HERO Central - "Need a Hero? Be a Hero?"

WKYC and wkyc.com recently debuted the 'Hero Central' Initiative.

This program allows WKYC to be a conduit and partner those who may need a hero or a helping hand with local service organizations who can actually provide the needed help.

Channel 3 and wkyc.com intend to integrate this initiative into daily stories as well as bigger projects (such as the June Food Drive with the Cleveland Indians or the upcoming Medworks weekend).

Stay tuned to Channel 3 News for more details on this emerging project or log onto wkyc.com and click on the link for Hero Central.

You too can be a hero to someone and make a difference!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

(drawing by Joe Wood)



Today's Hidden Gem: Bob Tayek



Every once in a while, I witness a fellow human being who, in my estimation, has made such an impact on this area, their craft, or is seen as quite the humanitarian, that I must choose them as my Hidden Gem.

Such is the case today.


I've known Bob Tayek as long as I've been in television, and a bit before.


He was my supervisor at my first job at WEWS. We worked together at WKYC. And, yet again, today our paths continually cross with our prospective titles of Assignment Editor + Diocese of Cleveland Media Relations Director.

I certainly could gush on and on about Bob on many fronts--our friendship, the excellent caliber of professionalism he has brought to every single job /career he's occupied, whether it be in Television, Radio, or Public Relations.


He's what I would call a 'true journalist,' a 'Renaissance man.'


He's got more contacts than there are stars in the sky.


Every person who has ever met him or had the distinct honor to collaborate with him in some way is changed forever, for the better. I can not imagine anyone on this earth having a bad thing to say about Mr. Bob Tayek.


His knowledge of Northeast Ohio, politics, news, religion, education, Cleveland history, & pretty much everything unmatched by most.


Tayek's booming voice has led him to numerous radio jobs as well.


I'd love tuning into his news reports on various local radio programs on my way to or from work. You knew you were getting the top news of the day and it was true.


Bob always has a huge smile on his face, a pen in his pocket (which much to his dismay burst open more than once), his tie loosened just a bit, his beat up briefcase, and one of the most distinguishable laughs I've ever heard.


Always the first one in the office and usually one of the last to leave.


His hard work and dedication paid off by the respect he garners, and his many accolades.


Personally, I think one of his greatest honors is his SPJ Distinguished Service and Lifetime Achievement Award which he received in 1996 along with Writer/Reporter/Author Russ Schneider.


Tayek currently works side by side with Bishop Richard Lennon, Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland, as his director of media and public relations. Unless you've been totally out of touch, you know that Tayek has had his hands full with everything happening in the Diocese from priest allegations to Vibrant Parish Life II to the whole church closing/merging saga and now the Cleveland Catholic School mergings.


Those close to Tayek know this job is a perfect fit, in light of Tayek's strong faith and knowledge of his religion.


Through it all, those familiar with Tayek know he will always give the truth, effort a statement, and be as forthcoming and accommodating as possible.



True friends of Tayek know there is one other passion that monopolizes much of his life: his love of the game of baseball.



This devotion is one of the bonds bringing Bob and I together --our love of the game and of our Cleveland Indians, whether they win or lose. In true 'Bob Tayek fashion,' he took his enthusiasm for the sport and his great vocal craft and spun it into one of the most exciting jobs I could ever imagine having: the Public Address Announcer for the Cleveland Indians.


Yes, if you are lucky enough to have a ticket for an Indians' Game at Progressive Field, take keen notice of the public address announcer.


Most nights, it is Mr. Bob Tayek.


He's perfected this role as well, just like he masters everything he undertakes!


His knowledge of the game, impeccable. He must arrive early to meet with the umpires, go through his notes, and prepare for the next 4 or so hours following Major League Baseball and Cleveland Indians protocol.



It's a real treat listening to Tayek announce ....as each Indian comes up to bat, Tayek has perfected the way he ushers each player to home plate in his own special way, own unique vocal signature.



If that's not enough, I just found out that Mr. Bob Tayek was included in Tom Jones' Book, 'Inside WORKING at the BALLPARK.' I'm told Tayek is included in Chapter Six: Eyes and Ears. What a thrill and absolute honor!


If you have not gathered from this article how versatile and absolutely amazing Mr. Bob Tayek is and what a beacon he has been for Cleveland, Cleveland Media, and Cleveland PR, let me impart one more depiction.


When Bob left WKYC to trail blaze onto his next endeavor, Artist extraordinaire, Joe Wood, created Tayek's going away card. On the outside it read 'Mild-Mannered Bob Tayek' and had the exact likeness of Tayek inside a phone booth with his suit slightly open just enough so you could see his 'Superman' outfit underneath!


That sums up the brilliance of Mr. Bob Tayek.


If you would like to personally witness Tayek's professionalism and loquacious style, catch an Indians' game and, you too, will see why Mr. Bob Tayek is this week's Hidden Gem!

School Employee, Daycare Worker and Violent Felon? Tom Meyer Investigates

Tune into Tom Meyer's Investigation on how a violent felon was allowed to work with and around children and what is being done to stop this from happening in the future.

Catch wkyc Channel 3 News Thursday at 11pm.

Michael Jackson Memorial

As a journalist, I could not turn away from the Michael Jackson Memorial Service.

As a fan, ditto.

And, honestly, if you watched the 'event,' the last thing you desire is a rehashing or play-by-play by moi.

If you are not interested in this topic, ditto.

But, sitting back, watching the day's events unfold, knowing how difficult it is sometimes getting a single live shot up for a newscast, I applaud the family, the venue, and all of the media outlets who worked together to broadcast this world-wide extravaganza.

The very beginning was a bit rough. It began late, but that was understandable as guests entered The Staples Center and took their seats.

Brian Williams and Company had to tap dance for just a few minutes trying to figure out which way was up and get a handle on the start of this production. However, after that initial start, it went off without a hitch.

The only way it could have been any better is if the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, had Executive Produced the service himself, always the perfectionist.

Though I was working, I had the tvs' tuned in all day to everything Michael Jackson as well as my Sirius Radio to and from the office.

And then when I arrived home, continued watching a rehash of the day's events until the wee hours of the next morning.

I tried to keep my 'journalist' hat on as I viewed the days events, but at times, it was difficult.

The opening hymn, 'Soon and Very Soon,' is a song we just sang all weekend at my church. A tremendous way to kick off the Celebration of MJ's life.

Every speaker, every songster, every performer struck a chord in some way and had such a personalized memory to share humanizing the "King of Pop."

An exquisite tribute which I would have made it through, almost did, up until the very end.

No one could have scripted what little Paris shared memorializing her father at the conclusion of Tuesday's event.

Paris Jackson: "Ever since I was born Daddy has been the best father you could imagine and I just want to say I love him so much."

Tuesday Programming Change

Tuesday, July 7, 2009 WKYC Channel 3 will be airing the Memorial Service for the King of Pop Michael Jackson LIVE from the Los Angeles Staples Center beginning at 1:00 p.m. and presumably ending at 3:00 p.m.

If you are not near a television, you can still catch the events LIVE at wkyc.com.

Then Tuesday evening, Dateline NBC will be airing a special at 10pm with a wrap up of the days events.

Michael Jackson passed away June 25, 2009.

Yep, you can tell it's a holiday weekend

Holy Cow!

It's quite evident that it's a holiday weekend my friends!

I drive into work and all the prime parking spots are still available. We are lucky if there are ANY spots available.

I enter the newsroom, which has been renamed for the day 'ghost town.'

Yet, we still have to put on all of our regular live programming and web coverage--and live up to the task at hand!

As I drive into work, I'm getting text messages asking if I have to work today (of course, I did not answer them until I got into work).

I guess technically, today is a holiday since we did not get mail delivery. But, I never even gave it a second thought to ask for this day off. It's not the holiday really!! And, it's kinda nice working on a holiday which falls on a Friday! I can not explain it except to say REALLY laid back and mostly 'stress-free.'

Now, that's not to say we goofed off. In fact, we had to work even harder because there were so many missing employees and those jobs still had to be completed.

I ran the desk, answered phones, and did everything else I normally do but had all of the web stuff as well. Now, usually during my shift I do have a bunch of web responsibilities but today, it was my baby. And, I'm extremely proud of my performance with this venue! We kept it fresh, fresh, fresh and updated!

Even the tone of the police scanners is a bit more upbeat and people are friendlier.

I wish we could bottle this feeling, this attitude, this mindset and feel it all year long.

Thankfully, we did not have any major mishaps or emergencies involving fireworks, water rescues, or other holiday catastrophes.

I wish you and yours a safe, happy holiday surrounded by family and friends, fun and frivolity and a great feeling of pride and patriotism which is the true meaning behind this weekend!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Northeast Ohio Fireworks Displays

Even in today's tough economic times, most Northeast Ohio cities are trying to make an effort to have fireworks for their community or neighboring communities are banding together to celebrate Independence Day with parades, picnics, and fun festivities!

I just read a stat that places Ohio high up the ladder as a place having the most communities holding fireworks displays within a close, saturated, geographic area.

Of course, I deleted the top ten list, but I know I read it!

Let's think about this.

The Annual Cleveland Orchestra Concert & accompanying fireworks on Public Square just wrapped up a little while ago.

The Cleveland Indians will be having an extended fireworks show Friday night (15 extra minutes in honor of Michael Jackson) and then their 4th of July show Saturday night.

I always love watching the Cleveland Fireworks extravaganza (which is 7/4/09) because right down the road, you also view the Lakewood presentation.

One year my family spent the fourth of July in Vermilion with friends and during the drive home, we saw fireworks dancing in the sky the entire route home!

The 4th of July mimics Christmas or Thanksgiving in many ways. The original, underlying meaning of the holiday oftentimes gets lost in the shuffle of customs, rituals, or folklore handed down through the ages.

Fireworks, when handled properly and safely, are enjoyable and beautiful (a bit noisy!!).

However, I'm pretty certain Francis Scott Key, author of the Star Spangled Banner back in 1814, penned his words for deeper meanings and life experiences than depicted during current familial celebrations.

Prisoner Francis Scott Key witnessed battles with lives lost. He heard continuous 'gunfire,' what sounded rockets exploding all around during the midst of battle.

And when the dust cleared and he saw the American Flag still raised and waving in victory, his inspirational words told the rest of his story and STILL DO today!

"And the rockets' red glare,

the bombs bursting in air,

gave proof through the night

that our flag was still there."

So the next time you have the great privilege to witness an amazing fireworks show with your family and friends, and celebrate Independence Day, think about the 'real' meaning behind this holiday and, you too, will see why Northeast Ohio Fireworks Displays are this week's Hidden Gem!