Just in case you have never gone to this place, here's some information so you may. Maria's Field of Hope in Avon is a fantastic place to see, visit, take pictures, and simply reflect.

This is a really beautiful place! -

Windy introduced me to the idea of going last year, as I had never heard of it. It's in an area that I know well, and one she doesn't. We made the trek together on a beautiful and special day and took pics, and just took it all in. When you learn about it, and how it came to be, you are even more impressed.

A Good Day  -

Make it a part of a trip there and incorporate with another venture. There is plenty of shopping nearby including Crocker Park, food too, and antiquing. You can't spend hours there, but one would be a very nice visit.

I've been around this radio stuff for a few decades, worked many places around the country and have been a part of a lot of good radio promotions invented by good people.  But I have to say, that the WQMX Send Me Backstage T-shirts are about the best I've ever seen.

We have been doing this a long time, and it seems to get better and better.  It's great to see all the colors of all the years at all the concerts we do. And it's great too to see them all over social media.  It's about the easiest way to possibly get back and meet some of your favorite country stars.

Just Like This!!!

You can wear it anytime.  In fact, taking pics of yourself in your shirt and posting them here would be really fun.

Long live the WQMX Send Me Backstage T-shirt!   (Check our Website WQMX.com to see how you can get yours)

Last week when the Browns played their first preseason game, my favorite moment was when Damon Sheehy-Guiseppi, a guy that walked on to the Browns camp uninvited (under strange circumstances) ran a kick back for a TD.  What a terrific underdog story. The entire Browns team ran after him and mobbed him with excitement.  That shows me the team is on the right track.  Football can be unique that way.  GO BROWNS! 

(Cover Pic - part of  the amazing team I'm on at WQMX!)

Nick Anthony - One of my bosses  - I learn a lot, about a lot, being around him.

I saw, and believe still, in life and business, you play for the guys next to you, and hopefully you are around people of the same ilk.  If your skill set in life, and on the job is such that it elevates those around you, then you are in the right place, with the right people.  I have been lucky in much of my career to be around such.  And in my personal life as well   -   now more than ever.   To me, that's the mark of a good leader.

My Friends, Don, Tex, and Joe have made me better, on and off the course for over 30 years!

That doesn't mean you put yourself in the backseat, to the contrary. A job and life is a team sport, and if your gifts make others around you better, than everyone wins.  It's just that simple.  Those who choose to not reflect that many times end up isolated and in the long run, not as successful as they think they are. Elevating only yourself has a short shelf life in the grand scheme to things.  Life is a long journey, and it's better when team mates like you, respect you, and are glad you are around to raise them up, as they do you.

And Windy -  has made me me better every day since I met her...

I like all kinds of music. Yes, I have made a proud living on Country Radio, but most people in my industry like many different styles. Last week, I went to the Doobie Brothers concert at Blossom, and I was reminded of one of my favorite songs of all time!  China Grove - By the Doobies.   BTW I have always been a big DB fan!  It felt good to hear them play it in concert!

I call that song, and others like it,  a "Drive Around The Block Song."  Meaning, if it comes on the radio and I am almost home, I drive around the block to hear it.   It may have the greatest guitar riff ever, and I think it's a great example of American Rock music. Powerful, to the point, driven, honest, and almost infectious. You have to listen....

These songs exist within me for reasons I can't quite fully understand.  Maybe we don't hear them much anymore, or it's the kind of day it is.  Or maybe it takes you back to a great time in your life.  I just know, when on, I'm driving around the block.

I have other "Drive Around The Block Songs"  too.....



Up Down  - Morgan Wallen
After The Lovin' - Englebert Humperdink
Baker Street  - Gerry Rafferty

Startin' With Me  - Jake Owen

Route 101 - Herb Alpert
Small Town USA -  Justin Moore

Still Doin' Time  - George Jones

And the list goes on  -   and is probably too long to list.

Yours?

There are some new flicks out this weekend!  Let's take a look!


Dora And The Lost City Of Gold

Dora The Explorer live action time is here.  They have been promoting this movie in previews in theaters for many months, hoping for a large payday.  And they might get it.  The time is right for a new family flick to go to the top.

This will draw across the spectrum, as parents will want to take the kids, and see what this is all about.  This has been treated a bit skeptically by some national critics, but this will be a hit.


The Kitchen

There is a big cast in this flick that will tell a story we have not seen before.  The wives of a bunch of mobsters continue business as usual after the husbands are sent to jail.

They turn out to be quite good at it too.  I always look forward to flicks that are original in their premise, and this seems to be one. 

 

Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark 

The time is right in the movie world for a good old scary summertime flick, and here it comes front and center.  

I feel this could be one of the big surprise hits of the summer.

Went to the Enshrinement at the Pro Football Hall Of Fame last week, and I hope it's not my last time to do that.  WOW!  The changes at the Hall are amazing, and what is coming too is also incredible.  We were also very impressed with the new Tom Benson Stadium.  What a fantastic facility!

The Hall and Tom Benson Stadium are simply great!

Of course we saw lots of cool things, and were there to experience the whole deal.  But I think what really hit me, and what I took with me, is the anticipation of the future of the Hall and all of the terrific new things coming to the Hall Of Fame Village.  I can't wait to go back soon, and see what else is new at the Hall.

Great things are coming. Go visit the Hall!

Windy and I were lucky enough to go to the Jake Owen Concert at the Medina County Fair last week, and man am I glad we did that!   Blossom is great, and so are all of the amazing music venues we have around here.  But I was reminded that sometimes a good 'ole county fair concert can be just as fun.

Jake Owen is a singer who can sing both ends of the spectrum with the same passion.   Powerful ballads like Startin' With Me, and then the other end like, Down To the Honky Tonk.  He is the most versatile artist we may have in today's Country. He can do it all. This show was incredible, as it was one of the better concerts I have seen anywhere -  in a long while.

Saw some GREAT WQMX listeners there too!

So, with the Wayne County Fair in a couple weeks, don't forget the shows there. Scotty McCreery, and Randy Houser, plus the Legends show with Colin Raye, Aaron Tippin and Sammy Kershaw.

Take in a GREAT County Fair show!  Thanks Jake  -   for the reminder!

See YOU at the Wayne CountyFair...

This is a good week, as I am proud to introduce you to Stephanie Bunch.  I will be endorsing her on WQMX.  I met her in my search to change all of my insurance.  Who the heck wants to shop for insurance?  I looked around and like you, I was sick of paying a ton of money on it.  No one likes paying for, or even shopping for insurance. That's why I am so glad I met Stephanie.

She works for  John Karas Allstate Insurance in Tallmadge.  And when I told her what I was looking for, she did EVERYTHING.  She handled everything from start to finish. I just sat back and watched her do her thing. I was so impressed I told a bunch of friends who were equally impressed, and called her and made the switch.  She saved me a whole lot of money!!  In my case it was over $600 a year.   What a great thing. No one likes spending hard earned money on insurance, and it feels good to be saving a bunch of cash.

It's nice to know there are good people out there who are really good at their jobs, and take pride in it. That's her.  Sometimes things seem too good to be true in business, it's good to know that sometimes things really can be that easy.    (330) 633-3900  Give her a call! 

Late summer action out this week.....

Hobbs And Shaw

This week there is one major release, and sadly for some it is not an original  - yet again.   We are clearly in the era of "no new ideas", so I give you Hobbs And Shaw.  Two late added characters to the Fast And Furious franchise.  This stars The Rock and Jason Statham.

These two don't seem to care for each other, and now they bring their wise-cracking action movie vibe to the big screen this week.  Yes, this will find a following, and it is an alternative to the animation, Disney, and Superhero choices out there now, it just would be great to see something original at some point.

When I was a kid, the ice cream truck would come around, and I generally got a Popsicle.   Cheap, easy, and what my mom said I could get.  The "Bomb Pop Kids" were rollin' high with their red, white and blue deliciousness, and I was stuck with the one flavor wooden stick.

Then there were the "Two Stick Kids." They got the ones with two sticks, and although they generally were a sticky, red mess with the summer sun roasting their two sticks of sugar like marshmallows over the campfire.  And there I was with the single stick 'sicle and some childhood jealousy.   They stopped making the "two-stickers" a while ago,but I understand they are on the way back in!

And last week, I had my first popsicle in about 30 years on a 90 degree day.  Guess what? Single stick, cherry.   And I was good with it, as much as things can change, some stay the same.