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.
Kumar Arora
I had a great encounter at North Coast Harbor on East Ninth Street with the high-octane Kumar Arora, a man who is equal parts entrepreneur, investor, consultant, visionary, innovator, and designer. His visionary products and brands include ILTHY, Sora Sushi, Trust Foods, and the cutting-edge Rogue Eyewear. kumar-arora.com
Edgewater Cafe
It’s truly wonderful to see the beloved Edgewater Cafe back in business. During my visit, I had the opportunity to speak with co-owners Eduardo Galindo and Matt Began regarding the impressive updates they’ve made to this perennially popular Detroit-Shoreway establishment, located at the corner of West 50th Street and Detroit Avenue. We reminisced warmly about previous owner Frank Spremulli, who reopened the cafe in 2014 and ran it until he passed away in 2021. Galindo and Began shared stories about their close friendship with Spremulli, whose photograph is proudly displayed in the newly renovated bar. They have issued an open invitation to everyone in NE Ohio to come in and see what this cherished local spot has to offer. 4911 Detroit Ave, Cleveland
I'm From Cleveland
It was a pleasure to finally meet John Stursa, co-founder of I'm From Cleveland. He originally started the company in 2010 as a YouTube channel and digital zine aimed at promoting local music acts. During the pandemic, Stursa and his business partner, Eric Vajda, revamped IFC into a form of social media journalism, focusing on curating content that showcases Cleveland culture. Our conversation, which took place during the April 8 total solar eclipse, centered around our shared excitement for the event and its significance to Clevelanders and visitors alike. I admire John's dedication to highlighting artists and events in the city. instagram.com/imfromcleveland
Joy Machines Bike Shop
The highlight of my recent visit to Joy Machines Bike Shop at 2605 Detroit Avenue in Cleveland was a fantastic conversation with owner and diehard Clevelander Alex Nosse. Hearing Alex's story of building up his shop was inspiring, and it is all the more special because he grew up in the neighborhood. I also had the pleasure of meeting his wife and business partner, Krissie Wells, along with their adorable daughter, Ruby. With many classic bike spots closing in the area, I highly recommend checking out Alex's shop if you haven't already. It's easily one of the best around, with a wonderful team ready to assist with all your cycling needs. joymachines.net
Laura DeMarco
It was a delight to reconnect with my friend Laura DeMarco during the total solar eclipse. A seasoned journalist, author, and speaker, Laura is celebrated for her insightful coverage of arts, culture, dining, travel, and entertainment. With a multitude of awards under her belt, she's penned several notable books, including the well-received Lost Cleveland (Pavilion Books, 2017), which is regarded as a definitive book on Cleveland history. Laura's profound attachment to Cleveland resonates in all of her communications, and she is always generous with her wealth of information. Laura currently serves as the Senior Director of Content & Corporate Communication at the Greater Cleveland Partnership.
Michael's Bakery
I had a wonderful time touring the iconic Michael's Bakery with owner Michael Mitterholzer. A proud Clevelander, Mike has owned the cherished family shop since 1974. Despite being camera-shy, Mike was a true sport and agreed to pose for a photo out back. For the past five decades, he has woken up at 2 a.m. every morning to make a variety of mouth-watering treats for Clevelanders. If you haven't been to Michael’s Bakery yet, be sure to put it on your to-do list. It's a Cleveland must-try, offering a delightful array of baked goods including various breads, poppy seed rolls, nut rolls, kołaczki, tortes, “Miamis,” and my personal favorite: the almondine dessert. 4478 Broadview Road, Cleveland
Taqueria El Paraiso
I recently visited Taqueria El Paraiso, where I spoke with owners Jose and Oliva Cruz about their thriving one-year-old venture. The couple shared insights about Mexican cuisine, particularly their popular tacos. They're enthusiastic about welcoming more locals to savor their culinary delights, which have been rapidly gaining praise among Cleveland food enthusiasts. 3156 West 25th St., Cleveland
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