Caught up with my friend María F. Estrella at Día de Muertos 2025. From Cali to St. Clair–Superior, 25+ years at Cleveland Public Library, championing community, equity, and belonging. A true Clevelander through and through. Lucky to call her a life-long friend.

Chuck Strasshofer has built a steady creative practice at the Screw Factory, where he has worked for four years. Great meeting him and getting a photo with a large, beautiful piece he made. Trained in ceramics at Tri C East. See more: chuckstuff.art

Had a fantastic time photographing Daniel Levin in the Cleveland Arcade, hearing his philosophy and stories about family. Check out his incredible work past and present at levinphoto.com and see both our work in the YARDS Project Space show Jan 22–Feb 28 in @DowntownCLE

During Bookhouse Brewing’s final week, I stopped in a few times and ran into old friends & great locals. Loved seeing former Cleveland Public Library colleague José Santana Sr. with his wife Maria, celebrating José Jr.’s PhD from SMU. A proud family and a special Cleveland moment.

Santo’s at 7565 Pearl Road in Middleburg Heights has been serving home-style Italian since 1970. Now run by the 3rd generation, it’s a family tradition of great food. Thanks to Annette Raffin for the tour & her husband Chuck for pausing during the busy holiday season for a photo.

Great stop at Lovebird Tattoos-13369 Madison Ave. in Lakewood. Met owner and artist Kelly King, with nine years of experience and four years in her own shop. She spoke highly of the many talented artists and businesses in the area. Check out her work on insta @lovebirdtattooscle

Stopped in at Assad’s Bakery on Lorain Ave, open since 1989 and still getting it right. Fresh hummus, hot falafel, spinach pies gone in minutes, and pita bread that is just perfect. Great talking with Hamza Assad about family, community, and why shopping local matters in 2026.

Great visit to Twisted Sweets in Middleburg Heights and met owner Christine Czech. She started 10 years ago selling chocolates out of her car, door to door, and opened her shop 4 years ago. Great chocolates, story, & a cool stretch of independent shops worth exploring in 2026.

Met Cleveland radio legend Mike Snyder at the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame. He called over 2,500 Cavs games on WTAM 1100 and is known for his deep knowledge and friendly nature. Great to talk sports and reminisce about the Cleveland Force and unforgettable games.

Stopped by Bookhouse Brewing one last time yesterday at 1526 W 25th St before it closed after 7 years last night. A quiet, thoughtful Ohio City spot where neighbors talked, laughed, and lingered. Thanks to owner Vaughn Stewart for giving Cleveland some great years of excellence.

I always start the year with a photo from one of Cleveland’s great meat shops. This year, like many before, it was J & J Czuchraj Meats at the West Side Market. I’ve loved it since high school, and now it’s one of my son’s favorite spots too. Cleveland tradition. Happy New Year!

Great meeting sculptor Michael Boich at the Screw Factory in Lakewood and visiting his studio. A Birdtown resident, he has worked in sculpture for over 2 decades His Cleveland work spans sculpture and site-specific installations across the U.S. and beyond.https://michaelboicharts.com/

Allison Lukacsy-Love, Director of Kent State’s College of Architecture & Design, is a leader in Cleveland architecture, planning, & public art. She has transformed waterfronts, led major city projects, and champions community-centered design. More here: www.cudc.kent.edu

Met Paige Rimko at the holiday sale at The Screw Factory in Lakewood. From Westlake, she’s spent 10+ years working with leather. Her business, Prim, focuses on footwear and design. Now full time, her shoes and accessories pop up all over Cleveland. Follow @primstudio_ on Insta

Chuck “Chico” Kyle, Cleveland original and longtime St. Ignatius Wildcats coach& teacher, was at the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame opening ceremony. A legendary leader known for integrity, kindness, & impact on generations of students & athletes. Truly a man for others.

Reporter Herb Kamm asked George Forbes what he thought of people who still have not gotten their tickets to see Mike Polk, Jr. and John Skrtic at the Music Box Supper Club on Thursday, January 8. Come out for some fun in the Flats! Get your tickets here: musicboxcle.com/event/twiste...

Great seeing Kyle J. Auchter, whose energy and kindness have shaped a career in libraries and public service. From starting at Cleveland Public Library to work in NYC and Pittsburgh, he’s now Director of Library and Media Services for CMSD. Proud Cleveland resident on W 65th.

A familiar face in downtown Cleveland. I often greet this well dressed gentleman and compliment his style. Each time he offers a new name. This day it was Mossesa Cleveland. He usually skips photos but made an exception, proud of his footwear on a December 2025 afternoon.

Always good to be back at Ray’s Indoor Mountain Bike Park at 9801 Walford Ave. Caught up with GM Paul Radosevich, here since 2011, still building and shaping the world’s first indoor MTB park. Super fun place in the city to visit. One more reason to be proud of Cleveland.

Nice talking with Austin Morrin of Arsenal Cider House on Lorain Ave in Ohio City. Stopped in to document the space before it closes tonight. Thanks to Toledo-born Austin for sharing old menus for the Cleveland Public Library collection. One last cider or mead tonight to say goodbye.

Stopped into the wonderful shop Table for 2 to say hello. Chelsea Jancewicz & David Altier have built an amazing vintage furniture store. Met staff member Paige Kamlowsky, who loved the shop even before working there. Check them out at 4740 Lorain Ave or tablefor2cleveland.com

Great meeting Misty Pachta, an amazing and popular waitress at the Rowley Inn in Cleveland. Akron-born, Kenmore-raised, now living in Little Arabia on Lorain Ave. Also a crossing guard with wild stories. A true Clevelander, serving tables with skill, charm, and local know-how.

Great seeing baristas Gabriella Schoch & Tricia Kinnane outside Rising Star, always serving the neighborhood with care. They stopped by the brand-new, excellent Visible Voice bookstore in Ohio City for coffee and browsing. Hard to capture a moment here, staff rarely get a break.

Last year I photographed Sarah Wagner’s gingerbread work and knew it was special. This year, her miniature, beautifully detailed gingerbread version of Cleveland Public Library’s Main Library celebrates its 100th anniversary. 200+ hours of work, on display through Jan. 16, 2026.

Breakfast at a Cleveland Heights classic. The Inn on Coventry has been serving locals at 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd. since July 27, 1981. Still going strong after 45+ years. If you haven’t been in a while, it’s time to stop back in. Menu: www.theinnoncoventry.com/menu

This Christmas, Cleveland parents Alex and Rachel Shaver are raising funds to help their sweet son J. move more independently at home. One act of kindness can change a child’s daily life. Learn more or donate here: helphopelive.org/campaign/265...

Always love stopping in at one of the city’s best bars, Jukebox at 1404 W 29th in Cleveland. A big reason is the staff, especially Thomas Sullivan, behind the bar for two years now. Always respectful, always welcoming to everyone who stops in for a drink or meal.

Sat next to Len Barker at the Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame. Perfect game in ’81. Power arm. Big heart. Stayed in Northeast Ohio and kept teaching the game. In a city that loves baseball the hard way, Large Lenny is forever one of us.

Kelly Markiewicz of Cleveland turned her grief over losing Victor Niebes to addiction into action. Through her nonprofit Stockings from Victor (501c3), she’s spent 10 years delivering essentials to 19 facilities & 2,500+ people in recovery. More: stockingsfromvictor.org

Jake Kelly is one of Cleveland’s great illustrators and muralists. His hand-drawn work has documented the city’s underground music and arts scene since 1995. His new book, HEAVY HUMID WORLD, collects decades of posters, & fliers. Order his new book here: www.pavetheocean.com

Good seeing a couple of old pros at the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame opening. William Chase, freshly retired and relaxed with a glass of wine, and his longtime friend Jerry Fitch, the boxing authority behind the Hall’s Cleveland exhibit. Terrific guys. Until the next bell.

Dr. Eugene Blackstone blends medicine & music. The @ClevelandClinic surgeon built his Bratenahl home around a stunning 7,418 pipe Aeolian Skinner organ.Visiting with his wife Janet and their music loving dog Muffie was unforgettable. More in Skrtic’s Pics: clevelandmagazine.com/articles/skr...

Andre Knott fills a room like a familiar hometown face. From St. Vincent-St. Mary to Guardians broadcasts, it was great talking to him—he welcomes fans, shares stories, and brings out the human side of Cleveland sports. Read more here: clevelandmagazine.com/articles/skr...

Always love visiting Ha Ahn Korean Restaurant(3030 Superior Ave.) in Cleveland’s AsiaTown. For 14 years, Hana Cho and her parents have served home-style Korean cooking full of care. Every dish, every corner tells a story. A true neighborhood treasure.

Stipe Miocic inducted into the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame in Ohio City. The two time UFC heavyweight champ spoke about grit, teamwork, and Northeast Ohio pride. I photographed him that night. Read more in Skrtic’s Pics, Cleveland Magazine: clevelandmagazine.com/articles/skr...

Yesterday on Superior Ave across from Cleveland Public Library, I met Joseph Tucker of Wickliffe, Jasmine Aiken of Collinwood, and David Moore of Youngstown. Working with Southpointe Traffic Control, they kept a busy site safe & moving, even in the cold & constant flow of buses.

Rae Gentry, owner and leader of Foundry Concert Club at 4256 Pearl Rd Cleveland, has brought new energy to the venue. From bartender and traveling fire performer to part-owner of Mercury Lounge, she keeps live music & community thriving in Cleveland. clevelandmagazine.com/articles/skr...

Last 4 Watched @karlbrunjes.bsky.social‬ @tribe.bsky.social @echotopia.bsky.social @marktidrick.bsky.social @wahrhaftig.bsky.social

Met legendary referee Phil Bova at the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame. A West High standout, Big Ten official, NCAA Final Four referee, and part of the famous Bobby Knight chair game. Married 59 years to Donna, he’s a true Cleveland sports icon.

Soho Chicken and Whiskey is a Cleveland story. Nolan Konkoski and Molly Smith started it in 2011 on West 25th, kept going when costs pushed them out, and now call 4211 Lorain home. Same heart, same incredible food. Read more in Cleveland Magazine: clevelandmagazine.com/articles/skr...

Met a group of young Clevelanders in the downtown Arcade as they launched Los Electi, the fashion brand Mya Thomas first imagined right there. Built from hard times into something powerful. Read more in my Skrtic’s Pics column in Cleveland Magazine: clevelandmagazine.com/articles/skr...

Visited Duck Rabbit Coffee at 4160 Lorain Ave in Ohio City. This spot never disappoints. Coffee is rich and expertly made, staff are friendly and skilled. Loved meeting new team members Gavin Sterkel and Katelyn Bishop. Always a must-stop in Ohio City!

Great talking to Cleveland firefighters David VandeVelde and Paul Kasparek. They just came from the Tetrick 22 Tribute Challenge, honoring Johnny Tetrick’s legacy. Their dedication to Cleveland shines through both on and off duty. A true reflection of community spirit.

Snapped a photo of the legendary Olympic Gold Medalist Carol Heiss Jenkins, Hall of Fame member, at the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame, standing proudly by the exhibit celebrating her amazing skating career. A true local icon and longtime Northeast Ohio resident.

Jim Pojman is a Northeast Ohio photographer whose work is shaped by 20+ years living and traveling overseas. I photographed Jim at Trinity Commons during a Cleveland PFLAG event as he shared the stories behind his work. See his work at JimPojman.zenfolio.com

Had so much fun watching Rick Smith Jr., Guinness World Record card thrower and magician, amaze kids and adults at Cleveland Public Library’s WinterLand. Thanks for letting me snap a photo as cards flew everywhere!

Pictured: Browns Bunch members Craig Smialek, Steve Moss, and Daniel Clarke. Season ticket holders and tailgaters since the 90s & 2000s, part of the Muni Lot crew known for Keg Bowling, watch parties, and Dawgs for Dogs fundraisers. Tailgate legends.

Met Andre “Thunder” Thornton at the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame. Told him how watching him at Municipal as a kid made even tough seasons exciting. Every at bat felt like it could go out of the park. Thanks for the great memories, Thunder ⚾️💪🙏

House from A Christmas Story. 3159 W 11th St, Cleveland. Photo: December 13, 2025.

Cleveland’s own Wanda Ford made history at Drake University, went pro overseas for 16 years, and now inspires youth at Summit Academy. In 2025 she was inducted into the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame, dancing down the red carpet with a big smile.