Public education faces increasing challenges like voucher expansion, declining enrollment, and reputational risks. To address these issues, Rosica Communications is hosting a free, action-oriented webinar titled "Public Education in Crisis: Strategies to Help Your District Succeed in Turbulent Times". The session will provide school leaders with practical tools to strengthen district visibility, build trust, and prepare for crises.

Webinar Details and Target Audience

• Date & Time: Wednesday, May 21, 12:00–1:00 PM EST

• Audience: Superintendents, school board leaders, and school administrators

• Format: One-hour expert panel discussion

Expert Panelists

• Chris Rosica: Education PR and crisis communications expert

• Dr. Shari Camhi: Superintendent, Baldwin Union Free School District; former AASA national president

• Deron Stender: Superintendent, Creston Community Schools, Iowa

• Lee Ann Wentzel: Superintendent, Ridley School District, Pennsylvania

Strategies Covered

• Launching Career-Focused Academies: Compete effectively with charter, private, and parochial schools by offering specialized programs.

• Building Advocacy Coalitions: Unite communities beyond politics to rally widespread support for public education.

• Using Student-Led Content: Leverage podcasts, videos, and social media to increase public engagement and shape perception.

• Managing Online Reputation: Optimize local search presence to remain visible against competing schools.

• Rethinking School Facilities: Innovate with partnerships and revenue opportunities through facility use.

• Structured Career Exploration: Start career guidance early to boost student engagement and outcomes.

• Refreshing District Brand: Update branding to reflect modern values and competitive positioning.

• Strengthening Internal Communications: Improve staff unity, morale, and talent retention.

Dr. Camhi emphasizes, “Public schools can’t afford to sit back—we must lead with clarity, transparency, and innovation.” This webinar offers actionable insights to help districts protect enrollment, enhance reputation, and secure the future of their students.

Fresh Technology, creator of Fresh KDS, has launched "On The Fly," a mobile app that provides restaurant operators with a real-time kitchen score using actual KDS performance data. Debuting at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, this innovative app aims to transform how kitchens monitor and improve operational efficiency.

Features of "On The Fly"

• Real-Time Kitchen Score: Tracks speed of service, consistency, and kitchen activity to generate a clear, dynamic performance score.

• Accessible Data: Moves crucial kitchen insights from complex dashboards and spreadsheets directly to operators' mobile devices.

• Designed for All Operators:

  • Independent Operators: Quick, actionable insights without needing a data analyst.

  • Multi-Unit Operators: Enables performance visibility and accountability down to individual stores, bridging analytics teams with front-line managers.

How "On The Fly" Redefines KDS

• Goes beyond basic ticket routing by unlocking deeper operational insights.

• Helps restaurants improve operational performance using accessible, understandable, and actionable data.

• Part of Fresh Technology’s vision to evolve KDS capabilities for greater operational impact.

Availability and Demo

• The app is available now for all Fresh KDS users on iOS and Android.

• NRA Show attendees can demo "On The Fly" at Booth 8331 in the tech pavilion, Chicago.

Shaun Shankel, CEO of Fresh Technology, highlights that "On The Fly" puts vital kitchen data in the hands of operators where it’s needed most, offering a competitive edge regardless of restaurant size.

Maine Media College, a leader in visual and media arts education, has posthumously honored renowned photographer Paul Caponigro with its 2025 Visionary Award. The award recognizes his extraordinary contributions to photography and the evolution of Maine Media College’s artistic community.

Highlights of the 2025 Visionary Award

• Award Recipient: Paul Caponigro, acclaimed photographer known for ethereal imagery of nature and ancient sites.

• Posthumous Recognition: Award will be accepted by his son, John Paul Caponigro.

• Legacy Impact: Celebrates Paul’s profound influence on photography and Maine Media since its inception.

Paul Caponigro’s Artistic Journey

• Began as a young artist blending photography and music.

• Known for work reflecting rhythm, harmony, light, form, and spiritual depth.

• Passed away on November 10, 2024, at age 91.

Event Details

• Exhibit: Paul Caponigro’s work on display at Haas Gallery, Maine Media campus (Sept 12–Nov 30, 2025).

• Reception: September 18, 5–6 PM.

• Public Celebration: September 19 at Union Hall, Rockport, ME.

• Visionary Awards Dinner: September 20 at Primo Restaurant, Rockland, ME, featuring the award presentation and Arnold Newman Prize announcement.

Quotes from Maine Media Leadership

• Michael Mansfield, Maine Media President:
  "Paul was a towering figure here at Maine Media... His presence will be felt for generations to come."

• Kari Wehrs, Photography Program Chair:
  "Paul’s photographs invite us to worlds within worlds... a profound emotional and intellectual journey."

Visionary Award

• Established in 2019 to honor extraordinary contributions to visual, media, and literary arts.

• Past recipients include Joyce Tenneson (2019), Teju Cole (2021), and Cig Harvey (2023).

For more information on the Visionary Award, sponsorships, and tickets, contact Beth Storey at bstorey@mainemedia.edu.

Berklee Online will host its annual Berklee Onsite conference on May 30–31, 2025, at the Berklee College of Music campus in Boston. This two-day event invites students and music professionals to engage in workshops, panels, performances, and networking opportunities focused on various music industry disciplines.

Conference Overview and Keynote

• Opening keynote by Kamilah Marshall, 2024 Berklee Online graduate, singer-songwriter, Broadway star, and Taylor Swift’s longtime backing vocalist and dancer.

• The conference strengthens the Berklee community, fostering lasting connections among students, faculty, and industry professionals worldwide.

Growth and Participation

• Past events attracted hundreds of attendees from nearly 30 countries and 40 U.S. states.

• Originally designed for Berklee Online students to meet instructors and advisors in person.

• Now open to all music enthusiasts, professionals, and educators.

Featured Sessions and Workshops

• The Art and Practice of Playback with Timo Preece, sound designer for Ariana Grande and Charli XCX.
  Explores playback’s role in live music production, combining technology and performance.

• The Billboard Hot 100 Is Your Toolbox with Prince Charles Alexander, recording engineer for artists like Mary J. Blige and Destiny’s Child.
  Analyzes evolving music production styles through Hot 100 hits.

• The F Word (Feminism): Sex & Equity in Songwriting with Valerie Orth, songwriter and Warner Chappell Music Publishing artist.
  Interactive workshop exploring feminism’s influence on songwriting and self-expression.

Registration and Additional Information

• Registration remains open until May 30, the conference’s first day.

• Visit www.berkleeonsite.com for session details and to register.

The Fort Myers housing market is shifting as home prices decline and sales pick up, driven by an oversupply of homes and condos. FortMyersAgent.com offers real-time access to more than 17,000 listings across Fort Myers and neighboring areas, providing buyers with insight into this changing landscape.

Market Trends and Pricing

• After a decade of steady price increases, including a pandemic-fueled double-digit surge, Fort Myers is experiencing a notable price correction.

• Home sales surged nearly 50% from February to April, marking two consecutive months of growth.

• The median home price dropped from a peak of $359,500 in October 2022 to $339,000 in April 2025.

• Fort Myers Beach saw some homes sell at 40-50% below original asking prices.

Condo Market Insights

• South Florida’s condo market remains challenged, offering a unique opportunity for buyers despite higher association fees.

• Potential buyers should research condo fees and market conditions carefully; FortMyersAgent.com provides updated news and analysis on this segment.

Factors Impacting the Market

• Historic low mortgage rates during the pandemic fueled demand, but rising inflation and Federal Reserve rate hikes pushed mortgage costs to 20-year highs.

• Recently stabilized mortgage rates are improving buyer purchasing power and encouraging renewed interest.

• Fort Myers continues to attract new residents, including resort and vacation buyers drawn to its scenic waterfronts and growing local economy.

Resources for Buyers and Sellers

• FortMyersAgent.com updates listings hourly, covering Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral, North Fort Myers, and Naples.

• The site also publishes a monthly newsletter with the latest real estate market news and trends.

EBSCO Clinical Decisions has named Roy Ziegelstein, M.D., MACP, as the new Editor-in-Chief of DynaMed®, effective June 30, 2025. Dr. Ziegelstein brings over 30 years of leadership in medical education and healthcare, including his role as Vice Dean for Education at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Joining the DynaMed team marks an exciting new chapter for Dr. Ziegelstein, who looks forward to expanding his focus on medical education to a global clinical decision support platform. "The role of Editor-in-Chief at DynaMed will allow me to deliver evidence-based guidance to health professionals worldwide, collaborating with a diverse team to continuously push the boundaries of healthcare," he said.

Betsy Jones, EVP of EBSCO Clinical Decisions, praised Dr. Ziegelstein’s appointment as a transformative milestone, highlighting his expertise in medicine, education, and interdisciplinary research. As EBSCO advances its generative AI capabilities with Dyna AI, Dr. Ziegelstein’s leadership will be pivotal in enhancing the platform’s role as a trusted, reliable clinical resource.

EBSCO Clinical Decisions aims to improve patient care by providing clinicians with timely, evidence-based answers at the point of care. With Dr. Ziegelstein at the helm, DynaMed is set to further innovate in delivering clinical excellence powered by AI.

EBSCO Information Services is a global leader in online research content and search technologies, serving libraries, healthcare institutions, corporations, and governments. EBSCO’s AI-enabled solutions support clinical decision-making, research, and learning worldwide.

Technology leader, author, and advocate Nancy Ridge unveils her new memoir, A Channel for Change: How the Alliance of Channel Women (ACW) Took Root, documenting the transformation of a grassroots initiative into a national movement empowering women in the technology channel.

Through candid storytelling and contributions from her collaborators, Ridge blends personal experiences with a broader narrative on gender equity in tech. The memoir offers practical wisdom, leadership lessons, and motivation for women facing professional and personal challenges.

Cheryl O'Donoghue, founder of Aspire2STEAM, praises the book for its relatable lessons and inspirational impact. More than a memoir, A Channel for Change is a call to action for women professionals at every stage to claim their power and drive meaningful progress.

Why this book matters:

• For women in tech: Strategies and solidarity to overcome barriers.

• For professionals: Insights on leadership, advocacy, and building networks.

• For aspiring entrepreneurs: Courage to break boundaries and create impact.

Ideal for readers seeking inspiration, practical guidance, and a roadmap to personal and professional growth.

Barry Raber, a seasoned entrepreneur with three successful ventures and multiple accolades, has launched Real Simple Business (realsimplebusiness.org), a dynamic website dedicated to providing entrepreneurs and business leaders with actionable strategies and resources to elevate their ventures.

The site features over 30 concise, insightful articles originally published in top business magazines like Inc., Entrepreneur, and Forbes. Since its soft launch, Real Simple Business has garnered over 20,000 page views, reflecting strong interest from the entrepreneurial community.

Drawing on Raber’s 35 years of experience, the platform covers key areas such as business execution, effective meetings, core values, branding, strategic planning, customer acquisition, and cultivating a positive mindset. It also shares real-world entrepreneurial experiences and resources aimed at improving both business and life.

“I love nothing more than sharing experiences and business strategies with fellow entrepreneurs,” Raber said. “The launch of Real Simple Business is a culmination of 35 years of in-the-trenches aha moments shared in concise, short-read magazine articles.”

Barry Raber is president of Carefree Covered RV Storage in Portland and has earned honors including EO Portland Entrepreneur of the Year (2017), Top 10 Entrepreneurs to Watch (2024), and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 Mountain West finalist.