Green Patriot

On July 4th, more than sixty buses hit the streets of Cleveland encouraging “Green Patriotism” with posters designed by native designer Michael Bierut. The posters, which are visible on buses across the city, promote the use of mass transit and valorize buses as sound for the environment as well as for the vitality of Cleveland. Interior bus ads promote the development of green jobs in the manufacturing sector.

Bierut says, “Back in the 30s and 40s, folksinger Woody Guthrie had a slogan on his guitar: ‘This machine kills fascists.’ I was looking for a similar kind of statement to turn every bus ride into a blow for the environment.”



The project was organized in conjunction with The Canary Project: Landscapes of Climate Change, an exhibition on display through 10 August at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Canary is using the project to inaugurate a nationwide program with posters from a wide range of designers. Pentagram also developed the program’s emblem, a green silhouette of a Revolutionary War Minuteman. I think its darling!

Rain. Florida. Bears?

I know I have been posting a bunch, but there are so many reasons I heart cleveland, I just can’t pick one thing a day anymore...

So as of late, I feel like I am living in Florida. Sunny in the morning, a brief cooling downpour in the afternoon and then a late evening clear up. The trees and plants are thriving and everyone's lawns look ultra lush. Isn’t it great?



I didn’t make it down to the Metroparks this weekend (due to parties, weddings, and lots of work)...but I imagine if I did I might have found an image like this...the two little bears playing together, sharing their finds, taking time to sniff the roses. Do we have bears in Northeast Ohio? I just love this picture and couldn’t resist sharing! It makes me smile.

Have a great week Cleveland!

Happy Hour in the Park

As the week comes to a close my favorite place to spend my summertime Friday night happy hour is in our amazing Metroparks System.

Have you been into the woods lately? Seen the prancing deer at nightfall? Have you noticed how the once delicate spring flowers have now taken root and have matured to strong fixtures of the forest floor? If not, you are missing out on one of Northeast Ohio’s hidden gems.

Like many of you I enjoy a stiff vodka soda with a lime at happy hour, lately it’s just something about the way the air feels as it sails over my shiny bike helmet that keeps me buzzed on Friday evenings. It’s the feeling of freedom after a week of commitments, deadlines and budgets. It’s the way the light shines through the trees. The park is a place where I find myself centered and inspired to take on the weekend in a fresh creative manner. Perhaps it was the way I was raised? Camping, hiking, picking up all the sticks in the yard (for my allowance of course!) I was brought up to get outdoors and reap the benefits.



For the past few weeks, when Friday nights rolls around and I enter the park, the temps are dramatically cooler than the house-lined streets above. The air seems to be cleaner and moves along the paths so quickly. If you think it’s too hot, I bet you would find the urban oasis a cool retreat from your front porch or local bar patio. This summer when you are looking for a way to get recharged and excited to take on a new day...make your way into the woods. Whether it be for a long walk with your favorite four-legged friend, a round of golf, a long bike ride, maybe it’s just to sit by the river and read? There are endless possibilities of how you can enjoy the parks in your neighborhood.

To catch one of the many events (from music in the park to guided hikes), or for maps/directions visit www.clemetparks.com. I hope to see many of you for “happy hour” and hear of your adventures too!

Luxe on Detroit

As we approached the Marlin Kaplan's newest restaurant; Luxe, we could feel we were in for a treat. The warm glow from opulent indoor chandeliers reflected onto the street sidewalks and the smell of good food wafted out the front door.



We were seated in the main dining room (you can eat in the bar too...next time) near the old bank vault that had been converted into a wine cellar and the kitchen's glass doors put the chefs and cooks in our full view. The eclectic use of mismatched vintage plates, glasses and silver wear were a pleasant surprise...just like eating at home.

As we inhaled our salads, gnocchi and steak we enjoyed the interesting array of guests that surrounded our table. the people watching was just as yummy as the food itself. The prices were super reasonable and the portions perfect. Next time you are in the mood for trying something new, head downtown to Luxe.

6605 Detroit Ave. Cleveland, OH. For reservation call 216.920.0600 or visit www.luxecleveland.blogspot.com

Yoga in the Park (6/09)

Monday June 9th, 2008

If you've been searching for a way to relax after your Monday work day, search no more! Join the group of yogi's for the 9th annual series of Monday night yoga practice at Rocky River Park.



The sounds of the soothing lake and the picturesque sunsets will sooth your body and your mind. Open to ALL levels of experience. Wear comfy clothes, you may want to layer for when the warm glow of the sun sets. Must bring your own mat. Classes will be every Monday night until August 4th, $5 drop in fee cash only, 7-8:30pm. (there will be a time change after the fourth of July because of the early sun setting). Parking is limited, so come early.

Directions to Rocky River Park at Beachcliff Blvd.
One block north of Lake Road Market and Kensington School
On the deck at the top of the hill overlooking Lake Erie.

Come and experience the practice of Yoga in the great outdoors!

Sushi in the Garden (5/14)

Wednesday, May 14th, 2008

“Zensai” means “entry garden.” In this spirit of welcoming, we invite you to bask in the sophistication and pristine beauty of Japanese horticulture when Cleveland Botanical Garden presents Zensai: The Horticulture of Japan through June 29.

In no way is Japan's rich heritage more evident than its horticulture, and no time is better than spring to admire the Japanese horticultural tradition in all its splendor. Among the beautiful and serene expressions of Japanese horticulture on display will be the Garden’s own permanent Japanese Garden, a Cleveland treasure since 1975 (as old as I am!).

This week, visit the gardens as the Marchetti Company will offer tastings of sake and plum wine from Japan and California along with an assortment of Sushi to choose from.



Cleveland Botanical Garden in University Circle : 11030 East Boulevard Cleveland, Ohio 44106 For more information about this event call 216.721.1600 or visit www.cbgarden.org

Bicycle Week (5/10-18)

“I thought of that while riding my bike.” - Albert Einstein, on the theory of relativity

Numerous Cleveland organizations are coming together to shine the spotlight on bicycles! There will be tons of activities like Bike Imitates Art Gallery Show, Bike to RiverSweep, Every Saturday Social Ride, Bike To Work, Discover Mtn Biking in The City, Bike Slavic Village, Bicycle Movies Night, Bicycle Scavenger Hunt, a full-day conference and more!

30 riders who bike to work during Cleveland Bicycle Week will receive a different bicycle accessory each morning courtesy of NOACA! At the end of the week, a person could potentially accumulate a free headlight, taillight, mirror, pump, lock and seatpack with a total value of $110.

For day to day details, visit www.clevelandbicycleweek.org

A Day on the Farm (5/03)

Saturday, May 3rd, 2008

Join Slow Food Northern Ohio (http://slowfoodnorthernohio.blogspot.com) at Morgan Farm as they celebrate spring and enjoy the season’s first farm-fresh foods. Located 67 miles southwest of Cleveland near Ashland, Ohio, Morgan Farm features ten acres of unspoiled Ohio farmland where you can enjoy a historic, art-filled 1866 farmhouse; mingle with goats, horses, pigs and heritage turkeys; and experience Ohio farm life. Spend an afternoon biking the countryside; browse local antique shops; and pick out spring flowers for mom at local greenhouses.



Saturday afternoon from 2-6 will include a barbeque, including locally made bratwurst & grass-fed burgers, spring slaw, local cheeses, crackers & snacks, and Amish sweets. Suggested Donation: Adults $10 ~ Kids $3 Reservations required. Local farmers will have pork, certified-organic beef, eggs, and fresh baked goods available for sale. From 5-8pm there will also be a large sunset campfire...Don't miss it!

To reserve your spot, please contact Kari at Slow Food Northern Ohio, 216.225.6311 or email: CAFECINQ@roadrunner.com.
Also, Morgan Farm is now booking 2008 farmstays, for more information call 917.586.5477 or visit www.morganfarmstudios.com

Sunday's at the Market

A Sunday destination and much more than a traditional farmers market, the Kamm’s Corners Farmers Market features entertainment, health education and cooking demonstrations to attract local and regional interest.

Each week the selection of locally grown produce, breads and baked goods, cheese, honey, jams and jellies, herbs and flowering plants changes as the seasons bounty comes in from area farms and kitchens. “Locally grown” entertainment is also a hallmark of the market, with a variety of quality area musicians and other entertainers appearing each week. Click here for an entertainment schedule, and here for samples and bios of the acts. The market also features weekly chef demonstrations by local and regional restaurant chefs, cooking school gurus, and neighborhood gourmet cooks. Most chef demonstrations take place around 11 a.m. Additionally, most Sundays include some type of health education or wellness program such as yoga, chair massage, book signings, or health screenings. Check their site for the most up to date schedule.



The Kamm’s Corners Farmers Market is in the municipal parking lot located at W. 168th Street and Lorain Avenue, near Rocky River Drive. Parking nearby is free and plentiful. It is not at Kamm’s Plaza Shopping Center. For more information visit www.kammscorners.com/farmersmarket.html

The Return of the Cuyahoga (4/22)

Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008

Happy almost Earth Day!

The Return of the Cuyahoga is a one-hour documentary about the death and rebirth of one of America's most emblematic waterways. In its history we see the end of the American frontier, the growth of industry, the scourge of pollution and the advent of a political movement that sought to end pollution.

The Cuyahoga's story is a particularly apt example for future environmental efforts, because the river can't just be "set aside" as a pristine wilderness park - it runs right through Cleveland, after all. Like most American rivers, the Cuyahoga has to serve widely varying needs - aesthetic and economic, practical and natural, human and animal. The challenge sounds impossible: how to maintain industrial uses of the river near Lake Erie, encourage recreation and entertainment, and yet preserve the nature in and around the river. Impossible challenge - yet it's the same that much of our riparian nation is facing today.

Tune in to WVIZ/PBS at 9pm
(Rebroadcats 4/24 @ 8pm, 4/26 @ 9pm and 4/327 @ 7pm