OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2019 | ISSUE NO. 4
N.A.I.
MAGAZINE WELCOME CHECK OUT YOUR NEW NEIGHBORS AND SEE WHAT YOUR NEW COMMUNITY HAS TO OFFER
NEW & INSPIRING
DEFEND AND
HONOR Celebrating Our Veterans "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." -- John F. Kennedy "On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free." -- Dan Lipinski "My heroes are those who risk their lives every day to protect our world and make it a better place--police, firefighters, and members of our armed forces." -- Sidney Sheldon For those who have died in the line-of-duty, who have served, who are currently serving and who will serve in the future for our country, to you I give a heartfelt THANK YOU! I enjoy many freedoms because of your sacrifices and for that I am truly grateful. God Bless you all and God Bless the United States of America. -- Danielle N. Pope, N.A.I. Magazine
About the Visionary
Danielle N. Pope
Danielle N. Pope is an Administrative Consultant, business owner, author and publisher of the quarterly magazine N.A.I. (New & Inspiring). She believes in promoting small businesses who do not get the attention and publicity they deserve. Businesses that offer great service, great products and give back to the community. With the publication of N.A.I. Magazine, Danielle hopes to bring to the forefront the hidden treasures of the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area. Danielle is originally from West Philadelphia and for the past 20yrs. has made Prince George's County her home.
STAY CONNECTED https://www.facebook.com/naimagazine/ https://twitter.com/n_inspiring
EDITOR/CREATIVE OFFICER Danielle N. Pope
Contributing Writers: Shavon J. Smith, Esq. Shannon Wilkerson Rashelle Butts Terri B. N.A.I. (New & Inspiring) Magazine is published four times per year. Reproduction, whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The opinions expressed by writers for articles published by N.A.I. are not necessarily those of the magazine. For information in advertising in N.A.I., please click here to access the N.A.I. Magazine 2019 Media Guide.
Photo Credits: Unsplash.com Cover: Photo by Joel & Jasmin Førestbird Page 2: Flag-Photo by Daniel Foster Page 3: Stay Connected-Photo by David Švihovec Page 5: Culturally Speaking-Photo by Nicolas Hoizey Page 7: Talk of Town__Volunteering: Photo by Ian Schneider Page 12: Y & R-Photo by hannah grace Page 24: Breast Cancer Awareness - Photo by Peter Boccia Page 24: Caregiver - Photo by Nathan Anderson Page 24: Drunk driving: Photo by Michael Discenza Page 25: Table Setting-Photo by hannah-busing
N.A.I. MAGAZINE - PAGE 3
October - December 2019
N.A.I. Magazine
TABLE OF
TALK OF TOWN Community News
Ask The Expert
Page 7
Shavon J. Smith, Esq.
Shannon Wilkerson
SJS Law Firm Business Attorney and Strategist
Shanni Wilke Company
Page 8
Young & Relentless Purpose Produce-Her
Page 12
N.A.I. MAGAZINE - PAGE 4
October - December 2019
N.A.I. Magazine
CONTENTS Culturally Speaking by Terri B. TrailBlazer Rashelle Butts The Breadbox Woodworks
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Culturally Speaking Advertise in N.A.I. Hear from our resident culturalist as they give their perspective on happenings in the DMV
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TALK OF TOWN COMMUNITY NEWS
Trick or Treat: Familyfriendly Halloween fun October 26, 2019 Tudor Place Historic House and Garden 1644 31st Street NW Washington DC 20007 ¡ 202.965.0400 Tickets - Child: $10 | Non-Member Child: $15 | Adult Chaperone: $5 HARVEST NIGHT October 31, 2019 Victory Christian Ministries, Int'l 3911 St. Barnabas Road Suitland, MD 20747 202.423.8264 (VCMI) Admission: FREE
Thanksgiving Harvest Festival November 16, 2019 White Horse Park 239 Ocean Parkway Ocean Pines, MD 21811 Phone: 410-641-7717
Prince William Little Theatre: A Charlie Brown Christmas December 14-22, 2019 Hylton Performing Arts Center George Mason University's Science and Technology Campus 10960 George Mason Circle Manassas, VA 20110 Box Office Inquiries: 703-993-7759
VOLUNTEERING PASSION, that's the key. It is passion that leads one to VOLUNTEER, to put others before one's self. To place others concerns and issues above their own. It is one's passion that allows them to give of their time and resources and make the sacrifices that they do. Why? So that the lives of others or animals may be better. True volunteers are some of the hardest working people you will ever meet. They don't mind doing the ground work because, you see, they already see the finished product or desired outcome and are excited to be a part of the story as it unfolds. So during this holiday season, why not volunteer at a soup kitchen, animal clinic or neonatal unit. You will be surprised how your presence and interaction will change a life. Think about it. It may even change your life. N.A.I. MAGAZINE - PAG5 7
DOING BUSINESS WITH UNCLE SAM Part I
ASK THE EXPERT
Shavon J. Smith, Esq.
The Esquire’s Letter So, you have a useful good or important service that the government – local, state, or federal – is buying and you want the government as a customer. And why wouldn’t you, the federal government spends over $400 billion a year with federal contractors; states like Maryland spend nearly $8 billion a year with government contractors. But doing business with the government, though lucrative, is complicated. Government agencies are notoriously slow to pay, and the rules are oh so plentiful and complicated. Still interested? Here’s what should you know before you sign your first or your next government contract:
1. What Type Of Contract Do You Have The type of contract you have will determine the rules that apply and how you get paid. The goods or services offered, and the duration of the arrangement will often dictate the type of contract. The following list includes some of the most common contract vehicles: ·ASK THE EXPERT
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ASK THE EXPERT Fixed-Price Contracts Fixed-price contracts provide for a set price, or, in appropriate cases, an adjustable price. Fixed-price contracts providing for an adjustable price may include a ceiling price, a target price (including target cost), or both. A firm-fixed-priced contract provides for a price that is not subject to any adjustment on the basis of the contractor’s costs in performing the contract.
Labor-Hour Contracts A labor-hour contract is a variation of the timeand-materials contract, differing only in that the contractor does not supply materials.
2. Know the Rules
While guided by some of the same principals, government contracts are different than typical commercial contracts. The rules dictate the game. For instance, the applicable rules will cover when and how you will be Cost-Reimbursement Contracts paid; dispute resolution procedures; Cost-reimbursement contracts provide for ownership of intellectual property and what payment of allowable incurred costs. The you must include in your subcontracts. contract establishes an estimate of total costs for the purpose of obligating funds and Federal contracts are, for the most part, establishing a ceiling that the contractor may governed by The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). FAR is a substantial and not exceed without the approval of the complex set of rules governing the federal contracting officer. government’s purchasing process. Its Indefinite-Delivery Contracts purpose is to ensure purchasing procedures There are three types of indefinite-delivery are standard and consistent, and conducted contracts: definite-quantity contracts, in a fair and impartial manner. A link to the requirements contracts, and indefinite FAR can be found here. As you can see, it is quantity contracts. The appropriate type of both long and not indefinite-delivery contract may be used to necessarily easy to understand the acquire supplies and/or services when the interrelated parts. exact times and/or exact quantities of future deliveries are not known at the time of contract award. These are also called delivery order contracts or task order contracts.
Time-And-Materials Contracts Time-and-material contracts are used when it is not possible at the time of placing the contract to estimate accurately the extent or duration of the work or to anticipate costs with any reasonable degree of confidence. ¡ THE EXPERT ASK
"...doing business with the government, though lucrative, is complicated."
N.A.I. MAGAZINE - PAGE 9
ASK THE EXPERT Every state and local government has its own set of procurement and contracting laws, which like the FAR, aim to promote uniformity and fairness into the contracting process. Further, like the federal government, each individual state agency may have additional rules specific to contracting with that agency. Stay tuned next month for Part II of this article where I will discuss what, if anything, you can negotiate in your government contract and what to do if you have a dispute. In the meantime check out this prior newsletter article regarding womenowned businesses and government contracting. If you are looking for ways to partner with other companies to offer your goods or services to the government, you should register for my course on Teaming Agreements with the Prince George’s Community College Center for Entrepreneurial Development.
BIOGRAPHY Ms. Smith is the principal of The SJS Law Firm, PLLC where she counsels business owners, start-ups, and entrepreneurs in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Michigan on a range of legal issues. She serves a diverse client base across multiple industry segments including franchisees, government contractors, professional service organizations, and food & beverage retailers just to name a few. Her clients call on her for guidance on commercial real estate lease and acquisitions, business financing, and end-toend contract support. Additionally, she represents her clients on a range of employment issues, including drafting nondisclosure agreements, developing partnership/employment approach for independent contractors, non-compete agreements and writing employee handbooks.
FREE eBook: The Small Business Owner’s Guide to Hiring an Attorney ~by Shavon J. Smith
Shavon J. Smith, Esq. 1775 I Street, NW Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 (202) 505-5309 (Phone/Facsimile) LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/shavon-j-smith/1/505/111/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheSJSLawFirm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yoursmallbusinessgeneralcounsel Website: www.TheSJSLawFirm.com ASK THE EXPERT
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"Don't be distracted by criticism. Remember--the only taste of success some people get is to take a bite out of you."
-- Zig Ziglar
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R & Y Yo
g un
&
le e R
es l t n
s
SHANNON WILKERSON AUTHOR, SPEAKER, BUSINESS & WRITING COACH PURPOSE PRODUCE-HER
Live Your Purpose There aren’t many places more ideal for an ambitious individual seeking an opportunity than Washington, DC. Here you can find an audience for just about any hustle and the most diverse networking pool anywhere! People migrate to this area for school, job opportunities, a change of scenery, whatever and stay for the fastpaced lifestyle and the accelerated ladder climb. Regardless of your career field or entrepreneurship goals, it’s never hard to find your people, those working towards a common goal. Nowadays, apps such as Meetup make getting connected even easier. You’d be surprised who you have things in common with and who can give you the necessary push to achieve more. It’s important to connect to those people in alignment with your purpose and your goals. Get out of your comfort zone. Meet new likeminded people, preferably those who are smarter than you. Learn what you can. Absorb all the good that DC has to offer and use it to get where you need to be. After all, that’s why you’re here, right? Being well connected has its benefits, but one must also be clear about who they are and the mark that they want to make. Otherwise, it’s easy to get lost in all the hustle and bustle of the city. Y&R
Knowing who you are and who you would like to grow to be is key. It gives you direction that helps you find your way even when surrounded by the many distractions that you will undoubtedly be face. You must approach every new experience or adventure with confidence knowing that you have purpose living on the inside of you. Walk into every room like you own it. You need no introduction when you’re on the scene. You have something to offer and you want to walk away with some stuff too! Enjoy every moment of it and live in your purpose! Shannon Wilkerson, a native Washingtonian, is a former educator and founder of Shanni Wilke Company, LLC. She specializes in activating one’s purpose and motivating women to make their wildest dream their reality. Shannon is also a Business Coach and bestselling Author of Believe In Your Purpose A Guide to Becoming a Successful Purpose- Driven Entrepreneur For more than ten years, she has helped countless clients through their business startup process and now serves also as a writing coach and international speaker. Shannon believes that anyone can be a successful entrepreneur if they will remain committed to the journey. N.A.I. MAGAZINE - PAGE 13
THE
READING
ROOM
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Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Drinks
Place Your Order Today N.A.I. MAGAZINE - PAGE 15
Ra she r e z Bu lle a l tts B l i a r
T
TRAILBLAZER
RASHELLE BUTTS
INTERVIEW
MANIFESTING WHAT'S IN YOUR HEART AN INTERVIEW WITH RASHELLE BUTTS OWNER OF THE BREADBOX WOODWORKS, LLC
Greetings N.A.I. Readers!
sole-proprietorship business. First, though, I
N.A.I. Magazine had the pleasure of
had to come up with a name (and see if it
interviewing TrailBlazer Rashelle Butts,
was taken!), and I gave that some thought.
owner of The Breadbox Woodworks. Her
The whole thrust of Breadbox is to be a place
story is uplifting and from the heart.
where people can come when they have
___________________________________
something unique in their heart that they
N.A.I. Magazine: What motivated you to
want to give to someone. What we do is
start The Breadbox Woodworks, LLC?
manifest what's in your heart into your hands.
Rashelle: God did and this is how He did it:
Naturally speaking, a breadbox is where
I have Zelma Owens to thank for the start of
people go to get sustenance. They're hungry
The Breadbox Woodworks. She is, among
for something, and the breadbox has what
other things, a prolific artist and had (then)
they need in it - it is a resource to get that
just recently started an embroidering
need met. That made perfect sense and so
business. I was talking to her about it, and
captured my personality, character, & spirit
she told me how easy it was, where she went and thus the Breadbox was born! to get it done, how much it cost, etc. I was curious and that same week went to visit the small business administration website where I read about how to start a business, what types there were, and decided to start a
TRAILBLAZER
N.A.I. MAGAZINE - PAGE 17
N.A.I. Magazine: Describe yourself in 3 words and tell how these words have been instrumental in the success of your business. Rashelle: Manifester [of] heart dreams. God's creations were spoken into existence from what He saw. When people start telling me about the item they want and describe it, God will show it to me - completely finished. From that point, I know it will come from where it is a dream in that person's heart, through me, and into their hands. The gift of being able to see what's in a person's heart and then create that thing in the physical is instrumental to the success of my business because the person gets exactly what they saw/described/wanted. It's always an awesome and extremely humbling experience. N.A.I. Magazine: Who is your greatest entrepreneurial example and inspiration? Rashelle: Currently, I have two: Vanessa Smith and Danielle Pope. Infinitillionares in the making. Their innovative thinking, hardworking, no holds barred, no prisoner taking, ‘quit’ not in their vocabulary, strong desire to do what God has called them to do helps me to realize that I, too, can DO that and BE that. N.A.I. Magazine: What advice would you like to give up & coming entrepreneurs? Rashelle: **Recognize your dream - if you notice something is always a desire, a drive, stop and look at it. Explore it, write it down. **Find others who have not only recognized their dream(s) but look at what they are doing to make it come to pass or how have brought it to pass. Look at what they've done, read about what they have done and implement what you can of those things into your own journey. **Don't ever give up! What you can see is subject to change, thus it is unreliable and cannot be counted on. TRAILBLAZER
N.A.I. MAGAZINE - PAGE 18
“Art is not a luxury as many people think – it is a necessity. It documents history – it helps educate people and stores knowledge for generations to come.” – Dr. Samella Lewis, borrowed from the Black Art in America website
Forever Learning Think of the second part of the cultural year as a semester! For most people, school and fall are customarily related---- long after leaving the auspices of a formal education, we get in the mood for an illuminative experience when the oppressive late August landscape dissolves into crispy autumn environs. Around the same time, offerings at local institutions call out to our imaginations and promise to give us some of the best experiences of the year. So, get up and get started. It’s time for some enlightenment again…. In this immediate area, there are plenty of informal learning opportunities to engage and challenge your brilliant minds. Keep in mind that this type of learning is not only easy to attain but it is also a lot of fun. Take in a few of the following exhibitions and become a lot more knowledgeable in the process…. Culturally Speaking
By Terri B.
Culturally Speaking...
EDUCATION and THE ARTS:
N.A.I. MAGAZINE - PAGE 21
Woven Interiors: Furnishing Early Medieval Egypt Textiles were omnipresent in the villas, palaces, pavilions, churches, mosques, and humble abodes of Byzantine and early Islamic Egypt. Woven Interiors: Furnishing Early Medieval Egypt provides insight into the decoration of these areas, inviting the viewer to experience stunning tapestries featuring mythical beings and intriguing iconography alongside household objects and luxurious gold jewelry.
August 31, 2019–January 5, 2020 I Am… Contemporary Women Artists of Africa Taking its name from a 1970’s feminist anthem, I Am, Contemporary Women Artists of Africa draws upon a selection of artworks by women artists from the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art’s permanent collection to reveal a more contemporary feminism that recognizes the contributions of women to the most pressing issues of their times. Twenty-eight featured artists offer intuitive and visually stunning approaches to matters of community, faith, the environment, politics, colonial encounters, racism, identity, and more.
June 20, 2019 through July 5, 2020
Musical Crossroads Tells the story of African American music from the arrival of the first Africans to the present day. By exploring the methods and results of intermingling of musical and cultural traditions, styles and beliefs, brought forth new modes of American musical expression, the exhibition expands the definition of African American music to include African American music-makers in all genres and styles you have the opportunity to learn that African Americans, through music, have generated and enriched a vast array of musical styles, from folk and blues, to classical and spiritual, to jazz and hip-hop. Culturally Speaking
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Picturing the American Buffalo: George Catlin and Modern Native American Artists It was in the nineteenth century when the American bison (commonly called the buffalo) thundered across the Great Plains of the American West in the millions. These animals symbolized the abundance of the land, and for centuries played a vital role in the lives of Native Americans, providing sustenance and spiritual nourishment. Wild and majestic, revered and hunted, the buffalo have long captured the popular imagination, and their iconic images figure prominently in America’s art.
October 11, 2019 - April12, 2020 Encountering the Buddha: Art and Practice Across Asia Buddhism—and the art it inspired—helped shape the cultures of Asia. Today, its extraordinary art is a source of beauty and contemplation for audiences across the world. Encountering the Buddha brings together more than two hundred artworks, spanning two millennia, to explore Asia’s rich Buddhist heritage. They represent diverse schools that arose from the Buddha’s teachings.
On Exhibit until November 29, 2020 The New York Avenue Sculpture Project The only public art space featuring changing installations of contemporary works by women artists in Washington, D.C. SEP 28 2018–SEP 20 2020, At this juncture, the works of Betsabeé Romero are featured. Using materials and techniques relating to popular culture, the Mexico City-based artist (b. 1963) carved and painted tires into totemic structures that speak to themes of human migration and the natural environment. She skillfully embraces materials and techniques relating to popular culture. Culturally Speaking
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AWARENESS
OCTOBER Breast Cancer Awareness Month
NOVEMBER National Family Caregivers Month
DECEMBER Nat'l Drunk/Drugged Driving Prev. Month
Pamphlet: Know the Symptoms Guide
Link: Help for Caregivers
VIDEO MADD Zero: No More Victims
Resources: Healthy Breasts
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HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Set An Extra Plate During this Thanksgiving season, invite someone to dinner or visit a soup kitchen and have dinner with those that visit. Not everyone has a place to go on Thanksgiving.
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