CAREER & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
An In-Depth Look into the Life of World Renown Retina Surgeon
Joseph M. Coney, MD More inside:
pictured with daughter, Madison, who also wants to pursue a career in medicine 10 Big Things to Do for Yourself During COVID-19 by Pastor Natalie Brown Rudd Hospice of the Western Reserve’s Pediatric Team Supports Children and Families Coping with Life-Threatening Illnesses by Laurie Henrichsen
Volume 6
S p r ing | S umme r 2020
GOING THE DISTANCE
FOR OUR
COMMUNITIES. At Dominion Energy Ohio, going the distance for our customers means more than just delivering safe, affordable natural gas. It means being a positive force in the communities we serve. Our EnergyShareÂŽ program has raised $6.8 million and helped more than 70,000 people in Ohio alone. These resources, combined with more than 6,300 volunteer hours from our employees, have benefited organizations as diverse as the American Red Cross, the Boy Scouts of America and the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition.
contents 6
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Leading, Empowering, Innovating: The Flora Stone Mather Center for Women The Flora Stone Mather Center has a rich history of women helping women. Director Angela Clark-Taylor, PhD, has a vision and plan to continue the legacy. 10 Big Things to Do for Yourself During COVID-19 by Pastor Natalie Brown Rudd COVER STORY
Walking by Faith to Help Restore Sight: Dr. Joseph M. Coney by Montrie Rucker Adams Hospice of the Western Reserve’s Pediatric Team Supports Children and Families Coping with Life-Threatening Illnesses by Laurie Henrichsen
24 If We Didn’t Have the Video...
by Montrie Rucker Adams An old California case still haunts a local Cleveland family. When is enough, enough?
28
Cleveland Public Library Expands Curbside Services
30
Landmark Supreme Court Decision Upholds Gay Rights by Phyllis Harris Executive Director of the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland, Phyllis Harris reflects on annual PRIDE celebration and the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding gay rights!
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CL Magazine Team Publisher and Chief Editorial Officer Alexandria Johnson Boone Creative Director Jennifer Coiley Dial Senior Copy Editor Michelle E. Urquhart Business Manager Paula T. Newman Assistant to the Publisher Bernadette K. Mayfield Senior Strategist, Subscriber & Community Development Simone E. Swanson Database and Information Coordinator Cheretta Moore For advertising information please contact us at: advertising@CL-Magazine.com Subscribe free online: www.CL-Magazine.com
CLMagazine_ CLMagazine_ CLMagazine C L Magazine is published digitally on a quarterly basis by the Women of Color Foundation (WOCF), a 501 (c) (3), tax-exempt organization, for the benefit of women and girls of all colors. Our offices are located at 4200 Warrensville Center Road, Medical Building A, Suite 353, Cleveland, Ohio 44122. Toll Free Phone number: 866.962-3411 (866.WOCF.411). Copyright Š 2014-2020. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be distributed electronically, reproduced or duplicated in whole or in part, without written permission of the publisher. Readers and advertisers may subscribe for free at: www.CL-Magazine.com Magazine Production: GAP Communications Group
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Publisher’s LETTER OUR NEW NORMAL ISN’T REALLY NORMAL AT ALL: IT’S JUST NEW!
Dear Friends and Supporters, 2020 brought us the COVID-19 Pandemic, and Racism has been declared a Public Health Pandemic in communities across the country. These two historic events, have significantly impacted our everyday lives. They say we now have a new normal. However, we can use these challenges and opportunities to reset our lives and our work. We can still stay engaged in activities, programs and issues that are important to us. With that being said, the Women of Color Foundation is proud to announce a number of virtual educational programs that will address small business, finance, training & professional development, community development, re-tooling your business, healthcare, staying safe and racism. Our virtual events will feature experts in the areas cited above. In addition, we will offer prerecorded sessions that can be accessed on our website anytime. We will also share information about critical resources available during the pandemic and beyond. And it will all begin on Friday, July 31, 2020. As always, please visit our website at: www.womenofcolorfoundation.com to learn more about our exciting virtual series and how to register for these free events, designed to help you navigate through your new normal. Please remember that we are all in this together. Stay healthy and stay safe! In the spirit of the greatness in us all,
Alexandria Johnson Boone Publisher/Chief Editorial Officer and Chairwoman/Founder Women of Color Foundation
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Leading, Empowering, Innovating:
The Flora Stone Mather Center for Women A Short History of the Flora Stone Mather Center for Women
The Flora Stone Mather Center for Women has a rich history of women helping women. Director Angela Clark-Taylor, PhD, has a vision and plan to continue the legacy.
The Flora Stone Mather College for Women, known as the College for Women until 1931, was established in 1888 as a branch of Western Reserve University designated for women’s education. The college graduated its last class in 1972. The following year, the institution was absorbed into Western Reserve College, a new division of Case Western Reserve University, along with Adelbert and Cleveland Colleges. Flora Stone Mather Alumnae Association was an active fundraising and networking organization of alumnae from 1894 to 2008. Today, the association’s legacy lives on, touching each generation of women on campus through the Flora Stone Mather Center for Women. Founded in 2002 with the hiring of inaugural director Dr. Dorothy Miller, the Flora Stone Mather Center for Women officially opened its doors in 2003. Funded through a gift of the Flora Stone Mather Alumnae Association, the Mather Center is the culmination of decades of advocacy from numerous students, staff,
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faculty, alumna, and community advisory committees seeking a resource to empower women and advance gender equity at Case Western Reserve. Located on the second floor of the Tinkham Veale University Center, the Mather Center has continued to grow and thrive as a space for women to connect, consult and confide with others as they navigate their careers. Over the past 17 years the Mather Center has honed five signature programs including: The Women Staff Leadership Development Institute (WSLDI), Women Faculty Leadership Development Institute (WFLDI), Women in Science and Engineering Roundtable (WISER), violence prevention education and victim’s advocacy, and the Women of Achievement awards ceremony. These programs honor women’s achievements, support women in crisis, provide confidential coaching, and facilitate leadership development. A New Direction for the Mather Center
In 2019, the Mather Center welcomed current Director Dr. Angela ClarkTaylor, a feminist scholarpractitioner with 15 years’ experience in communityAngela Clark-Taylor based agencies and higher education. Previously Dr. Clark-Taylor served as the Director of the Center for Women & Gender Equity and Founding Director of the Violence Prevention Center at Bowling Green Shemariah Arki State University; Visiting Assistant Professor of Higher Education and Counseling at the University of Redlands; and Program Manager of the Susan B. Anthony Institute Aparna Padiyar for Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies at the University of Rochester. Dr. Clark-Taylor notes her efforts to provide resources and support to higher education and the local community is driven by her desire to “empower women and create a community that is committed to advancing gender equity so that individuals of all gender 8 | CL MAGAZINE
identities have the access, opportunity, and resources to determine the course of their own lives.” Under Dr. Clark-Taylor’s leadership, the Mather Center has developed its first strategic plan since the founding director’s retirement in 2013. After a year of interviews and focus groups with key stakeholders and potential new partners the Mather Center will launch the new strategic plan this fall. The strategic plan’s emphasis is to maintain center programs such as leadership development for women in STEM, faculty, and staff while expanding violence prevention and racial justice work through education and research. Leading, Empowering, and Innovating Dr. Clark-Taylor introduced the strategic plan, Leading, Empowering, and Innovating, stating, “The goal of this plan is to create a shared culture of support for gender equity and feminist intersectionality at Case Western Reserve University and establish the Mather Center as an expert resource for women and gender equity in higher education.” These goals are imbedded into the Mather Center’s new mission and values. The evolving mission of the Mather Center is as a community space and a social innovator advancing women and gender equity through research-informed action. The Mather Center seeks to be a space to gather, build community, and raise consciousness. Center activities will build community by working to foster critical consciousness; a deeper understanding of self, a broader perspective of others, an awareness of social issues, and a desire to advocate for change. The Center will support the development of programs and initiatives that are guided by the principle that higher education should ultimately serve the public good. Dr. Clark-Taylor explains, “In light of these values we believe at the Mather Center that to call out a system that values some lives more than others is deeply tied to gender equity and feminism.” This is why as a first step to putting these values in to action, the
Mather Center’s 2020-21 theme will be Racial Justice is Gender Justice. Fall programs at Mather Center will work to advance women and gender equity through an intersectional feminist lens which maintains that: sex and gender inequities exist; these inequities are not inherent but socially constructed; these inequities can be eradicated through social change; and fighting to eliminate these inequities should occur while simultaneously dismantling other forms of oppression, including but not limited to: racism, classism, xenophobia, transphobia, homophobia, and ableism. Supporting Women During Precarious Times The Mather Center has been particularly busy during this precarious time. Pandemics have a history of disproportionately affecting women. Times during COVID-19 are no different. The isolation around shelter in place disconnects the natural networks that women depend upon for mentoring, support, and empowerment. Women face an increased risk of gender-based violence and economic stress due to the increased burden of juggling caregiving, housework, and work responsibilities. Over the last three months, the Flora Stone Mather Center for Women has sprung into action to provide services that shift the gender dynamic for women and
support the areas of their lives most relevant during COVID-19. Here are some examples of what has been happening at Mather Center since shelter in place took effect: Rebuilding relationships after trauma: During April’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Mather Center took programming and support online. Survivors can not necessarily anticipate when counseling or encouragement is required. Providing a month-long calendar of programs made these crucial services available to survivors while sheltering in place. Activities included several events and activities on social media and a virtual workshop for survivors. Empowering student researchers to work over summer: Biology major Hannah Kang is passionate about public health and equal access to health care. When shelter in place orders potentially stymied her summer plans, Hannah was able to apply for a SOURCE (Support of Undergraduate Research & Creative Endeavors program) grant through the Mather Center. This enabled Hanna to work in a lab this summer under the direction of Dr. Rishi Singh at the Center for Ophthalmic Bioinformatics at Cleveland Clinic’s Cole Eye Institute and study the effect of race and socioeconomic factors on Anti-VEGF treatment use and access. Devoting an entire summer to research not only empowered
The Women Staff Leadership Development Institute Class of 2020 SPRING | SUMMER 2020 | 9
Hannah to continue studying in an area of great interest, it prepared her for the future as she plans to pursue a career as an ophthalmologist.
Dr. Angela Clark-Taylor
Dr. Shemariah Arki Caregiver support: Gender inequity at home has been exacerbated during the current pandemic because women are Dr. Aparna Padiyar often left to manage domestic duties while also tending to their own professional roles. For women, working from home, the unknown associated with PRISE (Program Rewarding Innovation in Stem and COVID-19, caring for loved ones, Entrepreneurship) students and suddenly running a pseudo daycare/homeschool interrupts productivity continue to build a sense of community, and work flow. It causes frustration, stress decrease isolation, facilitate learning, facilitate students and a sense of powerlessness over managing networking, drive inspiration and encourage many things. Since the start of shelter in reflection. The HigHER webinars are place, the Mather Center has offered a weekly designed to give women the leadership skills online caregiver support group to give enhancement needed to continue moving women the support and sense of community forward in their careers during a time when around managing the situation while learning working at home would otherwise prevent skills from each other to better juggle the them from continued forward momentum. frequent role conflict experienced during the pandemic. Supporting college access: In September of 2019, the Mather Center and Stephanie Yen, HigHER Inspire webinars: This summer Mather a local high school student now headed to Center will partner with Wisr, a Cleveland Princeton in the fall, received a grant through based software company whose mission is NCWIT AspireIT to designed and teach a to create networks in higher education that summer program for middle school girls improve outcomes for students and alumni, in tech. Named GirlCodeCLE this project to host a series of webinars aimed at bringing was designed to provide an introduction together women in higher education who to coding and computer science to middle are interested in leadership development school-aged girls in community in Cleveland. and advancement. During shelter in place The program was originally supposed to run and work from home, these sessions will in March but, due to COVID-19, the program
Engaging members of the community: Since its inception, the Flora Stone Mather Center for Women has engaged a variety of women to serve as supports, ambassadors and champions for its mission and programs. Engaging women both internally from the University and externally from the greater community in the Mather Center’s work provides valuable input to the Director and enables connections across many diverse populations of women with professional backgrounds. Among these champions is Alexandria Johnson Boone, Chairwoman and Founder of the Women of Color Foundation. 10 | CL MAGAZINE
was postponed then redesigned for virtual delivery. In June, GirlCodeCLE was successfully carried out from a virtual setting with the help of AdvantageCLE Tennis and Education, a not-forprofit organization that runs a free summer camp and afterschool programs in Cleveland with lessons in fitness, literacy, creative expression, and STEM. The director of AdvantageCLE, Liz Deegan, is extremely interested in working with WISER throughout the year to have members volunteer for their STEM after-school programming and/or work as instructors for the coding camp, which they plan to continue next summer.
The HigHER webinars are designed to give women the leadership skills enhancement needed to continue moving forward in their careers.
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Dr. Angela Clark-Taylor
Supporting women faculty: This summer, Mather Center awarded a scholarship to Dr. Aparna Padiyar, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Case Western Reserve Dr. Shemariah Arki University School of Medicine and Director of the Transplant Nephrology Fellowship Program at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, to attend the national Dr. Aparna Padiyar HERS conference. HERS, Higher Education Resource Services, is dedicated to creating and sustaining a diverse network of women leaders in higher education through leadership development and research. Looking Ahead Continuing the momentum of this summer’s programs, the Mather Center staff looks forward to moving programming back to campus when students arrive this fall. Staff members are excitedly planning upcoming programs that are guided by the new strategic plan and highlight the Racial Justice is Gender Justice theme. No matter what form it may take – in person or virtual – Mather Center is determined to provide support, community and increased consciousness through programming and services. To learn more check out Mather Center online at www.case.edu/centerforwomen or email centerforwomen@case.edu. CL
WISER student group
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10
Big Things to Do for Yourself During COVID-19
One night while connecting with some girlfriends via Zoom (seems to be our new norm), I asked the question: How are you managing in this challenging season of coronavirus and COVID-19? While they admitted to experiencing some frustration about being confined, they were able to share some insightful suggestions that have helped lift their spirits. I call them the Big Ten, and I believe they are helpful, to start putting into our practice now to continue post-pandemic. The Big Ten: 1. Extend grace to yourself. If you want to relax and take a break, then do it without feeling guilty. 2. Allow for some quiet, uninterrupted time alone. 3. Spend quality time with family listening to each other. 4. Do a digital detox for a couple of hours. 5. Get excited about the simple things that make you smile. 6. Create a new routine that includes doing something that brings you joy. 7. Start your day with a devotional and prayer to set the tone for the rest of your day.
8. End your day with a devotional and prayer to settle in for a good night’s sleep. 9. Start journaling insights and lessons learned from your day. 10. Master your time rather than letting your time master you. Now, I turn the question to you. How are you doing? How are you getting through this challenging season? What are some of the things that you are doing to thrive amid this storm? Take the time to contemplate your responses to make sure that what you are doing draws you closer to God and not further away from Him. Make sure that you are connecting with your authentic self, who is crying for your undivided attention. The Holy Scriptures in John 16:33 forewarned us that in this life, we would have trouble but be of good cheer because Jesus has overcome the world, which means that in Him, we can overcome any situation. Be blessed and stay faithful no matter what! CL
Pastor Natalie Brown Rudd Founder, Because of His Grace Ministries and Chaplain, Women of Color Foundation Author, Stormy Weather: 25 Lessons Learned While Weathering the Storms of Life! boh.grace@gmail.com www.becauseofhisgrace.com SPRING | SUMMER 2020 | 15
COVER STORY
Dr. Joseph M. Coney and his wife, Tammy Moore Coney
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W
W
alking by Faith to Help Restore Sight: Dr. Joseph M. Coney
by Montrie Rucker Adams, APR For those who may experience vision difficulties, Retina Surgeon Dr. Joseph M. Coney is one of the premier ophthalmologists in the country. Since 2015, Dr. Coney was named a Top Doctor by Castle Connelly, an organization whose “mission is to help people find the best healthcare and connect patients with the best-in-class healthcare providers.” Based in Northeast Ohio, Dr. Coney is a partner with Retina Associates of Cleveland, Inc. where he provides comprehensive ophthalmic medical and surgical care for Northeast Ohio and western Pennsylvania, specializing in diabetic retinopathy, macular diseases, complex retina detachments and ocular trauma. Dr. Coney joined the practice in 2006 after completing his medical degree at Loyola University and his ophthalmology residency at Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals. He then completed his medical retina fellowship in diabetic retinopathy at Harvard University/Joslin Clinic. Dr. Coney’s surgical training in complex retinal diseases and trauma was at the Vitreoretinal Foundation in Memphis, Tennessee.
Pharmaceuticals. “I was given a lot of responsibility,” she explains, “but did not aspire to move high up in the company. That required a lot of international travel and I didn’t like leaving my family.” Though she did not travel often with her company, Tammy does enjoy traveling with family. “Joe does a lot of international speaking, so we’ve traveled all over the world,” she said. “We’ve visited the most beautiful, exotic places,” she shared. “The most beautiful is Santorini (island in the Aegean Sea), Dubai is unbelievable and incredible. The most exotic is Shangri-La and the most interesting is Marrakesh which is a fascinating city in the desert.” Very Humble Beginnings
“They have no idea he grew up poor on the south side of Chicago and that he is related to First Lady Michelle Obama,” answered Tammy when asked what most people don’t know about her husband. She described memorable visits to the White House, where she met celebrities and participated in the annual Easter Egg Roll. She had an up close Though he leads a busy life as an entrepreneur and personal experience in 2008 when with over 220 employees, Dr. Coney relishes President Obama gave his victory speech in the time spent with Tammy Moore Coney, Grant Park, in Chicago. his wife of 12 years, daughter Madison who attends the University of Maryland, and son Dr. Coney is not the only entrepreneur in the Jacobi currently attending the University of family. Tammy’s passion for baking began Wisconsin. when she was young. Her love for macarons and an experience while on a trip to Paris Tammy has a sales and marketing inspired her to bake them for family and background, previously working at Janssen friends. “When I first sank my teeth into a SPRING | SUMMER 2020 | 17
The Coneys with former President Barack Obama
macaroon, I was hooked,” she shared.
training at world renowned institutions, which included Case Western Reserve and After trying hard but unsuccessfully Harvard University, it allowed me access to perfecting her macaroons, Tammy enrolled in some of the best minds in the world. One of a class in New York’s Greenwich Village taught the most important lessons I learned was to by Olivier Dessyn, a French bakery chef who incorporate a piece of each of them in my moved from Paris to open the quaint bakery professional life. Mille-Feuille. “After taking the class, I became really good at baking them,” offered Tammy. Why did you decide to start your unique “I eventually decided to open my own shop. business? Joe was very encouraging when I told him Retina Associates of Cleveland, Inc. was what I wanted to do.” established in 1979 by Dr. Larry Singerman. Over time, it has developed into one of Having studied French since fifth grade, the largest retina groups in the country Tammy named her Twinsburg bakery Vive servicing Northeast Ohio. We have an Le Macaroon! After three years, she is now aggressive medical model, which includes searching for someone to take over the shop outreach clinics and a surgery center even in where she once shared space. underserved areas. Patients can be involved in national clinical trials, which often results Delving a little deeper into Dr. Coney’s in retinal therapies that have prevented the career, he shares what he loves about loss of vision and maintained sight for those entrepreneurship and the people he serves. people who would have otherwise gone blind. How are you utilizing the training you received? During my several years of training, I had the privilege to work with world renowned ophthalmologists and retina specialists who later became my mentors, friends, and business partners. With the extensive 18 | CL MAGAZINE
LEADERSHIP:
A great business partner is one who has similar objectives and goals. They must be dependable, accessible, honest, hardworking, supportive, must have integrity, and above all, be committed and passionate about the business.
What are the most important skills needed to become a successful entrepreneur? Leadership. Good leadership needs to have a compelling vision and a conviction about what they are doing. They need to have a sense of humility, but at the same time have a high degree of self-confidence and willing to learn from their mistakes. Part of being a successful entrepreneur is learning from your mistakes and growing as a person. With that comes the ability to develop good strategic and tactical planning as well as the ability to inspire others.
others, this helps the corporation stay focused to achieve the strategic plan and vision. You will always achieve more if others feel that have a stake in the game.
From whom or what do you draw inspiration? I am often inspired by personal stories where people overcome obstacles. The drive to be the best comes from the thought of failure. The mere fact that someone tells me I am not good enough, gets me fired up. I have been told this my entire life. This motivated me to work harder and become a perfectionist. What I have learned, “I can do all this through I think the most important way to inspire Christ who strengthens me� (Philippians 4:13). others is leading from behind and giving other people the opportunity to voice Each year, I travel to Haiti to train retina their opinions, concerns, and even take on surgeons. Port-au-Prince has a population leadership roles. This will help you to become with a great degree of blindness, secondary an effective delegator. to diabetes. Because there are no retina specialists in Port-au-Prince, we took the Ultimately, by building the confidence of opportunity to train ophthalmologists to
On vacation with son Jacobi, and daughter Madison
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perform retina surgery. When you go to an area where blindness is so prevalent secondary to lack of access to healthcare and resources, it leaves a void in your heart to work harder to try to change the world. Looking at the progress we have made over the past five years, has really motivated me to continue with our outreach medical ministry and to become a better person. Helping new physicians achieve their goals and watch them blossom is also a great inspiration. My biggest inspiration comes from my own children as they navigate through life and develop their own views. This challenges me to be a better parent and a better person. LESSONS LEARNED:
Tell us about a time when you failed to meet the expectations of a client or customer. Medicine is very humbling. I often tell my children who are interested in becoming physicians, that physicians do not determine who lives or dies. You can do everything medically possible and your patient still may have a bad outcome. Our job as physicians is to make ethical decisions and institute the best medical treatment for that person. This is very hard for me to accept. At the end of the day, God will make the final decision. He uses me to help restore sight. None of this is possible without Him.
concerns is paramount. Prayer and faith are also important. I normally say a prayer before each surgery. How do you balance your business and family time? I struggle daily with balancing my business and family time. Being involved in a very busy surgical retina practice that covers Northeast Ohio occupies a great deal of my time. As a surgeon with surgical emergencies, this often means missing dance recitals and sporting events. In addition to the rigorous daily structure, I am on the board of several pharmaceutical companies and serve as an advisor and a speaker for many of them, which often takes me away from home. I play an integral part in training young physicians, which often includes clinical research as well as help run several national and international organizations. I also hold leadership roles in local, state, and national and international societies requiring a great deal of my attention and time.
What has been the most valuable lesson learned about business ownership over the years? Surround yourself with great people. Support is important to the success of your business. I employ over 220 employees. I respect them all and consider them family. You have to be open to suggestions and be a visionary and be able to move your business in a different What did you learn? Ultimately, God has the final answer. Although direction when things change. Having a you may be disappointed with the result and strong HR department is critical. do not really understand why the outcome was not as you expected, I learned to live The Coneys know where they blessings come with these occasional failures. The best you from. “Everything we have God gave it to us,” shares Tammy. “He is our Sustainer, Provider can do is try to learn from your mistakes. and our salvation. The most important thing I learned how to separate sympathy for in our life is our relationship with our Lord and empathy. I also learned how to listen to my Savior Jesus Christ. It trumps all the travel… patients about how their medical conditions all of that,” she says emphatically. Active affect their lives. I learned how to be more members of Abundant Grace Fellowship, compassionate and try my best to be Tammy co-chairs the women’s ministry and inspirational in a time of despair. When one is working with the teen girls. “We are great does not achieve an expected outcome, ambassadors for God.” CL being accessible and addressing the patient’s 20 | CL MAGAZINE
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Pediatric Team Supports Children and Families Coping with Life-Threatening Illness In a perfect world, a child would never develop cancer or any other serious illness. However, sometimes in real life, the unthinkable happens. An estimated 500,000 children across the U.S. live with a lifethreatening disease. For families facing these circumstances, the support provided by Hospice of the Western Reserve’s Pediatric Team can improve the child’s comfort and quality of life. The team cannot give a family its “normal” back, but can help restore some balance to daily life.
Q: Can we keep my child’s doctor? A: Yes. Our team collaborates with your child’s primary doctor or specialist to develop a customized plan of care for your child to keep them as comfortable as possible.
Q: How does the program help my child? A: Care focuses on your whole child, and how their illness and treatments affect your entire family. You do not have to stop curative treatments such as chemo and radiation. Our care can be offered alongside these treatments to provide an extra layer of support. Our focus is on your whole child, and how their illness and treatments affect your entire family. We tend to your child’s comfort, ease their pain, control other troublesome symptoms and provide emotional and practical support.
Our Moments to Remember program enhances the child’s quality of life by fulfilling their special wishes. We also provide the family with caregiver education and training, including videos, booklets and customized guidance to fit your child’s unique plan of care.
Q: How does the team help the family? A: The care we provide includes parents or guardians, siblings and grandparents. The pediatric team helps families navigate the healthcare system, make decisions and access benefits. We can also help you make informed decisions about treatment Specialized care focuses on easing the child’s options and address psychological, spiritual, pain, fulfilling their desires and tending to emotional and practical needs. their comfort. Care is provided wherever the child lives, whether that’s at home, in a Your pediatric team understands the stress nursing center, at a hospital or at one of our that childhood illness creates for the whole family, especially any siblings, so we support inpatient care units (hospice houses). the entire family during the illness and Jennifer Palmer, RN, team leader, answered beyond. The children we serve are treated some of the most frequently asked questions with the same loving care we would have for children of our own. about the program.
Q: Who is on the pediatric team? A: The Pediatric Team includes several specially trained professionals: • The Pediatric Team Physicians consult the pediatric team and primary physician on issues
Laurie Henrichsen Public-Media Relations Manager, Hospice of the Western Reserve LHenrichsen@HospiceWR.org www.hospicewr.org
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such as pain and symptom management, ethical dilemmas and decision making.
• Trained Volunteers provide supportive visits, companionship and respite care so your family can take a much-needed break. • A Pediatric Bereavement Coordinator is available to support family members prior to and at least 13 months after a child’s death.
Pediatric Team Leader Jennifer Palmer, RN (left), accepts the Busch Caregiver Award, presented to professional caregivers for exemplary community service. The award was presented by Mark Busch, vice president of Busch Funeral and Crematory Services. Also pictured is Michelle Miller, Pediatric Social Worker, who nominated Ms. Palmer.
• The Nurse Practitioner supervises the team and provides consultation and clinical care. • The Pediatric Nurse visits your child and family, provides nursing instruction and care, oversees pharmaceutical and medical equipment and coordinates communication. • The Pediatric Social Worker promotes your child’s normal development, counsels family members on issues that affect the family unit and identifies community resources to assist with legal and financial needs. • The Nursing Assistant helps your child with personal care, such as bathing.
Q: Are services of the Pediatric Team covered by insurance? A: Most services are covered by private insurance or Medicare/Medicaid. Hospice of the Western Reserve also relies on donations and grants to help fund the program. Our team can meet with patients and families to discuss financial options such as payment plans if necessary. Q: How do I obtain pediatric hospice/ palliative care services for my child? A: A referral can be made by anyone, including a family member, friend or healthcare professional. To start the admission process, call 216.916.5520. A member of the team will return the call the same day. CL Hospice of the Western Reserve volunteers help in many ways and are limited only by their imagination. For more information, visit hospicewr.org/volunteer, or call 216.255.9090.
• The Spiritual Care Coordinator provides your child and family with support and guidance in discussing the meaning and value of life. • The Expressive Therapist uses art and music to assist your child and family.
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If We Didn’t Have the Video...
THE INCIDENTS ARE COUNTLESS.
THE BRUTALITY SEEMS ENDLESS. THE HISTORY IS DEEP. CONSIDER THIS RIVETING ACCOUNT OF A CLEVELANDER WHOSE 71-YEAR-OLD FATHER WAS BATTERED BY POLICE
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Montrie Rucker Adams, APR Chief Visibility Officer Visibility Marketing info@visibilitymarketing.com www.visibilitymarketing.com
Montrie Rucker Adams and her father, Titus Rucker
I often wonder where our nation would be if it were not for video cameras mounted inside stores, perched on the side of buildings, saddled on outside poles and clutched in bystanders’ hands. Every time I hear stories about police brutality against African Americans, it makes me sick. Literally. We pay our taxes for them to protect and serve. Yet, basement of Santa Clara, California’s Police many African Americans are shortchanged Department. He could have spent the rest of when it comes to police earning their pay. his life in prison. In 2006, our family had its experience with the If we didn’t have the video… police when over 20 of them beat my father. Titus Rucker, a Korean War veteran, former My father missed a civil court date which he nurse and business owner was 71-years old. did not make due to surgery. Two sheriff’s deputies went to my father’s house on a If we didn’t have the video… bench warrant. He was arrested and taken out of his home. They did not even give him a Luckily, our father was not killed, however chance to put on shoes. he continues to suffer emotional scars and trauma from that December day in the If we didn’t have the video…
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This image was taken from YouTube video of Mr. Rucker after officers in the Santa Clara (California) Police Department beat him, kicked him, and one officer tried to gouge out his eye. Watch the video.
THE 30-SOMETHING POLICE OFFICER SAID HE FELT THREATENED BY AN UNARMED 71-YEAR-OLD BLACK MAN WHILE IN A POLICE STATION.
The 30-something police officer said he felt If we didn’t have the video… threatened by an unarmed 71-year-old black The hardest part was the trial. Listening to man while in a police station. the lies. The 30-something Villagomez said As the machine scanned my father’s finger to he felt threatened. By a 71-year-old man? produce a print, Jose Villagomez pressed his Unarmed? Not under any influences? In a thumb on the back of his hand to the point police station? of pain. There was no need for pressure. This department had a new system that did not If we didn’t have the video… require an inkpad. When my father jerked his hand back in a natural pain reflex, he was My father continues to suffer emotional scars attacked by Villagomez. A gang of his fellow and trauma from that December day in the officers rushed in. Instead of breaking up the basement of the Santa Clara [CA] Police skirmish, they beat him, kicked him and one Department. officer tried to gouge out his eye. The courts “found” a young, black female prosecutor to spew venom about someone If we didn’t have the video… she did not know. She provided a PowerPoint His injuries included a concussion, fractured presentation to give the jurors a visual ribs, a broken facial bone and several cuts representation of her rants. “He did it for the and bruises. When the ambulance came to money!” She yelled. “He’s faking his injuries!” get him, he was put on the hard metal floor. She cried as she pointed to my father. “He No gurney. had motive!” 26 | CL MAGAZINE
Motive? What motive?! The officers came to My father’s case resulted in a hung jury that his home. He didn’t concoct a scheme for deadlocked, 6-6. [Here is an account of the money. Wow! trial.] Like the Rodney King case, it did not want to see the obvious. If we didn’t have the video… If we didn’t have the video… Many cities, police departments, businesses and now an increasing number of residences My father is a graduate of Central State are spending thousands of dollars on video University, which he attended after being surveillance systems to thwart crime. Some mustered out of the Korean Army. His father citizens are uncomfortable knowing their studied under George Washington Carver at every move may be tracked. As in the case Tuskegee Institute. of George Floyd and other African American men who succumbed to police brutality, He did not have a jury of his peers. No African videos have served as proof when the officer Americans in Santa Clara County were on the is the criminal. jury. CNN’s Harmeet Kaur wrote recently about why police officers often falsify reports. (Videos Often Contradict What Police Say in Reports. Here’s Why Some Officers Continue to Lie.) Her article draws upon research by Philip Stinson, a criminologist and professor of criminal justice at Bowling Green State University. Stinson, a former police officer who tracks police misconduct nationwide, says that lying officers are “fairly common.” They lie to avoid the consequences and to justify their actions. It continues to happen, writes Kaur, because officers are not held accountable, the investigative process tends to favor officers, discipline is minimal, and officers are often protected from repercussions.
Here is the video my father’s deadlocked jury saw. It was taken by the police. Many white Americans are fed lies through media images and stories — both calculated and casual — that imply African Americans, especially men, are vicious thugs with criminal intent. But for the video, I am certain we would be visiting my father in jail. It’s fairly common for police officers to falsify reports and statements to avoid the consequences and to justify their actions. It continues to happen because officers are not held accountable, the investigative process tends to favor officers, discipline is minimal, and officers are often protected from repercussions.
Even when there is video, too often it does not matter. In 1992, the officers who were caught on tape beating Rodney King the previous year, were acquitted. This was the first time most of the world viewed the proof of extreme police brutality against an unarmed African American man. Since then, videos of Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Philando Castile, Tamir Rice and others, gave the world a vision of a Black man’s fatal encounter with the police.
Since the lynching of George Floyd on Memorial Day, there have been countless days of civil unrest and worldwide protests stemming from police brutality and the systemic racism that plagues our nation. I think about our many brothers and sisters who lost their lives, and my heart breaks, my stomach turns, my eyes water, and my soul just won’t rest. It upsets me to think of the outcome for Derrick Chauvin, Thomas Lane, Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao…
If we didn’t have the video…
If we didn’t have the video…
CL
SPRING | SUMMER 2020 | 27
Cleveland Public Library Offers More Locations for Curbside Service The Library reopens in phases with limited service to the public
Cleveland Public Library is extending driveup service at six more neighborhood locations and walk-up service at all 27 branches. As of Monday, June 22, drive-up service is available at the following branches: CURBSIDE PICKUP
Eastman Branch Harvard-Lee Branch Jefferson Branch
Glenville Branch Hough Branch West Park Branch
HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday – Thursday Friday Saturday & Sunday
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. CLOSED
Cleveland Public Library is also making changes to the Summer Kids’ Meals program. Due to construction, we are closing the meals distribution site at East 131st Branch. Children 18 and under can receive Grab & Go meals at the Fleet Branch and three other branches.
These locations join the Library’s Main campus and five neighborhood branches EASTSIDE MEAL SITES that resumed limited service to the public on Fleet 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Monday, June 8. Visitors must first reserve Sterling 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. items online at cpl.org or by phone. WESTSIDE MEAL SITES
“Cleveland Public Library is reopening in phases to protect our staff and patrons. From new cleaning procedures to social distancing guidelines and personal protective equipment for employees, we are taking every precaution,” said Felton Thomas, Jr., Executive Director and CEO of Cleveland Public Library. “We will continue to evaluate operations and expand services to the public.”
Walz 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Fulton 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The Greater Cleveland Food Bank will distribute meals every Thursday now through August 7. Each child will receive enough food for five meals. Food Bank staff will also help adults apply for food assistance and other critical benefits. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Food Bank staff will wear masks While patrons still can’t enter Library and gloves when distributing meals. Visitors buildings, Cleveland Public Library will be are strongly encouraged to wear masks and offering walk-up service, reference services practice social distancing. For a complete list by phone, and reference services via ASK CPL, of Grab & Go meal sites, please call the Food the online chat feature of cpl.org. Patrons can Bank’s Help Center at (216) 738-7239 or text return borrowed materials to the book drops. “FOOD” to 877-877. Library hours have changed until further notice. More info: www.cpl.org 28 | CL MAGAZINE
LEARN MORE:
womenofcolorfoundation.com 216.391.4300, ext. 307 or 866.962.3411 (toll free)
MARYSVILLE, OHIO (BY INVITATION ONLY)
6th Annual Women of Color Foundation - Special Prison Outreach Program Thursday, March 26, 2020 • 11:30 am - 1:30pm Ohio Reformatory for Women (ORW) 1479 Collins Avenue, Marysville, Ohio 43040 AURORA, OHIO (New Event Date: Sunday-Tuesday, October 25-27, 2020)
4th Annual C-Suite Executive Women's Summit Sunday -Tuesday, April 5-7, 2020 • 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Walden Inn and Spa, 1119 Aurora-Hudson Road, Aurora, OH 44202 CLEVELAND, OHIO (New Event Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2020)
18th Annual Personal and Professional Development Retreat for Women of Color "Connections, Community and Career 2020" Thursday, May 14, 2020 • 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Cuyahoga Community College - Corporate College East 4400 Richmond Road, Warrensville Heights, Ohio 44128 CLEVELAND, OHIO
9th Annual "Speaking ofWomen: A Dialogue Series forWomen in Leadership" Thursday, June 18, 2020 • 11:30 am - 1:30 pm• Women's Leadership Symposium Dominion Energy Ohio, 1201 East 55th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44103 CLEVELAND, OHIO
5th Annual "Speaking ofWomen: A Dialogue Series forWomen in Leadership" Thursday, August 27, 2020 • 11:30 am - 1:30 pm • Women's Leadership Symposium Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District - Cuyahoga Heights Facility 4747 East 49th Street, Cuyahoga Heights, Ohio 44125 MARYSVILLE, OHIO (BY INVITATION ONLY)
5th Annual Women of Color Foundation - Special Prison Outreach Program Thursday, September 10, 2020 • 11:30am - 1:30pm Ohio Reformatory for Women (ORW), 1479 Collins Avenue, Marysville, Ohio 43040 CLEVELAND, OHIO
14th Annual Women of Color Leadership Development and Training Institute & Awards Luncheon Thursday, November 5, 2020 • 8:00 am - 2:00 pm (Location to be determined) WOMEN OF COLOR FOUNDATION, 4200 Warrensville Center Road, Medical Office Building A, Suite 353, Cleveland, OH 44122
Landmark Supreme Court Decision
Upholds Gay Rights Happy Pride! Each year June marks LGBTQ Pride month. Pride commemorates the Stonewall riots, which occurred in June 1969. Celebrations, parades and marches are held across the nation all month to promote visibility, affirmation and the fight for equality for LGBTQ individuals and families. Pride 2020 in the time of the Coronavirus pandemic and while the nation is being forced to face the consequences of historical, systematic anti-black racism has many LGBTQ folks whose identities intersect at being both Black and Queer reminiscing about the fact that Pride started as a riot. This year Pride planners have for the most part pivoted to offering virtual celebrations. However in the wake of the current racial unrest, daily protests and clashes with law enforcement officers, some folks have converted their marches to take to the streets to call out racism and to demand police reform. No Justice, No Peace, No Racist Police. It has been difficult to remember the celebratory vibe of Pride but then a glimmer of hope. On June 15th the SCOTUS delivered a surprise. An opinion written by conservative Trump appointee Justice Neil Gorsuch affirmed that the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits sex discrimination, applies to discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The 6-3 ruling protects gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender workers from workplace discrimination. The result, a federal law
that protects LGBTQ from job discrimination! This is particularly remarkable given the fact that since being in office, the Trump administration has made more than 20 actions to roll back rights and protections of LGBTQ people. There is no doubt that this SCOTUS decision is a win worth celebrating. However, according to the statewide LGBTQ advocacy organization Equality Ohio, protecting LGBTQ people is still necessary. Ohio still lacks nondiscrimination protections in housing and public accommodations in stores, hotels and at work. The Ohio Fairness Act sponsored by state Senator Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) would add an additional route to gain protections for LGBTQ Ohioans who experience discrimination in the workplace. We would be able to file complaints through the Ohio Civil Rights Commission instead of carrying the burdensome challenges associated with obtaining lawyers to file a federal lawsuit. This option would better ensure that the rights and respect of LGBTQ Ohioans are supported and upheld. Learn more about the Ohio Fairness Act (S.B. 11/H.B. 369) and how you can lend support by visiting Equality Ohio’s website. CL
Phyllis Harris Executive Director, LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland https://lgbtcleveland.org/about-us/
30 | CL MAGAZINE
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