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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 20 years she has reported on the local business community for publications such as Inside Business and Cleveland Magazine. She was editor of the Rocky River/Lakewood edition of In the Neighborhood and was a reporter and photographer for the Amherst News-Times. At Fresh Water she enjoys telling the stories of Clevelanders who are shaping and embracing the business and research climate in Cleveland.
South Euclid Food Truck Park is ready to serve up live music and summer fun with major upgrades
The South Euclid Food Truck Park kicks off its fourth season on June 5 with live music, food trucks, and a full summer calendar of concerts, food trucks and events. After infrastructure improvements, city officials say the park has evolved into a true gathering place in the downtown district.
Dig into reading: Cuyahoga County Public Library Summer Reading Challenge adds prehistoric fun
Cuyahoga County Public Library invites readers of all ages and abilities to dig into books this summer with its 2026 Summer Reading Challenge. "Unearth a Story" features a prehistoric-theme, a focus on dinosaurs and archaeology, and urges participants to build daily reading habits—offering activities and rewards that spark curiosity and prevent summer learning loss.
Creativity in motion: Cleveland Museum of Art Parade the Circle gains momentum in new creative home
The Cleveland Museum of Art’s Parade the Circle returns June 13 with a "Momentum" theme inspired by CMA’s “American Printed Silks” exhibit. Parade prep is in its new creative home at the CMA Community Arts Center. Lead artist Hector Castellanos Lara says participants are ready with elaborate costumes and decorations!
South Euclid looks ahead after auction of historic Notre Dame College campus
South Euclid city officials are optimistic about the future of the former Notre Dame College campus after Akron Children’s Hospital was the successful bidder in an auction last week. Officials say they hope the property will continue its legacy of community use as a regional healthcare center while also creating new opportunities for residents.
Whale song: NEO native takes love for orcas to the Salish Sea, vies for top Whale watching company
Shaker Heights native Jeff Friedman's lifelong love of orcas led him to build a new life in Washington's Friday Harbor—leading whale watching tours on the Salish Sea. Friedman's Maya's Legacy is now up for best whale watching company in USA Today's readers' poll. Learn how to vote here!
Culture, unity, and community: Cleveland Asian Festival returns bigger than ever
The Cleveland Asian Festival returns May 16 and 17 with its largest celebration to date, featuring a record number of vendors, expanded culinary offerings, and a full slate of cultural programming. From K-pop performances and traditional dance to community initiatives, this year's festival highlights the diversity and growing impact of AsiaTown.
Beyond the walls: Cleveland Museum of Natural History connects learners of all ages to the world
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History extends its reach far beyond its walls with its virtual programs, summer camps, and lifelong learning opportunities for all ages. From local classrooms to remote communities, CMNH connects audiences to science, nature, and discovery.
New life on old land: South Euclid’s housing revival builds momentum
South Euclid is experiencing a surge in residential development, with several projects in the city adding new single-family homes and townhomes. What began with developing the former Lowden Elementary site in 2024 has expanded into a broader effort to reuse vacant land, modernize zoning, and attract new residents.
When every breath counts: Tim Tench’s race for a double lung transplant
Bedford resident Tim Tench's active lifestyle took a sudden turn after a diagnosis of the fatal lung disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis—setting off a race for a life-saving double lung transplant. Tench shares his journey to illustrate the impact of organ donation and the importance of making one’s wishes known.
CLE’s melting pot: '26 International Hall of Fame inductees honored, ‘Forever Young’ awards debut
The Cleveland International Hall of Fame honored six inductees at its sold-out 2026 ceremony, celebrating the city’s rich cultural diversity and welcoming three newly represented ethnicities. The event also introduced the inaugural Debbie Hanson “Forever Young” Awards, recognizing two individuals for their quiet but lasting contributions to the community.
Art meets asphalt: Mural project set to transform the Gateway District
Downtown Cleveland, Inc. will host a community meeting this week to discuss a  public art project that will transform  Huron Road in the Gateway District into a mural. The project, by artist Ryan Jaenke, is funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies to improve pedestrian safety, boost foot traffic, and support businesses.
Bringing jobs to Fairfax: FRDC’s monthly hiring events connect residents to work
The Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation has been connecting residents with employment opportunities through monthly hiring events that bring employers directly to the community. What began as a pandemic pivot in 2020 has evolved into a reliable workforce development program, with employers conducting on-site applications, interviews, and sometimes event immediate hiring.
Restauranteur Doug Katz on what the Michelin Guide means for Cleveland dining
The prestigious Michelin Guide is expanding to include Cleveland and five other Great Lakes cities, marking a significant milestone for the region's culinary scene. Local restaurateur Doug Katz explains why this is an important moment that will showcase Cleveland's diverse dining culture to a global audience.
Call them 'Tough Old Broads:' CIFF50 documentary celebrates three women who changed the rules
Stacey Tenenbaum's "Tough Old Broads," profiles three women who broke barriers in male-dominated fields: marathon pioneer Kathrine Switzer, White House photographer Sharon Farmer, and climate justice activist Sheila Watt-Cloutier. Tenenbaum is offering two free tickets to one of the sold-out screenings. Find out how to enter and learn more about these real-life tough old broads.
Community voices: Indigenous perspectives shape narrative of Art Museum's 'still/emerging'
The Cleveland Museum of Art’s "still/emerging: Native American Works on Paper" highlights Indigenous artists' prints and drawings that are supplemented with interpretive text panels, written by Indigenous community members who share their personal perspectives and lived experiences.
Books to bread: Cuyahoga County Public Library and Greater Cleveland Food Bank fight food insecurity
Cuyahoga County Public Library and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank are continuing their partnership to address food insecurity in 2026,  after serving nearly 5,000 households last year through mobile pantries, senior food boxes, and other meal programs.
Hopping into Easter: Malley's Chocolates blends sweet memories with family traditions and new treats
Malley’s Chocolates gears up for Easter with its signature sweets and new treats ahead of the seasonal rush, helping families create lasting memories.
Finding beauty in darkness: Photographer, painter explore mental health through ‘Emergence’
Photographer Johnny Joo and painter Tessa LeBaron explore mental health, resilience, and creative renewal in “Emergence,” a collaborative exhibit at 78th Street Studios that reflects their personal journeys and the healing power of art. The show features Joo's photography and LeBaron's paintings.
From ice rink to the river: Cleveland Monsters launch Project Lake Blue water stewardship initiative
The Cleveland Monsters launched Project Lake Blue to protect and celebrate local freshwater resources through education, action, and stewardship. The ALH team will work with Cuyahoga County Fresh Water Institute, Ocean Conservancy,  and fans to protect Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River. The initiative debuts with a special theme night at the game this Thursday, March 26.
Building community: Masrah Cleveland Al-Arabi stages ‘The Wolf’ in final 2026 CPL Test Flight
Masrah Cleveland Al-Arabi, Cleveland Public Theatre's Arabic-speaking theater group, presents "The Wolf" Thursday, April 4 through Saturday, April 6 as part of the Test Flight play development program. The production, written and directed by Shakeeb Julien, follows a young villager's journey of learning and growth, while also serving as a creative outlet for the ensemble who represent Arabic-speaking communities from across the Middle East and North Africa.