MuRrAy HiLL

What's the quote?? EDIT: Thanks

Here is a GREAT article about Ann Zoller, executive director of ParkWorks. Urban Outfitter Issue Date: June 2010 Issue Ann Zoller believes that green space doesn’t just dress up a city. For the executive director of ParkWorks, it can be transformative, creating better neighborhoods and fueling economic development. Yet her greatest challenge is before her — remaking Public Square. ............ Zoller, 46, believes creating exciting public spaces is not just about carefree recreation — it’s a key to making Cleveland a place more people want to live. She’s emerging as a key ally of younger politicians, such as Joe Cimperman and Chris Ronayne, who are gaining in influence and trying to put their optimistic stamp on the city. ......... For seven years, Zoller carted around poster-sized renderings of the park’s redesign, trying to find funding for it. Federal and county money both fell through. Finally, Mayor Frank Jackson approved a key half-million-dollar grant in 2008. “People will tell us no,” Zoller says, “but until they tell us no 17 times, we don’t necessarily listen. If we think something is worthy, we’ll figure out a way to get it done.” That can-do attitude and record of getting results have convinced many civic leaders to turn to Zoller and her nonprofit, ParkWorks, for help building playgrounds, reviving old parks and jazzing up little plazas. But Zoller’s vision for Cleveland is much bigger. She wants to guide downtown’s landmark public spaces from the dull, gray present to a spring-like rebirth. .......... That’s the gospel urban optimists preach: Flowers in the city aren’t just flowers. They can make the difference between a downtown people want to work and live in and a place they don’t. .......... Joe Cimperman says Zoller transformed how he looks at his job as a city councilman by inviting him on a foundation-sponsored 2001 tour of New York City parks. They visited eight parks in 25 hours, including Battery Park at Manhattan’s southern tip, to see how first-rate squares and plazas and greens, bustling with people, made neighborhoods vibrant and memorable. “Parks and public space mean community development, which means economic development,” says Cimperman. “I came back, thinking, Man, there’s nothing we can’t do in Cleveland!” ....... http://www.clevelandmagazine.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=E73ABD6180B44874871A91F6BA5C249C&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=1578600D80804596A222593669321019&tier=4&id=643DFFCF56CA42708205F3F5B44FCD7A OK, there are way too may good quotes...just read the damn thing ;)

This reminds me of Major League.. Cleveland nun named baseball super-fan Posted: 06/02/2010 08:39:53 AM PDT CLEVELAND — A Cleveland nun with a baseball habit is the winner of an annual award for distinguished service by a fan of the game. A group called the Baseball Reliquary says Sister Mary Assumpta Zabas has had a passion for baseball since childhood and has been a huge supporter of the Cleveland Indians, baking cookies for the players and contributing a regular TV news segment on her beloved Tribe. http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_15210334?nclick_check=1

Cleveland Clinic could launch wellness businesses, franchise 6.2.10 | Mary Vanac | Cleveland, Ohio The Cleveland Clinic is considering launching two wellness businesses and a franchise of disease reversal centers — the latest evidence that the institution known worldwide for its heart care is taking a leading position in the $100 billion wellness industry. Dr. Michael Roizen, the Clinic’s chief wellness officer and leader of its Wellness Institute, is working to spin off the health system’s first wellness businesses — a natural beauty Web site based on his YOU: Being Beautiful book with co-author Dr. Mehmet Oz and an email-based wellness coaching business. “We’re exploring how to start a conversation around beauty that is not purely esthetically driven, but a holistic, healthy approach to beauty,” said Steve Lindseth, a serial information technology entrepreneur who as part of the Clinic’s 18-member Industrial Advisory Board is looking into the commercial merits of both businesses. http://www.medcitynews.com/2010/06/cleveland-clinic-becoming-a-driver-of-100b-wellness-industry/

Thanks for the shots and reference map sizzlin!

I toured Titan's Gym this past weekend, and the place is HUGE and top-of-the-line. Open 24hrs, validated parking, brand new EVERYTHING, free fitness classes, $40 a month, and discounts on things like tanning for members. This place is just what downtown needed. My girlfriend signed up today and another girl already told me she's going to sign up within the next few weeks. After much thought, I've decided I too will be getting a membership...and over Cleveland State, mostly because of the 24 hr access.

Cleveland: Inner city vineyard now a reality Tom Beres Posted: 5/31/2010 6:36:06 PM CLEVELAND -- Mansfield Frazier has a dream to become a successful winemaker in Cleveland. He, his wife Brenda, and other urban farm supporters are planting more than 300 grapevines for two hearty white wines at the corner of East 66th Street and Hough Avenue. Chateau d'Hough, they call it. "We have 3,000 vacant lots in the city of Cleveland," said Frazier. His vineyard plan was one of 58 ideas accepted by the ReImagine Cleveland project. http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=137098&catid=45

I haven't been inside for over a year, but... Renaissance Cleveland Hotel Unveils New Lobby & Restaurant Renovations CLEVELAND, June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- The Renaissance Cleveland Hotel has recently unveiled a newly renovated lobby and restaurant to great anticipation. Guests will enjoy being greeted by a space that perfectly blends historic charm and fresh design with a new "old world" style that encompasses all the classic luxury of the Renaissance. The Lobby and Lobby Court Bar have been updated with new carpeting, wall vinyl, and stylish furniture. The perfect place to unwind before or after the day's business, the new communal table in the bar is perfect for meeting with friends or colleagues while the new lobby court menu offers happy hour specials and local micro brews to whet your appetite. Now a fully renovated restaurant in Cleveland, Brasserie serves breakfast and lunch in a new bistro-like setting. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/renaissance-cleveland-hotel-unveils-new-lobby--restaurant-renovations-95318424.html

This alone could lock CC even more into the elite status of the research community...BRAVO and hope to see a finished prodect soon. Seriously, Cleveland would be known as the place that cured/prevented cancer.

Lebron on Larry King Live this week: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2010/06/lebron-james-is-on-larry-king-this-week/1

I was in Bakers Candies in Collinwood recently. For me, I'd say North and South Collinwood in Cleveland. Also I definitely would spend more in Slavic Village if I knew what else there was to support, besides the coffee shop by St. Stanislaus.

Yes on City Blue. They're working over time right now. They told me it will be ready for Sat.

BODIES opens up this Saturday, June 5th. Here's some more info on hours/pricing etc: http://www.bodiestheexhibition.com/cleveland/plan-your-visit.html There seems to be a very week "Driving Directions" category. I'm guessing they assume most people will know where E. 4th is, but wasn't that kind of the point of putting it there, to bring more people down to lower Euclid Ave? The map isn't even exactly right in the "Get Driving Directions" link...it says 240 Euclid Ave instead of 340 Euclid Ave. And of course, no mention of public transportation even though it sits right at the E.6th and E. 2nd stops of the Healthline, and is less than two blocks away from the central hub of the Red line, Green Line, Blue Line and many, many buses. Finally, even as an UOer, I must say I am surprised there is no mention of "recommended parking." That alone could raise the cost of seeing the exhibit for most families. I did shoot them an email with my concerns, but anyone feels the same way and can write better than me, please shoot them one too! Here is the comment page: http://www.bodiestheexhibition.com/cleveland/contact.html

Just wanted to echo I enjoyed this past meeting, and I look forward to more in the future! Nice to finally meet you all.

Another one to echo Tremont Place Lofts. It's sounding like it's exactly what you're looking for.l

On my way over. Looking forward to meeting everyone!

So where exactly are we meeting?

Count me in too. Noonish sounds perfect. I'm the good looking italian guy.

I say we just knock it over again and try for a third time ;)

Same thought. Some of the best green spaces on the East Coast have towering, mature trees.

Sooooo....any takers? p.s. I've actually never been to Gordon Square yet, so I could be interested in seeing that too.

Funny...I actually liked it better when it was "more" under construction. I didn't realize the color scheme was so gray and ?? ...

Don't forget about Little Italy on the eastside as well: http://www.littleitalycleveland.com/ You can take the "Healthline" to CSU on a straight shot. Craigslist is starting to list a few Little Italy apartments I'm starting to notice.

more YMCA news/FREE fitness news: YMCA of Greater Cleveland offers free swimming lessons June 4-6 By Cody Peck, Sun News May 26, 2010, 12:15PM The YMCA of Greater Cleveland will present a free Y-Splash program at all of its Cuyahoga and Lorain County branch locations June 4-6. Times for the sessions are 5:30-7:30 p.m. June 4, 12:30-2:30 p.m. June 5 and 1-3 p.m. June 6. The Splash program, geared specifically for children ages 5-12, promotes water safety and introduces children to swimming lessons. http://www.cleveland.com/sun/all/index.ssf/2010/05/ymca_of_greater_cleveland_offe.html

Three Cleveland schools lauded in study of Ohio urban districts By Edith Starzyk, The Plain Dealer May 26, 2010, 7:59AM CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Three Cleveland schools -- Citizens' Academy, Horizon Science Academy Middle School and Louisa May Alcott Elementary School -- are highlighted in a new report for their high achievement with large numbers of poor and minority children. The Thomas B. Fordham Institute says more should be done to learn from their success and replicate it elsewhere. But right now, they and five other Ohio schools are "Needles in a Haystack," the title of the report Fordham released Tuesday. Fordham, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank focused on education, started with 816 public elementary and middle schools that showed high scores and progress on state tests. Then it narrowed the field to 55 schools where at least 75 percent of students come from low-income families. http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2010/05/three_cleveland_schools_lauded.html