By Norm Weber

CLEVELAND – Living Miracles member Sue Kane was able to get help from her sister, an executive at Forest City Enterprises, to make it possible for 18 TLM members to attend the Cleveland Indians game Monday and sit in a loge with all expenses provided.

All Miracles enjoyed their time at the game with the luxurious box and the excellent food that was served.

The fun time had by all was capped off by a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 10th inning by Yan Gomes to give the Indians a 10-8 victory against the Seattle Mariners, allowing Cleveland to sweep the four-game series.

It was Gomes’ second home run of the day and the third by the Indians.

“In this dry heat the ball is going to carry more and a fan will see a lot of hard-hit balls,” observed Miracle Doug Hallman. “If it were more humid, there would be more pop ups and balls that just would not make it out of the infield, let alone the park.”

The Miracles were witness to an inning when offensively the Indians hit back-to-back home runs and another inning when defensively, the Indians threw out two base runners on the base paths.

By Norm Weber

WEST PARK – Nine Living Miracles group members and staff members attended the annual ADAMHS (Alcohol-Drug Addiction Mental Health Services) brunch at the Airport Marriot Monday in honor of National Mental Health Month.

One key concept that came out of the morning’s presentation was the elimination of pejorative terms when alluding to all forms of mental health by rewording it as “mental wellness” as opposed to “mental illness.”

People at help centers such as The Living Miracles have come a long way and would like to think that the efforts they have made in tackling a condition they didn’t ask to have in the first place as a wellness program rather than as an illness.

In fact, The Living Miracles offers a course from time to time on Wellness Management.

One statistic discussed by Esq. Harvey A. Snider, the chairman of the board, is that peer counties in Ohio, Hamilton and Franklin, spend almost double per patient for mental health services than Cuyahoga County for those working poor who are not covered by Medicaid.

Current Governor John Kasich has been very generous and compliant in allowing for more funding statewide, but here in Cuyahoga County more help is needed due to the depression as a result of a weak economy and a host of other factors.

This really hits home for Living Miracles, which is now located in Lakewood. According to the ADAMHS Board Annual Report, Lakewood has more adult consumers of mental health and alcohol/drug addiction services than any of the other 60-plus municipalities in Cuyahoga County except Cleveland.

It also must be noted that because TLM borders Cleveland and once was located in Cleveland, that several of its consumers/members also come from Cleveland.

“Our national mental health system has been ravaged by drastic funding reductions,” Snider said. “These unfortunate circumstances have changed the public’s view on mental illness. More needs to be done for people living with mental illness and addiction.”

Esq. Snider noted that Cuyahoga Councilman Dan Brady has worked to get a levy on the ballot that would aid those with mental illnesses and addictions.

“When one listens to political talk shows, one can hear a national movement toward giving more supportive services for mental health and addiction programs,” Esq. Snider said. “It is not easy to ask the voters of Cuyahoga County to pass another levy, but we could have the courage to change the past and make history that would ensure the stability of our system and the people we serve.”

Mr. Bill Denihan, the chief executive officer of the ADAMHS Board, in his speech alluded to the closing of Bridgeway over the past year. As many Miracles (especially the long-term ones) know, Bridgeway on Detroit is where The Living Miracles began as an organization.

“Through the closing, it became our concern to provide continued services to the many who were receiving them through Bridgeway,” Mr. Denihan said. “I’d like to applaud all those who supported and worked on this transition.”

Special awards were given to Judge David Matia, Judge Nancy Russo, Judge Joan Syneberg, Marc Stefanski, Linda Holcker, Chris Morgan Sr., Chris Morgan Jr., Karell McDaniel, Esther Pla, Monica Robins, Pam Bradford and Jenn Blumhagen.

By Norm Weber

LAKEWOOD – The Living Miracles held its Open House ceremonies on Thursday May 9, 2013 to display its new location it opened on Nov. 1, 2012 and because May 9 is the anniversary of the writing of the organization’s mission statement.

This event could have occurred shortly after the move from the 117th location, but the purpose for holding out was to have a nice spring day to hold it. Over 100 people were invited and dozens actually attended the event that included a gaggle of hors d’oeuvres and a large presentation for the guests.

It was May 9, 2009 that Living Miracles first got together to form their mission statement. Some of the people in attendance were there that night.

“That was the first step that we took to forming our own non-profit organization,” said Jennifer Kruse, executive director of TLM. “What a nice thing to have our open house four years from the day we started our independence.”

At the time the independence began, TLM had 80 members with a staff of five. Today there are 275 members with a staff of 11.

“The Living Miracles is made up of an excellent staff and a wonderful board of directors, members and volunteers,” said Mrs. Kruse. “We have everyone working together for the cause of helping one another. The strength of our team is the unique contribution of each individual member.”

The team work is acknowledged by the staff.

“We have a good team and big-hearted executive director,” said Betty Gradiski, a peer support specialist who had both of her sisters in attendance. “I love our director and I love all my co-workers. We have a fantastic team.”

It was fewer than six months that Peer Support Specialist Kurt Johnson was still in the hospital, but he made a rapid recovery and quick transition to the outer world and shortly after his release found himself in the role of a staff member.

“When I was at the hospital, I found out about Living Miracles,” Johnson explained. “When I came here, I did not go back to the world I was in, which was a pretty bad place. I wanted to get to a place where I could talk and be around people who could understand me and not judge me and allow me to recover. I was fortunate that Jennifer offered me a position as a peer support specialist.

“I come here every day to aid in my recovery, to help my friends who are also recovering. We do a lot of fun things here and I love everyone here and I mean that from the bottom of my heart.”

Johnson took a group of Miracles fishing with him last week.

“Before I became a member and joined the staff, I had heard about Living Miracles from several people,” said Marc Mannheimer, the program coordinator. “During my first meeting here, a dual recovery meeting, I felt very calm because people understood everything that was going on with me. Since being on staff, I’ve loved seeing the members grow.”

Bob Purdy serves several roles at Living Miracles – peer support specialist, state hospital mentor, driver ed instructor and van driver.

“I’ve been going to Living Miracles as a member since 2010 and all I could say is that I like everything about it,” Purdy said.

Janet Simonovich is the staff graphic designer.

“I try to do everything that is asked of me,” Simonovich said. “I came to Living Miracles because there was a void in my life. I come from a family that valued education and Living Miracles values education. I will probably be here in some capacity the rest of my life.”

Simonovich showered praises upon Mrs. Kruse, which elicited a standing ovation from the crowd.

“I started at Living Miracles as a volunteer in 2008,” said Marissa Norden, the president of the board of directors and a licensed social worker. “As far as an organization goes, Living Miracles is one of the best.”

Board member Owen Charles had a wad of notes prepared in which he discussed the membership and the extraordinary amount of diversity found in the group.

Charles stated that the variety includes members that belong to the five major religions in the world (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism), members who don’t belong to any religion, one member who has two masters degrees, members who are parents, members who are aunts and uncles, members who come from other cities and states other than Ohio,, one member born in Panama, one member born in Jerusalem, a member who is a published poet and who won a prestigious award, a member who was once a monk, and a member who was once a Hollywood stage actor.

“We are also from every age group, from those in their 20s all the way up to those who are in their 70s,” Charles pointed out. “Living Miracles is the spice of life just like variety is the spice of life.”

Lee Ann Gramuglia is a board member but also a highly active member in the groups and volunteer contributor in a lot of areas of the operation.

“I would like to thank the other board members for all the knowledge they bring here that helps people with their mental issues,” Gramuglia said. “Everybody here really makes a difference.”

Three group members gave testimonials.

“I have been here for five years,” said Don MacKay, a Living Miracles member. “On May, 18, it will be my third year anniversary of not being in the hospital. I was in the hospital every other month for a number of years prior to that. ”

The program ended with MacKay and Charles reading from the Living Miracles published book of poetry Echoes of Hope. MacKay read his poem titled “Keep Pressing On,” Charles reading his poem titled “Life is a Mystery” and member Denise Phares singing Bill Withers’ “Lean on Me” with Mannheimer providing the guitar music.

Photos and Story By Lee Ann Gramuglia

On Sunday, May 6, 2013, Living Miracles ventured to Wallace Lake located in Berea, Ohio. Kurt and Marc were the staff present.

Also with rod and reel were Carol, Sue, Lee Ann, Charles and Marlan.

Kurt’s expertise in this sport was amazing. His enthusiasm , patience and interest towards us was terrific. Kurt gave us pointers and assisted us with proper techniques.

We all felt like a “fisherman.”

One could feel the excitement around him/her.

As we held our rods, we kept an eye on the bobber to descend with hopes to catch a fish. There were a couple close calls from Sue and Marlan.

However, to our dismay, none of us had any luck. It was still a productive day.

In summary, there ended up being a “catch” of the day after all: we all caught a day of relaxation, solitude, friendship and fun.
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Living Miracles had its annual Super Bowl Party on Feb. 3 and no one was let down as a good time was had by all.

About 25 people gathered to watch the game, play table tennis, and eat.

There was plenty of good food to eat, starting with appetizers that included shrimp and wonderful chip dip.

Then at halftime came the pizza, which was chased down by some of Jennifer’s superb brownies.

By Norm Weber

Living Miracles had its annual Christmas party on Dec. 21 at its new facility on Clifton.

More than 35 members, staff and guests attended and a good time was had by all.

There was plenty of food and lots of games to keep the attendees entertained and occupied.

Appetizers were followed by a main course of food, which was followed by dessert. No one should have gone home hungry.

There was a gift exchange and a number of card exchanges as well.

The laughter was plentiful and there was a plethora of glee and good conversation.

By Norm Weber

On Nov. 1, 2012, Living Miracles moved to its new location at 11801 Clifton Boulevard, in Lakewood, just three blocks north and one block west of its old location.

Members were excited about the new move because it meant more space and newer surroundings and put the group in a more tucked-away location, removed from the busy intersection that could be at times troublesome at the old location.

“It’s come to be a beautiful place after the guys tore down some walls and put up some new walls,” said Marckie Mannheimer, a senior staff member. “We’re going to be able to have a craft room. It’s an awesome move and great thing for us.”

The biggest change is the size. Living Miracles now has an entire floor of its own with more than double the size in square footage and more than triple the size in rooms. Living Miracles has a five-year lease on the new place.

“The new place is very spacious with twice the capacity of the old building,” said Living Miracles Member Don McKay. “It will accommodate many, many people. Our membership has grown astronomically. Our five-year lease is well deserved. Our landlord is appreciative of us.”

The membership has nearly doubled in the past year as more and more people are in need of such mental health services as peer support, social skills building, and awareness education.

There is now a multipurpose room that could be used for special meetings outside of the general support group meetings that gather in the main meeting room. In the main room, the discussion table is now almost twice the size as the previous one, making it possible for more people to be seated at the table instead of behind the chairs at the table as was the case at times on W. 117th..

“The tables are put in such a nice way that there is plenty of sunlight that comes into the room,” McKay said. “It makes it better in the winter months. It is also more of a professional kind of thing.”

There is now much more wall space for posting announcements and sign-up sheets.

“For about the last nine months we’ve been telling one another that we were getting small at the other place,” Mannheimer said. “There are never too many people. We were overflowing our capacity for more people. This is a very clean place with a nice décor.”

While the new location is not as close to the W. 117th street rapid station as the old one, it is still accessible by a host of mass transit options including the 78 bus, the Clifton 55 bus, the 46 bus and the 75 North Olmsted bus. Also the Detroit 26 bus is not too far off the building.

“This means a step up for us,” said LM Member Lee Ann Gramuglia. “It is such a vibrant place. It is going to add to add to all our recovery. I like that we are secluded from the world and that we have our own niche here. It is a comfortable place. It might be an adjustment in terms of transportation, but there are a few more avenues and the rapid is still within a mile.”

The offices are atop a Huntington Bank Building. Some of the spots in the parking lot are designated for Living Miracles, plus there is also parking on Hird, Clifton and other surrounding streets, giving more parking space than was previously the case at the old location.

Much of the furniture and wall fixings are brand new at the new place.

There will also be air hockey and ping pong for game nights, such as some Fridays and Saturdays.

(For photos of the new place, please look below this blog entry.)

The Living Miracles had another miniature golf and batting cages day on Wednesday, August 15, 2012, at the All American Sports Center in North Ridgeville, Ohio.

Ten of the 11 Miracles who made the trip elected to play miniature golf, which is also commonly known as putt-putt.

They all played 18 holes on the par-39 course.

Having the best day on the links was Richard, who bagged an 8-over-par score of 47. The rest of those who were competing had scores that stacked up this way: Marckie 55, Bob 56, Matt 59, Tim 64, Norm 65 and Earline 70.

Randy, Sandy and Mary played as a threesome but elected not to compete and subsequently did not keep score. They still had fun.

Richard’s best hole came on the par-three seventh hole, where he nailed an eagle with a hole in one, sending the ball through a chute blindly that went straight down into the hole.

Matt had a 29 on the front nine and 30 on the back nine, Bob 24 on the front nine and 32 on the back nine, Norm 31 on the font nine and 34 on the back nine and Earline 36 on the front nine and 34 on the back nine.

Three holes were a par three and the rest were par twos.

Sandy had one of the wildest shots when she took a shot on the 12th hole and the ball bounced over the rocks onto the 13th hole for a hole in one, a hole too soon, which obviously did not count.

Dennis wound up taking batting practice in the cages.

After the athletics activities the Miracles had burgers, dogs and ice cream in the snack bar in the AASC complex.

Long-time Living Miracles member Richard Folbert was duly honored at the Third Annual Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Meeting Brunch and Awards Presentation.

Folbert received one of the two Consumer/Client Involvement Awards that were handed out on Tuesday, which honored his services to the mental health community. Folbert, also an ADAMHS Board member, is on the local speaking circuit, guest lecturing at local colleges and universities on his personal experiences with mental illness and gambling addiction.

A former Living Miracles employee, Folbert is also a published author.

To hear the introduction given to Folbert by ADAMHS Board Chair the Rev. Charlotte Still Noble, click on the audio link below.

A key point made at the brunch by ADAMHS CEO Bill Denihan is that the organization will now begin focusing on gambling addictions locally in addition to substance abuse and natural mental illnesses.

Also some bright information was announced from Columbus that instead of the state cutting $6 million from the budget for mental health services, it would only cut $3 million for 2012. A lot of this funding goes to the uninsured through the SCALES program.

Living Miracles members in attendance and showing support for comrade Folbert were Janet, Randy, Sandy, Michelle, Norm, Marc, Nathan, Betty, Stephanie, Cynthia and Jeff.

Richard Folbert introduced by Rev. Noble

Eight of nine bowlers improved their scores from the first to second round of games and seven of nine hit the 100 mark in the second round as Living Miracles had one of its last days of the season for bowling at Mahall’s 20 Lanes Saturday.

Living Miracles will be heading outdoors for volleyball, kickball, softball and other outdoor fitness activities for the summer months and cut back to maybe one bowling day per month instead of every other week as during the last nine months.

For the third outing in a row, Richard led all bowlers with a 165 the first game and 178 the second game. To listen to Richard’s post-game interview, click on the audio link below.

Richard was joined in the 100 club in the first round of games by Norm 119, Betty 105 and Michelle 101. Other scorers in the first round were as follows: Sandy 91, Don 90, Anna 89, Bob 82, and Mike 69.

Mike, a southpaw, was joining the Miracles on a bowling outing for the first time, as was Michelle, who said her 101 was her best game since she can remember.

Everyone used that first round of games to heat up as the scores really started flying high during the second round.

Richard was followed in second place again by Norm with a 125, followed by Don 120, Betty 117, Sandy 107, Bob 103, Anna 102, Michelle 90 and Mike 81.

In the second round, Richard had a mark on the last seven frames and nine of 10 frames total. He had four strikes, including one in the 10th frame after rolling a spare.

Richard had eight strikes and 10 spares on the day. Norm had four marks on in the first game and five the second and had a total of three strikes.

Betty had three marks the first games and five the second. Don had six marks and Sandy five on the day.

Betty, Michelle, Sandy, Anna and Bob were on the two far lanes and during the first round bowled in that order and also scored in the same descending order with Betty’s 105, Michelle’s 101, Sandy’s 91, Anna’s 89 and Bob’s 82.

Audio of Post-game interview with Richard