Arts + Culture
cleveland's chris hodgson classy to the very end, says usa today
Each week for the past two months, Cleveland food truck fans -- and even those who aren't -- ardently followed Chris Hodgson on the Food Network's "Great Food Truck Race." During the show, the local chef competed against other national food truck operators for the grand prize of $100,000.
Hodgson, as we all know by now, made it all the way to the final episode. His truck, Hodge Podge, as we also know by now, was bested by Lime Truck.
In this item on the USA Today blog Pop Candy, writer Whitney Matheson says that she was particularly moved by Hodgson's class up to and including the very end.
"I thought it was particularly moving when chef Chris Hodge (sic) noted that, because of the competition,'Me and my sister got closer, me and my girlfriend got closer -- (and that's) the greatest win of my life.'"
Read it all here.
Hodgson, as we all know by now, made it all the way to the final episode. His truck, Hodge Podge, as we also know by now, was bested by Lime Truck.
In this item on the USA Today blog Pop Candy, writer Whitney Matheson says that she was particularly moved by Hodgson's class up to and including the very end.
"I thought it was particularly moving when chef Chris Hodge (sic) noted that, because of the competition,'Me and my sister got closer, me and my girlfriend got closer -- (and that's) the greatest win of my life.'"
Read it all here.
Despite dire news to the contrary, the indie bookstore is not dead -- especially in Cleveland, one of the most literate cities in the nation. But that doesn't mean booksellers can coast on sales of Woolf, Pynchon and Roth. More than simply literary vending machines, the best indie bookstores have learned to adapt by offering poetry readings, book signings, live music, and even glasses of Australian chardonnay.
as 'the chew' debut approaches, symon's exposure escalates
With the highly publicized debut of "The Chew" hitting the airwaves next week (September 26 at 1 p.m. on ABC), the hosts are popping up everywhere. That includes Cleveland's Michael Symon, who along with the show's other personalities, is featured in a New York Times article titled, "Throwing Out the Recipe for Daytime TV."
"The Chew," as writer Julia Moskin points out, is the first new daytime show on ABC since the “The View” went on the air in 1997. The show, as we have heard loudly and clearly from diehard soaps fans, is filling the spot of the long-running “All My Children,” which was canceled after one million years.
"As of Monday, Susan Lucci’s cheekbones will be out, bone-in chicken will be in," pens Moskin. "'The Chew' has five full-time hosts: Mr. Batali; Ms. Hall; Michael Symon, the 'Iron Chef' stalwart and Cleveland native; Clinton Kelly, who is also a co-host of the fashion show “What Not to Wear”; and Daphne Oz, the 25-year-old daughter of Dr. Mehmet Oz (yes, that Dr. Oz), who plays her role of wide-eyed cooking apprentice beautifully. Together, they will cook, chat, taste and — if rehearsals are any indication -- refer frequently to their own lives and stories.”
Moskin interestingly points out that much of an original cast was discarded in favor of the present one, which apparently sat better with test audiences.
“'The Chew' is not a celebrity gabfest with a food hook, like Rachael Ray’s," adds Moskin. Nor is it the typical “dump and stir” half-hour cooking show, which relies on "precut, premeasured ingredients and swaps – the usual tricks that speed up the cooking process on camera." Rather, she writes, "it’s an attempt to engage daily with Americans about home cooking."
Read the rest of the article here.
With the highly publicized debut of "The Chew" hitting the airwaves next week (September 26 at 1 p.m. on ABC), the hosts are popping up everywhere. That includes Cleveland's Michael Symon, who along with the show's other personalities, is featured in a New York Times article titled, "Throwing Out the Recipe for Daytime TV."
"The Chew," as writer Julia Moskin points out, is the first new daytime show on ABC since the “The View” went on the air in 1997. The show, as we have heard loudly and clearly from diehard soaps fans, is filling the spot of the long-running “All My Children,” which was canceled after one million years.
"As of Monday, Susan Lucci’s cheekbones will be out, bone-in chicken will be in," pens Moskin. "'The Chew' has five full-time hosts: Mr. Batali; Ms. Hall; Michael Symon, the 'Iron Chef' stalwart and Cleveland native; Clinton Kelly, who is also a co-host of the fashion show “What Not to Wear”; and Daphne Oz, the 25-year-old daughter of Dr. Mehmet Oz (yes, that Dr. Oz), who plays her role of wide-eyed cooking apprentice beautifully. Together, they will cook, chat, taste and — if rehearsals are any indication -- refer frequently to their own lives and stories.”
Moskin interestingly points out that much of an original cast was discarded in favor of the present one, which apparently sat better with test audiences.
“'The Chew' is not a celebrity gabfest with a food hook, like Rachael Ray’s," adds Moskin. Nor is it the typical “dump and stir” half-hour cooking show, which relies on "precut, premeasured ingredients and swaps – the usual tricks that speed up the cooking process on camera." Rather, she writes, "it’s an attempt to engage daily with Americans about home cooking."
Read the rest of the article here.
Ben Faller and Jesse Honsky's aim was to restore their home on E. 128th Street between Larchmere and Shaker boulevards to its original character based upon photographs they'd uncovered. Vinyl siding, noxious and non-recyclable, was an unfortunate side effect. Painstakingly removing the siding from their home, they knew, regrettably, that the chemical-laden strips likely would end up in a landfill.
Was there another option?
That's when one of their neighbors came up with the idea of turning it into a work of art. Katharyne Starinsky, founder and co-chair of the Neighborhoods of Shaker Square Home Tour, contacted a local artist and got the ball rolling.
"We wanted to find a way to celebrate what they were doing while also promoting green living," says Starinsky.
She contacted Tremont artist Ian Petroni, who was immediately intrigued by the proposal. "I told her that I loved the opportunity but that I hated vinyl siding, and she said, 'That's exactly the point,'" recalls Petroni.
The artist's provocative sculpture, entitled 'Invasive Species,' refashions the strips of yellow siding into a bountiful and oddly beautiful vinyl jungle that shoots up from Faller's and Honsky's front lawn like a rapacious, fast-growing plant.
"I decided to call it 'invasive species' because it doesn't fit into the historic environment and because it chokes out other species," explains Petroni. "I wanted to get people to start thinking about the drawbacks of vinyl siding."
Petroni was not only concerned with the impact of vinyl siding on the character of historic neighborhoods, but also with its toxic effect on the environment. "The production of vinyl is dangerous to people and ecosystems," he says.
Since its installation, the sculpture has been a conversation starter as well as a popular draw during the home tour. "It's like a Christmas lighting display, the way the cars slow down as they drive along 128th," says Starinsky with a laugh.
Neighbors on the street have begun to approach the homeowners about buying portions of the sculpture to install in their yards. Starinsky says she hopes to eventually sell the sculpture as a fundraiser for the home tour.
Within the next 7 to 10 days, Petroni plans to move the sculpture to the side yard of Felice, a popular restaurant in the neighborhood. There, spectators will be able to gawk at it throughout fall. (Hopefully it won't cause accidents.)
Source: Ian Petroni, Katharyne Starinsky
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Was there another option?
That's when one of their neighbors came up with the idea of turning it into a work of art. Katharyne Starinsky, founder and co-chair of the Neighborhoods of Shaker Square Home Tour, contacted a local artist and got the ball rolling.
"We wanted to find a way to celebrate what they were doing while also promoting green living," says Starinsky.
She contacted Tremont artist Ian Petroni, who was immediately intrigued by the proposal. "I told her that I loved the opportunity but that I hated vinyl siding, and she said, 'That's exactly the point,'" recalls Petroni.
The artist's provocative sculpture, entitled 'Invasive Species,' refashions the strips of yellow siding into a bountiful and oddly beautiful vinyl jungle that shoots up from Faller's and Honsky's front lawn like a rapacious, fast-growing plant.
"I decided to call it 'invasive species' because it doesn't fit into the historic environment and because it chokes out other species," explains Petroni. "I wanted to get people to start thinking about the drawbacks of vinyl siding."
Petroni was not only concerned with the impact of vinyl siding on the character of historic neighborhoods, but also with its toxic effect on the environment. "The production of vinyl is dangerous to people and ecosystems," he says.
Since its installation, the sculpture has been a conversation starter as well as a popular draw during the home tour. "It's like a Christmas lighting display, the way the cars slow down as they drive along 128th," says Starinsky with a laugh.
Neighbors on the street have begun to approach the homeowners about buying portions of the sculpture to install in their yards. Starinsky says she hopes to eventually sell the sculpture as a fundraiser for the home tour.
Within the next 7 to 10 days, Petroni plans to move the sculpture to the side yard of Felice, a popular restaurant in the neighborhood. There, spectators will be able to gawk at it throughout fall. (Hopefully it won't cause accidents.)
Source: Ian Petroni, Katharyne Starinsky
Writer: Lee Chilcote
museum of art and bidwell collaboration for cross-town gallery makes cross-country news
A recent article published in the Houston Chronicle covers the newly announced collaboration between Fred and Laura Ruth Bidwell, private art collectors, and the Cleveland Museum of Art to open a gallery on the near-west side.
To be housed in an attractive brick building that long housed a transformer station, the 3,500-square-foot gallery is expected to open in late 2012.
"The boxy brick station, located in a blue-collar neighborhood across the Cuyahoga River from downtown Cleveland, was built in 1924 to provide power for streetcars. It was used as a transformer station until 1949 and later housed an art foundry.
The museum said it expects to present at least two shows per year at the location."
David Franklin, the museum's director, is quoted as saying, "The project would enhance CMA's reputation for contemporary art and community involvement "in creative, unexpected ways."
Read the rest here.
To be housed in an attractive brick building that long housed a transformer station, the 3,500-square-foot gallery is expected to open in late 2012.
"The boxy brick station, located in a blue-collar neighborhood across the Cuyahoga River from downtown Cleveland, was built in 1924 to provide power for streetcars. It was used as a transformer station until 1949 and later housed an art foundry.
The museum said it expects to present at least two shows per year at the location."
David Franklin, the museum's director, is quoted as saying, "The project would enhance CMA's reputation for contemporary art and community involvement "in creative, unexpected ways."
Read the rest here.
There's no quibbling that Dan Moulthrop is one of the "smartest guys in the room." What many of us don't know is that he was also a high school English teacher. Unfortunately for his students, he couldn't afford to continue teaching them. His experiences led him to pen a book titled "Teachers Have It Easy: The Big Sacrifices and Small Salaries of America's Teachers." That book was the impetus for the documentary "American Teacher," which follows the careers of four young teachers.
Art meets technology at the 2011 Ingenuity Festival this weekend, September 16-18 on the lower level of the Veterans Memorial Bridge. While Cleveland is traditionally known as a manufacturing city in the traditional sense, Ingenuity Fest celebrates the manufacturing companies that lean more toward the creative and artistic side.
“When the festival was first conceived seven years ago, it was exploring this idea of art and technology,” explains director of programming James Krouse. “When people say ‘technology companies’ they are usually thinking about software. We’re missing out on communicating with companies that don’t define themselves as technology companies."
Krouse cites Aeroclay as a good example of the kind of technology Ingenuity Fest celebrates. The startup company out of CWRU develops an advanced polymer lightweight material that can be used in everything from packaging to sound barriers. “It’s a very advanced material used in all kinds of applications,” says Krouse. “That is the kind if company growing here in Cleveland.”
From chemistry demonstrations to 3-D printers to cutting edge treatments for eye problems, the festival celebrates that pioneering and unique efforts in art and science going on in Cleveland. “We’re not a trade how, but this is an example of something that’s kind of that wow factor, says Krouse. “We think it’s important for technology to be on display.”
While the festival features all the expected attractions associated with the word “festival” -- tents, beer, music -- it also highlights the innovations that make Cleveland unique. “It’s a celebration of innovation, at the same time it’s people out having fun,” Krouse says. “We think it’s important for this technology to be on display.”
Source: James Krouse
Writer: Karin Connelly
“When the festival was first conceived seven years ago, it was exploring this idea of art and technology,” explains director of programming James Krouse. “When people say ‘technology companies’ they are usually thinking about software. We’re missing out on communicating with companies that don’t define themselves as technology companies."
Krouse cites Aeroclay as a good example of the kind of technology Ingenuity Fest celebrates. The startup company out of CWRU develops an advanced polymer lightweight material that can be used in everything from packaging to sound barriers. “It’s a very advanced material used in all kinds of applications,” says Krouse. “That is the kind if company growing here in Cleveland.”
From chemistry demonstrations to 3-D printers to cutting edge treatments for eye problems, the festival celebrates that pioneering and unique efforts in art and science going on in Cleveland. “We’re not a trade how, but this is an example of something that’s kind of that wow factor, says Krouse. “We think it’s important for technology to be on display.”
While the festival features all the expected attractions associated with the word “festival” -- tents, beer, music -- it also highlights the innovations that make Cleveland unique. “It’s a celebration of innovation, at the same time it’s people out having fun,” Krouse says. “We think it’s important for this technology to be on display.”
Source: James Krouse
Writer: Karin Connelly
today's showcase in the circle to highlight region's assets
On its inaugural year, University Circle's Showcase in the Circle & Circle Home Tour attracted over 400 people. For its second act, organizers anticipate much larger crowds.
"The size of the event is expected to grow this year given the amount of residential and commercial development happening right now in the Circle," says Erika McLaughlin, Public Affairs Manager for University Circle Inc.
The purpose behind this free event is to “showcase” the fact that University Circle and its surrounding neighborhoods are not only great places to visit, but also to live, work and do business.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and greet more than 50 exhibitors that range from small businesses and financial institutions to nonprofits and world-class museums, all of which call University Circle home.
Following the event at Judson Manor, guests will be "Lolly the Trolleyed" to various homes, housing and hotel options in University Circle.
The Showcase takes place today at Judson Manor (1890 E. 107th St.) from 3 to 7 p.m.
For more info, click here.
"The size of the event is expected to grow this year given the amount of residential and commercial development happening right now in the Circle," says Erika McLaughlin, Public Affairs Manager for University Circle Inc.
The purpose behind this free event is to “showcase” the fact that University Circle and its surrounding neighborhoods are not only great places to visit, but also to live, work and do business.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and greet more than 50 exhibitors that range from small businesses and financial institutions to nonprofits and world-class museums, all of which call University Circle home.
Following the event at Judson Manor, guests will be "Lolly the Trolleyed" to various homes, housing and hotel options in University Circle.
The Showcase takes place today at Judson Manor (1890 E. 107th St.) from 3 to 7 p.m.
For more info, click here.
This weekend, September 16 through 18, IngenuityFest returns to its shadowy perch on the lower level of the Detroit-Superior Bridge. Now in its seventh year, the event has blossomed into one of the largest art and technology experiences in the nation. The theme for this year's production is Cur(Re)nts -- as in the power of forces that flow around us every day, be they air, water, information or grey matter.
Greg Murray is capturing the true essence of Cleveland through the people who live and work here. As an HR manager and amateur photographer, Murray has set out to capture 100 of Cleveland’s most interesting characters on film for a portrait album he began on August 11.
“I love Cleveland and thought it would be a fun project to undertake,” says Murray. “Our people make our city what it is, so it was an easy choice to focus the project around the people of this city and Northeast Ohio.”
Born and raised in Cleveland, Murray spent seven years in Chicago and Atlanta before returning in 2007. He now has a new appreciation for the city.
“I have a huge amount of passion for our city. I like to support it and show it off with my photography,” he says. “This project is just one way of doing that. We’re nothing without the people that make this city what it is.”
Murray has about 15 portraits in his collection so far, and hopes to add two or three new images each week. His favorite so far is of Samad Samad, a street performer in Ohio City
If given the opportunity to photograph anyone -- living or dead -- Murray goes the political route with Stephanie Tubbs Jones and Dennis Kucinich. “She loved Cleveland and the people she represented," he says of Tubbs Jones. "She was truly an amazing woman. I’d really like to capture Dennis Kucinich. He’s such an interesting person.”
But mostly, Murray wants to shoot average Clevelanders who make the city special. “In the end, I'm not only searching for notable Clevelanders,” he says. “I'm looking for everyday people that call the area their home, are passionate about our city, have a story, or whose work is to continue to make Cleveland a great place."
Source: Greg Murray
Writer: Karin Connelly
“I love Cleveland and thought it would be a fun project to undertake,” says Murray. “Our people make our city what it is, so it was an easy choice to focus the project around the people of this city and Northeast Ohio.”
Born and raised in Cleveland, Murray spent seven years in Chicago and Atlanta before returning in 2007. He now has a new appreciation for the city.
“I have a huge amount of passion for our city. I like to support it and show it off with my photography,” he says. “This project is just one way of doing that. We’re nothing without the people that make this city what it is.”
Murray has about 15 portraits in his collection so far, and hopes to add two or three new images each week. His favorite so far is of Samad Samad, a street performer in Ohio City
If given the opportunity to photograph anyone -- living or dead -- Murray goes the political route with Stephanie Tubbs Jones and Dennis Kucinich. “She loved Cleveland and the people she represented," he says of Tubbs Jones. "She was truly an amazing woman. I’d really like to capture Dennis Kucinich. He’s such an interesting person.”
But mostly, Murray wants to shoot average Clevelanders who make the city special. “In the end, I'm not only searching for notable Clevelanders,” he says. “I'm looking for everyday people that call the area their home, are passionate about our city, have a story, or whose work is to continue to make Cleveland a great place."
Source: Greg Murray
Writer: Karin Connelly
When Cynthia Larsen stopped teaching English full-time in 1995 to pursue a Master's in Creative Writing, she watched in dismay as the federal "No Child Left Behind Act" was passed by Congress a few years later. It tied teachers' hands, she thought, forcing them to teach to the test and squeezing creativity out of the classroom.
So Larsen decided to do something about it. She volunteered at her children's schools in Cleveland Heights, teaching and helping students with creative writing projects. Then she met Amy Rosenbluth, a fellow teacher who was running youth poetry slams at a neighboring school. Soon Lake Erie Ink was born.
Now the nonprofit organization, which offers creative writing classes, camps and workshops for school-age youth, has made the jump to leasing space at the former Coventry School and plans to offer additional classes beginning in September.
"My kids went to this school, so it's great to be back in the building, and for it to be put to good use," says Larsen. "Originally, we were looking for a storefront, but the district offered us a deal too good to pass up. Plus, this place is a kid magnet."
The former Coventry School is located at the corner of Coventry and Euclid Heights, adjacent to a playground, the Peace Park and the Coventry Library.
Since launching Lake Erie Ink in 2010, its founders have learned that there is significant demand in the community for their services. In fact, the group had waiting lists for all three of its summer camps this year. "When the students started coming to us, we realized we were really onto something," says Larsen.
This summer, Lake Erie Ink held a play-writing camp (the kids produced 22 separate plays), a comic book camp, and a "people and places" camp where students interviewed local businesses and wrote down their stories.
"The need here is so apparent," says Larsen, who got part of her inspiration for Lake Erie Ink from the 826 Valencia literary centers launched by writer Dave Eggers. "We provide a welcome relief for the parents, teachers and kids."
Source: Cynthia Larsen
Writer: Lee Chilcote
So Larsen decided to do something about it. She volunteered at her children's schools in Cleveland Heights, teaching and helping students with creative writing projects. Then she met Amy Rosenbluth, a fellow teacher who was running youth poetry slams at a neighboring school. Soon Lake Erie Ink was born.
Now the nonprofit organization, which offers creative writing classes, camps and workshops for school-age youth, has made the jump to leasing space at the former Coventry School and plans to offer additional classes beginning in September.
"My kids went to this school, so it's great to be back in the building, and for it to be put to good use," says Larsen. "Originally, we were looking for a storefront, but the district offered us a deal too good to pass up. Plus, this place is a kid magnet."
The former Coventry School is located at the corner of Coventry and Euclid Heights, adjacent to a playground, the Peace Park and the Coventry Library.
Since launching Lake Erie Ink in 2010, its founders have learned that there is significant demand in the community for their services. In fact, the group had waiting lists for all three of its summer camps this year. "When the students started coming to us, we realized we were really onto something," says Larsen.
This summer, Lake Erie Ink held a play-writing camp (the kids produced 22 separate plays), a comic book camp, and a "people and places" camp where students interviewed local businesses and wrote down their stories.
"The need here is so apparent," says Larsen, who got part of her inspiration for Lake Erie Ink from the 826 Valencia literary centers launched by writer Dave Eggers. "We provide a welcome relief for the parents, teachers and kids."
Source: Cynthia Larsen
Writer: Lee Chilcote
“Downtown is where the action is,” says Alex Cortes, an attorney who lives in the Warehouse District. Cortes is one of the 10,000 people who call downtown home. But to reach the 20,000-resident figure that boosters say Cleveland needs to truly become a vibrant neighborhood in the city, more retail, green space, and housing options will have to come online.
When it opens on September 1, The Nest will be yet another creative weapon in Tremont's arsenal to lure art-friendly shoppers to the neighborhood. Located in a storefront immediately adjacent to Edison's Pub, the boutique and gallery will feature an eclectic array of fine art, photography, jewelry and clothing.
Inventory will range from $6 jewelry items all the way up to $4,000 paintings. There will be products geared towards children, adults, and home décor fans.
"The clincher is that it is all handmade treasures from local artists," explains owner Robin Schulze. "We only support local people. You won't find anything bought wholesale from department stores."
Artists and craftspeople submit work on a modified consignment arrangement, Schulze says. The Nest gets a monthly fee to house and promote the work, but takes only 20 percent on the back end.
Schulze says that she was surprised to discover how easy it was to find participating artists.
"Before we secured the space, I put an ad on Craig's List to test the marketplace," she explains. "I was overwhelmingly inspired by how many people wanted to be a part of this." Now, she adds, there is a waiting list for artists to exhibit their products.
Described as fresh, modern and not stuffy, the space features slate grey and melon-colored walls. A small coffee lounge will offer espresso, tea, and Wi-Fi starting at 10 a.m. Down the road, the owners intend to add retail wine and craft beer to the mix. Eventually, they hope to turn an old garage out back into a wine bar.
The Nest
2379 Professor Avenue, Tremont
Photo by Diane VanNostran
When it opens on September 1, The Nest will be yet another creative weapon in Tremont's arsenal to lure art-friendly shoppers to the neighborhood. Located in a storefront immediately adjacent to Edison's Pub, the boutique and gallery will feature an eclectic array of fine art, photography, jewelry and clothing -- all locally produced.
From University Circle to Slavic Village to Buckeye and beyond, art abounds in and around Cleveland. In this pictorial essay, Fresh Water photographer Bob Perkoski trains his lens on the stunning, stirring and thought-provoking works that can be found inside Cleveland's finest repositories of art to some of Cleveland's most overlooked urban enclaves. Art, both classical and modern, architecture and design fill this city with beauty, imbue its citizens with hope, and brighten up the places we live, work and play.
neighborhood crawl intended to highlight cle public transport system
"Partying is hardly the main purpose," promises RTA Bar Crawl organizer Joe Baur.
To be held Saturday, August 27, the Crawl will utilize public transportation to ferry attendees from urban location to urban location, with stops Ohio City, University Circle, Little Italy, Larchmere/Shaker Square and E.4th Street. The day-long event steps off at 1 p.m. and winds down in Ohio City at 8 p.m.
"The purpose of the RTA Bar Crawl is to show Clevelanders and our suburbanite friends that our public transit system is a safe mode of transportation to get around the city," Baur explains. "It's also my hope that people will come away from the crawl envisioning life living in Cleveland proper. Walking, riding a bike or taking public transit to work, being part of the ongoing revitalization and knowing your fellow Clevelanders instead of going from boxed house to box car to office, back home to fall asleep and repeat."
Baur says the inspiration for the event came to him after listening to the "Mike Trivisonno Show," when the host said he would never step foot on the RTA, adding that downtown is filled with people who can't afford to live in the suburbs.
"Meanwhile, I'm laughing to myself," he adds, "because I fought like hell to get out of the suburbs!"
The event will also benefit the charity We Run This City.
For more info, click here.
To be held Saturday, August 27, the Crawl will utilize public transportation to ferry attendees from urban location to urban location, with stops Ohio City, University Circle, Little Italy, Larchmere/Shaker Square and E.4th Street. The day-long event steps off at 1 p.m. and winds down in Ohio City at 8 p.m.
"The purpose of the RTA Bar Crawl is to show Clevelanders and our suburbanite friends that our public transit system is a safe mode of transportation to get around the city," Baur explains. "It's also my hope that people will come away from the crawl envisioning life living in Cleveland proper. Walking, riding a bike or taking public transit to work, being part of the ongoing revitalization and knowing your fellow Clevelanders instead of going from boxed house to box car to office, back home to fall asleep and repeat."
Baur says the inspiration for the event came to him after listening to the "Mike Trivisonno Show," when the host said he would never step foot on the RTA, adding that downtown is filled with people who can't afford to live in the suburbs.
"Meanwhile, I'm laughing to myself," he adds, "because I fought like hell to get out of the suburbs!"
The event will also benefit the charity We Run This City.
For more info, click here.
Kate Dupuis moved from Bay Village to a condemned Queen Anne Victorian in the Clark-Fulton neighborhood of Cleveland nearly 20 years ago. Now she's fighting to save her adopted community from the ravages of neglect, disinvestment and the foreclosure crisis.
The near-west side neighborhood has been hard hit by the economic downturn and is littered with boarded-up, vacant properties. Yet Dupuis insists that it's worth salvaging -- and it can happen if residents are organized, she adds.
"Our agenda is to bring some attention to a long-neglected neighborhood that has the viability to be saved," says Dupuis, a stained glass artist who chairs the neighborhood's volunteer-led Housing Committee. "Our housing stock is wonderful and extremely affordable, and we have committed, solid residents. But the neighborhood's at a tipping point -- we need to address our urban blight."
Towards that end, Dupuis and other residents have organized a project to fix up an historic, vacant gas station at W. 44th and Storer Ave. in the heart of the neighborhood this Saturday. A team of volunteers will cover the long-neglected building with plywood, repaint it, install a pathway of concrete pavers, and add landscaping that transforms the empty property into a park-like setting.
The project is part of a larger effort by the Housing Committee to involve residents in improvement projects while pressing the city for additional resources. "We have properties in our community that have been vacant for years, and along with that comes the attendant crime," says Dupuis. "We're pushing the city to remedy the worst of the worst by tearing down these houses."
Dupuis stresses that the Housing Committee is also helping to preserve the neighborhood's building stock. This Saturday's effort is one such project. The event is co-sponsored by Cleveland Housing Court and the Stockyard, Clark-Fulton and Brooklyn Centre Community Development Corporation.
Although Dupuis says there isn't much new investment taking place on Storer Ave, she notices subtle, positive changes in the neighborhood. "We're giving people in the community hope because we're taking action and doing things."
Source: Kate Dupuis
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The near-west side neighborhood has been hard hit by the economic downturn and is littered with boarded-up, vacant properties. Yet Dupuis insists that it's worth salvaging -- and it can happen if residents are organized, she adds.
"Our agenda is to bring some attention to a long-neglected neighborhood that has the viability to be saved," says Dupuis, a stained glass artist who chairs the neighborhood's volunteer-led Housing Committee. "Our housing stock is wonderful and extremely affordable, and we have committed, solid residents. But the neighborhood's at a tipping point -- we need to address our urban blight."
Towards that end, Dupuis and other residents have organized a project to fix up an historic, vacant gas station at W. 44th and Storer Ave. in the heart of the neighborhood this Saturday. A team of volunteers will cover the long-neglected building with plywood, repaint it, install a pathway of concrete pavers, and add landscaping that transforms the empty property into a park-like setting.
The project is part of a larger effort by the Housing Committee to involve residents in improvement projects while pressing the city for additional resources. "We have properties in our community that have been vacant for years, and along with that comes the attendant crime," says Dupuis. "We're pushing the city to remedy the worst of the worst by tearing down these houses."
Dupuis stresses that the Housing Committee is also helping to preserve the neighborhood's building stock. This Saturday's effort is one such project. The event is co-sponsored by Cleveland Housing Court and the Stockyard, Clark-Fulton and Brooklyn Centre Community Development Corporation.
Although Dupuis says there isn't much new investment taking place on Storer Ave, she notices subtle, positive changes in the neighborhood. "We're giving people in the community hope because we're taking action and doing things."
Source: Kate Dupuis
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Beginning August 29, 92.3 FM will switch formats from alternative rock to Cleveland's first and only FM sports talk radio station. Owned by CBS Radio, Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan (WKRK-FM) will feature locally produced programs hosted by familiar Cleveland voices, along with headline updates every 20 minutes and a full lineup of NFL and college football play-by-play coverage.
"CBS has done this across the country with terrific results," says market manager Tom Herschel. "We saw the opportunity in Cleveland and we're taking it."
On-air personalities will be made up of local and national names. Nationally-known talent Kevin Kiley will team up with Cleveland's own Chuck Booms weekday mornings for the area's only local morning drive sports-talk show. Adam "The Bull," formerly of WFAN in New York, will fill the afternoon drive time slot. Andy Roth has been named as program director and joins the station from Buffalo's WGR. He also has experience at stations in New York and WIP in Philadelphia.
The remainder of The Fan lineup will be announced at a later date. The new station will produce openings in a variety of areas, from on-air positions to back office jobs. "We're filling the other day parts with great talent and many people with local Cleveland sports ties," Herschel says. "The new station will result in a significant amount of hiring. The numbers will develop as we go along, but it will definitely be a jobs boost for the area."
Source: Tom Herschel
Writer: Karin Connelly
As the economic malaise enters its umpteenth year, many creative folks are using it as an opportunity to grab a little slice of the artisan marketplace. With or without day jobs, a new breed of craftspeople are cultivating home-grown companies by doing what they love. Some are eager to branch out, while others are just tickled to have a creative outlet.