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.
Dawn Arrington
I first met Dawn Arrington years ago through Cleveland Leadership Center’s Bridge Builders program. Dawn is the founder of Comics at the Corner, a grassroots literacy initiative she launched in 2018 after a personal encounter underscored the need for literacy support among adults. Her response was simple and powerful: distribute comic books featuring characters of color in neighborhoods like Mount Pleasant and Buckeye, making reading more accessible and culturally relevant. Her work continues to show how meeting people where they are, with stories that reflect who they are, can spark real and lasting change. It’s always a pleasure to reconnect with someone doing such meaningful work in our community. cleveleads.org, facebook.com
Andy, Kristen, and John
I had the good fortune of catching a great moment on West 29th Street, where three incredible community leaders happened to be meeting: Andy Trares, executive director of the May Dugan Center; John Litten, president and CEO of Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity; and Kristin Warzocha, president and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. It was one of those unplanned street-corner meetings that felt like a snapshot of Cleveland’s heart—three people deeply committed to serving others, laughing and connecting in the middle of the city they all help uplift. I was lucky to get a quick photo of them together, a reminder that behind every great organization are real people doing the work with passion and purpose. maydugancenter.org, clevelandhabitat.org, greaterclevelandfoodbank.org
Nick Castele
I spotted Nick Castele weaving through the crowd on St. Patrick’s Day — camera bag slung over one shoulder and eyes scanning the street and mentally drafting his next story as he walked. While most of Cleveland was deep in green beer and bagpipes, Nick was doing what he’s always done — covering the city, listening for the real story beneath the noise. Nick’s a seasoned journalist, born and bred for this kind of work. A Northwestern Medill graduate, he’s been digging into Cleveland politics since 2012. He spent a decade at Ideastream, reporting on power and policy with a calm, clear eye that is becoming rare in journalism. In 2022, he joined Signal Cleveland, where he continues to peel back the layers of local government, bringing light to the decisions made at City Hall and at the County that affect our lives. While others chase spectacle, he follows the thread of what matters. On a day built for parade floats and loud celebration, he was in the streets, doing the quiet work of watching, taking notes, and reporting for all of us. signalcleveland.org/author/nick
Suggested: Nick Castele — Most Interesting People 2022
Duck Island Barbershop
The first thing you notice upon entering Duck Island Barbershop is its energy. It’s alive with Cleveland — jerseys, bobbleheads, and old sports photos pay tribute to the city’s never-quit spirit. The shop sits at 2289 Columbus Road, inside the former Stas Funeral Home, which once quietly cared for generations of neighbors. Now, thanks to Nick Hilf, whose family owned the funeral home, the space has a new purpose: great haircuts, along with stories, camaraderie, and great conversation. I’ve been going to Nick for years, starting back when he ran the barbershop in the Rockefeller building downtown. That’s where he got his start in 2002, cutting hair with the kind of attention that turns regulars into lifers. Nick’s a Cleveland kid through and through—born here, raised here, still here. We went to St. Ignatius together—along with his awesome brother Bud. Duck Island is not just a barbershop; it’s a local hall of fame, a place where stories get swapped faster than his clippers move. There are plenty of great barbers in town, but Nick might be the most Cleveland of them all. He can talk Browns drafts, '90s Tribe, Guardians bullpen woes, or where to get the best polish boy on the near west side—all without missing a beat. And in a city built on grit, heartbreak, and neighborhood pride, that is what makes him a Cleveland barber legend. Appointments only, so call or text Duck Island Barbershop to schedule your next cut. 2289 Columbus Road, Cleveland, 216-338-3698, facebook.com
Flower in Freeman
I had the pleasure of visiting Flower on Freeman, the beautiful cocktail lounge that opened last month at 2102 Freeman Avenue in Cleveland’s charming Duck Island neighborhood. The space, warm and elegant, is already beginning to find its identity as one of the best new places in the city. It was fun talking with Melissa Cole, the talented owner behind this venture and also the beloved Luxe restaurant in Gordon Square. She brings the same thoughtful attention to detail and hospitality to this new project that has made Luxe a west side staple. Also pictured is Matthew Jarrell, a fantastic and well-loved local bartender, who skillfully crafted Flower’s impressive drink menu. We reminisced about the old Duck Island Club that once occupied the space and shared excitement for what’s to come. I stayed for dinner and some amazing non-alcoholic drinks. Everything — from the flavors to the service — was outstanding. Flower on Freeman feels like something this spot has been waiting for, and with pros like Melissa and Matthew behind it, the future looks bright. 2102 Freeman Ave, Cleveland, 216-536-7855, floweronfreeman.com
Main Gate Restaurant
Main Gate Restaurant sits below street level, tucked into the basement of what used to be the Cleveland produce terminal—a place that’s been the backdrop for thousands of stories. You might miss it if you didn’t know what to look for—no neon sign beckons. But down there, at 3900 Orange Ave., is something rare: a joint that hasn’t let time push it around. It opens at 5:30 in the morning, long before most of the city stirs. That’s when the regulars show up: third-shifters, warehouse hands, city workers—folks who trade sleep for a hot plate of eggs. The portions are big, the prices are among the best around, and the welcome is warm. It’s not trendy; it’s real. I sat for a while with Nawal and Emile Ghantous, a Lebanese couple who’ve run the place for 29 years. You can see the pride in their eyes and hear it in their voices when they talk about their customers. They don’t just serve food—they help keep Cleveland going, deep in the city’s core. In a town that’s always tearing something old and remarkable down to put up something new, Main Gate quietly holds its ground. 3900 Orange Ave. Cleveland, facebook.com
Alecia Miller
Getting off the train at Tower City, I had the pleasure of meeting Alecia Miller, a kind and welcoming Transit Ambassador for Greater Cleveland RTA. Alecia has been with the agency for a year and a half and is clearly well-suited for the role, thanks to her friendly and helpful nature. A lifelong Clevelander, Alecia shared that public transit runs in the family—several of her relatives have worked for GCRTA over the years. We talked about what good customer service looks like, and it was clear she takes pride in representing the city and helping people navigate it every day. riderta.com
Wiesler Painting and Decorating
I met Greg and Marian of Wiesler Painting and Decorating while they were working on a project in Ohio City. Greg started the family business back in 1978, and today he runs it alongside his daughter and business partner, Marian. Their work is known for its attention to detail, which keeps them consistently busy. During the year, they focus on interior projects, and in the summer, they take on a wide range of exterior jobs. It was really cool to see a father and daughter working together so seamlessly. Wiesler Painting has built its reputation largely through word of mouth — proof that quality work and trust go a long way. 440-946-0661
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