Kamala Harris Officially Names Tim Walz as Vice Presidential Running Mate
Vice President Kamala Harris has officially named Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her vice presidential running mate to help her challenge Donald Trump and JD Vance in November.
The Harris campaign sent out an official announcement on Tuesday morning, saying that Walz and Harris will "crisscross" the country to present a split-screen on who is "running to move the country forward" and who is running to move the country "backward."
Harris and Walz are set to visit seven battleground states this week -- beginning with a rally together on Tuesday evening in Philadelphia. Vance is set to visit the battleground states this week as well.
The campaign highlighted Walz's background as a Midwesterner and a gun owner who "believes that Congress must do more to tackle gun violence in our communities."
Walz posted on X on
Harris and her newly chosen vice presidential
rally in Philadelphia, August 6.
Tuesday that he's "all in" on his new role as Harris' vice presidential pick.
"It is the honor of a lifetime to join @kamalaharris in this campaign," Walz wrote. "I'm all in."
Walz, 60, made a name for himself in the veepstakes as he gained major traction online with his
folksy mannerisms and viral comments calling Trump and Vance "weird."
As governor, he's implemented a bevy of progressive policies, including paid family leave, universal school breakfast and lunch, legalization of recreational marijuana use, state codification of abortion rights and gun control measures like universal background checks and red flag laws.
Harris and her campaign love his bio, the source told ABC News, adding that it "will appeal in key Midwest states we must win." As a veteran, football coach, hunter and gun owner, Walz has a "deep connection to rural American," the source added.
Also, Walz has a record of winning in a Trump-voting district as a House member.
Why pick Walz?
He served in the Army National Guard and was a high school social studies teacher and football coach before he was elected to Congress in 2006. He won six terms in the U.S. House representing a rural area of the state that had typically leaned conservative.
8/4 Memorial Unveiled to Mark Fifth Anniversary of Dayton Tragedy
The public artwork created to serve as a memorial for the victims of the tragic events that took place in the Oregon District neighborhood of Dayton, Ohio, on August 4, 2019, has been unveiled exactly five years later. The memorial, located in the plaza adjacent to 530 E. Fifth St. in the Oregon District, was officially unveiled to the public at 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 4, 2024.
“This memorial was created to be a place for our community to
grieve, heal, and ensure we never forget the nine lives we lost or any of those impacted by the events of August 4, 2019,” said Sandy Hunt, Co-Chair of the 8/4 Memorial Committee.
“From the selection of the artist team to the installation of the memorial itself, it was of the utmost importance to have family of the victims, survivors, and members of the community involved in every step of the process.”
“This project has truly been a collaborative effort from its beginning,” said Sandy Gudorf, Co-Chair
of the 8/4 Memorial. “We are so appreciative of the 8/4 Memorial committee members, art jurors, and volunteers who have shared their time, ideas, feedback, and contributions to make this memorial project a reality. This piece was designed with connection and community in mind and seeing so many people come together for its creation has been incredible to see.”
The memorial was created by the “Seed of Life” team which was selected based on feedback from
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Harris likes Walz's executive experience and a his "strong record of accomplishment for middle class families that models what we want to do na-
tionally," according to a source close to the selection process. Specifically, a Harris-Walz campaign will highlight his fight for expanded child tax credits, junk-fee ban, paid-leave policies, gun safety legislation and codifying Roe v. Wade protection, the source said.
Harris' team loves the "weird" line he came up with in his attacks against Trump and Vance -- and think that it's a line that will stick against their opponents, the source said. And this person cites
Continued on Page 3
Development Highlights Ohio’s Black Entrepreneurial Successes During 'National Black Business Month'
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) –
The Ohio Department of Development is commemorating National Black Business Month in August by showcasing the accomplishments of Black entrepreneurs across the state.
Recognized every August since 2004, Black Business Month celebrates the success and innovation of America's Black entrepreneurs.
"The Department of Development, through our Minority Business Development Division, its net
work of Minority Business Assistance Centers, and community partners, is committed to empowering Black entrepreneurs to foster a legacy of success not only for themselves but for the communities they serve," said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. "National Black Business Month is a great opportunity to recognize the contributions that thousands of Ohio Black businesses have made toward our state's
growing economy."
One such entrepreneur is Jenell Ross. The second-generation owner of Bob Ross Auto Group, located in Centerville, recently celebrated the milestone of 50 years in business.
"The Bob Ross Auto Group values the certification process and can attribute many partnerships developing as a result of our WBE/MBE status," stated Ross. "Our certification has al-
Continued on Page 3
Hundreds of Black Patients in Ohio Moved Up on Kidney Transplant List After Policy Change
COLUMBUS, Ohio
At issue is a once widely used test that overestimated how well Black people’s kidneys were functioning, making them look healthier than they really were. ease in 2013 and is currently on the kidney transplant list.
— Across the country, more than 15,000 Black patients moved up the kidney transplant list in the past year. This followed a change to a kidney testing equation implemented in 2023 to eliminate a racially biased test. Hundreds of Black people living in Ohio were impacted.
Columbus resident Lerenzo Rudolph found out he had kidney dis-
"I went through depression once over it wishing that someone would donate their kidney to me," Rudolph said. He said the emotional toll of waiting for a kidney is mentally exhausting, but he continues to advocate for himself on social media and around the city of Columbus.
"You can't just sit around
and just think you're going to get one. And you can't think that your life is going to not continue," Rudolph said.
During an already challenging time, thousands of Black patients found out that because of their race, they were waiting even longer for a kidney transplant.
"At first I was like man, like I will never get a kidney waiting and thinking that this whole process
to me felt like it was just harder for us to be able to get one."
At issue is a once widely used test that overestimated how well Black people’s kidneys were functioning, making them look healthier than they really were — all because of an automated formula that calculated results for Black and non-Black patients differently. That race-based equation could Continued on Page 7
Kamala
running mate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz hold a campaign
Dr. Ray Bignall
Around DAYTON
Miami Valley Weather
8/4 Memorial Unveiled to Mark Fifth Anniversary of Dayton Tragedy.. Continued from Page 1
the community, a team of art jurors, and the 8-4 Memorial Committee.
The “Seed of Life” team consists of Terry Welker, FAIA: architect/sculptor, team leader, Sierra Leone: poet, educator, community builder, Jes McMillan: artist, community builder, The Mosaic Institute, and James Pate: artist, designer, community builder.
“Working alongside this team of artists and members of the community has been an absolute honor,” said Terry Welker, team leader of
the “Seed of Life” team.
“Each member of the team shared their unique talents, ideas, and overall vision to create this significant artwork and shared place of healing for the community. Volunteers from all walks of life joined us to help bring all of the pieces together and begin our healing process.”
Funding for the 8-4 Memorial is possible thanks to the support from the CareSource Foundation, City of Dayton, Connor Group Kids & Community Partners, Dayton Chil-
dren’s Hospital, Kettering Health Network, Montgomery County, Premier Health, Sinclair College, University of Dayton, and donations from the Gem City Shine hosted by Dave Chappelle.
Questions about the 8/4 Memorial Committee and the 8/4 Memorial may be directed to co-chairs Sandy Gudorf (email gudorf@downtowndayton. org or call 937-224-1518) and Sandy Hunt (email hunts@mcohio.org or call 937-225-6262).
Mayor Mims Speaks on Failed West Dayton Hospital Bid
Dayton Mayor Jeffrey Mims Jr. recently sent out a letter to local leaders that said he does not believe a new state-ofthe-art hospital can be built for just $2 million
per year — which is how much the levy is expected to generate.
An effort to bring a hospital back to West Dayton will not be on the ballot this November unless 1,250 new signatures are collected by the end of the month.
A local group tried to petition for the issue to be included in the coming election but failed to get the required number of signatures. City leaders voted at a city commission meeting Wednesday night against adding the levy to the ballot.
Doctors, community members engineers, and
Tuesday
McDonald's Reveals New Collector's Meal Inspired by Fan-favorite Collectibles
Fans can add to their collection with six collectible cups beginning August 13
Over the years, McDonald’s fans have built a special connection to McDonald's collectibles. From Happy Meal toys to merch, games and cups, these keepsakes are more than just things – they unlock core memories around McDonald's moments
Now, for a limited time, McDonalds restaurants in Dayton are introducing the Collector's Meal, featuring six collectible cups that allow our fans to create new memories inspired by past, iconic collectibles.
The cups spotlight classic keepsakes that are at the heart of fans' McDonald's experiences, like Cowpoke McNugget Buddy (1988), McDonald's Dragster (1993) and Hello Kitty Crew Keychain (2000).
The six-cup lineup includes:
• Barbie™ & Hot Wheels™: The design puts a fresh spin on beloved Mattel toys that ignite our imagination.
• Beanie Babies: A homage to the Teenie Beanie craze of the 90s, this cup features some of the era's most beloved characters, like Golden Arches Bear (2004).
• Coca-Cola: Keep cool
election officials all spoke at tonight’s meeting. City leaders heard what the potential public hospital would cost when it comes to building and maintenance.
After the closing of the Good Samaritan Hospital in 2018, the community has been left without needed healthcare options. In response, the Clergy Community Coalition started the petition in an effort to restore accessibility. They needed 1,250 signatures but fell short by 488 signatures.
The Montgomery County Board of Elections examined the signatures and only found 874 were valid. The coalition was hoping the city would make an exception and allow the public to vote on the hospital come November.
But the city says what the coalition is asking is invalid and insufficient — simply due to not meeting the signature requirement. Leaders of the coalition say the health disparities in the community are a serious issue and it’s time
with a modern twist on classic Coca-Cola designs that celebrate iconic collabs with McDonald's over the years.
• Hello Kitty & Peanuts: From hanging at the beach to going on big adventures, the Hello Kitty and Peanuts cup embodies the joy of being with our best friends – and the McDonald's collectibles that remind us of those moments.
• Shrek, Jurassic Park & Minions: Inspired by the iconic film franchises, this cup highlights unforgettable scenes and characters we've loved for generations, along with the collectibles that brought them to life.
• McDonald's: The Grimace Glass. Boo Buckets. Funny Fry Friends. McDonald’s fans fell in love with these collectibles from the start.
Each Collector's Meal includes one cup and the option of:
• A Sausage McMuffin with Egg sandwich, Hash Brown and Hot Coffee during breakfast hours
• The choice of a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets or a Big Mac sandwich with World Famous Fries and a soft drink throughout the rest of the day
"There's an undeniable thrill when you snag that one elusive McDonald's collectible or the final piece to complete your collection. We're bringing back some of our mostloved keepsakes with a twist, giving fans a memory that they can hold in their hands," said Morgan Flatley, Global Chief Marketing Officer and Head of New Business Ventures at McDonald's. "These new collectible cups commemorate some of our most unforgettable designs and global collaborations over the years, allowing longtime fans to relive treasured moments and helping a new generation make their own lasting memories."
McDonald's partnered with a team of talented artists to reimagine these iconic characters and collabs for a new generation of fans to enjoy. You can dive into the worlds of the cups by tapping into Snapchat's augmented reality experience, which you can access by scanning your cup on Snapchat or by visiting McDonald's Snapchat profile.
You can get your hands on the new Collector's Meal beginning August 13 via the McDonald's App, in-restaurant and the Drive Thru. The Collector’s Meal is available at participating restaurants for a limited time while supplies last.
5-Year-Old Girl Honored for Saving Herself, 1 Other from Local House Fire
A local 5-year-old girl is being honored for saving herself and one other person from a house fire.
On June 11, 5-year-old Sophia Lewis noticed smoke seeping from beneath a closed bathroom door. She “swiftly spang” from her bed and told the adult who was in the home, who then called 911.
Lewis’ actions allowed her and the adult to get out of the Harrison Twp. home safely before the smoke detectors had a
something is done.
“It’s not going to go away. We’re not going to give up on it. Too many people need it. Chronically ill people that had that hospital when it was a public hospital when it was first built, was in their community. Now they have nothing,” said Bishop Richard Cox, President of the Clergy Community Coalition.
The coalition now has 20 days to submit 1,250 new signatures.
chance to go off.
This week, Lewis was honored for her “heroism, quick actions, and selfless response to the fire” by the Harrison Township Board of Trustees and presented a formal proclamation.
“Ms. Sophia Lewis’s quick thinking and rapid response not only saved valuable time but also prevented significant damage to their home or even the loss of life, despite the presence of working smoke detectors. Her courageous acts averted a potential disaster and exemplified heroism at
its finest,” Roland Winburn, Board of Trustees President, said. Lewis told officials that she had learned about fire safety and what to do during an emergency in school, according to a spokesperson for Harrison Twp.
“We are fortunate Ms. Lewis had the forethought and calm demeanor to notify an adult. We are honored to recognize Sophia for her heroism and bravery,” Fire Chief Mike Crist said.
Mayor Jeffrey Mims
National
Three People Arrested in Infant Death
Nationwide — Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the tragic death of a three-month-old infant, Josiah Noel Seright, who succumbed to hypothermia after being wrapped in a wet blanket and placed in front of an AC unit. The incident occurred at a Budget Inn hotel in Augusta, Georgia, early on a Tuesday morning, highlighting the severe consequences of improper infant care.
According to WLBT, young Josiah was discovered unresponsive at the hotel, and despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at 2:30 a.m. at a nearby hospital. The circumstances surrounding his
death have shocked the community and raised concerns about the lack of knowledge some parents may have regarding safe practices for infant care.
Authorities have charged three individuals in connection with Josiah’s death. The baby’s mother, 19-year-old September De’Asia Seright, along with 42-year-old Diane Lamish Seright and 39-year-old Antonio Bennie Nash, face charges of felony murder and seconddegree child cruelty. The charges underscore the severity of the negligence that allegedly led to the infant’s death.
According to the arrest warrants, Josiah had been placed in his car seat in the hotel bathroom while his mother took a shower. Af-
terward, he was wrapped in a wet blanket and positioned in front of an air conditioner set to a chilling 61 degrees Fahrenheit. While Josiah was exposed to the cold air, September Seright was reportedly lying on a couch, and the other two suspects were in bed, oblivious to the danger the baby was in.
The tragedy of Josiah’s death is a grim reminder of the importance of educating parents and caregivers about proper infant care. Each year, thousands of infants die due to preventable causes, many of which are related to unsafe sleeping environments, improper temperature regulation, and general neglect. These deaths highlight the critical need for increased awareness
Continued from Page 1
a "strong personal rapport and confidence in his ability to be a governing partner" as a key reason Harris made the selection.
Harris spent this past weekend interviewing the top contenders on her vice presidential shortlist, meeting in person at her Washington, D.C., home with Walz, Gov. Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly. It was just 16 days ago that President Joe Biden dropped out of the race, and Harris and her vetting team -- led by former Attorney General Eric Holder -- were operating in a truncated time frame. The vetting team initially cast a wide net, with more than a dozen people in consideration. That list quickly got shorter, with nine people being formally asked to submit vetting materials.
and education on how to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
As the investigation into Josiah’s death continues, it serves as a stark warning about the dangers of negligence and the heartbreaking consequences it can have on innocent lives. The case also emphasizes the need for communities to support new parents with the resources and knowledge necessary to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their children.
Development Highlights Ohio’s Black Entrepreneurial Successes During 'National Black Business Month...
Continued from Page 1
lowed us to bid on RFPs that might not have come our way had we not been certified. We continue to see the value in the State of Ohio process, and the Minority Business Assistance Center continues to support our efforts of making sure Minority Businesses have a seat at the table."
Bob Ross Auto Group is the first MercedesBenz dealership owned by an African American woman in the country. The company is certified as a Minority Business Enterprise and Women Business Enterprise.
Development supports Ohio's small, minoritywomen-, and-veteran-owned businesses through Minority Business Assistance Centers that provide:
• Technical and professional assistance
• Certification assistance
• Access to capital and bonding
• Connections to business opportunities
• Services are provided free of charge.
Entrepreneur Joe Bowers' vision of launching Savannah Joe's Restaurant in Youngstown started to unfold once he sought business assistance from his local MBAC, which referred him to a Community Development Financial Institution Loan associate, Youngstown Valley Economic Partners. Together, they provided startup capital and helped
update his business plan. Bowers secured a lease and a loan and opened the restaurant in 2022.
"The expertise and guidance provided by the MBAC were nothing short of transformative, and the detailed support in crafting a robust business plan laid a solid foundation for my venture," said Bowers. "Their team meticulously assisted in outlining our goals, target market, and financial projections, which were crucial in turning my vision into reality."
Cincinnati-based Quality SAP is another minority business that benefited from Development's small business resources. The Black woman-owned IT consulting company offers website development, business branding, and marketing to small businesses. The business re-
ceived a Development Micro Loan in April, which helped expand its team, allowing the owner, Cynthia McCallister, to take on more projects for the company.
"One of the things that is so important as a minority business owner, especially a minority, female business owner is the support to grow," said Cynthia McCallister, founder of Quality SAP. "Development's Micro Loan has enabled my company to bring more people to my team and allow us to share our business resources with the community through our KEYspot Mobile app."
In 2024, Minority Business Assistance Centers served over 10,237 clients, provided 10,733 hours of business counseling, and certified more than 3,900
businesses.
Since January 2022, Development has provided more than $24.6 million in support to more than 270 minority– and womenowned businesses through the Women's Business Enterprise Loan Program, the Minority Direct Loan Program, the Ohio MicroLoan Program, and the Ohio Minority Business Bonding Program.
More information on resources to support small, minority-women-, andveteran-owned businesses can be found at minority. ohio.gov.
The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development. ohio.gov.
It's a process that is extensive and one that would typically take months –but Holder, along with his vetting team led by former White House counsel Dana Remus, campaign chair Jen O'Malley Dillon, campaign chief of staff Sheila Nix, and Harris's brother-in-law Tony West -- wrapped up their work on Friday, turning it over to Harris for a final decision.
Harris met with her vetting team on Saturday and was provided with extensive briefings on each candidate under consideration. She then interviewed the top choices.
Following Harris' interview with Shapiro, there was a sense among Shapiro's team that the meeting did not go as well as it could have, sources familiar with the matter tell ABC News. Later Sunday -- after the interview -- Shapiro placed a phone call to Harris' team indicating he had reservations about leaving his job as governor, sources said.
Walz, on the other hand, had an indication Monday evening that he would be chosen as Harris' running mate, sources familiar with the matter said.
Harris came to her decision on Monday and told a small group of staff, sources said. She did not place a phone call to Walz until Tuesday morning.
Harris told Walz in a phone call Tuesday morning that they are the underdogs in this race -- but that she's confident that together they have a winning message on reducing costs for the middle class and protecting freedom, according to a source close to the process.
Biden spoke separately to Harris and Walz Tuesday morning, according to the White House. Biden
spoke with the vice president before she announced Walz would be her running mate and also "spoke with Gov. Walz to congratulate him on his selection," White House Senior Deputy Press Secretary Emilie Simons said in a statement.
The source said that chemistry was a big piece of Harris' decision to choose Walz.
Harris notified her team Tuesday morning that she wanted to inform Walz and the other candidates of her decision, the source said. The final decision and execution was done this morning, the source added.
Campaign chair Jen O'Malley Dillon and Liz Allen, the chief of staff to Harris' running mate, are currently briefing Walz and the teams ahead of their rally Tuesday night in Philadelphia.
Walz as a Harris surrogate
As a surrogate for Harris these past few weeks, Walz has praised her for reenergizing Democrats and defended her record against Trump's attacks claiming she is "ultraliberal."
"He's going to roll it out, mispronounce names, you know, to try and make the case," Walz said of Trump attacking Harris during a recent appearance on CNN. "The fact of the matter is where you see the policies that Vice President Harris was a part of making, Democratic governors across the country executed those policies and quality of life is higher, the economies are better, all of those things, educational attainment is better."
Kamala Harris Officially Names Tim Walz as Vice Presidential Running Mate...
Arts & Entertainment
Search Now Underway for Dayton Holiday Festival Tree
The Dayton Holiday Festival tree will be the centerpiece of the annual Grande Illumination on Friday, November 29.
Summer may still be in full swing, but the search has officially begun to find the 2024 Dayton Holiday Festival tree! The Downtown Dayton Partnership (DDP) is looking for the tree that will adorn the stage on Courthouse Square this holiday season.
Thousands of lights will adorn the tree before it’s officially lit for the first time during this year’s Grande Illumination celebration. Crews will cut down the selected tree, remove the stump, and transport the tree to Courthouse Square at no cost to the owners. The tree’s owners will also be recognized during the official tree-lighting ceremony.
Trees should meet the following guidelines:
• The ideal tree should be stand at approximately 40-50 feet tall
• The ideal tree should be full with minimal bare spots
• Colorado green spruce or blue spruce trees are preferred, but other grand and stately evergreens will be considered
• The tree must be located in the front or side yard of the nominee’s property with clear access to the tree, free from power lines or transit cables.
Those who would like to nominate a tree can do so by calling Colleen Turner at the Downtown Dayton Partnership at (937) 224-1518, or by emailing turner@downtowndayton.org. A search crew will select this year’s winning tree at the end of October.
Details about this year’s Dayton Holiday Festival activities, maps, program, and additional sponsors will be made available at daytonholidayfestival.org in the coming months.
Wiley's Comedy Club in Downtown Dayton to Close its Doors After Over 40 Years
Sad news this morning. Wiley’s Comedy Club has announced it is closing in September.
The comedy club, which opened in downtown Dayton's Oregon District in 1982 has been a launching pad for countless comedians and a beloved spot for laughter-loving locals. The club has hosted a wide range of talent, from up-andcoming stars to established headliners.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we make this announcement,” said Erica, owner of Wiley’s Comedy Club. “We’ve had the privilege of serving the Dayton community for 42 years, and we’re incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received.”
To celebrate its legacy, Wiley’s will host a final show on September 7th featuring a lineup of favorite comedians.
Tickets for the farewell performance will go on sale online on August 9th at 10 AM. Here is the full post
from earlier today: It is with heavy heart that Wiley's Comedy Club, "Dayton's First and Ohio's Oldest Comedy Club" will be hosting its last and final show on 09/07/2024. While opening our doors on 04/20/1982, it is safe to say we have been blessed with the very best customers, comedians from all of the world, and I am very proud to say the BEST STAFF to have ever worked a Comedy Club. Wiley's has been considered "HOME" to many and it truly is a family in itself. Please join us for our last show to celebrate 42 years of laughter and help us say goodbye to a Dayton Icon. Thank you for your generosity and support over the years, we could not have done it without our amazing customers!! The line up for this event will house some of Wiley's favorites and take it back to where it all started! Tickets will go on sale this Friday 08/09/24 at 10:00 am. This will be an ONLINE ticket sale only, no exceptions as it will sell out. In the meantime, we have an
Editorial & Comments
Something to Consider: Accepting The Things We Cannot Change
By: Brenda Cochran Contributing Writer
amazing line up for our last month of shows and hope to see as many of you as possible in the next upcoming weeks!
All our love, Erica and the Wiley's Staff
As the news spreads, fans and comedians alike are expressing their sadness on social media. Many are sharing fond memories of the club and its impact on the Dayton community, including these responses:
"Wiley’s will always have a big place on my heart! It was where I headlined my first show, even if it was an open mic. I still have my key and so many good memories!"
"Great memories here. Sad news. The great comedians I’ve seen here. Definitely a sad day for Dayton."
"Another of the great comedy rooms becomes a part of history. What an amazing place to perform. Thank you to all who worked to make Wiley’s one of the best venues in the country."
Accepting the things we cannot change is not magic, it is a mindful, active practice, of consciously choosing to accept what is. Sometime in life, we end up in situations that we can’t change. Radical acceptance is all about slowly accepting reality in situations that are beyond our control. This does not mean that you approve the situation, or even that you are giving up.
Here is a perfect prayer about this subject: The serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things that I can’t, the wisdom to know the difference.
Accepting the things we cannot change doesn’t mean that we stop trying to reach our goals, it just means gaining the power to go to the best direction that is available.
When we think about it, there are many ups and downs, challenges and triumphs. We often find ourselves striving for control, wanting to shake our circumstances and mold our personal and professional lives into a perfect picture that we often take in our minds. The truth is that there are certain thing in life that are beyond our control, and it is in accepting these things that we can find true peace and contentment. If we
Brenda Cochran
are a leader of an organization, we must equip ourselves with as much peace and contentment as possible in order to maintain purposeful and fulfilled actions. There is so much in life that is outside of our control and intention, but I also think that it is dangerous to pin ourselves on something that we cannot control.
So many things have happened. Relationships, things get broken, money comes and goes and accidents happen, but when our worthiness depends on the randomness of life, then our self-worth is walking a tight rope
The Serenity prayer has been written in many versions and continues to hold a profound lesson that can help to guide us toward a more fulfilling and balanced life. One of the fundamental truths of life is that change is inevitable, we often might resist it, fight against it, or even sometimes deny it,
but change will always find its way in our lives. By accepting the things that we cannot change, we open ourselves up to the transformative power of adapting and growth. We also release the need for control and instead hold on to the beauty of flexibility. Acceptance also allows us to let go of the past and live in the present moment. Often, we find ourselves holding on to regrets, grudges, or disappointments, unable to move forward. By accepting the things that we cannot change, we release ourselves from the hold of the past and give ourselves the freedom to fully experience the present. As leaders or members of an organization, we must live in the present moment and look toward the future by envisioning what success looks like. Accepting what we cannot change also promotes self- compassion and self- care. It reminds us that we are only human and it is ok to have limitations. We are not super heroes who can fix everything. By accepting our limitations, we can focus our energy and efforts on the things that we can change which is making a real and strong impact.
Education
First Day of School: A Few Local Schools Began Thursday, Dozens Start
Next Week
The busiest back-toschool days of 2024 in the Dayton area are Wednesday-Thursday, Aug. 14-15
Thursday was the first day of school for the Dayton Early College Academy and DECA Prep, two of the schools with the earliest start dates in the area.
Other schools that were scheduled to start Thursday included the Horizon Science Academy and Pathway School of Discovery charter schools in Dayton, and Ascension, a Catholic elementary in Kettering.
The Greater Dayton School and Liberty High School were the first in the Dayton area to go back to classes for 2024-25, starting on Monday.
Next week is the beginning of the school year for a huge number of local schools. Trotwood-Madison is the first traditional public school district to open, on Monday, and Miamisburg City Schools begin on Tuesday.
But Wednesday and Thursday are when the greatest number of school districts will open their doors for the school year. Beavercreek, Centerville,
Oakwood, Bellbrook, Northmont and West Carrollton are among the schools planning to start the school year on Wednesday.
Dayton Public’s first day of school is Thursday, along with Kettering and Huber Heights. By then, most schools will have started in the area.
The last two districts to open their doors this year will be Vandalia and Mad River, both of whom start after Labor Day — almost four weeks of summer break to go!
Advice for Buying Used or Refurbished Computers
For new computers, I usually suggest spending $600 or more to ensure you’re getting a decent machine. But if that’s out of your budget, you can find some nice refurbished options in the $200-$400 range. Here are some tips that can help: Buy from a reputable computer shop
Look for professionally refurbished systems from a computer shop. You might pay a little more than what you would from a private seller, but you’ll likely get a much better outcome. For instance, at my computer shop (On Spot Techs in Moraine) we thoroughly inspect, clean, and test devices before re-selling them. We even replace the traditional hard drives with faster solid state drives (SSDs). We also include a good one-year warranty, which private sellers don’t offer.
Don’t buy from noncomputer retailers
You may see various other stores selling refurbished computers, but be careful since they don’t specialize in computers. For instance, I’ve seen pawn shops sell computers without erasing any of the data
or reinstalling Windows, just the very basic refurbishing. So, I wouldn’t trust those computers at all if they didn’t even help protect the privacy of the prior owner. I’ve seen thrift stores sell seemingly nice machines but have had shoddy refurbishing work done on them, such as bad hard drives and loose screws. I’ve also seen online sellers on eBay sell in-correctly configured machines.
Consider Windows 10 vs 11 support Microsoft’s most current operating system is Windows 11, which released in Oct 2021. Some computers with Windows 10 can be upgraded to Windows 11, but they’ve greatly limited the hardware it can run on. So, many computers older than 2-3 years can’t be upgraded to Windows 11. Thus, some refurbished computers out now will likely be stuck running Windows 10.
This all is important when looking for a refurbished computer, because support for Windows 10 ends in October of 2025. That doesn’t mean the computer will stop working then, but it will be less safe and most computer pros will suggest to not use the computer online
FAFSA Was a Debacle Last Year. Here’s What the Ed. Dept. Is Changing
after then. This is because Microsoft will stop all the updates and fixes to any security holes found after the support ends, so your computer may be more susceptible to hackers and viruses. However, with all that said, Microsoft is working on paid plans to extend the support out more for Windows 10.
To make matters even more confusing, someone can install Windows 11 on unsupported computers and try to sell it that way. The computer may work okay now, but may not in the future. This is another reason why you should buy from a trustworthy computer shop that will be upfront with you.
Buying refurbished computers also helps recycle old tech
Buying used electronics also helps the environment. Computers and electronics contain materials (such as lead, chromium, cadmium, and mercury) that can be very harmful to the environment. Reusing the electronics until their end of life can absolutely help. So that’s one advantage over buying something new.
This brings up a good point: properly dispose of your old computers and electronics. You should NOT put computers, mon-
Education Secretary Miguel Cardona speaks during an interview, Sept. 20, 2023, in Washington. The U.S. Education Department says it discovered a calculation error in hundreds of thousands of student financial aid applications sent to colleges this month and will need to reprocess them, a blunder that follows a series of others and threatens further delays to this year's college applications. Senate Republicans are requesting a hearing with Cardona to discuss their “serious concerns” about the FAFSA rollout.
The U.S. Department of Education will use a phased approach to roll out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, this fall, in hopes of being able to address technical glitches
itors, or other electronics in your typical curb-side garbage or recycling. In some states, it’s even illegal to do that.
Some computer shops (like mine) may take old computers and electronics for recycling for free. They might even help reset your device or remove your hard drive for you. It’s possible they could use some parts, which greatly helps the e-waste issue plus can be helpful for small businesses. Then they should properly dispose of other unusable computers or parts so they don’t go to the landfill.
Eric Geier is the owner of On Spot Techs, a computer repair and IT services company offering onsite service at homes and businesses in the Dayton and Springfield areas and also a storefront at 4732 S. Dixie Drive in Moraine. For more information, visit www.onspottechs.com or call 937-315-0286.
Education Secretary Miguel Cardona speaks on Sept. 20, 2023, in Washington. The U.S. Department of Education has announced a phased rollout of the FAFSA form this year before the revamped form becomes available to all students by Dec. 1.
The federal agency on Aug. 7 outlined its more gradual approach for rolling out the form that helps students apply for federal grants, and that colleges and universities use to determine students’ financial aid packages, after the rollout of last year’s form was dominated by major technological glitches and other defects.
Republicans in Congress, meanwhile, criticized the agency for a delayed rollout of the crucial form for the second year in a row.
Under the gradual rollout, a subset of students will have access to the 2025-26 FAFSA starting Oct. 1, the Education Department said. The department will monitor that group’s experience submitting the FAFSA for any technical problems and other hiccups to ensure the software the department uses to collect and process forms is operating smoothly by Dec. 1 for the universal rollout.
The new timeline is the Education Department’s attempt to prevent major problems after the botched 2024-25 FAFSA rollout
caused significant delays for students across the country, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in an Aug. 7 call with reporters. The original goal of the FAFSA rollout was to modernize the system and make it easier for students and their families to access, he said.
“We can’t reach our potential if we normalize the mediocre results FAFSA provided us the last 40 years,” Cardona said. “And we’re not shying away from disrupting a broken system of financial aid.”
But delays and technical flaws dominated the 2024-25 rollout, depressing the number of FAFSA applicants earlier this year. As of March, there had been a 40 percent drop in FAFSA submissions compared to the same time in 2023. The Education Department said the submission gap has since narrowed to a 4 percent drop.
In conversations with students, families, educators, university leaders, and lawmakers, the Education Department asked whether it would be preferable to give all students access to the 2025-26 FAFSA application on Oct. 1, knowing there might still be some technical problems, or to deliver it in phases to allow the department time to fix glitches as they arise, Cardona said.
“They overwhelmingly preferred the department have a Dec. 1 launch date of a FAFSA form they could have full confidence in,” Car-
Continued on Page 6
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dona said. “They wanted to know that when students submit their applications, their forms will be processed quickly and data will be accurately sent to schools within days.”
The department didn’t share specifics on how it will choose which students will gain access to the form starting Oct. 1, but officials said the students who are chosen will represent the demographic makeup of the broader population. With the form only becoming universally available by Dec. 1, not all students will have access to the form in time for early decision application deadlines. Students who apply to a college early decision agree to attend that college if accepted. Republican lawmakers criticize new timeline
Shortly after the Edu-
cation Department announced its new timeline Wednesday, Republicans in Congress criticized the Biden administration for failing to open the FAFSA form to all students by Oct. 1 for the second year in a row.
“We saw last year that colleges cannot create financial aid packages without timely FAFSA information,” said Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, the ranking Republican on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. “Many students may forgo college when they cannot choose a school because they do not know their eligibility for student aid.”
There is no law requiring that the department open FAFSA applications by Oct. 1, but the federal government has traditionally started the FAFSA cycle on that date. Cassidy
and Rep. Erin Houchin, R-Ind., introduced legislation in July that would require the Education Department to make the FAFSA available starting Oct. 1 of each year.
Many universities factor the traditional Oct. 1 start date into their financial aid processes, and most colleges have early decision application deadlines by Nov. 1, according to the College Board.
While the deadline is later than usual, it still allows time for states, colleges, and universities to adapt their processes, department officials said during Thursday’s call.
The Education Department has also heard from universities and states that they won’t make financial aid determinations before the application is open to everyone, the department officials said.
Black Author/Creator’s Coloring Book Series Addresses Mental Health Issues, Bullying and
Suicide
Meet Henderson Vaughan, the mastermind behind The Real Adventures Of Captain85, a coloring book for Black children that has proven to be a powerful tool to raise awareness and inspire action on issues such as gun violence, bullying, suicide, and mental health. More than just a fun activity for kids and adults, his coloring book features comic real-life stories and characters that are based on his personal experiences.
Vaughan, who also used the name Captain85 as a DJ and entertainer, was inspired to create the comic book character in 1979 after reading a verse from the Bible. He wanted to share his message of hope and faith with others, especially the youth who are facing challenges and hardships in their lives. He has received many awards from local and national organizations, including the 2024 President’s Volunteer Service Award, for his work and dedication.
The coloring book allows readers to engage with the character and their world in a different way by actively participating in the coloring
Henderson Vaughn process. Each page depicts a specific scene or moment from the character’s adventures, which are based on real-life situations. The reader becomes the colorist of the story, adding color to the characters, backgrounds, and other elements on the page. They can also use their imagination to create their own versions of the scenes, adding personal touches and interpretations as they color.
The combination of a comic book character with real-life stories and characters can offer a rich and immersive coloring expe-
rience. It allows readers to not only enjoy the act of coloring but also become more involved in the narrative and world-building aspects of the story. It can be a great way to spark creativity and imagination while engaging with the Captain85 character and their storylines.
The Real Adventures of Captain85 Coloring Book was released in February 2024 and is a coloring book with a message for the Black community as well as a creative twist to the traditional coloring book experience that can make a difference.
Hundreds of Black Patients in Ohio Moved Up on Kidney Transplant List After Policy Change...
Continued from Page 1 delay diagnosis of organ failure and evaluation for a transplant, exacerbating other disparities that already make Black patients more at risk of needing a new kidney but less likely to get one.
"What's so challenging about using race in this manner though is that race is a social construct, it's not biologically based. I can't look at a person's clinical labs and determine what race they are. I can't even look at their genetics and determine what race they are," Dr. Ray Bignall said.
Bignall treats kidney conditions and is a physician advocate and chief diversity and health equity officer at Nationwide Children's Hospital.
"One of the things that I think is most important for people to understand about these changes to the estimating equation for kidney function is that it's based on science," Bignall said.
Since the policy change was made to drop race as a factor, the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network processed modifications for 322 Black
Ohioans.
"The National Kidney Foundation and the American Society of Nephrology who together developed a task force to take another look at the equations that we were using and recommended race-neutral equations that are actually better in performance algorithm locally for helping to estimate kidney function," Bignall said.
This moved Black patients up the priority list for their transplant and Rudolph said he is now one of them. Of the more than 320 Ohioans impacted, close to a hundred have had a kidney transplant, but he wonders if the damage has already been done for others.
"There's been a lot of people out there that's waited a long time and I have friends and I have other people that I have talked to that have said they have family members that are African American that passed away because they didn't have this chance," Rudolph said.
Rudolph said waiting for so long is what messes with him and is what he believes makes people want to give up, but Bignall hopes this policy change will encourage people to keep advocating for themselves,
"Take hold of that hope, engage with your kidney health providers, ask them about being on the kidney transplant list, discuss
with them the decisions that go into not only you being listed for a kidney transplant, but also receiving the therapies that you need prior to that to hopefully preserve your native kidney function for as long as possible," said Dr. Bignall. Rudolph encourages people to look into becoming donors to help people like him, who hope to find a donor soon.
He said, "It's not going to be rough on you. Trust me. It's just you saving another life. You should feel real good and proud of yourself that you're saving another person's life."
Moving Hearts & Soles
If anyone wonders why today’s Black women need a health book geared specifically to them, look no further than BLACK WOMEN’S WELLNESS: Your “I’ve Got This!” Guide to Health, Sex & Phenomenal Living (Sounds True; $26.99). The author, Dr. Melody T. McCloud, is an obstetrician-gynecologist, public speaker, and experienced all-media consultant. Notably endorsed by musician, Pauletta Washington (yes, Denzel’s wife); ABC News/
Good Morning America’s Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Jen Ashton; and “America’s Psychologist,” Dr. Jeff Gardere, the book includes comparative data for all women, but focuses on Black women given current healthcare outcomes. Importantly, the author addresses what other authors often omit: The effect racism and microaggressions—psychosocial stressors—have on Black women’s physical and mental health.
McCloud’s exclusive “Societal Stress & Black Women’s Health: The ‘Rejection Connection’” flowchart demonstrates
how psychosocial stress can also affect physical health and can even lead to death. “Stress increases your cortisol and other stress hormones,” she says, “that can lead to hypertension, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes…all potential killer diseases.”
The easy-to-read book presents clinical data, motivating anecdotes, and tools to enable readers to overcome longstanding health inequities and improve their physical, psychological, and social well-being. It is a “keep handy” resource for women to learn the signs, symptoms, treatments,
and preventive measures for head-to-toe conditions including heart disease, diabetes, cancers, HIV, multiple sclerosis, eye, lung, and gyn conditions, as well as mental conditions dementia and personality disorders.
The book has intriguing chapters about sex and sexual health, “down-low risks,” love, relationships, also domestic abuse. It presents how gun violence is not only a public safety crisis but also a public health crisis that requires “all hands on deck” — especially Black parents—to save the community.
Pregnancy-related mortality is addressed at length. “We have such high rates of maternal, perinatal, and infant, mortality,” says McCloud; “and yes, implicit bias is real: Many times, Black women’s concerns are not ‘heard.’ But note: The number-one reason for pregnancy-related mortality is that Black women do not start prenatal care early—in the first trimester. Almost 90% of maternal morbidity and mortality cases are preventable.”
Women should see an
obstetrician even before becoming pregnant and should not delay prenatal care. “Women are usually the health stewards of the family. Changing the health of Black women can change that of her family, and all future generations. Get your babies off to a solid start.”
The book is written for the general public but also can be valuable to health professionals. There is a checklist for readers to review their family’s medical history, and also a selfinventory checklist for readers to complete and show their doctors.
McCloud urges, “As never before, you must be proactive about your health. This book can help educate and encourage readers to be savvy, empowered patients because we can and must chart a new path to successful healthcare outcomes.”
Of Black Women’s Wellness, endorsers wrote [just three comments]:
“Whether it’s fibroids, heart disease, cancers, maternal mortality, mental health, or life lessons, this book is a blueprint to help us ensure total health.
I dedicate my voice to support Dr. McCloud in reaching our Black women.” — Pauletta Washington, musician, actress, and wife of Denzel Washington
“This book could not be more relevant! Black Women’s Wellness will improve women’s lives.” — Dr. Jen Ashton, ABC News/Good Morning America’s Chief Medical Correspondent
“Black Women’s Wellness is a must-have reference for physical, psychological, and sexual wellness. Finally, we have a book that specifically addresses the path toward health and happiness for our beautiful Black women.” — Dr. Jeff Gardere, psychologist and media consultant
Black Women’s Wellness is professional medical advice, sexology, sociology, psychology, dashes of pop culture, and relatable doses of personal responsibility for such a time as this.
Dr. Melody T. McCloud