From The Co-Presidents of The Press Club of Cleveland | | |
One of the greatest strengths of the Press Club of Cleveland has always been its people.
Our members represent every corner of the communications profession—from journalists, editors and broadcasters to public relations, marketing and corporate communications professionals. While our careers may take us in different directions, the Press Club remains a place where we can learn from one another, expand our networks and build lasting friendships.
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If you've been thinking about becoming more involved, we'd love to have you. The Press Club of Cleveland thrives because members volunteer their time, share their ideas and help shape the future of our organization. Whether you're interested in serving on a committee, helping with an event, suggesting a program or simply attending more gatherings, there's a place for you here.If you've been thinking about becoming more involved, we'd love to have you. The Press Club of Cleveland thrives because members volunteer their time, share their ideas and help shape the future of our organization. Whether you're interested in serving on a committee, helping with an event, suggesting a program or simply attending more gatherings, there's a place for you here.
We're also pleased to welcome two of our newest members, Chris Abood and Mike Olszewski. Both are highly respected, longtime Northeast Ohio media professionals who have made significant contributions to our industry throughout their careers. We're excited they've chosen to join the Press Club of Cleveland and know they'll be wonderful additions to our growing membership. We encourage you to read more about Mike and Chris elsewhere in this newsletter and introduce yourself when you see them at an upcoming event.
Speaking of opportunities to connect, we hope you'll join us for our Summer Social just before Labor Day. It's a chance to step away from deadlines and meetings, catch up with colleagues, meet new members and enjoy an evening with fellow media and communications professionals in a relaxed setting. Whether you've been a member for decades or just joined this year, we hope you'll come out and connect with your Press Club community.
As we head into a busy fall filled with programming and events, we encourage each of you to think about someone in your own network who would benefit from becoming a Press Club of Cleveland member. If you know a colleague, mentor, recent graduate or marketing, communications or related professional looking to expand their professional network, invite them to join us. Our organization is strongest when new voices and fresh perspectives become part of the conversation.
Thank you for your continued support of the Press Club of Cleveland. We look forward to seeing you at the Summer Social and throughout the months ahead.
Sincerely,
Kevin S. Adelstein & Denise Polverine
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JOIN US FOR A PRESS CLUB OF CLEVELAND SUMMER SOCIAL!
Take a break, catch up with old friends and make some
new ones at our Press Club Summer Networking Night!
Wednesday, August 26
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Edwins Restaurant,
12383 Cedar Rd., Cleveland Heights
There's no cost to attend, but please email to the The Press Club pressclubcle@gmail.com to respond yes, and come ready to connect with fellow journalists, communicators and media professionals in a relaxed setting. A cash bar will be available, and you're welcome to order dinner or appetizers from Edwin's menu.
No speeches. No presentations. Just good conversations with great people.
We hope to see you there! #PressClubCLE
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Chris Abood
Retired (2021), formerly Director of Community Partnerships and Employee Engagement, Cleveland Clinic (2010 – 2021) and Marketing Manager, Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital (2005 – 2010)
What’s your proudest professional moment?
As the Marketing Manager for Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital, I managed a giant benefit event called “The Teddy Bear Ride” in 2006 and 2007. Motorcycle riders from the community were encouraged to participate in this public, organized ride from The International Exposition Center near Cleveland Hopkins Airport to Cleveland Clinic’s Main Campus and deliver a donated toy. The riders were escorted by Cleveland Clinic Police and City of Cleveland Police, who closed off all entrances and exits on I-71 and all of Chester Avenue from East 30th Street to East 100th Street for the ride, approximately one hour. In total, the ride drew over 10,000 motorcyclists, according to media and police estimates, and this throng donated a like number of toys for the pediatric patients at the hospital. Regrettably, our efforts were so successful, and the event grew to be so large, that the Cleveland Police Department would not allow us to present such an event after 2007!
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Mike Olszewski
Retired Cleveland Radio/TV/Print Journalist, educatorand author currently teaching classes at Florida State College at Jacksonville
What 's a story you covered that changed you?
I actually have two stories that deeply affected me. I knew Bill Dieterle from his restaurant days but did a story about hm devoting his life to playing Santa Claus for terminally ill children who wouldn’t make it to Christmas. He even built a large campus with a toy workshop, Santa’s castle and related buildings that was open year-round.
The second happened at the 1988 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction at the Waldorf Astoria in New York. That was the year Mick Jagger was inducting the Beatles, Bruce Springsteen introduced Bob Dylan, Elton John for the Beach Boys and lots of stars. No one was paying much attention to the Drifters who were also being inducted. Their record company called asking a favor if I could do a short interview with the group, so I went to the mid-afternoon soundcheck. Singer Johnny Moore said he had a few minutes, and I asked if he remembered playing Cleveland. Turns out he was discovered singing at the Dove Lounge when he was at John Adams High School and lived in my old neighborhood the same time I was there. He waited for the bus to school at the end of my street. For the next hour we just laughed and talked about the Harvard / East 131st / Miles Avenue neighborhood. His manager came to get him so he could dressed for the dinner, and before he left, he gave me a huge smile and a bear hug. He said, “I can’t believe someone from my old neighborhood is here to see me get inducted!” The next day, the record rep called to say Johnny was grateful to be a Rock Hall inductee but just wanted to talk about our walk down memory lane.
My wife and co-author, Janice, and I write books and produce TV features highlighting Northeast Ohio’s rich media history and pop culture scene. I also wrote Radio Daze as a solo project, and a segment of that book was presented on stage at the prestigious Cleveland Playhouse.
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NOMINATIONS NEEDED FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME,
CHUCK HEATON AWARD
The Press Club of Cleveland Hall of Fame Committee is seeking nominations for the 2026 Hall of Fame and for the 2026 Chuck Heaton Award.
The Hall of Fame recognizes journalists from all platforms – print, broadcast and digital – who have amassed a career of outstanding work in their field. While there is no specific number of years required in the profession, candidates should have a substantial body of work reflecting their contributions and achievements in the field of journalism.
The Chuck Heaton Award is presented annually by The Press Club of Cleveland to the print, radio, online or television journalist who best exemplifies the sensitivity and humility that, along with his journalism talent, were traits exhibited by Heaton during his lengthy career at The Plain Dealer.
Nominations for either honor should include the person’s name, contact information, media outlet, a brief description of their career and why they should be considered. The nominator also should include his/her name and contact information.
Submit the information as soon as possible – by Aug. 1 – to pressclubcle@gmail.com and to Carol Kovach at ckovach@dioceseofcleveland.org.
The Hall of Fame Committee will meet this summer to review the nominations and to make the selections, which then will be ratified by the Press Club of Cleveland Board of Directors.
Winners will be announced in September. This year’s honorees will be recognized/inducted at an event this fall – time, date and place to be announced later.
For more information, contact Carol Kovach, Hall of Fame Committee chair, at ckovach@dioceseofcleveland.org or 216-905-0767, or pressclubcle@gmail.com.
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If you’re interested in helping shape the future of the Press Club, please consider joining one of our committees.
We are currently looking for members who would like to contribute to membership, marketing, programming or fundraising efforts. Our Membership Committee is also reaching out to journalism programs at local universities as part of an effort to renew the connection between students and the Press Club and introduce the next generation of journalists and communicators to our organization. Please let us know if you’d like to get involved!
We’re also putting out a special call for members with special skills like marketing and graphic design skills. From time to time, we need help creating promotional materials and digital graphics. If you’d be willing to lend your talents, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at pressclubcle@gmail.com
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MARKETING IN THE PRESS CLUB OF CLEVELAND'S BYLINER
Looking for a great place to feature your business? The Press Club of Cleveland's Byliner is now accepting 1/4 page ads.
Cost $125 per issue.
Space for ads is limited.
Email your questions or interest to pressclubcle@gmail.com
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JOIN THE PRESS CLUB TODAY
In continuous operation since 1887, The Press Club of Cleveland is a home for working journalists, professional communicators and anyone who supports the media’s role to keep watch over democratic processes. We advocate for the importance of journalism; maintain the rich history of journalism in Northeast Ohio; recognize excellence in the field with the All-Ohio Excellence in Journalism Awards and the Press Club Hall of Fame; and host programs that bring members together for education, networking and comradery.
Special rates for young practitioners, and members receive discounts on Press Club events and entry fees in our statewide awards program. Learn more about the benefits of membership here... Please follow instructions!
Connect :
· Facebook: The Press Club of Cleveland
· Twitter: @PressClubCLE
Instagram: @PressClubCLE
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