Fundraising With Football: The Meadows Turkey Bowl

Mike Meadows and Alan Mowrey

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which means preparations are well underway for the Meadows Turkey Bowl. The 25th annual football game in the backyard of Mike Meadows home in Medina is more than just an excuse for a bunch of guys to get out of the house on Thanksgiving morning.  It's a fundraiser, with the proceeds split between the St. Vincent de Paul Society and another designated charity every year.

This year's designated charity is the Pete Radke family.  Pete died last June while saving the life of a teenage swimmer who was struggling in the waves off Huntington Beach in Bay Village.  His wife is now raising their four children herself.

While this year's event is the 25th for Meadows, it's the first for Alan Mowery.  The Cleveland Gladiators executive is not only leading a team, he's getting the Arena Football League team involved by offering tickets to Gladiators games for donations to the cause.

Last year, players raised $158,000.  This year, 48 players will raise a minimum of $1,000 each, but many will raise much more in what Meadows describes as "the game within the game."

Killing Ebola And Other Bad Stuff With Nanotechnology

"Fighting the Invisible Enemy,"  namely bacteria, mold and viruses is the mission of Bactronix Corporation.  In this interview, recorded before nurse Amber Vinson's release from Emory University Medical Center, Vice President A. J. Powell and local franchisee Dave Blahnic discuss the nano technology behind Bactronizing, the non-toxic process used to disinfect and sanitize surfaces seen and unseen.

Powell explains how Ebola, H1N1, and Avian Bird Flu are envelope viruses that are becoming more and more immune to bleaches and other toxins currently used to kill them.  Bactronix uses an electrostatically charged spray to dispense Chlorine Dioxide, or ClO 2.  He says the no-touch, on demand technology is a revolutionary concept that will require a paradigm shift for public acceptance.

Kidney Screening Planned Locally in November

A kidney screening is planned at the Shaker Launchhouse during National Kidney Month in November. Josh Womack, Regional Development Manager for the National Kidney Foundation serving Northeast Ohio.  He explains why the Kidney and Early Evaluation Program (KEEP) is important, especially for at-risk patients.

Josh talks about the generosity of people like Matthew Figgie of Clark Reliance, who is a kidney transplant recipient, and Jack Marschall,the former TV news anchor who donated a kidney to a stranger.

Josh  moonlights as a stand up comic, and plans to open for former Saturday Night Live alumnus Norm Macdonald at Hilarities on November 15.

Sudden Sam McDowell Returns To Cleveland

Sam McDowell/Photo provided by Recovery Resources, with permission

Legendary Indians pitcher "Sudden" Sam McDowell, has spent the last 30 years working off the field for Major League Baseball.  Sam is a certified counselor who helps players handle any family problems they may encounter, from marital to financial to addictions.

He knows first-hand about addiction, admitting alcoholism was the reason he was "kicked out of baseball."  After a career during which he was an all-star six times, led the American League in strikeouts six times, and struck out more than 300 batters in a season twice, Sam wound up living with his parents back in Pittsburgh, his hometown.

He credits his parents will giving him the motivation to finally address his alcoholism.

On November 1, Sam will present the annual Bronze Key Award to Indians President Mark Shapiro at a gala at the Cleveland Museum of Art on behalf of Recovery Resources.

Recovery Resources Brings The Heat: Sudden Sam To Help Honor Indians President Mark Shapiro

Megan Kleidon

The interim President and CEO of Recovery Resources, Megan Kleidon explains why Indians President Mark Shapiro is this year's recipient of the agency's 25th annual Bronze Key Award.

Megan also explains how Recovery Resources has grown in the 60 years since it was founded, and describes the many services offered.

The Bronze Key Gala, where legendary Indians pitcher Sudden Sam McDowell will present Shapiro with the Bronze Keye Award, will be held at the Cleveland Museum of Art on November 1st.

Former Ambassador To The Vatican Discusses Possibility of "Just War" Against ISIS

Francis Rooney, the U. S. Ambassador to the Vatican under President George W. Bush weighs in on the rise of the Islamic State. and the terrorists' brutal tear through Syria and Iraq.  Ambassador Rooney writes in his book The Global Vatican, An Inside Look at The Catholic Church, World Politics and the Extraordinary Relationship Between the United States and the Holy See, that the relationship hasn't been so extraordinary since the election of Barack Obama as President in 2008.

Rooney notes how the U. S. effort to seek a community of nations to confront the threat posed by Islamic extremism is the same message Pope Francis delivered months ago, and wonders whether 

the extinction of Christians in parts of the middle east could have been prevented with a better working relationship between the White House and the Vatican.

The Ninth Annual COSE Small Business Convention

This year's event, held at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Sandusky, will feature four keynote speakers, dozens of workshops, a business-to-business trade show, special events and networking. It will also feature the 4^th Annual Small Business Pitch Competition, which provides aspiring small business owners, in business for less than two years or generating less than $250,000 in revenues, the unique opportunity to win up to $20,000 to get their idea off the ground while gaining valuable insight from successful business owners who have discovered their key to success.

Jim Aussem of Cavitch, Familo, Durkin offers a preview of the 9th annual Small Business Convention, October 22-24 in this interview.

Paranormal Podcaster Jim Harold Publishes 3rd Edition of True Ghost Stories Just In Time for Halloween

Jim Harold, left, and Jim McIntyre/Photo credit: Salem Communications

Jim Harold continues building his Paranormal Empire, with the release of his third True Ghost Stories: Jim Harold's Campfire 3, 70 More Supernatural Stories That Will Freak You Out. Jim says

the book is number one on Amazon in the paranormal category.

The book is based on stories told by listeners to Jim's Paranormal Podcast.  The former radio ad salesman is one of the pioneers of podcasting, beginning his web-based program in 2005.  It costs nothing to listen to the Paranormal Podcast each week, but there is a small charge for the exclusive content Jim offers to Paranormal Plus Club subscribers.

Hear the Shocking Story Of A Navy SEAL's Father

Billy Vaughn lost his son, Navy Seal Aaron Carson Vaughn when the Chinook helicopter he was in with more than two dozen other special forces troops was shot down in Afghanistan in August, 2011.
The tragedy was caused, Mr. Vaughn contends, by the Obama administration's wrong-headed policy in Afghanistan.

Billy Vaughn and his wife Karen will discuss the book Betrayed, The Shocking True Story of Extortion 17 As Told By A Navy SEAL's Father at Word of Grace Church in Chesterland on Saturday, October 18.  Their visit is sponsored by the Cleveland chapter of Act for America.

Celebrate Halloween on a Submarine

Halloween comes early for visitors to the U.S.S Cod.  The season ended September 30th for the WWII-era submarine, docked between The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and Burke Lakefront Airport.  But this weekend (October 17-18,) visitors will be treated to "strange but true submarine tales" in the red light of the interior of the World War II era submarine memorial.

U.S.S. Cod director Paul Farace previews the "Halloween on a Submarine" event during this interview, and explains how the submarine ended up docked in Cleveland.

State Champion Weight Lifter Is Going For a World Title

Shane Hudson and Tonnie Alliance/Photo credit: Jim McIntyre

Tonnie Alliance likes a challenge.  The Corporate Relations and Major Gifts Officer for the Hattie Larlham Foundation recently rappelled down a 23 story building in downtown Akron, and soon she will be competing in two major weight-lifting competitions.  She already holds state titles in three different power-lifting organizations for dead lift and bench press in her weight and age bracket, and will be competing next for a world championship..

Her trainer, Shane Hudson is President and Founder of MaxOut Sports Martial Arts and Fitness Center. He explains how weight-lifting and other forms of resistance training can stop the loss of muscle mass, especially as we age.

Tonnie is a champion weightlifter, and Shane is a 7th Degree Black Belt. There was no misbehaving during this interview!

Bishop Michael Lenihan of La Ceiba, Honduras

Bishop Michael Lenihan/Photo credit: Pat Greco

Bishop Michael Lenihan visited Northeast Ohio recently, talking about missionary work in Central America.  In this interview, he explains why although he was born in Ireland, he ministers to a parish in La Ceiba, Honduras.

Engelbert Calling: Humperdinck Records Duets and Plans to Return to Northeast Ohio

He's back. Engelbert Humperdinck returns with an album featuring duets with almost two dozen artists, from contemporaries like Johnny Mathis and Kenny Rogers to Il Divo to Gene Simmons of KISS.  Elton John, who recorded his hit "Something About the Way You Look Tonight" with Engelbert, says the 76-year old singer sounds as good as he ever did.

This interview features Jim's conversation with Engelbert (who explains why he changed his name from George Dorsey) and excerpts of some of the songs from the new album, "Engelbert Calling."

The singer is embarking on a North American tour that will bring him to Northeast Ohio next May.

Cleveland is a Hockey Town, Too

AM 1420 The Answer is a flagship station for the Lake Erie Monsters, and will air the season opener against the Grand Rapids Griffins on Friday, October 10 at 7:00 PM.  Play-by-play announcer Doug Plagens previews the upcoming season, and updates improvements being made at Quicken Loans Arena.

The home opener for the American Hockey League team is Saturday, October 11. The Monsters hope to build on last season, when they just missed the playoffs.

Help Promote Providence House Babies By Voting

Photo credit: Jim McIntyre/Salem Communications

Help the babies at Providence House by voting in the Northeast Ohio Media Group Good News Giving contest.  Cast your ballot by Friday October 10, and help the city's only crisis nursery promote the good work it has been doing since being founded by Sister Hope Greener in 1981. President and CEO Natalie Leek-Nelson explains in the attached interview how the current heroin crisis is affecting so many babies in Cleveland.

Full Plain Dealer subscribers can vote here. Non-subscribers can get a paper ballot in the mail by requesting one at marketing@plaind.com, and putting Good News Giving Voter Sweepstakes Ballot in the subject line.  You must put it back in the mail by Friday October 10th, and send it to the Northeast Ohio Media Group, 1801 Superior Avenue Suite 100, Cleveland, Ohio 44114.

Beatles-themed Benefit Features the Work of George Shuba for North Coast Community Homes

The life long work of Cleveland's first rock and roll photographer, George Shuba will be featured at a benefit for North Coast Community Homes on Wednesday, October 8 at the Hard Rock Rocksino in Northfield.  Dick Russ, former managing editor at WKYC and long-time reporter at WJW now helps raise funds and awareness for North Coast Community Homes, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

Mr. Shuba is celebrating his 50th anniversary as a professional photographer, whose first assignment was capturing on film the first Beatles visit to Cleveland in 1964.  Many of those photographs and others from his career will be on display, along with a slide show he and Mr. Russ will narrate at the fundraiser, branded Ticket to Thrive, for the more than 1,000 clients of North Coast Community homes.  The benefit will also feature a performance of the Beatles tribute band, The Rebeats.

Navy SEAL's Parents To Share Story of Son's Sacrifice

The parents of Aaron Carson Vaughn, a Navy SEAL killed in Afghanistan on "the deadliest day in the war on terror," will make their case that the death of their son and of 30 other brave Americans and Afghan commandos was the result of  a policy designed not to win battles, but to "win the hearts and minds" of other nations. They will discuss their book, Betrayed: The Shocking True Story of Extortion 17 As Told By a Navy SEAL's Father.

The Cleveland Chapter of Act for America is bringing Billy and Karen Vaughn to Word of Grace Church in Chesterland on October 18th.  Chapter co-leaders Dan Hromada and Bev Goldstein explain the importance of telling this story and others that they say point to a troubling trend.  They explain why the incident that claimed the life of Aaron Vaughn and the others got much less publicity than the attack on the U. S. mission in Benghazi, Libya.
 

Local Author Jedick's Past Works Relevant Today

A recent video purporting to show how easy it would be for a terrorist to cross Lake Erie from Canada to Cleveland mirrors the beginning of local author Pete Jedick's World War II-era novel.  

The local free-lance journalist is a recently-retired Cleveland firefighter and a big fan of AM 1420. We are fans of all Pete's books, including another novel, Hippies, set at Kent State University in 1970, and the historical account of the city, Cleveland, Where The East Coast Meets the Midwest.

In this interview, Pete also talks about his first self-published work, League Park was published in 1978.  At the time, he and several other supporters tried making a case for restoring the turn of the 20th Century home of the Cleveland Indians.  35 years later, the restoration has finally been done.

Retreat: Is your Messy Life a Blessed Mess?

Photo credit: samparish.org

Following up its inaugural retreat with Fr. Dick Sparks last year, St. Angela Merici Parish in Fairview Park is bringing author and speaker Patricia Livingston to the Church for its second retreat.

Listen to Jim's interview with Ms. Livingston for an idea of what to expect October 18-21, 2014.