John Skrtic
@SkrticX
Cleveland Public Library. Chief of Special Projects and Collections. 216. Views are my own.
Excited to announce a new partnership with @ClevelandMag Each month the Magazine will highlight a few of the wonderful people of the city that have been kind enough to share their stories with me.
For 30 years, @SkrticX has been with @Cleveland_PL , where he serves as the chief of special projects and collections. In his free time, he archives the people and places of Cleveland. See this month's collections of Skritc's Pics here: clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/art…
Stopped by Pizza di Bella at the West Side Market and spoke with staffer Lauren Eberly. The stand’s been serving up pizza bagels, stromboli, and more for 2 years. Owned by Christina McRae, it’s an offshoot of Mangia Bella Italian Goods in Fairview Park.
Great to see the wonderful Bonnie Flinner at her Tremont yard sale! Bonnie, who owned Prosperity Social Club (2005–2021) in Tremont, still radiates Cleveland pride. Her partner Clint Holley—studio owner & country music historian—gifted me a box of Cleveland polka records.
53 years ago today ON THIS DAY in hockey history (July 26, 1972): The Cleveland Crusaders of the WHA sign Gerry "Cheesie" Cheevers to a 7-year, $1.4 million deal
Met Don Hughes outside Fulton Tower in Ohio City. He’s been with @DowntownCLE’s Block by Block program for 14 years, 13.5 of those in Ohio City. A friendly face doing vital work: cleaning and welcoming. Always great seeing him out.
Stopped by The Rowley Inn, one of Cleveland’s oldest spots, open since 1906, for brunch in Tremont. Chatted with Joe Buildt, a proud Old Brooklyn resident and former Velvet Dog staffer. He’s got a WMMS tattoo honoring his great aunt Betty Korvan, a true Cleveland radio legend.
Tom Hamilton has been behind the mic for @CleGuardians for 35 years. Now the @baseballhall has called Tom. He’s set to receive the prestigious Ford C. Frick Award.🎙️⚾️ Tom reflected on his career with me on @fox8news & told me why baseball will always come second… #Guardsball
Great meeting Rasheed Melville & Mecca Muhammad at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Rasheed, originally from Jamaica, has called Cleveland home for 10 years. He was showing Mecca around while she visited—perfect spot to impress. Thanks for the conversation and picture.
Stopped by Raddell's Sausage Shop on E. 152nd, Cleveland staple since 1927, now run by the 4th generation. Pictured: Timothy Perusek, Chris & Tim Raddell. Asked the best seller (even though I knew): the classic Slovenian kielbasa sandwich still reigns. Had to grab one!
Live reports from Cooperstown, NY at the @baseballhall with the radio voice of the @CleGuardians Tom Hamilton… coming up on @fox8news at 4pm-6pm & 10pm! #GuardsBall
Met Tina Yamin at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on July 6. Born in Cleveland, now in Parma Heights, she’s in her 3rd season and loves her job—especially caring for giraffes like Tuli and Rocket, the zoo’s only male. Grateful for her stories and passion for wildlife.
Stopped by 78th Street Studios and met Courtney Phillips of Harkin Studio. She crafts stunning small-batch leather goods with care for sustainability, and design. A true Cleveland talent making world-class work in Gordon Square. Check out her work: harkinstudio.com
#RIPHulkHogan Nov 26, 1987: the First WWF Survivor Series was held in Richfield, Coliseum. Main event featured the Hulk Hogan Team vs. the Andre the Giant Team.
Great to see Alex Nosse, owner of Ohio City’s Joy Machines Bike Shop, gathering with riders on a sunny June Sunday. The group was gearing up for a 20-mile ride to Forest Hill Park—linking East Cleveland & CLE Heights. Smiles all around before taking on the heat and the hills.
Great seeing Brie Jones once again at her beautiful new floral shop, Evangeline & Co., which opened March 1 at 3228 Lorain Ave. Named for her late grandmother, it’s a space where flowers tell stories & capture life’s special moments. evangelineandco.squarespace.com
#Browns unveil their new alternate “Brown” helmet to match their alternate little worn brown jersey. 🟤 Thoughts? 📸 via @Browns @fox8news
Met Dawn Wayt, VP of Marketing & Sales at the Rock Hall. She gave me a sneak peek of the new SNL exhibit—50+ years of iconic performances. If you haven’t been to the Museum in a while, this is the one to catch.
Caught up with legendary Cleveland storyteller David C. Barnett—better known as DCB. We took this photo in the Eastman Reading Garden at @Cleveland_PL, where he once worked as a young man. After 27 years at @Ideastream, his voice still echoes through the city.
#RIPOZZY
Ozzy Osbourne and Quiet Riot @CLE_Auditorium May 11, 1981.
Meet your neighbors and the faces behind some of Cleveland's favorite haunts through the curious camera lens of @SkrticX, a lifelong Clevelander and the Cleveland Public Library's chief of special projects and collections: clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/peo…