Anastasia Pantsios
I had the good fortune of meeting up with legendary photographer Anastasia Pantsios at Main Library. We discussed her remarkable career, starting with her foray into photographing rock concerts in 1969, when there
were very few women in rock bands. Anastasia's stunning photographs of musicians have been featured in prestigious publications such as Rolling Stone, Spin, The Village Voice, Esquire, Creem, Hit Parader,
and The New York Times. In 2017, Anastasia released a book, Girls to the Front: Girls: 40 Years of Women in Rock, in conjunction with an exhibit of her work at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Anastasia is an active
photographer and is currently working on numerous projects.
(Photo courtesy John Skrtic)
Lee Jordan and Sean Watterson
There can hardly be a person in NE Ohio who doesn’t recognize Lee Jordan, host and news anchor at WEWS News 5 for three decades. Hired in 1987 as co-host of “The Morning Exchange,”
following a six-year stint as host of “PM Magazine” in Columbus, Lee went on to anchor “Live on Five” in 1993 and then the evening news until 2017. Lee is a versatile journalist, program host, freelance video professional,
and talented voice artist. Pictured with Lee is the fantastic Sean Watterson, co-owner of the beloved Happy Dog corner bar at 5801 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland. In 2022, Sean was appointed Senior Consultant, Hospitality Workforce, by The Fund for Our
Economic Future, a Northeast Ohio collective of local leaders and philanthropists working to promote sustainable economic growth. This appointment grew out of Sean’s work with the National Independent Venue Association starting in the early
days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
(Photo courtesy John Skrtic)
Litas
It was a real pleasure to meet the incredible Litas, whose mission is to “inspire and empower womxn through community and (a) shared love of motorcycles.” The local chapter is part of a global community that was
established in 2015 in Salt Lake City. I was delighted to talk with members about their organized rides in the area and their bikes at a recent meet-up at Bearden's in Rocky River, the classic burger spot that has been in business since 1948. Pictured
are Evelyn Stannard, chapter co-founder Kelly Griffith, chapter co-founder Caitlin Maiden, Crystal Crow, Jennifer Reihner, Ilona Jurewicz, Kimberly Bailey, Saideh Houseful, and Milana Famoori.
(Photo courtesy John Skrtic)
(Photo courtesy John Skrtic)
(Photo courtesy John Skrtic)
Daniel Reed and Rose Anderson
It was great to meet Daniel Reed and Rose Anderson at Memphis Kiddie Park on opening weekend. The stylishly attired couple were headed to the ticket booth to purchase tickets for their grandkids, whose
arrival they were eagerly anticipating. Located at 10340 Memphis Avenue, Brooklyn, Memphis Kiddie Park has been a fixture in the lives of countless children since it opened on May 28, 1952. Featuring 11 classic rides and a “pay as you go”
ticketing system, the park is also known for having the oldest operating steel roller coaster in North America—the Little Dipper.
(Photo courtesy John Skrtic)
Michael's Diner
I recently stopped in at Michael's Diner at Shaker Square, located at the RTA rapid station at 13051 Shaker Blvd in Cleveland, where the crew has been serving delicious and affordable food for a quarter of a century.
Carrie Cleveland, a dedicated 25-year employee, and Carlos Holder, the skilled grill cook -- also there for 25 years -- told me many stories about serving their devoted family of customers. This remarkable neighborhood establishment replaced the similarly
beloved "Shack on Tracks" that was known to a previous generation of regulars.
(Photo courtesy John Skrtic)
Ken Carman and Anthony Lima Show
I recently had the opportunity to visit the best sports show in Cleveland: “The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima,” heard on WKRK 92.3 FM. Owen Lademann, Anthony Lima, Ken Carman, and Anthony
Alford captivate the sports-obsessed city each weekday with engaging perspectives and always-enjoyable content. This team proudly upholds the rich tradition of exceptional sports radio in Cleveland.
(Photo courtesy John Skrtic)
Aaron Sechrist
I had a great experience sitting down with Aaron Sechrist, a multi-talented individual who excels as a graphic designer, musician, and artist. Aaron, who is also known as OKPants, is a familiar voice on the popular
Bill Squire Show on the iHeartRadio network. We arranged to meet at Old 86, the highly acclaimed neighborhood pub that he recently opened. Located at 5304 Detroit Avenue in Cleveland, Old 86 has received a warm welcome from the local community and
was bustling with activity during my visit. Aaron is pictured in front of Old 86 with his beloved dachshund, Harvey.
(Photo courtesy John Skrtic)
Check out last month's edition of Skrtic's Pics here.
