The Cleveland Storyteller Media & Press Information
2018 Herrick Memorial Award Recipient, Dan Ruminski, Cleveland Storyteller
Dan Ruminski received the 2018 Herrick Memorial Award, joining past notable winners that include former Cleveland Mayor, Ohio Governor, and US Senator George Voinovich, columnist Dick Feagler, weatherman Dick Goddard, and businessmen Jeff and Tom Heinen. Dan was recognized for his stories that illuminate what made Cleveland great in the last decades of the 19th century and the first three decades of the 20th century. The award cited Dan’s desire to inspire and promote discussion on how we can renew Cleveland’s civic greatness
The Herrick Memorial Award is presented as a feature of the Cleveland Birthday Celebration held by the Early Settlers Association every year on July 22.
Clay Herrick, an active president, officer and valued member of ESA for many years, established the award in 1981 in memory of his wife, Ruth Penty Herrick. Upon his passing, his daughter Jill continued the award in memory of both parents.
The Herrick Memorial Award is a Civic Achievement Award presented to a person, recognized by the ESA board of directors, whose accomplishments have promoted and brought honor to the City of Cleveland.
Storyteller Dan Ruminski, Cleveland's yay sayer
Cleveland, Ohio – March 3, 2018 – Read about The Cleveland Storyteller in this Plain Dealer article.
Cleveland Storyteller, Dan Ruminski Named Citizen of The Year
Cleveland, Ohio – January 30, 2018 – Cleveland Storyteller Dan Ruminski was named the 2018 James K. Collins Jr. Distinguished Citizen of the Year by the Willoughby Rotary Club during a special ceremony held January 29.
A Willoughby Rotary Club member for more than 20 years, Ruminski has served in numerous board and committee roles. His Cleveland Storyteller events have benefited numerous nonprofit organizations and historical societies, and have raised more than $50,000 for the autism community in collaboration with the Willoughby Rotary Autism Project (W.R.A.P.) and Autism Speaks.
“I am sincerely grateful to the committee, and humbly receive this award on behalf of all of those who have played a part in helping me accomplish so much,” said Ruminski. “It takes a lot of good people to do a lot of good.”
First presented by the Willoughby Area Chamber of Commerce in 1956, the award is an honor reserved for individuals that have consistently exemplified generosity, volunteerism and integrity, and have donated time, talent and treasure in service to the community.
“Dan is responsible for helping us raise thousands of dollars and has helped us become Northeast Ohio’s largest provider of iPads for children with autism,” said Ray Somich, past Rotary Club President. “We will always be grateful for Dan’s talent and willingness to serve our Rotary Club and our community.”
“Personally, I’m in awe of Dan, of his talent and his fundamental goodness,” Dr. Tim Wright said in presenting the award. “He truly is a great Rotarian and a great citizen.”
Clay Herrick Memorial Award
The Early Settlers’ Association of the Western Reserve has selected Dan Ruminski to be this year’s recipient of the Herrick Memorial Award. The award is presented as a feature of the Cleveland Birthday Celebration on July 20.
The program will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Public Square in front of the Moses Cleveland statue with a talk on the history of Cleveland and a birthday cake provided by Renaissance Cleveland Hotel. Following the Public Square program, a luncheon will follow at Pura Vida Restaurant. Call Betty Franklin for reservations 330-656-9066.
Television Appearance
Dan appeared on the June 17, 2018, edition of “Golden Opportunities” on Channel 3 at 11:30 am.