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Archive for October, 2025|Monthly archive page

Dayton area PR firm named agency of record for controversial biotech author

In Books, Dayton Ohio News, Education, Health, Literature, National News, Print Media, Technology, Uncategorized on October 30, 2025 at 1:45 pm

GLD Enterprises Communications, Ltd. Named Agency of Record for Biotech Whistleblower Becky McClain’s New Memoir, “Exposed”

Jamestown, OH — October 30, 2025 — GLD Enterprises Communications, Ltd. (GLD Communications), a strategic media marketing and public relations firm based in Jamestown, Ohio, has been named the agency of record for biotech whistleblower Becky McClain, author of the explosive new book, “Exposed,” which hits shelves October 28 from Skyhorse Publishing.

Led by founder and creative director Gery L. Deer, GLD Communications will oversee all media access management for McClain, whose story has already sparked widespread interest. The agency will also manage social media engagement and coordinate interviews and appearances related to the book’s release.

“This is a story that demands attention,” said Gery L. Deer. “Becky McClain’s courage in speaking out—despite enormous personal and professional risk—embodies the kind of integrity we strive to amplify. GLD Communications is honored to support her mission and ensure her voice reaches the audiences who need to hear it.”

“Exposed” chronicles McClain’s harrowing journey from molecular biologist to whistleblower, detailing her legal battle against a major biotech corporation over alleged safety violations and retaliation. The book dives deep into the ethical and regulatory failures she witnessed, offering a sobering look at the intersection of science, corporate power, and public health. The topic has proven highly controversial, drawing attention from journalists, activists, and policymakers alike.

Consumer advocate Ralph Nader, who was involved in the original case, penned the book’s powerful foreword, lending further weight to McClain’s revelations. Early media coverage has included interviews with national outlets and investigative podcasts, with more expected following the book’s release.

McClain’s voice resonates throughout the pages of her book. “I’ve written this book as a witness to a system gone bad — a system that breaks people bad — a system that threatens the public’s health, workers’ rights, and America’s right to freedom of speech,” she states, underscoring the urgency and personal cost of her journey.

“Exposed” is more than a memoir—it’s a call to action. Through meticulous documentation and emotional candor, McClain invites readers to examine the intersection of science, ethics, and power. The book also explores the broader implications for workers in high-risk industries and the mechanisms that protect—or fail to protect—them.

The book is poised to become a touchstone in discussions about whistleblower protections and corporate transparency. As the biotech industry continues to evolve, McClain’s story serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of scientific advancement––and the ongoing risks to worker safety as well as public health in a world still marked by the pain and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effective immediately, all media inquiries, interview requests, and public engagement related to “Exposed” will be handled through GLD Communications. For more information or to request media access, contact the agency directly via email gdeer@gldenterprises.net. “Exposed” is available now on Amazon.com and in bookstores. Questions about the publisher or distribution should be directed to the offices of Skyhorse Publishing, New York, New York.

Happy Expectations

In Local News, Opinion, Uncategorized on October 24, 2025 at 7:41 am

Deer In Headlines II

By Gery Deer

Happiness, expectations, and acceptance. If I’ve learned anything in my nearly six decades of riding this blue spinning ball of water and mud around the cosmos, it’s that everything boils down to those three things.

First, there’s the idea of happiness – which has always escaped me. If you believe all the self-help books, lifestyle gurus, and advertising agencies, happiness is all about meeting needs or wants by a combination of philosophical and material means. Makes it seem pretty easy, doesn’t it? Well, we all know that’s nonsense.

It might sound cliché, but happiness isn’t something you can buy in a store or conjure up simply by deciding today that you’re going to be content. Although there is evidence to show that you can be happier by managing your thoughts, which then alters your feelings, resulting in whatever state of mind you’re trying to achieve. Yeah, that doesn’t sound convoluted at all,l does it?

Happiness is not something anyone can tell you how to reach. I have no clue what it means to you; I haven’t even figured out what it means to me. However, I know what it’s not, and sometimes that’s the best first step. Whatever you do, don’t follow someone else’s idea of happiness, nor should you believe that if you don’t reach it, you’re somehow lacking. That’s ridiculous.

If things need to change in your life for you to feel what you believe is happiness, then do it. Sometimes it’s easy; most of the time, it’s hard. Often, things you need to change are highly dependent on the behavior of others.

Which brings me to expectations. That’s a big word with a lot packed into it. We have expectations of ourselves, whether good, bad, or indifferent. But we also know that others have expectations of us. Ironically, those are much harder to manage because often we don’t know what they are.

People always have expectations of us, but most never share them. We walk around in a constant state of confusion, never really knowing if we’re meeting those expectations or not. It could be a partner, a coworker, a boss, a family member, or whoever. But regardless of the origin, you have two choices.

You can either ask someone, point-blank, what they expect of you and respond as you see fit. Or, you can live your best life and not worry about it. I’m always operating in a combination of both of those things. There are some whose expectations we would likely always going to want to know. That’s probably because they may be closer to us than others, or how we behave or respond to something directly affects their lives in some way. So it’s important that they tell us their expectations. Otherwise, there’s no way we could possibly do anything about them.

Of course, there’s always the very real possibility we can’t do anything about these situations anyway. Some people’s expectations can be entirely unrealistic, even the ones we have of ourselves. That brings me to the final concept – acceptance.

Do you know the Serenity Prayer? While I’m not one to hang my hat on prayers to get through my day, the idea of accepting things that you can’t change, over which you have no control. It’s good advice. Now, if only I could follow it at those times.

When my father died, I was forced to accept it. Five years later, I’m still trying to accept that we did everything possible to properly care for him. Ironically, that’s harder to accept than his passing. Sadly, that’s how it works sometimes. Acceptance can often be simultaneously invaluable and fleeting. However, acceptance also needs to include the positives in life.

I regularly temper my acceptance when good things happen. Part of me always assumes something will come along and mess it up. I spend a great deal of time at odds with that dark, pessimistic side of myself. But, slowly, cautiously, I’m learning to “let it land,” and take the win.

The pursuit of happiness, how we handle expectations, and striving toward some level of acceptance are all incredibly challenging. Each affects every aspect of our lives. Inevitably, it’s your choice how to handle them.

Experience a Parisian Evening of Glamour at the 34th Annual Pet Afflaire Gala

In Local News, Uncategorized on October 16, 2025 at 12:47 pm

DAYTON, OHIO – The Humane Society of Greater Dayton invites you to an unforgettable night of French-inspired elegance and heartfelt generosity at the 34th Annual Pet Afflaire Gala. Returning to the historic Dayton Arcade on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., this beloved tradition once again welcomes both two- and four-legged guests for an evening unlike any other.

Humane Society of Greater Dayton is a non-profit organization dedicated to building a community in which all animals are valued and free from suffering. Through education, outreach, and support, we provide shelter and care to animals in need while working to inspire kindness, respect, and a sense of responsibility for the well-being of all animals.

Paws in Paris: An Evening in the City of Lights

Step into a romantic Parisian dream as the Dayton Arcade, located at 35 W 4th St, Dayton, OH 45402, transforms into a dazzling French soirée. Begin the night with an indulgent Sniff & Greet cocktail hour featuring gourmet hors d’oeuvres for both pets and their humans. A decadent dinner follows, offering exquisite culinary selections inspired by classic French cuisine.

A photo of happy attendees from the 2024 Pet Afflaire…

Evening Highlights Include:

  • Enjoy handcrafted cocktails from our open bar, including a signature Parisian-inspired drink
  • Enter the dazzling James Free Jewelers raffle for a chance to win a stunning piece of fine jewelry
  • Arrive in style with complimentary valet parking
  • Raise your paddle in our live auction, featuring once-in-a-lifetime experiences and remarkable items
  • Explore more than 50 captivating silent auction items featuring luxury goods, trips, and exclusive local offerings
  • Enjoy live French-inspired entertainment
  • Most importantly, support the life-saving mission of the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. Your participation funds vital programs that protect, heal, and rehome animals in our community

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025
  • Time: 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
  • Location: The Dayton Arcade, 35 W 4th St, Dayton, OH 45402
  • Cost: $150 per person | $1,200 per table (8 seats)

Register Today

Spots are filling up quickly! Secure your tickets at www.hsdayton.org/gala. Every ticket purchased directly impacts the lives of homeless and vulnerable animals across the Miami Valley.


Special Thanks to Our Generous Sponsors

We extend heartfelt gratitude to this year’s sponsors, including Jeff Schmitt Chevy and Your Miami Valley Chevy Dealers, James Free Jewelers, Lawrence & Debbie Klein, Stahl Vision, Teresa Huber, Back to Business I.T., Houser Asphalt & Concrete, The Jesse & Caryl D. Philips Foundation, Rock Creek Renovations, WHIO, and Wild Birds Unlimited.

For more information, please visit www.hsdayton.org.

Journalists turn in access badges, exit Pentagon rather than agree to new reporting rules

In National News on October 16, 2025 at 7:43 am
DAVID BAUDER

DAVID BAUDER

Bauder is the AP’s national media writer, covering the intersection of news, politics and entertainment. He is based in New York.

Members of the Pentagon press corp carry their belongings out of the Pentagon after turning in their press credentials, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)
Members of the Pentagon press corp carry their belongings out of the Pentagon after turning in their press credentials, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)
Members of the Pentagon press corp carry their belongings out of the Pentagon after turning in their press credentials, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)

Members of the Pentagon press corp carry their belongings out of the Pentagon after turning in their press credentials, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)

Washington Post reporter Tara Copp saves the name plaques from various news organizations as she and members of the media pack up their belongings in the press area in the Pentagon, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)

Washington Post reporter Tara Copp saves the name plaques from various news organizations as she and members of the media pack up their belongings in the press area in the Pentagon, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)

A cleaning person throws a bag of trash in a dumpster as members of the media pack up their belongings in the press area of the Pentagon, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)

A cleaning person throws a bag of trash in a dumpster as members of the media pack up their belongings in the press area of the Pentagon, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)

Members of the Pentagon press corp gather for a group photo after turning in their press credentials, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)

Members of the Pentagon press corps gather for a group photo after turning in their press credentials, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)

NEW YORK (AP) — Dozens of reporters turned in access badges and exited the Pentagon on Wednesday rather than agree to government-imposed restrictions on their work, pushing journalists who cover the American military further from the seat of its power. The nation’s leadership called the new rules “common sense” to help regulate a “very disruptive” press.

News outlets were nearly unanimous in rejecting new rules imposed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that would leave journalists vulnerable to expulsion if they sought to report on information — classified or otherwise — that had not been approved by Hegseth for release.

Many of the reporters waited to leave together at a 4 p.m. deadline set by the Defense Department to get out of the building. As the hour approached, boxes of documents lined a Pentagon corridor and reporters carried chairs, a copying machine, books and old photos to the parking lot from suddenly abandoned workspaces. Shortly after 4, about 40 to 50 journalists left together after handing in badges.

“It’s sad, but I’m also really proud of the press corps that we stuck together,” said Nancy Youssef, a reporter for The Atlantic who has had a desk at the Pentagon since 2007. She took a map of the Middle East out to her car.

It is unclear what practical impact the new rules will have, though news organizations vowed they’d continue robust coverage of the military no matter the vantage point.

Images of reporters effectively demonstrating against barriers to their work are unlikely to move supporters of President Donald Trump, many of whom resent journalists and cheer his efforts to make their jobs harder. Trump has been involved in court fights against The New York TimesCBS NewsABC News, the Wall Street Journal and The Associated Press in the past year.

Trump supports the new rules

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday, Trump backed his defense secretary’s new rules. “I think he finds the press to be very disruptive in terms of world peace,” Trump said. “The press is very dishonest.”

Even before issuing his new press policy, Hegseth, a former Fox News Channel host, has systematically choked off the flow of information. He’s held only two formal press briefings, banned reporters from accessing many parts of the sprawling Pentagon without an escort and launched investigations into leaks to the media.

He has called his new rules “common sense” and said the requirement that journalists sign a document outlining the rules means they acknowledge the new rules, not necessarily agree to them. Journalists see that as a distinction without a difference.

“What they’re really doing, they want to spoon-feed information to the journalist, and that would be their story. That’s not journalism,” said Jack Keane, a retired U.S. Army general and Fox News analyst, said on Hegseth’s former network.

When he served, Keane said he required new brigadier generals to take a class on the role of the media in a democracy so they wouldn’t be intimidated and also see reporters as a conduit to the American public. “There were times when stories were done that made me flinch a little bit,” he said. “But that’s usually because we had done something that wasn’t as good as we should have done it.”

Youssef said it made no sense to sign on to rules that said reporters should not solicit military officials for information. “To agree to not solicit information is to agree to not be a journalist,” she said. “Our whole goal is soliciting information.”

Reporting on US military affairs will continue — from a greater distance

Several reporters posted on social media when they turned in their press badges.

“It’s such a tiny thing, but I was really proud to see my picture up on the wall of Pentagon correspondents,” wrote Heather Mongilio, a reporter for USNINews, which covers the Navy. “Today, I’ll hand in my badge. The reporting will continue.”

Washington Post reporter Tara Corp, center right, embraces NBC News correspondent Courtney Kube as they leave the Pentagon after turning in their press credentials, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)
Washington Post reporter Tara Corp, center right, embraces NBC News correspondent Courtney Kube as they leave the Pentagon after turning in their press credentials, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)

Mongilio, Youssef and others emphasized that they’ll continue to do their jobs no matter where their desks are. Some sources will continue to speak with them, although they say some in the military have been chilled by threats from Pentagon leadership.

In an essay, NPR reporter Tom Bowman noted the many times he’d been tipped off by people he knew from the Pentagon and while embedded in the military about what was happening, even if it contradicted official lines put out by leadership. Many understand the media’s role.

“They knew the American public deserved to know what’s going on,” Bowman wrote. “With no reporters able to ask questions, it seems the Pentagon leadership will continue to rely on slick social media posts, carefully orchestrated short videos and interviews with partisan commentators and podcasters. No one should think that’s good enough.”

The Pentagon Press Association, whose 101 members represent 56 news outlets, has spoken out against the rules. Organizations from across the media spectrum, from legacy organizations like The Associated Press and The New York Times to outlets like Fox and the conservative Newsmax, told their reporters to leave instead of signing the new rules.

Only the conservative One America News Network signed on. Its management likely believes it will have greater access to Trump administration officials by showing its support, Gabrielle Cuccia, a former Pentagon reporter who was fired by OANN earlier this year for writing an online column criticizing Hegseth’s media policies, told the AP in an interview.

___

Associated Press reporter Laurie Kellman in London contributed to this report. David Bauder writes about the intersection of media and entertainment for the AP. Follow him at http://x.com/dbauder and https://bsky.app/profile/dbauder.bsky.social

RELATED STORIES:

Multiple news outlets say they won’t sign new Pentagon rules on access

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Workshop Offers Fresh Strategies for Service Clubs and Nonprofits to Grow Membership

In Business, Local News, Technology, Uncategorized on October 9, 2025 at 4:02 pm

XENIA — On Wednesday, October 15, the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce will host a timely and practical lunch and learn workshop titled Organizational Marketing in the 21st Century, aimed at helping service clubs, nonprofits, and small businesses attract new members, customers, and volunteers. The event will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Chamber’s conference room, located at 334 W. Market Street. Admission is $15 and includes lunch.

Leading the session is Gery L. Deer, founder and creative director of GLD Communications in Jamestown, who brings decades of experience in public relations, media production, and strategic messaging. Deer will share actionable insights on how organizations can modernize their outreach, refine their messaging, and better connect with younger audiences and potential volunteers.

“Too many organizations rely on outdated methods that no longer resonate,” Deer said. “This workshop is about helping groups like Rotary and Kiwanis, as well as small businesses and not-for-profit groups, evolve their approach—because when you speak the language of your audience, you invite them into your mission.”

Gery Deer teaches referral marketing, public relations, and professional development courses as part of his duties with GLD Communications and the Miami Valley, Ohio Region of BNI.

Participants will learn how to identify and communicate their organization’s unique value, leverage low and no-cost marketing tools, and determine when and where to invest in paid outreach. For service clubs and nonprofits facing dwindling membership and board vacancies, the workshop offers a fresh perspective on building community engagement and sustaining growth. Whether you’re a club leader, nonprofit director, or small business owner, this event promises practical strategies you can implement immediately.

Attendees are invited to use the rear entrance and enjoy a complimentary taco bar lunch beginning promptly at 11:30 a.m., with the presentation starting at noon. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. For more information, contact the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce at 937-372-3591, or visit www.xacc.com.

Superload Move Scheduled for Friday, October 10, 2025

In Local News, Uncategorized on October 9, 2025 at 3:47 pm

Transformer for AES Cedarville Sub-Station

The Greene County Engineer’s Office announces that Bay Crane Midwest LLC/Capital City Group will be moving an electric transformer and Crane for AES Ohio from Moraine to the AES substation site on Murdock Road on Friday, October 10, 2025, weather and equipment permitting.

The transformer weighs 91,000 lbs. The vehicle loaded will be 80’ long, 9’ 6” wide, 14’ 3” high and weigh 145,000 lbs. The transformer and 50’ length crane will be escorted by law enforcement.

This will be a moving road closure in Greene County, at approximately 9 am Friday, October 10, 2025, on the following roads:

  • North on SR 72 from US 35 to Federal Road
  • West on Federal Road to Wilmington Road
  • North on Wilmington Road to Murdock Road
  • West on Murdock Road to AES Substation

It is anticipated that the load will take 1 hour to reach the AES site once on OH 72 near Jamestown.  Loads are not permitted to be moved during times that conflict with school bus traffic.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this important move and apologize for any inconvenience. If you are traveling along these routes, we strongly encourage you to seek alternative routes.

Provided by:

Stephanie Ann Goff, P.E., P.S. Greene County Engineer 615 Dayton-Xenia Road Xenia, Ohio 45385-2697 Office 937-562-7503 Main Office 937-562-7500. Social Media: @GreeneCountyEngineer
Stephanie.Goff@greenecountyohio.gov

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