Taste of the Neighborhood better than the Oscars!

On Tuesday, February 23rd, nearly 100 supporters attended the 2nd annual North Collinwood Taste of the Neighborhood and Awards Dinner. The event was a fundraiser to support the efforts of Northeast Shores, the local community development corporation improving the North Shores Collinwood community.

Attendees to the event enjoyed tasty samplings from 22 neighborhood restaurants and eateries. Restaurant fare was available from all over the community including samples from Gus’ Diner, Bistro 185, Beachland Ballroom, Arts Collinwood Café, Muldoon’s, Georgio’s Pizza, Chili Peppers, Winners, Grovewood Tavern, Congin’s, and others. Deserts and coffee was also available from Dave’s Markets, Fotina’s, and Arabica.

“We want to thank all of the restaurants that donated their food and time to make this such a great event,” exclaimed Denise Lorek, Community Organizer for Northeast Shores.

After all the attendees had an opportunity to taste the wonderful food, Northeast Shores Executive Director commenced with the awards portion of the evening. Award recipients this year were Ruta Degutis, East 185th Street Block Watch, Dominium Development LLC, and Rite Aid. In addition, Pastor Walther Marcis was inducted into the North Collinwood Hall of Fame.

Pastor Marcis was welcomed to the stage and Friedman shared some key details from his over 45 years of service in leadership at the St. John Lutheran Church and School. Pastor Marcis was Police Chaplain for over 30 years and on the board of Northeast Shores for 15 years. As a key member of the Collinwood Church Council, Marcis provided the necessary leadership to start two hunger centers, a hot meals program and backpack program.

Friedman also shared with the attendees “Besides all of these things, Pastor Marcis has provided our community countless wonderful sermons, celebrated our weddings with us, celebrated the joy of baptism and grieved with us when we experienced the loss of a loved one.” The North Collinwood Hall of Fame started in 2003 and has become the de facto lifetime achievement award for contributions to the neighborhood. Inductees include Tony Petkovsek, Michael Polensek, Walter Jackshaw, Frank Brodnick, and Miles Kennedy.

The Northeast Shores Outreach Committee accepts nominations for the awards each year and determines the winners. Besides this event, the Outreach Committee also plans other community events throughout the year. Participation in the committee is open to anyone in the community. Anyone interested in joining the committee should contact Denise Lorek at (216) 481-7660 or dlorek@northeastshores.org.