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October 2011 Newsletter of The Press Club of Cleveland From the President Herb Thomas, Veteran WJW Photo Journalist, to Ed Byers Receive the 2011 Chuck Heaton Award It’s Hall of Fame time. Herb Thomas, long The Plain Dealer and John Telich of WJW This year we honor time WJW photojour- FOX 8. native Clevelander Kelly nalist, will be hon- With more than 30 years at WJW TV- O’Donnell of NBC and ored with the 2011 FOX 8, Herb has worked in numerous formerly FOX 8, Tom Chuck Heaton Award capacities, from maintenance and set Beres of Channel 3, to be presented at the building, director of print operations, Tom Feran and Phillip Club’s annual Hall studio camera crew to photojournalist Morris of The Plain Dealer, and Bob of Fame induction, and news videographer. Herb created Paynter, Pulitzer prize journalist, for- Friday, Oct. 28 at 6 and produced the TV8 sign-off programs merly with The PD and Beacon Journal p.m., at LaCentre in “Meditations” and “Celebration.” He was staff. Westlake. the creative force, photographer and Here’s a news tip: register now and The Chuck Heaton Award honors an co-producer of the public affairs series save ten bucks. The early bird registra- individual who best exemplifies the “Neighborhood.” Herb has traveled exten- tion deadline is October 10th. After that, qualities of Hall of Fame reporter Chuck sively throughout the United States, the price jumps. Heaton, a long-time sports writer and col- Canada, Israel, Armenia and El Salvador as As for this year’s Chuck Heaton Award, umnist at The Plain Dealer. Heaton, who photojournalist and videographer cover- we had a handful of very worthy candi- passed away in February 2008, was known ing special assignments. dates, but Herb Thomas was the unani- for his lifelong dedication to journalism, Herb is also founder and president of mous choice. Herb is truly a man for all his fairness, his concern for community thomasvisions™ a multi-faceted company seasons. His caring nature and spirit of and helping others. specializing in media productions, public “giving back to the community” is second Previous Heaton Award winners include relations, and media consulting. to none, as witnessed by his efforts with Terry Pluto and Margaret Bernstein of “The Prayer Warriors.” continued on page 4 > His camerawork at Fox 8 is legend- ary. As one of his nominators pointed Connie Schultz resigns out, “Through the years, if it made news By Stuart Warner in Cleveland, Herb was looking at it She was 36 years old, a single mother through the lens of his camera.” Herb from working-class Ashtabula, the first in is credited by many a TV reporter for her family to graduate college, when she helping calm live-shot jitters, dispensing got her first full-time job in journalism at timely advice, and sometimes just being The Plain Dealer on Dec. 15, 1993. a good friend. To borrow a favorite phrase of Connie Herb is a very modest guy, but he is Schultz: So how did that work out? also very well known for his recurring Not too damn badly. “Soulman” role on “The Big Chuck and Within a decade, she was a finalist for Little John Show,” which aired on FOX 8 the Pulitzer Prize, journalism’s highest for decades. honor. is a member of the Cleveland Journalism How popular was the “Soulman” char- In 2005, after only two years of writing Hall of Fame. acter? Well, there are a lot of stories. a regular column, she won the Pulitzer for Along that busy by-way, she fell in Mike Conway, formerly of FOX 8, now commentary and a slew of other awards love with a man who also happened to with Sherwin Williams corporate com- for work that reflected her roots, stories be a politician and who is now a United munications, tells of the time he and that other journalists often overlooked, States Senator from the great state of Herb were sent to Israel to cover the first like the money in a coat-check woman’s Ohio, Sherrod Brown. On Sept. 19, with John Demjanjuk trial. They were walking tip jar going directly to her employer. her husband facing re-election next year, down a street in the middle of downtown She’s written two books, her column is Connie made the decision to resign from Jerusalem when all of a sudden there syndicated across the U.S., she appears Ohio’s largest newspaper. was this shout from the crowd, someone regularly on national TV and radio I was her editor for several years. I will yelling, “Hey, Soulman! Hey Soulman!” programs, she speaks frequently at always be a friend. I asked her why. continued on page 2 > journalism and other seminars and she continued on page 5>

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Acting the Phone Screen Laurie Mitchell Certified Personnel Consultant Recently, a thirty to have your mobile phone plugged in and listening skills are deficient. sixty minute telephone charging during the call. Make sure that Their perspective is that each ques- screen has become the you’ve previously checked the cell recep- tion is asked for a specific reason and new first interview tion in the place where you will receive they want it answered. If you wish to “norm” for many white the call, and also make yourself “inter- proffer additional information, ascer- collar positions. Talent ruption proof.” No children, colleagues, tain that the timing is appropriate, that acquisition and HR bosses knocking, clients ringing or pets doing so feels “right” or save it for the professionals, many nudging you. Walk the dog beforehand. end of the conversation when you’re hiring influences and The call may come in five minutes early given an opportunity to add something third party recruiters (headhunters) or fifteen minutes late. Be patient. Don’t or ask questions. now find it more efficient – and less panic. Finally, if you like everything you “messy” – to conduct the initial candi- If it is more than fifteen minutes late, have heard and learned, then most date screen via phone using a prepared send the interviewer an email, don’t definitely ask what the “next steps” in list of usually behavioral-based ques- call her, leave your line 100% open. Of the process are, clearly express a desire tions to assess a candidate’s skill set course, double confirming ahead of time to continue interviewing, and thank and “fit.” Doing so provides the inter- the correct number is obvious. the interviewer. Within a few hours viewer “an easy out” if the candidate’s Remember to “smile through the of hanging up, send her a short, sweet oral presentation of skills, accomplish- phone” so that you sound friendly and and warm – but not fawning or unctu- ments and/or attitude is less impres- relaxed. The interviewer will only allot a ous -- follow-up email reiterating your sive than those on the résumé and/or couple minutes for initial small talk so most salient qualifications and desire to application. don’t drag it out. further explore your candidacy. These tips will enrich your phone When describing any situation or Caution: never tell an interviewer screen performance: answering any question, make absolutely that you’re “the perfect fit” for a posi- Go to the bathroom before the call. certain that you don’t digress, ramble or tion. Unless you’re inside her head and/ Have a glass of water, tissues, note- go off on a tangent and that you answer or privy to all the intangibles discussed pad, writing implement, glasses, your precisely what you are asked. Do not on the hiring end, you can’t possibly résumé and a list/cheat sheet of the play politician and answer with what fathom what “the perfect fit” is. accomplishments/lemons-into-lemon- you want to tell the interviewer. HR Laurie Mitchell & Company, Inc. ade/ anecdotes you wish to relate near pros hate – I really do mean “hate” – to you. Don’t type or eat while interview- redirect a question. If they must redirect, Marketing Communications Executive Search ing; it is bad enough that the inter- they will count it heavily against you [email protected] viewer may be typing. even if you’re the best “fit” they have Use a landline if possible and, if not, identified, because it indicates that your www.LaurieMitchellCompany.com Press Club Member FROM THE PRESIDENT FROM PAGE 1 Thousands of miles from home, says a high-profile network anchor and a well- Anniversaries Conway, and “Soulman” is picked out of known Hollywood actress may be joining the crowd in downtown Jerusalem. us. Again, make your reservation now and October Don Olson, former FOX 8 I-Team take advantage of a price break. Join us for 7 years investigator and currently, Medical the celebration. See you there. -Ed Carol Saferin Mutual of Ohio communications director, 4 years tells of the time he and Herb were try- Margaret Bernstein ing to gain a better vantage point to get 3 years footage inside a crime-ridden Cleveland Brian Newbacher row house. A maintenance man happened along and instantly recognized Herb as 1 year A publication of “Soulman.” Turns out, “Soulman” was the Marvin Fong The Press Club of Cleveland Mike O’Mara maintenance guy’s all-time hero. He was Editor Paul Orlousky so star-struck by Herb’s presence that he unlocked the door and escorted Don and Lee Moran Chris Quinn Herb inside to get their story. Ron Reagan Associate Editor There are a lot more stories, about Maryana Bradas Bill Sheil Herb and all the rest of the Hall of Fame Mike Tobin inductees that you will be hearing Friday Contributing Reporters Bob Becker evening, the 28th, at LaCentre. Who Stu Warner Lisa Lowry knows, there is a strong indication that Ed Byers October 2011 The Press Club of Cleveland 3

The

of Cleveland “Serving and honoring communications professionals since 1887.”

President: Ed Byers Medical Mutual of Ohio 216/687-2685

Vice President: Stuart Warner The Write Coach LLC Where were you on 9/11? [email protected] “Behind the Scenes of a Crisis, September 11th - 10 years later” Secretary & Treasurer: Carol Kovach An enthusiastic crowd gathered Sept. The afternoon panel of reporters and Sun Newspapers 216/986-6060 7 at CSU’s Wolstein Center for The Press news executives, led by former Ohio Mag- Club of Cleveland’s “Behind the Scenes of azine editor Rich Osborne, offered a com- VP Membership: Pat Panchak a Crisis, September 11th - 10 Years Later.” pelling in-depth look at how they reported Former Editor-in-Chief, IndustryWeek The media, first responders, military the events of 9/11 and the challenges they and government officials who were on faced that day ten years ago. The panel VP Sponsorship: Dustin Klein duty on 9/11 shared their personal expe- included Michael Heaton and Evelyn Smart Business Network riences and discussed where we’ve been Theiss of The Plain Dealer, TV 5’s Leon and where we are – 10 years later. Bibb, Paul Orlousky of Action 19 News, VP Marketing & PR: Carol Saferin The morning began with a panel discus- Former TV 3 reporter Mike O’Mara, FOX Mart Saferin & Associates sion, led by WKYC-TV’s Eric Mansfield, 8 Managing Editor Toni Garbo, former TV 440/461-6753 featuring first responders, security, intelli- reporter Mary McCahon, and Tom Moore, gence, financial and social service agencies news anchor with WTAM NewsRadio Board of Directors: on how they first heard the news, their 1100. Bob Becker reactions and obstacles they faced or how Many thanks to The Press Club’s pro- bbsoundandlight, WTAM 1100 they responded as a result of the 9/11 ter- gramming committee and Lynn Bracic Jeff Bendix ror attacks. for making the 9/11 program a most Advanstar Communications A riveting luncheon keynote speech was memorable event. Also, we wish to thank Michael Bennett delivered by Dr. Tom Evans, Terrorism the event sponsors: Hennes-Paynter Com- Cleveland Jewish News Professor, John Carroll University, who munications, The Cleveland Clinic, The Margaret Bernstein chronicled the rise and fall of Osama bin Plain Dealer, Cuyahoga Community Col- The Plain Dealer Ladin. Dr. Evans profiled bin Ladin for lege, Cuyahoga County Public Library, and John Betchkal the CIA back in the 1970s. Margaret Wong & Associates LLP. General Electric, retired Maryana Bradas Tom Brady, Former Cleveland Press Reporter Dead at 85 Business Wire Covered Sheppard trial, later served as Parma Hts. Law Director M. Jane Christyson Cleveland Metroparks Tom Brady died Thurs- ma, attended St. Ignatius High School, Howard Fencl day, Sept. 29, at Fairview then moved to North Royalton and trans- WKYC -TV3 Park Hospital. He was 85. ferred to its public high school there. Bonnie Godbey Brady covered Sam He earned a bachelor's degree at Heidel- Bruce Hennes Sheppard's keenly publi- berg College and joined The Press about Hennes Paynter Communications cized murder conviction. 1950. His works earned awards from The Lisa Lowry He was an officer and Press Club, the Guild, and National Asso- WKYC- TV3 trustee of the Cleveland ciation of Bar Executives. David Marburger Newspaper Guild. He also Brady is survived by children, Thoma- Baker & Hostetler covered police, suburbs and courts before sa Parenica of Westlake, Theresa Brady- Lee Moran becoming an assistant zone page editor. Hanratty of Wickliffe and Matthew T. The News-Herald Brady attended Cleveland-Marshall Col- Brady of Sagamore Hills, and three grand- Tom Mulloy lege of Law in the 1950s and then practiced children. Tom Mulloy Photography law on the side, partly for Parma Heights. The Brady family asks that contributions be Mary Patton In 1971, he quit the Press to be the sub- made to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box. Patton Public Relations urb's law director and prosecutor. Brady 74924, Cleveland OH 44194-4924 Denise Polverine also served as the executive director of the alz.org/cleveland/in_my_community_do- cleveland.com Cleveland Bar Association. nate.asp. Brady was raised in Cleveland and Par- The Plain Dealer contributed to this story. 4 The Press Club of Cleveland October 2011 Welcome New Member CLC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AND CLC MARKETING COMMITTEE INVITE ALUMNI AND PUBLIC TO THE Michael Peltier Employer: Cuyahoga County Public Library Position: Communications Coordinator in the Marketing Division Hometown: Akron Current city: Bath Township Alma Mater: Ohio University, E.W. Scripps School of Journalism How long have you been with the County Library? Nearly one year Where have you worked previously? I was an editor at Advanstar Communications, Babcox and Vendome Group. I’ve also done some work in Monday, October 10, 2011 documentary film. Keynote Speaker: What do you hope to gain from your membership? Jeff Fager Greater Cleveland has so many talented people working in media and CBS News & 60 Minutes communications. These people are also Networking: 4:30PM heavily invested in our community. Event: 5:30PM Sharing our passions for our careers and Hanna Theatre, our community will benefit all of us. 2067 East 14th Street Robert J. Rua Cleveland, 44115 Employer: Cuyahoga County Public Library This NYGAM (not your grandparents’ annual meeting!) event is for game Position: Assistant changers of every age. Work for positive change in our city? This is for you. Marketing Director Jeff Fager is a nationally known game-changer. Executive producer of Hometown: Chardon, “60 Minutes,” and now chairman of CBS News, Jeff is making it relevant in Ohio Current city: Bay today’s business and civic arena. Village, Ohio Alma Mater: Kent Special Ticket Price for Press Club Members Only: $35 State University But the only way you can take advantage of this unadvertised special price How long have you been with the County is by calling or emailing Press Club Board Member Bruce Hennes at Library? Since October 2007 216-321-7774 or [email protected] Where have you worked previously? Shade Tree PowerSports Downing and Associates THOMAS FROM PAGE 1 What do you hope to gain from your membership? I hope to make long–lasting He was featured on the Big Chuck and Little John Show in the portray- connections with fellow marketing, als of “Soul Man and Mr. Mean.” Herb has been in news commercials and public relations and communications showcased on “PM Magazine.” He is listed in the “Who’s Who” in Success professionals. I am excited to be a part Magazine and named “One of Cleveland’s Most Interesting People” in of such an outstanding community and I Cleveland Magazine in l990. He also toured with the O’Jays as a percus- look forward to the many educational and sionist. inspirational opportunities The Press Club Herb’s community service activities include career day speaker at has to offer. schools throughout Northern Ohio, career counselor and creator/produc- Join Us on er of public service announcement and promotional material for various civic and non-profit organizations. Herb has received numerous certificates and honors for his photojour- nalism and videography. He is a recipient of 12 Emmys, two International Gabriel awards and documentary honors from the Ohio SPJ. Herb was inducted into the Ohio Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2000. October 2011 The Press Club of Cleveland 5 Schultz FROM PAGE 1 Was it your decision to leave The Plain peace. in my columns anymore, and that is a Dealer? I want the professional and personal direct response to the online vitriol. I Mine, and only mine. freedom that comes only if I’m not a won’t subject innocent citizens, who Why now? Why not take a leave of columnist for Ohio’s largest newspaper, trust me to tell their story, to attacks absence as you did in 2006? which must cover Sherrod’s race on a daily from anonymous cowards. I learned a In February 2006, when I announced basis. Editor Debra Adams Simmons and hard lesson about that several years ago, my leave of absence, I didn’t want to give my direct editor, Ellen Stein Burbach, have after the daughter of a factory worker the impression that my husband’s run been so supportive, and I will always be who killed himself called me sobbing for the U.S. Senate was the end of my grateful to them. While they expressed in response to the online comments career as a journalist. At that point I was disappointment that I was leaving, they attacking her father. I am haunted by her only writing for The Plain Dealer. Five also made it clear they understood why words: “You told me I could trust you, and years later, as Sherrod prepares to run I had to move on. They are two strong now my mother says she will never speak for re-election, The Plain Dealer is not women committed to championing other to me again.” my only forum. My column is nationally women. I wish I could clone them. Can you share a favorite memory about syndicated, and I regularly write essays for Has the nature of anonymous, online working in Cleveland that you’ve never Parade magazine. I’m also working on a commenting changed your feelings about shared in print before? third book, and have pieces due for several journalism? Not favorite so much as poignant. other publications. We’ve steered from our own values of Over the years, I’ve shown up a lot in So, the professional landscape looks accountability as a profession by allowing Cleveland’s poorest neighborhoods, far less frightening for me than it did in anonymous trolls to hijack our Web sites where I am the only white person, and 2006. In January 2007, when I returned and derail civil discourse. I’ve made no a stranger. And yet, not once in my 18 from my leave of absence, I wanted to secret of my disdain for these forums years at The Plain Dealer, have I been make the point that a woman married to that enable abusers and chip away at asked to leave. Even when a child has a U.S. senator still has her own opinions, newsroom morale. just been killed, or a hate crime has been and can even get paid to share them. I’ve I write a lot about hourly wage earners, committed. Instead, I’m invited into their had four years to prove that, and I’m at and the poor, but they are seldom named homes so that I can write about some of the most painful stories of injustice Bob August, Press Club Hall of Famer, in our country. I am always humbled by this trust -- and saddened, too. I know noted Cleveland Press and News-Herald columnist, that, were I a black reporter showing dead at 89 up in predominantly white suburbs of Press Club of Cleveland Hall of Famer Bob August (Class of Cleveland, my overall experience would be 1988) died Sept. 9 in Wooster, where he had lived since the very different. 1980s. He was 89. You said you are writing a book. Can August began his journalism career in 1946 as a makeup and you give us a capsule summary of what it’s copy editor for the Cleveland Press. He became a sportswriter about? and was promoted to sports editor in 1958. He wrote a sports I’m writing a novel about a working column for the Press from 1964 until 1979, when he became a class family. general columnist and associate editor. Any other immediate plans? After the Press folded in June 1982, August joined the News- There’s a lot up in the air right now. I Herald as sports editor and a columnist. He retired in 2003. was stunned by how quickly other offers Longtime friend Dick Feagler, who worked with him at the Press, said August liked came in, but a friend who is a pastor but was never infatuated with sports. The act of writing was a different matter. counseled me to take some time to reflect “He could be sitting there writing a funny line and be grimacing,” Feagler said with and recharge before I dive into too many a laugh. “He was the best I’ve ever read, and I’ve read many sports columnists from new commitments. Wise advice. I have a around the country.” It was only a few years ago, Feagler said, that August revealed full schedule of speeches and deadlines, that he had long had multiple sclerosis. Feagler said he remembered when August and they are keeping me busy. As for my began to have trouble getting to and from the press box and locker room at the old next big move, I’m still weighing options. Cleveland Stadium. Effects of the disease troubled August the rest of his life, although I’m grateful to be able to say that. Feagler said his friend never complained. How do you want to be remembered by August was born Oct. 6, 1921, in Ashtabula. He grew up in Cleveland and graduated Cleveland? from Collinwood High School, where he was a star baseball player. He continued play- So many readers who reached out after ing baseball at the College of Wooster, where he graduated in 1943. I resigned wanted me to know they always He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and commanded a ship that partici- tip their servers in cash, and ask if the tips pated in the invasion of Normandy on D-Day. He ended the war in the Pacific Theater, in a jar go to the people working behind preparing for the invasion of Japan. the counter. I loved that. August is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marilynn, a daughter and two grand- (Stuart Warner is a vice president of daughters. The Press Club of Cleveland. He currently The Plain Dealer contributed to this story. operates a writing consultant business, The Write Coach.) 6 The Press Club of Cleveland October 2011

JOB OPENINGS You're invited to the WTAM 1100 – Anchor/Reporter 2011 Press Club of Cleveland's NewsRadio WTAM 1100 has a full time opportunity in news for an anchor/reporter. Strong writing and web skills required. If Journalism Hall of Fame you're a passionate team player, send audio CD or MP3 newscast and resume to: Darren Awards Dinner & Induction Ceremony Toms, Director of News Operations, 6200 Oak Tree Blvd. #400 Independence, Ohio Date: Friday, October 28, 2011 44131 Email: [email protected]. No phone Time: 6 - 7 p.m. Registration / Reception calls please. 7 p.m. Dinner with induction program to follow CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS - Reporters Herb Thomas to receive Chuck Heaton Award The Cleveland Jewish News Publication Co., a fast-paced print and digital media company, has immediate openings for Place: LaCentre reporters. The CJN offers competitive salary 25777 Detroit Road and excellent benefits, including medical, Westlake, OH 44145 dental and 401(k). To apply, send a resume, cover letter and three published writing samples to Managing Editor Bob Jacob at Join us to celebrate the 2011 Hall of Fame Induction [email protected]. No phone calls, please. WJW FOX 8 TV – Reporter to gather, "Early Bird" Cost (payment received by October 10): and present the news for the newscasts Individual Ticket: $65 and station website. The reporter will be required to generate daily story ideas as Table of 8: $520 well as special project ideas. The candidate Table of 10: $650 must have extensive investigative reporting skills, along with strong research ability and Cost of tickets if paid after October 10 a large resource database. Submit reporting  Have  links, resume and references via email to: Your Name Individual Ticket: $75 [email protected]. Please, no telephone Listed as a Table of 8: $600 calls. Patron Sponsor Table of 10: $750 $25 WJW FOX 8 TV - ANCHOR/REPORTER Minimum knowledge, skill &/or abilities: 3-5 years professional broadcast televi- To pay with a credit card over the phone, call sion experience anchoring and reporting. the Press Club of Cleveland office at 440-899-1222 Demonstrate excellent writing and com- munication skills. Flexibility to work vari- Deadline for registration is Thursday, October 20 at 4 p.m. Cancellations for ous schedules including but not limited to weekend mornings. Requirements: submit reimbursement must be received in writing by Thursday, October 20 at noon anchoring/reporting links, resume and references via email to: [email protected] Please, no telephone calls. Assignment Editor/Associate Producer - WOIO/WUAB TV Responsible for making sure the day's stories decided by news management are covered. Responsible for generating story ideas, monitoring news wires and police Tom Beres Tom Feran Phillip Morris Kelly O'Donnell Bob Paynter radios, maintaining phone lists of sources, keeping files and records of upcoming news events. Education/skills required: college degree in journalism preferred. Training in basic rules of journalism and news gather- 2011 Chuck Heaton Award Recipient ing, excellent writing and story telling abil- Herb Thomas ity, demonstrated ability to research news stories and prepare copy for air. Ability to work well under pressure and to get along with others, knowledge of the politics and geography of Cleveland are also essential. EARLY BIRD PRICING Contact: Lisa Marko - Email: lmarko@woio. Cost increases on Monday, October 10th at 7:00 p.m. Register today! com