The Heights May 1 - 15, 2014 Volume 4 :: No. 9

Community News

StandardMore articles at www.TheHeightsStandard.com

Garfield Heights and Maple Heights

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Mill Creek River Sweep Scheduled for May 10Mill Creek Watershed Partners are

hosting a “River Sweep” Stream Cleanup of Johnston Mill Run, a tributary of Mill Creek and a hidden gem running through the cities of Cleveland and Garfield Heights. The 2014 event will be from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 10.

Volunteers should meet at Arthur Johnston Park (formerly Miles-Heights), located near 4478 Johnston Parkway, Cleveland, 44105. Volunteers also will work from Forestdale Park, located

off E. 131st Street, in Garfield Heights. They should wear enclosed shoes and long pants. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Last year, during the inaugural clean up, volunteers filled more than one hundred bags of trash and cleared the stream area of debris including 92 tires and several shopping carts.

The event is co-sponsored by the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, Union-Miles Development Corporation,

Harvard Community Services Center and the cities of Cleveland and Garfield Heights. Partners are working to develop a hiking/biking trail along Johnston Mill Run.

Post-event refreshments will be served at Arthur Johnston Park. For information about the event, contact Pat Salemi, at psalemi@garfieldhts.org or 216-475-1100, ext. 2425, or Linda Jordan, at ldgjordan@aol.com or 216-991-8585, ext. 3113.

A favorite Cleveland family tradition, the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Parade the Circle returns for the 25th year on Saturday, June 14 at noon. This annual art parade will fill Wade Oval with lively sounds and colors, featuring innovative costumes, giant puppets and handmade masks created by international and national artists as well as Greater Cleveland artists, families, schools and community groups. This year’s theme, Recologia Desigual, Never Odd or Even, celebrates the inspiration of creativity, global awareness and community spirit in three cities: Cleveland, San Francisco, California and Ibiza, Spain.

“In developing the theme I was intrigued by the synchronicity of these three unique creative enterprises all evolving simultaneously in such wide ranging parts of the globe.” said Robin VanLear, Parade the Circle founder and the museum’s director of community arts.

In celebration of the 25th Parade the Circle, the museum will host a special exhibition highlighting artists, techniques and ensembles from past Parades. The exhibition will be on view in the Susan M. Kaesgen Education Gallery and Lobby on the museum’s classroom level May 31 to August 3 with displays in the Ames Family Atrium from June 2 to June 18.

“This exhibition, celebrating 25 years of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Parade the Circle, will offer viewers an opportunity both to witness the artistic growth of this popular event as well as better understand the significance of this Cleveland treasure within the international world of Celebration Art,” added Robin VanLear.

The 25th annual Parade the Circle will feature 10 guest artists, all of whom have participated in past Parades: Gerald Abt, Pedro Adorno accompanied by members of his performance company, Aqua, Sol y Sereno, Kelvin Keli Cadiz, Anne Cubberly, Robyn

Einhorn, Liza Goodell, Abby Maier Johnson, Allison Murray, Jill VanOrden and Rudolph “Murphy” Winters.

Parade the Circle will begin at noon from the Cleveland Museum of Art and proceed in a counter-clockwise direction around Wade Oval until it spills into the Oval in front of the art museum. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors are invited to participate in many hands-on activities offered by local organizations in Circle Village, presented by University Circle

Celebrate 25 Years of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Parade the Circle

see ART page 5

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

www.thenewstandard.com The New Standard

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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

The HeightsStandard

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

www.TheHeightsStandard.com

Kindly send all announcements to

matt@TheHeightsStandard.com

University Hospitals (UH) Bedford Medical Center, a campus of UH Regional Hospitals, welcomes general surgeon Jeffrey C. Parks, MD, FACS, to its physician staff.

Dr. Parks offers patients a wide range of minimally invasive surgical expertise close to home, including major abdominal procedures such as gallbladder removal, colon resection and appendectomy as well as breast surgery, thyroid procedures, soft tissue tumor removal, hernia surgery, and rectal disease procedures.

“I provide patients with laparoscopic techniques which typically result in less scarring and a faster recovery time,” says Dr. Parks, a board-certified surgeon who has been performing procedures since 2006. “I look forward to seeing patients and operating at UH Bedford Medical Center because of its intimate, friendly environment and strong sense of community.”

Dr. Parks is available at UH Bedford Medical Center four days a week. He also practices at UH Ahuja Medical Center in Beachwood and UH Chagrin

H i g h l a n d s Health Center in Orange Village.

“We are excited to offer the diverse surgical expertise of Dr. Parks to the residents of Bedford and the surrounding communities,” says Robert G. David, President, UH Bedford and Richmond medical centers. “He is a valuable addition to our surgical team and raises the hospital’s level of exceptional care even higher.”

To schedule a surgical consultation with Dr. Parks at UH Bedford Medical Center, call 216-831-8255.

May 1 - 15, 2014

General Surgeon Jeffrey C. Parks, MD, joins University Hospitals Bedford Medical Center

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 1 - 15, 2014

FitzGerald to introduce County Council legislation establishing fund to support demolition efforts

Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald, Thriving Communities Institute Director Jim Rokakis, Vacant and Abandoned Property Action Council (VAPAC) Chair Frank Ford, and Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Tim McGinty today held a press conference with housing advocates to propose legislation establishing a $50 million fund to demolish blighted and abandoned structures that place an economic strain and risk to public safety in communities across Cuyahoga County.

“It is critical that Cuyahoga County take immediate action to deal with tens of thousands of vacant, abandoned, and blighted structures that are placing such an unnecessary strain on working

families today,” said FitzGerald. “I am proud to stand with so many advocates in introducing this new legislation, and I look forward to collaborating with the members of our County Council on this important work.”

FitzGerald will introduce legislation (attached to this email) during tonight’s County Council meeting. His proposal would lay the groundwork for a new $50 million fund he first proposed during this year’s State of the County address. Since then, Cuyahoga County has convened discussions with each city in the county to hear their recommendations on moving forward.

“This problem of vacant and abandoned properties is affecting communities all over Ohio. Our studies

demonstrate that depressed property values in the City of Cleveland and certain inner-ring suburbs have shifted additional costs to more stable communities in Cuyahoga County,” added Rokakis. “I am certain this pattern has been repeated throughout the State of Ohio, especially in our core cities and its’ surrounding communities. I commend the County Executive for taking this bold step.”

Cuyahoga County is also partnering with County Prosecutor Tim McGinty to ensure effective coordination of all county resources during this effort. The county expects to deliver a national model for others to follow, just as it previously did by creating the nation’s most effective Land Bank.

“The ground-breaking study Thriving Communities Institute recently released shows the problem of blighted properties affects everyone in the county: not just those who live with vacant properties on their streets, but even those in the outer suburbs,” said Ford. “As blighted properties in Cleveland have caused home values to plummet in the urban core, taxpayers in the outer suburbs are having to pick up a greater share of the county’s tax burden. In a true sense, everyone is paying for this problem one way or another and everyone gains if these blighted properties are addressed. The sooner we can address this blight, the sooner home values can recover.”

Zoo Debuts High Tech Solar RecyclingTrash just got greener at Cleveland

Metroparks Zoo. The Zoo is installing brightly colored BigBelly solar-powered compacting trash and recycling bins. The seven compactors are a new way to recycle efficiently and conserve space in landfills and will complement the many traditional recycling containers currently located in the Zoo.

It is now equally easy for Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s 1.2 million annual visitors to recycle as it is to throw something away, reinforcing the Zoo’s mission to effect positive change

through sustainable practices. The Zoo strives to be a leader in sustainability by developing and implementing Zoo-wide green practices and promoting sustainability in Northeast Ohio.

“As a conservation agency we are always looking for ways to help the environment and these new units will reduce the Zoo’s carbon footprint,” said Brian Zimmerman, Cleveland Metroparks CEO. “Not only will the bins encourage recycling, but by compacting the trash, we use less trash bags and less room in the landfill.”

The BigBelly solar-powered compacting trash and single stream recycling bins collect plastic, aluminum and landfill and hold five times more than normal bins, are more sanitary and require fewer pickups. The bins use solar panels to power a motor that automatically compacts contents, resulting in the need for fewer bags and lower fuel emissions from fewer pickups. An electronic sensor installed in the bin wirelessly alerts staff when the bin becomes full and needs to be changed.

“BigBelly Solar is extremely pleased to be part of this partnership between Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and the Alcoa Foundation,” said Rick Gaudette, BigBelly Director. “We see the BigBelly system as a visible way to bring green infrastructure and sustainable practices to park systems. “

The bins were made possible by a generous grant from Alcoa Foundation.

Task Force Announces Next Steps in Fighting Heroin Epidemic Cuyahoga County Executive Ed

FitzGerald joined leading members of the Cuyahoga County Opiate Task Force, including U.S. Attorney Steven Dettelbach and Cleveland Chief of Police Calvin Williams, to announce new protocols to curtail the epidemic of heroin abuse and release preliminary numbers for the first quarter of 2014 that indicate possible success in this effort.

“It’s critical that every level of government work together so we can reverse the trend of heroin abuse and improve health and public safety in local communities,” said FitzGerald. “We can’t afford to be complacent – there’s a lot of work left to be done – but I am very confident in the team we’ve assembled here in Cuyahoga County and the progress that we’ve made in such a short amount of time.”

Since September 2012, FitzGerald’s Cuyahoga County Heroin Initiative has coordinated countywide efforts to raise awareness regarding the toll of this epidemic through medical and law enforcement partnerships. FitzGerald’s administration has taken several actions to curb this trend, including

implementing a prescription drug drop box and making naloxone available to reverse the effects of an overdose.

During Monday’s press conference, Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner Thomas Gilson released preliminary findings that 38-40 heroin overdoses occurred during the first quarter of 2014. This marks the lowest fatality rate for the first quarter since 2011.

In an effort to build on these preliminary signs of success, Cuyahoga County officials and local stakeholders will work with local law enforcement officials to implement a broad-based policy approach with innovative protocols to fight heroin abuse. These include enhancements to “death specification” sentencing in federal cases and tougher charges from the county prosecutor’s office in the event of a fatal heroin overdose.

In addition, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Regional Forensic Science Laboratory will be available to provide assistance collecting and analyzing evidence from a crime scene, such as packets, syringes, and drug residue, in order to ensure suspected heroin dealers are brought to justice.

Preliminary testing report on heroin-related deaths** for 2014(through April 16, 2014)

•25 ruled cases in Cuyahoga County were confirmed heroin-related overdoses.

•2 ruled cases in Cuyahoga County were possible heroin-related overdoses.

•13 un-ruled cases in Cuyahoga

County were tested as possible heroin-related overdoses.

•38-40 total possible heroin-related deaths in Q1 2014.

•Q1 2014 heroin-related deaths are down 15-19% from Q1 2013 heroin-related deaths.

•Q1 2014 heroin-related deaths are down 2-7% from Q1 2012 heroin-related deaths.

www.TheHeightsStandard.com

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

www.thenewstandard.com The New Standard

Columbus & Ohio4 The Heights Standard

Library Spotlight - Maple HeightsToddler StorytimeBranch: Maple HeightsDate: Thursday, April 24, 2014 10:30

AM – 11:00 AMCaregivers and their little ones 19-35

months are invited to share a program of books, rhymes, songs and fingerplays on Thursdays, March 6 through April 24. Drop in!

Tech TimeBranch: Maple HeightsDate: Thursday, April 24, 2014 4:00

PM – 4:30 PMThink you know all about the

internet? We may be able to surprise

you. In Tech Time we’ll explore websites for fun and websites to help with school reports. There will be something for everyone.

Brushes and BubblesBranch: Maple HeightsDate: Thursday, April 24, 2014 6:30

PM – 7:30 PMAges 3-5 with caregiver. Have fun

and experiment with different brushes and bubbles to create all kinds of interesting textures and effects with tempera paint. Space is limited. Registration required.

Fascinating Fabulous FridaysBranch: Maple HeightsDate: Friday, April 25, 2014 4:00 PM

– 4:30 PMGet ready to get messy! We’ll make

slime, set off a chemical volcano, explore splatter painting and more. Join us for these fun art and science programs.

Wii MondayBranch: Maple HeightsDate: Monday, April 28, 2014 3:30

PM – 4:30 PMGet your game on earlier in the

week! Join us each Monday afternoon

for open play with video games!

Where in the World is Flat Stanley?Branch: Maple HeightsDate: Tuesday, April 29, 2014 6:30

PM – 7:30 PMGrades K-4: Travel the world with

everybody’s favorite flat boy! Join Stanley’s Worldwide Adventures as we visit Mt. Rushmore (March), Egypt (April), and Japan (May). Registration required.

May 1 - 15, 2014

Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Saturday, May 17 2:00 p.m.

Join us for afternoon tea with Shelley Costa, author of You Cannoli Die Once, book one of her new Italian Restaurant Mystery series. Ms Costa is an Edgar-nominated writer of short crime fiction, mystery novels, and a Young Adult fantasy thriller series. She teaches creative writing at the Cleveland Institute of Art

Cuyahoga County Public Library Southeast Branch 70 Columbus Rd/ Bedford/ 440.439.4997 www.cuyahogalibrary.org

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

Get Fit Zumba & Yoga Corewith Joanne Economos, certified personal trainer

Mondays *May 12 - June 23, 2014 Zumba 5:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. Yoga 6:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.Wednesdays *May 14 - June 25, 2014 Zumba 5:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. Body Blast 6:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.*No Classes Monday, May 26 & Wednesday, May 28Marymount Hospital Auditorium 12300 McCracken Road, Garfield Heights 44125 Zumba fuses Latin rhythms and fast and slow dance moves to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat. Yoga is a beginners class of flexibility and relaxation. Body Blast is a high energy, fast-paced workout for the total body set to high energy music. Both evenings, all sessions $55 (24 classes Mondays & Wednesdays)Any three class combination $45 (18 classes)Any two class combination $35 (12 classes)Any single class $20 (6 classes)**Bring a mat and a set of dumbbells for Body Blast. Bring a mat for Yoga. Payment is due at the first class. Cash or check payable to Marymount Hospital.Reservations required. Please call 216-587-8998 ext.3649 to register. © 2013 University Hospitals BMC 00529

N o w o f f e r i N g C o m p r e h e N s i v e

s e N i o r A s s e s s m e N t s

University Hospitals Bedford Medical Center, a campus of UH Regional Hospitals, proudly launches the Center for Healthy Aging and its new Senior Assessment Program.

Under the direction of a board-certified geriatrician, patients receive a comprehensive physical, psychological and functional evaluation. The results and recommendations of the assessment are then forwarded to a physician or caregiver of the patient’s choice.

Schedule an assessment: 440-735-4200

Physician referral preferred, but not required.

i N t r o d u C i N g t h e

Center for Healthy Aging

440-735-4200 | UHBedford.org44 Blaine AvenueBedford, Ohio 44146

“Aging is not lost youth, but a new stage

of opportunity and strength.”B E T T Y F R I E D A N

BMC 00529 5.25x13 Ad.indd 1 10/8/13 12:18 PM

May 1 - 15, 2014

ART FROM PAGE 1Inc. There is no price for admission to

the Parade or to Circle Village.

Join the Parade Registration Individuals, families, schools,

neighborhood groups and community organizations are all invited to participate. Create your parade entry on your own or at the Cleveland Museum of Art’s public workshops. Parade guidelines must be followed. A $6 entry fee per person applies.

To be listed in the printed program, register by Sunday, May 25, 2014. Register for all workshops or the parade during any public workshop.

Basic Workshops Participants create their own costumes,

masks and giant puppets made with the assistance of staff artists. A workshop pass (individuals $50; families $150 up to 4 people, $25 each additional person) entitles you to attend all workshops. Workshops are open to all ages; children under 15 must register and attend with someone older than 15. Registration fees include Parade entry fee. Group rates and scholarship assistance are available. Basic workshops will be offered on Fridays, May 9 to June 13, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Saturdays, May 10 to June 7, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and Sundays, May 11 to June 8, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Special Stilt WorkshopsIn addition to basic workshops, several

special workshops on stilt walking and dancing will be offered. Children must be at least 10 years old to participate.

•Stilt Weekend Free to all, stilt artists give everyone

an opportunity to try walking on stilts. Priority access is given to pass holders. Pass holders without stilts may order them only during stilt weekend: $60–$75. Keep your stilts after safety training. Drop in Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

•Safety Training and Stilt Dancing for Paraders

Free with workshop pass. Learn stilt safety, tying and the art of dancing on stilts. Workshops for novice performers on Saturdays, May 24 to June 7, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and for advanced performers on Sundays, May 25 to June 8, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

For questions about workshops contact Nan Eisenberg at 216-707-2483 or e-mail commartsinfo@clevelandart.org.

Parade the Circle is presented by the Cleveland Museum of Art. Circle Village is presented by University Circle Inc. For more information about Parade the Circle, visit www.ClevelandArt.org/Parade. For more information about the museum, its holdings, programs and events, call 888-CMA-0033 or visit www.ClevelandArt.org.

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

www.thenewstandard.com The New Standard

Columbus & Ohio6 The Heights StandardMay 1 - 15, 2014

Ellen Augustine, M.A.

What’s up, America?

Raising the Minimum Wage - An Idea Whose Time Has Come

Unless you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth, you know people who are working for minimum—or near minimum—wage. The minimum wage is not predominantly paid to teenagers wanting pocket money for CDs or clothes. It’s mostly adults, particularly single mothers with children. And their lives are dire.

Ralph Nader is the nation’s leading advocate for working people. Recently he has joined with others focused on getting just salaries; their informational website is www.TimeForARaise.org.

One of the posts on the site is a March 5th letter Nader wrote to House Speaker John Boehner, who refuses to let a bill to raise the minimum wage come to the floor to be voted on. Here are excerpts:

“What will it take for you to bring a raise in the minimum wage to a vote? A recent poll shows that 80% of Americans, including 62% of Republicans, support raising the minimum wage. Seven Nobel Laureate economists explained that a moderate increase in the minimum wage would ‘provide a much-needed boost to the earnings of low-wage workers’ while having ‘little or no negative effect on the employment of minimum-wage workers.’ Conservatives Ron Unz, Peter Thiel and Phyllis Schlafly argue eloquently that a higher minimum wage will decrease public assistance spending.”

“Six Republican House members wrote you

arguing that the annual income of a minimum wage employee working full time — $10,700 per year — would leave a single parent with two children thousands of dollars below the federal poverty line. Nobody working full time should have to live in poverty.”

“Today, the poverty line for a single parent with two children is $19,790, which by 2016, adjusted for inflation, will be $20,633 per year, still thousands of dollars above the annual income of a minimum wage worker. The living wage for a single parent with two children in Ohio is $22.41. The least you can do is to allow a vote on a bill that restores the minimum wage to its purchasing power in 1968, which is equivalent to about $11 in today’s dollars. It would rectify the erosion of 33% of the purchasing power of the minimum wage due to inflation over the past 45 years.”

In another document on the TimeForARaise.org website, Nader lists 5 compelling reasons why opponents are wrong. He begins by noting that the minimum wage has been increased 22 times without calamity.

1. Raising the minimum wage is one of the most mainstream ideas in politics today. Spin masters argue that the minimum wage is radical and destructive. If this is so, why do 80% of Americans, 62% of Republicans and a growing consensus of economists support raising the minimum wage? This broad coalition sees a minimum wage increase for what it really is: a recognition of work’s value; a restoration of the minimum wage to its mid-century inflation-adjusted level; and, as conservative Ron Unz asserts, a savings for taxpayers when fewer workers turn to public assistance.

2. A modest increase in the minimum wage doesn’t cut jobs. Increases in overall business costs resulting from moderate wage increases can be easily absorbed by slight price increases

and lower employee turnover costs. 3. Raising the minimum wage will not

cause a big jump in prices. A University of California-Berkeley study shows that if Walmart, for example, increased its minimum wage to $12 an hour and passed all the costs onto customers (as opposed to, say, cutting into their massive executive compensation or rolling back their recent $51 billion in stock buybacks), it would cost customers only 46 cents more per trip.

4. Raising the minimum wage decreases poverty. Economist Arindrait Dube, who predicts that a 10% minimum wage increase reduces poverty by about 2%.

5. Raising the minimum wage is the right thing to do. The worst spin of all is the idea that only “experts” can understand what makes our economy work. The American people and a growing group of patriotic businesses have turned their intuitions about economic fairness into action. Craig Jelinek, CEO of Costco Wholesale Corp., told me that he starts his workers at $11.50 an hour plus benefits because it results in “less turnover, more productive workers and it’s the right thing to do.”

Nader concludes by saying, “Much of the corporate establishment is sticking to its long-discredited story, still hoping that ‘if you repeat a falsehood often enough, people will believe it.’ But Americans understand the reality of low wages. It is time to give 30 million Americans a long-overdue raise.”

Generally big policy shifts rise up from across the country, then are acted upon in Congress. Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich believes that raising the minimum wage is one of the most important steps we can take to reduce income inequality in America, and he is very enthused about developments in Seattle.

“Fueled by a November election victory in which the minimum wage in a Seattle suburb was raised to $15, Seattle leaders are now considering raising the minimum wage to $15 for everyone. If Seattle adopts a $15 wage, it could be the spark that sets off a wildfire of minimum wage victories across America. Nearly 70% of Seattle voters want a $15 wage, according to a January poll. But, predictably, big business is mobilizing to stop it.”

“Big business wants you to believe that jobs will be lost and small businesses will be hurt. We’ve heard that before. When I was Labor Secretary in 1996 and we raised the federal minimum wage, businesses predicted millions of job losses. In fact, we had more job gains over the next four years than in any comparable period in American history. Seattle is discussing phasing in the wage increase over the course of a few years, which would help those smaller businesses adjust.”

News analyst Joshua Holland, who writes for many outlets including Moyers and Company, published an article, “All of the Arguments Against Raising the Minimum Wage Have Fallen Apart” (March 8, 2014 http://truth-out.org/news/item/22341-all-of-the-arguments-against-raising-the-minimum-wage-have-fallen-apart)

He begins by citing a study for the Center for American Progress by Rachel West and Michael Reich. It found that raising the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour would save taxpayers $4.6 billion in food stamps.

Holland then tackles the Big business “Job-Killer” argument. “Conservatives crowed when a recent report by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projected that a hike to $10.10 might cost the economy 500,000 jobs – never mind that it would have raised the incomes of around 17 million Americans. But a number of economists disputed the CBO finding. One of them, John Schmitt from the Center for Economic and Policy Research, studied years of research on the question, and found that the ‘weight of that evidence points to little or no employment response to modest increases in the minimum wage.’”

“We also have real-world experience with higher minimums. In 1998, the citizens of Washington State voted to raise theirs and then link future increases to the rate of inflation. Today, at $9.32, the Evergreen State has the highest minimum wage in the country – not far from the $10.10 per hour proposed by Barack Obama. At the time it was passed, opponents promised it would kill jobs and ultimately hurt the workers it was designed to help.”

“But it didn’t turn out that way. This week, Bloomberg’s Victoria Stilwell, Peter Robison and William Selway reported: “In the 15 years that followed… job growth continued at an average 0.8% annual pace, 0.3% above the national rate. Payrolls at Washington’s restaurants and bars, portrayed as particularly vulnerable to higher wage costs, expanded by 21%.”

”Another argument is that it would disproportionately hurt small businesses – giving the Wal-Marts of the world an unfair advantage over mom and pop. But a poll of 500 small business owners from across the country released in early March undermines that talking point. The survey, conducted by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research for Small Business Majority, found that small business owners support a hike to $10.10 per hour by a 57-43 margin. Eighty-two percent of those surveyed say they already pay their employees more than the minimum and 52% agreed that if the wage floor is raised, ‘people will have a higher percentage of their income to spend on goods and services’ and small businesses ‘will be able to grow and hire new workers.’”

The last argument that Holland rebuts is “Major Costs Will be Passed Along to Consumers.”

“Opponents also claim that higher wages would mean significantly higher prices and that those cost increases would effectively eat up whatever extra earnings low-wage workers ended up taking home. But a 2011 study conducted by Ken Jacobs and Dave Graham-Squire at the UC-Berkeley Center for Labor Research and Education and Stephanie Luce at CUNY’s Murphy Institute for Worker Education and Labor Studies estimated that raising the minimum wage to $12 per hour – two bucks more than what’s currently on the table – would increase the cost of an average shopping trip to Wal-Mart by just 46 cents – or around $12 per year. And another paper published in September 2013 by economists Jeannette Wicks and Robert Pollin estimated that a hike to $10.50 an hour would likely result in the price of a Big Mac increasing by only a dime, from $4.50 to $4.60, on average.”

Aimee Picchi, of CBS MoneyWatch, (April 1, 2014, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/is-a-higher-minimum-wage-a-job-killer-not-in-these-states) posits that “one of the most hotly contested issues in the debate over raising the federal minimum wage -- whether

Linda J. How, Elder Law Attorney “Making Sense of the Law”

WITH PROPER LEGAL PLANNING, YOU CAN MAKE THE LAW WORK FOR YOU – AVOIDING PROBATE, PROTECTING ASSETS, PROVIDING FOR YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES.

WHAT ARE YOUR CONCERNS? HAVE YOU ASKED QUESTIONS LIKE -- “Do I need a will or a trust? And how do they differ?” “When should I update my legal documents?” “What happens if I (or my spouse) go in a nursing home?” “Why should I worry about Medicaid if that’s for the poor?”

If you’re concerned about things like this, I can help.

Call or e-mail me today. (440) 786-9449 or law@lindahow.com

And call to reserve a seat at my FREE Workshop,

“Seven Threats to Your Family Security” MONDAY EVENING, JUNE 9, 2014, FROM 6 TO 8 PM, AND

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, JUNE 11, 2014, FROM 2 TO 4 PM in Bedford, Ohio.

(Please call for the specific location.) see WAGE page 7

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

Check up on your health.

Saturday, May 3, 201410:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 863 W. Aurora Road

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3612-03 CCER_SagamoreHillsHealthFair_5.25x13-99PUBLICATION or MEDIUM

THE BEDFORD STANDARD

CREATIvE DEPARTMENTClient: Cleveland ClinicDivision: RegionalProject: Sagamore Hills Health FairFlat Size: 0” x 0”Trim Size: 5.25” x 13”Live Area: 0” x 0”Bleed: 0” x 0”Line Screen: 85

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1370 W 6th St, 3rd floorCleveland, OH 44113216.574.9100

Health and Safety FairSponsored by Sagamore Hills Medical Center

This free event is open to the public and features:

3612-03 CCER_SagamoreHillsHealthFair_5.25x13-99.indd 1 4/9/14 5:26 PM

May 1 - 15, 2014

Wild Ride Lets You Bike Through Cleveland Zoo

Take a detour from your normal bike route and ride through Cleveland Metroparks Zoo instead!

Cyclists of all ages will have two chances to cruise through the Zoo on their bikes this year when Wild Ride at the Zoo returns on Friday, May 9 and Friday, July 25 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Wild Ride happens after the park closes to regular visitors so cyclists have the paths to themselves. Ride maps will point out bike routes around the Zoo for beginning, intermediate and experienced riders. Guests will experience the Zoo like never before as they navigate the trails with their own pedal power, cruise by many of the outdoor animals on exhibit and visit bike-related exhibitors on the Welcome Plaza.

Don’t have a way to transport your bike to the Zoo? That doesn’t mean you have to miss out! You can rent a bike for the night from The Bike Rack. Your bike will be ready and waiting for you at the Zoo. Call (216) 771-7120 to reserve your ride. The number of bikes available for rent is limited.

Tickets for Wild Ride are $12 per person, with a $2 discount for Cleveland Zoological Society members. A signed release form will be required for each rider, and a helmet is strongly recommended. Advance sale tickets are available online at clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo along with printable release forms. Riders under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign and deliver the waiver.

Wild Ride at the Zoo is a rain or shine event.

Northeast Ohio’s most-visited year-round attraction, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $12.25 per person, $8.25 for kids ages 2 to 11 and free for children younger than 2 and Zoo members. Parking is free. Located at 3900 Wildlife Way, the Zoo is easily accessible from Interstates 71, 90 and 480.

For more information, visit clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo or call (216) 661-6500.

it will prove to be a job killer -- may already be answered. Thirteen states kicked off 2014 by boosting their own baseline pay. With the first two months of employment data now available, most of the states that raised their minimum wages actually posted gains in their employment levels, according to an analysis from the Center for Economic and Policy Researcy. The 13 states with higher minimum wages saw a 0.28% average increase in employment, compared with “essentially zero” for those that kept their wages unchanged. The states that both boosted their minimum wages and posted better employment numbers are: Ohio, Rhode Island, Colorado, Montana, Vermont, Arizona, Oregon, Florida, Washington, and

New York.”If you agree that the minimum wage

should be raised, let Senators Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman, and Representative Marcy Kaptur know! You can reach them all toll-free through the Capital switchboard: 866-220-0044.

Ellen Augustine, M.A., is a speaker and author on national currents and the emerging sustainable economy. She may be reached at ellenaugustine@earthlink.net, 510-428-1832, www.storiesofhope.us. Questions, feedback, and topic ideas for future columns are welcome.

WAGE FROM PAGE 6

Register Now for Community Garden Plots Registration is now being

accepted for the Garfield Heights Community Garden Program. The city has three locations including the Garfield Heights Board of Education property, Hy-Court and Crudele parks. Registration forms are

available at the Civic Center, 5407 Turney Road. Participants pay $15 for a plot and can choose the flowers and vegetables they want to plant. For additional information, contact Karyn Andel, kandel@garfieldhts.org.

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

www.thenewstandard.com The New Standard

Columbus & Ohio8

Why is this true? Early on in dental school dentists are taught that the goal for treating pa-tients is to get them to the place where they have no problems that would cause them to loose their teeth. Teeth are a body part just like fingers and toes. We sure don’t want to loose a foot, just as we would not want to lose our teeth.

Interestingly enough a 90 year old with good healthy gums could have the mouth health of a teenager – so age is NOT a contributor to a dental problem. Neglect is! Prevention is impor-tant. It is valuable and the key to keeping teeth for a lifetime. As long treatment that is needed from time to time that a dentist observes is needed and gums are in a healthy range, teeth will last and last just like elbows and fingernails.

How is this so? Because IF one has the treatment when the problem is small (which costs a lot less) the teeth can easily be repaired. Ad-ditionally beginning gum disease can be changed to healthy tissue easily with the proper home care, as gum disease destroys the tissue supporting the tooth. I you practice good oral hygiene by brush-ing and flossing regularly, get regular check-ups with your dentist to catch any problems that might develop, eat a sensible diet (don’t eat or drink too many sugary foods or beverages) studies have shown you should be able to maintain your teeth in a healthy state and NOT need expensive, he-roic dentistry.

When I was in dental school, the first thing we were taught in dentistry was preventive dentistry. It always amazed me that dentistry is a profession that is trying to put itself out of busi-ness. If everyone practiced good and smart oral hygiene, the percentage of tooth decay would drop tremendously, teeth wouldn’t have to be extracted due to cavities and crowns*, bridges*, implants and dentures could be avoided. I say smart oral hygiene because a patient of mine re-cently remarked “I’ve never had cavities! Why now?” She went on to say, “I always brush and floss at night and then have a coke or two before bed.” Unfortunately the sugar from the coke sat on her teeth all night and caused decay while she slept.

She thought she was taking care of her teeth but a sugary beverage before bed leaves mouth bacteria (always there) able to grow as there is abundant food in the mouth all night left from the sugary drink. Bacteria which are acid producing eat the same food we eat. She didn’t realize the danger her habit had placed her teeth in. Regular visits to the dentist would have pointed out the dangers EARLY ON when it first started – rather than let decay get so deep that she ended up with tooth aches resulting in high dental treatment costs and some lost teeth. This patient obviously knew the value of good home care, but because she did not change one behavior, disaster

struck.We see every dental scenario possible in

our office, so what we instruct each patient to do at home is different according to what we see that is going on with their teeth and gums.

I , the dentist, know that checkups regu-larly are needed even when everything seems fine and there is no pain. It should be taught in health at schools actually. (Gum disease is a silent killer and it is the cause of 80% of adult tooth loss – cavities and accidents are the other 20%) If a small problem with gum disease is found early the damage can be stopped and prevented from getting worse. Also a cavity wouldn’t get deep enough to need expensive dental treatment to try to save the tooth. Most adults do need expert help to thoroughly clean their teeth.Little tips about home care can save a lot of dollars later. Small problems won’t develop into larger, more expen-sive and possibly, life-threatening conditions.

One of the ways that I can accomplish my job as a preventive dentist is to tell you, the read-er, why dental visits are so much cheaper if they are regular (not just what insurance covers if you have gum disease) The bacteria in your mouth produce acid which eats through gums (they will usually bleed then) then that same bacterial acid melts away bone. Once you have boneloss it is final, not reversible or replaceable. A dentist cannot bring bone back once it is gone. There-fore, preventive dental appointments interrupt this mouth destruction, help to tighten up gums

around the tooth like before they got infected and help maintain your whole body’s health by not al-lowing this infection to enter the blood stream. Ask your dentist why this is true when you go for your visit.

Although it may appear at times that it is too expensive to go to the dentist, remember that not practicing preventative dental care will only cost more later.

Additionally remember in dentistry we have to custom design anything that repairs or re-places a tooth, there is no “one size fits all”. There are no identical dentures you can pull off the shelf and place in a person’s mouth. Everything must be custom designed for each person’s individual mouth.

I can tell you that I really enjoy seeing a mouth that holds its own because it is cared for and healthy. Just know that there is ALWAYS something that can be done to make any and everyone a SMILE, any problem with teeth and gums can be solved and your overall health re-turned. Truly everyone deserves healthy teeth and gums and a beautiful smile no matter how old or young.

You may have more questions about what I have said. We spend a lot of time at initial exams so that all your questions can get answered and if they haven’t been answered in the past please call us today! Call us at 440-439-2230 for an appoint-ment. We look forward to meeting you.

Dentistry Is A Profession Trying to Put Itself OUT of Business

Jane L. Dodson DDS88 Center Rd. Bedford, 44146 (Next to Bedford Medical Center)

In the Bedford University Hospital Complex Medical Building - 3rd Floor

www.clevelandgentledentist.com

CALL 440-439-2230 for an appointment!

New Patient Exam, X-rays and Basic Teeth Polishing Special $80.00 ($280 value)

Jane L. Dodson DDS

CALL 440-439-2230 for an appointment!Present this coupon at time of service. Cannot be combined with other coupons.

Expires May 15, 2014 - TBS

May 1 - 15, 2014