John Skrtic has been with the Cleveland Public Library for over 30 years. He now serves as the chief of special projects and collections, which makes him responsible for overseeing the 11 million items in the Library Collection. He holds a master's of library and information science from Kent State University and a master's of public administration from Cleveland State University. Skrtic grew up on East 41st Street in Downtown Cleveland and has lived in the city his entire life. He is father of two children and spends his free time archiving the people and places of Cleveland.
Pupuseria y Antojitos Guanaquitas
Located at 2998 W. 25th Street in Cleveland, Pupuseria y Antojitos Guanaquitas is well worth a trip for its delicious family-style Salvadorian food, featuring favorites such as pollo con espinaca (chicken with spinach) and pollo frito (fried chicken). I had a wonderful experience interacting with the hardworking staff of this popular family-owned eatery, which opened in 2019. Pictured are the dedicated restaurant crew: manager Nancy Hernandez, Blanca Hernandez, Josefina Echeverria, Eva Ruano, Blanca Mendoza, Maribel Hernandez and Xiomara Zamora. pupuseriayantojitosguanaquitas.com
Earl Phillips
It was fantastic to reunite with my old friend Earl Phillips, the dean of Cleveland sign painters, at his former shop on East 131st Street. At age 90, Earl is officially retired, although he occasionally dusts off his paintbrush to assist local businesses. His artistic signage, created over a long career that started in 1960, influenced what can be described as the “Cleveland aesthetic,” examples of which continue to be seen throughout the region.
Floressa
It was a real treat to stop in at Floressa, the sumptuous bakery cafe located at 3328 W. 33rd Street in Cleveland’s Clark-Fulton neighborhood. Owner Caitlin Dobson opened this brick-and-mortar spot in 2021 after years of selling baked goods wholesale. Catering to a variety of dietary needs, Floressa also serves delicious coffee and espresso drinks. During my visit, I was heartened to see a group of grade school children stop by to say hello to Caitlin and enjoy some chocolate milk — a free perk for the neighborhood kids. Caitlin has created a joyous neighborhood place where everyone is made to feel welcome and a part of the space. floressacafe.com
Mt Pleasant Bar-B-Q
I was thrilled to be given a tour of the famous Mt Pleasant Bar-B-Q, one of my all-time favorite Cleveland restaurants. The exceptionally welcoming staff, made up of members of the Whitmore family, shared the inspiring story of this great Black-owned business, which has been in operation since 1942. Pictured here are Wendy Dennis, Cecelia Whitmore, Marlon Dennis, Wayne Whitmore, Jr. and Vernon Whitmore Sr. Every Clevelander should make their way to 12725 Kinsman Road for a dining experience that I promise you will not forget.
John G
It was great to reconnect with my old friend John Greiner — better known as John G — at the Genghis Con Conference in Cleveland. John co-founded this incredible local comics convention back in 2009. As an amazing illustrator, comic creator and teacher, he has been a dynamic presence in the Northeast Ohio arts and comics scene for nearly two decades. John consistently produces remarkable work, and I’m always eager to see what he’s going to create next. shinercomics.net
Kevin "MC Chill" Heard
I had a great time meeting with Kevin "MC Chill" Heard, Cleveland's original rap superstar. In 1986, he made history by securing a national record deal with Fever Records for his album M.C. Chill. Our conversation delved into the vibrant world of old-school Cleveland hip-hop, and I gained insights into his extensive involvement in the nonprofit sector. Kevin has contributed as a journalist to the Call and Post and is making a mark with his work for the local publication The Land. Kevin recently completed his second term as the president of the Greater Cleveland Association of Black Journalists, adding to the impressive array of accomplishments in this Renaissance man's portfolio.
John Ewing
It was great to spend time with John Ewing, one of my all-time Cleveland heroes, who is the director of the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque at 11610 Euclid Ave. For those who don’t know about the Cinematheque, which John founded in 1986, he would want you to know that The New York Times recognizes it as “one of the country’s best repertory movie theaters.” And that, they show classic, foreign and independent films 50 weekends of the year in the state-of-the-art Peter B. Lewis Theater, which features a 36-foot-wide screen, 4K digital and dual 35mm film projection, and Dolby Digital 7.1 sound. Over the past 40 years, no individual has done more to elevate the art form of film in our city. John's contributions to Cleveland’s cultural life have had a profound impact on my life and on the lives of countless others through the weekly presentation of carefully curated, thought-provoking, and entertaining films. John recently announced that he will retire in June 2024. I encourage each of you to pay tribute to John by attending a film — or films — at the Cinematheque in order to experience the extraordinary culture around moving pictures that he has created and maybe to win the drawing for a $5 gift certificate to Visible Voice Books or the Coffee House at University Circle. cia.edu/cinematheque
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