Stacey Ballis Salutes Literacy

This sporadic series spotlights the literacy ad series I ran while at Lerner Newspapers.

While running the NIE (Newspaper In Education) ad series, I tried to get celebrity spokespeople from all fields.  It was always especially nice when I could get a local, published author to appear in an ad.
Such was the case with Stacey Ballis, who had just had her debut novel Inappropriate Men published.  Ballis was born in Chicago and had an impressive literary record.  I was very excited about having this fledgling author appear in our ads.  Since then, Ballis has had three more books published, including her latest, Spinster Sisters.
This ad received a very nice response from the students in the program, especially the girls.   It accomplished everything I had wanted.
A couple years ago, Ballis started a blog, The Polymath Chronicles, which is a collection of interesting pieces.  As a self-described polymath (look to her site for clarification), she has a lot to offer and she likes offering it to her readers!
I appreciated Ballis participating in the ad series back then.  Someday maybe I will meet her at a book signing and thank her in person.

Storytelling is one of the most important traditions in human history.  Our stories bind us together as people, and have the power to cross boundaries of culture, race, religion and politics.  Reading about someone else's experiences can illuminate our own lives and give us hope, joy and the possibility of understanding.  Read, and you become connected to the world!
--Stacey Ballis as quoted in the NIE ad series in 2005

That's a Lot of Bull

As I previously wrote, being a part of organizing the Walk for Life while at Lerner Newspapers was one of the things of which I am really proud. The Leukemia Research Foundation was the recipient of all donations, but I felt like I had benefited more than anyone.  It was truly a great and humbling experience.
Today's post isn't about the seriousness of the event though.  Today is about silliness.  What is more silly than a big red bull mascot?
Benny the Bull is the mascot of the Chicago Bulls (not to be confused with the Benny who is a character on Dora the Explorer.  I think Bennie joined the walk through the efforts of Silbar Public Relations, the other main company whop partnered with Lerner to produce the event.
Bennie was very popular that day with kids and adults.  I don't think Bennie actually walked the route though.  I think he hung out at the party area.
I also think Bennie has gone under the knife (like a lot of celebrities have done).  In Bennie's case, he has gone for a tougher look, leaving behind the more cartoonish look.  Even in the world of mascots, it's all about the look.

Benny the Bull in Skokie, IL-May 1996

Capt. James Lovell Salutes Literacy

This recurring series spotlights the Literacy ad series I ran while at Lerner Newspapers.

I always thought the NIE ad series was out of this world, but I was never more accurate than when Capt. James Lovell appeared in the ad series.  Lovell helped propel the ads into another stratosphere.   . 
Okay, I'll stop the bad jokes (for now).  Actually, Capt. Lovell was our most serious celebrity to appear in the series.  He was the first of only three people to fly to the moon twice and the first American to fly into space four times.
I contacted Lovell through Lovell's, the restaurant he owns in Lake Forest (IL).   He quickly got on board and our graphics department produced a beautiful ad, which also advertised Lovell's book, Lost Moon.
I was really proud of this ad. While I had previously gotten a pretty impressive selection of local celebrities, Capt. Lovell was truly a historic figure and there he was in my NIE ad in Lerner Newspapers.
Each of the celebrity spokespeople in these ads was special.  Each was chosen for specific reasons and believe it or not, I actually turned down a few celebrities who I didn't think were a good fit.  For the previously stated reasons, Lovell holds a very special place in my mind.

The world and its adventures are expanded when you are literate.  Through books you can explore all sorts of exotic places; even the moon without leaving the comfort of your armchair.
--Capt. James Lovell as quoted in the NIE ad series in 2004

Pre-Fame...Pre-Johngy

Before he was on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Ted Allen was part of the Famished Four, a quartet of reviewers for the (now defunct) Lerner Newspapers. I was also at Lerner Newspapers at the time.
When I first started, Allen and I worked out of different offices. Within a couple months, I was sent to the Chicago office to work on the annual circulation audit. I ended up working out of that office for a lengthy stretch and then splitting my time there for another long stretch.
During that time I got to know Allen a bit. We were not tight as friends, but we were certainly friendly co-workers. We occasionally could be found at the same bar or party. Allen was a nice guy and seemed talented. He looked destined to go on to bigger and better things and he did!

My Bud George Castle

Back during my years at Lerner Newspapers, our sports features writer was George Castle. Castle is a virtual source of endless baseball information and is also an author of several books.
Castle appeared at the Niles Library for a "Meet the Authors" event and I went out to check out the scene and to see George. While there, I also met local author Stan "Tex" Banash.
After Lerner Newspapers went down, Castle kept writing for other publications, as well as hosting "Diamond Gems", a radio show about baseball. It's good to see Castle rolling on. He deserved better than he got at Lerner. I think Castle would be a great addition to the Score here in Chicago.

Stan "Tex" Banash, George Castle and me in Niles, IL-Summer 2005.

Erin McDougald Salutes Literacy

This recurring series spotlights the Literacy ad series I ran while at Lerner Newspapers.

I am not sure when I first heard Erin McDougald sing, but I know I liked the sound right away. McDougald is a Chicago-based jazz vocalist, who can often be found performing in the downtown area.
As written before, when I ran the NIE (Newspaper In Education) program at Lerner Newspapers, I had no budget, no help and no direction. When I started the NIE ad series (and especially after it started to gain some momentum), I decided to have fun with it. One of the ways was by getting unique Chicago celebs to lend a quote to the ads.
McDougald had recently released a cd, 'The Auburn Collection'. I thought it would be great to get her and to promote the cd and her music in the ad. It would certainly introduce a different type of music to the students than their usual choices.
McDougald granted my request and gave a really insightful quote. Our Graphics Department kept the ad simple, yet striking, which I felt really went well with McDougald. The students loved it and I am sure McDougald gained a few new fans.
I liked McDougald's quote because she built a nice bridge to her point about reading. She showed students how the whole puzzle fit together. She explained how it all tied in to her career in music. It was a meaningful quote incorporating life.
A sampling of McDougald's performances can be heard on her YouTube Channel. Even better would be to check her performance schedule and attend one of her performances!

My responsibility as a jazz vocalist is to explore and interpret the melodic, harmonic, rhythmic and lyric content of any song. The latter is especially significant as it pertains to communicating with an audience; the singer is the narrator of a composer's story and so my first priority in choosing my repertory is finding songs with interesting lyrics. It is my job to understand and present creative inflection of the words provided, as any storyteller does. Reading is the tool that helps you build knowledge while feeding your interests. The ability to read well is one of your master keys that will unlock a future of endless potential!
--Erin McDougald as quoted in the NIE ad series in 2004

Jenny McCarthy Salutes Literacy

This recurring series spotlights the Literacy ad series I ran while at Lerner Newspapers.

Since I had virtually no budget, no help and no support, when I was running the NIE program at Lerner Newspapers, I was allowed a bit of freedom (as long as there was no cost attached). I started the NIE literacy ad series and I went after whatever celebrities I wanted. Sometimes the challenge of getting someone was half the fun.
I really didn't expect Jenny McCarthy to agree to appear in the series, but she did. On the other hand, I always was surprised with each new celebrity on board. Still, landing McCarthy was a nice boost for the ad series.
McCarthy had just come out with her book, Belly Laughs. We used the ad to promote her book, while she promoted literacy.
This was going to be the start of a great relationship with McCarthy's agent and PR firm. They liked the ad series and what we had to offer. We obviously liked the possibility of other celebrity-author appearances in our ad series.
Unfortunately, this was one of the last ads I ever ran at Lerner. Once the evil empire (aka Pioneer Press) took over, they weren't too excited about anything done under the old management.
It was really hard for me to take. As much as I joke, I worked hard to make our NIE program a success. Just when it really started to get recognized and show results, it was ended.
It was almost 6 years ago and it still saddens me. I must not look at the negative side though. I had a lot of fun, worked with a lot of celebs and did a lot of good for students in our area.

Learning to read is well worth the effort--it's fun and can lead to great success in life.
--Jenny McCarthy as quoted in the NIE ad series in 2005

Walk For Life

Today is the anniversary of a very special day. On May 19, 1996, Lerner Newspapers, the Leukemia Research Foundation and Silbar Public Relations teamed up to present the Walk for Life.

Lerner's Director of Marketing Melody Saputo was the driving force behind it. Dave and Mert Silbar of lent us their expertise. An energetic Shannon Ryan of the LRF and I rounded out the task force.

It was a great experience on so many levels. We worked hard, learned a lot and laughed often. Most importantly, we raised money for Leukemia research. Looking back, I am so proud of what we accomplished. I remember arriving early on the day of the Walk. It was like a microcosm of the process itself. It was a thing of beauty to watch the whole series of events unfold.
Recently I reconnected with the Saputo family and about a year ago I ran into Dave and Mert. Unfortunately, I have lost contact with Shannon. Sometime, we all need to get together. We never really had the chance to sit back and reminisce. We did good!

Dave Silbar in Skokie, IL-May 1996.
Shannon Ryan and Melody Saputo in Skokie, IL-May 1996
The Saputo family leads the Walk for Life in Skokie, IL-May 1996.

Richard Roeper Salutes Literacy

This recurring series spotlights the Literacy ad series I ran while at Lerner Newspapers.

Like me, Richard Roeper is a native of the south side of Chicago. He was born and raised in Dolton (IL) and attended Thornridge High School and Illinois State University. He began working as a columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times in 1982.
Roeper gained national fame when he teamed with Roger Ebert on Ebert and Roeper at the Movies. Roeper also has written several best-selling books.
I approached Roeper about appearing in our Newspaper in Education (NIE) literacy ad series. Although technically we worked for the same company, it was a bit unusual to have any sort of cross-promotion between the newspapers.
I explained the concept and the value he would bring to the program and Roeper agreed fairly quickly. It was a big deal to get Roeper, especially at this time, since he was gaining national exposure and popularity each day.
Roper's ad also features a plug for his book 10 Sure Signs a Movie Character is Doomed. Adding the book plug obviously was an extra incentive to appear in the series, but it was also a way to get some current pop culture into our newspaper.
Roeper was a local guy who gained national (and international) fame. Getting him for the ad series added a lot to the ad series.

I didn't get on an airplane until I was 17 years old - but as a child I traveled all over the world and I traveled through the magic of reading. Books took me to places and introduced me to characters that continue to live in my imagination, and to this day, reading is as integral to my daily routine as breathing and walking.
--Richard Roeper as quoted in the NIE ad series in 1994

Johngy Meets The Swirsk (Chuck Swirsky)

Chuck Swirsky was doing sports talk radio before there was sports talk radio. Swirsky hosted a late night sports talk show on WLUP in 1980 and '81. My friend Tom Skalski and I would stay up listening on our old clock radios and then discuss and debate things we heard the next day.
In 1990, while I was at Lerner Newspapers, we had a promotional booth at Schaumburg Fest. As I wrote in a previous post, we had a silly cardboard replica of a front page of our Schaumburg Voice. People could come to our booth and get a picture while holding it, thus looking like they were on the front page. It was very cheesy, but it wasn't my idea.
My odd brain kicked in when I saw Swirsky at WGN's stage. I approached him during a commercial break and asked him to pose with the sign. He quickly agreed, I flipped him the sign and took the picture.
Of course, the Powers That Be at Lerner at the time didn't think enough of it to run it in our paper in the fest recap. While I realize Swirsky wasn't a major celeb, he was big enough to grab a little attention if we had run the photo.
Lerner's loss is a Johngy's Beat gain. Hey, I knew a star when I saw one! For the first time ever, I now present The Swirsk on the front page of the Schaumburg Voice!

Chuck Swirsky in Schaumburg, IL-Summer 1990.

Holy Photos, It's Batman

Everyone knows Aquaman is my favorite Superhero, but I would never miss the chance to take a photo with any Superhero. Many years ago, Louie and I met one while working.
Years ago at Lerner Newspapers, we occasionally had a booth at various neighborhood fests. One such event was Schaumburg Fest in the summer of 1990. Our Powers That Be decided to make a big cardboard replica of our front page, with a big square hole in it. The thought was that fest-attendees would flock to our booth to have their picture taken.
Aside from the fact that fest goers really couldn't care less about having their picture taken for a "cover" of the Schaumburg Voice, the attempt was pointless since we had nothing else at the booth. So a handful of people came over, but then quickly left after taking their picture. We didn't supply the camera. Some people came over and left annoyed, because they didn't have a camera either!
The moment of the day occurred when "Batman" walked by our booth. Even before there was a thought of Johngy's Beat, Louie and I jumped at the chance to have our picture taken with the Caped Crusader.
Silly us, we also thought it could be used for a fun story in the paper about the event. Unfortunately, the Powers That Be didn't see any use for it. Why have any fun stuff in the paper? Why give yourself a little free publicity in your own paper? Did I mention that paper went out of business within the year?
Well, I found a use for it. Right here and right now!

Louie Atsaves, Batman and me in Schaumburg, IL-Summer 1990.

Friendly Encounters

This is another in a series of meetings of my friends and celebs.

When we last featured the Saputo family, Vince was posing with Paul Teutul Sr. Today, we will be featuring Anthony Saputo.
I knew Anthony before the picture was taken. Therefore, obviously I knew him as a real young guy. I had worked with papa Vince and mama Melody at various times at Lerner Newspapers. During Melody's time there, we worked a lot of promotion events together. Often times, Vince brought Anthony and his sister Adrienne to visit us. Anthony and Adrienne were great kids. They were playful, respectful, social and bright.
Now the kids are all grown up. Recently, Adrienne Saputo Rissley sang the National Anthem at a Gwinnett Gladiators hockey game, while Anthony got engaged! Congrats to both of them and Vince and Melody.
So, while the kids are now adults, I will jump in the way back machine and enjoy a picture from their younger days (and mine, too).

Anthony Saputo and Skates in Rosemont, IL-Winter 2000.

John Paxson Salutes Literacy

This recurring series spotlights the Literacy ad series I ran while at Lerner Newspapers.

When an old blowhard of a GM handed me the Newspaper In Education (NIE) program to run, I was not happy, but I had no choice. I also had no budget, no resources and virtually no help. I started to run a series of ads in our newspaper to promote the program. (Even that was a hassle in our troubled company.) Still, I forced the issue and got the ad series going.
I solicited well-known Chicagoans to appear in the series. I knew this would raise awareness and it did. The series was quite successful. I am still amazed at some of the people who appeared.
John Paxson is a Chicago sports legend. The Chicago Bulls won three straight championships with Paxson sharing the backcourt with Michael Jordan.
Paxson is perhaps best known for his game (and series) winning shot in the 1993 NBA Finals. Paxson sank a three point shot against the Phoenix Suns with 3.9 seconds left to give the Bulls the lead and their third consecutive title.
After Paxson retired, he has been an assistant coach, an announcer and held various executive positions for the Bulls. While he hasn't enjoyed the same success he did as a player, Paxson's place is well-secured in the history of the Bulls.
The ad design for this was simple, yet effective. Paxson was pictured making his big shot and as the Assistant Vice-President. The duality conjured thoughts of success, progression and contrasting roles, along with simply being visually appealing. In retrospect, maybe we should have added three small NBA trophies in the lower left white space.
Adding Paxson (and his three NBA titles) was excellent for the ad series. He is a highly recognizable champion.

Reading is invaluable because it inspires our thoughts, ideas and imagination. To pick up a good book or to read a favorite author is one of the true joys in life.
--John Paxson as quoted in the NIE ad series in 1994

Johngy in Print

As my faithful readers (and aren't you all faithful readers?) know, in a past professional life, I worked for Lerner Newspapers. Towards the end of my glorious 17+ year run there and under the Editorial tutelage of an offbeat (but extremely wise) Managing Editor (Laurie), I occasionally contributed a guest column.
A few days ago, I wrote about Lanny Poffo's first book, Wrestling with Rhyme. It was actually Poffo's second book, Limericks from the Heart (and Lungs) which lead to an interview and subsequent article about him and the book.
I wrote to Poffo and asked him if he would appear in our ad series promoting literacy. Poffo agreed and even wrote one of his famous poems for the ad. He also gave me an hour long interview about his life and the book.
Poffo is a native of the Chicago area (Downers Grove) and is still well-known in this area. The article received an excellent response from our readers. Laurie knew her readers and trusted (and helped) me to write a good piece.
I am very proud of this article. I talked to Poffo and his father Angelo shortly after the piece ran and both were very happy with it as well. I was speechless. Here I was talking to two wrestling legends and they were thanking me for writing a good piece. It doesn't get much better than that.

My guest column on Lanny Poffo from the Lerner Times-September 4, 2004.

Old Times at Lerner Newspapers

In a former professional life, I worked for Lerner Newspapers. In my early days there, I was in charge of the kid newspaper carriers. Oh how I miss those days (ummm no).
We actually had a budget at that time. We probably had too big of a budget actually. We had various contests for our carriers. One such contest had a SportMart shopping spree as a prize.
Early one Saturday morning, Louie (I think he was still in college and only working part-time) and I met a couple kids at the local SportMart. We decided to have a little fun by wearing our Bash Brothers (self-portraits) tshirts. It was our goal to have that tshirt appear in the Lerner Newspaper.
Our tshirts were curiously popular at Lerner. It seemed that everyone wanted one, although we could never figure out why. It was like our little joke, but everyone wanted to be included. So naturally, we had to push it to the next level. We had to get the shirts pictured in the paper.
The picture below appeared as is. Unfortunately, I don't have the actual newspaper ad which detailed the event and featured this picture, but I found the old picture.
I love this picture because Louie and I look so young (well, we were so young, 20-24 or so). I love this picture because the carriers had no idea why we were wearing that shirt or what our real agenda was. Mostly I love the picture because we got it in the paper!
This was one of the earliest efforts by the Louie-John team. Little did we realize that 20+ years later, we'd still be a self-employed team...and still plotting!

Louie Atsaves (far left), 2 newspaper carriers and me (standing) in SportMart in Chicago, IL-late 1980's.

Ramsey Lewis Salutes Literacy

Ramsey Lewis is a jazz music composer, radio personality and Chicagoan. Lewis has 5 gold records and 3 Grammy Awards. He truly is a music legend.
When I approached Lewis about appearing in the NIE ad series for Lerner Newspapers, he worked for WGN (part of the Chicago Tribune company), while Lerner was owned by the Chicago Sun-Times. Despite the fact that it was technically a competitor, Lewis quickly agreed to be part of the series. The cause was bigger than the company rivalry.
It was an honor having Lewis appear in our ad series. Having people like Lewis gave the NIE ad series instant recognizability and added credibility.
I also give credit to Christina Royston (now at the Sun-Times). Royston really did a beautiful job with this ad. It was definitely one of her best efforts.
As always, I give extra credit to Laurie. Without Laurie's input, this ad series would have failed miserably.

Until I could afford leisure travel, books were my window to the world. I still visit places, cultures and interesting minds through reading.
--Ramsey Lewis as quoted in the NIE ad series in 1994

Old Times at Lerner Newspapers

Back in the day, we had a lot of fun at Lerner Newspapers (or the Lerners, as our readers liked to call us). No department had more fun than the Circulation Department.
At one point, we decided to try to get the company involved in a bowling tournament. When our verbal offers (aka trashtalk) did not get much response, we decided we needed to get creative.
In a move befitting the WWE, we brought in a bowling trophy and awarded it to ourselves as the Lerner Champs. We took this photo, added some verbiage (aka more trashtalk) and put it on everyone's desk.
I don't remember exactly what happened with the bowling championships, but I do know that we established ourselves as THE coolest department. Come on...the shades, the mullets...we had it all!

Jason Farber, Cindy Dzien and Dave Perham in the front and Louie Atsaves and me in the back in Lincolnwood, IL-mid 1990's.

Kenny Williams Salutes Literacy

Kenny Williams played 6 seasons of major league baseball, including his first 2 with the White Sox. To most, Williams will forever be known as the GM of the 2005 World Series champions. To me, I will always be grateful that he appeared in the NIE ad series I ran while at Lerner Newspapers.
I was fortunate enough to get someone from every Chicago team, except for the Cubs (although Lerner actually covered them). Nobody thought I would get Williams, because he was with the south side White Sox and Lerner was a north side newspaper (that covered the Cubs).
Williams actually responded positively and quickly. He included the quote, an 8x10 and a quick note. It was a very nice gesture from him.
Now, years later, I might agree with some when they criticize Williams for some of the moves he has made. However, I will always have a good thought about this man who helped out a great cause.

If you have asked yourself the question-
How will I make my mark in this world?
Let me help you get started.
Step 1.-Read, understand and apply!
---Kenny Wiliiams, as quoted for the NIE ad series in 1994

Seasons in the Sun

The softball team for Lerner was always a bit off kilter. Maybe that is why I love the picture below. No, I did not alter the picture to have it angled. The photographer did that little artistic touch all by himself. Why? Who knows, but somehow it does seem fitting.

An early incarnation of Lerner softball in Skokie, IL-Early 90's.

Seasons in the Sun

Lizzy Sette was sort of the Mark DeRosa at Lerner Newspapers in her first few years. She was versatile and worked in almost every department.
Sette played parts of 2 years on the Lerner softball team. She was usually the short-centerfielder. She occasionally caught and was my favorite catcher for her ability to actually throw the ball back to me (the whole 40 feet or so...all the way to the pitching mound).
Sette was involved in a memorable moment while on offense. She was on 1st after somehow getting a hit. The next batter hit a ball to deep short. The shortstop threw to 2nd to try to get Sette. It was going to be a close play, until she gave the second baseman a push off of the base. The umpire ruled her safe, while the other team protested. Maybe more of us should have tried that maneuver!

Lizzy Sette in Skokie, IL-mid 1990's.