Blackberry Brian

06/06/2026

Meet Heidi Erickson, a professional educator who became the light she wanted to see in the world. Heidi shared her story with me, how she helped a homeless woman go from living on the streets to living in an apartment while maintaining a job. A beautiful story of transformation, empathy and friendship. She can now say
“I made a difference to that one.” A true star thrower!

06/01/2026

Let your inner light shine, with your support we can insure that children are fed through summer.

Summer should be more than a break. It should be a season of growth. But when school’s out, so are the meals that millions of children count on.

Through the Feeding America network, neighbors are showing up for neighbors, keeping local food pantries and meal programs running all summer long.

Right now, every $1 you give can help provide 20 meals. Your monthly support helps ensure food stays within reach for every child, all summer long.

Join us. 🌻 FeedingAmerica.org/SummerHunger

05/28/2026

Walter Yaciuk Award - Mike Norton
Mike Norton was a key supporter of USA Hockey’s coaching education program across the Mid-American district for more than 25 years before his passing in 2024.

Throughout his career as a coach developer, Norton’s positivity, willingness to dedicate his time to helping other coaches, and his ability to adapt and embrace change stands out. After becoming a USA Hockey coach developer in 1999, Norton hosted USA Hockey coaching clinics throughout the year, typically hosting up to six clinics in a weekend.

When coaching clinics became remote in 2020, Norton hosted virtual coaching clinics every Wednesday, and made sure to go the extra mile for his groups, participating in prior clinics to get to know the class he would be working with, and staying long after his sessions ended, working individually with coaches and answering every attendee’s questions.

Additionally, Norton was selected as a speaker for USA Hockey coaching clinics throughout his career, and hosted clinics at Miami University and Culver Academy.

As a player, Norton skated four seasons in the college ranks between Saint Louis University and Miami University in the late 70s.

After graduating from Miami, Norton moved into the coaching ranks, first with his alma mater’s men’s club hockey team before serving one season as head coach of NCAA Division III Wisconsin-River Falls. He returned to Miami as an assistant from 1985-1991.

Additionally, Norton served as the assistant athletic director at Culver Academies in Culver, Indiana, from 1993-2015, before returning to Miami University in 2015 to become the director of hockey at Goggins Ice Center and general manager of the Miami University ACHA Division II men’s club hockey program, where he worked closely with the University’s coaches, as well as local youth hockey associations, to bring the principles of USA Hockey’s American Development Model to local teams at every level.

05/28/2026

Join the movement to End Hunger in America

Every day, people across the country—parents, students, coworkers—are helping to end hunger by donating, volunteering, or advocating. These actions support a nationwide movement. With that support, the Feeding America network rescued 4.3 billion pounds of food last year to help families get the nutritious meals they need to thrive. https://www.feedingamerica.org/take-action

05/18/2026

Thank you to the incomparable Joel Murray for spending some time this past Sunday to talk about charity, giving back, social responsibility and Feeding America. Joel along with his brothers and sisters have been perfecting the art of giving back for decades, through their various golf tournaments, most notably the Murray Bros. Caddyshack Charity Golf and Joel Murray and Friends Canal Shores Invitational, and other charities. They may be loveable & funny on stage/sceen but they are very serious about Cura Personalis. The Murray family leading by example.

Also a big thank you to Daniel Orr & FARMbloomington Restaurant for hosting us. You rock Chef D’Orr!!

⭐️TONIGHT⭐️ Joel and The Who’s Live cast will be performing at the Buskirk-Chumley Theatre in Bloomington, Indiana at 7:30. If you are around, treat yourself to a night of some of the best live improv in America. Attached is a link to their show schedule, check out when they are coming to your neck of the woods.

https://www.whoselive.com

05/17/2026

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/trump-food-stamp-cuts-children-arizona-hungry-big-beautiful-bill-rcna343922?link_source=ta_first_comment&taid=6a09050760f5be0001de57d9&fbclid=IwZnRzaAR2owxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe-rGTSVmJ9ql7wol3WJKghF2vVFdyp05IzrBLNP3CWJ6_mWwgmlORYcqQEfc_aem_XRUPhdrACTa8uJiJ-kgbsA

Under President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” food stamp applicants are fighting to prove eligibility and facing questions about birthday gifts sent over Zelle. A crisis in Arizona offers a warning for America.

05/14/2026

Spring is a season of abundance. Strawberries at the farmers market. Asparagus piled high. Fresh peas. But for nearly 48 million Americans, what’s in season isn’t always what’s on the table.
Food insecurity doesn’t take a season off. It’s a systemic challenge rooted in barriers that too many of our neighbors face every day — and it’s one we can solve, together.
This spring, give now to help neighbors in your community thrive. Every dollar helps connect families with the fresh, nutritious food they deserve.

https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio

05/09/2026

What an incredible day - another Max Mov is now history. Dana Neer, as always, orchestrated a breathtaking Saturday morning walk/run that brought our community together. It was truly uplifting to honor Mike Norton’s memory alongside his colleagues, friends, and former students he coached. On a personal note, I accomplished 12.1 miles at 3.5 and 4.4 miles per hour; those are good speeds for me. Thanks Dana!

05/07/2026

THIS SATURDAY, May 9th is the MAX MOVE, an event sponsored annually by Dana Neer, where those who accept the challenge meet at the Culver Naval Building at 9:00 am, after a few encouraging words from Dana, the group proceeds to walk, run, or bike around Lake Maxinkuckee. A great way to wake up the legs before summer. There are bathroom stops, water and light refreshments strategically located along the way. Look forward to seeing everyone.

I will be waking in memory of Mike Norton.

Please join us!