The Heights May 14 - 28, 2015Volume 5 :: No. 9

Community News

StandardMore articles at www.TheHeightsStandard.com

Garfield Heights and Maple Heights

Community Meals Last Thursday Each MonthThe Lutheran Church of the

Covenant and Hope United Methodist Church continue to host community meals on the last Thursday of each

month. All member of the community, their friends and family are welcome – there are no restrictions. Just come to the parish hall located at the rear of

The Lutheran Church of the Covenant, 19000 Libby Road, Maple Heights OH 44137 and enjoy a deliciously prepared meal, meet and get to

know your neighbors. The entrance is handicap accessible. If you need further information, call the church at 216-662-0370.

REELZ is pleased to announce the network debut of Crime 360 – “Senseless” featuring Cleveland Police Officers

Detectives Tim Entenok and Tom Armelli are called to the scene of a family shooting where two adults and three young children have been killed. Detectives work their way through spent bullets, shell casings and other evidence at the scene including two firearms in order to piece together what happened and discover what led to the violence. Was it the result of a home invasion or a domestic

dispute? Where is the missing upstairs neighbor? Detectives send all available officers into the night to work the sensitive case.

In the greater Cleveland area REELZ can be found on Dish (channel 299), DirecTV (channel 238), AT&T U-Verse (channel 799/1799HD) and Time Warner Cable (channel 275). 1-866-UH4-CARE UHhospitals.org/UHOrtho

To schedule an appointment at a location near you, call or visit:

Amazing strides in orthopaedic care --are one step away.

At University Hospitals, we have Northeast Ohio covered with expert

orthopaedic care. Our nationally recognized orthopaedic services include

a broad spectrum of surgical and nonsurgical treatments for patients of

all ages – from the simplest to the most complex conditions.

With locations including UH Bedford Medical Center, a campus of UH

Regional Hospitals, you can take comfort knowing that an active and

pain-free life – is well within reach.

© 2015 University Hospitals

2015 Garfield Heights Summer Safety Town Classes Safety Town Sessions will be held from

June 22-29 and June 29-July 3 at the Garfield Heights Middle School, 12000 Mapleleaf Drive. Classes are scheduled

from noon to 2 p.m. and 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., each session. Enrollment will begin

in May at the Dan Kostel Recreation Center.

Garfield Heights Announces Fresh Start Program for License Suspensions

Hoping to combat the growing number of unlicensed drivers, the Judges of Garfield Heights Municipal Court have announced the Fresh Start Program to enable drivers to clear any forfeitures or blocks issued by Garfield Heights Municipal Court.

The Fresh Start Program began February 23 and ends May 30.

Any person who has deliquent fines and costs may appear any time at the Office of the Clerk and pay the balance in full without arrest, court appearance, or additional court costs.

Any person who cannot pay fines and costs in full may appear Wednesdays at 8 a.m. for a hearing to request additional time to pay and an immediate release of any license forfeiture or warrant block with minimum payment of $100.

Any person with standing warrant

for failure to appear on pending charges may appear on Wednesdays at 8 a.m. for a hearing to finalize the case or obtain a new hearing date without being arrested or being required to post bond.

2 :: 17 of Iyyar, 5768 :: May 22, 2008

www.thenewstandard.com The New Standard

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Advisory Board

David GoodmanState of OhioLarry Levine

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The Heights StandardMatt Trafis

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The Heights Standard is published and distributed by Blue Streak Strategies, llc twice every month and distributed

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Garfield Heights and Maple Heights, Ohio area. The publication is paid for by benefactors, advertisers, and voluntary

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Help for Garfield Heights families is just a phone call away. The new Family Resource Center at the Garfield Heights Civic Center, 5407 Turney Road, has information to assist families with drug treatment, counseling

and prevention services, support groups, and other needs. Office hours vary, so it is best to call and make an appointment.

Call the Help Line, 216-475-1103, or e-mail rpollack@garfieldhts.org for assistance.

Help Available Through Family Resource Center

www.TheHeightsStandard.com

Buyers no longer will be required to put repair funds into an escrow account for violations cited during the point-of-sale inspection. Repairs still must be made by the deadline set by the city’s building

department. Buyers will receive a one-year family recreation pass, limit one per family. Members are still required to purchase an identification card at the recreation center.

Garfield Heights New Homebuyer Incentives

May 14 - 28, 2015

EPA offers free food waste training webinarsThe U.S. EPA Sustainable

Materials Management (SMM) program is hosting a series of free webinars for those interested in zero waste, specifically the

reduction of waste in food service operations.

The Food Waste Training & Toolkit webinars will guide users through the waste assessment

and reduction process presented in the Reducing Wasted Food & Packaging Toolkit.

Visit cuyahogacounty.us for more information and to go to

registration links.

Attention allparents of preschool age children!The Maple Heights School

District will begin on Monday, April 20, 2015, accepting preschool applications for all

regular education preschoolers for our 2015-16 ECE program. You can apply by downloading a preschool application packet (new

packet from previous years) from the website at www.mapleschools.com. All applications have to be submitted to the Curriculum

D e p a r t m e n t with all the n e c e s s a r y documentation, reviewed and accepted before you can enroll

your child in the program. Once accepted into the program, you will be notified of acceptance and that you need to fill out the enrollment packet to complete the process. If you have any further questions please contact the Curriculum Department at 216-587-6100 ext. 3401.

Kiwanis Empty Bowl GH KIWANIS is having their

2nd annual “Empty Bowl Project” on Thursday, April 23, 2015 at the Garfield Heights High School from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. “Empty Bowls” is an international project

to fight hunger. “Empty Bowls” allow local artists, art groups and craftsmen to create and donate groups. Guests are invited to choose a bowl and enjoy a simple meal of soup, salad and

bread in

exchange for a minimum cash donation. The guests keep their bowls as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world. The last Empty Bowl project raised over $5000 with all proceeds from the event went to support

local food banks. Interested in donating or joining in this worthwhile cause? Call Mary at 216 663-0238 or Debbie at 216 587-0083 or contact any GH Kiwanis Member.

Support the Garfield Heights Family Resource Center by recycling your paper products in the River Valley Paper Company bin at the Civic Center, 5407

T u r n e y Road. The Resource

Center helps at-risk families and youth and offers referral services. Items accepted include newspaper, mail, phonebooks, office/school

paper, magazines, catalogs, paper bags, hard and soft bound books and cardboard. All proceeds generated from the yearlong paper drive will benefit the Resource Center. For information about the resource center, call Ruth Pollack, center

manager, at 216-475-1103 or e-mail rpollack@garfieldhts.org. For information about recycling, call Pat Salemi at 216-475-1100, ext. 2425 or e-mail psalemi@garfieldhts.org.

Yearlong Paper Drive

May 22, 2008 :: 17 of Iyyar, 5768 :: 3

Celebrating 5 Years of Award-Winning Journalism in Central Ohio www.thenewstandard.com

The Heights Standard May 14 - 28, 2015

Cleveland Foundation Approves Grant to Support Cuyahoga County’s Innovation Efforts

The Cleveland Foundation board of directors has approved a $200,000 grant to Cuyahoga County to support the creation of a Chief Innovation Officer position, a senior role in the leadership of Cuyahoga County.

Modeled after similar positions in Austin, San Francisco, and private sector businesses across the nation, this role will be responsible for assessing the most significant aspects of County government and ensuring that the best tools and strategies are being used to perform County work. The Chief Innovation Officer (CINO) will inform the vision of the County by researching successful practices in industries of all types and identifying those that have the most potential to streamline County processes, save taxpayer dollars, and increase the government’s responsiveness. The CINO will also look outward to identify external opportunities to enhance innovation in job creation, economic development, human services, public safety, and other services and policies.

“I’d like to thank the Cleveland Foundation for being such a strong partner in our mission of innovation,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Budish. “They, like me, understand that in order to accomplish our priorities and to move the entire region forward for all residents,

the County must think out of the box, break down those silos that have held us back, and do business in a different way than we have in the past. This is exactly what Chief Innovation Officers across the country do, and it is exactly what one will do for Cuyahoga County. The leader will be a key driver and resource to our entire 4,700-member County team as we create together our culture of innovation and improvement.”

The CINO will lead public and private sector collaborations and innovations that extend beyond government and address community challenges in the areas of human services, economic development, public safety, and sustainable public policies.

“The Cleveland Foundation is proud to support Cuyahoga County’s new ‘culture of innovation,’ as County Executive Budish looks for opportunities to improve the efficiency of our county government, for the benefit of all county residents,” said Cleveland Foundation President and CEO Ronn Richard. “As evidenced by our recent partnership with the County on a first-of-its-kind Pay for Success model to help homeless families, the foundation is committed to supporting modern approaches to long-standing systems and issues.”

Budish referenced this grant award in

his recent State of the County address, where he mentioned the County was developing an “innovation partnership” with the Cleveland Foundation. During that address, Budish outlined six specific initiatives, all part of an Innovation Agenda, that the CINO will be responsible, in part, for directing. The CINO will also:

Work with staff at all levels and across all departments to empower employees to take an active role in suggesting and initiating improvements to customer service and daily operations.

Develop enterprise-wide “innovation plans” measured by performance metrics that include actionable information and

Lean Six Sigma methodology.Identify and implement the best

opportunities available to modernize, professionalize, and improve the operations of county government.

Focus the priorities of County government – job growth and opportunity, fairness and equity, and a government that gets results - to develop action plans and performance metrics for implementing change.

Identify external opportunities where the County can enhance innovation in cross-section policies and services.

We think it’s only natural to cultivate meaningful relationships in the communities where we live and work. And at Dominion, that

means we do more than write checks. So while we’re very proud to invest more than $19 million in our communities annually, we’re even prouder of Dominion’s employees for volunteering over 100,000 hours of their time. From

refurbishing homeless shelters to replenishing local food banks to cleaning up parks to helping soldiers and their families, we’re

donating the most precious resource of all: our energy. Learn more by visiting dom.com/foundation.

GROWING STRONGER COMMUNITIES.

4 :: 17 of Iyyar, 5768 :: May 22, 2008

www.thenewstandard.com The New Standard

Columbus & Ohio4 The Heights StandardMay 14 - 28, 2015

Geauga Family Farms to offer new pick-up sites around NEOGeauga Family Farms, a cooperative

of 10 certified-organic family farmers in Geauga County, will offer new pick-up sites for members of its Community

Supported Agriculture (CSA) program in Downtown Hudson, Painesville, Munson Township and Beachwood.

The Hudson pick-up site will be

in the Hudson Square building at 72 N. Main St., convenient to other Downtown Hudson shopping. There is ample free parking in the adjacent lot. Hudson members may pick up Saturdays between 10:30 a.m. and noon.

The Painesville site, located at the Lake County History Center at 415 Riverside Drive, will be convenient for those Lake County residents on the eastern side of the county. They may pick up Tuesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. and get a weekly dose of local history.

The Munson Township site, at Peace Lutheran Church on Bass Lake Road, will offer Chardon area residents a convenient Saturday option in addition to the weekday pick-up at Sage’s Apples. Pick-up times are Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Beachwood site at the Mandel JCC, at 26001 S. Woodland Road, is

a n o t h e r e xc i t i n g addit ion to the G e a u g a F a m i l y F a r m s line-up of

convenient pick-up sites. Pick-up times there are Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

The season will begin in early to mid-June, depending on Mother Nature. The CSA model provides a way for consumers to purchase local food directly from a farm by entering into a contract with the farmer. CSA members become partners with a farm by paying up-front for a subscription, or “share,” of produce that is received weekly during the growing season from June through October. By investing in the farm at the beginning of the growing season, members provide financial support to the farm when it is most needed for seeds, supplies, labor, etc.

Members choose a nearby location at which to pick up their weekly share, such as one of the new sites in Beachwood, Painesville, Hudson or Munson Township, or at one of GFF’s established pick-up sites in Middlefield, Lakewood, Macedonia, downtown Cleveland, Parma and many other locations all over Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Summit and Trumbull counties.

Members pick up their produce within 24 hours of being picked. For a complete list of pick-up sites, or to get a share of this year’s crop, visit geaugafamilyfarms.org. It’s easy to sign up online or mail in a print application; deadline for the summer growing season is May 15. For more information, e-mail Laura Dobson at LDobson@geaugafamilyfarms.org.

If you are looking for fresh, local produce grown by farmers you know, in a sustainable, certified-organic way, shake the hands that feed you at Geauga Family Farms and put a face on your farmer. From seed-starting to harvest, you’ll know who, how, where and when your food was grown and picked.

For CSA membership forms, more information on Geauga Family Farms, or to set up an interview with one of our farmers or farm representatives, e-mail LDobson@geaugafamilyfarms.org or call Laura Dobson at 440-478-9849.

SEIU Local 1 President Tom Balanoff issued the following statement on the Freddie Gray tragedy as well as the need to fix America’s broken criminal justice system:

“The search for justice may prove to be very long and difficult in a society with ongoing race and class divisions. As these divisions are taking center stage in Baltimore, I extend thoughts and prayers to the family of Freddie Gray on behalf of the 50,000 members

of SEIU Local 1.“Freddie Gray’s death is a tragedy of

national scale. Not only did his death affect his closest family, it shook our entire country. The American family finds itself yet again brought to its knees, but also outraged as another black life is lost while under police custody. America will never truly thrive as a nation until every human being is respected and every community and neighborhood has equal opportunity

to succeed. We must ensure that the criminal justice system holds everyone equal under the law, regardless of the color of their skin or the neighborhood which they live in. Our responsibility now is to work together peacefully to make our society as a whole a better one.

“Our members throughout the Midwest walk the city streets daily and deserve to live free of profiling, criminalization and most of all fear.

SEIU Local 1 will continue to fight for full dignity and respect of all workers regardless of race, gender, or religion, not only in the workplace but also at home, in our communities and on the streets to continue to eradicate the economic and social inequality in our neighborhoods.”

SEIU Local 1 President Tom Balanoff’s Statement on Freddie Gray Tragedy

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May 22, 2008 :: 17 of Iyyar, 5768 :: 5

Celebrating 5 Years of Award-Winning Journalism in Central Ohio www.thenewstandard.com

Columbus & Ohio The Heights Standard May 14 - 28, 2015

Casual Updates Luxury Upgrades

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CarpentryAging in Place Upgrades

Sun RoomsSmall & Large Jobs

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Call 614-371-2595for Free Estimate

6 :: 17 of Iyyar, 5768 :: May 22, 2008

www.thenewstandard.com The New Standard

Columbus & Ohio6 The Heights StandardMay 14 - 28, 2015

Veterinarian Reports Increasing Health Advantages for Pet Owners

Animals make just as good friends as they do pets. Research increasingly shows they are also good for your health. An Ohio veterinarian has been observing this for years and today speaks out on healthy lifestyles regarding the advantages of man’s best friend.

“When animals and humans bond, good things happen. When it comes to pet ownership, there are proven health benefits for people - including physical, mental and emotional improvements,” Dr. Scott Leffler of the Animal Medical Center of Streetsboro said. Every May, he sees a spike in the energy and health in his four-legged patients’ owners. “They’re getting more exercise. When the weather breaks they start taking their pets for longer walks, going to the dog park, heading to training classes. It shows in their overall health,” Leffler said.

Studies show pet owners fare better with self-esteem, loneliness, illness, depression and activity level. For nearly 25 years, research shows living with pets provides health benefits. “Pets provide unconditional love and acceptance and they’re always there for you. I can feel the bond and I see the companionship every day. It makes a difference,” Leffler said.

In fact, 97 percent of doctors believe patients reap health benefits from owning a pet, according to the Human-

Animal Bond Research Initiative Foundation (HABRI), a nonprofit research and education organization. A 2015 HABRI survey found 69 percent of physicians have successfully worked with animal patient therapy or treatment. They report interactions with animals improve patients’ physical and mental health as well as their mood and relationships with medical staff. Mayo Clinic uses canine assisted therapy, where a dog and their handler go into a hospital room and visit with a patient. Doctors have found that interacting with animals can increase oxytocin levels, a hormone that makes us feel happy and trusting.

At Leffler’s animal hospital, owners frequently come in spouting tales about their pet’s adventures, mishaps or achievements. “Their pets are their children, friends and greatest fans. Somehow the furry ones get them to smile no matter how stressed they are,” he said.

Seeing a pet’s enthusiasm when you walk in the door can be an instant mood-lifting boost. Their tail is wagging, tongue hanging out, the ears perking up. The pet doesn’t care if you faltered something at work or failed a test - they’re just happy to see you. According the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, pet owners tend to have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, higher

survival rates from heart attacks and less needs for visits to the doctor.

Studies have also shown that Alzheimer’s patients have fewer anxious outbursts if there is an animal in the home. Like any enjoyable activity, playing with a dog can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine -- nerve transmitters that are known to have pleasurable and calming properties.

Many pet owners would agree the unconditional love of a pet can fill your heart with love. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) have conducted heart-related studies on people who have pets. The findings show pet owners exhibit decreased blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels; all of which can ultimately minimize their risk for having a heart attack down the road. For those who have already experienced a heart attack, research also indicates that patients with a dog or a cat tend to have better recovery rates.

Sixty-eight percent of U.S. households, or about 82.5 million families, own a pet, according to the 2013-2014 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA).

“As is the case with people, a dog’s health changes with age. Unfortunately, our pets age much

faster than we do,” Leffler said, emphasizing the importance of wellness checkups for pets. “As a member of your family, you want your pet to live the longest, happiest and healthiest lives possible,” he added. The American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association’s preventive care guidelines say that dogs and cats should visit the veterinarian at least annually; in many cases, more frequent healthy-pet checkups are necessary.

Scientific research shows human health benefits of owning a pet include:

Lowered Risk of Heart DiseaseLowered Risk of HypertensionSlower Heart RateReduced Frequency of Doctor

VisitsIncreased Capacity of Dealing

with Stress/Traumatic EventsFaster Rehabilitation Following

TraumaIncreased Survival Rates from

Heart AttacksRelief of Depression/Dementia

in SeniorsLowered Risk of Allergens in

ChildrenIncreased Chance of Being

Physically ActiveImproved Quality of LifeLowered Risk of Seizure in

Epileptics

Kids can have some “reel” fun at Cleveland Metroparks annual children’s fishing derbies

Kids can reel in big fun and fish at Cleveland Metroparks annual Children’s Fishing Derbies.

Young anglers, ages 4 to 15, can enjoy a day of free fishing fun, while learning fishing basics on Saturday, May 16 at Wallace Lake in Mill Stream Run Reservation in Berea and on Sunday, May 17 at Ohio & Erie Canal in Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation in Cuyahoga Heights.

The Children’s Fishing Derbies are divided into two age groups. Young anglers, ages 4 to 8, can fish from 9 a.m. to noon. Ages 9 to 15 fish from

1 to 4 p.m. Each session includes some basic fishing techniques and fishing derby contests. Youth can also learn how to cast and test their skills at the casting challenge area. There will be plenty of free coaching and fishing guidance from seasoned anglers, too.

Prizes will be awarded in each session for the largest trout, largest other fish caught, smallest fish caught, and best cast at the casting challenge.

Live bait is provided along with free informational material. Loaner

fishing equipment is available for children who do not have their own, while supplies last. The areas are being specially stocked with rainbow trout and channel catfish for the derbies. The areas are only for young anglers during the derby times.

Participants should bring tackle, and a cooler and ice to store their “catch of the day.” Registration is day of event only.

Wallace Lake is located off Valley Parkway in Mill Stream Run Reservation, south of Bagley Road in Berea – west of the I-71/Bagley Road

exit.Ohio & Erie Canal fishing area is

just a short walk behind CanalWay Center, located off Whittlesey Way, off the E. 49th Street entrance of Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, between Grant Avenue and Canal Road in Cuyahoga Heights. – just off the I-77/Grant Avenue exit. For more information, visit clevelandmetroparks.com or call 216-206-1010.

May 22, 2008 :: 17 of Iyyar, 5768 :: 7

Celebrating 5 Years of Award-Winning Journalism in Central Ohio www.thenewstandard.com

Columbus & Ohio The Heights StandardThe Heights Standard May 14 - 28, 2015

INTRODUCTION: Across the country, nursing homes are forcing out old, frail, and ill residents. Why is this happening? Is there a law against this? And what can you do if this happens to you or to someone you love? Today’s column will address these questions.

DEAR OLD DAD suffers from dementia and diabetes, and one of his legs has been amputated below the knee. He used to be a sweet guy, but lately he is a crab who argues with everyone. Dear Old Dad is a long-term resident at the [fictitious] Happy as a Clam Nursing Home, and his care is paid for by Medicaid. One day he is admitted to the hospital for a urinary tract infection. The very next day, he gets a letter from the Happy as a Clam Nursing Home, which says: “We are not holding your bed for you. We believe you will be happier elsewhere. Good-bye.” Dear Old Dad has been dumped! Can they DO that?

MEDICARE OR MEDICAID? As a preliminary matter, it’s

important to remember the difference between Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare is health insurance for the elderly, and it provides coverage for short-term care in a nursing home (for example, rehab). By contrast, Medicaid is financial aid for the

impoverished elderly, and it pays for long-term care in a nursing home (for example, custodial care).

A MATTER OF MONEY It costs a lot of money to run

a nursing home. The reality is, nursing homes must make a certain amount of money or else they’ll go bankrupt and shut down.

The awkward truth is, nursing homes don’t make money on Medicaid patients. In 2008, the Wall Street Journal stated: “Those on Medicaid bring facilities as little as half what they can get from residents who pay out of pocket, with private health insurance, or through Medicare.” (With health-care costs skyrocketing, I would guess this disparity is worse in 2015.) So, it makes good financial sense for nursing homes to seek patients who need to be there short-term, up to 100 days – perhaps needing rehab after a fall or a stroke.

But a few nursing homes also seek to reduce their number of Medicaid patients – and one abusive way to do that is known as “dumping.”

NURSING-HOME DUMPING “Dumping” is being involuntarily

discharged; it usually happens quickly and without regard for the patient’s rights. Nursing homes are rarely so brazen that they simply put unwanted patients in a wheelchair and roll them out to the curb. Instead, they abruptly transfer patients to another care facility. Or they send patients to

the hospital or a psych ward for minor treatment or “observation” and then refuse to take them back.

Who is most likely to be dumped? In a nutshell, patients who are “too costly” to care for. For example, a patient on a ventilator or a feeding tube will require significant extra care. And more attention must be given to difficult patients, who are ill-tempered, argumentative, uncooperative, foul-mouthed, belligerent, etc.

THERE OUGHT TO BE A LAW And there is! Under federal law,

you cannot be “dumped” – but you CAN be evicted. What’s the difference? Eviction is an orderly, legal process. Federal law says nursing-home residents can be evicted for just six reasons:

1. Your health improves enough so you can go home;

2. You stop paying; 3. The nursing home closes

down; 4. The nursing home cannot

provide the kind of care you need;

5. You endanger the safety of others in the nursing home;

6. You endanger the health of others in the nursing home.

Under this federal law, the nursing home must give you at least 30 days’ notice, in writing. The notice must give the reason why you are being evicted, must explain what your rights are, and must tell you how you can complain and/or appeal.

WHAT CAN YOU DO? If you or a loved one has been

dumped or is facing eviction from a nursing home, I recommend that you phone the Ohio long-term-care Ombudsman (toll free at 1-800-282-1206). The Ombudsman is a state official who advocates for the rights of people in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. The service is free. The Ombudsman will meet with you to find out what the problem is, will conduct an investigation, will develop options to address the problem, and will follow up with you on what to do.

You could also pay an elder-law lawyer to explain the rights of nursing-home residents and to take appropriate legal steps to protect them.

THE AUTHOR: Linda J. How is an elder-law lawyer in Bedford, Ohio. She provides Medicaid counseling and estate planning. She has legal training from the national organization, Medicaid Practice Systems (now known as Lawyers With Purpose). To help people understand the value of legal planning, Mrs. How presents FREE educational workshops called, “Seven Threats to Your Family Security.” UPCOMING EVENING WORKSHOP: Monday, May 11, 2015, from 6 to 8 p.m. UPCOMING AFTERNOON WORKSHOP: Wednesday, May 13, 2015, from 2 to 4 p.m. For an office appointment or to reserve seats at a Workshop, Mrs. How may be reached at law@lindahow.com or 440-786-9449.

What can you do if the Nursing Home Dumps you?Making Sense

of the LawLinda J. How, J.D.

April Reports of Synthetic Marijuana Abuse Up 100 Percent from First Three Months of the Year

The Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act, which nationally bans 26 different types of synthetic drugs, was established in 2012 in order to put an end to deadly synthetic substances. However, three years after the fact, not only is synthetic marijuana still being abused, its use is more prevalent and even more dangerous than before. In fact, there has been a nationwide increase in the number of emergency room visits and calls to poison control centers associated with use of this drug.

In the first three weeks of April 2015 alone, state poison control

centers received around 1,000 reports of negative reactions to synthetic marijuana. This nearly doubled the number of incidents that were reported from January through March of the same year. In the state of Alabama, it was reported that 462 patients visited the hospital as a result of consuming synthetic marijuana. Of those 462 patients, 92 were hospitalized and two died. Additionally, in a span of only 13 days, hospitals in Tuscaloosa, Alabama reported 24 synthetic marijuana overdoses, which included one death. Finally, also in April, more than 400 emergency room visits in

Mississippi were linked to use of synthetic marijuana.

Many experts suspect that part of the reason for such an increase in emergencies related to synthetic marijuana, could in part be due to the dangerous formulations that are used to make this substance. The producers of synthetic marijuana create new formulations on a regular basis, and each new formulation presents a whole different set of health risks. Even more troubling, is that producers of synthetic marijuana have been able to continuously stay ahead of authorities because

the synthetic formulations can be quickly changed. No sooner is one cannabinoid outlawed than another slightly different drug emerges to take its place. To put this in perspective, by the end of 2012, the federal government had identified at least 51 different types of synthetic marijuana.

However, one thing remains the same. No matter what formula is used in the production of synthetic marijuana, they all carry the same potential for deadly results

8 :: 17 of Iyyar, 5768 :: May 22, 2008

www.thenewstandard.com The New Standard

Columbus & Ohio8

www.theheightsstandard.com

The Heights StandardMay 14 - 28, 2015

Red Cross seeks blood donors in weeks leading up to summer The American Red Cross asks

eligible donors to help ensure blood is available for patients in need by giving blood in May before the busy summer season kicks in.

Blood and platelet donations often decrease when regular donors are vacationing and school is out of session, but the need for blood is constant. Donors are needed in the weeks leading up to summer to help alleviate this seasonal decline.

Donors of all blood types – especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative – are needed to help ensure blood is available for patients this spring.

Those who come to donate blood between May 23 and May 25, 2015, will receive a limited-edition Red Cross-branded RuMe® tote bag, while supplies last.

To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities

Garfield Heights5/22/2015: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., St Peter

and Paul Church, 4750 Turney Road

University Heights5/24/2015: 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.,

Church of the Gesu, 2470 Miramar Blvd

Solon5/25/2015: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.,

Mitchells Ice Cream, 6130 Kruse Drive

Bedford5/28/2015: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., Tim Lally

Chevrolet, 19000 Rockside Road

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED

CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Sheriff’s Department Detective Wins 2015 Law Enforcement Model of Justice Award

On April 23, 2015, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department Detective John Morgan was awarded the 2015 Law Enforcement Model of Justice Award for his work in preventing and prosecuting human trafficking cases. The award is presented annually by the Justice League of Ohio.

Detective Morgan’s work in partnership with area law enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation

has had significant impact on human trafficking cases in and around Northeast Ohio.

“We continue to partner with area law enforcement to aggressively investigate and prevent human trafficking and prosecute the perpetrators,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish. “This award shows the dedication and success our efforts are generating. Congratulations to Detective Morgan

for his efforts and diligence in making a difference in our community.”

Sheriff Clifford Pinkney: “I have had the pleasure of working with Detective Morgan for 15 years. His success in fighting for the victims and potential victims of human trafficking has prevented crimes, ended victims’ imprisonment at the hands of these predators, and secured prosecutions to insure justice is served. We are proud to have Detective Morgan

on our team.”The Justice League of Ohio is Ohio’s

only victims’ rights legal clinic. The League provides free legal representation to victims of violent crime throughout Ohio. The League also provides free victims’ rights training to hospitals, victim advocates, law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, and the community to promote awareness and systemic implementation of crime victims’ rights laws.

Imagine Being Fixed for Life!Valley Save-a-Pet celebrates Be Kind

to Animals Week this May by sharing the progress of its 32nd annual Have-a-Heart Spay/Neuter program. Three months into the 9-month-long effort, more than 300 dogs and cats have been sterilized or are scheduled for sterilization. Thanks to 25 veterinarians in the Greater Cleveland area and VSAP volunteers manning the Have a Heart helpline, this program offers a discounted rate to pet owners who

otherwise cannot afford to have their pets sterilized.

Pets must be current on shots, or be immunized for a modest additional fee at the time of their sterilization. To obtain further information regarding this program, pet owners should call Have-a-Heart at (440) 232-2287 between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. Qualified candidates will receive an authorization form

enabling them to schedule a surgery date with the veterinarian listed on the form. Note: If you are a feral cat caretaker rather than a pet owner, please call on Monday only.

Valley Save-a-Pet encourages everyone to turn Be Kind to Animals Week into Be Kind to Animals Every Day! The Have a Heart program will continue through November 13, 2015.

Valley Save-a-Pet is a nonprofit,

all volunteer humane organization, dedicated to alleviating unnecessary suffering and mistreatment of animals since 1976. Well known throughout Northeastern Ohio, we invite you to learn more about our mission, our members, our programs and volunteer opportunities at our website, www.valleysaveapet.org. Thank you for helping the animals!

Budish and Members of Council to Co-Sponsor Cuyahoga Arts and Culture Levy Legislation

Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish and Members of County Council announced today that they will co-sponsor legislation to place an extension of the Cuyahoga Arts and Culture Levy on the ballot.

“The arts play a critical role in any thriving community,” said Budish. “In Cuyahoga County, we are a national model in terms of our appreciation and support of arts and culture. Institutions like the Cleveland Orchestra, the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Institute of Art, and many others are world-class and represent some of our most meaningful assets, making our

region a great place to live, work, and play. I am proud to continue that support and co-sponsor this legislation alongside my Council colleagues.”

The Cuyahoga Arts and Culture District makes grants to support the operating and capital expenses of arts and cultural organizations located throughout the County. Passage of this levy would provide a secure source of funding to support the operations, programs and services of the County’s arts and culture community.

“I am pleased to be joining my fellow colleagues as well as Executive Budish in co-sponsoring the legislation to put the extension of the levy on the November

General Election ballot,” said Cuyahoga County Council President Dan Brady. “Public support for arts and culture is a critical part of Cuyahoga County’s revival. Without the levy, the Arts & Culture Board wouldn’t have been able to provide over $125 million in grants to hundreds of non-profit organizations since 2008.”

The legislation would authorize Cuyahoga County, subject to the approval of voters, to continue to levy a County tax of 1-½ cents, or $0.015 per cigarette, for an additional 10 years. If this legislation is approved by County Council, the levy question would be before voters at this upcoming General Election on November

3, 2015.At this time, the current co-sponsors of

the legislation include County Executive Budish, Council President Dan Brady, Council Vice-President Pernel Jones, Jr., and Councilmembers Dave Greenspan, Charles M. Germana, Michael J. Gallagher, Yvonne M. Conwell, and Sunny M. Simon.

The legislation is scheduled for first reading at Council’s regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 28th at 5:00 PM in the C. Ellen Connally Council Chambers located at 2079 East Ninth Street – 4th Floor, Cleveland, Ohio 44115