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Famed chef Michael Symon invited Korpers to Mabel's BBQ to nourish kids' interest in cooking: A Greater Cleveland By Leila Atassi
As an avid lover of food, I’m always interested to explore the various new restaurants and cuisines present all throughout Cleveland. Michael Symon is arguably the most famous chef from the area. He recently invited an underprivileged Cleveland family, the Korpers, to experience his newest restaurant Mabel’s BBQ behind the scenes, after he learned that the two boys of the family, King and Princeton, enjoy cooking. Although Symon could not personally attend, chef Brad Ball, led the family on a tour of the restaurant. They explored both the smoke room and the kitchen. Both boys, and their sisters, Queen Ona and Princess, drill the chef with many questions. He answers all of them thoroughly, except when Queen Ona asks for Symon’s secret ingredient! After enjoying a lavish meal, Princeton, the oldest son, begins to question the bill, showing the common thoughts impoverished children have everyday. Fortunately, Symon was kind enough to pay for the meal, putting Princeton’s mind at peace for one night. Michael Symon’s generosity towards the Kroper family was really remarkable. It was very nice of him to give lower class children the opportunity to explore an area of interest, cooking. I have ate at two of his restaurants, Lola and The B Spot, and both dining experiences have been amazing. I will never forget the delicious and juice turkey avocado burger I had at The B Spot. Looking past the food, this articles also highlights large number of families who live in poverty in inner city Cleveland. Those of us who live in Cleveland’s suburbs may not notice the hardship that many families face. My parents, however, work in impoverished areas and witness the violent realities that many of Cleveland’s residents face. Programs like A Greater Cleveland, which first introduced Symon to the Kropers, help to improve the quality of life for lower class residents and give underprivileged children opportunities to succeed in the future.
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Inclusioneers to deliver mobility assistance to kids in need at Adapt-a-Car Workshop By Megan Becka
Biomedical and civil engineers at the University of Akron make up the nonprofit organization, Inclusioneers, founded by Mike Firtha. They recently took up an initiative to create and modify ride-on cars for children with disabilities. Research conducted at the University of Delaware by Dr. Cole Galloway suggests “‘that adaptive ride-on cars… promote physical and cognitive development in young children with mobility impairments’”, according to Firtha. Each car is specifically designed for the child, considering any limitations they may have. The Inclusioneers plan to deliver ride-on cars to seven children in March of 2018. Local hospitals and businesses have partnered with the students to help create these cars. As a firm believer in equality for all, I believe that disabled children should be given the same opportunities as those without disabilities. I think that it is important to make sure no one excluded or is denied an opportunity to participate in something, due to a disability. I especially love the mission of the Inclusioneers program, which encourages engineers to use their skill and talent to better the lives of others. Coincidentally, Disability Awareness Week 2017 happens to be December 3-9, the same week this article was published. This is a great time to assess our behavior and mindset regarding those who are disabled and to make sure that we always regard them as equal to everyone else. I know, sometimes that can be hard to do, as they might not act or look the same way as most, but we have to remember that everyone is unique in their very own ways. I’m very pleased that people in our own community are stepping up to make a difference, and maybe even set an example for others around them. 11/29/2017 1 Comment Best of the WordCleveland named to National Geographic Traveler's 2018 'Best of the World' list by Susan Glaser
Now, I have to admit, I too, was a bit surprised when I read the title to this article. There is no doubt that Cleveland has many wonders worthy of being noted, but I had never regarded the city as one of the “Best of the World”. Cleveland is one of the twenty-one cities to be recognized in the culture category. Cleveland was included for its unique mix of Eastern-European and midwestern cultures, and numerous displays of the arts, including the famous Playhouse Square. “George Stone, editor of National Geographic Traveler, described Cleveland as a place ‘that you kind of thought you knew but you don’t.’” Stone points out new cultural attractions, new restaurants, and new residents, all part of Cleveland’s continuing renaissance, which he spoke very highly of. This article in the National Geographic Traveler creates a more positive perception of Cleveland. Along with the National Republican Convention, this event has brought worldwide attention to the city. I had never even heard of the it when I moved here five years ago, but now the is part of a worldwide conversation with this recognition. As an “Ohio city built by Eastern European immigrants”, many different parts of Cleveland display their rich culture. There are onion-domed churches around the city, which represent European architecture. There are also many grocery stores and bakeries that specialize in Eastern-European goods. I know my sister and I are always excited when our dad brings home Kolaczki, a Polish cookie, and other treats from a Polish bakery located in Parma. We are always anxious to see what new delicacies and exotic treats we get to try every time my dad goes to the bakery. Cleveland was also recognized for the rich variety of experiences it provides in the arts. Cleveland is a hotspot for music. Whether you listen to the Cleveland Orchestra play both, classics and modern pieces, or you attend the various concerts held at the Q Arena, you are always in for a treat. The orchestra’s Disney Night concert was something that I greatly enjoyed, as both, a violinist and Disney lover. I have attended two concerts at the Q Arena, and each one has been unforgettable. The lights, the sounds, and the singers’ stage presence are simply remarkable. Playhouse Square was also mentioned by National Geographic. I have watched plays and musicals there, as well as some Indian Dance Competitions, which only goes to show how culturally diverse Cleveland really is. Cleveland may be seen as a dreary town full of run down factories and power plants, but being recognized as one of the “best of the world” in the culture category highlights Cleveland’s rich history and variety of cultural activities. Not only does this recognition bring more visitors to Cleveland, but it also gives Cleveland’s residents “some satisfaction” and encourages them to think positively about the city that they call home. |