Monday, December 27, 2010

Euclid Creek Dam Demolished

The plan to restore the water quality at Euclid Creek completed a major step in early December when one of the six dams that choke the creek was destroyed.

While this dam was not technically in the North Shore Collinwood neighborhood, any and every effort to improve the water quality in Euclid Creek is critical because the creek terminates inside our state park and then flows into Lake Erie. As such, every improvement to Euclid Creek eventually improves our water quality and fishing opportunities in the creek.

If you want to read more about the dam removal, check it out here:
http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2010/12/removal_of_small_dam_on_euclid.html
- or here -
http://news-herald.com/articles/2010/11/26/news/doc4ced337f556bc996354348.txt?viewmode=fullstory

Monday, December 20, 2010

First Annual East 185 Candy Cane Cruise a Solid Start

On a bitter cold Friday night, Northeast Shores Development Corporation and the Alive on East 185 Committee hosted the first annual Candy Cane Cruise. For slightly more than two hours, visitors to the district drove up and down East 185th Street honking and spreading holiday cheer.

Registration for the event occurred in front of the Lithuanian Hall. Participants received an ornament emblazoned with logos of the Candy Cane Cruise and East 185th Street. In addition, the registrants received a goodie bag with items donated by many neighborhood businesses and institutions including VASJ High School, Euclid Hospital, Key Bank, Huntington Bank and PNC Bank. Of course, goodie bags included copious candy canes too!

Participants were encouraged to stop at various locations along East 185th Street for special events during the event. Arabica Coffee hosted trick demonstrations from the Cleveland Yoyo Club as well as historical artifacts were on display thanks to Euclid Beach Park Now. Merchants and restaurants also had specials and freebies for participants in the Candy Cane Cruise. “I think it’s great that Northeast Shores and the Alive on E185 Committee is trying to attract more visitors to the district,” said Steve Newman of Chili Peppers.

“This was a strong foundation for another great promotional event for the district”, said Denise Lorek, Northeast Shores Community Organizer. “Coming right on the heels of Breakfast with Santa was stressful but it is nice to have a wintertime district-wide event to add to the early summer Alive on E185 Parade and Sidewalk Sale.”

A favorite of this writer was the free hot cider provided by Scotti’s. After standing outside for several hours registering cars, the cider really helped keep me warm. Thank you to all that participated and let’s start planning a bigger and better Candy Cane Cruise for 2011.

Brian Friedman is the Executive Director of Northeast Shores and wishes the entire community a safe and happy holiday season.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Out of Gift Ideas? Buy Cleveland!

So the number of days until Santa visits are growing fewer and fewer. Still not finished shopping? Still struggling with that personal gift that says, "Hey, we both live in Cleveland!" Well, this blog lists a bunch of GREAT ideas that are original, creative, and Cleveland!

http://thenoiseis.net/2010/12/12/cleveland-gift-ideas/

Doesn't hurt that three of the ideas are from our neighborhood businesses in the Waterloo Arts and Entertainment District. All three of these businesses are right next to each other, so stopping here is faster than trekking through the mall. Come on down to Music Saves, Native Cleveland, and StarPop right NOW and get your shopping done already.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Concepts for Public Art at Rec Center Wanted!

At a recent public meeting, it was announced that Cleveland Public Art is seeking basic one page letters of interest for the public art components planned for the new Collinwood Recreation Center. The deadline was extended to this Monday, December 20th so start typing as soon as you are done reading this posting.

The following items are planned for Public Art Components:

APPROXIMATE BUDGET FOR ART COMPONENTS
Benches at front entrance - $25,000
Paving installation - $13,000
Main Street installation - $9,000
Sundeck fencing - $60,000

Artists chosen to submit proposals for any of the components would be paid an honorarium for putting a proposal together

WHAT ARTISTS SHOULD DO IF INTERESTED IN BEING CONSIDERED FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE ART COMPONENTS:
Send a one-page letter of interest and a CD with artwork images to
Cleveland Public Art
1951 W. 26th St., No. 101
Cleveland, OH 44113

Must be postmarked by Monday, December 20th

The letter of interest should state which art component or components the artist is interested in, why they would be qualified, and, briefly, how they would approach the project.

FULL PROPOSALS ARE NOT BEING SOUGHT AT THIS TIME

Thursday, December 16, 2010

More Details about East 185 Candy Cane Cruise

"Rules of the Road"

Meet at The Lithuanian Hall at 4:45pm
Lithuanian Hall is located at:
877 E. 185th St., Cleveland, OH 44119

Cruise E.185th St. December 17, 2010 from 5 – 8pm

Where to Meet / Start

Beginning at 4:45pm participating vehicles should stop by the Lithuanian Hall at the corner of East 185th and Kewanee to receive their goodie-bags and souvenir ornaments.

Specials on East 185th St. for participants of the Candy Cane Cruisers:
• Chili Peppers 869 East 185 Free pop and free bag of chips when purchasing one of Chili Peppers signature Burritos or enjoy a cup of soup for half price.
• Just for Today 814 East 185th St. Free cup of coffee until 7:30pm.
• Lucky’s Restaurant 742 East 185. Free Coffee or Free Hot Chocolate. Dinner specials available.
• Mobazz for Her 630 East 185th St. Free cookie when you stop in to say hi to Linda the owner of the shop.
• Scotti’s Italian Restaurant 882 East 185 Free hot cider. Scotti’s has the best Calzones in NE Ohio.

Many of the restaurants along East 185th St. will be open for dinner before, during and after the Cruise including:
• Arabica 818 East 185th Stop in and get warm with one of their specialty coffees
• Bistro 185 991 East 185
• Cebars 595 E.185th St. Home of the Friday night $8.00 Fish Fry from 5-9 pm
• Mr. G’s and Big E’s 772 East 185
• Mr. Heros 523 E.185
• Muldoon’s Saloon & Eatery 1020 East 185
• Villa Rosa Pizza 853 East 185 One of the best kept secrets in Northeast Ohio

For Your Entertainment
Arabica will be hosting the Euclid Beach Park Now group and the Yo Yo Club of North Collinwood. Stop in at Arabica to reminisce about the days of Euclid Beach Park and check out the skills of our local Yo Yo aficionados.

Things to Keep in Mind

East 185th St. will NOT be closed and regular traffic will be maintained. The mix of regular traffic and cruising convertibles will only add to the lively atmosphere of E.185th St.

This is not a parade so throwing things from your vehicle is prohibited. Your vehicle must be road-worthy at all times and all traffic laws (including seat belts and child safety seats) must be observed.

Your First Lap

We will gather at Muldoon’s parking lot just before 5pm. A VW Passat Wagon will lead our first cruise lap and then you are free to cruise, eat, cruise, shop as you wish.

During the Cruise

Show off your holiday spirit as you cruise the official cruise route! Turn up the festive music on your car stereos and wave to other participants as well as spectators enjoying the spectacle.

You do not have to Cruise the entire time! You are encouraged to pull over and visit the many unique merchants that line the areas. Be sure to take advantage of the many specials and attractions they are offering during the evening.

Be sure to visit the boutiques and eateries of East 185th St.!

Perhaps do a few laps before warming up with a hot beverage. A few more turns on the route and then enjoy some of the special displays or do a little Holiday shopping of your own.

If you see a friend by all means take them along so they can experience the evening from your perspective! As long as all driving rules are followed you can enjoy the Cruise with friends and family. Feel free to drop off some passengers to shop along East 185th St. or pull over if you see a friend and have them join you for a lap or two.

You can start and stop cruising as many times as you'd like

The event will take place regardless of the weather. If it’s raining the obvious difference is that convertibles will likely have their tops up. However, the merchants will still be offering all their special attractions for the evening so the Holiday Spirit will still be enjoyed.

Show off your ornament collection.

You are invited to show-off your 2010 Candy Cane Cruise ornament by hanging it from your rearview mirror and sun visors.

A limited quantity of 2010 Candy Cane Cruise on East 185th St. Commemorative Ornaments will be available for $5 at the registration table for purchase the night of the Cruise exclusively at the Registration Table.

Remember, area eateries and taverns will still be open long after official Cruise hours so enjoy a great dinner or beverage on
East 185th St.!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

East 185th Street Hosts First Candy Cane Cruise

On Dec 17th, 2010, the East 185th Street Community will be hosting its first ever “Candy Cane Cruise on East 185” beginning at 5:00 PM. This is a family-friendly event featuring a car cruise of open-top convertible cars and jeeps with bundled up passengers immersed in the spirit of the season. The event is free and all are welcome to attend!

The Candy Cane Cruise will begin at Villaview and East 185th, near Muldoon’s Saloon & Eatery, and will continue down East 185th until it reaches Lakeshore Boulevard. The car cruise is scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM. Once the cruise has ended, participants and attendees are encouraged to explore East 185th to enjoy sounds of the season, food from the area's wide selection of eateries, and to stroll among the area shops and boutiques.

Convertible owners are invited to register to participate in the Candy Cane Cruise on East 185th by emailing Denise Lorek at dlorek@northeastshores.org. Convertibles of all makes and models are welcomed including vintage, classic or new Jeeps, coups or sedans. Holiday decorations are encouraged; however, all cars must be road-worthy, all passengers should be wearing seat-belts and nothing should be thrown from the vehicles as this is a street cruise; NOT a parade. While supplies last, registrants will receive a free special collectible souvenir ornament!

East 185th Street is part of the bustling North Shores Collinwood community, which also includes the Waterloo Arts District. East 185th Street is home to one of the largest collections of locally-owned restaurants in Cleveland, and is conveniently located right off I-90. A great spot for lunch or dinner with friends and family, East 185th Street is less than 15 minutes from Downtown Cleveland.

With unique shopping, delicious food, and top-quality service from local and national merchants, East 185th Street is the secret jewel of Cleveland’s eastern edge.

For more information about East 185th Street, please visit: http://northeastshores.org.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Arts Collinwood Hires Executive Director

This past fall, founder and Executive Director Sarah Gyorki announced that she will be leaving Arts Collinwood. Immediately, the Arts Collinwood Board of Directors (with that assistance of Janus Small) swung into action to find a new Executive Director fo this important neighborhood organization.

Last Thursday, Arts Collinwood announced that Cheryl Carter will be the new Executive Director for the organization starting in January.

The following is the press release that we received regarding the announcement:

The Board of Directors of Arts Collinwood in Cleveland, Ohio, has hired Cheryl A. Carter as Executive Director, effective January 1, 2011. “We were simply astounded that out of a group of such strong and qualified applicants that a single candidate could stand out from the crowd,” says Bridget Caswell, President of the Board and Chair of the Executive Director Search Committee. “We are excited to have hired our next Executive Director to take Arts Collinwood in a new direction – above and beyond where we have ever been able to go before. Ms. Carter’s fundamental qualifications and unique experiences meld together harmoniously to make that happen.” For more information on Arts Collinwood, please visit www.artscollinwood.org.

Cheryl Carter comes to Arts Collinwood with nearly twenty years of experience in the nonprofit arena with a significant portion of that time having been devoted to fund development and raising millions of dollars in support of organizations such as the Western Reserve Historical Society; Girl Scouts of the Western Reserve; the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; Achievement Centers for Children; Neighborhood Centers Association; and most recently, the Arthritis Foundation, Northeastern Ohio Chapter. In addition, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to neighborhood development and revitalization through the arts. Ms. Carter co-founded Art House, Inc. in 1999 with other resident artists like herself who were dedicated to the belief that the arts enrich lives and help create better communities. Showing strong leadership within the Brooklyn Center community and laying a firm foundation for future organizational growth, she served as Art House, Inc.’s first Board President. She will bring the same level of dedication, expertise in fundraising, and experience engaging the community in neighborhood-based arts organizations with her to Arts Collinwood. Ms. Carter received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Hiram College having majored in studio art and minored in photography and English literature. She will complete her Master of Interdisciplinary Studies degree from Hiram College in the spring of 2011. Additionally, Ms. Carter enjoys art in its various media including independent film and has volunteered for Independent Pictures. She is an accomplished photographer having shown her work throughout Cleveland. Ms. Carter and her two sons make their home in Solon, Ohio.

Arts Collinwood believes that a flourishing arts community enriches a neighborhood’s quality of life both economically and culturally. By partnering with local merchants, neighborhood associations, schools and artists, Arts Collinwood encourages more artists to live and work in North Collinwood, and offer residents more opportunities to engage in the arts. The goal is to support a stimulating arts environment and to encourage continuing education in the arts by offering a wide variety of cultural activities for residents of all ages. The Arts Collinwood building is located in the Waterloo Arts District and features the Arts Collinwood Gallery, a Cafe, artist studios and a large community center space for classes, rehearsals and performances. The cafe features live musical acts and independent films. Started with the idea that a thriving arts community can increase the quality of life in a neighborhood, the building became a multi-use arts center after converting blighted property, transient housing and vacant storefronts into usable space.

Cheryl Carter is taking the helm of Arts Collinwood from former Executive Director and Arts Collinwood founder Sarah Gyorki who resigned her position in October of this year to pursue other opportunities. “I am in awe of Ms. Gyorki for having founded such a vibrant and ambitious neighborhood arts center and cannot fully express my gratitude to her for her vision and leadership that created such a magnificent space,” remarks Ms. Carter. “Although I understand that the work ahead will be challenging, I am eager to rise to the challenge, engrain myself into the Collinwood neighborhood, and help to build a stronger sense of community through the engagement and interaction with art. My ability to see art in the big picture in the broader community and translate it to a well-organized and succinct, workable plan is one of my strengths.”

Monday, December 6, 2010

Recreation Center Public Art Meeting

Please come on out to a very important meeting about Public Art at the Recreation Center this coming Thursday. Below is a note from Councilman Polensek about the meeting:

I hope that you have had the opportunity to see the construction going on at the site of the new Collinwood Recreation Center. If not, then you need to take a drive by the site and see the work being done. It is impressive, to say the least.

I am writing to you to personally invite you to a meeting of all interested residents especially our community artists on:
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2010,
at the LAKESHORE GOLDEN AGE CENTER,
16600 Lakeshore Boulevard
beginning at 6:30 PM.

This meeting will have a general purpose of providing a forum for the community at large to talk about the art components of the new center and a more specific purpose of inviting artists to put their names forward for consideration for one of the proposal commissions (there will be 12 altogether/ three for each art component) that would be part of the process. At the meeting, the four art components will be explained, with enough time to deal directly with the explanations and questions related to the commissioned artworks and commissioned artists.

I look forward to seeing you at the December 9th meeting. If there are any questions please do not hesitate to call me at my office. I may be reached at (216) 664-4236.

Sincerely yours,
Michael D. Polensek
Councilman, Ward 11

Friday, December 3, 2010

Big December on Waterloo

Holy Waterloo! Look at all the stuff going on Waterloo ALL month!

December 3-5 Friday! Saturday! Sunday!
NATIVE CLEVELAND Official Grand Opening!
Friday, Dec 3, noon-10pm / Saturday, Dec 4, noon-9pm / Sunday, Dec 5, 11am-4:30pm
http://nativecleveland.com/

ARTS COLLINWOOD Holiday Sale: unique and affordable artwork from more than 30 regional top artists! Shop a wide array of wearable art, jewelry, prints, paintings, glass, and MORE, amongst a festive holiday ambiance.
Friday, Dec 3, 3-11pm / Saturday, Dec 4, 11am-11pm / Sunday, Dec 5, 11am-5pm
http://artscollinwood.org/weekend-on-waterloo-holiday-sale/

STAR POP 10% off everything, specials on gift certificates, Music Mix by Party Sweat (This Way Out)!
Friday, Dec 3, 3-10pm / Saturday, Dec 4, noon-10pm / Sunday, Dec 5, 11:30am-4:30pm
http://starpopcleveland.com/

POP-UP GALLERY 428 E.157th Street (right around the corner, south of Waterloo!)
Opening Reception for Transition, Artwork by Ivana Medukic, Friday, Dec 3, 6-10pm
Regular hours Dec 3-17: Wed-Sun 11am-4pm
http://northeastshores.org/

MUSIC SAVES Holiday Sale: 10% off everything in the store, treats, coffee, door prizes, and TONS of holiday spirit!
Saturday, Dec 4, noon-5pm / Sunday, Dec 5, 11am-4:30pm
http://MUSICSAVES.com/

NATIVE CLEVELAND C.L.E. Clothing Co. Holiday Collection Release Party
Saturday, Dec 4, 6pm
http://cleclothingco.com/

THE SS&W BOARDWALK Entertainment by The King Pins (swing/blues)
Saturday, Dec 4, 8pm
http://www.facebook.com/SSWBoardwalk

BEACHLAND BALLROOM
Rock ‘n’ Roll Flea Market: 25 vendors selling vintage clothing, handmade art, vinyl, and so much more! Sunday, Dec 5, 11am-4:30pm
http://beachlandballroom.com/

CLEVELAND YO-YO CLUB
10% off all yo-yos and accessories! Raffles to win Duncan and YoYo Factory prize packs!
Sunday, Dec 5, 11am-4:30pm
http://www.clevelandyoyoclub.com/

BLUE ARROW RECORDS & BOUTIQUE
10% off general stock, DJ Joe Madigan spins records, food and drink!
Sunday, Dec 5, noon-5pm
http://www.bluearrowrecords.com/

December 10-12 Friday! Saturday! Sunday!
MUSIC SAVES 50% off all USED and SALE CDs, Mystery Grab Bags, FREE STUFF and other deals!
Friday, Dec 10, noon-10pm / Saturday, Dec 11, noon-10pm / Sunday, Dec 12, noon-4pm

BLUE ARROW RECORDS & BOUTIQUE
In-store performance by Jessie Torrisi & The Please, Please Me Band + DJ Charles McGaw
Friday, Dec 10, 7-9pm
10% off storewide, guest vendors, DJ Pat O’Connor Saturday, Dec 11, 3-8pm

STAR POP
Official First Anniversary Party! Holiday treats, sales, giveaways and prizes, Music Mix by Music Saves!
Saturday, Dec.11, 6-10pm

A HOLIDAY ART MASSACRE ON WATERLOO 16006 Waterloo Road (across from Blue Arrow)
Featuring some of Cleveland's most innovative and provocative artists, music by Megachurch and Filmstrip, and special guest Santa Mr. California • Artists include: Derek Hess, Dana Depew, John Howitt, John G., Ron Kretsch, Scott Pickering, Mike Meyers, Greg Ruffing, and Staci McNasty!
Opening: Saturday, Dec 11, 6-11pm
Also open: Sunday, Dec 12, noon-4pm / Saturday, Dec 18, 6-10pm / Sunday, Dec 19, noon-4pm
THE WEEKEND BEFORE, stop by for a sneak peek at the artists installing their work: Saturday, Dec 4 & Sunday, Dec 5, noon-4pm

THE SS&W BOARDWALK After Party for A HOLIDAY ART MASSACRE ON WATERLOO, with The Snake Handlers!
Saturday, Dec 11, 11pm

ARTS COLLINWOOD Sunday Evening Roast Poetry Series Sunday, Dec 12, 7pm, FREE

December 17-19 Friday! Saturday! Sunday!
THE SS&W BOARDWALK Xmas Party with Madison Crawl Friday, Dec 17, 9pm

BLUE ARROW RECORDS & BOUTIQUE
Holiday Extravaganza! Guest artists, book reading and signing, appetizers, Guest DJ!
Saturday, Dec 18, noon-8pm

ARTS COLLINWOOD
Solo So Low: Featuring solo performances from Lawrence Daniel Caswell and Joey Beltram
Saturday, Dec 18, 6-9pm

BEACHLAND TAVERN Music Saves/Square Records 7th Annual Holiday Get Down
Cloud Nothings (CLE), Low In The Sky (AKR), Herzog (CLE), Relaxer (AKR)
Saturday, Dec 18, 9pm, $5 (also at Musica on December 17)

STAR POP Sales & Prizes! Music Mixes: RA Washington (Cleveland Tapes), Leia (Afternoon Naps) & Tim (Gotta Groove)!
Saturday, Dec 18, noon-10pm / Sunday, Dec 19, noon-9pm (Extended hours during the Crayons Party Event at Beachland!)

BEACHLAND TAVERN Crayons Party Event w/ Popkiller, Baffelgab, This Dust Was Once The Man, The Uncanny Xe La, and DJ Crayons • Feel like a kid for the night with FREE fun activities and coloring pages! Sunday, Dec 19, 7:30pm, FREE

Ongoing!
BEACHLAND TAVERN
Rockin’ Brunch EVERY Saturday AND Sunday, 11am-3pm
FREE award-winning 45rpm jukebox! Cocktail menu including amazing Bloody Marys!
Same great menu and vegan specials both days!

THIS WAY OUT Vintage Shop (in the basement of the Beachland!)
Open every weekend during the holidays: Fridays, 2pm-midnight, Saturdays & Sundays, noon-midnight
PLUS all show nights!

www.WaterlooArtsDistrict.com
The Waterloo Arts District is right off I-90!
Take I-90 to E.152nd Street, head NORTH on E.152nd, then turn RIGHT onto WATERLOO!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Waterloo Village on the News!

On Tuesday, we were interviewed by WKYC Channel 3 about our housing efforts in the Waterloo Village Model Block area.

Please take a look at the story online and share with anyone you think might be interested in the story and our efforts.

http://www.wkyc.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=161580

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Seeking Feedback for Preliminary Waterloo Engineering Plans

In 2010, Northeast Shores successfully lobbied the City of Cleveland to rebuild Waterloo based on the preliminary plan created in 2007. After being awarded nearly $4 million for the 2012 construction of the new Waterloo Streetscape, the City of Cleveland engaged Osborn Engineering and Knight & Stolar Landscape Architects to develop construction drawings for the impending improvements.

On November 29, the first public meeting for this process occurred. Feedback is being accepted on these draft plans until December 10th. At that point, curbcuts, bump-outs, and road width will be finalized. To review what was proposed, please see www.northeastshores.org/initiatives.php and look for "Waterloo Streetscape Engineering Plan". The plans can also be reviewed at the offices of Northeast Shores Located at 317 East 156th Street. To submit feedback, please e-mail John Boksansky at jboksansky@northeastshores.org or call him at (216) 481-7660.

In 2011, additional public meetings will occur regarding other street amenities including benches, trash cans, bike racks, trees, other foliage, and paver selection. Please continually check the blog and calendar for announcements for these meetings.