Congrats to Scene Best of Cleveland Winners

This past week, Scene Magazine printed their annual Best of Cleveland awards. Several neighborhood businesses and individuals won accolades. Many even have Northeast Shores relationships worth noting. So, how did North Collinwood clean up during this year's awards? See below:

Direct (and rather obvious) Northeast Shores Connection

Best Politician Quotes - Mike Polensek, Ward 11 Councilman (page 54)
Councilman Polensek is awarded for his candid representation of the neighborhood and his strong stance on many topics of city importance. Connection to Northeast Shores? As many of you are aware, Councilman Polensek is a strong supporter and funder of Northeast Shores and its initiatives. It would be difficult for Northeast Shores to even be founded, no less continue without the ongoing support of this seasoned politician.

Best Neighborhood Catalyst - Cindy Barber (page 54)
Cindy is recognized for the impact the Beachland Ballroom has had on not only Waterloo Road but the entire neighborhood and region. As noted, several galleries and shops are now opening to be near the Beachland Ballroom. Connection to Northeast Shores? Cindy is the current president of the board for Northeast Shores. We have the pleasure of experiencing her guiding leadership and vision as she participates in various Northeast Shores committees and decisions.

Best Music Store - Music Saves (page 58)
Music Saves won not only the editorial award but also won the people's choice award in this category. Melanie and Kevin that run Music Saves should be very excited that their music store at 15801 Waterloo Road won both of these awards, effectively sweeping the category. And they won for good reason - Music Saves is a fabulous store where you can find music not commonly found at your big box retailer. Music Saves also does a great job promoting up and coming acts with in-store concerts and their listening station. Connection to Northeast Shores? Melanie and Kevin came to Northeast Shores almost six years ago with a dream to open Music Saves. Northeast Shores purchased their building and assisted with renovations and financing for their operation. After establishing themselves, Northeast Shores assisted with finding bank financing and sold the property to Melanie and Kevin to cement their place on Waterloo for years to come. This opening under a lease then converting to an ownership model has been repeated several times since Music Saves.

Winners with not so obvious connections to Northeast Shores

Best Place to Buy Trashy Pulp Novels - Blue Arrow Records (Page 54)
Blue Arrow Records (run by Pete and Debbie Gulyas) are awarded not because of their great depth of vinyl, but instead for the various old '50s and '60s pulp novels available at the store. Connection to Northeast Shores? Blue Arrow Records is located at 16001 Waterloo Road in a building formerly owned and modestly rehabbed by Northeast Shores.

Best Museum You Probably Haven't Been To - National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame (Page 57)
The Polka Hall of Fame is recognized for preserving the history of over 100 years of Slovenian-style polka. Many of the most famous polka artists (such as Frankie Yankovic) are displayed in the hall of fame located just next to Euclid City Hall. Connection to Northeast Shores? For many years of the East 185th Street Festival, volunteers from the Polka Hall of Fame sold beer at one of the three beer stands at the festival. For volunteering, Northeast Shores and the Polka Hall of Fame split proceeds from the beer stand.

Best Behind the Scenes Organizer - Myra Orenstein (page 69)
Myra was recognized for the wide range of projects that she is involved in, especially running the Coventry Village Special Improvement District. Connection to Northeast Shores? Myra was the layout and publishing consultant for the Northeast Shore Lines for the last several issues. This publication was in the black each time Northeast Shores printed it. Recently, the Shore Lines stepped aside for the new Collinwood Observer (which Myra is not involved in). We are hoping to work with Myra on some other project in the future, because she was incredible to work with.

Best New Bookstore - Horizontal Books (page 60)
Horizontal Books was recognized for their new bookstore located at 1921 West 25th Street. West 25th Street? Huh? Connection to Northeast Shores? The owners of Horizontal Books originally were looking at locating in the LaSalle Theater. Challenges and delays in Northeast Shores acquiring the vacant theater led to the owners seeking a more immediately available spot and, voila, West 25th Street. Many of the ideas discussed with Northeast Shores and our architect are evident in the new store. We are hoping that Horizontal Books may consider a second location now that we own the LaSalle Theater and their West 25th Street location is open and established.

Also, check out the great ad for Waterloo on page 100 of the Scene Magazine. The ad was created by Marlee from Shoparooni and states that Waterloo is the best neighborhood on the whole friggin planet. Nuff Said.