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Is 2012 the year of the collective? Based on the DIY art spaces that are springing up across the city, it would certainly seem like a trend-in-the-making.
BuckBuck, a new collaborative art space that is located in a former auction house, is the latest creative hotspot to join the list. Founders Joe Lanzilotta and Derek Maxfield are recent college graduates who started the gallery and co-op style workspace after obtaining fine arts and graphic design degrees from Ohio University and being faced with a tight job market.
Yet the founders' desire to start their own creative space went beyond their dim job prospects, Lanzilotta says. They began hunting for cool, affordable space because they wanted to do their own thing and shape their own destiny.
"We wanted a spot we could build our own reputation from," says Lanzilotta, who seized the 5,700-square-foot space at 3910 Lorain Avenue after the sympathetic landlord enticed them with a couple months free rent and an affordable lease rate. "After I completed an internship in Chicago, I had the feeling that I really wanted to come back to Cleveland and create something on my own."
BuckBuck recently hosted its first art show in the newly-created gallery -- its founders literally erected walls and hung artwork with only a few weeks notice -- during this year's Palookafest event. The annual chili cook-off and competition was created by Ian P.E., the owner of Palookaville Chili, which opened in an adjacent storefront in early 2011.
Thanks to a proliferation of cheap, available storefronts on Lorain, Lanzilotta says that a small creative community is springing up. Recently, a furniture maker moved in next door, and there is also a new tattoo shop across the street.
Source: Joe Lanzilotta
Writer: Lee Chilcote
BuckBuck, a new collaborative art space that is located in a former auction house, is the latest creative hotspot to join the list. Founders Joe Lanzilotta and Derek Maxfield are recent college graduates who started the gallery and co-op style workspace after obtaining fine arts and graphic design degrees from Ohio University and being faced with a tight job market.
Yet the founders' desire to start their own creative space went beyond their dim job prospects, Lanzilotta says. They began hunting for cool, affordable space because they wanted to do their own thing and shape their own destiny.
"We wanted a spot we could build our own reputation from," says Lanzilotta, who seized the 5,700-square-foot space at 3910 Lorain Avenue after the sympathetic landlord enticed them with a couple months free rent and an affordable lease rate. "After I completed an internship in Chicago, I had the feeling that I really wanted to come back to Cleveland and create something on my own."
BuckBuck recently hosted its first art show in the newly-created gallery -- its founders literally erected walls and hung artwork with only a few weeks notice -- during this year's Palookafest event. The annual chili cook-off and competition was created by Ian P.E., the owner of Palookaville Chili, which opened in an adjacent storefront in early 2011.
Thanks to a proliferation of cheap, available storefronts on Lorain, Lanzilotta says that a small creative community is springing up. Recently, a furniture maker moved in next door, and there is also a new tattoo shop across the street.
Source: Joe Lanzilotta
Writer: Lee Chilcote
LeanDog Labs, LaunchHouse and Bizdom have gotten together to host a Startup Mixer today from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at LeanDog Labs. The event intends to bring together developers, designers and other IT types with entrepreneurs launching a new product or service but in need of a CTO.
“A lot of people have wonderful ideas and a business background, but they’re usually missing that technical background,” explains Andradia Scovil, recruiting leader for Bizdom Cleveland. “These days you have to have a CTO to run a business. If we can bring together these business people with people with a technical background we can make things happen.”
While the three organizations have slightly different services, the mixer serves the common goal of fostering the growing IT industry in Cleveland. “For the first time in a long time we’re seeing momentum building,” says Nick Barendt, LeanDog Labs director. “If we can help play matchmaker, get these different networks into the same room, it will be good to see more collaboration.”
Scovil agrees. “At the end of the day we all agree that Cleveland needs entrepreneurs to thrive and be a city known as a tech hub,” she says. “Cleveland should be known as a place where people go to grow their businesses.”
The organizers limited attendance at the mixer to 100 people, simply to provide a more intimate networking experience for the participants.
Source: Nick Barendt, Andradia Scovil
Writer: Karin Connelly
“A lot of people have wonderful ideas and a business background, but they’re usually missing that technical background,” explains Andradia Scovil, recruiting leader for Bizdom Cleveland. “These days you have to have a CTO to run a business. If we can bring together these business people with people with a technical background we can make things happen.”
While the three organizations have slightly different services, the mixer serves the common goal of fostering the growing IT industry in Cleveland. “For the first time in a long time we’re seeing momentum building,” says Nick Barendt, LeanDog Labs director. “If we can help play matchmaker, get these different networks into the same room, it will be good to see more collaboration.”
Scovil agrees. “At the end of the day we all agree that Cleveland needs entrepreneurs to thrive and be a city known as a tech hub,” she says. “Cleveland should be known as a place where people go to grow their businesses.”
The organizers limited attendance at the mixer to 100 people, simply to provide a more intimate networking experience for the participants.
Source: Nick Barendt, Andradia Scovil
Writer: Karin Connelly
Bad Girl Ventures has teamed up with Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream and Accion to host a Speed Coaching event on Monday, May 7 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the COSE offices. The event targets startups in the food and beverage industry.
“People in food and beverage have a really hard time getting funding,” explains Rachel Czernin, director of marketing and development for Bad Girl Ventures.
Small business owners spend 20 minutes at each station and receive personalized coaching from more than 20 local professionals and Sam Adams experts. Consulting stations will cover topics including sales and distribution, packaging, marketing and e-commerce, legal and financing.
Since 2008, Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream has been providing low and modest income small business owners in the food, beverage and hospitality industry with the resources to start and grow their businesses. Accion, a non-profit microlender, provides loans, coaching and access to networks for small businesses. Loan consultants will be at the event to talk about how to access loans and other financing.
Cleveland is an ideal location for a food service speed coaching event because of the growing number of such businesses in the area.
“In Cleveland the number of businesses is higher than in other cities because Cleveland has established itself as a destination for good food,” says Czernin. “And there’s no food incubator in place, no one really fostering food and beverage specifically.”
BGV plans to have about 75 participants at the event. They will host a similar event in Cincinnati the following day. “It’s really an opportunity to meet experts in the field,” says Czernin. “It’s an opportunity to find funding. And it’s free.”
Source: Rachel Czernin
Writer: Karin Connelly
“People in food and beverage have a really hard time getting funding,” explains Rachel Czernin, director of marketing and development for Bad Girl Ventures.
Small business owners spend 20 minutes at each station and receive personalized coaching from more than 20 local professionals and Sam Adams experts. Consulting stations will cover topics including sales and distribution, packaging, marketing and e-commerce, legal and financing.
Since 2008, Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream has been providing low and modest income small business owners in the food, beverage and hospitality industry with the resources to start and grow their businesses. Accion, a non-profit microlender, provides loans, coaching and access to networks for small businesses. Loan consultants will be at the event to talk about how to access loans and other financing.
Cleveland is an ideal location for a food service speed coaching event because of the growing number of such businesses in the area.
“In Cleveland the number of businesses is higher than in other cities because Cleveland has established itself as a destination for good food,” says Czernin. “And there’s no food incubator in place, no one really fostering food and beverage specifically.”
BGV plans to have about 75 participants at the event. They will host a similar event in Cincinnati the following day. “It’s really an opportunity to meet experts in the field,” says Czernin. “It’s an opportunity to find funding. And it’s free.”
Source: Rachel Czernin
Writer: Karin Connelly
Last December, Russ Mitchell left New York, his home of 16 years, to bring his considerable talents to Cleveland as lead anchor and managing editor for WKYC. His portfolio spans 30 years and includes work in local news at points across the country, not to mention 15 years anchoring CBS news programs like The Early Show and CBS Evening News. At the center of it all is a man who is not only approachable and personable, but one who already feels like one of our own.
cleveland heights featured in american bungalow
In an article titled, "Progressive Architecture, Friendly Relations: Making It Work In Cleveland Heights," American Bungalow magazine offers up a lovely and in-depth profile of the East Side inner-ring suburb. It was penned by Douglas J. Forsyth, Associate Prof. of History at Bowling Green State University.
"Cleveland Heights developed rapidly as a classic streetcar suburb during the heyday of the Arts and Crafts movement, and it has perhaps the finest patrimony of Arts and Crafts and Prairie-style houses in the Cleveland area."
"If the Cleveland metropolitan area is going to turn around, the city of Cleveland Heights can be expected to be front-and-center in the revival process. It offers superb early-modernist residential architecture, a lively and diverse cultural scene, and dense formal and informal social networks. These elements have combined, over the rocky urban history of the 20th century, to create an enduring and resilient community that has held itself together in the equally challenging first decade of the 21st and could serve as one of the crucibles from which the recovery of the metropolitan area, if and when it comes, will flow."
Read the rest here.
"Cleveland Heights developed rapidly as a classic streetcar suburb during the heyday of the Arts and Crafts movement, and it has perhaps the finest patrimony of Arts and Crafts and Prairie-style houses in the Cleveland area."
"If the Cleveland metropolitan area is going to turn around, the city of Cleveland Heights can be expected to be front-and-center in the revival process. It offers superb early-modernist residential architecture, a lively and diverse cultural scene, and dense formal and informal social networks. These elements have combined, over the rocky urban history of the 20th century, to create an enduring and resilient community that has held itself together in the equally challenging first decade of the 21st and could serve as one of the crucibles from which the recovery of the metropolitan area, if and when it comes, will flow."
Read the rest here.
For Dan Miller, making a living as a visual artist in Cleveland meant selling his motorcycle, emptying his savings account and finding a warehouse where he could build his own walls and hang lights. The owner of the new Rotten Meat Gallery on East 40th Street between Payne and Perkins says it's all worth it to showcase the city's underrecognized art scene.
"I really wanted to do my part to encourage people to stay here and grow Cleveland as an art market," says Miller, a painter who also uses the building as his own studio. "Markets like Chicago and New York are saturated, and there's a lack of pretension here. We're an industrious city, yet we also have a strong history of culture in places like the Cleveland Museum of Art."
Rotten Meat Gallery is a launchpad for new, emerging artists as well as a place that celebrates established local talent, Miller says. The formerly industrial space is an artist's haven that boasts exposed brick walls and fourteen foot ceilings.
Although Cleveland's art scene is small and tight-knit, Miller hopes that others will follow his lead and establish DIY art spaces that help the city's art scene thrive and grow. "One of the best ways to revitalize an area is to get artists there."
Rotten Meat's next show, "Tab A, Slot B," features Rust Belt Welding artisans Grant Smrekar and Lou Erste, who will showcase their functional sculpture and furniture that is built out of reclaimed wood and steel. The opening reception takes place this Friday, May 4th from 6-10 pm at 1814 East 40th Street, Suite B.
Source: Dan Miller
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"I really wanted to do my part to encourage people to stay here and grow Cleveland as an art market," says Miller, a painter who also uses the building as his own studio. "Markets like Chicago and New York are saturated, and there's a lack of pretension here. We're an industrious city, yet we also have a strong history of culture in places like the Cleveland Museum of Art."
Rotten Meat Gallery is a launchpad for new, emerging artists as well as a place that celebrates established local talent, Miller says. The formerly industrial space is an artist's haven that boasts exposed brick walls and fourteen foot ceilings.
Although Cleveland's art scene is small and tight-knit, Miller hopes that others will follow his lead and establish DIY art spaces that help the city's art scene thrive and grow. "One of the best ways to revitalize an area is to get artists there."
Rotten Meat's next show, "Tab A, Slot B," features Rust Belt Welding artisans Grant Smrekar and Lou Erste, who will showcase their functional sculpture and furniture that is built out of reclaimed wood and steel. The opening reception takes place this Friday, May 4th from 6-10 pm at 1814 East 40th Street, Suite B.
Source: Dan Miller
Writer: Lee Chilcote
New entrepreneurs need all the help they can get when launching a business. The Incubator at MAGNET is launching the Beta Space to help students and entrepreneurs get off to a good start. The 2,000 square-foot space on E. 25th Street offers co-working space, mentorship and free advice from service providers.
“There are two main components to the program,” says David Crain, director of entrepreneurial services for the Incubator at Magnet. “One is a co-working space for students with a focus on advanced engineering. Second is small businesses and entrepreneurs can schedule free one hour meetings to get advice and ask questions to our service providers.”
Service providers in the Beta Space include finance, marketing and legal service providers. Membership is not required to take advantage of the services. Entrepreneurs can schedule up to four one-hour meetings a month.
The Beta Space aims to be a place for networking, mentorship and a mix of experience. Presentations and other social events are also planned. “We’re regionally focused,” says Crain. “Any entrepreneur or small business in Northeast Ohio is welcome.”
The Beta Space has 15 service providers signed up to offer advice. Crain expects to have 25 to 30 providers total -- all donating their time to help small businesses.
“On the service side, these are folks who work with entrepreneurs and know they need a ton of help,” says Crain.
The Beta Space officially opens May 7.
Source: David Crain
Writer: Karin Connelly
“There are two main components to the program,” says David Crain, director of entrepreneurial services for the Incubator at Magnet. “One is a co-working space for students with a focus on advanced engineering. Second is small businesses and entrepreneurs can schedule free one hour meetings to get advice and ask questions to our service providers.”
Service providers in the Beta Space include finance, marketing and legal service providers. Membership is not required to take advantage of the services. Entrepreneurs can schedule up to four one-hour meetings a month.
The Beta Space aims to be a place for networking, mentorship and a mix of experience. Presentations and other social events are also planned. “We’re regionally focused,” says Crain. “Any entrepreneur or small business in Northeast Ohio is welcome.”
The Beta Space has 15 service providers signed up to offer advice. Crain expects to have 25 to 30 providers total -- all donating their time to help small businesses.
“On the service side, these are folks who work with entrepreneurs and know they need a ton of help,” says Crain.
The Beta Space officially opens May 7.
Source: David Crain
Writer: Karin Connelly
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.
Providence House, the first crisis nursery in Ohio and one of only 70 similar facilities in the U.S., recently broke ground on a $2 million, three-phase project in Ohio City that will allow the nonprofit agency to better serve Northeast Ohio families in crisis.
"We have a waiting list that is 20 to 30 kids long right now," explains Natalie Leek-Nelson, Executive Director of Providence House, which is expanding its current location at W. 32nd Street and Lorain Avenue. "Phase I of the expansion will allow us to have 250 kids per year in our crisis nursery, and it will also increase the ages of the kids so that we can take older siblings."
Providence House provides short-term housing for kids who are unsafe in their homes because they're at risk of abuse, neglect or generally unsafe conditions. The agency is unique because it offers intensive therapy to help families stay together. More than 95 percent of families whose children end up at Providence House are eventually reunified. The facility also offers housing to kids whose parents are unable to care for them (for instance, because they've suddenly gotten sick).
"Parents don't want to give up their kids, so things often escalate until they're out of control," says Leek-Nelson. "Providence House is an alternative to the emergency foster system. We let families know it's okay to get help."
When asked why Providence House's work is important, Leek-Nelson cites a statistic that 75 percent of high school dropouts are abused kids. "Is it the school system or something at home that keeps them from succeeding?" she asks.
Providence House has already raised about 75 percent of the funds that are needed to complete Phase I of its expansion plans. "It's been a big challenge, but the community has really stepped up," says Leek-Nelson. "We have more than 300 individuals, foundations and businesses that have donated."
Source: Natalie Leek-Nelson
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"We have a waiting list that is 20 to 30 kids long right now," explains Natalie Leek-Nelson, Executive Director of Providence House, which is expanding its current location at W. 32nd Street and Lorain Avenue. "Phase I of the expansion will allow us to have 250 kids per year in our crisis nursery, and it will also increase the ages of the kids so that we can take older siblings."
Providence House provides short-term housing for kids who are unsafe in their homes because they're at risk of abuse, neglect or generally unsafe conditions. The agency is unique because it offers intensive therapy to help families stay together. More than 95 percent of families whose children end up at Providence House are eventually reunified. The facility also offers housing to kids whose parents are unable to care for them (for instance, because they've suddenly gotten sick).
"Parents don't want to give up their kids, so things often escalate until they're out of control," says Leek-Nelson. "Providence House is an alternative to the emergency foster system. We let families know it's okay to get help."
When asked why Providence House's work is important, Leek-Nelson cites a statistic that 75 percent of high school dropouts are abused kids. "Is it the school system or something at home that keeps them from succeeding?" she asks.
Providence House has already raised about 75 percent of the funds that are needed to complete Phase I of its expansion plans. "It's been a big challenge, but the community has really stepped up," says Leek-Nelson. "We have more than 300 individuals, foundations and businesses that have donated."
Source: Natalie Leek-Nelson
Writer: Lee Chilcote
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