Karin Connelly Rice
Stories by: Karin Connelly Rice
Karin Connelly Rice enjoys telling people's stories, whether it's a promising startup or a life's passion. Over the past 30 years she has reported on local community members and businesses for publications such as Inside Business, Cleveland Magazine, the Rocky River/Lakewood edition of In the Neighborhood, and the Amherst News-Times. At Fresh Water Rice focuses on Clevelanders who are shaping and embracing Cleveland—especially those making positive changes in the city's underserved neighborhoods.
Andrew Wyeth may be best known for his tempera paintings, but watercolor was a constant throughout his career. “Spectacular Freedom: Andrew Wyeth and the Modern American Watercolor” at the Cleveland Museum of Art explores Wyeth's lifelong relationship with watercolor through nearly 75 works, including pieces rarely or never seen by the public.
Since 1976, Towards Employment has helped Clevelanders overcome barriers, build skills, and pursue careers. As the organization celebrates its golden anniversary, it’s looking back at the people and partnerships that shaped its legacy—and looking ahead to the next 50 years of opportunity.
A 1970s disco prom at Cuyahoga County Public Library’s South Euclid-Lyndhurst Branch shows how the Memory Cafe uses music, movement, and social connection to engage older adults—including those experiencing memory loss. The monthly program, a partnership between CCPL and the Cleveland Clinic, offers activities for participants, caregivers, and anyone looking to stay active and connected.
The new 2.7-mile Mandel Community Trail gives Cleveland cyclists and pedestrians an off-road connection between downtown and the city’s east side lakefront. The trail fills a decade-old gap in the regional bike network, linking neighborhoods like St. Clair-Superior and Glenville to lakefront parks, marinas, cultural destinations, and trails extending toward University Circle and the Heights.
When Jon Kozesky and Amber Toth say “I do” at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo this Saturday, they’ll also be celebrating the nonprofit they work together to support. Instead of a traditional wedding registry, the Fairview Park couple is asking friends, family, and the community to support The Littlest Heroes Pediatric Cancer Foundation, with a goal of raising more than $100,000 for Northeast Ohio families battling childhood cancer.
EDWINS owner Brandon Chrostowski will make his fifth humanitarian mission to Ukraine Oct. 5, joining an ambulance convoy before continuing his hands-on work. His Sept. 30 fundraiser at EDWINS has already raised $18,000 toward a $25,000 goal.
Afro hair is beautiful, diverse, and, according to Cleveland Heights cosmetologist Ladosha Wright, often misunderstood. World Afro Day Cleveland returns Saturday, Sept. 19 with hands-on hair-care demonstrations, practical tips, giveaways, music, dancing, and a Biggest Afro Contest, all built around one message: “Your Hair Is KNOT the Problem.”
It survived a century, a devastating Akron church fire and a painstaking restoration. Now, a 109-year-old Tiffany stained-glass window is the centerpiece of “Higher Ground,” a new Peg’s Gallery exhibit in Hudson that explores resilience, recovery, transformation, and new beginnings.
Strongsville native Wilbert L. Cooper’s book, “The Black Shield,” combines memoir, history and journalism to explore three generations of Black police officers in his family and the history of race, policing. and power in Cleveland. Cooper will discuss the book at Cuyahoga County Public Library’s South Euclid-Lyndhurst Branch on Sept. 17 and at Visible Voice Books on Sept. 18.
Dress designer Kori Brightharp turned a passion for sewing into a growing dress design business with help from the Cuyahoga County Public Library’s Warrensville Heights Innovation Center. From mentors and fellow creators to access to equipment and customers, the Innovation Center has helped Brightharp build her skills, expand her business, and inspire the next generation of young designers.
Cleveland Oktoberfest returns to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds Friday for six days over two weekends. The popular event offers German traditions, beer, food, live music, and plenty of new attractions.
The Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s annual Exploration fundraiser invites guests to rediscover the magic of camp while supporting the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center. The Sept. 26 event features outdoor experiences, a family-style dinner by Chef Vinnie Cimino and opportunities to support immersive nature-based education for thousands of Northeast Ohio students.
The Heights Music Hop returns the weekend of Aug. 28 through 30 with its biggest lineup yet: 90 bands performing at 46 venues across four Cleveland Heights districts: Cedar Fairmount, Noble, Cedar Lee, and Coventry. From rock-and roll and funk to line dancing and Nepalese music to silent films with live piano accompaniment and late-night performances, the free three-day festival offers a little something for everyone.
Rock the Block will get South Euclid Food Truck Park pumping when it returns for its 12th year on Aug. 21 and 22 with 17 bands on three stages, food trucks, family-friendly activities, and local vendors. The free festival brings the community together while showcasing the businesses and community of Downtown South Euclid.
Every transplant tells two stories—one of hope and one of extraordinary generosity. As Lifebanc prepares for its annual Gift of Life Walk & Run on Aug. 23, transplant recipients Griff Hill and LaShawn Taylor, living donor Freeman Mahone, and CEO Katie Payne share why organ donation saves lives, strengthens communities, and should be part of every family's conversation.
Cleveland Heights artist and entrepreneur Michael Manne encourages people to wear their values with Humannetees, a new online apparel brand featuring designs centered on humanity, unity, and hope. Manne hopes every shirt, tote, mug, and sticker becomes more than merchandise—it becomes the start of a meaningful conversation.
One World Day returns to the Cleveland Cultural Gardens on Sunday, Aug. 30, celebrating its 80th anniversary with cultural performances, international food, a naturalization ceremony, and special America 250 programming that highlights the immigrant stories that shape the nation.
FreshWater owner and managing editor Karin Connelly Rice reflects on the mission that first brought her to the publication 15 years ago, why she remains committed to the publication, and how community support helps sustain independent local journalism and FreshWater Cleveland.
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Ten years after its dramatic redesign, Cleveland's Public Square has emerged to be the vibrant gathering place planners envisioned. As Downtown Cleveland, Inc. celebrates the anniversary, leaders are looking ahead with expanded programming, continued improvements, and a long-term vision of keeping the city's "living room" active year-round.
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For 25 years, Inlet Dance Theatre has embraced a mission of "using dance to further people." Inlet founder Bill Wade reflects on the philosophy that shaped the company, its nationally touring productions, and its commitment to community-centered artistry as they prepare for a Cain Park celebration.