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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 8h

I stop at Erie Tavern at E.53rd and St. Clair every now and then to see owner Joe Fears and Smokey, the tavern cat. Joe usually wants no part of my camera. During the Browns home opener, the 86-year-old Army veteran finally said yes. I have plenty of Smokey. Now I have Joe too.

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Great meeting the Right Field Famous crew at Progressive Field in September: Anthony Abounader, Michael “O’B” O’Brien, Craig Smialek and Gonzalo “Gonzo” Garcia-Pedroso. Thanks for the shirt and welcome! Here’s to carrying summer’s fun into October. Go Guards!

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

October baseball is back in Cleveland! I caught up with Les “The Beer Guy” Flake in Sept. at the ballpark. He’s served Cleveland fans for 52 years. Thanks, Les for always letting me take your photo. Sharing this one for good luck as the Guards open up the series today. Go Guards!

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Shore Restaurant back after Summer Break 🫡🙌😊 - October 2, 2026. #Lakewood

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Great running into Mr. Downtown Michael Collier at the Fix-It bike repair station on East 9th while walking to work. We talked bikes and adding more repair stations downtown. Thanks, Michael, for your care, enthusiasm and work to make downtown Cleveland a better place.

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Great to sit with Bill Merriman and his son, David, at Ohio City’s Harvest Moon Potluck. Bill is a retired letter carrier and deacon. David leads Cuyahoga County’s Health and Human Services department. A father and son serving our neighbors with grace and respect.

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Met Browns superfan Constance Matia before tonight’s game. Born in Brook Park and now living in Kentucky, she recently retired and plans to make at least five Browns games this year. Loved her homemade sign showing some love to the Browns’ rookie core. Go Browns!

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Met Lenny Schafer & Tony Cardinal as they were getting ready to pregame before the game. The two work together, but tonight they find themselves on opposite sides. Even as rivals, they took a moment to pose for a photo on Superior Avenue in front of Cleveland’s historic Arcade.

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Great seeing Browns superfan Paul Brown with his excellent Cleveland hosts, Sean Martin and Molly Geib, at the Edgewater Cafe on Detroit Avenue. From neighborhood pubs to bike rides and chicken wings, Paul made the rounds. See you on your next Cleveland visit, Paul.

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Great to photograph Domingo Alberto at Cleveland’s Oddball Festival. A musician, sound man and DJ known as BiG ToRSo, he makes entertaining videos about Cleveland’s niche subjects. I love his unique perspective and never know what he’ll take on next.

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Great talking with Franck Kambale at the Re:Source Cleveland benefit at Ohio City Farm. Originally from the Congo, he lives in Glenville and works at Amazon. He came to support his wife, Francoise Chibalonza, who works in the farm store and kitchen.

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Met the most amazing local, Tony Sigmund recently. He ran 27 marathons in 27 days and set a record at the 2022 Cleveland Marathon after two hip replacements. Now he is registered for the 240-mile Moab race. He told me he’s too stubborn to quit. Consider donating to his epic quest

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

At CPL’s Eastman Reading Garden, I met Dro Sohrabian, Niko Johnson-Fuller, Sarah Davis and Dave Bass over lunch. They had stepped away from work but were still talking shop about Cleveland’s streets. I liked that. Thanks to all four for the work they do for our city.

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

At the 55th Harvest Moon Potluck in Ohio City, Paula Kampf introduced me to David and Alyssa Holzkloos. They met at this same Church Avenue gathering in 2018, married in 2023, and returned this year with their little one, Burr. Wishing them many more Harvest Moons adventures.

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Stopped by Carney’s Top of the Flats and met bartender Marissa Folan and Louie, her five-year-old bulldog. Louie strutted around like he owned the bar. I’ve watched many games here. If you want to follow the Guardians Playoffs run with dyed-in-the-wool Cleveland fans, this is the spot.

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Sunday is Sachsenheim Hall’s final day after 116 years. On my last visit, I met Shirley Walker, who first came at 14 and now leads the Gemütlichkeit Cleveländer Musikanten. Her life and music are tied to this hall. Thank you to the staff for generations of Cleveland memories

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Sachsenheim Hall was packed when I stopped for a few last beers. In the kitchen, Tom Hospodar, Nestor Ruiz, Marian Hann, and Julianna Lozada kept the food coming. Thanks to them and every worker who made all those Taco Tuesdays with friends possible. Prost!

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Reiner Mueller learned the flugelhorn at Sachsenheim Hall in the early 1970s. More than 50 years later, I met him there during its final week, playing with the Gemütlichkeit Cleveländer Musikanten. Thanks for the music, laughter, and photograph, Reiner.

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Ran into great Nick Kostis on e4thst. He told me what’s coming up at his club Hilarities next, then wanted to know how things were at the Library. That’s Nick: sharp, kind, and still at work in his 80s. Cleveland is lucky to have him. Go see a show and support this special spot.

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

On a beautiful September day, I ran into West Side Market staffers Camille Rose Dickson, Patrick Evans and Rosemary Mudry coming out of Larder after lunch. Thanks to this fine group for helping the Market grow and change, and for letting me take their photo.

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

I first met Jenna Haas at Artis in Lakewood, where she works. It was great seeing her again at Main Library. Her Baby Face shirt led to a long talk about Barbara Stanwyck, pre-Code films and favorite directors. Jenna is a true cinephile. Thanks for the photo.

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Ran into Alex Morales, Thomas Natal and Strange Cycle owner Alex Rindskopf near Judd’s City Tavern on Madison. Rain interrupted their first ride after recent work on the motorcycles. It was great talking bikes, learning about Strange Cycle and catching up with Alex again.

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Met GCRTA bus operator Shelia Gales at Detroit and W. 25th on a September morning. She joined RTA after meeting staff at a job fair. Her brother worked there, her father retired from there, and Shelia has driven Clevelanders for four years. Thanks for the conversation and photo.

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Loved spending time with Melody Chu after she heard me speak at CWRU. From Cleveland’s West Park to Princeton, Harvard Law, Beijing and Hong Kong, then home to become an author, Melody has quite a story. Read my Skrtic’s Pics column: clevelandmagazine.com/articles/skr...

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Stopped at Terrapin Bakery in Tremont, where my huge breakfast sandwich was somehow outordered by the beautiful burritos ordered by Evelynn Paetsch and Garrett Schaefer. They let me take a photo before digging in. I know what I’m ordering next! www.terrapinbakery.com

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Stamy Paul founded Graffiti HeArt in 2013 and has spent more than a decade bringing public art to Cleveland. Her latest project: Eduardo Kobra’s massive downtown mural. I loved photographing Stamy beside the wall she worked four years to make happen. clevelandmagazine.com/articles/skr...

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Met Bill Coleman while he was working on an IKE Smart City kiosk at Detroit Avenue and West 28th Street. The Detroit native and Lorain resident works for Orange Barrel Media and once played drums with Jump the Gun. Thanks to Bill for sharing his story.

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Mic Fox built a one-chair barbershop inside a greenhouse behind a house on Mars Avenue in Lakewood. It may be the tiniest and coolest barbershop in Ohio. Loved meeting this barber, musician, author and artist. More in Skrtic’s Pics: clevelandmagazine.com/articles/skr...

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

David Kowalski is from Fairport Harbor and has called Cleveland home for 20 years, working at Fat Cats, Lava Lounge, Le Petit Triangle, Il Rione, SOHO and Jukebox, where we met. I usually see him at Rising Star, but caught him at Six Shooter in Collinwood for this photo.

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

From County Mayo to Cleveland, Gerry Quinn has spent more than 60 years building a life and an Irish community here. I visited the 84-year-old at his Euclid home for lunch, Irish tea and stories. Read more in my latest Skrtic’s Pics: clevelandmagazine.com/articles/skr...

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Great meeting Christopher Harris Jr. at Black Frog Brewery in Midtown. Born in Honolulu, he moved to CLE in 2024 and now brews alongside his father at Cleveland’s first Black-owned brewery. A friendly new Clevelander building on a family story. Read more: clevelandmagazine.com/articles/skr...

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Great catching up with Matt Fish at Proof Public House, his new spot at 4116 Lorain Ave. We talked food, Cleveland punk, Speak in Tongues and his long journey from Melt to Proof. Read more in my latest Skrtic’s Pics: clevelandmagazine.com/articles/skr...

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Great talking with Cleveland saxophonist J.T. Lynch, East Tech graduate and co-founder of Horns and Things. We talked Cleveland jazz, his late jazz friend the amazing Kamal Abdul-Alim, Dexter Gordon and decades of music and memories. Read more: clevelandmagazine.com/articles/skr...

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Loved photographing Jenika May Gonzales in Ohio City and hearing how she built a life in Cleveland after coming here from the Philippines at 14. Designer, community builder and someone who makes room for others. Read my latest Skrtic’s Pics: clevelandmagazine.com/articles/skr...

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Great meeting Tyler Belinson at Davis Bakery in Woodmere. A Cleveland Heights native now living in Shaker Heights, Tyler has worked there since 2009. He cleans, helps with deliveries and does whatever needs doing. People like Tyler help keep Davis going.

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Great seeing Don Billie at the Statler to discuss his book, Cleveland Mafia Summit: Seized at the Statler, which uncovers the story behind a famous 1928 CLE crime photo. Hear Don Sat, Sept. 19, at 1 p.m. at Rockport Branch of the Cleveland Public Library. Order here: clevelandmafiasummit.com

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

It was a beautiful night for Cleveland baseball and a chance to photograph longtime vendor Charlie Sanders. A Chagrin Falls native, Charlie has worked games here since 1994. He has seen it all, including Rocchio’s game-winning double last night. Hope to see you in October!

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Great meeting Matt Coughlin at Muldoon’s on East 185th. Originally from Akron, Matt has lived in Cleveland for 25 years and now calls North Collinwood home. He has worked at Muldoon’s for 11 years and is also the longtime drummer for The Fifth Wheel. Thanks, Matt.

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Great meeting Liz Painter and Keri Palma of Ohio City Incorporated during an event on W. 29th Street. Liz leads commercial development and business services, while Keri leads youth and family engagement. Thanks for the conversation and photo.

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

It was great meeting Doug A. Blecher for coffee in the Cleveland Arcade. Doug founded Autism Personal Coach and the Neurodiverse Culture Festival. This year’s free, all-ages event is Oct. 17 at Bellavie in Mayfield. Everyone is invited: www.ndculturefest.com

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Joe Schorgl is originally from Shaker Heights. After moving to Chicago, he returned home in 2020. The guitarist and singer for The Sueves also founded Magicatalog, bringing together vinyl records, comics and screen-printed art: www.magicatalog.com

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Great meeting Connor Dickey, an Ashtabula native who found his way to Cleveland after meeting his future wife at Columbus’s Rumba Café. After running 6WINE4, he became Ohio City Inc.’s marketing director. I caught him in Ohio City during a summer festival www.ohiocity.org/about-oci/

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Great meeting Julius Tate, president of WRMG Companies, in downtown Cleveland. He showed me his clever and patented paint-tray attachment, designed to hold wet brushes and rollers while catching drips. Love the Cleveland ingenuity. wrmgco.com

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Stopped by Larder Supply Co., 1432 W. 29th St., to see Jeremy Umansky and the new shop he built with wife and business partner, Allie. Jeremy’s curiosity is endless. He lifts up Cleveland chefs, welcomes young cooks and is always sending me toward my next food adventure.

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

On a rainy Friday in downtown Cleveland, I met Katie Moinuddin, owner of Pet Zeppelin, and Jazzy, a gentle German Shepherd who did not mind posing in the rain. Katie offers dog-walking adventures and pet care on the West Side. Follow her at @petzeppelin on Instagram.

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Great seeing Kevin Sanchez and Chaz Koenigsmark behind the bar at SoHo Chicken + Whiskey on Lorain Avenue. Their work paths have crossed at El Carnicero and other local restaurants. Two hardworking Clevelanders who help make the city’s restaurant community special.

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skrticx.bsky.social @skrticx.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Met Cleveland-born and Doylestown, Ohio resident Ben King at Camden Yards in Baltimore as he bid on Kenny Lofton, Bob Feller 7 Sandy Alomar memorabilia. “I don’t like to lose,” he told me. He didn’t. Ben won every Cleveland item he wanted at the auction. Thanks for the photo, Ben.

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