Stories

9/11 promise to ‘Never Forget’ brings 245,000 meals to Greater Cleveland Food Bank
Yesterday, almost 900 volunteers from throughout Cleveland joined together in observance of 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, and Hunger Action Month, with a donation of 245,000 meals to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.
Breaking barriers, building bridges: Engage! Cleveland ignites change at DEI Conference
Engage! Cleveland’s 2024 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Conference is this Thursday at The Aviator, aiming to unite young professionals and leaders in conversations on racial equity and inclusion. The event will offer actionable strategies to advance DEI in the workplace, featuring expert speakers and panel discussions.
Hungarian Fall Festival is this Sunday at St. Elizabeth Hall
St. Emeric Catholic Church's Hungarian Fall Festival is this Sunday at the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Hall. The free event features live music, four dance performances, and catered food by Balaton Restaurant.
Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Monument hosts September 11 memorial service
Tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 11, there will be a memorial service at the Soldiers' & Sailors' Monument in Public Square. The memorial will honor the men and women who lost their lives in the terrorist attack 23 years ago on September 11. 
#StreetsofCLE: Snapshot in East Cleveland

FreshWater managing photographer Bob Perkoski provides a peek into the everyday lives of Clevelanders going about their business in the neighborhoods and on the streets of Cleveland.

Hometown Heroes: One South Euclid to celebrate three residents committed to positive change
One South Euclid will honor three residents who have worked to better the community with the CDC's annual Hometown Hero awards Mingle at Mayfield event Mayfield Country Club.
Bubble blizzard: Two-day Bubblefest hits Edgewater, Wade Oval, Heights High
Steve Presser, owner of the former Big Fun, and Gary Pearlman, aka, Dr. U.R. Awesome, are bringing Bubblefest to Cleveland in September. The two-day event hosts bubble artists from around the world and features activities, demonstrations, food trucks, music, and, of course, plenty of bubbles!
Creative booster: CAC connects communities through free arts and culture events
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture funds thousands of free cultural events across Cuyahoga County—with a range of happenings encompassing local photography, handmade crafts, and fun-filled community get-togethers. We take a look at Cleveland Photo Fest, Oh Sew Powerful, and University Circle, Inc.'s funded programs.
Perfect pitch: Balance Cheer Gymnastics wins Cleveland Chain Reaction season seven
The winners of Cleveland Chain Reaction were announced this week on Kickin' It With Kenny, with Balance Cheer and Gymnastics taking first place; Covermecutee in second; and CLE Urban Winery in third among 17 semifinalists.
Creeping out in the Bratenahl woods with ‘Mary Sticks’
Cleveland artist Ben Small and his sister, Betsy Allen, have just published their graphic novella "Mary Sticks," which follows the ghost of Mary Clarence, who mysteriously disappeared in 1910. Small was inspired to write a ghost story after evening walks in Bratenahl. Mac’s Backs will host the authors for a book discussion and signing next week.
Prost! Cleveland Oktoberfest kicks off two-weekend run this Friday

Cleveland Oktoberfest, voted the best in the U.S. by USA Today readers, returns to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds Friday for two weekends. The festival features authentic German and European food, craft beer, live music, and attractions like the largest glockenspiel in the U.S., wiener dog races, and fireworks.

#StreetsofCLE: Snapshot on East 55th Street
FreshWater managing photographer Bob Perkoski provides a peek into the everyday lives of Clevelanders going about their business in the neighborhoods and on the streets of Cleveland.
Harvest Moon: A culinary celebration under the stars
Holden Forests & Gardens will host its only annual fundraiser, Harvest Moon, on Sept. 13 at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. The Friday the 13th event will be an evening where mysticism meets philanthropy among Cleveland's top chefs.
Cooking up success: Culinary icon Loretta Paganini hosts Cleveland’s Top Chefs fundraiser
Loretta Paganini opened her International Culinary Arts and Science Institute 20 years ago to give area culinary students advanced career training. This weekend, local celebrity chefs will help raise scholarship money for the school at the Cleveland's Top Chefs event.
Literary journey: Connie Schultz debuts first children’s book to rapt young audience at CCPL

FreshWater exclusive: Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Connie Schultz captivated a packed audience at the Cuyahoga County Public Library’s Parma-Snow branch last Saturday with a reading of her first children’s book, "Lola and the Troll." Schultz talked with FreshWater's Jess Starr about how her grandchildren inspired her venture into picture books, and the lessons on kindness and bravery learned.

Barking up the right tree: Taps & Tails offers social time for both dogs and humans
In 2019 Lakewood residents Lisa and Eric Hollender wanted a bar where unleashed dogs could play and exercise while their humans relaxed and socialized. So, in 2021 they opened Taps & Tails in Tremont. The place is so popular, they're thinking about expanding with an east side location.
Passport to Peace: One World Day embraces cultural diversity
The 78th annual One World Day takes place in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens this Sunday, Aug. 25—offering a family friendly cultural celebration of Cleveland's diversity with music, dancing, and food and drink.
Doan Brook Watershed Partnership asks the community to Take to the Lake
This Saturday, the Doan Brook Watershed Partnership will host a day of relaxation, kayaking, canoeing, and yoga on the Lower Shaker Lake. Dr. Roy Larick will lead an informative hike around the lake to learn about the region's history and geology.
#StreetsofCLE: Snapshot on Ontario Street
FreshWater managing photographer Bob Perkoski provides a peek into the everyday lives of Clevelanders going about their business in the neighborhoods and on the streets of Cleveland.
Building bridges: How Cleveland Heights is reforming police protocols in LGBTQ+ youth encounters
Cleveland Heights City Council and child services agency Bellefaire JCB are leading efforts to improve police interactions with LGBTQ+ youth. The initiative, supported by the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland and Columbus-based Kaleidoscope Youth Center, focuses on reducing harmful encounters through updated protocols, officer training, and improved youth programs.