SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio — One South Euclid, the city’s nonprofit community development corporation, wants all residents to know that when it comes to sharing ideas on ways to better the city and make it a more welcoming and thriving place, it’s the more the merrier.
And, to get the ball rolling towards its goal of bringing everyone together, OSE’s Community Engagement Committee held on Wednesday (Oct. 23) the first of what it plans to make a quarterly event — listening sessions at which residents will be asked how to do just that.
The initial meeting attracted 10 residents to city hall as the Committee began its drive to learn from residents what they like about South Euclid, and what can make it better.
The Committee aims to deepen connections and build a stronger, more vibrant city and is actively seeking more residents from whom it can learn and help shape initiatives that foster collaboration, neighborhood pride and community-building.
“Community engagement is the heart of everything we do,” said Committee Co-Chair Amy Crawford. “We believe that South Euclid’s strength comes from the diverse ideas and efforts of its residents.
“By expanding our committee, we’re inviting more voices to the table, and we can’t wait to hear from people who are passionate about making this city a better place to live.”
The first meeting focused on identifying local groups that are already making an impact, discussing ways to support neighborhoods and residents, and gathering ideas for building a more engaged and connected community.
Over the course of about 90 minutes, residents broke into small discussion groups, developing answers to questions that included: “What do you love about living in South Euclid?”; “What types of programs or activities would you like to see here?”; “What do you think would encourage people to engage more with their neighbors or the city?”; and “What groups are already doing good things in South Euclid?”
Jess Fitzgerald, an eight-year South Euclid resident and also a Committee co-chair, emphasized the importance of resident-driven ideas.
“We want to hear what matters most to the people of South Euclid,” she said. “This committee is about more than just planning events — it’s about creating a community where every resident feels connected, supported, and empowered to make a difference. Everyone has something valuable to contribute.”
When asked what inspired her to join One South Euclid, Fitzgerald said, “I don’t think people talk to each other enough, they don’t get to know their neighbors.”
She took her first step into city involvement by volunteering at South Euclid’s community gardens.
The belief in getting involved to help one’s community is shared by Crawford, who moved to the city from the Columbus area just over two years ago, and decided to try and make a difference by becoming a One South Euclid member last year.
Both Fitzgerald and Crawford serve on the OSE’s 20-member board of directors, which is now seeking to add one more member.
Sharing his thoughts on the need for more neighborly interaction was resident Edwin Hubbard, who attended the meeting with his two young sons.
“I grew up in Bedford Heights,” he said. ”I knew everyone in my community. That’s not just a South Euclid thing, that’s a lot of other communities
He went on to say, “Generations have changed, we just don’t engage our neighbors like we used to. I can remember when I could tell you everyone on the street. I can’t do that now, and mainly it’s because I only see (neighbors) when I’m taking the trash cans (out) on that day of the week. And I think that’s sad.
Hubbard said he would like his children to have the same experience he did when growing up. He said that while growing up, he would cut neighbors’ grass, take out their trash, and enjoy cookouts with them.
He said he likes South Euclid’s diversity, local businesses, and the fact that it has a lot of young people. A coach of youth sports, Hubbard said he would like to see the community come together over events such as youth baseball and softball games.
Longtime resident Madelyn Pollack told those at meeting, “It would help, just to start out, if someone new moves onto your street, go and introduce yourself. I do it all the time if somebody new is on the street. I introduce myself and (ask) if they have any questions about South Euclid.”
Pollack is a member of the city’s Recycling Committee, which holds two annual recycling events per year, in August and September or October.
She said that if any resident would like to become active in their community, a good place to start may be with the Recycling Committee.
“We’re (current members) getting older and we could use some younger people,” Pollack said.
Those who would like to join, she said, are encouraged to attend a Recycling Committee meeting, which are held at 7:15 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the South Euclid Community Center, 1370 Victory Drive.
The next Community Engagement Committee listening session will likely be held in February. The exact date will be posted in the future on the One South Euclid website.
Fitzgerald encourages residents to attend, stating that the events will be “fun and welcoming” to all.
Crawford, meanwhile, said the Committee is planning for late January, a “New Year, New Residents” party.
“We’re having a party for anyone who is new (to South Euclid), or still feels new,” Crawford said. Again, details will be posted on the OSE website when plans are finalized.
Residents who were unable to attend the session can give their thoughts via [email protected]. All input will be incorporated into the committee’s planning and action notes from the evening.
“Our goal is to create a city where every resident feels proud to call South Euclid home,” said OSE Executive Director Annette Iwamoto. “The Community Engagement Committee is an important step in achieving this vision, and we’re excited to partner with the people who make this city so special.”
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