Students Enjoy Arbor/

Earth/Government Day

L-R: Independence Primary School fourth graders Emma Roos and Jimmy Caruso presented me with bookmarkers made from recycled materials in appreciation for the City hosting the event.

L-R: Parks and Recreation Department Manager Ryan Wancata watches as Rocco Petrozzi shovels mulch on a newly-planted willow tree while Myles Mathlage awaits his turn.

Students participated in a balloon launch. The balloons, which were filled with seeds, and strings were made of biodegradable materials.

Outback Ray's Amazing Animal Show, featuring his Albino Burmese python Sponge Bob, was an educational hit with students.

About 90 fourth grade students from Independence Primary School and St. Michael Catholic School participated in the City's Arbor/Earth /Government Day event on May 21.

Students received a first-hand look at the City's governmental structure by participating in a mock Council meeting, voted on a mock Ordinance, and heard from Councilpersons Kevin Day and Dale Veverka about their responsibilities as elected officials.

Students also learned more about the following:

● Their local government and how laws are created and passed.

● City elected officials and Department Directors who discussed their roles in government.

● Vehicles and equipment used to help operate the City.

● The importance of trees in the environment.

● Animals that depend on trees for a variety of needs.

Students played a challenging game of Tree Trivia, hosted by Parks and Recreation Department Manager Ryan Wancata and staff member Catherine Rieger, and went on a scavenger hunt as they walked through Elmwood Park.

Outback Ray, with the help of his animals and reptiles, discussed the important role trees play in providing shelter for animals. Members of the Independence Garden Club were on hand to help students plant and apply mulch to a new willow tree the group donated to the City for Elmwood Park.

I'd like to extend a special thank you to my Executive Assistant Darlynn Velotta; Sandy Wygonski, and Catherine Rieger of City Hall; Angie Zidanic and Claire Rieger of the Clerk of Courts office; Tom Walchanowicz and the Parks and Recreation Department; Police Chief Robert Butler, Jamie Pollack, and the IPD; Fire Chief Steve Rega, Cindy Metz, and the IFD; Finance Director Vern Blaze; Economic Development Director Jessica Hyser and Irene Kalal; City Engineer Don Ramm; Ron McKinley and the Service Department team; and all the City and school staff members that made the day memorable!

Memorial Day Services,

Procession Set For Monday

The Soldiers Memorial

on Public Square.

I hope to see many residents at the Memorial Day services on Monday, May 27 starting at 9:30 AM at the Soldiers Memorial on Public Square.

Prior to the service and procession to Maple Shade Cemetery, the Independence Historical Society Museum will be open from 8 to 11 AM. The featured exhibit includes a military display and a private World War II poster collection. Volunteers will be selling a limited number Memorial Muffins. Don't miss these delicious treats!

There will be some seating available during Memorial Day services, but feel free to bring your own chair or a blanket. After the services on Public Square, there will be the traditional procession to Maple Shade Cemetery for a graveside service.

Afterward, join your friends and neighbors at Drug Mart to enjoy the sounds of the Independence High School Marching Band and a hot dog cookout. Donations will benefit the IHS Marching Band.

Honor Your Hero

With A Special Flag

Show your support of an armed forces member by dedicating a flag in their honor.

With the help of the Community Services Department you can dedicate an American flag in honor or memory of veterans, active military, or members of the safety forces.

The flags measure 12- by 8-inches and will be displayed in front of the Civic Center from June 24 to July 8. Flags are $5 each and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Proceeds benefit Operation Flags of Freedom, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that raises awareness and promotes initiatives to honor military, veterans, first responders, and heroes who have passed.

Order your flag at www.independenceohio.org or in person at the Community Services front desk at the Civic Center. Deadline to order a flag is June 17.

It's Not Too Early To Make

Plans For Home Days

The Independence High School Flag Corps brightened up the 2023 Home Days parade.

L-R: Katelyn Reass and Amy Stacy of the Engineering Department assisted with the Touch A Truck event during the 2023 Home Days celebration.

"Party In The Park" is the theme for this year's Home Days celebration, which will be held Friday, August 2 from 6 to 11 PM and Saturday, August 3 from Noon to 11 PM on the City Campus on Selig Drive.

Home Days have become a family tradition that brings together the entire community. We have plenty of fun and excitement planned for Home Days - including carnival rides, food trucks, booths, a Pet Palooza, and a stellar lineup of music. Watch our website (www.independenceohio.org), the Independence Post, Community Spotlight, and my Mayor's Weekly Update for information as it unfolds.

General parking, including a free shuttle service, will be available at these parking lots:

● City Hall

● Annex Lot

● Independence Middle School

● Independence High School / Fieldhouse

Shuttle service will be available Friday, August 2 all evening and Saturday, August 3 after 1 PM.

Get Ready To Rock During

Summer Concert Series

The FM Project brings the music of Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame band Steely Dan to Public Square

on June 21.

We're just weeks away from the start of the 2024 Summer Concert Series at the Town Hall Bandstand! Each concert begins with the Independence Farmers Market from 5 to 8 PM, followed by free Yoga on the Square from 5:15 to 6:15 PM, and food trucks from 6 to 9 PM. The music begins at 7 PM and runs until 9 PM.

Here's a look at the schedule of bands who will be performing this summer:

● June 7 - Chardon Polka Band (modern polka)

● June 14 - Loose Tooth Band (1980s to today's rock 'n' roll)

● June 21 - FM Project (Steely Dan Tribute)

● June 28 - Wayne Tomsic Band (traditional polka)

● July 5 - CHANCE (Las Vegas-style horns)

● July 12 - FM77 (disco tribute)

● July 19 - Celebration! (songs from the 1950s)

● July 26 - Faction Cleveland (pop, rock 'n' roll, top 40 hits)

Visit www.independenceohio.org for the full Friday food truck schedule. In the event of inclement weather, concerts will be held at the Independence Civic Center.

Community Band Concerts will be held Wednesdays, June 19 and June 26 from 7 to 8:30 PM.

Upcoming City Council

& Committee Meetings

June 4

Planning Commission, 5:30 PM

June 6

Civil Service Commission, 9 AM

Architectural Review Board, 3 PM

June 11

City Council Caucus, 5 PM

Followed by City Council Meeting

June 20

Architectural Review Board, 3 PM

Board of Zoning Appeals, 5:30 PM

Freedom Playground Takes

Shape In Elmwood Park

A Parks and Recreation Department crew assembles equipment for the new Freedom Playground.

The Freedom Playground

should be a popular spot for fun during the summer.

Parks and Recreation Department crews are making terrific progress installing the new Freedom Playground in Elmwood Park. Crews used the recent stretch of warm weather to work on the playground with the hope of having it ready for residents to use within the next month.

Representatives from Snider Recreation Inc. were in town this week to supervise the installation of the new playground.

Last week, Parks and Recreation Department crews assembled the smaller pieces to the new playground. The spring riders, tunnel, and parts of the swings were assembled.

Check Out The

Weekly Finance Review

Read Finance Director Vern Blaze’s Financial Update for May 24, 2024 by clicking here.

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Mayor's Weekly Update

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