I moved to Cleveland Heights in June 2006, and one month later discovered the beauty of Cain Park while attending the Arts Festival. I walked among the booths with my new neighbor Missy Bleick who introduced me to her mother-in-law and Friends of Cain Park founder, Chessie Bleick. The Friends booth was packed with wonderful people and assorted raffle items from Heights businesses. I particularly remember their most coveted item, a large chainsaw from Seitz Agin Hardware (a space that now sells Sauvignon Blanc instead of screws).
Upon hearing I was a veteran of selling at local arts festivals, Chessie immediately invited me to not only sell raffle tickets, but to become a member of the Friends of Cain Park Board. She would not take “no” for an answer. I think she wanted to lower the average age of the board. I was the young one then!
Eighteen years later, all serving as secretary, I have decided to end my tenure as a board member. It is time. Last Spring, I helped bring five new members to the Board which will bring fresh ideas, experiences and social media expertise. It’s time to pass the baton. Looking back, I am proud of the work I contributed to. Raising funds and raising awareness for the incredible performances in the Alma and Evans theaters. The tens of thousands of dollars we raised through memberships and other fundraisers that supported artists, actors, high school students through scholarships and new landscaping to beautify the Park.
While I reminisce over those early board meetings eating popcorn and filling membership envelopes, long before we had a web site or online membership payments, I especially loved the folksy camaraderie of the group. As a transplant from a bigger city, joining the board secured my place in a new community. A community I have grown to love and call home.
This past season has been the most exciting however. Seeing the park literally fill to capacity with music and theater with broad appeal. While attending shows and selling raffle tickets, I spoke to people from as far away as Buffalo, to neighbors from Berkshire Road. “This place is amazing,” they would say. Yes, yes it is.
Written by Lisa Manzari, retiring and longtime board member of Friends of Cain Park
