Skrtic's Pics: Neil Zurcher, Mark Jaworski, Gunselman's Tavern and More

John Skrtic has been with the Cleveland Public Library for over 30 years. He now serves as the chief of special projects and collections, which makes him responsible for overseeing the 11 million items in the Library Collection. He holds a master's of library and information science from Kent State University and a master's of public administration from Cleveland State University. Skrtic grew up on East 41st Street in Downtown Cleveland and has lived in the city his entire life. He is father of two children and spends his free time archiving the people and places of Cleveland.

Neil Zurcher
It was a true pleasure to meet award-winning journalist Neil Zurcher at his Bay Village home. Zurcher is best known for his popular "One Tank Trips" series on WJW-TV, Fox 8 Cleveland, which he started in 1980 and produced for more than 25 years. With an approachable on-air style and fine storytelling ability, Zurcher brought great awareness to the travel adventures and hidden gems waiting to be discovered in the Ohio heartland. He became the trusted source for family-friendly, budget-conscious travel in the Midwest. Outside of his television work, Zurcher authored several popular books on Ohio travel, such as Tales from the Road and Ohio Oddities, all of which can be checked out at Cleveland Public Library. Zurcher’s professional accomplishments earned him recognition in both the Cleveland Press Club Hall of Fame and the Ohio Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Mark Jaworski
For nearly 90 years, Jaworski Meats has served traditional Polish-style kielbasa, smoked meats, and sausages. Originally opened by Fred Jaworski as a small butcher shop in Slavic Village's old Newburgh Market, the shop moved from the Fleet Avenue area to 7545 Pearl Road, Middleburg Heights, in 2008. Today, owner Mark Jaworksi continues the family traditions by offering a wide variety of fresh meats and homemade foods made from recipes passed down through the generations. He also offers an array of imported goods from Poland.

Gunselman's Tavern in Fairview Park
Located at the corner of W. 215^th Street and Lorain Avenue in Fairview Park, Gunselman's Tavern has been a popular neighborhood spot since opening its doors in 1936. Current owners Kevin and Joe McDonnough have preserved its classic tavern charm while modernizing the menu and décor. Gunselman’s is best known for its award-winning burgers, which can be enjoyed with a rotating selection of craft beers from local breweries. Live music, trivia nights, and a friendly atmosphere amplify its appeal as a beloved gathering spot.

Eric Vajda
I met DJ E-V on the roof of Market Garden Brewery during the launch of a new partnership between the brewery and Vajda’s I'm From Cleveland platform. The collaboration features a special lime beer offering, blending local culture with a unique product. E-V’s presence highlighted the connection between Cleveland's creative scene and the brewery. DJ E-V is a curator of Cleveland culture, leveraging I'm From Cleveland to promote local talent. He combines music, media, and fashion into a cohesive movement representing the best of Cleveland.

Guate Mex Tacos
I recently stopped in at Guate Mex Tacos, which has been open for four months at the intersection of Fulton Road and Robert Avenue in the Clark-Fulton neighborhood. Owners Clara and Isidro Pinto shared with me that their food truck has gained a loyal following from those “in the know.” The Cleveland family previously operated a hot dog stand at the West Side Market. They are now putting their heart and soul into this exciting, and delicious, new food adventure.

Aimee Lee
Artist and educator Aimee Lee established the first Korean papermaking, or hanji, studio in North America at the Morgan Conservatory at 1754 E. 47^th Street in Cleveland. I met Lee in the Old Arcade and we spoke about her extensive background in hand papermaking, including studying hanji techniques in Korea as a Fulbright fellow. Her work blends traditional techniques with contemporary practices, showcasing the versatility and beauty of this Korean art form. Aimee Lee is also a published author and a speaker who actively promotes Korean art and culture through workshops and exhibitions.

Spotlight Cleveland
Spotlight Cleveland is an emerging bar and music venue at 8701 Madison Avenue in Cleveland. Its intimate setting and focus on live performance caused it to quickly become a favorite venue of local musicians since opening in 2023. The venue also features comedians and other performers, offering a welcoming space for Cleveland's creative scene. Owner Corinne Henahan has built a space that blends the atmosphere of a cozy neighborhood bar with the energy of a live entertainment venue. She is also known as the owner of Merchgirl, a Lakewood-based merchandise business that highlights local bands.