Polensek's Half-truth is more than that

In today's Plain Dealer, the Metro Section reran a "favorite" PolitiFact Ohio story from January 4th.

The story is (or was) about the poor water quality of Lake Erie and Euclid Creek and how Ward 11 Councilman Michael Polensek compared it to third-world quality. PolitiFact gave the story a half-truth because (a) they had a difficult time comparing our water quality to other countries and (b) Polensek was referring to the condition of the water after a storm event (which according to the story is 48% of the time).

We still feel that the story should rate a "mostly true" rating.

Regardless, this water quality issue is currently being resolved with the massive Euclid Creek Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) project that is very noticeable across from the Library on Lakeshore or at the Easterly Water Treatment plant on East 140th and Lakeshore.

We were surprised that the article did not mention that there is now resolution to what Councilman Polensek was rallying around. We welcome when this temporarily disruptive project is complete and we can enjoy a lake and creek that no longer can be compared to undeveloped countries.

To see the Plain Dealer story, go to:
http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2011/12/mike_polensek_claim_on_water_t.html

Arts Collinwood's 2011 Sneak Peak Tonight

From Arts Collinwood:

Arts Collinwood's 2011 Holiday Art Sale
Holiday Art Sale Sneak Preview
Thursday December 8th 6pm-10pm

As a member of Arts Collinwood, you have the opportunity to enjoy this early bird shopping experience exclusive to you. The evening will include wine and light appetizers, a live musical performance, holiday drink specials in our Café, first pick at the work of over thirty of the regions best artists, and of course, lots of holiday spirit!

If you can't make it tomorrow evening, not to worry. The sale runs through the weekend. See below for more details:

Arts Collinwood Annual Holiday Sale
Friday, December 9th 11am-11pm
Saturday, December 10th 11am-11pm
Sunday, December 11th 11am-5pm

Shop local this holiday season at Arts Collinwood's Annual Holiday Art Sale featuring over 30 of the region's best artists. The Arts Collinwood Holiday Art Sale has become a popular Cleveland destination and a draw for holiday shoppers from around the city, featuring a wide array of unique, affordable artwork including: wearable art, award- winning jewelry designs, prints, adorable baby items, museum quality paintings, exquisite glassworks, luxurious knitwear, beautiful holiday cards and much more.

Take advantage of free childcare while you shop from noon-4pm on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy lunch, dinner or cocktails in our adjoining Café. The Café at Arts Collinwood features a full bar with a great selection of microbrews, wine and espresso drinks, as well as soups, salads, sandwiches and daily specials. Also, enjoy live music Friday and Saturday night with no cover charge.

Knock more off your gift list by strolling down Waterloo Road for fabulous sales at all the vintage, record, clothing and toy shops. Revel in all the festivities the Waterloo Arts District has to offer this special holiday weekend!

For more information about the Holiday Art Sale at the Arts Collinwood Gallery, or any of the events in the Waterloo Arts District, visit us on Facebook or at www.artscollinwood.org or by calling 216-692-9500.

Only 10 minutes from downtown Cleveland, just north of I-90 on the corner of E. 156th and Waterloo.

Past, Present, Future closes this Saturday

Past.Present.Future.
A community arts event brought to you by Northeast Shores and the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture.
Saturday, December 10th, 6 – 9 p.m.
Key Bank Building, Ground Floor
15619 Waterloo Road

Ring in the holiday season with the closing of this unique art event. Help us celebrate the past, present and exciting future of the North Collinwood neighborhood. We’ll be sharing the results of several months of community engagement activities and seeking your thoughts on what can make the neighborhood even stronger. Performances, photographs, video, audio, food and drink … You don’t want to miss it. Just one of the many exciting events happening at this month’s Walk All Over Waterloo.

Past.Present.Future. is part of Artists in Residence, a special two-year initiative to increase artists' roles in revitalizing North Collinwood. For more information about the program, please contact Seth Beattie at sbeattie@northeastshores.org or 216.481.7660.

Candy Cane Cruise in Plain Dealer

We are getting ready for tonight's awesome Candy Cane Cruise. Thank you so much to the Plain Dealer for covering the event!

Check out the Plain Dealer article at:
http://www.cleveland.com/our-town/index.ssf/2011/12/join_the_candy_cane_cruise_on_east_185th_street_tonight_at_5_pm.html

Or Read it here:

Join the Candy Cane Cruise on East 185th Street tonight at 5 p.m.Published: Friday, December 02, 2011, 5:00 AM
By Terry Troy The Plain Dealer

Are you looking for something fun to do this evening with the entire family?
Northeast Ohio’s annual holiday cruising celebration returns to East 185th Street tonight at 5 p.m. Convertibles and Jeeps will lower their roofs and enjoy a fabulous wintertime ride down East 185th Street from Lakeshore Boulevard to Interstate 90 at the 2011 Candy Cane Cruise.

The Candy Cane Cruise was created as a unique way to celebrate the holiday season along the main streets and local business districts of the near east side. It injects the hustle, bustle and festivities of a “modern sleigh ride” to eateries, retailers and shops throughout this classic neighborhood.

“We had a quiet inaugural cruise last year on East 185th Street,” said Denise Lorek, community organizer for the Northeast Shores Development Corporation, which sponsors the event. “We’re looking forward to being Cleveland’s premier Candy Cane Cruise event this year.”

The Candy Cane Cruise on East 185 is longer this year and includes more merchants than previous cruises held on Clifton Boulevard on Cleveland’s West Side. In addition, tonight’s cruise is being held a little earlier than last year, said Lorek.
“That’s because we wanted to kick off the holiday season,” she said. “We want people to buy local. We want people to know that we have local restaurants, merchants and stores that offer great items for gift-giving, as well as gift certificates for the holiday season.”

According to Lorek, a number of merchants will offer either special entertainment or treats to both spectators and cruisers.“We have teamed up with the Salvation Army this year,” said Lorek. “It’s bringing the Salvation Army Bell Ringing Band, which will perform songs on bells. That will be right by our newest coffee shop Kool Beanz. Bells and Christmas just seem to go together.”

In addition, the Salvation Army Brass Band will play at the corner of East 185th and Kildeer right near the old LaSalle Theater. There will also be children carolers performing. “It’s a great way to kick off the holiday shopping season, while supporting local merchants,” said Lorek.

Cruisers are encouraged to decorate their vehicles for the holidays and to dress up in holiday attire. The event is free for spectators. The history Cleveland’s Candy Cane Cruise tradition began in 2008 with the Candy Cane Cruise on Clifton Boulevard.
“Cruising during the winter holidays gives the drivers and passengers a chance to celebrate the holiday season in a unique way,” said Dominic Bonacci, Candy Cane Cruise founder.

“East 185th Street is definitely a fantastic cruise route. It’s a classic main street with a long stretch of businesses that are filled with some great architecture and eateries that range from local establishments to fine dining. A variety of retailers will be open to shoppers who enjoy exploring.
“A Candy Cane Cruise is an invitation to anyone to roll down the windows, bundle up the kids and be immersed in the holiday atmosphere,” Bonacci added.