Our future is inescapably tied to the past, and this week’s three Fresh Picks show just how important remembering that really is. A forum on the future of our Sixth City explains how important immigrants have been (and continue to be) to Northeast Ohio. A dark comedy reveals how important our ties to others are. And a film festival reveals to all of its viewers just how important it is to remember that we are all citizens of the world. If it's not an epiphany, at least it's another Fresh Start to your week in Cleveland:

Cleveland’s Immigrant Entrepreneurs 

Cleveland’s robust immigrant population had a lot to do with its success as the Sixth City well into the early 20th century. Can the city’s latest generation of immigrant entrepreneurs restore economic success and commerce here? If so, what will that triumph look like? Lev Gonick, the VP for information technology services and chief information officer at Case Western Reserve University moderates a panel discussion about it Wednesday, January 27 at 7PM. Panelists include Forest City Enterprises board co-chair Albert B. Ratner, AlphaMirror CEO Yehuda Borenstein, and 5iTech Founder/President Leon Polott. The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage hosts.

Anna Bella Eema by Lisa D'Amour 

Written by the Obie Award–winning playwright, this intriguingly dark comedy is a co-production between Cleveland Public Theatre and contemporary theatre troupe, Theater Ninjas. Staging at CPT’s Storefront Studio, Anna Bella Eema is set in a trailer park on the edge of oblivion and spins an eerie tale of a woman, her daughter and a strange girl made of wet earth [Pictured: (L to R) Cassie Neumann, Faye Hargate and Beth Wood in Anna Bella Eema at CPT; Photo by Steve Wagner]. When the trailer park is scheduled for demolition (making way for a highway), something supernatural happens. Think campfire ghost story meets social commentary in one act. Theater Ninjas Artistic Director Jeremy Paul directs the production, which debuts Thursday, January 28 at 7:30PM and runs until mid-February.

The Standing Rock Film Festival 

For the past seven years, Standing Rock Cultural Arts in Kent has hosted an incredible, indie short film festival, allowing filmmakers and videographers from all over the world to showcase their original cinematic works. Every year, Standing Rock gurus Jeff Ingram and Gary Lockwood are inundated with a steady stream of DVDs, High-8s and VHS tapes to consider screening at the festival. Last year, the duo debuted experimental films, music videos and work from 2007 People’s Choice Award Winner, Julia Pott of London, England. Take in this year’s selections Saturday, January 30 at 8PM. 

Editor's note: As OhioAuthority.com contributor Julie Cajigas prepared her feature article highlighting the accomplishments of William Powell, she received the following letter from the Ohio chapter of the NAACP. OA's edit staff then contacted the organization for permission to reprint the letter in its entirety. The letter is a call to action, and we encourage you to show your support.

Historic Golf Course In Jeopardy

During the first week of January you have most likely read articles in your local papers, the New York Times, Wall Street Journal , USA Today or saw the numerous television salutes on the passing of the Golf Trailblazer and American Hero, Dr. William Powell on Dec. 31, 2009.

Mr. Powell, a decorated World War II Veteran returned from the war and was denied permission to play on many golf courses because of his race.  Rather than give in to injustice, he built his own course in 1946 and welcomed all people to come and play regardless of race or gender.

As PGA of America President Jim Remy stated upon learning of his death, “He was born with a fire within his heart to build on his dream.  In the process, he made golf a beacon for people of all color.

Clearview, the course he designed, built, owned and operated is on the National Register of Historic Places and is now in jeopardy of being destroyed because of a surface coal mine company, Buckeye Industrial Mining Co. planning to blast and strip the property that abuts Clearview.  It is imperative that the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) deny this permit!!.  To this date ODNR has never denied a permit for coal mining in our state.

Current plans call for blasting operations to be conducted Monday through Saturday, April 22 to September 21 from 7am to 7:30pm and from September 22 to April 21 from 8am to 5pm.  This will destroy the business at Clearview as there will be no golfers coming to play with all the blasting and dust. This is turn will also destroy this National Historic Site.

Will you write a letter and send it to Renee Powell expressing your opposition to ODNR ever permitting any coal mining near Clearview?  Your letter will greatly help the officials realize the significance of Clearview an important part of our American history

Please mail your letters by January 23 to:

Renee  Powell

P.O. Box 30196

East Canton, Oh 44730

330-488-0404

email address: cv46@aol.com

All the world’s a stage. As Shakespeare saw it, while seasons, scenes and players all change over time, there’s always something happening, and there’s something for everyone – be it increased time outdoors, challenging theatrical works or music that stands the test of time. In any given week, you can experience the Bard's "seven ages" and learn more about yourself, and your surroundings, in the process. Cleveland really is as you like it; these three fresh picks are sure to make you more than merely players:

Becoming a Naturalist 

For many of you, “more time outdoors” was on that list of New Year’s resolutions. But maybe you want to take that goal to the next level. If so, check out the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Association’s open house Thursday, January 21 at 7PM and learn about becoming an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist. Sounds involved, right? Not at all. With 40 hours of “combined classroom and field-based instruction” and an equal number of volunteer service hours, you can learn something new and edify others in the process. Eight additional hours of advanced training and 20 service hours annually is all it takes to maintain your certification – and the CVNPA hosts that service work as well. Their program officially begins in April. 

Big [BOX] at Cleveland Public Theatre 

Bold new work that pushes the envelope is what you get with this venerable artist showcase every year. Over eight consecutive weekends, CPT’s Big [BOX] offers confidence and credence for artists to experiment by producing their own music, dance, dramatic works and performance art. Artists score the keys to the theatre at the beginning of the week and construct their new work without intervention. When the weekend comes, “It’s showtime!” and the audience never knows quite what to expect. If the thrill of the new quickens your pulse, plan to attend these performances, beginning with People4Change, presented by The Them and directed by Raymond Bobgan on Friday, January 22. The Big [BOX] schedule runs Friday-Sunday through early March. 

The Song is You! Our Huckleberry Friend: The Songs of Johnny Mercer 

The Savannah-born songwriter, lyricist and co-founder of Capitol Records has been called the “great folk poet.” Mercer’s lyrics are pure Americana, honored most recently in John Berendt’s (non)fiction novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and the subsequent Clint Eastwood film. The author of “Skylark,” “Come Rain or Come Shine,” and dozens of other unforgettable works would be 100 years old today. Cuyahoga Community College hosts a centennial concert in his honor Saturday, January 23 at 7:30PM, featuring vocalists Vince Mastro, Helen Welch and Evelyn Wright. Hosted by Bill Rudman and jazz pianist Joe Hunter, this should be a treat.

Beyond DNA, all of us are united by a common experience: the bad day. It often strikes without warning, or when you least expect it. It has a tendency to spread itself over multiple days, snowballing with annoying efficiency. Combined with cabin fever, largely dreary conditions and minimal daylight, the leading months of the year have a tendency to exacerbate the bad day. Sadly, hibernation is not widely accepted as a coping mechanism. 

Recently, I woke to find that I had last left my keys in a blackhole, lost to time and space. To add insult to injury, my apartment was leaking water through the ceiling in the dining room and kitchen, and the property manager showed little interest in remedying the problem. Bad day escalating. 

I was able to get copies of my roommate's house keys made at Heights Hardware in Coventry, a minute's walk from my Cleveland Heights home. There, the pleasant, polite employee explained the finer points of key creation, and I was out the door in minutes, for $3.40. Still feeling a bit lagging, I walked down the street, picked up a locally made bagel and chai tea at Phoenix Coffee, a locally owned shrine to caffeinated beverages, having a pleasant exchange with the employees there.

Returning to my unduly damp abode, I enjoyed a relaxing breakfast in the bright, if not warming, glow of winter sunshine. Energized, I contacted the Cleveland Heights housing department, who were quick to light a fire under my landlord, who soon changed his tune faced with official orders. Then my work day began. 

As a small business owner, it's rewarding at the best of times, and a never-ending list of to-dos all the time. I'm not complaining. I enjoy the challenge, and I have surrounded myself with the region's most talented people to accomplish the job. Ten hours later, having skipped lunch, I was famished. 

My comfort zone can be found at 2299 Lee Road in Cleveland Heights. There, at Brennan's Colony, a cozy bar and restaurant, timeless decor and an affable staff awaits. As does my favorite cheeseburger in the city: a one half-pound, nicely seasoned patty cooked exactly as ordered, topped with gooey Swiss, sweet tomato slice, onion and crisp lettuce, in a buttered bun. Add a side of fries, and a pint of Guinness. It's consistently comforting. 

In the end, it's the little things. It's a simple trip to a neighborhood hardware store to solve a problem. It's finding a well-smeared bagel and tea to get your day going. It's finding that perfect burger indulgence to bookend your day. It's interacting with fellow Clevelanders with an innate sense of understanding. It's why I'd rather have a bad day in northeast Ohio than anywhere in the world. Plain and simple. 

Cleveland is a cozy town, and once the winter chill sets in, it gets even cozier. We all spend a little more time snuggled in at home, curled up with a good book or movie, organizing our quarters for optimal winter nesting, and loading up on our favorite comfort foods. This week’s trio of Fresh Start events insures you can enjoy great indoor winter activities by getting out and getting inspired:

A Winter’s Tale Film Feast 

Loganberry Books is hosting a cozy little event Wednesday, January 14 at 7PM featuring Sari Feldman, executive director of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, and Clint O'Connor, film critic for The Plain Dealer, talking up their favorite winter reads and movies. A hearty spread of hors d’oeuvres, desserts and wine, not to mention the always-tasty Gene's Jazz Hot ensemble, help round out this toasty take on reading circles and film clubs. Tickets are available in advance. 

The Ohio Design Centre’s Floor Sample Sale 

This stylish annual event offers designer furnishings and interior decor at incredible discounts. It launches this Friday, January 15 and runs throughout the weekend, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Cleveland Furniture Bank, a non-profit organization that provides furniture to needy individuals and families looking for a fresh start. Custom furniture, decorative accessories, area rugs, framed art and mod lighting are among the myriad products available. Interior designers regularly tap into ODC’s stock for their clients, so here’s your chance to design like a pro – and for a good cause. For more information and hours, call 216-831-1245 or visit ODC's website. 

Beachland Ballroom’s Polka Brunch 

The Browns are done for the season, so spend Sunday enjoying another Cleveland tradition this Sunday, January 17 at 11AM at the Beachland Polka Brunch with the Chardon Polka Band. This all ages show-and-dine, co-sponsored by the Cleveland Style Polka Hall of Fame, features accordionist Jake Kouwe, who formed Chardon Polka Band in 2003 after Kouwe’s local high school marching band director rejected his favorite instrument. The result is potent combination of Cleveland polka and wry wit (as witnessed by the group’s cover of “We’re Not Gonna Take It” by Twisted Sister). The event also features world dance lessons from award-winning dancer Valerie Salstrom of Hep Cat Swing. If you like your polka and eggs scrambled, this will satiate your appetite. We recommend the crème brûlée French toast and egg roulade, though the event promises ethnic specials surely worth sampling.