Cleveland Cultural Gardens 100th – Rev Caviness

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation (CCGF) hosted a gala event at the Intercontinental Hotel to celebrate the Centennial of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. (The first Garden was established in April 1916.)  A packed house of 325 watched Master of Ceremonies Dick Russ introduce Pastor Caviness for the invocation.  Since 1961, Reverend Emmitt Theophilus Caviness has served as Pastor of Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church in Cleveland.

Toast to Cleveland Cultural Gardens 100th

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation (CCGF) hosted a gala event at the Intercontinental Hotel to celebrate the Centennial of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. (The first Garden was established in April 1916.) CCGF Sheila Murphy Crawford called up the CCGF Executive Board and asked the audience to join them in a toast to the 100th anniversary of the gardens – in their native language.

 

Cleveland Cultural Gardens 100th – Sheila Crawford

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation (CCGF) hosted a gala event at the Intercontinental Hotel to celebrate the Centennial of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. (The first Garden was established in April 1916.)  CCGF Sheila Murphy Crawford welcomed the crowd and gave some updates on the Gardens.

Cleveland Cultural Gardens 100th – Ken Kovach anthem

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation (CCGF) hosted a gala event at the Intercontinental Hotel to celebrate the Centennial of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. (The first Garden was established in April 1916.)  A packed house of 325 watched Master of Ceremonies Dick Russ introduce Ken Kovach who led the National Anthem.

Cleveland Cultural Gardens 100th - Dick Russ welcome

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation (CCGF) hosted a gala event at the Intercontinental Hotel to celebrate the Centennial of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. (The first Garden was established in April 1916.)  A packed house of 325 watched Master of Ceremonies Dick Russ welcome the crowd and tell his own personal stories about growing up near the Gardens.

Cleveland Rotary makes Mayor Jackson honorary member

The Rotary Club of Cleveland honored The Honorable Frank G. Jackson, Mayor of Cleveland, with the 2016 International Service Award.  Rotary Club President Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski announced that Mayor Jackson would be one of the few who are made honorary Rotary members and the Mayor was then pinned.

Cleveland Mayor Jackson’s strategy on refugees

The Rotary Club of Cleveland honored The Honorable Frank G. Jackson, Mayor of Cleveland, with the 2016 International Service Award.  After his speech Mayor Jackson was asked about refugees.  

He told a story of how he learned a lesson from meeting with people who recently came from a refugee camp in Africa.  He said there used to be an infrastructure to support immigrants and refugees.  That doesn’t exist like it used to so we have to create that infrastructure. Programs are just programs – we believe in doing substantive things. What’s relevant is what we do for people.

Cleveland and the challenges of the RNC

The Rotary Club of Cleveland honored The Honorable Frank G. Jackson, Mayor of Cleveland, with the 2016 International Service Award.  After his speech Mayor Jackson was asked how the challenges of hosting the Republican National Convention RNC.

He said we are not afraid of the challenge.  We will step up our game to meet whatever challenge is before us and put Cleveland in the best light. This is about who we are.  How you deal with adversity is how you are defined.

How does national immigration climate affect Cleveland?

The Rotary Club of Cleveland honored The Honorable Frank G. Jackson, Mayor of Cleveland, with the 2016 International Service Award.  After his speech Mayor Jackson was asked how the national immigration climate affects Cleveland and what are the relationships with the sister cities?

ClevelandPeople honors Major Jackson at Rotary

The Rotary Club of Cleveland honored The Honorable Frank G. Jackson, Mayor of Cleveland, with the 2016 International Service Award.

Honorary Consul of the Republic of Lithuania Ingrida Bublys (also past president of Cleveland Rotary) introduced Dan and Debbie Hanson of ClevelandPeople.Com and they presented a proclamation to Mayor Jackson and told of his efforts in the ethnic communities.

Honors for Major Jackson at Cleveland Rotary

The Rotary Club of Cleveland honored The Honorable Frank G. Jackson, Mayor of Cleveland, with the 2016 International Service Award.  Honorary Consul of the Republic of Lithuania Ingrida Bublys (also past president of Cleveland Rotary) introduced some of the dignitaries who had proclamations for the Mayor.

Consul Bublys and Rotary International Service Award

The Rotary Club of Cleveland honored The Honorable Frank G. Jackson, Mayor of Cleveland, with the 2016 International Service Award.  Honorary Consul of the Republic of Lithuania Ingrida Bublys (also past president of Cleveland Rotary) announced the award and presented it to Mayor Jackson.

Cleveland Rotary and Rotary International updates

The Rotary Club of Cleveland President Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski gave a brief history of the Club and told of some of the work and accomplishments such as the near eradication of polio from the earth.

Old Stone Church Pastor at Cleveland Rotary

The Rotary Club of Cleveland honored The Honorable Frank G. Jackson, Mayor of Cleveland, with the 2016 International Service Award.  Rev. Dr. R. Mark Giuliano, Pastor of the Old Stone Church in Cleveland, gave a Cleveland focused invocation.

Cleveland Rotary and Mayor Jackson national anthem

The Rotary Club of Cleveland honored The Honorable Frank G. Jackson, Mayor of Cleveland, with the 2016 International Service Award.  Rotary Club President Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski welcomed the crowd and began the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem.

Mayor Frank Jackson accepts Rotary Award

The Rotary Club of Cleveland honored The Honorable Frank G. Jackson, Mayor of Cleveland, with the 2016 International Service Award. This is the Mayor’s acceptance speech.

Mayor Frank Jackson accepts Rotary Award

The Rotary Club of Cleveland honored The Honorable Frank G. Jackson, Mayor of Cleveland, with the 2016 International Service Award. This is the Mayor’s acceptance speech.

Cleveland Asian Festival benefits AsiaTown

Cleveland Asian Festival benefits AsiaTown

For Immediate Release

April 1, 2016

Cleveland, OH – The Cleveland Asian Festival is a grassroots effort to highlight AsiaTown while celebrating diversity and Asian culture in Northeast Ohio. It is a major reason for the resurgence of and growth in Cleveland’s AsiaTown community.

When the volunteer founders of the Cleveland Asian Festival created the event seven years ago their main goals were to showcase Asian culture and promote the AsiaTown neighborhood of Cleveland.  The Cleveland Asian Festival is still run entirely by volunteers as a labor of love for their culture, neighborhood and city. 

May 21 and 22, 2016 will be the 7^th annual Cleveland Asian Festival and the results have been dramatic.  In 2015 for example, over 45,000 people attended the event and spent over $2 million in the neighborhood.  For many it was their first visit to Cleveland’s AsiaTown and visitor surveys showed that a large majority planned on returning to shop and eat in the neighborhood throughout the year.

This success has also led to many businesses opening or growing in the neighborhood.  Johnny Wu, one of the founders of the Cleveland Asian Festival, said, “We are all volunteers who work to build and grow AsiaTown.  We wanted to bring the community together and provide an economic growth engine for the AsiaTown neighborhood and the first six years have done just that.  We are excited about continued success this year and beyond.”

The grassroots efforts of the all-volunteer Cleveland Asian Festival team, along with area business and organization partners, have helped uncover a hidden treasure.   Co-founder Lisa Wong says “Due to the notoriety that the Festival has brought to the neighborhood, small business owners and restaurants have filled many of the vacant storefronts and others have remodeled and expanded.”

By bringing together the diverse Asian community and working together with local Asian non-profits, the annual Cleveland Asian Festival has provided an economic boost to AsiaTown and led to bustling stores, restaurants and community resources. 

‘We look forward to introducing even more people to AsiaTown at the Cleveland Asian Festival on May 21 and 22.” said Johnny Wu.

About the 2016 Cleveland Asian Festival

The Cleveland Asian Festival is an annual celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage month in May in Cleveland’s Asiatown neighborhood. The Cleveland Asian Festival is a landmark undertaking to unite the community through collaboration and recognition of its culture, diversity, and people. A record crowd of 45,018 attended the 6^th annual Cleveland Asian Festival in 2015.

The 2016 Cleveland Asian festival will be held May 21 and 22, 2016 from 11am to 7pm on Payne Ave. between E. 30th St & E. 27th S.  Admission and parking are free.

Contact

Johnny Wu, johnny@mdifilm.com

1419 East 40th Street Cleveland, OH 44103

Office: 216.539.4634

www.ClevelandAsianFestival.org

###

Judge Sara Harper proclamations and Rev. Jefferson tribute

Judge Sara Harper was honored in a ceremony by the Republican National Committee and others in the Outhwaite Community Center which is in the public housing where she (and Carl and Lou Stokes and others) grew up.

She received proclamations from Governor John Kasich and Attorney General Mike DeWine. Reverend Jefferson closed the program with his tribute and a prayer.

Cleveland African-Americans

Judge Sara Harper honored in Cleveland

Judge Sara Harper was honored in a ceremony by the Republican National Committee and others in the Outhwaite Community Center which is in the public housing where she (and Carl and Lou Stokes and others) grew up.

Judge Harper spoke of her pioneering accomplishments and those of her late husband George Trumbo.


Cleveland African-Americans

Republican Party Chair Rob Frost honors Judge Sara Harper

Judge Sara Harper was honored in a ceremony by the Republican National Committee and others in the Outhwaite Community Center which is in the public housing where she (and Carl and Lou Stokes and others) grew up.

Cuyahoga County Republican Party Chairman Rob Frost told of her accomplishments and those of her late husband George Trumbo.

Cleveland African-Americans

Brian Barnes of Ohio Republican Party honors Judge Sara Harper

Brian Barnes, co-director of African American Initiatives for the Ohio Republican Party, spoke at a ceremony to honor Judge Sara Parker in Cleveland at the Outhwaite Community Center which is in the public housing where she (and Carl and Lou Stokes and others) grew up.

Cleveland African-Americans

Republican Party Chair Rob Frost – Black History Month

Judge Sara Harper was honored in a ceremony by the Republican National Committee and others in the Outhwaite Community Center which is in the public housing where she (and Carl and Lou Stokes and others) grew up.

Cuyahoga County Republican Party Chairman Rob Frost told the crowd that it as a Republican President, Gerald Ford, who turned Black History Week into Black History Month.

Cleveland African-Americans

Judge Sara Harper honored by RNC’s Jeff Larson

Judge Sara Harper was honored in a ceremony by the Republican National Committee and others in the Outhwaite Community Center which is in the public housing where she (and Carl and Lou Stokes and others) grew up.  That is also where the Judge Sara Harper library is housed for residents of Outhwaite Public Housing.

Judge Harper was a pioneer including being the first the first black woman to graduate from Case Western Reserve University Law School. The event marked the end of the 2016 Black History Month and included a tour of the Sara J. Harper Children’s Library, a reception for area Republicans and the Outhwaite community and an awards ceremony for the evening’s honoree Judge Harper.

Republican National Convention (RNC) Committee on Arrangements CEO Jeff Larson praised the judge and presented a check for her library.


Cleveland African-Americans

Laverne Jones-Gore honors Judge Sara Harper

Judge Sara Harper was honored in a ceremony by the Republican National Committee and others in the Outhwaite Community Center which is in the public housing where she (and Carl and Lou Stokes and others) grew up.  That is also where the Judge Sara Harper library is housed for residents of Outhwaite Public Housing.

Judge Hamper was a pioneer including being the first the first black woman to graduate from Case Western Reserve University Law School. The event marked the end of the 2016 Black History Month and included a tour of the Sara J. Harper Children’s Library, a reception for area Republicans and the Outhwaite community and an awards ceremony for the evening’s honoree Judge Harper.

Laverne Jones-Gore told how Judge Harper was her hero and inspiration.

Cleveland African-Americans

Indian Physicians of NE Ohio at Cleveland Rotary

Ramesh Shah of the Association of Indian Physicians of NE Ohio (AIPNO) spoke at the Cleveland Rotary.  He told how the doctors make medical yatras and volunteer their time and talent to help the poorest of the poor.  Hundreds of cataract surgeries and other medical procedures. He quoted Gandhi and said we must be the change we want in the world.

Indians in Cleveland

Ramesh Shah gives India Rotary pins to Cleveland Rotary

Ramesh Shah of the Association of Indian Physicians of NE Ohio (AIPNO) spoke at the Cleveland Rotary and told of the Rotary Clubs in India and gave pins from there to Cleveland Rotary officers. He was joined by Dr. Jaya Shah and Dr. Gita Gidwani.

Indians in Cleveland

Troublesome Words - Rotary Four-Way Test

Anthony Pilla, a freshman from St Ignatius High School, gave his speech called ‘Troublesome Words’ at the Rotary Club of Cleveland.

This was the second place presentation in a contest that focused on the Rotary’s Four-Way Test of the things we think, say or do.  Anthony told about the pain that words can cause.

Religions in Cleveland

A Place for Religion? Rotary Four-Way Test

Kevin McGrath Jr., a freshman from St Ignatius High School, gave his speech called ‘A Place for Religion?’ at the Rotary Club of Cleveland.  This was the third place presentation in a contest that focused on the Rotary’s Four-Way Test of the things we think, say or do.  Kevin asked why society has become so hostile toward religion, especially in schools.

Cleveland Religions

West Side Irish American Club at Cleveland St Patrick’s Day Parade

West Side Irish American Club East Side (WSIAC) at the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

See more of the Irish in Cleveland

St. Helen Unicycle Drill Team at Cleveland St Patrick’s Parade

St. Helen Unicycle Drill Team from Newbury, Ohio marched/rode in the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade.


See more of the Irish in Cleveland

Cleveland Asian Festival at 2016 St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Representatives of the Cleveland Asian Festival, including the lion dance team, marched in the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The Cleveland Asian Festival will be May 21 and 22, 2016.

2016 Cleveland Asian Festival

Cleveland’s Polish community (Polonia) marched in the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade and featured St. Casimir Church.

Polish in Cleveland

Murphy Irish Dancers in Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The World Champion Murphy Irish Dancers marched in the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade led by Sheila Murphy Crawford.

See more of the Irish in Cleveland

University Circle at Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade

University Circle Inc. at the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Chris Ronayne and representatives from many of the UCI institutions marched.

See more of the Irish in Cleveland

St Vincent – St Mary Fighting Irish on St Patrick’s Day

The St Vincent – St Mary Fighting Irish Band from Akron Ohio marched in the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

See more of the Irish in Cleveland

Kenton Ridge Marching Cougar Band at St Patrick’s Parade

The Kenton Ridge High School Marching Cougar Band from Springfield Ohio marched in the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

See more of the Irish in Cleveland

Irish American Club East Side at Cleveland St Patrick’s Day Parade

Irish American Club East Side (IACES) at the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Including the Pipe and Drums and award winning float.

See more of the Irish in Cleveland

Ancient Order of Hibernians at Cleveland St Patrick’s Day Parade

Ancient Order of Hibernians at the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade.


See more of the Irish in Cleveland

Cleveland Firefighters at 2016 St Patrick’s Day Parade

Cleveland Firefighters at the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade.


See more of the Irish in Cleveland

Cleveland Police at 2016 St Patrick’s Day Parade

Cleveland Police Pipes and Drums, Emerald Society, Retired Irish Police, K9 Unit, Sea of Blue, Sherriff and other safety forces at the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade.


See more of the Irish in Cleveland

Dignitaries at start of the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Start of the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade featuring Grand Marshall Jack Coyne, Irish Mother of the Year Bridget McIntyre, Outside Co-Chair Teresa Reilly Kowalski and Inside Co-Chair John Myers as well as the Parade Committee and Public Officials including Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, County Executive Armond Budish and Cleveland Councilmen Tony Brancatelli, Joe Cimperman, Mike Polensek, Mamie Mitchell, Martin Keane and Kevin Kelley.


See more of the Irish in Cleveland

Irish and US national anthems at St Patrick’s Day Parade

Katie Cooper sang the Irish National Anthem in Gaelic and then the United States National Anthem at the beginning of the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade.


See more of the Irish in Cleveland

2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade Honorees

Grand Marshall Jack Coyne, Irish Mother of the Year Bridget McIntyre, Outside Co-Chair Teresa Reilly Kowalski and Inside Co-Chair John Myers honored on the steps of the Bishop Cosgrove Center before the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

See more of the Irish in Cleveland

Grand Marshall Jack Coyne – Cleveland St Patrick’s Day 2016

Grand Marshall Jack Coyne blows the whistle to start the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  

Irish in Cleveland

Irish setters and wolfhounds at Cleveland St Patrick’s Parade

Irish setters and Irish wolfhound dogs at the 2016 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Cleveland.  

Irish in Cleveland


Pets in Cleveland

West Side Irish American Club 2016 float

Tim Campbell of the West Side Irish American Club in Cleveland explained the club’s float in the 2016 St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The theme was "Commemorating the 1916 Easter Rising and Ireland's Quest for Freedom" and the float featured the actual signing of the proclamation that declared Ireland free from British rule.

Irish in Cleveland

Irish American Club East Side 2016 float

Jim Peppard of the Irish American Club East Side float committee for the St Patrick's Day Parade explained the club’s 2016 float.

The theme was "Commemorating the 1916 Easter Rising and Ireland's Quest for Freedom" and the float featured lots of motions, sounds, smoke and even LED lights.

This float won Best of Parade.

Irish in Cleveland

Hungarian ballroom dance at 2016 Paprika

The Cleveland Hungarian Development Panel hosted their annual Paprika! Event on March 12, 2016.  This year’s event recognized the centennial of the Cleveland Museum of Art.  Dancers from the Viva Dance Studio performed ballroom style dancing to Hungarian music.

Hungarians in Cleveland

Cleveland Hungarian Development Panel’s 2016 Paprika

The Cleveland Hungarian Development Panel hosted their annual Paprika! Event on March 12, 2016.  This year’s event recognized the centennial of the Cleveland Museum of Art.  Andrew Grover served as Master of Ceremonies and this is his welcome.


Hungarians in Cleveland

Kostroma burned to end winter at Cleveland Maslenitsa

The Russian Cultural Garden, part of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, hosted their 2nd annual Maslenitsa celebration.  The 2016 event was at the Rockefeller Greenhouse indoors because of the weather.

The mascot of the celebration is a brightly dressed straw effigy of Maslenitsa, formerly known as Kostroma. Since it was inside the Greenhouse, instead of lighting Kostroma on fire, sparklers were attached.  A song was sung and children circled around it.  Bye Bye Winter.


More about Cleveland Russians

Kids Violin and acrobatics at Cleveland Maslenitsa

The Russian Cultural Garden, part of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, hosted their 2nd annual Maslenitsa celebration.  The 2016 event was at the Rockefeller Greenhouse indoors because of the weather.  A boy played violin and then young girls performed acrobatics.

Russians in Cleveland

Kids game in Russian at Cleveland Maslenitsa

The Russian Cultural Garden, part of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, hosted their 2nd annual Maslenitsa celebration.  The 2016 event was at the Rockefeller Greenhouse indoors because of the weather.  In this game kids could win candy by answering questions (in Russian).

More Maslenitsa and Russians in Cleveland

Cuyahoga Cossacks at Cleveland Russian Maslenitsa

The Russian Cultural Garden, part of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, hosted their 2nd annual Maslenitsa celebration.  The 2016 event was at the Rockefeller Greenhouse indoors because of the weather.

This is another song from the Greater Cleveland Russian Chorus, aka the Cuyahoga Cossacks, who strolled through the Greenhouse and sang traditional Russian folk songs.


Russians in Cleveland

Russian Chorus at Cleveland Russian Maslenitsa

The Russian Cultural Garden, part of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, hosted their 2nd annual Maslenitsa celebration.  The 2016 event was at the Rockefeller Greenhouse indoors because of the weather.
The Greater Cleveland Russian Chorus, aka the Cuyahoga Cossacks, strolled through the Greenhouse and sang traditional Russian folk songs.


See more from Cleveland's Russian community

Bliny contest at Cleveland Russian Maslenitsa

The Russian Cultural Garden, part of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, hosted their 2nd annual Maslenitsa celebration.  The 2016 event was at the Rockefeller Greenhouse indoors because of the weather.

 This is the best bliny (crepe) contest with judges Ken Kovach, Sheila Crawford, Debbie Hanson, Erika Puussaar and Bob Rotatori. http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/russian/russian.htm

Russian community in Cleveland

Babushka contest at Cleveland Russian Maslenitsa

The Russian Cultural Garden, part of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, hosted their 2nd annual Maslenitsa celebration.  The 2016 event was at the Rockefeller Greenhouse indoors because of the weather.  This is some of the ladies in the babushka contest.


 Russians in Cleveland

Cleveland Cultural Gardens Centennial Plaza plans

Landscape architect James McKnight presented plans for the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Centennial Plaza at a Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation board meeting on March 8, 2016.

See more ethnic and international event coverage

What is a Pharaoh? Pharaoh Exhibit at Cleveland Museum of Art

The Cleveland Museum of Art is presenting Pharaoh: King of Ancient Egypt bringing 3,000 years of ancient Egyptian history to life through some of the finest objects from the British Museum’s vast holdings and several of Cleveland’s own masterworks. The exhibit includes more than 150 objects.

This clip defines what a Pharaoh is and shows a seated statue of Pharaoh Seti II from about 1200 BC. Also the head of Pharaoh Mentuhotep II who reigned from 2050-1999 BC.


More of the Ancient Egyptian artifacts

Ostracon of Pharaoh presenting a libation at CMA

The Cleveland Museum of Art is presenting Pharaoh: King of Ancient Egypt bringing 3,000 years of ancient Egyptian history to life through some of the finest objects from the British Museum’s vast holdings and several of Cleveland’s own masterworks. The exhibit includes more than 150 objects and this was a favorite.

 It is an ostracon depicting pharaoh presenting a libation offering. From Thebes Egypt about 1186-1069 BC, made of limestone and 30x20x2 cm.

More of the Ancient Egyptian artifacts

St Patrick's Day and drinking

This is how we started the latest ClevelandPeople.Com eNews blast.

While many outside the community wrongfully joke that St Patrick's Day is one big drunken party, the fact is that much of the actual Irish community begin the day celebrating Mass (See below for St Colman's Mass and activities for example) and then enjoy the day responsibly.  The media loves to show a picture of some teen acting up after having his first beers but in reality that stereotype is dated, insulting  and just plain wrong.   99% of the people celebrating will enjoy the week's events and the Parade in a responsible manner.  Don't be fooled by the 1% who attract all the attention.

If you want to receive the free weekly enews of all international/ethnic events coming up that week just sign up.

Sphinx of Pharaoh Amenahat IV at CMA

The Cleveland Museum of Art is presenting Pharaoh: King of Ancient Egypt bringing 3,000 years of ancient Egyptian history to life through some of the finest objects from the British Museum’s vast holdings and several of Cleveland’s own masterworks.

The exhibit includes more than 150 objects and this was a favorite.  It is a Sphinx of Pharaoh Amenahat IV who reigned from 1814-1805 BC. A sphinx has the body of a lion and the head of a

More of the Egyptian Art

King, Jackal and Falcon Ancient Egyptian art - Pharaoh at CMA

The Cleveland Museum of Art is presenting Pharaoh: King of Ancient Egypt bringing 3,000 years of ancient Egyptian history to life through some of the finest objects from the British Museum’s vast holdings and several of Cleveland’s own masterworks.

The exhibit includes more than 150 objects and this was a favorite.  It is 3 kneeling bronze figures posing in jubilation.  They are an unknown king, a jackal headed deity and a falcon headed deity.



More of the Egyptian Art

Ancient Egyptian Enemies List at Pharaoh Exhibit at CMA

The Cleveland Museum of Art is presenting Pharaoh: King of Ancient Egypt bringing 3,000 years of ancient Egyptian history to life through some of the finest objects from the British Museum’s vast holdings and several of Cleveland’s own masterworks.

The exhibit includes more than 150 objects and this was a favorite.  It’s a large (103x62x52 cm) red granite Enemies List.

More of the Egyptian Art

Nana visit the Grandkids by Amy Kenneley

Here Let Us Live

Pandemonium Nana Visit! I receive hugs and kisses, sidestepping the hodge-podge of grandkids' toys to maneuver my suitcase into the house. Backpacks hang, fighting for space on the wall hooks, interspersed with hats and caps flowing down to a basketful of tennis shoes in NASCAR colors.


 I used to say that if you wanted to know where a kid was, just follow the trail he left. That was still true, as I found myself stepping over action figures, hop-scotching around Lego manufactories, and ducking beneath the curly- ribbon strings of birthday balloons that still bounced merrily in the air currents as I passed.

Read the rest of Amy's visit

Young Dr. Who scared by Dalek at Comic Con

A young fan dressed as Dr. Who visited the TRACE the Doctor #tracethedoctor booth at Wizard World Comic Con Cleveland and was surprised by a small Dalek which chased him behind the TARDIS control panel.

See more from Comic Con Cleveland

Hebrew Cultural Garden in Cleveland additions

The Hebrew Cultural Garden in Cleveland was dedicated May 5, 1926 making it the second (after the Shakespeare - British) Garden in the Cultural Gardens.

Recently some new additions were added honoring Jewish scientists, authors and other cultural figures.

Steven Spielberg, Elie Weisel, Emma Lazarus

See all the new additions to the Hebrew Cultural Garden

Star Wars R2-D2 at Comic Con in Cleveland

A model of the popular astromech droid, R2-D2 (Artoo-Detoo) from Star Wars was cruising along the show floor at the Wizard World Comic Con in Cleveland among both exhibitors and attendees.

 http://www.greatlakesgeek.com/

New comic superhero Apama

Apama is the new comic superhero making waves all over.

Creators Ted Sikora and Milo Miller talked about the new comic hero at Wizard World Comic Con in Cleveland.

A Cleveland ice cream truck driver of Hungarian descent discovers the animal spirit of the most powerful creature the world has ever known – Apama, the Undiscovered Animal.

 See more at http://www.apamanation.com/ or http://www.greatlakesgeek.com/

Krayzeman at Wizard World Comic Con

Hip-hop artist Krayzeman was at the Wizard World Comic Con in Cleveland.  He told about his philosophy and the release of his new album.

More at  www.krayzeman.com and http://www.greatlakesgeek.com/

Appetizers in a Lithuanian Meal

Ruta Degutis is president of the Lithuanian Club in Cleveland.  She explained the appetizers the group would be served.  Lithuanian sushi – herring in a tomato and onion sauce served at Christmas and in winter, Lithuanian dark rye garlic bread and a salad of bread, cheese and lentils.

Greens are not used in salads because it is a cold climate and lettuce and greens are not available.

Ruta spoke at the ClevelandPeople.Com Passport Adventure to Lithuania at the Cleveland Lithuanian Club.  The Passport Adventurers visit traditional ethnic restaurants and showcases the food, culture, history of the country – in this case Lithuania.

ClevelandCooks

Lithuanians in Cleveland

Welcome to the Lithuanian Club in Cleveland

Ruta Degutis welcomed the crowd to the Lithuanian Club in Cleveland.  Ruta spoke at the ClevelandPeople.Com Passport Adventure to Lithuania at the Cleveland Lithuanian Club.

The Passport Adventurers visit traditional ethnic restaurants and showcases the food, culture, history of the country – in this case Lithuania.

Lithuanians in Cleveland

Short history of Lithuania at Lithuanian Club in Cleveland

Ruta Degutis gave a short history of Lithuanian at an event at the Lithuanian Club in Cleveland.  She spoke about the 1000 years as a nation, Poland, amber, the female president, music festivals and more.

Ruta spoke at the ClevelandPeople.Com Passport Adventure to Lithuania at the Cleveland Lithuanian Club.  The Passport Adventurers visit traditional ethnic restaurants and showcases the food, culture, history of the country – in this case Lithuania.

Spikes on the Lithuanian Tree Cake (Sakotis or Baumkuchen)

Baker Dainius Zalensas of the Lithuanian Club Bakery in Cleveland told a story about the spikes on a Lithuanian Tree cake (also called Sakotis or Baumkuchen).

 He told the story to the ClevelandPeople.Com Passport Adventurers at the Cleveland Lithuanian Club.  The Passport Adventurers visit traditional ethnic restaurants and showcases the food, culture, history of the country – in this case Lithuania.

Cleveland Lithuanians and ClevelandCooks

Making a Lithuanian Tree Cake (Sakotis or Baumkuchen)

Baker Dainius Zalensas of the Lithuanian Club Bakery in Cleveland showed how he makes Lithuanian Tree cakes also called Sakotis or Baumkuchen.

The cake is built layer by layer over a rotisserie.

Linas Johansonas helped explain to the ClevelandPeople.Com Passport Adventurers at the Cleveland Lithuanian Club.  The Passport Adventurers visit traditional ethnic restaurants and showcases the food, culture, history of the country – in this case Lithuania.

Lithuanians in Cleveland and ClevelandCooks.com

Lithuanian tree cake (Sakotis)

Linas Johansonas told about the Lithuanian tree cake (Sakotis) also called the branch cake.  It dates back to the 16th century.  It is a unique-looking hollow cake made of butter, eggs, flour, sugar, and cream.  The spikes or branches are made layer by layer over a rotisserie.

He spoke to the ClevelandPeople.Com Passport Adventurers at the Cleveland Lithuanian Club.  The Passport Adventurers visit traditional ethnic restaurants and showcases the food, culture, history of the country – in this case Lithuania.

More at Cleveland Lithuanians and

Cleveland Cooks

Lithuanian Cultural Garden in Cleveland

Dan Hanson of ClevelandPeople.Com told about the Lithuanian Cultural Garden in Cleveland, one of the 30 or so in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens.

It was dedicated in 1936 and features the Pillars of Gediminas, Fountain of Biruta and busts honoring Jonas Basanavicius, Maciulis Maironis and Vincas Kudirka.  It is a two-level garden both on East and MLK Blvd.

Dan spoke at the ClevelandPeople.Com Passport Adventure to Lithuania at the Cleveland Lithuanian Club.  The Passport Adventurers visit traditional ethnic restaurants and showcases the food, culture, history of the country – in this case Lithuania.

More from Lithuanians in Cleveland

Lithuanian Entrees and their most common ingredient – the potato

Ruta Degutis and Linas Johansonas told about the entrees of Lithuania that would be served to the ClevelandPeople.Com Passport Adventurers at the Cleveland Lithuanian Club.  The Passport Adventurers visit traditional ethnic restaurants and showcases the food, culture, history of the country – in this case Lithuania.  http://www.clevelandpeople.com/passport.htm

The potato is the main crop of Lithuania so the entrees naturally use that.

The entrees included Cepelinai, the national dish of Lithuanian along with Kugelis (potato pudding), Vedarai (potato sausage) and a more familiar sausage and sauerkraut.

Cleveland Lithuanians

 Cleveland Cooks

Tree ‘Horny Cake’ and other Lithuanian Desserts

Ruta Degutis told about the desserts of Lithuania that would be served to the ClevelandPeople.Com Passport Adventurers at the Cleveland Lithuanian Club.

The Passport Adventurers visit traditional ethnic restaurants and showcases the food, culture, history of the country – in this case Lithuania.   She explained the famous Tree Cake which, because it is used as a wedding cake, she calls a Horny Cake.

 She also explained their custom liqueur shot which included honey from her own bees and about 20 spices like cinnamon, cardamom, clove, caraway, etc.

Lithuanians in Cleveland

Cleveland Cooks

Traditional Lithuanian wedding song played on the kanklės

Virginija Juodisius-Rubinski played a traditional Lithuanian wedding song played on the kanklės which is a Lithuanian plucked string musical instrument of the zither family.

 The instrument is similar in construction and origin to the Latvian kokle, Russian gusli, Estonian kannel and Finnish kantele.  The song is a Lithuanian wedding song where the friends and family of the bride say farewell.

She played at the ClevelandPeople.Com Passport Adventure to Lithuania at the Cleveland Lithuanian Club.  The Passport Adventurers visit traditional ethnic restaurants and showcases the food, culture, history of the country – in this case Lithuania.

Cleveland Lithuanians

The Dream Team and the Other Dream Team

Dan Hanson told the story of the 1988 and 1992 Olympic Basketball games.

In 1988 in Seoul the USSR led by pro players (including Lithuanian NBA stars Arvydas Sabonis and Šarūnas Marčiulionis) defeated the US team of college players.

The rules changed and in 1992 the Dream Team of Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Karl Malone, Magic Johnson and others defeated everyone to reclaim the gold.

By 1992 the USSR had fallen and Lithuania had its own team which captured the bronze in Barcelona.  They wore tie-dye uniforms in their flag color designed by the Grateful Dead.  They were the Other Dream Team.

Dan spoke at the ClevelandPeople.Com Passport Adventure to Lithuania at the Cleveland Lithuanian Club.  The Passport Adventurers visit traditional ethnic restaurants and showcases the food, culture, history of the country – in this case Lithuania.  


More on Lithuanians in Cleveland

History of Lithuanian Club in Cleveland

Ruta Degutis gave a history of Lithuanian Club in Cleveland.

It was started in 1920 at East 67th and Superior where their church, St George, was founded.  It has moved a few times and now is on East 185th Street in Cleveland.

 Ruta spoke at the ClevelandPeople.Com Passport Adventure to Lithuania at the Cleveland Lithuanian Club.  The Passport Adventurers visit traditional ethnic restaurants and showcases the food, culture, history of the country – in this case Lithuania.

Lithuanians in Cleveland

Ruta and the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania

Ruta Degutis of the Lithuanian Club of Cleveland told about her trip to the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania.

Estimates say over 100,000 crosses were there in 2006 and it keeps growing.

Ruta spoke at the ClevelandPeople.Com Passport Adventure to Lithuania at the Cleveland Lithuanian Club. The Passport Adventurers visit traditional ethnic restaurants and showcases the food, culture, history of the country – in this case Lithuania.

More on Cleveland Lithuanians

The Hill of Crosses in Lithuania

Joseph Meissner told the history of the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania.

It is believed that the first crosses were placed there after the 1831 Uprising. Over the generations, not only crosses, but giant crucifixes, carvings of Lithuanian patriots, statues of the Virgin Mary and thousands of tiny effigies and rosaries have been brought here by Catholic pilgrims.  Estimates say over 100,000 crosses were there in 2006 and it keeps growing.

Meissner spoke at the ClevelandPeople.Com Passport Adventure to Lithuania at the Cleveland Lithuanian Club.  The Passport Adventurers visit traditional ethnic restaurants and showcases the food, culture, history of the country – in this case Lithuania.

More on Lithuanians in Cleveland

Jadwiga (Hedwig)’s place in Lithuanian and Polish history

Joseph Meissner told the story of Jadwiga, aka Hedwig who was a leader of Lithuania and Poland as a teenage girl.  She was later canonized by the Catholic Church.

He spoke at the ClevelandPeople.Com Passport Adventure to Lithuania at the Cleveland Lithuanian Club.  The Passport Adventurers visit traditional ethnic restaurants and showcases the food, culture, history of the country – in this case Lithuania.

http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/lithuanian/lithuanian.htm

Possibility of Russian Aggression in Baltics

Ambassador Ginte Damusyte-Damusis was the keynote speaker at the 98th Anniversary of the Lithuanian Declaration of Independence Program in Cleveland.

She was asked about the mood and possible fears in the Baltics about the current Russian policies.
She told how many have now had a taste of democratic life and are concerned about a return to Soviet era control.

http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/lithuanian/lithuanian.htm

Lithuania joining NATO

Ambassador Ginte Damusyte-Damusis was the keynote speaker at the 98th Anniversary of the Lithuanian Declaration of Independence Program in Cleveland.

She spoke of what it meant for Lithuania to become part of NATO. She called it one of the most important days in Lithuanian history.

http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/lithuanian/lithuanian.htm

Lithuania diaspora

Ambassador Ginte Damusyte-Damusis was the keynote speaker at the 98th Anniversary of the Lithuanian Declaration of Independence Program in Cleveland.

She spoke of diaspora of Lithuanians around the world.  The generation of Displaced Persons who left after the war is dying off and there is an interest from the younger people.

http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/lithuanian/lithuanian.htm

Energy Independence in Lithuania

Ambassador Ginte Damusyte-Damusis was the keynote speaker at the 98th Anniversary of the Lithuanian Declaration of Independence Program in Cleveland. She spoke of the improvement since the Soviet Union era specifically in the energy sector.

Lithuania had been dependent on Russian oil and gas but is moving toward energy independence.  This is especially important now as Russia uses energy for political influence.

http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/lithuanian/lithuanian.htm

Keeping Lithuanian alive during Soviet era

Before she worked with the Lithuanian Diplomatic Service, Ginte Damusyte-Damusis headed the Lithuanian Information Center during the Soviet Union times.

The goal was to keep Lithuanian alive internationally and deal with human rights and other issues and tell the world of the mass public support for the Sąjūdis (Movement).

She told of the progress since the reestablishment of independence.

http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/lithuanian/lithuanian.htm

First woman ambassador in NATO history

Ginte Damusyte-Damusis has served as Ambassador from Lithuania to Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia and Canada. Currently she is director of the department in charge of diaspora affairs in Vilnius, Lithuania.

She was the keynote speaker at the 98th Anniversary of the Lithuanian Declaration of Independence Program in Cleveland.

She told ClevelandWomen.Com about breaking the glass ceiling in the diplomacy world.

See more at http://www.clevelandwomen.com/

and

http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/lithuanian/lithuanian.htm

Kurentovanje Festival in Slovenian National Home

After the 4th annual Cleveland Kurentovanje parade, people moved into the Slovenian National Home to continue the celebration.

Here are the Princess and Prince of Kurentovanje

Pictures and videos from the 2016 Kurentovanje Festival in Cleveland

Kurentovanje Parade - Cleveland 2016

The 4th annual Cleveland version of the most popular carnival in Slovenia - Kurentovanje - began with a parade. The units gathered at Sterle's on East 55th and marched up St Clair to the Slovenian National Home.

Kurentovanje is a cultural event which connects ethnology, culture, arts, and people from all over Europe. It has been celebrated in Slovenia for the past 50 years. The central figure of the carnival, the Kurent, is believed to chase away winter and usher in spring with its supernatural powers.

Kurentovanje has a Mardi Gras feel so many participants wore masks to help scare away winter.

Lots of pictures from Kurentovanje

Here is a video of parade highlights

Doctor Who fan film by Johnny Wu

Star Wars, Cosplay, Superman, Doctor Who, X-Men – what do they have in common?

Filmmaker Johnny Wu explains why both Asian and Western cultures have larger than life characters or superheroes.

He also talks about his popular Dr. Who fan film series called Trace: The Doctor.  Search YouTube for Trace the Doctor to watch the episodes.

Watch Episode 1

The making of Fan Films – interview with Johnny Wu

Filmmaker Johnny Wu explains what a fan film is using as an example his Doctor Who fan film called TRACE: The Doctor.

 He is teaching others how to make fan films at the Wizard World Comic Con in Cleveland.

See more at GreatLakesGeek.com

More on Johnny Wu

2016 Kurentovanje Parade in Cleveland

Some highlights of the 2016 Kurentovanje Parade in Cleveland.

Lots of scary Kurents, polka music, Slovenian groups and others.
They marched up St Clair to the Slovenian National Home.

See more of Slovenians in Cleveland and more Kurentovanje highlights

No Beer Today- Kurents polka at Cleveland Kurentovanje

The Chardon Polka Band played “No Beer Today” while some of the Kurents from the Cleveland Slovenian Kurentovanje Parade and Festival danced.

Cleveland Slovenian Kurentovanje Parade and Festival

Kurents dance polka at Cleveland Kurentovanje

The Chardon Polka Band played “In Heaven there is no beer” while some of the Kurents from the Cleveland Slovenian Kurentovanje Parade and Festival danced.

Cleveland Slovenian Kurentovanje celebration 2016

Cleveland Black History Month - Elders and young people

Before the 42nd annual Black History Month Flag Raising Ceremony in the Cleveland City Hall Rotunda, Amir Khalid Samad of Peace in the Hood gathered some of the elders and the next generation to the front of the room.

He spoke of the intergenerational theme of the ceremony and how we should learn from the elders who have been through so much.
That goes with the motto “Each one, teach one. Each one, reach one.”

See more Black History Month

Cleveland Cultural Gardens to celebrate 100th year

For Immediate Release

February 1, 2016

Cleveland, OH – 100 years ago in 1916 the first garden in what would become the Cleveland Cultural Gardens was dedicated. Known today as the British Cultural Garden, its dedication in April of 1916 hosted members of the British Royal Family, unveiled a bust of Shakespeare, and presented literary works of English authors.

Under the shepherding of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation (CCGF) there are now 29 unique nationality gardens (and more in the works) on over 250 acres along MLK and East Boulevards. 

The motto of the CCGF is “Peace through Mutual Understanding” and each garden and the Gardens as a whole exemplify peace and understanding through each nationality sharing its achievements and contributions to the betterment of society. Within the gardens are numerous depictions of significant personalities in the pursuit of peace: Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Confucius; music: Liszt, Beethoven, Bach; literature: Shakespeare, James Joyce, Mark Twain; and sciences: Tesla, Leonardo DaVinci, Madame Currie among many others. It is through this recognition of each culture’s contributions that real understanding among diverse people can take place.

The City of Cleveland is joining the CCGF in making the Centennial celebration a true representation of the wonderful ethnic diversity that makes Cleveland so great.  From the initial Gala celebration on April 8, 2016 to the 71st annual One World Day in the Gardens on August 28, 2016, there will be numerous events for the community to celebrate this truly unique milestone.

Along with the city, many civic-minded institutions and foundations will help the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation celebrate this once in a lifetime anniversary.  The CCGF is announcing a Centennial Campaign to raise an initial $750,000.   The long term goals are to create an ongoing Endowment Fund to help maintain and grow the gardens for the next hundred years. The funds will be used for restoration, improvements, and to focus on the mission of the gardens, Peace Through Mutual Understanding.

The centerpiece of this legacy project will be the construction of a Centennial Plaza to be located at the midway point of the gardens. It will feature a large open plaza for performances and gatherings with a special monument dedicated to the many ethnic communities that preserved the legacy of the cultural gardens for a hundred years and to those who will carry on the tradition for the next 100 years.

This special year allows for a variety of ways others can become involved. Details can be found at http://www.clevelandculturalgardens.org/centennial-celebration/. 

Contact

Cleveland Cultural Gardens
President Sheila Murphy Crawford    sheilacrawford99@gmail.com 440 668-5651 cell

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