Annual meeting 3/9 RECAP

A review* of the March 9, 2015 HOA meeting. Due to the annual election meeting, there was no formal community speaks for residents. Below are concerns and questions raised by residents. 35+ residents attended

• the Board cited their accomplishments of the year
• the budget was presented by the Management company
• questions were asked concerning services for next year
• concerns were asked about the financial status of the HOA and what are specific issues with MC
• Activities, ARC, Buildings & Grounds and Communications committees gave updates. Residents asked to join Activities and ARC
• questions concerning flowers at the entrance, ARC procedure, awnings, plowing at community center and common areas and is there an abatement on the community center building. Residents requested the Board to look into additional snow removal from park sidewalks.
• three Board openings were available - Jim Sharpe and Kathleen Hocevar were up for re-election. Brian Schultz accepted the remaining open position -  there were no other nominees. There was no vote because only 3 nominees in 3 openings.
• extensive conversation concerning the security cameras and the post card mailing and its timeliness for response from residents. The amount of the proposed fee increase was asked. The Board was requested to invite Councilman Reed and Sievers Security for a special meeting with residents. The Board agreed to schedule this meeting soon.

*Review is a summary of neighbor concerns - this blog and its posts are independent of the HOA's Board.

Sts Peter and Paul Fish Fry

Saints Peter and Paul Parish
4750 Turney Road
216-429-1515
Fridays during Lent, 5:00PM – 8:00PM

Have you noticed the sign on Turney Road for the Sts. Peter and Paul fish fry? We did and we decided to give it a try last week.

To start - we had no idea the church's campus was so large. We found this out because we entered the drive off Turney Road - right before Garfield Blvd. Don't enter here. Take a right on Dorothy Ave. off Turney, then turn left towards the church's activity center. There's loads of parking, including handicap spaces.

We followed some other patrons into the building so we didn't look like we were newbies. You'll hear and see people and you can't miss where you need to be from all of the taped menus on the walls.

The fish fry is in the gymnasium. It will bring back memories of eating lunch in grade school in the gym/lunch room, minus lunch monitors. On the right, there's a table where you order and pay. Once you do that, pick a seat - and there were plenty - and head up to the buffet-style area with your order. There are bunches of volunteers there waiting to take your purple order form and fill it for you. Grab a tray and they'll do the rest. 

You can take out or dine in. We chose to dine in - along with about 100 other people. Dinner options include fish, shrimp, baked tilapia, pierogis and combos. All dinners come with a choice of french fries, mac and cheese or 2 pierogis. You also get either cole slaw or applesauce. Everyone gets a roll and butter and a cookie, too. Free drinks include iced water with lemon, tea or coffee. We splurged and bought a can of pop for $1.

Other options bowls of clam chowder and add-ons like extra shrimp, fish sandwiches and fries.

We ordered a couple of dinners: baked tilapia and a 3 piece fish dinner with a bowl of chowder. The tilapia was just ok. It was over seasoned and underwhelming. But the fried fish was really good. Couldn’t tell what kind it was – we’re pretty sure if we asked what kind of fish, the response would be “fried”. The fried fish is in the shape of golden triangles, and they’re pretty darn good with a golden coating. The pierogis are also good, and the server will ask if you want extra onions or not. We didn’t get the fries, or the mac and cheese. We were pleasantly surprised that you get 2 hush puppies with your dinners. The cole slaw reminded us of KFC’s coleslaw for all of you slaw aficionados. Rolls were obviously store bought and decent with real butter. The soup had lots of clams and potatoes and had nice overall flavor and texture. The cookie choice was sugar or chocolate chip. We’re glad we got the chocolate chip as it was obviously homemade and made with chocolate chunks… ahhsome!

We sat at a table with other people - a couple of older men. We didn't know anyone, but everyone was friendly. The volunteers bring out anything you need like cocktail sauce or extra napkins. And they also take your plates when you're done. We got out of there full and for only $20.

The menus all say this is the 5th annual fish fry - so you're not the only ones that may have missed this newer event. We drive past Sts. Peter and Paul countless times and even if you're not Catholic or even observing Lent - give it a try. It's worth the trip and the cookies seal the deal.

Community speaks 1/12 RECAP

A review* of the January 12, 2015 Board meeting – 12 min. Community Speaks: 7+ residents attended

• a resident mentioned that the city snow plowing is fabulous this year
• question was asked what the Activities Committee bi-laws – what are they and requested them to be posted on the website
• question about why the Board solicited bids on landscaping, as the previous Board had approved a 2-year contract
• question about the $27, 453.96 expenditures listed on the October, 2014 minutes. Reserve Realty asked to be contacted at the office for any financial specifics
• a request to introduce new Board member and their term
• question asking when the next Board election is and how many positions are up for election
• question about what is covered for snow removal by the HOA

*Review is a summary of neighbor concerns – this blog and its posts are independent of the HOA’s Board.

MC holiday lights

Mill Creek is certainly in the holiday spirit this year! With so many neighbors displaying their holiday lights and decorations, it's worth a drive (or walk) throughout our neighborhood.

Looking for even more holiday lights in Cleveland?
Click here for Mapquest's best holiday route in Cleveland or here for Northeast Ohio Family Fun's must see light displays.

Community speaks 11/17 RECAP

A review* of the November 17, 2014 Board meeting – 30 min. Community Speaks:  10+ residents attended

• a resident requested an update on the digging at Turner Square and if the project has been evaluated
• request for information on arrears and inconsistency of being published. Total amount of aged balance was also asked, including write-offs
• a resident asked whether the community center can be used for non-political, public events without charge (recent MC Falls safety meeting)
• question about whether the association met the budgeted reserves forecast
• a resident asked the management company the turn around time for work orders
• another request was made to extend pool hours
• multiple requests for timely Board meeting minutes to be published and shared with residents
• several requests for security cameras update and status of project
• a resident stated that cameras installed in the Cedar/Lee area have helped reduce the crime rate drastically, and that any camera presence would be beneficial for the neighborhood
• property management company asked to update services, including online account access and electronic form submission

*Review is a summary of neighbor concerns – this blog and its posts are independent of the HOA’s Board.

Upcoming freebies and cheapies near MC

Looking for cheap and free events near Mill Creek?
Below are some ideas to keep you busy into November.

CityMusic concert
Saturday, October 18, 8pm
Shrine Church of St. Stanislaus – 3649 65th St.
Free! Click for more info.

Thee Six 5 Bistro - live music - Donny Jones
Saturday, October 18, after free concert @ St. Stans (see above)
3662 E. 65th St., Cleveland – 216-795-5265 Click for more info.

7th Annual International Food & Culture Festival
Saturday, October 18, 5pm - 8pm
Our Lady of Lourdes – 3395 E. 53rd St., Cleveland - 216-641-2829
Bilingual mass @ 4pm, followed by the festival - food, music, dance, raffles & prizes.

Over the river and through the woods
Saturday, October 18, 3pm – 5pm Garfield Park Reservation - Nature Center
11350 Broadway Ave., Garfield Hts - 216-341-3152
Hike the Sagamore Creek Loop Trail - free.

Walk with us
Sunday, October 19, 1:30pm – 3:30pm Garfield Park Reservation - Nature Center
11350 Broadway Ave., Garfield Hts - 216-341-3152
Naturalist-led hike to Mill Creek Falls - free.

Garfield Heights Harvest Fest
Saturday, October 25, 1pm – 4pm
GH Civic Center – 5407 Turney Rd., Garfield Hts. 216-475-1100
Pumpkins, hayrides, crafts & face painting, prizes, raffles & refreshments.

Halloween craft & vendor fair - the Big Dipper will be there, too!
Saturday, October 25, noon – 7pm
Knights of Columbus, 10806 Granger Rd.
$1 admission.

History of the pumpkin
Saturday, October 25, 10:00 am – 11:30am Garfield Park Reservation - Nature Center
11350 Broadway Ave., Garfield Hts - 216-341-3152
Learn about pumpkins - tasting included - free.

Fall ramble
Thursday, October 30, 10:00 am – 11:30am Garfield Park Reservation - Nature Center
11350 Broadway Ave., Garfield Hts - 216-341-3152
Ramble through the woods with a naturalist - dress for muddy trails. Free.

Leaf art hike
Sunday, November 2, 2pm – 4pm Garfield Park Reservation - Nature Center
11350 Broadway Ave., Garfield Hts - 216-341-3152
Enjoy a short walk collecting leaves - free.