Jonathan Kozol Speaking in Cleveland Tomorrow (9/28)

From a Cleveland State University press release:

CLEVELAND, September 18, 2006 — Jonathan Kozol — educator, activist, author of more than ten books and winner of the National Book Award — will visit Cleveland on Thursday, September 28 to give the President’s Lecture at Cleveland State University at 3 pm and speak at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral at 7 pm. Both events are free and open to the public.

For more than 40 years, Jonathan Kozol has worked with children in inner-city schools, first as a teacher and now as a chronicler of the experiences of children. At both of his Cleveland lectures, Kozol will discuss his newest book, The Shame of The Nation: The Restoration of Apartheid Schooling in America. The book, new in paperback, chronicles his recent time in nearly 60 public schools and the startling, dismal conditions that prevail there for African American children. In the book, Kozol writes, “I look around me at the faces of the children…and often see them also searching into mine, and I cannot discern the slightest hint that any vestige of the legal victory embodied in Brown v. Board of Education or the moral mandate that a generation of unselfish activists and young idealists lived and sometimes died for has survived within these schools and neighborhoods.”

Kozol’s lecture at Cleveland State University will be in Drinko Hall in the Music and Communication Building, 2001 Euclid Ave. Cleveland State will also hold a panel discussion with CSU professors and community leaders, moderated by Dean of the College of Education and Human Services Dean James McLoughlin, on Thursday, October 5 from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm in the Fenn Tower Ballroom - 3rd floor.

“The President’s Lecture is meant to spark lively intellectual conversation that should be happening regularly on campus,” said President Michael Schwartz. “We have some of the finest minds and keenest intellects at our University. Put them together with thought-provoking, perhaps controversial, guest speakers and the ideas, opinions and stimulating discussion will flow.”

Kozol’s lecture at Trinity Cathedral will be in the Nave, with lighted parking adjacent to the building off Prospect. Trinity’s interest in hosting Jonathan Kozol resulted both from the congregation’s ongoing volunteer work at its neighborhood public school, Marion Sterling, and from Kozol’s relationship with St. Ann’s Episcopal Church in the South Bronx, which he chronicled in his book Ordinary Resurrections. “Trinity Cathedral is a piazza: a place where the church stands at the crossroads of life,” said the Very Reverend Tracey Lind, Dean of Trinity. “We seek to be a place where people from all walks of life can meet to discuss the important — and sometimes difficult — issues of the day. We welcome Jonathan Kozol’s voice to the essential conversation about how we can help educate children in America’s poorest city.”

And it was good

I'm not really into restaurant reviewin', but we went to the opening night extravaganza at Melt, and my taste buds were treated to tasty toasted bread and cheese tid-bits, indeed.

Here's what I had:

The Parmageddon: Potato & cheese perogie, fresh Napa vodka kraut, grilled peppers & onions, cheddar. With the fries and the slaw.

Is that a crazy sandwich or what? I was stuffed, happy and planning my return visit. The music was fantastic, the interior was tastefully decorated with all things Cleveland and the beer selection top notch. Given that the place was packed, the service was pretty good too. I'm really glad to have them in Lakewood and right in my neighborhood, a mere five minute walk from my living room. And there's brunch, too!

There is one issue, though, that's worth pointing out. It's a small space, which by itself is not a problem, but when you add a bunch of smokers to the mix, well, it becomes nearly impossible to breathe. And the food, which is really, really good, becomes hard to taste, savor, and enjoy.

Suggestion: Maybe Melt would consider a smoke-free night or two, or perhaps a smoke-eater or two. I think this would make a big difference. The fact is, a lot of people I know are similar to me in this way: we used to smoke; we don't any more. When discussing my visit to Melt with friends, everyone was very excited about it all until the fact that it's not smoke free came up. Then, disappointment set in. Understandably so.

I hope some adjustments can be made to accommodate those of us who love Melt, but don't smoke. I'll keep coming and will tolerate the smoke when I'm in the mood for some fine food, good music and tasty beers; I hope that the smoking crowd, or at least those that cater to the smoking crowd, will demonstrate tolerance too.

Observing the Colectivo

This week, the Lakewood Observer published an article that I wrote on the Cleveland Colectivo.

If you are interested, you can read it here (pdf file)

Melt Bar and Grilled

I've been psyched about Melt (14718 Detroit Ave. Lkwd) opening since I saw their "opening soon" sign during the Lakewood Arts Festival. Well, the wait is over! On September 22nd, Melt will open it's doors and I will head inside for what looks like an awesome selection of grilled cheese washed down with some tasty brew. Check out some of these veg-friendly grills (served with 'sweet slaw' and hand cut fries!) :

Roasted Vegetable: zucchini, eggplant, bell pepper, onion, sun-dried tomato pesto, havarti $9.00

Mushroom Melt: Garlic portabellas, caramel port onions, provolone $7.50

Spinach Pie: Wilted garlic spinach, roasted red pepper, grilled onions, feta $7.50

Grilled Peanut Butter & Banana: fresh made smooth peanut butter, sweet cream cheese, mixed berry preserves $6.00

And these good lookin' apps:

Melt Perogies: locally produced potato & cheese, pan fried, grilled onions- $5.50

3 Cheese Spinach Artichoke Dip: crisp tortillas- $8.00

*Quesadilla: cheddar, grilled onions & peppers, roasted corn, Fresh salsa & sour cream- $6.00

*Nacho's: crisp tortillas, cheddar, grilled peppers & onions, sliced jalapeño, fresh salsa- $7.50
*Hand Cut Fries: honey chipotle tomato sauce- $5.50

*Ultimate Fries: 3 cheeses, veggie chili, grilled peppers & onions- $6.50

Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup: our house soup- $3.25

Today's Vegetable: the freshest available- $3.00

Soup of the day: made fresh daily: $3.25

Vegetarian 3 bean chili: cheddar, sour cream, onions- $3.50

Let's not forget the salad:

Melt House: fresh greens, crisp veggies, sun dried tomato, goat cheese, fresh herb croutons- $6.50

Grilled House: fresh greens, raw and roasted veggies, crumbled feta or blue cheese- $7.50 ($9.00 chicken/ $10.50 steak)

Caesar: fresh romaine, mushrooms, fried egg, Romano cheese, fresh herb croutons

$7.50 ($9.00 chicken/ $10.50 steak)

Southwest: fresh romaine, crisp corn tortillas, red pepper, roasted corn, pepper jack, fresh salsa & sour cream

And then there's the bread, cheese and extra topping choices so you can 'build yer own': how about goat cheese or smoked gouda on three seed multi-grain with sliced tomato, roasted garlic and caramel port onion? What's that? I don't know! But I'm glad I can find out this Friday. For dessert: Chocolate Guinness Cake and Fried Twinkies. Well, Guinness Cake anyway.

The best part is, Kris and I can walk there from home, so if it takes two or three (or four) beers to quench my grilled-cheese-and-hand-cut-fry-induced thirst, so be it.

I hope it's good and I hope it lasts. Lakewood is seeing an mini-influx of new restaurants and watering holes and I'm excited to try them all. Maybe I'll see you there! You can check out their myspace page here.

Melt is located at 14718 Detroit Ave in Lakewood, just west of Warren Road.

Indian Grocery in Lakewood

Driving home this afternoon, we stopped into what may be Lakewood's newest business:

India Food Emporium
17796 Detroit Road Lakewood
216.221.2620

We entered to find a very friendly woman, anxious to answer any questions we may have about Indian cuisine and excited to introduce us to new recipes, ingredients, and methods of cooking. She is very eager to demonstrate that Indian cuisine is not all that difficult. She suggested I think about it this way: if she wanted to cook Mexican or Italian at home one night for her own family, it might be a challenge because she doesn't have any ingredients common to those cuisines sitting around in her own cupboards. It might be easier, then, to pack up the car and head up to Little Italy or over to El Tango. That doesn't mean it's hard per se, it simply means that if she gets the right ingredients and someone to answer a question or two about the basics, she'll gain the confidence to take a chance making eggplant marinara or a lovely mole sauce in her own kitchen. I think she's right, and I'm glad she's here to point me to the right ingredients and answer my questions about Indian cuisine, which I'll undoubtably have. If you're in the neighborhood, stop in and pick up some mango ice cream and a tamarind or mint chutney for your samosas. Bring a question, too, because she loves to share what she knows. I'm motivated by my friend Tim, who's culinary courage has produced some incredible delicacies recently, so I believe I will stop by again soon and purchase myself some spices, sauces, flours and lentils so I can set out on a journey of my own. Once I finish the garlic nan, vegetable samosas and malai kofta in my freezer, that is.

Report on Ohioans Trust of State Government From Joyce Foundation

From the blog of The Center for Community Solutions:

The Joyce Foundation conducted a survey of public attitudes toward political reform and state government in five Midwestern states, including Ohio. The report (pdf file) found that Ohioans have the least amount of trust in their state government compared to the other states that were surveyed. The survey was conducted in conjunction with the Ohio Citizens Action Fund and the Ohio League of Women Voters.

From the report:

Not only do Ohio residents believe the influence of money in politics has become an obstacle to action on key issues, they also believe it is prohibiting good candidates from running for office. However, much like their fellow Midwesterners, Ohio residents haven’t thrown in the towel. Ohioans value an honest and accountable government and support reforms to change the climate...

Read more here

Local and Seasonal Eating in Northeast Ohio

The Cuyahoga Valley Countryside Conservancy and the Ohio Farmers Union have produced the first edition of the Countryside Harvest Guide, "your resource for finding farm-fresh, locally grown produce and delicious foods made right here in Northeast Ohio." You can order or download the guide, which provides a farm directory, a farmer's market directory, a list of Community Supported Agriculture programs, and a list of restaurants, cafes and caterers that attempt to use food produced right here in Northeast Ohio.

I'm looking forward to exploring CSA membership for next year.

Car Sharing in University Circle

Exciting news about car sharing in Northeast Ohio (with City Wheels - a Cleveland Colectivo grantee!).

From UCI's website, a press release dated September 14th:

"CLEVELAND – University Circle Inc. (UCI) and CityWheels today announced a joint partnership that will bring car sharing to University Circle, the region’s world-class center of innovation in health care, education, and arts & culture. This venture marks the first car sharing program in the city of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County..." Read the rest here

Learn more about City Wheels Cleveland here
Learn more about the Cleveland Colectivo here
Learn more about Car Sharing here

Lost Jobs

An interesting article and photo essay from The Tyee (via LiP Magazine's Media Picks) on jobs that no longer exist in America, or changed beyond recognition.

From the article:

"...The decline of North American manufacturing is well documented. And when people speak of lost jobs, they usually mean the same job moving somewhere else. But in many cases, actual types of work have disappeared from North America. From steel mill foremen to grunts in the block ice plants, jobs that were common 60 years ago have either vanished or changed so much as to be unrecognizable..."

Complete article here
Photo essay here

You Are Here #2

You Are Here # 2

Eileen Libens
64 years old
Conference Center Coordinator and Caterer for IMG
Born and raised in Lakewood

Favorite Place: Koi Pond in her back yard

“I just like the closeness. You always want to have a little more land but still having the neighbors relatively close, I find that pleasant... I can’t imagine leaving. When I lost my tree I was a little depressed because it was so beautiful. And I did look at different places, condominiums and things like that and then I thought, I can’t leave. I can’t do it. So I came back home and I’m here to stay. So I’m constantly redoing the house so I can get my wheelchair around or my walker or whatever, you know, when the time comes. That’s the idea. To be here until the end.

I do go to Caribou. I like their lattes (laughs). I go there a lot. I do try to utilize anything Lakewood. As a matter of fact, if I have something going on, Lakewood is the first [phone] book that I open or I do call Jeff Fillar [Acting Assistant Building Commissioner for Residential Housing, City of Lakewood] and say, OK, who do you suggest to do plumbing, electrician…He’s very good about suggesting.”

***

You Are Here* is a project that highlights what Lakewood residents think and feel about their city. We feel that a project like this shares a great affinity with many of the community efforts beginning and ongoing in our city. We are witnessing the emergence of an engaged, pro-active and committed community dedicated to creating the kind of place that we want to live in. But the question remains: who are you? To that end, we would like to use this project as a forum to meet as many Lakewood residents as possible. We would like to photograph you in your favorite place in Lakewood and discuss with you what you feel makes Lakewood a special place. These biographical vignettes will regularly be published in the Lakewood Observer. Publishing them in the Observer means that you get to share, and other people get to learn about, who you are and what you feel makes Lakewood a special place. Ultimately, a quilt of individuals and experiences will be available to all who live here, and those who do not live here yet, strengthening the sense of community that is Lakewood, Ohio.

Are you interested in participating? Contact Jason Weiner and Kristine Williams at lakewoodandyou@yahoo.com

*A photo-documentary project highlighting the individuals who live in the city of Lakewood, Ohio.

I'm Back!

I'm Back!

And I'm not exactly sure why I was gone, but things seem to have refreshed and all is well.

You Are Here # 1

You Are Here # 1

Tara Zeigler
27 years old
Sales Representative, Toms of Maine
Lakewood resident for 3 years.
Moved here from New Castle, Pennsylvania via Baldwin Wallace College

Favorite Place: Lakewood Dog Park

"So, one of the…things I think is very cool about Lakewood…there is a good renter population. And maybe, you know you don’t want it to be overwhelming and in Lakewood it’s often teetered on being too much of a renter population, but the cool thing with it is that you do get this regular infusion of new people and new ideas. So Steve and I are kind of part of that population. And it’s not so bad having a part of your community where people are [going to] come in and they’re [going to] rent for a little while. And you know what, maybe they are [going to] move on to somewhere else but then you get new people that come in and replace them so you constantly have, and some of those people will stay, some of those people will definitely stay but it’s what keeps the communities vibrant and interesting and a good mix of ages and all of those things. So I think there’s this misconception that if anybody moves out it’s a bad thing. Not necessarily true because somebody else is going to move in. That’s my little soap box. I just get so tired of hearing that, like oh, we [have to] make sure we keep everybody here. But I think…people do move into Lakewood pretty regularly. I’ve heard of more and more people deciding that this is where they want to raise their family, this is where they want to stay. I mean the Lakewood schools are still very good. So, you know, it’s a good mix. And that is a nice feature of it cause a lot of other communities in the area…inner ring suburbs do not have the quality of schools Lakewood has."

Steve Gross
28 years old
Software Developer, Case Western Reserve University
Lakewood resident for 1 year.
Moved here from Massachusetts and Virginia via Cleveland Heights

Favorite Place: Lakewood Dog Park

"I like the fact that we can have a lakefront apartment for not a fortune, wake up every morning and see the sunrise over downtown I mean it’s just astounding…you know our windows face east, [sort of] northeast and the sun’s just right behind downtown, the light is usually lit up on it, bright yellow. And actually, do you know about the light effects on downtown in the evening? In the evening we have a lot of, it’s pretty cloudy around here and you get a lot of cloud cover most of the time. So the cloud cover sits at a couple thousand feet and there’s a point in sundown where the sun drops below the cloud line and if it shines directly on downtown, I’ve tried to capture this with my camera, downtown lights up like a city of gold, but everything else around it stays dark. That’s pretty interesting."

***

You Are Here* is a project that highlights what Lakewood residents think and feel about their city. We feel that a project like this shares a great affinity with many of the community efforts beginning and ongoing in our city. We are witnessing the emergence of an engaged, pro-active and committed community dedicated to creating the kind of place that we want to live in. But the question remains: who are you? To that end, we would like to use this project as a forum to meet as many Lakewood residents as possible. We would like to photograph you in your favorite place in Lakewood and discuss with you what you feel makes Lakewood a special place. These biographical vignettes will regularly be published in the Lakewood Observer. Publishing them in the Observer means that you get to share, and other people get to learn about, who you are and what you feel makes Lakewood a special place. Ultimately, a quilt of individuals and experiences will be available to all who live here, and those who do not live here yet, strengthening the sense of community that is Lakewood, Ohio.

Are you interested in participating? Contact Jason and Kristine at lakewoodandyou@yahoo.com.

*A photo-documentary project highlighting the individuals who live in the city of Lakewood, Ohio.