Jay Westbrook Leaves City Hall, But Not The City

Jay Westbrook served on Cleveland City Council for 34 years, and was council president during the decade of the 1990s, when projects like Gateway, The Rock Hall, and the Science Center were built.

In this interview, the retiring Ward 16 councilman talks about life after city hall, how he got there from the University of Kentucky in the 1970s, and what he considers to be his most significant contributions to the city of Cleveland.

He also offers a prediction about the future political make-up of Cleveland City Council.

Hot In Cleveland On New Years Eve With Hotcards' Help

Cleveland Rocks New Year's Eve, a production of Ohio Homecoming, will be held on Public Square to ring out 2013 and ring in 2014.  Drew Carey will count down to midnight, and fireworks will help usher in the new year.

The event is free, thanks to the help of many sponsors, including Hotcards.com.  The owner and CEO of the printing company in downtown Cleveland is helping promote the New Year's Eve festivities. John Gadd is no stranger to promoting events;  he organized the Human Torch stunt earlier this year, helping set a Guinness World Record by having 21 people lit ablaze simultaneously.  The event raised $10,000 for charity, and helped put Cleveland on a worldwide stage.

Gadd is confident Cleveland Rocks New Year's Eve will become an annual event.

Warm Up With Gail Ghetia Bellamy's New Book

Gail Bellamy has followed-up her informative and entertaining book Cleveland Christmas Memories with Cleveland Summertime Memories: A Warm Look Back.

From beaches to baseball, Gail covers a wide range of summertime activities, and solicits favorite memories from a number of readers who grew up in Northeast Ohio.  Reading their recollections is a pleasant way to escape the winter weather.

In this interview, Gail also talks about last year's book, Cleveland Christmas Memories: Looking Back at Holidays Past. And husband Steve makes a special guest appearance.

YWCA Assists Youth Aging-Out of Foster Care

The YWCA of Greater Cleveland is one of the few organizations that helps children who age-out of the foster care system.  25% of foster children who turn 18 become homeless. Margaret Mitchell, President and CEO of the YWCA of Greater Cleveland says the Y's Nurturing Independence and Aspirations program addresses that issue by offering 23 apartments at Independence Place.

Caregifted Helps Care Givers Get Away For A While

Heather McHugh, Founder of Caregifted, and Berenice Kleiman of Shaker Heights

Caregifted, an organization formed to help long-term, full-time caregivers take a break from their daily duties with an all-expenses paid, week-long vacation, was founded by poet Heather McHugh.  She describes who qualifies for the getaways, which she hosts on both coasts.  And she explains what inspired her to give up teaching to develop Caregifted.

Heather also talks about Berenice Kleiman, the Shaker Heights woman who was given a break from caring for her husband Herb, who suffered a debilitating stroke 12 years ago.  Berenice was a guest on The 11th Hour recently, telling us about her journey as a care giver.

Encouraging Brain Gain In NEO With Intern In Ohio

Bernie Gosky and Jim McIntyre
Photo Credit:  AM 1420 The Answer

Intern In Ohio is a win-win program for college students and companies in need of the students skills. The program, developed last spring with the help of the University of Toledo, is meant to staunch brain drain, and to keep talented college graduates in Northeast Ohio (NEO.)

Bernie Gosky, Executive Director of Intern in Ohio, says it takes only a few seconds for the software developed by UT to come up with seven qualified candidates for each position.

Before heading up Intern in Ohio, Bernie was director of Summer on the Cuyahoga, a program with similar goals.

OSU Prof Explains Why Canadians Have More Freedom

Canadians have more economic freedom than residents of the United States.  Ohio State University economics professor Todd Nesbit explains how economic freedom is measured, and why the U.S. is inferior to its northern neighbor.  The study was done before Obamacare was implemented, and professor Nesbit   explains why Ohio has fallen in ranking when it comes to economic freedom.

He also explains why raising the minimum wage would be bad for long-term workforce development, even though only 97% of workers make more than the minimum wage.

The 20-20 Campaign For Ronald McDonald House

A recent expansion project at Ronald McDonald House in Cleveland now allows 55 families to spend the night close to their hospitalized children.  Development Director Mary Horoszko explains how the charity's 20/20 drive works, and how volunteers help make the place tick.

Maury Feren's Life So Far. He's Only 98!

Jim McIntyre and Maury Feren

Maury Feren was green before it was trendy.  Once known as The Green Grocer on local radio and television, 98-year old Maury has written a book.  My Life So Far is a series of vignettes about life as Maury lived it, as a produce-man at the Northern Ohio Food Terminal, and as a Jewish American living in Cleveland, a city he adores.

Pope Francis Spreads The Joy of the Gospel

Pope Francis isn't just the Time Magazine Person of the Year.

The gay rights magazine The Advocate today named the pope its Person of the Year for 2013 as well.

Some conservatives expressed outrage at Pope Francis' Apostolic Exhortation, released on November 24th, for his perspective on how the poor are treated. Sister Kathleen Ryan of the Diocese of Cleveland Social Action Office offers some analysis on the Holy Father's views.

Proving the pontiff practices what he preaches, he invited four homeless men to breakfast on his 77th birthday on December 17th.   And the Vatican released an interactive birthday card, featuring photos and quotes from many of his homilies since his election as pope earlier this year.

Cornerstone of Hope Offers Help to Those Who Grieve

Mark Tripodi talks about how he and wife Christi founded Cornerstone of Hope
a dozen years ago, to help people cope with the grief associated with losing a loved one.
He says this time of year is especially hard on grieving people.

Carrie Crawford Creates The Comfy Cradle

Former elementary school teacher Carrie Crawford invented the Comfy-Cradle when her arm grew tired while feeding her first child.  Now, the mother of two from Northeast Ohio has a growing company, which sells the Comfy Cradle in stores and online.

Margaret Bernstein Urges Bigs & Littles to Reunite Now

Photo credit:  Press Club of Cleveland

Former Plain Dealer columnist Margaret Bernstein is arguably one of the world's most enthusiastic proponents of mentoring.  She is a big sister through Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America.
Her (biological) big brother Alan inspired her, by mentoring a little brother when the Bernsteins were growing up in California.

Margaret's passion for Big Brothers and Big Sisters has driven her to help the national organization appeal to past big brothers and sisters, and to those who benefited from their mentoring, to take part in the Reunite Now campaign.

Neil Zaza's 2013 Christmas Shows in Smaller Venues

Lori Triplett and Neil Zaza with Jim McIntyre
Photo Credit: AM 1420 The Answer

Internationally renown guitar virtuoso Neil Zaza performs his Christmas show tonight and tomorrow, December 14th and 15th at Stampers Bar in Fairview Park, and at Scoundrels Bar and Grill in Berea Saturday, December 21st.

Neil stopped by the AM 1420 studios this week with singer-keyboard player Lori Triplett, and performed a moving rendition of "Silent Night," with Neil's signature soaring guitar fills. In this interview, Neil explains that because he was touring and performing in China this fall, he was unable to produce "One Silent Night," the full scale Christmas show he normally performs at Playhouse Square.

Tickets are available for both appearances.

A Veteran Remembers His Service in Vietnam

Mack Payne finally decided to chronicle his adventures in Vietnam.  The result is Vietnam Veteran Memoirs, a Book of Miracles.  His recollections are informative and entertaining, and offer a alternative perspective on the U. S. Army's participation in the Vietnam War.

Sun Spots, Venus, and the Geminid Meteor Shower

Jay Reynolds
Photo Credit: NASA Speakers Bureau

The Perseid meteor shower isn't the only show in the sky.  Cleveland State University astronomy instructor and NASA Solar System Ambassador Jay Reynolds says on a clear night in mid-December, you can see the Geminid meteors.

Jay also explains why the comet, which had the potential to produce a spectacular light show Thanksgiving weekend fizzled out.  And how China wants to put a man on the moon.

Local Law Instructor Recalls Working With Mandela

Senior Instructor Michael Benza, of the Case Western Reserve University School of Law worked for a year at Nelson Mandela's Legal Resources Center in South Africa not long after Mandela was freed from prison. He offered his impressions of Mandela as a lawyer

Local Salvation Army Major Worked With Mandela

Major Lurlene-Kay M. Johnson is counting on the legendary generosity of Greater Clevelanders to help the Salvation Army reach its goal of almost $700,000 at the red kettles throughout the area.  It's going to take some doing: slightly more than two weeks before Christmas, only $144,000 had been collected.

Major Johnson says the Salvation Army's Harbor Lights shelter is one of the only facilities that houses whole families, and explains how labor intensive it is to operate.

She also recalls the time she spent working at an orphanage in South Africa, where Nelson Mandela would visit, to not only promote the good work of the Salvation Army, but also to provide HIV education.

Local Business Owner and His Employees Give Back

A local franchise owner of this house cleaning service has won the 2013 corporate Helping Hands Award.  Mike Fransko explains how he instills in his employees a strong work ethic, and how he tries to get them to give back.

The Cleaning Authority Cleveland employs nearly three dozen full-time workers.  They collected food and clothing for Thanksgiving at the St. Augustine Hunger Center in Tremont, and they help cancer patients with free house cleaning services.

Pearl Harbor Memorial Service at the USS Cod

Photo credit: usscod.org

December 7, 1941, the date that lives in infamy will be memorialized 72 years later, when veterans of WWII, including one who was at Pearl Harbor on that fateful day.  Jack Fickle has been invited to throw a wreath into the water from the deck of the USS Cod, to honor the memory of the 2,402 American military personnel who lost their lives in the attack.


Paul Farace, Director of the USS Cod Memorial, is a World War Two historian as well as caretaker of the submarine.  In this interview, he explains how the Cod wound up in Cleveland, and tells a story of seeming supernatural intervention during one Pearl Harbor ceremony.

One Stroke, Two Survivors: The Kleimans Thrive

Photo credit: onestroketwosurvivors.com

Berenice Kleiman of Shaker Heights has been her husband Herb's caregiver ever since Herb suffered a stroke in 2001.  She explains how much effort it takes to provide the highest quality of life possible for Herb.

And she and Herb are making that effort.

  

Doctors initially said Herb would need to live in a nursing home with full-time care, and that if he didn't make progress within five months, he never would.  Neither was true. A team of medical and rehabilitation specialists, including a rehab psychologist helped Herb accept his disability, compensate for it, and go on living in a different way.  And a speech therapist, who helped Herb connect his thoughts with words.

"It's a constant effort, and if you give up, it's over." 

Berenice and Herb have written two books: One Stroke, Two Survivors, and Lessons Learned: Stroke Rehab from a Caregiver's Perspective. She says the Cleveland Stroke Club and other such clubs based at area hospitals offer support to caregivers.

"I've been gifted with my husband, and his life that has continued, and it's payback time."

Open House Today At The City Club Cleveland

There's an open house this afternoon at the Citadel of Free Speech, the City Club of Cleveland.
The new CEO, Dan Moulthrop discusses the City Club's storied past as he guides the oldest continuous free speech forum forward.

Lisa Umina-Halo Publishing International's Angel

Lisa Umina and Jim McIntyre-Photo credit: AM 1420 WHK

 

Lisa Umina has helped dozens of people publish their first books through her company, Halo Publishing International.  The Nordonia High School graduate gained her skills after she self-published her first book, Milo and the Halo.  Since then, her journey has taken her to Mexico City, where her company is now based.

Lisa came back home for Thanksgiving (and the annual Turkey Trot,) and stopped by the AM 1420 studios to talk with Jim about publishing the books of authors like Lori Demonia, JJ DiGeronimo, and 19 Action News reporter Denise Zarella, whose book Not Even the Sky is the Limit was inspired by her daughter, and highlights the abilities of children and adults with Down Syndrome.

Cuyahoga County Council Member Dave Greenspan

 
Dave Greenspan represents the First District on Cuyahoga County Council. The republican plans to run for reelection next year.  Democrats are hoping to take his seat.   Greenspan plans to win reelection.

In this wide-ranging interview, Greenspan justifies his opposition to the public funding of a convention center hotel, discusses the downgrading of the county's bond rating, and defends the non-partisan way in which the county council is working together.

Big Holiday Plans For The Waterloo Arts District

Brian Friedman and Amy Callahan
Photo credit: Jim McIntyre

The Waterloo Arts and Entertainment District has several events planned this Christmas season, thanks in part to a $1 million grant from the Kresge Foundation.

Brian Friedman, Executive Director of the Northeast Shores Development Corporation and Amy Callahan of Waterloo Arts discusses the various activities and reason for focusing special attention on the Collinwood Neighborhood.

Get Healthy And Stay That Way With Healthy You

Melanie Jatsek refers to herself as a diet-free dietician.  She has devleoped an online wellness program that emphasizes progress, not perfection. Visit The Healthy You program to learn more.  And get Melanie's nutrition advice on her blog,  Bust Your Diet, including tips for enjoying Thanksgiving without gaining weight.

Deck the House Benefit Auction For Providence House

Providence House, a crisis nursery in Ohio City holds its annual Deck the House benefit auction at First Energy Stadium on Tuesday, December 10th.  Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Joe Thomas and his wife Annie are the honorary chairs, and will present the 2013 Ed Block Courage Award to a current Browns player.


The President and CEO of Providence House, Natalie Leek-Nelson explains the mission of Providence House.  She also describes a recent expansion project, and previews a future one that will help children with medical issues receive safe shelter and love, while their parents work out issues that preclude them from caring for their children.

National Adoption Day Event At Kent Newman Center

Saturday, November 23rd is National Adoption Day.  If you've ever wondered about the process of adoption, Family and Community Services Incorporated is sponsoring a National Adoption Day event at the Newman Center on the Campus of Kent state University.  Adoption Specialist Buffy Ramos and Jackie Smigel, Domestic Program Administrator discuss both domestic and international adoption.

New Restaurant Serves French Food On Shaker Square

A new restaurant is open on Shaker Square.  Edwins is the brain child of chef Brandon Chrostowski, who has worked in Paris, New York and Chicago, but now calls Cleveland home.

What makes Edwins special is the staff.  Former convicts are taught by Brandon and others the culinary arts.
Brandon also teaches current prisoners at two detention facilities in Northeast Ohio.

The restaurant features classic French cuisine, prepared by Clevelanders being given a second chance.

In this interview with Jim McIntyre, Brandon explains the motivation behind Edwins Leadership and Restaurant Insitute.

Larry Morrow Shares Stories "On-The-Air"

Larry Morrow teaches leadership development at John Carroll University.  It's a far cry from his days as The Duker at WIXY 1260.

Larry talks about his prestigious radio career, which includes membership to the National Radio Hall of Fame.

Media Influence on Public Opinion Panel Discussion

There's a panel discussion about how the media influences public opinion at The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage Wednesday, November 20 at 7:00pm.  It's in conjunction with the run of this world premiere exhibit. AM 1420 11th Hour host Jim McIntyre will be joined by Thor Wasbotten, Director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Kent State University, and Brennan Donnellan, News Director at WKYC Channel 3. The panel will be moderated by Cool Cleveland founder Thomas Mulready.

Alfred Dreyfus was a French soldier who was wrongly convicted of spying more than 100 years ago. Media coverage contributed largely to the public's perception of Drefus' guilt, according to Director of Education and Public Programming at the Maltz Museum, Jill Rembrandt.  She says the Dreyfus Affair is still "relevant in a million different ways."  

Veteran's Day Replay: The Last of the Doughboys

They're all gone.  But before the last of the World War I veterans in this country died, journalist Richard Rubin spoke to a number of them, and chronicles those conversations in his book.

It's Time For The Best Party Of The Year

The Best Party of the Year is coming up in early December.  It's a benefit for the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland.  Dana Iribarren, Executive Director of the Hunger Network explains how recent cuts in the food stamp, or SNAP program is expected to affect the Hunger Network's 34 food pantries and soup kitchens in the city of Cleveland and the inner ring suburbs.

Dana is joined by Angela Dudek, Director of Special Events and Public Relations who promotes the 24th annual Best Party of the Year on Friday, December 6th at the Intercontinental Hotel.

Bellefaire JCB Promotes Adoption With National Author

Andy Dobrin and Diahanna Roberson of Bellefaire JCB

The Adoption Center at Bellefaire Jewish Children's Bureau is hosting Kevin Hoffman, author of Growing Up Black in White, to share his experiences with transracial adoption at The New Face of Adoption event. His story is an interesting one, as he was born to a mixed-race couple, was placed into foster care, and was adopted by a white minister and his wife who had three biological children.

Andy is Director of the Division of Foster Care and Adoption at the Bellefaire JCB Adoption Center. Diahanna Roberson is an adoption Supervisor.  They discuss both domestic and international adoption, and explain why Russia stopped allowing Americans to adopt their orphans.

Watch Your Wedding Video At Your Reception

Doug Kereszturi of Cuff and Veil Wedding Films

First look films and same day edits are the latest trend in wedding photography.  Doug Kereszturi of Cuff and Veil Wedding Films explains in this interview.

Bob Feller Inspires New Award to Honor Military Service

Indians outfielder Nick Swisher was nominated for the inaugural Bob Feller Act of Valor Award, presented this week during a ceremony in Washington.

Peter Fertig, a New York businessman, conceived the award to honor the military service, as well as the baseball career, or the late, great Bob Feller, the winningest pitcher in Indians history. Rapid Robert left baseball at the peak of his career to join the Navy, the day after Pearl Harbor was attacked.

The award was presented to Detroit Tigers pitcher Jason Verlander, as well as to Hall of Famer Yogi Berra, a WWII vet, and an active Navy service member.  Fertig hopes to make it an annual event.

Meet Wellness Strategist Patricia Ellins

Patricia Ellins, a successful personal trainer recently closed her studio to focus on overall health, and to search for a better way to reach more people with her message. She calls herself a Wellness Strategist, someone who can help companies help their employees achieve optimal health, and thus be happier at work.

Patti talks about her journey from New Jersey to England to Indiana and finally Northeast Ohio.
She says fitness and nutrition can help people not just dream their dreams, but live their dreams. Contact Patricia Ellins at paellins@gmail.com.

Michael Heaton Reminisces About His Father Chuck

Michael Heaton, the Plain Dealer's Minister of Culture discusses his late father, the great Plain Dealer sportswriter Chuck Heaton, after whom an award has been named by The Press Club of Cleveland.

Michael also discusses the career of his TV star sister Patricia Heaton, his movie The Christmas Heart, and the screenplay he has written for a film about the late Plain Dealer rock critic Jane Scott.

Michael has written Truth and Justice For Fun And Profit: Collected Reporting, and has co-written I'll Be Right Back: Memories of TV's Greatest Talk Show, with the late Mike Douglas and AM 1420 The Answer's Tom Kelly.

The Gray Fox and the Boomer Honor Nation's Veterans

Listeners to AM 1420 the Answer on Saturday mornings know the Gray Fox as Gene Dodaro and the Boomer as Guy Ebinger, who offer financial planning advice at 8:30 AM.

Gene is an Air Force veteran who served during the Korean War, and Guy's father served in the Marines in Korea. The Gray Fox and the Boomer are planning a special Veteran's Day program on Saturday, November 9tt.

Colette: A World War II Tale About Women Who Served

This is the first novel for author Michelina Vinter, a San Francisco-based acupuncturist who was born in France and moved to the United States at age 12.  Colette is set in the years leading up to U. S. involvement in World War II, and highlights contributions made by war brides, French women who married American soldiers and gave up their homeland in the effort to defeat the Nazis.

Land Bank Provides Jobs For Special Workforce

Several intellectually and developmentally challenged adults are gainfully employed, thanks to a partnership between Koinonia Homes, the largest provider of services for such folks in Cuyahoga County, and the Cuyahoga Land Bank.

Diane Beastrom, President and CEO of Koinonia Homes, and Gus Frangos, President of the Cuyahoga Land Bank join Jim in this interview ti discuss the partnership.  In addition, Frangos explains in detail the way in which the Land Banks it trying to reduce blight by acquiring abandoned properties and returning them to productive use.

Scott Hamilton CARES To Come Back To Cleveland

An Evening With Scott Hamilton and Friends Ice Show and Gala takes place Saturday, November 2 at Quicken Loans Arena.  It's a fundraiser for the Scott Hamilton CARES Initiative.

CARES is an acronym for Cancer Alliance for Research, Education and Survivorship, formed by the Olympic gold medal figure skater following his first bout with cancer.  He has close ties to the Cleveland Clinic, and works tirelessly to help people being treated for cancer.

Cyndi Lauper is the featured musical performer this year.  Tickets are available here.