Ron Scheese

Just finished Peter Heller's "The River," an intense and gripping novel that pulled me in from the opening pages. I thoroughly enjoyed the way Heller weaves together the beauty and serenity of the natural world with the very real dangers that can emerge from both nature and human behavior. Heller is a gifted storyteller who knows how to build suspense while keeping the reader connected to the characters. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Canadian wilderness, the novel is an appreciation of the outdoors and a story of survival, friendship, and the nature of people. What I appreciated most was the contrast between the peacefulness of the wilderness and the tension that builds as the story progresses. There is something compelling about being reminded that nature can be magnificent and unforgiving. Couple that with the recognition that sometimes the greatest dangers come not from the elements but from one another. Highly recommended. Check it out.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ” - John 1:1 #SundayMotivation. bible.com/bible/111/jhn.1.1.…

With the 250th anniversary of American independence, I’ve found myself spending more time reading about our Founding Fathers and reflecting on the remarkable challenges they faced in bringing a new nation into existence. The more I read, the more I appreciate just how uncertain America’s future was in those early years. James D. Best’s historical fiction novel "Tempest at Dawn" offers an engaging opportunity to step back into the summer of 1787 and witness the political intrigue, clashing personalities, and difficult choices surrounding the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Best does a masterful job bringing these historical figures to life, capturing their quirks, convictions, and political maneuvering. The loose federation of independent states created under the Articles of Confederation was struggling to hold the young nation together, while foreign powers watched for an opportunity to exploit our weaknesses. What I particularly appreciated was the way Best portrays the tension between the personal ambitions and deeply held beliefs of the delegates.These were men with very different ideas about government, representation, and the balance of power, yet they understood that the experiment in self-government was at stake. The Constitution did not emerge from a simple meeting of like-minded patriots, but from difficult negotiations, competing visions, and the willingness of individuals to find common ground with the cloud of slavery hanging over the deliberations. The novel is a reminder that the founding of our country was neither inevitable nor easy. . I’m giving Tempest at Dawn four stars. It offers an engaging way to revisit a pivotal moment in American history and a deeper appreciation for the political skill, perseverance, and compromise that went into creating our constitutional republic. For anyone interested in the Founding Fathers or the history behind the institutions we sometimes take for granted, this is a worthwhile read. Check it out

I I just finished Guy Raz's "How I Built This," a refreshing read of stories behind founders and entrepreneurs. What resonated most for me was the way he exposes the myths we often associate with entrepreneurial success. Behind many successful businesses are setbacks, mistakes, moments of doubt, difficult decisions, and plenty of perseverance. Raz has a gift for drawing out the human side of these stories. What looks obvious in the rear view mirror was rarely obvious to the people living through the trials of running a business. My biggest takeaway was that we shouldn't judge the journey by the destination. Many success stories were built through the uncertainty, struggle, and imperfect decisions that every entrepreneur and leader faces along the way. An engaging, insightful, and genuinely encouraging read for entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders at every stage of their journey. Check it out read.amazon.com/kp/kshare?as…

“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.” - Psalms 68:19 #SundayMotivation bible.com/bible/111/psa.68.1…

One of the things I’ve come to appreciate most about Bob Spitz as a biographer is his ability to get beneath the surface of people who have left an indelible mark on their industry or the culture around them. His subjects are often beloved, sometimes misunderstood, and rarely as simple as their public images suggest. The Rolling Stones are a perfect subject for his talents. In "The Rolling Stones," Spitz goes beyond the familiar stories of sex, drugs, excess, and larger-than-life personalities to explore what truly makes the Stones "the greatest rock and roll band" in history: their unwavering commitment to the music. As I read, I repeatedly found myself pulling up the songs Spitz was describing, listening more closely to the nuances, interplay, and musical chemistry that made the band so extraordinary. It was a reminder that behind all the stories and myths, the Stones are, first and foremost, musicians who know how to make great rock and roll. Another outstanding biography from a master storyteller. If you're a lifelong Stones fan, this one is well worth your time. Check it out!

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” - Psalms 51:10 #SundayMotivation bible.com/bible/111/psa.51.1…

Chickens are the third largest Pet category. Check out FM Brown's latest story on poultry feed. instagram.com/stories/browns…

“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” - Psalms 9:1 #SundayMotivation bible.com/bible/111/psa.9.1.…

Pre-deadline: 47–66 Post-deadline: 19–12 Current record: 66–78 Winning percentage since deadline: .613 Won six of their last 10 series The post-deadline Mets are playing like a 99-win team over a 162-game pace. #LGM

"In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. - Proverbs 16:9 #SundayMotivation bible.com/bible/111/pro.16.9… – at Bethany Beach, DE

I just finished John Strohmeyer's "Crisis in Bethlehem. Written in 1986, when the future of Big Steel was still being debated, Strohmeyer tells the story of an industry struggling to survive. He traces the rise of the American steel industry and the forces that eventually undermined its dominance. What makes the story so compelling is that the decline wasn’t caused by one bad decision or one outside competitor. Leadership, labor unions, government intervention, globalization, and an industry’s reluctance to adapt all contributed to a slow erosion of competitive advantage. The lesson is both simple and timeless: market dominance can create the very complacency that eventually leads to obsolescence. I was particularly struck by the story of the Weirton Steel workers and their employee ownership. In many ways, it was a remarkable short-term triumph. Employee ownership helped preserve livelihoods, and provided the opportunity to retire with dignity from a mill that otherwise might have disappeared much sooner. Yet for the town of Weirton, WV, employee ownership could not overcome the larger forces reshaping the steel industry. It delayed the decline; it couldn't ultimately prevent it. Nearly forty years after Strohmeyer wrote this book, the lessons of history can be just as relevant to business leaders today. Industries change. Technologies change. Competitors emerge from unexpected places. And organizations that once dominated their markets can convince themselves that the forces that made them successful will always be there. In that regard, "Crisis in Bethlehem" is a great business book about adaptability, leadership, and the danger of believing that yesterday's success guarantees tomorrow's relevance. Check it out!! – at Lorane, PA

I just finished another awesome selection by my fraternity book club, Allen Levi’s "Theo of Golden." It is an endearing story about kindness, connection, and the power of simply noticing people. The town of Golden and its characters remind us that everyone has a story, a background, and a desire to be seen and appreciated. Theo’s individual acts of kindness may seem small, but they create relationships that gradually build a community of goodwill. And that goodwill multiplies, showing how one person’s willingness to reach out can have an impact far beyond the original gesture. I really enjoyed this warm, thoughtful tale. It’s a gentle reminder that we don’t always need to do something extraordinary to make a difference. Check it out!! a.co/05NzAY0f – at Lorane, PA

"A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." - Proverbs 11:25 #SundayMotivation bible.com/bible/111/pro.11.2… – at Bethany Beach, DE

I just finished "Waiting on the Moon" by Peter Wolf, the longtime lead singer of the J. Geils Band. He has found a wonderful and unconventional way to tell the story of his life. Rather than simply walking chronologically through his career, he uses the people and relationships he encountered along the way as the threads that weave the story together. . Wolf’s life intersects with an incredible cast of characters and moments that capture the energy and evolution of music in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Musicians, artists, writers, friends, lovers, and fellow travelers appear throughout the book, creating a tapestry of music history. Some of the stories are almost unbelievable, yet Wolf tells them with a warmth and humility that makes them feel intimate. I was sensitive to the contrast between his supportive family upbringing and the more turbulent world he encountered as his musical career developed. There is a real sense of the poet, songwriter, and creative soul behind the rock-and-roll persona. Perhaps what I enjoyed most was simply the joy of reading it. I laughed, smiled, and occasionally shook my head at some of the people and situations Wolf found himself in. There is an authenticity to his writing that makes you feel as though you are sitting across the table from him. A wonderful story of a fascinating, creative life. Check it out!! a.co/0ciwQ3FI – at Bethany Beach, DE

Put it in the books!!🧹🧹🧹 #LGM – at Cleveland, OH

Celebrating my birthday with some dear friends and day baseball in Cleveland Lots of @Mets fans in the hotel making their way to the game. A beautiful day for a 🧹🧹🧹 #LGM

🎉 Officially celebrated the ribbon cutting for our new Corporate & Pet Foods office in Sinking Spring today! Home to our team since June, now officially open. Grateful to our community partners and the incredible F.M. Brown's team who made it happen. 🌾🐾 – at Lorane, PA