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July 11th, 2015 - New Pro Model Now Available!
Today my new pro model skateboard came out, "Canopic Jars" as part of Outbreak Boards Sun God series. This is my 14th pro model. Stoked. Available at all skate shops and direct through Outbreak. Click here to order direct. Click here to view full size. It's been a great summer. Just came back from a week in the mountains. Made it to the top of Bald Knob. It's the highest summit of Back Allegheny Mountain in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. I got to spend my 42nd birthday in the mountains. Many thanks to friends and family for the birthday wishes! Lots of exciting things ahead, stay tuned! - Doug
July 3rd, 2015 - Beyond the Board Exhibit Takes Flight!
That's right folks, items from my career are now on display. The Beyond the Board exhibit has begun in my hometown of Wooster at the Wayne County Public Library. The exhibit runs from now till the end of July. The exhibit is located in the central gallery near the back entrance. I'm promoting my new book and literacy through different libraries throughout the summer.
June 27th, 2015 - Cardington Street Festival
Had a an amazing weekend at the Cardington Street Festival. The weather held out for us for the skate contest and festivities. So many new and familiar faces. I've been doing this event for over 10 years now. It's near the town of Mt.Gilead where all my family roots are based and where my parents grew up and fell in love. The first year I did this event all my grandparents where there to attend and see me in my element. They have all since passed but I felt their presence throughout the day. Thanks to the Friends of Cardington and everyone involved in the event.
June 23rd, 2015 - Childtime Learning Center Michigan
Had an amazing day speaking to the kids at the Childtime Learning Center in Michigan. So many smiling faces and a very receptive audience. It was well worth the long drive. Mission accomplished. Back on the road!
June 21st, 2015 - National Go Skate Day!
I started skated in 1986 in good ol' Wooster Ohio. Lots of places and events I could spend on national Go Skateboarding Day today. I chose to spend it where I first started pushing wood. Thanks to all the skaters and supporters that came out to join in the fun! Congratulations to all the winners. Great day, great vibes, great skating, great weather.
June 13th, 2015 - Willard Showdown 2015 Skateboard Contest
The Willard Showdown skate competition was a blast yesterday. Thanks everyone who came out for the event. They said rain all week but the skate Gods let us have pure sunshine. Great vibes, great skating, great people. Next week is national Go Skateboarding Day. Check tour dates for more info! - Doug
June 12th, 2015 - Orrville Boys and Girls Club
Summer is off to a great start! Last week I did a book signing with Authors for Cause. Spoke yesterday at the Boys and Girls Club in Orrville to some awesome awesome receptive kids. Full calander this summer, stay tuned! - Doug
April 15th, 2015 - Pinwheels for Prevention, Donations, Akron Children's Hospital, Howard Jones
(top left) A pinwheel from the Wayne County Children's Advocacy Center in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month. The pinwheels are a representation of how it requires everyone coming together to protect children. (top right) March 4th, On the road today, be sure to stop by West Hill Baptist today from 9-4pm for their mission trip auction. I have donated a framed signed poster, helmet and book to help the cause. (bottom left) March 2nd, I visited Akron Children's Hospital last night. These kids have the strength and courage of thunder. Truly remarkable. Words can't explain how the parents feel and the shock they are going through. To have their dream child in critical condition teetering the line of life and death. (bottom right) March 15th, Truly an amazing weekend on the road. Great friends, adventures and most of all reconntecting with my musical father Howard Jones! Lots ahead for the spring and summer! Stay tuned! - Doug
February 26th, 2015 - Celebration of Nations
2015 is off to a great start. I'm deeper into writing my 4th book and booking lots of eclectic events. Today I had an amazing event at Shisler Center at the Celebration of Nations, dancing Zumba alongside Debora Galaz and Maria Gonzalez. It's hard to believe it was 10 years ago I was touring with the Newsboys, had my face on X-Air deodorant and body wash bottles in stores across the nation. Where has the time gone? I'm blessed to still be a professional athlete and the snowball of events and memories that have taken place. Lots of fun events ahead, stay tuned! - Doug

December 31st, 2014 - Happy New Year!
Best of 2014! Thanks to everyone who helped make 2014 a great success. Many thanks to all my friends, sponsors, and all the special people that populate my small bubble. Thank you, truly. - Doug

December 25th, 2014 - Merry Christmas!
November 26th, 2014 - Smithville Middle School
Had an amazing afternoon with the students of Smithville Middle School. The audience was beyond receptive to my words and energy. The school theme today was that of gratitude and thanks which was simple to weave into my presentation. So much to be thankful for in life. Today was special. And tomorrow is Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Thankful for the close friends and family that are there for the good times and the bad times. I'm thankful for the here and now. I'm grateful to be in a position to reach others. Thankful for my timeline of events that has led me here. I'm thankful for all the inspirational people I've met in my travels. - Doug
October 25th, 2014 - Miles for Madison/Strides for Shannon
Today's event Miles for Madison/Strides for Shannon turned out amazing. The autumn's warmth allowed for an enlightening 5K for well over 550 participants. So many warm faces and hearts were on hand. I made some friends and fans and encouraged many smiles. The strongest and definitive moment of the evening for me was connecting with Shannon's mother as she was leaving the venue. I had words of compassion and thankfulness to her for inviting me to be a part of the fundraiser. Her eye contact and lightening grip handshake of a strong mother jolted me. Her daughter died of the same type of cancer my mother died of. I was scheduled to meet Shannon at the children's hospital days before her passing. Her mother informed me that Shannon and her brother had met me before at a skate event and securely saved their autographs of me. Shannon's mother and I never spoke a word to each other before this moment however that long handshake which transpired into a holding said volumes. Though no longer with us, those who pass on are very much still within us and everyone their lives have touched. Love lives on. Many events ahead! - Doug
October 15th, 2014 - Speaking at Waterbury Boys & Girls Club
Spoke to the great kids at Bgc Waterbury Boys & Girls club. They were full of energy and so receptive to my program. Many thanks to Manny, Janet, and Derek for your help today. Catching a plane tomorrow morning.Working out at my hotel tonight I got sentimental about my days here in Connecticut. It's the 7th year Southington's Play it Again Sports has flown me out for events. It's been a flood of memories. Past few days speaking to so many kids and signing posters to each and every one of them. Hopefully planting seeds of inspiration. My brain, heart, and skateboard landed me here. 5am tomorrow I'll be boarding a plane for Baltimore, more events ahead. Much thanks to Janet and the PIAS crew for everything! Feeling grateful.- Doug
October 14th, 2014 - Speaking at Junior Republic School and Meriden Boys & Girls Club
Today was a busy one. Had a great time speaking to the teens at CT's Jr. Republic school. Then it was straight to the Meriden Boys & Girls club to speak. What a great energized bunch! Many thanks to Janet and Sierra for helping with everything. Tomorrow I'll be speaking at another Boys & Girls club. Back to the hotel for some sleep. Till next time!- Doug
October 13th, 2014 - Bristol Boys & Girls Club and Play it Again Sports Store In-Store Signing
Flew in last night into Hartford Connecticut for some events. What an amazing day speaking to the kids at Bristol's Connecticut Boys & Girls club went great. What an awesome group! The PIAS in-store signing was a blast, thanks everyone who came out. Ended the night with dinner at JD's Pizza with the PIAS crew. Back to the hotel. More events tommorow!- Doug
September 10th, 2014 - Bay Village Library
Things are going very well. Book sales continue to be strong and my new pro model 'Innerscape' by Outbreak is selling well. Today I spoke at the Bay Village Library. What a great group of kids. The event started with them chanting my name which was a nice warm welcome. Many thanks to everyone who came out to hear me speak. Great day! - Doug
September 5th, 2014 - Lodi School Visit
Today I visited Miss Rachel's class. The kids were a ball of energy stoked on my skateboarding. I'll be visiting a series of schools throughout the fall this year. I'm very passionate about reaching the youth through my words and my skateboarding. Staying positive, Doug
August 13th, 2014 - Front Page for New Pro Model
My new pro model deck Innerscape by Outbreak Boards has found its way to the front page of the Wooster Weekly. Click here to read the full article. Stoked on the release of this new deck drawn by the talents of my artist friend Carissa Engle. Click here to order it direct from Outbreak. Many events ahead, it's an exciting time. Till next time! Doug
August 5th, 2014 - Honorary Member of the Learning Garden
On July 17th I got invited to the Learning Garden and they made me an honorary member of their camp group. They gave me a member shirt with all their signatures and gave me the name "General Skatewalker" How perfect. Many thanks to Brad, the camp counselors and all the kids at the Learning Garden. My new pro model "Innerscape" by Outbreak Boards is now in skateshops across the nation. Click here to order it direct from Outbreak. On August 16th I will be hosted a skate contest in Lexington. Click here for info. Lots of events and happenings ahead, stay tuned! Doug
July 15th, 2014 - Wooster Boys and Girls Club
What and amazing afternoon! I spoke to my hometown's Boys & Girls Club at Edgewood Middle School. I speak at Boys & Girls clubs all over the nation, it was extra special talking to this one in my hometown. To add to the sentimental mix this building was where I went to junior high. These kids were great!
July 10th, 2014 - Akron Children's Hospital and Birthday
I had an amazing birthday! Thank you everyone for your very kind birthday wishes. I spent the day at the Akron Children's Hospital visiting the kids. I always go to inspire them but they end up inspiring me. After the visits it was onto a day of mountain biking and skating. To top the evening off I got to meet actor and comedian Rain Pryor - Richard Pryor's daughter. I couldn't of asked for a better birthday. Many events ahead, stay tuned! Doug
June 28th, 2014 - Cardington Street Fair and skate competition
Today was the Cardington Street Fair. I've done this event for many years. I'm so stoked to still be a part of it all. They jetted me down here and got me a hotel for a couple nights. The skate contest I hosted was a blast, plenty of great talent. I then was a judge for the talent competition then got to jump on stage with the band Oolong Gurus for their final song, then finished off the night with fireworks. Was great to meet so many new people and see some familiar friends and fans. Back on the road tomorrow. - Doug
June 21st, 2014 - Go Skate Day!
Today was national Go Skateboarding Day! It's like Christmas for skateboarders. Every year I get invited to do this event all over but every year I chose my hometown to spend this skate holiday. I grew up skating the streets of Wooster. I've skated the globe but I always have a skate spot in my heart for good ol' Wooster. It was a great day of skating and rockin out with DJ Shadow Fox. Many events ahead! - Doug
June 16th, 2014 - New pro model "Innerscape"
I'm very excited to introduce my new pro model skateboard "Innerscape" by Outbreak Boards. Artwork by the very talented Carissa Engle. It's been a long time in the making. I couldn't be more happy with the deck. Outbreak will be releasing it soon with their 2014 Summer Collection Line. Click here to view full size. Stay tuned! - Doug
June 14th, 2014 - Willard Showdown Skate Comp
I had a great time at the Willard Showdown skate event today. Great vibes, great weather, great skating. Thanks to Joe from J2 Skate Ministry and everyone that came out to enjoy the day with us. It's been a great weekend of events and travel. Sun burnt and tired but well worth it. - Doug
June 13th, 2014 - Learning Garden Summer Camp
I had an amazing day today with the campers from the Learning Garden. Upon my arrival they were chanting my name, a very warm energetic welcome. They were so receptive to my speech and had a slew of great questions. Dodging the rain we headed across the field after my speech to the Valleyview Skatepark so I could give a demonstration and skate with some of the campers. Many thanks to Brad Smith, the camp counselors, campers, and everyone from the Learning Garden.- Doug
May 26th 2014 - Memorial Day Service Featured Speaker
I had a great day being the featured speaker at Dalton's Memorial Day service. Nothing felt better than getting sincere hand shakes from people in the community that enjoyed my words. I put my heart into my delivery. Special thanks to the Boy Scouts 922 for inviting me to be the speaker for today. I was very honored to be chosen to speak to the citizens and veterans and to pay homage to America’s finest men and women who gave their lives in defense of freedom. I'm living an American dream, and I have them to thank. Many more updates ahead. I have a new pro model coming out with Outbreak Boards next month. Some pretty exciting tour dates to report also, stay tuned! - Doug
March 21st 2014 - Schmid Hall Book Signing
What a great signing at Schmid Hall. I'm thrilled to have the new book out. It was a long journey in writing it, but it has paid off in a big way. Lots ahead for the spring and summer of 2014. Many thanks to everyone who came out for the book signing. My book is now in all major book stores however if you get it directly from www.beyondtheboard.net it will be personally signed from me to you. Till next time, Doug.

March 2nd 2014 - New Book ON SALE NOW!!
Everyone assumes writing your life story is easy and everyone has it in them. It's much harder than one thinks, especially to do it properly. The world stops, it's not a write here or there kind of thing. Friends and family ask where you've been. Go to bed 4am, relive the hardest moments of your life in detail, get in the zone. Deaths, highs, lows. Talk to ex girlfriends (the ones willing to talk) about why things might have gone sour. It's all bleeding emotionally. To be honest and vulnerable. But, totally worth it in the end. I've reached many with my other books and the goal will be the same this round. To inspire, to connect, to change, to grow. Stay tuned, the book will in all major book chains in a couple months but is on sale NOW exclusively at www.beyondtheboard.net
January 15th 2014 - Give-away and Athletes for Hope Twitter Chat
Congratulations to Emmitt Taylor the winner of the complete skateboard contest I hosted on Facebook. In conjunction with Acres of Fun, Danny Badertscher and myself presented Emmitt with the board tonight. When his father told him he had won Emmitt thought he was joking, he assured him he wasn't and the next minute they packed the family up and met up with me. I made sure to get them all skates and we made a fun night out of it. Many thanks to Danny and Acres of Fun for everything. As an all star member of Athletes for Hope I will be a guest on their first Twitter Chat. In honor of MLK Jr. Day, we will be talking about how and when to engage young athletes in volunteerism. Event is 1/20/14 at 12-1pm EST. Follow along on Twitter by hashtag #AFHService or @Ath4Hope. Lots ahead for 2014, stay tuned! Doug

Best of 2013

Christmas 2013
Novemeber 21st 2013 - Alliance and Updates!
I think I succeeded in bringing the sunshine to the city of Alliance today, the audience was great. So many good vibes. The stories some of the people shared after the program how my speech reached them, priceless. Nothing beats the relationship I have with the audience, I can't explain how good the connection was. Feeling grateful, thank you Alliance. Completely stoked to be a pro rider for Triple 8 Helmets which provided helmets for those in need for the Variety Children's Charity, and Variety Children's has teamed up with Star Wars... be sure to check out their new commercial, you will see Triple 8 Helmets. My new Christmas CD - I've selected 33 classic songs to perform on classical guitar with my original arrangements. Hope it adds to your holidays! Order here Last weekend was the Holidays for Hunger 2013, it was a success, so many more events ahead, stay tuned! Doug
Novemeber 4th 2013 - 4-H Junior Leaders Club
I had a great evening speaking to the teen 4-H Junior Leaders Club. Such a great audience, all the stories that came up. One of the teachers had been with 4H for many years and remembered my mother when she was a nurse for the 4H summer camps, was a nice touching story. They had lots of good questions and were very assertive to my program. While signing a poster for a young lady she made sure to tell me that she was born on April 9th, with a gleam in her eye, this was the same day my mother passed away. Was the perfect ending to the evening, life and death... living for today, living for those who are no longer with us. Lots of special moments happened tonight.
October 24th 2013 - John R. Lea Middle School
I had a great time speaking today at John R. Lea middle school, they were a great receptive, warm audience. I speak all the time but it never gets old. I'm truly lucky to be in such a position to give back and inspire. Today was amazing.
October 14th 2013 - Meriden Boys & Girls Club & In store signing
Had a great time speaking to the Boys & Girls Club in Meriden today. So many smiles and good vibes from the kids and staff. Next it was onto my signing at the Play it Again Sports store in Southington. The PIAS crew had a couple hours to spare between events so they took me up to the scenic overlook called Castle Craig. The view was breath taking, very serene and provided a nice break from the fast pace of the past few days. The in store signing was a blast, meeting so many new people and seeing some familiar faces as well. The in store ended with our traditional guitar jam with the owner John. After the event the PIAS crew took us all out for dinner to celebrate the weeks events. They even provided me a belated birthday by having the servers at the restaurant sing me happy birthday. There were so many special moments on this trip from visiting the Children's Medical Center to having a Hibachi dinner my first night in Connecticut. My skateboard put me in this position but my words, actions, efforts, people, and my heart and love for reaching others has kept me here. Past week and weekend were truly amazing, many thanks to everyone who came to events and Janet and John from Play it Again Sports in Southington. I'll sleep well tonight. Boarding a plane tomorrow morning. Till next time, Doug
October 12th 2013 - Connecticut Special Olympics Fundraiser
I had an amazing day working with the Waterbury Police Department and their fundraiser for the CT Special Olympics. I was very happy to help out today, seeing many smiles, getting to skate for the kids, awesome. Was great to see some familiar faces from last year and to meet many new ones this year. Tomorrow morning I'll be visiting kids at the children's hospital. It's hard to put into words about everything I've done the past few days, it's been unreal... with much more ahead.
October 11th 2013 - Bristol Boys & Girls Club
Today was awesome! I was picked up from my hotel then went straight to the Bristol CT skate park, it was a great cement park with great vibes. After signing some autographs it was on to our next stop. I spoke to the Boys & Girls club of Bristol. This was a great group, all ages I definitely felt my efforts reached them, they were an amazing group, the staff... everyone. Tomorrow is a huge event with the local police we are doing a big fundraiser for the Special Olympics. I'm off to dinner, what a special day.
October 10th 2013 - Waterbury Boys & Girls Club in Connecticut
My day started today with a plane ride from Cleveland to Hartford Connecticut. From there the Play it Again Sports Southington dove me direct to the Waterbury Boys & Girls Club to speak. After my speech a young man looked up at me and said, "I wanna be just like you." It does reach my soul to see and hear that I've impacted someone, it's why I continue to do what I do. Tomorrow afternoon I'll be speaking to another Boys & Girls club in Bristol CT. This is the 6th year the PIAS has flown me out to do events with them. Back to the hotel for some sleep.
October 4th 2013 - Young Elementary in Akron
Today was great! I got to speak to the students of Young Elementary in Springfield township. The energy and the excitement of these kids was contagious. They were very receptive to my program. After the presentation they invited me to have lunch with the whole school and have an autograph session with well over 300 kids. I made sure everyone left with a smile, an autograph, and hopefully some inspiration and hope from my speech, encouraging them to follow their dreams and believe in themselves. Mission accomplished today. Next week I'll be boarding a plane for Connecticut, this will be my 6th year visiting with the Play it Again Sports chain, they have me visiting hospitals, schools, Boys and Girls Clubs, camps, and an in-store signing in Southington. Till then, Doug
October 2nd 2013 - Lady Mustangs Win!
Congratulations to the Lady Mustangs for winning tonight! It was an honor to be along side coach Felton and his nationally ranked team during this big game! Coach Felton and the team have made me their team theme for this season. They've adopted my 'capture the moment' philosophy to motivate them during their games. They have a skateboard for each game that a player gets to sign chosen by the coach as a VP team member by 'capturing the moment' during the game. I can't thank coach Felton and the whole team enough for making me a part of their season, it was an honor.
October 1st 2013 - Meet and Greet at Montage
Wow, where do I begin on tonight? Thank you everyone who came out to Montage for the meet and greet. I do a lot of speaking events and this one stood out, the fans, the energy... It was a special night for sure. It was just one of those events where you know you reached your audience and made a true positive impact on them. Thanks again. This is a busy busy month, lots more to come.
September 28th 2013 - Heartwalk and Woosterfest
What a great productive day, started out with the Heartwalk with team Aultman. Some of the stories individuals shared at the beginning of the event were so sad and touching... today was for a great cause and I was so happy to partake in the efforts of the American Heart Association. Next it was onto Woosterfest to judge the talent competition. Was great to see so much talent and everyone enjoying themselves. From there I got some skateboarding in at the local park then some quality time with my brother's family and my father for dinner and of course the Ohio State Football game.
September 9th 2013 - Akron 1 Radio
Had a great busy day, Akron 1 radio interview went well, hanging with the band Cerebral. Calendar is filling up for the next couple months, it's been unreal. Thanks everyone for tuning in today. In October I will be presenting the best punk group award at the LMAs in Cleveland with Keepin' It Radio. Stay Tuned!
September 1st 2013 - Skate Strum & Speak 2013
Had a great time yesterday at Skate Strum & Speak, many thanks to all the skaters and Heed the Call for everything! Many smiling faces, talented skaters and positive vibes.Next couple months are busy busy. September 9th at 4pm I will be doing an on air interview with Akron 1 Radio at the Ohio Center for Broadcasting. I'll be speaking at lots of schools next couple months. I'm flying to Connecticut in October with Play it Again Sports, stay tuned!
August 30th 2013 - Skate Strum & Speak 2013
The photo on the left was taken by my grandfather in July of 1986 on South Cherry Street in Mt. Gilead Ohio. The big white house in the photo is where I used to spend my summers with my grandparents. My mother grew up in that house. I started on an old antique scooter that I found in their basement. Shortly after this photo I began skateboarding and the rest is history. My grandparents have now past but every Labor Day weekend as a tradition I still visit the Morrow County Fair. This year I made sure to have a skate down old South Cherry street for my mom and grandparents. 27 years after that photo was taken I'm still riding strong. Click here to view the full photo.
August 28th, 2013 - Nationally ranked soccer team uses my books as theme
Today I was invited to speak to a very special group of athletes. Coach Felton of the nationally ranked soccer team, the Lady Mustangs has used my books and philosophies for his team this year as a theme. "Capture the moment" is my motto they have been using. I was so moved that they knew my story and that I've been inspiring them for weeks without even knowing this till a few days ago. They were very receptive to my speech, I felt the reciprocation of energy and my purpose for being there. There were two simple chairs placed in a room for me and the coach, we were surrounded by the team, this was an intimate unplugged version of my program. It all felt very "Inside the actors studio with James Lipton." The intimacy and the topics tackled became a marriage of my life on and off the skateboard and their life on and off the field. Optimism, hope, believing in yourself and surviving adversity where at the forefront. In a couple months I will be joining the team on the bench as a guest for a pivotal game ahead. I'm beyond thankful and flattered by the events today. Many thanks to Coach Felton and the Lady Mustangs.
August 17th, 2013 - Blueberry Festival and Skate Competition
Today was awesome. The skate competition was heated with tons of talent. Was amazing to see how far some people traveled to go to this event. It was a full day of great skating and positive vibes. It was nice to meet so many new people and families. I'm always trying to give back and inspire, past couple days mission accomplished. After the skate comp I enjoyed the festivities, watched the sun go down as my crew and I enjoyed the band British Invasion. Popcorn and fireworks wrapped the night up perfectly. After the long drive and being sore I'm ready for a good nights rest. Thanks everyone for coming out and being a part of the festival and skate competition, Till next time! Doug
August 16th, 2013 - Foundations for Living
Today I spoke to the teens at the Foundations for Living. This booking was a long time in the making but I was so thankful I was able to speak to these teens and instill some positive thoughts and hopefully plant some seeds of hope and optimism. I know what strings to pull, I'm not so far removed from these teens and I remember going through those pivotal years and the issues they face. Some of these kids have been in this facility for over a year. I assured them that going through these adverse times will make them stronger people in the future. After the event we headed to Kingwood Center to visit the gardens then onto my hotel gearing up for the skate competition in Lexington.
July 22nd, 2013 - Dog Skate and Updates
Two days ago I had a fun photo shoot for Outbreak Boards, we did a load of shots and upon leaving we see this couple, Tracy and Doreen walking their two dogs. As they are coming towards us they over hear us chatting how fun it would be to have the Dalmatian dog pull me... they were all about it. He was a dog trainer and she was a pet photographer, the stars were aligned ha. Skate events ahead in Chicago, Connecticut, Lexington, Ohio and Toronto Canada's Muskoka Woods Skate Camp all in August. My signature shoe will be out this September, I'll have more to report on that next time! Doug
July 10th, 2013 - The Learning Garden, turning 40!
Yesterday was amazing. I spoke to the kids attending the summer camp at the Learning Garden. Upon my arrival it was nothing but smiles and great vibes. These kids were so energized and assertive to my program. A connection was clearly made, all the questions they had, the comments, the sea of high-fives, the smiles. After my program they surprised me with a birthday cake and a wall of posters they made saying Happy Birthday with drawings and greetings. They all sang to me at the top of their little lungs and the look in their faces, I about shed a tear or two. The hearts of the kids and staff at the Learning Garden have made a place in my heart today. It was an event to remember and the best way I could spend my last day in my thirties.Today I turn 40, a happy young 40, but the big 4-0. Thanks everyone for all the birthday wishes! Happy to be alive and productive. Live on, skate on!
June 29th, 2013 - Cardington Heritage Festival
What a truly remarkable weekend in the town of Cardington and the Heritage Festival. I first did an event there in the summer of 2004 early on in my professional career. My parents were from the neighboring town just miles down the road from Cardington. Both sets of grandparents were in attendance in 2004 and got to see me skate, sign posters, and just be in my element. Now, almost ten years later my grandparents have past away yet I'm still skating the festival yearly, I'm still living my life to the fullest. I have so many stories from just the past couple days. People that came hours away to meet me, friendships that were developed between skaters because of me hosting this event. Getting to hang out with the 95.1 FM crew and judging the talent competition. Getting to meet a ten year old boy that before the competition was in physical therapy for six months and was unable of simply jumping up, and now after recovery was able to dance and replicate Michael Jackson's moves verbatim, essentially stealing the show with his performance. Meeting all these families, hearing feedback from a mother that told me in private how strongly I've inspired their son in such a positive way. These small stories show just a glimpse into why I do what I do. Thanks to all the skaters, spectators, friends, fans, and everyone with the Heritage Festival. Till next time!
June 22nd, 2013 - Hosting Quota Idol 2013
I just got home from hosting the 2013 Quota Idol. What an amazing night! Tonight's show had a spark for sure, the energy was great. Congratulations to all the contestants that participated. And congrats to Curtis Roth for winning this years event! So many smiles and memories were created tonight. I was honored to be hosting Quota this year, many thanks!
June 21st, 2013 - Go Skate Day
Today I celebrated national Go Skateboarding Day in my hometown of Wooster Ohio where I started skateboarding back in 1986. It's become a tradition the last seven years to do the event with the local skateshop. There were kids that drove hours to be here. I enjoyed helping out with the days festivities, nothing but good vibes and skating, saw some old friends and made some new ones, a great day. Tomorrow I will be hosting the Quota Idol finale.
June 14th, 2013 - Recovery Rocks Fundraiser & Relay for Life
Today was a busy one! Today I spoke at the Recovery Rocks Fundraiser. It was great to meet a lot of new faces and support the Oasis Club's efforts. The Oasis Recovery Club's mission is to provide a safe alternative social environment for people in recovery. I even got to jam with the band. Directly after the event I hurried over to do my walk for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. I was walking in my mother's memory. The chilly night ended with the light down in the stadium and a glow of candles representing people who have passed from cancer or who are battling it. It was vert moving to hear my mother's name during the read through of those who have past from cancer. Tomorrow I will be hosting the first of two nights for Quota Idol at the Performing Arts Center. Click here to get your tickets here!
June 9th, 2013 - Featured speaker at the Palace Theater high school commencement
What an amazing day, getting to be the featured speaker at the graduation commencement ceremony at the Palace Theater today was great. The students were very receptive and the connection was made, the feedback I received was very heart warming. It was a pleasure to be a part of this event. I never thought 21 years after I graduated high school that I would be standing in front of hundreds of grads sharing my life story and words of encouragement. Thankful.
May 24th, 2013 - Melrose Elementary
Had a great event at Melrose Elementary today in my hometown, the kids were so embracing and receptive to my program, hopefully I've reached them and planted inspiration and the power of making good choices. Things have been so busy, June will be a loaded month with events. I was on the front page of the Wooster Weekly this week, Click here to view. I will be hosting the 2013 International Quota Idol on June 15th & June 22nd at 6:30PM at the Performing Arts Center. Click here to get your tickets now!
May 11th, 2013 - Oddmall Art Convention
Had a great event at the Oddmall Art Convention all day then visited Martini Skateshop then finished the night off visiting a special patient at the Medina Hospital. A great day, meeting so many great people. Always grateful.

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