The COFFEY BLOG
FUN WITH MORGAN FREEMAN!
What do you get when Jimmy Fallon and Morgan Freeman play with helium-filled balloons? It’s a blast! http://fox8.com/2014/07/25/must-watch-morgan-freeman-on-helium-during-fallon-show/ FRANK CALIENDO AS KING JAMES AS MORGAN FREEMAN Gifted voice impersonator Frank Caliendo does a spot-on Morgan Freeman as he reads LeBron James’ letter announcing his return to northeast Ohio: http://fox8.com/2014/07/24/frank-caliendo-reads-lebrons-words-in-morgan-freemans-voice/ SPURS COACH GREG POPOVICH LOVES FOOD AND WINE The general public doesn’t know much about legendary San Antonio Spurs coach Greg Popovich, and he likes it that way. Here’s a nice look at the enigmatic coach that goes way beyond basketball: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/popping-bottles--spurs-coach-gregg-popovich-and-the-elusive-rock---hammer-pinot-noir-160224069.html ONLINE AUCTION UNDER WAY BY VILLAGE OF GREENFIELD The village of Greenfield is offering some surplus property at an online auction at GovDeals.com, a website specializing in the sale of government property. The items Greenfield is listing are pieces of marble from the mausoleum that was torn down in 2013. To see what Greenfield is offering for sale, type "Greenfield, OH" in the "Search Auctions" bar. For terms and conditions, look in the "shortcuts" window at right side of page. Interested parties may arrange for a visit to look at the materials before the bidding deadline, but must have an appointment. The deadline for bids is Thursday, August 7, 2014 at 9 p.m. Many other items from various communities are listed on the website as well. For a direct link to the Greenfield items, click on the link below: www.govdeals.com/greenfieldvillageohio HAPPY 60TH ANNIVERSARY! Congrats to those lovebirds, David “Boonie” and Janny Brizius, who have observed a big milestone with 60 years of wedded bliss. According to Janny, the couple celebrated quietly with a family dinner, but will be enjoying “a big blow out open house” in a few weeks when Boonie is feeling a little stronger after some recent medical issues. FESTIVAL PIX I have posted a bunch of photos from the 2014 Greene Countrie Towne Festival on the Greenfield Rotary Club’s website, which can be seen by clicking HERE and visiting the festival page. Also, and this is a first for me, HERE is a speed-reading version of the photos posted in a rapidly running slide show on youtube. Ah, technology! FESTIVAL AFTERMATH Whew! I was tired after the 2014 edition of the Greene Countrie Towne Festival, but it was nice to see big crowds in Greenfield for the many activities. I had my share of festival food, saw a lot of old friends and made some new ones. The Greenfield Rotary Club sponsored the festival and considered it a success after a tough start Friday with the wet weather. Other than that, the rain held off and the temperatures were mercifully cool compared to the 90 degree days that usually are part of the third weekend in July. I was honored to be chosen by my fellow Rotarians as grand marshal for the parade, a highlight for was a visit by our son and daughter-in-law Wade and Susan of Zanesville and their three young children, who got to Greenfield just in time to see Nanna and Papaw ride through town in a shiny new Buick from Gusweiler GM Center. Thanks to Sid Charles for acting as chauffeur. It’s a little known fact that Sid and I were once members of a rock band known as The Full Effect. It’s been so long ago that we taxed our memories to identify the members of the band, but it seems reasonable that the band included Sid on lead vocals with help from Dennis Waterman, Mike Yankie on lead guitar, George Smith on drums, John Wilkin on organ and yours truly on bass guitar. At the end of the parade I asked Sid about organizing a reunion tour for The Full Effect, and while I doubt there’s much demand for such a reunion, we sure had some great times back in the day. I took a large number of photos during the Greene Countrie Towne Festival and will try to get them posted soon, probably on the Rotary club’s website, www.greenfieldrotary.org. I’ll try to make note here once that posting is done. 5K RUN SET SATURDAY DURING FESTIVAL The McClain cheerleaders are putting on their annual 5K run Saturday at 8 a.m. (registration starts at 7:15 a.m.) at Felson Park. There is a $10 entry fee. Other details can be found HERE. DANTE’S NEW JOB Dante Jackson has joined the coaching staff at Northern Kentucky University as an assistant to men’s head basketball coach Dave Bezold. I think he will do a great job because he was always something of a coach on the floor during his playing days at both McClain High School and Xavier University. Here’s a link to the Dante page on the NKU website: http://nkunorse.com/news/2014/7/9/JacksonHiring.aspx?path=mbball DOES FACEBOOK MANIPULATE OUR EMOTIONS?
Of course it does, says Gary Abernathy. And he proceeds to explain why it’s okay: http://www.timesgazette.com/news/opinion-opinion_columns/5213139/Should-Facebook-toy-with-moods JERSEY BOYS I received an unsolicited endorsement of “Jersey Boys” from none other than Greg Roberts of “Just Thinking” fame. Several other Baby Boomers I run around with have said much the same of the new film by Clint Eastwood. While I haven’t yet seen “Jersey Boys,” which chronicles the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, here’s what Greg sent to me and some other friends of his: “Okay gentlemen, I sat down and asked, ‘Now who would benefit from this review?’ And you came to mind. Why? Because you grew up in the same era (give or take a few years) that I did. Maybe you weren't into The Four Seasons. Maybe you liked country better. But I want to tell you that the movie is nothing short of great! Directed by Clint Eastwood, it depicts the rise of The Four Seasons, their problems, and their shining moments. This is one I highly recommend.” - Greg PINK FLOYD TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM Hard to believe that Pink Floyd hasn’t released a new album in two decades. That will change this fall when “The Endless River” drops. It’s said to be an extension of unreleased work from the band’s last album, 1994’s “The Division Bell”. More info: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/pink-floyd-to-release-first-new-album-in-20-years-this-fall-20140706 NEW JUST THINKING Greg Roberts is a thinker and a seeker of truth. Would he advise fellow seekers to accept his world view or to challenge everything? You can find out in his latest installment of JUST THINKING. SOME USEFUL INFORMATION IN JUST 10 MINUTES Click on the link for allegedly useful information, some of which I agree is worth checking out: http://www.quora.com/What-can-I-learn-right-now-in-just-10-minutes-that-could-be-useful-for-the-rest-of-my-life PRINT OUT & BAKE YOUR OWN ROBOTS? Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed robots that can be printed and that self-assemble when heated. I’m not making this up! http://www.universityherald.com/articles/9697/20140531/mit-researchers-develop-robots-that-can-be-printed-out-and-assemble-themselves-in-an-oven-video.htm 
DOUG KARNES TO SHARE VISION FOR CREEKSIDE PARK
Architect Doug Karnes has been busy lately on other projects, but has not forgotten his beloved Greenfield. He emailed me July 2 indicating that he plans to have a display set up during the Greene Countrie Towne Festival at his office space located at 317 Jefferson St. Below are a few comments from Doug’s fertile mind that I copied from his Facebook page, Designing Greenfield, OHIO. I’m not sure how much of this can be done in the near future, but it is costs nothing to dream! And as dreamers bounce ideas off of one another, who knows where it might lead? Here’s what Doug had to say in a recent post: Hello Greefielders!!! Here is the current menu for "Greenfield Park at Paint Creek". 1. 9.4 mile paved bike/walking path with lights and emergency call boxes. 2. Paved parking areas for 200 vehicles. 3. Covered picnic pavilion with seating for 100 with plumbed toilets and drinking water. 4. Grass soccer field with fixed goals and bleachers. 5. Renovated Softball field (Felson Park) with lights for night play and bleachers. 6. 4 fixed fishing piers along the creek. 7. Wading area and walk-in access to creek under railroad bridge. 8. Mountain bike trails that cross the creek and circle the quarry. 9. New footbridge connecting Highland and Ross Counties for access to Rucker's Quarry. 10. Primitive campground above Rucker's Quarry. 11. New access road and parking for Rucker's Quarry in RossCounty near water treatment plant. 12. Walk-in beach area at Rucker's Quarry for public swimming. 13. New fixed playground/sprayground near main entrance. 14. New Zip-line operation above Rucker's Quarry. 15. BMX bike race course above Rucker's quarry along Thrifton Road for racing events. 16. Visitor's center and park office at the renovated old restaurant on Front Street at South Street with new park entry signage and gate. 17. New paved parking lot and event space below the Grain and Hay building for farmer's market, community yard sales, music performances, historic society presentations, school groups, etc. 18. Expanded historic campus near the Grain and Hay building. 19. New stone wall and walking path near historic cemetery. 20. New elevated walk-bridge connector and observation deck atop the old power/water plant roof accessed from the Traveler's Rest. 21. New parking area and bike path access at the old mill dam to the north and the Paint Creek Road turnaround to the South. What do you think of this list? If we were able to build this beast, market it around the state or region as something unique toGreenfield, do you think people of all ages would come to Greenfield to see this park and use it? I think so. Once the folks get here, they will need gas, food, lodging, stuff...all of which will be available in the newly revitalized uptown business district. Maybe some new companies would like to locate their operations here and bring a few jobs with them. Or the exiting business operations could expand and add jobs. Sorry to go so long...but I actually got excited there for a minute. Doug K. Thanks Doug! Keep those ideas coming! By the way, the Greene Countrie Towne Festival is scheduled July 18-20. For more info, visit the Greenfield Rotary Club website: http://greenfieldrotary.org/ 
HAPPENINGS IN THE HILLS' AVAILABLE ONLINEHappenings in the Hills, the popular insider's guide to events in and around southern Ohio, is out with lots of ideas for fun destinations, shopping activities and more! Click HERE to see the latest issue.
For more information about Magic Waters Theatre and other activities of the Brizius family, visit their website: http://magicwaterstheatre.com/ GEORGE PLIMPTON
Whether or not you remember George Plimpton, the “participatory journalist” who boxed Archie Moore and played quarterback for the Detroit Lions among other activities -- all for the sake of getting an inside look at various sports and professions -- you may enjoy this documentary about the writer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-SmIH9JHLU EMERGENCY SIREN IS OPERATIONAL The Village of Greenfield finalized the installation of its tornado siren on June 17 with successful diagnostic testing, according to Police Chief Tim Hester. "The siren did exactly what it is designed to do," Chief Hester commented. "I could hear it loud and clear downtown while outside. The sound is not supposed to penetrate inside the walls of homes and buildings. It is to warn those who are outdoors to seek shelter inside." Regular monthly testing will take place at 10 a.m. on the first Tuesday of the month. The test will last for one minute. In the event of an actual weather emergency, here are a few items worth noting: - The siren sounds a steady tone for three minutes. - The sounding of the siren means "Move Inside Immediately and Seek Cover!" - Each siren activation indicates a tornado/high speed wind event is approaching the City. - Greenfield does not sound an all-clear siren. Please listen to your NOAA Weather Radio or other info source. The official policy of the Village of Greenfield for use and testing of the siren is provided on the "News & Notices" page of the Greenfield website, www.greenfieldohio.net NEW PAUL McCARTNEY VIDEO
Sir Paul sings “Appreciate” to a robot at the Museum of Man: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/paul-mccartney-trades-dance-moves-with-a-robot-in-appreciate-video-20140516?utm_source=yahoomusic&utm_medium=referral LED ZEPPELIN BEING SUED OVER ‘STAIRWAY’ Did an obscure instrumental by the band Spirit inspire Jimmy Page to write the iconic “Stairway to Heaven”? The courts will have to decide, but you can read more -- and listen to -- Spirit’s “Taurus” and make up your own mind at one of the links below: http://www.aol.com/article/2014/05/19/led-zeppelin-being-sued-by-suriving-member-of-spirit-over-stai/20888140/ http://time.com/105016/led-zeppelin-is-getting-sued-over-stairway-to-heaven/ 25 YEARS OF KONNEKER SCHOLARS!
I attended the McClain High School graduation May 16 for the first time in quite a while, and it was an impressive ceremony. Alex Anderson, a 2008 MHS grad and Cutler-Konneker Scholarship recipient who is now attending medical school at Ohio University, was the commencement speaker and gave a really nice speech. He is a good representative of the “cream of the crop” students who have been awarded the Cutler-Konneker Scholarships through the years, and approximately a dozen past recipients were on hand for the graduation ceremony as this marked the 25th year that the scholarships have been granted. It was nice to see that Dr. Wilfred Konneker and his wife Ann Lee were present as well. They must be very proud when students they have sponsored go on to make big contributions to society. I got a chance to speak with Dr. Konneker briefly and joined the chorus of those who have expressed gratitude for this thoughtful gift that continues to pay forward through the years. Whenever I get back to Athens and see the Konneker Alumni Center named after Dr. Konneker, I can’t help but reflect on contributions he has made to Greenfield, where he grew up, and to Ohio University. His sphere of influence continues to grow through this amazing gift to higher education. The link below provides a listing of Cutler-Konneker Scholars through the years beginning with William Doan in 1990. Names not yet listed include Mackenzie Olaker (2012) and Kalei Edenfield (2013) and Ryan Kline (2014): http://mcclain100.wordpress.com/2014/05/12/2014-konneker-scholar-is-ryan-kline/ If you would like to know more about Dr. Konneker and his legacy, here’s a link that is a good starting point: http://www.ohio.edu/infocus/chainreactions/ 
GREENFIELD MUSIC STORE OPENS!
Greenfield’s newest business is Greenfield Music and Amps, located at 343 Jefferson St. The store opened its doors to the public on Monday, May 5 and features electric and acoustic guitars, amplifiers, drums and assorted supplies for musicians. Hours are 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Store owner Sue Sexton is shown above with some of the instruments on sale at Greenfield Music. PATTERSON MARKER UNVEILED!
I had the honor of attending the unveiling of a historical marker Saturday commemorating the contributions of the C.R. Patterson & Sons Company. The ceremony was a joint effort of the Greenfield Historical Society and the Ohio Historical Society, and the marker stands on the former site of the C.R. Patterson & Sons Company now occupied by the Southern Hills Community Bank. One of the speakers was Chris Nelson, author of “The C.R. Patterson and Sons Company: Black Pioneers in the Vehicle Building Industry, 1865-1939” and I enjoyed getting to know him as he is obviously very interested in this unique chapter in Greenfield’s history. Adding to the ambience Saturday was the presence of a Patterson buggy owned by Tom Smith. About 30 people turned out for the unveiling, with Chris Nelson doing the honors in removing the cover to showcase the historical marker. I’ve posted a few photos from the event on this page. Read more here: http://www.timesgazette.com/news/home_top-news/4664445/C.R.-Patterson--Sons-honored-with-historical-marker McCLAIN 100 & G3 WEBSITES
Larry Chapman has created a couple of new websites that should be of interest to those who visit my website. One is for the centennial of the McClain High School, which will take place in 2014. It’s logically called mcclain100 and can be viewed at the link below: http://www.mcclain100.org/ The second site is about the activities of Greening Greater Greenfield, also known as G3, detailing activities of a community group that that has done a lot for our community in recent years. Here’s the link: http://www.g3greenfield.org/ Might be a good idea to book mark them both! I have also posted links on my LINKS page. 
EDWARD LEE McCLAIN OBITUARY
The obit of local industrialist Edward Lee McClain is one of several interesting features found on the Atco, Georgia Facebook page. The obituary was published May 1, 1934 in the Newark Advocate. McClain founded Atco as a “company town” in order to provide textile products for his business empire. While Atco the town exists exists primarily in memory since the demolition of the mill that was the centerpiece of the community, it is alive and well in the minds of the “Atco kids” who grew up there and created the Facebook page. I’ve posted the obituary here for convenience. If you are a Facebook regular, you should be able to access the following link from the Atco page offering more information about Mr. McClain and life in Atco: http://www.atcogeorgia.com/search/label/E.L.%20McClain |
CALENDAREach Thursday until mid-October: Greenfield Farmers Market at AGMC parking lot across from Shopko, 4-7 p.m.
August 17: Greenfield Historical Society's Cemetery Walk, 1-4 p.m. at Greenfield Cemetery in recognition of the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War. |
AMISH/MENNONITE TRAIL
Larry Chapman has been busy, as always. His latest project is a map of Amish and Mennonite business locations in greater Highland County. By visiting the Google map below and clicking on one of the business names, you will activate a pointer showing just where the business is located. Pretty cool! Good work Larry!
http://mapalist.com/Public/pm.aspx?mapid=378317
ABBEY ROAD: THE HISTORY OF AN ICONIC ALBUM COVER
Even if you are a not a Beatles fan, you are probably familiar with the iconic cover photo of their final studio album, “Abbey Road,” considered one of their best albums. The cover photo has sparked countless parodies, but considering all the rumors and buzz from back in the day about Paul McCartney being dead, probably the best is his use of the same background for his “live” album decades later. Here’s the link to an interesting article for trivia buffs, Beatles fans and curiosity seekers:
http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/stop-the-presses/abbey-road-cover-art-strolling-back-rock-most-190720943.html
WIT & WISDOM
To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible. - Thomas Aquinas
We hope that, when the insects take over the world, they will remember with gratitude how we took them along on all our picnics. - Bill Vaughan
An army of deer led by a lion is more feared than an army of lions led by a deer. - Philip of Macedonia
Larry Chapman has been busy, as always. His latest project is a map of Amish and Mennonite business locations in greater Highland County. By visiting the Google map below and clicking on one of the business names, you will activate a pointer showing just where the business is located. Pretty cool! Good work Larry!
http://mapalist.com/Public/pm.aspx?mapid=378317
ABBEY ROAD: THE HISTORY OF AN ICONIC ALBUM COVER
Even if you are a not a Beatles fan, you are probably familiar with the iconic cover photo of their final studio album, “Abbey Road,” considered one of their best albums. The cover photo has sparked countless parodies, but considering all the rumors and buzz from back in the day about Paul McCartney being dead, probably the best is his use of the same background for his “live” album decades later. Here’s the link to an interesting article for trivia buffs, Beatles fans and curiosity seekers:
http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/stop-the-presses/abbey-road-cover-art-strolling-back-rock-most-190720943.html
WIT & WISDOM
To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible. - Thomas Aquinas
We hope that, when the insects take over the world, they will remember with gratitude how we took them along on all our picnics. - Bill Vaughan
An army of deer led by a lion is more feared than an army of lions led by a deer. - Philip of Macedonia
