A Celebrity Interview— Filmmaker Bridget Davis Page 3 February 20-27, 2014
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Uniondale couple receives award for advocating against domestic violence, page 3
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February 20-27, 2014
. Hempstead/Uniondale Times . www.hutimes.com
Quote of the Week: “It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad.” ― C. S. Lewis
Inside this issue Editor’s Notes, 2 Letter to the Editor, 2 News, 3 People, Places, and Events, 7 Lisa-Anne’s Column, 8 Kam’s Kapsules, 9 MarketPlace, 11 Raffle Entry Form, 11
Office: 9 Centre Street Hempstead, NY 11510 Mailing Address P. O. Box 1113 Baldwin, NY 11510 Tel: (516) 292-1263 Editorial Staff Managing publisher/editor Elseah Chea Alibert Davies, Deputy Editor & co-publisher Graphic Design/Layout KDC Graphics Photography Rodney Seymour Thomas Humphreys Rich Richardson Webdesign & Maintenance Norman Blake Hempstead/Uniondale Times is published weekly by EC Media Strategies Group. Submission of letters/articles are welcome. All materials must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Views/opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the staff and editorial board. Hempstead/Uniondale Times assumes no responsibility for the loss of submitted materials. Hempstead/Uniondale Times reserves the right to edit or otherwise alter materials submitted for publication; refuse to publish materials deemed biased. Please submit typed-written materials. You may also E-mail materials. Subscription to Hempstead/Uniondale Times is $35.00 yearly. Visit us at: www.hutimes.com Write editor @ editor@lhutimes.com
We are reaching far and wide Welcome to yet another issue of Hempstead/Uniondale Times, a local, yet global newspaper. That the Hempstead/Uniondale Times is a local, yet global newspaper was made all certain when earlier this month, I received a letter (see Letters to the Editor) from Arne K. Larsen, who lives in Norway and is looking for a relative in our area. Thanks to the Internet, Arne Larsen, who said that he is a hobby genealogist, following his retirement as a Manager in Communication and Public Affairs of a company in Norway, “Googled” papers in the area and found Hempstead/Uniondale Times. Elseah Chea, Editor Wow! Just when I am thinking of folding up this business, unable to compete with the big press houses and the Internet in particular, Arne Larsen’s letter fuels my determination to stay afloat, that local, print papers are still relevant. Anyway, because the Hempstead/Uniondale Times only began publishing in recent years and therefore has no obituary on the family, I referred Arne Larsen to other much older newspapers Long Island. Well, with this issue, we begin a tradition: Monthly Raffle Drawing. Each month, we will raffle off an item or two, courtesy of our advertisers. To enroll in our raffle program, all you have to do is fill out and mail to us an entry form. Our raffle drawing is a way to thank our readers for their sustained interest in our newspaper. Drawing for the month of March starts this month, with drawing on Saturday, March 29. See page 11 for the entry form. You can submit as many entries as you want. Go ahead, tell your family, friends, and neighbors and encourage them to submit entry forms. There is nothing to buy. Just help us spread the news! Peace, and we continue to look forward to your support via subscription, letter to the editor, advertising, or simply reading the Hempstead/Uniondale Times. Elseah Chea Editor/Publisher
Letters to the Editor Looking for a relative Dear Editor: My name is Arne K. Larsen, living in Norway. I am retired, after many years working in a Company as a Manager in Communication and Public Affairs. For 11 years I have tried to locate a lost relative. Just a few days ago, I managed to obtain some information that related to Uniondale, New York On Internet I found your newspaper, I now have the audacity to approach you. The story that might emerge from my research related to my relative, could be a “human touch” one. It starts with a young woman, my aunt Gerda Larsen, leaving Norway in 1919, not knowing she was pregnant, arriving in New York and giving birth to a son. Gerda died shortly after giving birth, and my grandfather’s sister Josephine Lee, nee Larsen, adopted the baby. The last place I believe Josephine lived was somewhere in Uniondale in the late fifties. Josephine was born in Norway 30th December 1875, and was married to William H Lee. I presume they are both buried in the same grave/place/ cemetery. Is it possible to have someone from your staff help me? Would there be an obituary in your paper related to her death? Yours in anticipation Arne K. Larsen *********************** To the Editor, During the Super Bowl something extraordinary happen. No, not the rout of the Broncos by the Seahawks. We witnessed something far more rare -- an act of charity by a multi-billion dollar corporation. Bank of America partnered with the rock band U2 to raise BIG money for the Global Fund. BofA promised to donate $1 for every person who dowloaded U2's new track, 'Invisible' for free. In 36 hours, over 3 million people downloaded the track. (The song is no longer free but if you purchase it on iTunes, the proceeds will go to the Global Fund.) With this money the Global Fund provides anti-retroviral drugs to those who would not otherwise be able to get them. And because they do so, we may see the first AIDS-free generation by 2015. That's right, no child born with AIDS by 2015, anywhere. For those who ask why we should help others when we have problems here, you should know that thanks to effective programs like the Global Fund over 7.5 million people living in Africa today have access to lifesaving AIDS medications, up from a mere 50,000 in 2002. If we keep it up, we can see the beginning of the end of AIDS. And that is thanks to all of us Americans who care, and believe it or not, to bipartisan members Congress who have continually done the right thing in this regard by funding life-saving programs like the Global Fund and PEPFAR. Just another reason that I'm proud of my extraordinary country. Sincerely, Lenore Pringle ONE member ————————————————————
February 20-27, 2014
. Hempstead/Uniondale Times . www.hutimes.com
HANNON: VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS AND INSPECTION NOTIFICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE FROM DMV BY E-MAIL OR TEXT
MANGANO & CUOMO INVITE RESIDENTS TO A CITIZEN PREPAREDNESS TRAINING PROGRAM
“New Yorkers can now receive electronic reminders of when their vehicle inspections or registrations are coming due,” said Senator Kemp Hannon (R-Nassau). “These can be sent to you by e-mail or by text.” To receive reminders that their vehicle registration or inspection renewal is coming due, DMV customers can sign up for this service online, by mail when they renew their registration, or at any DMV counter or kiosk. The DMV will automatically enroll any customer who has completed an online transaction within the past two years. “Many DMV services are now available on-line, such as Drivers’ License renewal, ordering of new plates, and scheduling road tests,” said Hannon. “This new service will let drivers keep on top of their upcoming inspections and registrations. Simply go to https://transact.dmv.ny.gov/ enotification/ and fill out the simple form.” Registration and license e-reminders will be sent approximately 90, 60, and 30 days prior to expiration and again at expiration. The inspection reminders will be sent on the first of the month of expiration and the 15th month of expiration, and again when the inspection expires. “Later in the year, the service will be expanded to allow customers to receive e-mail and text reminders of when their driver licenses or non-driver IDs are due to be renewed,” Hannon said. For more information on all the on-line services the DMV offers, visit the DMV website at dmv.ny.gov.
Nassau County Executive Ed P. Mangano along with Governor Andrew M. Cuomo invite residents to participate in the Citizen Preparedness Training Program Saturday, February 22, at 10:00 a.m. at Bethpage High School, 10 Cherry Avenue, Bethpage, NY. The two hour training session is being offered in order for residents to have the tools and resources to prepare for any type of disaster, respond accordingly and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. Each family participating will receive a free Citizen Preparedness Corps Response Starter Kit. The kit includes a plastic drop cloth, light stick, (2) D Batteries, First Aid Kit, face mask, safety goggles, am/fm pocket radio with batteries, 6 pack of drinking water, 6 food bars, flashlight, emergency blanket, duct tape, a water bottle and work gloves. All participants must register in advance by visiting www.prepare.ny.gov
Former American Idol Star Jerome Bell Set To Perform At Diabetes Health & Wellness Academy of N.Y.C. Benefit Gala Former American Idol Season 10 Semi-Finalist star Jerome Bell will perform at the Annual Diabetes Health & Wellness Academy of N.Y.C. 2014 Annual Gala Benefit to be held on March 14, 2014 at Verdi's of Westbury, located at 680 Old Country Road, Westbury, New York, 11590 from 7:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m. The red-carpet fund-raiser gala event, themed "Creating a Unique Learning Environment through Health and Education Learning Initiatives, will recognize individuals whose efforts have contributed to diabetes and health awareness. Among some of those being honored are Dr. Gerald W. Deas, Professorship in Preventive Medicine, Visionary, Writer, Educator, Poet and Philanthropist, Angela Banks Jourdain, Critical Care Nursing Education specialist at North Shore Long Island Jewish Health Systems, Preston King, C.P.A., Chairman of New York Citi Works , Georgette D. Brown, Assistant Director of Athletics, Adelphi University, Samuel L. Dunston, Founder/President of National Allotment Insurance Agency, LTD, Nancy Davidson, CEO of Qivana Health Systems Business, Dr. Okechukwu Echezona, Founder/CEO of Strong Movement, Arnie Joseph: Founder/President of Chroma Health Solutions, Hon. William B. Wise, Trustee of Westbury, New York, and Mr. Leo Gardner, President of Strong Movement. The Diabetes Health and Wellness Academy of NYC is a brainchild of Sabrina Gardner who, as a mother of a diabetic child, is trying to raise awareness and to find a cure for the plaque. “As the parent of a child with diabetes, one of my greatest daily worries is whether she’ll survive outside of my direct care. We need a continuum of innovative health and educational services blended with support systems where students spend the vast majority of their day,” says Sabrina. The Diabetes Health and Wellness Academy of N.Y.C., the first of its kind in the U.S. cater to the direct needs of students and their families who struggle with diabetes and other medical health issues. The academy is incorporated by The Univer-
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TEAM ADV-Ance, The Domestic Violence Advocacy Group of The Dollicia F. Holloway Memorial Foundation, Inc., Receives Community Service Award For Advocating Against Domestic Violence
TEAM ADV-Ance The Domestic Violence Advocacy Group and initiative of The Dollicia F. Holloway Memorial Foundation, Inc. were the recipients of The 2013 Community Service Award for Advocating against Domestic Violence at the First Annual Domestic Violence Benefit Banquet, held at the Jericho Terrace in Mineola, New York. The award was presented at the First Annual Domestic Violence Benefit Banquet, held at the Jericho Terrace in Mineola, New York by Pastors Adam and Tshonge Inalegwu of New Creations Ministries International, Inc. of Queens, New York. TEAM ADV-Ance was created in memory of Diane L. Parker, god-sister of Keith H. Burgess, Founder/CEO of The Dollicia F. Holloway Memorial Foundation, Inc and The Diane L. Parker Educational Resource Fund. On February 7, 2013, Diane L. Parker was murdered by her estranged husband at her home. Since its inception in April, 2013 and through its “grassroots” approach, TEAM ADV-Ance has successfully helped 5 Domestic Violence Survivors, through obtaining orders of protection, courtroom and hospital advocacy. Atlanya Gerald-Burgess, COO/
Deputy Executive Director of The Dollicia F. Holloway Memorial Foundation, Inc. stated, “It was an honor and a privilege to be recognized by the community which we serve. “ TEAM ADV-Ance is an acronym for “Together Everyone Achieves More Against Domestic Violence, Awareness Needs Community Evidence.” The mission of the TEAM ADV-Ance is to prevent and End Domestic Violence and bring awareness through advocacy and intervention to our community and hold every offender ACCOUNTABLE. For more information on TEAM ADV-Ance, please contact our public relations department at dianelparker101870@gmail.com. Visit us online at dianelparker.weebly.com.
sity of The State of New York Board of Regents and The New York State Education Department. founder of the Diabetes Health and Wellness Academy of N.Y.C., was inspired by the struggles of managing consistent daily care for her own child who has Type 1 juvenile diabetes. Information regarding tickets, donations, sponsorship or advertising to the gala is available online @ https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/diabetes-health-wellness-academy-ofnyc-benefit-gala-verdis-of-westbury-tickets-8766616185. Funds raised at the Gala will support the Diabetes Health and Wellness Academy of N.Y.C. in its efforts to assist families, caregivers, and guardians in the daily management of prevention and awareness of the disease.
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February 20-27, 2014
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February 20-27, 2014
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A glimpse at a few issues of Hempstead/Uniondale
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February 20-27, 2014
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February 20-27, 2014
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Advertise your occasion here. Call or email us (516) 292-1263 / email: hutimes@aol.com Long Island African American Chamber Business Breakfast On January 10, 2014 the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. held its monthly “Business Card Exchange & Breakfast Series” at Loli’s Restaurant, 143 North Franklin Street, Hempstead New York 11553. The Business Card Exchange was keynoted by Judith Tyne, Associate Dean of Hofstra University. The topic of the day was New Business Opportunities in 2014 The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (L.I.A.A.C.C.) advances and promotes economic development of African-American businesses on Long Island. Follow Long Island African-AmericanChamber on facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/ LongIslandAfricanAmericanChamber To become a member of the chamber of commerce you may visit online @ http:// www.eventbrite.com/e/long-island-africanamerican-chamber-commerce-membershipdues-tickets-9425374549 or call Phil Andrews, President.
Advertise in Hempstead/ Uniondale Times and Freeport/Roosevelt Times, publications of EC Media Strategies Group. At EC Media, our professional team is prepared to put their planned strategies to work to help you earn. Try us!
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February 20-27, 2014
Lisa-Anne Ray-Byers How are African-American and New Immigrant Children Doing Academically? Q. As we celebrate Black History Month, what is the state of academic achievement for African-American children and new immigrant children at this time?
. Hempstead/Uniondale Times . www.hutimes.com
American eighth graders read below grade level, compared to 62 percent of white eighth graders. * The twelfth-grade reading scores of African American males were significantly lower than those for men and women across every other racial and ethnic group. A disproportionate number of failing schools, across grade levels, are predominantly comprised of poor, racial, and ethnic minority students. These segregated schools tend to have fewer financial, human, and material resources than schools in more affluent areas. By the time students who attend these schools reach high school, the academic challenges they face have been compounded by years of substandard education. What Can Parents Do?
A. The stats are still poor. Overall, AfricanAmerican students score lower on standardized tests, graduate at lower rates and are considerably more likely to be expelled, suspended or placed in special education. If they are poor and new immigrants the gaps are even worse. If students are new immigrants who speak another language like Hispanic, African or Haitian students the ability to achieve is hindered even more. Research shows that African-American children tend to attend districts with substandard teachers, administrators and resources. Some districts resort to moving their low functioning minority students to alternative schools or special education so that their low scores will not pull down the overall scores of the district. One would think that districts would implement researched based programs proven to be effective with poor minority and new immigrant students but all school districts are complaining about is little to no funding. Those who do research in education will often list what poor children need to succeed, what minority children need to succeed and what second language learners need to succeed academically however, it is rare to find school districts that implement these kinds of programs. Often these three components overlap. Two recent reports, one from the Council of the Great City Schools and one from the American Institutes for Research, reveal that the achievement gaps are still large between African-American and white students. But concerted efforts in certain states and districts have shown that the historical trend doesn't have to remain the same, and overall the picture may have brightened slightly over the past decade or two, according to statistics and anecdotal observations. According to the Alliance for Excellent Education, African-American high school students are notably falling behind their white counterparts in graduation rates, dropout rates, literacy rates, and college preparedness rates.
We could spend hours discussing the state of education for African-American children. The research is voluminous and thorough. While the school boards and politicians fight over funding and teacher evaluation systems, our children lose valuable time and resources. People live where they can afford but that doesn’t mean they should stand for substandard schools. Parents have to take a much more active role in their children’s education. Here are my tips for parents:
Make sure your child has good nutrition. Make sure your child has enough sleep. Make sure your child does all homework, assignments and readings. • Read to your child and insist older children read everyday. • Ask ‘wh’ questions while you read to improve comprehension skills. • Turn off the TV and video games and read. • Take them on outings and improve vocabulary and exposure to new things. • Visit the library and library shows. They are free and informative. • Learn the curriculum for your child’s grade and reinforce skills at home. • Watch educational TV like Discovery Channel, National Geographic and PBS! • Have a good relationship with your children. Emotional health is just as important as physical health. • Have good routines for homework, meal times and sleep. • Stay in touch with your child’s teacher often. Ask what you can do to help. • Join your schools PTA. Be active and present at school. • Attend all meetings at your child’s school. • Let your children know education is a priority and non-negotiable. * In 2005, only 55 percent of all black students graduated from high school on time with • Encourage writing skills. Help them a regular diploma, compared to 78 percent of write about a book they just read or a whites. show they watched. Let them write let* In 2005, the on-time graduation rate for ters to family on paper or online. black males was 48 percent nationally; for • Make sure your child is in good health. white males it was 74 percent. • Have your child’s vision and hearing * Nearly half of the nation’s African American tested. students, but only 11 percent of white stu• If your child is struggling academically dents, attend high schools in which graduation have him/her evaluated early for a learnis not the norm. ing disability so there can be early inter*In 2002, 23 percent of all black students who vention. started public high school left it prepared for • Attend school board meetings and know college, compared to 40 percent of whites. what is happening in your district. *On average, African American and Hispanic twelfth-grade students read at approximately • Make sure your child has all school supthe same level as white eighth graders. plies needed. *About half of poor, urban ninth graders read • Expect much from your district and at only a fifth- or sixth-grade level. teachers. • Ask the teacher for resources you can reinforce at home. Find out what your child will be learning next * The National Assessment of Educational week so you can introduce it over Progress reports that 88 percent of African
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February 20-27, 2014
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Movies . Book Reviews . DVD Reviews . Celebrity Interviews
Kam Williams
Bridget Davis The “Pocono Film Festival” Interview with Kam Williams An Overachiever Making a Difference Bridget O. Davis grew up in Harlem, in the Drew Hamilton Projects, with her four sisters. Some of her close friends took to the streets -selling and using drugs, and becoming stick-up kids. Her mother, a counselor at a drug rehabilitation center, would often bring home recovering heroin addicts to show her daughters, first hand, the severely detrimental effects of narcotics abuse. So, Bridget found refuge in writing and praying in her secret place of the "Most High," her bedroom closet. She also enjoyed playing hopscotch and jumping Double-Dutch. At the age of 13, Bridget tried her hand at writing, and won an essay contest which afforded her the opportunity to attend a writing camp in Russia. This trip would change Bridget’s life forever. Upon returning home, her love for writing grew exponentially. Now exposed to a life outside of Harlem, Bridget had something else to aspire to besides what she witnessed on the streets from her bedroom window After losing her mother to cancer at the age of twenty, Davis vowed to pave the way to the pinnacle of success. Feeling helpless about being unable to save her mother’s life, Bridget went to college and became a Registered Nurse, specializing in Emergency Room, I.C.U. and Operating Room care. She made this choice specifically in order to help save the lives of many. Bridget also took it upon herself to found the Pocono Mountains Film Festival (PMFF). Currently in its 11th year, the PMFF has been graced with the presence of such Hollywood legends as Billy Dee Williams, Jack Palance, Joyce Anne Dewitt, Edie Adams, Robert Townsend, Joe Jackson, Cliff Robertson, Robert Vaughn and Fred Williamson. Bridget says, “My calling is to prepare a place for the creative to use their gifts of writing, acting, speaking and directing, and to engage in the higher process of healing at all levels of life’s deficiencies. And to bring hope to those in despair.”
Kam: Hi Bridget, thanks for the interview and congrats on your hosting the Pocono Film Festival for its 11th year. How did a sister from Harlem end up in the Pocono mountains? Bridget: After witnessing all of the lives lost while growing up in Harlem to drugs and street violence, I was determined to make a positive difference in my community. After having two children with two men who did not share my same family values, I went to college and studied science with the goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. As an R.N., I would become financially independent. I would not have to depend on any man to decide the outcome of our lives. Kam: How were you able to make it out of Harlem when so many of your friends weren't? Bridget: In life, either you get it or you don't. You cannot allow anyone else to tell you what direction you should go. My take on life is that your life should be determined by your own choices. If you fail, it will reflect your lack of hard work.
Kam: Where did you, as a Registered Nurse, get the idea of starting your own film festival? Bridget: I wanted to see my second novel, "Henry's Heart," turned into a screenplay and independent film here in the Poconos. There was no place in the Pocono's that had a venue to screen indie films. The Poconos being a beautiful place, a film festival was missing. Kam: What were the biggest obstacles in getting it launched? Bridget: Being an African-American female in a predominantly-white community, I received no financial support from the Arts Society or State representatives. As I brought Academy-Award winners to the Poconos the challenge became greater. I had to work double shifts in the Emergency Room to pay for the event. The shift of negativity in this environment came when the folks here saw that I was fair to all independent filmmakers. Kam: What was the initial reception of the Pocono community to the festival? Bridget: Negative, due to the fact that other people had tried to develop a film festival and they were not successful. Also, I made it clear that everyone would have an opportunity to showcase their work and win honestly regardless of color, political agenda or socioeconomic status. Blacks, Christians, Muslims and Jews had the same opportunity to compete in the Indie Film category and win. Kam: How many attendees did you have that first year? How many last year? Bridget: The first year we had over 300 attendees and last year we had over 2000. Kam: Why should people come to the Poconos for a film festival? What else is there for them to enjoy besides the movies? Bridget: People should come to the PMFF to support filmmakers who are creative and would otherwise not have an opportunity to showcase their work to the professionals that we have partaking in this forum. Besides the movies, the PMFF has great networking opportunities for people trying to break into the film industry. We have high profile celebrities in attendance to spearhead workshops. We have an annual honorary awards ceremony in which we honor filmmakers for the "Best Full Feature," "Best Documentary," "Best Screenplay," Best Film Short," "Best Reality Show,” and “Best Christian Film" We have film critics to interview the independent filmmakers and we have distributors present to shop. Kam: Does the festival have a philosophy in terms of films it is looking for? Bridget: We look for films that motivate, educate and provide a deep sense of healing. We also feel that creativity is infinite and we are open to all ideas that could stimulate the human mind and assist with the conception of greater ideas and exchange. Kam: I noticed that this year you are looking for submissions of Christian and Reality films. Why so? Bridget: Through my experience in watching Christian films, I have been able to broaden the demand to meet a greater need in our population to fulfill the creativity in that particular genre. Kam: I also see that the festival has honored such icons as Billy Dee Williams, Roberta Flack, Robert Vaughn and Oscar-winner Cliff Robertson. Who is this year’s winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award? Bridget: We have a couple of people in mind that we are still reaching out to. Kam: Parenting, nursing, writing, filmmaking, running a film festival, etcetera. Why do you try to juggle so many things? Bridget: When my time comes to leave this Earth, I don't want to have any regrets. I can say, I did it, everything that I wanted to do, I
Bridget Davis accomplished my dreams. I want my epitaph to read "Job Well Done!" Kam: How would you describe yourself? Bridget: I would describe myself as strong, sensitive, ethical, driven and as not a person to be handled. Kam: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would? Bridget: Why do you stay so busy helping other people fulfill their dreams? My answer: I realized that I never lived until I was able to help someone who could not repay me. The feeling is wonderful! Kam: When was the last time you had a good laugh? Bridget: The last time that I had a good laugh was when I got dressed in the dark and arrived in the E.R. with two different color shoes on. Kam: What is your guiltiest pleasure? Bridget: My guiltiest pleasure is when I am able to look at the people who made my life difficult and yearned for me to fail. I smile and look at them and say, "I am so proud of my accomplishments. I beat the statistics" I am an E.R. nurse, I authored 3 published novels, I founded and own the Pocono Mountains Film Festival, and I am a motivational speaker. I wrote and produced a documentary. Success is the greatest revenge! Kam: What was the last book you read? Bridget: “Living and Dying in Brick City” by Dr. Sampson Davis. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ ASIN/1400069947/ref=nosim/thslfofire-20 Kam: What was the last song you listened to? Bridget: “The Impossible Dream” by Luther Vandross. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ B0000029HG/ref=nosim/thslfofire-20
Kam: What is your favorite dish to cook? Bridget: Macaroni and cheese. Kam: What excites you? Bridget: When a patient comes into the E.R. and they are experiencing a life threatening illness, I save them and visit them the next day sitting up in bed smiling. Also, when I speak at women’s Prisons and I begin by telling them that it is only for the grace of God that I am not sitting where they are sitting. I share my personal experiences with them and share how I was able to rise above the immediate predicament and became successful through setting boundaries that I would not go outside of. Also, at the honorary Awards dinner we will call the winners up to receive their award and to see the expression of happiness on their faces is worth all of the hard work planned. Kam: What was your best career decision? Bridget: I have two best career decisions. The first one was becoming an E.R. nurse. This decision allowed me to bankroll
my other career decision to create the Pocono Mountains Film Festival. Kam: When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Bridget: I see a person that could change the course of many lives for the better if I had the financial means. I see the eyes of a person who loves life as long as she is able to assist with helping someone else survive. I see a caretaker of everyone regardless of race or economic status. I see a grown woman with the spirit and innocence of a little girl. I see success! Kam: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for? Bridget: My one wish would be to destroy the Prison Industrial Complex System. Corporations should invest in education and colleges not slavery. That way, little boys and girls would have their daddies at home with them where they should be to help with childrearing to adulthood. Kam: If you only had 24 hours to live, how would you spend the time? Bridget: I would spend my last 24 hours telling everyone not to waste time on issues that they cannot change. Don't look back at yesterday's mistakes. Instead, focus on making tomorrow better. Kam: What is your earliest childhood memory? Bridget: My earliest childhood memory was when I brought my dad to school in the second grade for "Show and Tell." I was so proud of him in his mailman uniform. Many of my classmates’ fathers had taken off and mine was still around. Kam: How did your first big heartbreak impact who you are as a person? Bridget: My first big heartbreak impact that decided who I was as a person was when the Pocono Record tried to destroy my credibility by printing that I was under investigation. I called a press conference and when the Assistant District Attorney arrived, I asked him in front of all of the media why he was investigating me. I informed him that "I save lives, I have never been arrested, and I would not come from Harlem to the Poconos to engage in any criminal activity, when I knew the real Nicky Barnes, Frank Lucas and other drug dealers in Harlem.” I did not run from a lie because I knew that their objective was to discredit my character and fold a successful Film Festival that I had conceived. After handling that situation, I knew that I was stronger than I ever imagined and there was no turning back at that point. Kam: What key quality do you believe all successful people share? Bridget: Hard work and sacrifice without caring what others think of their endeavors. Kam: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps? Bridget: Remain humble at all cost and focus on your agenda. Take responsibility for your projects, work hard for what you believe in, and never take anything for granted. Kam: What is your favorite charity? Bridget: My favorite charity is any charity that helps women who were abused get back on their feet and become financially independent through education. Kam: How do you want to be remembered? Bridget: As a person that gave it her all, who never gave up, who loved people and cared for those who couldn't care for themselves. And as a person who enjoyed making people happy and bringing out the best in everyone. I want to be remembered as a person who accomplished all of her dreams. Kam: Thanks again for the time, Bridget, and best of luck with the festival. Bridget: Thank you, Kam.
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February 20-27, 2014
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Quote of the Week: “It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad.” ― C. S. Lewis
February 20-27, 2014
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Page 12 . February 20-27, 2014
. Hempstead/Uniondale Times . www.hutimes.com
February Page 12 20-27, . February 2014 13-20, . Hempstead/Uniondale 2014 . Hempstead/Uniondale Times . www.hutimes.com Times . www.hutimes.com Page 13
Here are 10 Reasons why you should advertise!
To Advertise, Call TODAY! (516) 292-1263 Email: hutimes@aol.com
….because advertising • Gives You The Edge —whether business is good or slow, you have to get your share of whatever business is around.
Life's trying moments
•
Informs The Consumer— consumers are careful how they spend. They want to be sure before they buy; they want information. Advertising gives them information. Let it be YOURS, not somebody else's!
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Helps You Stay in the Competition—you are in competition with every other retailer in town, no matter what they sell. People only have so much money to spend. If they don't spend it with you, they will spend it with someone else. Advertise, so they spend their money with you!
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Bids For The Business—slow times ahead? People still need goods and services and will spend for them. There is business out there, and your competitors will be bidding for their share--and yours. Advertise, so they that they don’t bid for your share!
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Promotes Traffic & Sales—you can't do much about most factors in the marketplace, but you can control your own promotion. Advertising is a proven sales tool that returns many times your investment in store traffic and sales.
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Holds Public Awareness—once you build a business, you can keep it going with a consistent ad program. If you cut your advertising, you lose public awareness. It's like starting over again to get it back. Don’t let this happen to you!
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Pre-Sells Customer—your advertising is part of your sales force. Ads help pre-sell the customer and close the sale faster. That saves you time and saves you money.
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Builds New Business—one out of five people relocates every year. So there's a steady flow of old customers out and new people into the market. These new people don't know you. Tell them about yourself!
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Keeps Sales Up—over any given period, a company that advertises below the industry average has sales that are below the industry average. Think about it! Advertising is News—it is news about products and services. Advertising provides immediate pay off at the cash register, in good times or bad.
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Editor's Notes: One of our readers sent this and asked that we share it. Enjoy it.
One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally he decided the animal was old and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the don key. He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement, he quieted down. A few shovel loads later, he farmer finally looked down the well and was astonished at what he saw. With every shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up. As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and trotted off! Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping- stone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up! Remember the five simple rules to being happy: 1. Free your heart from hatred 2. Free your mind from worries. 3. Live simply 4. Give more 5. Expect less SHAKE IT OFF!! "Whether it's the best of times or the worst of times, it’s the only time we've got.” —-Art Buchwald
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. Hempstead/Uniondale Times . www.hutimes.com
February 20-27, 2014
. Hempstead/Uniondale Times . www.hutimes.com
To place an Advertise, Call (516) 292-1263 (516) 717-9769 Email: hutimes@aol.com
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Page 16 . February 20-27, 2014
. Hempstead/Uniondale Times . www.hutimes.com