Lorain Local Magazine—Issue Eight

ISSUE EIGHT | July/August 2021 lorainlocal.com | @thelorainlocal

Your guide to

our great lake city

on our Great Lake coast

617 Broadway | lorainpalace.com tto o s n s o n i t o i a t l a u l attu grra w ng rreew C c on Co c d n d a n a t as st ccee lla tth a hee cca a P a P 1 2 021 20 ee 2 h t h t f o f o eea atteerr h T h T h utth ou Y ff:: Yo o o n o n i t o i ucct du od p prro

Upcoming Shows:

Iron Management Entertainment & Lorain's own Angel Isaac present to you

a show featuring Morgan Preston

Saturday, July 24 – 8 p.m.

Tickets $15 & up

A special concert benefitting The Travis Mills Foundation Wednesday, November 10 – 7 p.m.

Tickets $100 & up Loge tickets include a meet & greet!

Visit lorainpalace.com to view full schedule and to buy tickets.

Capturing all of life's moments Schedule your session today!

jennavarrophotography@gmail.com

Lorain Local is a proud official Safe Boating Campaign partner.

safeboatingcampaign.com

CONTENTS 04 from the locals 06 12

A Festival Re-Imagined

Full steam ahead in 2021 16

An organization of organizations 23

Man's best friend 25

A life full of events 28 An inside look at a local

multi-instrumentalist

18

Explore some favorite places 34 An earthly new beginning 37

Service is their business 40

42

Southern inspiration and pride for our city

Happy to be here & looking forward to the future 44 Programs available to

community members

30

A guiding light with history and cocktails

Blessing House Safe House, Safe Child God's Project of Hope

439 West 4th Street #667 | Lorain, Ohio | 44052 connect@lorainlocal.com | (440) 253-9434 www.lorainlocal.com | @thelorainlocal

Like. Engage. Share. Inspire.

from the locals Life here on the water is in full swing this summer. Everything seems to be returning to "normal," even though we seem to agree that it is even better than it was before 2020.

There are plenty of places in town to pick up on the tropical vibe we are emitting this time of year, but The Shipyards just announced their newest addition: The Shipwreck.

Situated right on the water overlooking Spitzer Riverside Marina and the Charles Berry Bascule Bridge, this spot is sure to fill you with the true coastal vibes you are seeking.

If you would rather be in the heart of downtown while keeping that tropical vibe going strong, check out the featured summer menu at Speak of the Devil. Then, take a traveler along on your stroll throughout the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) on Broadway from West Erie Avenue to West 9th Street. Be sure to also stop in all of our shops while you're there. We have many new options that you won't want to miss!

Want to catch some music during a refreshing summer evening? Concerts have returned from the greatly missed Rockin' on the River to the brand new Oakwood Park Summer Concert Series that kicked off its premiere season in June. Lorain local Anthony Scrofano is also taking the stage at multiple venues this summer, and The Boiler Room at The Shipyards even allows you to take a mic during karaoke Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

If daytime activities interest you more, we have two public beaches at Lakeview Park and Century Park. There are bike rentals available through Lorain Public Library System—along with a lot of other fun activities for your day at Lakeview Park Beach, thanks to a great community collaboration called the Little Library on the Lake.

Maybe you're looking for ways to get more involved in the community. We have some passionate groups of people always looking to welcome you with open arms. If you would like to see some of the great things they are doing, be sure to check out their events happening throughout the rest of the year.

Whatever it is that you are looking for, let us be your guide this summer and the whole year through. We are expanding our website to spotlight our featured businesses, organizations, and locals even more, so be sure to visit lorainlocal.com frequently for updates, countdowns, giveaways, and more!

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We have also begun mailing Lorain Local Magazine to those who want to receive a copy directly to their door each issue. Subscribe for free online at lorainlocal.com, and don't forget to sign up to receive a first look at future issues of our interactive digital version while you're there.

Finally, thanks to all of you for helping us get this far, and we are excited to be here continuing to celebrate our great lake city on our Great Lake coast.

See you around!

Lorain Local Magazine | page 4

Content Kelly Boyer Sagert Fred Lozano, Jr. Madison Maniaci Jason Shaffer Chris Smith Max Schaefer National Council of Negro Women FireFish Arts City of Lorain Main Street Lorain Lorain Growth Corporation Earth & Oak Spice Company Lorain Public Library System Lorain County Metro Parks

Photography Jen Navarro Jason Shaffer Valerie Gonzalez Ron Jantz Fred Lozano, Jr. Charlie Shaffer Shontae Jackson National Council of Negro Women FireFish Arts City of Lorain Main Street Lorain Lorain Growth Corporation The Shipyards

Editing T.J. Heidler Kim Obbey

Lead Photographer Jen Navarro

Editor in Chief Brooke Fenner

All photographs were taken by Jen Navarro, unless otherwise noted. Cover photo was taken by Jason Shaffer.

Copyright © 2021 by Lorain Local. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, or transmitted without prior written permission from the publisher. Lorain Local Magazine (Print ISSN 2766-8207; Online ISSN 2766-8215) is published by Hyphen Media, LLC, Lorain, Ohio, USA, and it shall not assume liability for any inaccurate, incomplete, or delayed information contained throughout any of its publications. For subscriptions, comments, or requests, please visit lorainlocal.com or email connect@lorainlocal.com.

Published by Proudly Printed by

STS SPECIAL GUE

Aida Rodriguez from Netflix, HBO Latino, The Young Turks, & The Breakfast Club with poetry by Lorain's own

Stephanie Ginese

Joyelle Nichole from Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, & The Karen Hunter Show on SiriusXM

Tania Timmons & B Tidy

For 2021, FireFish Arts has “re-imagined” its work within the newly revitalized downtown Lorain, launching new monthly arts programming, and in late August through September, the re-imagined annual FireFish Festival. Designed as a month-long series of events spanning four weekends, this new direction continues the work of FireFish Arts as a responsive arts organization, harnessing the creative energy of the whole community, including artists, partners, and the downtown business community working together to achieve mutual goals.

photo by Jen Navarro

“Responding to both new challenges but most importantly to new opportunities, this re-imagined festival offers more chances over a longer period for the community to engage both in FireFish Festival art and performances in a revitalized downtown Lorain,” says FireFish Board of Directors President Frank DeTillio.

photo by Jen Navarro

In September 2015, FireFish Arts launched the first FireFish Festival, presenting it to the public as an opportunity to “re-imagine Lorain as it becomes a stage for a scorching array of art, dance, music, and fire.

Opera or hip hop in an alley, art installations and galleries in storefronts, fire dancers and drummers in the street, or cabaret in an abandoned building – anything is possible at FireFish!”

The first FireFish Festival was designed to celebrate the region’s freshwater link to Lake Erie, the Black River, and its industrial heritage. It drew more than 10,000 visitors, showcasing art, dance, and theater, culminating in a dramatic pyrotechnics display.

The most important early goal of the first festival was to enliven an empty downtown Lorain with the arts and artists, showing both the potential of the district and the power of the arts to make a difference. Called “creative placemaking,” it is a concept known nationally and internationally as an especially effective re-development tool in both small and large downtowns.

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photos by Ron Jantz

FireFish 2021: A Festival Re-Imagined The signature arts programming that has been the anticipated hallmark of the annual FireFish Festival takes place this year over four themed weekends (August 29 – September 18). Marketing and Program Manager Candice Pettigrew Ruckman describes one important reason for the change:

“One of the things we’ve heard about the festival is there is so much to see in such a short amount of time. So we will essentially be spreading the signature, high-quality arts programming that has been a part of the FireFish Festival into a month-long event for 2021, as well as FireFish Arts programming all summer long.”

While significant FireFish programming has always been provided by Lorain and Lorain County artists and performers, the majority of both the year-round and festival programming in 2021 is provided or curated by the FireFish Artist Board. Arts Program Manager Ryan Craycraft adds, “Lorain is a creative place, and FireFish and the Artist Board are working to highlight and impact downtown Lorain. We want to feature the artists across multiple genres that are living and working in downtown Lorain as respected paid arts and culture entrepreneurs.”

FireFish 2021 SUMMER PROGRAMMING

The mural imagery features the local flora and fauna at its waterfront location and is surrounded by a new pollinator garden designed and planted by FireFish Artist Board Member Joshua Biber.

A graduate of Brown University, Biber studied modern culture and media and worked at WaterFire Providence, an “inspiration” for the FireFish Festival. He is also a multi-media artist and musician and proprietor of Black River Farmstead, specializing in sustainablygrown microgreens, baby greens, and local seasonal berries and vegetables.

Broadway in Bloom, designed by FireFish Arts Community Arts Manager Ryan Craycraft, consists of four-layered painted wood floral mural installations fabricated at Lorain County Community College’s Fab Lab in partnership with Ryan Corrigan. Corrigan works and teaches at LCCC’s Fab Lab and is a FireFish Artist Board member. He also serves as the organization’s graphic and web designer and designer of FireFish Arts’ new iconic lit event markers.

As another summer-long temporary public art installation provided by FireFish Arts, Broadway in Bloom complements Main Street Lorain’s Beautification Project “Lorain Blooms” plantings along Broadway and the organization’s partnership with Lorain County Community College. Craycraft is an Elyria native with extensive experience in community and public art and is a graduate of Lorain County Community College (Associate of Arts), Akron University’s Meyer University (Bachelor of Arts), and University of Delaware (Master of Arts) who currently teaches at both LCCC and the Cleveland Institute of Arts.

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FireFish Arts summer programs officially launched in early June at Riverside Park with the live painting of a new temporary mural titled Waterfront Blooms by Lorain artist Carida Cira Diaz. A native of Chicago newly relocated to Lorain and a member of the FireFish Artist Board, Ms. Diaz studied at the Rhode Island School of Art and Design, Brown University, and the Chicago Portfolio School and recently completed an artist residency at Chicago’s WNDR Museum.

The mural, painted on the LoCo ‘Yaks storage shipping container, can be viewed through September 2021 and is located at the Loco ‘Yak’s new launch site at 138 Alabama Avenue in downtown Lorain.

Fire it Up! programs, presented at the “The Bank” at 383 Broadway, also occurred Friday, July 2, and have been scheduled for August 6, and September 3 as part of the new FireFish Festival 2021. The venue, described by developer and program partner Vic Nardini as an emerging arts and entertainment development, has been a favorite site of artists and community members at past FireFish Festivals.

Lorain Then & Now: A Look into the Past from the Future, a curated multi-media video presentation by Hiatt Hernon, can be viewed at “The Bank.” This presentation focuses on Lorain’s past by using forms of today’s media. Local artist and photographer Jason Shaffer will curate large-scale portraits of FireFish Artist Board members providing a sneak preview of a new two-year community and public art project titled “Portrait of a City.” This program will engage artists and art students from Lorain High School and Lorain County Community College as apprentices to artist board members and other Lorain artists, including Artist Board Member Daisy Goddard.

The Fire It Up! Livestream series produced by Luke Theall from downtown Lorain’s BroadWaves Studio can be heard on the FireFish Arts Facebook page and will also be highlighted at these events, which are also aligned with Main Street Lorain’s “Broadway Block Party on First Fridays” schedule.

photo by Jason Shaffer

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At Fire It Up!, FireFish offers fire, art, audio, and video performances presented by community Artist Board members, including highlights of programming presented earlier in 2021. These highlights include work

by Jeffery Pye, an accomplished Lorain artist who paints portraits of noteworthy African American men and women with students from the START W/ART program at the Harrison Cultural Community Arts Centre.

Lorain Local Magazine | page 8

The Jevon Terance Raceway Fire Collection XVI, a new Raceway Collection with a fiery twist, was held at Black River Landing on Sunday, July 18. An annual highlight of each FireFish Festival, this year’s fashion show experience

by Lorain’s International Fashion Designer Jevon Terance, also a member of the FireFish Artist Board, became part of the summer programming that also previews FireFish2021: A Festival Re-imagined.

The Fire Song, a film by Lorain native and LA filmmaker and FireFish Board Member John Baumgartner, will debut on Sunday, August 21, at The Lorain Palace Theater. This dramatic story features the history of Lorain’s historic Lutheran Church, the fire that devasted it and its historic organ, and its rebuilding.

FireFish 2021: A Festival Re-Imagined August 29 – September 18

Over four themed weekends, FireFish Arts will once again present our signature theme-based art, performances, and installations, including the construction of the FireFish by Daniel McNamara and the FireFish Finale by Schuyler White/Ohio Burn Unit. The festival will culminate in the annual FireFish FINALE ritual processional and Burning of the Fish, scheduled for Saturday, September 18, 2021.

The FireFish Festival and Finale was the vision of one of our founders James Levin, who created and produced the first four FireFish Festivals. Levin, a nationally recognized leader in creative placemaking, will be honored by the organization with the new designation of the burning of the fish extravaganza as the “James Levin FireFish Finale.”

Twin Flames featuring Lorain natives Jaclyn Bradley and Melissa Driscol Twin Flames kicks off the festival on Sunday, August 29, with a special live cabaret performance of show tunes by Lorain natives Jaclyn Bradley and Melissa Driscol. Located at “The Bank,” this special live performance features “two songbirds” that share a unique personal history and artistic camaraderie, born in our very own steel town.

Jaclyn Bradley, a FireFish Artist Board member and nationally and internationally respected vocalist and owner of the new Lorain Rock Town Music Academy, is a graduate of Indiana University’s Jacob’s School of Music. A singer, songwriter, and recording artist, her music has been featured on stages and screens worldwide, including as a contestant on “The Voice of Holland” and “Ireland’s Got Talent.” Her music has also been featured on MTV, VH1, HGTV, Bravo, and TLC

Driscol spent her youth performing at both Lorain Community Theater and Elyria Community Theater and studying at both Oberlin College and Baldwin Wallace. Early in her career, she served as Music Director at the Lorain Palace Youth Theater. It was there that Bradley became her student one summer, and the two began a lifelong friendship and mentorship.

Lorain Local Magazine | page 9 photo by Jen Navarro

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Melissa Driscol, a graduate of Admiral King High School, hails from the family that owned the respected Driscol Music Co. on Broadway. Driscol now resides in Manhattan and is an event producer at the legendary Stonewall Inn in New York City. Her theater credits include Equity Theaters around LA and multiple guest artist tours on cruise ships. She also joined the USO and has traveled to Guam, Japan, and all over the USA, performing for both active-duty military members and veterans.

FireFish Festival Art Walk at the Broadway Block Party On Friday, September 3, there will be fire, audio, and video performances presented by FireFish Arts community Artist Board members and other invited artists. This special family-friendly event will be at the “The Bank,” located at 383 Broadway.

FireFish Festival Arts in the City On Friday, September 10, at 7 p.m., comedian David Morales will present a curated show of comedy, music, and art at “The Bank,” 383 Broadway.

On Saturday, September 11, the community can follow our self-guided tour or hop on a guided tour with FireFish Founder James Levin and FireFish Executive Director Joan Perch of new art sites and public art in downtown Lorain. Meet the artists and creative entrepreneurs changing the face of downtown Lorain, and enjoy an interactive art experience at the Jason Molina Song Alley, designed by Kurt Hernon.

The James Levin FireFish Festival Finale On September 18, the annual ritual processional and Burning of the Fish takes place on the west bank of the Black River, north of the Bascule Bridge—followed by an after-party featuring the Sammy DeLeon Band. Additional arts performances and installations, art vendors, and family-friendly activities will be available at The Bank Building and the LCCC City Center.

FireFish Director Joan Perch sums it all up in this statement: “We are excited about all of the new arts programming FireFish Arts is bringing to downtown Lorain this year, the partnerships with our artists, new organizations like Main Street Lorain and others, and the City of Lorain, as well as the support and interest of all to make downtown Lorain a true arts and entertainment center, including with community and public art.”

FireFish Arts is supported by the City of Lorain, the Ohio Arts Council, Arts Midwest, Lorain County Community College, The Fowler Family Foundation, Nordson Corporate Foundation, and numerous other funders, businesses, and individuals.

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Lorain Growth Corporation

Get to know

Lorain Growth Corp.

Lorain Growth Corporation has been active in the growth and redevelopment of downtown Lorain since 1996. Lorain Growth's all-volunteer organization—including its president and executive board—has grown from under ten volunteers in the very beginning to well over 100 today. These volunteers collectively make up six promotional committees and have worked hard to bring over 250,000 visitors to Lorain through their various events since their beginning.

This year, the committees are extremely excited to resume full-steam ahead with all of their events, including a new one that is already cruising forward without a hitch.

Let's meet the committees!

Lorain Tourism Committee The Lorain Growth Corp. Tourism Committee stands ready to support the city of Lorain and our beautiful waterfront. The Tourism Committee's primary purpose is to promote tourism as an economic stimulus to our city. In addition, the Tourism Committee is committed to keeping residents and visitors informed and up-to-date about what is happening around town.

The Tourism Committee accomplishes these goals by creating a list of all area events and activities and presenting them online and in print.

photos courtesy of Lorain Growth Corporation

This group of dedicated volunteers is always looking for additional civic-minded members to add to their group. If you would like to submit an event or become a member of this great team, please visit loraintourism.wordpress.com or email events@loraingrowthcorp.org.

International Trees and Model Trains The Tourism Committee's marquee annual event is the International Trees and Model Train Display at Black River Landing's Transportation Center located at 421 Black River Lane. This free event begins in conjunction with Lorain Winterfest on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Dec. 26.

The event brings together Christmas trees with decorations representing local organizations, countries from around the world, other favorite themes, and the love of model trains. Visitors will see 30 to 50 decorated Christmas trees and many types of operating model railroads. Their display even includes a model of one of Lorain's steel mills! l a c ol ni a r ol e h t @ | m o c .l a c ol ni a r ol

A dedicated group of volunteers begins setting up The International Trees and Model Trains display in early October, and they do not finish until the afternoon before the event. This endeavor needs additional volunteers every year, so if you are interested and would like to help, please email events@loraingrowthcorp.org.

Lorain Local Magazine | page 12

Lorain Growth Corporation

BrewFest Waterfront District BrewFest began in 2014 as a small festival on Broadway to bring visitors to downtown and promote the area as a viable arts and entertainment center.

BrewFest continued for two additional years on Broadway and then moved to Black River Landing to accommodate the large number of visitors for this one-day event and then became known as BrewFest Waterfront District.

Saturday, August 14 Since its beginning, visitors have come from all over to taste some of Ohio's finest craft beers and mingle with the various brewers and avid "BrewFesters." Visitors also get to experience live music and great food throughout the event.

This year marks the seventh anniversary and promises to be the best BrewFest ever!

Tickets in advance are $25.00 or $35.00 day-of with limited VIP tickets available for $65.00. Admission will provide each patron with 15 beer tickets to redeem for four-ounce samples. Designated driver tickets are also available for $6.00.

Please join us on August 14! Visit brewfestwd.com for more information.

Lorain's Caboose

Honoring Lorain's Railroad Heritage Organized under the Tourism Committee, the Caboose Committee formed after introducing the idea of displaying a piece of railroad equipment at Black River Landing to pay tribute to the city's rich rail history.

The Caboose Committee is a passionate and dedicated group comprised of railroad enthusiasts, community members, and former railroad employees—some of which even worked on this caboose when it was in service.

The Caboose Committee is having its annual fundraiser, Roads-Rails-N-Sales, on September 25 at Black River Landing. The event benefitting the restoration of C-3855 is a car, truck, and motorcycle show that also includes a flea market.

For more details on this event and to keep up-to-date on Lorain's Caboose's progress, please visit loraincaboose.org. photo by Jen Navarro

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The crew is restoring Caboose C-3855 to preserve it as close to its original state as possible. When completed, Lorain's Caboose will serve as not only a destination for tourists and railfans but be used for civic and educational programs.

Lorain Winterfest

"A Hometown Celebration" Saturday, November 27 lorainwinterfest.org

Lorain Winterfest is on Saturday, November 27. The festivities begin at 5 p.m. with a parade down Broadway to welcome Santa Claus. Then, everyone can enjoy live entertainment at Veteran's Park with the official lighting of the Christmas lights by Mayor Bradley, Christmas carols, and a fireworks extravaganza.

photo by Jen Navarro

Children of all ages can enjoy ice sculptures on Broadway, window decorations at the downtown businesses, the balloon man, and visit Santa at the North Pole located at Black River Landing with his live reindeer display.

Stop at the Lorain County Community College at 300 Broadway for story readings. The Lorain Public Library System will be there with crafts for children to do and take home. Then, visit the Spectrum Café for some snacks and drinks before exploring our downtown.

Take a walk along Broadway and visit all the new restaurants and shops with beautiful holiday displays. And be sure to come hungry! There is fantastic food to be tasted!

Don't forget to visit International Trees and Trains at Black River Landing for a spectacular display of all the decorated trees and operating model trains. Lorain's Caboose C-3855 will also be decorated in lights nearby. l a c ol ni a r ol e h t @ | m o c .l a c ol ni a r ol

This year, Lorain Winterfest is planning to partner with American Legion Post 30 to help with the cleanup of Veteran's Park and hopefully add more decorations and displays to the park. We will announce a fundraiser for this later, and we are working on many new activities throughout the year, including a 5K run!

Donations, suggestions, and more volunteers are always welcome to help make this the best event ever!

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Lorain Growth Corporation

Lorain Growth is excited to announce the addition of a new committee—and series of events!

Cruisin' Broadway

Inspired by a memory of the past with stores and shops lining Broadway and a variety of cars cruising up and down the street, this committee brings an event that relives those days of yesteryear. Cars 'n Coffee happens on Saturday mornings (weather permitting) in front of Broadway Mary's at 939 Broadway. It begins at 8 a.m. and goes on until the last car leaves. And everyone is welcome!

Cars 'n Coffee is the first of several events planned by the group, and its focus is to have fun, create and strengthen relationships, and give back to the community.

If you have any questions about Cars 'n Coffee, please contact Steve Keppler at 440-653-6631 or Efrain Soto at 440-213-4613.

The look and feel of our downtown entertainment district and waterfront now appear very different than they did when Lorain Growth Corp. first began. This team of dedicated individuals is proud to have been involved in the improvements visible and felt throughout the area today.

This new appearance seems to have ignited a renaissance of downtown Lorain, and there are many fun-filled years ahead.

Lorain Growth Corp. will continue using its resources to positively impact and support the residents, current and new businesses, tourists, and visitors of all sides of Lorain, and they invite everyone to join them.

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For more information, please visit loraingrowth.org.

Lorain Local Magazine | page 15

N

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For more than 85 years, the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) has been a conduit for service to the communities in which its members reside. An "organization of organizations" (comprised of 300 campus and community-based sections and 32 national women's organizations), it enlightens, inspires, and connects more than 2 million women and men. Its mission is to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent, their families, and their communities.

NCNW was founded in 1935 by Dr. Mary Jane McLeod-Bethune, and NCNW's programs are grounded on a foundation of critical concerns known as "Four for the Future."

NCNW promotes education with a special focus on science, technology, engineering, and math; encourages entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and economic stability; educates women about good health and HIV/AIDS; promotes civic engagement and advocates sound public policy and social justice.

Its founder McLeod-Bethune was also the founder of Bethune-Cookman College, a historically black university that still educates students today on its Daytona, Florida campus. The daughter of former slaves, McLeod-Bethune became one of the most important black educators, civil and women's rights leaders, and government officials of the twentieth century. The college she founded set educational standards for today's black colleges, and her role as an advisor to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt gave African Americans an advocate in government. Her guiding philosophy is summed up in this quote:

photos courtesy of Lorain County Section NCNW

Locally, the Lorain Section of NCNW has been involved in the betterment of the community and committed to the mission of leading, advocacy, and empowerment for more than 40 years. Several of its members were part of the first mentoring program for girls in Lorain City Schools under the leadership of Martha Pye. NCNW has always been at the forefront of issues impacting the African American community. Concerned about the infant mortality rates in Ohio, the organization, in collaboration with the Lorain County Public Health Department, distributed safe cribs to expectant mothers throughout Lorain County.

In the early 2000s, looking to promote celebration of the multicultural history of Lorain, the organization worked in collaboration with the Lorain Negro Business and Professional Club, the Lorain County Urban League, and the Lorain Port and Finance Authority to install the Station 100 Underground Railroad Monument. This project was financed by grants written by the organization and support from the community and is located at Black River Landing.

Groups show their pride by displaying symbols that represent them. The Lorain Section of NCNW fulfilled a long-time wish of several citizens in the community by sponsoring the installation of the African American flag to fly alongside other nationalities at Black River Landing.

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"We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends."

Lorain Local Magazine | page 16

photo by Jen Navarro

In 2017, NCNW worked with the City of Lorain Streets Department with what the organization hoped would lead to investment in downtown Lorain. Using money from the organization, large self-watering pots were installed at the edge of what is known as Trolley Park, at the northeast corner of West Erie Avenue and Broadway. These pots were planted and tended by members of our section. As part of that effort, a campaign entitled "It's hip to be a square in Lorain" was initiated.

Individual citizens adopted a square of the earth in the sidewalk that was then planted and tended by Lorain citizens during the summer. This project represented the dedication of Lorain citizens to their city.

Later, more investment was made by NCNW with the installation of additional pots on the observation deck near the police station. A conversation with representatives of Main Street Lorain resulted in a joining of the groups to expand the beautification effort, which resulted in the large flower pots which now decorate our downtown.

photo courtesy of Main Street Lorain

In 2018, NCNW hosted its first debutante cotillion. The cotillion was developed for high school seniors to equip, encourage, and stimulate them to pursue higher education, academic excellence, personal development, and civic involvement. The program objectives are achieved through a six-month curriculum consisting of educational, financial, health workshops, community service activities, fundraising efforts, and dance fundamentals. The culminating event of the program is a ball, where participants are introduced to the community.

NCNW has maintained a presence in Lorain County for many years. Women with a passion to serve and a passion for the mission of NCNW have and continue to remain pivotal in the service advocacy in the community.

"The youth can walk fast, but the elder knows the road."

NCNW is a multigenerational organization. It is the strength and wisdom of those that came before us that maintains our wisdom and heritage and the hope and foresight of the future that provides us the certainty of tomorrow.

Under the guidance of NCNW President Regan L. Phillips, efforts will continue to make our communities better. We invite all persons with a desire to serve to join as we continue to lead, advocate, and empower our community.

Please feel free to reach out to Regan by emailing ncnwpreslcsect@gmail.com or calling 440-452-6690.

For membership questions or to become a member, please email 2ndVPlorainctysect@gmail.com.

… on your bicycle

Oh, the places you'll go

A tour around our great lake city and beyond

photography & words by Jason Shaffer

When I moved to downtown Lorain with my daughter, one of the first thoughts was, "Well, where the heck are we gonna ride our bikes?" Moving from the burbs to the business district carried some uncertainties, and honestly, I had no idea what level of "bikeability" our downtown had.

Two years later, I'm going to give you one dad's opinion of the best riding spots when you're cruising around Broadway and nearby areas. And you're definitely in luck because there are some seriously sweet places to ride around here!

Since moving downtown, we've taken major advantage of the brand new widened sidewalks and the Go Lorain bike racks on Broadway. The walkways are silky smooth and provide plenty of room for bikes and pedestrians to travel alongside one another safely. The recent changes have really reshaped the quality of recreational traffic overall, and among the new changes, the city has added several pedestrian crossing areas throughout. However, it’s always advised to remain alert and keep an eye open for motorists who may not stop at the crosswalks.

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Cruising down the sidewalks of Broadway's entertainment district is a short ride, but it's actually quite rewarding and perfect for younger riders. Starting at the Ariel Broadway Hotel, you can make your way down to the 900-block toward Broadway Mary's and themake edge of theway entertainment Personally, Hotel, youtocan your down to thedistrict.

900-block toward my favorite route is going under the Frank J. Nardini Gateway underpass and then turning intoand the Black River Wharf public boat launch, Broadway Mary's to the edge of the entertainment where we chill on the docks, look for fish and watch the boats pass by.district.

When you’re readymy to start yourroute journey back, cross Personally, favorite is going underover the Broadway and take the sidewalk all of the way down ‘til you reach the LCCC City Center.

Along the way, there areand a lotthen of great places to Frank J. Nardini Gateway underpass turning into stop and have coffee, smoothies, or snacks or just hang out on a patio and pre-sunset (Remember racksonI thegrab Blacka River Wharfdinner. public boat launch, those wherebike we chill mentioned!) the docks, look for fish and watch the boats pass by. When you’re ready to start your journey back, cross over Broadway From the corner of Erie Avenue & Broadway, take a and take the sidewalk all of the way down ‘til you reach the little cruise over the Charles Berry Bascule Bridge, LCCC City Center. Along the way, there are a lot of great take a right on Arizona Avenue across from Subway, places to stop and have coffee, smoothies, or snacks or just and head down into the Harborwalk neighborhood. hang out on a patio and grab a pre-sunset dinner.

This nice and quiet area is another great place to take (Remember those bike racks I mentioned!) the kiddos, and there are gorgeous views of the river, lots of cool boats, and a fun little community to cruise around in. Don't miss the overlook platform for the best views of the Bascule Bridge and a great place to have a little picnic. Sunsets are breathtaking from this area! If you're hungry, don't miss The Boiler Room at The Shipyards, serving cocktails, appetizers, burgers, and pretty much everything else you’d crave after a bike ride. If you get there early enough, definitely check out Monkey Island Coffee; kids love the smoothies there, and they have great coffee along with local pastries and breakfast sandwiches.

Lorain Local Magazine | page 18

photo by Charlie Shaffer

While you're on this side of the river, head back up the hill, cross over Erie Avenue and make your way toward The Mile Long Pier. Like a scene from a movie, ride down to the end of the pier and soak in the sites of the majestic Lorain Lighthouse and our beautiful harbor on Lake Erie. Maybe I’m biassed since I live here, but this has to be one of the best pier walks in the whole country. It is an astonishing place to bike or walk, and the sunsets—and sunrises—are legendary from this spot. Another culinary tip: if it's dinner time, be sure to stop by Erie Steak & Seafood Co. If you're a local, you already know, but this is definitely a great place to have a sunset dinner and drink.

Hot day, long bike ride… Yeah, it’s time for an orange twist cone from Lorain’s favorite ice cream family. You’re just moments away from the eastside K-Cream Parlour! There is no better place to cool off with a sweet treat after visiting the Mile Long Pier.

However, if you chose to ride west on Erie Avenue instead, the westside K-Cream Korner location is only a few minutes away.

Whatever your biking destination from Broadway, ice cream is just a half-mile from either direction of the hotel!

Don’t forget to head a little farther west and stop by Lorain’s most famous destination, Lakeview Park and Beach. Such an iconic location and an excellent place to ride your bike and explore. There's plenty of places to lock up your bikes while you take in the sites of the rose garden, the renowned water fountain, or take a walk in the sand and dip your feet in the cool lake water.

While in the area, the neighborhoods across the street from Lakeview are low-traffic spots that make really nice places to pedal around with your family.

Lorain Local Magazine | page 19

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Speaking of heading west, ride back that way and check out some other cool local stops. At the corner of Erie and Washington, you’ll find the beautiful fountain at Veteran’s Memorial Park. Another great place to hop off of your bike for a picnic, to read a book, or to just chill out and watch the water cascade down the fountain. And a few blocks away, Lorain has another unique tribute to local veterans, Victory Park, easily distinguished by the large “V” statue on the corner. Definitely check both of them out!

Now, my personal favorite biking spot in Lorain is the Lorain County Metro Parks' hike and bike trails! There are multiple trailheads to access, but my preferred route is starting downtown, heading over the bascule bridge to Kansas Avenue, hopping over to Colorado, and picking up the start of The Steel Mill Trail near Wendy's. Then, I take it all the way to Elyria and ride past Midway Mall 'til I get to SR 113 and turn around, making an excellent 20+ mile workout.

The Steel Mill Trail, Bridgeway Trail, and Black River Bikeway Trail are very well maintained by Lorain County Metro Parks and have beautiful scenery along the way.

You'll cross over multiple steel bridges, wander behind the steel plants, and have numerous opportunities to hop off of your bike and explore the different parks you'll ride through. Don’t forget to get off your bike at Day’s Dam to explore the waterfall!

If you're feeling extremely adventurous, you can take this trail and link up with the North Coast Inland Trail, which will lead you through the cities of Elyria, Oberlin, Kipton, and even all the way to Toledo!

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Back near Broadway, another spot deserving mention is the Lorain County Community Action Agency Bike Shop inside the Ronald Nabakowski Youth Center on West 10th Street. This beautifully restored building houses a full-service bike shop and has a complete inventory of used bikes, parts, and accessories for purchase. Just be sure to call ahead for shop hours.

Lorain Local Magazine | page 20

Regardless of how you choose to ride, it is always a good idea to know and follow all automobile and bicycle traffic laws wherever you are heading. Be alert at crosswalks and stop signs, and never assume that vehicles will adhere to the local traffic laws. You only get one life and one head. That's why I'm a big fan of kids—and adults—wearing helmets.

Head and areare no joke, so always choose to play it safe. andbrain braininjuries injuries no joke, so always choose to play it safe.

I find it completely bonkers that we have so many amazing destinations like these in our own backyard. There are so many great places to travel safely by bicycle in this community, and I have a feeling that things are going to get even better as the years progress.

Please help keep our community clean and remove any trash you create during snack time or picnics while exploring, and I hope to see you guys out on your bikes this summer! Cheers!

Lorain Local Magazine | page 21

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If you are seeking bike rentals, Lorain Public Library System offers adult bikes, adult and children's helmets, and bike locks for check out using your library card. The Main branch on Sixth Street, the South branch on Homewood Drive, and The Little Library on the Lake at Lakeview Park participate in the Go Lorain Bike Share Program, where you can check out bikes for one day and helmets for up to seven days.

& His Dog ...or is it?

There's something about a man and his dog.

Whether they're playing fetch, running together along a path, or just relaxing on the porch, you can sense the loyalty coming from one and the protectiveness coming from the other.

These two have something even stronger that links them together—and it's more than their good looks!

Scan the QR code, and discover how their connection benefits all of us.

SCAN ME!

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Hover your phone's camera over the code, and follow the link!

Lorain Local Magazine | page 23

wdlwradio.com

STATIONS WITH A LOCAL HISTORY TUNE IN TODAY!

woblradio.com

An Eventful Life

by Fred Lozano, Jr.

"You turn off Colorado, and you're on vacation." The sentiment shared by Erin Coulter perfectly describes the feeling you get when you arrive at The Shipyards in Lorain. Home to Monkey Island Coffee, The Boiler Room restaurant and bar, Superior City cocktail lounge, The Shipwreck outdoor bar and grill, and the namesake event center, this building has become a favorite place for everyday life and special occasions.

photos courtesy of The Shipyards

Erin has been the event sales manager at The Shipyards going on a year, and she could not be more excited to be here. A native of Olmsted Falls, Erin comes to work every morning with an energy that radiates through the entire building. "I love it here!" beams Erin when asked about working in the city of Lorain. Her genuine adoration for the area is reflected in her passion and dedication to every event she hosts at the complex.

Erin knows how meaningful memorable events are to people and treats each visitor as if they are family. From the minute you meet her, her familial aura will make you feel instantly welcome. Moments later, you will swear you are dealing with a long-lost cousin who just happens to be your grandmother's favorite. This approach to her profession has entrusted Erin with an ever-growing schedule of events, large and small.

Adapting to the restrictions and regulations set forth during the pandemic, The Shipyards provided a safe, socially-distanced area for a variety of smaller events during the height of the pandemic. The open industrial space on the second floor allowed for weddings to remain a staple of the event center when many businesses did not have the versatility to adjust. The scenic views of the waterfront and vintage architecture became a popular backdrop for the area's best wedding photographers and most active social media users. Whether a breathtaking summer sunset over Lake Erie or the serenity of the snowcaps on the calm winter waters, Erin takes full advantage of the picturesque nature of the area. "It's pretty all the time," she states matter-of-factly.

Erin is the best kind of busy with restrictions lifting and life returning to some semblance of normalcy. "The floodgates have opened," she says with elation. With graduation parties, baby showers, and weddings in full swing, Erin makes sure to maintain a diverse range of events at The Shipyards year-round. Comedy shows featuring some of Lorain's best local talent and yoga classes conducted by Bottoms Up Yoga provide unmatched variety in the area. Incredibly, U events are only a small portion of what Erin and The Shipyards event center has to offer.

photo by Jen Navarro

The Boiler Room Taphouse, a restaurant and bar that features local brews and unique meals such as the Polish Hammer, Wreck burger, and classic favorites like pizza and wings, is located on the ground floor of the event center. A favorite spot for impromptu birthday dinners and small goingaway parties, The Boiler Room offers spacious indoor seating and a one-ofa-kind outdoor patio area. Erin makes sure there is no shortage of fun and inclusive events in The Boiler Room.

Wednesday nights kick off with karaoke entertainment from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. and offers a midweek mood changer that leaves friends laughing and singing for three hours of unbridled enjoyment.

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On Thursdays, some of the area's more skilled musicians will provide live music for the patrons from 6 p.m. through 9 p.m. So whether you prefer a burger and a breeze, baseball by the bar, or birthday brews with buddies, The Boiler Room is happy to have you. photo by Jason Shaffer

Lorain Local Magazine | page 26

A Local Spotlight If cocktails and quiet conversations are more your speed, Superior City cocktail lounge is your little slice of paradise. Located adjacent to The Boiler Room, Superior City features handcrafted cocktails, opulent wines, and shareable plates so tempting that you might not share. It is a perfect spot for a first date or your 50th anniversary, where the sunset views will leave your heart as full as your belly. Erin points out the newly created doorway, which allows servers to more effectively and efficiently serve the patrons who choose to take in the panoramic views from the outdoors while still enjoying the creative cocktails from Superior City.

Then, The Shipwreck at The Shipyards is the newly added outdoor bar and grill that is sure to add some panache to the soon-to-expand patio with stunner marina views and tropical coastal vibes. This area is definitely something to check out if you have not yet.

"It's nice to have people in house," reveals Erin. After a year of limited Photo by Jen Navarro capacity, the new faces are a welcomed sight.

What has been a pleasant surprise to Erin are the familiar faces who return to The Shipyards to enjoy the other amenities beyond the event space. Unlike many other event centers, The Shipyards offers the unique opportunity to return to the facility and relive some of your favorite memories from your special occasion while creating new ones. Erin has seen brides having lunch in The Boiler Room while reminiscing about how magical their wedding day was. A family who has a baby shower upstairs can also one day bring in their tots to enjoy the tasty tater tots. The opportunities are endless, and Erin's creativity and careful consideration are beyond measure.

The list goes on for how your memories can develop and grow with you at The Shipyards. Whether you are looking to skip the drive-thru line by stopping in Monkey Island Coffee for your morning latté or arriving by boat to one of the four dockside, transient boat slips, take a few minutes to walk through the area and let the vacation feeling take you over. Then, plan on spending some time letting Erin help make your life more eventful.

For food, drink, and event lists, and to get in touch with Erin to help plan your special occasion, please visit theshipyards.com or call 440-230-8481.

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Photo by Jen Navarro

Lorain Local Magazine | page 45

RO

AT

CK BE

Anthony Scrofano

Getting to know one of our local musicians

It all started on Christmas Day, 1993, on Lorain's east side.

That was the day a five-year-old Anthony Scrofano received a gift from his parents that would change his life.

The gift was a "kind of fake, cheap" electric guitar that Scrofano says sent him down the path toward being a musician.

By age 12, he was taking lessons. By 16, he was writing songs and playing in a high-school rock band, and by the time he was 21, he was playing his first paid solo gigs.

"The first place I played was Quaker Steak in Vermilion, and I was not ready," Scrofano recalls with a laugh. "I probably had an hour of material. And I did the national anthem like Jimi Hendrix, and everyone was like 'turn it off!'"

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Now at age 33, Scrofano has gone from those humble beginnings to playing his music all across Northeast Ohio. A staple of the growing entertainment scene in Lorain, Scrofano has played several establishments in town, including Speak of the Devil, Union Town Provisions, The Lorain Elks Lodge, Broadway Mary's, and The Shipyards.

Scrofano's first musical influences came from the CDs he would pilfer from his older siblings.

Lorain Local Magazine | page 28

photos by Jason Shaffer

by Chris Smith

"Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alanis Morissette, No Doubt, Ace of Bass, Bush —all those bands, all those CDs that I would kind of steal from them, get those songs stuck in my head," Scrofono recalled. "So that really made me want to get involved with music."

A multi-instrumentalist who plays guitar, bass, drums, and piano, Scrofano describes his style as folky indie, combining elements of '90s grunge-rock with more eclectic sounds and techniques.

"I like to jam with people electric [sic]. But I do like looping acoustic guitar and making beats. A lot of falsetto and high-strained voice, too."

Scrofano credits being born and raised in Lorain with helping to broaden his musical sensibilities, citing Lauryn Hill as an unlikely musical influence.

"We grew up in a very diverse area, and I think it gave me a preview for everybody's music," he said. "It's a very diverse city, you hang out with a lot of different people, and you pick out different things."

Scrofano's mix of eclectic sound and raw vocal power has been a successful formula, earning him regular bookings nearby. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, he frequently played outdoor events at The Lorain Palace Theater and around the area. He credits the support of his wife, Ciara Scrofano, and a vibrant community of friends and family for his success.

"I'll tell her sometimes that I feel guilty about not being able to create new music and I just really need to get into the studio and work things out, and she'll be very supportive of that," Scrofano said of his wife. "She'll shut things down and sit in the room and tell me 'when you sing like that, when you end your note like that, it sounds weird, try not to do that' and she'll give me pointers on how to perfect the idea that I'm trying to get across."

The Scrofanos also collaborate on videography and photography, including weddings, promotional videos, YouTube videos, and personal projects. One recent project was a promotional video for Episcopal Church of the Redeemer. The Rev. "Father Alex" Barton, who Scrofano views as a friend and mentor, asked Scrofano to do the video.

"He's [Barton] just good for the community. He had me do a video for him and try to have me do better with what I do. It challenged me. It was about the garden and the church helping the community."

Father Alex is one of the many people in the community who Scrofano considers instrumental to his success. Another is friend Michael Kokinda, an unofficial manager of sorts, who Scrofano relies on for help with bookings and promotion.

"He books a lot of shows, emails a lot of people. He does a lot of ad running. He's getting more knowledgeable with the cameras, if I need an extra hand, and goes to almost every show," Scrofano said of Kokinda.

Scrofano also credits relationships he's built with other artists in Lorain for helping him grow personally and artistically.

Since high school, he's been friends with comedian David Morales, and they've collaborated on several shows.

"We've always been kind of working through ideas for jokes and short videos," Scrofano said, continuing about a similar relationship he has with a local photographer. "Jason Shaffer is another one who kind of keeps me grounded with that, shows me ideas and teaches me a lot of things. It's just good to have a bunch of friends, because everyone's so different and everyone brings something different to the table."

As for the future, Scrofano hopes to grow his act.

July 24, The Lorain Elks Lodge, 6 p.m.

July 31, Speak of the Devil, 7 p.m.

August 6, Quarry Hill Winery, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

September 3, Quarry Hill Winery, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

And find Anthony on Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, and

But as for the present, Scrofano is happy to do what he loves in his hometown.

"The way that the city has been evolving over the past few years is amazing. I thought I would have had to leave to do these things, but now there's all these businesses and events. It just makes it so much easier for artists to showcase themselves."

Facebook as Anthony Scrofano and Instagram as ascrofano.

Lorain Local Magazine | page 29

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Anthony's Upcoming Shows:

"I feel like I do want more [gigs] and I want bigger ones. I'd like to play at Rockin' on the River, but I think they only want bands. I really want to get better, I want to push myself, I want to learn more songs, I want to have a more complicated setup when I play."

Food

& More

Speaking of Cocktails...

by Madison Maniaci

After living in Lorain for thirty years, Kurt and Page Hernon decided to open their lively bar, Speak of the Devil, in December 2017. Located at 201 West Fifth Street in Lorain now sit the quaint neighborly hangouts, Speak of the Devil (SOTD) and AWOL. Kurt and Page were originally from Warren and Arcadia, Ohio, respectively, but decided to move to Lorain and pursue a more coastal lifestyle. After working as an air traffic controller, Kurt decided to pursue his passion for crafting historical cocktails, and Speak of the Devil was born.

"We knew we wanted to do a cocktail bar. We would visit other places near Cleveland that were similar to our vibe, and we would always see people from Lorain there."

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Instead of driving to Cleveland thirsty for a craft cocktail, Kurt and Page began their journey making an array of historical drinks, which have since become a major hit here in Lorain.

"We love this city and couldn't imagine opening a bar anywhere else, so we went for it."

Lorain Local Magazine | page 30 photos by Jen Navarro

When walking into the establishment, you are immediately met with friendly faces, as many locals and other guests enjoy drinking with the team throughout the week.

"Speak of the Devil is an extension of us in our living space," Kurt said. "Since we live upstairs, this really is our living room, and we wanted to create the same vibe for our guests."

When you step into the bar, the sweet smell of liquor and faint sounds of jazz immerse you. Local performers sometimes join in on the fun on busy nights, making the atmosphere even a bit more special. The intimate setting seats around thirty guests and makes for an exclusive and memorable night out.

SOTD is truly a getaway in downtown Lorain for those who want to transport back into the early 1900s with cocktails inspired by the prohibition period. These historical drinks form the bar's ambiance, which resembles a 1950's Vegas vibe with glasses clinking and people chatting throughout the evening.

"We didn't want to necessarily be a speakeasy; we wanted this to be a place you can picture your grandfather grabbing a drink at."

They initially hired an architect to design the space with them until they found the wooden bar top and cabinet that comfortably greets guests as they walk in. The dark wood mixes well with their dim lighting, making it seem like it was made for their space. They found the set on Craigslist and everything else organically came together after that.

AWOL is the extension of SOTD with an industrial take on its original aesthetic.

When Jenso Soto, owner of SMASH Food Truck, worked as their chef, AWOL was a separate entity from SOTD. During COVID-19, they remodeled the patio area to be a part of the main bar linking the two spaces together.

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"When Jenso worked with us, it was so busy we had to wrap our heads around how we would serve cocktails inside and outside.

During that time, they had to be made into two separate concepts."

Lorain Local Magazine | page 35

Food

& More

They have now made the separate spaces into one full-service area, and their original capacity has reduced from sixty seats to thirty.

"We reduced our capacity because we liked the more intimate setting which has also made it easier to serve and accommodate guests outside on the patio, as well."

This summer, they plan to continue their partnerships with places like Maggie's Farm Distillery in Pittsburgh for "Tiki Week" held in July.

In addition, they are planning events all summer long with local collaborations and live music.

SOTD recently launched a new tiki-inspired summer menu with delicious summer cocktails served with tequila, rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream. They offer a specialty drink every week alongside their current menu, which includes delectable snacks as well. These snacks include house-made marinated olives, mini pecan cheese balls, maple bourbon roasted nuts, and smokies from Fligner's Market. Each menu item has been well-received among customers who especially enjoy the freshness of the hand-picked vegetables they use in various drinks as a garnish or in hors-d'oeuvres.

Since its release two years ago, the Pain Killer cocktail has been their most popular menu item. The drink consists of pineapple juice, house-made coconut cream, orange juice, and Pusser's Royal Navy Rum. During the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, SOTD shut down longer than other businesses in Lorain. Fortunately, they were still able to pay their employees during the closure.

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Since the bar has a more intimate setting, Kurt and Page both felt it was unsafe to host guests. So instead, they created weekly drivethroughs with their beloved cocktails and mouth-watering pizza from SMASH. The bar reopened on August 21, 2020, and later shut back down in December of 2020 with the rise in COVID-19 cases that month.

During that closure, Jenso Soto pursued a business opportunity of his own.

Lorain Local Magazine | page 32

"Honestly, we didn't know what was going to happen, so we encouraged him to venture out and pursue that opportunity. And as it turns out, it was probably better for the both of us."

After most of the pandemic restrictions were lifted, the couple reopened the bar in March of 2021. Since then, the news has quickly spread through wordof-mouth and social media about their reopening.

When asked about their advertising practices, they claimed they never needed to invest in outside sources.

Food

& More

"Word-of-mouth is our best friend.

Just do things to the best of your ability and deliver quality products, and people will talk about it."

Page chimed in, "Guests have really taken ownership of this place because it is something they are proud of. There is a fierce loyalty when you deliver quality products and quite a few places are down here doing the same."

Page exclaimed, "It's nice to have a place where everyone can meet in the middle."

People have been coming from all over to see Lorain's recent makeover, and Kurt and Page said they love the recent revitalization in downtown Lorain. "It's been a long time coming, and we're proud to see these businesses that have survived during the pandemic."

The couple has devoted their time to volunteering and helping organizations and businesses since their move to Lorain. Before opening their bar, Page volunteered at a local elementary school and sat on The Palace Theater board with Kurt, who volunteered as an operations management board member. They were also members of the LoCo 'Yaks board, and they helped local fashion designer Jevon Terance launch his first pop-up shop.

They continue to support the Black River clean-up efforts and collaborate with the Lorain Historical Society and the new Ariel Broadway Hotel whenever they can.

Kurt and Page have also been involved with Main Street Lorain since its inception, and now that Max Schaefer is a part of the team, they are excited to see what's to come.

"It's great seeing all of the work being done every month with the clean-ups, block parties, and other events the board sponsors."

"During the pandemic, the board members have been able to work on some of the un-sexy stuff like the articles and bylaws that have been fixed up," Page said, "and now we're ready to shoot it out of a canon!"

"It's nice to be able to walk downtown to get a haircut, shop, eat lunch, walk on the pier, and grab dinner and a cocktail all in one amazing spot," said Page. "It's nice to see our son, Hiatt, grow up here, and now he has a reason to stay—it's nice to see all these young people look at Lorain as an option now."

When asked about advice for a small business owner looking to move into downtown Lorain, Kurt and Page both encouraged, "DO IT!"

They'd like to see more diverse businesses in the area, and they said, "Just don't be afraid to jump in. There are a lot of business owners like ourselves that are willing to help, and it's a good time to have a business in downtown Lorain right now."

During the summer months, their hours are Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 12 p.m.

Their patio will now be open on Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. for Bloody Marys and Mimosas.

In the fall, they will continue to host Sunday football watch parties on their patio for any Browns fan looking to enjoy handcrafted cocktails during the games.

If you are in need of great cocktails and an inviting atmosphere, visit Kurt and Page at Speak of the Devil. They'd be happy to have you!

Lorain Local Magazine | page 33

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It all comes down to their caliber and experience.

SOTD offers high-quality products to their customers who come from all over Lorain and nearby areas. Since the location is halfway between Cleveland and Sandusky, most of their customers come from neighboring cities to visit Kurt and Page.

N ew D ev eL o p m e n t

Earth, Oak, and a First in Lorain

Earth & Oak is a small retail storefront concept at 631 Broadway in downtown Lorain. Coffee, tea, spices, and other specialty handmade items are beginning to line the shelves of this newly renovated space, now where visitors from all over are starting to discover.

Owner Andrew Shaffer has a culinary background and years of experience working in fine dining, banquets, and recipe development. After growing up in Amherst and eventually moving to Lorain, the interactions with the community completely immersed him. The culture and atmosphere of the numerous eateries and local events in the area led to the idea of bringing a unique food concept to Lorain, a city already brimming with many exciting cuisines and new restaurants popping up all the time.

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Along with a wealth of knowledge from Lorain County Community College and Johnson & Wales University, Andrew understood the basic structures of business, and he knew Lorain was the right market for his idea. Having the foundation laid, he then stumbled upon what would become the perfect location: a storefront on Broadway!

Lorain Local Magazine | page 34 photos by Jason Shaffer

N ew De ve Lopment

Earth & Oak provides an opportunity to offer ingredients that contribute to the favorite flavors found in many nearby restaurants. Visitors can purchase highquality loose-leaf teas, single-origin coffees from various countries, and custom-blended specialty spices and herbs. So far, it has also offered a great chance to work with family members and close friends, supplementing the store with handmade sugar scrubs and oat-milk soaps, as well as custom woodworking gifts and other specialty items that are currently in the works.

Coupled with Andrew’s long-rooted love for hiking and the great outdoors, the store blends several unique colors and textures, from milled black locust wood shelving mounted on fabricated steel brackets to handcut sycamore wood countertops. These distinctive looks paired with the colors and décor complement the overall look of the historic building, also housing Jason Shaffer Photography.

This perfect pairing led to an integral partnership with Jason Shaffer, from the many ideas for the initial business concept to the beautiful graphic designs seen on all Earth & Oak products. The duo's shared love for cooking and exotic coffees has also contributed to many fun ideas and collaborations that will be displayed in several ways, involving fine art canvases seen in the storefront, a website showcasing the products and their uses, and social media posts and contests to engage with Earth & Oak's audience.

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Collectively, Earth & Oak's efforts and outreach will hopefully spread more awareness of the big things happening downtown and will continue to grow Lorain in a way that impacts every person who passes through.

Lorain Local Magazine | page 35

N ew D ev eL o p m e n t

As someone who has always been creative with food and interested in experimenting with flavors, Andrew thinks having a hand-picked line of spices, coffees, and teas is a dream come true.

So far, the most exciting part has been tasting and sampling the products and discovering what customers enjoy. Andrew plans to remain proactive in the growth of these product lines and teach people how to get the most use out of the products they purchase by creating recipes and helping to show the various ways to use each item.

Another exciting area of the business is partnering with local restaurants to place Earth & Oak products on various food and beverage menus. Union Town Provisions is officially the first in this category to sell Earth & Oak's coffee blends, and Union Town guests can now enjoy the different flavors in a latté, house coffee, or a cappuccino!

Andrew believes these types of partnerships are an important part of supporting each other as local downtown businesses.

Lorain has so much opportunity to grow, and it provides a welcoming atmosphere to those who visit downtown.

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Adding a unique new store to the mix is hopefully the first step in helping others venture outside of their comfort zones, sparking growth and bringing inspiration to other new shops and businesses on Broadway and throughout our entire city.

Lorain Local Magazine | page 36

Full Circle of Service

photos by Jen Navarro

by Kelly Boyer Sagert

In 1942, John and Joe Muzik decided to open up shop as Muzik Bros. on the northeast corner of West Erie Avenue and Broadway in downtown Lorain.

“It was a Gulf gas station,” explains John Muzik—third-generation owner and grandson of the original John—“and they also sold Schwinn bikes and Lionel trains. You could think of it as a five-and-dime store with a transportation theme.”

After they relocated the business to Ninth Street and Broadway, John’s son Richard took over, and the company began its focus on vehicle maintenance and repair. Richard moved the business a couple more times, setting up shop on 13th and Broadway—and then to Oberlin Avenue on the property where Taco Bell currently exists.

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When current owner John Muzik took over the business, it was moved to 704 West Erie Avenue, just two blocks from the original location, completing the circle and returning to home base: downtown Lorain.

“This will be our fifth location,” John says, “and we plan to stay here.”

Lorain Local Magazine | page 37

Business Spotlight

In fact, John is in talks with artist Mike Sekletar to decide what mural to paint on the back of his shop to further beautify the downtown area. The timing is perfect for two reasons: one, the resurgence of downtown Lorain and, two, the upcoming 80th anniversary of Muzik’s Auto Care next year.

When the business first moved to its current place, John remembers people asking where they could get a cup of coffee.

“I’d send them to McDonald’s on Oberlin Avenue,” he says. “Now there are so many restaurants where they can go on Broadway Avenue, which is great. I love watching the area explode, and I like to say that Lorain is the smallest big town you’ll ever know because people are all so connected and extremely loyal to local businesses.”

He applauds the efforts of Main Street Lorain —with the business being a proud member of the organization—and all of the time and energy that so many people are putting into making downtown Lorain an even better place to shop and otherwise do business.

Business Spotlight

Muzik’s Auto Care is known for being fair and honest with customers and having employees who really care about providing premier service.

“I’ve been with the business for fourteen years now,” John says, “and it’s become a true passion of mine.”

When asked how they navigated the toughest parts of the COVID-19 pandemic, John said that they closed for the month of April because nobody was driving anywhere, anyhow. After that, though, business was steady while they observed protocols to keep everyone safe.

“And now,” John predicts, “Lorain is about to really let loose. This is going to be a great summer.”

Services they offer include: Tires, brakes, batteries, water pumps, suspension work, oil changes, and tune-ups—services that keep vehicles running well.

You can contact Muzik's Auto Care at 440-960-2000.

Local Chef Shontae Jackson's Inspiring Culinary Journey

by Kelly Boyer Sagert

Chef Shontae Jackson dreamed of having her own business someday, and she put all of her time and energy into achieving her ambitions. But she sure didn't expect to accomplish three big goals, all in 2018! That year, she graduated from the culinary program at Lorain County Community College (LCCC), would have the opportunity to be promoted to sous chef at work, and bought her own food truck.

She opened her restaurant, Steel Magnolia, located at 65 E. College St. in Oberlin, on January 1, 2021. Right at her side are her mother, Sarah Jackson (who bakes at the restaurant); her daughter, Tanzania Hildreth (who serves as sous chef); and Jerry Herman.

In May 2021, after commencement events ended, they decided to close, revamp, and train, especially important since they just received their liquor license. They'll hold their grand reopening on August 29, 2021—the first opening ceremony—with a ribbon-cutting.

"I've always loved dealing with people," Shontae shares, "and knew that I'd end up in the cosmetology industry or the restaurant world. After all, people will always want to look good, and they'll always enjoy eating out."

Shontae first became inspired to learn to cook by watching her mother.

"Mom cooked for everybody," she says, "and, from her, I learned about the warmth and sense of

community that surrounds the sharing of food."

Then, while attending the Lorain County Joint Vocational School for the high school cosmetology program, her mom signed a work permit that allowed Shontae to work, as well.

"I worked at the Kendal at Oberlin retirement community as a server, and I

got to learn about different types of food. At home, we ate mostly southern

dishes, so this expanded my world."

After that, she worked at the Oberlin Inn as a busser. "When I got my first tip," Shontae shares, "I knew I wanted to stay in this industry."

Next up were experiences working at restaurants and a hotel in Cleveland. "This expanded my knowledge and palate even further," she says, "and I would volunteer to work with the chefs to get more hands-on learning."

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She then served as the nutritional services coordinator at Mercy Health in Lorain, a job she really enjoyed, before returning to Kendal to work as a specialty chef. Shontae also began attending the culinary program at LCCC under Chef Adam Schmidt. "The Norton Culinary Arts Center there is amazing. I got the best education and training, using state-of-the-art equipment."

Shontae also took advantage of the NEO LaunchNET program at LCCC that helps entrepreneurs. "I'd go to campuses through that program, pitching my business, and NEO LaunchNET told me about the food truck I ended up buying."

Lorain Local Magazine | page 40

photos courtesy of Shontae Jackson

At this point, Shontae had just graduated from LCCC and now needed to decide between her full-time chef job at Kendal and pursuing her own business. "I loved working with everyone at Kendal," she says, "but decided to pursue my dream of owning my own food business."

Originally, the business was going to be named Sarah's Taste of Soul after her mother. "But," Shontae says, "that might sound like we were only going to offer soul food. Instead, we provide food for the soul."

"So, for our business name, we used "Steel" as a tribute to Lorain and "Magnolia" to honor our southern roots."

Shontae and her family then took their food truck all over Northeast Ohio. Meanwhile, Shontae had her eye on the building on E. College Street. In fact, ever since she was a child, she'd think about how that building would make a perfect restaurant.

So she moved forward on obtaining the space while filling up her food truck's calendar with festivals, fairs, weddings, and more. Then, of course, COVID-19 hit, and most of those events were taken off her calendar.

These unexpected events didn't dampen her spirits, though, and she successfully moved forward on plans to operate both her restaurant and her food truck. One specialty of theirs is a Caribbean jerk chicken, while another is oxtail with curry and fresh ginger. They also offer Sarah's Tasting Menu, which consists of all southern dishes, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

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photo by Fred Lozano, Jr.

In September 2020, she had her food truck at the RoadsRails-n-Sales event at Lorain's Black River Landing, which was an open-air garage sale and car show benefitting Lorain's Caboose, with antiques, arts and crafts, and gorgeous vehicles from the 1930s until today.

Plus, she provided the Kendal team with employee appreciation meals during COVID and continues to bring her food truck there.

During this summer, she will be in Lorain every Saturday for The Oakwood Park Summer Concert Series and The Antonio Barrios Lorain's Big Voice competition that will last through the end of August.

When you stop by to see her, you can choose among three of her featured signature bowls. Each contains Spanish rice and black beans, and then you can decide to have jerk chicken, chipotle chicken, or garlic butter shrimp included.

Or you can order from her taco menu, each containing fresh, local ingredients from McConnell Meats & Farm Market and Tyler's Farm.

photo by Jen Navarro

Shontae wanted to be sure to add: "Steel Magnolia would not be possible without support from my family,

community, and friends. So, I say, thank you very much."

Thank you, Chef Shontae, for your incredible food!

Lorain Local Magazine | page 41

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photo by Fred Lozano, Jr.

Meet Main Street Lorain's New Executive Director Hello friends! Thanks to the kind folks at Lorain Local Magazine, I was given the opportunity to introduce myself to everyone. My name is Max Schaefer, and I am the new (and first) executive director of Main Street Lorain. We are a non-profit organization focused on working with the community toward the revitalization of downtown Lorain.

Our mission? To promote collaboration and celebration as a means of making downtown Lorain vibrant and accessible to residents and visitors of all ages.

photo by Jen Navarro

Before I get into the nuts and bolts of the position, I thought it might be beneficial for you all to get to know a little bit more about me:

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Now that some of the basics are out of the way, let's dive a little deeper. I absolutely love my city. I love the diversity within Lorain, I love living on Lake Erie, I love our rich cultural history, and I love the determination of our citizens. So having the opportunity to serve my community in this role with Main Street Lorain is a dream come true.

Executive Director Max Schaefer

Lorain Local Magazine | page 42

There is a lot to be excited about in downtown Lorain. New restaurants and shops are popping up around our downtown and waterfront, and I hope that Main Street Lorain continues to play a significant role in our community's growth.

I hope that Main Street Lorain can collaborate with our entire community to see that growth as equitably and inclusively as possible. Lorain has always been a community of diversity—our vision for downtown is no different.

photos courtesy of Main Street Lorain

In short: collaboration, collaboration, collaboration.

So, you see, I view my role as a convener—a community partner who is helping to lead revitalization efforts with numerous other community members, business owners, city officials, and dedicated volunteers.

Downtown Lorain has a deeply complicated history encompassed by triumph and tragedy. We are rebounding from the harsh economic reality that has faced numerous post-industrial cities just like ours. It will take time, but Broadway is well on its way to becoming the best version of itself. It will absolutely take time, but we are working with small businesses across our downtown to see a vibrant neighborhood teeming with new growth and opportunities.

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I will continue with all my heart to see this vision become a reality. I hope that Main Street Lorain will continuously collaborate with other organizations, businesses, and leaders within the community to move our downtown toward vibrancy and prosperity. We can accomplish that, but only if we are all working in the same direction.

I'm extremely excited for the transformation and investment in our downtown neighborhood; the key to success is working together.

Lorain Local Magazine | page 43

CITY OF LORAIN PUBLIC SERVICE PROGRAMMING PUBLIC SERVICE MEETING INFORMATION: The City of Lorain's Public Service Meeting opens to all nonprofit organization leaders and residents on Monday, July 26, 2021. The meeting will brief program eligibility and be an open forum for Q&A regarding Public Service Program Requirements.

MEETING LOCATION: Police Conference Room (First Floor, Left of Main Entrance) 200 W. Erie Ave 5:00 p.m.

APPLICATIONS: Applications will be released in-person at the meeting and online the day after the meeting at: https://www.cityoflorain.org/291/Programs-Services Applications are due by November 1, 2021, at 3:00 p.m.

WHAT IS A PUBLIC SERVICE? The City of Lorain's Public Service Programs are supported through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds.

Public Meetings for Public Service Programs are held once a year in July. We present to the community and community leaders to expand programming in the city to assist in-need city residents.

What types of projects are eligible?

Eligible Projects may include the following as outlined by HUD under CDBG regulations: Educational Employment Services Energy Conservation Childcare Services Senior Citizen Services Youth Services Homeless Persons Services Health Services Crime Prevention and Public Safety Substance Abuse Services Ineligible projects include:

CITY OF LORAIN POCKET PROGRAM The City of Lorain's Pocket Program consists of mini Community Development Block Grants to assist nonprofit organizations with less than $50,000 annual revenue or typically organizations that file a 990-EZ. Eligible programs fall within the details outlined in regular Public Service Programming.

Mini-grants are between $500 - $5,000 depending on the size and scale of the project that the organization outlined in their proposed Budget. l a c ol ni a r ol e h t @ | m o c .l a c ol ni a r ol

Reporting requirements are subject to CDBG but allow for the grant to be more manageable for smaller organizations in accordance with HUD.

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Political Activities Income Payments

Previously funded organizations: Legal Aid Society Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio Neighborhood Alliance Lorain County Urban League El Centro De Servicos Sociales, Inc. Get with the Program We Care We Share Ministries Church of the Open Door

City of Lorain priority needs: food pantries legal services homeless services and facilities youth services and programs senior services and programs improving public transportation and services mental health services employment services educational programs veteran services