Shop NEO

Congratulations to Shaw's 'Best Band In The World'

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 09:06.

When people wonder what is the value of a local daily newspaper, I must point to the story of Shaw High School Band, which was invited to China to perform but could not afford to do that. The Plain Dealer article "Bang a Drum, Proudly", by Connie Schulz, raised enough attention and funding to get them there, from where they just returned in triumph (nicely covered in the PD here, today)... a $500,000 whirlwind phenomenon all occurring in less than 6 months!

Question of the Day: How Is Your Victory Garden?

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Thu, 07/03/2008 - 10:40.

Now that my family has land that we may use for a while, we are growing our own food... and enough for many other families, it seems. One $1.07 packet of radish seeds planted in May is already many pounds of crisp, bright, beautiful, healthy fresh veggies... and eating my first fresh radish of my life taught me radishes are actually delicious. Same for Kale, and all the varieties of lettuce covering our farmland... really fresh pesto is to die for... can't wait for the carrots and shallots!

Real NEO art never left!

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Wed, 07/02/2008 - 13:03.

Cleveland Museum of Art in winter

I love art, and much in the Cleveland Museum's collection, and the old and newish CMA, but I am not convinced the current reengineering of the museum is economically positive for the region, and I am very displeased with their new slogan "art is back" as shallow and disrespectful to the real NEO arts community, which has never left. The museum needs to better explore its identity and role here, as so many arts organizations, our population and economy transition, and the CMA takes a proportionately larger share of the arts funding pie. If CMA is spending $100s millions constructing new edifices for old mold and cobwebs, I will be very disappointed. I'm waiting to see Rub put his shine on anything, other than proclaiming art is back in a place it never left. What do you think... did art leave?

NEO Excellence Roundtable: Urban Farming with Maurice Small

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Mon, 06/23/2008 - 07:35.
06/24/2008 - 18:00
06/24/2008 - 19:00
Etc/GMT-4

Maurice Small and friends in East Cleveland

Two weeks ago, City Fresh's Maurice Small met with friends in East Cleveland to discuss City Fresh, urban farming, and how we may convert a typical urban convenient store, Brown's Market, into a pilot City Fresh local foods market. During our discussions, Maurice mentioned that a dedicated urban farmer may earn more than $30,000 per year from sales of food grown on one typical urban lot (say 1/10th an acre). That being the case, and considering our ever-growing need and realigning demand for locally grown food, and the fact food may be grown locally as cost effectively as elsewhere in the world, it occurred to me that the highest and best use for most of the land now cleared, abandoned, blighted and wasted in our urban neighborhoods is for urban farming. So that is a use we are now planning to be core to redevelopment of the Star Neighborhood. Intrigued? Discuss and plan for this reality with Maurice and friends this Tuesday, from 6-7 PM, at that house on Roxbury, in East Cleveland. Please RSVP if you plan to attend.

Location

Star Neighborhood Development
1894 Roxbury Road
East Cleveland

Assuming HEK/MAK/BAK/KAM are people, their reward or punishment for their presence in NEO should be?

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Wed, 06/18/2008 - 12:55.
Appreciation and economic opportunity to develop their artistic value (e.g. workshops, commissions, grants, purchases)
33% (24 votes)
Graffiti is part of urban fabric - can be artistic and cool - coverup problem graffiti and focus on gang tags and related crime
33% (24 votes)
Art, shmart - they are thugs and should be punished doing community service addressing graffiti problem... and grow up
18% (13 votes)
VANDALS! Prosecute them - they are felons, should have criminal records, and made prisoners for as long as possible... years
15% (11 votes)
Total votes: 72

I GRO EC for City Fresh

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Wed, 06/11/2008 - 11:46.

Maurice Small in East Clevelanbd

Maurice Small is the most economically and ecologically sensible planner I know.

Joe Stanley, Sudhir Kade and I have been brainstorming with City Fresh's Maurice Small about "I GRO EC" - Independent Green Republic Of East Cleveland. City Fresh already operates a Fresh Stop at Huron Road Hospital - which Maurice reports is doing great - and is active in community farming in East Cleveland. Recently, we've been discussing City Fresh having an involvement converting Brown's Convenient store into a pilot City Fresh Market, which could offer a paradigm-shifting model for bringing local food, farming and their economies into very needy urban neighborhoods, in very innovative and important ways.

Artist for Eternity: Rest in Peace, Scott Miller

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Tue, 05/20/2008 - 12:22.

Scott Miller

I was saddened to learn today that the excellent Northeast Ohio painter - a Cleveland Institute of Art graduate and productive artist - Scott Miller passed away, this weekend. I'm sure detals will follow here and in other arts media. My mother taught Scott at CIA and remembers him as a great talent, who lived life his own way. Scott just had a powerful show of recent work at Gray's Auctioneers Gallery, in December 2007, at which I shot these photos of Scott and his work - I'll post more later.

Question of the Day... What Drives Your Hyper-Local Economy?

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Wed, 05/07/2008 - 07:00.

Corbo's Little Italy Cleveland

Little Italy has always been core to my REAL NEO experience. From earliest childhood memories,  my family has always had many meals at various Little Italy restaurants, each year, as well as picking-up an occasional pizza (where else in NEO but Mama Santas or Valentino's... well, do try the Gelatoria at Fairhill). I also love getting Lemon Ice and other goodies at Corbos. with their unusual greeting of "Leave the gun, take the cannoli"... as authentic as life gets, in NEO. Last night, I noticed Corbos moved next door to their old home, to a remodeled new space (much as Prestis did, a few years ago) Little Italy has always been a great hyper-local neighborhood, where people live, work, eat and socialize together within, and interact well with the world without. There's always lots of private rehab and strong entrepreneurial business activity here, off the Med-O-Mart grid. Which makes me ask you, what matters to the hyper-local economy in your neighborhood, and how is that doing.

Another serious drive by on Roxbury... they happen every day

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Mon, 05/05/2008 - 22:16.

One great thing about a gravel driveway is you can hear them coming.

This afternoon, Claes and I were chilling at home in East Cleveland, minding our own business, when we heard that crunch of rocks under heavy tires. Then the slam of a car door, and heavy feet on the front porch... another drive-by had arrived. It's been happening regularly since we started renovating the house on Roxbury, late last Summer.... especially on a beautiful day like today.

Reinventing Browns Deli into The Star Market and Cafe - transformational neighborhood redevelopment, one convenience at a time

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Mon, 05/05/2008 - 00:35.

Welcome to The Star Market and Cafe! What would make you walk, ride and drive out of your way and stop here? When? Why? Now is the time for Star Neighborhood Development to reinvent a blighted urban convenient store into a community asset. But how? That depends on you. What will you support here?

Plain Dealer Expands on Jeff Buster's REALNEO Coverage of Problems with University Square Parking Structure

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Fri, 05/02/2008 - 17:35.

Jeff Buster certainly demonstrates "Why Citizen Journalism" regularly, with his impactful and important reporting and photojournalism on many matters of hyper-local, regional and global importance, on REALNEO, followed by the world. Today, the Cleveland Plain Dealer followed Jeff's lead investigation of a disgraceful, failed development in University Heights, "UNIVERSITY SQUARE MALL PARKING STRUCTURE - CLOSE IT NOW?" The PD's Patrick O'Donnell writes "University Square battles empty storefronts, parking garage problems", offering a very different set of perspectives on all matters related to this failure, while completely validating all construction-related observations first revealed by Jeff, a lifelong construction professional.

The Gordon Square Experience - 2008 Spring Quarter Event

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Wed, 04/02/2008 - 23:59.
04/11/2008 - 17:30
04/11/2008 - 21:30
Etc/GMT-5

A collaborative effort involving the best of the Gordon Square Arts District, Including Art Galleries, Artist & Design Studios, Art Auctions, Performance Theatres, Music & Entertainment Businesses, Retail Stores, Restaurants, Bars, and Coffee Houses…

Location

Studios at 78th Street Building
1305 W. 80th Street
Cleveland, OH
United States

"Collector's Choice - Fifth Annual" at Heights Arts Gallery

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Fri, 02/29/2008 - 11:20.
02/29/2008 - 18:00
02/29/2008 - 21:00
Etc/GMT-5

Dear Friends,

Please join me tonight for the reception of "Collector's Choice - Fifth Annual" at Heights Arts Gallery, (next to the Cedar Lee Theatre.)
     

Location

Heights Arts Gallery
2173 Lee Road next to the Cedar Lee Theatre
Cleveland Heights, OH
United States

Cleveland School May Show Dana Paterson, at the Inner Circle

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Thu, 02/07/2008 - 02:07.
02/08/2008 - 16:00
02/08/2008 - 19:00
Etc/GMT-4

Dana Paterson at Inner Circle

To help "Cleveland School" Neon Artist Extraordinair Dana Paterson celebrate, show-off and profit from his cover story feature in the Free Times newspaper, this week, the Inner Circle will feature an exhibit of Dana's recent and past work, with installation beginning this Friday, February 8, 2008, when you may meet the artist, from 4-7 PM... the exhibition will have a formal opening next Friday, Fenruary 15th, from 6-9 PM, and will remain on display through the end of the month.

Dana Paterson Neon Sculpture

 

Location

Cleveland School May Show, at the Inner Circle
1519 Lakeview Road Star Complex (former Hough Bakeries)
Cleveland, OH
United States

Banks make you feel like a dog? Apply for an account with Huntington, at that house on Roxbury

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Thu, 01/17/2008 - 14:05.
01/18/2008 - 10:00
01/18/2008 - 12:00
Etc/GMT-4

Cane Corso Puppy Nose by Grace Roulet

(Photo by Grace Roulet)

Does banking make you feel like a dog, or are you in a financial dog house? I know the feeling, especially from doing business as an entrepreneur and with real estate development. But, finding a good banker and developing a strong bank relationship offers great windows of opportunity.

Stained Glass Window 1894 Roxbury East Cleveland Ohio

Location

1894 Roxbury Between Euclid and Forest Hills
East Cleveland, OH
United States

Al’s and Mel’s Movers and Computer Guy

Submitted by Susan Miller on Sat, 12/29/2007 - 10:55.

It has been a trying couple of months for me – needing things I had no idea how to find and all of these issues fraught with stress. But I have two success stories to relay of two Cleveland companies that really came through with flying colors.

( categories: )

NEON OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY

Submitted by Jeff Buster on Fri, 12/21/2007 - 12:24.
12/23/2007 - 14:15
12/23/2007 - 19:00
Etc/GMT-4

Dana Paterson's shop is on Detroit across the street from the Save-A-Lot store. 
see more info on the Mr. Paterson's neon shop on Realneo here

Location

Dragon Heir Neon
5900 Detroit Avenue
Cleveland

DANA PATERSON IS NEON - SUNDAY OPENHOUSE!

Submitted by Jeff Buster on Thu, 12/20/2007 - 20:51.

I know a friend in NY who has always admired neon, so, at Norm Roulet's suggestion, I visited the Dragon's Heir Neon Art Shop at 5900 Detroit Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio.  Spend that Solstice present money on local ART!

2007 Cleveland Institute of Art Faculty Show

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Mon, 12/10/2007 - 13:04.

Barbara Stanczak sculptures

The Cleveland Institute of Art is extraordinarily important to Northeast Ohio and the world for the great artists and designers educated there, and for the great artists and designers who are the educators, and staff. Each year, the work of the diverse CIA faculty is showcased in an exhibition not to be missed... the reception for 2007 was last Friday, December 7, and a great event, as always... perhaps the last ever in the historic Gund Building Reinberger Gallery space, as the CIA moves in total to Euclid Avenue.

Urban dining with kids at best @ Bar Cento, Tuesdays

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Tue, 12/04/2007 - 14:03.
12/04/2007 - 16:30
12/04/2007 - 20:30
Etc/GMT-4

Claes at Bar Centro

Chef Jonathon Sawyer's blog says "!!!Due to the Overwhelming Response!!!"... and I saw that first hand, last week...  COOK CHEFIN' w/ Kids @ Bar Cento is now a weekly occassion for families to get together at the very cool Bar Centro, being the left side of the Bier Market, 1948 W. 25th Street, from 4.30pm-8.pm, for the kids (and adults) to make their own gourmet pizzas... Bar Cento provides a great spread of organic, fresh toppings and has fresh dough spread out to go. We took our son Claes last week and we all had such fun, and made the best pizza in town, so we're going back tonight and will be regulars... scene is today's header of the day, full size here).

Location

Bar Centro
1948 W. 25th Street Bier Market
Cleveland, OH
United States

Stopping the insanity at Dewey's Coffee, on Shaker Square

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Sun, 11/25/2007 - 21:41.

Dewey's Coffee Cell Phone Policy

Susan Miller had mentioned a strong statement on cell phone use at Dewey's Coffee House, on Shaker Square, in Cleveland, and I happened to be here tonight and saw this posted on their front counter... it is thought provoking, and Dewey's is an excellent place... latest Sunday night free wifi coffee house I know in this part of town (10 PM).

Help Wanted at 1894 Roxbury: appraiser for historic urban home

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Thu, 10/25/2007 - 14:23.

Star Neighborhood Development is rapidly nearing completion of the first phase of historic renovation and greening of "the finest house on Roxbury" - interior above - a wonderfully designed and constructed, classic 3,000+ square-foot 1906 American Tudor home, in a transitional urban historic neighborhood of East Cleveland, a transitional city bordering dynamic University Circle and Cleveland Heights.

VISCERAL BUSINESSES - THE GUTS OF OUR ECONOMY

Submitted by Jeff Buster on Mon, 10/22/2007 - 21:20.

So when I walked by Joe, at the door taking a breather, asked..."you from Boston?"

Well, I had visited Boston (and I had spaced that the Indians were up against them just then) - so I thought the guy was able to see into the future.

Stable on my feet, I walked into the All State Barber College, and l felt that HERE was the healthy, real economic future. 

CLEVELAND, DOWN BUT NOT OUT – MAYBE THAT’S BAD…

Submitted by Jeff Buster on Wed, 08/29/2007 - 13:36.

I consistently attempt to have a “positive” outlook about North East Ohio and Cleveland.  I consider the substance of my posts on Realneo and affirmatively select material which I believe is conducive to improving the region.  However, there can be a problem with this self steered Polly Anna  editorial policy .   Always looking at the bright side might be just perpetuating a lie – maybe always having a positive outlook is actually misleading people and leading others into the false belief that the region is doing ok, that the region is improving.  Maybe it would be more helpful if I used my blog to accelerate failure – get to the bottom of it, get it over with and start new…