Last Friday, June 2 at the Press Club of Cleveland’s 2023 All Ohio Excellence in Journalism Awards ceremony at the House of Blues, FreshWater Cleveland was recognized with seven awards in various categories for stories and photo essays published last year.

Love says closing is “bittersweet, but I’ve come to terms with it. I’m ready to be doneFeatures

FreshWater contributing editor Grant Segall took first place in the general features category for his story “The day the music dies: Reflections on Record Revolution closing after 55 years on Coventry.” The judge commented, “The first-place winner of this category illuminated how a vinyl shop became a community landmark and its owner’s cool demeanor in the face of a big change. I can almost hear the records spinning.”

FreshWater co-owner and managing editor Karin Connelly Rice took third place in the same category for her story “Robert P. Madison, man of many architectural, personal triumphs.” The judge commented, “It’s clear to the reader that Mr. Madison is a titan of his industry. What an incredible life he lived. Well done!”

Pictorials

FreshWater co-owner and managing photographer Bob Perkoski won second place in two photography categories. His photo essay, Second Place City lines: The landscape of downtown buildings; and his essay, Parade of Sail: Tall Ships arrive in Cleveland, each won second place awards.

East 128th Street Block Club Association, Joy Johnson, Robert Render and Ali Boyd, at the E. 128th St gazebo in Amos Norwood ParkConnecting the Dots

In the general news category, special projects editor Rhonda Crowder, Segall, and contributor Bob Sandrick collectively earned second place for the Ideastream Connecting the Dots series.

Crowder wrote “A rising tide: Cleveland residents invest in making their neighborhoods better” and “Filling a need: Resource closets provide basic supplies and food to struggling Clevelanders;” Segall wrote “Food Justice: Many Clevelanders struggle for healthy, affordable food;” and Sandrick wrote a two-part series on housing insecurity: “A place to call home: Cleveland's Black community is hit hardest in affordable housing search”  and “A place to call home: The quest to create safe, affordable housing options.”

Community Development Connection

FreshWater senior contributing editor Doug Guth and Rice shared third place in the community/local coverage category for their stories in Community Development Connection, a series in partnership with Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and Cleveland Development Advisors meant to raise awareness about the work of 29 Community Development Corporations.

Rice wrote “Growing roots: Gateway 105 Farmers’ Market returns to Glenville, in a new home and location,” while Guth wrote “A rising tide: SCORE works with Community Development Corporations to uplift local businesses” and “Innovation Square set to bring jobs, housing, and a bright future to Fairfax.”

Cleveland Masterworks

Writer Tom Matowitz won third place in the Best in Ohio—essay writing category for three stories in the Cleveland Masterworks series, which included “Forest Hill Park: John D. Rockefeller’s summer estate, modern day Cleveland Heights park,” “Cleveland Municipal Airport: Before it was Hopkins, this airport was leading the way in aviation,” and “Frances Payne Bolton: Nursing advocate, Congresswoman, Franchester Estate owner.”

Top Freelancers writers in Ohio

Additionally, Segall took first place in the Best in Ohio: freelance writer category for his writing in FreshWater Cleveland and The Land; while Sandrick earned second place for his work with FreshWater, Issue Media Group, and Cleveland.com.