Stories
Paula McLain was a critically acclaimed yet obscure writer eking out a living as an adjunct professor at John Carroll until she came up with the idea for "The Paris Wife," a novel told from the point of view of Hadley Richardson, Ernest Hemingway's first wife. After the novel was purchased by Ballantine Books for north of $500,000, it debuted at number nine on the New York Times best-seller list and has since remained in the top 20.
It's a well known fact that institutions such as the Cleveland Clinic, Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals are growth engines in Cleveland's economy these days. A lesser-known fact is that these institutions and others have emerged as leaders in greening Northeast Ohio's economy.
In recent months, Case, University Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic, Tri-C, Kent State, Oberlin College, Cleveland State University and the Fowler Center for Sustainable Value at Case's Weatherhead School of Management have all hired Sustainability Managers.
It's a sign that sustainability efforts -- once the domain of graduate students, volunteer committees or a staff person whose responsibilities were already stretched -- have infiltrated the culture of these organizations. These full-time staffers are responsible for implementing sustainable business practices.
Take University Hospitals (UH) as one example. Aparna Bole, a staff doctor, recently replaced an all- volunteer team that has led efforts for several years. She is now working to develop a sustainability plan, add two additional full-time staff people, and ensure that all new UH buildings meet EnergyStar standards (a 15-percent energy use reduction when compared to typical construction).
Cleveland State University (CSU) has also ramped up its sustainability efforts. Recently, CSU President Ronald Berkman signed the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment, requiring that CSU develop a carbon reduction goal and track carbon emissions from buildings. Nathan Engstrom, CSU's Campus Sustainability Coordinator, is responsible for leading these efforts.
The new hires indicate that Sustainable Cleveland 2019, an effort launched by the city of Cleveland and environmental groups to make Cleveland a model of sustainability, is taking root in some pretty big places.
Source: Green City Blue Lake
Writer: Lee Chilcote
In recent months, Case, University Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic, Tri-C, Kent State, Oberlin College, Cleveland State University and the Fowler Center for Sustainable Value at Case's Weatherhead School of Management have all hired Sustainability Managers.
It's a sign that sustainability efforts -- once the domain of graduate students, volunteer committees or a staff person whose responsibilities were already stretched -- have infiltrated the culture of these organizations. These full-time staffers are responsible for implementing sustainable business practices.
Take University Hospitals (UH) as one example. Aparna Bole, a staff doctor, recently replaced an all- volunteer team that has led efforts for several years. She is now working to develop a sustainability plan, add two additional full-time staff people, and ensure that all new UH buildings meet EnergyStar standards (a 15-percent energy use reduction when compared to typical construction).
Cleveland State University (CSU) has also ramped up its sustainability efforts. Recently, CSU President Ronald Berkman signed the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment, requiring that CSU develop a carbon reduction goal and track carbon emissions from buildings. Nathan Engstrom, CSU's Campus Sustainability Coordinator, is responsible for leading these efforts.
The new hires indicate that Sustainable Cleveland 2019, an effort launched by the city of Cleveland and environmental groups to make Cleveland a model of sustainability, is taking root in some pretty big places.
Source: Green City Blue Lake
Writer: Lee Chilcote
MedWorks in Shaker Heights was quick to come to the rescue of those ravaged by the tornado in Joplin, Missouri, this week. MedWorks, a non-profit organization that provides free healthcare clinics for the under insured and uninsured in Ohio, sent a truck full of medical supplies to Joplin just 24 hours after the disaster.
The MedWorks team was at WKYC Channel 3 on Tuesday for an unrelated meeting. While there, a Facebook friend of reporter Eric Mansfield volunteered to put them in touch with her brother-in-law, a doctor in Joplin who was working at a triage center.
With that, MedWorks founder Zac Ponsky and his team set to work compiling everything from disposable gloves and bandages to crutches and canes and other medical supplies. The supplies were put on a truck donated by Berman Moving and Storage in Cleveland along with numerous palettes of drinking water donated by Giant Eagle.
"It was just a matter of being in the right place at the right time," says MedWorks office manager Alyson Andrassy. "It was communication, the right resources and the right place. Our goal is to find a need and fill it. We're trying to be that liaison between Joplin and Ohio."
The truck left at 6:30 p.m. Monday, while Ponsky and director of operations Julie Namy were on a plane to Joplin Tuesday to further evaluate what is needed. "They will see who needs what and where," says Andrassy. "When the truck arrives the supplies will be distributed where it's needed most and they will assess what volunteers are needed and if they need other supplies."
Source: Alyson Andrassy
Writer: Karin Connelly
clinic children’s hospital ranked among nation’s best
In the 2011-2012 edition of U.S.News & World Report's "Best Children's Hospitals," Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital was recognized as one of the top pediatric hospitals in the country.
The hospital's Neurology & Neurosurgery program earned the highest ranking in Ohio for the fourth consecutive year, and ranked 7th nationally. Overall, Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital earned national rankings in all 10 specialties evaluated.
"These rankings are a reflection of our unfaltering dedication to providing the highest quality pediatric care and placing the safety of children first," said Interim Chair Ricardo Rodriguez MD. "In the next year we will continue expanding and integrating our subspecialty programs across the Cleveland Clinic health system to offer individualized care to children facing the most complex pediatric conditions."
In the past five years, Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital has added more than 156 physicians. A staff of 350 full-time pediatricians and sub-specialists sees more than 500,000 pediatric visits each year and provides hospital care for an average of 200 children each day.
Examine the rest of the report here.
The hospital's Neurology & Neurosurgery program earned the highest ranking in Ohio for the fourth consecutive year, and ranked 7th nationally. Overall, Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital earned national rankings in all 10 specialties evaluated.
"These rankings are a reflection of our unfaltering dedication to providing the highest quality pediatric care and placing the safety of children first," said Interim Chair Ricardo Rodriguez MD. "In the next year we will continue expanding and integrating our subspecialty programs across the Cleveland Clinic health system to offer individualized care to children facing the most complex pediatric conditions."
In the past five years, Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital has added more than 156 physicians. A staff of 350 full-time pediatricians and sub-specialists sees more than 500,000 pediatric visits each year and provides hospital care for an average of 200 children each day.
Examine the rest of the report here.
Cleveland rowers know the Cuyahoga River offers one of the most interesting and challenging race courses anywhere. Beneath the backdrop of the Terminal Tower, gritty piles of gravel, and lift bridges stained with a patina of rust, rowers navigate five major twists and turns, including an S-shaped curve, before reaching the finish line.
Soon, a national rowing audience will be exposed to these challenges too. At last week's ribbon-cutting ceremony for the $3 million Rivergate Park on the Columbus Road peninsula in the Flats, the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and Cleveland Rowing Foundation announced that they have partnered with USRowing to create a national championship rowing competition.
The first USRowing Masters Head Race National Championship is set for September 16th, 2012 on the Cuyahoga River. Rowers will race in 5,000-meter sweep (one-oar) and sculling (two-oar) competitions.
In a press release, USRowing stated that Cleveland was a natural choice for the inaugural event due to its central location, challenging course and the community's history of support of amateur and national sporting events.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission CEO David Gilbert touted the economic impact that the rowing event would bring to the community. The sports commission has said that it has brought $300 million in economic activity to Northeast Ohio since it was created.
Source: Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, Cleveland Rowing Foundation, USRowing
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Soon, a national rowing audience will be exposed to these challenges too. At last week's ribbon-cutting ceremony for the $3 million Rivergate Park on the Columbus Road peninsula in the Flats, the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and Cleveland Rowing Foundation announced that they have partnered with USRowing to create a national championship rowing competition.
The first USRowing Masters Head Race National Championship is set for September 16th, 2012 on the Cuyahoga River. Rowers will race in 5,000-meter sweep (one-oar) and sculling (two-oar) competitions.
In a press release, USRowing stated that Cleveland was a natural choice for the inaugural event due to its central location, challenging course and the community's history of support of amateur and national sporting events.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission CEO David Gilbert touted the economic impact that the rowing event would bring to the community. The sports commission has said that it has brought $300 million in economic activity to Northeast Ohio since it was created.
Source: Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, Cleveland Rowing Foundation, USRowing
Writer: Lee Chilcote
cleveland's hodge podge food truck on 'good morning america'
On Tuesday's "Good Morning America" show, host Robin Roberts catches up with the Food Network's "Great Food Truck Race." Taped in Denver, the video segment follows along as host Tyler Florence presents the competing trucks with their challenge for the day.
Cleveland's Chris Hodgson of Hodge Podge truck, along with the other trucks, are tasked with creating an original dish starring morel mushrooms foraged by their own hands.
In the meantime, Hodgson whips up some breakfast for Roberts -- or, as he puts it, "Rock out a little breakfast!"
The show will air this August.
Watch the clip here.
Cleveland's Chris Hodgson of Hodge Podge truck, along with the other trucks, are tasked with creating an original dish starring morel mushrooms foraged by their own hands.
In the meantime, Hodgson whips up some breakfast for Roberts -- or, as he puts it, "Rock out a little breakfast!"
The show will air this August.
Watch the clip here.
For 26 years, Nanofilm has been creating formulas for cleaning products and optical coatings in Valley View. Similarly, SDG Inc. in the Cleveland Clinic's Innovation Center has spent the last 16 years developing nanotechnologies in the medical and healthcare fields.
Until recently, the two were unaware of the each other's existence. Then, at a nanotechnologies networking meeting run by Polymer Ohio, Nanofilm's president and CEO Scott Rickert and SDG co-founder and senior vice president Robert Geho crossed paths. The meeting was the beginning of partnership in which each company brings their talents to the table to develop new products.
In early May Nanofilm and SDG Inc. signed a comprehensive joint development and licensing agreement to develop and commercialize nano-formulas that combine the two companies' technologies. Among the planned projects is development of technology to control the release and toxicity of bio-active agents at the nano-scale. Potential applications include longer lasting anti-bacterial surface treatments.
"I'm very excited about this," says Rickert. "Up until this point we have not had any way to do anything unique in the medicine and healthcare markets. We both have experience in the technology, but didn't know the other one's areas. This will allow us to take polymer films and make bioactive products that make our lives better and safer."
Rickert sees huge growth potential in the partnership. "It's going to be huge," he says. "Every time we come out with a new product announcement I see us hiring 20 more people." Rickert says they hope to announce their first new product development sometime this year.
Source: Scott Rickert
Writer: Karin Connelly
The Center for Public History and Digital Humanities at Cleveland State University has made Cleveland history easily accessible with the launch of Cleveland Historical 2.0. The free mobile app is a combination of archival footage of Cleveland neighborhoods in the 1930s and 1940s as well as a comprehensive oral history.
"Imagine Cleveland as a living museum and we're trying to curate it," says Mark Tebeau, associate professor of history and co-director of the Center for Public History. "We're finding ways in which our own stories help us understand Cleveland better."
The app includes more than 700 interviews as part of the Cleveland Regional Oral History Collection and is a result of the combined effort by teachers, students, historians and community members. The organization has also posted many of the video oral histories on You Tube.
"As far as we know, no one else is using video for oral histories in this way," says Tebeau. "These are really great expert interviews. If you don't record it, you lose their voices."
The project has been recognized by the National Council on Public History as one of the best in the world, and received an honorable mention in the 2011 Outstanding Public History Project awards.
Tebeau has received requests worldwide to create similar apps in other cities. He is helping Spokane with a similar project through Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Washington. Locally, he is currently working with the Detroit Shoreway and Gordon Square Arts District to build their walking tours into the app for Gordon Square Arts Day on June 11, as well as Cleveland Heights Historical Society and the Downtown Cleveland Alliance.
Source: Mark Tebeau
Writer: Karin Connelly
euclid corridor project snags urban land institute's awards for excellence
The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority's Euclid Avenue Transportation Project, aka the Euclid Corridor project, has been selected as a winner of the 2011 Urban Land Institute's (ULI) Awards for Excellence. Ten outstanding developments were chosen to receive the award, widely recognized as the land-use industry's most prestigious recognition program.
The competition is part of the Institute's Awards for Excellence program, which is based on the guiding principle of recognizing best practice through the awards to promote better land use and development. ULI's Awards for Excellence recognize the full development process of a project, not just its architecture or design. The criteria for the awards include leadership, contribution to the community, innovations, public/private partnership, environmental protection and enhancement, response to societal needs, and financial viability.
The ten winners were selected from 148 entries throughout North and South America.
Describing the winning project, ULI says, "The $200 million Euclid Avenue Transportation Project brings bus rapid transit (BRT) and an improved streetscape along 8.3 miles of Cleveland's historic Euclid Avenue, connecting the central business district with major cultural, medical, and education users -- all at one-fourth the cost of light rail. The transit project has helped catalyze $4.7 billion in spin-off investment and 11.4 million square feet of new and planned development, offering a successful example of the economic leverage potential for BRT."
See the other winner here.
The competition is part of the Institute's Awards for Excellence program, which is based on the guiding principle of recognizing best practice through the awards to promote better land use and development. ULI's Awards for Excellence recognize the full development process of a project, not just its architecture or design. The criteria for the awards include leadership, contribution to the community, innovations, public/private partnership, environmental protection and enhancement, response to societal needs, and financial viability.
The ten winners were selected from 148 entries throughout North and South America.
Describing the winning project, ULI says, "The $200 million Euclid Avenue Transportation Project brings bus rapid transit (BRT) and an improved streetscape along 8.3 miles of Cleveland's historic Euclid Avenue, connecting the central business district with major cultural, medical, and education users -- all at one-fourth the cost of light rail. The transit project has helped catalyze $4.7 billion in spin-off investment and 11.4 million square feet of new and planned development, offering a successful example of the economic leverage potential for BRT."
See the other winner here.
the pubcrawl heard 'round the world
In a feature titled "10 Great Places to Bar-Hop Round the World," USA Today rounds up a list of the best bar-friendly neighborhoods across the globe.
Alongside cities like Dublin, Portland, New Orleans and Brooklyn is Ohio City, about which the article states, "This trendy neighborhood is a Midwest crowd-pleaser. Discover its appeal by hopping over to McNulty's Bier Market, a Belgian beer bar that houses Speakeasy, a prohibition-era cocktail bar in the basement. Then, hit up the nationally renowned Great Lakes Brewing Co., or for retro grunge and cheap beer try The Garage Bar."
Drink up the entire article here.
Alongside cities like Dublin, Portland, New Orleans and Brooklyn is Ohio City, about which the article states, "This trendy neighborhood is a Midwest crowd-pleaser. Discover its appeal by hopping over to McNulty's Bier Market, a Belgian beer bar that houses Speakeasy, a prohibition-era cocktail bar in the basement. Then, hit up the nationally renowned Great Lakes Brewing Co., or for retro grunge and cheap beer try The Garage Bar."
Drink up the entire article here.
On Tuesday's "Good Morning America" show, host Robin Roberts catches up with the Food Network's "Great Food Truck Race." Taped in Denver, the video segment follows along as host Tyler Florence presents the competing trucks with their challenge for the day. Cleveland's Chris Hodgson of Hodge Podge truck, along with the other trucks, are tasked with creating an original dish starring morel mushrooms foraged by their own hands. In the meantime, Hodgson "Rocks out a little breakfast!" for Roberts.
"Flour Girl" Bridget Cavanaugh Thiebault creates artfully decorated cakes, cookies and pastries that are as dreamy to gaze upon as they are to devour. In the past, however, her delectable confections were available only through custom orders or at special events. You practically had to get married to have a taste.
That will change later this month when Thiebault opens Luna Bakery and Café in the Cedar-Fairmount district of Cleveland Heights. Partnering with Stone Oven owners Tatyana Rehn and John Emerman, Thiebault has created an intimate, full-service café that will feature Flour Girl's made-from-scratch pastries, breakfast, lunch and dinner options, and for those who didn't get invited to the wedding, cake by the slice.
Thiebault lived and worked in New York City and Chicago as a pastry chef, food stylist and culinary consultant before returning to her hometown of Cleveland Heights to launch Flour Girl. Her business began as a creative side project while Thiebault was still living in the Big Apple, but quickly morphed into her main dish and has been going strong ever since.
Thiebault was looking for an opportunity to expand her business into a storefront when she broached the topic with Rehn and Emerman of the popular Stone Oven group of local cafes. The successful owners loved the idea and agreed to help. They promise that Luna will have its own distinctive identity, and won't try to duplicate Stone Oven's signature sandwiches, salads and soups.
Luna Bakery and Café will have indoor seating for about 15, with a sidewalk patio during the summer months. It will be open seven days a week and in the evenings.
Luna will be located at 2482 Fairmount Boulevard.
Source: Flour Girl
Writer: Lee Chilcote
That will change later this month when Thiebault opens Luna Bakery and Café in the Cedar-Fairmount district of Cleveland Heights. Partnering with Stone Oven owners Tatyana Rehn and John Emerman, Thiebault has created an intimate, full-service café that will feature Flour Girl's made-from-scratch pastries, breakfast, lunch and dinner options, and for those who didn't get invited to the wedding, cake by the slice.
Thiebault lived and worked in New York City and Chicago as a pastry chef, food stylist and culinary consultant before returning to her hometown of Cleveland Heights to launch Flour Girl. Her business began as a creative side project while Thiebault was still living in the Big Apple, but quickly morphed into her main dish and has been going strong ever since.
Thiebault was looking for an opportunity to expand her business into a storefront when she broached the topic with Rehn and Emerman of the popular Stone Oven group of local cafes. The successful owners loved the idea and agreed to help. They promise that Luna will have its own distinctive identity, and won't try to duplicate Stone Oven's signature sandwiches, salads and soups.
Luna Bakery and Café will have indoor seating for about 15, with a sidewalk patio during the summer months. It will be open seven days a week and in the evenings.
Luna will be located at 2482 Fairmount Boulevard.
Source: Flour Girl
Writer: Lee Chilcote
this weekend's cleveland asian festival will build on last year's success
The second annual Cleveland Asian Festival will be held this weekend, Saturday and Sunday May 21 and 22, at the Asia Plaza shopping center and on surrounding streets. The festival is a celebration of the culture, diversity, and people who live, work and play in the AsiaTown neighborhood.
Loosely bordered by St. Clair and Payne avenues and E. 30th and 40th streets, AsiaTown is where many Chinese Americans call home. But so too do recent arrivals from Korea, Vietnam and Thailand. Not surprisingly, the neighborhood boasts a full suite of Asian-owned businesses, shops and markets. Ethnic food fans make almost daily excursions here for the city's finest dim sum, pho, and Korean barbecue. Adventurous home cooks frequent the numerous groceries for hard-to-find imported ingredients.
The event will build upon its remarkable success last year, when over 10,000 attendees showed up at the first-ever event. The two-day fest boosts economic growth in the AsiaTown neighborhood by introducing this ethnic enclave to thousands of Clevelanders who may otherwise never discover it.
Among this year's festivities are appearances by "Last Comic Standing" winner Dat Phan and "Gossip Girl" actress Yin Chang, egg roll and samosa eating competitions, and numerous dance exhibitions. Dozens of food vendors will selling tastes of ethnic specialties.
The event is free and open to the public and runs from 11 a.m. till 7 p.m. both days.
Loosely bordered by St. Clair and Payne avenues and E. 30th and 40th streets, AsiaTown is where many Chinese Americans call home. But so too do recent arrivals from Korea, Vietnam and Thailand. Not surprisingly, the neighborhood boasts a full suite of Asian-owned businesses, shops and markets. Ethnic food fans make almost daily excursions here for the city's finest dim sum, pho, and Korean barbecue. Adventurous home cooks frequent the numerous groceries for hard-to-find imported ingredients.
The event will build upon its remarkable success last year, when over 10,000 attendees showed up at the first-ever event. The two-day fest boosts economic growth in the AsiaTown neighborhood by introducing this ethnic enclave to thousands of Clevelanders who may otherwise never discover it.
Among this year's festivities are appearances by "Last Comic Standing" winner Dat Phan and "Gossip Girl" actress Yin Chang, egg roll and samosa eating competitions, and numerous dance exhibitions. Dozens of food vendors will selling tastes of ethnic specialties.
The event is free and open to the public and runs from 11 a.m. till 7 p.m. both days.
Explorys has formed one of the largest healthcare databases in the world, helping medical professionals provide better patient care and diagnoses. Spun off from the Cleveland Clinic in 2009 by Charlie Lougheed and Stephen McHale, Explorys has become one of the world's largest data platforms with over three billion clinical events and partner agreements with major healthcare systems that span over 10 million patients nationwide.
In its short life, Explorys has gotten six major healthcare providers on board, with the likes of Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, Summa Health System, MetroHealth and MedStar. These providers use Explorys solutions to discover actionable correlations and trends in treatments and outcomes to improve safety, increase quality, and to create cost efficiencies in delivering care.
"Explorys takes the data and puts it on a larger scale," says Lougheed. "We're changing the game in terms of how we treat populations and sub-populations of patients."
The company has grown to 25 employees. "We plan to double by the end of the year and double again next year," says Lougheed. "It's all in Cleveland and they're all high-tech jobs. We're pretty excited about what we can do in the community. We think we can grow this company into the hundreds in Northeast Ohio."
That growth will be possible thanks to $11.5 million in Series C financing led by Austin Ventures and Foundation Medical Partners, with follow-on investments from Santé Ventures and Cleveland Clinic.
"The validation that came from a group like Austin Ventures in a Cleveland-based company was really fulfilling," says Lougheed. "Others outside of Ohio really do see a good thing happening in this part of the country."
Source: Charlie Lougheed
Writer: Karin Connelly
In its short life, Explorys has gotten six major healthcare providers on board, with the likes of Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, Summa Health System, MetroHealth and MedStar. These providers use Explorys solutions to discover actionable correlations and trends in treatments and outcomes to improve safety, increase quality, and to create cost efficiencies in delivering care.
"Explorys takes the data and puts it on a larger scale," says Lougheed. "We're changing the game in terms of how we treat populations and sub-populations of patients."
The company has grown to 25 employees. "We plan to double by the end of the year and double again next year," says Lougheed. "It's all in Cleveland and they're all high-tech jobs. We're pretty excited about what we can do in the community. We think we can grow this company into the hundreds in Northeast Ohio."
That growth will be possible thanks to $11.5 million in Series C financing led by Austin Ventures and Foundation Medical Partners, with follow-on investments from Santé Ventures and Cleveland Clinic.
"The validation that came from a group like Austin Ventures in a Cleveland-based company was really fulfilling," says Lougheed. "Others outside of Ohio really do see a good thing happening in this part of the country."
Source: Charlie Lougheed
Writer: Karin Connelly
Old Brooklyn has long been considered a hidden gem by its residents. Minutes from downtown and within walking distance of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, the neighborhood boasts quiet, tree-lined streets and a bevy of independent shops and friendly taverns.
Yet neighborhood advocates are hoping it won't be a well-kept secret much longer. That's why they've organized Pop Up Pearl, a one day block party that will fill the empty storefronts on Pearl Avenue with shops, entertainment and food vendors, and invited their neighbors to join in the festivities.
The event, which is modeled after the Better Block project in Dallas, Texas, is intended to act as a living charrette that allows visitors, residents and property owners to imagine a more vibrant future for Old Brooklyn's downtown. They're also hoping to attract investment after the party is over.
Pop Up Pearl, which was spearheaded by the Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation (OBCDC), takes place on Pearl Road between Wildlife Way and State Road this Saturday, May 21st from noon until dusk. It will include a "complete streets" demonstration, adding temporary bike lanes along Pearl Road. Entertainment from Progressive Arts Alliance and other groups also is planned.
Pop Up Pearl will also feature a youth arts studio with zoo-themed artwork from local nonprofit ArtHouse, artwork fashioned from recycled materials from Nicole McGee of Plenty Underfoot, and a shop filled with 100 percent locally made goods from Crafty Goodness in Lakewood.
The Better Block project began when a grassroots group transformed a city street in Oak Cliff, Texas into an inclusive, pedestrian- and bike-friendly street. Better Blocks projects "increase the perception of safety in an area, stimulate economic activity in vacant or blighted corridors and help to implement 'Complete Streets' projects," according to the group's website.
Source: Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Yet neighborhood advocates are hoping it won't be a well-kept secret much longer. That's why they've organized Pop Up Pearl, a one day block party that will fill the empty storefronts on Pearl Avenue with shops, entertainment and food vendors, and invited their neighbors to join in the festivities.
The event, which is modeled after the Better Block project in Dallas, Texas, is intended to act as a living charrette that allows visitors, residents and property owners to imagine a more vibrant future for Old Brooklyn's downtown. They're also hoping to attract investment after the party is over.
Pop Up Pearl, which was spearheaded by the Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation (OBCDC), takes place on Pearl Road between Wildlife Way and State Road this Saturday, May 21st from noon until dusk. It will include a "complete streets" demonstration, adding temporary bike lanes along Pearl Road. Entertainment from Progressive Arts Alliance and other groups also is planned.
Pop Up Pearl will also feature a youth arts studio with zoo-themed artwork from local nonprofit ArtHouse, artwork fashioned from recycled materials from Nicole McGee of Plenty Underfoot, and a shop filled with 100 percent locally made goods from Crafty Goodness in Lakewood.
The Better Block project began when a grassroots group transformed a city street in Oak Cliff, Texas into an inclusive, pedestrian- and bike-friendly street. Better Blocks projects "increase the perception of safety in an area, stimulate economic activity in vacant or blighted corridors and help to implement 'Complete Streets' projects," according to the group's website.
Source: Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation
Writer: Lee Chilcote
When Cleveland's Group Plan was created a century ago, Teddy Roosevelt was President, Tom Johnson was Mayor, and the Rockefeller family still lived in town. Back then, architect Daniel Burnham envisioned a kind of outdoor civic living room that promenaded to the lakefront beneath gracious classical buildings.
Needless to say, much has happened since then. Today, Public Square and the Mall are often desolate spaces one must walk through to reach downtown's bustling centers of gravity -- the Warehouse District, East Fourth Street and the Gateway District.
Yet last year, Mayor Frank Jackson convened a group of civic, foundation, corporate and sports leaders to envision a new Group Plan for downtown. With $1.5 billion in physical development either planned or already underway downtown, civic leaders recognized that a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity would be lost if the Medical Mart, casino and other projects weren't better connected via improved public spaces.
The Group Plan Commission recently released its recommendations, which include radical changes that if implemented would alter Cleveland's downtown for another 100 years.
Recommendations include removing Ontario Street as an artery through Public Square and allowing East Fourth Street and casino patrons to stroll through a new, signature public space; rebuilding the Mall so that it is transformed into a beautiful park for both visitors and residents; building a pedestrian bridge from the Mall's northern end to Cleveland's lakefront; and closing East Third Street between Rockwell and Superior so that it can become a green space and winter skating rink.
The Group Plan Commission is currently updating the plan and preparing to begin raising funds. To have your say, visit the public input stations at City Hall, Cleveland State University and Cleveland Public Library as well as this website.
Source: The Group Plan Commission
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Needless to say, much has happened since then. Today, Public Square and the Mall are often desolate spaces one must walk through to reach downtown's bustling centers of gravity -- the Warehouse District, East Fourth Street and the Gateway District.
Yet last year, Mayor Frank Jackson convened a group of civic, foundation, corporate and sports leaders to envision a new Group Plan for downtown. With $1.5 billion in physical development either planned or already underway downtown, civic leaders recognized that a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity would be lost if the Medical Mart, casino and other projects weren't better connected via improved public spaces.
The Group Plan Commission recently released its recommendations, which include radical changes that if implemented would alter Cleveland's downtown for another 100 years.
Recommendations include removing Ontario Street as an artery through Public Square and allowing East Fourth Street and casino patrons to stroll through a new, signature public space; rebuilding the Mall so that it is transformed into a beautiful park for both visitors and residents; building a pedestrian bridge from the Mall's northern end to Cleveland's lakefront; and closing East Third Street between Rockwell and Superior so that it can become a green space and winter skating rink.
The Group Plan Commission is currently updating the plan and preparing to begin raising funds. To have your say, visit the public input stations at City Hall, Cleveland State University and Cleveland Public Library as well as this website.
Source: The Group Plan Commission
Writer: Lee Chilcote
billboard charts success of 'women who rock' exhibit at rock hall
Writing for Billboard magazine, Jill Mapes offers up a wonderful preview of the new "Women Who Rock" exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
The interactive exhibition spotlights more than 70 artists and fills two entire floors of the museum. The exhibit features artifacts, video and listening stations.
"There's no shortage of exclusive artifacts to pour over," says Mapes. "With famous costumes, instruments and handwritten lyrics spread across two floors at the Cleveland museum, "Women Who Rock" is perhaps more comprehensive than one might imagine."
Some of the women rockers highlighted include Wanda Jackson, Ma Rainey, Madonna, Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt, Rihanna and many more. Artifacts include the leather vest Grace Slick wore on stage at Woodstock, Billie Holiday's fox-fur stoll, outfits from Britney Spears, and Lady Gaga's now-infamous "meat dress."
Rock Hall Chief Curator Jim Henke says, "When people look back at the early days of rock 'n' roll, they tend to think of it as a boy's club. The reality is that there were a lot of females playing a hugely important role."
The exhibit runs now through February 2012.
Read the rest of the charts here.
The interactive exhibition spotlights more than 70 artists and fills two entire floors of the museum. The exhibit features artifacts, video and listening stations.
"There's no shortage of exclusive artifacts to pour over," says Mapes. "With famous costumes, instruments and handwritten lyrics spread across two floors at the Cleveland museum, "Women Who Rock" is perhaps more comprehensive than one might imagine."
Some of the women rockers highlighted include Wanda Jackson, Ma Rainey, Madonna, Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt, Rihanna and many more. Artifacts include the leather vest Grace Slick wore on stage at Woodstock, Billie Holiday's fox-fur stoll, outfits from Britney Spears, and Lady Gaga's now-infamous "meat dress."
Rock Hall Chief Curator Jim Henke says, "When people look back at the early days of rock 'n' roll, they tend to think of it as a boy's club. The reality is that there were a lot of females playing a hugely important role."
The exhibit runs now through February 2012.
Read the rest of the charts here.
Earlier this year, construction began for the new Medical Mart and Convention Center, a project that has received a lukewarm response from skeptical taxpayers. Working hard to prove them wrong is Tony Prusak, who as Director of Convention Sales is tasked with booking events. As a lifelong Clevelander, Prusak is driven by a desire to improve Cleveland's economic future. How? By "selling more cheeseburgers."
Pedal for Prizes is a two-wheeled treasure hunt through Cleveland's Old Brooklyn neighborhood that will offer participants a chance to win more than $2,000 worth of prizes simply by visiting neighborhood businesses. The event takes place this Saturday, May 21st at Loew Park.
Here's how it will work: Upon check-in, bicyclists receive a map of 20 destinations and points of interest in Old Brooklyn. While exploring the neighborhood, riders make pit-stops at local landmarks like Michael's Bakery, Gentile's Imported Italian Foods, and Jack Frost Donuts, collecting raffle tickets at each one. They'll return to Loew Park in the afternoon to enter the tickets into a Chinese-style raffle.
Prizes include two new Trek 7000 hybrid bikes, a one-year membership to the downtown branch of the Cleveland YMCA, a $100 Honey Hut Ice Cream gift basket, a $50 gift certificate to Steelyard Commons, and gift certificates to area restaurants.
Organizers say Pedal for Prizes will not only promote Old Brooklyn as a bike-friendly neighborhood that is chock-full of charming local businesses, but also encourage participants to come back for a closer look.
"It gives neighborhood merchants a unique opportunity to bring hundreds of new people from throughout the region into their shops," says Old Brooklyn resident and event organizer Jeffrey Sugalski. "We hope that they'll return and become patrons in the future."
Pedal for Prizes is supported by Neighborhood Connections, a program of the Cleveland Foundation that provides small grants to grassroots community projects.
Loew Park is located at 3121 Oak Park Avenue in Cleveland. The free event begins at 12 pm.
Source: Jeffrey Sugalski
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Here's how it will work: Upon check-in, bicyclists receive a map of 20 destinations and points of interest in Old Brooklyn. While exploring the neighborhood, riders make pit-stops at local landmarks like Michael's Bakery, Gentile's Imported Italian Foods, and Jack Frost Donuts, collecting raffle tickets at each one. They'll return to Loew Park in the afternoon to enter the tickets into a Chinese-style raffle.
Prizes include two new Trek 7000 hybrid bikes, a one-year membership to the downtown branch of the Cleveland YMCA, a $100 Honey Hut Ice Cream gift basket, a $50 gift certificate to Steelyard Commons, and gift certificates to area restaurants.
Organizers say Pedal for Prizes will not only promote Old Brooklyn as a bike-friendly neighborhood that is chock-full of charming local businesses, but also encourage participants to come back for a closer look.
"It gives neighborhood merchants a unique opportunity to bring hundreds of new people from throughout the region into their shops," says Old Brooklyn resident and event organizer Jeffrey Sugalski. "We hope that they'll return and become patrons in the future."
Pedal for Prizes is supported by Neighborhood Connections, a program of the Cleveland Foundation that provides small grants to grassroots community projects.
Loew Park is located at 3121 Oak Park Avenue in Cleveland. The free event begins at 12 pm.
Source: Jeffrey Sugalski
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The John Carroll University Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team recently won the SIFE regional competition for community outreach projects. They then traveled to the national contest in Minneapolis, where the team competed with 100 other teams from around the country.
SIFE is a global, non-profit organization that brings together a diverse network of university students, academic professionals and industry leaders around the shared mission of creating a better, more sustainable world through the positive power of business.
The JCU students, under the leadership of Scott Allen, assistant professor of management in the Boler School of Business, were charged with developing sustainable business plans for organizations helping the needy. "SIFE pairs undergraduate students with business leaders in the community," explains Allen. More than 48,000 students on 1,500 university campuses in 39 countries participate in SIFE.
Working with locals businesses such as PNC Bank, Chase Bank, and Nordstrom, the JCU students developed community outreach projects. "The goal is to use the classroom to create real projects that have a real impact on the world," says Allen. "It was fun to see what the students came up with."
Four projects brought the JCU students to regionals this year. They included African Children Ministries, a skill building and fundraising program that raised $7,000 and helped purchase a truck for an orphanage in Zaire; Hope for Honduran Children Foundation, a partnership that created a micro-enterprise to establish sustainable revenue for the children; Elevate Your Future, an opportunity for students to learn about, practice and refine their interviewing skills through interaction with executives, including members of the John Carroll University Entrepreneurs Association; and Sam's Club Environmental Sustainability Challenge, in a partnership with Geraci's Italian Restaurant and a grant from Sam's Club, the students developed methods to make the local eatery more environmentally sustainable.
While the team did not place in the top 16, Allen says he is "very proud of them."
Source: Scott Allen
Writer: Karin Connelly
SIFE is a global, non-profit organization that brings together a diverse network of university students, academic professionals and industry leaders around the shared mission of creating a better, more sustainable world through the positive power of business.
The JCU students, under the leadership of Scott Allen, assistant professor of management in the Boler School of Business, were charged with developing sustainable business plans for organizations helping the needy. "SIFE pairs undergraduate students with business leaders in the community," explains Allen. More than 48,000 students on 1,500 university campuses in 39 countries participate in SIFE.
Working with locals businesses such as PNC Bank, Chase Bank, and Nordstrom, the JCU students developed community outreach projects. "The goal is to use the classroom to create real projects that have a real impact on the world," says Allen. "It was fun to see what the students came up with."
Four projects brought the JCU students to regionals this year. They included African Children Ministries, a skill building and fundraising program that raised $7,000 and helped purchase a truck for an orphanage in Zaire; Hope for Honduran Children Foundation, a partnership that created a micro-enterprise to establish sustainable revenue for the children; Elevate Your Future, an opportunity for students to learn about, practice and refine their interviewing skills through interaction with executives, including members of the John Carroll University Entrepreneurs Association; and Sam's Club Environmental Sustainability Challenge, in a partnership with Geraci's Italian Restaurant and a grant from Sam's Club, the students developed methods to make the local eatery more environmentally sustainable.
While the team did not place in the top 16, Allen says he is "very proud of them."
Source: Scott Allen
Writer: Karin Connelly