While summer may feel far away, college students will be returning home with their requisite manbuns and proclivity to wear slippers as shoes in a blink. They will soon join area high school juniors and seniors, who are already eyeing residential couches with plans to become one with them from June through August.

It does not have to be this way.

On Sunday March 6 and Saturday March 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Cleveland Metroparks invites those students, along... Read more >

Enrollment for the 2016/2017 school year is underway and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) has new tools to ease the process including an enrollment portal that allows prospective families to create an account, explore schools and submit their choices online.

Per CMSD: "Choosing the right school matters. CSMD has launched a new and improved school choice portal that empowers all families, whether they attend a district school or not, to make school ch... Read more >

Approximately 200,000 Leap Year babies in the United States celebrate their real birthday once every four years on Feb. 29. This year, if they do so at the area's Hard Rock Cafes' downtown or Northfield Park locations, they'll receive a free entree from Hard Rock Cafe’s "Leaplings Eat Free" menu, items on which include Twisted Mac, Chicken & Cheese; the Veggie Leggie and the Hickory-Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich among others.
 
Get all the details here.

Growing up in Ecuador, Rafael Valdivieso went against his family's tradition of embarking on a career in politics to pursue his love of the arts.

Long-time Fresh Water contributor Erin O'Brien will now helm the publication.

It may still be February, but March is set to come in like a lion, with a bevy of short alt films, a celebration of Leonard Bernstein and a glittering green art opening.

The James Beard Foundation announced today its list of Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists for the 26th annual James Beard Foundation Awards.

Selected from a list of more than 20,000 online entries, the prestigious group of semifinalists in 21 categories represents a wide range of culinary talent, from exceptional chefs and dining destinations in ten different regions across the U.S.

Bruell and his restaurant Parallax are named in the "Best Chef, Great L... Read more >

Joe Calabrese, CEO and General Manager of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) advocated for more transit funding in testimony on Feb. 16 at the Statehouse.

"RTA is the largest public transportation agency in Ohio. My employees, who reside in 16 of Ohio counties, serve approximately 50 million customers each year in Cuyahoga and several neighboring counties," said Calabrese in his address.

"Public transit in Ohio is a $900 million... Read more >

Known for its tree-lined streets, opulent houses and sense of community, Shaker Heights officials are asking people to share their views of the city in a photo.
 
In honor of National Preservation Month in May, the Shaker Heights Landmark Commission is having its fourth annual Preservation Month Photo Contest.
 
“We look at it as a fun way to celebrate the community,” says Ann Klavora, principal planner in Shaker’s planning department. &... Read more >

A multi-purpose trail planned for the City of Independence will serve as a connecting point with the Towpath Trail while also catalyzing the region economically, planners say.

Construction of Hemlock Trail is scheduled for the first quarter of 2017 following a $500,000 grant the project received from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Clean Ohio Trails fund. The money will cover a portion of the venture while Independence offi... Read more >

Local fashion maven Valerie Mayen has returned to Project Runway as an All-Star. The show, which debuted Feb. 11, airs at 9 p.m. EST on Lifetime.

When asked, "What makes you All-Star material?"

The humble Mayen replied, "Honestly…I’m not sure. I feel uneasy saying that I’m an All Star. Who decides that? What’s the criteria? I’m a hard worker and I think I have some interesting ideas and I execute them well. If that ma... Read more >

Fresh Water contributor Nikki Delamotte for Thrillist:

"Admit it, you’re probably reading this while you’re bored at your desk avoiding work, listening to "Damn It Feels Good To Be A Gangsta" on your headphones and trying not to go all Office Space on the printer. As you're waiting around for your conference call with that cranky client, scrolling through Twitter one more time, and trying to minimize the screen before your boss realizes you&... Read more >

The Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland is raffling off a Chanel dark red quilted lambskin new medium Boy Bag that retails for $5,200. Tickets are $20 each, with three for $50. The winning ticket will be pulled at the group's annual "All About The Bag" fashion benefit on Feb. 25. Winner does not have to be present to win. 
 
Get all the details here.

 

Fresh Water toured some of Cleveland's lesser-known places for authentic ethnic eats at an affordable price and found bibimbap, tandoori chicken and smoked brisket, just to name a few.