The United Way Sets 2013 Goal: $42.5 Million

The United Way of Greater Cleveland kicked off this year's campaign with its traditional Pancake Flip on Public Square August 29, 2013.  This year's goal is $42,500,000.  Last year, the campaign exceeded the $41,000,000 goal by more than $400,000.

Bill Kitson, CEO of the United Way of Greater Cleveland explains where the money goes in this interview with Jim, and reasons that since the majority of donations come through payroll deductions, the local job market may be improving.

Let Laugh Staff Write Your Wedding Toast...Please!

Laugh Staff is a collaboration of Cleveland-based comedians who can help the best man or a bridesmaid at a wedding deliver a funny toast.  They can also give you public-speaking pointers, to help you feel more comfortable speaking before a group of people.

Co-founder Josh Womack, who delivers stand-up comedy at clubs in Cleveland, Columbus and Buffalo is hoping eventually to expand into other areas, like online dating profiles.  He also explains why Cleveland is a great comedy town.

Power Up For Offshore Wind-An Update

Local officials will voice their support Thursday for Project Icebreaker, the pilot project to establish a wind turbine farm in Lake Erie.  Dave Karpinski is Vice President of Operations for LEEDCo, and updates the project in this interview.

You can get an in-person update, and sign a power pledge at the new Cleveland Convention Center when LEEDCo hold its Power Up for Offshore Wind program Thursday, from 1:00pm to 2:00pm.

A Boot Camp for Parkinson's Patients and Their Families

Dr. Ben Walter, Director of University Hospitals Case Medical Center Movement Disorders Center and Medical Director of the Deep Brain Stimulation Program, and will be one of the featured presenters at the fifth annual Northeast Ohio Parkinson's Disease Boot Camp.  It takes place on September 7 at the John S. Knight Center in Akron.  The all-day event for patients, their caregivers and families is free, but preregisteration is required.  Call 216-983-5741.

Dr. Walter discusses the possible benefits of yoga and dance for Parkinson's patients, and talks about how researchers are gaining a better understanding of how the disease occurs, and that could help develop new treatments for Parkinson's disease.

Everyone Wins With Basketball Assist

Basketball Assist helps children with challenges, whether they be physical, mental or economic, develop social and leadership skills through hoops. Tom Heines is the Executive Director of Basketball Assist.  He explains how the organization formed, how it has grown, and where Basketball Assist is going.

The 2013 Bellefaire Biathlon and Walk August 25

Run and/or ride or just walk in the 2013 Biathlon and Walk to benefit Bellefaire JCB August 25th. Development Officer and Event Coordinator Jane Furth explains the work Bellefaire does as a safety net for 18,000 children and adolescents and their family members every year, and how you can take part in this year's event.

Local Teacher and Former Missileer Writes Second Novel

Elementary school teacher Paul Kijinski has written his second novel. The 11:15 Bench is an adult story, unlike Paul's first book, Camp Limestone for young readers.  Both novels are compelling and well written.

Paul has a diverse back round, as Jim learns in this interview. He used to guard nuclear missiles!

Money Talks for Autism Speaks

A big fundraiser last weekend drew many of Cleveland's best chefs together to benefit Autism Speaks. Michael Symon hosted the event, where big money was raised.  The cause is very close to Chef Brian Doyle's heart.  The chef for the Beachland Ballroom and Tavern and the founder of Sowfood, his CSA (Chef Supported Agriculture) is also the father of an autistic child, and is closely involved with the local chapter of Autism Speaks.

Chef Doyle talks about his son Logan in this interview.  He is joined by Eileen Hawkins, whose organization, The Autism Society of Greater Cleveland  provides education and resources to families in Northeast Ohio.

Walk Now for Autism Speaks is coming up September 22 at Voinovich Park.

Bishop Lennon on Fundraising and Pope Francis

Patrick Grace, left, and Bishop Richard Lennon

It was a lofty goal.  The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland set a goal of $125 million for its Rooted in Faith, Forward in Hope campaign, during a time of strife for the church nationally and locally.  Yet despite the priest sex scandal and local church closings, the goal was exceeded by almost $50 million.

Bishop Richard Lennon and Patrick Grace, Executive Director of the Catholic Community Foundation (pictured here) talk about the campaign, how the money is being used, and what measures have been taken to ensure the money is properly accounted for.

Bishop Lennon also talks about Pope Francis' recent trip to Brazil, and reacts to the Pope's comment about gay priests. 

Antoine Dunn Performs at Nightown for Senior Outreach Services

Cleveland resident Antoine Dunn is an up and coming recording artist, whose debut album Truth of the Matter produced two top 15 hits.  He took his talent to Nighttown in Cleveland Heights last Sunday, to perform in a benefit for Senior Outreach Services.

Antoine is pictured here with Delores Lynch, Executive Director of Senior Outreach Services.  She explains how the agency has been helping seniors stay in their homes for the past 34 years.  And Antoine talks about his career, and why giving back to Senior Outreach Services is so important to him.

Dr. Mike Anderson of UHCMC: CMO AND MBA

Dr. Mike Anderson, the Chief Medical Officer of University Hospitals Case Medical Center and Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital discusses how the hospital has made the U. S. News and World Report honor roll for the first time.  It's one of only 18 hospitals in the country being given the honor, and two of them are in Cleveland.  The Cleveland Clinic is also on the honor roll.

The magazine has also ranked UH Case Medical Center in the top 20 in a number of health care specialties. Dr. Mike discusses his work as Chief Medical Officer, and his latest accomplishment; earning a Master's of Business Administration.

Cleveland Furniture Bank Moves to Bigger Digs

There was a grand opening for the Cleveland Furniture Bank on Saturday.  Executive Director Tom Gaghan says over 3,000 people get help from the Furniture bank every year.  He explains how the Furniture Bank differs from Goodwill and the Salvation Army.   You can buy discounted furniture at the Furniture Bank's Thrift Store at the new location in the Southland Shopping Center.

A fundraiser for the Furniture Bank, called "Inside the Park Home Run," takes place on August 18 at Progressive Field.  And the grand opening of the Cleveland Furniture Bank continues throughout the month of August.

Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks

The Perseid meteor shower peaks tonight, as the Earth travels through a cloud of debris from comets.  Research astrologer Jay Reynolds of Cleveland State University talks about the Perseid meteors, viewing the International Space Station, and which planets are visible in our night sky.

This House Could Be Yours For $15.00

The Lake County YMCA 2013 Dream House is a 4,000 square foot, wheelchair accessible ranch-style house located in the bucolic setting of Mountainside Farms in Concord Township.  Co-chairs Molly Hill and Tonda DiPlacido describe the house, and how you could own it for just $15. And this year, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Dream House project, they're throwing in a new car!  Your last chance to tour the house is Sunday, August 11th.  20 semifinalists will then be chosen, and the winner picked on August 18th.

Dreamhouse Part II

Here is the second part of Jim's interview with Molly Hill and Tonda DiPlacido, co-chairs of the 2013 Lake County YMCA Dreamhouse.

UH Case Medical Center's Major General Ron Dziedzicki

The Chief Operating Officer of University Hospitals Case Medical Center has just been promoted to the rank of Major General in the U. S. Army Reserve.  Ron Dziedzicki talks about his duties as a commander of 8,000 citizen soldiers, and how being a Major General in the military is a lot like being a civilian COO.

Solon Siblings Write Book To Encourage Confidence, Leadership in Children

Sydnie, Sean and Shelbie Singleton are siblings from Solon who write about virtues like patience, kindness and peace in the illustrated book, Thinkie Winks- On the Move.  They were joined by mom, Gia Singleton in this interview with Jim McIntyre.

They're Not Just Names-The Faces Never Forgotten Campaign For The Wall

The Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Fund is looking for pictures for The Wall of Faces, to match the names on the Wall in Washington, D. C.  John Dibble, Chairman of the Fund, says the organization is also raising money for an education center to be built beneath the Wall.

Join the Potter Trot 2013, and Help Children With Cancer

Erin Potter, holding her baby sister Mary in 2012.  Nine-year old Erin has been diagnosed with leukemia three times.  Little Mary was her first bone marrow donor, just 10 weeks after Mary's birth.  Listen to their father, Kevin Potter tell the remarkable story, update Erin's condition, and promote the "Potter Trot 2013," an event to help other families whose children have cancer.

New City Club CEO Tries Bringing Down the Demo

Dan Moulthrop, new CEO of the City Club of Cleveland, talks about shaking things up a bit, and trying to bring younger members into the fold.  The next City Club Forum speaker,Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman is a nice move in that direction. Dan is just the ninth leader of the City Club, now in its 101st year.