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Community Voices!
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Through your new magazine and online community, you give voice to the whole community. —Your friends at Kalamazoo College
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Inspiring The 2/9/11 6:56 PM
Community In Print & Online
Contents What’s Inside Working Toward a Healthy Community Feature Story: Denise Brooks-Williams (pg. 14)and Denise Crawford (pg. 16) are two leaders serving in the medical field in West Michigan. They share how they became passionate about providing quality healthcare to their communities.
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From the Publisher Prepare for a Positive Change As we welcome in a New Year, we are inspired to make positive changes in our lives, start fresh, do something new. Through this issue we share stories of those working to better the lives of others, ‘pay it forward,’ and motivate future generations through their stories. We show the importance of a father’s role in shaping his children’s futures. While working toward better health, an economic upswing, and ways to beautify yourself inside and out, we hope this issue gives you the motivation you need as you work toward making 2012 the beginning of an exciting journey. See you Online! Sonya Bernard-Hollins Editor-In-Chief
Community Voices is published quarterly by Season Press LLC, in Kalamazoo, Mich. Free issues are available throughout West Michigan. Subscriptions are available. No parts of this magazine may be reproduced without permission.
MULTI-CULTURAL NEWS SOURCE
Volume 01, Issue 04 Founders Arlene & James Washington (2005-2010)Your Community, Your Voice Publisher Season Press LLC (2010-) Editor-In-Chief Sonya Bernard-Hollins Graphic Design Fortitude Graphic Design Webmaster Geoffrey Brege Photographers Aaron Cantrell Sonya Bernard-Hollins Sean Hollins For more information visit www.comvoicesonline.com write: Community Voices P.O. Box 51042 Kalamazoo, MI 49005 or call: 269-365-4019 Cover: Photos by Aaron Cantrell, Sean Hollins
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he game of Chess has been around since the 15th century. The objective of the game is to checkmate the opponents King. Checkmate happens when the King is in a position to be captured (in check) and cannot escape from capture. This requires one to make sound, decisive decisions based upon predicted moves of the opponent. The player that is able to stay two mental moves ahead will normally be the victor. Some people view life as a chess match against the world. Each and every day we make decisions that affect us whether we know it or not. Carefully thought through plans typically result in positive rewards, while frivolous, quick decisions tend to produce grave consequences. For Bishop Robinson, a junior on the Loy Norrix’s High School Knights Men’s Basketball team, he is quite aware of how decisions can change your life for better or worse.
Bishop Robinson makes a free throw during a game against Kalamazoo Central High.
Decision #1 Fortunately, Bishop has made the right choices for his life. Initially, football was his main pass time. It wasn’t until he began to practice with his cousin, Anthony Atlas, that his basketball game began to develop. He now is a sought after recruit by Division I college basketball coaches and is considered the 19th best player in the state of Michigan.
Decision #2 At the tender, young age of 13, he decided not to move to Virginia with his mother. Instead he would live with April Rocco, his former middle school teacher and now adopted guardian. His connection with the Rocco family is like Michael Oher’s, (The Blind Side movie characters) relationship with the Tuohy family, so that helped his transition. Yet, this still was a tough, monumental decision that has proven to be the best move for Bishop. His mental and emotional toughness to make sound decisions that have altered his future for the better obviously has transferred over onto the basketball court. During his first two basketball games this season he averaged over 30 points a game. No longer is he just a good free-throw shooter, he is now a multifaceted player who dreams of going to college to become a physical education teacher; like his adopted mother, Mrs. Rocco. Society loves when good things happen to good people, but they really love when young people make good decisions, and Bishop has made several great ones. He says he does not play chess, but judging by his decision-making skills he probably would be good at it. Harold T. Swift, Ph.D. has been writing for Community Voices since September 2006. He has a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and a Masters of Arts in Sports Administration from Western Michigan University. He has published research on the career paths and experiences of Division I athletic directors. His passion for athletics comes from his playing and coaching background. His main objective is to always be a change agent for the betterment of the sport.
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youth
Jonathan Pulley stood before a modest crowd at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Kalamazoo to receive an honor held by 39 NASA astronauts, President Gerald R. Ford, Walmart founder Sam Walton, filmmaker Steven Spielberg, and baseball great Henry Aaron. He was pinned with his Eagle Scout badge by Boy Scouts of America and received a replica of the Bald Eagle as a reminder to continue to soar. As he was honored, he stood with the support of older brother, Clifford Pulley III, and sister Leah Pulley; both of whom hold Eagle Scout, and Silver Award (Girl Scout highest honor) badges respectively. His parents Clifford Sr., and other Marilyn too were honored by Jonathan for their commitment as parents in keeping him focused toward a goal of high esteem. How is it that these three siblings completed the dedicated years of moving up the ranks, earning dozens of merit badges, and taking leadership in community service activities? According to father, Clifford Pulley Sr., it’s all about commitment. “When someone in the Pulley family starts something, we finish it,” Pulley Sr., said. “I knew if they just stuck with (scouting) they would reap the benefits. It was a challenge sometimes, but in the end, they were rewarded.” In 2008, Clifford Pulley III, earned his Eagle Scout Badge after completing a drive for hygiene supplies for the needy; in the summer of 2011 Leah earned her Silver Award with her food drive effort; and in December 2011, Jonathan received the Eagle Scout after completing a clothing drive. All scouts provided their services for the Deacon’s Conference in Kalamazoo.
Pulley Sr., is a disabled veteran who became a stay-at-home dad. He did everything from cook breakfast to attend their sporting events. He taught 6
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“People are always wondering what to do with kids,” said Pulley Sr. “My kids have been to space camp, car shows, camping, different events where they interact with kids who have the same interests and understand the importance of how to be committed to something.”
them how to tie their shoes and deal with peer pressure. The Parchment school graduates were honor roll students, and attend Galilee Baptist Church. Clifford is a student at Western Michigan University studying international business and has traveled to Japan where he is able to practice his Japanese language skills. Leah is studying pharmacy, and Jonathan plans to study engineering. “Becoming an Eagle Scout takes work, dedication, time,” said Renee Fairrer, manager of Public Relations at the National Office of Boy Scouts of America in Erving, Texas. “Oftentimes it’s a grandfather, son, and grandson who share Eagle Scout badges as a legacy to pass on. Families know the commitment it takes and the honor behind it, so it’s an experience they want to share.” Fairrer said the challenge today of the 101 year-old scouting organization is to make it relevant in this world of technology. In April 2011 the Robotics Merit badge was introduced with the help of NASA who took the badges on an actual space mission. Dan Busby, scout executive of Southwest Michigan Council said, “my observations of the Pulley children are that they have a strong family support structure, established and shared expectations, and they are three of the kindest young adults that I have met. I have accessed they are dedicated to their church, that is always an admirable trait! As a parent, I admire the earnest effort and love that their parents have provided to help them develop the self-confidence to achieve their individual successes.” Pulley sums it up by saying, “Whatever you put into your children, you will be amazed at what comes out of them in life.”
Page 6 Caption: The Pulley family from left: Marilyn, Leah, Clifford III, Jonathan, and Clifford Sr. (Below) Jonathan recites the Boy Scout oath with his brother, Clifford, III.
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Section Health
Illustration by Jerome Washington
• African American children are less likely to have access to preventative care and more likely to have emergency rooms visits that their white counterparts.
The National NAACP is committed to using our voice to “sound the alarm” on childhood obesity that plagues this young generation, deemed the first that will NOT outlive their parents. • African American children are more likely to be poor, obese, and live in unsafe communities where there are few opportunities for physical activity, higher exposure to harmful environment factors, fewer supermarkets, and limited access to healthy food options. 8
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• By 2008-09, 29.2% of Black adolescent girls ages 12-19 were obese; the highest prevalence of any age group by gender, race or ethnicity. • 38% of Latino children and 34.9% of AfricanAmerican children ages 2 to 19 are overweight or obese, compared with 30.7% of white children. • 39.5% of low-income American Indian and Alaska Native children ages 2 to 5 are overweight or obese. African American children ages 6 to 11 are more likely to be obese or overweight than white children. • Psychologically, obese children and adolescents are targets of early and systematic social discrimination, leading to low self-esteem which, in turn, can hinder academic
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and social growth and functioning. Physically, it has been proven that obese young people have an 80% chance of being obese adults and are more likely than children of average weight to become significantly overweight or obese adults. Information from reports made by Shavon L. Arline-Bradley, MPH Director NAACP Health Programs For more information, visit http://www.naacp. org/programs/entry/ naacp-partners-with-localschools-to-fight-obesity
Hey! Get the kids off the couch and in shape. These activities just 15 minutes a day, along with healthy eating habits can lead to losing more than 80 calories!
1) GET OUT OF THE HOUSE: Visit your local roller or ice skating rink for some fun activity that will get you movin’ to the latest top 20 jams. Take a hike on your local wilderness trails and breath in some fresh air. 2) CREATE HEALTHY SNACKS: It’s just as easy to unwrap a banana than a candy bar, and it’s healthier for you. Get in the habit of eating fruits and vegetables. 3) FRIENDLY COMPETITION: Modern technology has taken the video game to a new level. Buy, or rent games that get your family moving in competition. 4) GROCERY SHOPPING: Walking up and down those isles pushing a wobbly basket may not be fun, however you could walk up to a mile in a large grocery store if you hit all the rows. 5) HOUSE CLEANING: Chores like vacuuming, rearranging furniture, washing dishes, cleaning the refrigerator, and taking out the trash are ways kids can burn a few calories, and do their part to earn their keep.
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Section Health
Fitness is an essential part to being healthy. For the best and most comfortable performance you want the best equipment you can have. Having a good pair of shoes to fit our needs is the key. Great choices for a lightweight running shoe with a cushioned sole are the Nike LunarGlide+ 2 and the Nike LunarGlide+ 3. This shoe has a comfortable extra cushioned sole that adjust to your foot. It also has a firm back to provide excellent heel support. If you plan on playing basketball to stay active, the Adidas adiZero Crazy Light is the right choice. This shoe only weights 9.8 ounces and will give you the ability to make quick moves. Another great choice is the Nike LeBron 9. This shoe is great for balance and ankle support. Each of these shoes has a soft comfort able sole to make sure your feet do not hurt during or after use. For a very lightweight running shoe the Adidas ClimaCool Ride and the Nike Free Run+ 2 may just be the best shoes on the market. These shoes feel like youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not wearing any because they are so light.
Phillip Todd is a sophomore at Kalamazoo Central High School. He has been active on school baseball, football, basketball and wrestling teams and has an outstanding collection of athletic shoes. -Photo by Herbert Todd 10 10
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s a professional makeup artist to the stars and advocate for beauty, part of my mission is to demystify the cliché, “Beauty is only skin deep.” Often we only see the outer appearance: the flowing tresses, the bright smile, the suit fit, or the pretty lipstick. But I have breaking news for you...REAL BEAUTY COMES FROM WITHIN! The skin is the largest organ of the body. Just as ‘we are what we eat,’ once a product touches the skin it absorbs into the pores and enters the body’s chemistry.
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tips to enhance your outer beauty to match your inner beauty:
ataanda James has represented L’Oreal at the Sundance Film Festival, Speaking of Women’s Health, and Essence Music Festival. She is a National Consultant for L’Oreal Paris.
1) Cleanse-Tone-Moisturize daily. Moisturizing the skin and drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day is essential to youthful, healthy skin. 2) Skin care products and foods with Vitamin C, Caffeine, Retinol (Vitamin A), Green Tea Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Acai Oil, are referred to as “miracle workers.” 3) Facials are necessary for healthy, glowing skin. Treat yourself to a facial once a month with your personal esthetician, or DIY (Do It Yourself). Massaging your face when cleansing is an essential step to circulation and stimulation. 4) Choose your makeup for your skin type and condition. A 100% mineral makeup is the healthy alternative to traditional makeup; it’s like feeding your face nutrients! Beware: brands containing fillers, talc or bismuth aren’t 100% mineral. 5) Lastly, choose what makeup look works best for you! Just because Beyonce looks beautiful in a smokey eye-shadow effect, doesn’t mean it’s perfect for you. Your career, age and personality is of the essence just as eye shape, skin tone, and personal preference. Your makeup only looks as wonderful as your skin beneath it. Now you know Beauty Is...MORE than Skin Deep. www.comvoicesonline.com
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Health
Dozens of men filled the meeting room of Ole Country Buffet restaurant in Kalamazoo for breakfast and information with local doctors that would save their lives. Dwight Trice of the Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, coordinated the event as a way to introduce men to prostate cancer awareness, and provide education and support for those diagnosed with the cancer. After losing family members to diabetes, kidney disease and heart attacks, he knew his medical history was fragile. So, five years ago, at age 52, he began taking regular physicals. Trice said for any man, taking the first step toward regular exams shows responsibility. “A man is to provide for his family, and his health is important in the quality of life they will have,” Trice said.
Dwight Trice
“There’s so much a man is responsible for, and being diagnosed with prostate cancer is a lot for men to wrap their mind around. It puts a different light on life.” However, with early detection Trice said men are better prepared for ‘the fight’ to beat prostate cancer if it arises. The Men of Allen Chapel along with local doctors and other organizations will host regular events in 2012 to educate men of prostate cancer, and provide support. “We need to be there for our families, and as men, we need to be there for one another,” Trice said.
Prostate cancer
is the growth of abnormal cells in the prostate gland. It is the prostate that makes the fluid that nourishes and carries sperm. The cause is unknown; however most men diagnosed with prostate cancer are older than 65. Because the cause is unknown, there is no known ways of prevention. There are often no symptoms in the early stage, however when it progresses symptoms may include: weak urine flow, blood in
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urine or semen, trouble having an erection, frequent pain in lower back, hips, or upper thighs. It is diagnosed through a rectal digital exam and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. It is treated with surgery to remove the prostate (prostatectomy), radiation therapy, hormone therapy. For more information visit: http://www.cancer.gov.
Family Health Center History 1971- Founded and within 10 months volunteer doctors, nurses and assistants served 2,800 patients, 7,000 patient visits in the trailer facility located on Paterson Street.
1973- The FHC was awarded a $341,000 federal grant to construct a permanent facility; community supporters raised an additional $160,000.
1989- The Healthcare for the Homeless clinic was established. 1994- The FHC adds the 2000 South location on Portage Road. 2002- The Dental Program opened. 2004- KCHP established as a community collaborative that focuses on the issue of
improving health and health care access for uninsured residents of Kalamazoo County.
2005- The FHC doubled in size to 25,000 square feet. A $3.4 million capital campaign was held, and 13 providers were added to serve 13,500 patients; 45,000 visits.
2006- A collaborative school-based grant of $175,000 brought clinics into Edison and Washington elementary schools.
2007- Opened Portage Community Center. 2010- The Sheridan site was donated by the First Presbyterian Church. The Burdick
site opened to address the dental and behavioral health needs, and a $9.3 million grant was awarded to triple the main campus on Paterson Street. www.comvoicesonline.com
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Section Feature
Photos by Sean Hollins
“Bronson is larger than (Battle Creek) however we have the same vision to better health for our communities. It has happened for all the right reasons and the feedback we’ve received from the community, staff, physicians, has been great.” Denise Brooks-Williams, President/CEO Bronson Battle Creek 14 14
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Outside the office of Denise Brooks-Williams graduate students are working to research information regarding patients, or find out statistics on a particular illness. They are getting hands-on experience from a leader, Brooks-Williams, the President and CEO of Bronson Battle Creek. Brooks-Williams believes mentoring is her way of motivating the leaders of the future. After all, mentors led to her success. The influence of such mentors as Larry Warren, current CEO of Howard University Hospital (formerly CEO of University of Michigan Hospital) influenced her career. She has been named top executive at Bronson Battle Creek, recognized by Modern Healthcare magazine as one of the top 25 Minority Executives in the United States, and served three terms as national president of the National Association of Health Services Executives. She took the helm of Battle Creek Health System in 2009, just two years before BCHS merged with Bronson Healthcare who purchased 51% of BCHS and is its operating partner. Brooks-
Williams reports to Bronson President and CEO, Frank Sardone as the two facilities work to provide a more regional approach to health care for the communities of Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties. She was born in Detroit to a teenage mother in 1967 and grew up admiring and performing the speeches of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Even as a child she knew King’s dream of equality for all was most needed in the health care field where segregation led to substandard facilities and treatment for people of color.
Health when she worked on a project to study renal failure in Detroit. Brooks-Williams earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Health Services Administration from the University of Michigan. As a wife and mother of two daughters ages 12 and 15 she enjoys the challenges of helping curb the high teen pregnancy rates, high infant mortality rates, high diabetic population, and other devastating health issues in Calhoun County.
“I have always desired to have a career where I am needed. I want to be someplace where my talents matched the needs. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
As a student at Cass Tech High School she loved science. While in college she first studied pre-medicine only to find out she hated the sight of body fluids. She would later be encouraged toward a ke family, e become li nd my v a h o h degree in w ntors dding, a “I have me d my we e Public d n e t t a rals. They family fune who have me as a invested in rson. The whole pe pact you greatest im ader is a le can have as others.” developing
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Feature
Denise Crawford walks through the newly renovated corridors of the Family Health Center proudly as she shares her excitement for its future. Through her stride, the CEO of the center shares how the facility will open in October (2012) with 34 new exam rooms, and offer more than 50 new jobs. She bounces around from wing, to wing sharing how a $9.3 million grant from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (federal stimulus program) will allow them to provide more urgent care, dental programs, and behavioral health programs to the 41-year-old headquarter facility located at 117 W. Paterson St., and its satellite operations in Kalamazoo County. She is excited about the changes she has noticed since first visiting the center 40 years ago. As a toddler, her mother brought her to the center which was a mobile trailer just blocks away from their home on Princeton Street. Crawford was born with hip dysplasia and doctors in the past said she would walk with a limp for the rest of her life. Extensive physical therapy was available, however it was expensive. “The doctors at the FHC were the best in the business,” said Crawford who holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Western Michigan University, and an M.B. A. from the University of Notre Dame. “After two years of regular visits, x-rays, physical therapy, I was healed. I don’t even walk with a slight limp. There was no way we could have afforded that kind of professional therapy. Now, 40 years later, I can help provide that same dedication and care to others in my role as CEO here.” Crawford, a 1987 graduate of Comstock High School worked at Borgess Methodist Hospital 16
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in an executive management positions with its Behavior Health, and Outpatient Clinic departments. She then served as manager of Lee Immediate Medical Care in Dowagiac before taking the helm of the center. When she arrived in 2009, customer service complaints were something she tackled first toward a goal to provide a health care facility with services that were second to none. She said improvements have been evident thanks to a dynamic leadership team with energy and vision. Their determination to improve health care for the community has led to them receiving more than $19 million in major grants including more than $900,000 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration in 2010. Further support from the Kalamazoo City Commission allowed the purchase the former public safety station on North Rose Street for $1 to add parking, and the donation of Bush Street for their expansion. And a donation of the newly renovated Sheridan location, 2918 Portage St., has allowed their services to be convenient for even more. “The most rewarding part of this job is feeling like I am making a difference in the community that needs it, deserves it ,and appreciates it. When I see people are getting the services they need for their babies, and not having to take two buses to get urgent care, I know we are making a difference. The patients don’t need (the center) we need the patients; and that empowers us to find out the next step in providing them with the best health care.” Denise Crawford, CEO of Family Health Center poses in front of the Paterson Street site; (inset) shows future expansion site.
“It’s so much more rewarding to work here. I am a product of the community and I will never forget where I came from.” Denise Crawford, CEO Family Health Center, Kalamazoo, Mich.
Photos by Aaron Cantrell
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Health
Tips from the Dentist
Community Voices asked Dr. Adrienne Grimmett, Dental Director of the Family Health Center in Kalamazoo, how to best care for children’s teeth. CV: When should parents begin caring for their child’s teeth? Dr. Grimmet: Expecting mothers need to have regular dental visits during their pregnancy, and dental care to prevent dental infections indicated by swelling inside or outside the mouth. The key to lifelong oral health is early intervention. The first dental visit for a child should be at 6 months old or when the first tooth erupts, whichever comes first. Adults should avoid cleansing the infant pacifier by placing in their own mouth as it may colonize the infant’s mouth with the adult’s cavity producing bacteria. Bottles at bedtime should contain only water and not juice or milk as “Baby bottle” tooth decay may lead to the removal of (infected) front teeth prematurely and can effect developing adult teeth. Limit (particularly sugary) snacks to mealtimes. Between meals, parents should encourage water, fruits, and vegetables. Help children brush and floss until 9 years of age. CV: What should parents do in between visits for their child? Dr. Grimmitt: Parents should practice diet modification after receiving dietary counseling from their dentist. Reward positive food and beverage choices, encourage brushing morning and before bedtime, and flossing once a day. The FHC has 3 locations in Kalamazoo for dental services: Burdick Dental, 1308 N. Burdick St.(269-349-2641 ext. 356); PCOC, 325 E. Centre St. (269-488-7342); and Sheridan Dental, 2918 Portage Road (269-488-8516).
Each site offers appointments Monday-Friday 8:30am – 5pm. Walk-ins (first come, first served basis) are available at 2918 Portage Road location. Medicaid, BCBS Dental, Delta Dental PPO & Premier, Healthy Kids, Dente Max, Humana, MetLife, GLHP, and CareSource. Dental services at no out of pocket expense through the Lifeline Dental Grant. 18
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Whether with a personal trainer or in a fun group fitness class, the Living Well Fitness Center has lots of new things for you to try:
Leslie McCullough, Trainer
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f we continue to do the same thing over and over, our bodies eventually figure out a way to do it without expending as much energy or using a lot of muscle power. It is no secret that the human body is very efficient. This works to our advantage most of the time, but it can be a hindrance when trying to maintain an exercise regime. Just as we like to take the path of least resistance, so do our bodies. This equals a frustrating plateau of work-out results.
We have to outsmart our bodies, by changing up our exercise routine every 2-3 weeks. The easiest way to do this is by trying new things. What better time to make a change than at the beginning of a New Year!
1. Working with a personal trainer: Just buckle up for the ride, as your personal trainer guides you through challenging, yet rewarding workouts, tailor made just for you. No plateau here, the personal trainer regularly changes up the routine for you! 2. Zumba: The most fun youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever had working out! These Latin rhythm inspired dances get your heart pumping and are excellent for toning.
Dances are consistent enough, for you to learn them, but change enough to avoid plateau. 3. Abs Buster: 30-60 minutes (whatever you can stomach) of abdominal and core work 4. Boot Camp: 4 weeks of intense training with a few healthy meals included! This intense mixture of cardio and weight training is just the jump start you need to finally accomplish that New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resolution.
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Section business
From kindergarten through 12th grade, Anthony Elmore said he was suspended from school at least once a year. While he was one of the fastest members of his track team at Battle Creek Central High School, his bad attitude and 1.9 g.p.a. got him nowhere. One teacher even offered him a “C” not to come back to class. Today, as he sits in his law office at 309 W. Michigan Ave. in Battle Creek, he reflects on the importance of role models in the lives of youth, and how he wants to be that difference for students who have little direction. He volunteers his time with Urban League youth programs and invites students to his office to witness what it takes to serve as a lawyer in the community. “It was easy to see the pimps and drug dealers in the community with their nice cars and clothes. But nobody ever invited me to learn about other professions,” said Elmore, a native of Battle Creek. “I never met Judge Shelton Penn, or James Golden, (well-known African American judge and lawyer in Battle Creek). After high school Elmore followed the path of his older brother and served in the Air Force from 1982-87. After the military he earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Spring Arbor University. For 15 years he worked in the field of social work, where he witnessed children being represented by lawyers they had just met that day. “There is no way a lawyer can have your best interest at heart and advocate for you when they just met you,” Elmore said. “There was disproportionate representation of minorities in the court system, and many were getting shuffled around. I would think to myself, ‘somebody’s got to do something.’” That someone was him. He enrolled in Cooley Law School not having a clue about briefs or other legal documentation. However, he applied himself and even made the dean’s list. In 2003, he graduated with a law degree and worked in legal aid for three years before starting his own practice. He also hosts a weekly radio law show in WFPM Radio in Battle Creek. Elmore, an associate pastor of Emmanuel Covenant Church International in Battle Creek, said he purposely set up his law office in the black community, so students walking from school could pass by and see how someone who looks like them contributes to the economic development. He also owns a clothing store adjacent to his law office where many youth shop. 20
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Attorney Anthony Elmore
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“Every kid has an expectation for himself. A lot of times, it’s the environment that becomes their teacher. I want kids to know their options, and do something they love, that also makes a difference.”
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hen Elisha Robinson grew up in Gary, Ind., the sixth of eight children, they didn’t have much, but they did have love. And what they may have lacked in video games, boom boxes, or the newest Nikes, she more than made up in creative imagination. In their own pretend world, Robinson was always a singer, or a physician. “Having a big imagination as a child, made me dream big,” said Robinson, 31. “I wanted to be a singer, but I didn’t have the voice. So God blessed me and anointed me to become a physician.” Today, she is a chief surgical resident at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. However, her road toward the medical field wasn’t an easy one. She remembers their family selling candy, and wearing homemade clothes to 22
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school. They couldn’t afford family trips, and paying for college was out of the question. “I had so many obstacles against me. But when God has something for you, the doors open easily,” Robinson said. When she graduated from Lew Wallace High School in 1998, she received a full-ride scholarship to Valparaiso University in Indiana. There she earned a bachelor of science degree with a minor in religious and ethnic study. She then went to medical school at the University of Illinois where she graduated in 2006, and straight to Michigan State University Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies toward a specialty in general surgery.
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She will graduate from MSU in February (2012) and become a board eligible surgeon. She said, “God blesses you to bless others; it’s supernatural.” As doctors, she said they have limitations, but with God there are no limitations. She said being a Christian is often a comfort to patients who are facing life-threatening surgeries or illnesses. Her faith also has led to her volunteering outside the country. In 2006, she traveled with Community Gateway Organization, a nonprofit organization based in Kalamazoo, which visits Kenya and Tanzania to provide books and medical services. The organization was founded in 2005
by Myrna Shelley, a retired nurse. During their five-week service to provide medical assistance to the Maasai tribe, their team sets up a camp clinic which served nearly 100 each day. They provide vaccinations for everything from sexually transmitted diseases to malaria, and conduct eye exams, and life-saving surgery on those attacked by lions or hyenas. Robinson said without their clinic, members of the Massai tribe would have to walk 30 miles or more to get health care. While serving the Massai tribe she said she encountered the true meaning of humanity. She
said the tribe is one of the few cultures in Tanzania that is true to their history and heritage; their language and dress unchanged after thousands of years. The physicians had to obtain a special pass to enter the tribal land as it is protected by the government. “In America we have so much; we’re a fast-food society and we don’t know how good we have it. But going to a part of Africa that is Third World, you meet people who are really appreciative of what they have,
and don’t have expectations that things should be given to them because they are on earth,” Robinson said. While in Africa she attended church conducted in Swahili. She she they worshipped the same God that provides a universal language of love which transcended the language barrier. The respect children had for their elders was significant to the Maasai community, as well as their diet. Robinson wanted to treat members of the tribe to ice cream ($7 a pint there) and realized the delicacy was not to their liking.
Sydnor Gallery of the Black Arts and Cultural Center, Epic Center, Kalamazoo.
Robinson often remembers her own humble beginnings and how God has blessed her. When she left Africa, she and others donated all of their clothing, shoes; for those who were so appreciative to have them.
For more information on Community Gateway Organization, visit www.gatewaytohopelibrary. com, or call 269-349-4423.
After returning from her trip, Robinson was so compelled to pay tribute to the tribe that she created a oil painting exhibition featured in the Gail
“(Serving in Africa) is a lifechanging experience,” said Robinson who attends Greater Faith Empowerment Church in Kalamazoo. “In order to appreciate someone else’s experiences, you need to experience it for yourself. It puts into perspective what your blessings are, and allows you to appreciate what’s on your plate.”
(Inset) Members of the Massai Tribe pose for a photo; (top from left) 1-3. Robinson exams members of the Massai Tribe; 4. Robinson with organization volunteers and Massai tribe members; 5. Robinson works with medical students in Africa.
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IN THE LOOP
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1.) Fred Sammons and Dr. Barbara Rider are overwhelmed at the response of their $2 million gift to Western Michigan Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Occupational Therapy Program. 2.) In November hundreds of WMU family came out to celebrate the largest gift ever to a U.S. occupational therapy program. 3.) Celebrating are (from left): Dr. Joseph Pellerito Jr., chair of Department of Occupational Therapy; Sammons, WMU President Dr. John Dunn, Rider, Dr. Earlie Washington, dean of the College of Health and Human Services; and Dr. Timothy Greene, Provost and VP for Academic Affairs.
5 4 Celebrity Judge Glenda Hatchett visits Kalamazoo to promote volunteerism with the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program. 4.) Hatchett poses with Bill Chapman and Ed Parham. 5.)Sherie Latham presents a plaque to Hatchett with the keys to the former juvenile home. 6.) Hatchett shares how she fell down her stairs and broke her foot just before her visit. CV_10-11.qxd:Layout 1
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s l o o h c S c i l b u P o o z a m a l a K ! r e h g i h g n i are reach t n e m ll o r n e g in • 5 years of ris ary t n e m le e g in is • 4 years of r hool test scores and middle sc ols o h c s d e t c u r t s • 2 newly con ts n e d u t s f o r e b um • Double the n ed Placement taking Advanc st 3 years la courses in the tal n e m n o ir v n E • LEED Gold ge id R ie ir a r P t a Certification Elementary
ise® m o r P o o z a m • The Kala www.kalamazoopublicschools.com
VISION our eyes are on the future We are Bronson Battle Creek. We’re a team of associates, physicians and volunteers on a shared journey: to make sure everyone in the Battle Creek area receives the highest-quality medical care. As part of the leading healthcare system in the region, we’re committed to surrounding each individual with an exceptional care experience. And building a healthier future for our community. It’s our vision. We can’t wait to make it a reality.
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