Cleveland Masterworks: The wreck of the Western Reserve discovered
The steel steamer Western Reserve, which sank in 1892 , was recently discovered in Lake Superior by the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, using side-scan sonar technology. Cleveland Masterworks writer Tom Matowitz shared the story of the ill-fated Western Reserve and its sister ship the W. H. Gilcher in 2023.
Talking trash: Euclid, Collinwood get ready for Big Clean
The eighth annual The Big Clean event in April 26 will pit Euclid against Collinwood in a friendly competition to collect the most bags of trash. About 200 volunteers are expected to participate in the cleanup and an eco-fair to foster community spirit, promote environmental awareness, contribute to cleaner neighborhoods, and a healthier Lake Erie.
Western Reserve Historical Society Library reopens to the public this week after September 2023 fire
The Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS) Library will reopen this Thursday after an 18-month closure from a September 2023 fire. Swift action by WRHS staff and collaboration with restoration experts Belfor Property Restoration and The Conservation Center allowed for a total restoration.
Cleveland Masterworks: For the love of Franchester and Frances Payne Bolton
FreshWater Cleveland thought we’d remind our readers of the 1917 colonial revival home and 100-acre estate of Frances Payne Bolton—known as Franchester—which has become a source for much speculation in recent years, as portions of the original property have been sold, demolished, or put on the market. Tom Matowitz wrote about Bolton in his March 2022 Masterworks article “Frances Payne Bolton: Nursing advocate, Congresswoman, Franchester Estate owner,” and we think it deserves another look.
Western Reserve Historical Society joins elite group with national museum accreditation
The Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS) has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, joining an elite group of only 3% of U.S. museums to receive this recognition. The rigorous accreditation process highlights WRHS' commitment to excellence in education, collection stewardship, and community engagement.
Making a mark: Cleveland teens design warm-up shirts for Charge's final home game
A group of 10 teenage designers recently participated in a graphic design clinic as part of the Cleveland Cavaliers' "Bigger than Basketball" initiative. The students designed warm-up shirts worn by the Cleveland Charge, the NBA G League affiliate of the Cavs, during their final home game of the season.
Spectrum awards $15,000 to five local community organizations
Broadband connectivity company and cable operator Spectrum, has donated $15,000 to five organizations in Northeast Ohio through its Spectrum Employee Community Grants program. The grants, ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, will support various community initiatives including food distribution, veteran assistance, and clothing provision for low-income individuals.
Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Monument opens in for April and May for tours, popular programs
The Soldiers' & Sailors' Monument in Public Square has announced its spring calendar of events, featuring both new and returning activities. Highlights include the popular Tunnel Tours in April, a Veterans' Mental Health Fair in May, and the dedication of the new Harvey the Civil War Dog statue—culminating in a Memorial Day observance at the end of May.
Connect, discover, and advance: South Euclid to host career fair Thursday
The City of South Euclid will host its inaugural Career Fair this Thursday, March 20, featuring more than 15 local businesses and city departments. The free event, held at South Euclid City Hall, aims to connect job seekers with potential employers and provide professional resources.
Double Dipped: Heinen’s and Malley’s team up to promote shopping local, sell favorite chocolates
Just in time for Easter, Malley's Chocolates and Heinen's Grocery Stores have partnered to offer a selection of Malley's products in Heinen's stores. The collaboration brings together two family-owned brands with a combined 186 years of history in Cleveland.
A new chapter: For the first time in 90 years, we know the Anisfield-Wolf finalists
The Cleveland Foundation announced the finalists in the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards for the first time in its 90-year history. Ten books addressing racism and cultural diversity have been selected in four categories. The winners will be revealed in April, with additional celebrations planned for Cleveland Book Week in the fall.
Nature Center, Shaker Historical to host tours of four homes saved by the ‘Freeway Fighters’
The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes and Shaker Historical Society are hosting a Historic Homes Tour, showcasing four homes along the Shaker Parklands. The event celebrates the preservation of green space following the successful "Freeway Fighters" campaign in the 1960s that prevented the construction of highways through Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights.
Veterans & First Responders Foundation donates thermal imaging devices to local fire departments
The Veterans & First Responders Foundation (VFR) has donated 12 thermal imaging devices to fire departments in Willoughby Hills, Highland Heights, and Beachwood. The devices help firefighters in low visibility, improving safety and emergency response capabilities.
GCRTA drives toward cleaner future with compressed natural gas buses
The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority is transitioning its diesel bus fleet to compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, thanks to a Diesel Emission Reduction grant. The goal is to reduce emissions, lower fuel costs, and improve rider comfort while aligning with Cleveland's climate action goals.
Bright ideas: 26 visionaries to pitch at 2025 Accelerate: Citizens Make Change
The Cleveland Leadership Center's 11th annual Accelerate: Citizens Make Change civic pitch competition will take place on Thursday, Feb. 20, at the Huntington Convention Center. The 26 participants have the chance to win seed money for their ideas to improve Northeast Ohio.
Photography and poverty: Cleveland History Center's MLK Day exhibits
The Western Reserve Historical Society's Cleveland History Center is observing Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with free admission and special exhibits on Black history, art, and culture. Visitors can explore photography exhibits, learn about Dr. King's involvement in the 1968 Poor People's Campaign, and engage in various activities celebrating Dr. King's legacy.
Snoop out the new Fidelity Hotel in historic Baker Building with Cleveland Restoration Society
The Cleveland Restoration Society is offering its members an exclusive Snoop! Tour to preview the new Fidelity Hotel, on East 6th Street. The historic building, first named the Fidelity Building and later the Baker Building, is rich in history and architectural features. Led by historic preservation consultants Naylor Wellman, LLC, members can explore the adaptive reuse transformation from 1919 office building to a modern hotel.
Community West Foundation invests more than $500K in nonprofits to strengthen communities
The Community West Foundation awarded $566,100 in fourth quarter grants to support nonprofit organizations in Cleveland and Western Cuyahoga and Lorain Counties. The grants aim to advance the health and well-being of the community through the organizations that provide essential services to those in need.
City Fresh brings holiday shares and fresh recipes to the festive table
City Fresh, a nonprofit CSA working to increase food access in Northeast Ohio, is offering holiday shares of locally grown produce for pickup in Cleveland Heights, Oberlin, and Lakewood. Registration ends Saturday!
FreshWater editor Karin Rice named to Crain’s Notable Leaders in Communications list
FreshWater Cleveland managing editor Karin Connelly Rice, has been named one of Crain's Cleveland Business 2024 Notable Leaders in Communications. The recognition highlights Rice's 30-year career in journalism and public relations, her contributions to FreshWater, and her commitment to showcasing positive stories and changemakers in the Cleveland area.