May 2021
CITY OF FAIRVIEW PARK
MAIN STREET CONNECTION
MESSAGE FROM MAYOR COONEY
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Greetings!

I hope you are enjoying the warmer weather and all the beauty that the spring brings!

I would like to wish all our mothers a very happy Mother's Day! Thank you for all you do!

On Saturday, May 15, from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM we invite you to one of two of the City's annual shredding days. More information can be found below.

May is also the month for the primary election. The election is on Tuesday, May 4. The City of Fairview Park has two (2) issue renewals – not tax increases – on the ballot.

Issue 2 – Fire Levy Renewal – funds 12% of the Fire Department’s operations. It has been in effect at the same rate since 1975 and its passage will maintain current safety operations and staffing levels.

Issue 3 – Street Repair Program Income Tax Renewal – is the primary source of revenue (2020 - $1,323,987.00) for street repairs in the City of Fairview Park. Funds from this program repave and rehabilitate streets throughout the City. The income tax rate for this program has remained the same since 2005.
Additional information about both Issues is below or can be found at www.fairviewpark.org. Thank you for your passage of these prior renewals. 
Sincerely,
Mayor Patrick J. Cooney
MEMORIAL DAY
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There will be a ceremony hosted by the American Legion Post 738 at the Fairview Park Cemetery at 9:00 AM on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31 to honor those men and women who died while actively serving our country. The Memorial Day ceremony at City Hall is canceled due to safety protocols for indoor events. Since there will not be a ceremony at City Hall and in order to minimize congregating in preparing for, congregating at the beginning of, and during the parade there will be no parade this year.
RENEWAL ISSUES ON THE MAY 4, 2021 BALLOT
ISSUE 2 - FIRE LEVY RENEWAL
- The Fire Levy funds 12% of the Fire Department budget, including firefighter/paramedic salaries, maintenance of fire and medical apparatus, and essential operating costs.
- Per City ordinance, the Fire Levy must be renewed every five (5) years.
- Over the last 12 years, run volumes have increased by 40%, requiring more resources to be expended by the Fire Department.
- This past year, the Fire Levy funded operational costs associated with the pandemic, as COVID-19 patients accounted for nearly 22% of the FPFD’s entire run volume.
- This renewal, without a tax increase, will enable the Fairview Park Fire Department to maintain its current safety operations and staffing levels.

Please click here for additional facts about the Fire Levy.
ISSUE 3 - STREET REPAIR PROGRAM INCOME TAX RENEWAL
- The City is currently in Year 32 of the Street Repair Program and a total of 266,640 linear feet of City streets have been resurfaced and rehabilitated through the program. That is approximately the distance from the City of Fairview Park to the City of Sandusky!
- Street Repair Program Income Tax revenue is the primary source of revenue for street repairs in the City, and is required for the continuation of the Street Repair Program.
- The Street Repair Program Income Tax was established in 2005 for street resurfacing and rehabilitation projects, and was subsequently renewed when up for passage in 2013.
- Per City ordinance, the Street Repair Program Income Tax must be renewed every eight (8) years, requiring renewal in 2021.
- This renewal, without a tax increase, will enable the City of Fairview Park to maintain the current Street Repair Program.

Please click here for additional facts on the Street Repair Program Income Tax renewal. Please click here for a database of street repairs by year and click here for a map showing street repairs by year.
These Issue renewals protect the health, safety, and welfare of our community. For additional facts about the Issue 2 and Issue 3 renewals, please do not hesitate to call Fairview Park City Hall at (440) 333-2200.
WARD 1 VOTING LOCATION CHANGE
Registered voters living in Ward 1 will be voting at the American Legion Hall Post #738 at 19311 Lorain Road. Fairview Village Apartments at 20000 Lorain Road will NOT be a voting location. The next election day is Tuesday, May 4, 2021.
WASTE COLLECTION SCHEDULE 
To view the 2021 schedule for rubbish, recycling, bulk item, yard waste, leaf, and special recycling collections, click here.
SHREDDING AND HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION
The Shredding and Household Hazardous Waste Collection day is Saturday, May 15, 2021, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM behind City Hall. Proof of residency is required.

The following services will be available to the community:

  • PAPER SHREDDING: A truck will be on-site to ensure your confidential information is completely destroyed in minutes. Please do NOT include paper(s) that can be safely recycled every Monday in your green recycle container. This service is for documents that contain confidential information, not any paper source. Please limit the amount of material to be shredded to two (2) copy paper sized boxes.

2022 RECYCLING CALENDAR ARTWORK CONTEST
The City of Fairview Park is holding its citywide artwork contest designed to show what recycling means to you! Winning artwork will be featured in the 2022 Recycling Calendar. Artwork should show how you repurpose objects, reduce waste, or recycle. Entries are due Friday, June 4, at 4:00 PM. For additional information and contest rules, please click here.

The 2022 Recycling Calendar is funded in-full by the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District’s 2021 Community Recycling Awareness Grant.

Artwork Pictured above by Isabella (2020 Recycling Calendar)
FAIRVIEW PARK BUSINESSES
SHOP LOCAL
BUSINESSES OF THE MONTH
Rapco Appliances Parts and Repairs
and
Wellman & Griffith
If looking for help with in-house repairs of household appliances or assistance with at-home automation technology or audio/video needs then you can visit neighboring businesses here in Fairview Park. Rapco Appliances Parts and Repairs located at 22765 Lorain Road can help with your appliance repairs by providing you with the necessary supplies or by servicing your appliances. Located at 22775 Lorain Road, Wellman & Griffith can assist with home theater installations and other at-home technology installations.

Both companies are longstanding businesses in Fairview Park - Rapco has been in operation since 1981 and Wellman & Griffith since the 1950s. The proprietors of both companies are not only business neighbors but live a few doors apart here in Fairview Park!

The City would like to thank Carol and Ross Mesnick of Rapco for their continued commitment to Fairview Park with Rapco's recent move from the corner of West 223 Street and Lorain Road to its current location. Click here to learn more about Rapco Appliances Parts and Repairs.

Steve Lufkin, a long time Fairview Park resident, is part of a 4 generation family owned business that was originally an electronics store. As technology has changed, so has Wellman & Griffith's services to meet today's at-home audio/video capabilities. Similar to Rapco, Wellman & Griffith recently moved to its newest location and made extensive repairs to its building to showcase the unique services that it offers. To learn more about Wellman & Griffith, click here.

Thank you Carol, Ross, and Steve for your investment in Fairview Park and for being such good neighbors at work and at home!
FAIRVIEW PARK RESTAURANTS
Please click the link below for a list of restaurants in Fairview Park.
VACCINE INFORMATION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO GET THE VACCINE
Please check with your vaccine provider to know which vaccine will be available to you. Click here to schedule your COVID vaccine.

To help schedule vaccinations, the Ohio Department of Health has established a call center (1-866-982-1979) to assist those without internet access. Cuyahoga County Public Library, including the Fairview Park Branch, also has personnel available to assist in scheduling an appointment. Finally, you can call Laura, Cathy or Sandy at the Senior Center at 440-356-4437 and they would be happy to assist you in booking a vaccination appointment.
CUYAHOGA COUNTY VACCINE INFORMATION
COVID-19 vaccine distribution is under way in Cuyahoga County. Click here for information and check back often for more updated information about the vaccine rollout.
SERVICE AND DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
CITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Mastick Road (hill)
  • Road will be closed May 7 through June 11 to complete road work.
  • Work includes permanent road markings, fencing, and grass restoration.
  • Work depends on temperature / weather and road closure could be subject to extensions.
 
West 220 Street – Dominion East Ohio Gas Project
  • Construction on the section of the road between the I-480 Bridge and Elizabeth Avenue will continue through July.
  • New driveway curbs, other concrete repairs, and sidewalk installations continue.
 
West 210 Street Road Repair and Paving Project
  • Road paving and road repairs are scheduled to begin in June from Lorain Road to Mastick Road.
  • Stay tuned to the City's website and newsletter for additional details.
  • If you would like to receive periodic email updates of this project, please email kathleen.fayen@fairviewpark.org to be placed on a West 210 Street Construction Update email distribution list.

Lorain Road Bridge
  • Bridge painting resumes on May 4 with the eastbound curb lane closed and adjacent sidewalk closed. A pedestrian scaffolding system will be installed on the west bound sidewalk.
  • As work moves around the bridge, the work zone will move and close one lane of travel along the westbound lanes. 
  • Two-way traffic will be maintained at all times.
  • Work on the Lorain Road Bridge will continue through this year’s construction season with a continuation of work expected in the spring of 2022.
 
Metro Parks – Valley Parkway
  • Valley Parkway has been closed from Rockcliff Drive to the Emerald Necklace Marina for erosion control work through May 21.
  • As this work moves to the base of the Lorain Road Bridge expect road closures to shift to the area between Wooster Road and Rockcliff Drive.
 
I-480
  • Construction work continues for replacement of the bridge deck along Grayton Road.
  • Erosion control work is being completed with one lane closure on I-480 near Grayton Road.
POLICE DEPARTMENT UPDATE
BIKE SAFETY MONTH
We have a few reminders for bicycle safety from our friends at the National Safety Board.

Always inspect your bike prior to riding.
  • The seat should be adjusted to the proper height and locked in place
  • Make certain all parts are secure and working properly
  • Check that the tires are inflated properly
  • Make sure the bike is equipped with reflectors on the rear, front, pedals, and spokes
  •  A horn or bell, a rear-view mirror and a bright headlight also are recommended
  • Wear neon, fluorescent or other bright clothing
  • Whenever possible, ride during the day
  • If you must ride at night, wear reflective clothing and use flashing lights

Wear a Helmet - Helmets appropriate for bicycling should be worn by everyone – adults and children – on every bike ride regardless of the length of the ride. Make certain the helmet is certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Follow these guidelines from the National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration to properly fit the helmet:
  • Adjust sizing pads or fit ring until the helmet is snug
  • Position the helmet level on your head, covering the forehead and not tipped backward or forward; this will be about one to two finger widths above the eyebrow
  • Adjust the side straps so they form a “V” shape under and slightly in front of your ears
  • Center the buckle on the chin strap under your chin
  • Buckle and tighten the chin strap until it is snug; no more than one to two fingers should be able to fit between the chin and strap
  • When fitted, the helmet should not rock more than 1-inch side to side or front to back on your head

Follow These Rules of the Road:
  • Get acquainted with traffic laws; bicyclists must follow the same rules as motorists
  • Ride single-file in the direction of traffic
  • Remain alert, keep your head up and look around; watch for opening car doors and other hazards
  • Use hand signals when turning and use extra care at intersections
  • Never hitch onto cars
  • Before entering traffic, stop and look left, right, left again and over your shoulder
 
Drivers, please make sure you keep a three-foot space between your vehicle and the bicyclists. It is the law in Ohio.
FIRE DEPARTMENT UPDATE
The 5 year Fire Department Renewal Levy will be on the ballot Tuesday, May 4, 2021. The levy helps to fund some of the Fire Department's operating costs. Please click here for additional information.
RECREATION AND GEMINI CENTER UPDATES
RECREATION CENTER PROGRAMS
The Gemini Center is offering programs for residents of all ages. For information about Safety Town, Summer Camp (registration is open), SilverSneakers, life guard positions, Summer Camp counselor positions, Summer Swim, Kids Club (opening May 3) and more, click here.
SENIOR LIFE DEPARTMENT
CELEBRATE OLDER AMERICAN'S MONTH
Did you know that May is Older American’s Month? We want to celebrate with a sweet treat for all Fairview Park Senior Citizens! Please join us outside the Senior Center on Wednesday May 26, at 1:00 PM for a complimentary ice cream from the Pierre’s Ice Cream truck! This event is generously sponsored by Devoted Health.
NEW OUTDOOR WALKING GROUP
Are you looking to be more active? Now that the weather is warming up, the Senior Center is forming an outdoor walking group! Please meet our site coordinator, Cathy Eble, on Tuesday, May 11, at 10:30 AM at Nelson Russ Park located at 22323 Macbeth Avenue. Masks, social distancing and a comfortable pair of shoes are all that is required! Please call 440-356-4437 to join our walking group or if you have any questions.
VIRTUAL BINGO
We will continue our virtual Bingo with Devoted Health on Mondays, May 10, 17 and 24 at 12:00 PM. There are lots of prizes for participating and winning. Pick up your starter bingo packets and prizes at the Senior Center. Click here to join the game or join by phone 929-279-4732 and use the Pin# 928 298 852.
OUTDOOR FUN AT THE SENIOR CENTER
Need a break from your everyday routine? Come to the Senior Center and enjoy the outdoors and have some nostalgic fun with jokes, trivia and other fun surprises! Carleen from Rae-Ann Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center will lead us in an afternoon of good times on Friday, May 21, at 1:00 PM. Please call 440-356-4437 and let us know if you will be attending.
VIRTUAL BOOK DISCUSSION - MAY

The virtual book discussion will take place Friday, May 28, at 1:00 PM. We will be chatting via Zoom about The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. Participants will receive a copy of the book courtesy of O'Neill Healthcare. Space is limited in this program so please call 440-356-4437 to reserve your spot and book today.
THE CLEVELAND SENIOR EXPO
Save the date! The Cleveland Senior Expo is coming to Crocker Park’s Market Square on Thursday, May 6, from 9:00 AM-2:00 PM. Enjoy a free day full of fellowship with local seniors. The event will feature free samples, health screenings, demonstrations, shopping and practical advice. For more information click here.
SENIOR CALENDAR and SENIOR SCOPE
Click here to view the May Senior Life Calendar and click here to view the May Senior Scope.
BITS AND PIECES OF FAIRVIEW PARK HISTORY
WHO WERE GILLES AND SWEET?
Tracing Fairview Park History, Chris H. Gerrett
Fred Gilles and John Sweet were two young Fairview Village servicemen that died during World War I. Both young men attended State Street School, a one-room brick building located on Lorain Road. Fred's military record states he was a grocer who worked for his father. And John's military record states he was a farmer who, like Fred, also worked for his father. These young men were the only Fairview sons lost in the war. When a new elementary school was built in 1925, the village decided to name the building in their honor.
SHADE TREE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
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The Arbor Day holiday began in Nebraska in 1872 and today communities around the globe gather every year to celebrate trees and plant for a greener tomorrow. The City of Fairview Park is no exception.

The Shade Tree Adivisory Committee sponsored an Arbor Day Essay Contest for middle school students from Lewis F. Mayer Middle, Messiah Lutheran, and Saint Angela Merici Schools. In 200 words or less, entrants submitted essays explaining why it is important to have trees in Fairview Park and why trees are important to them as an individual.

Kayleigh Crawford, Mayer Middle School, Ella McCarty, Messiah Lutheran School, and Luke Wilkins, St. Angela Merici School, were the winners. They read their essays and were honored with a tree planted in their name and received a certificate with the coordinates of where the tree is planted in Fairview Park from Mayor Cooney at a ceremony at Bain Park on April 30th.

Congratulations Kayleigh, Ella, and Luke and thank you for your words of wisdom!
Luke Wilkins and Mayor Cooney
Click here to read Luke's essay.
Emma McCarty and Mayor Cooney Click here to read Emma's essay.
Mayor Cooney and Kayleigh
Click here to read Kayleigh's essay.
MOST VALUABLE TREES
Call for nominations begins May 1 through June 7, 2021 for our Most Valuable Tree (MVT) program. Started in 2018 by the Shade Tree Advisory Committee (STAC), this is a way to celebrate the trees that make up the Urban Forest in our community. For additional information and the nomination form click here.
For the 29th year in a row, the City of Fairview Park has been named a Tree City USA!

The Tree City USA program has been greening up cities and towns across America since 1976. It is a nationwide movement that provides the framework necessary for communities to manage and expand their public tree canopies. 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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