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May 2015
Contents Positive News for a Change
Editor in Chief Howard J. Scott
Valarie J. Thurman, author, curator, entrepreneur, artist, director at TLGM, is a New Jersey resident.
Managing Editor Lorraine Ebron
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On the Cover Radiance, a print produced by copper etching in 2015 by Angelina Utti-Hodge. She is a second year art student at Temple, Tyler School of Art. Departments
Health
25
Book Shelf
29
Inspiration
24
Education
6
Contributing Writers Valarie Thurman Rainy Bradley Cristina Utti Yarrow Willman-Cole Harry Paden Faith Seymour Joyce Shafer DeSarae Smalls Arthur Taylor Joanna White Ginger Garrett Darlene Brockenbrough Legacy
PG 16 Musical Rx Joyce Shafer, author , freelance writer, and spiritual and life empowerment coach, is a New York resident.
History
14
Youth
26
Cristina Utti, author, artist, educator, and volunteer at TLGM, is a Pennsylvania resident.
Finance
28
PG 12 Divine Purpose
Five women
Harry Paden, owner and CEO of HP INC, an education consultation company, he is a New Jersey resident.
Stevie wonder | 10
PG 28 The Truth Shall….
HOUSE MUSIC
| 14
Alvin ailey
| 20
Dr. A. lewis
| 22
PG 24 Let Your Heart Sing
Photographers Erica Utti-Hodge Tyrone Goode
News Correspondent Robyn Jackson
Writers Photographers Send interest via email to
Scriptions
5
Extraordinary Women With A Phenomenal Mission
| 6
rpnfac@gmail.com Publisher: The Living Ground Ministries PO Box 26553 Collegeville, PA 19426 Phone:484-964-4075
Email: livinggroundministries@gmail.com
Website: www.rpnfac.com
© The Living Ground. All Rights Reserved. This publication, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, stored in a computer or other retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means whatsoever without the prior written permission of The Living Ground. Any opinions expressed herein are solely the opinions of the writer(s) and not necessarily those of The Living Ground, its management, or staff. The Living Ground reserves the right to retain all materials and does not assume responsibility for unsolicited materials.
Joanna White, author, educator, counselor, is a Connecticut resident.
PG 6 Help Our Children….
Pam Slater’s Joyful Encounter With Stevie
Music That Spread From Chicago Around the World
Remembering Innovative Dance Legend Alvin Ailey
Love for Brothers and Sisters
HEBREWS 13
Power of Gospel 2015
1Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters 2Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. 3Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
May 2015
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A Missionary’s Point of View
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1
A
s we consider what life would be
like without any manifestation of the Arts, we realize that many of our God-given gifts, talents, and abilities would be hidden. Through music, theatre, dance, poetry, and other forms of individual creativity, human beings become inspired from within. That spark that comes to life is infectious. It stimulates the atmosphere and turns the switch on from man to man. That is exactly what our intent is… Reflections- “Positive News for a Change” is a publication geared toward healing, motivating and inspiring. Our readers are goal directed, enthusiastic, and ambitious with a thirst to achieve their God-given potential. Reflections magazine was created to accomplish two goals. Our mission first and foremost is to spread positive news, and second, to provide revenue for our non-profit organization -The Living Ground Ministries - a community development corporation. We challenge you, our reader, to support this initiative by becoming an on-line subscriber for just twenty-dollars annually. Your contribution will allow us to continue publishing our print version as well as our flipping book online version. The inaugural issue of Reflections magazine – “Positive News for a
WORKS WONDERS ON NEGATIVE CONDITONS
TAKE TWICE A DAY IN MORNING BY WAY OF M OUTH READ ALOUD
For your personal development
SCOTT’S SCRIPTIONS
FOR REFILLS 717-617-3101
Change”, featured African American and Women’s history. The reviews and responses were incredible. Feel free to visit www.rpnfac.com to view that issue. It is also available in hard copy for your $10 donation, which includes the cost of postage. If you operate a business and would be interested in advertising, visit www.livinggroundministries.org for rate information. There are two issues remaining for 2015, September – “The Wealth of Living” featuring Education/Health, and November – “The Melting Pot” Experience the Cultures within our Neighborhood”. If you are a writer or photographer and are interested in submitting your work, please forward it to livinggroundministries@gmail.com. Volunteerism is yet another way to contribute to our mission. Throughout the year the Living Ground Ministries produces concerts, community fairs, motivational seminars and history programs; please visit our website for updates. If you have a knack for sales, we are always looking to provide opportunities for talented sales representatives. Finally, and perhaps most important is our twice weekly ministry of personal development. We invite you take a Spiritual Journey by way of the telephone. For one-hour in the evening from 7:00 – 8:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays join Howard & Friends as they discuss Chris-
DEVELOP SUPREME CONFIDENCE IN YOURSELF AND YOUR OWN ABILITIES Enter every activity without giving mental recognition to the possibility of defeat. Concentrate on you strengths, instead of your weaknesses, on you powers, instead of your problems.
tian principals through the twelve-step process. We feel everyone has a need to grow spiritually but not everyone wants to admit that fact. If you are ready to Minister Howard John Scott grow the seed within, then this program is for you. Simply call the conference number (323) 920-0091 and enter the access code (761 2274#). Get there early, space is limited. I hope you will take the challenge to effect change in our communities. We look forward to hearing from you. For more information on our products and services visit www.rpnfac.com or call customer service (484) 964-4075. Your letters are welcome send to: Howard Scott PO Box 26553 Collegeville, PA 19426 or email: livinggroundministries@gmail.com
DEVELOP A SINCERE DESIRE FOR THE THINGS YOU WANT IN LIFE A burning desire is the greatest motivator of every human action. The desire for success implants…. “SUCCESS CONSCIOUSNESS” Which, in turn, creates a vigorous and ever-increasing “HABIT OF SUCCESS”
DEVELOP A PLAN FOR ACHIEVING YOUR GOAL AND A DEADLINE FOR ITS ATTAINMENT Plan your progress carefully: hour-by-hour, day-by-day, month-by-month. Organized activity and maintained enthusiasm are the wellsprings of your power.
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May 2015
Teaching
Education
Students by Joanna White
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To Fail
Resilience is defined by Webster as “the ability to become strong, healthy, or successful again after something bad happens�. Being resilient and maintaining functionality and a positive attitude are qualities that are often overlooked in the educational system, yet they remain vitally important. In such a high-pressure society that is driven by standardized test scores, academic performance and overall competitiveness, students feel immense pressure to succeed starting at a very young age. This pressure puts them in a vulnerable position to experience severe disappointment, without giving them the tools and encouragement needed to recover from such devastation. Teaching students how to handle defeat and failure is just as important as teaching them how to succeed. As adults, we often struggle to process life’s ups and downs and that is from a somewhat mature perspective. Imagine trying to process ups and downs without the benefit of maturity, life experience or wisdom. That is what we expect our young people to do with little to no guidance. It is imperative that we teach our students to fail. Let me clarify: it is imperative that we teach our students how to process and handle failure. While we clearly encourage them towards success, the reality of life is that we will fail often, and when we do, it is important that we know how to respond. When your car breaks down on the side of the road, do you just sit there crying and do nothing? Hopefully not! Hopefully you come up with a plan of action, whether it be calling a friend or family member, roadside assistance or the police. Nothing will change if you sit there and do nothing. Similarly, when life breaks us down and leaves us immovable and without a plan, it is important that we regroup, rely on others and come up with a plan of action for the future. Acknowledging and grieving failure is an important part of resilience. One cannot learn from mistakes if one does not shed light on them and dissect them. Some of the most valuable life lessons come from the most horrendous failures. Processing failure, gleaning wisdom and knowledge, and moving forward better informed and equipped are key components to resilience. Our students need to be taught how to fail, and from that lesson, they will truly know how to succeed. Joanna White is a dedicated and highly motivated educator, with multifaceted experiences that run the gamut from K12, all the way to Higher Education. Joanna currently serves as the coordinator of a federally-funded college readiness program called GEAR UP, which is a cohort-based college bridge collaborative between Manchester Community College and East Hartford Public Schools in the state Connecticut. Joanna can be contacted at white1@manchestercc.edu.
Breaking Dyslexia Stereotypes Dyslexia affects as many as seventeen percent of school children in the United States, making it the most commonly identified learning issue according to the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity. In Canada, between fifteen and twenty percent of the population has dyslexia, says The Reading Clinic in Ontario. In spite of its prevalence, dyslexia is still widely misunderstood. What is dyslexia? The Mayo Clinic notes that dyslexia is marked by difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words. Dyslexia is more than just seeing letters or words backwards, as it also may be characterized by difficulty comprehending rapid instructions and remembering the sequence of things. Some people with dyslexia may have trouble seeing and hearing similarities and differences in letters and words. Many children with dyslexia read below the expectations for their age. Dyslexia warning signs. Parents who are concerned about dyslexia can recognize some early warning signs, including: delayed speech; difficulty learning and remembering names of letters; reading or writing showing repetitions, additions, transpositions, omissions, substitutions, and reversals in letters, numbers and/or words; complaints of feeling or seeing movement in words while reading or writing; reading and rereading with little comprehension; and difficulty putting things into words. What causes dyslexia? Doctors and researchers have yet to identify a single cause of dyslexia, but genes and brain differences do play a role. Dyslexia often runs in families, and certain genes are associated with reading and language processing issues. Many people with dyslexia have above-average intelligence, but other differences in the brain may be apparent through scans. According to the organization Understood, an organization aiming to help parents of children with learning disabilities, the planum temporale area of the brain plays a role in understanding language. It is typically larger in the dominant hemisphere (the left side of the brain for righthanded people) than in the less-dominant side. However if a child has dyslexia, the planum temporale is probably about the same size on both the left and right sides of the brain. Schools and parents can do much to help children with dyslexia succeed in the classroom. Accommodations in class, such as extra time on tests or word-prediction or dictation software, can help immensely. Children also may benefit from smaller group instruction, as well as a multisensory approach to link listening, speaking, reading, and writing. In addition to these steps, adults can boost confidence in children with dyslexia. Enabling kids to explore hobbies and experience successes both in and out of the classroom can help youngsters improve their self-esteem.
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May 2015 Women
FIVE WOMEN DOING EXTRAORDINARY THINGS There's a new force to be reckoned with in the form of Five Women, who are ready to amaze and entertain the world. These are not just any ordinary women. Each woman is unique and accomplished in her own right, so imagine what power they will wield when synergy kicks in. They had barely formed and were already booked for two gigs, now how amazing is that? Celeste Bateman is the organizing force behind this phenomenal group. It appears she was right on target with this concept, she saw a need, and jumped in to fulfill it. So when you see them featured at a venue near you make sure to go enjoy a wonderful musical performance. Celeste Bateman is an arts administrator turned booking agent and publicist. As an arts administrator, she traveled nationally and internationally and in 1995 she was one of ten arts administrators selected by Americans for the Arts to participate in an arts study tour in Northern Ireland, courtesy of the British Council. She founded her company, Celeste Bateman & Assocs., LLC, in 1997 and has worked with numerous national and international clients booking her artists. One client was very fond to Celeste's heart, poet/playwright/author Amiri Baraka for whom she served as exclusive agent for nine years and publicist for twelve years. Ms. Bateman is a freelance writer and blogger, and in 1999 she wrote and produced the Gospel play, We've Got the V ictory, which was performed in New York City and at various venues in New Jersey. One of her short stories was published in PBS talk show host Tavis Smiley's book Keeping the Faith which won an NAACP Image Award in 2003. She holds a B.A. in Theater Arts & Speech from Rutgers University and a M.A. in Communication Arts from Montclair State University. She is the mother of two Adult sons, both of whom are in the arts/entertainment business. Ronnell Bey was born into what quite a few refer to as Newark music royalty, “Andy and The Bey Sister". Now continuing to expand her horizons as a featured solo and group artist, she has appeared on stage and in concerts throughout the U.S., Europe, and Australia. She has worked with such notables as Amiri Baraka, Max Roach, Roy Haynes, Wolfgang Lackerschmid (in Germany), poet Sekou Sundiata, and producer Bobby D'Ambriosio. She has performed in numerous theatrical productions nationally and internationally and is the recipient of an Obie award for ensemble performance for Eli's Comin" which featured the music of the great composer/singer, Laura Nyro. Ms. Bey holds a B.A. in Theater Arts & Speech from Rutgers University.
Breya "Blkbrry Molassez" Knight is a Newark, NJ Queen filled with various unique qualities of life -- art, music, and literature. She is a fearless vessel created from the mighty generation of women that raised her; the freedom-fighting of Amiri Baraka, soothing inspirations of Maya Angelou, the teaching of her Weequahic HIgh School English teacher Rob Hylton, and the music of phenomenal Newark women Lauryn Hill, Queen Latifah, Whitney Houston, Rah Digga, Faith Evans and Sarah Vaughn. She adds a mixture of gospel and hip-hop to her words of poetry. Breya is a self-published author of three books and recently released her first poetic CD project, City Limits, which is now available. It is a variety album showing youth and everyone citywide, statewide, and nationwide that there is no limit to what one can do...especially if you believe in God. She is a free artistic spirit, always ready and willing to share the gifts God gave her. She is the "poetic diabetic," as she meets the challenges of this disease that severely affects the African American community.
Mia X
Margie "Mia X" Mohnson, The Love Ambassador, is a writer, poet, performer, artist, and self proclaimed flame; a true keeper of the culture. Producer of #hugtheblock, #peoplesopenmic and #bleekweek 7 days of art, poetry, jazz, hip-hop, and film in October to honor the life of her best friend and brother Deveran Bleek Ashe. She is a mom of two and says she's "blessed to share every word, I need the world to hear..."
Caryl R. Lucas is a motivational speaker, author, and certified life coach from New Jersey. She is the President/CEO of Coach On Call, LLC, an empowerment company that produces women's reinvention seminars, youth leadership and bully prevention assemblies at schools and colleges. Her areas of expertise are Professional and Personal Development, Communications, Public Speaking, Strategic Outreach, Marketing and Self-Publishing. She is a former news reporter at The Star-Ledger, New Jersey's largest newspaper. She specializes in women's issues, overcoming
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Women adversities, building self-esteem and youth empowerment. Caryl is a gifted public speaker and holds a B.A. in English from New Jersey's Upsala College where she minored in Journalism and Theater. She is co-author of Fearless: A Bold Approach to Reinventing Your Life, and author of Aunt Sarah's Recipes for Spirit-Filled Life and Unstoppable Girls Gratitude Journal. She is well-known for her bully prevention school assemblies and women's events, and hosts panel discussions examining how today's media images have a negative impact on African-American women and girls' self -esteem. Kelly 'GreenLight' Thomas -- artist, activist, and educator -- was raised in East Orange, New Jersey, with roots in Alabama and The Commonwealth of Dominica. Kelly holds a Bachelor's Degree in Educational Theater from the NYU Steinhardt School of Music, Education and Culture. Kelly also holds a Sound and Music Integrated Practitioner Credential from the New York Open Center. Currently, Kelly teaches for the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and Sadie Nash Women's Leadership Project. She also co-manages a Creativity and Wellness studio with the Essential Elements Collective at Newark's Gallery Aferro.
Kim Armstrong is a Grammy Awardwinning singer and performer who is a native of Newark, New Jersey. Ms. Armstrong has graced the stage with artists such as Kenny Loggins, Shirley Caesar, Michael Bolton, Bette Midler, Cissy Houston, Donnie McClurkin, Mino Cinelo, David Sanborn, Darlene Love, and George Benson to name a few. Additionally, she has opened for Gladys Knight and The Emotions. She Kim Armstrong has recorded with Black Ivory, Queen Latifah and the late, great Ray Charles. She appeared on The Bobby Jones Gospel Show, and American Idol Gives Back – Season 9, as a back-up singer for Joss Stone & Jeff Beck. In addition, she’s appeared on the TV-One Television Network Devine Restoration and the Emeril Lagasse Food Network Channel. In 2002 she performed at the US Tennis Opening with the internationally known Stefanie Minatee & Jubilation Choir. She has toured extensively throughout Japan, Russia, and the Caribbean. Ms. Armstrong is the 2015 Garden State Film Festival Feature Film Soundtrack Winner for her song, “Where Are You Now?” From the highly anticipated movie Clipped W ings They Do Fly, a film about mental illness. Currently, Ms. Armstrong is the Sleep Study Coordinator at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center where she’s been employed for 29 years. It is our pleasure to introduce the newly-formed performance ensemble Five Women, including Kelly Thomas and Kim Armstrong as alternates. Under the auspices of Celeste Bateman & Assocs., the group consists of five talented poets, writers, singers, and performing artists whose mission is to promote the works of women writers. Performing songs, original poems and the works of known and lesser-known women poets and writers, the ensemble is available for bookings. For more information long onto: http:// www.celestebateman.com/poetry-literature/five-womenensemble/.
MAKE MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL ON THIS MOTHER’S DAY
Mother's Day is the one day each year when men, women and children across the country gather to honor the mothers in their lives. Though it can be challenging to find new and unique ways to display your affection Moms are sure to appreciate Mother's Day celebrations for Mom on Mother's focused on food, pampering and fun. Day, rest assured that sometimes the simplest concepts are the ones mothers most appreciate. This year, look no further than the following ideas for some inspiration as you aim to make this Mother's Day as special as possible for the mother or mothers in your life. Give the gift of sweet treats. What better way to highlight mom's sweetness than with some delicious treats made just for her? Whether you decide to whip up some homemade confections in the kitchen or visit a nearby store for something decadent, mom will no doubt appreciate the chance to indulge on her big day. Moms who prefer cookies and portable snacks will no doubt enjoy Pocky and Péjoy biscuit sticks. These tasty snacks from Gilco are dipped or filled with popular flavors, such as chocolate and strawberry, and are now available with green tea cream. Pair with a cup of tea, coffee or whichever beverage mom prefers to complement her favorite treat. Pocky is available in most grocery stores, and can typically be found in the Asian food section. Make a meal to remember. Mom deserves a night off from dinner detail, and while dining out is an option, a homemade meal may come across as more intimate and heartfelt. Thanks to kitchen appliances that make it easier than ever to prepare gourmet meals at home, you can now make restaurant-style meals in your kitchen without sacrificing restaurant-quality taste. For example, new “tacook“ Rice Cookers from Tiger Corporation do more than just perfectly steam rice. They also incorporate synchro-cooking to cook two different items at once. Present mom with her favorite Asianinspired poultry-and-rice dish or use the cooker to easily bake bread or steam a side of vegetables. Pair the meal with her favorite wine and make sure you handle all the cleanup. While mom waits for dinner to be served, a soothing cup of tea can set the tone for a relaxing evening. The Tiger Hot Water Kettle boils water in seconds. With three temperature settings and a de-chlorination cycle for removing chemical tastes and odors, the kettle allows mom to quickly enjoy a cup of her favorite brew. These kitchen essentials are available at Bed, Bath and Beyond. Plan a Mother's Day picnic. Busy moms may look forward to a break from the bustle of daily routines. An afternoon picnicking outdoors can be the ideal way to enjoy a special Mother's Day. Plan an easy menu of foods that have portability. It's easy to transport hot or cold foods when you have Tiger Stainless Steel Thermal Wares on hand. A refreshing fruit salad can be kept cool for about 8 hours. If mom prefers pasta primavera, the thermal container can keep it warm and ready until it's time to enjoy. Gifting is made easy when you tap into the things mom likes. Learn more about these gift ideas and more at www.pocky.com and http://usa.tigercorporation.com.
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Entertainment
Music Is A World Within Itself Stevie Wonder (Stevland Hardaway Morris) by Pamela R. Slater
Stevie Wonder is one of the most talented artists of our times. A child prodigy, his ballads, songs, and lyrics reflect his intuitive connection with nature and humanity; reflecting the social and political movement of our times. He plays most of the instruments on his albums. He was one of the first artists to write, produce, arrange, and perform his own songs. His songs and tempo beat moves the heart, spirit and consciousness to action whether it be the snapping of your fingers, marching of feet, or voices in solidarity regarding the condition of people, politics and our planet. “Stevie Wonder was born in Saginaw, Michigan, in 1950, the third of six children to Calvin Judkins and Lula Mae Hardaway. He was born six weeks premature, which, along with the oxygen-rich atmosphere in the hospital incubator, resulted in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a condition in which the growth of the eyes is aborted and causes the retinas to detach; so he became blind. When Wonder was four, his mother left his father and moved to Detroit with her children. She changed her name back to Lula Hardaway and later changed her son's surname to Morris, partly because of relatives. Wonder has retained Morris as his legal surname. Wonder began playing instruments at an early age, including piano, harmonica and drums. He formed a singing partnership with a friend; calling themselves Stevie and John, they played on street corners, and occasionally at parties and dances.” “Stevie Wonder, is an American musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist. Wonder signed with Motown's Tamla label at the age of 11 and continues to perform and record for Motown as of the early 2010s.” “A prominent figure in popular music during the latter half of the 20th century, Wonder has recorded more than 30 U.S. top ten hits and won 25 Grammy Awards (the most ever won by a solo artist) as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award. He has also won an Academy Award for Best Song, and been inducted into both the Rock and Roll and Songwriters halls of fame. He has also been awarded the Polar Music Prize. In June 2009 he became the fourth artist to receive the Montreal Jazz Festival Spirit Award.” “He has had ten U.S. number-one hits on the pop charts as well as 20 R&B number one hits, and has sold over 100 million records, 19.5 million of which are albums; he is one of the top 60 best-selling music artists with combined sales of singles and albums. Wonder has recorded several critically acclaimed albums and hit singles, and writes and produces songs for many of his label mates and outside artists as well. Wonder plays the piano, synthesizer, harmonica, congas, drums, bongos, organ, melodica and Clavinet. In his childhood, he was best known for his harmonica work, but today he is better known for his keyboard skills and vocal ability. Wonder was the first Motown artist and second AfricanAmerican musician to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song, which he won for his 1984 hit single "I Just Called to Say I Love You" from the movie The Woman in Red.” “On February 23, 2009, Wonder became the second re-
cipient of the Library of Congress's Gershwin Prize for pop music, honored by President Barack Obama at the White House. On March 6, 2010, Wonder was appointed a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters by French Culture Minister Frédéric Mitterrand. A lifetime achievement award was also given to Wonder on the same day, at France's biggest music awards. In June 2011, the Apollo Theater inducted Wonder into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame.” (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) The songs in The Key of Life album has gotten me through many of life challenges when I felt like I was going to lose my mind. No wonder love is the universal solution to healing what ails our cities, world, and universe. “What I'm not confused about is the world needing much more love, no hate, no prejudice, no bigotry and more unity, peace and understanding. Period.” -Stevie Wonder Stevie you “ain’t nevah” lied; there should be something about love that makes all of us weak and committed to improving the condition of humans, animals, and our planet. A few years ago I literally bumped into Stevie while squeezing past him into my chair at Amy Ruth's Restaurant in Harlem. He was sitting right behind me! I was respectful of his privacy until someone else asked him for a photo. After that all hell broke loose even though the staff “tried” to keep his presence undercover. Here is my photo bomb with him from that evening… (~_~)
Stevie for all that you have given us and in your own words back to me when I told you how much I loved you… ”Thank You Baby!” Pamela Slater
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Total Life Changes Impacting the health and wealth of individuals and families. Grow your TLC business by applying 5 simple steps to success.
For more information on how to get started:
Theresa Meyers 484-868-2832 www.totallifechanges.com/3114591
May 2015
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DIVINE PURPOSE By Cristina Utti For more than six decades, Emanuel Utti has left his mark in churches, galleries, and museums throughout the Delaware Valley. The ecclesiastical artist used his God-given gift to bring beauty to our world. The North Philadelphia native is the second son born of immigrant parents. When asked how he got started, he said it just came naturally. “I was kind of born into it,” he recalls. “I remember drawing when I was four years old.” While attending Gillespie Junior High School in Nicetown, Philadelphia, Utti won a scholarship to the Graphic Sketch Club in South Philadelphia. It is now known as the Fleisher Art Memorial, an extension of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, at 7th and Catherine Streets. When he was fifteen, he met Mario Sgambati, a leading religious ecclesiastical painter in Philadelphia, at St. Mary’s of the Eternal at 22nd and Clearfield in North Philadelphia while he was restoring paintings that he had painted many years before (his cousin was working as a sexton and introduced them). Utti became an apprentice for Mario, studying under him for six years. While working together Sgambati used Emanuel as a model for a figure of Christ he painted for St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi church on Montrose St. Sgambati studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Naples and for seven years was under the tutelage of Vincenzo Volpi, who was the appointed artist for the royal family of King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy. After a six-year apprenticeship under Sgambati, Utti worked with various artists in New York and Italy before returning to his Philadelphia roots. He has restored and created paintings for many of the churches in the tri-state area, mostly Catholic and Protestant, including no less than 70 paintings for his own church, Sts. Cosmos and Damian in Conshohocken. He has also done work at St. Thomas Aquinas on Photo by Erica Utti-Hodge
Morris St. in Philadelphia that was featured in Rocky II. Among his non-ecclesiastical works, he restored the gold work in the dome at the Academy of Fine Arts at the time of the Bicentennial. Utti doesn’t just paint a picture on the wall. His favorite method is painting on canvas, which is then fastened to the wall, practically a lost art, a method that he explained is much more permanent than painting on the plaster itself. “It will last many, many years,” he said. His technique is five centuries old, which involves coming into the church to first design and put full-sized images on paper, which he takes to his home studio and stencils onto cotton canvas for painting. The murals are then glued to the wall, after which he paints the final touches. He may very well be the last of our time to do this. When asked if he paints ceilings laying on the scaffolding like Michelangelo, his reply was, “No, and probably neither did Michelangelo. You would be too close to the painting. But, I oftentimes did have to paint directly on the wall.” Utti went on to explain that while painting the vestibule at Holy Trinity Church in Phoenixville (featured picture), he painted the cherubs with no clothes on. Father Daniels, the pastor of the church at the time, would not have naked cherubs in his church, so Utti had to go back on the scaffolding and clothe them, painting robes over them directly on the wall. Now 81 years old, he has spent a lifetime making churches beautiful not only with the age -old craft of restoration, but also with creating new murals. “I’ve never done anything else in my life, but this,” he said. He has fulfilled his calling from God. Utti was featured in the book Uses of Tradition: Arts of Italian Americans in Philadelphia, by Dorothy Noyes, which showcases his skills of painting, gilding, graining, marbleizing, scrolling and molding.
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To see the original works of Utti visit the locations listed below: St. Helena’s East Norriton, PA
St. Donato Philadelphia, PA
Holy Savior Norristown, PA
St. Thomas Aquinas Philadelphia, PA
Holy Trinity Phoenixville, PA
St. Monica Philadelphia, PA
St. Thomas Aquinas - Our Lady of Mount CarPhiladelphia, PA mel Philadelphia, PA Sts. Cosmos and Damian Conshocken, PA
St. Barnabas – Philadelphia. PA
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May 2015 History
HOUSE IS H E R E TO S TAY by Valarie Thurman
If you want to listen to music that will allow you to find your soul while losing your mind, then House Music is the answer. There have been numerous speculations about where the term House Music originated, some quite elaborate, but the truth is it was coined by Frankie Knuckles, who was the resident DJ at the Warehouse in Chicago, hence "house music". Frankie Knuckles was known as the 'Godfather of House Music'. There are a lot of 'house heads' (as they are affectionately called) out there who are extremely grateful he took that on as his calling. "Let No Man Put Asunder" (First Choice), was a Frankie Knuckles' mix from 1983. Some of his others "Your Love" (Jamie Principle), 1987, "Tears" (Satoshi Tomiie), 1989, "The Whistle Song" (written and produced by Frankie Knuckles), 1991, Hercules and Love Affair" (Blind), 2008, can still be heard either in a club or outdoors under the sun or stars. There's absolutely nothing like dancing to House Music outside by the ocean (at Coney Island or in Atlantic City), or in a park, such as Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn, or Lincoln Park, in Newark (to name a few). The joy and peace you see on the faces of people lost in the rhythm is almost contagious. You feel it. It's been said, you forget all of your troubles for a few hours and just let your body flow with the beats. When you feel that good, it has to be healing. While Knuckles was in Chicago doing his "thang", Larry Philpot, better known as Larry Levan was at the helm in Soho at the Paradise Garage, which closed in September, 1987. Even to this day you can hear of Paradise Garage reunions, and people spreading the word about where it will be held and when. They reminisce about dancing all night and leaving around noon the next day. While I'm not saying everything that was done in the Paradise Garage was healing, in some cases maybe it was a little more like mind blowing. For the most part, it was just what people needed to help them escape drama that life was throwing at them. The Paradise Garage was known for Blazes "If You Should Need A Friend", and Arnold Jarvis' "Take Some Time Out". Although the music started as mixes, in 1988 Frankie returned to New York and teamed up with manager Judy Weinstein and DJ David Morales to form Def Mix Productions, and House Music got a major transformation. Rather than working with or changing the arrangement of a song, they would call different artists in to redo vocals, and this gave the music greater depth and a new sound. While back in the day it was common to see DJs work with reel-to-reel tapes, today
you are more likely to see compact disc turn tables, voice synthesizers, mixing boards and computers. The prominent kick drum on every beat (also known as a four on the floor beat), is usually produced by a drum machine or sampler. Whether it is the repetitive 4/4 beats, the drum rhythms, the off beat hi-hat cymbals, or the synthesized baseline, there is something about House Music that makes it hard to stand still once the music envelops you. This genre of electronic dance music has spread around the world. It has expanded into the sub-genres of Deep House, Progressive House, G-House, Hard House, Tech House, Funky House, and Bass House amongst others. There is also an underground house scene, which is not for the faint of heart. House has had people dancing for well over 20 years and there's no sign of it ending anytime soon. We could not write about House Music in a magazine that will be distributed in the Newark area and not mention Kenny Bobien. We would be banished, and rightfully so. In this area, Kenny is known as the Father of Gospel House Music. One of his hits, "I Shall Not Be Moved", is just what the doctor ordered. It is hard to listen to this record and not feel better by the end of the song. If the beat doesn't do it for you, the uplifting soulful lyrics are sure to make you forget whatever was ailing you. Follow that with "You Gave Me Love" and "You Are My Friend" and not only will you forget what was wrong, but you may not even remember your name. We must also mention some of the popular DJs on the scene today. Naeem Johnson is highly sought after in New Jersey and beyond; when he is DJing, a crowd is sure to follow. Ruben Torro, Tony Humphries, and Louie Vega are other DJs at the top of House Music royalty. There are too many to list here, but please take a look at the list following this article. While all may not be listed, this gives an idea of how this genre is being carried on by amazingly talented people. There is one warning about going to a House Music party—be prepared by bringing a change of clothes. Getting wet while dancing to House Music is an understatement. You can reach a level of wetness that can't even be described; you must experience it to understand. There is a special range of ripeness that should actually be listed in the Book of World Records. There is something about the music that sets you so free that you forget about looking cute. Your body moves and contorts in ways you never imagined and wearing high heels is just futile. Yes, by the end of a House Music party you look like you have been at the gym with a trainer who had no mercy, or you have not had the full experience. So, if the spirit so moves you, the next time you hear of one of the DJs appearing nearby or even that House Music will be played at a party close by, don't hesitate to
drop in and have your life altered forever. Some songs to get you started: Kimara Lovelace - W hen Can Our Love Begin; Terry Hunter featuring Terisa Griffin - Wonderful; Black Coffee - Superman.
Dance With Me The healing art of
Bellydancing Bellydancing inspires me to be free
A spirit that sways with the wind while embracing my joy from within Bellydancing...You heal me Memories of all the places I have been Every dance tells the story of life from its beginning and ending while embracing my pain from within Bellydancing... You heal me
Remember Me...Legacy
MUSICAL Rx: FREQUENCIES THAT HEAL Valarie J. Thurman
We have all felt the healing power of music at some point in our lives. The song that reminds you of your first kiss, or the first time you fell in love, has the power to take you back in time and make you feel like a child again. That makes us feel good, and feeling good is the beginning of healing. But did you know there was a time when music actually had the power to heal? Yes, literally. There was a time when musical notes were tuned to a frequency that could literally affect the vibration of our cells and healing would take place. But wait a minute, if that was a thing of the past, what is the music we are listening to today doing to our bodies? Let’s explore this concept and see what we learn. Our journey begins with hertz (Hz). This is a form of measurement. What does it measure? Without getting too technical, one hertz means one cycle per second, and it was named after Heinrich Hertz (1857-1894), the man who discovered this type of frequency. The term became recognized in 1930. It measures vibration. Everything vibrates, but Albert Einstein, said it best, "...matter is energy, whose vibration has been so lowered as to be perceptible to the senses. There is no matter." That just means everything we see, taste, touch and feel is really just energy. So wouldn't it make sense to say our bodies can heal or not, according to the frequency we expose them to? Well, at least this has us thinking. The earth has a frequency (8Hz) and so do we (14Hz); but what about music? We all know the scale: Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So-
La-Ti-Do. Each note has a frequency. What most of us are not familiar with is that there was an original ancient scale that this one derived from, that can be traced back to the time of John the Baptist - the Solfeggio scale. Its notes were Ut-Re-Mi-Fa-Sol-La. These notes had a purer sound derived by a complicated method that involves the Pythagorean method of numerical reduction, repeating codes and the 7th chapter of the biblical Book of Numbers. The syllables were taken from the first stanza of a hymn written by Paulus Diaconus to John the Bap-
Ut- 396Hz- turning grief into joy, liberating guilt and fear Re- 417Hz- undoing situations and facilitating change Mi- 528Hz- transformation and miracles (DNA repair) Fa- 639Hz- relationship, connecting with spiritual family Sol-741Hz- expressions/solutions, cleaning solving La- 852Hz- returning to spiritual order During ancient times it was common to believe these tones could have a significant impact on people's lives. They were said to balance energy and keep body, mind and spirit in perfect harmony. Today scientists and physicists are once again discovering the importance of the healing power of vibrations. Studies have been conducted to show how frequencies affect the two hemispheres of the brain and can bring them into harmony, and that there is a frequency of the double helix in DNA replication. So what does this mean? It means that there is a natural frequency to the earth; we can call it a melody. Getting in tune with this frequency regains balance allowing healing to take place. Why did we lose this balance in the first place? The modern scale of music and its frequencies are off. Where "A" has a frequency of 440Hz today (as opposed to 432Hz) and "C" has a frequency tist. The title of the song was Ut Queant of 261.656Hz (as opposed to 256Hz), the Laxis. new frequencies chosen in 1953, have Each of the six Solfeggio frequencies become "disharmonic". How did this haphas its own healing power as follows: pen? Throughout time man has used different tuning applications. During ancient
times and up until the 16th century, a system known as 'Just Intonation' was used. It featured pure intervals between every note, which were mathematically related by ratios of small whole numbers leading to much purer sound. The method adopted by the western world around the 16th century and still used today is known as "Twelve-Tone Equal Temperament". There is scientific evidence that suggests that this new application mistunes all consonant intervals except the octave. It has been said this combination of musical notes can create disharmony in the body that can lead to disease. We have heard about studies that say classical music has the ability to increase the potential of the brain and even help students retain information. Classical
music was based on 'Just Intonation'. Native American chanting often times is also based on 'Just Intonation", Gregorian Chants have also been associated with a healing power. Listening to music that is attuned to Solfeggio, 432 and 528 Hz, is said can help you release yourself from stress, raise your energy, expand creativity and consciousness, improve memory, and unlock hidden potential The term Cymatics, which denotes the action of vibration on matter, was discovered by Hans Jenny (1904-1972) the father of Cymatics. He claimed physical healing could be aided by vibrational tones. It appears he was on to something. Amazingly. this music has not been totally lost. In 2011, Amerie, a multiple Grammy Award nominee, produced her album, Cymatika, Vol 1, in 528Hz frequency. Her goal was to foster genetic healing. Then there is Scott Huckabay, who only performs music using the C= 528 and A= 444Hz tuning. The movie, Space Odyssey, shared music that was written using 432Hz called, "O" Across the Universe. Enya's song “May It Be� is written in 432Hz and Pearl Jam Release A= 432Hz. So, we may be listening to music with healing power and not even know it. Perhaps if we can begin to see music differently, it can be a tool used to promote health. Imagine feeling more energized, having more clarity, becoming more creative, being happier, kinder, and more loving just because you tuned into the right frequency. This is almost effortless healing. Music really can heal the world!
Tuning forks were originally used to tune musical instruments, but as the forks generate very strong vibrations they were adopted by healers, massage therapists, chiropractors, yoga practitioners etc. FIRST STANZA OF THE HYMN TO ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST: Ut queant laxis Resonare fibris Mira gestorum Famuli tuorum Solve polluti Labii reatum Sancte Literal translation from Latin: "In order that the slaves might resonate (resound) the miracles (wonders) of your creations with loosened (expanded) vocal chords. Wash the guilt from (our) polluted lip. Saint John." Therefore, so people could live together in peace and communicate in harmony about the miracle in their lives, and how God blessed them to produce this "magic", people's true unpolluted spiritual natures require revelation.
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May 2015
REFLECTIONS MAGAZINE
Inspirited Youth
Pain
We must stop Bullying now!
by Daria Allen Today is Ariana’s first day of school. She’s really excited but nervous at the same time. She hopes that she’ll be able to make new friends because she really misses her friends back in Florida. “Look at you! You look so pretty! Ready for your first day?” Her mother asked. “Yes. But I’m a little nervous. What if the 8th graders there are mean?” Ariana asked. “Calm down,” her mother said and laughed. An hour later Ariana’s mother drove her to school. She checked in and received her schedule. “This is it. Have a nice day. I love you,” Ariana’s mother said. “I love you too.” Ariana walked to her class with a staff member. Wow, soon I’ll be in my first class with a room full of strangers who will either like me, or hate me. I’m nervous. Okay, calm down, she thought to herself. A minute later, they arrived to the classroom. She began to get butterflies in her stomach. Boy, was she acting like a little girl. The staff member opened the door. “She’s here,” the staff member informed the teacher. “Class, we have a new student. Her name is Ariana Collins. Please make her feel welcomed,” the teacher announced. Ariana walked into the classroom. “Welcome, Ariana. I’m Mrs. Matthews. Take a seat next to Megan. Megan, raise your hand,” the teacher said. A girl from the back raised her hand. Maybe she’ll want to be friends. I’ll let her say hi first. I hope she does, Ariana thought. She walked to the back. On her way there she stepped on someone’s shoes. “Hey watch it!” the girl said. “I’m sorry,” Ariana apologized “You better be sorry. I don’t know who you think you are, stepping on my shoes with your fake Uggs,” the girl said rudely. “Oooooh,” the class blurted. Ariana really wanted to cry but she was in public. She just continued to walk to her seat. A couple hours later she was walking through the halls and saw the same girl that was rude to her earlier. The girl rolled her eyes. Then as she walked passed Ariana, she bumped into her on purpose. Ariana became annoyed now. “How was your first day?” Her mother asked Ariana when she came home. “It was okay. But there’s this girl who was acting rude because I stepped on her shoes. I don’t understand why people can be so mean!” she said and went upstairs. For two weeks now, the girl, Myra, was picking on Ariana and sometimes hitting her. She started to bully her. Myra would also always try to find some way to embarrass her. Ariana became very upset and would sometimes cry, but she didn’t tell anyone. She still had no friends. One day Ariana was sitting at her desk. The girl
that sits next to her, Megan, smiled at her, then sat down. That just brightened up Ariana’s day a whole lot. The next day at lunch, Ariana spotted Megan and sat next to her. “Why are you sitting here?” Megan asked. “What? I thought we were friends,” Ariana said. “Just because I smiled at you, that does not make us friends,” She said rudely and turned away. Megan said it loud enough for almost everyone to look at them. Ariana was so embarrassed. She got up and threw her lunch away and walked out of the cafeteria. At the end of the day, when Ariana was at her locker, Myra came up to her and slammed her locker. “What are you doing?!” Ariana asked. “Shut up!” Myra said, then threw Ariana’s backpack, and pushed her down. “You’re just an ugly little girl who no one likes,” Myra insulted. “Leave her alone,” a girl said, standing up for Ariana. “Be quiet!” Myra said to the girl. “No! If I have to be quiet, then why don’t you bullying anymore. She wrote a letter to her family. leave her alone?” The girl said. Myra rolled her eyes Then she went into the bathroom and took some and turned back around. By that time, Ariana had pills. She died within minutes. already gotten away. Myra was furious. Soon her family came home and her Mom went into the bathroom. She saw Ariana’s lifeless body. The next day at lunch, the girl from yesterday “OH MY GOD!!!! NOOOOOO!!! ARIANA!!” Her smiled at Ariana. Ariana rolled her eyes and sat Mom cried. somewhere else. The girl got up and sat next to her. “That was pretty rude,” she said. The next day Emma spotted Myra and walked up “Just leave me alone. You don’t want to be friends to her. just because you stood up for me. I’ve already gotten “How could you?! Because of you Ariana commitembarrassed before by being mistaken. I’m not going ted suicide!” She yelled. through that again” Ariana exclaimed. Myra was shocked, but she didn’t show it. “Aww, “But, I do want to be friends,” she said. are you mad because your only friend is dead?” Myra “Really?” Ariana asked. said in a baby voice. “Yes. I’m Emma.” She thinks this is a joke!! Emma thought. Then “I’m Ariana”. Finally, I have a friend!” Ariana she gripped up Myra and slammed her into the lockthought with excitement and joy. This really made her ers. happy. Too bad the happiness didn’t last. Just then “Get off of me!” Myra came up to them, poured milk in Ariana’s hair, Then Emma punched her in the face and they pulled her hair, smacked her, and ran away. Every- started fighting. one laughed. That night at dinner Ariana was just sitting there, Ariana’s funeral was a week later. Since then, thinking about what Myra did. everyone became rude to Myra and looked at her in “What’s wrong?” her dad asked. a rude way. She even lost all of her friends. But Myra “Nothing,” Ariana lied. still didn’t care. To make it all worse, there was an “You look like you’re about to cry,” her sister said. assembly about bullying that day. Ariana started to cry, but it wasn’t a regular cry, it “…..Bullies don’t understand how much they affect was loud and hard with a bunch of tears. Then she the person they are mistreating. That person could ran up to her room. Her mom came up behind her. commit suicide. If you have been mistreating some“Ariana, talk to me,” she said. one, and still walk around saying “I don’t care, I don’t “It’s nothing, I was just thinking about Aunt Grace, care” then shame on you,” the man said. I miss her. Why’d she have to die?” she lied. Those words made Myra want to change her I can’t believe I brought my Aunt into this. But I ways. don’t want my Mom to know, Ariana thought. Over the weekend, Myra’s mother drove her to “Aww, sweetie, it’s okay,” her mother said. She Ariana’s grave. She placed a rose on her grave. gave Ariana a big hug then left the room. “Ariana, I’m so sorry,” Myra said as she started to cry. Later that night, Ariana’s family left to go shopping, so she was home alone. She couldn’t take this
The Living Ground Ministries OUR MISSION The Living Ground Ministries is a non-profit human development organization whose mission is: To edify the community by aiding and unlocking the hidden potential of the whole family To empower individuals by watering their God-given seed, skills, talents, and abilities To build positive self-esteem and character
To provide educational programs facilitated through seminars and workshops that motivate, inspire, and promote good citizenship within the community To restore the concept of “community�
OUR SERVICES Presentations That Inspire Human Growth Character Building Seminars and Workshops Book Reading Clubs 12-Step Christian Meetings Community Events Geared Toward Education Job Readiness, Skill Preparation, Search Recruitment and Fulfillment Inpatient/Outpatient Placement Assistance for Recovery Candidates
The Living Ground Ministries P.O. Box 26553 Collegeville, PA 19426 Telephone: 484-964-4075 Email: livinggroundministries@gmail.com Website: www.rpnfac.com
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May 2015
ALVIN AILEY’S DREAM LIVES ON
dent of Horton’s, and made his first debut in Revue del Bal Caribe. Horton passed away in 1953, leaving his company without a director. At this by Cristina Utti time, Ailey was 22 years old and had choreographed only one dance in a workAlvin Ailey was the founder of the shop, but he stepped up and assumed Alvin Ailey Dance Theater in New York the role of director for the company. City. He was born on January 5, 1931, into hard times in Texas to a seventeen year-old mother. His father left when he was only six months old. This was during the time of the Great Depression, and he and his mother struggled. His mother, in hope lucrative job opportunities, left Texas with him when he was eleven, and traveled to Los Angeles, California. His first year of junior high school was in a predominately white school, and because of the times, and his fear of whites, they moved to a predominately black school district. He attended George Washington Junior High School. While there he went on a class trip to the Ballet of Monte Carlo, and fell in love with classical dance. While attending Thomas Jefferson High School, he wrote poetry and sang spirituals on the Glee Club, but it was not until 1949 that he became serious about Alvin Ailey 1931 - 1989 dance. Through his friendship with Carmen De Lavallade, he was introduced to the He and his friend Carmen were invitHollywood Studio of Lestor Horn. Mr. ed in 1954 to dance in a Broadway show, Horton was the founder of the first racially House of Flowers, by Truman Capote, integrated dance company in this coun- which starred Pearl Bailey and Diahann try. Horton’s school taught a wide variety Carroll. Alvin observed the New York of dance, techniques and styles, includ- modern dance scene, but found it not to ing Native American dance, jazz, and his liking. Not being able to find a mentor ballet. With Horton as his mentor, Alvin of his own, in 1958 he formed his own began his formal training here, which group, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theagave him a foundation on which to grow tre. A notable early work is Blues Suite, artistically. Alvin became a full time stu- a work of intense emotion expressing the pain and anger of African Americans.
Tremaine
was four years old when his father discovered that his son had a gift for singing. His talent was illuminated one day when his dad was on the phone. Tremaine was singing to a Marvin Gaye song. “Cut that music down,” his father said, but his sister corrected their father and said, “That’s Tremaine singing – not Marvin Gaye!” From that moment on his father knew that he had a gift and nurtured him to share it with the world. Tremaine received significant training and experience while he was part of the Newark Boys Choir. While he was with the Choir, and under the tutelage of Choir director Mr. Donald
Morris, he was able to perform in France, Germany, Switzerland, and many other European countries. This was a life-changing and experience for Tremaine, exposing him to other singers, cultures and music from around the world. Faith plays a huge part in the life of Tremaine and his family. “As far as faith, I firmly believe that if you have faith, you can do anything you want,” says Tremaine. He said that when his high school singing group broke up he lost some of his faith temporarily. But he regained his confidence and faith by succeeding as a solo artist. He feels “one with God” when he sings and says, “Without faith there is not much you can accomplish.” “When I sing I feel very relaxed,” Tremaine says. He added, “Singing mellows me out.” He graduated in the Spring of 2013 from Berkeley College with a degree in Criminal Justice. Tremaine’s music influences are many. He loves Gospel music, especially the artists Kirk Franklin, Donny McClurkin, and Jay Moss. Another genre of music he enjoys is smooth R&B and his favorite
REFLECTIONS MAGAZINE
His signature work was Revelations, which is a great work of human spirit. Ailey’s vision for his work was not based solely on African Americans. Following in the quest of his mentor, he was proud that his company was multi-racial. While he wanted to open up opportunities for black dancers, he always employed artists based solely on artistic talent and integrity, regardless of their race. Anna Kisselgoff of The New York Times wrote, “You didn’t need to have known Ailey personally to have been touched by his humanity, enthusiasm and exuberance and his courageous stand for multiracial brotherhood.” Throughout his lifetime, Ailey created 79 ballets, many of which have appeared in the repertoire of major dance companies, including American Ballet Theatre, Dance Theatre of Harlem, La Scala Ballet, Paris opera Ballet, and the Joffrey Balllet. His legend and dream lives on as The Alvin Ailey Dance American Dance Theatre continues their U.S tour. Today the company has performed for an estimated 23 million people in 48 states and 71 countries on six continents, and to millions more through television broadcasts. They will be performing in Newark, NJ, May 8-10 at New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and at the David H. Koch Theatre at Lincoln Center in New York, NY, June 10-12, 2015. “If you have not seen a performance by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre in a while, you might forget just how accomplished the company’s dancers are,” claims The New Yorker. “You know they can do anything, but the visible evidence can leave you reeling; the company is dancing better than ever.” performers include Neyo and Usher. Other R&B influences include Marvin Gaye and Bobby Brown. Tr e ma in e ’s f ir s t C D , e n ti t le d “Understanding”, was released in Spring 2013. He collaborated with his father on the creation of the album and the finished product reflects both of their talents. James Howell always told Tremaine to “Give God first and all” and to inspire others. These principals guided them in their production of the CD. They are currently producing music videos for a few of the singles and continue to create new music. “Whatever you set your mind to, believe you can achieve your goals,” says Tremaine. “You cannot say something is too hard…you have to go to the finish line.” These are wise words from a young man who is certainly following his dreams. For more information about Tremaine, to listen to his music, or to make a purchase log onto: www.mastertremaine.com.
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5 simple steps to success. For more information on how to get started: Theresa Meyers 484-868-2832 www.totallifechanges.com/3114591
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May 2015
Dr. Albert J. Lewis: Staying the Course When Dr. Albert J. Lewis founded the World Gospel Musical Association in 1968 he had no idea that WGMA would be chronicled as New Jersey’s oldest religious organization of its kind. Forty-six years and still going strong WGMA’s mission to educate, preserve, and support gospel music artists in Newark, New Jersey and the surrounding metropolitan area is evidence of total commitment and a belief in ordained purpose. “I believe in longevity…I believe in keeping it exciting,” commented Lewis when asked about his staying power. “There are a few people who have been a part of the World Gospel Musical Association since the beginning; we share the same vision. As a matter of fact the Voices of Victory, our choir, is the oldest community choir Dr. Albert J. Lewis existing in the state of New Jersey, celebrating 28 years this year,” added Lewis. A native Newarker himself, Lewis understands the importance of edifying people of all nationalities in a multitude of tangible ways. Through radio and television broadcasts as well as community events Dr. Lewis strives to share with others the musical therapy experienced while listening to gospel music. Dr. Lewis is the executive producer and host of the nationally syndicated Dr. A. J. Lewis Gospel Hour and The Sound of Gospel & Good News. These shows are also viewed around the world via the US Armed Forces Network, which covers seventy-two (72) countries. During the Dr. A. J. Lewis Gospel Hour Live Radio, Harvest Global Network, 1070AM WKMB, Friday afternoons between the hours of 2:30 and 3:30 avid listeners are motivated and inspired through song lyrics and /or the atmosphere created by host Lewis. On various stations and at various times The Sound of Gospel & Good News hosted by Dr. Lewis can be accessed:
by Lorraine Ebron
Week”. Since that time, a month-long gospel celebration resumes each June. In celebration of Gospel Music Month this year in Newark Jersey, Dr. Albert J. Lewis, The World Gospel Music Association, Newark Symphony Hall and The Ministers Council present “POWER OF GOSPEL” 2015: Newark Celebrates Gospel Music Month in New Jersey”. This Gospel Celebration will kickoff Gospel Music Month throughout New Jersey and will feature choirs and music ministries from churches across the state; hosted by Dr. Albert J. Lewis, the founder of Gospel Music Month”. Featuring performances by: Dale Cicerone & Optimistic for Christ, Rev. E.T. Byrd & The Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church Choir, OSAU Gospel Choir at Montclair State University, The Voices of Victory and many more. Prices vary: $10, $15, $20, $40 VIP. The VIP Reception with Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Gospel Music Month Honorees: Rev. Dr. Perry Simmons, Dr. Mamie Bridgeforth, Dr. Gloria Harris, Apostle Gennie Holte, Rev. Dr. Joe McClain, and Rev. Dr. Elton T. Byrd. For information about participating as part of Power of Gospel 2015 contact: Dr. Albert J. Lewis 973.705.3151 / Rev. Stephanie McKay 973.371.7810 / Minister Jeffrey Brown 732.904.4465 or Elder Lewis Collier 908.764.5131For more information about Dr. Albert J. Lewis please logon to www.wgma.us
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2015 - 7:00 PM -10:00 PM SARAH VAUGHAN CONCERT HALL
In addition, Dr. Lewis has received numerous awards for his service to the community. Among those are: the John Cleary Humanitarian Award; a Newark street named in his honor, “Dr. Albert J. Lewis, Jr. Boulevard” at Lyons Avenue; the Paul Roberson Award; an appointment by Governor James E. McGreevey of Musical Director for New Jersey; and an induction into The International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum (IGMHF). In 1982, Governor Thomas H. Kean and other legislators presented Dr. Lewis a proclamation declaring June 14th as “Gospel Music Day” (statewide) and the week of June 14-21 as “Gospel Week” (citywide) making Newark the Gospel Music capital of New Jersey. At that time Dr. Lewis was also named the, “Founding Father of Gospel Music Day and
Philippians 4:8
Newark Cablevision- Sun., Mon., & Thurs., 9pm Channel 19 Paterson, NJ Cablevision- Sunday 9pm Channel 75 Elizabeth, NJ Cablevision- Tuesday 9pm Channel 70 Trenton, NJ Comcast- Tuesday 7:30pm Channel 16 Jersey City NJ Channel 5- Sunday 1pm Essex County Comcast- Sunday 8:05pm Channel 26 Plain field NJ Comcast-Sunday 9pm.Channel 74 Mt. Vernon NY CableTV-Tuesday 7:30pm Channel 18 Bronx NY Bronxnet- Saturday 11:30pm. & Monday 10am West Nyack NY& 24 Counties- Tuesday 7pm. Channel 26
8Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
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REFLECTIONS MAGAZINE
May 2015 Inspiration
MAKE YOUR HEART SING by Joyce Shaffer
"Everything I do, I do to make my heart sing." This is a quote by Michael E. Angier, founder and chief inspiration officer of SuccessNet. I like this quote because it makes sense to me. However, I don't view it the way Joyce Shafer you might think. I can see how someone might interpret this quote to mean they should either feel ecstatic about everything they do or they should elect to do only that which they believe or know will make them feel that way. For me, it represents a tool for self-inspiration. Even if it doesn't appear as such, everything we do gets done because we choose to do it. We really could choose not to be responsible so as not to deal with paying the rent or mortgage, or meeting commitments. Even if something "makes" you feel terrible like going to a job you're discontent with, you still choose to go there every day. There are occasions when I opt not to do something based on my needs or wants at that
time. Even when I choose to do something I perceive as tedious or serious, I strive to look for an aspect about it that is congruent with head and heart alignment (though, sometimes this may take a while, depending on the emotions involved and the event). Head and heart alignment makes my heart sing; it makes me feel spiritually solid. Head and heart alignment, to me, is about being on purpose. It's about being true to my Self and feeling a sense of personal integrity. So many people struggle with self-esteem, self-worth, self-confidence, and so forth. Look at those compound words. All of them begin with the Self. Everything, actually, begins with the Self. We're still healing—or need to—from the indoctrinated belief that considering ourselves first is Selfish. It isn't, not if it is done in the right way from the right mindset and spirit. For example, when we do something for another, or for any reason, either from guilt or fear of some kind (often of rejection), and resent doing it, we engage in a form of self-destruction. There's no head and heart alignment in that type of scenario, no way for the heart to sing, no way to feel authentic or spiritually solid.
can be in it for me is the opportunity to find my place of integrity; an opportunity to observe my thoughts, words, and actions; and an opportunity to see who I choose to be in each moment. We've heard that even the most giving act is selfish because we do it to make ourselves feel good, or at least, that is the inevitable outcome. Everything we do has a symbiotic effect. There's no way to avoid that. There is a way to make it work for us. If you can approach every moment with a what's-in-it-for-me-at-a-deeper-level process, and do so with a broader purview as described above, and if your heart has seemed silent, prepare for it to sing with serenity, joy, and purpose more often. It’s a good practice, one you’ll appreciate. Practice makes progress. © Joyce L. Shafer
Joyce L. Shafer is a Life Empowerment Coach dedicated to helping people feel, be, and live their true inner power. She’s author of “I Don’t Want to be Your Guru, But I Have Something to Say” and other books/e-books, and publishes a free weekly online newsletter that offers empowering articles. "What's in it for me?" is the question sales motiva- See all that’s offered by Joyce and on her site at: tors tell us is what is foremost in the minds of http://stateofappreciation.weebly.com potential customers or clients. I use this question, especially when I find I'm involved in unpleasant or serious circumstances. At the very least, what
WATER ON A ROCK by Cindy Handler
A strong relationship with God is critical to my recovery from alcoholism and as I have developed that relationship I find that I need a way to describe what that relationship is like so that I can help others understand. While I am sure that this is not a new analogy it is one that works for me. In many ways my relationship with God is like water on a rock. God is the water and I am the rock. As in nature this can take different forms depending on the situation. Sometimes I am a rock at the edge of the ocean where God pounds me relentlessly with waves of self-awareness and understanding. At other times, I am a rock deep in a cave where God takes the form of water dripping slowly and ceaselessly, constant and steady. On other days, God is the water flowing and bubbling in a brook and I am the rock over which His water flows happily and joyously. In whatever form our relationship takes, whether it is ocean, cave or brook, my rock is always being smoothed, the rough edges worn away. God’s presence, like the water is always with me. If you listen, the sound of water rushing, dripping or breaking over the rock is like music: the music of my resentments, fears and ego being removed and His promises being fulfilled. Cindy can be contacted at: cindy.handler@comcast.net
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Health & Wellness
PROTEIN AN ALLY TO WOMEN LOOKING TO GET HEALTHY
EATING AFTER 50
While protein is used to build and repair muscle tissue and promote neurological function, it also can encourage fat loss, deliver essential nutrients and improve metabolic activity. Because protein can increase satiety better than some other foods, it also can be a good way to curb cravings and help cut out some extra calories. Although protein is an important component of a nutritious diet, some women do not consume enough of it or even know what "enough protein" entails. According to a recent survey by Luna, 50 percent of women ages 18 to 50 do not know if they're getting enough protein. How much protein? How much protein a woman needs isn't an exact science. The Institute of Medicine and the United States Department of Agriculture recommends that all men and women over the age of 19 consume .8 grams of protein per kilogram of body Protein is an important component in health and weight, but that number can be customized desomething women need to fuel healthy bodies. pending on how active a person is. Because highprotein foods also may be high in saturated fats, it's best to choose protein sources that include essenProtein helps burn fat. tial amino acids and are relatively low in saturated According to BodyBuilding.com, protein has the fat. Such sources include fish, roasted chicken and highest thermic effect of food, or TEF, which is the soybeans. amount of calories it takes your body to process and utilize a nutrient. This can mean your body Muscle building properties. actually uses a quarter to 35 percent of the caloric Many people consume protein to build muscle. energy from consumed protein just to digest it. By consuming adequate amounts of protein, wom- Those who eat more protein during the day may en can retain lean muscle mass and keep their see faster weight loss. Furthermore, excess protein bodies strong. Physically active women may need consumed will not cause women to bulk up, as the more protein than women who are sedentary to body will excrete whatever it does not use as fuel. help fuel the recovery of muscles after their workouts. Muscles actually are built outside of the Protein supplements. gym. During physical activity, muscle tissue is torn Much of the protein a healthy body needs can and broken down. Amino acids in protein will help be gotten through food. However, some women repair muscle tissue to grow back stronger. like protein shakes to replace a meal or provide extra fuel after a workout. Two of the most readily Fends off hunger pangs. available protein powders include whey concenProtein takes longer to break down in the body trate, a fast-absorbing pre- and post-workout proand digest compared to carbohydrates, which usu- tein source, and casein, a protein that can be used ally produce quick punches of energy. A longer as a meal or right before bed because it can take digestion window means you can feel fuller for a five to seven hours to fully breakdown in the body. longer amount of time and steer clear of excess Protein can be the missing component in a womcalories. Slower digestion may also help stabilize an's healthy diet and fitness plan. energy levels.
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As people age, their dietary needs begin to change. Foods that were once staples of your diet as a youth may be restricted once you hit a certain age, while other foods you may have always avoided may now be necessary to fuel and support a healthy body. Eating healthy foods and exercising may not be enough to sustain health, as hormonal changes and other health effects as a person reaches age 50 can have a profound impact on his or her nutritional requirements. The following are a few things men and women over 50 may want to consider as they look to eat a healthy diet for years to come. Both men and women age 50 and up have a reduced ability to produce vitamin D through exposure to the sun. Extra vitamin D will be needed from foods and supplements. Everyone over the age of 50 should take a daily vitamin D supplement of 400 IU (10 µg), according to Canada's Food Guide. Without adequate vitamin D, bone strength and health can deteriorate because vitamin D promotes calcium absorption. Vitamin D also has other roles, including helping neuromuscular and immune function and reducing inflammation. People over age 50 should increase their intake of unsaturated fats and reduce consumption of saturated fats. Nutrient-rich unsaturated fats can guard against heart conditions, protect against stroke, keep skin supple, and even help men and women maintain good neurological health. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in nuts, olives, seeds, and fatty fishes. Eating more fiber can help with digestive and intestinal problems, such as constipation. Constipation can occur when fiber intake is not enough, coupled with a more sedentary lifestyle. The best way to get fiber is through diet. Leave the skins on fruit and vegetables and choose whole fruits over juices. Whole-grain breads and cereals also are good sources of fiber. Dry beans and lentils can add a fiber boost. Always increase fiber slowly to determine your tolerance. The National Institute on Aging says women over the age of 50 need between 1,600 and 2,000 calories, depending on how physically active they are. Men need between 2,000 and 2,400 calories per day. With each passing year there is a decrease in the energy required to maintain body weight, so caloric intake should be adjusted accordingly. As a person ages, his or her body may not signal it is thirsty as well as it once did, so it's possible that you may not recognize when you are thirsty or dehydrated. The Mayo Clinic recommends around nine to 10 cups of beverages per day to remain hydrated. Eating healthy and changing one's diet is important as a person ages, as dietary needs at age 50 may be quite different from what they were at age 30.
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Youth
THE NEXT GENERATION OF JAZZ WGBO CHILDREN’S JAZZ CONCERT SERIES by Valarie J. Thurman
When we think of Jazz what usually comes to mind is a smoky room filled with seasoned adults mellowing out and lost in the rhythm. Well Dorthaan Kirk and the WBGO Children's Jazz Series, has put an end to that. The series was created to introduce young people to jazz in the hopes of cultivating a future jazz audience. Imagine being introduced to the wonderful sounds of jazz at an early age. Can you see what types of intellects and jazz enthusiasts would have been inspired if this had been part of the curriculum or just a natural part of a child's upbringing? This series fills that void. It works to supplement under-supported or non-existent music programs in schools through basic music appreciation, interaction with professional musicians, and exposure to the art form of jazz. The WBGO Children's Jazz Concert Series began in June 1992 as a co-production with Unity Concerts and Trumpets Jazz Club. The series was held at Trumpets in Montclair, NJ on Saturdays and was primarily attended by residents of surrounding suburban areas. Nancy Barri, Executive Director of Unity Concerts and Emily Weingert, Proprietor of Trumpets, met with WBGO Jazz 88 and suggested presenting their series in Newark, NJ to make the concerts more accessible to children in an urban environment. In June of 1992, the series held its inaugural WBGO performance in the stations studio. Thanks to a grant from New Jersey Bell Yellow pages, the series flourished and presented its first full series in WBGO's performance studio in June of 1993. At the completion of that series and due to overwhelming success, it was decided that WBGO would continue to present the programs. The WBGO Children's Jazz Series has continued to this day through support and The New Jersey State Council on The Arts. In an effort to bring the Children's Jazz Series to newer and bigger audiences, WBGO began to present the series in various venues in Newark. The series has been held in the following sites in Newark: The Newark Museum, The Newark Library, St. Joseph's Plaza, Bethany Baptist Church, Newark Symphony Hall (Terrace Ballroom), New Jersey Performing Arts Center (Victoria Theater), and New Jersey Historical Society. The Series has also been held at Clinton Elementary School in Maplewood, NJ; the Montclair Art Museum in
Montclair, NJ; Luna Stage in Orange, NJ; the Cicely Tyson School of Performing and Fine Arts, in East Orange, NJ; and the Livingston Public Library in Livingston, NJ. The series presented for the first time in the Spring of 2003 in New York City in the New School and has since expanded to The Brooklyn Museum in Spring of 2005. The WBGO Children's Jazz Series works in collaboration with the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) and Jazz for Teens Program, sponsored by the NJPAC Education Department. Jazz For Teens caters to aspiring jazz players age twelve to eighteen. They attend workshops all day on Saturdays for ten weeks. The Children's Jazz Series is not quite that intense. It is targeted to young people seven to twelve years of age. The series is presented for five Saturdays in the Spring and five Saturdays in the Fall. The concerts are one hour and begin at 12:30pm, and are sometimes followed by a question and answer segment. The series is FREE to kids and adults who bring a child. Through the years the Children's Series has had an impressive roster including: Ray Barretto, Marian McPartland, Steve Turre, Geri Allen, Chris White, Michael Carvin, Carla Cook, Claudia Acuna, Valerie Capers, Frank Foster, Billy Taylor, Joe Locke, Rodney Jones, Jon Faddis, Dr. Billy Taylor, Russell Malone, Eric Reed, Regina Carter, TS Monk, Jr., Bobby Sanabria, Hilton Ruiz, Do Braden, Bradford Hayes and Rufus Reid. A variety of artists have been presented so that different instruments can be highlighted and also to bring different perspectives on the music. More recently for instance, The Firey String Sisters, a six piece ensemble took the children on a journey through the history and legacy of African American and urban culture. The program included swinging and singing with Duke Ellington's song It Don't Mean a Thing and discovering rhythms with Jitter Bug Waltz by Fats Waller. Courtney Bryan Ensemble featuring Brandee Younger lead an educational sing along of Negro Spirituals and through their music demonstrated the historical tie between spirituals and jazz. New York Voices, introduced the children to Vocalease (singing a witty story with lyrics to an improvised jazz solo). Ignacio Berroa took the children on a musical journey exploring the mix of Afro Cuban rhythms with jazz by way of drum set. Victor Jones Orchestrio used the African American tradition of call and response, the children participated in this interactive and fun performance learning about the history of drums in jazz and American music. The Camille Thurman Quartet taught the children about the blues and its presence in today's music. Eli of The Eli Yamin Quartet, told the children stories about his life as a pianist, composer, singer, producer and bandleader while performing his original hits. Joe Locke And Force Of Four, shared a look behind the scenes of recording from rehearsing through to a recording session. The Nilson Matta Quartet revealed how Brazilian music is connected to jazz. Willie Williams taught about the tenor saxophones role in jazz and blues. Shamie Royston performed be-bop to hip-hop. Onaje Allan Gumbs performance included group interaction where the children helped musicians match music to different cartoon characters. Michael Carvin taught the children how
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May 2015
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Youth the drums create the style of the music by altering the rhythm a song could go from rock n roll to bosso nova to bolero to jazz. Lauren Hooker taught about the origins of jazz through participatory African call and response, slave songs, spirituals and improvisational scat singing and jazz's global influences on music like Calypso. Eddie Alan, trumpeter, taught about various styles of music including R&B, reggae and the 3/4 waltz. What an impressive combination of sounds, information and enjoyment. Then in 2015 The Children's Series collaborated with JazzReach, a nationally recognized New York City based 501(c)(3) not for profit organization, dedicated to the promotion, performance and teaching of jazz music. The Metta Quintet being their official resident ensemble was featured each Saturday. They performed: Hangin' with the Giants which featured animated likenesses of jazz greats like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Dizzy Gillespie. Ellington! an interactive, multimedia introduction to one of the most celebrated musicians in history. She Said, She Says: the history and status of women in jazz, which celebrated some of the many important achievements of female jazz composers, arrangers, instrumentalists and vocalists from early 20th century through present day. Get Hip! an introduction that illuminates the art form's cultural origins, improvisation and creative self expression. The band members taught the children how through teamwork, collaboration and cooperation they work together to make great music. The spring series ended with "Big Drum, Small World". The children were exposed to the cultures of West Africa, Israel, Cuba, India and the United States and how they all speak the common language of jazz. As an added incentive concerts held at The Montclair Art Museum, New Jersey Historical Society, and The Newark Museum were followed with free admission to the sites. All of this is offered free of charge. Tickets are handed out in the lobby of each venue the day of the performance only and on a first come first served basis. The concerts are open to the general public. All venues are handicapped accessible. The WBGO Children's Jazz Series has continued to this day through support from: The Agnes Varis Trust, United Airlines, Panasonic, The Rivendell Foundation, The Talcott Fund, The Nathan Cummings Foundation, Target, The New Jersey State Council on The Arts, Robert A. Mills Foundation, PNC Foundation, Anita B. & Howard S. Richmond Foundation, Turrell Fund, Edward W. and Stella C. Van Houten Memorial Fund, The Lillian Schneck Foundation, Sylvan C. Coleman Foundation. Investors Foundation. We often hear that children have nothing worthwhile to do with their spare time. This series gives children something exciting and educational to participate in and memories that will last forever. And transportation is even available for those who meet certain qualifications. They have covered all contingencies. The adults enjoy this just as much as the kids. I had a chance to experience one of the sets with a friend's daughter. It was so amazing listening to her rattle off names like Miles Davis and John Coltrane. And she knew which instruments the musicians played and was excited about hearing her favorite songs. Children are like sponges they just need something wonderful like this series offers to absorb. So next season why not grab a child and make a date to explore jazz together. To support the series or become a volunteer email kids@wbgo.org or call 973-624-8880 ext. 248 Information supplied by Dorthaan Kirk and the WBGO website.
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Finance
THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE It’s official; on April 12, 2015 Hilary Rodham Clinton officially announced she is running for the Democratic Nomination for President of the United States in 2016. This probably Harry Paden comes as no surprise to anyone who is politically astute. She was the frontrunner for a long period the last time she ran back in 2012. Additionally, her current poll numbers consistently indicate she is also a frontrunner among those projected to run in 2016. Okay enough about what you may already know. I would much rather provide information that you may not know. You might be surprised to know that she is not the first woman to run for President in the USA. Before you think you know the answer let me inform you that it was not the late great Shirley Chisholm. Let me clarify. The Honorable Rep. Shirley Chisholm, (NY) was the most successful, and ‘almost’ the first, woman to run for the Democratic nomination. The first was Fay T. Carpenter Swain who ran in the Indiana Democratic Primary and received 7,140 votes. Ms. Chisholm was the first African-American to run for the Democratic nomination but she was not the first African-American to run for President. Charlene Mitchell was the first African -American to run for President at the head of the Communist Party ticket in 1968. She received 1,075 votes from 4 states & was the first woman to have her name on the November general election ballot. The Honorable Ms. Chisholm was the first woman to be considered a serious contender for President. She received over 400,000 votes in 14 primaries and 152 delegate votes from 26 states at the 1972 National Democratic Convention. It might surprise you to know that throughout American history many women have attempted to run for president of the United States, but without much success. The first woman to run for president of the United States was Victoria Woodhull in 1872. Frederick Douglas was nominated as her Vice Presidential nominee. Needless to say it has not been easy
for a woman in the past to be considered a serious contender for president. I hope if Hilary does win she receives the same pay as her predecessors. Why? There is, and always has been, a ‘serious’ gender pay gap in the United States. What is a gender pay gap? It is the ratio of female to male median yearly earnings among full-time yearly workers for the same profession and/or duties. While greater education increases a woman’s overall earnings, education does not close the gender pay gap. You may already know that women earn less than men at all educational levels. You might be surprised to know that the gender pay gap widens for women with advanced degrees. Women are almost half the workforce. Yet on average women continue to earn considerably less than men. In 2013 female full-time workers made only 78 cents for every dollar earned by men, a gender wage gap of 22%. Here are some facts: Women in ‘every state’ experience the pay gap, but some states are worse than others. The pay gap is worse for women of color. Women face a pay gap in nearly every occupation. The pay gap grows with age. Where does New Jersey fall in wage fairness? New Jersey is number 20 out of all states with an earnings ratio of 80%. You might be surprised to know that Washington, DC is number 1 with an earnings ratio of 91% so maybe Hilary might have a better chance of getting equal pay if she wins. This is not a new fight for women. You might be surprised to know that until the early 1960’s newspapers published separate job listings for men & women. Jobs were categorized according to sex with higher level jobs listed exclusively under “Help wanted male.” In some cases the ads ran identical jobs under male & female listings but with separate pay scales. In 1963 President John F. Kennedy signed landmark legislation to guarantee equal pay for women & men performing equal work for the same employer. The Equal Pay Act of 1963 was the first of a series of major federal & state laws that had a profound effect on job opportunities and earnings for women over the next 50 plus years. Since this legislation the wage gap has closed. Women earned 59.8 % of
men’s pay in 1963; today women are earning 78% of men’s pay. Over the years other key legislation has helped the fight for equal pay for women, including the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act signed into law by President Obama in 2009. This bill extended the time period a woman can bring pay discrimination claims to try to receive compensation for past abuses they have experienced. The bill was named after a woman who discovered that for 20 years she had been paid less than her male counterparts for the same job and hours. The court found due to the time period it was too late for her to be compensated for the discrepancy. You may be surprised to know that in 1979 the National Committee on Pay Equity began to recognize ‘Equal Pay Day.’ This day recognizes each year how much of that year women loss in pay due to the gender gap. In 2015 ‘Equal Pay Day’ was April 14, 2015. Here’s what this means – a woman would have worked from January first until that date for free because of the 22% pay gap in gender. Let me break it down even simpler, a woman loses 3 months and ½ in pay each year compared to her male counterpart due to the gender gap. Now some might be surprised that I, a male, am highlighting these discrepancies and may want to take away my “he-man women haters membership (referenceLittle Rascals).” Well so be it, I have daughters, granddaughters & a great granddaughter so I have a vested interest in changing the gender pay gap in America! The gender gap not only affects women it affects families! Besides, most women I have worked with do not work 22% less than their male counter parts so why should they be paid less? Regardless of whether Hilary becomes the first women president or not it is time for equal gender pay in America, anything less makes this country a fraud! The Truth Shall Set You Free! Harry Paden is Owner & C.E.O of HP INC, an education consultation company. He can be reached at (973) 580-2496 or via e-mail at: harry_paden@hotmail.com. Messages can also be left on his website at: www.hpinc-consultant.com.
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Book Shelf/Literature
Phenomenal Women
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Tree of Music The Mpingo is Tanzania’s national tree. The Mpingo is now used exclusively for fine quality woodwind instruments. In the last century, cocuswood from the Caribbean region was the wood choice for woodwinds, but the species was driven into extinction by that demand. In the forests and grasslands of Tanzania, Mpingo feels like he is alone and has nothing to offer. Strange things begin to happen. One day he wakes up looking totally different. Gnarled and twisted, his dry leaves, barely visible, have fallen off one by one. After what he thinks is one night of rest, he awakens, and has sprouted beautiful, small, white flowers. His journey through life begins to unfold. He survives a near tragedy, becomes a hero and learns about his proud history as the tree of music. Sometimes we find out why we are so unique in unexpected ways. Mpingo, teaches all of us, young or old, that it’s not how you look but who you are inside, that measures the character of a person. ISBN-13: 9781425941222 Publisher: Author House About the Author: A resident of East Orange, New Jersey, Oona’o Haynes has a history which truly shows how diversified one’s life can be. Author of I Call Him Reggie, They call Him #59746, she has written articles for local and national newspapers and CORE Magazine, published by the Congress of Racial Equality. One of the featured women in the book, Every Woman Has A
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Story, by Daryl Ott Underhll - Warner Books, Oona’o directed and produced several plays while part of a group spearheaded by actress, Olympia Dukakis at the former Whole Theatre in Montclair, New Jersey. A poet, she has performed on stage at colleges, theatres, television shows and radio programs across the tri-state area. "
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." Ephesians 6:18
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Get Your Theatre On With
Midlantic Theatre Company It takes a lot more people than one artist to create a dazzling piece of theatre. It is the only performing art that uses it all: writing, acting, dance, music, and visual art to tell the story of all of humanity. Theatre not only is entertaining, it also feeds the soul. In the 1930’s and 1940’s Newark had thirty-four theatres. Small theatres called “vaudeville houses” gave the public fun entertainment on a small, intimate setting. Those buildings, one by one, slowly crumbled and died away as Newark went through the many social changes and upheavals brought on by the 1950’s and 1960’s. There are many brave people who have put on shows in this wonderful city in such places as the African Global Theatre and Rodney, Gilber, & Yendor Productions. Many churches also have continually, with intrepid guts and vision, put on fantastic work in just about every ward of this gifted city. All have worked together helping Newark’s fascinating people to express themselves. Midlantic Theatre Company –“A Voice for Newark”, is a nonprofit corporation that is proud to take their place among all who love Newark. Their mission is threefold: To produce good multicultural playwriting from all eras with resonance for today’s audiences, especially focusing on developing Newark’s local talent pool of performers, writers and theatre professionals. To make a difference and deepen the understanding of humanity in the Newark prison community by working with inmates to create theatre. To create theatre with Newark school children that will enrich and empower tomorrow’s audiences and communities. Virginia Hammer, MTC’s Artistic Director, has conducted after-school acting workshops in many parts of Newark: Ivy Hill, Ironbound, Weequahic Park, and Central Business District, which included acting workshops that have sometimes blossomed into full-fledged shows on Halsey Street and other downtown venues. The new multicultural Midlantic Theatre Company strives to bring theatre, Schools outreach, and Prison Outreach to feed and entertain you. They revel in writers’ characters, stories, and words. They rock the stage with passionate, talented, multicultural performers who care about issues that matter to us all and create new theatre to help us grapple with these matters. The audience walks out of the theatre alive with feeling and fresh thoughts. Please visit them at: www.midlantictheatre.org or contact Virginia Hammer at midlantictheatre@gmail.com for more information. Drama, the good kind, is what Midlantic Theatre Company is all about. CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK PAGES FOR MORE INFO. Check out the photos of what we've done so far!
Check out the videos of hilarious improv.'s and character studies, featuring; YOUR OWN PEOPLE, making characters come to life, full of glorious, constructive creativity. This is just the beginning. We're looking forward to working with people already doing things for longer than we have, in exciting new spaces that are coming to life in our blossoming downtown. We're also massively looking forward to bring those shows and workshops to other Wards that can't get downtown as easily -- for example, in our wonderful parks and in community and recreational centers, using wonderful, people-driven organizations, like the Newark Yoga Movement (300K kids taught in the Newark schools and counting!), as our models and inspiration. The kind that teaches us all how to be fuller human beings who strive -- who truly try - to care for each other, throughout thick and thin, even when Hard Times make survival seem almost impossible. Thanks for reading this; We look forward to seeing you; Happy 2015, Newark's Year! THEATER!
and ... SEE YOU @ THE
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Now Looking Forward
Normally we do not need permission to do commonplace or ordinary things. We jump right in and do the dull stuff without a second thought. We volunteer to do the mundane. We offer to help do mediocre ventures that will be forgotten even before we are done. We are more prone to hesitate when it comes to doing exciting and extraordinary things. We may say we will get around to it someday or we can't afford luxuries now, or it's just too extravagant for my lifestyle. Only an exceptional few jump right into the good stuff. It is as if we need someone to tell us it is okay to have a grand life; to have abundance, to experience a loving intimate relationship, or just to sing out loud and off key if that brings us joy. But waiting for permission...is just waiting. Who is going to give you permission to enjoy "your" life? Who will say it's okay to get around to it now? How long can we wait to afford the luxuries we desire? And what could be too extravagant for you? What does that mean? Which life are you waiting for...to start to live? You only get this one. Do you really think life is only for the leftovers or the slightly irregular stuff? Is it really good enough to go through life feeling like something is always just beyond your reach? Better yet, do you want to spend your whole life waiting? Honestly that is all we are doing. Waiting for love is still just waiting. Waiting to be happy is still just waiting. Where does waiting get you? What does waiting get you? All I am saying is you can be a person who says I am waiting, or one who says I am not waiting anymore. It is just a way of seeing life. Successful happy people do not wait, "they" seek. Chances are if you were waiting last year you are still waiting. This is not a judgment. There was nothing you could have done better. This is not about the way you do; it is about the way you think about what you do. It is about the energy and the vibration that accompanies each thought. The thought “I am happy” is different from the thought “I must wait to get permission to be happy”. Every thought has energy. If you are mindful you will realize there is a difference in the value of thoughts. And that value can be measured in health. There is a part of you that wants to feel exhilarated and good. It is a small voice though. It is usually really hard to hear. What it is saying is, feeling good is healthy. It is saying if I become a person who decides to think in ways that feel good it affects the vibration of my body and the better the vibration the better my health will be. Our thoughts really are that important. We are all equal in our ability to choose our thoughts. It may not feel like it when all we think about are reasons why we cannot have our heart’s desires. We
think all that is available to us are thoughts of why we cannot do what we want to do, be who we want to be, live like Valarie J. Thurman we want to live. I can't because I don't have enough money, time, energy. I can't because they said people who look like me can't, people who are my age can't, people with my level of education can't. What we need to heal are our thoughts. That's where it all begins. We can only live commonplace, dull, mundane, mediocre lives if we have commonplace, dull, mundane, mediocre thoughts. Give yourself permission to think yes I am ready. Just the energy of yes is different from the energy of no. There is power in yes. Stop thinking you have endless possibilities to change something in the past? Is there some guilt or shame that makes you think you are unworthy of all the good you want? Is that what's holding you back? Do you think only "they" are worthy and you are not? If so forgive yourself now. Stop waiting for the time to be right. When is the time right? The time is just the time. That's the funny thing about time it is stuck on now. Now is all there is. So you may as well say yes now. Get out of the future. One day I will... Get out of the past. If only I had... Today is the day to start living a phenomenal life. Remember tomorrow never comes... So start singing and give yourself permission for a successful, abundant, happy, loving, miraculous life!
You’re In The World When you take a good look at yourself Are you proud of all you see Do you hold your head up high and smile Or feel shame and agony When you gave your best, was it enough Or was there more you could have given If everyone aspired to be like you What kind of world would we live in?