GRANDPARENTS ON THE GO... Talent Agents Too?

Grandparents On the Go
Cathy Droz and Cathy Burford

Talent Agents Too?
By:   Cathy Droz

Grandparents on the Go http://www.twofortheroadusa.com/  is about doing things with our grandchildren that are fun, economical and where life lessons are learned.  We help our children with their children but we also make sure they go back home with a better understanding of people, places and maybe even a new vocabulary word.

I took my granddaughter to audition for a TV commercial recently, and with a lesson in mind.  At age five I didn't expect a firm handshake or a ton of eye contact but what I did tell her was... be yourself, have fun and always remember your manners.  I told her that she would be auditioning with tons of other beautiful, talented and funny children.  I made sure she knew that weather she got the commercial or not she was a super little girl, very loved and there is always another time if she enjoyed the experience.

When she did get the commercial, along with several other kids, I told her she was to be considered blessed and that she was not to brag or tell everyone at school or in any way think that everything she tried out for in life she would get.  I explained a little bit about the business in which case she sat down and wrote a thank you card to the producer and the client.

I suggested she take the money she earned and put it in to a little box where she might put all that fun money she might earn over the years at lemonade stands, garage sales and maybe other acting jobs.  I told her that she might want to donate a percentage to a charity of her choice or purchase something very special for her parents or brothers.

She seemed to take it all in and has acted accordingly.  She did notice something that I wasn't sure she observed.  The other children who auditioned, were there with their mothers or fathers, not their grandparents.  Those children's parents were fussing with them, telling them what to say and do and

making them repeat words in sing song language.   I never fussed with her hair, told her what to do or say, and just made sure I was close enough in case she needed me.  The beauty of being the grandparent and not the mother was it was just like a day at the park or zoo, nothing special ; just a day with grandma.

Grandparents can do anything... We've had so much time to practice.

Two for the Road USA - Damian Serafine in the Business Journal

TWO FOR THE ROAD - COFFE HOUSE IN BUSINESS JOURNAL

Coffee shop competition brewing in downtown Phoenix

Premium content from Phoenix Business Journal - by Jan Buchholz

Date: Friday, April 15, 2011, 3:00am MST

• 

Jim Poulin/The Business Journal

Damian Serafine, owner of City Central Coffee in downtown Phoenix, says he isn't worried about the proliferation of coffee shops popping up in the area.

Damian Serafine isn't at all worried that he's opened City Central Coffee half a block south of a Starbucks at Central Avenue and Adams Street in downtown Phoenix. He signed a five-year lease for 1,200 square feet in the 1 North Central Avenue building.

"I don't mind it at all," Serafine said of his close proximity to Starbucks. "In Seattle and Portland there's a coffee shop on every corner. Besides, I know my coffee is so much better," he said.

This week, Spoonz, a coffee shop and cafe opened half a block west of the same Starbucks. Owner Denise Bismore also isn't concerned about competition in the area.

"People who like Starbucks will always like Starbucks, but people who want a really great cup of coffee will come here," she said.

Meanwhile, rumors abound that Starbucks will open yet another store in CityScape — about a block from its Central and Adams site. RED Development, developer of the mixed-use high-rise, won't comment. Neither will Starbucks, which gave the Phoenix Business Journal the following statement:

"We are always looking for great locations to better meet the needs of our customers and reach others who may not have the opportunity to visit Starbucks stores. Choosing a site for a new Starbucks location is a key element in providing customers with the Starbucks experience and we carefully consider many factors when opening a new store. We have no announcements regarding potential new locations in Phoenix."

Another Starbucks would make for an even more crowded caffeinated scene. Already the Seattle-based giant operates locations in the nearby Phoenix Convention Center and Phoenix City Hall. Serafine, a subcontractor to Aramark, also operates coffee concessions at the Convention Center, Symphony Hall and the Orpheum Theater.

And still there's more. Cartel Coffee Lab, a boutique roaster that started in a Tempe strip mall, has been operating for about 15 months at 1 N. First St. That, too, is about a block from the Adams Street Starbucks and City Central Coffee. There's also Jacquee's Espresso in the Two Renaissance building, a few steps across the street from Spoonz.

Though both Serafine and Bismore offer a variety of espresso drinks and other beverages, they believe their locally roasted, fair trade blends will bring customers back for more.

"It's a huge difference when you roast locally in small batches," Serafine said.

Though he is reluctant to criticize Starbucks, he said its mass production can't compare with small batch roasting, which he has done at Echo Espresso in west Phoenix. Serafine named his exclusive blend after his daughter Sophia. It's a secret combination of beans from India, Brazil, southern Mexico, Sumatra and Ethiopia.

Chompie's Bakery provides City Central Coffee with baked goods. Spoonz also offers homemade baked goods, salads and sandwiches.

Bismore said getting Spoonz up and running in the 101 North building was an exercise in perseverance. She's owned other restaurants before closing Silver Spoon in the San Carlos Hotel at Monroe Street and Central Avenue. She had planned to open Spoonz in November 2010, but city code requirements and the holidays ­— she's also a caterer — delayed the opening by about six months.

"I'd never done a complete build out before, and it seemed like the city was more scrutinizing," Bismore said.

She's not complaining now, however. Open just a few days, traffic has been good.

"We haven't done any advertising and it seems to be doing its thing," Bismore said.

Connect with Jan Buchholz at jbuchholz@bizjournals.com or on Twitter at jreneebuchholz.com.

Read more: Coffee shop competition brewing in downtown Phoenix | Phoenix Business Journal

TWO FOR THE ROAD AND THE YOUNG REPORTERS

Stepping Out of the Box

How a Student Led Radio Show Changed the

Lives of Kids Without Stuff

by Jan Shoop

Several years ago, Bob Fishman, one of the teachers at StarShine, decided to create a kids radio show. I think most of the people Bob spoke to thought he had lost his mind. How in the world would Bob be able to develop a radio show hosted by students, with no funding?

- Kids who had no previous experience with public speaking.

- Kids who once struggled at school.

- Kids who worried about where their next meal would come from.

However, Bob did not listen to the critics. Bob wanted the students to be on the radio. Bob wanted to teach these students to communicate appropriately, express themselves clearly and think on their feet.

Bob's plan was to teach the students communication and public speaking skills. The first year that's what he did. Each year the class advanced and changed, depending on student needs and levels. The students learned to ask questions. They learned to improve their focus when talking to others. They learned to put others first. They interviewed everyone on campus and every guest that came to the school. Many of the people interviewed helped the students grow their dream.

After a couple of years, Bob started to see huge growth in the students. Bob was ready for the next step in his plan, so he asked his friend, Cathy Droz to visit the school. http://www.twofortheroadusa.com/ 

Cathy had a tremendous amount of experience in radio broadcasting, public relations and writing. After visiting and meeting the students, Cathy agreed to help Bob with his dream of a real radio program hosted by students.

Cathy had an idea. She contacted Perry Damone with Kidstar Radio http://www.kidstar.org/ and asked him to visit the school. Perry agreed with Bob and Cathy's plan and started the StarShine Online Radio Program hosted by the students. The students progressed even further.

But -- Bob wanted more for his students. Bob wanted a real radio show. Bob explained, "I want the students to get in the face of people who are different from themselves." His aim was for the students to interview adults. Bob called the students, "young adults."

Bob and Kathy continued to work as a team. The students continued to improve. On April 2, through Kathy's connections, a radio show was born on KFNX. http://www.1100kfnx.com/

The students interviewed a police officer, involved with the Silent Witness Program, and a firefighter. The program was an enormous success. The show is now airing every other Saturday at 4:00 p.m. In fact, the first program was so successful that ABC15 aired a segment about the students. http://www.abc15.com/.../at--risk-kids-launch-phoenix-radio-program

Although, Bob has achieved his goal of a "real" radio show hosted by students, I know he is continuing to dream. Bob wants the program to move forward.

When Kids Without Stuff meet teachers like Bob, with the drive and confidence to move students forward, extraordinary things happen. Thank you, Bob Fishman and thank you to all the teachers and volunteers who spend their days working with Kids Without Stuff.

REV UP YOUR RV writer has book published

Our Two for the Road USA staff writer, Cathy Burford, just self published a 22-year labor of love called Tahoe..a novel.  We had a book signing last week at the office where over 50 people attended to buy her book and have a fun Q & A with the author.  There is so much history and mystery with this book.  You can order it on http://www.amazon.com/ .  We are so happy that Cathy has been a part of Two for the Road USA and Grandparents on the Go.  More on this soon.

Grand Opening of City Central Coffee

Two for the Road USA has a second office downtown Phoenix.  With the opening of City Central Coffee there is a table just for our meetings and greeting new friends.  The coffee house is at Washington and Central and serves the best coffee in the area.  Local first is their motto and how they got started is very interesting.
Bill and I were there for the ribbon cutting and try and stop in once a week.

Copperstate 1000

It isn't often Bill and I are asked to MC a ballgame, beauty pagent or even a swim meet, but the Men's Art Council  of  Phoenix Art Museum asked us to announce the 21st Annual Bell Lexus Copperstate 1000 on April 10th. 

We think it went well, introducting 100 unbelievable vehicles with their drivers and passengers. I had a difficult time pronouncing Iso Rivolta Grifo.. as the audience turned to me  trying to get me to pronounce it properly via gestures and shaking of heads is disbelief.

I had done so well, up to that point, even with the 1948 Cisitalia 202 SMM Novolari Spider rolling off my tongue.  No matter what, it was fun and we met some wonderful people and saw some of the most beautiful privately owned vehicles in Arizona as well as owners who came as far as New Hampshire.

Thanks to Kelly Whitton, Keith McLain and Phil Bradstock.  Also without Nolan Rome, I would not have known what page I was on and Bill would not have had time to say "Enjoy the Ride".