AJ Garces / Contributing Artist

Garces created the Boy Scout-inspired illustrations for our Suburban Field Guide starting on pg. 143. The Austin, Texas, resident recalls his days in uniform. “I remember learning how to tie a clove hitch,” he says. “It’s something I still use.”

Mike Polk Jr. / Contributing Writer

While the story makes it seem like Mike Polk was the one harassing us for an interview, it was quite the opposite. We actually approached the comedian about profiling himself. Check out the results on pg. 140. “I was most surprised by what my voice sounds like on a recorder,” he says. “Do I really sound like that?”

Heather Campbell / Contributing Artist

Campbell's photos can be seen in our Best Restaurants feature. "When they brought me the daily special at the Greenhouse Tavern, I wasn't expecting to see a duck's head and neck elegantly served on a wooden board," she says.

Laura Taxel / Contributing Writer

Taxel not only reviewed Scott Kim's Accent this month but also gave us the dish on small plates and took us into the world of edible flowers with the Crystallized Flower Co. "One of the special things I bake is a ricotta lavender cheesecake with whipped mascarpone topping," she says. "Candied violas and pansies would look lovely on each plate."

Michael McNamara / Contributing Artist

The Phoenix photographer shot Francona during spring training at Goodyear Ballpark. "I know this sounds cliche, but my favorite AL team is the Indians, based soley on Major League," he says. "I can probably recite that movie from start to finish and I still get goosebumps when Charlie Sheen walks out to •Wild Thing.' "

Pat McManamon / Contributing Writer

The columnist for Fox Sports Ohio spent time with new Indians manager Terry Francona for our feature on page 84. He predicts this will be a season to watch. "If the starting pitchers come through, September could be a lot of fun."

Darren Gygi / Contributing Artist

Gygi created the illustration of Mayor Frank Jackson duking it out with Bozo the Clown for this month's Talking Points. "This piece speaks volumes to me about the unique situation of running virtually unopposed in a mayoral election," he says.

Heide Aungst / Contributing Writer

For our Guide to Education stories, Heide reports on ways for parents to get more involved in their children's education. As for her days in the classroom, Aungst says, "I was not good at math, especially geometry. Now that the state standards call for four years of math, I'm not sure how I would do in school."

Paula Pindroh / Contributing Artist

A native Clevelander who now resides in Charleston, S.C., Pindroh illustrated Connie Schultz's essay on our city's storytellers. "With Lake Erie, the park systems, our world-class museums and amazing restaurants, there is so much to be proud of."

David Golladay / Contributing Writer

Golladay talked to Western Reserve Historical Society curator Derek Moore about the museum's major renovations on pg. 20. "He found some really great items that have been kind of forgotten in storage," says Golladay. "He recently found an old wooden box that turned out to be a spark plug salesman's kit from the 1920s."

Adam Gercak / Contributing Artist

The photographer's image of the Cleveland Fire Department Fire Training Academy is featured in our Instagram photo essay on page 76. "I love the Sutro filter coupled with the brightness options to punch the colors out."

Jennifer Keirn / Contributing Writer

After spending time with over-the-top injury lawyer Tim Misny for our story on page 82, Keirn says she would seek his counsel if needed. "I would probably hire him as my laywer after hearing how he verbally assaults those insurance companies," she says. "For all his complexities, he is that rare guy who truly is authentic."

Heather Hileman / Contributing Artist

Believe it or not, Hileman tried Great Lakes Brewing Co.'s Christmas Ale for the first time while photographing the three cocktails from local bartenders on pg. 96. "I can defintely see what all the hype is about," she says.

Mark Winegardner / Contributing Writer

The Crooked River Burning author is currently working on Red-Blooded American Smut. "It's not the Reuben Sturman story, but it is loosely based on some facets of his empire," he says. "It also includes several other, genuinely obscene elements of American life in the '60s, '70s and '80s, including the Kent State massacre."

Emma Borrelli / Contributing Artist

Borrelli photographed some of the breakfasts for our cover feature. She lists pancakes and maple syrup among her a.m. favorites. "When I was younger, my great aunt would bring my parents and I real maple syrup from her home in Chardon."

John Hitch / Contributing Writer

We sent Hitch to the Cleveland Hostel for two overnight stays while reporting this month's feature about its owner, Mark Raymond. "I was surprised how welcoming the place is. Its European roots are covered over by a mound of Midwestern courtesy and quirkiness. I also learned that urban farmers wake up way too damn early."

Lisa Fovozzo Taras / Contributing Artist

Fovozzo Taras took photos of the state Route 82 bridge for our feature story on the five men who plotted to blow it up. "I went about photographing the bridge through the eyes of one who at first may be intimated by this monumental structure, yet awed by its ginormous presence of man's effect in nature," she says.

Jane Day / Contributing Writer

Day wrote the 77 South story on Century Cycle's All Hail the Ale ride, which encourages riders to dress up like their favorite beer. "I would dress as Blue Moon," she says, "because it would be fun to make and wear a giant orange-slice fascinator hat."

Anthony Freda / Contributing Artist

Freda created the illustration for "Standing for Peace" by using traditional hand-drawn pieces and scanned surfaces that he then assembled digitally. "I like the irony of the Blue Angels' vapor forming a peace sign."

Tony Grossi / Contributing Writer

Writer Grossi, who profiled Browns rookie Trent Richardson, has covered the team since 1984. His reporting and analysis can be heard daily on ESPN 850 WKNR and read on ESPNCleveland.com. He predicts a turnaround for the team. "It's the beginning of a new Browns era. Hopefully this one won't start where the last one left off."

Gary Townswick / Contributing Artist

Townswick, who created the illustrations in our guide to the Horseshoe Casino, says he isn't much of a gambler. "When I do gamble, though, I like to play 21. I've never hit it big, but I usually walk away ahead at the end of the night."

Lynne Thompson / Contributing Writer

Thompson visited two Northeast Ohio homes for the "Amazing Spaces" cover story. She says she would love to have Joel Testa's movie-inspired theater room in her own home, complete with the concession stand, stadium-style leather recliners and a 10-foot projection screen. "I am a couch potato at heart."

Ken Blaze / Contributing Artist

Blaze shot the creators behind the comic book The Lake Erie Monster for "Monsters, Inked." The photographer can be found reading comics with his 5-year-old son. "Lately, we've had some of the classics around here like Green Lantern and Iron Man."

George Bilgere / Contributing Writer

In this month's Voice, Bilgere talks technology. "Our obsession with staring at tiny screens or talking to tiny screens has finally become so completely insane that no self-respecting humorist can resist making fun of it," he says. "I could go on about this, but I have to go on Facebook now to tell my friends about the bagel I had for breakfast."

Randy Palmer / Contributing Artist

The illustrator created the Moneyball inspired caricature for this month's Talking Points, featuring Cuyahoga County executive Ed FitzGerald. "My favorite part of this illustration is the guy with the laptop," he says.

Andy Netzel / Contributing Writer

Netzel bonded with Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan radio personality and Euclid native Chuck Booms over Cleveland sports. "He cheered for Brian Sipe growing up. He's cheering for Brandon Weeden now. He gets just as frustrated as we do. He suffered through the same 4-12 season as we did, whether he's paid to talk about it or not."

Cindy Luu / Contributing Artist

To make the illustrations for "Chain Reaction," the Virginia-based artist started with hand sketches, then used a brush pen to draw the final pieces. "The subtle, spontaneous curves of a hand-drawn line cannot be duplicated by a computer," she says.

Jason Brill / Contributing Writer

As one of the writers for "Chain Reaction," Brill spends a few days a week on his bike. His favorite spots to ride are along North Park and South Park boulevards and at Shaker Lakes in Shaker Heights. His one tip to new riders? "Make sure you find a bike that you really like and feel comfortable riding before making such a big investment."

Terry Tidwell / Contributing Artist

For "Talking Points," Tidwell illustrates what a Cleveland superhero museum might look like. The assignment was easy for the Oklahoma resident. "My character, the Twilight Avenger, stands in a glass case at the Oklahoma History Museum."

Tricia Springstubb / Contributing Writer

In this month's "Voice" essay, Springstubb writes about the do overs of life, especially in marriage. When it comes to giving relationship advice, Springstubb, who's been married for 38 years, draws inspiration from the last line of the Beatles' Abbey Road. "In the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make."

Jason Miller / Contributing Artist

Miller, who shot this month's cover and photos for "Best Doctors," says if he were a doctor himself, he'd be an opthalmologist. "I attribute a portion of my interest in photography to my better than average 20/15 vision."

Amy S. Eckert / Contributing Writer

In "Steel Away," Eckert writes about her romantic weekend in Pittsburgh, including a stop at Station Square for the views of the city's skyline. "I would have liked to spend some time along the rivers at Point State Park, just strolling the grounds, admiring the fountain and the downtown buildings," she says. "But the weather didn't cooperate."

Jeff Downie / Contributing Artist

Downie shot this month's "Sexy Singles" feature at his studio at 78th Street Studios. He met his wife on Match.com. "Our first date was at an ice rink, and the voices in my head told me, 'This is the girl you are going to marry' as soon as I saw her."

Philip Metres / Contributing Writer

The John Carroll University professor talks about becoming a parent in this month's Voice. His daughters Adele and Leila, who are now 9 and 5, have taught him a few lessons. "When I'm with my kids, I try to be in the moment. No phone, no Facebook," he says. "I'm told that it goes pretty quickly. I'd like not to miss too much of it."

David Coulson / Contributing Artist

Coulson created the illustration for our "Map of the Fallen Stars." Coulson, who lives in Pittsburgh, says he was shocked to learn of the corruption in Cleveland. "I'd always thought it was a bastion of high-minded virtue."

Afi-Odelia E. Scruggs / Contributing Artist

A member of Antioch Baptist Church, Scruggs writes about the Rev. Marvin McMickle, who recently stepped down after 24 years as the church's pastor, in this month's Voice essay. "He's an intelligent, erudite, thoughtful man, who thinks the Temptations are the best musical group in the world," she says.

Benjamin Wirtz Siegel / Contributing Artist

Wirtz Siegel photographed Metro Hardwoods owner Dean Heidelberg at his urban mill. "Seeing Dean at work helped me understand that cutting lumber can be as much of a work of art as the objects created from it," Wirtz Siegel says.

Ronald E. Kisner / Contributing Artist

Kisner sat down with the Rev. Emmitt Theophilus Caviness, who will be enshrined at the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame in Atlanta, Ga., next month. "I have met few people with such an unshakable, positive outlook on life who has remained approachable, affable and humble despite his immense accomplishments," he says.

Billy Delfs / Contributing Artist

Delfs teamed up with writer John Hitch for a Sunday of tailgating at the Muni Lot to catch fans wearing Brown jerseys for "Dawg Tags." "The energy the fans bring is that the Browns will win," he says. "They believe in them."

John Hitch / Contributing Writer

While Delfs snapped photos, Hitch interviewed fans about their jersey choices and memories of being a Browns fan. "By the end of the day, we became the place where all the best fans wanted to be," says Hitch. "And we didn't even have beers or brats."

Brad Ronevich / Contributing Artist

Ronevich had a chance to sample some of the dishes he shot for Best of Cleveland. "The ham and kale breakfast that Brandt Evans at Pura Vida put together was surprisingly scrumptious," he says. "I never thought I would enjoy kale to be honest."

D.X. Ferris / Contributing Writer

For his story on Cleveland State University president Ronald Berkman, Ferris visited the campus, which has seen $500 million worth of improvements. "The biggest change in recent years is the collective attitude. Students are excited to be there," he says. "You can spend all the money you want on buildings, but you can't buy that kind of result."

Jeffrey Mangiat / Contributing Artist

Mangiat spent two days manipulating a deck of cards, among other items, for the "Texas Holdup" illustration on page 86. You won't find the New Jersey illustrator near Atlantic City, though. "I like to play casino games on the computer," he says.

Sarah McDonald / Contributing Writer

McDonald returned to her hometown of Richmond, Va., for "Long Weekends & Quick Trips." "Visit the South of James Farmers Market for awesome produce, fresh baked goods and Tex's tuxedo dog (a mouthwatering hot dog topped with beef brisket), live music and kids' activities," she says. "It's a great place to relax on Saturday."

Laura Watilo Blake / Contributing Artist

Watilo Blake, who photographed the homes of chef Jonathan Bennett and MOCA's Jill Snyder, left with some decorating tips. "Seeing Jill's place reminds me that I don't need that brand-new couch from Pottery Barn."

Kim Crow / Contributing Writer

The former Plain Dealer fashion columnist opened her own Tremont boutique, Evie Lou, last year. In this month's Voice column, Crow writes about a little girl wearing pink leggings who visits the store with her mom. "The moment was so poignant; it just stuck with me for weeks," she says. "Her sunny optimism is a lesson for everyone."

Robert Podgorski / Contributing Artist

The Poland-based illustrator created this month's cover using the Photoshop pencil tool to draw each element pixel by pixel. "The Terminal Tower was quite hard to depict. There were a lot of details, but the final effect was worth it."

John Hitch / Contributing Writer

Hitch loves comic books just like Ultimate Spider-Man writer Brian Michael Bendis ("Power Source"). Although Hitch wouldn't disclose how many he owns, he did share his superpower desire. "Time travel, so I could keep Ron Harper a Cavalier to block Jordan's shot and to keep Jose Mesa from imploding in the ninth inning of Game 7."

Danny Vega / Contributing Artist

The photographer captured Alan Cox for this month's story on the WMMS 100.7 radio personality. "Alan's a metal head from way back," Vega says. "We joked about the craziness of Slayer mosh pits and comic-book-style metal artist King Diamond."

Dan Moulthrop / Contributing Writer

In this month's Talking Points, the former host of WCPN 90.3's Sound of Ideas discusses SB 5. "There is no issue more pressing and more important to our collective future than the quality of our public education system," he says. Moulthrop is now with Civic Commons, a social media site that merges online and face-to-face civic conversations.

Michael Cavotta / Contributing Artist

The photographer shot multiple dishes and drinks for this month's cover package. "The Singapore Redux was my favorite to shoot," he says of the drink from Bác. "It has a great color, and it's got a dried chili in it. How cool, or hot, is that?"

Jeannie Roberts / Contributing Writer

Roberts met former Indians pitcher Len Barker at Jack's Deli in South Euclid to talk about his perfect game. "During the interview Eddie Rosenthal, a Clevelander who is part owner of the New York Yankees, came over to our table to shake Len's hand," she says. "He was in there earlier than we were but waited around just to say hi to Barker."

Jeanine Henderson / Contributing Artist

The New York City artist created the illustrations for "The City List." Henderson, who visited Cleveland as a kid, says she's ready to make a return trip. "I'd really love to try one of those Happy Dogs with the alien relish."

Jeff Niesel / Contributing Writer

Niesel has been writing about music for 25 years, so this month's interview with Brent Kirby wasn't his first run-in with the singer-songwriter. "But I've never spent any time with him in the studio," Niesel says. "So I was surprised to see how relaxed and comfortable he is when doing something as tedious as tracking vocals."

Brian Hubble / Contributing Artist

The illustrator, based in Newport News, Va., spent 32 hours melting and transferring photographs for his illustration that opens "The Irishman Chronicles." "When the imagery you start with is this good," he says, "the piece makes itself."

Barry Goodrich / Contributing Writer

Goodrich and Esquire writer Scott Raab, whom he interviewed for "Raab Rage," share more than just a passion for sports. "We both worked at the James Tavern [in Woodmere] without knowing it," Goodrich says. "I was making peanut butter soup in the kitchen while Scott was tending bar — in Colonial dress no less."

Matt Tullis / Contributing Writer

Tullis learned the Womack Family Band is a caffeinated crew while interviewing them for this month's story. "I've never seen anyone drink as much coffee. ... In the month it took them to record their album, they went through 25 pounds of coffee beans."

Thom Sheridan / Contributing Artist

As Great Lakes Publishing's party photographer since 2000, Sheridan has covered more than 1,000 parties. The one that sticks out? The 2007 Cleveland Indians Hall of Fame Celebration. "It was right around the time of the playoffs," he says of photographing inductees Andre Thornton and Charles Nagy. "I felt like a kid in a candy store."

Kyle Christy / Contributing Artist
The LA photographer headed to the Hot in Cleveland set to capture the show's four leading ladies with a few unusual props. "They really went for it with the bubble guns," he says. "The pictures are some of my favorites ever."

Marsha McGregor / Contributing Writer Great Lakes Publishing
In the Voice essay "Auld Lang Syne," McGregor recalls a teenage New Year's Eve adventure. This year she will ring in 2011 with her husband at their Hudson home. "We may get really crazy at midnight, go outside and bang some pans with a wooden spoon. It's something he used to do as a kid," she says. "Pretty exciting stuff, I know."

Lori Weber / Contributing Writer
Weber, who explored downtown Willoughby for "In the Neighborhood," found a lot of interesting shops and businesses, but one really stood out. "Cast On Cafe was a fun find because it combines knitting and tea — two of my favorite things."

Gary and Laura Dumm / Contributing ArtistsGreat Lakes Publishing
Working with Harvey Pekar is just one of Gary's career highlights. Another? Collaborating with his wife, Laura, for the past 25 years. "I think we like each other enough that we will keep it going," says Gary. See their illustrations for "Our Miserable Year" starting on page 118. He sketches in black and white, and she adds the color.

Beth Segal / Contributing Artist Great Lakes Publishing
Shooting a tailgating scene for this month's cover was a blast for the Beachwood-based photographer. That is until the last critical element: the Stadium Mustard squiggle on the bratwurst. "After a quick trip to the arts and crafts store to get the perfect mustard dispenser, we finally got that elusive, elegant spontaneity."

Beth Troy / Contributing WriterGreat Lakes Publishing
Troy says the best part about talking to Project Runway contestant Valerie Mayen was gossiping about her competition. "She told me Mondo was a big risk-taker and impeccable in his work, but he was also a little clingy and a little diva."

Jane Ammeson / Contributing EditorGreat Lakes Publishing
While on her way to the Topnotch Resort & Spa in Stowe, Vt., for "Climb Every Mountain," Ammeson made a detour. "I passed the Ben & Jerry's factory in Waterbury, so I made a U-turn and headed back." Her flavor of choice? Mission to Marzipan.

Paula Pindroh / Contributing ArtistGreat Lakes Publishing
Creating the illustrations for the Private Schools cover story took Pindroh back to her days at North Olmsted High School. "I remembered how much I loved all my different art classes," says the 1998 graduate. "I could not be the artist I am today without the tools, instruction and encouragement I received in school."

Jerry Mann / Contributing ArtistGreat Lakes Publishing
Mann was shooting the exterior of the home on our cover when he heard music coming from somewhere. "I thought I needed my ears cleaned. As I came closer, I could see it was owner Gene Blackstone playing his grand piano."

Stuart Warner / Contributing Editor Great Lakes Publishing
Facebook exchange led to Warner's essay about ethnic profiling. "A journalist friend said he would have nothing to worry about as a result of Arizona's new law because he's a citizen. I responded, 'Well, how about this story.' I didn't get a reply. I repeated the story to Connie Schultz, who said if I didn't write about it, she would."

Eric Mull / Contributing ArtistGreat Lakes Publishing
Mull is no stranger to Cleveland Magazine. This month's cover, shot at Ledges Trail in Boston Heights, is his third cover this year. "I had to hike two miles with all of my equipment, two models, an art director and my dog, Bob, ... while wearing loafers."

Rebecca Meiser / Contributing Editor Great Lakes Publishing
While at the Cleveland Accordion Museum for her story, "The Music of Their Lives," Meiser had a chance to test out one of the 466 accordions there. "I learned that I am a horrible musician," she says. "The accordion is a really, really hard instrument to play."

Jennifer Keirn / Contributing EditorGreat Lakes Publishing
When Keirn interviewed Al Bowman about his Hinckley family farm for our Rating the Suburbs feature, she got more than just a story on the rural township. "I even got the secret to the family applesauce recipe — Red Hot candies."

Bonnie Holland / Contributing ArtistGreat Lakes Publishing
Holland created the idyllic look for this month's cover. But not everything was picture-perfect at the shoot. "The bunny escaped," she says. "Bailey, the studio golden retriever, decided to 'help' and looked behind sets to see where he went. They ended up napping together after their high jinks!"

Barney Taxel
Taxel photographed the pan-fried pork chop saltimbocca on the cover and also the gourmet hot dogs on page 65. "Shooting and eating those Happy Dogs — wow and yum."

Amber Matheson
Matheson, who talked up Jonathon Sawyer about his Best New Restaurant, The Greenhouse Tavern, says the chef greeted her with a plate of vegan pork rinds. "I could barely keep the drool off my face as I scarfed these down in a way my mother would deem less than ladylike."