Latest news with #Smallwood
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Local professor gets second chance at life after terminal diagnosis
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — A local university leader is getting a second chance at life, after receiving a terminal diagnosis and being given six months to live. 'In one way, the diagnosis was truth,' Dr. Will Smallwood, Vice President for Advancement at Cedarville University said. 'It was an answer to why I'm experiencing these things. But as you can imagine, a diagnosis of cancer instantly hits the heart and it hits the mind.' By all rights, Smallwood shouldn't be sitting here today. In December of 2023– after a litany of health issues– he learned he had multiple myeloma, an incurable cancer of the blood. 'Our minds go to the worst possible things,' Smallwood said. 'And that is cancer is going to take my life.' Doctors said he had just six months to live. 'We have a verse all over the place… Psalm 90:12,' Smallwood said. 'Teach us to number our days, right, so that we may gain a heart of wisdom. That that really was already a framework in my mind.' A framework that guided his attitude, both then and now. 'Life is short and I know that,' Smallwood said. 'And whether I get diagnosed with cancer or I'm in a car accident or walking across the street or whatever, we don't have a guarantee of tomorrow.' Share your good news with 2! He says he had a choice: Give up, or trust God the same way he had for the last 40 years. 'Is that all suddenly just thrown out the window?' Smallwood said. 'It wasn't. And so in that very early time period as we began to just trust that, okay, if it's six months, it's okay. I know what's going to come next. And I'm not fearful of that and I'm okay with that. And so let's take advantage of the six months that we had.' He and his family leaned into that notion. They took advantage of every available treatment. 'By August of 2024, the doctors declared my cancer in what's called durable remission,' Smallwood said. 'So the cancer is still there and someday it will come back. It will rear its ugly head. And we may have to walk through this process again and again. I understand that, and I'm okay with that.' But in the meantime, he says he will use his experience to send a simple message to others facing similar trials: 'There's never a bad time to begin trusting in God,' Smallwood said. 'There's never a bad moment to begin that relationship. And even in the midst of cancer, it's a good time and trusting and sort of His sovereign grace and rule over my life and whether that six months or whatever the case may be.' Dr. Smallwood also credits his cancer team at Soin Cancer Center and the James Cancer Center in Columbus. He has since been able to return to his work at Cedarville and is leading the school's 175 million dollar '1000 Days Transformed' campaign. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Iron Maiden Manager Doubles Down on 'Selfish' Fans Using Their Phones During Concert
Iron Maiden's manager Rod Blackwood slammed fans for taking their phone out during recent concerts He called audience members who kept their phone out excessively "selfish" The heavy metal band is currently on their Run For Your Lives World TourIron Maiden is asking fans to live in the moment during their shows. Ahead of the Run for Your Lives World Tour European leg, the heavy metal band's manager, Rod Smallwood, asked fans to transport themselves to the 1980s, meaning, to refrain from "excessively film the concerts on their phones or tablets." Less than two weeks later, Smallwood called out fans on Iron Maiden's Instagram on May 30 for their concert phone etiquette, thanking those who "kept their phones down" and respecting "the band and their fellow fans" — and shading those who didn't obey during their show in Budapest. The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! "It is so much better when they can see you unencumbered and that drives them on without that distraction," he wrote of the band. "For the selfish few that didn't and just had to keep videoing... I wish you nothing but a very sore arm!" Smallwood clarified that the concerts don't need to be completely phone-free. "As I said before, by all means take the odd quick pic as a memento of a great night," he added, "but otherwise please keep your phone in your pocket." is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! This renewed ask comes weeks after he shared a statement on the band's website on May 20, initially asking for fans to keep their phones away at Iron Maiden shows. "We really want fans to enjoy the shows first hand, rather than on their small screens." "The amount of phone use nowadays diminishes enjoyment, particularly for the band who are on stage looking out at rows of phones, but also for other concertgoers," Smallwood continued. He added that the fans' "passion and involvement" makes the concerts "special." "But the phone obsession has now got so out of hand that it has become unnecessarily distracting especially to the band. I hope fans understand this and will be sensible in severely limiting the use of their phone cameras out of respect for the band and their fellow fans." Smallwood concluded by asking fans to "have the time of your lives as you join your Maiden family by singing your heart out, rather than getting your phone out." Up next for the heavy metal band — made up of bassist Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Janick Gers and Adrian Smith, all on on guitar, Simon Dawson on drums and Bruce Dickinson on vocals — are tour stops in European cities such as Vienna, Paris, Madrid, Dublin, London and Copenhagen. Iron Maiden will wrap their European tour stops, which continue through June and July on Aug. 2 in Warsaw, Poland. Read the original article on People
San Francisco Chronicle
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
‘Put your phones away': Iron Maiden makes a plea ahead of 50th anniversary tour
As Iron Maiden prepares to launch its Run for Your Lives World Tour, the legendary British heavy metal band is asking fans to step back in time — by putting away their phones. In a message posted to the band's website, longtime manager Rod Smallwood urged concertgoers to 'severely limit' mobile phone usage during the shows, telling them to live 'in the moment' and enjoy the experience in real time. 'We really want fans to enjoy the shows first hand, rather than on their small screens,' Smallwood wrote. 'The amount of phone use nowadays diminishes enjoyment, particularly for the band who are on stage looking out at rows of phones, but also for other concertgoers.' He added, 'We feel that the passion and involvement of our fans at shows really makes them special, but the phone obsession has now got so out of hand that it has become unnecessarily distracting, especially to the band. I hope fans understand this and will be sensible in severely limiting the use of their phone cameras out of respect for the band and their fellow fans.' The tour, which begins Tuesday, May 27, in Budapest and includes a headlining slot at October's Aftershock Festival in Sacramento, celebrates 50 years since bassist Steve Harris founded the band in 1975. Iron Maiden promises a special setlist that spans the group's early albums through its latest release, 'Fear of the Dark,' alongside what it calls 'their most spectacular and elaborate show ever.' Smallwood said the band hopes fans will respect the immersive performances and 'be fully actively involved to enjoy each and every one of these classic songs in the spirit and manner they were first played' more than five decades ago. 'This show isn't just a celebration of our music; it is, as you will see, also about our years of art, of Eddie and of the many, many worlds of Maiden we have created for you,' he said. 'So please respect the band, respect the other fans and have the time of your lives as you join your Maiden family by singing your heart out, rather than getting your phone out!! It's really not a lot to ask is it?' Iron Maiden joins a growing number of artists encouraging screen-free shows, including acts such as Madonna, Jack White and Tool. While the request won't be enforced with locked pouches, the band is betting on fan loyalty to preserve the spirit of the performance.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Legendary Heavy Metal Band Sends Out Urgent Plea to Fans
With fifty years of experience rocking out onstage in front of packed crowds, the members of Iron Maiden have dealt with all kinds of disruptive audience behavior during concerts — but there's one thing they're apparently not willing to deal with anymore. In a statement shared to X on Tuesday, May 20, Iron Maiden's manager Rod Smallwood, made a bold request of the band's fans ahead of their upcoming Run for Your Life world tour, asking them to "severely limit" their phone usage during concerts. 'We really want fans to enjoy the shows first hand, rather than on their small screens," Smallwood said. "The amount of phone use nowadays diminishes enjoyment, particularly for the band who are on stage looking out at rows of phones, but also for other concertgoers," he continued. "We feel that the passion and involvement of our fans at shows really makes them special, but the phone obsession has now got so out of hand that it has become unnecessarily distracting especially to the band. I hope fans understand this and will be sensible in severely limiting the use of their phone cameras out of respect for the band and their fellow fans." Smallwood went on to say that the band would "very much like" fans to be "in the moment" and "enjoy each and every one of these classic songs in the spirit and manner they were first played." "This show isn't just a celebration of our music; it is, as you will see, also about our years of art, of Eddie and of the many, many worlds of Maiden we have created for you," he added, concluding the statement by urging fans to "please respect the band, respect the other fans and have the time of your lives as you join your Maiden family by singing your heart out, rather than getting your phone out!! It's really not a lot to ask is it?' Fans had mixed reactions in the comments, with some agreeing that phone usage during concerts can be a problem. "Thank you for this. You go to a concert, pay VIP just to see phones instead of the band, such a bad experience. People need to live the moment but now it's just social media and likes," one person wrote. "Fully shared, I generally take a few photos to keep memories but seeing a sea of small screens continuously making videos is annoying," agreed a second X user, with someone else thanking the band for "not banning" phones and "instead simply requesting that loyal fans refrain from excessive phone use during your set. This makes sense to me. Up the Irons!" Others felt the band needed to be more understanding, however. "If this were 1980 - 1989, I couldn't agree more. We were younger then and thought days would last forever. It's not and they don't. We've seen more and more artists pass away, retire, and memories get lost to the ravages of time," somebody pointed out, with another commenter arguing that "you can't expect people not to take a few photos, especially in London at such an historic time for the band in their hometown." Yet another fan offered perhaps the most pragmatic take on the statement, writing, "Sadly the majority won't act appropriately unless you hire one of those companies that seals everyone's phones away during the show."
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Parents angry over proposed changes to Osceola County ESE program
The Brief The Osceola County School District plans significant changes to its Exceptional Student Education (ESE) program. Parents are concerned about the impact on their children's routines and the lack of consultation. Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff acknowledged communication issues, and families are advocating for more input. KISSIMMEE, Fla. - The Osceola County School District plans significant changes to its Exceptional Student Education (ESE) program. What we know Major changes are planned for the Osceola County School District's Exceptional Student Education (ESE) program. The key changes include integrating special needs students into general education classes and establishing 'HUBS' for those requiring more attention. However, these changes would disrupt students' current school assignments, potentially sending them to schools outside their zones. What we don't know It remains unclear how the changes will be implemented and what specific criteria will determine which students are placed in HUB schools. The exact number of HUB schools and how they will manage the influx of students with higher needs also remain unspecified. The backstory The proposed changes to the ESE program are part of broader efforts to address the district's challenges, including staffing shortages and limited state funding. With more than 13,800 students in the ESE program, the district has been struggling to meet the needs of its special education population. The school district has not consulted extensively with parents, which has led to growing concern and pushback from families. By the numbers According to the Osceola County School District's website, they currently have more than 69,000 students enrolled across 60 schools. Of those 69,000 students, 13,800 qualify for ESE classes. Timeline The changes were introduced at a recent school board meeting, and the impact is expected to be felt in the coming school year. Families are currently voicing their concerns and advocating for more transparency and input before the changes are fully implemented. What they're saying Parents, including Shannon Smallwood, whose daughter Charlotte has Smith-Magenis syndrome, expressed frustration over the abrupt changes. "These kids are flourishing where they're at now," said Smallwood. "So why the change? Why the abrupt change? Smallwood's daughter needs extra help in the classroom and qualifies as an ESE student. "I love my school," Charlotte excitedly said at her mom's side. For Karin Baker's 14-year-old son, Colin, it would mean leaving the school he's attended for years and going to a different one more than 45 minutes away. "He's going to have to learn new teachers, new peers, new friends… it's life-altering for these children," Baker said. "All of these kids with special needs, routine is crucial for them; it's crucial for them." Colin is diagnosed with Noonan syndrome. Baker said she's not opposed to changes within the district's ESE program, she just wants parents' input to be taken into consideration. "I would feel better if they said, let's pause this. Let's get some parent input… let's see how this is going to affect not only our ESE students, but our educators, our paraprofessionals," Baker said. "Give us a seat at the table, to give some input on how we could make successful changes." During Tuesday night's meeting, school board member Paula Bronson received a standing ovation after urging her fellow board members to be transparent with families whose lives are about to drastically change. "As a board member and an educator, I did not feel set up for success, so I can't imagine how the parents have to feel," Bronson said. Osceola County Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff listed county growth, ESE staffing shortages, and a lack of state funding as reasons for the adaptations – but he also admitted to wrongdoing. "There are things that have been communicated that I wish had been communicated better – from me… from me. I own that; not a member of my team… I'm the superintendent," Shanoff said. "If things aren't communicated effectively, that falls on my shoulders." STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Osceola County School District, the Osceola County School Board, and parents Shannon Smallwood and Karin Baker.
