By JOHN KEREZY, eyeoncleveland.com founder
CUYAHOGA FALLS, May 22, 2026 — Did you know that nearly 25% of families in the U.S. have a special needs person in the household? That’s correct, according to the Census Bureau.
Dr. Joe and Cindi Ferrini became experts at raising a special needs child, their son Joey. They are having a combination book signing and open house in Strongsville on Saturday, May 23 at Pathway Church 21211 Drake Road.
The event is from 10 am to 12 noon and features both their new book “The Special Needs Parent” and a tour of the church’s PALS (Pathway to Abundant Life) a special needs adult day program. There will be light snacks, prizes, book signings, and time to connect and talk with Joe and Cindi. If you are a special needs parent, just show up! You’ll be glad that you did.
Here are some links to resources, and to recent media interviews of the Ferrinis, discussing their new book:
Groove with Portia: youtube.com/watch?v=k3CnESb0Wvw
Chris Fabry Live: https://www.moodyradio.org/programs/chris-fabry-live/2026/05/04-the-special-needs-parent/
And, of course, an earlier eyeoncleveland story is linked here:
https://eyeoncleveland.com/2026/01/30/moody-publishers-to-release-cleveland-couples-third-special-needs-book-soon/
And .. resources:
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Monday is a national holiday. We remember the approximately 650,000 American soldiers who laid down their lives, making the ultimate sacrifice upon the altar of freedom, since Memorial Day began in 1868.
It’s most fitting that the Jesse Owens Museum in Alabama will formally open for the 2026 season on Monday, May 25. It was precisely 91 years ago, on May 25, 1935, that Owens gave the world what has become known as the “Greatest 45 Minutes in Sports.”
Owens broke three world records and tied a fourth in that time span, competing at the Big Ten Championships at Ferry Field at the University of Michigan that day. It is an accomplishment in track and field which will never again be duplicated.
Most amazing of the four was Owens’ long jump leap of 26 feet, 8 ¼ inches that day. That record stood for 25 years, and was three inches better than his Olympic gold-medal effort a year later in the Berlin Olympics.
One of the spectators at the 1935 championship meet was University of Michigan student Gerald Ford, who became President nearly 40 years later. In August 1976, Ford surprised Owens by awarding him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the Rose Garden at the White House. It was long-overdue recognition for what Owens achieved both on the track and for decades afterward, advancing the causes of both civil rights and freedom around the world. I’ve been to this amazing museum two times. It’s well worth the trip if you’re heading South for a vacation. Perhaps someday, Cleveland will have a place honoring Owens as well.
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I am winding down my third career. My official retirement date is Friday, July 31, as I’m teaching some summer online classes. But I had my last “live meet” class earlier in May, and marched in my final commencement as a Tri-C faculty member a week ago. Those who know me know my first career was in journalism, and my second in public relations.
I have chosen to not continue on the faculty in an adjunct status. There are plenty of young, up-and-coming higher education teaching aspirants who can do that well. Some of my focus will shift to final edits/work on the book “Jesse Owens: Sensation, Superstar, Survivor, Symbol” which Kent State University Press is planning to publish in Spring 2027. I am also doing my third book project, a second focused history about my undergraduate college, Wabash.
Also, I’ll be seeking opportunities to be impactful, in service to Christ’s kingdom, in writing, in prayer, and in a part-time role I’ve had with the organization Marketplace Chaplains for some time now.
God has blessed me beyond measure. I’m now five years out from my cancer and cancer treatments. Kathy and are also planning to spend some time each winter in Florida in our retirement years. It was a privilege to end my time at Cuyahoga Community College on a high note, serving with some excellent colleagues on the 60th anniversary celebration of the Western Campus as well as on a faculty champion with our Online Learning & Academic Technology team.
The college’s Community and Government Relations team has asked me to continue on with the college’s Speakers’ Bureau and some other activities. Thrilled to help out in this manner.
It’s been a privilege to work under the new leadership in the School of Creative Arts, Dean Gabe Swarts and Associate Dean Karen Laurence. Both are highly skilled and have the school moving in the right direction. We also have a terrific new Western Campus president in Dr. Rebecca Rahschulte. It’s been a pleasure to get to know her and see her great leadership in action.
There will be a farewell soiree of sorts for me in late July. It’ll be a combination “Voice Reunion” for students who’ve been writers, illustrators and photographers for the college’s media, along with a retirement event for me. If you are a former student and want details, please connect with my former student Lauren Stoop at LaurenMStoop@gmail.com. Thanks to you Lauren, to Portia Booker, and to Megan Sankey for arranging this.
And as you enjoy this holiday, remember the price Americans have paid for it.
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