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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

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.

Kettering Hospital

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."

Storybrooke Cafe

Storybrooke Cafe

I sat down with Natalie Lowry, owner of Storybrooke Cafe, this past week. Storybrooke Cafe is a small bookstore that serves coffee, cold drinks, teas, pastries, and some lunch items. They are located at 8381 North Main Street in Clayton, OH. They hold weekly special events that include themed weekends, book signings from local authors, and arts and crafts events for adults and children alike.

Storybrooke Cafe is so much more than the descriptions I can provide about it. It's a shop filled with magic and wonder for all ages. Some weeks they have makeup representatives on hand that can help transform your looks into something straight out of a story book. Other weeks they have adult painting parties or arts and crafts sessions for children. When you enter the cafe you are greeted with a smile, friendly hello from Natalie, the smell of pastries and coffee, and a castle. Storybrooke Cafe is a member of the local Northmont Chamber of Commerce and they are active in the community.

Everyone should stop in, check the place out, treat yourself to a pastry and beverage, and maybe the purchase of a book to transport yourself to another world.

For more information you can watch the video or find them on the web at: http://www.storybrookecafe.com/

Huber Heights Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mark Bruns and Emunah Graphic President Michael Cohen

Huber Heights Chamber of Commerce (April-May 2017) - In the Chamber with Emunah Graphics

 

In the Chamber is a bimonthly series where we raise awareness for the local chamber of commerce's and what events are upcoming in our areas. The Huber Heights Chamber of Commerce provides area businesses with an alliance to the other area chambers as well as networking and event opportunities. Becoming a member of a local chamber benefits your business as well as the local community by showing your commitment to consumers in your neighborhood.

The Huber Heights Area Chamber of Commerce has sponsorship opportunities available. For more information on upcoming meetings and events you can participate in, or membership, please see the Chamber's website listed below.

Huber Heights Chamber of Commerce Website

Northmont Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Cath Hutton and Emunah Graphic President Michael Cohen

Northmont Chamber of Commerce (April-May 2017) - In the Chamber with Emunah Graphics


In the Chamber is a bimonthly series where we raise awareness for the local chamber of commerce's and what events are upcoming in our areas. The Northmont Area Chamber of Commerce provides area businesses with an alliance to the other area chambers as well as networking and event opportunities. Becoming a member of a local chamber benefits your business as well as the local community by showing your commitment to consumers in your neighborhood.

The Northmont Area Chamber of Commerce is celebrating it's 40th year this month and could not have done so without the support of local businesses and the community. For more information on upcoming meetings and events you can participate in, or membership, please see the Chamber's website listed below.

Northmont Area Chamber of Commerce Website

rapid fired ribbon cutting

Rapid Fired Pizza - Grand Opening

 

The Rapid Fired Pizza in Englewood had already been open a short time before their ribbon cutting ceremony. They were testing the waters of our area to see how our appetites fared for their pizza. Apparently we can't get enough of Rapid Fired Pizza! Their lines have been out the door since they opened attracting the hungry and the curious. Rapid Fired Pizza is built on the concept of excellent quality pizza in around three minutes. They offer an 11 inch thin or 9 inch pan. You can get a specialty pizza or build your own all for the same price.

I was fortunate to be able to talk to four of the founders of Rapid Fired Pizza to get a sense of what this new franchise meant for the Northmont area. I can attest to the good pizza as we tried several later that day. Give the video a watch to see what the founders have to say. They're community minded, nice gentlemen, who want to be successful in Englewood in order to keep jobs here.

Beauty and the Beast

Storybrooke Cafe - Belle's Enchanted Evening

There was nothing more magical that evening than being the guest of Storybrooke Café in Englewood, OH. The castle was all lit up to receive guests, sparkling lights hung from the ceiling, flower petals adorned the ground, and a red carpet was laid out to receive the Princesses. A table was laid out with food fit for royals and the reception just needed its guests.

All the Princesses knew they would be greeted by Belle upon their arrival. The big secret was the Beast. He was to be there as well.

This event was put on by Natalie Lowry, owner of the Storybrooke Café. Around a dozen little girls and their family attended this Beauty and the Beast themed event. It included photos with Belle and Beast, food, magical blue punch, lots of sugary treats, dancing, and a night these little girls would remember for a long time to come.

I volunteered to play the Beast for the evening. I already had the costume and figured it would be a nice surprise for the children who weren’t expecting me. I match the costume so to a bunch of kids I’m convincing. I got to hear all about how some of them saw our movie that weekend. I was assured by several little princesses that I, as the Beast, was their favorite part of the movie.

I dined on a few baby carrots to convince some of the little princesses that even the Beast ate his vegetables too. I answered all the questions only the Beast would know the answers to. Belle and I made magic together that night in the form of putting smiles onto children’s faces. I think some of that magic rubbed off on the adults too as I saw all of them smiling as well.

I had just as much fun as everyone else there did that night. I enjoy contributing to the laughter and happiness of children. Volunteering my time for another local business to support them is something I feel honored to be allowed to do. A special thank you to Natalie for allowing me the chance to help out. I look forward to being back at Storybrooke Café many more times in the future.

For more information on Storybrooke Café find them on the web HERE.

Keagan with the Miami Valley Young Marines

Miami Valley Young Marines - Open House



It would have been just another Wednesday for my wife and I had I not met Keagan Miller of the Miami Valley Young Marines at a Huber Heights Chamber of Commerce meeting. Keagan had invited us to attend one of their open houses. I had no idea what The Young Marines were so I accepted. The open house was this evening and Elizabeth and I had no idea what to expect.

The Young Marines are located at 6161 Chambersburg Rd in Huber Height in the basement of the St. Peter Catholic Church. When we arrived we found uniformed children in camouflage sporting a flag and standing in formation. It looked like a well behaved honor guard. It was certainly an impressive sight to see upon ones arrival.

In the basement we were directed to an area of tables where Keagan was busy giving a presentation via projector to a group of hopeful recruits and their parents. Young boys and girls sat there quietly, excited, watching the power point and listening to what was being said. I could feel their excitement at the idea of them becoming members. The Young Marines were offering them a chance to camp out survivor style, learn how to march, shoot pellet guns, and help out Veterans as some of what was being said. Keagan spoke in great detail about their Drug Reduction Program and Veteran aid programs.

The Young Marines program is not a recruitment program for the military in any such way. It’s more of a mixed gender Boy Scouts group meets ROTC stepped up a few notches. What the Young Marines program definitely provides is a way for youth, ages 8 to 18, to learn confidence building skills and self-reliance like no other program out there. Their boot camp is not a “scared straight” program like you see on television. Their program is designed to get the youth to learn and build up their own self-confidence through tough activities and by letting them make a visible impact in their own community. The Young Marines stresses to their members that the key to a productive and self-confident life is the absence of drugs from it. Oh, and be prepared for homework. The Young Marines sends their members home with homework as part of their training. Parents are expected to be involved in the training process as well by insuring that their workbooks and assignments get completed. Playing hooky isn’t much of an option either as the youths are expected to keep up and progress with their fellow members. While only allowing for missing a few days in a given period, I see this as a way to teach proper attendance and how to power through the tougher things in life to accomplish goals.

After sitting through Keagan’s presentation, along with speaking to Mr. Girard, I was ready to sign up myself. Elizabeth was equally as impressed with what this group has to offer youths. Since I’m too old for a yellow recruit shirt I offered to help keep an eye on the kids at the range instead.

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