In an industry often characterized by impersonal transactions and technical specifications, SubZero Heating and Air Conditioning, based near Troy, Ohio, stands out as one of a kind. Co-owners Trishanda and Jack Barhorst, a husband-and-wife team, whose people-first philosophy and family business culture set new standards for HVAC service in Ohio.
The couple launched the business during the pandemic, not exactly the most ideal time to get started. But their belief that service is about people and comfort is more than just a temperature setting, has helped SubZero grow into a trusted name across the region.
Jack Barhorst serves as the company’s vice president and lead technician. “We don’t just fix furnaces or install AC units,” he explained. “We show up for people when they’re uncomfortable and stressed. That’s a big responsibility—and we take it personally.”
President and CEO, Trishanda Barhorst, insists that every client at SubZero be treated like a valued neighbor, in every aspect of the business. From the moment a customer calls, they’re met with warmth, transparency, and a genuine desire to help. “When you call us, you are talking to the CEO of the company from start to finish,” Trishanda said.
From last-minute furnace repairs to full system upgrades, SubZero has made a name for itself as the go-to crew for homeowners across the region. Whether it’s routine maintenance or installing a high-efficiency system, their team shows up with know-how and heart—making sure every family stays comfortable, no matter the season.
SubZero also tackles the big stuff—office buildings, retail spaces, and large industrial facilities. Their commercial services are just as personally-focused, and just as precise. In high-pressure environments where systems are complex and every minute counts, business owners count on SubZero’s quick response times, sharp technical skills, and commitment to keeping things running smoothly.
Jack and Trishanda have created a business where customers and employees feel valued and empowered. Their crew doesn’t just know HVAC systems, but empathy and communication—skills that turn service calls into lasting relationships.
“Everything that we have in our success today really centers on the deep sense of trust we have in our relationship and because of that, we’re able to share that with others,” Trishanda said. “Employees, customers, friends, it gives us something of high value that we can pass on to others. Every person requires differently, with a different set of needs. We always want to leave something with them that matters.”
“We want your equipment to work and when it doesn’t, we’re there to fix it,” said Jack Barhorst. “Call us and we’ll get it back up and running so you can get back to your business.” (Meet the SubZero Office Assistant – Liberty)
As Trishanda and Jack look to the future, their vision remains rooted in the same principles that launched SubZero: family, service, and heart. In an industry that can sometimes feel cold, they’re proving that warmth starts with people.
Two hundred and forty-nine years ago, 56 delegates of the Second Continental Congress, after long sessions of debate, and at great risk to their own safety and freedom, made the decision to formally declare revolution against the English government. The official vote came on July 2, 1776, although the war began more than a year earlier. It was the birth of a new nation that would forever change the world.
Today, some view modern America as being at odds with its idealistic founding. But put aside your political divisiveness for the next couple of minutes and consider what it really means to be an American.
As Americans, I believe we’ve grown complacent and with little appreciation for the sacrifice and intent of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence. Ask the average American what America stands for and most might answer, “freedom.” Unfortunately, the freedoms and rights set up in the constitution have, since day one, been in constant jeopardy. And for some, they haven’t existed at all.
No, freedom wouldn’t be my answer to such an inquiry. If I were asked what our country is all about, my reply would be, “change.” In fact, I would go so far as to say, “beautifully flawed change.” Let me explain.
If you’re one of those who believes that the United States has always been star-spangled awesome (thank you Aaron Sorkin), I’m sorry to have to disappoint you. We’ve generally been anything but.
As a relative teenager in the family of the sovereign nations of the world, we are a mess. From the witch hunts of the 1600s, to one of the bloodiest civil wars in history, to the frightening Japanese internment camps of World War II, to a dozen other black marks on our report card, we have yet to fully live up to the ideals of our Founding Fathers. Moreover, we never will – it’s impossible.
Our republic is made up of and governed by people flawed, self—absorbed, arrogant, human beings. We have and will continue to screw up over and over again. Albethey terrible sometimes, all these foul ups are also necessary – provided we learn from our mistakes. Change invites… no, demands failure, and we’ve had our share. But without change, we become stagnant, with little or no advancement as a society or a nation.
Most people resist change, especially when neither the process nor results are to their benefit. But our constitution begins boldly with, “We the people,” not, “We, some of the people.” To be positively effective, to progress our nation to something better, change must benefit all, not just a select few. It should improve conditions for each and every citizen but also protect the visitors to our shores. Otherwise, change merely serves to divide our country rather than unite it.
With all our flaws, however, the country usually rights itself one way or another. The correction may be incomplete or imperfect, but we usually get back on track. Unfortunately, such adjustments sometimes result in pain for some, and prosperity for others, generally in staggering disproportion.
Neither a sense of being an American, nor a patriot, is about flags, slogans, or parades. To me, a good American is a good citizen, someone who acts from a sense of duty and compassion, rather than a need for power. Good Americans remember the intent of those who sacrificed much to give us the right to resist oppression and injustice, to be free to worship, or not, as we choose, and that the survival of our democracy is more important than any individual or political agenda.
The second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence reads, partly, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights…” “Men,” here refers to mankind and includes everyone – male, female, black, white, gay, straight, religious, or secular. Everyone.
What is America all about? It’s about the beautifully flawed change that allows for improvement, provided we always learn from the past and act in consideration of the future. Remember, our children’s, children’s, children will judge our generation accordingly. Have a safe and happy Independence Day.
As journalists, we ask questions for a living. And we strive to make sure our work addresses the pressing ones on readers’ minds, especially in this time of dizzying political news. That’s why we regularly invite the audience of The Morning to send us their questions, and have our expert beat reporters respond.
Today, we’re addressing your queries about immigration, military spending, Social Security, Medicaid and whether now is a good time to build a house. (Got a question for us? Submit them here.)
ICE raids
With the raids on undocumented immigrants going on, targeting the people who work in the fields and the slaughterhouses, how have these actions affected the supply and prices in our grocery stores? — Anna Halbrook, Otis, Ore.
We asked Julie Creswell, who covers the food industry, to field this one:
We haven’t seen any obvious fallout from immigration raids on grocery prices yet. As of the end of May, prices were up about 2.2 percent compared with a year earlier. Eggs, coffee and meats — ground beef in particular — drove that increase.
But beef prices were climbing even before the raids, because of droughts and high interest rates (ranchers take out loans to run their operations). The nation’s cattle inventory is at its lowest level since the 1950s. Prices of fruits and vegetables have stayed about flat over the past year; tomatoes and lettuce are actually much cheaper right now.
Defense spending
Trump has pushed NATO countries to spend 5 percent of their economic output on the military. How much of its economic output does the U.S. spend on the military? — Diann Ebersole, Copperopolis, Calif.
From German Lopez, who has written several Morning newsletters on this very topic:
The U.S. spends about 3.5 percent of its gross domestic product on the military. That used to put America at the top of NATO’s ranks, but Poland now spends a larger portion, 4.1 percent.
Critics say this makes President Trump a hypocrite: If the U.S. isn’t spending 5 percent, why should other countries? But Trump says that the U.S. doesn’t need to spend as much now because it’s invested a lot more historically. Europe, the argument goes, has let its militaries and defense industries languish through disinvestment. (Some experts agree.) The president contends that those countries need to rebuild in a way that the U.S. doesn’t, and rebuilding has a big upfront cost.
Trump also has a transactional view of the world and alliances. He sees Europe’s renewed spending as payback after the U.S. bore the brunt of NATO’s duties and expenditures for decades.
Retirement benefits
I’ve heard a lot of talk that Social Security will be running out of money. I plan on retiring in the next two to three years. Should I retire sooner to collect my full benefit? — Elizabeth Y.
Here’s Tara Siegel Bernard, who recently interviewed retirees on this:
Social Security has long faced financing challenges, but the issue becomes more pressing each year. The trust fund that pays retiree benefits is projected to be depleted in 2033, or when today’s 59-year-olds turn 67. At that point, the program will have enough incoming revenue to pay only 77 percent of benefits — in other words, a 23 percent cut. But that happens if Congress does nothing to address the problem, like raising payroll taxes or trimming benefits.
The decision of when an individual should take Social Security is highly personal. There can be a huge payoff for healthy people who can afford to wait: Starting at 67 instead of 62, for example, can mean monthly checks that are 43 percent higher. And for each year you delay retirement past 67, your monthly payment rises 8 percent.
Ask yourself: Would collecting a reduced benefit for a couple of extra years be preferable to locking in a higher benefit for the rest of your life? A conversation with a financial planner is often a solid investment; these are high-stakes decisions.
Who loses Medicaid?
Are there some specific examples of who will be affected by Medicaid cuts and requirements to work in the big policy bill passed last week? Will people with Parkinson’s who are in long-term care be cut off because they can’t work? — Amy, Glenview, Ill.
From Margot Sanger-Katz, who covers health care for The Upshot:
The bill’s work requirement is focused on a relatively specific group of Medicaid beneficiaries: childless adults without disabilities and parents of children older than 13. But it is certainly plausible that the bill’s policies could have spillover effects for other populations.
A person in long-term care with Parkinson’s would almost certainly still be covered. But someone with Parkinson’s who has not yet qualified for Social Security disability status may have to prove they are too sick to work. States will also have to build new enrollment systems to check who is eligible and who is compliant, and several current and former state officials are worried the magnitude of that effort could lead to errors and delays for everyone.
When to build
Is this a good time to build a house? — Janie Spataro, Ringgold, Ga.
Conor Dougherty, who covers the housing industry, offers this advice:
Can you afford to build it, and do you plan on living there for seven to 10 years? If the answer to both of those questions is yes, then it’s as good a time as any to build.
Housing is an unusual good in that it is both a consumable, like a car, and an investment, like a stock. Most of the worst home-buying decisions — overstretching on a mortgage, buying in an area you don’t really like — come from thinking of housing as an opportunity to make money instead of as a place to live. A house is only a good investment if you think of it as home.
XENIA, Ohio — On any given day, the trails of Greene County provide a scenic escape for cyclists and nature lovers alike. But on Saturday, July 19th, they will play host to a much deeper purpose: supporting the Greene County Suicide Prevention Coalition (GCSPC) Veteran Subcommittee. Registration is $50 per rider and those registered before June 30 will receive a commemorative t-shirt.
The ride will begin at the Fairgrounds Recreation Center with flexible start times between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., allowing cyclists to ease into the event at their own pace. The event is made possible by the Greene County Parks and Trails, the volunteer Trail Sentinels, and various sponsors including Rodriguez Financial Strategies, LLC of Beavercreek, and White Allen Auto Group.
According to the GCSPC Facebook page, the non-profit organization is, “A group of dedicated mental health, law enforcement, education and other professionals and volunteers, working to reduce suicide in our community.” The subcommittee focuses on mental health and suicide prevention for veterans, service members, and their families.
“This event is about more than just cycling; it’s about community,” said Gery Deer, a Greene County Trail Sentinel volunteer and event liaison. “Our trails offer connection—both with nature and with each other—and we’re channeling that spirit into something truly impactful for veterans in our area.” Deer’s company, GLD Communications, is also a sponsor of the event.
Those who register before June 30 will receive this commemorative t-shirt.
Three planned routes of 10, 30, and 60 miles are available, accommodating cyclists of all skill levels. Along the way, participants will traverse some of the county’s most iconic pathways, including the Creekside Trail, The Little Miami Scenic Trail, Xenia-Jamestown Connector, and the Ohio to Erie Trail. Rest stops stocked with refreshments will be strategically placed to ensure riders remain energized and hydrated, and the ever-dependable Greene County Trail Sentinel volunteers will be on hand throughout the day to assist participants.
“Our role as Trail Sentinels isn’t just about ensuring safety,” said Deer. “We’re here to make the experience enjoyable and memorable for every rider. Whether someone’s doing the 10-mile route or tackling all 60 miles, we’re committed to helping them have a great day while supporting a critical cause.” In addition to riding the routes to assist riders, the Trail Sentinels will also have a support table under the shelter at Xenia Station, joined also by volunteers from the Greene County Suicide Prevention Coalition Veteran Subcommittee.
Participants and visitors to Xenia Station will have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share stories, and learn more about the impactful work of the Subcommittee. Funds raised from this event will go directly to supporting programs that provide essential resources for veterans, including mental health services and outreach initiatives.
“This is a chance for people to do something they love—riding bikes—while making a real difference in the lives of our veterans and their families,” Deer added. “At a time when critical services are underfunded and undermanned, this event is proof that even a simple activity like cycling can have a profound impact when it’s done for a cause.”
It’s one thing to feel your job is in danger—industries evolve, businesses close, and livelihoods shift. It’s another thing to fear that your work and profession could be criminalized. For those of us in the press, in my opinion, that moment has arrived.
Not long ago, journalists were considered the fourth estate, so-called because the press was seen as the fourth, unofficial, branch of government – the public’s eyes and ears, so to speak. A free press is a necessary check on power, the watchdogs of democracy. Today, Trump and company would rather call any of us who dare question them troublemakers, agitators—enemies of the people. And now, with the Supreme Court’s recent decision to uphold the White House’s ban on the Associated Press (AP), we stand on the edge of something far more dangerous than a bruised ego or a contentious press conference.
The justification? National security – as always. A vague, malleable excuse that’s nearly impossible to challenge or verify. Too convenient to ignore, too broad to oppose. It sets a precedent with sharp teeth. If AP can be barred, who’s next? The Washington Post, Reuters, or maybe any reporter who dares ask uncomfortable questions?
When a government moves to silence journalism, it isn’t just about limiting press access—it’s about controlling the public’s perception of facts. A free press must do more than inform; it should hold power accountable on behalf of the citizenry. That accountability is inconvenient, even infuriating, for those who prefer not to be held accountable for their actions.
We don’t have to delve deeply into history to see what happens when dissenting voices are silenced. Totalitarian regimes have long understood the value of controlling the narrative. In Nazi Germany, Joseph Goebbels, the minister of propaganda, ensured that only state-approved messaging reached the public. In Stalinist Russia, independent journalism became synonymous with treason. And now, in a supposed beacon of freedom, we find ourselves edging toward a similar state.
Perhaps some believe these measures are justified—that journalism has gone too far and biased reporting warrants a firm correction. Some might even argue that disinformation (a great deal of which originates with the White House) has muddied the waters so thoroughly that restricting the press helps protect the public from chaos. The question we must ask ourselves is not whether we like the press—it’s whether we need it. And if those in charge are willing to erase dissent under the guise of security, we may not have much time left to answer.
The implications go well beyond a single news outlet losing access or presidential attempts to discredit them. If a major institution like the Associated Press can be barred from the White House, and with Supreme Court approval, every journalist in America faces the same risk.
What happens when smaller, independent outlets push too hard? What happens when investigative reporters publicize facts surrounding corruption at the highest levels? This is how truth becomes dictated rather than discovered. This is how governments rewrite history while the present unfolds in silence.
The press has never been perfect—it has biases, it makes mistakes, and yes, sometimes it gets the story wrong. But journalism, at its core, is a profession based on the pursuit of facts. A reporter’s job is not to flatter or cater to power, but to question, to dig, to expose injustice and demand answers.
Our democracy was built on the idea that those in power answer to the people, not the other way around. That principle is maintained through open discourse, through transparency, through a press that is free to ask uncomfortable questions and uncover uncomfortable truths. Of course, that’s not how Trump sees it. He doesn’t answer to you or me – only to his donors.
Still, the president can boot them out of the West Wing, but he can’t stop them from reporting – yet. If we allow this moment to pass unchallenged, accepting that barring journalists is just another policy decision, we lose the foundation of informed democracy set in place under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Once the press is muzzled, once silence replaces scrutiny, and propaganda overshadows fact, there’s no telling what comes next.
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects what are commonly known as The Five Freedoms: freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of petition. The amendment is one of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, which was adopted in 1791.
The First Amendment Reads:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” (Source: National Archives)
This amendment gives Americans the right to express themselves verbally and through publication without government interference. It also prevents the government from establishing a “state” religion and from favoring one religion over others. And finally, it protects Americans’ rights to gather in groups for social, economic, political, or religious purposes; sign petitions; and even file a lawsuit against the government. (Source: History.com)
Dayton, Ohio – The Davis Linden Building, an historic landmark located at 400 Linden Avenue in Dayton, Ohio, has long been a beacon for creative professionals seeking customized commercial spaces. Owned by Matt Dieringer of Dieringer Development, the facility continues to thrive and expand, offering a nurturing environment for artists, businesses, sculptors, photographers, and other creative professionals.
Over the years, the facility has seen good times and bad. But Matt Dieringer’s vision for the Davis Linden Building has been, and will continue to be, one of growth and community. “We are committed to provide spaces that not only meet the unique needs of our tenants but also foster a sense of belonging and collaboration,” says Dieringer. This commitment is evident in the building’s diverse range of tenants, each contributing to a vibrant and supportive community.
One of the most notable tenants is Michael Bashaw, a musician and sculptor who has located his studio in the Davis Linden Building since the 1980s. Bashaw’s long-term presence is a testament to the building’s ability to provide a stable and inspiring environment for creative professionals. “My grandfather was a tenant in the building in the 1950s, so I was well aware of it,” says Bashaw. “I was originally looking for a space where I could work on my sculpture and do music rehearsals. I’m very grateful and very fortunate to be here.”
“I’m on year two and have already outgrown one space,” says tenant Tiffany Lewis, owner of Immortelle Bijouterie, an era-inspired jewelry and clothing shop. “I love the atmosphere here – the big windows, the open concept, and that there are other artists here.”
Becca Brumfield, the building’s office manager, shared her view as both a tenant and employee. She described The Davis Linden Building as a center of creativity, business, and community. Her husband, Trevor, operates one of Ohio’s last full-service typewriter repair and sales shops, TB Writers Plus, located in the building since 2023.
The dedication of the Davis Linden Building’s management to promote a sense of community among its tenants is one of its defining features. This collaborative spirit is what sets the facility apart from other commercial spaces. In that spirit, the management will soon unveil “The C2 Initiative,” based on the idea of Creativity and Commerce. The initiative is intended to expand on that sense of community with memberships, access to shared creative space, and much more.
As Dieringer Development continues to invest in the growth and development of the Davis Linden Building, the future looks bright for this creative hub. With its commitment to providing customized spaces and fostering a strong sense of community, the Davis Linden Building will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of Dayton’s creative scene for years to come.
For more information about the Davis Linden Building and its available spaces, visit their website, www.davislindenbuilding.com/, or call 937-498-8635.
The Davis Linden Building is located in the Huffman Manufacturing District of East Dayton.
A long time ago, in a glowing box, far, far away, radio was the primary means by which most Americans received their news and entertainment. Frontline news from overseas wars, sketch comedy shows, and soap operas – all of it started on the radio. Growing up, I spent hours listening to the radio, everything from music and radio plays to late-night talk shows and Casey Kasem’s American Top 40 countdown.
Nearly all of these are gone now, but if you listen closely, you can still hear it—the crackle of an AM signal, the smooth transition of an FM dial, and the hair-raising tones of the emergency broadcast system. Well, OK, that one’s not so nostalgic. But is such a long-running, analog medium still relevant in a digital era of podcasts, streaming services, and algorithm-driven playlists?
Despite predictions of its demise, radio lives. According to Nielsen’s Q3 2023 Total Audience Report, radio remains the most popular media in America, reaching 84% of the population aged 18 and above. That’s right—more people tune in to traditional radio than watch television or scroll endlessly through social media.
Dayton, Ohio, radio personality Steve Kirk ruled the Miami Valley airwaves for decades. Is there a need for this kind of talent in the 21st Century?
Radio is still around because, for the most part, stations and owners have adapted, shifting to digital platforms, streaming services, and podcasts. For example, this column’s podcast counterpart is featured on iHeartRadio, which operates more than 850 stations nationwide.
Additionally, over-the-air broadcasting remains a popular option, particularly in cars. Every week, approximately 92% of Americans listen to the radio—roughly 272 million people—proving that radio remains the dominant medium for commuting.
Local radio ad revenue, however, isn’t what it once was. In 2025, sales are expected to reach only around $2.4 billion—a sharp contrast to the nearly $22 billion radio generated just 20 years ago. Radio stations have had to rethink their business models due to stiff competition from digital platforms. Some have survived and prospered by embracing digital, while others struggle to keep the lights on.
Cumulus and Townsquare Media recently shut down twenty radio stations. Many of these were AM stations that had lost their audience decades ago, unable to compete with the convenience of streaming. While this thinning of the herd might seem like bad news, some argue it’s a necessary evolution—fewer stations mean less competition for ad dollars, potentially stabilizing the industry.
That said, AM remains profitable, thanks in part to FCC deregulation by Presidents Reagan and Clinton, and conservative talk programming has become its cash cow. Unlike the early 1980s, when call-in talk shows were relatively new, less restrictive laws eventually allowed companies to own and operate nearly unlimited radio stations.
Suddenly, extreme political hosts like Rush Limbaugh, who held the daytime ad money, reached millions over a network of AM stations. More entertainment-focused programs, such as Sally Jessy Raphael’s call-in show, also thrived, ruling the airwaves at night.
Then there’s traditional radio’s subscription-based cousin – satellite. Since its inception, satellite radio has been marketed as the premium alternative—no static, initially with no commercials, and a seemingly infinite selection of niche stations.
Satellite radio carved out a loyal audience, particularly among drivers who want uninterrupted entertainment on long commutes. SiriusXM, the dominant player in the satellite radio market, boasts over 34 million subscribers. While that’s a fraction of traditional radio’s reach, it’s still significant, proving that people are willing to pay for curated content.
Satellite radio offers exclusive content—think Howard Stern and live sports. However, it faces stiff competition from podcasts, which offer similar content for free. Streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music offer listeners more control over their audio experience, making it harder for satellite radio to justify its subscription fees.
Even with these checkmarks in radio’s “cons” column, in my opinion, there are still plenty of pros, so long as the medium continues to evolve. “Because that’s how we’ve always done it” isn’t a phrase anyone working in radio wants to hear from management these days.
Whether it’s delivering local news, playing your favorite tunes, or keeping you company on a long drive, radio is still a faithful companion for whatever you’re doing. If you don’t believe me, turn on your car stereo. Chances are, you’ll find something worth listening to.
In the news today: A suspect in the Minnesota lawmaker shootings is charged with two counts of murder; Donald Trump directs ICE to expand deportations in Democratic-run cities; and Israel claims it now has air superiority over Tehran. Also, the next head of the U.K.’s foreign intelligence agency is currently the agency’s head of technology and innovation — the real-world equivalent of the James Bond gadget-master Q. Vance Luther Boelter, the man accused of assassinating the top Democrat in the Minnesota House, as he was arrested late Sunday. (Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office via AP) U.S. NEWSMan suspected of shooting 2 Minnesota lawmakers is in custody The man suspected of killing a Minnesota lawmaker and wounding another crawled to officers in surrender Sunday after they located him in the woods near his home, bringing an end to a massive, nearly two-day search. Read more.
What to know:Vance Boelter was arrested and charged with two counts of murder and two of attempted murder. He is accused of posing as a police officer and fatally shooting former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in their home early Saturday in the northern Minneapolis suburbs. Authorities say he also shot Sen. John Hoffman, a Democrat, and his wife, Yvette.
Brooklyn Park police officers arrived early Saturday just in time to see Boelter shoot Mark Hortman through the open door of the home, the criminal complaint says. It says they exchanged gunfire with Boelter, who fled inside the home before escaping the scene.
A list of about 70 names was found in writings recovered from the fake police vehicle that was left at the crime scene, said two law enforcement officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
It takes a special kind of bravery to step onto a stage, armed with nothing but your talent and a willingness to bare your soul to strangers. Open mic nights embody this raw courage, where artists of all kinds—musicians, poets, comedians—challenge themselves not only to be heard but to connect. To say they are anything less than extraordinary would be missing the heart of the matter entirely.
As I write this, I’m sitting with my brother and cousin after just stepping off the stage at Plain Folk Café in Pleasant Plain, Ohio. My family group, The Brothers & Co., which now consists of my older brother and our cousin, has been performing together for over 30 years. We’ve played at casinos, festivals, theaters, just about everywhere – as professional entertainment. But I’d never experienced an open mic event until my cousin invited us to go as a group. He was a regular here, receiving a very “Cheers” like welcome from fellow performers when we arrived.
Every Thursday night since 2012, performers and patrons alike enjoy good food and entertainment, and the stage isn’t just a platform; it’s a crucible where artistry takes shape. The sign-in sheet, held aloft by a sombrero-wearing ceramic frog, sets the tone: quirky, welcoming, and uniquely communal. Each participant scribbles their name with a mix of anticipation and trepidation, knowing they’re stepping into an unfiltered arena. Some are regulars, others are first-timers, all are committed.
The pull of an open mic is multifaceted. For some, it’s a chance to test new material, an incubator for ideas that might someday grow into greatness. Writers spend hours pouring their souls into words; musicians craft melodies that echo with personal truths. They arrive not knowing whether their work will elicit applause, laughter, or silence—but they come anyway, driven by the need to express and improve.
Then there’s the process itself—learning not just to perfect the art, but to perform it before a living, breathing audience. Open mic performers are incredibly brave, hoping their work connects with even one person in the crowd. That’s where the beauty lies: that vulnerability becomes their strength. It’s almost a superpower, one which, for all my professional experience, can’t comprehend.
Gary Deer Jr and Gery Deer, two of the trio, The Brothers & Co., watch other performers on stage at Plain Folk Cafe.
The first time I was on stage, I was in first grade, doing a ventriloquist act in my elementary school talent show. I had studied the art for a year or so, and my mom thought I might like to show people. I agreed, and the next thing I knew, I was smack in the spotlight of the ultimate open mic set — me, a ventriloquist dummy, 250 schoolmates, teachers, and parents.
One joke, a laugh; another, some applause, and, at the end, I won first prize for my grade. That moment led to a lifetime of performing in front of audiences, from lecturing and emcee work to appearances at hometown festivals and on national TV. Yet, with all that, I can’t fathom getting up there alone, week after week, in front of a cafe full of patrons and performers. It requires a very different kind of courage.
Open mic nights strip away the barriers between artist and audience. Whether it’s a musician pouring their soul into an original ballad or a comic braving the silence between punchlines, the essence of their art is laid bare. Every strum of a guitar or carefully penned word reveals hours of effort, doubt, and hope. It’s humanity, distilled.
Most importantly, these evenings foster connection. In the glow of the stage lights, an unspoken camaraderie develops among performers and listeners alike. The applause isn’t just polite acknowledgment; it’s a collective celebration of effort and heart. That shared experience is what makes open mic nights so much more than casual entertainment—they’re gatherings where creativity finds its voice and its audience.
If you’ve never been to an open mic event, I urge you to go, not as a critic, but as a witness to the raw courage and artistry on display. You may not love every performance, but you will leave with a renewed appreciation for the grit it takes to share oneself so openly, and for all the creative souls who fearlessly challenge themselves week after week.
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To learn more about The Brothers & Co. Entertainers or Plain Folk Cafe, visit them on Facebook at:
The Brothers & Co. Bus served the group when it was a quartet traveling around the region to perform variety and music shows at festivals, theatres, and resorts. It has since been retired.
NEW YORK (AP) — Loretta Swit, who won two Emmy Awards playing Major Margaret Houlihan, the demanding head nurse of a behind-the-lines surgical unit during the Korean War on the pioneering hit TV series “M.A.S.H.,” has died. She was 87.
Publicist Harlan Boll says Swit died Friday at her home in New York City, likely from natural causes.
Swit and Alan Alda were the longest-serving cast members on “M.A.S.H.,” which was based on Robert Altman’s 1970 film, which was itself based on a novel by Richard Hooker, the pseudonym of H. Richard Hornberger.
The CBS show aired for 11 years from 1972 to 1983, revolving around life at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, which gave the show its name. The two-and-a-half-hour finale on Feb. 28, 1983, lured over 100 million viewers, the most-watched episode of any scripted series ever.
Rolling Stone magazine put “M.A.S.H.” at No. 25 of the best TV shows of all time, while Time Out put it at No. 34. It won the Impact Award at the 2009 TV Land annual awards. It won a Peabody Award in 1975 “for the depth of its humor and the manner in which comedy is used to lift the spirit and, as well, to offer a profound statement on the nature of war.”
Swit transforms the character of Houlihan
In Altman’s 1970 film, Houlihan was a one-dimensional character — a sex-crazed bimbo who earned the nickname “Hot Lips.” Her intimate moments were broadcast to the entire camp after somebody planted a microphone under her bed.
The early years of MASH saw Swit’s character much as the film predecessor had been. That would change as she was allowed to evolve and gain more substance.
Sally Kellerman played Houlihan in the movie version and Swit took it over for TV, eventually deepening and creating her into a much fuller character. The sexual appetite was played down and she wasn’t even called “Hot Lips” in the later years.
The growing awareness of feminism in the ’70s spurred Houlihan’s transformation from caricature to real person, but a lot of the change was due to Swit’s influence on the scriptwriters.
“Around the second or third year I decided to try to play her as a real person, in an intelligent fashion, even if it meant hurting the jokes,” Swit told Suzy Kalter, author of “The Complete Book of ‘M.A.S.H.’”
“To oversimplify it, I took each traumatic change that happened in her life and kept it. I didn’t go into the next episode as if it were a different character in a different play. She was a character in constant flux; she never stopped developing.”
“M.A.S.H.” wasn’t an instant hit. It finished its first season in 46th place, out of 75 network TV series, but it nabbed nine Emmy nominations. It was rewarded with a better time slot for its sophomore season, paired on Saturday nights with “All in the Family,” then TV’s highest-rated show. At the 1974 Emmys, it was crowned best comedy, with Alda winning as best comedy actor.
The series also survived despite cast churn. In addition to Swit and Alda, the first season featured Wayne Rogers, McLean Stevenson, Larry Linville and Gary Burghoff. Harry Morgan, Mike Farrell and David Ogden Stiers would later be added, while Jamie Farr and William Christopher had expanded roles.
Swit appeared in all but 11 episodes of the series, nearly four times longer than the Korean War itself, exploring issues like PTSD, sexism and racism. Swit pushed for a better representation for women.
“One of the things I liked, with Loretta’s prodding, was every time I had a chance to write for her character, we’d get away from the Hot Lips angle and find out more about who Margaret was. She became more of a real person,” Alda told The Hollywood Reporter in 2018.
The series ended on a happy note for Houlihan, who spends much of the finale debating whether she wants to head to Tokyo or Belgium for her next overseas post. Ultimately she opts to return to America and work at a hospital, citing her father — a career Army man.
Swit didn’t personally agree that was the correct decision for a military-minded official: “I didn’t think that was correct for my Margaret,” she told Yahoo Entertainment in 2023. “I think her next move was Vietnam. So I didn’t agree with that, but that’s what they wanted her to do.”
But the actor did get to write the speech that Houlihan delivers to her fellow nurses on their final night together, in which she says: “It’s been an honor and privilege to have worked with you. And I’m very, very proud to have known you.”
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“I was consumed with writing that. And I still get letters from women all over the world who became nurses because of Margaret Houlihan. To have contributed to someone’s life like that is remarkable,” she told Yahoo Entertainment.
During her run, Houlihan had an affair with Hawkeye’s foil, the bumbling Frank Burns, played by Linville in the TV version, and in Season 5, Houlihan returns from a stay in Tokyo engaged to a handsome lieutenant colonel, a storyline that Swit says she advocated for with the writers.
“I told them: ‘Can you imagine what fun you’re going to have with Larry when I come back to town and I tell him I’m engaged? He’ll rip the doors off of the mess tent!’ And that’s exactly what they had him do. So we were all of the same mind.”
Toward the end, Swit was tempted to leave the show. She played the role of Chris Cagney in a 1981 television movie, “Cagney & Lacey,” and was offered the part when it was picked up as a mid-season series for the spring of 1982. But producers insisted she stay with “M.A.S.H.” for its last two seasons.
Swit told The Florida Times-Union in 2010 she might have stayed with “M.A.S.H.” anyway. “You can’t help but get better as an actor working with scripts like that,” she said. “If you’re in something that literate, well, we got spoiled.”
In 2022, James Poniewozik, The New York Times’s chief television critic, looked back on the show and said it held up well: “Its blend of madcap comedy and pitch-dark drama — the laughs amplifying the serious stakes, and vice versa — is recognizable in today’s dramedies, from ‘Better Things’ to ‘Barry,’ that work in the DMZ between laughter and sadness.”
After the TV series, Swit became a vocal animal welfare activist, selling SwitHeart perfume and her memoir through her official website, with proceeds benefiting various animal-related nonprofit groups.
In 1983, she married actor Dennis Holahan, whom she’d met when he was a guest star on “M.A.S.H.” They divorced in 1995.
Swit was born in New Jersey
Born in Passaic, New Jersey, the daughter of Polish immigrants, Swit enrolled in the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, then paid her dues for years in touring productions.
In 1969, she arrived in Hollywood and was soon seen in series such as “Gunsmoke,” “Hawaii Five-O,” “Mission Impossible” and “Bonanza.” Then in 1972, she got her big break when she was asked to audition for the role of “Hot Lips.”
She would regularly return to theater, starring on Broadway in 1975 in “Same Time, Next Year” and “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” in 1986. She was in “Amorous Crossing,” a romantic comedy, at Alhambra Theatre & Dining in 2010 and in North Carolina Theatre’s production of “Mame” in 2003.
Kennedy is a theater, TV, music, food and obit writer and editor for The Associated Press, as well as a critic for theater, movies and music. He is based in New York City.
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