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Tag: Rose Todd

  • MetroHealth host health fair to help the uninsured and underinsured

    CLEVELAND — More than half a million Ohioans lack health insurance, and when they need care, hospitals often shoulder the cost.

    What You Need To Know

    • MetroHealth held three events to help get people coverage and healthcare information

    • MetroHealth provides more than a million dollars a day in charitable care

    • This event was held at a Ukrainian church, and MetroHealth had several Ukrainian speakers available

    In a year and a half, Cheryl Holodnak will be eligible for Medicare.

    “I can’t afford to go without insurance because I have a lot of preexisting conditions, and I take a lot of medications,” said Cheryl Holodnak, a participant of the MetroHealth’s total care connection.

    Until then, she must find her own health insurance, and she said it has been very expensive for her. When she first retired from her job, she found a plan on Cobra that she said cost her $800 a month. Her insurance will expire in February, and it increased to $1,100 a month.

    On Saturday, she took part in MetroHealth’s Total Care Connection. An event created to sign people up for health insurance, give them access to doctors, information and various types of health care assistance. This is the third event, and their first one was held in November.

    “We know lots of folks are very nervous or are afraid they experience high costs, and for some folks that will stop them from seeking health care,” said Romona Brazile, the Executive Director for Government and Community Relations at MetroHealth.

    Romona Brazile said they brought these events to the community because they saw a problem. MetroHealth provides more than a million dollars a day in charitable care. That’s care to the uninsured or those who can’t afford to pay their medical bills.

    “We have seen an increase in the number of people without health insurance, which adds to a high amount of charity costs that over long term is unsustainable for us,” said Brazile.

    Between the last two events, Brazile said they have helped over 200 people. She said these events are not just about helping with health insurance but also about meeting people where they are with what they need.

    The event on Saturday was in an area populated by many Ukrainian people. The event was held at a Ukrainian church, and MetroHealth had several Ukrainian speakers available.

    Lyudmyla Mudra is a Doctor of Nurse Practice at MetroHealth. She is also from Ukraine. Her biggest concern is Ukrainians’ unfamiliarity with local healthcare.

    She said there is also a language barrier. Dr. Mudra speaks Ukrainian, and she often translates for the patients.

    Holodnak needed help to find cheaper health insurance, something she says she could not have done without MetroHealth.

    “I got a plan for under $500,” said Holodnak. “I was eligible for financial assistance, so they signed me up for that, and I also signed up for insurance through the health markets plan.”

    If you missed this event, you can contact MetroHealth at 216mymetro or 216 697-3876 to get help.

    The last day to sign up for insurance through the marketplace is January 15th. 

    Rose Todd

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  • Springfield local schools support staff on strike

    SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — Support staff from the Springfield Local School District in Lucas County have gone on strike because union contract standstill in negotiations.

    What You Need To Know

    • Nearly 100 members of the support staff Union Local 478 went on strike on Wednesday

    • Formal negotiations between the board and the labor union started in June 2025

    • Those affected by the strike are educational aides, custodians, cafeteria workers, recess monitors, secretaries and bus drivers

    Coming into the new year, the union and the school board did not come to an agreement. On Wednesday, nearly 100 support staff union local 478 members went on strike.

    They waved their signs and shouted their demands as cars drove by, and parents dropped off their kids at school.

    “We are out here for a better contract, a fair contract, fair wages and most importantly, we want to have lower insurance,” said Danielle Welch, a secretary with Springfield High School.

    Welch said the strike is heartbreaking. She is not only part of the support staff, but she’s also a parent with kids in the district.

    “I love the kids. They’re the best part of my job to me — to know that you’re making a difference in someone’s life. It’s just priceless,” explained Welch.

    Formal negotiations between the board and the labor union started in June 2025. The union’s contract ended at the ended June 30th.

    Chris Griffith from the Ohio Association of Public School Employees said after months of negotiations, they deserve better than what the Springfield school board is offering.

    “We’re out here picketing today for the right to work inside the schools. We’re picketing for better insurance rates,” said Griffith. “We can’t afford to have the increase the school board is putting on us right now.”

    The Springfield Local School District and Superintendent Matt Geha issued a statement saying: 

    “The district has negotiated fairly and honestly, suggesting contractual language that would benefit its employees and improve operations across the district. The board’s compensation package is believed to be fair and currently offers an increase in wages while asking for modest increases in health insurance contributions from the employee.”

    Those affected by the strike are educational aides, custodians, cafeteria workers, recess monitors, secretaries and bus drivers. School is still in session, but there is no busing, no hot lunch or breakfast, and the schools won’t be cleaned.

    “The funding cuts at the state level are dramatically hurting all these local school systems and the villages, and city schools, and it’s not looking any better,” said Griffith.

    Griffith said the strike will continue until they’re offered a better contract.

    “Come back to the table for a reasonable deal and have the board work with us to get an equitable contract for all of our people,” said Griffith.

    According to Griffith, the district’s proposals would reduce employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), extend increased employee premium shares, shift additional healthcare costs onto support staff and fail to provide a wage increase that keeps up with the rising cost of living.

    It’s not clear when the union will meet with the board to discuss the contract.

    Rose Todd

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  • Storage solutions for holiday decorations

    CLEVELAND — The holidays have come and gone, and you may have already forgotten the stress of unpacking, organizing and putting up all those decorations.

    There are several ways to save time packing those decorations away for next year.

    What You Need To Know

    • Maria Arman is a busy wife and mom to 3 boys under the age of 7

    • Kris Renee is a pro-organizer who shares tips and tricks with her tens of thousands of social media followers

    • A survey by YouGov 91% of those surveyed said it’s at least somewhat important to them that their home is organized

    Maria Arman is a busy mom and wife. However, she said every year she finds the time to decorate her house for Christmas.  

    “I do it for my kids,” she said. “I also do it for other people to come over and enjoy and sit. But more importantly, I do it for my husband.”

    When it’s time to take everything down and pack it away, it’s just as much work.

    “I have three boys under the age of 7,” said Arman. “Every day is chaos. I have a dog, two cats, two snakes, two geckos, and they keep asking for more animals. So, I try to stay organized, but in reality, I don’t always have the time.”

    Arman said, with her lifestyle, it’s not always easy being organized. Kris Renee is a pro-organizer who shares tips and tricks with her tens of thousands of social media followers. She said Arman isn’t alone when it comes to trying to get organized, especially after the holidays.

    “Putting away your decorations at the holidays can be really chaotic, especially when you’re talking about bigger, bulkier items like your wreaths,” said Renee. “If you don’t have the original boxes, you can use household items to store them. Small changes can make a big difference when it comes to organization.”

    According to a survey by YouGov, 91% of those said it’s at least somewhat important to them that their home is organized. Compare that to the 54% who think their home is somewhat organized and the 46% who said they organize when things get out of hand.

    “Being organized was going to be essential to making our house run smoothly,” said Renee.

    Renee is a mom of 8 she said getting organized begins with being realistic with what you have, where it’s going and using stuff around your house to help with packing.

    “When you have busy households like Maria and I both do, we’re often hosting and so we have red solo cups, which are actually a great solution for keeping your breakable ornaments safe when you’re packaging them away for the season,” said Renee.

    When it comes to taking down decorations after the holidays, there is not right or wrong time. Renee said she starts taking things down right after the holiday is over while Arman puts a little bit away at a time.

    “Putting all of your decorations on a table or on the floor really helps you get an idea of what it is that you have, what it is that you want to keep and get rid of, as well as what size storage bins you will need to put these items in,” said Renee.

    Some other ways to organize holiday decorations after the holidays include:

    • Create a Plan: Make a list of each room that has decorations.
    • Declutter: Before putting away those decorations, declutter your storage space. Get rid of decorations or items that are broken, or you no longer need or use. Donate or discard those items.
    • Organize Decorations: Get labels and storage containers to put away holiday decorations in an organized way. Get bins, dividers, and labels to keep everything organized and easily accessible for the next year.
    • Sort and Store like items: Organize items by room, decoration type, color or whichever sorting method works for your items.
    • Use unused spaces: Use spaces like under your bed with specialty storage boxes for those tight spaces.

    As a working mom and wife, Arman said she loves decorating for all of the holidays and the smiles it puts on her family’s faces. She knows organizing can be difficult but whenever she does organize, big or small, she feels a sense of relief.

    “Every holiday, I try to stay as organized as possible for Christmas,” Arman said. “I’m trying to work on it more, but with the chaos coming in the new year, the more organized every little bit helps.”

    Rose Todd

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  • Free clinic appreciation month

    CLEVELAND — There are more than half a million people in Ohio who do not have health insurance.

    What You Need To Know

    • Ohio has 59 free and charitable clinics and pharmacies that provide essential care for the uninsured

    • CHN supports clinics in 86 of the state’s 88 counties 

    • In 2024, Salaam Clinic saw around 700 patients; this year, that number doubled to nearly 1400 patients seen

    Ohio has 59 free and charitable clinics and pharmacies that provide essential care for the uninsured. They’re supported by the Charitable Healthcare Network, and this month, CHN is celebrating the care they provide to patients in 86 of the state’s 88 counties.

    Salaam Clinic is one of several clinics in Cleveland. They see hundreds of patients a year. Shafeeq Sabir is one of those patients.

    “The opportunity is there for me to see a doctor, a physician, without having to worry about a cost factor,” said Sabir.

    Sabir has insurance but said he has a copay, and he’s on a fixed income. Salaam Clinic takes in uninsured, underinsured and those who cannot afford care.

    “Sometimes I can’t afford the copay, so I would prefer to come here for an exam before I go and see my primary physician,” said Sabir.

    Salaam Clinic is part of the Charitable Healthcare Network. The network is celebrating Free Clinic Appreciation Month this December.

    The network is Ohio’s statewide system that supports free and charitable clinics. Jason Koma is CHN’s Executive Director. He said the network’s 59 clinics provide high-quality health care to those who need it.

    “We are the backbone of the safety net of health care in the state of Ohio,” said Koma.

    More than 60,000 patients were seen at one of the network’s facilities from Jan. to Sept. 2025. In 2024, the clinics saw nearly 80,000 patients.

    The network’s clinics offer a wide range of services including primary care, specialty, dental, vision, behavioral health, social services, pharmacy, education, prescriptions, tests and insurance enrollment. In 2024, CHN’s clinics provided $224 million worth of services to patients all over the state. The network is supported by funds from the Ohio Department of Health and the state budget.

    The Ohio Department of Health said this in a statement.

    “Free clinics are an integral part of the healthcare system in Ohio, which is why the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) financially supports healthcare services to patients who lack the funds or insurance coverage to pay for vital health services.

    ODH support comes through the Uninsured Care Fund, a general revenue fund line item used to support free and charitable clinics providing medical and dental care at free or reduced costs to uninsured and underinsured Ohioans. These funds pay for primary healthcare services to any uninsured person who gets healthcare services at a free clinic in Ohio.”

    Every fiscal year, CHN gets $1.75 million to support the individual clinics around the state.

    Salaam Clinic receives funding from several sources, including CHN. Dr. Syed Shoaib Shah is the CEO of the Salaam Clinic.

    “Year over year it takes about $230,000 to run the clinic,” said Shah. “We have a part time nurse practitioner on staff as well as an administrative assistant and then includes all the supplies, all that lets us run all the mobile clinics, all the pop-up clinics that we do around the city.”

    However, the clinic doesn’t always get the full amount, and the clinic is looking at other options, including private donations.

    “Without the Charitable Healthcare Network in our clinics, these folks would have nowhere else to go,” said Koma. “Probably ending up in the emergency room and getting sicker and sicker and sicker.”

    According to UnitedHealthcare, the average emergency room visit costs $1700, but the cost depends on the services and care provided. Shah said clinics can be the first stop to getting healthy.  

    “We make sure every patient leaves with a roadmap and they know where they’re going, what they’re doing, and they have the referrals and check,” said Shah.

    Shah said clinics like his are saving lives. He said that even though they are seeing more patients and expect to see even more patients; he wants the community to know the clinic is here for them.

    “Hospitals are closing their outpatient centers because they can’t afford the care that they’re giving to the uninsured population,” said Shah.

    In 2024, Salaam Clinic saw around 700 patients. This year, the number doubled to nearly 1400 patients seen. With rising healthcare costs, Shah said the number will continue to rise, but they are happy to serve the community.

    “We expect to see more patients that are underinsured and uninsured, but they cannot afford care,” said Shah.

    Sabir said he’s grateful for Salaam Clinic and he tells everyone he knows about the clinic.

    “An opportunity of this service and that really has just gives me a better feeling consciously in my thinking and in my health, and I just feel much, much better about my life,” said Sabir.

    To become a patient of Salaam Clinic, first call them at (216) 243-7924. From there, the staff will recommend next steps and provide resources. If you would like to visit the clinic, appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.

    Saleem Clinic in Midtown, at 7401 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44103, is open on Sundays from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Their Solon location at Chagrin Valley Islamic Center at 6909 Liberty Rd. is open every last Friday of the month, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. They also do pop-up and mobile clinics.

    Salaam Clinic has a multilingual staff who speak French, Arabic, Swahili, South Asian languages, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi.

    Salaam Clinic, along with the other clinics in the network, are nonprofit clinics with paid and volunteer employees.

    The clinics accept monetary donations, and for every dollar donated to the Charitable Healthcare Network, it provides $13 worth of healthcare.

    Rose Todd

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  • Akron public art inventory website goes live

    AKRON, Ohio — A Northeast Ohio city created a new online inventory of their public art.

    What You Need To Know

    • In 2018, Mac and Allyse Love the founders of Art x Love started advocating for an online art database

    • The company was tasked with cataloging more than 700 public pieces of art throughout the City of Akron

    • The inventory is accessible to everyone including residents and visitors

    A place to find where art is in the city.

    In 2018, Mac and Allyse Love the founders of Art x Love started advocating for an online art database. Once it was approved, they developed the site for two years. They started collecting data for the inventory in 2024. The Akron art inventory website went live in late December.   

    “It helps the city understand what it’s responsible for,” said Mac Love the cofounder of Art x Love and the chief catalyst. “You know, what it’s responsible for maintaining and just as important as understanding what assets it has. It also helps paint a picture of where more public art is needed.”

    Art x Love is a creative agency that doubles as an art gallery. The company was tasked with cataloging more than 700 public pieces of art throughout the city of Akron.

    “The inventory is a database that features every piece of Akron art that is city owned, city funded, or on city property,” said Love.

    The inventory is accessible to everyone including residents and visitors. They can log on to the site to find out where a piece of art is located and even learn about its history.

    “We would like to encourage our residents, as well as the community to go out and about in the neighborhoods,” said Summer Hall the Public Art Liaison for the city of Akron. “Take a look at this art inventory. Check out the locations where the art is. I would recommend doing some art walks.”

    Summer Hall is the public art liaison for the city of Akron. She is responsible for coordinating efforts with the Akron Public Art Commission. She says the inventory is an ongoing project. More art will be added to the inventory even those not owned or funded by the city.

    “To make sure that, you know, art is in all the different neighborhoods, making sure that art’s not lacking in some of these neighborhoods and also with the maintenance plan from our inventory,” said Hall. “We will be maybe selecting 5 to 10 pieces that may need some work.”

    The inventory breaks down the art pieces into several categories including type of art, condition, accessibility and location. Love is currently finishing up a piece connected to the Akron marathon that was held in September.

    “This is a collaborative mural that was painted by over 3000 runners and their families at this year’s Akron marathon,” said Love.

    Once it is completed, it will be added to the inventory. Love says this inventory further amplifies the importance of art in the city.

    “It’s really important to take care of artwork and to invest in artwork,” said Love. “I think it keeps us from feeling lonely and it helps us expand our appreciation of, life and all of human experience.”

    The funding for the project was $48,500 and was a private gift to the Akron Public Art Commission. The art inventory is free to use and also has GPS to search artwork near you. To view the inventory, click here.

    Rose Todd

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  • Budgeting for the holiday season

    CLEVELAND — The holiday season can be filled with family, friends, and of course, spending.

    What You Need To Know

    • Brittany Matthews is a mom and a wife shopping for six

    • According to a recent survey from Beyond Finance, 51% of people make a budget for the holidays

    • The National Retail Federation expects holiday spending to be more than a trillion dollars

    During the holidays, sometimes spending can go far above the budget.

    Brittany Matthews is a mom and a wife shopping for six.

    “I try to do everything for Black Friday, which I did family, adults — I did all their Christmas pajamas, like clothes, like needs,” said Matthews.

    During the holidays, she knows what she must spend and what she is buying. She prepares with a budget.

    “We have meetings, and we do discuss,” said Matthews. “We have budget meetings; we have family meetings. The only issue is if the meeting will, I guess, come to fruition in real life.”

    According to a recent survey from Beyond Finance, Matthews is a part of the 51% of people who make a budget for the holidays. They survey states 64% of people have already gone over their budget or think they will. Meltrice Sharp is a certified wealth coach and accountant who helps people gain clarity on how they spend their money. She is also a managing partner CLE Consulting Firm.

    “The holiday season creates such an emotional demand on us,” said Sharp. “Oftentimes, we’re spinning out of guilt, emotions, expectations, and it’s important to really decide what it is that you’re going to spend money on.”

    Sharp says sticking to a budget can give a sense of peace instead of chaos and regret going into the new year.

    “They pay for the decisions that they made in December, in January, February and March,” said Sharp. “So, you’re starting your year off in the deficit.”

    Sharp says the 50/30/20 rule can be an option — 50% of your income for your needs, 30% for your wants and 20% for savings.

    “Do what makes sense for you and your family, something that you can stick to,” said Sharp.

    Sharp recommends budgeting throughout the year and including the holiday shopping in that budget — something Matthews says she and her husband work hard to follow.

    “We don’t have to cut back on anything because we’ve been planning all year,” said Matthews.

    Sharp says don’t just budget for gifts but add in other costs like food, clothing and travel. When you shop for the holidays without a budget, Sharp says it leads to regret and buyer’s remorse.

    “Not having to deal with financial hangovers after you’ve spent money that you didn’t plan to, or money that you didn’t have,” said Sharp.

    Matthews says for her family of six, it’s about making memories, not regrets.

    “Budgeting is a part of adulting, which isn’t that fun, but it is very necessary and it helps to provide the life in which I feel like my kids deserve,” said Matthews.

    The National Retail Federation expects holiday spending to be more than a trillion dollars. The NRF expects November and December retail sales to grow between 3.7% and 4.2% over 2024. Last year’s holiday sales increased 4.3% over 2023, with $976.1 billion in spending.

    Some tips to reduce overspending or spending over your budget include:

    • Set a total number for your spending max
    • Create a list of who to buy for and how much to spend on each person
    • Categorize your spending
    • Start a holiday fund in January and contribute to it throughout the year
    • Shop early for deals and discounts, avoid last-minute anything (shopping, travel)
    • Avoid buying for yourself when shopping for others
    • Turn off one click buying or saved payment methods on websites to reduce impulse buying
    • Make homemade gifts
    • Avoid buy now and pay later
    • Use cash or debit cards instead of credit
    • Set up bank account alerts when your account gets below a certain number

    Rose Todd

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  • Dealing with grief during the holiday

    STOW, Ohio — The holidays are supposed to be filled with fun, family and friends but it can be difficult celebrating the holidays after losing a loved one.

    What You Need To Know

    • Fred Price and his wife, Sheila, met as teenagers

    • A 2024 survey from the American Psychiatric Association said grief or the loss of a loved one was a top stressor at 47%

    • Grief is the experience of coping with loss

    Fred Price and his wife, Sheila, met as teenagers.

    “She completed me,” said Price. “She was the love of my life. We dated in high school and then went our separate ways.”

    They reunited later in life, and then got married in 2005. Price says they had a wonderful life.

    “She had bad scoliosis since a child and went through several operations,” said Price. “Unfortunately, the last one that she had was not successful.”

    Sheila died in February of 2022. They were married for 16 years. Price said she loved the holiday season.

    “She loved Christmas, completely,” said Price. “All the holidays were her favorite and, I’ve tried to keep on that tradition.”

    Price has several of Sheila’s items around the house especially for Christmas. Price said the first year was the hardest for him. During that time, he started going to The GriefCare Place for support. Price is not alone; more than a million people will spend the upcoming holiday without a loved one. Benjamin Barnes works with The GriefCare Place. An organization that provides support groups. Barnes says grief can be complicated, different for everybody and last for a long time.

    “It depends on who you lost, how you lost to them,” said Benjamin Barnes, a clinical mental health counselor. “Who they meant to you who they were to you and it is not a one size fits all process.”

    A 2024 survey from the American Psychiatric Association said grief or the loss of a loved one was a top stressor at 47%. Grief is the experience of coping with loss. It’s a natural reaction that can involve an intense emotional, physical and mental responses like sadness, anger, confusion and numbness. During certain times grief can amplify and be triggered by birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. Grief can include the loss of You may grieve the loss of:

    • A friend, family member, partner or pet
    • A marriage, friendship or another form of kinship
    • Your home, neighborhood or community
    • Your job or career
    • Financial stability
    • A dream or goal
    • Good health
    • Your youth
    • Fertility

    Anything that was important to you.

    According to Kubler-Ross, there are five stages of grief:

    • Denial. You may have difficulty accepting that a loss is real.
    • Anger. You may direct anger at multiple sources, including people who couldn’t save a loved one, God, yourself — or even no one in particular.
    • Bargaining. You may imagine reaching an agreement, so you don’t have to deal with a loss. You may also regret past actions that you imagine could’ve spared you from loss.
    • Depression. You may experience the complex emotions associated with depression including emotional detachment.
    • Acceptance. Eventually, most people embrace the reality of loss even if the pain’s still there.

    The Cleveland Clinic says there are different types of grief including:

    Anticipatory grief

    Anticipatory grief involves grieving before the actual loss. 

    Abbreviated grief

    Abbreviated grief may follow anticipatory grief. You can grieve a loss quickly because you’ve already done a lot of emotional labor while anticipating that loss. 

    Delayed grief

    Instead of experiencing the emotions that accompany grief immediately after a loss, you feel them days, weeks or even months later.

    Inhibited grief

    Inhibited grief involves repressing emotions. This type of grief can lead to upset stomach, insomnia, anxiety and panic attacks. 

    Cumulative grief

    Cumulative grief involves working through multiple losses at once. Grieving multiple losses simultaneously makes the process difficult and complex in unexpected ways.

    Collective grief

    As a group, we grieve the shared experiences we’ve lost as we struggle to imagine a changed future.

    Barnes said there are some things you can do to navigate grief during the holidays. First, make sure to take care of yourself. Prioritize physical, mental, emotional and spiritual self-care. Make plans for the holiday — honor the lost loved one by lighting a candle.

    “When you first lose a loved one, you’re going to have all kinds of different emotions,” said Price. “You may at one point feel like you’re going crazy, but it’s okay to feel anger.”

    Give yourself permission to feel what you are feeling and don’t self-isolate, socialize and find support through family, friends or a group.

    “There’s no right way to do this, and so, it’s so important as hard as it is we always have a choice even in the deepest grief,” said Barnes.

    Price said it has been a difficult transition without Shelia, but he has a great support team around him and is healing. He remembers Shelia as the loving energetic and faithful person he fell in love with.

    “She loved pictures, we had to take all these photos, and now I look back on them, and I cherish those photos,” said Price. “I’m glad that we did it.”

    After about a year and half of attending the support group, Price became a counselor. Now, he helps other widowers get through their tough times.

    If you are experiencing grief and you need someone to talk to, the GriefCare Place offers their support groups at no charge.

    Rose Todd

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  • Families spending their holiday at Akron Children’s

    AKRON, Ohio — No one wants to spend their holiday in a hospital bed, but when it happens, you adjust.

    What You Need To Know

    • Akron and Mahoning Valley campuses have 323 beds, and there are currently 196 inpatients between the two

    • In May, Donald “Dewey” White was admitted to Akron Children’s after an accident on a four-wheeler

    • Akron Children’s hosts several holiday events, including the tree lighting celebration

    For some people, that means being with loved ones in the hospital.

    Akron Children’s sees hundreds of thousands of patients a year. A small percentage of those patients find themselves spending the holidays in the hospital. For more than 30 years, the hospital has put on a special event to bring joy to those families.

    In May, Donald “Dewey” White was admitted to Akron Children’s after an accident on a four-wheeler.

    “He came in with a brain injury and had a stroke, and that’s when he had to have brain surgery,” said Sarah Gurbal, a certified child life specialist with Akron Children’s.

    Since then, Dewey has had surgeries and gone to rehab to get his left side working better. Gurbal has been working with Dewey.

    He is one of nearly 200 patients who will be spending this Thanksgiving holiday in Akron Children’s Hospital. Akron and Mahoning Valley campuses have 323 beds. There are currently 196 inpatients between the two. The Akron campus has 281 beds and currently 175 inpatients.

    “Holidays can be really challenging, and I think families do the best they can to provide,” said Gurbal.

    Dewey’s family is bringing Thanksgiving to him.

    “You have to be here,” said Donald White, Dewey White’s dad. “For what? You can’t, you can’t leave a kid unattended just because it’s a holiday, because you want to have fun. It’s not fair to him. He didn’t ask to be here.”

    Donald said his son is very family-oriented, and he loves the holidays

    “He’s not really big on just one,” said White. “He loves everything. He’s got a big heart, just caring.”

    Families like Dewey’s are a big reason why the hospital gets in the holiday spirit. They host several holiday events, including the tree lighting celebration.

    “Families who are here in the hospital and not able to be at home, to celebrate in their own ways during this holiday season, they can see the light from these trees,” said Susan Standberg, the chairman for the 2025 Children’s Tree of Lights. “They can put down their burdens that they have right now and hopefully lift up, enjoy.”

    The annual event presented by the Akron Children’s Women’s Board is celebrating 32 years. Nancy Heslop founded the Tree of Lights event in 1993. Nancy and her husband, John Heslop, died in November 2025. They were married for 59 years and died within a few days of each other.

    The Bambino on top of the tree represents all the children served by the hospital. A new Bambino was produced in 2023 by Wade Brewer-Engineer and replaced the original one. The 2025 Bambino Sponsor is in honor of Mary Briggs, a former Women’s Board member who died in March 2024.

    Strandberg said she’s heard amazing things from families in the past.

    “When they have seen the Perkins tree light up in the square that it has, really, when they see it from their room, that it is just really a beacon in a dark time of year, in a dark time in their lives,” said Strandberg.

    Hope is what keeps Dewey and his family moving forward. Hope is what Gurbal gives to families when they need it most.

    “Just encourage them throughout them being here and just get them back to being who they are,” said Gurbal.

    Dewey is expected to have another surgery the first week of December, and hopefully, he will be home before Christmas.

    Rose Todd

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  • World War II Ohio veteran celebrates 100th birthday

    TOLEDO — More than 16 million people from the U.S. fought in World War II, and 80 years after the war ended a World War II navy veteran who turned 100 years old in the Buckeye State is celebrating his birthday.

    What You Need To Know

    • More than 16 million people from the U.S. fought in World War II

    • Victor Gressler turned 100 years old on October 19th in Maumee, Ohio

    • During Gressler’s service during WWII he went to Hawaii, Guam and New Guinea

    On Sunday, World War II veteran Victor Gressler turned 100 years old in Maumee, about 10 miles outside of Toledo. Gressler’s birthday is October 19th.

    “This is 70 years ago. I joined the navy when I was 17-years-old,” said Victor Gressler, the 100-year-old WWII veteran.

    Gressler joined the U.S. Navy shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. During the time he served, he was almost killed twice. During his service, he went to Hawaii, Guam and New Guinea.

    A couple of weeks before the torpedo dropped, Gressler was sick with yellow fever and in the sick bay. He was sent home to recover before the torpedo dropped, and it killed everyone in the sick bay. The second time Gressler was almost killed, he was doing some work where the ammunition was stored, and it blew up. Decades later, he is celebrating a milestone birthday.

    “I’ve always considered him a, you know, like a World War II Navy veteran hero because he went and fought for his country and quit high school to go fight for his country,” said Barbara Kurtz, Gressler‘s stepdaughter. “So, I think he’s fabulous, and he deserves to have a party for his birthday.”

    Kurtz helped celebrate the vet, but Gressler is not only a vet; he’s a musician too.

    He’s been singing and playing the guitar for more than 80 years, and he still plays. The songs are all in his head, and he plays music from country legends like Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and Jim Reeves.

    “We saw that sign on the window. It said, ‘Come on in and show your talent,’” said Gressler. “So, I said, ‘Whoa, what the heck? I think I’ll try it.’”

    That was 85 years ago, and Gressler won a guitar that day. A year ago, he joined the Elizabeth Scott Community, a senior living community. Now his audience is the residents within the community he calls home. When asked about how he made it to this birthday, he says do what makes you happy.

    “I like my music and I like my friend, you know, mostly with my music because I like to sing,” said Gressler.

    In his free time, Gressler played guitar and mandolin with The Maumee Valley Boys. His band performed at local dances and gatherings.

    He came back to Ohio after the war, married his high school sweetheart and worked for a trucking company for more than 30 years. Since being at the senior living community, Gressler continues to play the guitar and sing. He also enjoys bingo, cards and dice.

    Kurtz said they will keep having birthday parties every year that Gressler is here.

    According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are approximately 45,000 World War II veterans still alive today.

    Rose Todd

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  • Ohio chef named best new chef by Food and Wine magazine

    CLEVELAND — A northeast Ohio chef just snagged a big award and put a downtown restaurant on Ohio’s must-try list.

    What You Need To Know

    • Vinnie Cimino is the chef at Cleveland restaurant Cordelia

    • Cimino was recently announced as one of 10 Best New Chefs from across the country by Food and Wine magazine

    • Cimino is the third Ohioan to be named Best New Chef by Food and Wine

    Akron native Vinnie Cimino is the chef at Cleveland restaurant Cordelia. He’s been on his culinary journey for 17 years.

    “Our goal was to, you know, celebrate our heritage, celebrate our midwestern roots,” said Cimino.

    He and his business partner, Andrew Watts, opened the downtown restaurant a little more than three years ago.

    “Welcoming into the community of food, wine and to be amongst a class of so many incredible people pushing our industry forward has been, you know, really heartwarming to be a part of,” said Cimino.

    Cimino was recently announced as one of 10 Best New Chefs from across the country by Food and Wine magazine.

    “There was no application, there was no nothing, and they go out and they former best new chefs, they vet restaurants,” said Cimino.

    To be the best new chef, the recipient must be the head of a kitchen or pastry program for five years or fewer, show culinary innovation and their work must be recommended by past winners and food writers. Vinnie said his name may be on the award, but it wouldn’t be possible without the help of the people he works with.

    “Everything we do is a lot of hard work and effort every single day,” said Cimino. “The biggest thing that we always preach that a good team goes a long way. You know, we are the sum of our parts. Our team here makes up this restaurant every single day, day in and day out.”

    While Cimino focuses on the food, he still makes sure his customers, like Shawnda Moye, enjoy his creations.

    “The food is phenomenal,” said Moye. “It, you know, they are doing great work here. I love the fact that they are so focused on like supporting local producers, local farms, local makers.”

    Moye said her favorite dish is the carrot muhammara, and Cimino’s award is not a surprise.

    “Very well deserved,” said Moya. “He’s been working his butt off, and it definitely shows in the food, just all the details in the restaurant.”

    Cimino said this award wasn’t one he thought he would ever be awarded.

    “Never in my wildest dreams that I imagined that we were being in consideration for a Food and Wine Best New Chef,” he said.

    Cimino is the third Ohioan to be named Best New Chef by Food and Wine. The other two were Michael Symon in 1998 and Jonathon Sawyer in 2010.

    Rose Todd

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  • Guide dog helps owner have first solo travel trip

    CLEVELAND — Guide dogs are more than pets; for many, they’re a safety net, a navigation system and a source of independence.

    September is National Service Dog Month, celebrating the service dogs around the country, including northeast Ohio.

    What You Need To Know

    • September is National Service Dog Month
    • Achromatopsia is a rare genetic eye disorder that causes complete or partial loss of color vision
    • Dogs Inc. is an organization that provides guide and service dogs

    Jaclyn Schiemann is legally blind, and it wasn’t until she was 30-years-old that she was diagnosed with achromatopsia.

    “Everything to me is just blurry,” said Schiemann.

    Achromatopsia is a rare genetic eye disorder that causes complete or partial loss of color vision. Fewer than 50,000 people in the U.S. have this disorder.

    “I was born with it. I was originally diagnosed with rod cone dystrophy, and they thought I would be completely blind by the age of 16,” said Schiemann. “There wasn’t genetic testing when I was young.” 

    Schiemann said she sees a lot of shadows and she can’t see colors. In 2021, Schiemann applied for a guide dog. In June 2023, she was introduced to Tyrus.

    “The happiest day of my life.” Said Schiemann.

    A four-year-old purebred yellow American Lab who was trained by Dogs Inc. An organization that provides guide and service dogs. They currently have more than 700 active service and guide dog teams. Tyrus is trained to find curbs, steps, Schiemann’s mom, and to stop and avoid hazards.

    “I took my first trip solo.” Said Schiemann. “So, he has given me independence, courage, confidence to actually do something like that. This past February, we went to Disney World.”

    Schiemann said she never traveled alone when she was using a cane because she was afraid of tripping or running into something.

    “It’s nice to be on my own because I’ve always been so dependent on everybody,” said Schiemann. “To do anything, to go anywhere but with him I’m not scared to do that. I have a constant companion.”

    Schiemann said her goal is to go to as many national parks as she and Tyrus can. Their most recent was to Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

    “We’ve been to six national parks in two years.” Said Schiemann.

    Since getting Tyrus, Schiemann said she is able to experience a part of life she once thought was out of reach.

    “It’s life-changing, and it’s freeing, and it’s liberating, and it’s encouraging that I can go out and do stuff that I never thought I would do alone,” said Schiemann.

    If you know someone who could use a guide or service dog, Dogs Inc. provides them at no cost to the recipient once they are approved and matched with a dog.

    Rose Todd

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  • Ohio college student creates bandages to help burn victims heal

    AKRON, Ohio — Nearly half a million people in the U.S. are treated for burns every year, and 45,000 are hospitalized, according to the American Burn Association.

    What You Need To Know

    • Nearly half a million people in the U.S. are treated for burns every year

    • Essinger was burned on over 30% of her body in an industrial accident

    • She worked with two other UA biomedical engineering students on the burn bandages

    “All I could think is, oh my gosh, this hurts, this hurts, this hurts,” said Hailey Essinger.

    For Essinger, this assignment is personal.

    “The pain was extremely intense,” said Essinger. “They had to take my dressings off every single day and scrub them to get all the dead skin and clean the healing skin, and they couldn’t give you enough pain meds to, to stop the pain.”

    That was two years ago when Essinger was burned on over 30% of her body in an industrial accident.

    Now a fifth-year University of Akron biomedical engineering student, she’s teaming up with the Ohio State University burn unit to come up with a product to help burn victims have a better healing and recovery experience.

    “The goal is to make a better burn bandage for burn victims, just like me,” said Essinger.

    Essinger said during her research, she found a lack of burn bandages that met the industry standard.  

    “Our goal is to create a bandage that slips less and pulls on the skin less and is better at application,” said Essinger.

    She’s working with fellow biomedical engineering students Matthew Flaker and Andrew Martin to design and build burn bandages that are versatile, efficient and useful.

    “We wanted it to be modular, which meant there were multiple pieces and you didn’t have to put all of one bandage for if you only burn your arm or your leg,” said Essinger.

    Martin’s focus is sewing the prototype. This project hit home for him because his uncle experienced chemical burns on his body. He joined Essinger’s team because he wanted to do work on a meaningful project.

    “I like bringing value to both the patient and the clinician,” said Martin, who is also a biomedical engineering student. “Originally, I wanted to go to med school and be one of the doctors, but I decided that I can solve problems and bring just as much value to the health space through engineering.”

    Flaker’s role is making sure good material is used for the product, meeting deadlines and keeping up with schedules. He said this product brings excitement for him, his team, the doctors and the patients.

    “It is very difficult for clinicians to apply the current solutions in hospitals, and it’s also difficult for the patients or their caregivers at home to apply these bandages,” said Flaker, a biomedical engineering student.” I’m also just excited to be able to help patients as an engineer, I want to be able to help people.”

    The team is celebrating a second-place victory in the Northeast Ohio Medical University Bench to Bedside product design competition, and first place in Akron’s biomedical department design day. The burn bandages are still in the creation phase all three students will graduate in May but have no intentions on letting go of the project.

    “After graduation, we hope to continue to improve our design so that patients have the best healing and recovery experience,” said Essinger.

    The students say the bandages are mainly for burn victims but can be used for any skin problem.

    Correction: A previous version of this story misspelled Hailey Essinger’s name. This has been corrected. (April 23, 2025)

    Rose Todd

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  • Northeast Ohio Jesuit university remembers first Jesuit pope

    CLEVELAND — On Monday, Pope Francis passed at the age of 88.

    His death was felt around the world. As the first Jesuit pope, he had a special connection with a northeast Ohio university.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pope Francis was the first and only Jesuit pope to serve over the Catholic church
    • The Society of Jesus, known as Jesuits, are an order of priests, brothers, scholastics and novices
    • Brother Wooters met the Pope in person and was gifted rosary beads

    “His impact will be remembered for mercy that’s a word that people will associate with Pope Francis,” said Brother Matt Wooters, assistant director of Campus Ministry, John Carroll University.

    Pope Francis was the first and only Jesuit pope to serve over the Catholic church, something that practicing Jesuits felt proud of.

    “John Carroll is a Jesuit university, so we have a 500-year-old tradition of Jesuit education, and Pope Francis was also trained in the same tradition,” said Wooters. “So we share a spirituality and a worldview that makes us feel close with Pope Francis.”

    The Society of Jesus, known as Jesuits, are an order of priests, brothers, scholastics and novices. With over 14,000 members, they’re one of the largest male religious orders in the Catholic church.

    Wooters said the pope led with tenderness, kindness and compassion, and that’s how people will remember him. Joe Bilas, a sophomore at JCU, said he and the pope shared topics they cared about.

    “I know he’s done a lot to bring the church in a more open-minded direction,” said Bilas. “Seemed like he was also very social justice oriented. I’m proud to be a part of something that’s like, you know, doing that and securing our future to the extent that we can, you know, make an impact in our small corner of the of the world.”

    Pope Francis shared a more open view on subjects like the LGBTQ community and women in the church.

    “Kind of famous quote he said, ‘who am I to judge?’ When asked about a gay person who wants to seek God, and I think that’s emblematic of who he is as a as a pope and as a man,” said Wooters.

    Wooters not only has a special connection with the pope, but he also shares special memories

    “I actually got to meet Pope Francis, which is really cool,” said Wooters. “I had a meeting in Rome, and he surprised us. He came to the meeting, and we didn’t know he was coming. It was a great surprise. I was really moved by his humbleness and his holiness and his humor, he’s very funny, and he gifted each of us a rosary.”

    Wooters said his passing leaves a lot of people grieving and in due time we will see what impact the next pope will have.

    “Pope Francis has had an openness to other religions, working with world leaders,” said Wooters. “I hope the next pope would carry this into whoever’s chosen.”

    John Carroll University issued a statement following the pope’s passing saying, “Gives thanks for his leadership and example as the first Jesuit pope, which will continue to inspire our commitment to faith, justice, and service for the common good.”

    In March 2013 Pope Francis was the 266th pope elected. He was the first Latin American pope. He served for 12 years.

    Rose Todd

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