Stockyard Redevelopment Organization celebrates successes
at 10th annual meeting

(Plain Press, November 2009) At Stockyard Redevelopment Organization’s (SRO) 10th annual meeting, Board President Pastor David Pratt reflected on the financial difficulties the organization experienced over the past year and thanked Councilmen Joe Santiago, Jay Westbrook and Matt Zone for their contributions in helping to keep the organization open. Speaking to 150 residents, stakeholders and guests attending SRO’s annual meeting on Thursday, October 1st 2009 at St. Boniface School Hall 3545 W. 54th Street, Pratt said the board had engaged in tough discussions in its efforts to “continue services to the neighborhood.” He praised Executive Director Al Brazynetz for his leadership and passion in serving the Stockyard neighborhood.

SRO Executive Director Al Brazynetz said he was grateful for the commitment of the organization’s board members and the dedication of the staff. He thanked the community partners for their efforts on behalf of the neighborhood. Brazynetz noted the difficulty SRO was having financially. He anticipated that SRO would have to layoff as much as half its staff in order to live within its means. Brazynetz anticipated that SRO would be asked to work more closely with other organizations or be asked to merge with another organization. Brazynetz, speaking of the organization’s formation 10 years ago, said, “Who knew 10 years ago what the world would look like today but, here we are. We continue to be grateful and look forward to however we are going to work with you in the future.”

Second District Commander Keith Sulzer, a guest speaker, talked of his special connection to the Stockyard neighborhood. Sulzer said that at age 17 he began working at the U-Hall on Clark Avenue in the Stockyard neighborhood. During the 12 years he worked there, Sulzer says he “learned about people, managing people and dealing with people.”

Sulzer praised Stockyard residents as a neighborhood of fighters who are “fighting for their community.” Sulzer said he loved working in the Stockyard neighborhood and urged residents to shop in the neighborhood and support local stores.

Stockyard Redevelopment Organization Board member Erin Davis praised the Stockyard neighborhood as “a great place to live.” She said she moved into a “great old house” in the neighborhood and has found a lot of things to be proud of in the neighborhood. She noted the involvement of residents in 14 block clubs in the neighborhood and a number of programs offered to residents by Stockyard Redevelopment Organization. She urged residents to take responsibility in being a role model and to bring a neighbor along with them when taking part in community events.

SRO Director of Organizing and Outreach, Megan Meister talked of the many examples of neighborhood residents sharing their talents and gifts and helping to make positive change by participating in activities such as community gardens, the step club and leadership training. Urging residents to commit an act of greatness each day, Meister said, “The future of the neighborhood depends on all of you.”

Blanca Salva, Executive Assistant to Councilman Matt Zone, praised the involvement of residents in block clubs, walking groups, community gardens, creative use of green space, painting murals and safety initiatives. Salva said, “Stockyard Redevelopment Organization does community involvement better than anyone else in the city.”

Stockyard Redevelopment Organization issued a number of awards to both individuals and organizations for their contributions to the neighborhood.

International Village Block Club Co-Chairs Art Ledger and Kathy Oberst accepted an award for the block club’s work in establishing four community gardens on W. 48th Street in the area just South of Clark Avenue. The International Village Safety Patrol also was recognized with an award. SRO noted that the block club’s eight volunteers make up “the first uniformed community based safety patrol to address quality of life concerns in their area.”

Matt Michalske accepted an award on behalf of Michalske Printing, 5808 Clark Avenue. The company became the first business in the Stockyard neighborhood to participate in the storefront renovation program.

The Prince of Peace Outreach and Deliverance Ministries (POPCE), 5405 Storer Avenue, and the W. 54th Street Block Club received an award for their work in creating a community garden and a mural. Pastor Gordon Martin POPCE and the W. 54th Street Block Club worked together to secure funding to create a mural at the POPCE community garden on Storer Avenue. They secured submissions of mural ideas from artists and the winning artist, Milan Kecman, and volunteers painted the mural this past summer.

Neighborhood Family Practice (NFP) Executive Director Jean Therrien accepted an award for NFP’s role as a community partner in supporting healthy initiatives such as the Stockyard Steppers walking club, and partnering with the new market garden at NFP.

STEPS to a Healthier Cleveland, received an award for helping initiate health and safety projects in the neighborhood over the past five years. Projects STEPS assisted with during its five years working in the neighborhood include: The Corner Store Initiative (increasing fresh produce in area stores), Operation Storefront, Stockyard Steppers, Take a Walk on the West Side, neighborhood maps, nutrition programming, walking route maps, assistance with over 11 community gardens, Safe Routes to Schools, the Annual Stockyard Neighborhood Bike-A-Thon and bike safety and education programming at local schools.

Community volunteer Jim Bogucki was the recipient of the Joseph Shiner Shining Senior Award. Bogucki serves as the Co-Chair of the Stockyard Steppers, working for the past 4 years to help fashion the group into a premier walking club.

The award’s namesake, the late Joseph Shiner of W. 54th Street, was known for his community involvement. He was especially involved in organizations for senior citizens, such as Bonnie Seniors and Merrick Seniors. Shiner was the founder of the former Stockyards Seniors and was an active member of the Second District Police Community Relations Committee.

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