka
Thomas Shumay
Janez (John) Turk
Norman Vincenti

Congratulations and Happy Birthday to each of you!

Social Media & Tech Night

Planned For Indy Families

Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into the current digital landscape and learn practical strategies for ensuring online safety.

Independence Local Schools, in partnership with the City of Independence and the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) educational group, is set to host a vital Social Media and Tech Night for families on Thursday, November 21 from 6-8 p.m. in the Independence High School auditorium.

This event aims to equip parents and adults with essential knowledge and tools to protect children and themselves from the potential risks associated with social media and online activities.

The Social Media and Tech Night will focus on two critical areas:

1. Addressing social media challenges that may pose risks to children; and

2. Identifying and preventing potential predator situations in the digital world

Families are strongly encouraged to attend this informative and potentially life-saving event. For more information, please contact Mr. Jamie Vanek, Principal at Independence Middle School at jvanek@independence.k12.oh.us.

Eagle Scout 'Racks' Up Valuable Project For Park

One set of bike racks will be placed by the new Freedom Playground area and the other set will be placed by the tennis/pickleball courts.

If you are enjoying the beautiful fall weather at Freedom Playground you will soon notice new navy blue and white bike racks. Tennis and pickleball players will notice similar bike racks near the courts in the coming week.

The bike racks are courtesy of Independence resident Nate Brunovsky, who with the help of his Scout troop constructed the bike racks as part of his Eagle Scout project.

Nate met with Parks and Recreation Department staff more than two months ago to inquire about his planned Eagle Scout project. The result of Nate's efforts are two poly wood bike racks. After two months of planning and gathering materials, the construction took place in the Elmwood Park Garage.

Nate and his troop completed the bike racks last week.