In episode 93 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Anastasia Diamond-Ortiz, Director of the Lorain Public Library System.

Anastasia offers an in-depth discussion about the diverse services and programs offered by the library across multiple communities in Lorain County.

She emphasizes the library's focus on literacy, community partnerships, and evolving roles in digital access and educational support.

Anastasia also highlights unique initiatives like the Level Up tutoring program and makerspaces, and discusses the library's significant impact on both urban and rural populations.

She touches on her leadership style, professional background, and personal interests, concluding with details on the upcoming 125th anniversary and ways for the community to engage with the library.

Insightful Journeys: Anastasia Diamond-Ortiz on the Role and Future of Lorain Public Library System

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgment

00:41 Meet Anastasia Diamond Ortiz

01:10 Personal Connection to the Library

02:29 Overview of the Lorain Public Library System

03:19 Key Services and Programs

05:15 Community Engagement and Outreach

06:10 Unique Initiatives and Partnerships

08:52 Digital Access and Bridging the Divide

10:43 Funding and Challenges

15:02 Leadership and Personal Insights

17:52 Conclusion and Contact Information

In episode 92 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Darryl Q. Tucker, Managing Editor of The Morning Journal.

He provides an inside look at the operations, responsibilities, and community engagement of the Morning Journal.

Darryl discusses the history and coverage area of the newspaper, his daily activities, the decision-making process for story coverage, and the importance of community-focused journalism.

He emphasizes the Journal's efforts to highlight positive stories in the community and shares insights on the evolving landscape of local journalism, including digital adaptation and economic challenges.

Darryl also speaks about his personal involvement in various community organizations and provides details on the Mary Lee Tucker Clothe-a-Child program, inviting listeners to support their initiatives.

Inside The Morning Journal: A Conversation with Managing Editor Darryl Tucker

00:00 Breaking News and Digital Delivery

00:19 Introduction to the Podcast

00:39 Guest Introduction: Darryl Tucker

01:04 Personal Reflections on the Morning Journal

01:37 The Evolution of Local Journalism

02:15 Inside the Morning Journal: Operations and Editorial Decisions

04:40 Community Engagement and Positive Stories

08:12 Economic Development and Community Involvement

13:52 Personal Insights and Leadership

17:04 Conclusion and Contact Information

In episode 91 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Gary Tollett, owner and president of WOBL-WDLW Radio Inc.

Gary discusses the origins of WOBL dating back to 1971, the role of local radio in serving the community, and the day-to-day operations involved in managing a local station.

He highlights their commitment to community service, providing a platform for local businesses, and maintaining a diverse programming lineup.

Gary also delves into the personal challenges and triumphs they've experienced, including navigating the impact of COVID-19 and rebranding efforts.

The episode underscores the importance of supporting local endeavors and the irreplaceable value of local radio.

Gary Tollett on Running WOBL and WDLW Radio: A Local Radio Legacy

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:35 Meet Gary Tollett: Owner and President of WOBL and WDLW Radio

02:09 The Origins and History of WOBL Radio

04:06 Managing a Local Radio Station: Roles and Responsibilities

06:49 Programming and Content on WOBL and WDLW

10:50 Supporting Local Businesses and Community Engagement

14:22 Personal Journey and Challenges

17:14 Decision to Buy the Radio Station

19:42 Achievements and Future Goals

21:39 Personal Interests and Hobbies

22:44 Conclusion and How to Connect

In episode 90 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Patricia O’Brien, Executive Director of The Stocker Foundation.

Patty provides an in-depth overview of the foundation's history, mission, and grant-making strategies.

Established in 1979 by Beth K. Stocker and her daughters, the Stocker Foundation continues a legacy of gratitude-driven philanthropy.

She discusses the foundation’s transition from broad-based giving to a focused approach on literacy and STEAM education.

She highlights significant milestones, including the success of the Lorain County Imagination Library, and elaborates on the collaborative efforts with schools, nonprofits, and other funders.

Patty also shares personal insights into her role, what makes an effective philanthropist, and her journey within the organization.

Listeners can learn about the foundation’s grant cycle, its commitment to multi-generational involvement, and the metrics used to define success in their philanthropic endeavors.

The Evolution and Impact of the Stocker Foundation

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

00:32 Meet Patty O'Brien: Executive Director of the Stocker Foundation

02:07 The Legacy and Evolution of the Stocker Foundation

04:58 Strategic Focus on Literacy and STEAM Education

05:52 Funding and Financials of the Stocker Foundation

15:55 Grant Making Process and Community Impact

20:47 Collaboration and Community Engagement

25:13 Personal Journey and Reflections of Patty O'Brien

33:27 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up

In episode 89 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Mark Adams, the Health Commissioner of the Lorain County Public Health Department.

Mark provides a detailed overview of the department's various divisions, such as community health, environmental health, and emergency preparedness.

He shares insights into his leadership philosophy, the importance of community engagement, and the unique health challenges and opportunities present in Lorain County.

Mark also discusses the department's approach to handling widespread misinformation and the role of technology in enhancing public health services.

The episode emphasizes the collaborative nature of health delivery ecosystems and highlights the dedication of public health professionals in improving community wellness.

Public Health in Lorain County: An In-Depth Look with Health Commissioner Mark Adams

00:00 Introduction to Public Health in Ohio

00:13 Episode 89: LorainCounty.com Insights Podcast

00:33 Guest Introduction: Mark Adams

01:18 The Role and Services of Lorain County Public Health

01:52 Mark Adams' Journey and Leadership

02:02 Overview of Health Divisions and Services

04:18 Community Health Division

06:10 Environmental Health Division

07:54 Emergency Preparedness and Epidemiology

08:58 Population Health Division

09:41 WIC Division

10:26 Internal Administration and Support

11:22 Community Engagement and Health Education

12:51 Health Delivery Ecosystem and Partnerships

14:35 Technology and Public Health

15:46 Current Health Trends and Policy Changes

18:03 Public Health Under Attack

19:25 Current Health Challenges in Lorain County

20:42 Building Trust in the Community

21:37 Measuring Success in Public Health

23:14 A Personal Journey into Public Health

27:39 Innovative Public Health Initiatives

29:23 Leadership Philosophy and Style

31:22 Hobbies and Personal Interests

32:16 Connecting with Lorain County Public Health

33:14 Conclusion and Podcast Information

In episode 88 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Dave Blevins, Director of the Lorain County Workforce Development Agency.

Dave discusses the agency's role in serving various segments of the population, including youth, adults, dislocated workers, and veterans.

He highlights the importance of building relationships with local employers to forecast future workforce needs and describes how the agency supports job seekers in acquiring the necessary skills and certifications.

Dave delves into OhioMeansJobs and the Work Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and its objectives, emphasizing the importance of engaging the next generation of workers through innovative communication strategies.

He also shares his journey to becoming the director, the challenges faced due to budget cuts, and his vision for the future of workforce development in Lorain County.

The episode ends with information on upcoming events and opportunities for local job seekers, as well as ways to connect with the agency.

Lorain County Workforce Development: Insights and Innovations with Dave Blevins

00:00 Introduction and Job Market Overview

00:14 Podcast Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgment

00:35 Guest Introduction: Dave Blevins

01:03 Dave Blevins' Background and Workforce Development

02:02 Role and Services of the Workforce Development Agency

02:44 Supporting Local Employers

03:31 Youth Programs and Challenges

03:50 Ohio Means Jobs and Workforce Development Law

04:52 Communication Challenges with Youth

06:44 Success Stories and Partnerships

07:47 Future Workforce Opportunities and Challenges

09:01 Measuring Success and Data Management

10:02 Community Collaboration

10:47 Adapting to Technological Changes

12:33 Dave Blevins' Personal Background

14:48 Budget Cuts and Their Impact

16:24 Proudest Accomplishments and Future Goals

19:08 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

20:16 Conclusion and Contact Information

In episode 87 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Lorain County Commissioner, Jeff Riddell.

He discusses his vision for the county's future, key initiatives, and the importance of strategic planning.

He shares insights into economic development efforts, including the ambitious 1000-acre mega-site project aimed at revitalizing local manufacturing.

Commissioner Riddell highlights the importance of government accountability, collaboration with schools and community partners, and the need for a new county jail.

The conversation also explores his leadership style, personal background, and the challenges and opportunities facing Lorain County.

Lorain County Commissioner Jeff Riddell on Strategic Plans, Economic Development, and Community Growth

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:35 Meet Commissioner Jeff Riddell

01:58 Lorain County's Unique Character

03:07 Motivations and Priorities

03:56 Strategic Planning and Economic Development

06:00 Mega Site Project and Community Impact

10:24 Education and Workforce Development

11:24 Government Accountability and Transparency

12:38 Public Safety Initiatives

16:45 Departmental Highlights and Collaborations

19:47 Challenges and Opportunities for Lorain County

22:52 Commissioner Riddell's Background and Leadership

26:30 Personal Interests and Closing Remarks

In episode 86 of the LorainCounty.com Insights podcast, host Ed Skimin talks with Michael Shaikh, author of “The Last Sweet Bite”.

He discusses his journey from growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, to documenting human rights abuses in conflict zones like Afghanistan and Myanmar.

Michael talks about how his multicultural upbringing and personal experiences shaped his career in human rights.

He shares poignant stories about the intersection of food, culture, and violence, highlighting how traditional recipes can be both a form of cultural preservation and an act of defiance against conflict.

Michael also delves into the challenges and motivations behind his work, the importance of community, and how his new book aims to make these global issues relatable through the universal language of food.

The episode concludes with a look at what's next for Michael and some recommendations for exploring diverse cuisines in the Greater Cleveland area.

Preserving Culture through Cuisine: A Journey with Author Michael Shaikh

00:00 Introduction and Episode Kickoff

00:33 Introducing Michael Shaikh and His Journey

01:43 Michael's Early Life and Career Highlights

04:20 Human Rights Work and Culinary Heritage

06:55 Impact of Lake Ridge

08:34 The Last Sweet Bite: Book Discussion

17:35 Personal Reflections and Future Plans

22:15 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up