2017

Ark / 2017

1994 Big Brothers Big Sisters | PSA Commercial

The first ever Big Brothers Big Sisters PSA commercial to Air on television. Filmed in 1994 at WPTD Dayton.

In late 1993, "Little" Mike Cohen (0:19 mark on the left) and his "Big" Harry Schrager began to talk about the need for a televised commercial for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Dayton. Harry was at the time working for WHIO- TV as an engineer and had plenty of acting experience. As a young teen, Mike had just started tackling radio and some copy writing and story-boarding.

By 1994, Harry and Mike had come up with the script and Mike had drawn out the story-boards. The commercial was pitched to the local BBBS board an instantly approved. It was filed on a budget of $200 that was used to rent the cameras and studio for several hours.

Mike was never intended to appear in the commercial. At the last minute, Tim's daughter got camera shy and Mike stepped in. At 16 years old he was the oldest Little in the commercial. The commercial was done with current adults and children in the program at the time. Mike's actual little brother (by birth) appears at the 0:21 mark on the right. At the time he was currently unmatched as his last Big had just moved away for a job.

In August 2017, Mike's former Big, Harry Schrager, passed away suddenly fromt a heart attack at age 74. After more than 32 years of friendship and helping BBBS Mike decided to revive this commercial to showcase on the web. It was recorded via an HD camera from the only surviving VHS studio copy of the tape.

To learn more about this organization find them online at the following: http://www.bbbsgmv.org

Please donate to help with your local chapter. The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Dayton has since been renamed to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami Valley. You can see highlights from their last fundraiser here Over the Edge

Blog / Community Event / Huber Heights Chamber of Commerce / In the Community / Marketing / Northmont Area Chamber of Commerce - 10/21/2017

Big Brothers Big Sisters Over The Edge 2017

Over the Edge | Big Brothers Big Sisters

Party Time:

Over the Edge is a large event thrown by Big Brothers Big Sister of the Greater Miami Valley in downtown Dayton, Ohio. The event focuses on raising money, through donations. As a result, those who raise the goal get the privilege of repelling off the Key Bank high-rise. Dozens of brave donation recruiters spend the day repelling down the side of the building amidst onlookers, music, and food trucks. Dozens of businesses sponsor this Big Brothers Big Sisters event.

The Organization:

Big Brothers Big Sisters provide mentoring opportunities to youths unlike any other programs available. The one on one interactions of the Bigs and the support of the staff really work in changing the lives of youths for the better. As a result of this program, Michael grew up to work in law enforcement for nearly two decades. Consequently he retired honorably and decorated for his service in Houston, TX as a police officer. None of this would have been possible without the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and the introduction to Harry.

Big meets Little:

Harry spent close to 20 years with Big Brothers Big Sisters and Mike was not his first match but he was his last. He loved being apart of his community and took on the role of volunteer at Dayton Children's Hospital. Harry delighted and helped raise the spirits of sick children that were patients of the hospital. In addition, Harry had spent over 50 years in the entertainment business and had previously retired from COX Media. Therefor he was the perfect person to bring smiles to young faces. Harry was well loved by his coworkers and friends and was an advocate for animals. He was an avid dog lover.

Big Brothers Big Sisters has always been an integral part of our owner Michael's life. He was matched as a Little Brother at age seven to a Big that remained his friend for thirty-two years. His Big, Harry Schrager, sadly passed away suddenly in August 2017. Michael has decided that the legacy Harry left behind must include the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. Additionally, the benefits he shared as a result of that matched friendship should continue to be available within the local community.

How You Can Make a Difference:

Harry's personal story has come to a close but it lives on through Michael. Most of all it can continue to live on through the help and support of the community. Big Brothers Big Sisters needs adult volunteers to become mentors to youths on waiting lists, for volunteers at events, and for donations. Your donations of time are priceless. Most of all your monetary donations go towards background checks for potential Bigs so that a child can have a lifelong mentor.

Donate today. Text "BIG" to 243725 or call Big Brothers Big Sisters at 937-220-6855 and find out how you can become apart of this community.

Blog / Community Event / In the Community - 10/13/2017

Brickworld - Novi, MI - 2017

Brickword Expos are always filled with excitement and wonder. Brickworld Novi was no exception. Novi is the newest installment in the Lego expo's regularly scheduled yearly tour. The expo makes a trip to four cities, Indianapolis, Chicago, Novi, and Fort Wayne.

Our office always enjoys to frequent these expos because they are a great source for inspiration and an opportunity to connect with artists and vendors from across the country. So many wonderful designs and displays are carefully crafted and showcased for all to see. Visit Brickworld online to learn more about the expo and if they are coming to a city near you.

Blog / In the Community - 10/10/2017

Kettering Hospital Groundbreaking - Troy, OH 2017

A lot of what we do at Emunah Graphics involves going into the community and supporting those in it. Kettering Health Network held their groundbreaking ceremony on July 6, 2017 in Troy, OH and we were on-hand to witness it. The city of Troy has a diverse population of over 25,770 individuals. Many of these individuals will hopefully become the new staff of the Kettering Hospital being built there. With the creation of the new hospital comes the creation of more jobs for the local area economy and not just within the hospital itself. New businesses will open to take on the needs of patients and their families in the form of lodging, recreation, and food.

Kettering Health Network was founded on faith based ideals and in those ideals seeks the healing of the community around it. This means both spiritually based and physical based healing. Kettering Health Network takes a progressive look forward at the needs of future patients and adapts itself to those needs. Kettering Health Network has invested more than $60 million into the city of Troy with their idea of a new state of the art facility.

About Kettering Health Network (from the KHN website):

"Kettering Health Network is a not-for-profit network of eight hospitals, Kettering College, and over 120 outpatient facilities serving southwest Ohio. Patients have access to high quality maternity care, state-of-the-art cancer fighting technology, Ohio’s leading heart hospital, as well as revolutionary brain and spine surgery. With nearly 12,000 employees and 2,100 physicians, Kettering Health Network is committed to transforming the healthcare experience with world class health services for every stage of life.

Kettering Health Network recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of Kettering Medical Center.

As a faith-based organization we are dedicated to treating all patients with love and respect regardless of religious preference. Multi-denominational Spiritual Services are offered at the network every day."

Blog / Community Event / In the Community / Marketing - 07/23/2017

Independence Day - Brickworld Chicago 2017

Independence Is Upon Us! Will you fight to save the day against the alien scourge attacking our planet? Find out more by watching the video below.

Join us on our journey as we spoke with Aaron Fiskum and Allen T. Hickmon about their trophy winning Independence Day collaborative build. These exhibitors decided to do a LEGO build together to maximize their impact for an amazing display. Fans of the science fiction thriller movie Independence Day will delight at the sight of this display. The hive mother-ship is attacking a city and the human military is coming to the rescue. Will the city survive the assault or will the humans defeat the hive aliens? This masterpiece of LEGO construction and ingenuity was debuted at Brickworld Chicago in 2017. Brickworld allows exhibitors from all walks of life and demographics to compete against one another for the best displays. The exhibitors use this friendly competition as a way to step up their display and build games each show in order to delight all the attendees. Every year, at each location Brickworld brings new exhibits.

The works of Allen T. Hickmon can be found on his Instagram page. There you can keep up with his past, current, and future display builds. Allen teaches courses and does custom LEGO builds and you can find out more information on his website.

Aaron Fiskum is another talented LEGO builder and he can be caught up with at his FLICKR account. Aaron shows off some amazing past builds and you can follow his progress there.

For more information on exhibitors, displays, vendors, and where to the find the closest Brickworld: Visit Brickworld's website at Brickworld.com. There you can learn about future events and purchase tickets. Brickworld is host to LEGO builders from all around the globe and features attendees from all walks of life. LEGO has created a medium in its toys that transcends cultural barriers and its only limits are your own imaginations.

Blog / Community Event / In the Community - 07/23/2017

Brickworld - Chicago 2017 - A Recap to Remember

Brickworld Expos are always a cause for excitement around our office. Chicago's expo was fast approaching and we had lots to do in order to prepare. Being based in the Dayton, OH area these always involve travel time for us and some down time before we head out. So why do we travel outside our usual business radius to and attend Brickworld expos?

There is a long answer, a short answer, and an in between answer. The in between. We enjoy the feeling, energy, and excitement of the crowds of attendees when we get onto the expo floor. It is something I advocate all of our readers and clients experience for themselves. LEGO is a timeless toy and one that has many real world applications. You can build almost anything out of LEGO pieces and are only limited by your imaginations. If you haven't figured out how to build it in bricks you're probably not doing it right.

Brickworld has become more than an expo to us. It has become a home. This year is our first year that we have made plans to attend all four cities where the expos are held. So far this year we have two down. It has become a place that we as a company and individuals have been welcomed and accepted. We are just as excited to see the vendors and exhibitors as they are to see us again.

Brickworld Chicago is held at the Marriott Renaissance Hotel in Schaumburg, IL which is a beautiful location that has its own convention center. You're in the heart of LEGO country here because just down the road is Woodfield Mall which is packed with LEGO exhibits, The LEGO store, and a Brickmania location.

What to expect when you arrive at Brickworld Chicago:

Expect to have a good time

If you aren't prepared to have fun than you are probably going to wind up having it anyhow. There is something for everyone being exhibited on the expo floor. If you have a favorite type of movie or hobby it many very well be featured in a LEGO build by an exhibitor out on the floor. Love Drive-In movie theaters? Well there's a few of those built small scale and working out on the floor.

Budget for spending money

While coming in beyond the price of admission doesn't necessarily require you to spend money be prepared to do so. If you are trying to see everything you will more than likely be at the expo all day. There is food for sale at the expo and at restaurants surrounding the hotel area if you wish to leave and reenter. There is a good chance that if you're a LEGO beginner or a tried and true LEGO fan you will find something you will want to buy at a vendor booth. Come prepared.

Getting the best out of Brickworld

You're at a LEGO expo. You're already half way there. Don't be afraid to talk to exhibitors and ask questions about their builds. I can assure you that they will love to talk to you and explain their process to you on what went into their display. They didn't just put together all those grand displays to not tell anyone about them or why they brought them. Talk to as many people as you can. We're all fans! The Brickworld staff is excellent and helpful as well. They will do their best to answer any questions you might have as well. Let's not forget the vendors. Even if you can't afford to purchase something this time around go talk to the vendors. Get to know them. Grab business cards. Lots of the vendors also sell online. They are just as friendly as everyone else there and will answer your questions as well. Many of them will let you trade in other LEGO sets towards new sets you want.

Follow these few simple suggestions and we can guarantee you'll have a memorable time. We love our home away from home at Brickworld. The only problem is where to put all the LEGO sets once we get home.

Blog / In the Community - 07/06/2017

ChiLUG – Brickworld – Chicago 2017

What does ChiLUG stand for? The easiest answer is to say the Chicago Area Lego Users Group. It's what their name is. Who are they exactly? ChiLUG was founded in 2012 and shares Lego building with their community. Their mission? "To design, build, and display diverse and unique LEGO creations, and share our building techniques and ideas with the world." according to their President, John Thornton.

When you get right down to it ChiLUG means a lot of different things like most LUG groups. ChiLUG is a home for some, a learning experience, a hobby, time away from the mundane, a place to discuss Legos, a time to build, family time together, and friendships getting put together much like the Lego pieces we all love. Elizabeth and I felt very welcome among them during our time at Brickworld Chicago. We spoke with Mike McDermott of ChiLUG and he gave us some insight into their builds and his love of constructing Batman scene landscapes. We looks forward to seeing ChiLUG and Mike again. Our first time meeting him and we felt right at home. They honored us by adding an Emunah Graphics engraved brick to their wall of unusual bricks. See if you can spot us in the thumbnail image! Thank you ChiLUG for all you do in your community.

Blog / Community Event / Marketing - 07/06/2017

Heroes Club LUG - Brickworld - Chicago 2017

What is Heroes Club LUG? Brickworld is always full of surprises and one such surprise this year to us was Heroes Club LUG. Heroes Club LUG is a LEGO fan club based out of China who appeared at Brickworld Chicago this year featuring amazing mech builds and a famous garden build. You can find pictures of their builds on our Facebook page or in the links of the video.

We were fortunate enough to meet Prince Jiang, Ambassador of the group, at Brickworld this year. He was excited to speak to us and tell us about Heroes Club LUG. Also, Prince Jiang gave us the best news any LEGO fan would love to hear. And you're ALL invited! You might not be able to make it for 2017 but you can certainly try for 2018! What's the news? Watch the video and let Prince Jiang tell you himself.

LEGO spans continents. That's the beauty of the brick. There are international languages and then there are international toys. Language barriers dissolve when it comes to bricks. We were honored that Prince Jiang took the time out from the expo to speak with us that weekend. We look forward to seeing more of Prince Jiang and Heroes Club LUG at future Brickworld expos.

Blog / Community Event / Marketing - 06/27/2017

MOD Pizza - Grand Opening in Englewood, OH (Sneak Peak)

Take a look inside the Grand Opening of the NEW MOD Pizza location in Englewood, OH. The grand opening was an amazing morning that had a packed house of eager hungry people waiting to try the food for the first time. Have you stopped in yet to take a taste for yourself? Serving pizza and salads they have a fare for everyone.

Blog / Community Event / In the Community / Marketing / Northmont Area Chamber of Commerce - 05/20/2017

MOD Pizza - Grand Opening - Englewood, OH

I got to speak with Tommy Sikes the Director of Marketing for MOD Pizza during their grand opening in Englewood, OH. Tommy explains what the new restaurant in our area means to the community it serves. The atmosphere is great. MOD Pizza is reasonably priced and keeps a business model of fresh food done fast. They roast their garlic in-house each morning and you can taste the freshness of it when you add it to your orders.

MOD Pizza's new location also means new jobs to our area for an employer that takes time to ensure their employees are taken care of and matter. They had all of their staff on-hand to train at the same time so each of them would know what the other employees knew. Don't take my word for it on how great this place is. Watch the video and hear Tommy tell it in his own words.