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Friday, December 20, 2019

The Curtis Taylor Duo - An Early Christmas Gift to Music Lovers

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Attending the Curtis Taylor Duo performance December 19th at the Twinsburg Public Library was an early Christmas present to myself.  After attending three school concerts in eight days, I was tempted to stay home and sit this one out. With darkness falling early, temperatures below freezing, and a Holiday 'to-do list' that is never-ending, I nearly made the mistake of missing Curtis Taylor.  Fortunately the still and small voice spoke louder than the one coming from the lazier side of me that was shouting “sit down.”


If you have not met Curtis Taylor, you are missing more than just great music.  The Grammy award-winning trumpeter, has a personality that matches the spirit of the Holiday Season.  Friendly, outgoing, engaging, Curtis is all that, and great music. As If that were not enough, the other part of the Curtis Taylor Duo, is Theron Brown; an accomplished pianist with an equally laid back and pleasing personality.


Together the two “rocked the house”, and also encouraged the audience to interact with questions and feedback.  Their words and actions demonstrated they have an ‘audience first’ focus. They understand their music is more than entertainment, but also can represent hope to the hopeless, light in an often dark world; and in some cases, survival.  


I was glad Dianne and I attended for additional reasons.  We ran into our friends, Larry and Barbara McCastle, whom we had not seen in some time.  I also spotted Cindy Walker, a gracious young lady I featured in the January 2015 issue of VISIONS Newsletter, where I shared some of her fine work with Seniors Helping Seniors.  I was able to get into a photo with both Cindy and Curtis, making me feel like a celebrity of sorts.
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I was not able to connect with Theron after the event, but I have that on my ‘to-do list’.  Dianne and I had a dinner engagement, and these two young men had lines of fans. Curtis and Theron accommodated all, signing autographs on anything that would absorb ink, posing for photos, and sharing conversation with old friends and new fans.


As I wrote in the beginning, it was 'Christmas Come Early.’  Our congratulations, best wishes, and prayers for even greater success for both Curtis and Theron.  


Additional photos from the event can be seen at https://henryford.zenfolio.com/p800457697.  You may also view a short video clip at https://youtu.be/5QB1YFHSNNs.


For additional information about Curtis Taylor, visit www.curtistaylor.net.


For additional information about Theron Brown, visit https://www.theronbrownmusic.com/   

Friday, November 22, 2019

Ramona Smith "Fires up audience" at her Alma Mater, Baldwin Wallace University in Ohio




- For additional photos Click Here! -
- Video: Clip 2 - Ramona Smith -
- Video: Clip 3 - Ramona Smith -


Top & Lower Left: Firing up the audience at her Alma Mater.  Lower Right: Caught in the lens  interacting with fans by photography by Lil Mike at https://www.iamlilmike.com/

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Avon Representative Cheryl Kilroy


TO VISIT WEBSITE, CLICK HERE OR ON PHOTO ABOVE

Bowling Green Choir Visits Mt. Zion of Oakwood Village


A Big Thank You to the Bowling Green University Choir for coming to Mt. Zion of Oakwood Village on Sunday, October 27th.  Please come back again.  You "ROCKED THE HOUSE."

More photos can be viewed by clicking here!

You may view two of the video clips by clicking here and here!

Thank you again, and Stay Blessed!

Monday, October 21, 2019

Blueprint for Self-Publishing by TKI Publishing (Willie & Rachel Scott)


Additional Photos Available by Clicking Here!

Willie and Rachel Scott, owners of TKI Publishing, presented one of the most thorough and enlightening presentations I've attended, and I have attended many.  The powerful and personable husband-wife team combined knowledge, purpose, passion, and patience, in their presentation; Blueprint for Self-Publishing, to a grateful, near-capacity audience at the Twinsburg Public Library on October 19th.  Northeast Ohio authors, writers, and those in the "thinking about it" stage, were treated to a no-cost summary of many of the HOW TO's and HOW NOT TO's of publishing.  



The Scotts' well-planned and fact-filled presentation was augmented by their ability and willingness to masterfully maneuver through audience questions and concerns that sometimes were not a part of the planned script.  With all the real and imagined challenges of writing and publishing, I thought their ability to stay centered and focused, while maintaining flexibility, was simply amazing.

What was even more amazing than the workshop being "content-heavy, well-presented, pressure-free, and cost-free", was Rachael Scott's repeated reminder that they would be willing to stay around for an additional hour after the presentation for questions and consultation not covered during the scheduled question and answer period.

The Scotts' knowledge, presentation, and willingness to engage their audience earns them a superior rating.  Considering the challenges (and opportunities) of writing and publishing, I urge anyone with the desire to begin (or resume) the journey toward their dream, to consider TKI as a resource.  And if you think you have all the answers, but the results are not what you think they should be, you really might want to consider TKI. The letter "S" can signify "Stuck", but it can also mean "Standby, help is available."  

For help or additional information, visit www.TKIPublishing.com or email contact@TKIPublishing.com.

The Art of it All, presented by Made by Kids - October 20, 2019


The Art of it All, presented by Made by Kids was a truly revealing and inspiring event.  The 5th Annual Fundraising Event took place at the Hilton Garden Inn in Twinsburg, Ohio, Sunday, October 20th.  The nearly sold out event is best reflected by the photos and video clips taken during  the program.  






















You had to be there to feel and share the excitement of the talented and inspiring young people, to enjoy the food and warm hospitality, and to meet and share with other community supporters.  

If you were enable to attend, hopefully next year you will find room in your heart and on your calendar to sign up and show up.  Meanwhile, please enjoy the available photos and video clips at the links below.

For information about Made by Kids, contact mbkids15@gmail.com.

Photo Gallery, Click Here!  

Video Playlist, Click Here

Monday, September 16, 2019

Monday, August 26, 2019

L.E.A.P. Program - 8-26-2019 - Positive Affirmations



Dr. Washington (left) with several students, and Dr. Longmire (2nd from right)

The August 26th L.E.A.P. Program featured dynamic Keynote Speaker Dr. Washington from Kent State University.  Her personable presentation included 11 key points to enhance personal and professional relationships, including the most important, the relationship with yourself.

Together with Dr. Longmire, and with input of experiences and concerns shared by students, the evening was productive and fun.  

For additional photos click:
https://henryford.zenfolio.com/p902819899https://henryford.zenfolio.com/p902819899.

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

Just Us Rhythm n Motion - June 8, 2019


To view additional photos and video, please click below:
Photos
Video Clip

On June 15 Dianne and I had the honor of attending the annual Scholarship Fund Raiser for Just Us Rhythm n Motion.  In addition to sharing some of the best dance moves found anywhere, the organization is well-known for giving back to the community in service and scholarships.

To the delight of guests who filled the ballroom beyond capacity, the night was a party with a purpose.  Several scholarships were awarded, along with cash prizes for those fortunate enough to purchase the right raffle tickets.  The top prize was $1000.00, so one can only imagine how much was raised to help the organization continue its fine work.


Our thanks to Val Brown for inviting us back several years in a row to enjoy the festivities. 

For more information about Just Us Rhythm n Motion Click Here!

Fatherhood Initiative - Friday, June 14, 2019


Fatherhood Conference Links:



For more information about The Fatherhood Initiative visit:
www.fatherhoodinitiative.cuyahogacounty.us

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

L.E.A.P. Program 5-20-2019 - Taking Giant Steps Forward with Kaylyn and "Brit"

      
        Kaylyn Longmire                 Attorney Brittany Brantley

(Links to additional photos are at the end of this article)

To proclaim there are never any dull moments at the Twinsburg Community L.E.A.P. Program would be an understatement of huge proportions.  Every time I think I’ve seen it all, I’m amazed and delighted at what’s next.  My first surprise upon entering the May 20th meeting, was to be greeted by Kaylyn Longmire, Dr. Constance Longmire’s talented and charming daughter.  It turns out Kaylyn was in town for more than just a visit.  She delivered an informative and timely message entitled “First year of College.”  Kaylyn shared valuable information that covered Adjustments she had to make, Successful Practices, Top Concerns, Helpful Tools, and much more; including the experience of studying and living abroad.  In addition to her thorough verbal presentation, she supplied a Handout, and offered to share her Email Address to those who wanted to contact her later.  Her knowledge and passion were matched by her willingness to give back to her community, and so relevant to an audience with a high percentage of prospective college students.  

As if that were not enough reward for being in attendance, it turns out that Kaylyn was only a part of the program.  One young lady that showed up I had not seen at any of the earlier programs.  When she arrived, I imagined the word about the L.E.A.P. program was spreading to other students at the High School, so obviously she was a new program participant.  I was 100% wrong!  She was not a high school student, but Attorney Brittany N. Brantley, the speaker for the evening.  Once I closed my mouth and wiped the amazed look off my face; I, along with the program staff and participants were treated to Attorney Brantley’s insightful presentation on Personal Branding.  

I may get into trouble for referring to her as “Attorney Brantley” because after she was introduced, and tried to shrug off her achievements, she urged the audience to “just call me Brit.”  She let us know she didn’t relish titles or stand on ceremony.  That made her all the more likable.  Not only did she share valuable time and information, but she downplayed herself, to place the focus on encouraging and uplifting others.  To view her current BIO, Click Here!

The evening could not have gone better, than to be in the presence of two very powerful, compassionate, and humble young ladies who understood and demonstrated their success did not occur in a vacuum.  They also recognize that giving back to the community is a major part of that success.  Those lessons taught and learned, along with the images projected by Kaylyn and Brit, are just as important as the information that was shared.

To View Photo Album, Click Here

Monday, May 20, 2019

Inspirations - Monday, May 20, 2019


Your life isn’t behind you; your memories are behind you. Your life is always ahead of you. Today is a new day – seize it!

Steve Maraboli – Author and Speaker

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

L.E.A.P. Program 5-13-2019


- To view additional photos, CLICK HERE -
Video Below - How NOT to conduct yourself during an Interview:
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Wednesday, May 08, 2019

Seniors & Caregivers Expo - Friday, May 17, 2019

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This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to receive valuable information.  A similar event held on May 6th, and was well attended and received.  Please Register Today at 

View photos from the earlier event at:

Tuesday, April 02, 2019

Logan Lesley - Artist Library Display

As I was removing items I'd had on display at the Twinsburg Library, I was blessed to meet talented and personable Logan Lesley, as she was hanging some of her fantastic work. Naturally I did not have my camera with me, but I returned and snapped these photos. Visit the library and check out her display.

These photos can also be viewed in larger size on my photo site at: https://henryford.zenfolio.com/p581276018