Dan O’Shannon
Dan O'Shannon is an Emmy Award-winning television writer and producer known for his contributions to iconic sitcoms such as Cheers, Frasier, and Modern Family. A native of Cleveland, O'Shannon has also delved into filmmaking, co-producing and co-hosting the documentary "The Golden Age of Kids' TV: Cleveland," which explores the rich history of local children's television programming in Northeast Ohio.
I had the pleasure of meeting Dan for lunch at Korea House on Superior Avenue in Cleveland, where we enjoyed engaging conversation over delicious food. Despite his remarkable success, Dan remains a humble and approachable individual, deeply passionate about storytelling and his Cleveland roots. We discussed his journey from local beginnings to Hollywood acclaim, the evolution of television comedy, and his dedication to preserving the legacy of Cleveland's children's shows through his documentary work.
Irene Mucyo
Every Friday, the gym at St. Wendelin Roman Catholic church comes alive with Friday Futsal, a space where young newcomers and refugee teens find community through sports. Located in Duck Island between Tremont and the West Side Market, St. Wendelin was founded in 1903 by Slovak immigrants. Today, it is known for its welcoming community and beautiful architecture. Among the regular participants in Friday Futsal is Irene Mucyo, originally from Rwanda, who serves as a mentor and coach for this indoor variation of soccer. For over five years, he has been involved in Corner 65, helping kids navigate resettlement, learn English, and adjust to a new culture. A carpenter-in-training at Tri-C, Irene balances his trade studies with his passion for coaching, guiding 20 young athletes and witnessing firsthand how sports build confidence and connection.
Irene’s work reflects Cleveland’s broader push to support young arrivals through programs like Resource Cleveland. Leaders like Noah Toumert, who invited me to experience the energy of Friday Futsal, are helping create structured activities that go beyond the game. These initiatives act as lifelines, fostering inclusion, teamwork, and joy—ensuring that every child, no matter their background, has a place to belong in Cleveland.
Maple Lanes
Since 1940, Maple Lanes has been more than just a bowling alley—it’s been a beloved neighborhood institution where generations have come together to enjoy the game. Located at 6918 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, and owned and operated by sisters Annette Abranovich and Barbara Rodgers, the alley has retained its vintage charm while welcoming new bowlers through its doors. In its early days, Maple Lanes was a place where kids earned pocket change by setting pins by hand, a tradition that speaks to the deep-rooted history of the space. Remarkably, it is one of only twelve registered alleys in the country that still use manual pin setters to reset their lanes, preserving a rare and authentic piece of bowling history.
Sitting down with Annette, Barbara, and their family, I heard firsthand how Maple Lanes has been woven into the fabric of the community. They shared stories of bowlers who started young and now bring their own children, as well as of the camaraderie that forms over years of competition and friendship. Their dedication to preserving the alley’s history while keeping it a vibrant, welcoming space is a testament to the power of local businesses in shaping a neighborhood. Whether you're rolling a strike or simply soaking in the nostalgia, a visit to Maple Lanes is a trip through time, filled with warmth, Cleveland tradition, and love of the game.
Cleveland Orchestra
At the pinnacle of our music-rich city is the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra. Throughout the year, music lovers from Greater Cleveland and beyond travel to Severance Music Center and Blossom Music Center to be enriched, entertained, and inspired by this group of extraordinary musicians, led by music director Franz Welser-Möst.
I am deeply grateful to the remarkable musicians who stayed late after a recent, and truly mesmerizing, performance so that I could take their picture in a box inside the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Concert Hall. Pictured are Yun-Ting Lee (Violin), David Allen Harrell (Cello), Eliesha Nelson (Viola), Isabel Trautwein (Violin), and Brian Wendel (Trombone)—each a master of their instrument.
Hunter Morrison
Hunter Morrison is a distinguished urban planner known for his significant contributions to Cleveland's development. Serving as the city's Planning Director from 1980 to 2002, he played a pivotal role in shaping initiatives such as “Civic Vision 2000,” the plan that guided major projects including Jacobs Field, Gund Arena, Cleveland Browns Stadium, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the revitalization of Playhouse Square. His expertise extends far beyond Cleveland. Among his professional posts, he has served as Director of the Center for Urban and Regional Studies at Youngstown State University and as Senior Fellow in Urban Studies at Cleveland State University's Levin College of Urban Affairs. I took this photo at the Cleveland City Council Archives, in tribute to Morrison’s substantial legacy in, and his enduring impact on, urban planning in Northeast Ohio.
Matt Ghaffari
Matt Ghaffari, originally from Tehran, Iran, immigrated to the United States with his family in 1976. He began his collegiate wrestling career at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey, earning an associate degree before transferring to Cleveland State University.
After graduating in 1984, Ghaffari transitioned to Greco-Roman wrestling, achieving significant success. He represented the United States at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics, earning a silver medal in the 1996 Atlanta Games. Throughout his career, Ghaffari amassed four World and Olympic medals, seven U.S. national championships, nine Pan-American titles, and four World Cup championships.
In recognition of his accomplishments, Ghaffari was inducted into the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame in 2003 and the Cleveland State University Hall of Fame in 2006. He became a distinguished member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2013. Beyond wrestling, Ghaffari pursued a career in business, leveraging over 20 years of leadership and team-building experience.
It was a great experience meeting Matt at one of the city’s greatest restaurants, Superior Pho, where he was having lunch with some CSU wrestling friends and the owner of the restaurant.
CentroVilla25
I had a great visit to CentroVilla25, a vibrant hub for Latin-owned businesses in Cleveland. Located at 3140 West 25th Street, this incredible space brings together a diverse mix of entrepreneurs, each offering a taste of their culture through delicious food and warm hospitality. It was a pleasure to take a photo with some of the amazing business owners who make this place extraordinary, including Danielle Chavez of Sazón Latino, Cristina Ramirez of Panitos, Ivelisse Roig of Café Roig, Jorge Hernandez of Flying Pig Tacos, Elvia Mezquita of Antojitos Salvadoreños, and Marielis Navarro of Tumbao58 Venezuelan Food. Each of these businesses adds something unique to the CentroVilla25 experience, making it a must-visit spot for anyone looking to explore the rich flavors and cultures of Cleveland’s Latin community. I’ll definitely be back to support these fantastic entrepreneurs and enjoy more of their amazing offerings.
Calley Mersmann
Calley Mersmann is a dedicated advocate for sustainable transportation and urban planning in Cleveland. Her commitment to enhancing the city's infrastructure and promoting active transportation has been evident throughout her career. In June 2022, Mersmann was appointed as Cleveland's Senior Strategist for Transit and Mobility, where she focused on developing comprehensive transportation policies, including the Vision Zero and Complete and Green Streets initiatives. Her efforts aimed to create equitable, accessible, and safe transportation options for all residents.
Recognizing her expertise and dedication, Mayor Justin Bibb appointed Mersmann as Cleveland's Planning Director in February 2025. In this role, she continues to influence the city's development, ensuring that sustainability and accessibility remain at the forefront of Cleveland's urban planning efforts.
Meeting Calley on the bus heading into downtown Cleveland was a fitting encounter, reflecting her personal commitment to the public transit system she strives to improve.
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