99 Red Balloons in German Cultural Garden in Cleveland

Over 185 people gathered in the German Cultural Garden in Cleveland to celebrate the 99th year of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens.  They gathered with 99 red balloons and posed in front of the huge Goethe-Schiller statue as the Cleveland Donauschwasbe Blaskapelle (brass band) played the 1983 German pop hit 99 Luftballons (99 re balloons) by Nena.  #owd2015http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/germans/germans.htm

George Washington Carver finds a “Colored School”

Karamu Arts Theater actor Stephen D. Hood performed an in-character dramatization of Dr. George Washington Carver at a Juneteenth event put on by the African-American Cultural Garden in Cleveland. Mr. Hood, as Dr. Carver, told of his excitement of learning there was a Colored School where slaves like him might be able to learn reading, writing and more.  Mr. Hood’s full presentation is about 45 minutes and is geared toward students and other groups.

http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/africanamerican/africanamerican.htm

Negro spirituals by William Marshall at Juneteenth event

Opera singer William Clarence Marshall sang American Negro spirituals (Let my people go) at a Juneteenth event put on by the African-American Cultural Garden in Cleveland. http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/africanamerican/africanamerican.htm

Negro spiritual Steal Away by William Marshall

Opera singer William Clarence Marshall sang the American Negro spiritual Steal Away ("Steal Away to Jesus") at a Juneteenth event put on by the African-American Cultural Garden in Cleveland.

Juneteenth and the 54th Regiment Volunteer Infantry

Dr. Eugene Jordan told the history of Juneteenth, of Jubilee Day, and why it is so important. He also told of the 54th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry of the Union Army, one of the first official African-American units in the United States during the Civil War. The event was put on by the African-American Cultural Garden in Cleveland.

Slovenian Consul General Jure Zmauc farewell speech

Slovenian Consul General Jure Zmauc gave his farewell speech at a celebration of the 24th anniversary of Slovenia’s statehood in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall.  This was the Consul General’s last event at City Hall as he is returning to Slovenia after 6 years in the US and Cleveland.

Slovenija Odkod Lepote Tvoje by Cleveland Slovenian Choir

The Cleveland Slovenian Choir sang Slovenija Odkod Lepote Tvoje (Slovenia from where do you get your beauty?) at a celebration of the 24th anniversary of Slovenia’s statehood in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall.  This was Slovenian Consul General Jure Zmauc’s last event at City Hall as he is returning to Slovenia after 6 years in the US and Cleveland.

Planinska (Alpine) by Cleveland Slovenian Choir

The Cleveland Slovenian Choir sang Planinska  (Alpine)  at a celebration of the 24th anniversary of Slovenia’s statehood in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall.  This was Slovenian Consul General Jure Zmauc’s last event at City Hall as he is returning to Slovenia after 6 years in the US and Cleveland.

Slovenija V Svetu (Slovenian and the World)

The Cleveland Slovenian Choir sang Slovenija V Svetu (Slovenian and the World) at a celebration of the 24th anniversary of Slovenia’s statehood in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall.  This was Slovenian Consul General Jure Zmauc’s last event at City Hall as he is returning to Slovenia after 6 years in the US and Cleveland.

Portrait painted of Slovenian Consul Jure Zmauc

Artist Toni Rash painted a portrait of Slovenian Consul General Jure Zmauc and presented it to him at a celebration of the 24th anniversary of Slovenia’s statehood in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall.

Slovenian Leaders honor Slovenian Consul Jure Zmauc

Slovenian Leaders gave a proclamation to Slovenian Consul General Jure Zmauc at a celebration of the 24th anniversary of Slovenia’s statehood in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall.  This was the Consul General’s last event at City Hall as he is returning to Slovenia after 6 years in the US and Cleveland.

Slovenian Leaders honor Slovenian Consul Jure Zmauc

Slovenian Leaders gave a proclamation to Slovenian Consul General Jure Zmauc at a celebration of the 24th anniversary of Slovenia’s statehood in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall.  This was the Consul General’s last event at City Hall as he is returning to Slovenia after 6 years in the US and Cleveland.

Slovene National Benefit Society and Slovenian Consul Jure Zmauc

The president of the SNPJ, the Slovene National Benefit Society,

 gave a proclamation to Slovenian Consul General Jure Zmauc at a celebration of the 24th anniversary of Slovenia’s statehood in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall.

Ohio Senator Kenny Yuko and Slovenian Consul Jure Zmauc

Ohio State Senator Kenny Yuko gave a proclamation to Slovenian Consul General Jure Zmauc at a celebration of the 24th anniversary of Slovenia’s statehood in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall.  This was the Consul General’s last event at City Hall as he is returning to Slovenia after 6 years in the US and Cleveland. http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/slovenian/slovenian.htm

Governor Kasich proclamation for Slovenian Consul Jure Zmauc

Lynne Stevens, representing Ohio Governor John Kasich, gave a proclamation to Slovenian Consul General Jure Zmauc at a celebration of the 24th anniversary of Slovenia’s statehood in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall.  This was the Consul General’s last event at City Hall as he is returning to Slovenia after 6 years in the US and Cleveland.

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and Slovenian Consul Jure Zmauc

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson became friends with Slovenian Consul General Jure Zmauc over the last 6 years of his assignment in the US and Cleveland.  He gave the Consul General a proclamation and also the key to the city at a celebration of the 24th anniversary of Slovenia’s statehood in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall.  This was the Consul General’s last event at City Hall as he is returning to Slovenia after 6 years in the US and Cleveland. http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/slovenian/slovenian.htm

Senator Portman proclamation for Slovenian Consul Jure Zmauc

Josh Prest, representing US Senator Rob Portman, gave a proclamation to Slovenian Consul General Jure Zmauc at a celebration of the 24th anniversary of Slovenia’s statehood in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall.  This was the Consul General’s last event at City Hall as he is returning to Slovenia after 6 years in the US and Cleveland.

Cleveland City Council honors Slovenian Consul Jure Zmauc

Cleveland Councilmen Joe Cimperman and Mike Polensek presented Slovenian Consul General Jure Zmauc with proclamations from City Council at a celebration of the 24th anniversary of Slovenia’s statehood in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall.  This was the Consul General’s last event at City Hall as he is returning to Slovenia after 6 years in the US and Cleveland. http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/slovenian/slovenian.htm

Councilman Joe Cimperman at Slovenia Statehood celebration

Slovenian Consul General Jure Zmauc introduced Cleveland Councilman Joe Cimperman at a celebration of the 24th anniversary of Slovenia’s statehood in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall.  This was the Consul General’s last event at City Hall as he is returning to Slovenia after 6 years in the US and Cleveland. http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/slovenian/slovenian.htm

Councilman Mike Polensek at Slovenia Statehood celebration

Slovenian Consul General Jure Zmauc introduced Cleveland Councilman Mike Polensek at a celebration of the 24th anniversary of Slovenia’s statehood in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall.  This was the Consul General’s last event at City Hall as he is returning to Slovenia after 6 years in the US and Cleveland. http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/slovenian/slovenian.htm

US and Slovenia National Anthems at 2015 Statehood celebration

A Slovenian Choir sang the national anthems of the United States and Slovenia at a celebration of the 24th anniversary of Slovenia’s statehood in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall.  http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/slovenian/slovenian.htm

Steve Mulloy in Cleveland International Hall of Fame

Steve Mulloy was inducted posthumously into the 2015 class of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame.  His son Tom Mulloy gave the induction speech as the representative of the family.  

Higley Family gives $23 million to Cleveland Foundation

At the 2015 Cleveland Foundation Annual Meeting, president and CEO Ronn Richard announced a $23 million estate gift from Beverly and Albert Higley.  This is the 3rd largest gift in Cleveland Foundation history.  Over the past 90 years, the Albert M. Higley Company has built the US Coast Guard station, the Western Reserve Historical Society, and the new Eaton world headquarters in Beachwood among others. http://www.greatlakesgeek.com/

John Carroll University Provost at Mayo Society Tea

Dr. Jeanne Colleran, John Carroll University Provost and Academic Vice President, spoke at the annual meeting of the Mayo Society of Cleveland.  The 2015 Mayo Tea was held at John Carroll University and Dr. Colleran introduced the scholarship winning students. .    http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/irish/irish.htm

Mayo Society’s Gerry Quinn and Irish Consul Aidan Cronin

Mayo Society President Gerry Quinn gave a few remembrance gifts to Aidan Cronin, outgoing Consul General of Ireland, at the annual meeting of the Mayo Society of Cleveland.  The 2015 Mayo Tea was held at John Carroll University.    http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/irish/irish.htm

Irish Consul Aidan Cronin at Cleveland Mayo Tea

Aidan Cronin, outgoing Consul General of Ireland, spoke about his time in the US at the annual meeting of the Mayo Society of Cleveland.  The 2015 Mayo Tea was held at John Carroll University.  

Mayo Society President Gerry Quinn introduces Aidan Cronin

Mayo Society President Gerry Quinn introduced Aidan Cronin, outgoing Consul General of Ireland, at the annual meeting of the Mayo Society of Cleveland.  The 2015 Mayo Tea was held at John Carroll University.    http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/irish/irish.htm

Murphy Irish Dancers at Mayo Society of Cleveland Tea

The 2015 world champion Murphy Irish Dancers performed at the annual meeting of the Mayo Society of Cleveland.  The 2015 Mayo Tea was held at John Carroll University.    http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/irish/irish.htm

Famous people of Croatian heritage

Dan Hanson of ClevelandPeople.Com spoke at the Dubrovnik Garden as part of the latest Food Adventure of ClevelandPeople.Com. He quizzed the group about some famous people of Croatian Heritage such as Bill Belichick, Roger Maris, Governor John Kasich, Dennis Kucinich, Rudy Tomjanovich, Bob Golic, Elvis Grbac, Robert Herjavec and John Havlicek.

http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/croatian/croatian.htm.

Sheila Murphy Crawford at Mayo Society of Cleveland Tea

Sheila Murphy Crawford spoke at the annual meeting of the Mayo Society of Cleveland.  The 2015 Mayo Tea was held at John Carroll University.  Sheila told how her Murphy Irish Dancers competed in the world championships in Montreal and won! She said she presented the trophy to Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson who spent an hour with her and the dancers.  http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/irish/irish.htm

There is no Cloud

As someone who has lived through several cycles of computing - mainframes and dumb terminal are great: you can access from anywhere to I want everything on my local device - the Great Lakes Geek is amused by the Cloud.

Chris Watterston said it very well: "There is no cloud. It's just someone else's computer" It's only the truth, but I wonder how many people really think there really is a "cloud" that stores all our data?

Too many people, Chris. Too many.

Toasting the 2015 Class of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame

Dan Hanson of ClevelandPeople.com led a toast to the newly inducted members of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame.  He toasted Mayor Richard Ganim, Judge José A. Villanueva, Bishop Anthony Pilla, Shiv Aggarwal, Dick Pogue, Steve Mulloy and Dick Russ.

Yugoslav Cleveland Cultural Garden – Slovene, Serb and Croatian

Dan Hanson of ClevelandPeople.Com spoke at the Dubrovnik Garden as part of the latest Food Adventure of ClevelandPeople.Com. He explained how the 1934 Slovenian Cultural Garden became the Yugolsav Garden with the addition of Croatia and Serbia.  After the independence in 1991 the Serbs and Croatians started their own gardens.  He told of the Immigrant Mother statue in the Croatian Cultural Garden.

Yugoslavia history and map

Dan Hanson of ClevelandPeople.Com spoke at the Dubrovnik Garden as part of the latest Food Adventure of ClevelandPeople.Com. He explained how Yugoslavia formed after World War 1 and then how it split into 6 countries in 1991 with the independence of Slovenia and Croatia.

http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/croatian/croatian.htm.

Polychinka - Croatian Crepe

Branka Malinar of Cleveland’s Croatian community explained some of the food being sampled at the latest Food Adventure of ClevelandPeople.Com at the Dubrovnik Garden Croatian Restaurant.  The dessert was polychinka, a fine crepe batter with different fillings.

http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/croatian/croatian.htm. More on the Food Passport program at http://www.clevelandpeople.com/passport.htm

St Casimir Way dedication ceremony

Fr. Eric Orzech, Pastor of Saint Casimir Church at 8223 Sowinski Avenue in Cleveland led the procession to the celebration of the unveiling of the new name of the street behind the historic Polish Church as St. Casimir Way.  He thanked Councilman Kevin Conwell for his help.  Polish veteran representative Mike Polichuk presented a US flag that had been hung over the US Capitol that was sent by Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur.  John Niedzialek, whose family have been parishioners for over a hundred years, told the story of the street renaming.  Father Orzech welcomed the Mexican immigrant family that have become parishioners of the Polish Church and then blessed the new street sign.

http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/polish/polish.htm

Unveiling of sign for St Casimir Way and Hejnal

John Niedzialek, longtime parishioner of Saint Casimir Church at 8223 Sowinski Avenue in Cleveland assisted a group of Children in traditional Polish costumes in unveiling the road sign designating the street as St Casimir Way.  After the unveiling an altar boy played the Hejnal on trumpet.

St Casimir Church procession to St Casimir Way

Fr. Eric Orzech, Pastor of Saint Casimir Church at 8223 Sowinski Avenue in Cleveland led the procession to the celebration of the unveiling of the new name of the street behind the historic Polish Church as St. Casimir Way.  http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/polish/polish.htm

America the Beautiful at St Casimir Polish Church event

Fr. Eric Orzech, Pastor of Saint Casimir Church at 8223 Sowinski Avenue in Cleveland led the celebration of the unveiling of the new name of the street behind the historic Polish Church as St. Casimir Way.  Since it was also Flag Day, parishioner Joe Feckanin led the crowd in America the Beautiful and God Bless America.  Besides those of Polish heritage there was a family of Mexican immigrants who have adopted St Casimir Church as their own as they pray to be able to stay in the US.  http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/polish/polish.htm

America the Beautiful at St Casimir Polish Church event

Fr. Eric Orzech, Pastor of Saint Casimir Church at 8223 Sowinski Avenue in Cleveland led the celebration of the unveiling of the new name of the street behind the historic Polish Church as St. Casimir Way.  Since it was also Flag Day, parishioner Joe Feckanin led the crowd in America the Beautiful and God Bless America.  Besides those of Polish heritage there was a family of Mexican immigrants who have adopted St Casimir Church as their own as they pray to be able to stay in the US.  http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/polish/polish.htm

The Immigrant Mother – Croatian yet universal

Branka Malinar of Cleveland’s Croatian community spoke about the Croatian Cultural Garden in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation chain.  A statue of the Immigrant Mother is in the Garden and it is a tribute to all those immigrant mothers of all ethnicities who suffered such hardship to get their family to the US and to build a new life here.  Branka read a touching poem about the Immigrant Mother at the latest Food Adventure of ClevelandPeople.Com at the Dubrovnik Garden Croatian Restaurant.

More Croatian Food from Dubrovnik Garden

Branka Malinar of Cleveland’s Croatian community explained some of the food being sampled on the latest Food Adventure of ClevelandPeople.Com at the Dubrovnik Garden Croatian Restaurant.  This included kabobs, stuffed cabbage goulash and sausage.

For Croatians the most important meal is lunch (ručak)

Branka Malinar of Cleveland’s Croatian community explained some of the food and eating habits of Croatia and Croatian people.  She said for Croatians the most important meal of the day is lunch (ručak).  Christmas meal might include Turkey with mlinci (flat, sour dumplings).  She spoke at the Dubrovnik Garden as part of the latest Food Adventure of ClevelandPeople.Com. http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/croatian/croatian.htm. More on the Food Passport program at http://www.clevelandpeople.com/passport.htm

Burek and other Croatian Food – Branka Malinar

Branka Malinar of Cleveland’s Croatian community explained some of the food and eating habits of Croatia and Croatian people.  She mentioned the 100 year old Croatian St Paul’s Church in Cleveland.  Branka told about the influence of other European countries on Croatian food but also Croatian burek (strudel) and the thinly cut slaw salad that was served at the Dubrovnik Garden as part of the latest Food Adventure of ClevelandPeople.Com. More on the Food Passport program at http://www.clevelandpeople.com/passport.htm

Croatian inventions –the Fountain Pen and necktie

Branka Malinar of Cleveland’s Croatian community spoke at the Dubrovnik Garden as part of the latest Food Adventure of ClevelandPeople.Com. She told how a Croatian man named Slavoljub Eduard Penkala invented the solid-ink fountain pen and that Croatian mercenaries in France wore kerchiefs which the French called – Crovats which evolved into cravat and the neck tie.

Bishop Anthony Pilla in Cleveland International Hall of Fame

Bishop Anthony Pilla gave his induction speech at the ceremony of the 2015 Cleveland International Hall of Fame.  Bishop Pilla thanked his longtime friend and inductor Sam Miller and spoke of his Italian heritage and Catholic faith.

Dick Pogue in Cleveland International Hall of Fame

Dick Pogue gave his induction speech at the ceremony of the 2015 Cleveland International Hall of Fame.  Among many reasons for induction, Dick Pogue brought the Law Firm of Jones Day into the international market with offices in dozens of cities around the world.  

Dick Pogue in Cleveland International Hall of Fame

Dick Pogue gave his induction speech at the ceremony of the 2015 Cleveland International Hall of Fame.  Among many reasons for induction, Dick Pogue brought the Law Firm of Jones Day into the international market with offices in dozens of cities around the world.  

Sanjiv Kapur inducts Dick Pogue into Hall of Fame

Sanjiv Kapur, Partner at Jones Day, gave the induction speech for his Jones Day and City Club of Cleveland colleague Dick Pogue at the ceremony of the 2015 Cleveland International Hall of Fame.  Sanjiv is currently in the Brazil office of Jones Day but flew in to induct Dick Pogue.

Croatian and Yugoslavia History – Joe Meissner

Lt Colonel Joe Meissner spoke about the history of Croatia and Yugoslavia (covering Tito and Stalin) at the Dubrovnik Garden as part of the latest Food Adventure of ClevelandPeople.Com. More on the Food Passport program at http://www.clevelandpeople.com/passport.htm

Dubrovnik Garden Food Adventure – Branka Malinar

Branka Malinar of Cleveland’s Croatian community explained how her family left Croatia after World War II and ended up in Cleveland.  She told about the Croatian Lodge, where Croatia is on the map and about the bean soup that was served at the Dubrovnik Garden as part of the latest Food Adventure of ClevelandPeople.Com. More on the Food Passport program at http://www.clevelandpeople.com/passport.htm

Loree Vick inducts former co-anchor Dick Russ into Hall of Fame

Former Cleveland TV news anchor Loree Vick gave the induction speech for her former co-anchor Dick Russ at the ceremony of the 2015 Cleveland International Hall of Fame.  Loree enjoyed a sixteen-year career in news on WJW-TV. For much of her time at Channel 8, she co-anchored the noon news with Dick Russ.

Dick Russ in Cleveland International Hall of Fame

Former Cleveland TV news anchor Dick Russ gave his induction speech at the ceremony of the 2015 Cleveland International Hall of Fame.  For more than thirty-five years Dick Russ was seen on local TV in Northeast Ohio and his Slovenian heritage was no secret.

Mayor Jane Campbell inducts Steve Mulloy into Hall of Fame

Former Cleveland Mayor Jane Campbell gave the induction speech for Steve Mulloy at the ceremony of the 2015 Cleveland International Hall of Fame.  She was introduced by Dan Hanson.  Mayor Campbell and Steve Mulloy were responsible for the twinning sister city relationship between Cleveland and Achill Island County Mayo in Ireland.

David Fleshler speaks at Cleveland International Hall of Fame

David Fleshler is the associate provost for international affairs at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio and also the Chairman of the Board of Global Cleveland.  He made remarks at the induction ceremony for the 2015 Class of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame.

Paul Burik’s favorite statue in Cleveland Cultural Gardens

Paul Burik is past-president of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation.  At the dedication of the busts of Tesla and Vuk Stefanović Karadžić in the Serbian Garden he told which of the statues is his favorite.  Even though he runs the Czech Garden, it is not a Czech.

Senator Voinovich at Serbian Cultural Garden

Alex Machaskee, President of the Serbian Cultural Garden in Cleveland Ohio, introduced some special guests at the dedication of the busts of Tesla and Vuk Stefanović Karadžić including Senator George Voinovich and his wife Janet.

Serbian Cultural Garden Virtual Tour

Dan Hanson walks through the Serbian Cultural Garden.  The main area was busy with a reception so look for another video of the St Sava icon in the main area.  This tour includes the busts of Nikola Tesla, Vuk Stefanović Karadžić, Stevan Mokranjac, King Peter I, Petar Petrovic Njegos and Michael Pupin.

Mileva Maric (Einstein’s wife) to have bust in Serbian Garden

Alex Machaskee, President of the Serbian Cultural Garden in Cleveland Ohio, explained the cost of the busts in the Serbian Cultural Garden and then announced that the next bust would be of Mileva Maric who was the wife of Albert Einstein.  

How the bust of Vuk Stefanović Karadžić got to Cleveland

Alex Machaskee, President of the Serbian Cultural Garden in Cleveland Ohio, told the story of how the bust of Vuk Stefanović Karadžić got to Cleveland in the Serbian Cultural Garden.  

Serbian Cultural Garden’s history – Alex Machaskee

Alex Machaskee, President of the Serbian Cultural Garden in Cleveland Ohio, gave some history of the Garden from its beginning as part of the Slovenian then Yugoslav Garden until a separate Serbian Garden was created.

Blessing of Vuk Karadzic bust in Serbian Cultural Garden

Prayer to bless and dedicate the new bust of Vuk Stefanović Karadžić in the Serbian Cultural Garden in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens.  Rev. Zivojin Jakovljevic (Father Zivojin - St. Sava Church in Parma) and Hieromonk Platon (Father Platon, Monastery Marcha in Richfield) did the blessing. Vuk was a Serbian philologist and linguist who was the major reformer of the Serbian language and has been called the father of the study of Serbian folklore.

Blessing Nikola Tesla bust in Serbian Cultural Garden

Prayer to bless and dedicate the new bust of Nikola Tesla in the Serbian Cultural Garden in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens.  Rev. Zivojin Jakovljevic (Father Zivojin - St. Sava Church in Parma) and Hieromonk Platon (Father Platon, Monastery Marcha in Richfield) did the blessing.

Reggae from the band Umoja at Tacos and Tequila Fest

The band Umoja played a reggae song at the Tacos and Tequila Festival in Cleveland’s Tyler Village.  Umoja is the Swahili word for "unity".

When Jesus say yes sung by K.A.T. in Cleveland

3 ladies from a group called K.A.T. (short for Khamia, A’Shontay and Talia) sang the Michelle Williams song ‘When Jesus say yes, nobody can say no’ just before the 2015 Cleveland African-American Umoja Parade.  Umoja is the Swahili word for "unity".

African-American Umoja Parade – Cleveland 2015

Highlights from the 2015 Cleveland African-American
Umoja Parade including Buffalo Soldiers, Tuskegee Airmen, Shaw High School
Marching Band  and the African-American
Cultural Garden.  Umoja is the Swahili
word for "unity". 

Mayor Richard Ganim in Cleveland International Hall of Fame

Mayor Richard Ganim was inducted into the 2015 Class of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame.  Unfortunately he was ill and so his daughter Betsy gave the acceptance speech for her father.  Mayor Ganim was the first Arab-American in various political offices in Cleveland, Northeast Ohio and Ohio.

Pierre Bejjani inducts Mayor Richard Ganim into Hall of Fame

Cleveland American Middle East Organization (CAMEO) President Pierre Bejjani gave the induction speech for fellow Arab-American Mayor Richard Ganim at the ceremony of the 2015 Cleveland International Hall of Fame.  

Shiv Aggarwal in Cleveland International Hall of Fame

Shiv Aggarwal gave his induction speech at the ceremony of the 2015 Cleveland International Hall of Fame.  He spoke about his Indian heritage and working in various communities in Cleveland.

Michael Sreshta inducts Shiv Aggarwal into Hall of Fame

Michael Sreshta gave the induction speech for Shiv Aggarwal at the ceremony of the 2015 Cleveland International Hall of Fame.  

Honorable José A. Villanueva in Cleveland International Hall of Fame

The Honorable José A. Villanueva gave his induction speech at the ceremony of the 2015 Cleveland International Hall of Fame.  He spoke about his Puerto Rican heritage and diversity.

Spiderman Balloon

Ran into a guy at a restaurant the other night who made some really cool balloon characters - like Spiderman!

José C. Feliciano inducts Honorable José A. Villanueva

Debbie Hanson calls up 2012 Cleveland International Hall of Fame inductee José C. Feliciano who gave the induction speech for the Honorable José A. Villanueva at the ceremony of the 2015 Cleveland International Hall of Fame.  

Mona Khan Bollywood Dance Company at CAF 2015

The Mona Khan Company is a critically acclaimed Bollywood dance & fitness company based in the San Francisco Bay Area.  They were the headliners of the 6th annual Cleveland Asian Festival (CAF) in Cleveland’s AsiaTown.  After their Saturday headline performance the group introduced themselves and posed with the CAF executive Board.

caf 2015 sat kalyani 3

A student of Kalyani Venturi performed a classical Southern Indian kuchipudi dance to Lord Vishnu at the 6th annual Cleveland Asian Festival (CAF) in Cleveland’s AsiaTown.

Hand gestures of Indian dance to Lord Vishnu

Kalyani Venturi explained the hand gestures of the classical Southern Indian kuchipudi dance to Lord Vishnu at the 6th annual Cleveland Asian Festival (CAF) in Cleveland’s AsiaTown.

Kalyani Venturi Kuchipudi Indian dance at Cleveland Asian Festival

MCs Wayne Wong and Fox 8 reporter Melissa Reid introduced teacher Kalyani Venturi who introduced the first Kuchipudi (South Indian classical) dance at the 6th annual Cleveland Asian Festival (CAF) in Cleveland’s AsiaTown.

Bombay Jam performance by the Mona Khan Company

The Mona Khan Company is a critically acclaimed Bollywood dance & fitness company based in the San Francisco Bay Area.  They were the headliners of the 6th annual Cleveland Asian Festival (CAF) in Cleveland’s AsiaTown.  This is an energetic Bollywood inspired Bombay Jam fitness workout routine.

Bollywood Dance performance by the Mona Khan Company

The Mona Khan Company is a critically acclaimed Bollywood dance & fitness company based in the San Francisco Bay Area.  They were the headliners of the 6th annual Cleveland Asian Festival (CAF) in Cleveland’s AsiaTown.  This is an energetic Bollywood dance routine.

Asian Fashions at 2015 Cleveland Asian Festival

Yin Tang served as MC for the Fashion Show at the 6th annual Cleveland Asian Festival (CAF) in Cleveland’s AsiaTown which featured traditional and modern costumes from various locations in Asia.

More Cosplay at Cleveland Asian Festival 2015 – 2 of 2

Cosplay, short for Costume Play, at the 6th annual Cleveland Asian Festival (CAF) in Cleveland’s AsiaTown consisted of people dressed like their favorite characters from anime, fantasy and manga.  Yin Tang served as MC and model.  This is Part 2 of 2 videos.

Cosplay at Cleveland Asian Festival 2015

Cosplay, short for Costume Play, at the 6th annual Cleveland Asian Festival (CAF) in Cleveland’s AsiaTown consisted of people dressed like their favorite characters from anime, fantasy and manga.  Yin Tang served as MC and model.  This is Part 1 of 2 videos.

Dr. Who skit at Cleveland Asian Festival

Local filmmaker Johnny Wu has been filming fan episodes of Dr. Who.  Several people from the cast performed a short Dr. Who bit at the 6th annual Cleveland Asian Festival (CAF) in Cleveland’s AsiaTown.  Yes, they have a TARDIS.  

Egg roll eating contest at Cleveland Asian Festival

Egg roll eating contest at the 6th annual Cleveland Asian Festival (CAF) in Cleveland’s AsiaTown.  10 contestants eat 10 egg rolls from Li Wah as fast as they can – without getting sick.

Antara Datta North Indian Classical Dance at Cleveland Asian Festival

Antara Datta from the Anga Kala Kathak Academy performed a solo North Indian Classical Dance at the 6th annual Cleveland Asian Festival (CAF) in Cleveland’s AsiaTown.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2015 Class

This was a pretty solid Class.  I was especially glad to see Stevie Ray Vaughn, Lou Reed and The Paul Butterfield Blues Band.  Ringo deserved it too.

Cha Cha Slide impromptu dance at Cleveland Asian Festival

Yin Tang and dancers from her school invited the audience on stage to dance with them during a break at the 6th annual Cleveland Asian Festival (CAF) in Cleveland’s AsiaTown. They danced to Cha Cha Slide.