dianedipiero.com Blog

Please visit the link below to see my small business profile about Susan Mikolic on coolcleveland.com:

http://coolcleveland.com/index.php?n=Main.CleBizGuardianAngel

I’ve just learned that Diana Hyland (the woman in whose name Miracles Happen: An Event for Recurrent Breast Research was created) died earlier this week. Please keep her in your prayers.

The event is still on, and it is even more important that extensive research be conducted regarding recurrent breast cancer. Please see the post below to learn about the event and how you can help. Thanks.

Please allow this blog to set aside writing for a moment in order to promote an upcoming event in Shaker Heights, Ohio. Read the following press release for information about the event and how you can help:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Miracles Happen” benefit to raise funds for Recurrent Breast Cancer
Research fund started in honor of cancer patient Diana Hyland of Shaker Heights

Cleveland, Ohio; October 23, 2008 – Miracles Happen, a new benefit to raise funds for recurrent breast cancer research, will be held Saturday, November 8 at Shaker Heights Country Club, 3300 Courtland Boulevard in Shaker Heights, Ohio.

The Diana Hyland Miracle Fund has been established with the mission to advance research for recurrent breast cancer — focusing on new theories, trials and treatments aimed at managing the cancer and extending lives. University Hospitals Ireland Cancer Center is focused on becoming a leader in recurrent breast cancer research. Ongoing research will ensure that Ireland’s physicians and scientists can continue to develop tomorrow’s innovative therapies.

Ned Hyland of Shaker Heights, said, “We have created this fund and benefit in honor of my wife, Diana, who, after recovering from her first bout with breast cancer 10 years ago, is again battling the devastating disease. Our two children, along with our many friends and relatives, have been very supportive throughout Diana’s illness, however, we feel the need to do more. Our goal this year is to raise $1 million to partially establish an Endowed Chair in Metastatic Breast Cancer Research for Dr. Paula Silverman.”

Diana’s doctor, Paula Silverman, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine and Medical Director, Breast Cancer Program and Ambulatory Services, Ireland Cancer Center, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, will make brief remarks at the benefit.

Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the night of celebration includes dancing, a silent auction and a gourmet menu designed by: Michael Symon, Iron Chef America and Owner of Lola and Lolita; Paul Minnillo, Owner of Baricelli Inn; and Michael Klocinksi, Head Chef at Shaker Heights Country Club. This will be the first of many events aimed at spreading awareness and raising funds for this critical research at University Hospitals.

Some of the latest statistics and facts state:
ß In 2008, approximately 40,480 women will die from breast cancer in the U.S.
ß Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer.
ß New research will potentially give hope to hundreds of thousands of women that are affected by this disease.

Tickets are $125 per person. Sponsorships are also available. Cocktail attire is suggested. For tickets or more information, contact Kate Werner at 440-995-4229 or visit www.dianahylandmiraclefund.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Mary Patton; Phone: 216-321-6746; E-mail: pattonpr@sbcglobal.net

I have been looking at a lot of sites lately dedicated to Youngstown. I am pleased with the pride that all of these people have for their community.

I grew up in Y-town, and even though I left, I carry my small town, working class, ethnic and religious pride with me wherever I go. My family visits Youngstown about once a month. I have to say, in a good way, that there is no place like it in the world. Every time we visit my parents’ church, everyone knows us, kisses our kids, makes us feel as though we live down the street. It’s hard to find that sense of community these days!

Please visit this link to find something truly unique about the Y-town area:
http://shoutyoungstown.blogspot.com/2008/07/return-of-baby-doll-dance.html#links

You’ll see video from the annual Mount Carmel Festival in Lowellville (down the hill, literally, from my parents’ house). There is a very unusual ritual called the Baby Doll Dance. If I try to describe it to you, you won’t believe me. But it’s incredible. There is definitely a story there waiting to be written! I hope to take my family to see it next summer.

Although I’m not in Youngstown anymore, I am very committed to singing its praises and helping in anyway I can with its revitalization.

In fact, I’ve had this crazy idea lately: What if you could create a public relations campaign that would tout Y-town for its small community, sense of pride, friendly neighbors, strong faith, etc.? Aren’t a lot of people hungry for this stuff? It would take some pioneers to settle in from elsewhere and keep the flavor going, but I think it could work. Am I crazy?

Please check out the stories I’ve written for coolcleveland.com on E City Cleveland and Hey Butler:

http://www.coolcleveland.com/index.php?n=Main.EcitysEntrepreneursOfTheFuture
http://www.coolcleveland.com/index.php?n=Main.TheButlerDidItInNortheastOhio

Hooray for entrepreneurs and small business in Northeast Ohio!

(I have been meaning to write this for awhile, so please forgive that it’s not so timely.)

I was trying to figure out why Tim Russert’s death so greatly affected me. Honestly, I was not a devoted fan of “Meet the Press.” Sunday is typically not a TV day for me, and usually it would be about ten minutes before the program ended when I would say, “Oh, I should watch ‘Meet the Press.’”

I knew about Russert’s affection for his dad and his son, and his love for the Buffalo Bills. I also knew he graduated from John Carroll University. From what I saw of him on TV, he seemed like an affable guy with whom you could share a beer or two while learning a lot about politics.

Following his death, I found myself scanning the Internet, reading newspaper articles and watching TV segments that talked about Russert’s life. I was obsessed, as those around me would agree. What I couldn’t get enough of were the accounts of Russert’s religious fervor, his unwavering love for his roots and his indefatigable commitment to his craft.

Delving further into those aspects of his life made me realize how much I had in common with this man, and how I still had a ways to go before I could match his strengths.

Keeping your faith while broadening your horizons is not easy to do, as many will tell you. The thing that has inspired me about Russert is that his faith actually seemed to move him into new territories and protected him from the snares that can so easily trap people. That faith is what took him from Buffalo to Washington but kept his heart in his hometown.

So this partially Catholic-school reared girl from Youngstown, who spent a decade in New York City only to return fairly close to her roots, is inspired to keep broadening her horizons and reaching for the gold. And now I will try to remember to take my faith along with me.

It took me a long time to fully realize the value of a writer. Maybe it’s because I’ve been writing for so long that I took it for granted. I used to create news and weather reports when I was a kid and “broadcast” them from my back porch. I wrote for my high school year book and college newspaper before I began writing for a living.

Other people seemed to appreciate my profession long before I did. “How do you do it?” someone would ask. “I look at a blank piece of paper and I start to sweat.” My reply was the same for many years. “Well, I can’t do anything else, so I just write.”

What a ridiculous reply! Certainly I could have come up with a better response. How about, “Yes, I’m very proud of the talent I’ve been given,” or “God blessed me with a special gift,” or a simple, appreciative, “Thank you”?

The problem with me, and with many other writers I believe, is that my view of writing was kind of like the old adage about teachers, with a little twist: “Those who can, do. Those who can’t, write about those who can.”

Thankfully, with age comes wisdom, and as I’ve matured as a person and a writer, editor and proofreader, I see what I do for a living as an integral thread in the fabric of everyday life. Words convey feelings and facts, illustrate examples and arguments and tell a story that can be read and shared again and again.

In the business world, the written word sets the tone for a company before a prospective client or employee sets foot in the office and meets the team. An engaging, crisply written web site tells viewers that this is a modern, forward-thinking, top-notch company. A brochure that immediately draws in the reader with dazzling details is sure to leave a lasting impression. A speech that tells a company success story through vivid examples provides a positive image that will no doubt result in new business opportunities.

Like a tantalizing description of a dish that entices the diner to order, a beautifully written story about a company encourages people to actively learn more.

What I’ve always liked about writing is that it provides a service. It gives me great pleasure to have a client like what I’ve written and, better yet, receive new business in part because of the written word.

So while a writer doesn’t perform life-saving operations, defend significant legal cases or make a product that will be distributed around the world, a writer does provide a valuable resource that, when done well, is appreciated by many, many people. Including me.

NEXT TIME…

Why does a small business or entrepreneur need writing services?

Here’s Laura, the smallest person in my “other business.” The little man in my life will be making an appearance soon.

QUESTION OF THE DAY:

What is the most unsung aspect of Cleveland?

I’ll start. It’s the lake and everything around it! I took my children to the Great Lakes Science Center the other day, and as I stood out on the deck with a grand view of sailboats, the William G. Mather and the Rock Hall, I was reminded that this is one of the greatest cities in the country. Wouldn’t it be great if people elsewhere realized that as well?

UPCOMING IN CLEVELAND:

Cleveland Wine Festival
June 27 and 28
Voinovich Park
www.clevelandwinefestival.com

For $20 (in advance; $30 at the door), you get 10 tastings, a keepsake glass and the chance to buy wines at a discounted price. The festival features 220 wines from around the world and food by local restaurants and caterers.

IN SEARCH OF…

Small business and entrepreneur experts to share their insights on this blog. Writing/editing experts, too! I want to make this a valuable resource with sound tips and trends. Contact me at copywriter@dianedipiero.com if you’re interested in offering your two cents (or more).

Welcome to my blog, which will hopefully be a handy accompaniment to my website. Check back often for interesting tidbits about writing and current thoughts and insights about what’s going on in Greater Cleveland. While my website is under construction, this blog will serve as a resource about my new business, Diane DiPiero, Copywriter.

P.S. That’s not me below, but Mia, one of the little people involved in my “other business.”