Stories
Stories from Street Level
Kelly Boland Nagusky reflects of her pride, joy, and sadness r of letting go as her children grow up and move away, return home, then move again.
On a recent trip to the Cleveland Metroparks Brecksville Reservation's Nature Center, Kelly Boland Nagusky rekindled her lifelong love for birds. She shared the experience with two of her children, who also embraced the magical effect of handfeeding wild Black Capped Chickadees and Tufted Titmice.
The Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival and Saint Luke's Foundation are hosting two events at Shaker Square for residents of Mt. Pleasant, Buckeye-Shaker, and Woodland Hills for a festive celebration of community and connection. The events to celebrate the holiday season include a free movie night at Atlas Cinemas featuring "Moana 2" and "Wicked" on December 18, and a gathering at Café Indigo on December 21.
Katie Coleman, a young cancer survivor, shares her inspiring story of battling a rare kidney cancer at age 29 in her book, "Too Young for Cancer," which chronicles her journey and emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare. Coleman shared her story an audience of young adults with cancer at The Gathering Place last month.
Stories from Features
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking launched a new proactive campaign, Humans Over Human Trafficking. The imitative focuses on community empowerment and victim dignity, rather than fear-based messaging, to educate the public about the realities of human trafficking and inspire action.
Jakiah Moore experienced homelessness three years ago while pregnant with her daughter and fleeing domestic violence. The nonprofit A Place for Me helped her get back on her feet, rent an apartment, and offered her a job. Today, Moore is helping Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry, A Place for Me, and other community partners in the fight to open a Drop-In Center for homeless youth in Ohio City.
The Cleveland Museum of Art is celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day will a day of free activities, performances, and exhibits inspired by Dr. King's legacy. The event explores themes of freedom, justice, and democracy through art, music, dance, and storytelling, while also offering free admission to the "Picasso and Paper" exhibit.
As Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse celebrates its 30th anniversary of hosting sports events, concerts, and events, Cindy Norman, who has worked for the Cavs, the Coliseum, and the Fieldhouse for 50 years, reflects on memorable moments and technological advancements the arena's impact on Greater Cleveland.
Stories from Breaking Ground
The Western Reserve Historical Society's Cleveland History Center is observing Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with free admission and special exhibits on Black history, art, and culture. Visitors can explore photography exhibits, learn about Dr. King's involvement in the 1968 Poor People's Campaign, and engage in various activities celebrating Dr. King's legacy.
The Community West Foundation awarded $566,100 in fourth quarter grants to support nonprofit organizations in Cleveland and Western Cuyahoga and Lorain Counties. The grants aim to advance the health and well-being of the community through the organizations that provide essential services to those in need.
City Fresh, a nonprofit CSA working to increase food access in Northeast Ohio, is offering holiday shares of locally grown produce for pickup in Cleveland Heights, Oberlin, and Lakewood. Registration ends Saturday!
The Cleveland Restoration Society is offering its members an exclusive Snoop! Tour to preview the new Fidelity Hotel, on East 6th Street. The historic building, first named the Fidelity Building and later the Baker Building, is rich in history and architectural features. Led by historic preservation consultants Naylor Wellman, LLC, members can explore the adaptive reuse transformation from 1919 office building to a modern hotel.
Stories from Buzz
The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Cleveland Zoological Society are running their yearly Lights for Lions campaign, which recycles broken holiday lights and extension cords to raise money for lion and cheetah conservation in East Africa. Community members can donate their old lights and cords at various locations through early February.
Today is the Winter Solstice, the shortest day and the longest night of the year. Here are some reflections, and some hope, as we mark the day and start the climb back to more daylight.
The Salvation Army Greater Cleveland will host Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Zelma George Family Shelter, delivering toys to families in need.
The 43rd Annual Cleveland Turkey Trot brought many racers in costume. After polling FreshWater readers, we now have the winners of first annual Turkey Trot Costume Poll, with prizes awarded to Buddy the Elf, the Grinch Family, and a costumed dog.
Partner Content
The Cleveland Museum of Art is celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day will a day of free activities, performances, and exhibits inspired by Dr. King's legacy. The event explores themes of freedom, justice, and democracy through art, music, dance, and storytelling, while also offering free admission to the "Picasso and Paper" exhibit.
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture has approved grants totaling $10,750,847 to support more than 300 nonprofits in 2025. The funding, made possible by the passage of Issue 55, will benefit a wide range of organizations, including first-time recipients like Darl Center for the Arts, Seat of the Pants Productions, and Community Life Collaboration.
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Half of American manufacturing companies are facing employee shortages, driven in part by an aging workforce. Companies like Lincoln Electric are attracting and retaining young talent through competitive wages and partnering with MAGNET's training programs to change perceptions and ensure a sustainable workforce.
Claire Dederer, bestselling author of "Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma," will speak at the Cleveland Museum of Art this week, when she will explore the challenges of appreciating great art created by controversial figures—addressing questions of genius, monstrosity, and our role in navigating these ethical dilemmas.
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture this week approved nearly $11 million in grants to support 300 Cuyahoga County nonprofit organizations of all sizes in 2025, with 15 organizations receiving funding for the first time.
Cuyahoga County votes approved Issue 55 earlier this month—replacing and expanding the cigarette tax levy that funds Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. The approval will raise $160 million over the next 10 years, which will allow CAC to fund thousands of nonprofit arts and culture groups like BAYarts and Oh Sew Powerful.
Artist Arlin Graff's new mural, "A Wild Urban Refuge," celebrates Cuyahoga Valley National Park's 50th anniversary and the transformation of the Cuyahoga River. Inspired by local wildlife and the park's conservation efforts, the mural highlights the importance of environmental stewardship.
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Cuyahoga County voters this week approved Issue 55, expanding the cigarette tax that funds Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. The new tax will generate $160 million over 10 years for hundreds of local artists and nonprofit arts and culture organizations.
Cleveland Museum of Art's MIX: Supernatural will combine Halloween spirit with art and music this Friday night, with DJ Fabrizio, themed food and drinks, dancing, and, of course, costumes!
MAGNET's ninth annual Mspire pitch competition awarded $85,000 to seven innovative manufacturing startups in a diverse range of concepts and industries, from sustainable energy solutions with Accelerate Wind's turbines to cake pop molds made by Daisy Makes, to health technology developed by Auxilium Health.