Cleveland, OH
Refugees get to experience snowboarding and skiing in Ohio
CLEVELAND — If you’re from northeast Ohio, you’re probably used to the winter weather and snow. But some refugees who moved here from other parts of the world experienced it for the first time, and learned to enjoy it, thanks to a partnership with Alpine Valley Resort.
Mayada Zakaria is from Sudan and came to Cleveland almost 10 years ago to escape political unrest in her country.
“Technically, our dad brought us here. He’s been in America for like 13 years and thought this was a life he wanted for his family, so he brought us here,” she said.
Zakaria said she never experienced snow in her birth country, but she’s learning to enjoy it here, hitting the slopes for only the second time in her life.
“These are just my clothes that I changed right now. So we got gloves,” she said.
Corner 65, part of Resource Cleveland, helped bring around 20 kids to Alpine Valley Resort and taught them to snowboard. Becky Trout Ashenfelter, director at Resource Cleveland, said this was essential for their wellbeing.
“Keeping kids active and engaged after school makes a big difference for their mental health and also teaches them different valuable skills they can take on later in life,” she said.
Ashenfelter said experiences like this help kids who’ve never seen snow before acclimate to their new homes.
“That’s the whole point of our program is to welcome people into Cleveland, build community and build up their confidence. To me, that is what community is all about and I’m happy to be a small part of it,” she said.
Zakaria said she’s not just learning to snowboard, she’s learning life lessons
“It teaches you patience, confidence, and to be brave in what you do. If you make a mistake, you’ll crash into the woods or worse,” she said.
Rachelle M. Hale, age 45, passed away on July 3, 2026. She was born on August 1, 1980, in Cleveland, Ohio, to her loving parents, Richard and Cheryl Hobbs.
Beloved wife of John Kevin Hale, Jr. Devoted mother of John Kevin Hale, III, Jacob Hale, Zackary Hale, and Hannah Hale. Cherished grandmother of John Hale, IV, Alivia Hale, Zayden Hale, Avianna Atwood, Aunika Hale, Jonnalynn Hale, Layla Hale, Ja’Von Atwood, Jr., and Jacob Hale, Jr. Dear sister of Kelly Hobbs, Rickie Hobbs, Donald Hobbs, and Shane Hobbs. Treasured aunt to a host of nieces and nephews.
Rachelle found her greatest joy in spending time with her family, especially her beloved grandchildren, who brought endless happiness to her life. She will be remembered for the love she shared, the memories she created, and the unwavering devotion she had for those she held dear. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Slone & Co. Life Celebration Center 3556 W. 130th St. Cleveland, OH 44111. A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 11:30 a.m., at West Park Cemetery 3942 Ridge Rd, Cleveland, OH 44144 (Please meet at cemetery gates by 11:15 a.m.).
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A man was found dead in the street early Monday, and three others were hospitalized after a shooting on Cleveland’s East Side early Monday morning.
According to a release from Cleveland Police, at around 3:18 a.m., officers in the Fourth District responded to a ShotSpotter alert in the area of East 102nd Street and Sophia Avenue.
While en route to the initial location, two 17-year-old girls approached the officers and told them they had been shot while driving in the area of East 116th Street and Buckeye Road.
When officers arrived at East 102nd Street and Sophia Avenue, they found two more victims with gunshot wounds, a 21-year-old man and a 30-year-old man.
The 30-year-old man, identified as Sharon Darius Walker, was pronounced dead in the roadway on the scene.
The three other victims were taken to the hospital and are stable.
Police said the investigation is still ongoing.
This is a developing story. Return to 19 News for updates.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
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