Search results for '2014 interviewed Cleveland cocktail bar founder choice restaurant close 2015'
This week, a pair of Cleveland Heights residents and avid home brewers launched BottleHouse Brewery in a 6,200-square-foot storefront on Lee Road that had been sitting vacant for more than a decade. The new venue, which will feature craft beers, original brews and a brew-on-premise facility that will open this summer, celebrated its grand opening Tuesday after a year and a half of work.
"It all ties in with bringing craft beer to the community," says Brian Benchek, a former glass-blowing artist. His business partner, Dave Schubert, previously worked as a fuel cell technician. "It's a place for the community to gather."
BottleHouse Brewery opened its tasting room this week. In a month, the venue will begin serving its own original beers. A selection of bourbons, meads and wines also are sold, as are pierogis and Bavarian sausages from local purveyors. The brew-on-premise option will be rolled out this summer. Eventually, the duo plans to sell home brewing equipment, as well.
Benchek and Schubert began talking about the idea for their dream pub during long, painfully sober drives home from the Brew Kettle, a popular brew-on-premise facility located in Strongsville. "There's a one-year wait there currently," Benchek says. "A lot of their customers are from the East Side. When we went, one of us would always be drinking less because we'd have to drive home."
Eventually, Benchek and Schubert plan to manufacture and distribute their own beers. Benchek says that the BottleHouse will tap into unmet demand, and cites the large home brewing community as one reason why they'll be successful.
Source: Dave Benchek
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"It all ties in with bringing craft beer to the community," says Brian Benchek, a former glass-blowing artist. His business partner, Dave Schubert, previously worked as a fuel cell technician. "It's a place for the community to gather."
BottleHouse Brewery opened its tasting room this week. In a month, the venue will begin serving its own original beers. A selection of bourbons, meads and wines also are sold, as are pierogis and Bavarian sausages from local purveyors. The brew-on-premise option will be rolled out this summer. Eventually, the duo plans to sell home brewing equipment, as well.
Benchek and Schubert began talking about the idea for their dream pub during long, painfully sober drives home from the Brew Kettle, a popular brew-on-premise facility located in Strongsville. "There's a one-year wait there currently," Benchek says. "A lot of their customers are from the East Side. When we went, one of us would always be drinking less because we'd have to drive home."
Eventually, Benchek and Schubert plan to manufacture and distribute their own beers. Benchek says that the BottleHouse will tap into unmet demand, and cites the large home brewing community as one reason why they'll be successful.
Source: Dave Benchek
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Very soon, the City of Cleveland Heights will amend its zoning code "To encourage sustainable practices in residential neighborhoods." This legislation makes the city one of the most sustainable in the United States. Changes will make it expressly lawful to install rain barrels, plant front-yard vegetable gardens, build compost bins and replace asphalt driveways with those featuring semi-pervious materials. But without question, the topic garnering the most buzz is backyard chickens.
cleveland has 14th best public transit system in nation
According to Walk Score, Cleveland has the 14th best public transit system among large U.S cities. It also is the 17th most walkable large city in the U.S. with a Walk Score of 58.
Singled out as Cleveland's most walkable neighborhoods are Downtown, Campus District and Ohio City.
Walk Score's mission is to promote walkable neighborhoods. Walkable neighborhoods are one of the simplest and best solutions for the environment, our health, and our economy.
Singled out as Cleveland's most walkable neighborhoods are Downtown, Campus District and Ohio City.
Walk Score's mission is to promote walkable neighborhoods. Walkable neighborhoods are one of the simplest and best solutions for the environment, our health, and our economy.
Matt Mastrangelo knows first-hand the hassles of putting together a group outing to an Indians or Browns game. After nearly 10 years in group sales for both sports teams, he witnessed the amount of work staffers put into organizing a group outing.
“It was in the Stone Age,” he says. “Figuring out the paper flyers, who wants how many tickets, how much they cost, collecting cash and checks. I thought there was something I could do to alleviate that work.” So in March, Mastrangelo created GroupAide, an online system for organizers of group events to manage the ticket sales.
Organizers go to the GroupAide site, set up an event page that includes all the details of the event and send email invitations to the group. Attendees can view the seating chart and buy tickets. It’s free to set up but a service fee is attached to each ticket sale.
“So if they’re sitting at home one night, they can just go to their event page and place an order really quickly,” says Mastrangelo. “We provide sales support, who bought tickets, how many seats were sold and how much money has been collected.” With a click of the mouse, the organizer can issue a sales report and collect the money for the event.
“Maybe it’s just from being around it for so long, but I don’t feel like I’m reinventing the wheel or changing the world,” says Mastrangelo. “I’m just putting together a way to promote and organize an event.”
Mastrangelo already has a few clients through GroupAide, from sporting events to a ski race and even a poinsettia sale. Right now he is still operating GroupAide out of his house in Lyndhurst, but hopes to grow as people catch on to GroupAide.
Source: Matt Mastrangelo
Writer: Karin Connelly
“It was in the Stone Age,” he says. “Figuring out the paper flyers, who wants how many tickets, how much they cost, collecting cash and checks. I thought there was something I could do to alleviate that work.” So in March, Mastrangelo created GroupAide, an online system for organizers of group events to manage the ticket sales.
Organizers go to the GroupAide site, set up an event page that includes all the details of the event and send email invitations to the group. Attendees can view the seating chart and buy tickets. It’s free to set up but a service fee is attached to each ticket sale.
“So if they’re sitting at home one night, they can just go to their event page and place an order really quickly,” says Mastrangelo. “We provide sales support, who bought tickets, how many seats were sold and how much money has been collected.” With a click of the mouse, the organizer can issue a sales report and collect the money for the event.
“Maybe it’s just from being around it for so long, but I don’t feel like I’m reinventing the wheel or changing the world,” says Mastrangelo. “I’m just putting together a way to promote and organize an event.”
Mastrangelo already has a few clients through GroupAide, from sporting events to a ski race and even a poinsettia sale. Right now he is still operating GroupAide out of his house in Lyndhurst, but hopes to grow as people catch on to GroupAide.
Source: Matt Mastrangelo
Writer: Karin Connelly
As a technology-focused school, the University of Phoenix, Cleveland campus, knows the importance of computer education at an early age. So the university recently donated 30 desktop computers with accessories to the Kenneth W. Clement - Boys Leadership Academy in Cleveland.
“The University of Phoenix is very committed to technology and education,” says Gina Cuffari, Phoenix vice president of Ohio and Kentucky territories. “We have a 12-year history in Ohio and we’re known as one of the leaders in technology.”
At least five computers are in each classroom at the school that focuses on managing active boys. Students can use the computers for learning, research and reading games. Older students at the school will work with the computers in a buddy system with the younger students.
University of Phoenix’s science committee chose the Boys Leadership Academy to receive the computers, which were previously used by the university’s students and staff. “The school does not have the technology they need,” explains Cuffari. In fact, most of the students don’t have computers at home either. The donation ensures the boys will get exposure to current technology. “The committee felt strongly that providing these assets means we have a brighter future.”
Source: Gina Cuffari
Writer: Karin Connelly
“The University of Phoenix is very committed to technology and education,” says Gina Cuffari, Phoenix vice president of Ohio and Kentucky territories. “We have a 12-year history in Ohio and we’re known as one of the leaders in technology.”
At least five computers are in each classroom at the school that focuses on managing active boys. Students can use the computers for learning, research and reading games. Older students at the school will work with the computers in a buddy system with the younger students.
University of Phoenix’s science committee chose the Boys Leadership Academy to receive the computers, which were previously used by the university’s students and staff. “The school does not have the technology they need,” explains Cuffari. In fact, most of the students don’t have computers at home either. The donation ensures the boys will get exposure to current technology. “The committee felt strongly that providing these assets means we have a brighter future.”
Source: Gina Cuffari
Writer: Karin Connelly
Now that the urban farming movement is becoming steadily more mature, cities are looking beyond backyard hens and market gardens to longer-term agricultural land use policies. They can and should learn from what works in other places while also advocating for better public policy at every level.
These were the messages conveyed at a forum on urban agriculture that was held last week at Cleveland State University. Kimberly Hodgson, a planner and public health advocate from Vancouver, Canada, said that Cleveland is considered a leader in the new agrarian movement, but that U.S. and Canadian cities have much to learn from each other.
Baltimore completed a study to prioritize and focus urban agriculture in needed areas, Hodgson told an audience of 100-plus planners, farmers, students and lawyers. Minneapolis conducted an analysis to determine which parcels of land have low value for development and would thus be appropriate for urban farming.
The goal of such plans, Hodgson said, is generally to promote and support equal access to urban farming and gardening, create economic opportunity for residents, reduce regulatory barriers to farming and expand agricultural production.
Other examples Hodgson cited included Vancouver, which has developed urban agriculture design guidelines, and Baltimore, which hired a Food Policy Director using money raised from area foundations. Within six months, the new Director had leveraged enough money on her own to fund the position without subsidy.
Source: Kimberly Hodgson
Writer: Lee Chilcote
These were the messages conveyed at a forum on urban agriculture that was held last week at Cleveland State University. Kimberly Hodgson, a planner and public health advocate from Vancouver, Canada, said that Cleveland is considered a leader in the new agrarian movement, but that U.S. and Canadian cities have much to learn from each other.
Baltimore completed a study to prioritize and focus urban agriculture in needed areas, Hodgson told an audience of 100-plus planners, farmers, students and lawyers. Minneapolis conducted an analysis to determine which parcels of land have low value for development and would thus be appropriate for urban farming.
The goal of such plans, Hodgson said, is generally to promote and support equal access to urban farming and gardening, create economic opportunity for residents, reduce regulatory barriers to farming and expand agricultural production.
Other examples Hodgson cited included Vancouver, which has developed urban agriculture design guidelines, and Baltimore, which hired a Food Policy Director using money raised from area foundations. Within six months, the new Director had leveraged enough money on her own to fund the position without subsidy.
Source: Kimberly Hodgson
Writer: Lee Chilcote
HuffPo highlights cle's aid to refugees
Ruk and Leela Rai, Bhutanese refugees, now have the opportunity to raise their three-year-old son Anish in an environment so many take for granted thanks to a local program that assists refugees in finding decent, affordable housing by utilizing the growing number of foreclosed and abandoned homes in the city, reports Loren Belin of the Huffington Post.
“The Cleveland program is part of an emerging national effort that is seeking to find a silver lining in the foreclosure wave that has pockmarked communities with abandoned properties. Across the country, nonprofit organizations are purchasing, repairing and redeploying vacant homes in a bid to provide needy families with housing, while revitalizing struggling communities.”
In Cleveland, the International Services Center has helped to resettle nearly 13,000 refugees over the last 50 years. They came across the idea of making use of foreclosed homes last summer when it struggled to find acceptable homes for newly arrived families due to landlord reluctance.
“The challenge is to find a landlord and then explain that their future tenant is arriving in the United States and has no employment, no immediate future employment, and no credit history, but to please give them a place to live,” said Karin Wishner, ISC’s executive director. “That leaves few landlords to work with, and then the question is if they have openings when we need them."
Read more about the Rai family and the Cleveland program in the lengthy Huffington Post feature here.
“The Cleveland program is part of an emerging national effort that is seeking to find a silver lining in the foreclosure wave that has pockmarked communities with abandoned properties. Across the country, nonprofit organizations are purchasing, repairing and redeploying vacant homes in a bid to provide needy families with housing, while revitalizing struggling communities.”
In Cleveland, the International Services Center has helped to resettle nearly 13,000 refugees over the last 50 years. They came across the idea of making use of foreclosed homes last summer when it struggled to find acceptable homes for newly arrived families due to landlord reluctance.
“The challenge is to find a landlord and then explain that their future tenant is arriving in the United States and has no employment, no immediate future employment, and no credit history, but to please give them a place to live,” said Karin Wishner, ISC’s executive director. “That leaves few landlords to work with, and then the question is if they have openings when we need them."
Read more about the Rai family and the Cleveland program in the lengthy Huffington Post feature here.
rta the envy of detroit
There may be a bitter rivalry between Ohio and Michigan, but when it comes to Cleveland’s transportation system, Detroit wants to be just like us!
For months legislators have been debating what the best possible solution for Detroit’s transportation issues might be, reports Ashley C. Woods of MLive.com
Congressman Gary Peters is a big fan of Cleveland’s current system and wants to see an adaptation of it in Detroit.
"This is not theoretical. You see it in cities across America," Peters was quoted. "In fact, the most recent one with the bus rapid system, which is where we're looking to go, is the bus rapid transit system in Cleveland..."
"The Health Line has generated $4.3 billion in economic development. Cleveland began operation of the Health Line bus rapid transit system in 2008 after finishing the project on time and on budget."
"That's pretty incredible when you consider that it costs $200 million dollars to build that system, and it's been a magnet for $4.3 billion dollars in investment," Peters said. "Now, you don't need to be a math major to know that's a great return in investment. We know it works in Cleveland, and folks, if they can do it in Cleveland, we can do it here in the Detroit area."
Yup.
Read the full story here.
For months legislators have been debating what the best possible solution for Detroit’s transportation issues might be, reports Ashley C. Woods of MLive.com
Congressman Gary Peters is a big fan of Cleveland’s current system and wants to see an adaptation of it in Detroit.
"This is not theoretical. You see it in cities across America," Peters was quoted. "In fact, the most recent one with the bus rapid system, which is where we're looking to go, is the bus rapid transit system in Cleveland..."
"The Health Line has generated $4.3 billion in economic development. Cleveland began operation of the Health Line bus rapid transit system in 2008 after finishing the project on time and on budget."
"That's pretty incredible when you consider that it costs $200 million dollars to build that system, and it's been a magnet for $4.3 billion dollars in investment," Peters said. "Now, you don't need to be a math major to know that's a great return in investment. We know it works in Cleveland, and folks, if they can do it in Cleveland, we can do it here in the Detroit area."
Yup.
Read the full story here.
Recently, an artistically-minded student at Glenville High School was so inspired by his school's first-ever Sustainability Awareness Day that he painted a rain barrel with the school's signature "G" logo and displayed it at last week's inaugural event.
"It was kind of like a small-scale science fair," says Anthony Body, Community Organizer with the Famicos Foundation, a nonprofit community development organization that serves the neighborhood and hosted the event at its Community Service Center on Ansel Rd. "Each student created a display," which included hydroponics, aeroponics and rain barrel displays.
The program is part of an effort to imbue sustainability practices into Glenville in partnership with residents. The goal is to teach people about sustainability, help them grow and access healthy, local food and make them more self-sufficient. Famicos has partnered with the NEO Restoration Alliance, a nonprofit that promotes community gardening and green jobs, to create the program.
"At first, it was like pulling teeth," says Body of his experience working with high school students. "Then they bit into it more and had more hands-on experiences. We went on field trips to the Rockefeller Greenhouse and Galleria and they learned vermicomposting. They saw how it could relate to their homes."
Although most of the students do not have gardens at home, Body says that two students have started gardens at their homes and one actually now has a hydroponics system. "It opened their eyes," he says.
Body says the area is a "food desert," and that most of the local corner stores do not sell fresh produce. He touts the Circle105 Farmers Market, which is now in its second year and kicks off June 15th, as a viable alternative. The farmers market will accept food stamps and offer additional specials for residents this year.
"I see a lot of people who leave Glenville and never come back and engage the youth," says Body, a graduate of Glenville High School as well as Malone University in Canton, Ohio. "The youth need to be educated on how to do this."
Source: Anthony Body
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"It was kind of like a small-scale science fair," says Anthony Body, Community Organizer with the Famicos Foundation, a nonprofit community development organization that serves the neighborhood and hosted the event at its Community Service Center on Ansel Rd. "Each student created a display," which included hydroponics, aeroponics and rain barrel displays.
The program is part of an effort to imbue sustainability practices into Glenville in partnership with residents. The goal is to teach people about sustainability, help them grow and access healthy, local food and make them more self-sufficient. Famicos has partnered with the NEO Restoration Alliance, a nonprofit that promotes community gardening and green jobs, to create the program.
"At first, it was like pulling teeth," says Body of his experience working with high school students. "Then they bit into it more and had more hands-on experiences. We went on field trips to the Rockefeller Greenhouse and Galleria and they learned vermicomposting. They saw how it could relate to their homes."
Although most of the students do not have gardens at home, Body says that two students have started gardens at their homes and one actually now has a hydroponics system. "It opened their eyes," he says.
Body says the area is a "food desert," and that most of the local corner stores do not sell fresh produce. He touts the Circle105 Farmers Market, which is now in its second year and kicks off June 15th, as a viable alternative. The farmers market will accept food stamps and offer additional specials for residents this year.
"I see a lot of people who leave Glenville and never come back and engage the youth," says Body, a graduate of Glenville High School as well as Malone University in Canton, Ohio. "The youth need to be educated on how to do this."
Source: Anthony Body
Writer: Lee Chilcote
In a January opinion piece in TechCrunch, entrepreneur Jon Bischke suggested the most successful urban leaders are those who view cities like startups. CEOs for Cities, a national network of urban leaders dedicated to creating next generation cities, will examine that premise at its 2012 Spring National Meeting: The City As a Startup -- Creating Demand, Attracting Talent, Taking Risks and Going to Scale.
The meeting is set for May 17-18 at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati and is made possible with support from The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation. Former AOL Chairman and CEO Steve Case will deliver the morning keynote and also sit on a panel conservation about Startup America.
CEOs for Cities will also release its latest City Vitals report, a framework for measuring the success of cities. Other panels include considering Songdo, South Korea as the planet's smartest city and using the collective impact approach to catalyze social change. There will also be opportunities to tour Cincinnati attractions and examples of success.
Register here. View a draft agenda here.
The meeting is set for May 17-18 at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati and is made possible with support from The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation. Former AOL Chairman and CEO Steve Case will deliver the morning keynote and also sit on a panel conservation about Startup America.
CEOs for Cities will also release its latest City Vitals report, a framework for measuring the success of cities. Other panels include considering Songdo, South Korea as the planet's smartest city and using the collective impact approach to catalyze social change. There will also be opportunities to tour Cincinnati attractions and examples of success.
Register here. View a draft agenda here.
cle fashion week focus of the fashion world
Who knew that Cleveland was the center of focus in the fashion world?
"The Cleveland Fashion Week is one of the largest fashion events in the country attracting designers from the U.S. and Canada who audition to participate in the event," reports Pittsburgh based Moultrie Observer.
Becca Nation, a textile artist and designer who grew up in the Pennsylvania town of Moultrie, plans to unveil the line “Knotty Girl” during Fashion Week Cleveland 2012.
“The staff of judges loved Becca’s unique designs, color, and avant-garde style requesting that she showcase her line in the events grand finale runway model black tie event on May 12th.
Read more about Becca Nation in the full Moultrie Observer article here.
"The Cleveland Fashion Week is one of the largest fashion events in the country attracting designers from the U.S. and Canada who audition to participate in the event," reports Pittsburgh based Moultrie Observer.
Becca Nation, a textile artist and designer who grew up in the Pennsylvania town of Moultrie, plans to unveil the line “Knotty Girl” during Fashion Week Cleveland 2012.
“The staff of judges loved Becca’s unique designs, color, and avant-garde style requesting that she showcase her line in the events grand finale runway model black tie event on May 12th.
Read more about Becca Nation in the full Moultrie Observer article here.
The Cleveland Council on World Affairs held an international career conference at John Carroll last week for students and young professionals considering a job in the international field. About 60 students from area high schools and colleges attended the event on Friday, April 20. The conference provided an opportunity to hear international professionals talk about their experiences and give career advice in getting into the field.
“The purpose of the international career conference was to expose attendees to jobs in international non-profit, business and government,” says Jana Krasney, director of speaker programs for CCWA. “They were creating personal connections with people who are in the international arena sharing their stories.”
Sherry Mueller, president emeritus of the National Council on International Visitors and co-author of Working World: Careers in International Education, Exchange and Development, was the keynote speaker.
Attendees learned that an international career does not mean leaving town. “One of the main emphases of the conference was to show that to have an international job, you don’t have to live out of the country, says Krasney. “You can have an international career in Cleveland.”
Global Cleveland president Larry Miller also spoke about the number of international companies in Cleveland and the importance of international awareness of other cultures. “Throughout the conference he spoke in a lot of different languages,” says Krasney.
Breakout sessions were held for those who wanted to learn more about international careers in government, nonprofit organizations and business.
Source: Jana Krasney
Writer: Karin Connelly
“The purpose of the international career conference was to expose attendees to jobs in international non-profit, business and government,” says Jana Krasney, director of speaker programs for CCWA. “They were creating personal connections with people who are in the international arena sharing their stories.”
Sherry Mueller, president emeritus of the National Council on International Visitors and co-author of Working World: Careers in International Education, Exchange and Development, was the keynote speaker.
Attendees learned that an international career does not mean leaving town. “One of the main emphases of the conference was to show that to have an international job, you don’t have to live out of the country, says Krasney. “You can have an international career in Cleveland.”
Global Cleveland president Larry Miller also spoke about the number of international companies in Cleveland and the importance of international awareness of other cultures. “Throughout the conference he spoke in a lot of different languages,” says Krasney.
Breakout sessions were held for those who wanted to learn more about international careers in government, nonprofit organizations and business.
Source: Jana Krasney
Writer: Karin Connelly
It took 305 straw bales harvested from a nearby farm to build one couple's fairly tale home. The three-bedroom, 1,800-square-foot "Asian Craftsman-style" house in Cleveland Heights is the only one like it in Greater Cleveland. Unlike the straw house in The Three Little Pigs, this is one built to withstand rain, wind, snow and the Big Bad Wolf.
usa today reports on cle restaurant rush
Slowly but surely Cleveland is starting to return to the glory days when downtown was bustling and was the place to be.
Barbara De Lollis of USA TODAY reports that when the Aloft hotel opens in 2013 in Cleveland’s waterfront Flats East Bank, five locally and nationally known restaurants will also be a part of the project.
“The Aloft at Flats East will get a location of Lago from chef and restaurateur Fabio Salerno, who hopes to get quite a bit of catering business from local offices and the hotel,” the article says. “He operates other restaurants in the area, including Little Italy in the historic Tremont district.”
“I Love This Bar & Grill will be a destination for BBQ combined with live country music, customers also will be able to buy memorabilia related to country music singer-songwriter Toby Keith.”
“Ken Stewart's will be a steak and seafood restaurant by [the] Akron-area restaurateur.”
“Dos Tequilas will be a gourmet taco restaurant, and Flip Side will be a burger joint.”
The restaurants will be located along W. 10th Street.
Barbara De Lollis of USA TODAY reports that when the Aloft hotel opens in 2013 in Cleveland’s waterfront Flats East Bank, five locally and nationally known restaurants will also be a part of the project.
“The Aloft at Flats East will get a location of Lago from chef and restaurateur Fabio Salerno, who hopes to get quite a bit of catering business from local offices and the hotel,” the article says. “He operates other restaurants in the area, including Little Italy in the historic Tremont district.”
“I Love This Bar & Grill will be a destination for BBQ combined with live country music, customers also will be able to buy memorabilia related to country music singer-songwriter Toby Keith.”
“Ken Stewart's will be a steak and seafood restaurant by [the] Akron-area restaurateur.”
“Dos Tequilas will be a gourmet taco restaurant, and Flip Side will be a burger joint.”
The restaurants will be located along W. 10th Street.
As the Circle East Townhomes near completion, 60 percent of the units are pre-leased, and eight of the 12 leased units have been snatched up by University Circle area employees. This proves the viability of new housing options in the area, says Chris Ronayne, Executive Director of University Circle Inc. (UCI).
"This is a great moment in time where the Circle is meeting East Cleveland," says Ronayne of the project, which features 20 townhouse-style apartments that are being developed on a former parking lot on Euclid Avenue in East Cleveland. "The fact that Circle area employees are leasing the apartments means that our Greater Circle Living program is working. Employees can get one month's free rent through this effort, and institutions and foundations are putting money into it."
Circle East Townhomes are being built on 1.5 acres of land along Euclid between Lakeview Road and Auburndale Avenue. The $5 million project is being co-developed by UCI and the Finch Group, and partial funding comes from federal Neighborhood Stabilization Funds. The three-story units have 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and two car garages. Rental rates are $930 per month, and tenants can earn up to 120 percent of area median income (about $60,000) and still qualify.
"Circle East is really a new neighborhood where University Circle meets East Cleveland," says Ronayne, who adds that the project would have remained on the drawing board without the leadership of East Cleveland Mayor Gary Norton and support from Cuyahoga County and the Cuyahoga Land Bank. "We've been planning this for a while, and now we're starting to see development."
UCI and East Cleveland are now seeking planning grants for Phase II of the project, which would bring an additional 20 units to the site. Ronayne ultimately envisions a mixed-use housing and office development, including technology companies or services related to University Circle's anchor institutions.
The first residents are expected to move into Circle East Townhomes by June 15th.
Source: Chris Ronayne
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"This is a great moment in time where the Circle is meeting East Cleveland," says Ronayne of the project, which features 20 townhouse-style apartments that are being developed on a former parking lot on Euclid Avenue in East Cleveland. "The fact that Circle area employees are leasing the apartments means that our Greater Circle Living program is working. Employees can get one month's free rent through this effort, and institutions and foundations are putting money into it."
Circle East Townhomes are being built on 1.5 acres of land along Euclid between Lakeview Road and Auburndale Avenue. The $5 million project is being co-developed by UCI and the Finch Group, and partial funding comes from federal Neighborhood Stabilization Funds. The three-story units have 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and two car garages. Rental rates are $930 per month, and tenants can earn up to 120 percent of area median income (about $60,000) and still qualify.
"Circle East is really a new neighborhood where University Circle meets East Cleveland," says Ronayne, who adds that the project would have remained on the drawing board without the leadership of East Cleveland Mayor Gary Norton and support from Cuyahoga County and the Cuyahoga Land Bank. "We've been planning this for a while, and now we're starting to see development."
UCI and East Cleveland are now seeking planning grants for Phase II of the project, which would bring an additional 20 units to the site. Ronayne ultimately envisions a mixed-use housing and office development, including technology companies or services related to University Circle's anchor institutions.
The first residents are expected to move into Circle East Townhomes by June 15th.
Source: Chris Ronayne
Writer: Lee Chilcote
NEOSA Tech Week 2012 was held last week at various northeast Ohio locations, promoting the region’s technology companies and the work they are doing in the field. This is the second year for the event, which increased participation by 80 percent with more than 900 people attending nine separate events.
“It was awesome,” says Brad Nellis, NEOSA director. “The main goal is to raise the profile of the technology industry in Cleveland.”
The week kicked off with Tech Pitch night at the 100th Bomb Group, where 10 companies pitched their businesses to IT executives. “The purpose was for business development and to make business connections,” explains Nellis. The audience voted for the most intriguing company, most wanted product and best pitch.
A talent networking event linked 100 young professionals and college students with 25 area companies -- from small employers to international power companies. “We heard from a number of companies who participated about how good it was for them,” says Nellis.
The sixth annual Best in Tech Awards recognized outstanding tech companies and impressive tech entrepreneurs in the region. Six companies out of 60 nominations were named as winners in various categories. Sparkbase was named Tech Company of the Year. The CIO of the Year awards were also announced in four categories.
The Cool Tech Challenge invited 31 area high school teams to compete in web site design. Seventy students on 43 teams competed. Six students on three teams from Mentor High School, Beaumont School and Copley-Fairlawn High School each received $1,000 in scholarships.
Source: Brad Nellis
Writer: Karin Connelly
“It was awesome,” says Brad Nellis, NEOSA director. “The main goal is to raise the profile of the technology industry in Cleveland.”
The week kicked off with Tech Pitch night at the 100th Bomb Group, where 10 companies pitched their businesses to IT executives. “The purpose was for business development and to make business connections,” explains Nellis. The audience voted for the most intriguing company, most wanted product and best pitch.
A talent networking event linked 100 young professionals and college students with 25 area companies -- from small employers to international power companies. “We heard from a number of companies who participated about how good it was for them,” says Nellis.
The sixth annual Best in Tech Awards recognized outstanding tech companies and impressive tech entrepreneurs in the region. Six companies out of 60 nominations were named as winners in various categories. Sparkbase was named Tech Company of the Year. The CIO of the Year awards were also announced in four categories.
The Cool Tech Challenge invited 31 area high school teams to compete in web site design. Seventy students on 43 teams competed. Six students on three teams from Mentor High School, Beaumont School and Copley-Fairlawn High School each received $1,000 in scholarships.
Source: Brad Nellis
Writer: Karin Connelly
Bizdom Cleveland, a business accelerator that mentors and funds up-and-coming entrepreneurs, launched its first six businesses from the fall program. The six businesses were selected from 350 applicants, who were then narrowed down to 32 participants in a 12-week mentoring program.
The six businesses participated in “Demo Day” on Wednesday at Quicken Loans Arena, where they showcased their companies to potential investors.
“Thirty-five investors from throughout the region came to meet the inaugural Bizdom class and take a look at all the hard work they’ve done,” says Paul Allen, team leader for Bizdom Cleveland. “This is just the start of fundraising activities for these six new businesses. They will continue to meet with investors in the region and outside the region.”
The businesses received up to a $25,000 investment in exchange for an eight percent equity share in the new company. The startups will remain in Bizdom’s offices for three months. The companies must remain in Cleveland once they branch out on their own.
The six companies are: BigRiver; BOOM; InStoreFinance; Urban Matrix; SafeCare; and On Demand Interpretation.
“They’re all operating in technology, web and software space and all are performing at a really high level,” says Allen. “Our strategy is on product design and we have high expectations on sales and they are all doing really well.”
Bizdom accepts applications quarterly for sessions. Seventy entrepreneurs applied for the April session, of which four will be selected. The next session begins in July.
Source: Paul Allen
Writer: Karin Connelly
The six businesses participated in “Demo Day” on Wednesday at Quicken Loans Arena, where they showcased their companies to potential investors.
“Thirty-five investors from throughout the region came to meet the inaugural Bizdom class and take a look at all the hard work they’ve done,” says Paul Allen, team leader for Bizdom Cleveland. “This is just the start of fundraising activities for these six new businesses. They will continue to meet with investors in the region and outside the region.”
The businesses received up to a $25,000 investment in exchange for an eight percent equity share in the new company. The startups will remain in Bizdom’s offices for three months. The companies must remain in Cleveland once they branch out on their own.
The six companies are: BigRiver; BOOM; InStoreFinance; Urban Matrix; SafeCare; and On Demand Interpretation.
“They’re all operating in technology, web and software space and all are performing at a really high level,” says Allen. “Our strategy is on product design and we have high expectations on sales and they are all doing really well.”
Bizdom accepts applications quarterly for sessions. Seventy entrepreneurs applied for the April session, of which four will be selected. The next session begins in July.
Source: Paul Allen
Writer: Karin Connelly
Studies show that kids who don’t have good literacy skills by the third grade are four times more likely to drop out before finishing high school, making it unlikely they will find productive jobs as adults. The Literacy Cooperative’s Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids (SPARK) program helps prepare kids for kindergarten and ultimately get them off to a good start.
“The SPARK program started in Canton six or seven years ago and they’ve seen measureable improvement,” says Literacy Cooperative executive director Bob Paponetti. “By third grade, the SPARK children are doing better than standardized testing.”
The SPARK program began last year with four-year-olds getting ready to enter kindergarten in seven schools in three school districts: Cleveland, Cleveland Heights and Maple Heights. The program pairs a parent partner who goes to the child’s home once a month and guides the child and parent through a proven curriculum and teaches parents ways to incorporate learning into daily home activities.
The results have been encouraging, showing a higher percentage of kindergarten-readiness in the participants. “Children who participated in SPARK showed a significant marked improvement over kids in the same classroom,” says Paponetti. “We’re very pleased with the first year and we will continue to track them.”
The program targets kids early on so that they have a better chance of finishing school, going to college and being prepared to compete for good jobs.
“There is a clear connection between how they do early on and how they do later in life,” explains Paponetti. “The jobs that continue to be created require more than a high school diploma. There are 400,000 adults in Cuyahoga County who don’t have those requirements, so it’s important to get kids off to a good start. The investment in early childhood really pays off."
Source: Bob Paponetti
Writer: Karin Connelly
“The SPARK program started in Canton six or seven years ago and they’ve seen measureable improvement,” says Literacy Cooperative executive director Bob Paponetti. “By third grade, the SPARK children are doing better than standardized testing.”
The SPARK program began last year with four-year-olds getting ready to enter kindergarten in seven schools in three school districts: Cleveland, Cleveland Heights and Maple Heights. The program pairs a parent partner who goes to the child’s home once a month and guides the child and parent through a proven curriculum and teaches parents ways to incorporate learning into daily home activities.
The results have been encouraging, showing a higher percentage of kindergarten-readiness in the participants. “Children who participated in SPARK showed a significant marked improvement over kids in the same classroom,” says Paponetti. “We’re very pleased with the first year and we will continue to track them.”
The program targets kids early on so that they have a better chance of finishing school, going to college and being prepared to compete for good jobs.
“There is a clear connection between how they do early on and how they do later in life,” explains Paponetti. “The jobs that continue to be created require more than a high school diploma. There are 400,000 adults in Cuyahoga County who don’t have those requirements, so it’s important to get kids off to a good start. The investment in early childhood really pays off."
Source: Bob Paponetti
Writer: Karin Connelly
cleveland orchestra, visiting san fran, sounds marvelous at sunday opener
"Is music director Franz Welser-Möst -- now in his tenth season with the 'Big Five' orchestra -- in the same league as George Szell and Christoph von Dohnányi and his other illustrious predecessors? Will the orchestra overcome its substantial debt? Are its periodic residencies in Miami and New York acts of desperation, or creative solutions to its fiscal woes?" the San Jose Mercury News asks rhetorically in a review of the visiting orchestra.
"Yada, yada, yada. Sunday night, the orchestra arrived in San Francisco for the first of two programs, and it sounded marvelous from the opening measures of Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 3 in A minor, "Scottish" -- and still better with Shostakovitch's Symphony," it answered itself.
"No. 6, which was like a long and beautiful march to the abyss. Coincidentally, Sunday was the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, but this orchestra wasn't going down. If anything, it sounded titanically impressive at Davies Symphony Hall, where it is performing in honor of another centennial: the 100th anniversary of the San Francisco Symphony."
Enjoy the rest here.
"Yada, yada, yada. Sunday night, the orchestra arrived in San Francisco for the first of two programs, and it sounded marvelous from the opening measures of Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 3 in A minor, "Scottish" -- and still better with Shostakovitch's Symphony," it answered itself.
"No. 6, which was like a long and beautiful march to the abyss. Coincidentally, Sunday was the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, but this orchestra wasn't going down. If anything, it sounded titanically impressive at Davies Symphony Hall, where it is performing in honor of another centennial: the 100th anniversary of the San Francisco Symphony."
Enjoy the rest here.
Former Reddstone chef Josh Kabat and his fiance and business partner, Kiaran Daily, have opened Cleveland Pickle, a gourmet downtown sandwich shop. The venue specializes in eclectic sandwiches made from fresh, often local ingredients. Many of the sandwiches are also creatively named after local Cleveland landmarks.
For instance, the Terminal is a savory and sweet sandwich featuring black forest ham, brie, spinach, roasted tomato pesto and apricot jam. The Payne Avenue panini is a twist on the Vietnamese banh mi sandwich, with a touch of chipotle for extra zest.
"Everyone loves sandwiches, and these are sandwiches that people have never seen before," says Kabat. "We use all top of the line ingredients, similar to what you'd find in a fine dining restaurant. Kiaran and I wanted to take our experiences working in chef-driven restaurants as well as bars and bring it all together."
Kabat and Daily make pickles out of their home, adding fresh, delicious chunks of pickle to many of their signature sandwiches. "Love is what sets us apart," says Kabat. "We pour our blood, sweat and tears into this meticulous process."
Cleveland Pickle joins a host of new restaurants and eateries that have opened on Euclid Avenue, including Hodge's, Colossal Cupcakes, Nexus Cafe and Potbelly.
Cleveland Pickle is open Monday to Friday from 9 am until 4 pm. After Memorial Day, the owners plan to stay open Saturdays and until 8 pm during the week.
Source: Josh Kabat
Writer: Lee Chilcote
For instance, the Terminal is a savory and sweet sandwich featuring black forest ham, brie, spinach, roasted tomato pesto and apricot jam. The Payne Avenue panini is a twist on the Vietnamese banh mi sandwich, with a touch of chipotle for extra zest.
"Everyone loves sandwiches, and these are sandwiches that people have never seen before," says Kabat. "We use all top of the line ingredients, similar to what you'd find in a fine dining restaurant. Kiaran and I wanted to take our experiences working in chef-driven restaurants as well as bars and bring it all together."
Kabat and Daily make pickles out of their home, adding fresh, delicious chunks of pickle to many of their signature sandwiches. "Love is what sets us apart," says Kabat. "We pour our blood, sweat and tears into this meticulous process."
Cleveland Pickle joins a host of new restaurants and eateries that have opened on Euclid Avenue, including Hodge's, Colossal Cupcakes, Nexus Cafe and Potbelly.
Cleveland Pickle is open Monday to Friday from 9 am until 4 pm. After Memorial Day, the owners plan to stay open Saturdays and until 8 pm during the week.
Source: Josh Kabat
Writer: Lee Chilcote