Karin Connelly Rice
Stories by: Karin Connelly Rice
Karin Connelly Rice enjoys telling people's stories, whether it's a promising startup or a life's passion. Over the past 30 years she has reported on local community members and businesses for publications such as Inside Business, Cleveland Magazine, the Rocky River/Lakewood edition of In the Neighborhood, and the Amherst News-Times. At Fresh Water Rice focuses on Clevelanders who are shaping and embracing Cleveland—especially those making positive changes in the city's underserved neighborhoods.
Cuyahoga County Public Library will host the inaugural first Fiber Fest at the Warrensville Heights Branch Innovation Center, bringing together fiber artists, makers, and beginners for a day of demos, workshops, and vendors. Sew4Service joins the event—highlighting the growing interest in hands-on creativity while showcasing the CCPL branch's textile-focused makerspace.
Rhythm on the River returns to Cuyahoga Valley National Park on Sunday, June 7—with Apostle Jones opening the season. Other acts this summer include Hubbs Groove, Athea René, and Forecast, with local community groups opening some of the acts. Organizers have redesigned the event footprint, expanded programming, and enhanced ways for visitors to enjoy music, nature, and fun at Howe Meadow.
Downtown Canton’s June First Friday returns to its artistic roots with Chalk the Walk, gallery visits, live music from The SpYder Stompers, food trucks, and a new initiative designed to connect visitors with the city’s growing arts and culture scene.
The Cleveland Museum of Art celebrates its 110th birthday on Saturday, June 6 with free admission to two special exhibits, member perks, and special discounts. The milestone reflects more than a century of fulfilling its founders' vision to provide world-class art "for the benefit of all the people forever."
The South Euclid Food Truck Park kicks off its fourth season on June 5 with live music, food trucks, and a full summer calendar of concerts, food trucks and events. After infrastructure improvements, city officials say the park has evolved into a true gathering place in the downtown district.
Cuyahoga County Public Library invites readers of all ages and abilities to dig into books this summer with its 2026 Summer Reading Challenge. "Unearth a Story" features a prehistoric-theme, a focus on dinosaurs and archaeology, and urges participants to build daily reading habits—offering activities and rewards that spark curiosity and prevent summer learning loss.
The Cleveland Museum of Art’s Parade the Circle returns June 13 with a "Momentum" theme inspired by CMA’s “American Printed Silks” exhibit. Parade prep is in its new creative home at the CMA Community Arts Center. Lead artist Hector Castellanos Lara says participants are ready with elaborate costumes and decorations!
South Euclid city officials are optimistic about the future of the former Notre Dame College campus after Akron Children’s Hospital was the successful bidder in an auction last week. Officials say they hope the property will continue its legacy of community use as a regional healthcare center while also creating new opportunities for residents.
Shaker Heights native Jeff Friedman's lifelong love of orcas led him to build a new life in Washington's Friday Harbor—leading whale watching tours on the Salish Sea. Friedman's Maya's Legacy is now up for best whale watching company in USA Today's readers' poll. Learn how to vote here!
The Cleveland Asian Festival returns May 16 and 17 with its largest celebration to date, featuring a record number of vendors, expanded culinary offerings, and a full slate of cultural programming. From K-pop performances and traditional dance to community initiatives, this year's festival highlights the diversity and growing impact of AsiaTown.
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History extends its reach far beyond its walls with its virtual programs, summer camps, and lifelong learning opportunities for all ages. From local classrooms to remote communities, CMNH connects audiences to science, nature, and discovery.
South Euclid is experiencing a surge in residential development, with several projects in the city adding new single-family homes and townhomes. What began with developing the former Lowden Elementary site in 2024 has expanded into a broader effort to reuse vacant land, modernize zoning, and attract new residents.
Bedford resident Tim Tench's active lifestyle took a sudden turn after a diagnosis of the fatal lung disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis—setting off a race for a life-saving double lung transplant. Tench shares his journey to illustrate the impact of organ donation and the importance of making one’s wishes known.
The Cleveland International Hall of Fame honored six inductees at its sold-out 2026 ceremony, celebrating the city’s rich cultural diversity and welcoming three newly represented ethnicities. The event also introduced the inaugural Debbie Hanson “Forever Young” Awards, recognizing two individuals for their quiet but lasting contributions to the community.
Downtown Cleveland, Inc. will host a community meeting this week to discuss a public art project that will transform Huron Road in the Gateway District into a mural. The project, by artist Ryan Jaenke, is funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies to improve pedestrian safety, boost foot traffic, and support businesses.
The Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation has been connecting residents with employment opportunities through monthly hiring events that bring employers directly to the community. What began as a pandemic pivot in 2020 has evolved into a reliable workforce development program, with employers conducting on-site applications, interviews, and sometimes event immediate hiring.
The prestigious Michelin Guide is expanding to include Cleveland and five other Great Lakes cities, marking a significant milestone for the region's culinary scene. Local restaurateur Doug Katz explains why this is an important moment that will showcase Cleveland's diverse dining culture to a global audience.
Stacey Tenenbaum's "Tough Old Broads," profiles three women who broke barriers in male-dominated fields: marathon pioneer Kathrine Switzer, White House photographer Sharon Farmer, and climate justice activist Sheila Watt-Cloutier. Tenenbaum is offering two free tickets to one of the sold-out screenings. Find out how to enter and learn more about these real-life tough old broads.
The Cleveland Museum of Art’s "still/emerging: Native American Works on Paper" highlights Indigenous artists' prints and drawings that are supplemented with interpretive text panels, written by Indigenous community members who share their personal perspectives and lived experiences.
Cuyahoga County Public Library and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank are continuing their partnership to address food insecurity in 2026, after serving nearly 5,000 households last year through mobile pantries, senior food boxes, and other meal programs.