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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.
Word of mouth: Documentary to record oral histories of Chinese-Americans in Cleveland
A group of filmmakers is putting together a documentary on Cleveland's Asian-American history—before those memories and moments are lost forever. 
Share the Bread: Orlando Baking and Hunger Network team up to feed struggling restaurant workers
With the restaurant industry in trouble, the Orlando Baking Company—a fixture in Cleveland since 1904—is working with the Hunger Network to raise money, and food, for the area's foodservice industry staff who have been hit the hardest.
Food withdrawal: GO Buddha makes plant-based eating as easy as going to the ATM
Joshua Ingraham is blending his background in functional medicine and his culinary skills to serve vegan snacks and meals 24/7 at a self-serve  kiosk in his GO Buddha restaurant. 
Geiger’s calling it quits downtown, for now
The Geiger's Stores family yesterday announced they will officially close the doors on its downtown Cleveland location—unable to continue with the lack of downtown activity because of COVID-19. 
It’s time to chase away winter with the annual Slovenian Kurentovanje festival
Shake your bells and chase away winter at the 8th annual Kurentovanje—a Slovenian festival centered around the mythical Kurent, who is believed to usher in spring with its supernatural powers.
Close Encounters: Heights Arts, Cleveland Orchestra, Bop Stop team up for virtual concert series
Heights Arts is about to launch it's 15th Close Encounters concert series—this year in a virtual format, partnering with Bop Stop. 
Cleveland Shops: Discounted gift certificates urge folks shop local retailers
The Cleveland Shops quarterly sale offers gift certificates with great savings at local retailers. But there's a limited supply, so act fast!
Mindful munching: New vegan restaurant adapts to growing lifestyle trends
Practicing mindfulness is a tool used to reduce stress and anxiety. Andrew Taylor-Shaut is promoting mindful eating through his new vegan restaurant SomethinGood to Eat in Larchmere. 
A day of reflection: History Center, University Circle recognize MLK with exhibits, programs
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Western Reserve Historical Society and other University Circle institutions are hosting online events and programs to spend the holiday reflecting, learning, and serving. 
Historic Barton Deming house welcomes folks to the 'Euclid Avenue of the Heights'
Welcoming people to Cleveland Heights, the Barton Deming Mansion was once the cornerstone of the Euclid Golf development along Fairmount Boulevard—also known as "The Euclid Avenue of the Heights."  
Karamu House to present virtual variety program in celebration of MLK
To celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 18, Karamu House will stream a variety show of vocal and original African dance performances that pay tribute to the work of King and recognize the current struggles that Black America continues to face.
Downtown resident population still growing, despite the pandemic
Early in 2020 the Downtown Cleveland Alliance was well on its way of reaching its goal of having 20,000 downtown residents by year's end. Despite the pandemic, and low interest rates luring young professionals out of the city, DCA still predicts they will reach the 20,000 mark in the first quarter of 2021.
EDWINS staff hosts virtual cooking classes for all ages, skill levels
Brandon Chrostowski and his EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute staff launched a cook-from-home Zoom cooking class series this month—offering classes for all skill levels and ages.
Driving improvement: State funds allow Crawford Museum to continue expansion
Thanks to $750,000 in state capital funds, the Western Reserve Historical Society is moving ahead with plans to update and broaden the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum's space.
Painting the town: Waterloo Arts launches Green Palette community art project
Waterloo Arts has come up with an artistic way to drench Waterloo Road in color and greenery while also bringing the neighborhood together. 
Cleveland Whiskey goes back in time with new facility, raises funds with 'Whiskey Bonds’
After nearly eight years in business, Cleveland Whiskey is busting at the seams and is moving to a new—yet historic—facility in the 1911 Consolidated Produce Auction Company building in the Flats. The new facility will accommodate a restaurant, bar, garden, and, of course, plenty of whiskey.
Dirty Bird ghost kitchen takes flight during opening weekend in Van Aken District
Hunter Harlor thought he would ease into opening Dirty Bird ghost kitchen in Michael's Genuine last week, but the smoked and Nashville hot chicken offerings proved to be a popular option for diners, and opening week was a hit. 
Never too young to make a difference: Ortiz’ newest book tells of youth making positive change
Local author Raquel Ortiz just released her newest book about the East Harlem 1969 Garbage Offensive by the Young Lords, telling the story of how you're never too young to make a difference.
Slainte! Parnell’s offers ways to enjoy the holidays with the bar, not at the bar
Parnell's Pub closed both of its locations because of the virus surge. But with the holidays approaching, bar owner Declan Synnott is getting creative —peddling stocking stuffers of two-ounce bottles of whiskey, growlers, and Zoom cocktail classes.  
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture announces 2021 grants, celebrates 16 first-time recipients
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture announced last month that it will distribute more than $12 million in grants to 295 nonprofit organizations. Sixteen organizations are first-time recipients. FreshWater looks at four of the newcomers.