Dan Hanson introduces Cleveland Director Blaine Griffin

Dan Hanson of ClevelandPeople.Com introduced City of Cleveland Community Relations Board Director Blaine Griffin at the induction ceremony for the 2016 class of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame. Blaine would induct El Hajj Amir Khalid A. Samad. http://clevelandinternationalhalloffame.com/ and http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/africanamerican/africanamerican.htm

Arnie de la Porte inducted in Cleveland International Hall of Fame

Honorary Consul of the Netherlands Arnie de la Porte was inducted posthumously into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame.  His son Peter accepted the honor and gave this acceptance speech stressing his father’s motto that ‘Trading nations seldom go to wat.”

http://clevelandinternationalhalloffame.com/ and http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/dutch/dutch.htm

Lithuanian Consul Ingrida Bublys inducts Arnie de la Porte

Honorary Consul of the Republic of Lithuania Ingrida Bublys inducts Arnie de la Porte into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame.  Sadly Arnie passed away but his son Peter accepted the honor.

http://clevelandinternationalhalloffame.com/ and http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/lithuanian/lithuanian.htm

Debbie Hanson introduces Lithuanian Consul Ingrida Bublys

Debbie Hanson of ClevelandPeople.Com introduced Honorary Consul of the Republic of Lithuania Ingrida Bublys to induct Arnie de la Porte into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame.

http://clevelandinternationalhalloffame.com/ and http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/lithuanian/lithuanian.htm

Eugenia Stolarczyk inducted in Cleveland International Hall of Fame

Eugenia Stolarczyk was inducted into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame for her many contributions to the Polish community including 55 years and counting on Polish radio. http://clevelandinternationalhalloffame.com/ and http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/polish/polish.htm

Polish Consul General Urszula Gacek inducts Eugenia Stolarczyk

Polish Consul General Urszula Gacek came in from New York to induct Eugenia Stolarczyk into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame.  This was the Consul’s first visit to Cleveland.

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

Polish Consul General Urszula Gacek inducts Eugenia Stolarczyk

Polish Consul General Urszula Gacek came in from New York to induct Eugenia Stolarczyk into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame.  This was the Consul’s first visit to Cleveland.

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

Debbie Hanson introduces Polish Consul General Urszula Gacek

Debbie Hanson of ClevelandPeople.Com introduced Polish Consul General Urszula Gacek who came in from New York to induct Eugenia Stolarczyk into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame.

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

Olivia Gutowski plays the Hejnal at Hall of Fame

MC Dan Hanson of ClevelandPeople.com told the story of the legendary Polish song the Hejnal before the induction of Eugenia Stolarczyk at the induction ceremony of the 2016 class of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame.  Then 12 year old Olivia Gutowski, dressed in traditional Polish costume, played the Hejnal on her trumpet.

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

Olivia Gutowski plays America the Beautiful

12 year old Olivia Gutowski, dressed in traditional Polish costume, played America the Beautiful on her trumpet at the induction ceremony of the 2016 class of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame.
http://clevelandinternationalhalloffame.com/ and http://www.clevelandpeople.com

Toast to 2016 Cleveland International Hall of Fame Class

MC Dan Hanson of ClevelandPeople.Com led the crowd in a toast to the 2016 class of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame consisting of Dr. Mohan Bafna, Carolyn Balogh, Charles A. Andre de la Porte, Jack Kahl, The Very Rev. Fr. Mikhail Edward Mikhail, El Hajj Amir Khalid A. Samad and Eugenia Stolarczyk.

http://clevelandinternationalhalloffame.com/ and http://www.clevelandpeople.com

Dr Mohan Bafna inducted in Cleveland International Hall of Fame

Suresh Bafna read the acceptance speech for his father Dr. Mohan Bafna who was just inducted into the 2016 class of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame.

http://clevelandinternationalhalloffame.com/ and http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/asian-indians/asian-indians.htm

Suresh Bafna inducts Dr Mohan Bafna into Hall of Fame

Suresh Bafna inducted his father Dr. Mohan Bafna into the 2016 class of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame. http://clevelandinternationalhalloffame.com/ and http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/asian-indians/asian-indians.htm

Debbie Hanson introduces Suresh Bafna

Debbie Hanson of ClevelandPeople.Com introduced Suresh Bafna at the induction ceremony for the 2016 class of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame. Suresh was about to induct his father Mohan Bafna. http://clevelandinternationalhalloffame.com/ and http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/asian-indians/asian-indians.htm

Song for Fr. Mikhail at Cleveland International Hall of Fame

The Very Rev. Fr. Mikhail Edward Mikhail, D. Min. of St Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Seven Hills was inducted into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame for his many contributions to the Coptic Church and Egyptian community of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.

MC Dan Hanson from ClevelandPeople.Com read part of a proclamation from the Egyptian Embassy in Washington DC.

Then members of his parish sang a song in tribute to Fr. Mikhail.


http://clevelandinternationalhalloffame.com/ and http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/egyptian/egyptian.htm

Rev. Fr. Mikhail inducted in Cleveland International Hall of Fame

The Very Rev. Fr. Mikhail Edward Mikhail, D. Min. of St Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Seven Hills was inducted into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame for his many contributions to the Coptic Church and Egyptian community of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.

http://clevelandinternationalhalloffame.com/ and http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/egyptian/egyptian.htm

Seven Hills Mayor Dell’Aquila inducts Rev. Mikhail

Seven Hills Mayor Richard Dell’Aquila introduced and inducted The Very Rev. Fr. Mikhail Edward Mikhail, D. Min. into the 2016 class of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame.

http://clevelandinternationalhalloffame.com/ and http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/egyptian/egyptian.htm

Dan Hanson introduces Seven Hills Mayor Dell’Aquila

Dan Hanson of ClevelandPeople.Com introduced Seven Hills Mayor Richard Dell’Aquila at the induction ceremony for the 2016 class of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame.

 Dan told of the beautiful St Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Seven Hills and their annual Egyptian Festival before introducing the Mayor.

http://clevelandinternationalhalloffame.com/ and http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/egyptian/egyptian.htm

Jack Kahl inducted in Cleveland International Hall of Fame

Jack Kahl, former Manco CEO, was inducted into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame for his many contributions to the Irish community including support for the Irish Cultural Garden and Johnny Kilbane statue.

 Jack tore up his prepared remarks and spoke from the heart as he accepted this honor. http://clevelandinternationalhalloffame.com/ and http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/irish/irish.htm

Dan Coughlin inducts Jack Kahl into Hall of Fame

Cleveland sportswriter and TV personality Dan Coughlin introduced and inducted Jack Kahl, former Manco CEO, at the induction ceremony for the 2016 class of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame. http://clevelandinternationalhalloffame.com/ and http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/irish/irish.htm

Dan Hanson introduces sportswriter Dan Coughlin

Dan Hanson of ClevelandPeople.Com introduced Cleveland sportswriter and TV personality Dan Coughlin at the induction ceremony for the 2016 class of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame. He told of Dan’s Emmy and other awards and his 3 books.  Then he introduced Dan with a joke.

http://clevelandinternationalhalloffame.com/ and http://www.clevelandpeople.com/

7th class of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame

7^th class of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame will be inducted Tuesday April 26 

Bios and photos of7th class of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame 

The 2016 Class was chosen unanimously by the committee from over 150 nominations. In alphabetical order:

1. Dr. Mohan Bafna
2. Carolyn Balogh
3. Arnie de la Porte (posthumous)
4. Jack Kahl
5. Rev. Mikhail Mikhail
6. Khalid Samad
7. Eugenia Stolarczyk

Joe meets 12 new people in Australia by Joseph Meissner

We love traveling, but not just to see the tourist sites. You could simply sit on your plush living room couch at home and eye Rick Steves travels, if your only goal was see the sights. No, we like to meet real people and dialogue with them. In Australia we met many people and made many new friends. This article is dedicated to twelve of the wonderful people we chanced upon.

Read the rest of Joe's travel experience

Grandson's Senior Recital by Amy Kenneley

The huge auditorium, filled to capacity the previous evening for a performance, echoed this morning with the smaller sounds of pre-recital tunings and directions. This was my grandson's Senior recital, one that tested his four years of work at Belmont University's School of Music. He would be presenting five pieces, all reflecting the aspects of playing, composing and arranging music.

Amy Kenneley and grandson Patrick

Read the rest of Amy's story

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University Circle’s Chris Ronayne keynote at Gardens Gala - 4

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation (CCGF) hosted a gala event at the Intercontinental Hotel to celebrate the Centennial of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. (The first Garden was established in April 1916.)  This is the conclusion (part 4) of the keynote speech by Chris Ronayne of University Circle Inc.

University Circle’s Chris Ronayne keynote at Gardens Gala - 3

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation (CCGF) hosted a gala event at the Intercontinental Hotel to celebrate the Centennial of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. (The first Garden was established in April 1916.)  This is part 3 of the keynote speech by Chris Ronayne of University Circle Inc

University Circle’s Chris Ronayne keynote at Gardens Gala - 2

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation (CCGF) hosted a gala event at the Intercontinental Hotel to celebrate the Centennial of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. (The first Garden was established in April 1916.)  This is part 2 of the keynote speech by Chris Ronayne of University Circle Inc.   and Chris presents a check to CCGF president Sheila Crawford.

Senator Sherrod Brown and Cleveland Cultural Gardens

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation (CCGF) hosted a gala event at the Intercontinental Hotel to celebrate the Centennial of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. (The first Garden was established in April 1916.)  US Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) sent this video message to show his support for the Gardens on their 100th anniversary and for their message of ‘Peace through Mutual Understanding.’

Senator Rob Portman and Cleveland Cultural Gardens

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation (CCGF) hosted a gala event at the Intercontinental Hotel to celebrate the Centennial of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. (The first Garden was established in April 1916.)  US Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) sent this video message to show his support for the Gardens on their 100th anniversary and for their message of ‘Peace through Mutual Understanding.’

University Circle’s Chris Ronayne keynote at Gardens Gala - 1

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation (CCGF) hosted a gala event at the Intercontinental Hotel to celebrate the Centennial of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. (The first Garden was established in April 1916.)  This is part 1 of the keynote speech by Chris Ronayne of University Circle Inc.

Dick Russ introduces keynote speaker Chris Ronayne

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation (CCGF) hosted a gala event at the Intercontinental Hotel to celebrate the Centennial of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. (The first Garden was established in April 1916.)  A packed house of 325 watched Master of Ceremonies Dick Russ introduce keynote speaker Chris Ronayne of University Circle Inc.

Cleveland Cultural Gardens 100th Gala – Dan Hanson

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation (CCGF) hosted a gala event at the Intercontinental Hotel to celebrate the Centennial of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. (The first Garden was established in April 1916.)

CCGF Executive Board member Dan Hanson presented some of the proclamations received including from Mayor Frank Jackson, State Senator Tom Patton and Governor John Kasich.  He then showed video tributes from Senator Rob Portman and Senator Sherrod Brown.  Then a special letter from President Barack Obama from the White House was read and displayed.

Cleveland Cultural Gardens 100th Gala - Dignitaries

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation (CCGF) hosted a gala event at the Intercontinental Hotel to celebrate the Centennial of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. (The first Garden was established in April 1916.)  CCGF Sheila Murphy Crawford introduced Master of Ceremonies Dick Russ who acknowledged some of the dignitaries in attendance such as Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and Consul of Ireland from Chicago Orla McBreen.

Cleveland Cultural Gardens 100th – Rev Caviness

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation (CCGF) hosted a gala event at the Intercontinental Hotel to celebrate the Centennial of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. (The first Garden was established in April 1916.)  A packed house of 325 watched Master of Ceremonies Dick Russ introduce Pastor Caviness for the invocation.  Since 1961, Reverend Emmitt Theophilus Caviness has served as Pastor of Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church in Cleveland.

Toast to Cleveland Cultural Gardens 100th

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation (CCGF) hosted a gala event at the Intercontinental Hotel to celebrate the Centennial of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. (The first Garden was established in April 1916.) CCGF Sheila Murphy Crawford called up the CCGF Executive Board and asked the audience to join them in a toast to the 100th anniversary of the gardens – in their native language.

 

Cleveland Cultural Gardens 100th – Sheila Crawford

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation (CCGF) hosted a gala event at the Intercontinental Hotel to celebrate the Centennial of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. (The first Garden was established in April 1916.)  CCGF Sheila Murphy Crawford welcomed the crowd and gave some updates on the Gardens.

Cleveland Cultural Gardens 100th – Ken Kovach anthem

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation (CCGF) hosted a gala event at the Intercontinental Hotel to celebrate the Centennial of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. (The first Garden was established in April 1916.)  A packed house of 325 watched Master of Ceremonies Dick Russ introduce Ken Kovach who led the National Anthem.

Cleveland Cultural Gardens 100th - Dick Russ welcome

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation (CCGF) hosted a gala event at the Intercontinental Hotel to celebrate the Centennial of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. (The first Garden was established in April 1916.)  A packed house of 325 watched Master of Ceremonies Dick Russ welcome the crowd and tell his own personal stories about growing up near the Gardens.

Cleveland Rotary makes Mayor Jackson honorary member

The Rotary Club of Cleveland honored The Honorable Frank G. Jackson, Mayor of Cleveland, with the 2016 International Service Award.  Rotary Club President Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski announced that Mayor Jackson would be one of the few who are made honorary Rotary members and the Mayor was then pinned.

Cleveland Mayor Jackson’s strategy on refugees

The Rotary Club of Cleveland honored The Honorable Frank G. Jackson, Mayor of Cleveland, with the 2016 International Service Award.  After his speech Mayor Jackson was asked about refugees.  

He told a story of how he learned a lesson from meeting with people who recently came from a refugee camp in Africa.  He said there used to be an infrastructure to support immigrants and refugees.  That doesn’t exist like it used to so we have to create that infrastructure. Programs are just programs – we believe in doing substantive things. What’s relevant is what we do for people.

Cleveland and the challenges of the RNC

The Rotary Club of Cleveland honored The Honorable Frank G. Jackson, Mayor of Cleveland, with the 2016 International Service Award.  After his speech Mayor Jackson was asked how the challenges of hosting the Republican National Convention RNC.

He said we are not afraid of the challenge.  We will step up our game to meet whatever challenge is before us and put Cleveland in the best light. This is about who we are.  How you deal with adversity is how you are defined.

How does national immigration climate affect Cleveland?

The Rotary Club of Cleveland honored The Honorable Frank G. Jackson, Mayor of Cleveland, with the 2016 International Service Award.  After his speech Mayor Jackson was asked how the national immigration climate affects Cleveland and what are the relationships with the sister cities?

ClevelandPeople honors Major Jackson at Rotary

The Rotary Club of Cleveland honored The Honorable Frank G. Jackson, Mayor of Cleveland, with the 2016 International Service Award.

Honorary Consul of the Republic of Lithuania Ingrida Bublys (also past president of Cleveland Rotary) introduced Dan and Debbie Hanson of ClevelandPeople.Com and they presented a proclamation to Mayor Jackson and told of his efforts in the ethnic communities.

Honors for Major Jackson at Cleveland Rotary

The Rotary Club of Cleveland honored The Honorable Frank G. Jackson, Mayor of Cleveland, with the 2016 International Service Award.  Honorary Consul of the Republic of Lithuania Ingrida Bublys (also past president of Cleveland Rotary) introduced some of the dignitaries who had proclamations for the Mayor.

Consul Bublys and Rotary International Service Award

The Rotary Club of Cleveland honored The Honorable Frank G. Jackson, Mayor of Cleveland, with the 2016 International Service Award.  Honorary Consul of the Republic of Lithuania Ingrida Bublys (also past president of Cleveland Rotary) announced the award and presented it to Mayor Jackson.

Cleveland Rotary and Rotary International updates

The Rotary Club of Cleveland President Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski gave a brief history of the Club and told of some of the work and accomplishments such as the near eradication of polio from the earth.

Old Stone Church Pastor at Cleveland Rotary

The Rotary Club of Cleveland honored The Honorable Frank G. Jackson, Mayor of Cleveland, with the 2016 International Service Award.  Rev. Dr. R. Mark Giuliano, Pastor of the Old Stone Church in Cleveland, gave a Cleveland focused invocation.

Cleveland Rotary and Mayor Jackson national anthem

The Rotary Club of Cleveland honored The Honorable Frank G. Jackson, Mayor of Cleveland, with the 2016 International Service Award.  Rotary Club President Beverly Ghent-Skrzynski welcomed the crowd and began the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem.

Mayor Frank Jackson accepts Rotary Award

The Rotary Club of Cleveland honored The Honorable Frank G. Jackson, Mayor of Cleveland, with the 2016 International Service Award. This is the Mayor’s acceptance speech.

Mayor Frank Jackson accepts Rotary Award

The Rotary Club of Cleveland honored The Honorable Frank G. Jackson, Mayor of Cleveland, with the 2016 International Service Award. This is the Mayor’s acceptance speech.

Cleveland Asian Festival benefits AsiaTown

Cleveland Asian Festival benefits AsiaTown

For Immediate Release

April 1, 2016

Cleveland, OH – The Cleveland Asian Festival is a grassroots effort to highlight AsiaTown while celebrating diversity and Asian culture in Northeast Ohio. It is a major reason for the resurgence of and growth in Cleveland’s AsiaTown community.

When the volunteer founders of the Cleveland Asian Festival created the event seven years ago their main goals were to showcase Asian culture and promote the AsiaTown neighborhood of Cleveland.  The Cleveland Asian Festival is still run entirely by volunteers as a labor of love for their culture, neighborhood and city. 

May 21 and 22, 2016 will be the 7^th annual Cleveland Asian Festival and the results have been dramatic.  In 2015 for example, over 45,000 people attended the event and spent over $2 million in the neighborhood.  For many it was their first visit to Cleveland’s AsiaTown and visitor surveys showed that a large majority planned on returning to shop and eat in the neighborhood throughout the year.

This success has also led to many businesses opening or growing in the neighborhood.  Johnny Wu, one of the founders of the Cleveland Asian Festival, said, “We are all volunteers who work to build and grow AsiaTown.  We wanted to bring the community together and provide an economic growth engine for the AsiaTown neighborhood and the first six years have done just that.  We are excited about continued success this year and beyond.”

The grassroots efforts of the all-volunteer Cleveland Asian Festival team, along with area business and organization partners, have helped uncover a hidden treasure.   Co-founder Lisa Wong says “Due to the notoriety that the Festival has brought to the neighborhood, small business owners and restaurants have filled many of the vacant storefronts and others have remodeled and expanded.”

By bringing together the diverse Asian community and working together with local Asian non-profits, the annual Cleveland Asian Festival has provided an economic boost to AsiaTown and led to bustling stores, restaurants and community resources. 

‘We look forward to introducing even more people to AsiaTown at the Cleveland Asian Festival on May 21 and 22.” said Johnny Wu.

About the 2016 Cleveland Asian Festival

The Cleveland Asian Festival is an annual celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage month in May in Cleveland’s Asiatown neighborhood. The Cleveland Asian Festival is a landmark undertaking to unite the community through collaboration and recognition of its culture, diversity, and people. A record crowd of 45,018 attended the 6^th annual Cleveland Asian Festival in 2015.

The 2016 Cleveland Asian festival will be held May 21 and 22, 2016 from 11am to 7pm on Payne Ave. between E. 30th St & E. 27th S.  Admission and parking are free.

Contact

Johnny Wu, johnny@mdifilm.com

1419 East 40th Street Cleveland, OH 44103

Office: 216.539.4634

www.ClevelandAsianFestival.org

###

Judge Sara Harper proclamations and Rev. Jefferson tribute

Judge Sara Harper was honored in a ceremony by the Republican National Committee and others in the Outhwaite Community Center which is in the public housing where she (and Carl and Lou Stokes and others) grew up.

She received proclamations from Governor John Kasich and Attorney General Mike DeWine. Reverend Jefferson closed the program with his tribute and a prayer.

Cleveland African-Americans

Judge Sara Harper honored in Cleveland

Judge Sara Harper was honored in a ceremony by the Republican National Committee and others in the Outhwaite Community Center which is in the public housing where she (and Carl and Lou Stokes and others) grew up.

Judge Harper spoke of her pioneering accomplishments and those of her late husband George Trumbo.


Cleveland African-Americans

Republican Party Chair Rob Frost honors Judge Sara Harper

Judge Sara Harper was honored in a ceremony by the Republican National Committee and others in the Outhwaite Community Center which is in the public housing where she (and Carl and Lou Stokes and others) grew up.

Cuyahoga County Republican Party Chairman Rob Frost told of her accomplishments and those of her late husband George Trumbo.

Cleveland African-Americans

Brian Barnes of Ohio Republican Party honors Judge Sara Harper

Brian Barnes, co-director of African American Initiatives for the Ohio Republican Party, spoke at a ceremony to honor Judge Sara Parker in Cleveland at the Outhwaite Community Center which is in the public housing where she (and Carl and Lou Stokes and others) grew up.

Cleveland African-Americans

Republican Party Chair Rob Frost – Black History Month

Judge Sara Harper was honored in a ceremony by the Republican National Committee and others in the Outhwaite Community Center which is in the public housing where she (and Carl and Lou Stokes and others) grew up.

Cuyahoga County Republican Party Chairman Rob Frost told the crowd that it as a Republican President, Gerald Ford, who turned Black History Week into Black History Month.

Cleveland African-Americans

Judge Sara Harper honored by RNC’s Jeff Larson

Judge Sara Harper was honored in a ceremony by the Republican National Committee and others in the Outhwaite Community Center which is in the public housing where she (and Carl and Lou Stokes and others) grew up.  That is also where the Judge Sara Harper library is housed for residents of Outhwaite Public Housing.

Judge Harper was a pioneer including being the first the first black woman to graduate from Case Western Reserve University Law School. The event marked the end of the 2016 Black History Month and included a tour of the Sara J. Harper Children’s Library, a reception for area Republicans and the Outhwaite community and an awards ceremony for the evening’s honoree Judge Harper.

Republican National Convention (RNC) Committee on Arrangements CEO Jeff Larson praised the judge and presented a check for her library.


Cleveland African-Americans

Laverne Jones-Gore honors Judge Sara Harper

Judge Sara Harper was honored in a ceremony by the Republican National Committee and others in the Outhwaite Community Center which is in the public housing where she (and Carl and Lou Stokes and others) grew up.  That is also where the Judge Sara Harper library is housed for residents of Outhwaite Public Housing.

Judge Hamper was a pioneer including being the first the first black woman to graduate from Case Western Reserve University Law School. The event marked the end of the 2016 Black History Month and included a tour of the Sara J. Harper Children’s Library, a reception for area Republicans and the Outhwaite community and an awards ceremony for the evening’s honoree Judge Harper.

Laverne Jones-Gore told how Judge Harper was her hero and inspiration.

Cleveland African-Americans

Indian Physicians of NE Ohio at Cleveland Rotary

Ramesh Shah of the Association of Indian Physicians of NE Ohio (AIPNO) spoke at the Cleveland Rotary.  He told how the doctors make medical yatras and volunteer their time and talent to help the poorest of the poor.  Hundreds of cataract surgeries and other medical procedures. He quoted Gandhi and said we must be the change we want in the world.

Indians in Cleveland

Ramesh Shah gives India Rotary pins to Cleveland Rotary

Ramesh Shah of the Association of Indian Physicians of NE Ohio (AIPNO) spoke at the Cleveland Rotary and told of the Rotary Clubs in India and gave pins from there to Cleveland Rotary officers. He was joined by Dr. Jaya Shah and Dr. Gita Gidwani.

Indians in Cleveland

Troublesome Words - Rotary Four-Way Test

Anthony Pilla, a freshman from St Ignatius High School, gave his speech called ‘Troublesome Words’ at the Rotary Club of Cleveland.

This was the second place presentation in a contest that focused on the Rotary’s Four-Way Test of the things we think, say or do.  Anthony told about the pain that words can cause.

Religions in Cleveland

A Place for Religion? Rotary Four-Way Test

Kevin McGrath Jr., a freshman from St Ignatius High School, gave his speech called ‘A Place for Religion?’ at the Rotary Club of Cleveland.  This was the third place presentation in a contest that focused on the Rotary’s Four-Way Test of the things we think, say or do.  Kevin asked why society has become so hostile toward religion, especially in schools.

Cleveland Religions

West Side Irish American Club at Cleveland St Patrick’s Day Parade

West Side Irish American Club East Side (WSIAC) at the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

See more of the Irish in Cleveland

St. Helen Unicycle Drill Team at Cleveland St Patrick’s Parade

St. Helen Unicycle Drill Team from Newbury, Ohio marched/rode in the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade.


See more of the Irish in Cleveland

Cleveland Asian Festival at 2016 St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Representatives of the Cleveland Asian Festival, including the lion dance team, marched in the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The Cleveland Asian Festival will be May 21 and 22, 2016.

2016 Cleveland Asian Festival

Cleveland’s Polish community (Polonia) marched in the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade and featured St. Casimir Church.

Polish in Cleveland

Murphy Irish Dancers in Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The World Champion Murphy Irish Dancers marched in the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade led by Sheila Murphy Crawford.

See more of the Irish in Cleveland

University Circle at Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade

University Circle Inc. at the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Chris Ronayne and representatives from many of the UCI institutions marched.

See more of the Irish in Cleveland

St Vincent – St Mary Fighting Irish on St Patrick’s Day

The St Vincent – St Mary Fighting Irish Band from Akron Ohio marched in the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

See more of the Irish in Cleveland

Kenton Ridge Marching Cougar Band at St Patrick’s Parade

The Kenton Ridge High School Marching Cougar Band from Springfield Ohio marched in the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

See more of the Irish in Cleveland

Irish American Club East Side at Cleveland St Patrick’s Day Parade

Irish American Club East Side (IACES) at the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Including the Pipe and Drums and award winning float.

See more of the Irish in Cleveland

Ancient Order of Hibernians at Cleveland St Patrick’s Day Parade

Ancient Order of Hibernians at the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade.


See more of the Irish in Cleveland

Cleveland Firefighters at 2016 St Patrick’s Day Parade

Cleveland Firefighters at the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade.


See more of the Irish in Cleveland

Cleveland Police at 2016 St Patrick’s Day Parade

Cleveland Police Pipes and Drums, Emerald Society, Retired Irish Police, K9 Unit, Sea of Blue, Sherriff and other safety forces at the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade.


See more of the Irish in Cleveland

Dignitaries at start of the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Start of the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade featuring Grand Marshall Jack Coyne, Irish Mother of the Year Bridget McIntyre, Outside Co-Chair Teresa Reilly Kowalski and Inside Co-Chair John Myers as well as the Parade Committee and Public Officials including Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, County Executive Armond Budish and Cleveland Councilmen Tony Brancatelli, Joe Cimperman, Mike Polensek, Mamie Mitchell, Martin Keane and Kevin Kelley.


See more of the Irish in Cleveland

Irish and US national anthems at St Patrick’s Day Parade

Katie Cooper sang the Irish National Anthem in Gaelic and then the United States National Anthem at the beginning of the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade.


See more of the Irish in Cleveland

2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade Honorees

Grand Marshall Jack Coyne, Irish Mother of the Year Bridget McIntyre, Outside Co-Chair Teresa Reilly Kowalski and Inside Co-Chair John Myers honored on the steps of the Bishop Cosgrove Center before the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

See more of the Irish in Cleveland

Grand Marshall Jack Coyne – Cleveland St Patrick’s Day 2016

Grand Marshall Jack Coyne blows the whistle to start the 2016 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  

Irish in Cleveland

Irish setters and wolfhounds at Cleveland St Patrick’s Parade

Irish setters and Irish wolfhound dogs at the 2016 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Cleveland.  

Irish in Cleveland


Pets in Cleveland

West Side Irish American Club 2016 float

Tim Campbell of the West Side Irish American Club in Cleveland explained the club’s float in the 2016 St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The theme was "Commemorating the 1916 Easter Rising and Ireland's Quest for Freedom" and the float featured the actual signing of the proclamation that declared Ireland free from British rule.

Irish in Cleveland

Irish American Club East Side 2016 float

Jim Peppard of the Irish American Club East Side float committee for the St Patrick's Day Parade explained the club’s 2016 float.

The theme was "Commemorating the 1916 Easter Rising and Ireland's Quest for Freedom" and the float featured lots of motions, sounds, smoke and even LED lights.

This float won Best of Parade.

Irish in Cleveland

Hungarian ballroom dance at 2016 Paprika

The Cleveland Hungarian Development Panel hosted their annual Paprika! Event on March 12, 2016.  This year’s event recognized the centennial of the Cleveland Museum of Art.  Dancers from the Viva Dance Studio performed ballroom style dancing to Hungarian music.

Hungarians in Cleveland

Cleveland Hungarian Development Panel’s 2016 Paprika

The Cleveland Hungarian Development Panel hosted their annual Paprika! Event on March 12, 2016.  This year’s event recognized the centennial of the Cleveland Museum of Art.  Andrew Grover served as Master of Ceremonies and this is his welcome.


Hungarians in Cleveland

Kostroma burned to end winter at Cleveland Maslenitsa

The Russian Cultural Garden, part of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, hosted their 2nd annual Maslenitsa celebration.  The 2016 event was at the Rockefeller Greenhouse indoors because of the weather.

The mascot of the celebration is a brightly dressed straw effigy of Maslenitsa, formerly known as Kostroma. Since it was inside the Greenhouse, instead of lighting Kostroma on fire, sparklers were attached.  A song was sung and children circled around it.  Bye Bye Winter.


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Kids Violin and acrobatics at Cleveland Maslenitsa

The Russian Cultural Garden, part of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, hosted their 2nd annual Maslenitsa celebration.  The 2016 event was at the Rockefeller Greenhouse indoors because of the weather.  A boy played violin and then young girls performed acrobatics.

Russians in Cleveland

Kids game in Russian at Cleveland Maslenitsa

The Russian Cultural Garden, part of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, hosted their 2nd annual Maslenitsa celebration.  The 2016 event was at the Rockefeller Greenhouse indoors because of the weather.  In this game kids could win candy by answering questions (in Russian).

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Cuyahoga Cossacks at Cleveland Russian Maslenitsa

The Russian Cultural Garden, part of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, hosted their 2nd annual Maslenitsa celebration.  The 2016 event was at the Rockefeller Greenhouse indoors because of the weather.

This is another song from the Greater Cleveland Russian Chorus, aka the Cuyahoga Cossacks, who strolled through the Greenhouse and sang traditional Russian folk songs.


Russians in Cleveland

Russian Chorus at Cleveland Russian Maslenitsa

The Russian Cultural Garden, part of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, hosted their 2nd annual Maslenitsa celebration.  The 2016 event was at the Rockefeller Greenhouse indoors because of the weather.
The Greater Cleveland Russian Chorus, aka the Cuyahoga Cossacks, strolled through the Greenhouse and sang traditional Russian folk songs.


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Bliny contest at Cleveland Russian Maslenitsa

The Russian Cultural Garden, part of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, hosted their 2nd annual Maslenitsa celebration.  The 2016 event was at the Rockefeller Greenhouse indoors because of the weather.

 This is the best bliny (crepe) contest with judges Ken Kovach, Sheila Crawford, Debbie Hanson, Erika Puussaar and Bob Rotatori. http://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/russian/russian.htm

Russian community in Cleveland

Babushka contest at Cleveland Russian Maslenitsa

The Russian Cultural Garden, part of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, hosted their 2nd annual Maslenitsa celebration.  The 2016 event was at the Rockefeller Greenhouse indoors because of the weather.  This is some of the ladies in the babushka contest.


 Russians in Cleveland

Cleveland Cultural Gardens Centennial Plaza plans

Landscape architect James McKnight presented plans for the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Centennial Plaza at a Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation board meeting on March 8, 2016.

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What is a Pharaoh? Pharaoh Exhibit at Cleveland Museum of Art

The Cleveland Museum of Art is presenting Pharaoh: King of Ancient Egypt bringing 3,000 years of ancient Egyptian history to life through some of the finest objects from the British Museum’s vast holdings and several of Cleveland’s own masterworks. The exhibit includes more than 150 objects.

This clip defines what a Pharaoh is and shows a seated statue of Pharaoh Seti II from about 1200 BC. Also the head of Pharaoh Mentuhotep II who reigned from 2050-1999 BC.


More of the Ancient Egyptian artifacts

Ostracon of Pharaoh presenting a libation at CMA

The Cleveland Museum of Art is presenting Pharaoh: King of Ancient Egypt bringing 3,000 years of ancient Egyptian history to life through some of the finest objects from the British Museum’s vast holdings and several of Cleveland’s own masterworks. The exhibit includes more than 150 objects and this was a favorite.

 It is an ostracon depicting pharaoh presenting a libation offering. From Thebes Egypt about 1186-1069 BC, made of limestone and 30x20x2 cm.

More of the Ancient Egyptian artifacts

St Patrick's Day and drinking

This is how we started the latest ClevelandPeople.Com eNews blast.

While many outside the community wrongfully joke that St Patrick's Day is one big drunken party, the fact is that much of the actual Irish community begin the day celebrating Mass (See below for St Colman's Mass and activities for example) and then enjoy the day responsibly.  The media loves to show a picture of some teen acting up after having his first beers but in reality that stereotype is dated, insulting  and just plain wrong.   99% of the people celebrating will enjoy the week's events and the Parade in a responsible manner.  Don't be fooled by the 1% who attract all the attention.

If you want to receive the free weekly enews of all international/ethnic events coming up that week just sign up.

Sphinx of Pharaoh Amenahat IV at CMA

The Cleveland Museum of Art is presenting Pharaoh: King of Ancient Egypt bringing 3,000 years of ancient Egyptian history to life through some of the finest objects from the British Museum’s vast holdings and several of Cleveland’s own masterworks.

The exhibit includes more than 150 objects and this was a favorite.  It is a Sphinx of Pharaoh Amenahat IV who reigned from 1814-1805 BC. A sphinx has the body of a lion and the head of a

More of the Egyptian Art

King, Jackal and Falcon Ancient Egyptian art - Pharaoh at CMA

The Cleveland Museum of Art is presenting Pharaoh: King of Ancient Egypt bringing 3,000 years of ancient Egyptian history to life through some of the finest objects from the British Museum’s vast holdings and several of Cleveland’s own masterworks.

The exhibit includes more than 150 objects and this was a favorite.  It is 3 kneeling bronze figures posing in jubilation.  They are an unknown king, a jackal headed deity and a falcon headed deity.



More of the Egyptian Art

Ancient Egyptian Enemies List at Pharaoh Exhibit at CMA

The Cleveland Museum of Art is presenting Pharaoh: King of Ancient Egypt bringing 3,000 years of ancient Egyptian history to life through some of the finest objects from the British Museum’s vast holdings and several of Cleveland’s own masterworks.

The exhibit includes more than 150 objects and this was a favorite.  It’s a large (103x62x52 cm) red granite Enemies List.

More of the Egyptian Art

Nana visit the Grandkids by Amy Kenneley

Here Let Us Live

Pandemonium Nana Visit! I receive hugs and kisses, sidestepping the hodge-podge of grandkids' toys to maneuver my suitcase into the house. Backpacks hang, fighting for space on the wall hooks, interspersed with hats and caps flowing down to a basketful of tennis shoes in NASCAR colors.


 I used to say that if you wanted to know where a kid was, just follow the trail he left. That was still true, as I found myself stepping over action figures, hop-scotching around Lego manufactories, and ducking beneath the curly- ribbon strings of birthday balloons that still bounced merrily in the air currents as I passed.

Read the rest of Amy's visit

Young Dr. Who scared by Dalek at Comic Con

A young fan dressed as Dr. Who visited the TRACE the Doctor #tracethedoctor booth at Wizard World Comic Con Cleveland and was surprised by a small Dalek which chased him behind the TARDIS control panel.

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Hebrew Cultural Garden in Cleveland additions

The Hebrew Cultural Garden in Cleveland was dedicated May 5, 1926 making it the second (after the Shakespeare - British) Garden in the Cultural Gardens.

Recently some new additions were added honoring Jewish scientists, authors and other cultural figures.

Steven Spielberg, Elie Weisel, Emma Lazarus

See all the new additions to the Hebrew Cultural Garden