In Episode 50 of the ⁠⁠LorainCounty.com⁠⁠ Insights Podcast, host ⁠⁠Ed Skimin⁠⁠ speaks with Julie Chase-Morefield, President and CEO of the Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio.

Julie discusses the organization's mission, programs, and the impact of their work in Lorain, Erie, Huron, and Crawford Counties.

Julie explains the various services Second Harvest provides, including partnerships with local schools and healthcare facilities, as well as the challenges and opportunities in addressing food insecurity. She also highlights the significance of advocacy and policy work, funding streams, and future goals such as urban agriculture.

Julie shares insights into her professional journey, personal motivations, and the importance of community collaboration in ensuring food security.

Addressing Food Insecurity: Insights from Julie Chase Morefield of Second Harvest Food Bank

00:00 Introduction to Julie Chase Morefield and Second Harvest Food Bank

01:29 Programs and Services Offered by Second Harvest

02:35 Impact of COVID-19 on Services

03:00 Food Pantry Locations and Partnerships

03:59 Community Impact and Food Security

05:41 Funding and Advocacy Efforts

06:59 Challenges and Opportunities in Lorain County

11:08 Julie Chase Morefield's Background and Motivation

13:26 Future Goals and Personal Interests

14:15 How to Connect with Second Harvest

14:31 Conclusion and Podcast Information

In Episode 48 of the ⁠⁠LorainCounty.com⁠⁠ Insights Podcast, host ⁠⁠Ed Skimin⁠⁠ speaks with Jacob Smith, Executive Director, and Larry Amato, the Deputy Director of Lorain County Veteran Service Commission.

Jacob and Larry discuss the core missions and services provided by their organization. They explain the processes of connecting veterans to federal benefits, offering financial assistance during hardships, and providing transportation to VA appointments.

Jacob and Larry highlight the impact of their initiatives, emphasizing the importance of veteran service officers in claim processes and the support for veteran-owned businesses. They also touch on challenges such as veteran apathy, the significance of legacy veteran organizations, and the importance of partnership and community events, including fundraising activities.

Additionally, Jacob and Larry share personal backgrounds and hobbies, reflecting their long-standing dedication to veteran support. Listeners are encouraged to visit the organization’s website or attend events for more information.

Supporting Veterans: Insights from the Lorain County Veteran Service Commission

00:00 Introduction to Lorain County Veteran Service Commission

01:30 Overview of Services Provided

02:08 Financial Assistance and Transportation Services

05:57 Veteran Claims and Legal Assistance

10:57 Challenges and Community Engagement

18:10 Personal Backgrounds and Hobbies

21:40 Connecting with Lorain County Veteran Services

22:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In Episode 47 of the ⁠⁠LorainCounty.com⁠⁠ Insights Podcast, host ⁠⁠Ed Skimin⁠⁠ speaks with Greg Willey, Executive Director of Friendship Animal Protective League.

Greg discusses the main programs of the shelter, which focus on rescuing, caring, and rehoming animals, including their major adoption program, low-cost spay/neuter clinic, and volunteer opportunities.

Greg highlights the shelter's extensive reliance on community support and donations, emphasizing the non-government funding model. He also delves into the evolution of animal welfare over the years, shifting focus towards keeping pets with their owners through low-cost services and advocating for pet-friendly housing policies.

Additionally, Greg reflects on his personal background, the challenges faced, and his future goals for expanding the shelter’s medical services. The episode concludes with Greg sharing his personal hobbies and ways to get involved with Friendship APL.

Insight into Friendship Animal Protective League with Greg Willie

00:00 Introduction to Greg Willie and Friendship Animal Protective League

01:37 Overview of Friendship Animal Protective League's Programs

03:13 Volunteer and Humane Programs

04:44 Community Impact and Partnerships

07:10 Funding and Support

08:41 Challenges and Future Goals

14:42 Greg Willie's Personal Journey

20:49 Conclusion and Contact Information

In Episode 46 of the ⁠⁠LorainCounty.com⁠⁠ Insights Podcast, host ⁠⁠Ed Skimin⁠⁠ speaks with Don Schiffbauer, CEO of Riveon Mental Health and Recovery.

Don discusses the merger of The Nord Center and LCADA Way that led to the formation of Riveon. He explains the comprehensive services provided by Riveon, which include mental health services, addiction treatment, case management, and primary care.

Don highlights the value Riveon provides to the wider community, their diverse funding sources, and the impact of innovations such as telehealth during the pandemic. He also discusses the upcoming Lorain County Crisis Recovery Center, which will serve as a behavioral health emergency room and detox facility.

Finally, Schiffbauer shares insights on his leadership approach, personal goals, and emphasizes the importance of self-care and community support in mental health and addiction recovery.

Riveon Mental Health and Recovery: An Overview with CEO Don Schiffbauer

00:00 Introduction to Riveon Mental Health and Recovery

01:41 The Merger and Formation of Riveon

03:39 Services Offered by Riveon

07:28 Community Impact and Funding

10:38 Leadership Insights and Merger Experience

12:37 Defining Success and Personal Background

15:44 Pandemic Response and Innovations

17:37 Lorain County Crisis Recovery Center

22:07 Future Goals and Personal Interests

24:56 988 Hotline and Final Thoughts

In Episode 45 of the ⁠⁠LorainCounty.com⁠⁠ Insights Podcast, host ⁠⁠Ed Skimin⁠⁠ speaks with Vic Gregovits⁠⁠, President of the Lake Erie Crushers⁠.

Vic discusses the various events and initiatives aimed at making the stadium a valuable community asset, including over 200 events such as carnivals, concerts, and sports tournaments. He also highlights the team's role in promoting family affordability and the economic benefits they bring to the local area.

Additionally, Vic shares insights into the significance of local partnerships and the team's commitment to providing family-friendly entertainment. He speaks about the success stories of Crushers players moving to Major League Baseball and the excitement of new events like drone shows and fireworks.

With a background in sports management and extensive experience, Vic emphasizes the importance of creating memorable experiences for fans and maintaining strong community ties.

Inside the Lake Erie Crushers: Community Engagement and Sports Excellence

00:00 Introduction to Vic Gregovits and the Lake Erie Crushers

00:06 Overview of the Lake Erie Crushers

01:18 Events and Experiences at the Stadium

03:17 Community Impact and Economic Contributions

04:16 Local Partnerships and Sponsorships

04:54 Player Success Stories

05:33 Defining Success and Family Entertainment

06:14 Adapting to Trends in Family Entertainment

07:04 Challenges and Awareness

07:29 Vic Gregovits' Background and Career

08:10 Proud Accomplishments and Future Goals

09:58 Engaging the Community and Creating Memories

10:28 Personal Hobbies and Interests

10:41 How to Connect with the Lake Erie Crushers

In Episode 44 of the ⁠LorainCounty.com⁠ Insights Podcast, host ⁠Ed Skimin⁠ speaks with ⁠Dr. Rebecca Starck⁠, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Cleveland Clinic Avon Hospital.

Dr. Starck shares insights about Avon Hospital's history, services, and community impact. Dr. Starck discusses her role and the hospital’s mission to provide seamless patient care with advanced technology and strong community collaboration.

She highlights the variety of medical services they offer, the importance of addressing social determinants of health, and the hospital’s ongoing efforts to improve access to care in Lorain County. Dr. Starck also touches on her professional journey, the integration of AI in healthcare, and her personal interests outside of work.

Dr. Rebecca Starck: Bridging Healthcare Gaps at Avon Hospital
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Rebecca Starck

01:10 Overview of Avon Hospital

02:25 Medical Services at Avon Hospital

03:21 Community Impact and Outreach

05:02 Addressing Social Determinants of Health

06:42 Challenges in Lorain County

07:33 Avon Hospital's Unique Features

10:14 Measuring Success and Future Trends

11:31 The Role of Technology in Healthcare

16:29 Dr. Starck's Background and Leadership Journey

21:07 Future Goals and Personal Interests

22:45 Conclusion and Contact Information

We’re back — with a new name. Formerly known as the LorainCounty.com Business Insights Podcast, this show has grown to reflect more than just the business community. In this brief update, host Ed Skimin shares why the podcast is now called the LorainCounty.com Insights Podcast and what you can expect from the episodes ahead.

New episodes begin Tuesday, June 17, featuring conversations with the people shaping life across Lorain County — from entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders to educators, public officials, and event organizers.

Know someone doing impactful work in the community? Reach out at podcast@LorainCounty.com — we’d love to share their story.