Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Who’s really on the hook to repaint Cleveland’s Free Stamp?

And check out Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Service on the Cleveland Patch calendar

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Monday December 22nd Patch AM
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Hi there, Cleveland! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Who’s really on the hook to repaint Cleveland’s Free Stamp?
  • How will Slavic Village neighbors decide where $100,000 gets spent?
  • Why did The Flaming Lips’ key songwriter quietly exit the band?

Also on today's calendar: Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Service and 5 more events.

Find out what's happening in Clevelandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the windowsill say to the glass? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Clevelandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Monday: A touch of afternoon rain, with a high of 39 and low of 36 degrees.
  • Tuesday: A.M. mist; otherwise, cloudy, temps: high: 44, low: 33.
  • Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 39 and low of 36 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Who will pay for Cleveland's Free Stamp makeover? (signalcleveland.org) — Cleveland’s iconic Free Stamp sculpture at Willard Park is fading fast, and there’s confusion over whether BP America or City Hall must pay for its next six-figure restoration. With the city seeking donors and old agreements suggesting BP is still responsible, residents may soon see a push to “Save the Stamp” and preserve this popular protest and celebration gathering spot.
   

2. ‘Not on paper, but in practice': People's Budget Cleveland set to launch pilot program (signalcleveland.org) — Slavic Village residents will soon directly decide how to spend $100,000 in their neighborhood through a new participatory budgeting pilot backed by People’s Budget Cleveland. A resident-led committee is designing the entire process, from outreach to voting, with community idea-sharing expected to start around March 2026 and potential voting in June.
   

3. Longtime member of popular rock band says he's been booted out (cleveland.com) — A major lineup change is shaking up The Flaming Lips, a band that last played Cleveland’s Agora in July 2023. Longtime songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Steven Drozd says he’s no longer in the group, hinting at a quiet split while another musician fills his parts onstage. The shift affects a band many Cleveland fans have followed for decades.
   

4. Ohio bill would make public comments on governing decisions a right, not a privilege (fox8.com) — Ohio lawmakers are considering House Bill 609, which would guarantee residents across cities like Cleveland the right to speak at public meetings before decisions are made. The proposal would also bar mandatory pre-registration to comment, tighten notice rules for special meetings, and apply to school boards and local governments, though not the state legislature. It likely won’t see committee action until 2026.
   

📸 Around Cleveland

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Cleveland

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Monday December 22
  • Board of Control Meeting
    Fairview Park, OH Calendar , 20777 Lorain Road , Fairview Park
    10:00 am
  • Poetic Power
    Warrensville Heights Branch , 4415 Northfield Rd , Warrensville Heights
    7:00 pm
  • Regular Meeting of City Council
    Garfield Heights, OH Calendar Garfield Heights, OH 44125
    7:00 pm
    • Tuesday December 23
  • Yoga
    Bratenahl, OH Calendar , 10300 Brighton Road , Bratenahl
    10:00 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Anyone interested in starting a coffee club?
    Meet a McDonald's for coffee & chat? I need to meet new people, LIVE AGAIN!Since losing my other half/ childrens father, I've been stuck in grief &… (Nextdoor Gifford/Wichita)
  • my neighborhood friends and family — here’s another one for you.
    I want to speak from a place of calm, compassion, and common sense, especially when emotions are high. First, let me say this clearly: if what was… (Nextdoor Lenacrave-Crennell)
  • Costco Wholesale Corporation posted a job opening for Bakery Wrapper / Clean Up in Cleveland. Apply here.
  • Unifi posted a job opening for Baggage Handler in Cleveland. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Cleveland here.

Ok Cleveland! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I feel your pane.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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