Local News & Commentary Since 1890.

Archive for the ‘Technology’ Category

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Back to the Keys: Xenia Library Events Celebrate the Enduring Legacy of the Typewriter

In Books, Business, Children and Family, Dayton Ohio News, Education, history, Technology, Uncategorized on May 26, 2026 at 11:00 am

The Greene County Public Library and GLD Communications are teaming up to celebrate National Typewriter Day with two public events later this month at the Xenia Community Library, combining history, writing, and hands-on experiences centered around one of the most influential communication tools ever created.

The first event, “Typewriters in the 21st Century,” will take place Tuesday, June 23, at 6:30 p.m. at the library. The presentation will be led by award-winning journalist, author, and typewriter enthusiast Gery Deer of Jamestown-based GLD Communications. According to event organizers, the program will explore the continuing relevance of typewriters in a modern digital world and examine their role in shaping communication, journalism, business, and creative writing.

A second event, a public “Type-In,” is scheduled for Saturday, June 27, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m., giving participants the opportunity to bring their own typewriters or try a variety of machines supplied by collectors and enthusiasts. Organizers say the event is designed to create a relaxed, social atmosphere where visitors can experience writing in a slower, more tactile way while learning about the machines and the culture surrounding them.

Melissa Fasanella, Head Librarian at the Xenia Community Library, believes the “analog lifestyle” has really made a comeback in 2026. “This year our Library started a puzzle exchange, by customer request, that’s been popular for those who want to take a puzzle home or to give new opportunities to others to assemble puzzles they have already put together at home and want to give to us for reuse,” she said.  

SEE THE VIDEO INTERVIEW HERE

“We’ve also seen several items that we loan out such as pickleball kits, telescopes, birdwatching kits, etc. circulate well this year so far as individuals and families are rediscovering more ‘unplugged’ hobbies.”

Deer added that the programs are intended to be about more than nostalgia. “With these events, we’re celebrating, not the machine so much, as what it represented and its relevance in the 21st Century,” he said. “The typewriter provided women with an opportunity to join the professional office workplace; it enabled the mass production of important legal documents and correspondence, and much more.”

“The typewriter was the forerunner of most of our modern communication equipment,” Deer said. “We still use the same QWERTY keyboard invented for the first typewriters on virtually every communications device.” He added that many people are rediscovering typewriters as a way to slow down and reconnect with focused creativity.

“And for the writer and general public alike, they’re getting a chance to disconnect and unplug from the digital noise that invades every part of our lives,” Deer said. Also participating in the type-in event will be TB Writers Plus, the only typewriter sales and service company in the region, run by Trevor Brumfield and Becca Brumfield. The business will have some typewriters on hand for attendees to try out, along with information on how to buy one.

National Typewriter Day is observed annually to recognize the invention and cultural impact of the typewriter, a technology widely credited with revolutionizing business communication, journalism, publishing, and office work throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries. While largely replaced by computers decades ago, typewriters have experienced a resurgence among writers, artists, students, and collectors who appreciate their mechanical simplicity and distraction-free writing experience.

The June 23 presentation is free and open to the public, though registration is encouraged through the library’s online event calendar. Organizers said the June 27 Type-In will also be open to the public and welcoming to both longtime enthusiasts and people who have never used a typewriter before.

Typewriters in the 21st Century Free Registration: https://greenelibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/69cac953491b809c6f23e6e0

National Typewriter Day Celebration Type-In Free Registration: https://greenelibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/69cfa70366c3387a9d05ae9b

Additional information and registration details are available through the Greene County Public Library website, www.greenelibrary.info, and the library’s online events calendar.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Xenia Community Library presents, Typewriters in the 21st Century with Gery Deer

In Local News, Technology, Uncategorized on May 5, 2026 at 6:56 pm

In celebration of National Typewriter Day, June 23rd, join writer and typewriter enthusiast Gery Deer as he explores the typewriter’s resurgence and modern-day relevance.

Join writer and typewriter enthusiast Gery Deer at 6:30 PM at the Xenia Community Library for “Typewriters in the 21st Century,
an engaging one-hour program exploring the surprising resurgence and modern-day relevance of the typewriter. Drawing on his experience as a working writer and collector, Deer will share insights into why people are returning to analog tools in a digital world, how typewriters can enhance productivity and creativity, and what makes them uniquely appealing in the 21st century.

In an age dominated by touchscreens and artificial intelligence, the typewriter remains an enduring symbol of creativity, focus, and craftsmanship. But beyond nostalgia, these mechanical marvels continue to serve a meaningful role for writers, collectors, and professionals today.

Some of Gery Deer’s vintage typewriter collection – the newest is a 1964 Royal Safari (bottom right, blue). Deer uses the machines in his everyday work as a writer and creative director to help reduce digital fatigue and distractions.

Attendees will learn about the history and evolution of typewriters, their practical uses today, and the growing community of enthusiasts who keep these machines alive. The program also includes a discussion on collecting, maintaining, and using vintage typewriters, along with personal stories from Deer’s own journey.

Whether you’re a writer, history buff, collector, or simply curious about life beyond the keyboard, this program offers a thoughtful and inspiring look at how archaic technology continues to shape modern expression.

About The Presenter: Gery Deer is an award-winning journalist, producer, and the creative director of GLD Communications, where he leads strategic storytelling and media production for a wide range of clients. With decades of experience in print, digital, and broadcast media, Deer has built a reputation for compelling, thoughtful content that connects with audiences across platforms.

He is a current columnist and contributor for multiple regional publications, including the Xenia Daily Gazette, where his work often explores culture, community, and the human experience. Deer also serves as the editor and publisher of The Jamestown Comet, an independent online news and commentary publication focused on local issues, features, and informed perspectives.

Deer is a passionate typewriter enthusiast and collector, bringing a unique blend of historical appreciation and modern insight to his presentations. His engaging style and depth of knowledge make him a sought-after speaker on writing, media, and the enduring relevance of analog tools in a digital age.

Full information and free registration online: https://greenelibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/69cac953491b809c6f23e6e0

, , , , , , , , ,

Tim Tzimas Named President and CEO of Innovative Sterilization Technologies/ONE TRAY® and Company’s Flagship Product Gets A Second FDA Clearance

In Business, Dayton Ohio News, Economy, Health, Local News, Technology, Uncategorized on February 19, 2026 at 10:05 am

Innovative Sterilization Technologies (IST), headquartered at 7625 Paragon Rd., Suite A in Dayton, has announced the appointment of Tim Tzimas as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026, marking a new chapter for the company as it continues to reshape sterilization efficiency and medical device organization.

Tim Tzimas, new President and Chief Executive Officer of Innovative Sterilization Technologies (IST)

Tzimas brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in the orthopedic, neurosurgical, and medical technology sectors, with a career focused on sales management, operations, and organizational development in regulated healthcare markets.

Most recently, Tzimas served as joint reconstruction sales manager for the New York Metro Branch at Stryker, where he led one of the company’s largest U.S. territories. There, he managed strategic sales, robotic system utilization, and oversaw a team of more than 25 sales, clinical, and operational professionals.

Tzimas steps into IST’s top seat at a time where cases are rapidly transitioning from inpatient to outpatient facilities, causing pressure to do more with less—higher case volumes, tighter margins, and growing regulatory demands. IST’s leadership believes Tzimas’s experience and perspective in the power of consolidating trays, enhancing workflows, and maximizing efficiencies, position the company to meet those challenges head-on while continuing to expand adoption of its flagship ONE TRAY® system.

“Sterilization has long been treated as a necessary behind the scenes function, and in many ways the industry is still operating on outdated assumptions,” Tzimas said. “I want to help IST dispel existing dogma and change the perception in the market about how to best manage surgical instrument sterilization and containment.”

Under Tzimas’ leadership, IST plans to sharpen its focus on helping inpatient and outpatient facilities scale efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance. Wider adoption of ONE TRAY® and EZ-TRAX™ will elevate surgical workflow at facilities challenged by limited space, excessive cost, disconnect in instrument delivery and processing of instrumentation.

“My goal is to help surgical facilities sustain increased volumes and long-term success,” Tzimas said. “When teams are less burdened by unnecessary steps and inefficiencies, they can focus on what matters most—patient care and operational excellence.”

Tzimas sees the opportunity to shift industry language and thinking altogether, with The Total Solution, ONE TRAY®, E-Z TRAX™, and ONE CART ™, not just as another option, but as the standard.

“I want professionals in that space to simply say, ‘Just ONE TRAY® it,’” he added. “That’s when you know you’ve changed the conversation.”

IST officials said Tzimas’ appointment reflects the company’s commitment to innovation, education, and leadership in sterile processing at a time of rapid change. With demand for outpatient procedures continuing to rise, the company expects his vision to guide IST’s next phase of growth while reinforcing its mission to simplify sterilization without compromising quality.

Innovative Sterilization Technologies (IST) announced has also announced that ONE TRAY® sterilization container has received a second clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), significantly expanding its use across hospital and surgical facility workflows.

ONE TRAY®’s original clearance in 2006 (IFU K052567*) included sterilization at 270°F (132°C), Exposure Time 4 minutes, Cycle Dry Time Not Required and validated to maintain the sterility of the contents for up to a 48-hour storage period.

ONE TRAY®s NEW additional clearance in 2025 (IFU K250029**) maintains the same validated sterilization parameters – 270°F (132°C), Exposure Time 4 minutes, but with a 365 day event related shelf life/storage period with a 15-minute minimum dry time.

When introduced in 2006, ONE TRAY® represented a new approach to sealed sterilization container technology. Now, according to Barbara Ann Harmer MHA, BSN, RN, Vice President of Clinical Services at IST, the expanded storage window provides facilities with even more operational flexibility.

“The additional storage time gives the surgical department an alternative when unforeseen problems arise in the operating room,” Harmer said. “Those surgical delays often ripple far beyond the OR.”

“When patients arrive for surgery, they’ve already prepared, food and medications withheld, family schedules arranged, anxiety managed,” she said. “If the schedule is seriously disrupted, so are their lives. ONE TRAY® provides two solutions to keep everything on track. If the instrumentation is available, we are the fastest option to maintaining the schedule.”

“With the rising cost of healthcare, everyone is being asked to do more with less,” President and CEO of IST Tim Tzimas said. “The dual FDA clearances improve efficiency across the entire chain of custody in the sterilization process – an increasingly important factor as healthcare systems face mounting costs and staffing pressures. It truly offers a total solution and total flexibility to respond to clinical urgency, optimize inventory, and standardize sterilization processes using a single, reusable sealed container platform.”

IST encourages hospitals and surgical facilities to reach out to Barbara Ann at bharmer@onetray.com or 407-709-7209 for any questions related to the application of the new FDA clearance in their facilities. You can also visit onetray.com/ifucomparison to learn more about each IFU.

* Reference 510k summary- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm?ID=K052567

** Reference 510k summary- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm?ID=K250029

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

BNI Chapters Unite for Joint Visitor Day in Dayton

In Business, Local News, Technology, Uncategorized on January 11, 2026 at 11:58 pm

Dayton, OH – January 11, 2026 – Two local chapters of Business Network International (BNI) will join forces next month to showcase the power of collaborative referral networking during a special Joint Visitor Day in Dayton.

The Green Team chapter of BNI, based in east Dayton, and the Amplify chapter of BNI, based in Beavercreek, will host the event on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. at The Galleria Event & Conference Center, 4140 Linden Ave., Dayton.

The joint meeting is designed to bring together business professionals from across the Dayton region for structured networking, relationship-building, and a firsthand look at how BNI chapters operate. Visitors will have the opportunity to connect with members from both chapters, hear success stories, and learn how referral-based networking helps local businesses grow.

“This is a unique opportunity for local business professionals to grow their network and potentially make more money by meeting a group of highly motivated individuals,” said Gery Deer, Mentor Coordinator and Chapter Director Consultant for The Green Team. “No one knows what’s going to happen in the business world over the next year and, as BNI members, we have somewhat insulated ourselves from the uncertainty by agreeing to help each other by referral marketing.” Deer and his company, GLD Communications, a marketing, public relations and media production agency, has been involved with BNI since the late 1990s.

BNI chapters typically meet weekly and limit membership to one professional per specialty, creating an environment where members actively promote one another’s businesses. By combining two chapters for this visitor day, organizers say attendees will experience a broader range of industries and referral opportunities than at a single-chapter meeting.

The event is scheduled in conjunction with International Networking Week ™, intended to encourage professional networking and referral partnerships as the strongest ways to grow and maintain any business. Other events are planned during the week, including a Referral Marketing and Networking Master Class, scheduled later the same day at Dayton’s Entrepreneurs’ Center at The Hub in the Dayton Arcade.

“This joint visitor day highlights what can happen when chapters work together,” said Nikki Gates, Area Director of BNI Miami Valley Region. “It’s about expanding networks, strengthening relationships, and demonstrating how collaboration benefits the entire local business community.”

The event is open to professionals from all industries who are interested in growing their businesses through referrals and long-term professional relationships. Guests will observe a structured BNI meeting, participate in introductions, and engage with established members from both The Green Team and Amplify chapters.

Those interested in attending are encouraged to pre-register to reserve their seat, as space is limited. Both chapters are currently accepting applications to fill a variety of open professional categories, including heating and air conditioning, massage therapy, tax accounting, printing, plumbing, electrical contracting, and many other business services.

The Galleria Event & Conference Center, centrally located in Dayton, provides a convenient venue for professionals from east Dayton, Beavercreek, and surrounding communities.

For business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking to expand their referral networks, the joint visitor day offers an opportunity to experience the combined energy and reach of two active BNI chapters working together. For more information visit www.bnimiamivalley.com and click on “events.”

, , , , , , , ,

The Dark Side of AI

In Opinion, psychology, Science, sociology, Technology, Uncategorized on November 7, 2025 at 7:59 am

Deer In Headlines II

By Gery Deer

Although you may use artificial intelligence applications like ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot to help you craft work emails and school flyers that you could have done yourself in far less time than it took to give the machine the request, there is a much darker side to the AI world. It’s no secret that I’ve been a vocal critic of artificial intelligence for its role in workforce replacement, creative disruption, and the general laziness and devaluation of the human condition.

If it’s not bad enough that artificial intelligence can be used to resurrect dead celebrities, bully political opponents, and animate your neighbor’s cat to dance at the Super Bowl, a more nefarious problem with generative AI may very well be responsible for loss of life. It lies in the idea of AI getting a little too personal — or, as they call it, a “companion.”

There are ever-increasing stories of people who grew so attached to and intertwined with their artificial intelligence programs that they were literally in relationships with them. For example, one story illustrated how a man became so enamored of his AI companion that, when the computer crashed and all the operational “personality” data was lost, he nearly had a nervous breakdown.

Another story described the emotional impact on impressionable teenagers, who turn to AI bots for support and friendship because the real world failed them. These behaviors can create debilitating emotional problems for many reasons, especially when the AI is removed from the situation or the kids are forced to deal with human beings.

Whatever the situation, it’s clear once again that our technology advances far faster than our wisdom. As awkward and socially unskilled as I may be, I am painfully aware that we need to be in contact with other people. More importantly, we need the support and nurture provided by friends and family, which, no matter how smart, AI could never replace.

So, what happens when we become too dependent on these machines to the point where our emotional stability and mental health are compromised? Unfortunately, many people have already started down this road, sometimes to a tragic conclusion.

I recently became aware of one situation where a 40-year-old woman became so involved with her AI program that it led to her death. Over the course of a couple of years, the program, which I will not name here, designed to serve as an AI companion, began not just to respond to the woman but to manipulate her. In response to her reaction, the program took on the persona of a spouse, which quickly manifested as it referring to itself as God. You read that correctly. It represented itself as God to its user.

Eventually, the program manipulated her into cutting ties with friends and family members. And out of respect and good taste, I won’t go into the final result other than to say there was a tragic loss of life.

Now, no one is suggesting that the woman didn’t suffer from mental health concerns, whether it be depression or another affliction. But the idea that the creators of these applications have no culpability or responsibility for the end result of their use is, at least, to borrow a word, illogical.

As with any consumer product, the positive achievements of artificial intelligence come with manufacturers’ responsibility to ensure its safe use. Put it this way: would you sell a car with no brakes? What about a hairdryer with no off switch? Of course, not, and that’s what this amounts to. No guard rails or safety requirements. These systems are effectively unregulated by any U.S. agency.

When researching the story—and I understand that I’d be ambiguous to protect the family involved—I found very little about the Federal Trade Commission or other organizations investigating problems with the use of artificial intelligence. The primary concern is that it has only just begun.

As with any technology, product, or service, a lack of education, regulation, or general understanding is dangerous to the public. At some point, we have to stop being starry-eyed about these systems and what they can do to make our lives easier, and pay attention to what they’re doing to cause more harm than good.

, , , , , , , ,

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.

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

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.

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

By the numbers: 8th Annual Rafi’s Amigos Golf Outing nets $28,000 for area JROTC

In Children and Family, Dayton Ohio News, Education, Local News, Technology, Uncategorized on September 27, 2025 at 12:00 pm

Beavercreek, OH – On Friday, June 6, 2025, the 8th Annual Rafi’s Amigos Golf Outing welcomed golfers, sponsors, and supporters for a day of purpose-driven play at Beavercreek Golf Club. Despite a rainy start in the morning, the skies soon cleared, making way for an event that ran seamlessly. With 116 players participating, this year’s outing proved to be a resounding success, according to founder, Col. Rafi Rodriguez, USAF (Ret.) and Dr. Jesse Steiner, director of Air Camp.

Rodriguez is the owner of Rodriguez Financial Strategies, LLC, in Beavercreek, Ohio and his annual event raises funds to send Junior U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) cadets from the Greater Dayton area to an exclusive one-day AirCamp. The program is designed to introduce the cadets to aviation-focused STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) through hands-on experiences—including a flight with an instructor pilot. Rodriguez has made it his mission to provide cadets with opportunities he wishes he had at that age.

USAF JROTC Cadets from Bellbrook, Beavercreek, and Fairborn attended the one-day AirCamp session on September 19 at the Lewis A Jackson Airport in Xenia.

“This outing is more than just a golf tournament—it’s about helping our JROTC cadets access experiences that can shape their futures,” Rodriguez explained. “Through AirCamp, these young men and women are introduced to the fascinating world of aviation, leadership, and teamwork. Seeing them leave inspired is the ultimate reward.”

AirCamp, co-founded by Lt. Gen. Dick Reynolds, USAF (Ret.), has earned a reputation for its unique approach to STEM education, leveraging the thrill of aviation to engage students in critical thinking and problem-solving. “Every time a cadet walks away excited about science and technology, we know we’ve made a lasting impact,” Reynolds said. “This program is about more than flying—it’s about opening doors to new opportunities.”

The outing is funded by presenting sponsor White-Allen Auto Group: Volkswagen, Chevrolet, and European—alongside Dixon Golf,  GLD Communications. Dr. Jesse Steiner is the executive director of AirCamp. “About $16K will go to send 40 Junior ROTC cadets comprised from the Bellbrook, Fairborn, and Beavercreek Hich Schools to attend the exclusive 1-Day Air Camp,” he said. “The event took place on September 19th, 2025, at the MacAir Aviation facilities at the Greene County Airport.”

“A total of $6K will be allocated ($1K each) for two Junior ROTC selected from each participating High School to attend the 1-week AirCamp. This is an increase from $3K last year,” Steiner reported. “A total of $5,000 will go to purchasing new equipment (drones, raft, etc.) for AirCamp training modules.”

Other reported figures from the event included $750 towards supporting the “Girls in STEM” 1-Day AirCamp on September 20th. Residual funds have been allocated for administrative and other supporting expenses.

Rodriguez expressed his gratitude to all who participated and contributed to this year’s success. “We had an amazing turnout and raised significant funds to send these young cadets to AirCamp,” he said. “This program is about investing in their future, and we couldn’t do it without our sponsors, golfers, and the support of our community.”

The 9th Annual Rafi’s Amigos Golf Outing is already scheduled for Friday, June 5, 2026, Beavercreek Golf Club. Registration details to be announced in January at www.askrafi.com/events.

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Share your concerns about ODOT-owned/maintained roads.

In Dayton Ohio News, finances, Local News, Politics, Technology, Uncategorized on September 24, 2025 at 11:31 am

Provided by the Greene County Engineer:

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is developing a multi-modal, long-range transportation plan that will shape the state’s transportation policies and investments over the next 25 years. Access Ohio 2050 outlines 10 objectives designed to achieve four key goals: safety, preservation, efficiency, and mobility.

ODOT oversees projects on major roadways, including highways and interstates across the state and here locally of 675, 68, 235, 35 , 444, 4, 70, 73, 42, 380, and 725.

Now is your opportunity to share your input with ODOT at locations we hear concerns about from you on ODOT owned/maintained roads, like I 675 at Wilmington Pike, I 675 at Grange Hall, I 675 at WPAFB Gate, US 35 Superstreet in Beavercreek, US 68 at Hyde Road, SR 235 at Trebein Road, SR 235 at Bryon Road, SR 235 at Hilltop Road, US 68 at Brush Road, Spring Valley Paintersville Rd at SR 380, etc This is your opportunity to share input on future projects in the Greater Miami Valley and across the state!

(DIRECT PUBLIC SURVEY LINK)

These concerns can be intersection safety related, corridor safety related, traffic congestion related, pedestrian safety related, bike crossing safety related, road condition related, etc.

Attend the Public Open House on Oct 8!

Complete the online survey!

Click the link to take the survey: https://publicinput.com/v54281

While the survey uses a rating scale, additional comments and feedback are welcome and can be sent directly to:

• Casey Clark, Project Manager: Casey.Clark@dot.ohio.gov

• Randy Lane, Statewide Planning Manager: Randy.Lane@dot.ohio.gov

Learn more here https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/programs/accessohio

Note : Comments posted on this post are NOT collected as part of the survey so please go to their page and complete the survey and submit your feedback there, attend the open house and/or email them directly.

On Facebook:

Ohio Department of Transportation – Cincinnati District 8

Ohio Department of Transportation

Greene County Sheriff’s Office

Ohio State Highway Patrol

, , , , , , , , ,

Vision Quest

In Health, Opinion, psychology, Religion, sociology, Technology, Uncategorized on August 22, 2025 at 1:32 pm

Deer In Headlines II

By Gery Deer

Somewhere between the motivational posters in your work break room and the TED Talk rabbit
hole you fell into online last Tuesday, someone probably told you that you need a “vision” for
your life. A grand, sweeping, cinematic plan that guides your every move like you’re the
protagonist in a Christopher Nolan film. Lights, camera, confusion.

Now, let’s be honest – most of us are just trying to remember where we left our coffee mug and
whether we fed the dog this morning. But a life vision? That sounds exhausting, and at least
partially unrealistic.

Don’t misunderstand. I’m not saying you should wander aimlessly through life like a robot
vacuum cleaner with a dying battery, bumping your way from wall to wall, down this hallway and
that. Any purposeful achievement generally starts with a dream and some kind of plan, even an
informal one. To me, that’s just common sense.

But obsessing over the idea of a perfectly curated roadmap for your life might do more harm
than good. That’s especially true when we project the obsession onto others—our kids, our
coworkers, some unsuspecting barista. And you need to allow for some flexibility so you can
recognize opportunity when it comes and act in your best interest – that’s more how I work, I
would say.
When someone says you can’t make it without a vision board and a color-coded calendar that
looks like NASA designed it, they are probably trying to sell you something. In case you haven’t
figured this out on your own, life is messy, unpredictable, and occasionally throws a raccoon
through your metaphorical window.


Some of the most successful people I know didn’t start with a vision. They began with a
problem, a deep interest in something, or just plain boredom. They stumbled into opportunities,
made a few mistakes (okay, a lot of mistakes), and figured things out along the way. Their “vision” was more like a foggy windshield they wiped clean with the sleeve of their hoodie – and
that’s okay.

Here’s the thing: having a vision sounds noble, but it can also blind you. When you’re so
focused on the end goal, you miss the weird little detours that could lead to something better.
You ignore the people around you who might need help, or who might help you.

Instead of the kind of vision you read about in self-help books, maybe what we need is a clearer
view—the ability to see what’s happening right now. That way, we notice the opportunities, the
needs, the small wins, and then be present enough to pivot when life throws a curveball—or a
raccoon.

If you’re in a position to guide others—whether you’re a parent, a manager, or just the guy who
always gets asked for directions at the grocery—there’s a temptation to impose your vision on
them. You want them to succeed, so you hand them your blueprint. “Here’s how I did it. Follow
this, and you’ll be fine.”

Really? People don’t come with identical parts and a universal tool kit. What worked for you
might be a disaster for someone else. Your vision might be their nightmare.
Instead of handing out visions like party favors, let’s ask questions. What excites you? What
scares you? What do you want to try, even if you might fail? Influence isn’t about shaping
someone’s path—it’s about helping them find their own flashlight.

So here’s my alternative vision pitch: wander with purpose. Be curious. Be open. Set goals,
sure—but don’t carve them into stone. Scribble them on napkins and be willing to toss them
when life hands you a better idea.

Life isn’t a straight line. It’s a squiggly mess of trial and error, happy accidents, and moments of
clarity that usually arrive while you’re doing something mundane like folding laundry or eating
cold pizza in the middle of the night. So what to do? Ignore all the nonsense out there and do
what leads you to the life you want.

While a valuable foundation, vision isn’t an absolute. Flexibility, awareness, and a good sense
of humor are your best tools along life’s path. Now – what did I do with that coffee mug?