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.
A regional food truck inspection program initiated by the South Euclid Fire Department is streamlining the process for mobile food vendors to obtain their certifications. The program brings together multiple municipalities to conduct coordinated inspections, reducing redundancy and saving time.
Cleveland Heights native Jeremy McBryde's soul food restaurant Comfort CLE in Glenville is about to start its second run in Cleveland Restaurant Week—offering $39 three-course prix fixe menus today through March 14. Find out what Comfort CLE has on the menu!
Brite Winter, Cleveland's annual winter festival, returns for its 16th year with a new location on the East Bank of the Flats. This weekend's event features nearly 30 musical acts, art installations, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. With a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, Brite Winter brings the community together around the fire during Cleveland's coldest months!
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking launched a new proactive campaign, Humans Over Human Trafficking. The initiative focuses on community empowerment and victim dignity, rather than fear-based messaging, to educate the public about the realities of human trafficking and inspire action.
Jakiah Moore experienced homelessness three years ago while pregnant with her daughter and fleeing domestic violence. The nonprofit A Place for Me helped her get back on her feet, rent an apartment, and offered her a job. Today, Moore is helping Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry, A Place for Me, and other community partners in the fight to open a Drop-In Center for homeless youth in Ohio City.
The Cleveland Museum of Art is celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day will a day of free activities, performances, and exhibits inspired by Dr. King's legacy. The event explores themes of freedom, justice, and democracy through art, music, dance, and storytelling, while also offering free admission to the "Picasso and Paper" exhibit.
The Cleveland Restoration Society is offering its members an exclusive Snoop! Tour to preview the new Fidelity Hotel, on East 6th Street. The historic building, first named the Fidelity Building and later the Baker Building, is rich in history and architectural features. Led by historic preservation consultants Naylor Wellman, LLC, members can explore the adaptive reuse transformation from 1919 office building to a modern hotel.
BlueBridge Networks has evolved from a data center to one of the top comprehensive IT solutions providers in the country under the leadership of Kevin Goodman. As BlueBridge celebrates its 20th anniversary, it continues to adapt to technological changes and maintain its commitment to excellence in IT services and community involvement.
Big Fun, the beloved nostalgic toy and novelty shop in Cleveland Heights, has returned as a seasonal pop-up store for the second year in a row. Owner Steve Presser offers a wide array of unique items including vintage toys, handmade afghan quilts, and rare rock memorabilia.
The Grocery at City Goods, a new food-focused retail concept in Ohio City, brings together local food entrepreneurs under one roof. Launched through a partnership between City Goods, JumpStart, and Ohio City Incorporated, the pilot program offers a platform for small businesses to showcase their products during the holiday season and grow their brands.
Claire Dederer, bestselling author of "Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma," will speak at the Cleveland Museum of Art this week, when she will explore the challenges of appreciating great art created by controversial figures—addressing questions of genius, monstrosity, and our role in navigating these ethical dilemmas.
The Steak Club Foundation started as a casual dinner group to reconnect friends and network and evolved into to a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing food insecurity. The group provides meals, runs food pantries, and supports local communities. The foundation's guiding principle, "No Service, No Steak" reflects the commitment to giving back.
"Wild Horses: 60 Years of Ford's Mustang," is now on exhibit at the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum. The exhibit celebrates the iconic American car's 60th anniversary and features all seven generations of Mustangs, from the 1964 original to the latest 2024 models.
Cleveland Masterworks: Cleveland city manager William R. Hopkins' 1927 vision of an airport on the shores of Lake Erie was set in motion at the 1936 Great Lakes Expo. In 1947 the vision became reality with the opening of a dirt runway at Burke Lakefront Airport.
South Euclid residents Linda Thurston and Michael Sering, along with a group of volunteers, are making an impact in their city with KeyStone Community Services. The nonprofit recently cleaned planters along Mayfield Road in a beautification effort funded with a grant from One South Euclid CDC, and helps seniors with property maintenance.
This week marks the beginning of Cleveland Independents' Cleveland Restaurant Week—with deals on three-course dinners at 30 local restaurants. Read about what Bruno's Ristorante & Catering is offering at its Ohio City Italian eatery.
Trumpet player turned music produce Sammy Haig has made significant strides in the music industry by blending classical training with modern production techniques. His talents have led to collaborations with major artists like DJ Drama, Tyler, The Creator, and Meghan Trainor.
Since 2012, Bike Cleveland's Random Acts of Brightness program had ensured cyclists riding after dark are visible by distributing free rechargeable light sets to riders across the city—giving out more than 5,000 light sets in 12 years.
The City of South Euclid will host its Halloween Feast at Bexley Park this weekend, packed with activities, cash prizes, food, and live music.
Assembly for the Arts, the nonprofit focused on increasing equity in the arts and culture community, has awarded $10,000 to each of the 17 Cuyahoga County artists chosen for the 2024 Creative Impact Fund, funded through Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.
FreshWater highlights three recipients: Humble G tha Fiddla; Hanji expert Aimee Lee; and spoken word poet and storyteller Chris Webb.