Next month marks the 50th anniversary of one of the largest environmental and community disasters in our country’s history. On June 22, 1969, the Cuyahoga River was so polluted that it caught fire and blighted our community’s image around the world.
The idea for Cleveland Magazine was conceived shortly after, in some ways to help fight the negative perception that followed.
By no means is Cleveland a finished product, but the culture that had to exist at that time seems inconceivable to me today. There are so many people in our community, young and old, doing things big and small to make Northeast Ohio a better place.
In this issue alone, we highlight two women who own a size-inclusive Lakewood clothing boutique, meet WKYC’s newest morning anchor Dave Chudowsky and talk to Michael Stanley as he prepares to accept the Cleveland Arts Prize’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
There is a fire in Cleveland that still burns within many of us to make our community better. There are talks of reinventing Shaker Square and the East Side Market just reopened. Within our local dining, arts and entertainment scenes, talented individuals work to bring a vibrancy that makes communities buzz with excitement. Terrestrial Brewing Co. is partnering with the Cleveland Zoological Society on a series of animal-inspired beers, while Rooms to Let celebrates its sixth season of creating art in abandoned houses in Slavic Village.
All of these sparks of change in Cleveland are igniting young and educated people who want to be a part of making this city a better place for everyone.
One of those individuals is our very own Kim Schneider. Kim, who has been with Great Lakes Publishing since 2006, has been managing editor at Cleveland Magazine for the last six years. She has worked tirelessly behind the scenes creating a nationally acclaimed city magazine while at the same time making a name for herself in the restaurant community with her passion and dedication to covering Cleveland’s dining scene.
With all that said, it’s my pleasure to let our readers know that Kim is now the editor of Cleveland Magazine — and in this issue, it’s particularly fitting. Our Best Restaurants issue has become a popular resource for locals. This year, we highlight spots such as Larder Delicatessen and Bakery, The Plum and Salt — restaurants that are helping redefine Cleveland.
Cleveland Magazine is also very different today than it was when it started in 1972. We are increasing our digital content and continue to host popular events such as our annual Silver Spoon Party on May 15 with the Arthritis Foundation.
But our passion for championing Clevelanders and helping our community discover the best it can be hasn’t changed. In fact, it is burning hotter than ever.
