CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) - A week of events are planned for downtown Cleveland to celebrate the city's first Downtown Days. Organizers said the event has something for everyone. "For young millennials, for our season professionals, for families, you name it. This is an opportunity for residents to get to know their neighbors and meet their neighbors and a chance for prospective residents of downtown to see and get a glimpse of what a day in downtown living is like, " said Heather Holmes, Downtown Cleveland Alliance Director of Marketing and Public Relations. More than 14, 000 people call downtown Cleveland home. As the community grows, event organizers hope to use Downtown Days to bring neighbors closer together. "Almost every stakeholder, institution, community partner has really come behind and really believed in this opportunity to build a community and engagement amongst the downtown residential population, " said Holmes. The week-long event features more than 30 events, including: Monday Sept. 12 Retail Sidewalk Parade, 12 - 1 p.m. Hotel Hop, 4 - 9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13 Warehouse District "Yappy" Hour, 5 - 7 p.m. Chalk Stop on Main Avenue, 6 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14 North Coast Rockin', 6 - 10 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15 Playhouse Square Wine Walk, 5 - 8 p.m. Taste Local Craft Beers & Seasonal Food, 5 - 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16 Oktoberfest, Friday through Sunday Retail Sidewalk Parade Part 2, 5 - 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17 SPARX City Hop, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18 Take a Hike Tour, 10 a.m. All of the events include giveaways and prizes, which leads up to Sunday's Cleveland Browns game. "One of the grand prizes is presented by JACK Casino. They're going to be raffling off two on the field seats for the Browns home opener Sunday, " said Holmes.

Cleveland ROCKS! Yes, it’s true. It rocks for kids, and it rocks for parents looking for super fun places to visit with the entire family! They have thought of everything! Fancy a day out at a zoo? Sure! How about Cleveland Metroparks Zoo? Maybe some culture with the Museum of Contemporary Arts? Classic family fun attractions? Of course! How about Bay Lanes for some ten pin bowling, then Memphis Kiddie Park for some mini golf? Love history? Love music? How about both at the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame!? Or journey on that underwater adventure with Greater Cleveland Aquarium? Want the cherry on this Cleveland cake? Free attractions! The Cleveland Museum of Art, Shaker Lakes Nature Center and the Federal Reserve Money Museum are just some of the attractions that are totally free! There are so many fun things to do in Cleveland, you have no excuses not to visit this incredibly fun, vibrant, and family friendly city!

The Dirty Little Secrets of Independent Education We Must Address I think I might be a living stereotype. From a distance, I am sort of a “classic” prep school educator: a white male raised in the Episcopalian tradition from suburban Philadelphia; a lover of history; an owner of Norton’s anthology; a high school hockey player, a lacrosse coach (former collegiate player) with a penchant for outdoorsy activities like hiking and paddling. As well, I am the owner of more than a few pastel ties and blue blazers, and consider myself a Dead Poets’ Society fan who can quote many lines verbatim. Feel free to mock me; I deserve it. That was who I was until I quit my job mid year in January…sort of a resume killer in the private schools realm. What do I know? For the past 16 years, I have been employed as a private school “educator, ” a general term I use now, in hindsight, because in the world of private school employment, one wears many, many, many hats. In those sixteen years, my job description included the following titles: history teacher, English teacher, humanities teacher, coach, mentor, administrator, counselor, trip leader, tutor, department chair, team leader, curriculum specialist, Center for Excellence Director, advisor, sponsor, and best practices coordinator, among other titles. On a humorous note, amongst my colleagues we often darkly refer to suffering from the “curse of competence” (that is, a private school faculty member is rewarded with a ridiculous amount of responsibility if they are seen as relatively capable and somewhat emotionally stable, usually free of the burden of additional compensation.) Furthermore, despite the fact that I attended suburban public schools myself, our family has become a private school family. My three children have been lucky enough to attend the same private day school since they were in kindergarten (as scholarship students, of course, which is an incredible perk we private school educators often enjoy.) In fact, collectively speaking, my children have been the beneficiaries of a grand total of 28 years of private education to date, which we received at a fraction of the cost. For this, I will always be incredibly grateful. Last, my wife is a private school graduate and has taught biology, health, and human development in a number of independent day schools in our hometown of Cleveland, Ohio over the last 25 years. Though I would never consider myself an expert on anything, I feel I know independent education quite well and from a number of different perspectives. Even more, my world view on private ed has been enriched even more profoundly by fellow colleagues I have come to know through my membership in the National Association of Independent Schools (where I have had the opportunity to hear the stories, triumphs, and frustrations of many other private school educators at the yearly NAIS National Conference) But, as my article title suggests, I am sad to report that I am forcing myself to take a “radical sabbatical” from private ed. Why? Am I just a bitter, burnt educator with an axe to grind? I wish it were that simple. I feel independent education is heading down the wrong path in a number of areas, turns that could have tragic effects on private school culture and our potential to impact our society, especially considering we do so much right. So, here is a list of what has been waking me up at 3am for the last ten years or so: #1 A Culture of Self-Congratulation: Why Fix What Isn't Broken? #2 Bricks and Endowments vs. People #3 The College Placement Obsession (or Where Innovation Goes to Die) #4 Teacher Autonomy Before Best Practices #5 Admissions Catalogue Diversity: Swim at Your Own Risk #6 Private School Parents: The Good, The Bad, and the Megalomaniacal #7 The Corporatization of Schools: Hierarchies and the Rise of the Edu-CEO #8 Just One More Brick to the Load: Unrealistic Expectations for Teachers #9 The Myth of Individualized Learning and Support Services #10 The Entitled Society: Are We Part of the Problem or the Solution? Stay tuned. The essays that accompany each of these concerns will be published in the coming weeks. Comments are welcomed and expected. Looking for more of the latest headlines on LinkedIn? Discover more stories

Join us Saturday, March 19th to usher in the opening weekend of March Madness with a 5K run & awesome NCAA watch party. This year’s event is supporting River’s Edge Women’s Outreach Center & hosted by West Park Station, the best spot in Cleveland to watch the games. Stay for the post party to enjoy brunch & basketball! 8:15 – 9:45 am Race-Day Registration @ West Park Station 10:00 am 5K & 1 Mile Walk Start Registration: Make checks payable to Peace Racing, LLC. Mail registration and payment to: Peace Racing PO Box 771298 Lakewood, Ohio 44107 Registration & sign up available at in Rocky River: 19341 detroit ave mon-thurs 10a-9p rocky river, ohio 44116 fri-sat 10a-6p 440.895.1311 sun 12p-4p Registration Fee: Pre-registration $20.00 by March 4th $22.00 March 5th – March 17th After March 17/Race Day Registration: $27.00 Pre-race Packet Pick up: Friday March 18 from 6:00 – 7:30 pm West Park Station – 17015 Lorain Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44111 Awards: Top overall (male & female) and top three in each age group (male & female) Age Divisions: 5K: 14 & Under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-55, 55-59, 60 +

David M. Schweppe David Schweppe is a Shelby, North Carolina native. He attended Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia where he earned athletic honors as a varsity tennis player. David obtained is law degree at Campbell University School of Law. During law school, David interned with a leading criminal defense attorney in Raleigh, North Carolina. After graduation, David broadened his legal experience by joining a large Raleigh firm where he concentrated on commercial litigation. In 1999, David returned to Shelby and joined The Schweppe Law Firm, P.A where he expanded the practice to include criminal defense, personal injury, and business litigation. During his career, David has made court appearances in 60 of North Carolina’s 100 counties. David is married, has 3 children, and enjoys golf, tennis, snow skiing and water sports. Areas of Practice Commercial Litigation Personal Injury Criminal Defense Collections Child Custody Bar Admissions North Carolina, 1997 U.S. District Court Western District of North Carolina, 1998 Washington & Lee University

Cleveland is a relatively inexpensive and extremely enjoyable city to visit, packed with plenty of culture, entertainment, sports and one of the coolest party strips in the Midwest United States. Once you land at Cleveland Hopkins Airport, (CLE) head to the Budget Car Rental counter for the best in quality airport rental cars. We have a full selection of Cleveland airport car rentals to choose from, whether you’re interested in an SUV, luxury sedan, compact car or hybrid model. Select a high-occupancy car or truck if you’re traveling with guests, a coupe if you’re visiting alone or as a couple, or a convertible if you really want to let your hair down in the summer. Whatever your needs, we have the right CLE car rental for your trip. Find music, art and memorabilia dating from the blues era to the present at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a must-see destination for pop music enthusiasts. If you’re with the kids, make your way to the University Circle neighborhood’s Children’s Museum of Cleveland, an exciting and interactive environment where kids and grown-ups alike can learn, play and have fun together. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is only 4 miles south of downtown off of Fulton Avenue. It boasts a captivating collection of animals from across the globe. While you’re there, embark on the Australian Adventure, or explore two acres of enclosed rainforest that’s home to wildlife found in the tropical jungle. The afore-mentioned “coolest party strip in the Midwest” is the Warehouse District, a gentrified street with cafés, live music and summer patios up and down the street.

Car Care Car Wash Curbside Exterior Fence Free Coffee Free Newspaper Handicap Open 24 Hours Security Cameras Self Park Valet Arrival Info: Please check-in with hotel prior to parking. The Howard Johnson Cleveland will take a photocopy of the customer's credit card upon check-in. If your parking stay exceeds the length of time indicated on your AirportParkingReservations.com Reservation Receipt, the Howard Johnson Clevelan will charge your card for the additional amount for your stay. For questions/concerns about this procedure, please contact the Howard Johnson Cleveland directly. Airport Transportation The shuttle runs on demand from 4:30 AM - 11:30 PM, please make an appointment ahead of time and arrive 10 minutes before schedule. Call the hotel for any issues. Operation Hours Hotel Hours: 24/7 Airport Shuttle Hours: 4:30 AM - 11:30 PM Additional Information The Howard Johnson Inn Cleveland Airport offers a complimentary shuttle service for travelers looking for off-airport parking near CLE airport! Parking reservations made on this web site guarantee your parking space. Please note:

Getting to E. 4th Street is easy. Whether you are walking to the game, visiting from the suburbs, or coming to town for the first time, here’s how to get around. We are located east of public square, between Euclid Avenue and Prospect Avenue. WALKING East 4th Street is just east of Public Square and spans between Euclid Avenue and Prospect Avenue. You can easily walk to East 4th from any of the Gateway District sports venues, Cleveland’s Public Square, the Convention Center, the Warehouse District, and the Flats. FROM THE EAST VIA RT. 2 (THE SHOREWAY) Get off at East 9th Street and head south into Downtown. Turn right onto Prospect Avenue and we are a quarter mile down the road. FROM THE EAST VIA I 90 Exit at Prospect Avenue. Head west about a mile. FROM THE SOUTH VIA I 77 AND I 71 FROM THE WEST VIA I 90 Prospect Avenue. Head west about a mile. PARKING Parking at East 4th is easy. We have one of the largest valet centers in Northeast Ohio. Enter our valet zone off of E. 4th Street and look for the valet booth between Flannery’s and Lola. Leave the parking to us. And, East 4th Street restaurant visitors can validate their parking to a reduced rate. Just bring your receipt to the valet stand when you pick up your vehicle.

This lively eating and drinking establishment offers a lively atmosphere that includes live music, whiffle ball, unique artwork and many more fun things to do. They're open until 2am every night except Sunday, and they offer breakfast on weekends. Wilbert's Food & Music is home to live musical acts and a large selection of pub fare. This popular nightclub offers live music Tuesday through Saturday, some nights without cover. The menu offers selections such as seared ahi tuna, pork chops and salads. ParkView Niteclub is a popular live music venue that offers musical acts, usually on the weekend. The club also hosts a blues jam every Wednesday night. A variety of menu items are also available, including seafood, steak and chicken entrees. The Barking Spider Tavern features live music every night of the week, as well as an impressive selection of beer on tap. Renowned folk, rock, reggae, gospel, blues and jazz music are often featured. The Cleveland Bop Stop is known for its renowned jazz acts, including both regional and nationally-acclaimed performers. The venue hosts a variety of shows throughout the year. The Blind Pig Speakeasy is located in Cleveland's Warehouse District and offers a casual atmosphere and live music on the weekends. The restaurant has a no hamburgers, no fries rule, and instead serves upscale items such as quesadillas, unique sandwiches and stone-baked pizzas. Major's Club Isabella is located in University Circle and offers live jazz music weekly. The restaurant features a number of menu items including sandwiches, Italian dishes and seafood entrees. Enjoy a fully-stocked bar, complimentary bar munchies and a heated smoking patio at this lively pub. Live music, comedy shows and a lighted dance floor make it a fun desination for a night out. Chester's is described as a Jazz, Motown, Blue and Supper Club. In addition to live music, they offer an extensive menu including chicken, steak, pasta and more. The Winchester is a successful live music venue in Cleveland located on Madison Avenue. Music and dance band from around the country and locally gown play at this venue.

Cleveland Rocks! There are so many family-friendly events and attractions in Cleveland, a family could spend days enjoying an educational and fun-filled trip. Cleveland is the home to the movie, “A Christmas Story, ” and you can take tours of the house in which the movie was filmed – and you won’t shoot your eye out! Here my top 10 things to do with kids in Cleveland… 1. If you are traveling with kids about ten and older, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is not to be missed. When our children were younger we would just take them to visit a few of the exhibits near the ticketing area. So if you are in the area and don’t have time, at least stop in to see the Beatles car and the cool guitars. But if you do have time, purchase an admission for the entire tour. You will love seeing the costumes performers wore for shows, this list of inductees into the hall of fame and the many musical artifacts that rotate in and out of the museum. 2. Within walking distance of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is the Great Lakes Science Center. (If you are a member of your local science museum, you may be eligible for a reciprocal discount or even free admission.) The science center has an amazing interactive section where you can literally lose your children for hours. There is also a fun playground for younger kids on the same floor. Be sure to bring a pair of socks for toddlers and youngsters enjoying this area. Afterward you might enjoy a walk around the piers and the view of the lake. Cruises around Lake Erie are also offered during peak season. 3. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is a great place, particularly if you are a lover of elephants. The zoo’s exhibit, African Elephant Crossing, includes a five acre natural habitat for the elephants. New this year is “animal hot spots.” These little exhibits are hosted by animal keepers and allow the kids to learn more about the animals and get a bit closer to them too. Before you leave, be sure to take a ride on the carousel. This zoo often offers reciprocal benefits. If you are a zoo member in your home city there is a good chance you can score a discount to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. If the weather is harsh (and sometimes it is) you can always visit the aquarium. It is a great place to discover, see and learn more about aquatic life. 4. Cleveland’s Museum of Art has a nice collection of contemporary, Egyptian and impressionist art. Our son is a huge art fanatic and I love impressionist art so we can’t get enough of the museum. The best part is they offer free general admission. 5. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is another museum that offers reciprocal benefits. So if you are a member of a history or science museum at home, there is a good chance you can gain free entrance to the museum. Our kids really love the nature exhibit that places replicas of animals in their natural environment. In the basement you will find an interactive area for kids to explore and craft with museum staff. Admission also includes a visit to the on-site Planetarium. 6. Lake Farmpark is about twenty minutes south of Cleveland in Kirtland, Ohio. It is definitely worth the drive. Kids have the opportunity to explore life on a real farm. It is a highly interactive working farm that is quite hands on. They have a dairy parlor, wagon rides and as much exposure to farm animals you can possibly have. It is the perfection combination of agriculture, science and fun in a country setting. Admission is affordably priced and they offer an AAA discount. 7. Cleveland is home to the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers and the Cleveland Indians. If you have sports enthusiasts, you can find a game most any time of the year. We have enjoyed a few Indian’s games in the Summer. 8. The Botanical Garden and Children’s Garden is a perfect spot to relax and take in the beauty of nature. Our kids enjoy the treehouse, watching and sometimes touching the butterflies, visiting the Eleanor Armstrong Smith Glasshouse and of course the lily pond. In the summer the kids splash around the fountain. They offer discount admissions on some holidays as well. It is always free for active military and military veterans. 9. We love Cleveland’s Little Italy for romantic adult time and kid time, too. The restaurant selection is plentiful and ranges from inexpensive mom and pop to fine dining for mom and dad. You can find some of the best “old school” Italian cuisine in the city within this lovely village. You absolutely cannot visit Little Italy without stopping by Presti’s Bakery for sinful Italian desserts and cookies and a decadent cup of coffee. Make sure you purchase some extra for the trip home! 10. If you’re a foodie, or a fan of the Food Network, you can’t miss Barberton, Ohio. Just about a half hour away from Cleveland, you will find the national capital of chicken. Barberton is home to one of the Food Network challenges, Food Feuds. Two restaurants, Belgrade’s and White House competed in the challenge for best “fried” chicken in Barberton. Serbian style chicken is moist, delicious and must be accompanied by coleslaw with a vinegar base and “hot sauce.” (Hot sauce is really just a tomato-based, mildly spicy rice complimenting the flavorful chicken.) Take a trip to Barberton and you too can be the judge of the best chicken in the nation. Spoiler alert – our favorite restaurant, Belgrade’s, won the challenge! Cleveland is a fabulous, diverse city with tremendous culture and personality. It is a perfect city for families. I’d love to read your thoughts about the many other great, family-friendly events and dining in Cleveland!