Two Events.... One Message

Singing in the finale of the MLK Celebration

This weekend my heart was full, participating in two amazing events. The annual Martin Luther King celebration at the Empire State plaza is televised all across the state and draws some amazing talent, wonderful speakers and offers inspiration for all. It is an honor to have participated in this event for many years and I make this a MUST on my calendar because not only is it FUN to do but it is run like a well oiled machine! The women and men behind putting on this show are top notch and I want to thank them for having me back year after year! Please attend next year! It's amazing!

Sharing My Vision For Success

The second event was a Vision Board party organized my my inspiring friend Shari Quinn. You know how people are put into your life for reason- some good, some not good? Well, Shari is one of the good people. She has been a wonderful gift I am so thankful for and I was so honored she asked me to introduce Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan and share my vision board and some words of advice.  

Both of these weekend events spread positivity and vision through out the community. While MLK's vision was equality, everyone in attendance at that event could use his inspiration to go out and make a difference with their vision. The vision board party was the same way. We each have a vision of how we can be a positive force in our community and sometimes it just takes talking about it or creating a visual reminder that our goals, aspirations and visions matter. I am so inspired to work even harder now. A big THANK YOU to the organizers of these events AND the attendees... you all are helping me make my vision a reality!

Sold Out Crowd for the Vision Board Party!

with Vision Board Party Organizer Shari Quinn

Mayor Kathy Sheehan offering inspiration at the Vision Board Party

On stage at the Empire State Building MLK Celebration

with the Inspiring Ang. Morris

The Beautiful Singing Sisters Miles Tone

Violinist Damian Escobar

Keynote Speaker Children's Advocate Geoffrey Canada

with the Lovely Benita Zahn 

Success: With 40 Under Forty Syracuse

Not all events are created equal. 40 Under Forty Syracuse is one of those events that rises above the rest. It is special. First of all, let's talk about the wonderful people behind putting on this event. The amazing people at the Central New York Business Journal and BizEventz truly care about the community. They work here, live here and have raised their families here. They want to see the success of this community.

They hold numerous events throughout the year that celebrate people who contribute to the community's success. Their next big event is the Non-profit awards. Click HERE for information on that event! I have been fortunate to emcee the 40 Under Forty event for years now... so this is special to me. As a previous honoree, I am humbled each year as I read the biographies of the recipients and think... WOW.. these people are so amazing. I am humbled to be among the alumni.

While many events fizzle out, this one doesn't. I asked Joyl Clance the event Director why this event continues to be a draw and how she does it all year after year! I can't wait until next year- We are celebrating a BIG anniversary! Please take a moment to listen & share.

Today is a Little Different

Today I'm starting my day a little different. I was still the first to wake up... hmmm, but I sat down and had a full meal and am writing to you. I'm not happy I busted my egg. I've had a string of busted egg meals the last couple times I've tried to make some over medium eggs... not quite sure why.

It's also pretty weird to be in my house on weekday mornings. Usually I'm at work and get a text when things are going bad. Today I can hear little squabbles and feel the need to intervene but know I'd probably be more of a distraction than just letting my husband figure it out.

I'm off the news desk today to host the Syracuse 40 Under Forty event. I have hosted this event since 2004 (I believe) and am a past recipient of this lovely award. The people at Biz Events are so wonderful and truly care about the community and feel it is important to highlight the great people giving back in a big way. I cherish my relationship with them and love that they ask me to come back and be a part of such an important event each year. Year after year the pool of successful candidates being recognized at this event is impressive! 

If you live or know someone who lives in Central New York who is making a difference nominate them for this wonderful award. 

Gedeon Luke Featured at MLK Celebration

 
I have been honored to be Co-Emcee of the Annual MLK Celebration at the Empire State Plaza for the past 8 years. Each year there's a new performer who knocks your socks off! This year it was American Idol Season 5 Semi-Finalist Gedeon Luke! Check out the above video of him jamming to "We Shall Overcome" with the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church!

His rich voice filled the auditorium for a 2 song set. He sang with his group "The People" his songs "Gray" and "Live Free/Hey". Getting a chance to meet him after the show I found him energy filled and so friendly! His smile brings you in and I wanted to ask him about his skin care regime because the man had great skin. He was very approachable, gave us a cd and some stickers and seemed to be having a great time. I learned he's going to be in the Capital Region in August for a large celebration in the works. When I find out more about that I'll be sure to pass it along to you.

Being a part of this annual event is truly a blessing. I get to spend time with

 

some of my wonderful friends and I always bring the children with me. They get a history lesson while enjoy the acting skits and musical performances. This year we were asked to say what our dreams were for the future. I said:

I, JoDee Kenney, have a dream that we find a way to resolve conflicts peacefully, so my, our children have a brighter future. My hope is that people of this planet learn how to accept each other's differences so we pass down a safer world to our children.

Have you heard Gedeon Luke and the People's song "Gray"? It reminds me of the 70s soulful music my mom and dad used to listen to and yet it has a today spin. I was so honored to hear it in person and can't stop listening to it! Check it out!

Ring-A-Ling

This week YNN's Diversity team hosted their annual bell ringing at Crossgates Mall in Guilderland New York. As Diversity Ambassador for News and Local Programming for Time Warner Cable I enjoy working with the local board leaders across the country on initiatives that truly make a difference. Collie White and Leanne Ricchiuti are the Albany leaders and they organize the bell ringing initiative. It's a wonderful chance for our employees to get out in the community and show they care.

Bringing our family members out to participate is a wonderful benefit to the event as well. They enjoy ringing the bell and feel a sense of accomplishment when they can get someone to stop by and drop some change and lots of dollars into the bucket.

This year the Salvation Army's donations are down significantly because most retailers do not allow the buckets to go up until after Thanksgiving. Because Thanksgiving came so late this year- the charitable organization lost out on almost a week of bell ringing. They have even resorted to hiring bell ringers. If you have the time reach out to the Salvation Army and volunteer your time. The money raised goes to supporting their programs to help the less fortunate.

I'm so proud to be a part of an organization that enjoys giving back. It's an honor to work with such genuine people. Thanks to all my co-workers who came out to ring the bell!

40 Under Forty

Photo: Klineberg Photography

No doubt hosting Syracuse's 40 Under Forty event every November for the last 9 years has been such an honor. Every year three dedicated judges sift through many nominees to identify the 40 best to honor at this event at the Oncenter.

The Business Journal News Network works hard to celebrate people in the community who are making a difference. From a woman who has dedicated her life to working with the elderly to small business owners, lawyers, dot-com workers and more- this event aims to highlight many people from different backgrounds.

Jerry Klineberg of Klineberg Photography had fun meeting the honorees this year. They were asked to bring in an object that represented who they are- outside of their jobs. There were 2 dogs, a cat,  triathlon items, golf clubs and ipads. He said it was fun not knowing what was going to come through the door.

This is not a stuffy awards ceremony. We encourage people to cheer every time an honorees picture flashes up on the big screen. There is a lot of lively conversation and we live tweet!

Of course no event of this magnitude (more than 400 people attend!) can happen without sponsors and the presenting sponsor of Teracai and CXTec led the way for many supportive businesses- including my station YNN.

Photo: Klineberg Photography

A behind the scenes note--- you have to know I practice each honorees name several times! Imagine being responsible for saying 40 people's names correctly! It's overwhelming- and I know that the honoree and their supporter appreciates it when I get it right! It's thanks to the hard work of the woman who organizes it all! Joyl Clance is tasked with putting it all together- annnnd making sure I have a meticulous script filled with pronunciations. I have to say she does a stellar job!

If you'd like to see some of the behind the scenes pictures people tweeted look up the hash tag #40u40. While you're there be sure to follow me @JoDeeKenney and the Business Journal News Network @BizEventz. YNN Reporter Brad Vivacqua came out to cover the event as well. To see the news coverage of the event you can go to YNN's website HERE.

Hamilton Hill Arts Center Gala

Portraitsbyjandj.com

 I had the honor of hosting the Hamilton Hill Arts Center Gala at Key Hall, Proctors Theater Thursday evening. The Hamilton Hill Arts Center has been in the community since 1968 providing a vital outlet for the African American artistic community. The first ever Legacy Award was awarded to Dr. Marshall Jones.

Jones came from a humble beginning to become a doctor working at General Electric's Global Research Center in the area of laser-fiber optic integration. He has received 54 U.S. Patents and 32 Foreign patents; authored or co-authored more than 45 publications and has been a member of many community organizations. He has worked tirelessly to encourage our youth, in particular underserved youth, to discover their passion and consider a career in science, technology, engineering and math. He has been married more than 40 years to his beautiful wife who (sweetly) got choked up when he said first and foremost he wanted to thank her for supporting him all these years.


Former Schenectady Police Chief Mark Chaires took over as Executive Director of the Hamilton Hill Arts Center in January of this year. He personally reached out to seek my involvement in this event and I know he is working hard to pump excitement into the center.




Portraitsbyjandj.com

I love participating in events where we have an enthusiastic crowd and this was one of them. From the lively invocation from Pastor Bill levering to the joyful crowd in colorful attire it was truly a wonderful event.

Another highlight was the entertainment. The Umoja Drummers and Dancers and the Schenectady Brass Band Mentorship had the crowd on their feet. Umoja is open to children ages 6-17 and parents can even join- making it a true family affair!

If you'd like to learn more about the Hamilton Hill Arts Center please click HERE and be sure to check out the video of Umoja Drummers and Dancers performing.

Portraitsbyjandj.com

PRSA Awards

It was my honor to host the Public Relations Society of America Empire Awards this week. These awards highlight the outstanding efforts of many of the class act Public Relations groups in the Capital Region.

Two of the big honorees of the night were "Outstanding Communicator" Capital Region business leader Carolyn Jones, publisher of the Albany Business Review and "Outstanding Public Relations Practitioner" Ed Parham- whose work includes the Freihofer’s Run For Women and the Troy Turkey Trot.

Damien Center Fundraiser

One of the greatest benefits of my job is to be able to participate in some wonderful fundraisers that benefit important causes. I got to do just that this past weekend- hosting the first ever Rock Your Style For AIDS Sake Fashion Show and Art Auction for the Damien Center. Event Planner Takara Wiles made sure that everyone was there to have a great time.

There was an amazing red carpet arrival.

Red Carpet Arrival

Everyone dressed to impress and was greeted with a glass of champagne to toast the night.

The fashions were amazing. Men's clothing provided by Jos. A Bank and women's clothing provided by Saratoga Trunk.  Can I just say I fell in love with Saratoga Trunk Natalie Sillery!

This woman shined not only as the stylist for all the women but she also commentated the whole fashion show! I hope to wear her fashions one day! WOW.

While this was a night of celebration it was underscored by tragedy. The Damien Center in Albany provides support and services to people living with HIV/AIDS. It suffered a major fire back in August. The building and all of its contents are a total loss. Since then they have been working out of a temporary location at the First Lutheran Church.

The money raised will help the center get back on its feet. There is a long way to go- but the hope is the money raised through the raffle items and the art auction will help speed the process along.

Click the interview below to learn more and find out how you can help.



If you are able to support this cause please click HERE or HERE for more information.

Follow me on Twitter and check out #DamienRockStyle for more pictures I took at the event.

Special thanks to DJ C-Dub for video and photography support.

JDRF Walk To Cure

Did you know that 15-thousand children and 15-thousand adults are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, or T1D? That's 80 per day. This weekend's walk will help raise critical funds to find a cure for the disease.

This weekend I am proud to kick off this year's JDRF Walk to Cure event at the UAlbany campus. I believe this is the 8th year I've been a part of this. My mother-in-law Mary Madeline Kenney passed away from complications associated with another form of diabetes. She was a lover of children- and in my own special way this is a way to pay tribute to her.

I interviewed this year's Walk Ambassador 14-year-old Isaiah Thomas. What a wonderful, well spoken representative! I wanted to let you hear from him directly on what he goes through and how you can help fight the disease.

I had some technical problems with my camera- it didn't focus- but the message is so important I decided to post it anyway. Maybe you can just listen to it. If you'd like to take part in the walk you still can- just show up and register.

B-U-S-Y

To say the last two weeks have bee busy- would be a true understatement. I look up and realize it has been 2 weeks since I've blogged. In the blogging world- that's a huge No-No- but one of the rules I set for myself when I started this blog was this wasn't going to be a pressure filled project. I want to enjoy communicating with you. So, hang with me as I take minor breaks to live life.

It all started with a bombing. I have to admit- I thought about talking about it for a while and I'm still processing it. I had friends there. All of them are safe. Why was this the first and only Boston Marathon I actually watched? I don't know. It all seemed so scary and coincidental. I don't have aspirations to run a marathon at this point but the thought that a bomb would go off at a finish line is just too real. Over the last year I've crossed several finish lines and seeing my family cheering me on gave me fuel to finish. It's just a sad, sad thing and I'm so glad the case is moving forward.

Somewhere in the two weeks of M.I.A. I also spoke about being a Community Helper at my daughter's classroom. I kept the kiddos on a good eating and sleeping schedule for E.L.A. testing. I got to interview a Pulitzer Prize Winner at an awards ceremony for the African American Cultural Center. We travelled to New Jersey for a tae kwon do tournament. That darn cat escaped 5 times. We had a Tooth Fairy visit.. and triathlon training. Oh- did I say that was just the first week?

The second week contained Girl Scouts, coordinating a class gym party and getting the kids ready for Math Testing. I travelled to Syracuse to host the Leadership Greater Syracuse Distinguished Leaders Awards. The Tooth Fairy visited another one of my children. I walked the red carpet at the awesome Herlife Anniversary Party. I got in a 1 hour Pump class, watched the kids perform at the YMCA Healthy Kids Day and then travelled for an overnight trip to Connecticut for a tae kwon do competition.

I'm pooped out! Ok- enough of my moaning and groaning--- right? Haha. No- but seriously- it's been an exciting 2 weeks but I am looking forward to going back to being a little less exciting.  Do you see your schedule taking over some times? How do you deal with it? How do you slow it all down? I'd love to hear how you handle everyday pressures?

MLK Celebration

A Tuskegee Airman being honored for his service, a keynote speech urging us to continue to try and leave a mark in this world and a black church chorus getting down like only they know how! Those are just a few of the performances that marked this year's state-wide televised MLK Celebration.

I am always honored to be one of several Emcee's for this lovely event. It's truly inspiring to me every year. It was extra special for those participating as this was also the presidential inauguration.

My favorite part of the show is seeing the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church performing. They are second to none! This year they were joined by Tiffany Andrews-Woodside who was recently featured on BET's "Sunday Best Contest" and 12 year old Joshua King who played the harmonica and sang a soulful voice well beyond his years. Take a listen:


A new edition this year's show was YNN's Innae Park performing the National Anthem. Not only is she a very wonderful Weekend Anchor for YNN she also has a beautiful voice! Take a listen:

Photographed with YNN Weekend Anchor Innae Park and WTEN News Anchor Elisa Streeter.

Photographed with Tuskegee Airman Herbert C. Thorpe. I was so honored to meet him and I will always have a funny story to tell about the time I met a man of such historical significance. He came up behind me while my kiddos were pulling on my arm behind me and I was kinda swatting all of them away because I was trying to be polite to the person who I was talking to. He firmly gripped my hand and I thought it was my husband joining in the chorus of family members interrupting- so I swatted his hand! Yikes! When he grabbed me even stronger and turned me around- I squealed and he said "It's such an honor to meet you- I watch you every day!" Oh man- I apologized profusely while he giggled thoroughly entertained and with total understanding. I told him "No- sir, it's an honor to MEET YOU!"

I am truly blessed and humbled to be asked to come back year after year to take part in this wonderful celebration. I'd love to invite you to come out next year to this free and uplifting event!



State of the State

Heading to the state capitol on State of the State address day is fun. I have been going there to represent Time Warner Cable and YNN for several years now. This appearance is an opportunity to introduce myself to all the new and returning lawmakers and a chance to represent the company on this important day where everyone is all in one building.

Right when you walk in- the first thing you see is a long line of tables with farmers displaying and selling their products. There are so many people in one place and at some tables the sales can be brisk. The bigger goal of this- is for farmers to let lawmakers know their concerns and to have their voices heard. It doesn't hurt that they get to sell all their delicious, fresh foods!

Time Warner sets up a set and allows freshman legislators and some longstanding lawmakers who come back year after year- the opportunity to come in and be interviewed. This year we had Brian Unger from the A&E show "How the States Got Their Shape" do the interviews. He was asking the lawmakers all kinds of questions.

When he wasn't chatting up lawmakers we had a chance to chat. I asked him if he's been to all of our states and he said no. It's expensive to travel to the only two states he hasn't been to- Alaska and Hawaii. It was fun to share with him my knowledge of those two states. I have vacationed in Hawaii and lived in Alaska for 9 years.

It's always inspiring to me to see democracy in action. Protesters always make their way out to the capitol to send their message about the topic they are passionate about. The last two years have proven to be exciting to watch the hydrofracking protesters.

For those of you who don't know Hydraulic Fracturing is the process of drilling deep down into the earth and releasing petroleum or natural gas. Some say it will bring millions of dollars in revenue to the cash strapped state (it has for others that do it) others say that it is a health concern (which people have claimed in those other states that do it).

It is controversial and opponents are very vocal. They wear costumes, gas masks, hold posters and chant chants. As fate would have it my phone died right after I got this one picture of the protesters.

Do they make a difference? I'm not so sure. They are in a very visible place- cordoned off right in the walkway- but the people walking by walk briskly and a lot of them avoid eye contact. No matter where you fall along the lines of the debate- you have to hope at least they are being heard.

This year the governor outlined his priorities- casino gambling, gun control and women's equality are among them. Today on the station in Albany we asked viewers if they were satisfied with the governor's address and a whopping 75% of people said yes, 25% said no. Will he be as successful this year? Time will tell.

YNN Rings The Bell

Every year YNN Albany Diversity board members coordinate a day for our staff to go out and ring the bell for the Salvation Army. I'm so honored to work with a group of people who show up with enthusiasm to raise money for a good cause. They bring friends, cheerful smiles, and are ready to ring that bell in hopes of raising money for the charity.

Volunteering feels good. I am also always surprised at the generosity of complete strangers who come and put their money in the bucket. Each of the years I have volunteered- I can tell you I've seen at least one person put in a $20 bill or more. One guy put in a$50! In a time where many people are struggling- this is a way you can help others- even if you only have change.

All the money raised is put to good use:

*Donations provide Christmas dinners, clothing, and toys for families in need. Financial assistance also helps with basic necessities, along with seasonal aid. Families of prisoners often are included.

 

*Volunteers distribute gifts to shut-ins in hospitals and nursing homes, and shelters are open for sit-down dinners. The Salvation Army endeavors to bring spiritual light and love to those it serves at Christmas so that the real meaning of the season is not forgotten.

 

*Many families receive aid over a period of months after the Christmas season as well, people struggling with difficult family, emotional, or employment problems.



If you would like to learn more about how to become a bell ringer or to donate to the Salvation Army click HERE.

40 Under Fourty

I have been honored to be a Emcee of 40 Under Forty in Syracuse since moving to New York in 2003. This event honors people in the community working to make the community a better place. As a 2006 Recipient of the award and a person to nominate people who have gone on to receive the award I have seen how truly moved people are to be recognized for their efforts.

It costs nothing but time to fill out the nomination form and the honoree gets to come to a wonderful luncheon at the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center and be honored and receive a wonderful item to display on their desk.

As host of this event I try to encourage people to cheer for their colleague when they see their picture up on the big screen and everyone loves that it is a more relaxed atmosphere. I always have fun telling them that it's my job to keep all 40 honorees up on stage for one big final picture at the end- and I'll hunt them down if they leave. They always get a big kick out of that- because we usually have one or two that try to get away- hehe. People ask me if I get the jitters when I'm up in front of a big crowd like this. My answer is sometimes. Usually it happens when I have to say a lot of names- because I care to get them all right! But this event is so wonderful and I truly love the fact that people are being recognized so the enjoyment far out weighs any jitters.

If you know someone under the age of 40 who deserves recognition for their efforts- contact your local 40 Under Forty group. For Central New York click HERE. For Capital Region click HERE. There are several regional 40 Under Forty groups in Western New York and the Hudson Valley and beyond- so if you are in an area aside from the two links I encourage you to do a Google search for 40 Under Forty for your county.

For news coverage on YNN of this week's event click HERE.

Appearing In Syracuse Event

I'm appearing at the Nicholas J Pirrro Convention Center for the 40 under Fourty event. Join me as I emcee this wonderful event that highlights 40 people who are under 40 years old making a difference in Syracuse. This is a lively luncheon put on by BizEvents that I have hosted for the past 9 years and each year it proves that there are more and more wonderful people doing great things in the city of Syracuse. I am honored to be a part of the past recipients of this award in 2006 and love welcoming new honorees into our club. Please click HERE for more information.

Bowling Against Bullies- Video Montage

Remember when I told you about participating in the Bowling Against Bullies With The Stars event? Well, Anthony's dad sent me a link to the video montage he created to celebrate the event and I thought I would share it with you. It  was truly a heart warming event to participate in and I was honored to be there and help make a difference. Watching this video warmed my heart all over again!

"Bowling Against Bullies With The Stars"

Bullies stink. They come in all different shapes, sizes and colors. They can be child bullies, and yes, trust me, there are adult bullies too- I've seen them.  They prey on people they perceive to be weak. But what if they aren't weak? What if they just haven't found their voice? What if they choose to not say anything because the bully isn't worth it? What if they are weak- and just need a little help standing up for themselves?

Well, today 13-year-old  Anthony Gargiula stood up for those people and himself.  You see- he's been bullied. Instead of me telling you why- listen to him tell his story:

Anthony created "Bowling Against Bullies With The Stars" and hopes to bring events like this to many more locations. The money raised will help him spread the message of tolerance and acceptance. Spare Time on Route 9 in Clifton Park was the place to be. It was filled with local Singers, News Anchors, Radio DJs, Basketball players and even Former Albany County Executive Mike Breslin Came out.

People paid $15 to bowl, eat pizza and soda and enjoy a concert by Anthony and the AG dance crew. Everyone who attended said it was a huge success and they enjoyed the positive atmosphere.

I first saw Anthony perform a couple years ago at the state's MLK Celebration in which I co-emcee. He sang a Stevie Wonder song. As soon as he began to sing I thought WOW- this guy has a bright future. After meeting him at this event I know he has a bright future. Not only is he talented. He also has a wonderful personality and a true heart of gold. If you'd like to learn more about Bowling Against Bullies you can see the Facebook Page. Donations can be made to "Bowling Against Bullies" at the Glenmont Pioneer Bank. You can learn more about Anthony by going to his Facebook Page or Twitter.

I was honored to take part in this event and told Anthony to count on my support in the future. Below is a small video clip of him singing at his concert at the event. He had the crowd going!

Still Love Disney On Ice

We had a great time at the Glens Falls Civic Center for Disney on Ice Treasure Trove. I love taking part in events where I can bring my children along. My kids are getting older (10, almost 8 and 5 years old) and at some point I realize these shows won't be cool anymore- so I'm taking advantage of the fact that they still enjoy a good ice show.

Each show the producers like to offer us a little guidance for introducing the show. The piece of advice I got for this one was to be sure to say at the end "And on with the show!" I've never said that before- so I have to admit I had a lot of fun saying it with flare! He he