Which of the following could be covered by an unendorsed homeowners policy?

Without realizing it, you can void all coverage on a detached “Other Structure” like a garage or shop building if it is used for business, as defined in the typical Homeowners insurance policy. See item B.2. below for the exclusions on other structures.

SECTION I – PROPERTY COVERAGES

B. COVERAGE B – Other Structures

1. We cover other structures on the “residence premises” set apart from the dwelling by clear space. This includes structures connected to the dwelling by only a fence, utility line, or similar connection. This coverage does not apply to land, including land on which the other structures are located.

2. We do not cover other structures:

a. Used in whole or in part for “business”; or
b. Rented or held for rental to any person not a tenant of the dwelling, unless used solely as a private garage.

EXPLANATION:

In B.2.a. Other structures that are used in whole or in part for “business” are NOT covered.

This means that if you start using a detached garage or shop located on your residence premises for business purposes no coverage is provided. The entire value of the building is at risk from any and all perils including total loss by fire.

This business exclusion became necessary to restrict the scope of coverage to normal personal activities. It is not uncommon for home owners to convert their garages or shop buildings to business use to make extra money like doing auto repair, cabinet making, wood working, manufacturing and the like. The solvents, fuels, paints, sawdust, etc. caused increased loss experience far beyond normal personal use.

If you are using your other structure for business purposes you will need to arrange separate insurance coverage to protect the value of your building.

NOTE: The business use exclusion applies only to the “other structure” not the “residence premises”. So, having a business inside your home doesn’t void the property coverage on your home or attached garage.

Homeowners policy references are from the unendorsed ISO HO-3 Special Form policy, 01-00 edition. Policy language may vary somewhat from company to company and state to state. Read your policy.

To satisfy the coinsurance clause requirement, the policyholder must carry coverage in an amount equal to at least the specified percentage of the total value of the property being insured. In this case, the value of the property is $500,000. Therefore, the amount of coverage needed to satisfy the 80% coinsurance requirement is $400,000 (or 500,000 × 80%). However, Frank’s policy limit is only $300,000, which is $100,000 less than necessary to satisfy the coinsurance requirement. The following formula is used to determine the amount that the insurer will pay for the loss in this case: amount of insurance carried ($300,000) divided by amount of insurance required ($400,000), multiplied by amount of loss ($100,000), minus any deductible ($1,000). The insurance payment in this case is therefore $74,000, after the deductible is applied.

Kirsten Hill, an outgoing member of the State Board of Education will join us at the beginning of our class from 7:10-7:45.   Kirsten, will discuss Senate Bill 178 which is currently being considered that would put the Ohio Department of Education under a cabinet-level official in the governor’s office and rename the agency the Department of Education and Workforce–DEW.  A cabinet official, chosen by the Governor, would oversee the department, a task currently held by the state school board. The department would have two divisions: one for primary and secondary education and one for workforce training.

Currently, the  19-member state school board, made up of 11 elected members and eight members appointed by the governor, would continue to exist, but it would be stripped of most of its duties. It would oversee educator licensing, and possibly discipline and select the superintendent of public instruction. who would be an advisor to the DEW leader in the governor’s office.

According to Governor DeWine,  “I think what the public expects is accountability. And it’s hard to have accountability under our current system with joint control.”   The Education Committee’s committee chair, Sen. Andrew Brenner, a Delaware County Republican, said the new department would likely begin in 2025.  Brenner said he’s frustrated with the Ohio State Board of Education because it is not holding the Education Department accountable. The state board has been beset with infighting and Ohio hasn’t had a permanent superintendent of public instruction for nearly 15 months*.

What do you think of the Governor and Ohio Senate’s Direction for Ohio Education?   What will happen if the Governor’s office transitions to a Democrat–will any progress be totally flipped or changed?  Kirsten will give us her analysis and also give a few suggested bullet points for more effective change.   Kirsten Hill will be with us from 7:10-7:45.

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From 7:45-8:30 PM Brendan Shea will join us.   Brendan is also a State Board of Education member.  He will give us his thoughts about the Governor’s proposed change but mostly he will be with us to discuss Title IX and the Federal Impact of our Government on Ohio Schools.   Brendan Shea recently introduced a four-page resolution State Board of Education that opposes the Biden Administration’s expansion to Title IX.  Title IX is a federal law that has banned discrimination based on sex in school since 1972. On June 23, the U.S. Board of Education proposed an expansion to Title IX to include protection for students who face discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Shea’s resolution would stop transgender students from using the bathroom and locker room of the gender they identify with. It would also stop them from being allowed to try out the sports teams that reflect their gender identity.  Shea said the U.S. Department of Education’s changes would “require sports teams to be based on gender identity rather than biological sex, forcing biological women and girls to compete on an unfair basis against biological males for athletic opportunities and scholarships.”

Critics of Shea’s resolution say that the state could lose federal education funds if they are found in violation of Title IX.   The Board of Education has heard testimony from a large number of people about this subject and sent the resolution to an Executive Committee for consideration.   The resolution is due for a vote at this month’s meeting.

Hear from Brendan about Title IX in Ohio from 7:45-8:30 PM.  Learn from him about the coercion taking place by the Federal Government on our local schools and what might happen to Ohio students if we don’t take a stand now.  There will be time for your questions.

*Some information taken from Cleveland.com

Speaker’s Bios:

Kirsten Hill- Kirsten is an elected member of the Ohio Board of Education since January 2019. She is chairman of Totally Engaged Americans, a community group of conservatives, in Lorain County. It was founded in 2009 and meets monthly. She also helps lead Free Ohio Now, which was founded in 2020 in reaction to government tyranny and Ohio Freedom Action Network founded in late 2021 to support local group leaders.

Kirsten and her husband, Andy, operated her family’s year-round farm market in Lorain County for 25 years. She also ran a seasonal farm-tour business, hosting families and preschool through elementary classes for many years. She has two children, a software developer and a physician. Prior to being a small business owner, she worked as a certified public accountant in Cleveland and in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Kirsten was on the Amherst Schools Education Foundation board for 20 years and on the Amherst Township Board of Zoning Appeals for 15 years, most of them as chairman. Kirsten has a degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business administration.

Brendan Shea- Brendan was elected to the State Board of Education by the people of the 10th District in November 2020. The 10th District includes Adams, Brown, Clark, Clermont, Clinton, Fayette, Gallia, Greene, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Madison, Pike, Ross, Scioto and the western portions of Pickaway and Vinton counties.

Hailing from a large family of educators, Brendan believes deeply in the life-changing power of education. He believes education should focus on the good, the true and the beautiful and that children must learn to think critically and develop wisdom and virtue, allowing them to achieve their God-given potential and to become engaged citizens and productive members of society.

As the father of five young children, Brendan knows firsthand the unique challenges families face in raising and educating their children today. He believes parents are the first and primary educators of their children, and he will be a strong voice for both parents and children on the Board.

"Not in Our Town" -- New book to be discussed.

Thursday, November 17, 2022
6:00 pm - 8:15 pm

(Note: Madi’s House event originally planned for tonight has been cancelled due to family illness.   It has been replaced with the following season ending event)

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class –Click Here

Required Reading:  Vivek Ramaswamy:  The New Woke Discrimination Demands a New Law!

Join EmpowerU tonight for our SEASON ENDING EVENT–the end of our 24th Semester!

Happy Hour * Appetizers * Sandwiches * Peter Bronson * Guitarist Daniel Regenold * Fun!

From 6:00-7:00 PM we will host a happy hour event with the following DETAILS:

     –Beer, Wine and Sandwiches to be provided,  

     –Please bring an Appetizer or Dessert

     –We’ll have some GREAT entertainment–Guitarist Daniel Regenold to Entertain

     –Let’s have fun–maybe bring a friend or neighbor     

Peter Bronson’s Class will start at 7:15 PM-8:15 PM–Get your signed copy of the book!   We are very glad to have Peter back to talk with us and entertain!

How did Cincinnati stay “Ivory clean” while the Mob ran an empire of gambling, prostitution, drugs, corruption and murder right across the river in Newport? The answer is in Peter Bronson’s new book, Not in Our Town, a sequel to his regional best-seller, Forbidden Fruit: Sin City’s Underworld and the Supper Club Inferno.

Not in Our Town is an amazing, untold story of the gritty and dangerous battle against organized crime. As the Mafia moved in, the Queen City fought police corruption, sex scandals and epic battles against underworld smut king Larry Flynt, making national headlines with its crusade for decency.

Career newsman Peter Bronson did extensive research into FBI files, national archives, court testimony and interviews to find out about…

• The underworld network in Ohio cities
• Mafia bosses who lived in Cincinnati
• The silent partners in Larry Flynt’s empire of porn
• Police corruption and stag parties with hookers
• How the media was played by the porn Mob
• A plot to blow up the U.S. Supreme Court
• A CIA spy linked to the JFK assassination who worked for Larry Flynt
• The “Wizard of Odds,” Charlie Keating, Si Leis, Jerry Springer, the Mapplethorpe meltdown and more…

“Most people today would not understand what it was like in the 1970s. You had to be there, to live through it, to describe it. This book is an entertaining history, informative and well written.” – Former Cincinnati Police Vice Detective Jimmy Simon

Get your RSVP in for this event!

Speaker Bio

Peter Bronson, author of ‘Not In Our Town’, Forbidden Fruit, and several other books, was editorial page editor and columnist for The Cincinnati Enquirer for nearly 20 years.  Under his leadership the Enquirer was judged Best Editorial Page in Ohio four years in a row. 

Before coming to Cincinnati in 1992, he was editorial page editor and columnist at The Tucson Citizen in Tucson, Arizona.  He started his news career in Michigan after graduating from Michigan State University in his hometown of East Lansing, Michigan.  He has served on several non-profits, including Casa de los Niños home for abused children in Tucson; Northern Kentucky Children’s Home; Leadership Cincinnati; and Cincinnati Right to Life.  He was a regular panelist / producer on the Channel 9 WCPO TV show Hotseat, and also on the weekly Tucson news show Arizona Illustrated.

He’s been a contributing editor and columnist at Cincy Magazine, and now is owner and publisher of Chilidog Press LLC, which offers publishing, writing, edition and consulting.  His 2005 book, Behind the Lines: The Untold Stories of the Cincinnati Riots, was a regional best-seller.  He is co-author of Legacy of Courage: True Stories of Honor Flight Veterans, and Legacy of Courage II.  Chilidog Press has published dozens of books, including Judge A: Irretrievably Broken, Dance When You Can and the national award-winning Submerged.

He is active as a group leader at Horizon Community Church.  He enjoys working on old sports cars, playing golf and travel.  He is the father of two, and lives with his wife, Kathy, in Milford.

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Entertainment

Daniel Regenold, lead guitarist for the well-known Cincinnati Band The Vims, and local performer, will entertain us tonight with Acoustic Guitar Music to help us close out our 24th semester at EmpowerU.   Daniel will play a one hour set starting at 6:00 PM. 

This season-ending event is always a fun place to meet new friends and enjoy.   See you then!

This is your opportunity to learn everything you have ever wanted to know about the US Secret Service past and present.

Tuesday, November 15, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here

Jim Meyers, a previous US Marine Corps Officer and Vietnam combat veteran, will reflect on his time served as a Special Agent with the US Secret Service during the Nixon and Ford Presidencies.  He will educate us on the beginning of the US Secret Service, the post-civil war monetary challenge posed to President Lincoln’s surviving union, the Cincinnati connection (“Greenbacks” and Chase), and the consequent need and spawning of key Federal Law Enforcement Agencies from its own ranks. 

In addition, he will cite how the agency’s little-known crime-fighting capabilities have expanded- as technologies have advanced over time and economic risks have been brought to bear on US citizenry by new cybercriminals. These new criminal activities, impact the US economy well beyond the statutes dealing with counterfeiting, forgery of government securities, and personal protection- for which the USSS has been known. And, these new global criminal activities have led to the creation of sophisticated cyber-forensics and interagency task forces to reach the perpetrators.

In addition, the protective intelligence mandate for which the US Secret Service is known globally, has been expanded to include the coordination of local, state and federal law enforcement and intelligence services to oversee the security of selected special events, such as our Cincinnati’s “Flying Pig Race,” “The World Series” of major league baseball, and National Football League’s “The Super Bowl.”

Jim will give his personal reflection on his own time served in Special Agent training, the field office, foreign dignitary protection assignments, and presidential protection serving at The White House, Key Biscayne, and San Clemente. Come prepared to ask Jim questions about things you have always wanted to know about the Secret Service.   Jim Meyers  presentation will go from 7:30-8:30 PM.

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From 7:05-7:30 PM –Jeff Capell will join us to talk about phone scammers. Telephone scams have grown rapidly and it seems like they’re only getting worse. These scams cost Americans billions of dollars per year, but government efforts to combat them are mostly ineffective. At this class we will learn about the scam industry, the most common types of scams, and how to protect yourself and others. We will conclude by learning how you can fight back against the scammers.

This will take us into the world of scambaiting – where ordinary folks waste valuable time of scammers to prevent them from victimizing others, while learning more about their operations and using that knowledge to inform others. Scambaiters have been quite effective at costing scammers money, and you can find numerous viral videos of the hilarious moments their interactions have created. Join us for a fun and informative presentation where we’ll learn about the scamming world and the tactics used by scambaiters to fight back

Speaker’s Bio:

Jim is a combat Vietnam Veteran participating in numerous tactical patrols and operations, including Operations Tuscaloosa, Independence, Union I and II, Dixie, Essex, and the battle for Hue (“Hway”) City. In addition to his expert marksmansp badges, service and campaign ribbons, he is also the recipient of several combat personal and unit awards, such as the Navy Achivement Medal with Combat “V,” Two Presidential Unit Citations, Combat Action Ribbon, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm. His unit’s action, as well as his 13 month combat tour of duty has been memorialized in author Lucia Viti’s book: Dr. Tom’s War: A Daughter’s Journey, published in 2010.

In 1968, after his combat tour of duty, Captain Meyers was selected as the Aide-de-Camp for Major General Mike Ryan, Deputy for Education, US Marine Corps, Marine Corps Base Quantico. Following his release from active duty, Mr. Meyers entered federal law enforcement and was commissioned as a Special Agent with the US Secret Service in Washington, DC, serving with the Nixon and Ford Presidencies.

Entering civilian life, Jim served a 25 year industrial career and credits his rapid rise to leadership positions to the training he received in the Marine Corps. He has actively led, at the executive level, several companies known for developing bioactive implantable products to reconstruct damaged human bodies. He holds 4 patents in the field of implantable medical devices and retired from that industry in 2004. He has served as a member on Boards of Directors in industry, venture capital, church and charities. Jim is a Christian and served four years as a Supply Pastor in the United Methodist Church in Gainesville, Florida. 

Jim Meyers now resides in Blue Ash, Ohio, with his wife of 45 years, Susan Rose- with whom he is raising the “last in the ranks” of their six children. He has served on the Board of Fellows of Gettysburg College, and stays active in the Association of Former Agents of the US Secret Service, the Marine Corps League Detachment 968 in Deerfield, and is Past Commander of Northeast Post 630 of the American Legion in Blue Ash, Ohio. Jim was recognized as the 2018 Veteran-of-the-Year by the City of Blue Ash.

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Jeff Capell is an experienced local activist who has taken both leading and supporting roles in efforts that have saved Hamilton County taxpayers over $1 billion. He is the Chairman and co-founder of No More Stadium Taxes, which works to prevent further stadium taxes and subsidies. Jeff was elected to Blue Ash City Council in 2017, defeating a 17-year incumbent, and was re-elected without opposition in 2021. He worked for 20 years as a professional economist until retiring at age 44 in 2020, shortly after which he became an active scambaiter. 

“Ours may become the first civilization destroyed...by the ignorance of our teachers and the dangerous nonsense they are teaching our children”—Thomas Sowell

Thursday, November 10, 2022
6:45 am - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here

Required Reading–A Collection of 5 Thomas Sowell Essays -Click Here

Thomas Sowell is one of the great social theorists of our age.   In a career spanning more than a half century, few scholars have matched his range and accessibility.   He has written more than forty-five books, covering topics from economic history and social inequality to political philosophy and race.  In all his work, Sowell would strive to prove that “facts and evidence matter.”

(Thomas Sowell pictured with his friend Milton Friedman)

Sowell’s bold and unsentimental assaults on liberal orthodoxy have endeared him to so many but enraged most of his fellow intellectuals and civil-rights establishment and many in the media.  As a result, critics with political correctness and wokeness have demeaned or ignored his important contributions.   

“Racism is not dead, but it is on life support—kept alive by politicians, race hustlers, and people who get a sense of superiority by denouncing others as racists.”

—Thomas Sowell

Tonight, you will learn about the life of the great economist Thomas Sowell, originally a Marxist, who became a student of Milton Friedman’s at the University of Chicago.   Was Sowell’s teaching similar to Friedman’s or different?  Sowell talked frequently about higher education that often meant the lowering of expectations for blacks and minorities.  He challenged his students and rejected the idea that you help minority progress by holding them to lower standards. 

Although 2/3 of his writing was on subjects other than race, he started weighing in on racial controversies out of frustration at the direction of public discussion.  Sowell, when discussing universities passing over White and Asian students for students that fit a specific skin color, Sowell said:,

“What sort of grotesque situations have we talked ourselves into when a promised pre-med student is passed over in favor of a ‘high risk’ student?”   — Thomas Sowell

Dan looks forward to discussing Thomas Sowell’s work through his own words and video and tonight his life will be presented in a way you may not know.  Be prepared to examine your own thoughts and feelings on the important issues of our day.    Dan will speak from 7:15-8:30 PM.

“If you believe in equal rights, then what do “women’s rights”, “gay rights”, etc. mean?   Either they are redundant or they are violations of the principle of equal rights for all”–Thomas Sowell.

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At the start of the night meet Cherise Wilson a leader from the Black Republican Renaissance (BRR) Group for a few minutes.  Their organization seeks to consult with politicians/candidates on how to successfully do outreach to urban, black communities.  They also host content that challenges main stream media views on conservative/republican leaning people of different backgrounds.

After Cherise, Hear from Dawson Smith on the Forest Hills Board of Education Election.

____________________________________

Dawson Smith will be presenting his personal observations and opinions on factors that contributed to the successful election of four (4) conservative and Republican Party endorsed candidates to the Forest Hills School District (FHSD) Board of Education
(BOE). The FHSD includes Anderson Township, and Newtown Village.

Dawson attributes this achievement to good and hard working BOE candidates; a
dedicated policy team; and superior ground game teams. All of whom worked
synergistically to help educate a significant number of FHSD citizens, parents, and
property tax paying voters to issues involving the outgoing and past BOE’s, and the top
level FHSD administration.   Dawson will speak from 6:55-7:15 PM.

Speaker Bio:

Dan Regenold: Dan first became active in Government in 2003 when he became involved fighting Eminent Domain and helping stop it in Evendale and in Norwood, Ohio. In 2006, he was one of the founders of WeDemandAVote.com which successfully fought and stopped, by ballot initiative, a sales tax increase in Hamilton County, Ohio. Later WeDemand stopped Red Light Cameras in Hamilton County.   

Regenold spoke at the CPAC Convention in 2008 to discuss major Grassroots initiative actions across the United States.   In 2009, Dan was unsuccessful in his efforts to bring accountability to the Federal Government’s finances with a citizen lead initiative WeDemandABalancedBudget.com.  In 2010 Regenold was one of three leaders of the initiative to End Ohio’s Estate Tax which happened in 2011. The Tax Foundation called the repeal of Ohio Estate Tax one of the most important Tax accomplishments of 2011. In 2011 Regenold founded EmpowerUAmerica.org (starting it’s 24th semester in Fall 2022), a Free University offered in the Greater Cincinnati area with the goal of “empowering” citizens. 

In 2014, Regenold was one of the leaders of the effort to separate Music Hall from a County Wide Sales Tax which helped the Museum Center renovation get passed by the voters of Hamilton County.   Dan has recently concentrated his efforts on the mess of Public Education in Ohio and specifically on topics like School Choice and Critical Race Theory.   Dan is a lover of Liberty and enjoys speaking to EmpowerU classes about subjects he is passionate about.  Recently he has discussed:  Milton Friedman, Saul Alinsky, Net Neutrality, D-Day, The Deficit, How to Destroy America in America, Public Education, Winston Churchill and President Theodore Roosevelt at EmpowerU Classes.   Regenold is founder and Chairman of FrameUSA.com, a Made-In-America picture frame manufacturing company in Springdale, Ohio.

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Dawson Smith is a 32-year resident of Anderson Township. Each of his two sons went through FHSD elementary (Wilson), middle (Nagel), and high schools (Turpin). They continued their academic education and graduated from the University of Utah (’12), and the US
Air Force Academy (’13) respectively. And presently have ongoing and successful business and military careers.

Dawson Smith is an Anderson Township Republican Party Precinct Executive and Ward Chairman. He is also a member of the Hamilton County Republican Party Executive Committee, and was a recent reform minded candidate for the Ohio Senate District 7 Republican Party State Central Committee (SCC).

Dawson’s main political work and focus is on “political operations”. Meaning the recruiting, training, assisting, and holding Precinct Executives accountable for executing
the “ground game” tasks of helping Republican and conservative candidates get elected.

Dawson has attended Candidate and Campaign Management programs, conducted by the Ohio State Republican Party, and several Political Action Committee groups. He has
also attended the regional US Constitution Boot Camp, and the on-line Hillsdale College courses on the US Constitution, and other subjects.

Prior to his retirement in 2016, Dawson earned and executed Senior Manager roles in a world-class high tech medical device company (presently Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies- Lakewood, CO). During his 40 years with the Company, he was a
recognized individual contributor, and leader of talented engineering, operations, and marketing/sales colleagues and teams. Which helped the Company grow from zero
sales in 1982, to approximately one billion dollars in annual worldwide sales, and industry leading market share, and profitability, by 2016.

Dawson also worked as an Industrial Engineer in the semiconductor industry (Motorola Semiconductor- Phoenix, AZ). and, during the Vietnam and Cold War eras (LTV
Aerospace- Dallas, TX), and for the Top Secret US government contractor (Mason and Hanger- Amarillo, TX). Which managed the final assembly, and maintenance of the US arsenal of thermonuclear weapons.

Dawson is an active member of Horizon Community Church in Newtown; continues his 53 years of dedicated and continuous multi-sport triathlon fitness training; and self
manages a portfolio of family investments.

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Explosive, stunning, and shocking: The story of an American company and the Third Reich.

Wednesday, November 9, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here

Required Reading:  Thomas Sowell Essay:  The Decline of Dunbar High School After 100 Years  (Please read before Thursday night’s class).

Required Reading II:  Read About Re-Release of the Beatles 1966 Album Revolver –remixed in Stereo–Click Here

It is the stunning story of IBM’s strategic alliance with Nazi Germany—beginning in 1933, in the first weeks that Hitler came to power, and continuing throughout World War II.  As the Third Reich embarked upon its plan of conquest and genocide, IBM and its subsidiaries helped create enabling technologies, step-by-step, from the identification and cataloging programs of the 1930s to the selections of the 1940s.  Only after Jews were identified—a massive and complex task that Hitler wanted done immediately—could they be targeted for efficient asset confiscation, ghettoization, deportation, enslaved labor, and, ultimately, annihilation.  It was a cross-tabulation and organizational challenge so monumental, it called for a computer. Of course, in the 1930s no computer existed.

Black’s book is so enlightening because it paints a richly textured picture of how a man (Thomas Watson, Chairman of IBM), and an entire company, can ignore all sense of morality while not once transgressing the lines of business ethics.  The case is simple and stunning: that IBM facilitated the identification and roundup of millions of Jews during the 12 years of the Third Reich.

Speaker’s Bio:

Edwin Black is the award-winning, New York Times bestselling international investigative author of 200 award-winning editions in 20 languages in 190 countries, as well as scores of newspaper and magazine articles in the leading publications of the United States, Europe and Israel. With more than 2.2 million books in print, his work focuses on human rights, genocide and hate, corporate criminality and corruption, governmental misconduct, academic fraud, philanthropy abuse, oil addiction, alternative energy and historical investigation. Editors have submitted Black’s work thirteen times for Pulitzer Prize nomination, and in recent years he has been the recipient of a series of top editorial awards. He has also contributed to a number of anthologies worldwide. He hosts the weekly Edwin Black Show. Black’s eleven award-winning bestselling books are IBM and the Holocaust (2001 and 2012), Financing the Flames (2013), British Petroleum and the Redline Agreement (2011), The Farhud (2010), Nazi Nexus  (2009), The Plan (2008),  Internal Combustion (2006), Banking on Baghdad (2004), War Against the Weak (2003 and 2012), The Transfer Agreement (1984 and 2009), and a 1999 novel, Format C:.

Take 20: Orlando Sonza for State Senate (9th District)

Thursday, November 3, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here

Required Reading:  FCC Commissioner Calls on Government to Ban TikTok — Click Here

Leonard Franklin Slye, famously known as Roy Rogers and the man who would become known to the world as the “King of the Cowboys” was born to Andrew & Mattie (Womack) Slye in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1911.His family lived in a tenement building on 2nd Street in downtown Cincinnati.  When he was just a year old, his family moved to Portsmouth, Ohio on a houseboat and Leonard spent his formative years in Portsmouth, Ohio.  Leonard attended McDermott High School until his sophomore year when his family moved back to Cincinnati, where his father worked in a shoe factory.

He was an American cowboy actor and singer who glorified the cowboy era in Hollywood with his charming singing and action-packed acting.  For many Americans and people throughout the world, he was the embodiment of the all-American hero. Rogers’ humble background and the financial adversities that he faced when he was young did not stop him from becoming a matinee sensation and an American legend;  From 1939-1954, he made it to the Motion Picture Heralds’ Top Ten Money-Making Western Stars Poll and was listed in it for 15 years at a stretch. In the early 1970s, he sold the rights to his name to the Marriott corporation and they used his name, which represented his stature, popularity and fan following, to convert their Hot Shoppes locations to ‘Roy Rogers Restaurants’.

For his brilliant contribution to the Hollywood cinema and glorifying the cowboy era, Rogers received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, second star for his singing and contribution to the radio and third star for his contribution to the television. But Roy Rogers was more than just a cowboy movie star, he was a father, a philanthropist and an overall good guy.

Tonight we will take a walk through the life of Roy Rogers.   John will discuss Roy Rogers from 7:30-8:30 PM.

Don’t forget to wear your cowboy or cowgirl hat!

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Candidate for Ohio State Senate, 9th District, Orlando B. Sonza Jr., will speak at EmpowerU on why he’s running for state office, how he plans to win this race, and give you an update on his campaign.  If you live or know someone who lives in the 9th district and hasn’t met Orlando, this is your chance.  Orlando will speak from 7:10-7:30 PM.

Speaker’s Bios:

John O’Neill–In John’s 35 year professional career he has participated in and managed people and projects in the corporate as well as the consulting services industry. His professional background includes significant career experience in a broad spectrum of business disciplines including sales of technology resources, corporate and consulting services management, software development and personnel training.

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Orlando graduated top ten in his class at West Point where he majored in political science and minored in systems engineering. Upon graduation, he and Jessica both commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army. Orlando served on active duty as an Infantry Officer and Finance Officer with the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia.

After leaving active duty, Orlando and Jessica moved to Cincinnati to raise a family. While helping to raise their kids, Orlando obtained his master’s degree in taxation from the University of Cincinnati and his law degree from Georgetown Law. Orlando is an Ohio CPA with experience working in Big 4 Accounting as a senior tax accountant. While in law school, he was a legal intern at the U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal & Tax Divisions. Orlando currently works at the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office.

 Orlando and Jessica currently live in Springfield Township with their four children.

The "Pandemic" has exposed the brokenness of our “Health Care System”.

Tuesday, November 1, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of Tonight’s Class–Click Here

Required Reading I:  from Janice Hisle Interviews–interviews Dr. Vernadette Broyles from Truth and Lies in Education movie from first EmpowerU class this semester.

Required Reading II–Epoch Times Looks at InGodWeTrustProject.com

Required Reading III—Clarence Thomas: ‘I’ve Heard The Word Diversity’ And ‘I Don’t Have A Clue What It Means’

Have you noticed how the (legal) Drug Culture permeates everything, everywhere in our society?  We’re bombarded with pharmaceutical ads (did you know that ONLY the U.S. & New Zealand, among industrialized nations, even allow direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription medication?); we pay more for drugs than any country in the world; as of Dec. 2021, “U.S. medical bills & indebtedness were responsible for 66.5% of all American personal insolvencies.”  HOW DID WE GET HERE??

Dr. Debbi will present a discussion of our broken Sick Care System, over-regulated by the corrupt FDA (Fraud & Death Administration), misguided by the CDC (Center for Disease & Corruption) & dominated by Big Pharma.  She’ll share some history of how this mess started:  the Oiligarchy, spawning the Flexner report, commissioned by the Carnegie Foundation…& the insidious eradication of any & all alternative, complementary, eclectic medical schools—any training program that did not support the burgeoning science of pharmacology. 

We’ll discuss the healthcare politics of legislation that allowed this transformation of American medicine, & horror stories of pioneers in natural healing who have been systematically squelched, suppressed, imprisoned—or worse, depriving untold numbers of Americans from receiving safe, effective, non-toxic healing remedies & even cures.  All of which will demonstrate why it is so critical for us to stand up & speak out, to demand action by our legislators—to preserve our very bodily autonomy.  A bibliography will be provided.    Dr. Debbi will speak from 7:30-8:30 PM.

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Darbi Boddy, is an elected “conservative” member of the Lakota Board of Education.  Darbi will discuss the baseless but unrelenting ridicule from the institutional establishments that continue to control education in our county and their attempts to discredit her.     Darbi will speak from 7:10-7:30 PM.

Speaker’s Bio:

After getting embezzled in 2000, Dr. Debbi spent several years doing professional acting & singing, & became a Certified Wellness Coach.  Back in Medicine, she worked at the Health Dept’s Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic, then treated chronic pain patients & addiction clients in Suboxone clinics—always searching for better, non-drug, holistic approaches.  Most recently, she’s done some professional Medical Illustration, creates 3D found-art dioramas, & is rehearsing with her wonderful keyboard player, Mitch Liberman.  She’s still convinced that music & laughter are the best medicines!

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Darbi Boddy- On November 3rd, 2021, Darbi Boddy was elected to the Lakota Board of Education.  She is the wife of a Marine. They have been married for 17 years. Darbi has four children, three dogs, two cats, two guinea pigs and a snake. She grew up north of Dayton in a small farming town, where she was a multisport athlete, played the Oboe for 7 years, and was in her high school flag corp. Darbi went to a local college on a cross country scholarship.

Darbi had a unique childhood growing up in the Dayton area. Her parents became foster parents at her request which resulted in many foster children moving in and out of her home. When Darbi was 14, she met her adopted brother when he was just three days old. Darbi has always had a heart for special needs children, volunteered to assist with the special education gym class in high school, and had a job in college working for a paraplegic and with students with cerebral palsy.  

Darbi is a wife, a mom, volunteer in the community and church, an accomplished bodybuilder, and has run three half marathons. Darbi has over 20 years of experience in business, with 17 years in retail management. Her volunteer work has taken her to Jamaica, Italy, Switzerland, and a Hopi reservation in Arizona. She has been involved in many non-profit organizations including Roots Family Collaborative, Family Outreach Inc., Reach Inc., the Salvation Army, Family Promise, National Parks Conservation, Red Cross and Kaboom.  

 As a member of the Lakota Board of Education, Darbi has distinguished herself as a bold and hardworking advocate for the conservative values that she based her campaign on.  She serves on the Board’s Policy, Diversity, Facility and Safety Committees. Darbi’s community involvement includes Habitat for Humanity and Lakota Cares.  The growing and unwavering support she garners from her unwillingness to cower in the face of the baseless but unrelenting ridicule from the institutional establishments that continue to control education in our county, is not just an inspiration to all in this battle, but is a clear indicator that a change is upon us.   

Take 20: Betsy Sundermann Discusses the Importance of the Domestic Relations Judge

Thursday, October 27, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

This Class is Sponsored by Diane Landi

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here

Required Reading:   Real Clear Politics:  Funding All Students Through Education Savings Accounts: A Vision for the Future

Described by Alexander Hamilton as the “least dangerous branch”, the United States Supreme Court continues to play an important role in the American experiment.    We hear about the important cases all the time, but often it is  hard to understand them and determine their importance.

Join Joseph Ashbrook, President of the Cincinnati Lawyer’s Chapter of the Federalist Society as he discusses the five most important Supreme Court cases of all time from Marbury v. Madison to present.   Joseph will speak from 7:30-8:30 PM.

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Betsy Sundermann will join us tonight to discuss Domestic relations cases which include divorce, separation, unmarried parent, and modification cases about child custody, parenting time, and child support.  The judiciary enforces the law, under the Constitution, citizens must be confident of obtaining protection for their rights and freedoms.  A judge always should act with dignity and perform his duties to the highest standards to uphold and maintain the integrity of his/her office.  Judges play a significant role in the fabric of our society and are elected to their position by the people.  It is important before an election to know the judges you will be voting for.  Betsy will be speaking from 7:10-7:30 PM.

Speaker’s Bio:

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Has the United States Military Gone Woke?

Tuesday, October 25, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of this Class–Click Here

Required Reading:   Britain just decimated what the US thinks it knows about transgender you–Click Here

Congressman Davidson will address developments in the military that are jeopardizing readiness, including:  Covid-19 vaccine mandate for service members, use of taxpayer dollars to pay for gender reassignment surgery, lack of inspector general for tens of billions in taxpaper-funded assistance to Ukraine, lack of accountability for disastrous 2021 Afghanistan departure, and lack of oversight into DOD’s purchasing of Americans’ domestically, browsing history, and other data.

The Congressman looks forward to answering your questions on these, and other, important issues.   Due to redistricting, Congressman Davidson is now the Congressman for several northern Hamilton County areas.   This is your chance to meet your new representative.   Congressman Davidson will speak from 7:30-8:30 PM.

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From 7:10 to 7:30, hear from Karen Cartier on Being The Best You Can Be! Socrates once said: “We cannot live better than in seeking to become better.”   During this engaging presentation, we’ll begin by gauging our physical health, emotional health and spiritual health from a practical point of view. The main point of the exercise is to recognize that we can be our best in order to help and care for each other, not only focus on ourselves.

Speaker’s Bio:

In 2016, Warren won a special election to fill the remainder of the term of outgoing US Representative John Boehner.  He was re-elected in 2020 to his 3rd full term in Congress, and serves on the House Financial Services Committee.  He also serves on the United States Military Academy Board of Visitors, the House Warrior Caucus and House Army Caucus.

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Karen Cartier: Karen is an avid reader, writer, learner, wife, and mother of two.  She has worked in IT as a technical writer for over 30 years and is currently working full-time in IT.  Outside of her paying job, she serves as an officer in Toastmasters International as well as a volunteer Community Educator for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Find out about the latest cyber-threats and what to do about them.

Thursday, October 20, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Download Dave Hatter’s Slides from Tonight’s Presentation–Click Here

To Watch a Complete Recording of Tonight’s Class–Click Here

Required Reading–Conservative Attorneys General Investigate Six Major Banks For Wokeness–The Daily Wire

Cyberattacks are rising in frequency and severity and it seems that no organization or individual is safe from cybercrime. In this seminar, we’ll bring you up to speed on the latest cybersecurity threats and what you can do to protect yourself, your family and your organization. Topics covered will include:

• How we got here
• Threats – Email / Phishing, Social Engineering, Malware, Misconfiguration, Internet of Things, and Deepfakes
• Defenses – Patching, Anti-virus, Password management, Multi-factor authentication, Configuration, Hardening, and Awareness.

Come prepared to hear from a real expert in the cybersecurity field.   Dave is always ready to answer all of your questions too!

Speaker’s Bio:

Dave Hatter: “Doomsday” Dave Hatter is a technology leader with nearly 30 years of software development, cybersecurity and project management experience.  He has earned numerous industry certifications and, holds a BS in Information Systems from NKU.  Dave is especially good at bridging the gap between business and technology and has delivered more than 200 successful software solutions earning nearly 60 testimonial letters from his clients. Additionally, he has written or contributed to 12 technology books, written more than 100 technology related articles for publications and, been quoted in many publications.

Libertas Technologies, the software development company Dave founded in 2001, was honored with many awards, but he is especially proud of winning the Cincinnati Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics in 2007.  Dave is now a Cyber Security Consultant at Intrust IT, where he works with clients to educate them about cyber security risks and to help them defend their assets.

Dave is a regular on-air contributor on WXIX (FOX19) and Local 12 (WKRC-TV) and he can be heard every Friday morning at 6:30 AM on 55KRC’s “Tech Friday” segment with host Brian Thomas.   He was elected Mayor of Fort Wright, Kentucky in 2014 after serving eight terms on the Fort Wright City Council. Dave currently serves as the VP of Training and Certification for the PMI Southwest Ohio Chapter, and has also served on numerous other boards.

Take 20 with Jack Atherton who explains

Tuesday, October 18, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of Tonight’s Class–Click Here

Required Reading:   A Catch-up on Vivek Ramaswamy.  Vivek Ramaswamy Co-Founds Strive Asset Management–Click Here

A Catch-Up on Annie Cyrus, EmpowerU Spring 22 Speaker–Click Here

EmpowerU is excited to have Jay Ratliff join us to talk about any and everything pertaining to aviation.  If you live in radio distance of WKRC and WLW in Cincinnati than no doubt you at some time have heard Jay.   The ‘Pandemic” significantly changed the airline industry making flying less enjoyable, and less dependable.  Jay will talk about how an airport in any region impacts the economics of that area, he will give travel tips that will save you money like when to buy your tickets, what to do if your flight is cancelled, etc.  

Making sense of the summer of misery is no easy task, but Jay will tackle that issue as well.   He has some crazy stories of happenings in the airport and on the plane that will have you laughing or scratching you’re head.  For those online participants that may not know Jay be sure to mark your calendar to sign up, as Jay’s knowledge and advice is pertinent for everyone wherever you live.   Jay Ratliff will speak from 7:30-8:30 PM.

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Jack Atherton joins us tonight to talk about Elite Capture.   Elite capture is a term now being used by the Chinese to describe their infiltration of Washington, high-tech, universities and perhaps the most spectacular capture in history, that of the president of the United States for at least $31 million.  However, the threat goes far beyond China to the one world mindset of elites in business, academia, media and the rest of America’s ruling class aiming to overturn the foundational idea of America: that of anti-authoritarianism, limited, decentralized government and, most important, individual rights. 

In tonight’s segment we will begin by noting that liberal filmmakers have been warning of this future for at least forty years, from Blade Runner to more recent dystopian flicks like Spielberg’s Ready Player One. We will also cover a lot of ground, geographically and historically. and end by urging the audience to move forward and unite.   Jack will speak from 7:10-7:30 PM.

Speakers’ Bios:

Several years later he launched the Day Trade Fun company as he started teaching people from around the world his approach to flipping stocks for quick profits and has been doing so for the last 12 years.

Jay is a Travel Weekly Magellan Award winner for his contributions to the Travel industry and in 2006 teamed up with Marlo Thomas on her best-selling book “Right Words at the Right Time.”  His contribution was featured in Reader’s Digest in May of 2006, and he won their Editor’s Choice Award as more than 80 million people were reached.

Jay has also spent considerable time in prison…(pause for effect) as he worked with the Ohio Department of Corrections helping to create the EXODUS Program.  The program was designed to help inmates transition from prison to the workforce and was implemented 30 days prior to the release date.

Jay has been married to his wife Sherry for 16 years and is a dual resident south of Dayton and in Savannah, GA.  He has two daughters who serve as ICU nurses.

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Jack Atherton- , former anchor at FOX19 and WLWT, and friend of EmpowerU will join us. After anchoring and reporting in San Antonio and Miami, Jack helped start The Ten O’Clock News on Cincinnati’s FOX19.  During his 15 years there, it was among the highest-rated primetime newscasts in the country.  Jack also contributed columns to Cincinnati Gentlemen magazine and taught a course on the history of electronic media at the University of Cincinnati. Jack has discussed the Media at EmpowerU sessions in the past.

The Education of a Free Man

Thursday, October 13, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here

Required Reading for this night’s class Click HERE- The Constitution of the United States: Is It Pro-Slavery or Anti-Slavery?

This talk is devoted to one of the greatest works in the History of American Politics, Frederick Douglass’s Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Written by Himself. This book is at once a damning indictment of American Slavery and an inspiring tribute to the power of the human soul.

No book seems to capture better the natural human longing for freedom, equality, and dignity. While our primary task will be to understand the character and purpose of this great work, we will also reflect on Douglass’s career through his other great works and speeches.    Gregory McBrayer returns to EmpowerU for a second very important class and will start his presentation about 7:30 PM.

Speaker’s Bio:

Gregory A. McBrayer – An Assistant professor of political science and director of the core curriculum, joined Ashland University in 2017.  He teaches courses in political philosophy and international relations.  Prior to coming to Ashland, he was an assistant professor at Morehead State University, a postdoctoral fellow at Emory University, and a visiting assistant professor at Gettysburg College.  He has published articles in Interpretation: A Journal of Political Philosophy and Kentron: Revue Pluridisciplinaire du Monde Antique, as well as reviews in Interpretation, The Journal for Hellenic Studies, The American Journal of Islamic Social Science, and Political Science Quarterly.  He is the author (with Mary Nichols and Denise Schaeffer) of Plato’s Euthydemus (Focus, 2011) and is the editor of Xenophon: The Shorter Writings (Cornell, forthcoming).

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Hamilton County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board has cancelled on attending EmpowerU’s Information Session Tonight.   Erik Stewart, Executive Vice President cancelled his appearance and gave EmpowerU 24 hours notice.   EmpowerU contacted Hamilton County two months ago (August 17) and has had constant email correspondence with their representative Jens Sutmoller since about this meeting.  To read more about Hamilton County Ohio and where your money is being spent–Click Here.  We appologize for an inconvenience this causes you.   We had invited Hamilton County Jobs and Family Service to discuss their upcoming Mental Health Levy which is an approximate increase in the levy costs of 32%.   

Join us for the virtual only class from Influence, and Persuasion Expert Bill Gladwell

Tuesday, October 11, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

This is a Virtual Only Class.

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here

Required Reading #1:   An Example of a Racial Equity Plan–Dallas Texas

Required Reading #2:  19851 Constitutional Center Files Lawsuit saying Milford Airbnb Limits are Unconstitutional

Remember how easy it was for most of us to make friends in grade school? Not only were we less worried about being rejected, but we weren’t as particular about who we were hanging out with. And it was a huge advantage that we had opportunities to interact with other humans daily. 

As adults, things have changed. Aside from the fear of rejection, making new friends takes time — making time can be difficult. So instead, we lament the fact that our circle of friends is shrinking.   You’re not alone.

In addition to discussing How to Make Friends as an Adult, Bill will be discussing How to Communicate with Difficult Family Members.

Speaker’s Bio:

“Think ‘How to Win Friends & Influence People’ but updated, hipper, and more effective.”

(That’s a quote from a seminar attendee, so take it up with her, Dale Carnegie fans!)

Bill is an expert on how humans interact. For example, individuals in a group are influenced by one another’s behavior making them more predictable and suggestible. Bill teaches how to use this phenomenon to influence others. (Note: A group can be as small as just two humans, so what Bill teaches applies to any human interaction you have.)

To you, this may mean meeting new humans, developing solid relationships, increasing your confidence, and having more fun. Others may want to make more sales, improve their negotiation skills, and increase their income.

The heart warming story of Samuel, and the mother who fought for his life to have meaning.

Thursday, October 6, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here

Do not miss this opportunity to hear a most amazing and heart rendering story from a mother who was determined to give her disabled son life, education, and opportunity.   Never under estimate the power of a ‘Mama Bear’.   Tera shares her journey that began when early testing showed her son, Samuel, had Downs Syndrome and her doctor advised her to terminate her pregnancy saying “if you do not you will be burdening your life, family and community.”  Those were fighting words to Tera and she has proved to be a Champion in the Ring!

She believed “Her baby was a human being created by God and that made him worthy of life.” She not only had to fight the medical establishment but also the Teachers Union who thought it was a waste of time to give her son a good education. When she went to register Samuel for kindergarten she was told to just ‘put him where he would be comfortable, don’t stress him out by trying to teach him.’ When she pushed for him to attend his neighborhood school with his sisters, she was told to ‘just go home and let us do what we do.’ When she inquired about functional learning she was told ‘this is all you get, like it or not,’” Well, suffice to say, she did not like it!  So instead of giving up she responded by working to pass legislation in Ohio for a special needs scholarship giving access to the programs that meet their children’s needs. 

Tara also worked to start a new functional learning program at her local private school. All of this did not go unnoticed and the Proud Mama Bear relates what happened due to her efforts.  President Trump invited her son to speak at the White House.  Tera said “President Trump did not dismiss my son; he showed Samuel he valued him and was proud of what he accomplished. He gave Samuel an equal seat at the table”. This is an exceptional and inspirational personal pilgrimage which clearly shows you should never underestimate ‘The Power of One’.   Tara will speak from 7:30-8:30 PM.

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Barb will explain the separation of powers between the three branches of government as set out in the Constitution, and how the recent actions of Congress and the President appear aimed at destroying the power of the Supreme Court.  She will explain what codification is and how it works, and look into the legitimacy of executive orders. 

Also to be discussed are recent actions of the Legislative and Executive branches to browbeat and dishonor the Supreme Court Justices in an attempt to override their independence in ruling on future governmental actions.   She is concerned that the true purpose here is to ultimately delegitimize the Constitution itself.   Barb will speak from 7:10-7:30 PM.

Speaker’s Bio:

Tera Myers: Tera has over 27 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities. She has advocated for choice in education at the state and federal levels for the past 18 years. Her son Samuel is one of the first recipients of Ohio’s Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship, which she helped get passed in 2011. Upon passage of the bill, she partnered with a local private school to start and direct a special needs program. In December 2019, she and Samuel spoke at the White House for a Roundtable discussion on Education Freedom with the President of the United States.

Tera was a 2020 Republican National Convention speaker highlighting her family’s story and her work for Education Freedom. She is currently an Advisor for Families of Individuals with Special Needs with the American Federation for Children, based out of Washington, D.C. Tera’s passion is to help ensure that all students have access to an education that best meets their individual learning needs. Tera is the wife of Lewis, and the mother of Samuel, Lynsey, and Maggie.

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Barb Horwitz: Barb was a member of the Butler County, Ohio, legal community for many years, serving first as a paralegal in two general practice firms, then as the bailiff for retired Common Pleas Judge Michael J. Sage, and finally as an attorney in a firm where she specialized in insurance litigation and consumer bankruptcy. She has continued her practice of insurance law and consumer bankruptcy in a partnership with her son Jonathan Horwitz at offices presently in Centerville, Ohio.

She resided for many years in Springfield Township, where she served as a president of the View Place Civic Association. In addition, she has volunteered in several political campaigns. She and her husband Gary have now resided and raised their family in Wyoming for several years.

Confused about the legality of carrying a firearm? Get Your Questions Answered.

Tuesday, October 4, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Hand Outs about Second Call Defense-  Click HERE for Summary article

Click HERE for 2nd article on Second Call Defense

This Class Will Not Be Recorded for Playback

It is one thing to relax in the relative safety of your home, with a shotgun in the corner, or a handgun on your nightstand.  It is an altogether different proposition to carry a firearm openly or concealed, on your person or in your motor vehicle outside of your home. 

Guns on the Go, what you should know, must know, and can’t afford to miss about carrying a firearm outside of your home in Ohio. After this seminar, you will have a clear understanding related to carrying a firearm outside of the home in the State of Ohio.  

Speaker Bio:

Sean Maloney: Sean is a licensed Ohio attorney with a firearms legal practice emphasizing Gun Rights, who practices in all areas of firearm-related law in both State and Federal Courts, including 2nd Amendment rights, Criminal Defense related to Federal and State firearms charges, Federal and State restoration of gun rights, National Firearm Act issues, Federal Firearms License representation, State lawsuits to enforce violations of Ohio’s preemption laws, and federal background Form 4473 NICS appeals. Sean is a criminal and civil firearms consultant and has appeared as an expert witness in a variety of civil lawsuits related to firearms. Sean is also a national speaker on topics related to the 2nd Amendment, self-defense, lethal force, and concealed carry.

Sean is a National Continuing Legal Education Speaker, educating Attorneys on topics related to State Firearms Law, Lethal Force and the Law, Legal Ethics related to Firearms Practice, Federal Title I & II Firearms, Firearms Dealers Licensing Requirements, Concealed Carry, Open Carry, Constitutional Carry of Firearms, the requirement of Federal Form 4473, and  The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

In addition, he is a former member of the NRA Board of Directors,  a member of the NRA ILA Speakers Bureau, NRA-ILA Frontlines Coordinator, NRA Golden Eagle Benefactor Life Member, Founder and Chairman of the Butler County Friends of Youth Shooting Sports Committee, a multi-discipline Certified NRA Firearms Instructor, Glock Armorer, Leader and Legal Counsel for Buckeye Firearms Association, Legislative Director of Buckeye Firearms Association,  Director of Faculty Administrator Safety Training Emergency Response, F.A.S.T.E.R., (arming school personnel) in Ohio.  Sean is a recipient of the NRA Jay M. Littlefield Memorial, for exceptional activism, Sean is a member of the NRA-Institute for Legislative Action, Hall of Fame.

Sean is also co-founder and Defense Attorney for Second Call Defense (www.SecondCallDefense.org), a national organization that provides complete legal protection for armed self-defense, with thousands of members in all fifty states. Second Call Defense  provides immediate criminal defense and civil suit protection for members forced to use lethal force in self-defense. Second Call Defense provides access to all of the legal and financial protection members need to deal with police properly and defend members rights. 

Ohio’s Most Sensational--68 Year Old-- Murder Mystery

Thursday, September 29, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

We apologize, there is no recording due to technical difficulties for this night’s class

(One Armed Man)

It was a crime that stunned the nation, shivered the suburbs, and spawned “The Fugitive” television series.  The 1954 Cleveland slaying of beautiful Marilyn Sheppard endures as the most infamous cold case in American criminal history.  Because this 60 year saga featured an enthralling cocktail of sex, sin, and murder, while spinning more plot twists and legal turns than any mystery novel could render.

Found guilty of killing his wife, Doctor Samuel Sheppard was released from prison ten years later when his conviction was overturned.  “Dr. Sam” was acquitted at his second trial in 1966, only to die four years later a haunted, broken man.  But fascination with the case did not die with him.

(Sam Sheppard)

Join Crime Historian JT Townsend, as the author of the newly released “Summer’s Almost Gone” puts the pieces of this complex psychological and   forensic puzzle together and names Marilyn Sheppard’s killer…    

Speaker’s Bio:

J.T. Townsend- Townsend is a freelance writer, armchair detective, and lifelong resident of Cincinnati. He is the author of the 2009 regional true crime best seller Queen City Gothic, and 2014’s Queen City Notorious. His work has appeared in the Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati Magazine, Word Magazine, Crime Traveler and Clews. He has presented over 300 programs in the Cincinnati area as part of his True Crime Lecture Series, including Jack the Ripper, Lizzie Borden, the Lindbergh Kidnapping and the Lincoln Assassination.  

Take 20: Americans For Prosperity on Healthcare

Tuesday, September 27, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here

Websites Mentioned by Joe Deters #1:  https://www.saferhamiltoncounty.com/  

Websites Mentioned by Joe Deters #2:  https://hcpros.org/

Required Reading:  Opinion: Cash bail reform bills are bad for Ohio–Joe Deters

There isn’t a day that you turn on the news that you don’t hear about crime whether it is in your own community or someone else’s.  Hamilton County has been fortunate to have a Prosecuting Attorney with the experience of Joe Deters, who has always been tough on crime.  At a time where it seems like all of the focus is on helping criminals, Prosecutor Deters has remained focused on protecting the rights of victims.

Prosecutor Deters will talk about Ohio Issue #1 that will be on the November ballot, explaining the importance of this issue for the safety of everyone in Ohio.  He will cover the challenges law enforcement is facing today, and what needs to be done to change the direction of rising crime.  Even if you don’t live in Hamilton County, this is an issue that affects people across the country – and Ohio has the opportunity to do something to stop it.   Prosecutor Deters will be joining us from 7:30-8:30 PM.

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Personal or Public Option?  Every year Americans list Health Care as an issue they are most concerned about.  While many are satisfied with their own care, they believe the system needs repair.    Learn about the alternative from Ezra Escudero of Americans for Prosperity, see what is different between the two, and become empowered to make an informed decision on this most critical and costly issue.  Become familiar with the areas this option will address, and why they were chosen.

Areas to address – This is not an all-inclusive list but highlights a few areas of concern and visions on how to improve.  Insurance at an affordable price; access to the latest lifesaving drugs and treatments;  ability to choose your doctor; knowledge of cost of service before bill is rendered; right to try experimental drugs and treatments; and safety nets for the most vulnerable.

Visions of how to improve:  Expand health-savings accounts; strengthen Health Reimbursement Accounts; promote telehealth, repeal certificate-of-needs law, allow nurses to  deliver the care they are trained for and allow both doctors and nurses to practice across state lines, speed up FDA drug approvals, and remove barriers to diagnostic health.

Ezra will expand on the benefits of the “Personal Option” and discuss whom to contact to share your concerns and how to become involved in this most critical and timely issue.  American’s for Prosperity will be joining us from 7:10-7:30 PM.

Speaker’s Bios:

Prosecutor Joe Deters began his legal career in 1982 working as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Hamilton County’s Juvenile, Municipal, and Common Pleas Courts.  In 1988, after six years as an Assistant Prosecutor, Joe was elected as Clerk of Courts for Hamilton County.  While in this position Joe honed his skills as the manager of a large office and gained the respect of other officeholders and the community.

In 1992, Joe returned to the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office after being appointed, and later that year, elected Prosecuting Attorney.   Through his tireless efforts prosecuting tough cases, Joe garnered a reputation as a no-nonsense prosecutor of violent crime and became a key figure in making Hamilton County safer.  Joe never lost sight of the victims in cases he prosecuted and he knew more needed to be done to help victims navigate the legal system.  He created Hamilton County’s first ever Victim/Witness Advocate Program, giving victims of violent crime and their families the assistance they needed and deserved as they navigated the criminal justice system. Joe was subsequently re-elected in 1996 and continued to vigorously pursue his goal of making Hamilton County a safer place to live and work.

In 1999, Joe was sworn in as Ohio’s 44th Treasurer of State where he was responsible for collecting, managing and investing more than $11 billion in assets for the State of Ohio.  In the fall of 2004, Joe returned to Hamilton County to once again run for Prosecuting Attorney. He was elected with nearly 60% of the vote. He was subsequently reelected in 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020.

As Hamilton County’s longest serving Prosecuting Attorney (1992-1999 and 2005-present), Joe currently oversees and manages an office of more than 170 employees which includes assistant prosecuting attorneys and support staff in both our Criminal and Civil Divisions.  The office prosecutes felony and misdemeanor crimes committed by adults and all offenses committed by juveniles. The office also serves as the legal counsel for all county officials, county agencies, and various county boards.

Joe is a lifelong Cincinnatian, graduating from St. Xavier High School in 1975, the University of Cincinnati in 1979, and the University Of Cincinnati College Of Law in 1982.  In May 1997, Joe was awarded the University of Cincinnati Distinguished Alumnus.  He is a member of the Cincinnati Bar Association, National District Attorney’s Association, the Ohio Prosecuting Attorney’s Association, and serves on the St. Joseph’s New Cemetery Board of Trustees.  Previously, Joe served on the University Of Cincinnati Board Of Trustees, Ohio Organized Crime Commission, and the Southern Ohio Leukemia Foundation.  Joe is married and the proud father of four children and two grandchildren.

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Mr. Ezra C. Escudero is an Ohio native of Mexican heritage who has earned a reputation for successful leadership in technology, entrepreneurship, philanthropy and public policy.  While at The Ohio State University in the 1990’s, Ezra was an active International Studies student and a member of Alpha Psi Lambda, Romophos & Sphinx honor societies, and the OSU Speech & Debate team. Since graduating in 1996, he has worked in the tech industry, published a bilingual Spanish-English newspaper, and served in state government during the Taft, Strickland, and Kasich administrations. Today, Ezra serves as Coalitions Director with Americans for Prosperity in Ohio, and resides with wife Beth in Gahanna, close to family and friends.

Take 20: Manfred Schnetzer's life in Germany During and After World War II

Thursday, September 22, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of this Class–Click Here

To Download Manfred Schnetzer’s Powerpoint Presentation–Click Here

Meet Christopher Smitherman who is a candidate for County Commissioner of Hamilton County. This very important position is responsible for the 816,684 people in Hamilton County and the City of Cincinnati.   Christopher is well known as a three term past member of the City of Cincinnati Council where he was a fiscal conservative and fought for proper funding of police and fire.    (Picture below Christopher with his family).

A former President of the NAACP, learn about what needs to happen in Hamilton County for us to make it great.   You will also learn about important grassroots initiatives that Christoper has lead to improve our County.   Christopher will be running as an independent in the election in November.    He will be running against incumbent Democrat Commissioner Stephanie Dumas and Republican candidate Matt O’Neill.

This is your chance to meet Christopher and find out if he is your best choice for Hamilton County Commissioner.  Christopher will be speaking from 7:30 PM to 7:45 PM.

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Hear from Manfred Schnetzer- the story of a boy who grows up in Germany during World War II and his eventual immigration to the United States.    Manfred will speak from 7:15-7:40.

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Take 20, Part II–Bonus Speaker–Paul Jacob will join us from 8:15-8:30 PM.   Americans for Citizen Voting works to constitutionally set voting as the exclusive right of U.S. citizens. In recent years, efforts to allow non-citizens to vote have succeeded in California, Maryland, Vermont and most notably last December in New York City.   

This November, Ohio voters will see Issue 2, a constitutional amendment clarifying that only U.S. citizens are entitled to vote in all state and local elections in Ohio. In the last four years, Alabama, Colorado, Florida and North Dakota have passed such amendments with overwhelming margins.   The ACV website is here: https://onlycitizens.vote/

Speaker’s Bio:

After attending St. Mark Elementary and completing high school at School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) he moved to Bowling Green, Ohio, to attend Bowling Green State University. Christopher studied at BGSU to obtain a master’s degree in counseling. Throughout his time in college, Christopher worked as a resident advisor (RA) and, in 1990, he accepted full-time employment as a hall manager at BGSU.

It was at BGSU that Christopher met Pamela Thorton. The two began dating and soon married.Pamela and Christopher married in 1990 and, in 1997, returned to Cincinnati and settled in North Avondale. Together, they raised five children – four boys and one girl – all products of Cincinnati Public Schools.   Christopher is a Financial Planner and small business owner. He has owned and operated his financial planning practice since returning to Cincinnati in 1997. 

In 2009, Christopher purchased the old Bond Hill Library and relocated his financial planning office to the building located in Bond Hill, Cincinnati. As a financial planner,  On January 15, 2019 Christopher’s wife Pamela died after a two-year battle with breast cancer and an autoimmune disease. Pamela Smitherman was an educator at Cincinnati Public Schools and left behind her husband and five children.

Christopher was elected to Cincinnati City Council on November 4, 2003, as a member of the Charter Committee. During his term, Christopher focused on neighborhood improvements. He introduced legislation to pioneer regional economic cooperation via Joint Economic Development Districts (JEDD) and Cooperative Economic Development Agreements (CEDA). Christopher also worked to firm up the city’s working capital fund and played a leading role in ending Fire Department brownouts. 

On March 27, 2007, Smitherman was elected president of the Cincinnati Chapter of the NAACP. During his term the chapter’s membership increased 600% from 500 to 3,000 members and the chapter’s debt was eliminated.

During Smitherman’s time as president, the Cincinnati NAACP co-authored and co-sponsored five ballot initiatives, three of which were successful. Those initiatives that passed included defeating a county jail tax, stopping red-light cameras, and allowing voters to ratify the sale of Greater Cincinnati Water Works. In order to place these initiatives on the ballot, Smitherman helped collect more than 100,000 signatures.

Christopher ran as an Independent on a platform of balancing the budget, properly funding police and fire, and fixing the city’s pension. He went on to win reelection in both 2013 and 2017. On December 13, 2017, Mayor John Cranley appointed Christopher to serve as the Vice Mayor. Cranley also appointed Smitherman to serve on the Cincinnati Planning Commission. Christopher serves as Chair of the Law and Public Safety Committee. 

In the Spring of 2020, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine appointed Christopher to serve on the State’s Minority Health Strike Force. As a member of this board, he helped craft directives to address the covid impacts on minority communities across the state. 

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Manfred Schnetzer: Born July 21, 1935 in FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, GERMANY.

Grade School in Stuttgart and Kempten/Allgaeu.

Started as Drafting Apprentice in 1949 in Kempten.

Immigrated to the United States in 1952 and lived in New York, Portland Maine and currently in Cincinnati, Ohio

Inducted into the US Army from 1958 to 1960

Married Regina Hueffer of Germany in 1961

Started work as Co-Op Student at General Electric Aircraft Engines in Cincinnati

B.S. Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati in 1968

Retired in 2000 from GE after 38 years.

Currently V.P. of the German-American Citizens League and the German Heritage Museum.

He has six children; three boys and three girls and thirteen grandchildren.

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Paul Jacob is president of the Liberty Initiative Fund, a national organization helping citizens place issues on the ballot to hold politicians accountable, fight crony capitalism and protect our liberties. “If there’s anyone who’s been involved in more citizen initiative campaigns in the history of this country [than Paul Jacob],” said Los Angeles Times reporter Joe Mathews, “I’m not aware of them.” For more than a decade, Paul was the voice of the term limits movement, leading U.S. Term Limits, the nation’s largest such group. 

April Few , from USPIE, Star of the Movie to Join Us for Discussion

Tuesday, September 20, 2022
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

To View a Partial Video of the Discussion on Education — Click Here

Join April Few who will be travelling, from Columbia, S.C. to visit with EmpowerU tonight to discuss and show the excellent film that USPIE has created called Truth and Lies in Education.  The popcorn will be provided by EmpowerU as we watch and learn about public education from this great movie.

April Few is, a young mother of two, who embarks on an eye-opening exploration of the current state of American government schools and makes some alarming discoveries regarding agendas kept hidden from the eyes of both students and parents like her. Through a series of interviews with educational experts, she explores the following questions:

– Are public schools forming a wedge between parents and children?

– Are children being trained to become political activists for the political left?

– What is the true aim of so-called comprehensive sexuality education?

– How much transgender influence is there in government schools?

– How is Critical Race Theory indoctrinating American children?

– Is there a federal education scheme to control the nation’s workforce?

April meets the authors of several books that guided her journey of discovery and gave her a newfound mission—to educate parents of school-aged children about the indoctrination taking place in government schools.

Partial cast members of the movie include:  Dr. Carol Swain, Sam Sorbo, Alex Newman, President of USPIE Sheri Few, Dr. Mary Grabar, Donna Hearne, E. Ray Moore, Dr. Duke Pesta, Jarrett Stepman, Dr. Gary Thompson, and Lily Tang Williams. The movie is about 1 hour and 9 minutes long.   After the movie April will join us to discuss education in America and what she learned on the journey to make Truth and Lies in Education.   Special time tonight for the movie and discussion is 6:30-8:30 PM at EmpowerU Studio.

To read complete information about the Vision, Values, Honesty, Excellence, Fiscal Accountability and 2022-2023 Goals of USPIE—Click Here.

Let's Put God Back Into Ohio's Public Schools

Thursday, September 15, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Dan Talks About New Initiative–InGodWeTrustProject.com–Click Here

To Watch a Recording of the Event — Click Here  —  (Please note the beginning of the class was not recorded).

To Download Dan’s Slides on “About the Debt” –Click Here

To Learn About our New Initiative InGodWestTrustProject.com — Click Here

Required Reading #1:  Motto Greets Students Under New Texas Regulation

Shiver Me Timbers!  Join Dan, out on the boat, for an important announcement tonight as EmpowerU embarks on an initiative to put God back into Ohio’s Public Schools. Reflecting on the wisdom of President Dwight David Eisenhower, we hope as Citizens you will join us in this important effort.

On February 7, 1954 President Eisenhower said, “Out of faith in God, and through faith in themselves as His children, our forefathers designed and built the Republic.  We will recall the struggles of the Pilgrims, the testing of George Washington at Valley Forge, and the determined battle of Abraham Lincoln to save the Union:   All of these men shared a steadfast belief in God.”   

Let’s share that belief with the kids in our 614 Ohio Public Schools.   Join Dan tonight for the announcement.

After the announcement, Dan will bring us up-to-date on EmpowerU’s November, 2019 class “About the Debt”. We’ll take a look at the Federal Debt and the Budget of the United States of American in 2022.   Where are we are at in the Country right now and how does compare to where we were just 3 years ago?

There were several benchmarks we discussed in the previous budget class–how will they compare today?   We will try not to bog you down too much in actual numbers but think you will find the trends interesting.

Finally, we will take your calls using call-in technology…as we start our 24th semester. This is your chance to sound off about anything you want–maybe a few things are on your mind… Student Loan Debt– The Border–The Inflation Reduction Act–Climate Change–Extremism, Crime, God, The Ohio Secretary of State and more. 

You can call into the show at: 513-572-1266.

Speaker Bio:

Dan Regenold is the Managing Board Member of EmpowerUAmerica.org.   Dan looks forward to our 24th semester of FREE classes to help you Educate * Enjoy * Engage.   He is proud of the team and the GREAT schedule they have put together for you this semester.    See you at the events and join us.   To read Dan’s Bio Click Here.

Even if it's your second time watching, join us and discuss!

Thursday, August 4, 2022
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Join EmpowerU At The Movies!

Registration is Full, Thank You For Your Interest!

At a recent EmpowerU session we took a poll of over 100 people to find out how many of them had seen the movie 2000 Mules and how many of them wanted to see it again.   Over 60% of the people attending told us they wanted a showing to see the movie for a 2nd time!    Join us for this important movie on August 4.  Sign up for your free tickets now.

2,000 Mules is a documentary by political commenter Dinesh D’Souza. The data from the film was provided by the non-profit, True The Vote, an organization run by Catherine Engelbrecht.  The documentary  refers to “mules” as those who were paid  to illegally collect and deposit ballots into drop boxes in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin during the 2020 presidential election.

According to former President Donald Trump:  “This movie exposes the lies of the Democrats, RINO’s and Fake news who say it was the “most secure election in history.”  It was perhaps, the least secure in history.”

We encourage people from all political parties to attend:  Republicans, Democrats, Independents.   And, EmpowerU will be supplying the popcorn.  Class Starts at 6:30, we’ll talk about the movie for 30 minutes after we are done.   Please join us for summer learning.

Dinesh D’Souza has had a prominent career as a writer, scholar, and public intellectual, and has also become an award-winning filmmaker. Born in India, D’Souza came to the U.S. as an exchange student at the age of 18 and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Dartmouth College. Called one of the “top young public-policy makers in the country,” D’Souza quickly became known as a major force in public policy through his books, speeches, and films. (D’Souza Media (dineshdsouza.com)

Catherine Engelbrecht is prominent in the news recently because of the documentary 2000 Mules, which made its international debut on May 2, 2022.  It was her organization True the Vote (founded Nov. 30, 2009) – partnering with election investigation analyst Gregg Phillips – that provided the source material for this important exposé on election fraud in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election.  Working together since 2013, in 2021 Engelbrecht and Phillips purchased over $2 million worth of geospatial cell phone data and surveillance video footage. Prior to that they had large numbers of witness testimonies of vote fraud arriving on the TTV Hot lines. They also heard directly from whistleblowers acting as ballot mules (i.e. traffickers) in the 2020 election.

Take 20: Information on Smart Meters...

Wednesday, July 20, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class Click Here

 Handouts and Links For Tonight:

Click Here for Updated (7/28) EmpowerU Handouts

Click Here for SWORT Smart Meters

Click Here for Gary Sullivan Radio Caller- Take Back Your Power Newsletter

Click Here for a Video on Smart Meters

Click here to Visit takebackyourpower.net

There are few Americans who have much or any knowledge of most of the countries of the world or even where in the world they are.  One of those countries is India.  Not that long ago India was a far away, mysterious and violent place.  Most Americans had never met an Indian or traveled there and probably never would. 

India is a country in South Asia with over 1.25 billion people. Recorded history dates back to around 5000 BC. According to consensus in modern genetics, anatomically modern humans first arrived on the Indian subcontinent from Africa between 73,000 and 55,000 years ago.

The history of independent India began when the country became an independent nation within the British Commonwealth on 15 August 1947. Direct administration by the British, which began in 1858, affected a political and economic unification of the subcontinent.

The nation has faced religious violence, casteism, naxalism, terrorism and regional separatist insurgencies. India has unresolved territorial disputes with China which in 1962 escalated into the Sino-Indian War, and with Pakistan which resulted in 4 separate wars over a 30 year period. The number of languages spoken make conversing and compromise difficult. The languages of India are divided into various language families, of which the Indo-Aryan and the Dravidian languages are the most widely spoken. For example the Dravidian family of languages includes approximately 73 languages that are mainly spoken in southern India and northeastern Sri Lanka, as well as certain areas of surrounding countries.

So…. In spite of these and other obstacles India has managed to evolve into a global economic and military power.  Tonight we will cover a small segment of the history of India and share some of the surprising facts about a little known country to most Americans.   Time for your to learn about one of the Countries you will be hearing about most in the next decade!  This class on The Rise of India will take place from 7:20-8:30 PM.

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Take 20 Presents Important Information on Smart Meters–from 7:05-7:20

Do you know why your Duke Energy bills are so high?

In recent years, Ohio utility companies have significantly raised its “customer fees” and that action has resulted in consumers losing control over a big portion of their monthly utility bills – even if energy use decreases. Ongoing rate increases and delivery riders have been approved by state regulators (PUCO) for AMI Smart Meter installation/replacement including the $30/month Smart Meter opt-out fee instituted by state regulators (PUCO) in 2016.  Many complaints from Southwest Ohio Duke Energy consumers about overcharges prompted a recently completed study using comparative data from local residents’ utility bills.

The study itself concentrated on the hidden cost items on the bills which are the delivery riders for both gas and electric usage. It is very difficult for consumers to track unlisted riders that are lumped into their utility bills. These costs are well known subsidies to Ohio lawmakers and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). Learn about the billing study findings that show costly overcharges on monthly consumer bills. Duke Energy has a well documented history of enforcing the highest number of utility shutoffs and collections among Ohio energy utilities.

Speaker Bios:

Vince Welage: Vince is a retired Medical IT Analyst. He worked for many years in database software development especially in areas related to accounting, energy, inventory control, and Occupational Health. In the most recent past, he was employed as the Occupational Health Administrator for a large consumer products company in Cincinnati for 10+ years. He managed data access privileges to employee medical records for 32 health units in North America. He provided End User support for the day to day operations of all medical database applications including vendor interface devices.  He developed data entry modules for the in house Occupational Health application as well as any related summary and/or trend reporting.

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John O’Neill-  In John’s 35 year professional career he has participated in and managed people and projects in the corporate as well as the consulting services industry. His professional background includes significant career experience in a broad spectrum of business disciplines including sales of technology resources, corporate and consulting services management, software development and personnel training.

Leigh Ann Cartier- Leigh Ann grew up in Cincinnati and graduated from Wilmington College and she is always looking to learn new things. Leigh Ann has taught a prior EmpowerU class on getting started with gardening in the spring semester of 2021. Leigh Ann is the Producer for EmpowerU and runs our website www.EmpowerUAmerica.org.

This Class is Perfect for Homeschoolers!

Saturday, July 16, 2022
9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Thank you for Your Interest, At This Time Registration is Closed

Let’s get the kids educated on the Constitution.   This is your child’s, grandchild, or relative to attend a special Constitution Boot Camp just for them.  Homeschoolers this class is perfect for you!

Join us for this one-day, seminar style, class that will give you a working knowledge of the US Constitution including its purpose, and true meaning. You will leave with an understanding of the founder’s intentions for our nation and the ways in which we are dangerously off-course.  This course will help students to learn to recognize when political power is legitimate and when it is being usurped- and what can be done about it!

The first step to restoring our Constitutional Republic is teach the public to understand the Constitution and the limits it places on our federal government.  Kids–up to college age–we want you to learn about your constitution.    By attending each student will receive The Handbook for We the People, The Federalist Papers, Bastiat’s The Law and The Precinct Guide.

Free $25 Best Buy Gift Cards to the first 25 students (College age and Under) who sign up and complete the class. Let’s Educate the Kids!  Space in this class is limited to 45.   We will start out until July 8, just accepting reservations from kids.   If the spaces in this class do not fill up we will open this class to the public.

We will be on a tight schedule today so please bring a bagged lunch.

Speaker Bios:

John Hindery: Marine, retired Accountant, co-founder of Building Blocks for Liberty, currently teaching American History and the US Constitution for homeschoolers in the northern Kentucky area. John has been interested in history since 5th grade, worked on the Nixon and Goldwater Campaigns and continues to read books on the founders and presidents.

Rick Herron: Navy, IT Specialist, currently teaching the importance of Central Committee throughout the Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana region for over four decades. He co-founded the Platform Republicans educating conservatives in becoming precinct executives. Rick wrote and self-published a book entitled, “Actually Making a Difference” which explains how important the local level participation can determine local, county, state and national candidates.

Each man specializes in specific areas that compliments the BBFL mission. As part of the military, Jim, John and Rick took an oath to support and defend the US Constitution which lead them to teaching. Our class focuses on the Founding Fathers wisdom, Natural Law, types of governments and much, much more. Each instructor recognized the need to teach what the Founding Fathers gave us so out of frustration US Constitution Boot Camp was born. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and all volunteer. The donations received help us further focus on educating the younger generations through scholarships. 

We Will Be Collecting Items for Valley Interfaith's Back to School Night Tonight!

Wednesday, July 13, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class Click Here

Information About Valley Interfaith

Click Here for Valley Interfaith Website

Required Reading #1:  Woke Insanity–More What is a Woman???

Required Reading #2:   Protesters Storm Presidential Palace in Sri Lanka After Climate Hysteria Destroys the Nation

Required Reading #3:  White House Suggests Breaching Dams To Save Endangered Salmon, Even Though It Would Worsen Energy And Supply Chain Issues

Tonight’s Thesis:  Was Teddy Roosevelt one of the Greatest American Presidents?

When we look at the pictures on Mount Rushmore of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln there is little doubt these are great American Presidents and heroes.   But what about the fourth President on the monument—third from left—Theodore Roosevelt.   We will learn about “Teddy”  in tonight’s class.

Watch One of the Greatest Speeches Ever Delivered, “The Man in the Arena” — Click Here

Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt became president in 1901, after the assassination of President William McKinley, who was six months into his second term.  While the 26th president was no founding father, he as a key figure in American expansionism. Roosevelt’s work in creating the Panama Canal, busting monopolies in the American economy and conserving valuable public lands set a successful tone for the United States at the turn of the 20th century.  During his speeches he exercised plain, ordinary virtues, which called on all good citizens to possess common sense, honesty, courage and energy.

From his childhood years, where he suffered from asthma, Roosevelt took up boxing and hunting lions and his “Rough Rider” days became almost mythical in stature.   Often, crossing party lines to get things done, Roosevelt injected himself directly into foreign policy and domestic issues.   His foreign policy became known as, “Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick.”   Roosevelt’s relationship with the Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany was similar to many of the foreign leaders who were in awe of Teddy. 

  Learn about Roosevelt, the “Great Regulator”  and Teddy’s domestic program named  “The Square Deal”.   Roosevelt’s helped seal his image of a cowboy soldier when he formed a group called “The Rough Riders” who would see battle in the Spanish American War.  And what about that Teddy Bear?  

Join us tonight for focus on our early American History and learn about the life of President Theodore Roosevelt, a true President for the people.

Please Bring a few School Items to Donate to Valley Interfaith’s Back-to-School Program!

John Keuffer is the Executive Director of Valley Interfaith, an incredible resource in Lockland which by provides emergency resources–through it’s Food Pantry and Clothing and Housewares outreach–and social support in partnership with our community and its agencies.   John will share with us a great story about the day he met motivational speaker Zig Ziglar, which will be sure to brighten your day.   John will also tell us about Valley Interfaith’s great Back-to-School program and the people that it serves.   Please help Valley by bringing a few school items to donate to this important cause for the community.   John will be with us until about 7:15 pm.

Zig Ziglar

Speaker Bio:

Dan Regenold: Dan first became active in Government in 2003 when he became involved fighting Eminent Domain and helping stop it in Evendale and in Norwood, Ohio. In 2006, he was one of the founders of WeDemandAVote.com which successfully fought and stopped, by ballot initiative, a sales tax increase in Hamilton County, Ohio. Later WeDemand stopped Red Light Cameras in Hamilton County.   

Regenold spoke at the CPAC Convention in 2008 to discuss major Grassroots initiative actions across the United States.   In 2009, Dan was unsuccessful in his efforts to bring accountability to the Federal Government’s finances with a citizen lead initiative WeDemandABalancedBudget.com.  In 2010 Regenold was one of three leaders of the initiative to End Ohio’s Estate Tax which happened in 2011. The Tax Foundation called the repeal of Ohio Estate Tax one of the most important Tax accomplishments of 2011. In 2011 Regenold founded EmpowerUAmerica.org (starting it’s 24th semester in Fall 2022), a Free University offered in the Greater Cincinnati area with the goal of “empowering” citizens. 

In 2014, Regenold was one of the leaders of the effort to separate Music Hall from a County Wide Sales Tax which helped the Museum Center renovation get passed by the voters of Hamilton County.   Dan has recently concentrated his efforts on the mess of Public Education in Ohio and specifically on topics like School Choice and Critical Race Theory.   Dan is a lover of Liberty and enjoys speaking to EmpowerU classes about subjects he is passionate about.  Recently he has discussed:  Milton Friedman, Saul Alinsky, Net Neutrality, D-Day, The Deficit, The Dangers in America, Public Education  and Winston Churchill at EmpowerU Classes.   Regenold is founder and Chairman of FrameUSA.com, a Made-In-America picture frame manufacturing company in Springdale, Ohio.

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John R. Keuffer, III is a Cincinnati native currently residing in Clermont County Ohio with his wife Kendra (a Police Officer) and his 9 year old daughter Gracie.  John has over 31 years as a Nonprofit professional.  He started his adult career as a Police Officer and held positions as a talk radio show host on WIZF-FM, WAIF-FM, and WCIN-AM for over 12 years discussing community issues.  Mr. Keuffer was a partner (since retired) in a Celebrity Marketing firm; handling the marketing and charity relations for Pro Athletes and Musicians.  This position led him to represent several New England Patriots players for 13 years and some Rock n Roll Hall of Fame musicians.  Mr. Keuffer has produced seven Sports Specials for FOX and ESPN.  Mr. Keuffer enjoys time with his family and helping NPO’s that are struggling.

*Date Changed to Thursday, July 7th*

Thursday, July 7, 2022
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Tonight’s Event is Sold Out!   We are at Maximum Capacity Tonight, Thank You For Your Interest!

Tonight we will be watching Matt Walsh’s powerful new Documentary, What is a Woman?

What is a Woman is the question you are not allowed to ask.   The documentary they don’t want you to see.   Join Matt Walsh on his often comical, yet deeply disturbing journey, as he fearlessly questions the logic behind a gender ideology movement that has taken aim at women and children.  Watch “What is a Woman” with your friends at EmpowerU.

Tonight, while watching the movie, you will learn more about the Gender Ideology that is taking over the United States of America.   Currently about 5 percent of young adults in the U.S. identify as transgender or nonbinary.  42% of adults now say they know someone that is transgender and a little over a quarter of adults say they have a friend who is trans.   Many people believe that the transgender adult population of .6 percent has doubled from the most widely accepted projection of .3% of the population used just 5 years ago.

Matt Walsh

What is the reason for this huge increase in transgender population?   The movie will discuss, in depth, Gender Transition Surgery and how this is being introduced in schools and governments across America.  Learn more about how our kids are being indoctrinated and how schools have begun to talk to students about Gender Dysphoria without their parents approval or knowledge.   In some cases parents have found themselves against the law as they try to stop their children from undergoing damaging surgery which cannot be reversed.   A recent study found that after surgical reassignment, the suicide rate of those who had undergone sex-reassignment surgery rose to 20 times that of comparable peers.   

About Matt Walsh and the Daily Wire

Matt Walsh is a popular writer, blogger, and speaker. His columns on The Daily Wire are read by millions each month. Matt is well known for his controversial and provocative insights into culture, politics, and religion. He lives outside of Baltimore, Maryland with his wife and two children.

The Daily Wire (www.DailyWire.com)  The Daily Wire is an American conservative news website and media company founded in 2015 by political commentator Ben Shapiro and film director Jeremy Boreing. It is the second most popular publisher on Facebook, and produces podcasts such as The Ben Shapiro Show. 

The World Isn't Getting Any Safer!

Wednesday, June 29, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Click HERE to log on to zoom after 6:45

This Class Will Not be Recorded for Playback

Are you a new or prospective gun owner who feels the need to exercise their 2nd amendment right to self-defense during these troubling times, but are apprehensive about running afoul of the law?  Maybe you have read the books by the “experts” and gone to the gun store only to come away more confused and intimidated than ever. 

The world isn’t getting any safer and someday soon you could be confronted with that moment when the world goes FYBYOYO:  “Forget You Baby, You’re On Your Own”. Come listen to someone just  like you who has made the dangerous and often confusing journey from first time gun owner to experienced every-day-carry (EDC).  A skilled corporate trainer and IT consultant,

Dave Moorman has applied his 36 years of strategic problem solving expertise into educating himself on what it means to be a responsible and effective handgun owner.  He has documented his growth and insights including some nearly catastrophic mistakes, and wants to share them with you.  He will discuss the psychology of violent encounters, how to conquer surprise and fear, and how to deal with a taunting adversary without allowing yourself to be tricked into placing yourself at physical or legal disadvantage. 

Finally, he will walk you through a real life defense encounter where discharging his firearm successfully prevented harm to himself, his wife, and even the adolescent perpetrator.   This class is an excerpt of Dave’s full 5 hours of private interactive instruction on all aspects of owning, carrying and yielding a handgun.  The full course covers everything you need to design and implement a responsible, comprehensive and effective firearm based defense plan by detailed walk throughs of numerous scenarios including: 

•         Walking into crimes in progress (armed robbery, assault & battery, sexual assault)  
•         Getting caught up in third party domestic violence
•         Attempted car-jacking with a toddler in the car seat 
•         Countering different types of home invasions 
•         Dealing with the crazy-ex who doesn’t know when to quit
•         Taunting & Brandishing 
•         Defeating a Mob 
•         How easily your eyes can fool you, how it gets you in trouble, and what to do about it
•         Are “warning shots” ever justified
•         The proper way to call 9-1-1 and deal with responders
•         Firearm safety when there are children in the home 
•         Hiring a private investigator 
•         Selecting the right firearm & ammo 
•         Basic gun cleaning & maintenance 
•         Common misconceptions and mistakes about the process of Draw, Point and Shoot 
•         Why even a 300 lb. defensive tackle should carry a rape whistle

Most of us spend weeks selecting a new car and even longer buying a home.  But in a self-defense encounter you may be forced to make a life-changing decision in under a second.  Are you mentally, emotionally and physically prepared for that?  This class can’t get you there in 90 minutes, but it will provide you with a roadmap for getting started and the confidence that you have everything you need to take control of your own safety. 

Speaker’s Bio:

Dave Moorman: With 36 years of business, technology and consulting experience, Dave Moorman is a born problem solver.  Whether it is writing programs for mobile phones, starting a business, negotiating multi-million dollar IT deals or building a self-defense strategy, he knows how to break tough problems down into pieces and parts, develop a solution, and train people how to implement it.  So when he was unexpectedly faced with a potentially life-changing threat a decade ago, he turned his skills to building a plan to ensure his family would never again be left defenseless and at the mercy of an aggressive adversary. 

His journey was one of discovery, personal growth and even near fatal mistakes.  An experienced corporate educator who has built two complex software training curricula, he now wants to dedicate his time and talent to helping others make the same journey quickly and safely.  He firmly believes in not only your natural right to self-defense, but that anyone who can drive a car has the proven physical and mental capacity to yield a firearm responsibly and effectively once they get decades of Hollywood propagated rubbish out of their head.

Meet and work with the incredible artist's at Visionaries and Voices

Wednesday, June 22, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

This Class has been Cancelled

In this class, students will be using Jackie Fisher’s bold line drawings as inspiration for their own versions of similar drawings. Using black permanent marker, gel pens, and washable marker, Jackie will lead students through her process of line making on pieces of cardstock paper. Once students have covered the entire 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper in their marker design, facilitators will help them to cut their paper into strips, approximately 2-3 inches thick. Once the strips have been cut, students will choose the strip with their favorite composition to laminate into a bookmark. Once laminated, students will punch a hole in the top of the bookmark and add a tassel using colorful lanyard string.  This class is limited to 20 people.

This is your student or child’s opportunity to meet and work with an incredible artist from Visionaries and Voices.   The Tri-County V&V Studio has been located at the Frame USA Building for the last 15 years.   See their great work in retail store area.   Don’t miss this creative opportunity.

Click HERE to visit Visionaries and Voices’ Website

Speaker’s Bio:

Jackie Fisher- Jackie is known for her maze-like vibrant marker drawings. She begins her compositions with a large “S” shape. From that initial mark she creates pencil curves and shapes that reflect the twisting and turning of feathers, scales, roots, and rivers. These works recall bold graphics of tribal tattoos, inked onto magenta and sky blue, lavender and citrus orange backgrounds. ( This photo of Jackie is from a project done by artist Michael Wilson called Cherished).

Permaculture Gardening for City Spaces and Small Yards

Wednesday, June 15, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To View a Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here

Required Reading:  Missouri Attorney General Subpoenas 7 School Districts Over Student Surveying

Replicate natural ecosystems in your backyard to step towards sustainably and let nature do the work, even in small spaces! 

Permaculture is “an agricultural system or method that seeks to integrate human surroundings so as to create highly efficient self-sustaining ecosystems.”    

In this introduction to permaculture, learn how to create nature-friendly, sustainable food gardens, with an emphasis on low-maintenance techniques. We will also review some of the urban permaculture projects in the Cincinnati area.

Speaker Bio:

Amy Stross : Amy is a permaculture designer and author of the award-winning book, The Suburban Micro-Farm: Modern Solutions for Busy People. She writes about permaculture gardening on her popular website, TenthAcreFarm.com.

Join this special Virtual only class on Wednesday, May 4th

Wednesday, May 4, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:15 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here

Required Reading:  5 Key Takeaways From the Leaked Majority Opinion Draft Overruling Roe V. Wade–Click Here

This course will be built around THE book of the same name — 67 SHOTS: KENT STATE AND THE END OF AMERICAN INNOCENCE — which dives deeply into a singular moment in American history. On May 4, 1970, Ohio National Guardsmen fired upon and killed four students at Kent State University and wounded nine, one paralyzed for life.  EmpowerU will be exploring Kent State on the 52nd Anniversary of the tragic shooting.

The shootings shocked the nation, but in two different directions. One side saw it as a brutal putdown of a legitimate student protest against the war in Vietnam. The other cheered the shootings as not only deserved but long overdue. Then as now, America was a deeply divided nation, coming off a decade defined by assassinations, the Civil Rights struggle, burgeoning feminism, and so much more. All those roiling waters of the 1960s flowed together that weekend a little more than half a century ago on the Kent State campus in northeast Ohio.

Howard Mean’s great book “67 Shots”--makes extensive use of more than one hundred twenty-five oral histories stored at Kent State. It finds and defines faults, it traces patterns, but it doesn’t take sides, and this course won’t either. America itself went off the rails on May 4, 1970.  Author Howard Means will show you why and how, and with what lasting consequences. Those 67 shots fired at Kent State live with us still.

Speaker Bio:

Howard Means is the author or co-author of eleven books, including the first biography of Colin Powell; Johnny Appleseed: The Man, the Myth, and the American Story; 67 Shots; and most recently Splash! 10,000 Years of Swimming. A former syndicated columnist (King Features) and senior editor at Washingtonian magazine, he lives in rural Virginia.

EmpowerUAmerica.org partners with The West Chester Tea Party to Sponsor this Event

Thursday, April 28, 2022
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here

Required Reading:  Biden Administration’s New Salvo Against Charter Schools

We are at FULL CAPACITY for In-Person Registration, If you would still like to join, please register virtually. Thank you for your interest.

EmpowerUAmerica is partnering with the West Chester Tea Party to Sponsor This GREAT Event:

Timeline for tonight:    6:00–7:00 PM Potluck-Social Hour,  Class Goes from 7:00-8:30 PM, Come Meet New Friends!

Registration is limited to the first 110 people who sign up to attend at EmpowerU Studio.   There is no limit for virtual sign-ups.

Covid Pandemic – The Great Reset, we’ve been hearing a lot about both. What’s the connection between the two? Tom DeWeese will make the connection and more!

For several decades the forces of the Left have been preparing for global control. The United Nations has been in a relentless drive to destroy national sovereignty, kill free enterprise, and eliminate private property. They have openly promoted these goals through Agenda 21, Agenda 2030, and the Green New Deal. Many thought these were just too radical to be taken seriously.  Finally, as a trial run, the global forces succeeded in shutting down the world economy under the man-made Covid Pandemic.

To achieve it, the UN used all of its resources, including the World Health Organization, International Monetary Fund, and the World Economic Forum to take the final steps to lock it all in.  They call it the Great Reset, and they plan to use the Covid Lockdown as the guideline for finally imposing their ultimate goal. Control of energy, food supplies, manufacturing, Wall Street investing, development, and individual choice are all the targets to bring it about and change human society forever, under their thumb.   

Tom DeWeese will give you the details on who and how it’s being done, and most importantly, what can we as individuals do to stop it.    Don’t miss hearing and learning about this topic that everyone is talking about.

Speaker Bio:

Tom DeWeese- Tom is one of the nation’s leading advocates of individual liberty, free enterprise, private property rights, and American sovereignty and independence. Tom DeWeese was one of the first to voice concern over the radical agenda of the environmental movement and to question its motives.

Tom is a native of Ohio. He’s been a candidate for the Ohio Legislature, served as editor of two newspapers, and has owned several businesses. In 1989 Tom led the only privately-funded election-observation team to the Panamanian elections. In 2006 Tom was invited to Cambridge University to debate the issue of the United Nations before the Cambridge Union, a 200 year old debating society.

Today he serves as Founder and President of the American Policy Center and editor of The DeWeese Report and author of three books: “Now Tell Me I Was Wrong,” “ERASE,” a fictional political thriller, and his most recent policy book entitled “Sustainable, the War on Free Enterprise, Private Property and Individuals.”

Take 20—An update on the Convention of States--from 6:45-7:30 PM

Tuesday, April 26, 2022
6:45 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here

Michael Patton will talk about the Cincinnati Frontier from 7:30-8:30 PM.  Our mental images of the American frontier are formed by stories, television shows, and movies more than by actual history.  But there was much more to it than what innumerable Hollywood productions show.  We do not have to go farther west to look at the history of the frontier; when Cincinnati was founded it was the frontier. 

We have more than enough history for a television mini-series – plenty of wilderness; lots of Indians; one-sided treaties; an army with a couple very bad commanders and resounding military defeats; an army then reformed into the Legion of the United States with a competent commander and a major victory; a traitor; intrigues by the British, French, and Spanish; a judge who sold thousands of acres of land with fraudulent titles, settlers; and the very first congressional inquiry of the executive branch

.

When the United States and Great Britain ended the Revolutionary War in 1783 with the Treaty of Paris, Britain agreed that the western boundary of the United States shall be the Mississippi River.  A huge area west and north of the Ohio River, soon to be called the Northwest Territory, would allow incredible room for expansion.  But most of the land west of the Appalachian Mountains had been reserved to the Indians by the Royal Proclamation of 1763, and even though subsequent treaties quickly reduced the extent, the northwest area was still theirs.  And no Indian tribe had signed the Treaty of Paris.

The chiefs of a few tribes signed treaties in the next several years in which they agreed to move and yield the lands in southern Ohio area to the United States.  Join Engineer and local Cincinnatian Michael Patton who will walk us through Cincinnati Frontier Treason, Fraud, and the Indian Wars in the Early Settlement

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From 6:45-7:30 PM– The Convention of States will present an overview of the process for a minimum of 34 State Legislatures to make applications for a Convention of States. The purpose of holding a convention is for the purpose of suggesting proposed amendments to the US Constitution in 3 limited areas: term limits for Federal officials, imposing fiscal restraints on Federal spending & taxation, and limiting power, scope, and jurisdiction of the Federal government. Just like any amendments proposed by Congress, it still takes 3/4ths or 38 states to ratify any proposed amendments before they would become effective. He will share where the project stands currently in Ohio and in the other states active in this movement.

Speaker’s Bios:

 Michael Patton- is a professional engineer who has been working locally 25 years in the aerospace industry.  He is interested in alternative energy, film, and history, especially the history of the American Indians in this area and of Cincinnati when it was the frontier.  He is a frequent contributor to Streetvibes, the biweekly paper of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless and which is sold downtown.  Seminars at EmpowerU are one of the sources used for the articles.

He has learned that much news and even many histories are often so incomplete to be quite misleading.  A good question to keep in mind is, “what am I not being told?”  Among his favorite authors are Ayn Rand (Atlas Shrugged), C.S. Lewis (The Screwtape Letters and That Hideous Strength), Agatha Christie (mystery writer and observer of human nature extraordinaire), and G.K. Chesterton (religious writer and author of the Father Brown mysteries).  One of his favorite quotes is by Chesterton and is appropriate whenever your view and actions are outside the norm: “A dead thing can go with the stream, but only a living thing can go against it.”

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Bill Scott- A graduate of Penn State University, Mr. Bill Scott, the State Director of Convention of States in Ohio, studied business administration and accounting. He was a corporate auditor, CPA, and financial consultant for the former international accounting firm of Arthur Andersen, becoming a Partner with that firm in Philadelphia. With a specialization in the insurance industry, he later served as Chief Financial Officer for several insurance-related organizations before retiring. After moving to Dayton 4 years ago from out-of-state, he held several leadership positions within Convention of States, becoming the State Director for Ohio last year. 

Join Us For This Special Saturday Class!

Saturday, April 23, 2022
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

This Class Has Just Been Added to Our Schedule

This movie is limited to the first 100 people to reserve tickets.

Audiences are raving about Whose children are They?  Calling It:

“A brilliant jaw-dropping film!”

“A real wake up call!”

Whose Children Are They?  — This new movie exposes the Hidden Agenda in America’s Schools.    A groundbreaking and powerfully persuasive documentary featuring brave teachers, empowered parents, and front-line experts who pull back the curtain about what is truly happening in our public schools today.   This film will be the starting point for a full cultural conversation about the need to return to the original intent of education, not indoctrination.

To Watch The Trailer on this Movie Click Here

Join EmpowerUAmerica.org for a special Saturday Class where we will watch this movie early starting at 9:00 AM.   Stay with us afterwards and we will discuss the movie from 11:00 am-12:00 pm and take your comments and questions.

EmpowerUAmerica.org will be helping you wake up this morning with Coffee and Danish.  Don’t miss this incredible event.   Bring all parents of children that are attending our schools.

This isn’t Forensic Files, but will be just as fascinating. Take a glimpse into the world of forensics as we listen to some amazing stories and outcomes from Dr. Ken Manges.

Thursday, April 21, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here

Required Reading: The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment: A Toolkit For Parents

As a Forensic Psychologist, Dr. Kenneth J. Manges testifies in civil, criminal and military cases. When asked what he do, he is fond of saying, “I never talk to the dead, but I always listen.” This is his way of saying he investigates the circumstances of what happened just before a person’s death, whether by murder or accidental circumstances, and in the instance of evaluating a survivor, how the assault, explosion, fire, or motor vehicle collision has ruined their lives.

Dr. Manges will talk for EmpowerUAmerica and provide a glimpse at some of the amazing stories about how the twists and turns of the evidence, research, and interviews he has had, which have led to some surprising outcomes over the hundreds of times he has testified in court.

Speaker’s Bio:

Kenneth J. Manges, Ph.D., ABVE, CVE, CFP

Forensic Vocational & Psychological Expert

Areas of Focus & Competency: Forensic (psychological & vocational), Trauma (emotional physical pain & suffering), Consultation and treatment for referrals from state and federal agencies including, but not limited to Ohio Lawyers Assistance Program (OLAP), Legal Aide, Workers Compensation and the Industrial Commission.

Teaching & Supervision: Has instructed graduate psychology courses in forensic psychology, and counseling. Has participated in the training and supervision of students and practitioners in both the academic and professional areas of competence, forensics, pain management, disability and vocational matters.

Education:  Certification in Forensic Psychology, University of Virginia; Ph. D., University of Maryland; M.S., Brooklyn College, New York; B.A., Adelphi University, New York

Licenses & Diplomates: Licensed Psychologist, Ohio and West Virginia

Diplomate, American Board of Vocational Experts, American Academy of Pain Management, American Board of Professional Disability Consultants, American Board of Forensic Examiners, and American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress

Professional Affiliations: Academy of Medicine Hamilton County, Ohio, American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, American Board of Professional Disability Consultants, American Board of Vocational Experts, American Psychological Association, and Ohio Psychological Association

Publications/Professional Contributions: “Manges-Garmize Behavioral Assessment Scale.”; “Preliminary Diagnostic Questionnaire” contributing editor, project supervisor; “Burros Mental Measurement Year Book,” contributing editor. (2000); “National Computer Systems,” Beta test site; Working in the Community, Co-author, Eighth Annual Institute of Rehabilitation Issues; and Editor: Journal of Forensic Vocational Assessment

This Class is Sponsored by Diane Landi

Tuesday, April 19, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class Click Here

Required Reading#1  Video:  Find Out about InfOhio exposing children in our state to hardcore porn on their education portal which goes out to many public school children.

Required Reading #2:  BlackRock’s Climate-Crusade Doubletalk, WSJ, Feb 6, 2022

Vivek Ramaswamy…

Cartel–How Your Own Money Is Being Used Against You!

The Author of Woke, Inc., Vivek Ramaswamy visits EmpowerU tonight.   In tonight’s topic Vivek will  focus on how there is a cartel of the top 3 largest asset managers in the world (Blackrock, State Street, and Vanguard) that pushes a one-sided political agenda. This cartel uses not their own money, but the money of retirees, pensioners, the American people at large to advance their goals in a way that betrays their fiduciary duty to their clients and that would make their clients’ blood boil if they knew what was going on.

Vivek will also touch on his book, Woke, Inc. that makes the case that politics has no place in business, and sets out a new vision for the future of American capitalism.  In the book Vivek talks about an invisible force at work in our economic and cultural lives. It affects every advertisement we see and every product we buy, from our morning coffee to a new pair of shoes. “Stakeholder capitalism” makes rosy promises of a better, more diverse, environmentally-friendly world, but in reality, this ideology championed by America’s business and political leaders robs us of our money, our voice, and our identity.

Vivek Ramaswamy is a traitor to his class. He’s founded multibillion-dollar enterprises, led a biotech company as CEO, he became a hedge fund partner in his 20s, trained as a scientist at Harvard and a lawyer at Yale, and grew up the child of immigrants in a small town in Ohio. Now he takes us behind the scenes into corporate boardrooms and five-star conferences, into Ivy League classrooms and secretive nonprofits, to reveal the defining scam of our century.   The modern woke-industrial complex divides us as a people. 

Also, we expect that Vivek will talk about the new book he is writing that is due to be released September 13, 2022—Nation of Victims.   The book talks about America’s inner spirit and how that spirit has been domesticated by a new culture that rejects excellence and embraces victimhood.   Hardship is now equated with victimhood. Outward displays of vulnerability in defeat are rewarded more than winning unabashedly. The pursuit of excellence and exceptionalism are at the heart of American identity, and the disappearance of these ideals in our country leaves a deep moral and cultural vacuum in its wake.

Meet Cincinnati native Vivek Ramaswamy tonight at EmpowerUAmerica.org tonight and ask your questions.

Speaker Bio:

Vivek Ramaswamy founded Roivant Sciences, a biopharmaceutical company, in 2014, after a career as a successful biotech investor. A 36-year-old first-generation American, he is a graduate of Harvard College and Yale Law School. Vivek became a hedge fun partner in his 20’s, and grew up the child of immigrants in the small town of Evendale, Ohio.  He now lives with his wife Apoorva and their son Karthik.   Vivek took on the nation last year and published his book Woke, Inc. which takes you behind the scenes of corporate boardrooms.   Vivek will share with us what has happened since the publication of Work, Inc and also share information about his new book which comes out in September 2022 called Nation of Victims. 

Mr. Ramaswamy serves on the board of directors of the Philanthropy Roundtable and the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity.  In his new book Woke, Inc. Vivek takes you behind the scenes into corporate boardrooms and five-star conferences, into Ivy League classrooms and secret nonprofits, to reveal the defining scam of our century.   The book begins as a critique of stakeholder capitalism and ends with an exploration of what it means to be an American in 2021.  Vivek is a graduate of St. X High School and has recently been turning heads on Tucker Carlson’s show and on the Opinion pages of the Wall St. Journal.  

How many of us would be willing to give up everything we had worked for when you felt your leaders had made a bad decision putting military personnel in a precarious position, and making the country you serve look weak?

Thursday, April 14, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class — Click Here

Required Reading:  What is The Great Reset, Imprimis–Michael Rectenwald–Click Here

Required Reading #2:  What Has Happened to the Ohio High School Athletic Association–Click Here 

Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller is a 17 year infantry officer who resigned at the rank of Lt. Col. after witnessing a poorly planned and executed Afghanistan withdraw.  He was thrust into the media when he posted a video on Facebook and LinkedIn from his office as a Battalion Commander.  Wearing his uniform, he identified himself in the video with rank and title and then proceeded to criticize the decisions of his senior military and political leaders. 

A series of escalating events occurred following the initial video between himself and the Marine Corps which resulted in his imprisonment and court martial.  This is his story.  Why he joined the Marine Corps.  Why he loves America.  Why he joined during a time of war, and why he wanted to experience combat.  How he progressed through his career.  How his experiences in places like Afghanistan and Iraq shaped his thinking.  How his military education created deeper questions about America’s foreign policy approach.  And how the events of Afghanistan compelled him to sacrifice everything in his life up to that point.

Speaker Bio:

Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller’s Degrees: 

2004: Bachelors of Science from the University of Cincinnati – Focus in Accounting  

2019: Masters in Military Science from Marine Corps University – Focus in Foreign Diplomacy

Military Experience: 

January – December 2005 Officer Candidate School, Basic School, and Infantry Officer Course, as a Student.

January 2005 – July 2008 First Battalion, 8th Marines

First deployment with this unit was June to December 2008 with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.  You get on ships and float around.  Thought we were going to Iraq, but got caught up in the 2006 Israeli/Lebanese conflict and had to secure the embassy and conduct an evacuation of American citizens to Cyprus.   

Second deployment with this unit was to Ramadi, Iraq from Sep 2007 to April 2008.  He was a company Executive Officer Alpha Company.  His friend Dave Borden got hit with an SVEST on this deployment.  This was the same unit as the unit hit with an SVEST in Afghanistan.  It came full circle for him.  

July 2008 – June 2010 Infantry Training Battalion East – Echo Company Commander

June 2010 – July 2011 Joint IED Defeat Organization (JIEDDO).  Afghanistan CIED Team Leader.  

Served in Paktika East, Ghazni Province, and Andar District.  Served as a CIED expert for the Army infantry units, and did all the patrols with EOD and route clearance platoon.  It was a very kinetic deployment. 

July 2011 – June 2012 Expeditionary Warfare School – Student

June 2012 – August 2012 Officer Candidate School – Platoon Commander

August 2012 – October 2015 Third Battalion, Second Marines

26th MEU deployment March 2012 – December 2013.  Headquarters and Service Company Commander.  No combat operations on this deployment.  Bilateral in Egypt, Jordan, Djibouti, Oman, Qatar.  Unit Deployment East, deployment January 2015 – July 2015, to Okinawa, Japan, and Korea.  Weapons Company Commander.  No combat operation on this deployment.  

October 2015 – July 2018 The Basic School Instructor

Taught officers the basics, and was the Operations Officer, Company Commander, and Warfighting Director on this tour. 

July 2018 – July 2019 Command and Staff College – Student 

Received a Master’s Degree in military science. 

July 2019 – July 2020 MARSOC.  2d Support Battalion.

Battalion XO.  Prepared small teams to deploy around the globe.

July 2020 – June 2021 6th Marines.  

Operations Officer.  Was the regimental operations officer who prepared V1/8, the unit that conducted the Kabul evacuation, for their deployment. 

June 2021 – Present.  SOI East. – AITB Battalion Commander

Senior Awards: 

Bronze Star

Army Commendation with Valor.  

3 X Meritorious Service Medals

3 X Navy Commendations

Combat Action Ribbon

Iraq Campaign Medal

Afghanistan Campaign Medal

2 X Humanitarian Service Medal

What would life be like without Freedom? As Americans, we can’t imagine it. Those who don’t have it, dream of it. Don’t miss Annie’s Story.

Tuesday, April 12, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class– Click Here

Required Reading:  Why American Teens are So Sad, The Atlantic–Derek Thompson–Click Here

Required Reading II:  Maine’s Largest City in ‘Dire Situation’ due to Unprecedented Volume of Migrants

Anni grew up in the Islamic Republic of Iran where as a woman, she faced many abuses and injustices, all of which were permitted by law. At the age of 13 she was sold by her father. Two years later, with help from her grandmother, she was smuggled out of Iran to Turkey where she lived in a refugee camp until eventually being granted asylum in the United States.

Anni will tell her story, educate the audience on life under Islamic law and the value of the freedoms we have here today. 

Speaker Bio:

Anni Cyrus is a former Child Bride from Iran who has devoted her life to defending, rescuing and shining a light on the plight of women and girls suffering oppression around the world, particularly where fundamentalist Islam has taken hold. A Middle East expert, Anni speaks 3 languages, English, Farsi and Dari* and monitors international broadcasts in their local languages. She is an expert contributor on Afghan and Middle East policy on Lindell TV and has her own channel on Frankspeech, named after the organization she founded, Live Up To Freedom. She is a human rights activist and social media influencer with nearly three million views of her previous Illinois appearances. Anni brings her unique experience of having been sold as a slave, married as a child, imprisoned as a teen and smuggled over borders. She was an asylum seeker and became a legal U.S. Citizen, a freedom-loving patriot and follower of Jesus Christ. In spite of the dangers, she has risen to become a model of extreme courage, determination, compassion and strength. WWW.LIVEUPTOFREEDOM.COM.

If you are concerned about a free and fair election touring the Board of Elections may be just what you need to reinforce confidence.

Thursday, April 7, 2022
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

This Class is Full at Maximum Capacity, Thank You For Your Interest

On a tour of the Board of Elections facility in Norwood, you will get a first-hand look at how election officials administer elections in Hamilton County. You will see how the ballot is created, from petition-filing, to board certification, programming, proofing, and printing. You will learn how The BOE organizes, stores, and tests thousands of pieces of equipment that must be delivered to and from hundreds of polling locations throughout Hamilton County.

Whether it is the recruiting and training of over 2,000 poll workers, running the early vote center, conducting audits, or maintaining an accurate voter registration database with almost 600,000 voters, the work of running elections continues beyond election day, and this tour will show you how election officials work year-round to deliver free and fair elections in Hamilton County.  There will be time for Q&A, plus a mock election.

This is an On-Site Class only at the Hamilton County Board of Elections, meet in the front lobby, main entrance is off of Wall St, look for the 3 large flag poles.

Speaker’s Bios:

Alex Linser is the Deputy Director of the Hamilton County Board of Elections. He is responsible for administering free and fair elections for Hamilton County’s 580,000+ registered voters. He is a licensed attorney with experience in business, litigation, government & administrative law. Prior to joining the Board of Elections,  Linser’s public service included leadership on issues ranging from child poverty to equitable development to the addiction epidemic. Linser has served on the board of several civic nonprofit organizations and is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati. In 2010, he received his law degree from the University of Cincinnati’s College of Law. He currently lives in Mt. Washington with his wife Joanna and their seven children.

Sherry Poland was appointed Director of the Hamilton County Board of Elections in June of 2014.  She began her career with the board in March of 2004. She is responsible for administering all local, state, and federal elections that occur in Hamilton County, along with the day-to-day operations of the board.  Ms. Poland is a member of the U.S. Elections Assistance Commission Local Leadership Council, serves as the Vice President of the Ohio Association of Elections Officials, and as a member of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Task Force on Elections.  She is a graduate of Mount St. Joseph University.  She and her husband live in Cincinnati and have two daughters.

Take 20: Leigh Ann Cartier--Want to Start Gardening But Don't Know Where to Start?

Tuesday, April 5, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class-Click Here

Rick Gibbs Handout for EmpowerU–Click Here

Survival items — From Rick Gibbs

Supplies You May Need — From Rick Gibbs

To Contact Leigh Ann Cartier Regarding Plantings email:  [email protected]

Required Reading:  Victory: Appeals Court Upholds Massive Legal Judgment Against Woke College for Defaming Local Business

Required Reading #2: Ohio Republicans Introduce Version of ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill Combined With Ban on Teaching ‘Divisive Concepts’–HB616

Click HERE to read HB616

Visit Rick Gibbs’s future classes on May 19th and the 26th ( changed to not on the 12th) at Solid Rock Church, 903 N. Union Rd Lebanon, Ohio, its right there close to the Ohio Gaming place.    Its starts at 6:00 pm sharp and will end at 7:45.  Please bring writing material and any Questions you may have.

Rick Gibbs will be focusing on a program he teaches “Practical Preparedness” that shares a common sense approach for survival during many types of life situations including natural disasters and current events. 

Specifics to be covered are simple and practical ideas for being prepared, in case of utility disruptions, or food shortages.  Rick will stress the need to think about needed household items and being ready in case of an emergency situation.  Always be planning ahead and have a back-up plan.  Many of his suggested items are available locally, and may be necessary should a natural disaster or unexpected event disrupt our normal lives.  He will be giving us a presentation with a handout on preparedness.  Be sure to come to this one!

Gardening:   Leigh Ann Cartier will discuss–Do you ever see the gardening section at the store full of seeds and plant starts and wonder “What’s the difference between all the different tomatoes or beans, etc.?” Confused on what to start growing? Do you want to start growing but have a small space? You can grow more than you think if you choose the right kind of variety for your situation. You can grow in containers if you are tight on space. There are more options than you think.

Speaker Bios: 

Rick Gibbs is from Middletown, has been fascinated with American History since childhood. He enjoys teaching the young and old alike. Rick taught American History at Germantown Christian School and also teaches homeschoolers the importance of our American Heritage. His presentations on American History bring historical events to life – oftentimes through the attire and period items he includes in his talks. Rick is often asked to speak on the Constitution and The Declaration of Independence and their signers. He’s also known as an accomplished singer.

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Leigh Ann Cartier-  Leigh Ann grew up in Cincinnati and graduated from Wilmington College. She has a passion for gardening and has had her hands in the dirt ever since she was young. She is always trying new things in the garden and exploring new techniques for gardening. Leigh Ann has taught a prior EmpowerU class on getting started with gardening in the spring semester of 2021. Leigh Ann also helps produce classes for EmpowerU.

Building Blocks for Liberty joins us for this special Saturday Class!

Saturday, April 2, 2022
10:00 am - 11:30 am

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here

Required Reading:  House Votes to Legalize Marijuana:  Dems Applaud As ‘Racial Justice Bill’ (Votes 220-204!)

Speakers’ Bios: Jim Lewis (Left) and John Hindery (Right)

Building Blocks for Liberty is a 501c3 non-profit educational organization dedicated to the preservation of the U.S. Constitution by teaching others the importance of this historical document that governs our nation. Building Blocks for Liberty is the brainchild of Marines Jim Lewis and John Hindery. In the United States Marine Corps, Jim Leiws and John Hindery spent four years defending the United States and the Constitution they took an oath to uphold and protect.

As American citizens, they became increasingly alarmed as they watched in astonishment the endless attacks on the liberties of Americans by an overreaching government. Determined to stop the daily barrage of misinformation, the two men decided to combine their love of history with a desire to educate the public the truth about the Constitution, and developed the unique teaching partnership now known as Building Blocks for Liberty (BBFL).

Take 20: Learn about Cincinnati Classical Academy a New Charter School in Partnership with Hillsdale College

Thursday, March 31, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here

Required Reading:   “To Impact Culture You Must Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is” — Protect the Kids 

America is experiencing huge federal deficits, massive federal debt, and so much free, “helicopter” money from the government that many Americans choose not to work. And all this was done in response to the COVID crisis. When you combine our current situation with the plans that have been proposed – like Build Back Better and the Green New Deal – the USA seems to be pivoting from a quasi-Capitalist system over to a social democracy like those in Europe, or maybe even something to the left of that.

So, how did we get here? We will take a look at that through the painstaking research of author Amity Shlaes, who explains how progressives, socialists, and communists used two earlier crises to implement socialist programs while attacking our capitalist system. In The Forgotten Man she describes how FDR and many leftists in his New Deal administrations first moved the dial away from capitalism towards socialism in the 1930s. Their efforts were greatly aided by Americans’ desire to end the crisis of the Great Depression. She convincingly shows how the New Deal failed in that mission, yet its programs remained in place.

Then, in The Great Society she tells how LBJ and his Great Society and – surprisingly – even Richard Nixon and his administration took us even closer to socialism in the 1960s and early 1970s. LBJ’s efforts were driven by Americans’ laudable desire to eliminate poverty. And, like FDR’S New Deal, LBJ’S Great Society failed to defeat poverty, but its programs remained in place. Tom Hagedorn will discuss the important events and characters from these watershed periods of American history.

Jed Hartings will discuss the emerging growth of public classical charter schools as an education alternative in Ohio, with focus on our experience founding the Cincinnati Classical Academy.  

He will describe the core tenets of the classical approach to education and how they differ from today’s public schools, with illustrations from school curricula. He will discuss what’s required to found a school, our experiences and challenges, the partnership with Hillsdale College, and related founding efforts across the state.

Speakers’ Bios:

Tom Hagedorn has been studying American history for over 30 years. Some of his study has focused on education. Eight years ago, he published “Founding Zealots: How Evangelicals Created America’s First Public Schools, 1783-1865.” It tells how those first schools came about and what they were like. But it also describes in detail how this story has been ignored and distorted by the progressive historians who have a very different vision for American schools, society and government than did our Founders. Since he published his book, he has been focusing on the increasing role of socialism and socialists in American institutions, what some have called “the long march” of western Marxism through our institutions.

Tom has been providing investment advice to individuals for four decades. When he was not researching and writing Founding Zealots and studying history, he was involved in various political, charitable, and community activities. He remains active in all those things and in the fight to return the schools to a traditional role in American society, in service to their parents and to their parents’ values.

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Jed Hartings: Jed grew up on the West Side of Cincinnati and attended St. Xavier High School. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame and earned a doctorate in neuroscience from the University of Pittsburgh. He then served 8 years as a medical research officer in the U.S. Army at Walter Reed, separating from service at the rank of Major. Jed returned home in 2008 to join the faculty at the University of Cincinnati, where he researches stroke and brain trauma as a tenured professor in the Department of Neurosurgery.  He lives with his wife and daughters in Evendale.  He enjoys running, motorcycles, classical music, politics, and reading, and hopes one day to sail the Great Lakes with his family. 

Take 20: Meet Chris Monzel, a republican candidate in the primary for Ohio House District #28.

Tuesday, March 29, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of Kirsten Hill’s Video on Social Emotional Learning (S.E.L.) –Click Here

To View Kirsten Hill’s Powerpoint Slides on S.E.L. (recommended) –Click Here

Required Reading:  Home Depot Tells Its Staff They’re White-Privileged Oppressors and Marginalized Victims

Attendees to tonight’s class on Social Emotion Learning, if you can take a look at this page before the class as we will discuss:   https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Student-Supports/Ohios-Whole-Child-Framework

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is just one cog in the Whole Child Framework(1) wheel–which is part of the Ohio Department of Education.  There has been a highly coordinated effort to turn schools into places that conduct behavior therapy on children rather than instruct them in academics.  Academics have been purposely diluted by the injection of SEL programs.  Values, attitudes and beliefs inculcated by the ‘experts’ displace the family and community values, attitudes and beliefs.  

Come learn the myriad players and routes to control Ohio children and the children’s social connections from Kirsten Hill, current member of the State Board of Education.  Kirsten was a member of the Integrated Students Support Committee and the State Board at the time Ohio’s Social and Emotional Learning ‘Standards’ were approved in mid-2019.  

Chris Monzel is a Republican candidate in the primary for Ohio House District #28.   Chris has a long history of serving the public including his 8 year stay as a Hamilton County Commissioner ending in 2018, including when he served as President of the Commission.   Also, Chris also served as a Council Member of the Cincinnati City Council. Come Early at 6:30 to say hello to Chris!

Speakers’ Bios:

Kirsten Hill is an elected member of the Ohio Board of Education since January 2019. She is chairman of Totally Engaged Americans, a community group of conservatives, in Lorain County. It was founded in 2009 and meets monthly. She also helps lead Free Ohio Now, which was founded in 2020 in reaction to government tyranny and Ohio Freedom Action Network founded in late 2021 to support local group leaders.
Kirsten and her husband, Andy, operated her family’s year-round farm market in Lorain County for 25 years. She also ran a seasonal farm-tour business, hosting families and preschool through elementary classes for many years. She has two children, a software developer and a physician. Prior to being a small business owner, she worked as a certified public accountant in Cleveland and in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Kirsten was on the Amherst Schools Education Foundation board for 20 years and on the Amherst Township Board of Zoning Appeals for 15 years, most of them as chairman. Kirsten has a degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business administration. She is on the Republican County Central Committee, ran for State Central Committee and is currently running for the Ohio Senate.

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Chris was born in Hamilton, Ohio, and was raised in Loveland, Ohio. There he attended Loveland Public Schools and St. Columban Elementary School and later graduated Valedictorian from Moeller High School in 1986. His passion for public service was first sparked while at Moeller when he took part in student government, the American Legion’s Buckeye Boys State, and the Cincinnati City Council’s Youth in City Government Program.

Chris graduated from Purdue University in 1990.  In 1993, he and his wife, Jana,  decided to pursue public service by accepting a position with the Marianist Volunteer Service Community in Queens, New York where they worked for a year at the Angel Guardian Home Foster Care Agency in Brooklyn, New York. While there, Chris worked with teens, helping them to develop independent living skills in order to prepare them for life outside the foster care system. They then became the acting Director of a homeless shelter in Oakland, California, where he learned firsthand, the many housing and health care issues facing inner-city communities.

Chris’ growth as a public servant is the product of years volunteering in the communities in which he lived. He has served as trustee for the Mt. Adams Civic Association, and Vice-President of the Winton Place Community Council, now known as Spring Grove Village. Chris was an active member of Spring Grove Village’s Citizens on Patrol group. as well as in prior elected office as a member of Cincinnati City Council.    Chris also served as a Hamilton County Commissioner from 2011-2019.

A Six Sigma Master Black Belt recipient, Chris is presently employed by General Electric Aviation, as the CSA Productivity focal for CFM56 Services Engineering.   This designation denotes acquired enhanced skills and results in achieving increased productivity.   Chris, his wife Jana and their children currently reside in Glendale. Chris and Jana are both deeply involved in their children’s activities. They believe that providing a stable family environment steeped in faith and tradition is their primary responsibility.

Take 20: Mechanics of Government with Kerry Smyth

Thursday, March 24, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class Click Here

Required Reading–The Real Reset is Coming — Victor Davis Hanson, on Townhall.com

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8_atQqGDRBiillmVYDyXMA

“The Old Lefthander & Me”: Long-time TV columnist John Kiesewetter tells his favorite Joe Nuxhall stories  with a powerpoint presentation about his new book, “Joe Nuxhall: The Old Lefthander & Me – My Conversations with Joe Nuxhall about the Reds, Baseball and Broadcasting.” Over a 21-year span, Kiesewetter spoke to the beloved Reds radio announcer about his baseball and broadcasting careers; his 31-year partnership with Marty Brennaman; the pranks they played on each other off the air; his all-time favorite Reds players; and even his Kroger TV commercials. 

–Please wear your Reds Hat, Shirt and Gear!   Even if they are on strike, we’ll have fun.   

–Cracker Jacks are on the House and We’ll sing “Take Me Out to the Ball game!” under the professional singing of Barb Horwitz! 

We are sorry to report that Kerry Smyth will be unable to join us tonight as he has cancelled with little notice.   We apologize for this inconvenience.

7:05-7:25 PM–Kerry Smyth is President of the Cheviot City Council. He will join us tonight to discuss
Mechanics of Government, focusing on the origins of self-government and how it’s applied today. Kerry Smyth will give a presentation that will be focusing on the origins of our form of self-government and how it’s applied today.

Speaker’s Bios:

John Kiesewetter- For more than three decades, John Kiesewetter has been the Cincinnati authority on TV, broadcasting and media. His stories, columns and blogs have covered national and local broadcasting breaking news and trends, and chronicled local TV/radio personalities and the TV stars who grew up here, for the Cincinnati Enquirer (1985-2014), and now for Cincinnati Public Radio’s WVXU-FM and wvxu.org.

After the Middletown native graduated from Ohio University in 1975, he was hired by the Enquirer, where he worked 40 years as a reporter, suburban news editor, Tempo section editor and columnist.  He traveled more than three dozen times to Los Angeles for the Enquirer to preview TV series and visit Hollywood studios – although his favorite trips were to Riverfront Stadium to watch Marty Brennaman and Joe Nuxhall broadcast Reds games.

John lives in Fairfield, Ohio, with his wife, Sue, a freelance reporter for the Enquirer. They have three adult sons.

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Kerry Smyth-is the President of Cheviot City Council since 2021, Press Director of the annual American Priority Conference held at Trump Doral, FL since 2018,  Product Lead for PureSocialNetwork.com   Kerry is the former Co-Host of YourVoice America with Bill Mitchell 2016-2017, political podcaster from 2014-2019.

Take 20: Senator Louis Blessing III to Discuss SB 242: A Bill that Requires Acceptance of Cash

Tuesday, March 22, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of Tonight’s Class–Click Here

Required Reading: South Dakota Governor Signs Bill Banning CRT-Based Trainings at Universities –Click Here

School Choice Ohio was launched shortly after the creation of Ohio’s EdChoice Scholarship Program. Since that time, School Choice Ohio and its allies have continued to expand opportunities that empower families to choose their child’s school. At this moment, over 60% of Ohio families have access to a state funded scholarship.

While there has been much success, and Ohio is among the nation’s leaders in empowering families, there is much more to go. Impediments to expanding parental power over education are political, sociological, and practical.

In this course, we hope to cover the history of school choice in Ohio. The present state of play. The most substantial impediments to expanding school choice and parental power. And, most importantly, what can grassroots activists do today to help expand the cause of educational freedom.   The school choice part of our topic tonight will take place from 7:30-8:30 PM.

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SB 242 is Legislation that requires cash to be accepted as a form of payment at retail merchants.  We are slowly moving to a cashless society, and the ramifications of that are profound.  As was seen in Canada, governments can and will work with the financial and tech sectors to shut citizens out of the economy if they deem it necessary.  The good news is that SB 242 has the support of groups on the left who also have privacy concerns and issues moving to a completely cashless society.  The bill represents an innovative, bipartisan approach to pushing back against increasingly technocratic governance.  Senator Louis Blessing III joins EmpowerU to discuss the topic that is currently under review by the Ohio General Assembly.   We will hear from Senator Blessing from 7:10-7:30 PM.

Speaker’s Bio:

Rabbi Eric “Yitz” Frank  – Serves as President of School Choice Ohio and as the executive director of Agudath Israel of Ohio since 2013. In that capacity he is engaged in multiple projects to educate community organizations about various governmental programming, funding opportunities, and serves as a liaison to the Ohio Department of Education on behalf of Jewish day schools. Rabbi Frank was previously appointed by the Ohio Senate to serve on the NonPublic School Graduation Requirements Advisory Committee and is a member of Governor DeWine’s School Safety Working Group.

An expert in education policy and nonpublic schools, Rabbi Frank also serves as the President of the Ohio Council for American Private Education and on the community relations committee of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. He is also President of Congregation Zichron Chaim, located in Beachwood. Rabbi Frank also does government relations and policy work at the federal level related to the National School Lunch Program, ESEA, IDEA, and other related issues. As President of School Choice Ohio and its related entities, Rabbi Frank is proud to serve as the tip of the spear along with the dedicated team and grassroot activists to expand school options and empower families throughout Ohio. He firmly believes that School Choice is not only the civil rights issue of our time, but crucial to the success of our economy and Ohio.

Senator Louis W. Blessing III, represents the 8th Senate District (western and northern Hamilton county) since 2019, and currently the Chairman of the Senate Ways and Means committee.  Former state representative from 2013-2019.  Licensed professional engineer (electrical) since 2011.   Resides in Colerain Township with his wife Heather and two boys: Louis IV and James.

Take 20: Tyson Butler and Jessica Franz Discuss Protecting Our Children and the Bethel School Situation

Thursday, March 17, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class Click Here

To Contact Tyson Butler from ProtectOhioChildren.net:  email:  [email protected]

Required Reading–Wisconsin Teachers Told To Hide Student’s Gender Identity from Parents

From 7:45-8:30 PM we will be discussing the difficult subject of Childhold Trauma.  Childhood Trauma is a major, largely unaddressed issue in the State of Ohio and nationally, with one of every five children 3-17 years old experiencing two or more adverse trauma events annually.

Steps are underway to develop a broad base of support in the Ohio State Legislature and Cincinnati City Council, leading to adopting a formal resolution and passing legislation, declaring a State of Emergency to be signed by Governor DeWine and Mayor Aftab Pureval.

Ron Hummons, himself a victim of severe traumatic incidences, beginning at age 5, will be joined by Cinny Roy and Burr Robinson, representing therapeutic and social service interests to discuss how citizens can come together to have Ohio become the first state and Cincinnati the first city to declare a Child Trauma State of Emergency, and to greatly expand effective solutions and become a national model.

Childhood Trauma is an important subject, especially how poverty impacts Childhood Trauma.   Our goal tonight is to learn about this topic from our informed guests.  EmpowerU was concerned about some of the wording in the original legislation backing the Childhood Trauma Emergency Request as it was racially targeted.   Just today we received a copy of the new Resolution, with much of the worry-some language removed, which is going to the General Assembly —Click Here to Read the Resolution.

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From 7:10-7:40 we will be joined by Tyson Butler and Jessica Franz.   Tyson Butler is passionate about our kids and their education.   He is the new Southwest Ohio Director of Protect Ohio Children a coalition to stop Critical Race Theory (CRT), Comprehensive Sex Education (CSE) and Social Emotional Learning (SEL).  Tyson is a great resource to meet as your kids, grandkids and friends have problems with these issues in their schools. 

Tyson will introduce Jessica Franz who is a new School Board Member for the Bethel Board of Education.   She will detail the disastrous handling of a situation that involves a trans-identified student accessing the restrooms at Bethel Schools.   It is important for you to learn about what is going on in Bethel and how it can easily become a part of your school district.   If anything, Jessica’s story will only reaffirm the importance of watching carefully everything that is going on in your school district.   You don’t want to meet missing Tyson Butler and Jessica Franz tonight.

Speaker Bios:

Burr Robinson is happily married to Terry, father of three and grandfather of 7.  Grew up in Minnesota until heading east to attend Yale University, where he graduated.  He and his wife Terry are now in their 57th year of marriage, the first two of which were in Germany, where Burr was a U. S. Army officer.   Upon their return, he began a 31 year career with Procter & Gamble, focusing on sales and marketing.  When not working for Proctor & Gamble his heart was increasingly involved in community service activities dealing with people in need. This eventually led to an early retirement and the founding of Jobs Plus Employment Network, with the mission of helping men and women turn around wayward lives that had landed them in jail, or on the streets.  The goal of Jobs Plus was to help people first deal with the trauma in their lives, then develop a plan to deal with the trauma, and then help them secure productive jobs while focusing on goals to address their personal issues.

Tyson Butler is a lifelong activist, who has experienced a profound passion for organizing and empowering his community to be active participants in protecting our freedoms in this country.  HIs calling is in educating/coaching young people to achieve their highest potential. Whether it was coaching collegiate sports, mentoring students in the classroom or developing life skills; Tyson has always found that my heart is full for children and their journeys towards success. He am honored to be a part of Protecting Ohio Children, where he believes, he has the opportunity to combine two of my strongest passions in an effort to better serve my community and our country’s most precious resource… our children.”

 Jessica Franz is a Christian, a Constitutionalist, a Fiscal Conservative and a Lifelong Learner.  She is a new member of the Bethel School Board (she was sworn in January 2022) and supports parents and teachers in their respective roles.   Jessica strongly believes in keeping racial and sexual politics out of our students’ curriculum.    Jessica believes in the following quote from Mark Levin: “Education is not supposed to be about administrators and educational bureaucrats, labor unions, tenured educators, improvident construction projects and statist indoctrination.   It is supposed to be about the enrichment and improvement of young people and society.”

Take 20: Ohio’s Death Penalty, and why a growing number of conservatives are opposing it

Tuesday, March 15, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Required Reading for this class – click here

Do to a Production Error, this Class was not video taped.   We appologize.

Tonight’s Schedule of Events:

6:30-7:00 PM  — Meet and Greet with Jim Renacci 

7:00-7:30 PM  — Hear from Rebecca Heimlich on the Death Penalty

7:30-8:30 PM  — Hear from Jim  About His Plans for Ohio

While in Congress, Jim earned a reputation for being a principled conservative and effective legislator. He quickly rose through the ranks to serve on the Committee on Financial Services, as vice-chair of the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit, and as a member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. After just two years, Jim was named to the powerful Ways and Means Committees and Budget Committees. Jim’s track record as a blue-collar entrepreneur demonstrates his only allegiance has ever been to the very people who D.C. bureaucrats forcibly unemployed that fateful day in an Ohio car dealership — the everyday Americans forgotten by the Swamp. He represents the people’s hopes and fears, bringing actionable results back to the working people who gave him a voice.   

Running Mate Joe Knopp has informed us that he will not be able to attend our 3/15 class (Sorry).

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From 7:00-7:30 PM–Twenty-three states have banned the death penalty, and governors have placed moratoriums on the death penalty in three more states.  In Ohio, two bi-partisan bills (one in the House and one in the Senate) have been introduced to end Ohio’s death penalty.  Why are more and more conservatives reconsidering their stance on this issue and joining the effort to ban Ohio’s death penalty?

Ohioans To Stop Executions Executive Director Hannah Kubbins and Conservative Outreach Coordinator Rebecca Simpson will talk about the reasons conservative opposition to the death penalty is growing.  For example, some of the reasons include the exorbitant cost to taxpayers, the significant number of those sentenced to death being later exonerated, its ineffectiveness in deterring violent crime, and the proper role of a limited government. Hannah and Rebecca will also talk about the status of the two pending Ohio bills, how to learn more and keep up to date on the progress of the bills, and ways to engage on this important issue.

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Speakers’ Bio:

Jim Renacci- In 2009, the Obama Administration took over General Motors, shuttering dealerships across the country— including Jim’s in Northeast Ohio. Shutting down Jim’s dealership killed 50 good-paying jobs in his community — and Jim wasn’t going to stand by while neighbors were going hungry. How could Washington blatantly interfere in the everyday lives of hard-working Americans who wanted nothing more but their own chance at the American Dream?

In 2010, Jim filed to run for U.S. Congress in Ohio’s 16th Congressional District, taking on a well funded Democratic incumbent. Jim won the election by 9 percent.

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Hannah Kubbins

Rebecca Heimlich: :  Rebecca is an attorney with Finney Law Firm and has recently joined Ohioans to Stop Executions’ team as its Conservative Outreach Coordinator.  Rebecca has more than 25 years of diverse advocacy and litigation experience, and has served as an assistant prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, and State Director for Americans for Prosperity Ohio.  Rebecca has been staunchly opposed to the death penalty since her experience working in the criminal justice system early in her career.  Rebecca’s focus areas at Finney Law firm include litigation and labor and employment matters as well as government and public affairs and small business assistance and advocacy. 

‘Politicians don’t’ start parades, they join them’. Learn from our speaker who has been working diligently reviewing the 2020 election. What happened, and what is the Fix.

Thursday, March 10, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of Tis Class–Click Here

Required Reading for Tonight’s Class Click Here-Jason Williams Required Reading

The United States is headed for a constitutional crisis.  Sixty percent of the public now believes that the outcome of the 2020 General Election was fraudulent, and this number is growing daily.  Dr. Douglas Frank, one of EmpowerU’s favorite speakers,  has been intimately engaged in the election integrity effort since December of 2020, and has been catapulted into the national dialogue because of his alliances with several prominent patriots including Mike Lindell, General Flynn, Col. Phil Waldron, and Captian Keshel.  He was invited to be the keynote speaker at President Trump’s coming-out rally in Wellington Ohio in 2021, and legislators from several states have requested his assistance and testimony as they examine the fraud in their own states and craft legislation in order to address it.

During this class, he will first review how our elections are being stolen, and then provide an update regarding the national Fix 2020 effort.  The momentum is growing, and a lot is happening.

Speaker Bio: 

Douglas G. Frank:

Dr. Frank grew up on a small Black Angus Ranch in Northern California. His parents were successful entrepreneurs in the areas of insurance, investments, and real estate. Dr Frank earned a B.A. in Chemistry from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California in 1983. He attended graduate school at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he completed his doctoral requirements before transferring to the University of Cincinnati in 1986 as part of the Ohio Eminent Scholar program. In 1990 he completed a Ph.D. in Surface Analytical Chemistry. During his graduate work, he discovered a new phenomenon which was featured in several science books and international journals, including cover articles in Science and Naturwissenschaften.

Dr Frank left academics in 1996. His scientific reputation gained him introductions to several U.S. companies, where he continues to apply his scientific, electronics, engineering, and computer expertise to real-life research and manufacturing challenges. He specializes in the development of custom control and analytical solutions, and has invented several instruments for surface optical characterization, precision force application, and soil analysis by means of portable electron microscopy and spectroscopy. A common thread in his work is the combination of precision motion with delicate measurement and analysis of large amounts of data.

Dr Frank lives in Morrow, Ohio and is married to his high school sweetheart, Donna. He has three adult children: Dynnelle, Daniel, and Deryk. Dr Frank believes in giving back to the community. He is Past-President of the Blue Ash/Montgomery Rotary Club (2002). He is a popular speaker in the areas of Creativity & Innovation, Ethics & Character, Science & Religion, Rotary Polio Eradication, Climate Change, Covid-19, and now Election Integrity.

He was honored by the Executive Board of the Presbyterian Association on Science, Technology and the Christian Faith as “one who exemplifies the practice of science as a Christian vocation.” Dr Frank is chair (now on sabbatical) of the Math and Science department and Director of Music at The Schilling School for Gifted Children, a school for extraordinarily bright students he helped to establish in the mid 1990’s.

Dr Frank’s work can be followed on Telegram, MeWe (Follow the Data with Dr Frank) and Rumble (Dr Frank), and he can be contacted at [email protected]

This Class is SOLD-OUT due to location capacity

Tuesday, March 8, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Class is on-site at White Oak Gardens   Sign up early at Attendance will be limited by space.

Introducing newer, stand out, easy to grow plants for your landscape.  Join Jeff Webeler, Horticulturist and President of White Oak Gardens, for a discussion of cool plants to add to your landscape gardens and demystify Hydrangeas.  Form larger flowers to better shrub form, from new colors to longer bloom periods, and of course, vigorous, disease-resistant growth. The secret to a great landscape isn’t working longer and harder, it’s planting the right plants that work better in your gardens.

Speaker’s Bio:

Jeffrey L Webeler, was born and raised in Cincinnati, Oh.  Jeff purchased White Oak Nursery in 1979.  He and his wife, Patty, have two sons, Evan and Andrew, both are involved with the business.   He is a Horticultural Specialist and Graduate of Utah State University.  When Jeff is not golfing, hiking, snow skiing or spending time with his family, he is probably in the yard playing in his landscape.  He is active with trade associations. American Horticultural Association…Past President of Midwest Landscape Network, Served on Board of Directors & Chairman of Retail Committee of Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association and the Cincinnati Flower Growers Association.  Currently serving on the Board of Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati, a non-profit, founded in 1942, whose mission is building community through gardening, education and environmental stewardship.

He is Owner/President of White Oak Garden Center – a full service, year-round retail lawn & garden center selling annual & perennial flowers, trees, shrubs, houseplants, landscape supplies, fertilizers, control products, seasonal holiday plants & décor.  Their Horticultural expertise enhances their customers quality of life.

Jeff is also Owner/President of White Oak Environmentals, Inc. – a landscape design-built contracting business, focusing on the residential market.  Specializing in renovations, new installations, landscape (other than mowing and snow removal), hardscape- paver patios, walks and walls.

In 1975, Jeff graduated from Western Hills High School, Cincinnati, and in 1979 earned his B.S. Degree in Ornamental Horticulture from Utah State University, Logan UT.

Take 20: Meet Kim Georgeton, Candidate House District 28

Thursday, March 3, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class Click Here

If you would like to sign up for AFP’s activist training certification class- click here

This Class is Sponsored by Americans for Prosperity

We will discuss some of the elements of a good story and how to use a story to impact your legislators.  While stories are not the only way to move our elected officials, they are most assuredly the easiest and most effective way to do so.  We will also discuss several other ways to get the attention of those whom we have chosen to represent us at the different levels of government.

Speaker Ray Hoskins, is a senior trainer for Americans for Prosperity’s Education and Training department, he brings his unique background of teaching high school history, coaching wrestling, football, and track, and entrepreneurship along with an MBA and experience as a small business owner to his job. He has coached and mentored field staff, other trainers, and activists to perform at a high level. He has a great passion for helping people succeed even where they do not think they can.

If you need to step-up your communication to governmental officials, start with this class!   This part of the class on The Power of Storytelling will start about 7:30.

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Meet Kim Georgeton–from 7:05-7:30 PM

Kim is a candidate for the Republican Primary for District 28 for the Ohio House of Representatives.   Here is what Kim stands for:   “Follow the Constitution. No Mandates. Less Government. Less Taxes. More Small Business. More School Choice. Protect Parental Rights. Protect Free Speech. Protect Gun Ownership. Protect Life. Defend Our First Responders. Advocate Fair Elections. Fight Corruption. Serve With Integrity.“

Feel free to come to EmpowerU Studio early tonight (after 6:30) to meet and speak with Kim Georgeton.

Speakers’ Bios:

Ray Hoskins- Ray is a veteran of the United States Air Force, where he served as a Special Operations Pararescueman. He is passionate about issues that affect not only veterans, but also those who are currently serving our country. As the director of veteran’s education, he works closely with Concerned Veterans for America producing and delivering content around a myriad of subjects, including foreign policy, VA health care, and ending endless wars.

He has been married to his wife and best friend, Jenny, for twenty-four years. They have five boys ranging in age from fourteen to twenty-eight. His oldest son, Vince, is proudly serving in the United States Army. His next son, Mason, is an engineer. His third son, Hayden is studying to become an engineer. His fourth son, Peyton, is currently in high school, and his youngest son, Damon is also in in high school. He also has two daughters-in-law and four grandchildren.

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Kim Georgeton was born and raised in Cincinnati, the daughter of a WWII Marine Veteran. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati and has a 25-year career in Consulting. She lives with her Husband John, owner of the Red Squirrel Restaurant, her daughter, and her two Whippets.

Kim is a strong constitutional republican candidate and stands for traditional family, legal and political values. She believes the government has overreached their position in recent years and will stand firmly to correct that imbalance. With a focus on the Constitution, Kim underscores that “governments were instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed” – The Declaration of Independence, 1776. Kim’s overall goal as your representative is to uphold and protect the unalienable rights of We, the People.

Take 20: Dynamics of Ohio State & Federal Races

Tuesday, March 1, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of Tonight’s Class–Click Here

Required Reading:   Daily Caller:  Over 70% of Americans Support School Choice

Learn to forgive and go from hurting to healing and hope. Drawing on the presenter’s extensive professional experience, doctoral research of interpersonal forgiveness, and recent books, The Path to Forgiveness (May, 2018) The Path to Forgiveness Study Guide (March, 2019), participants will deepen their understanding of and gain new insights into the forgiveness process.

They will learn about what forgiveness is and is not, myths and misconceptions of interpersonal forgiveness, reasons to forgive, the benefits of forgiveness, strategies for practicing forgiveness, while also considering the effects of forgiveness on one’s cognition, affect, and behavior. The above mentioned books may be purchased from the speaker at a discount, purchase information will be given after his presentation.

Dr. VanLoon’s presentation will run from 7:30-8:30 PM.   Tonight’s class is a Virtual Only Class.

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Tom Zawatowski will be joining us from 7:05-7:25 pm.  Tom  is Ohio’s leading activist.   He will be bringing us information about the dynamics of the Ohio US Senate and Governor’s races as well as the Ohio State House and State Senate races.  Tom has been recognized as one of the top liberty group leaders in the nation for his efforts to defend the legal right of Liberty groups across the nation and he produces the popular We The People Convention Podcast which is Posted Every Friday at www.wethepeopleconvention.org.

Speakers’ Bios:

Preston VanLoon- With a passion for making a difference in the lives of people and organizations, Dr. Preston VanLoon has served as a College Professor, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counselor, Pastor, Board Certified Chaplain, and Director of Spiritual Care. He also has experience as a Bioethics Consultant and Mental Health First Aid Instructor. His education includes a doctorate in Educational Psychology with a specialization in Human Development and additional graduate studies in Special Education, Christian Education, and Biblical Studies. Dr. VanLoon is the author of The Path to Forgiveness: Moving Forward with Hope and Healing One Day at a Time and The Path to Forgiveness Study Guide. He has spoken domestically and internationally on a variety of topics including interpersonal forgiveness, the topic of his doctoral dissertation. Dr. VanLoon has two sons and lives in Mandan, ND with his wife, Mary, and Rocky, their golden retriever, a Certified Therapy Dog.

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Tom Zawistowski- Tom, is the CEO and Founder, with his wife Nanette, of TRZ Communications, a 38 year old technology company based in Akron, Ohio.  In 2009 he was one of the founders of the Portage County TEA Party, for which he became the Executive Director in 2010, a position he still holds.  

In 2011, Tom was nominated by liberty leaders around the state to head a group of volunteers that was challenged with the task of putting on the first ever state convention for liberty minded citizens.  His “We the People” Convention which was held at the Columbus Convention Center during the 4th of July weekend of 2011 was attended by over 1,000 Patriots.

He has been recognized as one of the top liberty group leaders in the nation for his efforts to defend the legal right of Liberty groups  across the nation and he produces the popular We The People Convention Podcast which is Posted Every Friday at wethepeopleconvention.org.

Take 20: Meet State Representative Jennifer Gross Joins EmpowerU

Thursday, February 24, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To watch a complete recording of tonight’s class– click here

To Download a copy of Michael Mercier’s Powerpoint Presentation–Click Here

Required Reading–Bills Seek a Closer Look at Schools

The narratives presented by liberal and conservative news organizations on any given story typically are polarized — that is, each side literally says the opposite of the other. For example, liberal news outlets claim President Trump has made baseless claims that the 2020 election was stolen, while conservative outlets have reported on countless claims of election fraud uncovered by American citizens and state legislatures.

When liberal and conservative news organizations provide their audiences with different facts it divides us politically, leaving us incapable of productive dialogue.  It also divides us socially, as so many of us over the last 6 years have had close friends and relatives sever ties with us over our political views.

In this talk Mr. Mercier will provide an empowering prescription for bridging this divide.  He will present techniques for bypassing the media to get to the truth, for challenging journalists who stoke this divide, and for awakening others to these manipulations. 

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Rep. Jennifer Gross is running for re-election in the 45th District.  Whether you are in her district or not she represents all Ohioans, so if you haven’t had the chance to meet her she will be available between 6:30 – 7, to meet and chat with you.  Rep. Gross authored HB248, and will give a recap and update, including the discharge petition and ballot initiative.  She will also give some insight on what it really takes to run for a political office, and what the role of a Legislator is. 

Speaker’s Bios:

Michael Mercier:

Michael is the Founder and President of Screen Education, which conducts research, and provides training and consulting services, on the impact of information technology on human wellness.  Mr. Mercier has conducted 25 research studies on digital addiction with teens, college students, summer campers, parents, Millennials, and full-time employees.  His research has examined the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical consequences of digital addiction, as well as its impact on academic performance and workplace productivity and safety.  He also has studied the benefits people derive from digital detoxes.

He has spoken on smartphone addiction to schools, corporate audiences, colleges and summer camps, as well as at numerous conferences, including educational technology, summer camp, mindfulness, workplace safety, and marketing conferences.  His research partners have included EMI Research Solutions, Stark Statistical Consulting, Camp Kern, Camp Ernst, Camp Livingston, The Jewish Community Center Association of North America, Hiram College, BOLDFISH, and Calvert Catholic High School.

Mr. Mercier has presented his research to US Congressmen Jim Jordan and Brad Wenstrup, and to the legislative staffs of US Senators Brown, Hawley, Markey, Portman, and Sasse.   Congressman Wenstrup made a House floor speech about his findings on cyberbullying, and he co-organized with the Congressman roundtable discussion with educators on the role that social media plays in bullying and school violence.  He has been interviewed on a variety of radio and television shows.

He holds a BA in Psychology from Vassar College, an MBA in Marketing from the University of Michigan, and an MS in MIS from the University of Cincinnati.

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Jennifer Gross: State Representative Jennifer Gross is currently serving her first term in the Ohio House of Representatives.  She represents the 52nd District, which includes West Chester Township, Liberty Township, Fairfield Township and part of Sharonville in Butler County.  She is a 21-year Air Force veteran and retired Lt. Colonel, who served our great nation in Saudi Arabia during Operation Provide Comfort and in Sarajevo during Operation Provide Promise.  Gross retired from the military in 2008.  She is currently a member of American Legion Post 681 and VFW Post 7696, where she became the first active female inductee in February, 2019. 

Representative Gross has been a Family Nurse Practitioner for over 16 years and a registered nurse for over 30 years.  Prior to becoming an NP, she managed a three million dollar territory for Eli Lilly.  She most recently participated as a sub-investigator for Operation WARP Speed developing treatments to help battle COVID-19.  She also currently manages a small business as a health coach.  Representative Gross believes in strong public policy that supports Ohio business success, legislation which supports and protects the unborn and will uphold Ohioans Constitutional Freedoms.  She resides in West Chester with her husband, Chris, and their two sons.

Do Financial Missteps, Broken Bylaws, and Poor Management Hinder Ohio Republican State Party?

Wednesday, February 9, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:15 pm

This Class is Sponsored by the Everything’s Political Podcast with Thea Shoemake

To Watch a Complete Recording of Tonight’s class– Click Here

Required Reading Article #1: 

Required Reading Article #2:   August 13, 2020  Mike DeWine created  : A Plan of Action to Advance Equity.

EmpowerU is providing a forum for discussion and debate of public issues, and in light of the lawsuit that has been filed, by Bainbridge, Rosenberger and others as listed below, we seek to obtain more information.   EmpowerUAmerica.org is not supporting or ratifying the statements provided by the presenter but simply seeking more information and clarification.

Mark Bainbridge is a retired partner from the Big Four Accounting firm of Ernst & Young.   He is also a member of the Ohio Rebublican State Central Committee.  Bainbridge and four other members—JoAnn Campbell, Joe Miller, Laura Rosenberger and Denise Verdi have filed a lawsuit against Ohio Republican Party Chairman Robert Paduchik, accusing him of misreporting over $3 million in missing funds, without adequate explanation, among other violations.    Bainbridge and the other plaintiffs demand accountability from Paduchik and other party leaders.

Among other findings, the plaintiffs detail significant funds that have gone missing from ORP financial statements without adequate explanation, including but not limited to $1.7 million that disappeared in 2017, $437,000 in 2019, $638,000 in “Accounts Receivable” that were established in 2017 and 2018 and then written off in 2021, and $271,000 this year—a total of more than $3 million. Furthermore, the plaintiffs claim Paduchik wrongly supported candidates who were unendorsed by the ORP and improperly removed the plaintiffs from their committee assignments including the Audit Committee and Fiscal Review Committee after they raised financial questions and complaints about his chairmanship.  Also named in the lawsuit is ORP Treasurer Dave Johnson, who was responsible for overseeing the unexplained missing funds.   Read Treasurer Johnson’s letter on the subject here.

Mark Weaver, an Attorney for Robert Paduchik and the Ohio Republican Party just sent a letter to EmpowerUAmerica.org denying any allegations of financial mismanagement at ORP–Read His Letter Here.    Weaver also sent a document from Compass Point CPA’s about the work that they performed for the Ohio Republican Party.  Read Compass Point’s letter Here.

Laura Rosenberger, one of the plaintiffs said:  “As proud Republicans who believe in fiscal conservatism, we won’t rest until Robert Paduchik and his enablers answer for their utter ineptitude and abandon the positions of power they never should have had. The millions of Republicans across our state deserve accountability and we are demanding it on their behalf. The Ohio Republican Party needs to be saved from within.”

Concerning to EmpowerU is the attached video which is 24 minutes long of a Ohio Republican State Central Committee meeting which occurred on December 3, 2021.   At this meeting three resolutions were presented to the 66 members.  Resolution #1 the Bainbridge Resolution called for the financial statements of the party to be audited (claim is that the financial statements have not been audited for at least 16 years).   Resolution #2:  The Rosenberger Resolution required the recent reorganization of the chairman of Standing ORP Committees to follow Section 3 of the Permanent Rules and Revisions and “The Audit Committee”.  Watch Alex Triantafilou, as Chairman of the Hamilton County Republican Party, stop Laura Rosenberg’s Resolution for the Ohio Republican State Central Committee to adhere to their bylaws, practice good governance and to initiate an audit of the State Central Committee financial statements by referring her motion to committee–(Time 9:31 of video).   Resolution #3 The Leneghan Resolution directs handling of cash contributions and what is defined as Candidate Services, and that statewide candidates who have not been properly endorsed return all in-kind and cash contributions.   

All three of these “good governance” resolutions were pushed down to other committees by State Central Committee–almost like it was a “cabal”–take a look at the video and decide for yourself.    All State Central Committee members who have disagreed with Chairman Bob Paduchik have been removed from their permanent committees.

This possible issues at the Republican State Central Committee were discussed in an article in The Ohio Star written recently–Click Here.    Dirty Tricks, yes, learn about them too.   In an effort to defeat whistleblower Mark Bainbridge a man named Brian Bainbridge, WITH THE SAME LAST NAME has been recruited to run against him.   Also  Chairman Robert Paduchik possibly violate party rules by keeping the public from attending the February 4th Candidate Endorsement Meeting–Click Here.  

Tonight, EmpowerU will be taking a look at your Ohio Republican State Central Committee and Party.   Is the Ohio Republican Party  Corrupt, guilty of bad governance and weak management or are these claims untrue?   Join us and we will learn and take your questions.  To read a copy of the Ohio Republican Party Bylaws Click Here.   To watch Duane Pohlman’s from Local 12 investigative report on this subject Click Here .

If you are from the Republican State Central Committee and you want to disagree with any materials in this class we want to hear from you email:  [email protected]

Speaker Bios

Mark Bainbridge is a Certified Public Accountant and a Chartered Global Management Accountant with 30 years of experience driving the financial growth and strategic development of organizations across several industries.   He possesses an in-depth understanding of board governance, corporate compliance, and ethics required to achieve board governance.   Mark is a retired Ernst & Young Partner, one of the Big Four Accounting Firms where he worked from 1973-2009.    He is a Board member with several companies across Ohio and the United States.   Mark has a been recognized throughout his career for advising on fiduciary responsibilities.  He is also an elected Ohio Republican State Central Committee member representing Senate District #16 in western Franklin and Union County.   Mark Bainbridge is shown below.

Laura Rosenberger was elected to represent Clark, Greene and Madison Counties (District 10), a hotbed of conservative political activity. She has been politically active in her district for over a decade, launching her first major statewide crusade against Obamacare with Ohio’s Healthcare Freedom Amendment. She is a homeschool veteran of 25 years who not only teaches her own children, but also classes of students in American government and literature. Her latest efforts include spearheading Ohio House Bill 387, the Election Integrity Bill, which calls for stronger citizenship ID and ballot harvesting controls. In 2022, Laura was elected as a Board Director of the Clark County Board of Elections. When not dressed up to attend a board meeting, she runs a small organic farm with her husband, her children, and her favorite AR-15.  Laura is shown below.

Mark Bainbridge and Laura Rosenberger shown below

Become a part of the movement for Educational Freedom in Ohio. Host a Backpack Bill Party.

Thursday, January 13, 2022
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of this Class – Click Here

Required Reading:   Vivek Ramaswamy –Slow the Spread?  Speeding it May Be Safer

Required Reading:   Curriculum Transparency Bill

Ohio State Representatives Marilyn John (R-Richland County) and Riordan McClain (R-Upper Sandusky) have officially introduced House Bill 290, better known as the Backpack Bill.   The Backpack Bill will extend school choice to all students throughout Ohio, expanding their educational opportunities.  The General Assembly recently passed a robust school funding overhaul, which takes strides toward identifying the costs associated with the individual education of each child.  In addition to identifying the costs of a quality education, we should ensure tax dollars are being used to improve outcomes for Ohio’s children.   The “Backpack Bill” is one initiative that will give parents freedom in educating their children.   Learn about this important possibility for Ohio parents and students.   

Be prepared to give your child their best Future.   Make sure that Ohio funds students, not bureaucracy.   Find out about Parental Rights and Alternative Childhood Education.  Learn the facts about Ohio’s childhood Education system.  Discover taxpayer-funded scholarships that follow your student wherever they go.  Protect your child or grandchild from Public School indoctrination.

Will you help?   It is time to provide choice for all parents and students about what is best for them individually.  We are asking you to join us at EmpowerU tonight to become a part of the movement for Educational Freedom in Ohio by hosting a Backpack Bill Party.   Troy McIntosh, Executive Director of Center for Christian Virtue’s Ohio Christian Education Network (OCEN), who helped write and craft the Backpack Bill will join us tonight and teach us how we can each sponsor a party with 10 of our friends to help move the initiative forward.    It’s easy and you will walk away from the class with all the tools necessary to be successful.    Not sure if you want to sponsor a party?   Come anyway and learn.   We need your help to get make this opportunity available to all students in Ohio.  Gather Your Friends, Let Your Legislators Know: Pass the Backpack Bill!

Speaker Bio:

Troy McIntosh is Director of CCV’s Ohio Christian Education Network (OCEN). Troy comes to OCEN after serving 27 years in Christian education as a teacher, principal and, for the last eight years, as head of school at Worthington Christian School in Worthington, Ohio. Prior to his time in education, he worked in the Ohio House of Representatives in the Legislative Services Commission Fellowship program.

 Troy’s time at Worthington Christian, he served the broader Christian school community as an Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Regional Council Member and Accreditation Commission Member, accreditation team chairperson, and conference presenter. For the last 15 y

ears, he has held various roles with the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA), including President of the Central District Athletic Board and Vice President of the OHSAA Board of Directors.

Troy is a graduate of Wheaton College (B.A. Economics) and The Ohio State University (M.Ed. Education) and is a Colson Fellow with the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. He and his wife Julie live in Westerville, Ohio and have three grown daughters.

Third Eye believes in helping everyone open their “minds eye” to a world of new possibilities…..one pint at a time. Join us for a fun evening at the brewery for our ending event!

Thursday, November 18, 2021
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

For a cost of $12 we will tour the brewery and see firsthand how craft beer is made.  We will sample four different craft beers, while one of Third Eye’s brewers describes how each flavor is made.  EmpowerU will provide appetizers.  Sign up early, class is limited to 50, payment can be made on the registration page.

Company’s Bio:

Third Eye Brewing Company.  How it got to this point is just as mind-bending as some of their experimental beer creations. The idea had been conceptualized for over 20 years, but once the official paperwork was submitted in 2017, the ingredients needed for a successful venture seemed to slowly blend like a fresh batch in one of Third Eye’s fermenters. Third Eye first welcomed guests on June 17, 2020, in the middle of a global pandemic.  While many businesses were forced to close their doors due to Covid-19,

Third Eye opened theirs and people haven’t stopped walking through since.   The first 13 months couldn’t have gone much better for Third Eye, a good omen for the first piece of the puzzle in the revitalization of Sharonville’s once buzzing Northern Lights district.  The Third Eye Family are having a heck of a time living out the mantra that can be found all over the brewery: live life, do good, and drink beer.

Karen Cartier Talks About Made In the U.S.A. Take 20: Governor Candidate Joe Blystone Visits EmpowerU!

Tuesday, November 16, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of this Class — Click Here

Join this class as Karen Cartier talks about products intentionally made not to last. Be aware of products that are made ‘not to last’ including automotive, newer construction materials, electronics and what is ending up in our landfills.  Instead of throwing them away, learn the value of keeping some of your appliances longer and getting them repaired (or fixing them yourself – you may be surprised).  Stay aware of the long-term impact of our global “throw away society” and do your part to fight back as you’re able.  Think before you buy!   This class supports Made in America.

Joe Blystone will be with us from 7:05-7:30 PM.   He cares passionately about Ohio’s future. Joe built the path to his American Dream – and is dedicated to make sure every Ohioan can too. He is going above and beyond to take the next step in protecting the American Dream in Ohio. Joe believes our freedoms are at stake and now is the time we take them back. He wants to restore the freedoms our overreaching government has taken away. Joe promises to make Ohio a more affordable state to live in and friendly to large and small businesses! Joe knows he is the right leader for Ohio and will put Ohioans first every day. He knows what Ohioans truly want and need. Ohio will be revitalized, and Joe Blystone will get it done. The future of Ohio depends on the strength of Ohioans!! It is time to strengthen Ohio. It is time to put conservative values back in the people’s house!

Speaker Bios :

Karen Cartier: Karen is an avid reader, writer, learner, wife, and mother of two.  She has worked in IT as a technical writer for over 30 years and is currently working full-time in IT.  Outside of her paying job, she serves as an officer in Toastmasters International as well as a volunteer Community Educator for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Joe Blystone is a true Ohio native, born in East Liverpool, Ohio. He is happily married to Jane Blystone. They’ve been blessed with 3 children; Joe has one son, and Jane has two sons. They brought their families together in 2010. Family, faith, and freedom have always been foundational to the Blystone family.

Joe founded the Blystone Farm in 2004 and his nonprofit, Blystone Agricultural Community, Inc. in 2019. For more than a decade he has dedicated his time to serving the community and helping young adults and children learn the importance of hard work and living a happy and healthy lifestyle. The Blystones care deeply about their community and provide many agricultural classes to kids and their parents. Joe and Jane are freedom loving patriots, who have encouraged many to value and practice their God-given freedoms.

David Mowery is an engaging speaker, now he is back to bring us our regions history during the Civil War. Don’t miss it!

Thursday, November 11, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

This Class is Sponsored by Bill Roll

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here

In this presentation, Cincinnati historian David L. Mowery will reveal some of the Queen City’s key structures, such as military installations, hospitals, churches, businesses, and private homes, in the way they appeared at the time of the Civil War. Simultaneously, he will show how those same buildings look today. Come join David as he gives the highlights of Cincinnati’s impact on the outcome of the Civil War through a visual comparison of the past with the present.

Speaker Bio:

David L. Mowery is a native resident of Cincinnati, Ohio, and a graduate of the University of Cincinnati. American military history piqued his interest at an early age. Since childhood, he has researched and visited over seven hundred battlefields across fifty states and nine countries. In 2001, David joined the all-volunteer Ohio Civil War Trail Commission as its Hamilton County representative, but over the years his role expanded to include the final design and historical validation of the entire length of the John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail of Ohio. He is the coauthor of Morgan’s Raid Across Ohio: The Civil War Guidebook of the John Hunt Morgan Heritage Trail (Ohio Historical Society, 2014) and the author of Morgan’s Great Raid: The Remarkable Expedition from Kentucky to Ohio (History Press, 2013). Since 1995, David has been a member of the Cincinnati Civil War Round Table, for which he has written various papers on Civil War subjects and has led many Civil War tours of the Cincinnati region. He has also served with the Buffington Island Battlefield Preservation Foundation, the grass-roots organization working to preserve Ohio’s largest Civil War battlefield.

Tuesday, November 9, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Sorry This Class Has Been Cancelled as Professor Tuchfarber has Decided Not to Participate.   We Apologize for the Inconvenience!

This Class is Sponsored by Betty Overstreet

The purpose of tonight’s class is to give attendees……1) An opportunity to better understand the major changes and conflicts occurring in the US, and 2) An understanding of the diverse roles the US plays around the globe, how they are changing, and how our enemies are changing.

A few of the Questions to be answered are: 1) Will the US remain #1 across the globe?  2) Will American prosperity continue?  3) Whither goes inflation?  4) Where should investors look for investment opportunities?

Predictions to be made include: 1) When will we achieve a post-pandemic “New Normal?”  2) Which party will control the House and Senate after the 2022 elections?  3) Will radical progressives take control of US politics and policies?   On politics you won’t hear from a more interesting speaker than Professor Al Tuchfarber, PHD.

Jim Renacci to Join EmpowerU!

From 7:05-7:30, Jim Renacci, Candidate for Governor will join EmpowerU.   As Jim’s campaign heats up Economics in the State of Ohio will surely become on of the largest issues.   Join Jim tonight as he will discuss the 2022 campaign and part of his plan for major tax reform.

Speaker Bios:

Alfred J Tuchfarber PhD, Professor Emeritus of Political Science – University of Cincinnati
Owner – Tuchfarber Political-Economics, LLC, Blogger – TuchfarberReport.com

• Al Tuchfarber is an academic and entrepreneur who has had a successful career as a teacher, researcher, senior administrator, campaign manager, political analyst, organizational strategist, and writer.
• He holds a PhD in political science and has well over 100 publications.
• Al’s intellectual and practical interests are very wide-ranging. He has spent his career both in the arena of ideas but also in the “real-world” where the rubber hits the road…where things must work.
• Areas of special interest to him are American politics and political-economics, global politics and global political-economics, political polling, campaign and organizational strategies, demographics, and societal change.
• Tuchfarber founded the Ohio Poll and directed it for a quarter century. The Poll established a remarkable record for accuracy in predicting elections and has been rated one of the nations best.
• Al brings that experience and skill-set to his weekly blog — the Tuchfarber Report, as well as to his consulting, speaking, and writing.
•  His predictions are 80 to 95% accurate because they are based on facts, data, history and common sense…NOT on ideology, partisanship, or hopes.

As a political-economic analyst and author of the Tuchfarber Report, Al brings you insights and forecasts that you will not find elsewhere.

In 2009, the Obama Administration took over General Motors, shuttering dealerships across the country- including Jim’s in Northeast Ohio. Shutting down Jim’s dealership killed 50 good-paying jobs in his community – and Jim wasn’t going to stand by while neighbors were going hungry. How could Washington blatantly interfere in the everyday lives of hard-working Americans who wanted nothing more but their own chance at the American Dream?   In 2010, Jim filed to run for U.S. Congress in Ohio’s 16th Congressional District, taking on a well funded Democratic incumbent. Jim won the election by 9 percent.

While in Congress, Jim earned a reputation for being a principled conservative and effective legislator. He quickly rose through the ranks to serve on the Committee on Financial Services, as vice-chair of the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit, and as a member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. After just two years, Jim was named to the powerful Ways and Means Committees and Budget Committees.

Jim’s track record as a blue-collar entrepreneur demonstrates his only allegiance has ever been to the very people who D.C. bureaucrats forcibly unemployed that fateful day in an Ohio car dealership – the everyday Americans forgotten by the Swamp. He represents the people’s hopes and fears, bringing actionable results back to the working people who gave him a voice.

The Incredible Life of Booker T. Washington Examined Tonight!

Thursday, November 4, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Class Sponsored by Gary and Barb Horwitz

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here

The speaker has asked for you to read these two documents prior to the class –Document 1

Document 2

Join EmpowerU and Professor of Political Science at Ashland University, Gregory McBrayer, as he relates the life story of the often overlooked American Historical figure Booker T. Washington. 

Booker T. Washington was born on April 5,1865 and became an educator, author, speaker and confidant of U.S. Presidents.   Born into slavery, he was a leading voice for civil rights for African Americans.  His voice and message continues to play a fundamental role in the ongoing civil rights debate today.  Gregory McBrayer  will paint the picture of the life of Booker T. Washington from being born into slavery, struggling against disenfranchisement and “Jim Crow” laws to mobilizing coalitions of blacks and whites focusing on self-reliance, self- help and the concept of  “racial uplift”.  Enjoy learning about this important American historical figure, his personal challenges living in the South immediately after the Civil War and his important contribution to healing the wounds of a nation torn by the war which pit brother against brother.

Do not miss this opportunity to hear from this amazing speaker who is passionate and knowledgeable about this subject and genuinely cares about true American History!

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From 7:05-7:25–an important session featuring Corrinne Vidales– about the Backpack Bill.   Literacy, Lawyers, and Lobbying:  How a young lawyer has been led to transform education legislation after years of service in children’s nonprofits and legal research on the state of education rights. The daughter of educator learned that parents truly are the first and primary educators of their children and we need a system that support them in that role. The “Backpack Bill” is one initiative that will give parents freedom in educating their children.   Learn about this important possibility for Ohio parents and students.   Will you help?

Speaker Bios:

Gregory A. McBrayer, assistant professor of political science and director of the core curriculum, joined Ashland University in 2017.  He teaches courses in political philosophy and international relations.  Prior to coming to Ashland, he was an assistant professor at Morehead State University, a postdoctoral fellow at Emory University, and a visiting assistant professor at Gettysburg College.  He has published articles in Interpretation: A Journal of Political Philosophy and Kentron: Revue Pluridisciplinaire du Monde Antique, as well as reviews in Interpretation, The Journal for Hellenic Studies, The American Journal of Islamic Social Science, and Political Science Quarterly.  He is the author (with Mary Nichols and Denise Schaeffer) of Plato’s Euthydemus (Focus, 2011) and is the editor of Xenophon: The Shorter Writings (Cornell, forthcoming).

Corrinne Vidales is an attorney and lobbyist at Center for Christian Virtue where she serves as Assistant Director for the Ohio Christian Education Network. Corrinne is a graduate of Bowling Green Statue University and Ave Maria School of Law. During Law school she interned with the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations and well as Heartbeat International. Prior to her legal career, Corrinne worked with Catholic Charities in Syracuse, New York and Toledo, OH. it was these charity programs as well as her educator parents that influenced her interest in Education Law and Policy. Today, she is blessed to work on amazing initiatives with OCEN and CCV like the Backpack Bill. 

Finally, a class about Mellennials! Take 20: Educator Kelly Kohl's Empowers Parents and Citizens

Wednesday, November 3, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here

Jonathan Jakubowski  explains why Millennials are leaving the Left, why that matters, and how conservatives can embrace them. Faith, family, freedom. These three pillars are interdependent in the American experiment. These timeless principles represent the reason for this book. With so many wonderful sources of literature discussing these ideals, one must ask, why is this book worthy of my time? Naturally, before spending countless hours writing, Jon had to ask himself the same question. It was upon the recognition of my unique location, living in Wood County, Ohio, a “Swing County”, that I knew that I had struck gold. Through a compilation of seven stories of Millennials in Swing County America, who swung from Obama to Trump, this work revives the importance of these timeless ideals of faith, family, and freedom in the electoral context.

Join  Dr. Kelly Kohls as she  teaches School Board Member Training. Why has public education been so widely criticized in the last 10 years?  Learn why and how we know public education is failing us both academically and financially and how it can be fixed.  Is the teachers union in full control of public education and if so what this means for your students, parents, community and country.    

Speakers Bio:

Dr. Kelly Kohls is an involved freedom activist, an educator and a businesswoman. With her extensive background in the fields of health care and education, Dr. Kohls has seen politics and public education change in ways that many citizens do not fully understand. She alerts citizens to those changes and empowers citizens and parents to maintain an active involvement in public and school matters by taking personal responsibility for their own lives and children’s education needs.  As a leader of several Statewide and county organizations, Kohls travels the state of Ohio at her own expense, educating the public on “Why Education Is Failing Our Students and Why Common Core Is Not the Answer.” “Why we need to get more involved in public office candidate selection and mentoring”. She presents not only the problems, but solutions and recommendations, as well.

Dr. Kohls is the current President of the Ohio Republican PAC whose mission is to recruit, select and assist candidates for office that will strictly adhere to the US Constitution. She can be reached at the Ohio Republican PAC . com or the Ohio Republican PAC facebook page.

On the fence about whether homeschooling is for your family? This two hour class is for YOU!

Saturday, October 30, 2021
10:00 am - 12:00 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here

To Download Thea Shoemake’s Powerpoint Presentation–Click Here

Class Notes–Resource List–Required Reading from Thea Shoemake

Thea Shoemake’s Powerpoint Will Be Loaded Here on This Website on Monday, November 1, 2021

This Class is Sponsored by Dr. Jay Rissover

Have you been considering homeschooling; wondering what it would take to be successful? Starting to think you have no choice?  Sign up for this two hour class, and hear from someone who has done it. The overriding goal of homeschooling is to seed and encourage a curiosity that inspires life-long learning; an appreciation of the good, the beautiful and true, that through logic and reason, enables a free-thinking society that values logical and rational discourse.  This class is for parents, grandparents, or anyone with a degree, who you may wish to homeschool your child(ren).

So, this is a 2 hour class on Saturday morning!   We’ll make sure to have some coffee ready for you as you learn about this important information.

Speaker Bio :

Thea Shoemake chose to settle and raise their family in Cincinnati over 20 years ago.   In addition to her political involvement supporting unbridled liberty in education, Thea kept quite busy in her two favorite roles as homeschool mom and tutor in both home and traditional school environments.  A recent empty-nester, Thea continues to tutor and frequently helps other families considering the challenging but extremely rewarding lifestyle of home-centered education.   Thea is also the founder of the Podcast Everythin is Political.   This can be listened to on Apple, Spotify or Spreaker:  https://www.everythingspolitical.org/podcasts.   You can also get more up-do-date information at www.everythingspolitical.org.

Entrepreneur Luke Perry Discusses Mark Levin's New Book and Take 20 : Nancy Brunemann gives tax updates for 2021

Thursday, October 28, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch A Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here

Required Reading for Tonight’s Class–Click Here

Join Empower U to discuss “American Marxism” Mark Levin’s most recent best seller.  The most important thing this book does is to name the malevolent political force that has been tearing this country apart as of late – Marxism.  Levin reveals how the core elements of Marxism are now pervasive in American society and culture.  He astutely notes that the original Communist Manifesto divided the people into two classes the “oppressors” and the “oppressed.” 

The “Great One” Mark Levin’s Book is #1 on the NY Times Best Sellers List

Today’s version of this tactic in use by the American Left goes “Either you agree that all the systems of American life and government are systemically racist and evil and ought to be torn down, or you support racism and evil.”  It is exactly this type of false binary choice that is a tool of the Marxist movement to enforce conformity across their political objectives.  In his book, Levin exposes tactics like this as well as the institutions, intellectuals, and activists who are leading this Marxist revolution, and he provides some answers and ideas on how to confront them. 

Levin ends the book addressing the reader directly saying “In the end, it is up to you to decide how best to help actively save our republic and what role you will choose…. While this is the end of the book, it is the beginning of a new day.” The backlash to the American Marxist revolution is here, and this book is a guide for patriotic Americans, informing us as to how we can be most effective in defeating the Marxist movement.  This is a very important book, and it comes at exactly the right time. 

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50 Years ago in August 1971, President Richard Nixon imposed Wage and Price Controls on the United States.   Not since the 1970’s, has inflation increased as fast as it is in the United States now.   Inflation and shortages persisted during much of the 1970’s when inflation reached a high level 14.8% in March 1980 .   With the Producer Price Index today up 8.28% from one year ago, 9 out of 10 Americans say they are concerned.  Managing Board Member Dan Regenold will discuss Wage and Price Controls.   How much of a problem is inflation?  Is it likely that wage and price controls could be imposed by the Biden administration?   What has the history of controls been?  What do the experts say?   Tonight’s Take 20 is a warning of where our Country could be going and the fact that you should be prepared.

Speaker Bio :

Luke Perry is and entrepreneur and a Cincinnati native.   He will speak tonight about Mark Levin’s Book.   Luke became involved in community politics in 2020 as he witnessed the rise of CRT and abuse of the government’s emergency powers surrounding COVID.  Now, Luke writes the weekly email for Empower U’s sister group StopCriticalRaceTheory.com, and he engages with his local, state, and federal government representatives on a regular basis to discuss important issues.

Luke is also the board chairman of Ohio Valley Associated Builders and Contractors, an organization of nearly 300 businesses in the region that support the merit shop philosophy.  He is active in his family’s general contracting business and the Goering center at UC.   In his spare time, Luke enjoys exercising, competitive shooting, hunting, and bothering his wife.

Dan Regenold

Dan Regenold is the Managing Board Member of EmpowerUAmerica.org a FREE university that was founded in 2011.   He is also the founder and chairman of Frame USA, Inc. a online manufacturer of picture frames in Springdale, Ohio.   To read Dan’s full bio —Click Here.  

This Class Has Been Been Cancelled Due to a Complication in Travel Plans for Vivek. We hope to reschedule!

Tuesday, October 26, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

This Class Has Been Been Cancelled Due to a Complication in Travel Plans for Vivek. We hope to reschedule!

“Vivek Ramaswamy provides the single most informative and insightful analysis yet of woke ideology … WOKE, INC. is indispensable for understanding how America’s newest and most consequential cultural dogma is fundamentally transforming virtually every sector of our lives.”

— Glenn Greenwald, journalist, constitutional lawyer, and author of four New York Times bestselling books

The Author of Woke, Inc., Vivek Ramaswamy visits EmpowerU tonight.  A young entrepreneur makes the case that politics has no place in business, and sets out a new vision for the future of American capitalism.

There’s a new invisible force at work in our economic and cultural lives. It affects every advertisement we see and every product we buy, from our morning coffee to a new pair of shoes. “Stakeholder capitalism” makes rosy promises of a better, more diverse, environmentally-friendly world, but in reality, this ideology championed by America’s business and political leaders robs us of our money, our voice, and our identity.

Vivek Ramaswamy is a traitor to his class. He’s founded multibillion-dollar enterprises, led a biotech company as CEO, he became a hedge fund partner in his 20s, trained as a scientist at Harvard and a lawyer at Yale, and grew up the child of immigrants in a small town in Ohio. Now he takes us behind the scenes into corporate boardrooms and five-star conferences, into Ivy League classrooms and secretive nonprofits, to reveal the defining scam of our century.
The modern woke-industrial complex divides us as a people. By mixing morality with consumerism, America’s elites prey on our innermost insecurities about who we really are. They sell us cheap social causes and skin-deep identities to satisfy our hunger for a cause and our search for meaning, at a moment when we as Americans lack both.

This book not only rips back the curtain on the new corporatist agenda, but it also offers a better way forward. America’s elites may want to sort us into demographic boxes, but we don’t have to stay there. WOKE, INC. begins as a critique of stakeholder capitalism and ends with an exploration of what it means to be an American in 2021—a journey that begins with cynicism and ends with hope.

Vivek will be signing his book, Woke, Inc., at 6:30 PM before the class and after the class.   Make sure to grab one at this event.

“In this engaging, brilliant book, Vivek Ramaswamy hits the nail on the head: companies go woke because they get richer from division rather than unity. This book is an essential weapon in the battle to reclaim America’s soul.”

— JD Vance, author of Hillbilly Elegy and venture capitalist

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From 7:05-7:30 Todd Palmeter, Chief Executive Officer for Great Parks of Hamilton County will join us to discuss Issue 29.  The new levy would raise an extra $20 million annually for Great Parks.  Great Parks of Hamilton County will ask voters in November to double the amount of property taxes they pay for county parks. 

The five-member board Thursday approved a tax hike that would pay for more trails and maintenance at the 21 county parks and conservation areas and six golf courses. For the homeowner of a $100,000 house, the tax hike would cost an additional $33 per year. That’s on top of the current park levy that costs that same homeowner $30 per year. 

The tax hike is lower than the original proposals of 1 mil to 1.25 mills. That would have cost homeowners $35 to $43 per $100,000 each year. And it’s just over half the tax increase the park district tried to ask in 2020 when they voted to put a 1.8 mil, $63 per $100,000 tax hike on the ballot. 

Speaker Bio:

Vivek Ramaswamy founded Roivant Sciences, a biopharmaceutical company, in 2014, after a career as a successful biotech investor. A 35-year-old first-generation American, he is a graduate of Harvard College and Yale Law School. Vivek became a hedge fun partner in his 20’s, and grew up the child of immigrants in the small town of Evendale, Ohio.  He now lives with his wife Apoorva and their son Karthik.

Mr. Ramaswamy serves on the board of directors of the Philanthropy Roundtable and the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity.  In his new book Woke, Inc. Vivek takes you behind the scenes into corporate boardrooms and five-star conferences, into Ivy League classrooms and secret nonprofits, to reveal the defining scam of our century.   The book begins as a critique of stakeholder capitalism and ends with an exploration of what it means to be an American in 2021.  Vivek is a graduate of St. X High School and has recently been turning heads on Tucker Carlson’s show and on the Opinion pages of the Wall St. Journal.  

Todd Palmeter, Chief Executive Officer 
The Chief Executive Officer serves as the chief administrator and executive officer overseeing all operations of Great Parks of Hamilton County, reporting directly to the Board of Park Commissioners. The Chief Executive Officer works and collaborates with Great Parks Forever.

Sponsored by Senior Care Partners. Take 20: Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted Joins EmpowerU to discuss Higher Education Alternatives

Thursday, October 21, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here

Doors to EmpowerU Studio Open at 6:30 PM

Required Reading:   Take Steps to Deal with Childhood Trauma

I hope you will join me to learn better ways to enjoy family time even with someone living with Dementia. Mark your calendar for Oct. 21st at 7pm and have your notepad ready as I take you on a journey into our holiday traditions.  

Thank goodness EmpowerU provides a platform where adults can gather in person or online to learn about issues that many of us are dealing with. This event is being sponsored by Senior Care Partners.

7:05-7:25 PM–Jon Husted, Lieutenant Governor
for the State of Ohio joins EmpowerU.   Navigating Pathways to Credentials and Careers.  Description: Americans owe an estimated $1.57 trillion in student loan debt. Some want the debt “forgiven,” and some want college to be “free.” There are affordable solutions out there for students and families if you know how to navigate the system. It’s my goal as Lieutenant Governor to help Ohioans figure out how to reach their destination. If you take advantage of the opportunities available right now in Ohio, you can receive a college degree, an industry-recognized credential and a pathway to a rewarding career, all debt-free, no matter your age or background.

Speaker Bio:

 Teresa Youngstrom is a Seasoned Registered Nurse and Dementia Specialist. She has more than 35 years of Clinical and Leadership experience in Healthcare.  She became intensely focused on Memory Care when it touched her own family. Teresa is a PAC Certified Independent Trainer under Teepa Snow. Her passion for improving the lives of people living with Dementia led her to start her own business, “A Better Approach to Memory Care”, where she provides staff training, family consulting and professional education. 

Lt. Governor Jon Husted oversees the Ohio Common Sense Initiative (CSI) and serves as the Director of both the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation and InnovateOhio.   Jon Husted started his life in a foster home before being adopted by his loving parents, Jim and Judy. He is the oldest of three children and was raised in Northwest Ohio’s Williams County. The small community instilled in him the importance of faith, family, and hard work that serve as the foundation of his public service. He graduated from Montpelier High School and earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from the University of Dayton (UD).

Jon was an All-American defensive back for the Dayton Flyers and a member of UD’s 1989 Division III National Championship Football Team. After receiving his Master’s Degree, Jon remained in the Miami Valley and served as the Vice-President for Economic Development at the Dayton-Area Chamber of Commerce.

Wild Birds Unlimited : Everyone loves hummingbirds, but what about all the other wild birds. Take 20: Tom Hagedorn talks about American Education.

Tuesday, October 19, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Class Sponsored by Diane Landi

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here

WHO ARE OUR BACKYARD BIRDS?   HOW CAN I ATTRACT THEM TO MY BACKYARD?  Tim Coates who  has owned and operated Wild Birds Unlimited in Forest Park for over 20 years  will share his vast knowledge and first hand observations of Backyard Wild Birds and help us make them our Backyard Buddies.  Moreover, His presentation style and sense of humor will keep you entertained throughout his class!

If you are a bird lover you will not want to miss this class, and if you are not you may just turn into one!

Speaker Bio:

Tim Coates: Tim opened Wild Birds Unlimited in Forest Park, in October, 1995.  He has grown it into the largest store to include not only fresh, no-filler seeds and seed blends, but also state of the art feeders, houses, birdbaths and an exclusive Advanced Pole System.    There is a huge assortment of nature and backyard books, field guides, garden art, and wind chimes.  Additionally, the store includes an entire squirrel department with feeders and toys, just for squirrels.

He was raised in Illinois farm country, attended the University of Indianapolis, and arrived in Cincinnati via Federated Department Stores in the late 70’s.  Tim has appeared on Live in the Morning, WXIX Channel 19, and gives about 3 to 4 talks every month.  He has lived in the Cincinnati area for over 40 years, has two sons, Robert (39) and Garrett (37), and two grandchildren.

Tim has created a welcoming atmosphere in which to browse and relax, while enjoying a complimentary cup of hot tea, coffee, apple cider or hot chocolate along with a bag of snacks.

Tom Hagedorn: Tom has been studying American Education for 30 years. While pursuing an independent study of the history of the Buckeye State, he stumbled upon a sentence in the Ohio Constitution that would change his life forever: “Religion, morality, and knowledge, however, being essential to good government…it shall be the duty of the general assembly…to encourage schools and the means of education.” His shock that the public schools were created to support religion and morality led him on a long, tedious journey. Eight years ago, he published “Founding Zealots: How Evangelicals Created America’s First Public Schools, 1783-1865.” It tells how those first schools came about and what they were like. But it also describes in detail how this story has been ignored and distorted by the progressive historians who have a very different vision for American schools, society and government than did our Founders.

Tom has been providing investment advice to individuals for four decades. When he was not researching and writing Founding Zealots, he was involved in various political, charitable, and community activities. He remains active in all those things and in the fight to return the schools to a traditional role in American society, in service to their parents and to their parents’ values.

For all entrepreneurs. How about grave-robbing or body snatching as a business, are you thinking “out of the box”? Take 20: Lauren Bowen talks about the Freedom Foundation and her important work informing unionized employees.

Thursday, October 14, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of this Class — Click Here

Required Reading:  Resolution 20 Repealed–Read the New Resolution on Academic Excellence — Click Here

The Freedom Foundation has One Mission, One Goal : We are an action-focused, non-profit policy organization- a “Think tank”- based in Olympia, Washington and active across the nation, with additional offices in Oregon, California , Ohio and Pennsylvania. Founded in 1991 by Bob Williams and Lynn Harsh to advance the ideals of ” free markets and limited accountable government,” today we are a national leader in winning the fight for freedom at the state and local level. Since 2012, our singular focus has been battling public-sector unions, and no one fights government unions more aggressively or successfully than the Freedom Foundation. We battle the union political machine by defending workers’ constitutional rights, enforcing campaign  finance laws, introducing reforms that protect workers’ rights, working to increase union transparency, and exposing the illegal actions of big government unions.   Hear this interesting story from Ohio Director, Lauren Bowen.

Speaker Bios:

What would you do if you were caught in an Active Shooter situation? This class will prepare you should it ever happen.

Tuesday, October 12, 2021
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Note:  We are  Sorry, but the Virtual Part of Tonight’s Class has been cancelled due to the complexity of the Powerpoint Presentation.   We do not believe the slide and video presentation would translate well to a virtual showing.   Please join us live for the class at EmpowerU Studio at 6:30 PM.

An intense 2 hour, awareness-level class will help you better understand: 

Lessons learned from current research on active shooter (killer) incidents and, how to prepare as an individual to avoid, deter or delay an active shooter (killer) incident.  If you and your family are caught in one of these incidents, what should you do?  Do you know why these incidents happen, or if there are any patterns to such crimes?   You’ll learn response considerations for the concealed carry individual, and what kind of training is available.  Should you consider always having some kind of equipment on you to minimize loss of life and maximize your chances for survival? 

Speaker Bio:

Has managed the Center for Haz Mat, Rescue & Safety at Cincinnati State College’s Workforce Development Center for 6 years.  Retired after forty years in the Army as infantry officer; sniper instructor; warrant officer & helicopter pilot.   Combat service in: Grenada, Central America, Desert Storm, Balkans, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Saudi Arabian peninsula (wounded twice).  Retired from P&G after twenty-six years as CBD/PS.   Spent 10 years in Florida as Reserve Deputy Sheriff. Firearms Instructor (NRA / USCCA; OH and KY concealed carry licenses) Curriculum developer of both the “Active Killer Awareness & Safety” and “Basic Emergency Casualty Care” Workshops at Cincinnati State College.

Digital Dollar? Bitcoin? Are you prepared for future changes to the dollar? Take 20--Barb Horwitz discusses Civil Disobedience.

Thursday, October 7, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here

Move over Bitcoin The Federal Reserve is taking what may be the first significant step toward launching its own virtual currency, a move that could shake up banks, give millions of low-income Americans access to the financial system and fortify the dollar’s status as the world’s reserve currency.  The idea of creating a fully digital version of the U.S. dollar, which was unthinkable just a few years ago, has gained bipartisan interest from lawmakers as diverse as Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and John Kennedy (R-La.)

The explosive rise of private crypto currencies in recent years motivated the Fed to start considering a digital dollar to be used alongside the traditional paper currency. Although crypto currencies like bitcoin are digital, a Central Bank Digital Currency would be fundamentally different from current cryptos because it would still be controlled by a central bank rather than a decentralized computer network.

Coinbase, maybe you’ve never heard of it. Or, maybe you’re confused about what it even is. A quick explanation:  Coinbase is an app that lets you buy and sell all sorts of cryptocurrencies.  You can also use Coinbase to convert one cryptocurrency to another, or to send and receive cryptocurrency to and from other people. Coinbase also shows you the current price and trends for cryptocurrencies, a look at your portfolio of holdings, and news stories about the industry.

China’s central bank is rolling out its own digital yuan as it cracks down on the mining and usage of crytocurrencies within its border.

In May, Goldman Sachs launched their Digital Assets dashboard which provides daily and intraday cryptocurrency market data and news to their clients.

Barb Horwitz speaks on Civil Disobedience. Remember the sit-ins at segregated lunch counters in the South in the early 60s?  Remember the flag burnings to protest the Vietnam War?  And more recently, think about Edward Snowden’s release of highly classified NSA documents to bring public awareness of the government’s unconstitutional surveillance practices and infringement of civil liberties.  These are examples of civil disobedience, which is the active, non-violent refusal to accept the dictates of governments.  It’s a grass roots form of action when traditional methods of protest such as petitioning, lobbying, marching, and voting have failed to get a response from the government.   It came to public attention in the mid-1800s through the work of the famous American philosopher, Henry David Thoreau, and achieved its greatest recognition when Martin Luther King used practical methods to implement it during the fight for civil rights in the 1960s.  We’ll take a look at Thoreau’s and King’s thoughts about it tonight, and see what insights they can give us today to meaningfully react to and protest current governmental policies.

Speaker Bio:

Michael Hiles: Michael is a business executive focused on early-stage technology research and development. As a software engineer, he is a technology solutions architect with marketing, business operations, and financial experience. Michael began developing software on mainframe systems at an early age in the late 1970’s. He began his career in the early 1990s as a software engineer for Sabre Systems and Services, which later became Manatron – a provider of local county government enterprise solutions. In 1995, Michael founded SoftLynx Interactive, one of the first web development companies in the Cincinnati, Ohio, area.

After exiting his web development firm in 2000, Michael sought to bring web technology to other industries. He became the lead internet architect for Proware, a Cincinnati-based govtech software provider. Proware builds judicial management solutions, and Michael’s team won a Smithsonian Laureate Award for being the first to ever connect a judicial system to the world wide web (courtclerk.org).

Michael served as President of the Board of Directors for the Franklin County Economic Development Commission in Franklin County, Indiana in 2012. While acting as board president, Michael’s efforts led to the creation of a local business development TIF district and relocation of a large manufacturing plant (Uni-Ref) into a vacant facility, creating many career-wage jobs.

He launched the Cincinnati chapter of Founder Institute, the local operation for the Silicon Valley-based global accelerator founded by Adeo Ressi. In three years, the local accelerator launched almost 30 companies with pre-money valuations of $1 million each.  Early in 2017, Michael formalized the founding team and launched 10XTS, a provider of blockchain information governance, risk, and compliance information and data solutions.

Barb Horwitz: Barb was a member of the Butler County, Ohio, legal community for many years, serving first as a paralegal in two general practice firms, then as the bailiff for retired Common Pleas Judge Michael J. Sage, and finally as an attorney in a firm where she specialized in insurance litigation and consumer bankruptcy. She has continued her practice of insurance law and consumer bankruptcy in a partnership with her son Jonathan Horwitz at offices presently in Centerville, Ohio.

She resided for many years in Springfield Township, where she served as a president of the View Place Civic Association. In addition, she has volunteered in several political campaigns. She and her husband Gary have now resided and raised their family in Wyoming for several years.

Heritage Foundation on History of Critical Race Theory and What We Can Do To Fight Back

Tuesday, October 5, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch A Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here

Critical race theory (CRT) is a descendent of critical theory (CT), a school of philosophy that began in Frankfurt, Germany, in the 1920s and 1930s at the University of Frankfurt’s Institute for Social Research. It became known as “the Frankfurt School” and was one of the first, if not the first, Western Marxist schools patterned after the Marx–Engels Institute in Moscow.

The Frankfurt School’s scholars fled to Columbia University’s Teachers College in New York in 1934 to escape persecution by the Nazis, and were careful to erase the word Marxism from their research papers so as not to attract attention in America. Critical theory was, from the start, an unremitting attack on Western institutions and norms in order to tear them down. 

It next became a short step to critical legal theory in the late 1970s and 1980s. CLT built on critical theory’s idea that the world is based on systems of power and claims that American law is systemically oppressive. From there it was another short step to Critical Race Theory which further claimed that America is systemically racist, and that this racism produced an alliance between working-class whites and the oppressor capitalist class, which prevented working-class solidarity.

When followed to its logical conclusion, CRT is destructive and rejects the fundamental ideas on which our constitutional republic is based. Applying the philosophy would violate a multitude of American civil rights laws by treating people differently according to race. This presentation will dive into the history and origins of critical theory, critical legal theory and critical race theory, how Americans can identify it, and how we can fight back against this destructive ideology.

Stephanie Kreuz, who many of us know from her important work at Heritage Action will be joining Mike Gonzalez in his presentation.

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Speaker Bio:

Gonzalez is a widely experienced writer and public speaker, and holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Boston’s Emerson College, and an MBA from Columbia Business School. He was a member of President Donald Trump’s “1776 Commission” and is the author of A Race for the Future: How Conservatives Can Break the Liberal Monopoly on Hispanic American (2014), The Plot to Change America: How Identity Politics is Dividing the Land of the Free (2020), and BLM: The Making of a New Marxist Revolution, which releases September 7, 2021.

Stephanie Kreuz–Stephanie Kreuz has been involved in public policy and political campaigns since 2005. Prior to joining the Heritage Action team she worked in the legal field, and wrote for WatchdogWire, a project of the Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity. She also previously interned for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy in Midland, Michigan in education policy. Stephanie graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Hillsdale College in 2012, with a major in Politics and a minor in Latin. She grew up near Toledo, OH and currently resides in Cincinnati.

Isaac Adi– is running for the Lakota School Board. He is a very proud US citizen. He came to America from Nigeria over 18 years ago to provide my family with the opportunities in America that did not exist in his country. 

The America Isaac came to was one that gave everyone an equal chance to succeed. Isaac believes if you take advantage of the opportunities and work hard you will fulfill your dream. 

His family has taken advantage of the opportunities America offers by getting a strong education and working hard. America is a country that rewards those who are prepared, and are willing to work every day to achieve their own American dream. In America, we are all given the chance to achieve our dream.  While Isaac loves his country of birth, he also love the country he chose so many years ago, America. His family and he are examples of what can happen if you get a good education and work hard every day to achieve your American dream. Isaac has a Business Administration graduate of Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Nigeria and has received a Master’s in Science from Colorado Technical University in Colorado Springs, CO. He is a managing partner of Ohio based KGN Petroleum and a member of the Ohio Oil & Gas Association. https://www.isaacadi.com/on-the-issues 

Systemic Woke Suburban Thuggery… and Take 20: Brendan Shea Talks About Today's Ohio Education System.

Thursday, September 30, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here

To Print a Copy of the Parent “Opt-Out” Form Discussed Click Here

Both Rachel R. Citak and Max Black discuss cancel culture and silencing issues in the suburban community. In case you didn’t know—white, suburban, middle-class liberals are the face of today’s political intimidation tactics. And political intimidation is the new tool for shutting down public discourse—especially when it comes to threatening parents and candidates who are willing to speak out against Critical Theory. But the real question is, how many are being silenced and victimized by these covert tactics? How can you identify and respond? How can you keep from getting #canceled? What are the civil and criminal legal options available to you?

Brendan Shea discusses Critical Race Theory (CRT), Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), and Social Emotional Learning (SEL). In this talk, State Board of Education member Brendan Shea, a parent of 5 children, will equip you with knowledge and tools to combat these three harmful programs plaguing education today.

Speaker Bios: 

EmpowerU guest Rachel R. Citak Ohio-licensed attorney and owner of her own legal practice, RACHEL R. CITAK, ATTORNEY AT LAW LLC. Her firm services clients across Ohio in multiple practice areas. Additionally, her conservative advocacy and public relations work has included appearing on Ohio news stations and testifying at the Ohio Statehouse. In addition to publishing op-ed articles as a member of the Cincinnati Enquirer Board of Contributors, she has also authored op-eds in the Western Journal and Columbus Dispatch—with a feature by Ben Shapiro’s Daily Wire. Prior to opening her firm, she specialized in Criminal Law with a focus on prosecution in law school while clerking for the Ohio Attorney General and Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office.

Rachel has extensive experience working in Columbus as both a registered lobbyist and in-house counsel. She currently serves as a board member for Cincinnati Right to Life and Stand With Cops. As passionate firearms enthusiasts, Rachel and her husband Rob are active members of the second amendment community in addition to serving as advisory attorneys for the USCCA network. When she’s not servicing her clients, you can find her participating in equestrian sport, hanging out with her German Shepherd and Cavalier Spaniel, or shooting her Glock 42 on their outdoor range at home. 

Moderator Max Black is host of the Canceled Out podcast covering local politics with the goal of inspiring and encouraging individuals on how to make a difference in their communities. He is a Project Manager, US Navy submarine veteran and graduate from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor’s in Music Business. Upon returning to his hometown of Cincinnati, he familiarized himself with the importance of local elections and politicians’ responsibilities to their constituents. His mission is to build a framework for effecting change by leveraging modern technologies, including the podcast and building platforms like Chronikles.org, to provide a reliable resource for information on local stories. When he’s not working, Max spends his time reading, hiking with his dog and enjoying IPAs at the local breweries.

Brendan Shea was elected to the State Board of Education by the people of the 10th District in November 2020. The 10th District includes Adams, Brown, Clark, Clermont, Clinton, Fayette, Gallia, Greene, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Madison, Pike, Ross, Scioto and the western portions of Pickaway and Vinton counties. 

Hailing from a large family of educators, Brendan believes deeply in the life-changing power of education. He believes education should focus on the good, the true and the beautiful and that children must learn to think critically and develop wisdom and virtue, allowing them to achieve their God-given potential and to become engaged citizens and productive members of society. 

As the father of five young children, Brendan knows firsthand the unique challenges families face in raising and educating their children today. He believes parents are the first and primary educators of their children, and he will be a strong voice for both parents and children on the Board. 

This Class is Virtual Only : House Representative Jennifer Gross joins EmpowerU and Take 20-- Meet one of Ohio's Future Leaders--Ruth Edmonds

Tuesday, September 28, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To View a Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here

Required Reading:   Read 13 Year Old Hawke Busby’s Message About Kids and His Generation

Required Listening:   Megyn Kelly’s / Tucker Carlson Interview on September 24

From ghetto girl to God’s Ambassador, Ruth Edmonds a self-professed modern day government mountain prophet with the loyalty of Ruth, the anointing of Deborah and the call like Esther for such a time shares how her faith journey shaped her approach to being a candidate for the U.S. Congress.   Oh and if you haven’t had a chance make sure to watch that incredible interview Ruth had with Tucker Carlson–to watch click-here.

Speaker Bios:

State Rep. Jennifer Gross is currently serving her first term in the Ohio House of Representatives.  She represents the 52nd District, which includes West Chester Township, Liberty Township, Fairfield Township and part of Sharonville in Butler County.  She is a 21-year Air Force veteran and retired Lt. Colonel, who served our great nation in Saudi Arabia during Operation Provide Comfort and in Sarajevo during Operation Provide Promise.  Gross retired from the military in 2008.  She is currently a member of American Legion Post 681 and VFW Post 7696, where she became the first active female inductee in February, 2019. 

Representative Gross has been a Family Nurse Practitioner for over 16 years and a registered nurse for over 30 years.  Prior to becoming an NP, she managed a three million dollar territory for Eli Lilly.  She most recently participated as a sub-investigator for Operation WARP Speed developing treatments to help battle COVID-19.  She also currently manages a small business as a health coach.  Representative Gross believes in strong public policy that supports Ohio business success, legislation which supports and protects the unborn and will uphold Ohioans Constitutional Freedoms.  She resides in West Chester with her husband, Chris, and their two sons.

Minister Ruth Edmonds, Director Christian Engagement, Center for Christian Virtue (CCV)

Ruth Edmonds is a Christian conservative leader, public policy activist and   a   sought after voice by clergy, lay ministers, the faith community and national media on issues impacting culture such as Critical Race Theory (CRT), School Choice, NewsMax, Sebastian Gorka and Tucker Carlson programs.

Ruth has a distinguished public service career having been a key aide to the administration of conservative elected office holders including Franklin County Auditor Clarence Mingo, Ohio Governor Bob Taft, and former Congresswoman Deborah Pryce. She’s a former president of the Columbus Branch NAACP, the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights organization. Recently she ran and finished strong in a special primary election for the open OH-15 Congressional District seat, placing in the top 5 of an 11 way race and second in the largest county of the district beating out two state senators, a state rep and a self-funded businessman.

Ruth is a licensed and ordained minister serving on the ministry leadership team at her home church, Columbus Christian Center. A proud U.S. citizen, defender of the U.S. Constitution, committed to ensuring the strongest American government of the people, by the people and for the people, Ruth’s principles, character, ethics, and integrity are grounded in a biblical worldview. A mother of two adult daughters, Ruth lives in Upper Arlington, Ohio with her husband George.

Take 20: Meet 13 Year old Hawke Busby, a kid Who Believes He Can Make a Difference

Thursday, September 23, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class Click Here

6:15-7:00 PM–Come Early–Live Music From Mike Biere –Join US!

Mike Biere to Play Live Acoustic Music from 6:15-7:00 PM–Come Early!

So what does it mean to EmpowerU?   Let’s get into tonight…  Dan will bring us up-to-date on Critical Race Theory in Ohio.  He will talk about activism and his Lawsuit against the “Woke” Ohio Board of Education.  Can we win?    He will mix in a few interesting stories that have happened along the way (There have been many!)  and relate this battle to our history and why it is so important to understand exactly what is happening.  

Dan Regenold is one of the founders of the initiative StopCriticalRaceTheory.com a Coalition of 41 Ohio groups.   The mission:  Stop Critical Race Theory in Ohio’s schools, universities and governments. One of the goals of the class is to help people at EmpowerU catch-up with what has happened in the State of Ohio and Critical Race Theory over the last 3 months.   Also a discussion about Education in Ohio…you won’t like what you hear…

During this presentation you will also learn about “Equity”,  and how schools all around Ohio have hired consultants to create racist “School Equity Plans.”–paid for with Covid money.   Learn how to talk back to teachers and educators trying to indoctrinate your kids.    Also, we will look at Governor Mike DeWine’s role in moving Ohio towards Critical Race Theory and the legislation that is currently pending in Ohio (House Bill 327) to end CRT and the teaching, advocation or promoting divisive concepts.    Dan’s goal tonight is simple.  To help get you more Empowered in your life and take on tough topics whether it be in business, your personal life or involvement with your kids!   Dan dares you to EmpowerU!

Also on this night you will get to meet an incredible 13 year old Hawke Busby.   He was homeschooled last year and will be attending the Ohio Christian Academy this year.   He loves Hip Hop Dance, Breakdancing and Basketball.   He believes kids can make a difference in the world and he is simply using his voice to do his part.   Hear Hawke’s incredible story and voice tonight at EmpowerU.  (See picture of Hawke Busby below)

Speaker Bio:

Regenold spoke at the CPAC Convention in 2008 to discuss major Grassroots initiative actions across the United States.   In 2009, Dan was unsuccessful in his efforts to bring accountability to the Federal Government’s finances with a citizen lead initiative WeDemandABalancedBudget.com.  In 2010 Regenold was one of three leaders of the initiative to End Ohio’s Estate Tax which happened in 2011. The Tax Foundation called the repeal of Ohio Estate Tax one of the most important Tax accomplishments of 2011. In 2011 Regenold founded EmpowerUAmerica.org (now in its 22nd semester), a Free University offered in the Greater Cincinnati area with the goal of “empowering” citizens. 

In 2014, Regenold was one of the leaders of the effort to separate Music Hall from a County Wide Sales Tax which helped the Museum Center renovation get passed by the voters of Hamilton County.   Dan is a lover of Liberty and enjoys speaking to EmpowerU classes about subjects he is passionate about.  Recently he has discussed:  Milton Friedman, Saul Alinsky, Net Neutrality, D-Day, The Deficit Mess, America and Winston Churchill at EmpowerU Classes.   Regenold is founder and Chairman of Frame USA, Inc., a Made-In-America picture frame manufacturing company in Springdale, Ohio.

Parents Rise up and Protest at the Board of Education!

Tuesday, September 21, 2021
8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Important: If you are concerned about Critical Race Theory and the direction of education in Ohio we need you  at this rally to show support. Please consider taking a day off work for this important event–it’s critical!   The speaker lineup for this invent is incredible including, Josh Mandel, Ruth Edmonds, Andy Brenner, Rev. C.L. Bryant, Jennifer Gross, 14 Yr. Old Haddon Lockyer, Kirsten Hill, Jenny Kilgore, Isaac Adi, Sarah Fowler Arthur, and Senate Candidate Mark Pukita!   To see a complete list of speakers and their bios–Click Here

“Woke” Ohio Department of Education President Laura Kohler Tries to Limit Public Access to
Tuesday’s Meeting–Read Attorney Curt Hartman’s Response–Click Here

To Download a Map of this Event Click Here

• Protest the Board’s Resolution #20–The Onset of Critical Race Theory in Ohio!
• Protest Governor Mike DeWine’s Support of Racist Equity Plans taking over School Districts Across Ohio (have you checked your School System?)
• Protest the State School Board’s refusal to hear public comment on the subject of “Race” at their Board Meetings at a time when the Legislature is discussing Racism in Public Schools.
• Protest bad education outcomes in schools across Ohio!

Agenda:

• 8:00 AM –Arrive at the Board of Education, 25 South Front St. , Columbus, OH  43215–Protest Picket
• 8:30 AM –9:45 AM–Hear Inspirational speakers from around Ohio on the important subjects of education and Critical Race Theory.  We will be protesting and Picketing while we hear from speakers.
• 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM — Join us as we visit local legislators at the Statehouse and the Riffe Center. Let them know what we think about Critical Race Theory. We will continue to Protest and Picket.
• 11:45-12:30 — Capitol Square South Plaza – Hear from More Speakers for this event.
• 12:45 PM — Protest Ends and please return home safely!
  Please Register for this FREE Event!
  

Click Here to Register to Attend This FREE Event!

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Click Here To Register for Bus Transportation from Cincinnati-Leaving from King’s Island Park and Ride (map to be sent to you)  at 5:45 AM, Return Bus Leaves at 1:15 PM – Cost is $15.00 (Bus Trip goers will also receive a FREE Box Lunch at Noon).   Bus will be a school bus driven by a professional driver, (no air conditioning).

*****

Please Consider Making a Contribution to Our Campaign to Help Cover Costs  (Fee for Protesting at Capital $450–Thank You!)

For questions about this event email: [email protected] .   We may offer more buses from around the State as we accept registrations.

StopCriticalRaceTheory.com is a Coalition of the following 41 groups  and is an initiative EmpowerUOhio.org, Inc., the Sponsor of this Protest.   If your group or Business wants to be included in our Coalition email: [email protected].

Please sign on to www.StopCriticalRaceTheory.com and tell your friends to take the pledge today! By taking the pledge you allow us to keep you informed of our initiative and let you know of hotspots and problem schools as they show up.  Thank You!

Chris Hicks to Discuss Contract With School Board

Thursday, July 1, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

To Watch A Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here

Tonight’s Required Reading:  Wall Street Journal “The New Racial Discrimination”–What You Get With Equity.  Click Here

To Contact Daniel Payne at Politico to tell him your story–if you are a parent–and considering running for an office–email Daniel at:  [email protected]

To Download a Copy of the Contract with the District–Click Here

Mandatory Summer School!   You have 34 Days to Sign Up to Run for School Board in Ohio!

Tom Hach from Free Ohio Now to Join EmpowerU!

This overview training for running for School Board in Ohio is designed to help prospective school board candidates, who want Ohio schools to educate the fundamentals, including reading, writing, math, history, science and critical thinking, run effective campaigns and win!  At this time, there is an effort by some elements in society, including the education establishment, the media, as well as federal, state and local government officials, to impose comprehensive sex education, Critical Race Theory, The 1619 Project and other race-based theories and ideologies into Ohio classrooms starting as early as kindergarten and running through 12 grade and beyond.  

Countering the drive to sexualize and ideologically indoctrinate our children is an American Resurgency movement consisting of everyday Ohioans, like you and me, who are engaging with our schools to ensure a balanced and factually substantiated curriculum regarding sex education and American history are being taught.  A movement which ultimately believes our schools should graduate students who are well educated, independent thinkers, seekers of wisdom and who are on their way to being productive fellow citizens.

If we are going to restore our constitutional republic, leaders must rise up to run for school board in order to make a real and lasting difference in what is being taught in Ohio schools. Let us work together to demystify the ‘ins and outs’ of running for school board, and start down the road to relearn our responsibilities for sustaining a self-governing society.

Is this class a calling for you?   Is this your opportunity to Empower your local School Board.  Give a good listen at this class and make your decision.

Chris Hicks from Clermont County, and Brendan Shea, State School Board Member will discuss and go over with us his creative Contract With The District for School Board Members.   This is a document, introduced at the last State Board of Education meeting, created to help citizens hold their School Board’s Accountable–for everything.  This Contract can also be used as a tool for individuals running for School Board — like you!  Chris will be joining our session between 8:00-8:10.   Pictured below Chris Hicks (L), Brendan Shea (R).

Tom Hach

Speaker Bio:

Tom Hach is the Executive Director of Free Ohio Now, which is a state-wide liberty group Fighting the New Normal.   Free Ohio Now has brought Ohioans together throughout the state to push back against growing government and big business tyranny through peaceful protests, rallies and legislative action.   Prior to co-founding Free Ohio Now, Tom worked as an IT program manager for many years, and he is also retired from the Navy Reserve after a 21 year career, during which he served in Iraq from 2006 to 2007. 

In addition to several volunteer positions, Tom is in his third term as a member of the Board of Education for the Riverside Local School District in Lake County, Ohio.  He has a BS in Chemistry from Miami University, and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University.  He lives in the Cleveland-area, and enjoys a good cigar once or twice a week!

Chris Hicks

Chris Hicks is an outspoken government ethics and integrity activist in Clermont County.  Mr. Hicks is an independent business consultant who has worked companies such as Samsung, Dell,  IBM and SAP (Sybase) on sales and channel growth in over 50 countries.  He is a fervent MAGA supporter who is committed to “draining the SWAMP.”  Mr. Hicks worked with others to catalyze the “Contract with the District,” a tool to better understand local school board candidates’ positions on key issues facing school boards and to recruit better candidates for the 2021 election.  

He lives in Union Township, Clermont County with his wife of 30 years and son who will be a senior at Miami University.  Mr. Hicks is active in Clermont County politics: as the Chairman of the Union Township Republican Central Committee and as a member of the Clermont County Republican Executive Committee.  He has prevailed in legal cases involving protection of 1st Amendment rights and the Ohio Open Meetings Act.  He has been involved with convictions of several elected officials and the termination of several government employees for improper activities.  His focus on exposing corruption and unethical behavior has earned him four impeachment votes and one trial within the Republican Party.  His HicksWatchdog Facebook page is a well-known source of information on politics in Clermont County.

Brendan Shea

Brendan Shea was elected to the State Board of Education by the people of the 10th District in November 2020. The 10th District includes Adams, Brown, Clark, Clermont, Clinton, Fayette, Gallia, Greene, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Madison, Pike, Ross, Scioto and the western portions of Pickaway and Vinton counties. 

Hailing from a large family of educators, Brendan believes deeply in the life-changing power of education. He believes education should focus on the good, the true and the beautiful and that children must learn to think critically and develop wisdom and virtue, allowing them to achieve their God-given potential and to become engaged citizens and productive members of society. 

As the father of five young children, 

Brendan knows firsthand the unique challenges families face in raising and educating their children today. He believes parents are the first and primary educators of their children, and he will be a strong voice for both parents and children on the Board. 

Meet Parents, Teachers and Educators Who Tell You the Facts

Tuesday, May 11, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Price Winners:  Michelle L, Constant Y, Rich F, Finn L … Congrats!

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class — Click Here

To View Maureen Botos Slides RE:  Olentangy School District — Click Here

To View Kim G’s Content Regarding Private Schools and Critical Race Theory–Click Here

To Watch Mark Raczynski’s Slides RE: American Excellence and History Click Here

To View Kirsten Hill’s Slide Presentation Click Here

Contact:  Colleen Schitter:  [email protected] 

Contact:  Karen Burton : [email protected]

“We are corrupting kids’ souls”  — Bob Frantz, The Authority 1420 AM

Critical Race Theory (CRT) holds that the law and legal institutions in the United States are inherently racist insofar as they function to create and maintain social, economic, and political inequalities between whites and nonwhites, especially African Americans. –Brittanica

Since the Ohio State School Board passed the Resolution to Condemn Racism and Advance Equity in July 2020 under the cover of Covid-19, Critical Race Theory has started to spring up in schools all around the State.   Tonight we will hear from Parents of Students that have seen CRT first hand and the wedge it creates by pitting students of different colors against each other.   You will hear from Kara Molfetta, a Lakota Parent and what she found out about the school’s lesson plan one day when her son came home from school.   You’ll learn about Dan’s lawsuit against the State Board of Education and what happened when the Board told Dan that he was not allowed to make any public comments about Race to the State of Ohio School Board.

Kara Molfetta

Federal Lawsuit Filed Against the State Board of Education

Meet Kirsten Hill, an elected member of the State Board of Education.   Kirsten will fill you in on the background of the School Board and how the decision made by the Board has allowed Critical Race Theory to become more prevalent.   Hear from researcher Tom Hagedorn who will take us through a short description of Marxism and the clear line between Marxism and Critical Race Theory.   It’s a definition you need to be clear on.   Meet Mark Raczynski an 8th grade American History teacher for the past 24 years on the importance of teaching History to our kids and his views on the Board of Education’s Resolution.

Kirsten Hill

Tom Hagedorn

Mark Raczynski

Learn about the large–6th largest in the State–Olentangy School District, with it’s 22,000 students and 4 Diversity Officers.  Maureen Botos will talk to you about the length the School District has gone to indoctrinate children and their teachers.   Including their choice of speakers hired by the district for “training”.

Maureen Botos

On this night we will also be joined by Karen Burton and Colleen Schitter who have lived in the King’s Local School District for 8 and 20 years.   They will talk to us about the kids required reading list (does the name Ibram X. Kendi sound familiar?)  and issues involved with concerns over curriculum.

Karen Burton and Colleen Schitter

More than anything tonight, EmpowerU wants to send you the clear message that Critical Race Theory is in Ohio now and you need to watch what is happening in your kids and grandkid’s schools.

Just added to the program, Kim Georgeton will discuss CRT and its evolution to Private Schools and the potential of this “Marxianity” moving into your churches.   Hey we want to make sure you understand D.E.I. if it comes up in your school.

Kim Georgeton

The Governor of Ohio, ultimately has the ability to stop the Marxist Class Warfare of Critical Race Theory. We have reached out to Governor Mike DeWine and Lieutenant Jon Husted and asked one of them to make a comment at tonight’s session.    To read the many, many resource articles on Critical Race Theory go to www.empoweruohio.org and choose the first tab at the top “Critical Race Theory” or click here.

Speakers Bio

Kirsten Hill was elected to the State Board of Education in November 2018, representing District 2. Her term began in January 2019 and expires in December 2022. Kirsten and her husband, Andy, operated her family’s year-round farm market in Lorain County for 25 years. She also ran a seasonal farm-tour business, hosting families and preschool through elementary classes for many years.

Kara Molfetta, is a Lakota Parent.  Learn what she found out about her school’s lesson plan one day when her son came home from school. Kara has been instrumental in talking about CRT and sex education in schools and has helped mobilize people to help parents understand the real threat that is taking place.

Tom Hagedorn is a “professional student.” He loves reading, researching, and writing about many topics. In his college days, he co-published two papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals. More recently, he published Founding Zealots: How Evangelicals Created America’s First Public Schools, 1783-1865.” He has taught classes at Xavier University and for the Osher Lifelong Living Institute (OLLI). He has enjoyed a career in financial services that spans five decades. He is married with two adult children and three grandchildren. 

Mark Raczynski has been an 8th grade American History teacher for the past 24 years.  He is also a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps where he served as a tow missile operator in Desert Shield/Storm.  He lives in rural Ashland County with his wife, Christi (also a teacher), and his three high school children, Joshua, Rebekah and Nathan.  He is currently a member of the VFW and Medina Bible Church both located in Medina, Ohio.

Colleen Schitter has lived in the Kings Local School District in Warren County, Ohio for 20 years. She and her husband raised two children who attended public school, vocational school and a home-schooling cooperative.  Colleen became a watch dog for the public schools when, while working on a bond issue, she discovered issues spanning campaign violations to concerns over curriculum. Her passion is  advocating for the students and the community to obtain and maintain excellency in Kings Local.

Maureen Botos is a native Ohioan that moved to the Olentangy district from Missouri in March 2020.  Her husband and three kids, 13, 11, and 6, moved to the district because they were told it was one of the best in the state near Columbus.  After being in the district for just a few months, Maureen, a stay at home mother, noticed that the district was promoting many controversial views. While working with many like minded parents to open the schools full-time this Fall, she was shocked at what was actually being taught in the classrooms already.  This prompted her, and many other parents to create a Facebook group to gather information, expose CRT to other parents, and organize a way to keep it out of the classroom.  From this group, they are starting a non-profit called Olentangy For Students.  This will allow the group to get messaging out to parents and also show parents how they can help to combat this racist ideology.

Karen Burton has lived in the Kings Local School District for 8 years. She raised two sons who are both husbands, fathers and productive members of society. One is an IT Manager at a Fortune 500 company, and the other is a research scientist at a National Laboratory. She recently became a voice for parents who are afraid to speak against Critical Race Theory when a friend shared her child’s struggle with a required reading assignment that vilified Christians, white people and the foundations of our country.

Kim Georgeton is a concerned parent of a ninth grade student at a local private Christian school in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has been following the cultural and societal developments over the last several months and has grave concerns about the future education of our youth. She has noticed changes in the “worldview” being force-fed into our society by the mainstream media, through governmental education policies with our very own tax dollars and even through a shift in the church that seeks to manipulate the minds of our next generation. She was born and raised in Cincinnati, OH, but has traveled the world.

Vivek Ramaswamy Joins EmpowerU to Discuss His book "Woke, Inc."

Tuesday, May 4, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Note: This Class is a VIRTUAL Only Class

To Watch a Partial Recording of This Class Click Here

Required Reading:   GOP Sweeps in Texas Election as City Revolts Against Biden-Backed Critical Race Theory

The November 2020 Elections….The pieces are finally coming together, and they reveal a masterpiece of electoral larceny involving Big Tech oligarchs, activists, and government officials, who weakened ballot chain of custody and voter verification policies, and violated the constitutional authority of state legislatures.

Hear a front liner’s recounting of what actually transpired in Georgia, Pennsylvania and Michigan, from Ken Blackwell, former Secretary of State of Ohio.  He worked with teams at these sites and examined the consequential irregularities, illegalities and unconstitutional actions that impacted vote counts.  Ken will share his observations and concerns.

Where do we go from here, and how can citizens become involved in bringing about the reforms at the state level?

Vivek Ramaswamy will join us from 7:05 – 7:30 PM.  Vivek is a traitor to his class. He’s founded multibillion-dollar enterprises, led a biotech company as CEO, he became a hedge fun partner in his 20’s, trained as a scientist at Harvard and a lawyer at Yale, and grew up the child of immigrants in the small town of Evendale, Ohio.   Now he takes you behind the scenes into corporate boardrooms and five-star conferences, into Ivy League classrooms and secret nonprofits, to reveal the defining scam of our century.   Vivek’s new book, Woke, Inc. begins as a critique of stakeholder capitalism and ends with an exploration of what it means to be an American in 2021.   A graduate of St. X High School, meet a local star that is turning heads on Tucker Carlson’s show and on the Opinion pages of the Wall St. Journal.

Vivek Ramaswamy

Speaker Bio

Ken Blackwell is the Senior Fellow for Human Rights and Constitutional Governance at the Family Research Council.  He is a national bestselling author of three books: Rebuilding America: A Prescription For Creating Strong Families, Building The Wealth Of Working People, And Ending Welfare; The Blueprint: Obama’s Plan to Subvert the Constitution and Build an Imperial Presidency; and Resurgent: How Constitutional Conservatism Can Save America.

He serves on the Board of Directors of various high-profile organizations including the Timothy Plan, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, the United States Air Force Academy Foundation, etc.  Mr. Blackwell has had a vast political career. He was Mayor of Cincinnati, Treasurer and Secretary of State for Ohio, Undersecretary at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Human Rights Commission.

He has received many awards and honors for his work in the public sector. These accolades include the U.S. Department of State’s Superior Honor Award for his work in the field of human rights which he received from both the administrations of Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. In 2004, the American Conservative Union honored Mr. Blackwell with the John M. Ashbrook Award for his steadfast conservative leadership.  Ken’s commentaries have been published in major newspapers and websites.  In addition, he has been interviewed by many media outlets.

His continuing education has included executive programs at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard. Mr. Blackwell has also received honorary doctoral degrees from ten institutions of higher education. He holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees from Xavier University in Ohio, where he later served as a vice president and member of its faculty.  In 1992, he received Xavier’s Distinguished Alumnus Award and was inducted into Xavier’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015.

This Class is SOLD OUT!

Thursday, April 29, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

This Class is Sold Out —  Sorry!

Doors to EmpowerU Studio Open at 6:30 PM

“Political correctness is the elevation of moral posturing about sensitivity over truth” –Jordan Peterson

Christened as the most influential public intellectual in the western world, University of Toronto psychology professor Jordan Peterson skyrocketed to fame after he published a controversial viral video series entitled “Professor Against Political Correctness” in 2016.   Peterson had enough of what he saw as a campus culture where “social justice warrior, left-wing radical political activists” ran rampant.  He zeroed in on Canadian human rights legislation that prohibits discrimination based on gender identify or expression.   Peterson was especially frustrated with being asked to use alternative pronouns as requested by trans students or staff, like the singular “they” or “ze” and “zir” used by some as alternatives to “she” or “he”.   Peterson’s employer warned that he could run afoul of the Ontario Human Rights code and his faculty responsibilities should he refuse to use alternative pronouns when requested.

“Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today.”  –Jordan Peterson

Peterson’s main concern was that by outlawing the use of language and certain words that our liberties are being run over by Government.  Within 2 years, he had sold over 3 million copies of his self-help book “12 Rules for Life,” and became simultaneously branded by some as the academic rock star selling out theatres around the world, and by others as a dangerous threat to progressive society.

“The Rise of Jordan Peterson” intimately traces the transformative period of Peterson’s life while visiting rare moments with his family, friends and foes who share their own versions of the Jordan Peterson Story.

“The purpose of life is finding the largest burden that you can bear and bearing it.” –Jordan Peterson

Since this class is a movie presentation it will not be presented virtually–please join us.

This Class is Only an In-Person Class

Join Ray Hughes and Follow This Incredible Adventure

Tuesday, April 27, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

This Class is Sponsored by Bill Roll

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class Click Here

Doors to EmpowerU Studio Open at 6:30 PM

The Great Escape, as it came to be known, was a mass escape attempt from the prisoner of war camp Stalag Luft III located near the Polish town of Zagan.  The purpose-built camp was opened in April 1942, and the Germans considered it to be practically escape-proof.

The camp housed mainly British and American airmen whose planes had crashed on Axis territory. The Germans generally captured prisoners with the words ‘For you the war is over.’ However, it was the sworn duty of all captured military personnel to continue to fight the enemy by surviving, communicating information and escaping. The Germans believed that security at the new camp was so tight that it would be impossible for anyone to escape.

Picture from the Famous Movie

It was realized early on that for any escape attempt to succeed it had to be well planned and organized. The Prisoners at Sagan therefore established an escape committee.  The committee decided to build three tunnels and the plan was to effect the escape of at least 200 prisoners. The tunnels were given the code names ‘Tom’, ‘Dick’ and ‘Harry’.  Lots were drawn for 200 places, and on March 24, 1944, The Great Escape was attempted.   Of the 76 men who escaped, 3 made it home to the UK, 23 were recaptured and sent back to Sagan. Hitler personally ordered the execution of the other 50 men.

Although only 3 men managed to reach safety and 50 men were murdered, the escape caused havoc among the Germans.

Speaker Bio

Intelligence Operations Airman 2nd Class Raymond G. Hughes, Petersburg, KY, entered the Air Force in 1956, serving for four years in the USAF intelligence school Target Planning & Survival unit until 1960. Hughes served during the Cold War with the 8th Air Force 100 Bomb Wing Intelligence Division, primarily with Strategic Air Command. 

Airman Hughes continued to serve his community as an instructor at the Yudan School of Self Defense Karate and Judo, where he trained men, women, and children in the art of self-defense. He became a voice for veterans and one of the most respected members of the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders, where he dedicated his time and energy in making life more comfortable for other members. 

Raymond serves as historian and even manager for the USS Hornet Breakfast Group conducts events for veterans at the Cincinnati Hamilton County Public Library, and interviews veterans of all wars in collaboration with the National Archives in Washington, D.C. where he has interviewed 75 veterans to date. Twice each month, he can be found transporting veterans from Twin Towers Retirement Center to shop for personal items. Raymond is involved in the Sons of the American Revolution and takes pride in helping others trace their ancestral lineage. 

How To Fight Back to Save Your Community!-- In Person and Zoom

Thursday, April 22, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Doors to EmpowerU Studio Open at 6:30 PM

To Watch a Complete Recording of this Class Click Here

Required Reading– How Winston Churchill Lost the 1945 British Election

There is a determined force in the world dedicated to an agenda designed to “reorganize human society.” To achieve that agenda they are on a drive to change our American economic system, abolish private property, and change our system of representative government. Most importantly, they have focused on making those changes primarily through control of government on the local level. This presentation will reveal the players and their tactics, and how to fight back. You will learn how to take the offensive to restore your community as a Freedom Pod where free enterprise, private property and individual choice are protected.

________________________________________

Tom DeWeese is one of the nation’s leading advocates of individual liberty, free enterprise, private property rights, and American sovereignty and independence. Tom DeWeese was one of the first to voice concern over the radical agenda of the environmental movement and to question its motives.

Tom is a native of Ohio. He’s been a candidate for the Ohio Legislature, served as editor of two newspapers, and has owned several businesses. In 1989 Tom led the only privately-funded election-observation team to the Panamanian elections. In 2006 Tom was invited to Cambridge University to debate the issue of the United Nations before the Cambridge Union, a 200 year old debating society.

Today he serves as Founder and President of the American Policy Center and editor of The DeWeese Report and author of three books: “Now Tell Me I Was Wrong,” “ERASE,” a fictional political thriller, and his most recent policy book entitled “Sustainable, the War on Free Enterprise, Private Property and Individuals.”

Rodney Musterspaw on What It's Really Like to be a Police Chief

Tuesday, April 20, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Doors to EmpowerU Studio Open at 6:30 PM.  In Person or Virtual Class.

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class Click Here

Required Reading:  Biden’s UN Ambassador Defends Repeating Anti-American, Chinese Propaganda

For 30 years, former Middletown Police Chief Rodney Muterspaw handled brutal crimes that invaded his hometown.  During his tenure, he saw the dark, ugly and cruel side of human nature.  One of his survival mechanisms was to journal the daily events.  It relieved his tension. It was therapy.  He wrote in notebooks, on his laptop and on his phone. One day, while unpacking boxes, he discovered his journal entries. As he sifted through them, he was overpowered by the myriad of emotions stemming from each memory.  “There were funny stories, notes of the day, things he had heard, his experiences, serious thoughts and observations that he had had.  Little did he know that a simple daily journaling habit would turn him into an author.

The ex-chief does not condone bad behavior by cops.  In his book he addresses the complex issues of racial profiling, evidence planting and untruthful statements.  While he sometimes paints a transparent, unflattering portrait of police officers, he also acknowledges that the opioid crisis, structural poverty, lack of education and racial profiling have contributed to more crimes than a single police department could handle.

Rodney will take you to the inside of a police officer’s life, the life you don’t see.  It will change the way you think about law enforcement.  He says “The truth is that you cannot be trained enough to do this job.”

The Blue View is a brand new release and is already a 5 star read on Amazon, and the audio book was just released in January.  Plus it has already been read in four other countries.  Autographed copies of The Blue View will be available for $15, cash only, immediately following Rodney’s presentation.

___________________________________

EmpowerU Board Member Barb Horwitz will be joining us from 7:05-7:25 tonight to talk to us about McCarthyism.  With cancel- culture at its height this discussion, which takes us back to the 1950’s may prove to be beneficial for many of us to learn about and reflect on.

Barb Horwitz

Speaker Bio

Rodney Muterspaw was born and raised in Middletown, Ohio.  He rose through the ranks of the police force, becoming Chief in 2015.  He won numerous rewards throughout his career before retiring in 2019.  Remains active in his community through his new career in real estate, community work, and speaking engagements.  Muterspaw still resides in Middletown, Ohio, is married with three children and two grandchildren.

Learn About One of the Most Important Political Decisions Ever Made

Thursday, April 15, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class Click Here

Required Reading:  Charles Krauthammer Essay on Churchill

Charles Krauthammer called Winston Churchill “the most important person of the 20th Century”. Learn about his incredible life.

Churchill was a British statesman, army officer, and writer.   He was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940-1945 during the Second World War he formed the key triangle of Allied Leaders which included Franklin D. Roosevelt, Churchill, and Joseph Stalin.  Churchill again became Prime Minister from 1951 to 1955.   Aside from his two years between 1922 and 1924 Churchill served in Parliament from 1900-1964.   During this time he represented several different constituencies.   In the early years from 1904-1924 Churchill was a member of the Liberal Party and was  ideologically an economic liberal and imperialist for most of his career.   Later, he served as a member of the Conservative Party, where he was leader from 1940-1955.

Joseph Stalin, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill

Fearless on the battlefield, he hated war. He was a famous journalist and and the greatest orator of our time despite a lisp and chronic depression.  His speeches were inspirational.   His open-mindedness made him a trailblazer in social welfare, though he remained almost totally politically incorrect. Learn about the key decision Churchill made that may be the most important decision ever made by a political leader. EmpowerU Managing Board Member Dan Regenold helps us learn and focus on the accomplishments of Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

As Boris Johnson, current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom says, “Most of all, Churchill was proof that one person–intrepid, ingenious, determined–can make all the difference.”

Speaker Bio

Dan Regenold first became active in Government in 2003 when he became involved fighting Eminent Domain and helping stop it in Evendale and in Norwood, Ohio. In 2006, he was one of the founders of WeDemandAVote.com which successfully fought and stopped, by ballot initiative, a sales tax increase in Hamilton County, Ohio. Later WeDemand stopped Red Light Cameras in Hamilton County.   

Regenold spoke at the CPAC Convention in 2008 to discuss major Grassroots initiative actions across the United States.   In 2009, Dan was unsuccessful in his efforts to bring accountability to the Federal Government’s finances with a citizen lead initiative WeDemandABalancedBudget.com.  In 2010 Regenold was of three leaders of the initiative to End Ohio’s Estate Tax which happened in 2011. The Tax Foundation called the repeal of Ohio Estate Tax one of the most important Tax accomplishments of 2011. In 2011 Regenold founded EmpowerUOhio.org (now in its 21st semester), a Free University offered in the Greater Cincinnati area with the goal of “empowering” citizens. 

In 2014, Regenold was one of the leaders of the effort to separate Music Hall from a County Wide Sale Tax which helped the Museum Center renovation get passed by the voters of Hamilton County.   Dan is a lover of Liberty and enjoys speaking to EmpowerU classes about subjects he is passionate about.  Recently he has discussed:  Milton Friedman, Saul Alinsky, Net Neutrality, D-Day, The Deficit Mess and America at EmpowerU Classes.   Regenold is CEO of Frame USA, Inc. in Springdale.

Bob McEwen Returns to Speak At EmpowerU --as We Travel on The Road to 20th Century Theater

Tuesday, April 13, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch A Complete Recording of this Class–Click Here

An economics major and six-term Member of the United States Congress, Bob explains the part that Liberty plays in understanding why some nations are rich and some nations are poor.  America has been a very successful nation. What has set America apart? What has allowed it to become the most prosperous in the world? Our economic system and trade policy have significant implications on both our freedom and prosperity.

Currently, America is at a crossroads and must make a choice about how it will chart its course over the next decade. It can either embrace what has allowed our country to become successful or it can adopt the ways of less prosperous and less free nations around the world.

Speaker Bio

Bob McEwen served six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives representing Ohio. During his congressional tenure, McEwen was selected by his colleagues to the senior position as one of four Republicans on the powerful House Committee Rules that manages floor time for members and has jurisdiction over all legislation. He was also a member of the House Select Committee on Intelligence and a U.S. delegate to the European Parliament for over a decade.  Prior to Congress, he served three terms in the Ohio House of Representatives.  In 2020, he was appointed by President Trump to the 1776 Commission to better enable a rising generation to understand the history and principles of the founding of the United States.  He is also the Executive Director of the Council for National Policy.

Nancy Brunemann, Accountant to Join Us for Last Minute Tax Tips!

Thursday, April 8, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Doors to EmpowerU Studio Open at 6:30 PM

To View a Complete Recording of This Class Click Here

Required Reading:   Ohio Court:  Mask Mandates Unconstitutional –1851 Center for Constitutional Law

Anyone who remembers hearing about the Ryan Widmer “bathtub drowning” case—and people who just wonder about what happens behind-the-scenes in any major court case—will find this talk fascinating!

Award-winning author Janice Hisle, who covered all three of Widmer’s trials for The Cincinnati Enquirer, will reveal unique insights about one of the region’s most-debated murder cases—and will discuss powerful lessons that can be learned from it.

Janice lives near the Warren County, Ohio, neighborhood where 24-year-old Sarah Widmer drowned in her own bathtub back in 2008; Sarah’s husband of four months, Ryan, then 27, was accused of murder. Even after Widmer was convicted in 2011, Janice couldn’t stop thinking about the case. So she combed through more than 10,000 pages of records…and found compelling new information that was never made public during any of Widmer’s trials. This information was released for the first time in Janice’s book, SUBMERGED: Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system.

Some people believe that Widmer’s story “just didn’t add up,” and they think he is right where he belongs–behind bars, serving 15-to-life. But many other readers of SUBMERGED wonder whether Sarah Widmer’s death was really a murder at all.

She did suffer from strange bouts of sleepiness and other possible signs of medical disorders that have been linked to unexplained drownings—yet no tests were ever done to rule out those problems, not even during her autopsy. Since then, prosecutors have refused to release Sarah’s DNA for testing; a battle over the DNA and other issues has been pending for more than six years in federal court.

Janice will outline controversies and questions that continue to swirl around this baffling case now, more than a dozen years after a beautiful young woman’s relaxing bath turned tragic—either by murder or by medical misfortune.

Autographed copies of SUBMERGED will be available for $20, cash only, immediately following Janice’s presentation.

Nancy Brunemann

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Janice Hisle worked more than two decades as an award-winning journalist before becoming an acclaimed author and freelance writer.

In 2020, her debut book, SUBMERGED: Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system, took top honors in the True Crime category of two national contests: the Indie Reader Discovery Awards and the National Indie Excellence Award. The book has earned more than 100 five-star ratings on Amazon.com, and, at times, has ranked among the top 30 in its category. Janice has done more than 50 public presentations about the book, sometimes speaking to standing-room-only crowds of people who, like her, continued to wonder about the 2008 drowning of 24-year-old Sarah Widmer and the prosecution of her husband of four months, Ryan.

SUBMERGED exposes hidden angles of a nationally publicized bathtub-drowning mystery, which Janice covered for The Cincinnati Enquirer through three spellbinding trials.

Janice recently completed her second book, a biography of a Cincinnati-area philanthropist; she will share information about it during her EmpowerU presentation.

A summa cum laude graduate of Kent State University, Janice worked 15 years for the Enquirer, and previously worked for newspapers in Dayton, Youngstown and Kent-Ravenna.

In recent years, she also has covered high-profile court cases for The Associated Press, including the 2019 trial of a Warren County teen who was acquitted of killing her newborn infant. But the teen, Brooke Skylar Richardson, was convicted of corpse abuse for burying the baby in her home’s back yard. Janice also covered the trials of Ray Tensing. He was the University of Cincinnati police officer who stood trial for murder twice in 2017-18, but both trials ended with deadlocked juries.

On the side, Janice teaches group fitness classes—so her feet stay as busy as her keyboard does.

Sin City’s Underworld and The Supper Club Inferno

Tuesday, April 6, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here (minor technical problems at the beginning of the recording)

Required Reading:  The Equality Act is at War With Reality

The Beverly Hills Supper Club was Vegas before Vegas was cool. It was known as the “Showplace of the Nation” before it burned to the ground in 1977, killing at least 165 people—one of the worst fires in U.S. history. But few knew that the Beverly Hills had a violent past of deadly arson beginning in 1936, when it was taken over by the Cleveland mob that ran “Sin City” in Newport, Kentucky—an open city of prostitution, extortion, gambling and violence for decades, until new U.S. Attorney General Bobby Kennedy went to war on the mob in 1961. His first target was Newport.

This is the story of a crime empire on the banks of the Ohio River, in the backyard of Ivory clean Cincinnati, and the war to clean it up that led to the assassination of Bobby’s brother, President John F. Kennedy. It’s a story of mobsters, hookers, murder and dice; dirty cops, crooked politicians and the underworld bosses whose power reached into the FBI, Congress and the White House.

Given the context of history, what happened in 1977 and the cover-up that followed were no surprise. Survivors have spent four decades digging to unearth disturbing evidence that the fire was arson—just like the first fire in 1936.

Their case is presented here, with the aid of FBI files obtained through an FOIA request, first-hand witness accounts and extensive research that uncovers new evidence and tragic stories of the victims and survivors.  Autographed copies of FORBIDDEN FRUIT will be available for $20, cash only, immediately following Peter’s presentation.

Speaker Bio

Peter Bronson, author of Forbidden Fruit and several other books, was editorial page editor and columnist for The Cincinnati Enquirer for nearly 20 years.  Under his leadership the Enquirer was judged Best Editorial Page in Ohio four years in a row. 

Before coming to Cincinnati in 1992, he was editorial page editor and columnist at The Tucson Citizen in Tucson, Arizona.  He started his news career in Michigan after graduating from Michigan State University in his hometown of East Lansing, Michigan.  He has served on several non-profits, including Casa de los Niños home for abused children in Tucson; Northern Kentucky Children’s Home; Leadership Cincinnati; and Cincinnati Right to Life.  He was a regular panelist / producer on the Channel 9 WCPO TV show Hotseat, and also on the weekly Tucson news show Arizona Illustrated.

He’s been a contributing editor and columnist at Cincy Magazine, and now is owner and publisher of Chilidog Press LLC, which offers publishing, writing, edition and consulting.  His 2005 book, Behind the Lines: The Untold Stories of the Cincinnati Riots, was a regional best-seller.  He is co-author of Legacy of Courage: True Stories of Honor Flight Veterans, and Legacy of Courage II.  Chilidog Press has published dozens of books, including Judge A: Irretrievably Broken, Dance When You Can and the national award-winning Submerged.

He is active as a group leader at Horizon Community Church.  He enjoys working on old sports cars, playing golf and travel.  He is the father of two, and lives with his wife, Kathy, in Milford.

Jay Richards to Speak About Pandemic

Tuesday, March 30, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of this Class Click Here

Required Reading:  “Smashing Whiteness” at the Ohio Department of Education:  https://www.city-journal.org/ohio-education-department-antiracist-training

What was the price of the Covid 19-Panic? For the first time in history, the world shut itself down—by choice—all for fear of a virus that was not well understood. The government, with the support of most Americans, ordered the closure of tens of thousands of small businesses—many never to return. Almost every school and college in the country sent its students home to finish the school year in front of a computer. Churches canceled worship services. “Social distancing” went from a non-word to a moral obligation overnight. Moral preening on social media achieved ever-new heights.

The world will reopen, and life will go on, but what kind of world will it be when it does? It cannot be what it was, because of what just happened.

Relentlessly focused on what we know and don’t know about the coronavirus, Professors Jay Richards, William Briggs, and Douglas Axe take a deep dive into the crucial questions on the minds of millions of Americans during one of the most jarring and unprecedented global events in a generation. They relentlessly focused on what they knew and didn’t know about the coronavirus demonstrating in this eye-opening study what real experts can contribute when a pandemic strikes. We need to know what and how it happened, to keep it from ever happening again.

Speaker Bios

Jay W. Richards, Ph.D., O.P. is a Research Assistant Professor in the Busch School of Business at The Catholic University of America, a Senior Fellow at the Discovery Institute, and the Executive Editor of The Stream.

Richards is author or editor of more than a dozen books including the New York Times bestsellers Infiltrated (2013) and Indivisible (2012), The Human Advantage, and Money, Greed, and God, winner of a 2010 Templeton Enterprise Award. His newest book is The Price of Panic: How the Tyranny of Expert Turned a Pandemic Into a Catastrophe.

He is also creator and executive producer of several documentaries, including three that have appeared widely on PBS.  Richards’ articles and essays have been published in The Harvard Business Review, Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, Washington Post, the New York Post, Newsweek, Forbes, Fox News, National Review Online, The Hill, Investor’s Business Daily, Washington Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Huffington Post, The Federalist, and many other publications. He has written and lectured on a wide range of topics, including culture, economics, public policy, natural science, technology, and the environment.

Sean Maloney Returns to Empower!

Tuesday, March 23, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Contact Sean Maloney here is your contact information:  [email protected]  Phone:  513-463-0073 Office

We were not able to record the entirety of Sean Maloney’s class because of the frequency of gun laws changing and the possibility that we might provide inaccurate information.   You can view the first 15 minutes of the class by clicking here.

Required Reading:  What Happens if GPS Goes Down?

Required Reading:  Cincinnati Enquirer, Jack Greiner, Section 230 Protections are Alive

Required Reading:   Wall Street Journal, Tax Cut Ban and the Constitution

5 Universal Concepts Every Gun Owner MUST Understand

Do you know that just touching a gun might be considered lethal force … that “stand your ground” means something different in every state … that you may be judged by a “reasonable man” standard?

Do you know the only reason you can justifiably use lethal force? Are you prepared to prove the “3” elements that justify your use of lethal force? Attorney and gun law expert Sean Maloney from Second Call Defense will review the basic concepts of lethal force, how they are interpreted by the legal system, and what it all means for you as a gun owner.

Speaker Bio

Sean Maloney

Sean Maloney is a passionate defender of the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution.  He is a defense attorney and member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers who practices in all areas of firearm-related law, including 2nd Amendment rights, criminal defense, federal and state restoration of gun rights, and federal NICS appeals. He has appeared as an expert witness in a variety of civil lawsuits related to firearms.

As an attorney, Sean’s law practice focuses on defending the rights of law-abiding gun owners who are forced to use their firearms in self-defense through Second Call Defense, which he co-founded.

Call in With Your IT Questions!

Thursday, March 18, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here!

To Review Dave Hatter’s Powerpoint Presentation–Click Here

Required Reading:  Learn About Ohio Board of Education from Departing Member Lisa Woods

https://thepostmillennial.com/watch-black-woman-slams-ohio-school-board-for-critical-race-theory-indoctrination-of-studentss

Anyone with an Internet connection can read the latest news, listen to their favorite music, chat with friends,  search for anything online, shop, pay bills, play games, and watch videos, all for “free”.  But it’s not really free.  If you’re not paying with money, you’re paying with data.  You’re not the customer, you’re the product.

Companies like Google and Facebook harvest every little bit of data that they can get their hands on, and monetize it in a variety of ways including selling it to other companies, who may or may not secure it correctly.  And the now with the nature of the Internet coupled with the ever increasing number of “smart” devices that we interact with are collecting volumes of very detailed information about how and where we live, work and play 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  It’s relentless and pervasive and in many cases, not obvious.  Americans are sleepwalking into a future nearly as frightening as the one the Chinese are constructing”.

At this session, Dave Hatter will explore privacy and security for your devices.   He will also discuss the type of data that is being collected, how it’s being collected, how it’s being used, how it’s being misused, why you should care about improving your privacy, and tools and techniques to limit your digital footprint.    When Dave is done with his presentation we will allow you to call in live to ask Dave questions from your home zoom connection.   The number to call is:

513-672-1266

Our new call-in technology puts Dave as close as you fingertips for you IT questions.

___________________________________________

Speaker Bio

“Doomsday” Dave Hatter is a technology leader with nearly 30 years of software development, cybersecurity and project management experience.  He has earned numerous industry certifications and, holds a BS in Information Systems from NKU.  Dave is especially good at bridging the gap between business and technology and has delivered more than 200 successful software solutions earning nearly 60 testimonial letters from his clients. Additionally, he has written or contributed to 12 technology books, written more than 100 technology related articles for publications and, been quoted in many publications.

Libertas Technologies, the software development company Dave founded in 2001, was honored with many awards, but he is especially proud of winning the Cincinnati Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics in 2007.  Dave is now a Cyber Security Consultant at Intrust IT, where he works with clients to educate them about cyber security risks and to help them defend their assets.

Dave is a regular on-air contributor on WXIX (FOX19) and Local 12 (WKRC-TV) and he can be heard every Friday morning at 6:30 AM on 55KRC’s “Tech Friday” segment with host Brian Thomas.   He was elected Mayor of Fort Wright, Kentucky in 2014 after serving eight terms on the Fort Wright City Council. Dave currently serves as the VP of Training and Certification for the PMI Southwest Ohio Chapter, and has also served on numerous other boards.

Convention of the States Update to Be Discussed from 6:45-7:30 PM

Tuesday, March 16, 2021
6:45 pm - 8:30 pm

To Join:   https://mewe.com/join/SocialMediaDiscussion

To View a Complete Recording of Tonight’s Class Click Here

Mike Mowry’s Powerpoint Presentation on Convention of States

Convention of States Wisconsin Sons of Liberty

Required Reading–We Can’t Let Free World 5G Infighting Give the Advantage to China–Steve Bucci

Read Convention of States Flyer–Click Here

With all the issues with censorship and personal data misuse by services providers and Big Tech, there has been interest in finding providers who respect personal data and refuse to censor content.   Specifically tonight, we will discuss MeWe and Telegraph.  Many have you have asked for a “deeper” dive on MeWe and this is your change.  Rich Inman will present a few solutions describing how to sign up, how to find friends, expand your network, how to share content, and why you would use each solution.

Just to give you an idea of how much Mark Zuckerberg at Facebook values your input?  Here is an package he refused from EmpowerU in December after our class on Social Media where you forwarded your messages to him.

Refused Package Sent by EmpowerU 

to Facebook and Mark Zuckerberg

At the first Pirate Radio Session on February 2, several people asked about the status of the Convention of State Project.    Mike Mowry is the volunteer leader and State Director for Convention of States in Ohio.   Mike will join us from 6:50-7:30 (note special time) to give us an update on the project.   In Mike’s words, “I became concerned that the normal electoral process will never address the problem of our Country’s ever-increasing national debt and prospects of passing that debt onto our children and grandchildren.   Join Mike Mowry at this session.   Convention of States is a controversial subject but offers Citizens one of the few ways that they might win…

Speaker Bios

Richard Inman’s career has focused on leveraging practical technology innovation for strategic advantage.  After attending Tri State University, he began his career focusing on Manufacturing Process Control and R&D.  He was an early pioneer in Computer Telephone Integration developing multivendor / multiplatform telephony solutions.  He also built and managed early Wireless last mile internet access solutions.  Rich has spent the last 15 years innovating with Kroger Technology.  He has worked with various non-profits to drive digital marketing and social media engagement.  He is a vocal privacy and security advocate.

Is Climate Change Real? Dr. Frank Returns to EmpowerU!

Thursday, March 11, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here

Send a Birthday Card “#104” to Bob Doolan to:   Bob Doolan, Western Hills Retirement Center, 6210 Cleves Warsaw Pike, Cincinnati, OH  45233

Required Reading:  “Most American Schools are Damaging Your Child”, Dennis Prager

Is Climate Change Real? Of course! The climate always changes.

The questions that matter are: do we have much to do with it, and are there things we could possibly do that might actually make a difference.

Dr Frank will walk you through the actual data so that you can make up your own mind, and so you will be able to see through the propaganda from all sides. He’s been aggressively studying the subject, tracking the scientific literature, and Following the Data since the early 1980’s, when the threat of an impending ice age was all the rage.

Dr Frank has tens of thousands of followers on several social media sites (“Follow the Data with Dr Frank”), and his previous appearances and classes have been well received here at Empower U Ohio. You don’t want to miss Dr Frank’s educational, entertaining, and provocative presentation!

Speaker Bios

Douglas G. Frank, Ph.D., grew up on a small Black Angus Ranch in Northern California. His parents were successful entrepreneurs in the areas of insurance, investments, and real estate.

Dr Frank earned a B.A. in Chemistry from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California in 1983. He then attended graduate school at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he completed his doctoral requirements before transferring to the University of Cincinnati in 1986 as part of the Ohio Eminent Scholar program. In 1990 he completed a Ph.D. in Surface Analytical Chemistry.

During his graduate work, he discovered a new phenomenon which was featured in several science books and international journals, including cover articles in Science and Naturwissenschaften.

Dr Frank left academics in 1996. His scientific success as a graduate student and post-doctoral fellow gained him introductions to several U.S. companies, where he continues to apply his scientific, electronics, engineering, and computer expertise to real-life research and manufacturing challenges.

He specializes in the development of custom control and analytical solutions, and has invented several instruments for surface optical characterization, precision force application, and soil analysis by means of portable electron microscopy and spectroscopy. A common thread in his work is the combination of precision motion with delicate measurement and analysis of large amounts of data.

Dr Frank lives in Morrow, Ohio and is married to his high school sweetheart, Donna. He has three adult children: Dynnelle, Daniel, and Deryk. Dr Frank believes in giving back to the community. He is Past-President of the Blue Ash/Montgomery Rotary Club (2002). He is a popular speaker in the areas of Creativity & Innovation, Ethics & Character, Science & Religion, Rotary Polio Eradication, Climate Change, and now Covid-19.

He was honored by the Executive Board of the Presbyterian Association on Science, Technology and the Christian Faith as “one who exemplifies the practice of science as a Christian vocation.” Dr Frank is chair of the Math and Science department and Director of Music at The Schilling School for Gifted Children, a school he helped to establish in the mid 1990’s.

Recently, Dr Frank has gained notoriety for his modeling work on the Covid-19 pandemic. He has been making his work available to the public since January of 2020, and his Facebook page “Dr. Frank Models” (now “Follow the Data with Dr Frank”) has over 50,000 members and followers. Dr. Douglas G. Frank [email protected] [email protected]

Steve Goodin, New City of Cincinnati Council-Member to Join EmpowerU

Tuesday, March 9, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To View a Complete Recording of This Class — Click Here

To Review Leigh Ann’s Powerpoint Slides on Organic Gardening–Click Here

Required Reading:  Equity is a Mandate to Discriminate–The Wall St. Journal

If you’re interested in supplementing your table with fresh organic produce that you can grow with your own skill, try this class.  Talk about ‘farm to table’ you can’t get any fresher herbs and vegetables than from backyard to table.

Nothing tastes better than fresh tomatoes, peppers, potatoes and more! The flavor is better than in the grocery store! Try different types and varieties of herbs and spices for example; basil, drying hot peppers, marjoram, sage, lavender, fennel, dill. Watch them grow! There are many benefits to growing your own food. You can even grow in an apartment or patio. There are so many more varieties and colors out there than in the grocery store.

Cincinnati Lawyer Steve Goodin is one of the newest member’s of Cincinnati’s City Council replacing Council-Person Jeff Pastor.   Join Steve tonight from 7:05-7:25 PM to learn about his vision of Cincinnati and what he hopes to accomplish.

Steve Goodin

Steve Goodin was appointed Interim Council member to Cincinnati City Council on November 30, 2020.   Goodin is a proud product of public schools. He received his undergraduate degrees from Miami University and his juris doctorate from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. He also did coursework at the University of Virginia College of Law JAG school.

He was raised in a union household and understands the value of hard work. He is a partner at Graydon Law where he serves on the Executive Committee and has lived in three neighborhoods—Northside, Downtown and Clifton.  He is the father of three children.

His primary goal is to address systemic corruption at City Hall. He hopes to return council’s focus to creating jobs, providing safe neighborhoods and fostering a more just and inclusive city for all.

Public service has been a constant throughout Goodin’s life. He served in Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer and later as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. In 2007-08, he was mobilized as a Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) prosecutor with the XVII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, N.C.

Speaker Bios

Karen is an avid reader, writer, learner, wife, and mother of two.  She has worked in IT as a technical writer for over 30 years and is currently working full-time in IT.  Outside of her paying job, she serves as an officer in Toastmasters International as well as a volunteer Community Educator for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Leigh Ann Cartier:

Leigh Ann is a senior at Wilmington College majoring in Criminal Justice and Spanish. She has been successfully growing organic vegetables both in-ground and in containers as a hobby for some time. 

Thea Shoemake joins EmpowerU to update us on "Everything's Political"

Thursday, March 4, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class — Click Here

To Review Erica Birkley’s PowerPoint Presentation With Resources–Click Here

Required Reading:  America Needs History and Civics Education to Promote Unity

Thea Shoemake joins EmpowerU from 7:05-7:25 pm to update us on Education and her new Podcast called “Everything’s Political”.Twenty-five years ago, after answering his umpteenth question about sports by using a political analogy, my husband asked: “Is everything political to you?  “No,” I responded. “Everything’s political, period.   Meet Thea and access a new, resource for Ohio and more.

Everything’s Political Podcast–Produced by Joe Strecker

Speaker Bio

George Brunemann To Join from 7:05-7:25 PM

Tuesday, March 2, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of Tonight’s Class–Click Here 

To View George Brunemann’s Powerpoint Presentation Click Here

Required Reading:   “Green Eggs and Hamis Racist:  Woke Mob Comes After Dr. Seuss”

This class will examine the impact of Alexander Hamilton on the founding of the United States. Both Alexander Hamilton and George Washington were shaped by their experiences during the American Revolution. Serving at Washington’s side during that war, Hamilton was appalled by the inefficiency of the government under the Articles of Confederation and by the reluctance of the states to contribute to the war effort.  On September 11, 1789, the nomination of Alexander Hamilton as the nation’s first Treasury Secretary was submitted by President Washington.

Later that day, Hamilton became the first cabinet nominee confirmed by the United States Senate. President Washington and Secretary Hamilton were determined not only to strengthen the new American government but to create a sense of American identity. They were devoted to persuading their fellow citizens to think of themselves as Americans, not as Virginians or New Yorkers. It was truly remarkable that they succeeded in this endeavor, creating a Republic that has survived for over 230 years.

George Brunemann, is a local activist and will join us from 7:05-7:25 pm to talk about the next steps that Citizens need to take to preserve our Great Country.   George was the leader of one of the largest groups, The Southwest Ohio Tea Party, for several years in Hamilton County.

Speaker Bio

Stephen F. Knott is the Thomas & Mabel Guy Professor of American History and Government at Ashland University and Professor of National Security Affairs at the United States Naval War College.

He served as co-chair of the University of Virginia’s Presidential Oral History Program and directed the Ronald Reagan Oral History Project. He is the author of Alexander Hamilton and the Persistence of Myth; Secret and Sanctioned: Covert Operations and the American Presidency; The Reagan Years; At Reagan’s Side: Insiders’ Recollections from Sacramento to the White House, and Rush to Judgment: George W. Bush, the War on Terror, and His Critics. His most recent book, Washington and Hamilton: The Alliance that Forged America, was co-authored with Tony Williams, and was published in September, 2015.

Professor Knott received his Ph.D. in Political Science from Boston College, and has taught at the United States Air Force Academy and the University of Virginia.

Matt Wahlert and Jay Carson to Join Us from 7:05-7:30 PM

Thursday, February 25, 2021
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

To Watch a Complete Recording of This Class–Click Here

Required Reading:   Return of the Swamp Creatures–Kimberly Strassel — Click Here

RESOLUTION TO CONDEMN RACISM AND TO ADVANCE EQUITY AND OPPORTUNITY FOR BLACK STUDENTS, INDIGENOUS STUDENTS AND STUDENTS OF COLOR (ohio.gov)

“Voice of EmpowerU” Don Hurd

To Sing National Anthem on Opening Night!

Don Hurd

Ahoy, Matey!

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fered by the team at EmpowerU.  This is an opportunity for those who have attended EmpowerU classes to talk and listen to 

members of the community.  With so many things going on in the world right now it seems like the perfect time to hear what you have to say.   

Our new technology allows you to call in on the telephone while we are on a “Zoom”  call and discuss topics you find most important.  EmpowerU “Talks” is a sort of a “Pirate Radio” station in a time when Big Media is shutting down conservative free thought.  Shiver Me Timbers!

Join us for on Tuesday, February 25 for a second installment of this edgy new talk format designed to give us an uncensored forum.  

There are many things we can discuss:

• The Great Rush Limbaugh–Tell us a Story that You Remember–Or Share something you learned!
• Does Either Political Party Represent you?
• Who should replace Rob Portman?
• Big Tech Censorship
• Education in Ohio
• Biden and Trump
• Covid 19 and Governor DeWine
• Equity vs. Equality

If you have been talking about all these subjects…maybe to yourself…now if your time to sound-off!    When you sign on to Zoom if you want to talk you will be given a telephone number to dial into.

(513)572-1266

(Call in number if you want to talk)

EmpowerU wants to hear what you have to say…now!

Matt Wahlert is an Vice-President of the Colerain Township Government and will join us from 7:05-7:15 PM.  He is a PHD in Political Science.   Matt learned about the great fraud problem in the Ohio Government when he received a W2 from the Ohio Unemployment Commission for earnings that he never received that were fraudulently generated by hackers and thieves.   Learn about this massive fraud of your monies in the State of Ohio.   What do you do if this problem happens to you–it is happening to many, many people.   Matt will join us from 7:07-7:15 PM)

Which of the following would be covered by a homeowners policy?

Which of the following losses would not be covered by a homeowners policy?

Which of the following is not eligible for a homeowners policy quizlet?

Which of the following is excluded under a standard homeowner's policy?