Toys, Dolls and Minis owner Dawn Reese launched her store in 2007 as a place where people could shop for her handmade porcelain dolls. As times changed, she evolved into an interactive, yet old-fashioned, toy store where kids get to experience hands-on play. 

The 20 semifinalists pitched their businesses to the Cleveland Chain Reaction judges last week and the winners were announced on "Kickin' it with Kenny" at Tower City Center. But there was a slight twist—all 20 came away winners.

Cleveland Masterworks: Ignatius of Loyola found religious transformation after being injured in the Battle of Pamplona—eventually becoming one of the founders of Jesuit education, canonized as Saint Ignatius, and becoming the inspiration for St. Ignatius High School in Ohio City and John Carroll University in University Heights.

The Collaborative to End Human Trafficking, a local group of more than 70 organizations working together to prevent sex and human trafficking in Cuyahoga County, wants shoppers to keep fair trade in mind when looking for gifts this holiday season. Here are some tips to support local retailers committed to fair trade.

This Thursday, the 20 semifinalists in this year's Cleveland Chain Reaction will pitch their businesses to a panel of judges for a chance to take home one of three cash prizes to help get their businesses off the ground.

Cleveland Masterworks: Originally built in 1893 on the banks of the Chagrin River, St. Hubert's Episcopal Church served wealthy Clevelanders on retreat at Kirtland's Little Mountain. The church has moved several times over the past 130 years, but continues to welcome everybody at its current Kirtland Hills location.

The Western Reserve Land Conservancy is leading the way in a months-long inventory of all of Cleveland’s 167,157 land parcels—identifying and prioritizing properties for rehabilitation, lead abatement, code violations, demolition and other pressing needs.

Cleveland Masterworks: The Spitzer-Dempsey House in Ohio City was once a symbol of wealth and privilege before becoming a boarding house and law offices—and eventually a murder site—before being restored to all its glory. 

Business consultant Jarrett Bayne has used historic photos from the Cleveland Public Library's photo collection to create a 14-minute YouTube video illustrating what it would have looked like to walk down Euclid Avenue, Millionaires' Row, 150 years ago.

Need a job? Check out the latest edition of FreshWater Cleveland's “Who’s Hiring” series, where we feature growing companies with open positions, what they’re looking for.  
 

For more than 20 years now, Demetrios “Jimmy” Anagnostos has been slinging hash at his Diner on 55^th —a breakfast and lunch staple in the St. Clair Superior neighborhood.

Shaker Heights resident Sahithya Wintrich recently found herself craving the savory Indian-spiced breakfasts she grew up with in Southern India. So, she launched Chutni Punch—a line of three finishing spice blends that will please any palette or heat tolerance. 

Cleveland Masterworks: In 1927 Mario Brigotti took what he learned from working as a waiter in New York's Italian restaurants and opened the New York Spaghetti House on East 9^th Street. The place became a Cleveland staple for 74 years.

The Greater Cleveland Food Bank yesterday opened the doors to its new 197,00-square-foot Partner Distribution Hub—the first step in the Food Bank’s long-term plan to serve more people in its coverage area and make sure those in need have a full range of services. 

Cleveland Masterworks: Oliver Hazard Perry Payne led the Cleveland-based 124^th Ohio Volunteer Infantry through intense combat in the Civil War—rising through the ranks by age 24—before launching a thriving business career in oil with John D. Rockefeller and sharing his wealth with family and through philandtrhopy.

Esperanza recently was recognized by Excelencia In Education for its post secondary program, Lideres Avanzando, which provides college mentoring, scholarships, and other support to local students in their first two years of college.

Out of a pool of 76 applicants, 22 businesses were named as semifinalists in the fifth season of Cleveland Chain Reaction. The semifinalists were announced this morning on Fox 8 in the Morning's "Kickin' it With Kenny," and they will now pitch this businesses for a chance to win cash prizes and businesses assistance.

Cleveland Masterworks: The 8^th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment, mustered in 1861 at Camp Taylor, fought in many famous Civil War battles, including Antietam, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg.