BETSY'S BABY SHOWER

IT WAS AN AFTERNOON FILLED WITH GROWN WOMEN GUSHING OVER PRETTY PINKS AND PASTELS. THERE WERE ADORABLE BLANKETS, BOOTIES AND BOTTLES AND PLAYPENS AND PAMPERS.

OUR OWN METEOROLOGIST BETSY KLING, HAD A SHOWER FIT FOR THE SPECIAL PERSON SHE IS. SHE AND REPORTER PAUL THOMAS ARE SO EXCITED ABOUT THEIR UPCOMING BUNDLE OF JOY.

IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE I'VE SEEN LADIES FAWNING OVER ITSY, BITSY BABY ITEMS. IT GUESS THERE'S JUST SOMETHING ABOUT CLOTHING FOR LITTLE GIRLS THAT TAKES US BACK TO OUR CHILDHOOD OR REMINDS THE MOTHERS IN THE ROOM OF WHEN THEY WERE EXPECTING.

I TOLD YOU ONE OF THE CLEVELAND BROWNS STAR PLAYERS STOPPED BY. IT WAS WIDE RECEIVER, BRAYLON EDWARDS. HE JUST HAPPENED TO BE IN THE STATION TO TAPE SOME TELEVISON PROMO'S AND STOP BY TO PEEK IN ON THE FESTIVITIES.

HE WAS SUCH A GENTLEMEN, TAKING THE TIME TO POSE FOR PICTURES WITH BETSY AND I.

IT WAS THE PERFECT ENDING TO A PERFECT SHOWER!

"Color blind"

I know it seems impossible, but that's what I wish for someday. A color blind society, one in which we call can just treat one another with common decency and respect.

That's what I've seen every year I've attended the Diversity Walk. It's the Diversity Center's largest fundraiser. I've served as the Grand Marshall of the walk for two years now.

Its a great day when thousands of Northeast Ohioans show up bright and early on a Saturday morning in May to celebrate, not our differences, but what we all share in common. You'll find people from every different ethnic background and all ages. I've met toddlers to grandmothers and grandfathers. I loved talking to several of the little beauty queens from different nationalities.

The walk is just one of the fundraisers that helps provide funding for the groups diversity programs in schools. It teaches tolerance through lessons on racism and bigotry.

I feel so strongly about the Diversity Center, I've provided a link below if you'd like to learn more.

www.diversitycenterneo.org

"Volunteer, its good for the Soul"

I've been so busy lately volunteering, attending and speaking at so many events and charities. I haven't had a quiet weekend for months.

Just when I started to feel worn down...something happened that made me realize how important volunteering your time is. Sometimes you never know how many lives you'll touch and what it means to the people you end up helping.

I saw that first hand this month.

I was guest speaker at Mt. Zion Baptist Churches' "Women's Day Program." There were about 400 women and young girls who attended. It was a day filled with spiritual inspiration and growth.

I've included some pictures of the event. During my afternoon at the church I met two young ladies who impressed me. One with such enthusiasm to learn. The other was there to renew her strength through the days message.

One young lady was in college majoring in Communications. She was full of energy and vigor, wanting to soak up all that I could tell her about the business. She sat in the front row, hanging on my every word. I don't think in all of my years of speaking I've ever seen someone so attentive, so drawn to my message about "faith in the workplace." She later came over to talk and was filled with questions about broadcasting and what she could do now in her freshmen year to better prepare for her future. I was so impressed with her tenacious appetite for knowledge.

The other young lady I met was a recent college graduate who was in the workforce and having problems adjusting. I put my arms around her as she started to cry and tell me about her difficult time on the job. She said listening to me talk about past problem in the workforce and how I turned it around, gave her hope that she too could change her situation.

Listening to those young ladies, I became immersed in thoughts of why its so important to volunteer your time to help others. You may never know who needs to hear an encouraging word or just know someone cares. Some people have told me, "I can't speak in front of people" and that's okay. You can volunteer at your local school, food pantry, numerous charities. The list is endless when it comes to a need for volunteers in Northeast Ohio.

I encourage everyone to get out and give back to your community. You never know the lives you can change!

By the way, all of the pictures you see where taken by 15-year old Morgan Williams. I met her at the event and she was kind enough to take my camera and capture snapshots of the day.