Dan Shepard Speaks to Valencia Students

Dan Shepherd Speaks to Local Students

By: Sean Cary

ORLANDO, Fla.-- Local freelance field producer Dan Shepherd made a stop by the News Reporting class at Valencia Community College on Thursday. During his time in the classroom Shepherd spoke about his career in the news reporting business from his time as a camera man all the way through to his current position as a freelance field producer.

“The more you want to work the more you can make it in this business.” Shepherd said when asked about the nature of the job.

Shepherd has worked for such prestigious stations as NBC, CBS, CNN, and ESPN just to name a few. His job role consists of pitching ideas of news to the executives of these companies and then going out to report the stories when and if they approve.

“It can get very frustrating when the stories you get pitched turned down.”Shepherd explained to the students that in the news business you have to be willing to pick up and go at any instant. If there is a big story coming out somewhere and the network wants you to be there, then you have to be there.

“I’m pretty much on call 24/7,” Shepherd said describing his work schedule, “But then again you make more money when you do more work.”

Shepherd started out his career as a photographer and tape editor before working his way up to the position he has today. He admits that reaching the position he is at right now was somewhat lucky but Shepherd still maintains that the best way to move up in this business is to be willing to work.

Shepherd also let the students in on some of the cool experiences that he has been through which included covering the Super Bowl, 9-11, and Hurricane Katrina. Shepherd pointed out that while working in this business can be demanding, often times the rewards makes it all worthwhile.

Midge Fredrick Performs

Midge Fredrick Performs
By: Sean Cary

WINTER PARK, Fla.—Who would of thought that a middle aged woman performing by herself could create such a buzz? Midge Fredrick, a 44 year old mother of three, is finally living her dream, even though it took her a little longer than she desired.

“As a teen I dreamt of performing for others, I was going to be a star,” said Fredrick when asked about her love for music. Fredrick began writing songs and playing the guitar when she was 12 years old, saying she would dream of performing for large crowds. Unfortunately life got in the way as Fredrick had to focus on making a living and raising her children.

“As a young adult I continued to work on songs but didn’t have the drive, funds or esteem to really make it happen. As I raised my three girls I would sing to them constantly and make up songs about them or change words to other songs to make them fit.”

Nowadays Fredrick is finally living her dream, well sort of. While she isn’t performing for a sold out audience in a large venue she is still performing for people, and that’s more than this middle aged woman could ask for.

Fredrick started out performing for rehab centers, nursing and retirement homes, and assisted living centers. Recently Fredrick has been performing for local coffee shops and bookstores.

“Midge is vivacious, and wonderfully versatile,” said Carol Vurfield of Sanford. Vurfield first heard Fredrick when she performed for the Rehab Center she works for and has been in contact and attending Fredrick’s shows ever since.

Fredrick describes her repertoire of music styles as “ever expanding.” She plays folk rock, the classics, country, and even holiday tunes. Fredrick doesn’t limit herself to one type of music but rather feeds off what the audience is going for.

“I get a feel for the audience then adjust.”

For more on Midge Fredrick visit her MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/mmagnmidge

Sarah-Jane Kenyon Press Conference

Sarah-Jane Kenyon Press Conference
By Sean Cary

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Sarah-Jane Kenyon, the newest member of the LPGA Tour, took questions from the Valencia Voice at a press conference on Monday, November 10th. Kenyon answered questions ranging from her upcoming marriage to her acceptance onto the LPGA Tour.

Kenyon said that, “Not much has changed at all,” since being accepted into the LPGA Tour recently. The Australian born golfer just recently made it to the prestigious womans based golf tour here in America and she is currently training at Orange County National.

While playing in the FUTURES Tour, Kenyon was humbled saying that she was a bit naïve in thinking she would make it to the LPGA relatively quickly. Kenyon had a breakout year when she climbed the money making list going from 102nd in 2007 to 3rd in 2008. This drastic improvement and her victory in the ILOVENY Championship helped catapult the 24 year old Aussie into the LPGA.

Kenyon's advice to women in her position was, “Be patient, it’s worth it.” Kenyon talked about the FUTURES Tour and said that it is almost impossible to make money unless you finish in the top five. When calculating the entrance fees and the cost of hotels into her winnings she is often times left with minimal income.

Much like the most famous golfer of our time, Tiger Woods, Kenyon was introduced to the game by her father and started playing from age 12. On the subject of male golfers Kenyon stated that there is a large difference between the way men and women are treated in this sport, but she accepts it.

“I don’t think women will ever get to the point that male golfers are,” Kenyon said when asked about the difference. Kenyon also said that she doesn’t see a problem with it. More people watch the male golfers and therefore they receive more sponsors and more money.

The Olympics reportedly have shown interest in making golf an Olympic sport in 2016 and Kenyon said she would love to be a part of that. In the mean time Kenyon will be working hard on her game here in Florida and will make her LPGA debut on February 9th in Hawaii.

Tallahassee Student Plans to Sue Local Bar
By: Sean Cary
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Local Tallahassee Community College student Joey Kiley plans to sue Mardi Gras Bar and Grille after he claims that he was unjustly assaulted by one of the establishment’s bouncers. Kiley states that he has been experiencing back problems since the incident took place on October 25th, 2008.

Eyewitnesses say that the bouncer approached Kiley while he was drinking at the bar without a 21 wristband, something that is obviously needed to consume alcohol at any bar. The bouncer threw Kiley’s drink to the ground and demanded that he leave, when Kiley turned his back to the bouncer he then violently shoved Kiley into the bar. At this point Kiley turned around to approach the bouncer when he was body-slammed to the ground and subsequently thrown out on to the streets.

“The whole situation was completely uncalled for, the way that guy reacted to the whole thing was utterly ridiculous,” said Aaron Layden, an eyewitness to the incident when asked about what had happened.

According to Kiley the manager of the bar came out and apologized to him for what had taken place and then gave him his money back. The manager could not be reached for questions and the bouncer refused to talk to anyone about the situation.

“I’m not saying that I wasn’t doing anything wrong at all, I was indeed drinking and I probably did deserve to be kicked out. All I’m saying is that it was ridiculous for that guy to attack me like that,” Kiley said in response to the ordeal.

Almost three weeks since the bar fight occurred Kiley has said that his back has been bothering him more and more. Being an assistant coach for a local high school soccer team Kiley says that the normal running around that he has to do is becoming harder and harder for him. After consulting doctors and a chiropractor Kiley has said that he is weighing the possibility of contacting the bar in an attempt to receive some compensation for the money and time he has put into his injury.

“I’m not a lawyer but I would say that he should definitely receive some sort of reimbursement for what happened especially if that is what hurt his back and stuff,” Steve Kirchof said when asked about his thoughts on what Kiley should do. Steve is a friend of Kiley’s who was present during the ordeal.

Kiley has said that he really does not want to have to go to the lengths as to sue the bar or anything like that but he also stated that if his back keeps acting up the way it has been and if he has to keep making trips to the doctor he doesn’t see any other way to resolve the problem.

Dan Shepherd Speaks to Local Students
By: Sean Cary


ORLANDO, Fla.-- Local freelance field producer Dan Shepherd made a stop by the News Reporting class at Valencia Community College on Thursday. During his time in the classroom Shepherd spoke about his career in the news reporting business from his time as a camera man all the way through to his current position as a freelance field producer.

“The more you want to work the more you can make it in this business.” Shepherd said when asked about the nature of the job.

Shepherd has worked for such prestigious stations as NBC, CBS, CNN, and ESPN just to name a few. His job role consists of pitching ideas of news to the executives of these companies and then going out to report the stories when and if they approve.

“It can get very frustrating when the stories you get pitched turned down.”

Shepherd explained to the students that in the news business you have to be willing to pick up and go at any instant. If there is a big story coming out somewhere and the network wants you to be there, then you have to be there.

“I’m pretty much on call 24/7,” Shepherd said describing his work schedule, “But then again you make more money when you do more work.”

Shepherd started out his career as a photographer and tape editor before working his way up to the position he has today. He admits that reaching the position he is at right now was somewhat lucky but Shepherd still maintains that the best way to move up in this business is to be willing to work.

Shepherd also let the students in on some of the cool experiences that he has been through which included covering the Super Bowl, 9-11, and Hurricane Katrina. Shepherd pointed out that while working in this business can be demanding, often times the rewards makes it all worthwhile.

Weekly Story time at Barnes and Noble

By: Sean Cary

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla.-- Miss Susan Reardon holds a weekly story telling session at the Barnes and Noble in the Altamonte Mall. Reardon usually reads a story or two from a wide selection of children’s books found in the bookstore to anyone who is willing to come and listen.

“Children love to hear stories about animals for some reason but the favorite still seems to be the classic Dr. Suess stories.” Reardon said when asked about what the children like to have read to them.

With the turnout only coming in at about 10 to 12 children each story time, Reardon says it is very easy for the children to get very involved in the story. The more the children get involved the more they will enjoy the expierance.

“With the small amount of people that usually show up I get the opportunity to interact with the children more and have them become part of the story telling process.” Reardon said.

Some of the children were left in the reading area while the parents were off shopping for books and things around the store; but Reardon said that she doesn’t encourage parents to do this. For the most part the story time only lasts about 15 to 20 minutes so parents are encouraged to stay and be a part of it with their kids.

“Its really just nice to be able to enjoy something with your kids like this, she’s a far better story teller than me so I feel like me and my kids are both enjoying it and being entertained together.” Said Regina Perry of Altamonte Springs. Perry tries to attend the story time each week with her two children.

If interested in the story times just look at your local Barnes and Noble events page or the event page at any local bookstore or library.

Hangin' with Mr. Richard

How do you get one-hundred young kids into a bookstore to sing and dance at eleven in the morning? Book Mr. Richard and his band to play.

Coming into the café area of Borders Bookstore on Friday morning it was easy to see that this wasn’t your run of the mill storyteller or children’s performer. Richard Peeples, or Mr. Richard, is the foremost children’s act in the greater Orlando area and he is expanding from show to show. The store was packed and every kid was dancing and singing his songs, pretty much word for word.

“The kids seem to know the songs better than me sometimes,” Peeples joked when asked about his following. “We have an e-mail list of about 1,300 and were hoping to expand it to 5,000.”

With the way things looked on Friday that does not seem like a far stretch.

Peeples’ show lasts about a half an hour and he performs around eight songs. Children are free to come up to the dance area, which is right in front of the band, and dance and sing their hearts out. Peeples is very interactive with the kids and he knows the regulars by name.

Peeples got into performing for children about eight years ago when he was a storyteller for the Orange County Library. Since then he has recorded three albums of children’s music and as you can tell by coming to one of his shows, they have become very popular.

Formerly a solo act, Peeples has now assembled a band. His bassist is Rachel Webb who joined the band last December when her daughter was put in a video for Peeples and he then found out she was a bass player. His drummer is Rick Hartig and he joined the band around the same time as Webb. His kids were already big fans of Peeples’ music.

“He has such a huge following,” said Webb when asked about the success of Mr. Richard. But Peeples and his band are still looking to expand.

Peeples plays on average about five shows a week and has performed in New York, Connecticut, and New Orleans, just to name a few. Peeples is also in the midst of recording his fourth album, the first with his new band.

Peeples’ music is described as kid’s music but with a more ‘pop’ feel to it. It’s not your run of the mill cheesy children’s music like The Wiggles. He has a label based out of New Orleans that distributes his CDs but he does most of his work at his live shows where he hands out stickers, T-shirts, and copies of his album.

“My kids get so excited when I tell them that Mr. Richard is coming to our area,” said Margaret Wilde of Altamonte Springs, “It’s really a great show and the kids have so much fun with it.”

When it comes to children's music in Orlando, Mr. Richard is ahead of the pack but he isnt't satisfied as he is still looking to play more shows and to a wider group of children.

Peeples plays shows at bookstores, fast food restaurants, or children’s parties. You can find out more about where he is playing and what is going on with his music at ttp://www.mrrichard.net where there is more information on him.