Come on down to Strikesville! Formerly known as Strongsville, this suburban city quietly nestled just 20 miles outside of Cleveland, Ohio until it was devastated by a teachers’ union strike in the Spring of 2013. The board of education could not be reasoned with, and the teachers were forced to leave behind their precious pupils in hopes of quickly returning with justice, even if that meant taking a pay raise. After eight weeks of dwindling attendance at rallies, candle vigils, and picket lines, a contract was finally accepted by both sides and the quality substitute teachers who had been preparing students for AP exams and college for the past two months were forced to return to work at McDonalds.
Now, almost three months later, you still have the chance to see for yourself the cloud of resentment that hangs over this town. You can have your picture taken in front of the infamous Board of Education building or standing on Crazee board president Frazee’s lawn, where tens of angry teachers viciously fought for their students. Sure to provoke some interesting conversations with the locals, fashioning signs with slogans such as “Do you need a band aid for that scab?” or “Strongsville teachers are classless in more than one way” is a low budget option for the more daring souls. There are also plenty of options that are guaranteed to interest the whole family, including taking a self guided tour of Strongsville High School during which you can see the very spot where six students made the news “wall twerking”.
The fun doesn’t stop there though. After an eventful day of strike related sightseeing, you can stop by Don’s Pomery House for a delicious, historical meal. Located in the city center, this quaint restaurant was once a station on the Underground Railroad. Now, you have the option of being served in the beautifully preserved dining room or outside on the luscious patio.
Strikesville is the perfect place for you to vacation this summer! With lots of rich history, great food, and jolly folks, you’ll find yourself wondering why you don’t live here permanently! If you are still unsure about what an amazing vacation this would be for you, check out this insightful parody written by senior Alex Immarino (warning: some vulgar language): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_5K6tpnFbw
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