SASSY Magazine July 2014

JULY 2014

NO25

Juggling Act The

And How to Find Time For Yourself

erin Nickell SASSY MOM

Easy Steps

to Boost Your

Social Media Following

Summertime

Wine

The Cure for the Common Summer Vacation:

JULY

ON THE

COVER

MODEL: Erin Nickell Photography: CLASSIC IMAGE Photography Stylist: Maria Gonzalez

/ contents

EVERY MONTH 4 8 Things We Learned While Making The May Issue 5 Contributors & Testimonials SASS FACTORY: STUFF WE LOVE 6 Sassy Time 8 Product Spotlights

“Of course your family will come first, but it’s necessary to have that time for you as well.”

SASS 10

Organic Approach To Your Style

By: Mary Grace Godfrey

12

Summertime Wine

By: Elizabeth Carris

RECIPE 11

Strawberry Salad & Poppy Seed Dressing

LIFE 16

Five Reasons Why You Should Go Back To School And A Few Good Reasons Not To

By: Cyndy Searfoss

18

Improve Our Community By Spaying And Neutering Your Pet

By: Jillian Koeneman

28

Relax At The Farmer’s Market

By: Kristine Smith

HEALTH 20

The Plunge By: Abbi Pollyea

22

Ease Yourself Into A Meditation Practice

By: Liz Nierzwicki

BALANCE 14

The Juggling Act And How To Find Time For Yourself

By: Alexa Tupper

24

The Simple Summer Entertaining Guide

By: Andrew Skipper

26

The Cure For The Common Summer Vacation: 5 Fun Ideas For Your Next Girlfriend’s Getaway

By: Michelle L. Shirk, J.D.

WORK 30

8 Easy Steps To Boost Your Social Media Following

By: Jillian Koeneman

32

So Your Boss Thinks You Should Be More Productive

By: Cyndy Searfoss

ADVICE FROM A BUSINESS COACH 34 Dear Charrise THE SASSY Business FORUM 23 Local Executives Answer The Tough Questions SASSY BOOK REVIEW 9 What The Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast

By Laura Vanderkam

Reviewed By: Susie Cleaver

THE DATEBOOK 36 Sassy Events To Put In Your Calendar SCENE AND BE SEEN 38 Relay For Life Of Elkhart County 39 2014 Go Red For Women Health Forum And Luncheon

LETTER FROM THE

publisher

Photography: Classic image photography Makeup: Camellia Maalouf, Camellia Cosmetics Granger

8 Things We Learned Making The July Issue

President & Publisher: Betsy Tavernier

Betsy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

MANAGING Editor: Jessica Haviland

Jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN Manager: Zuzanna Zmud

Betsy Tavernier

Zuzanna@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

Marketing coordinator: Jill Ludwick

Jill@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

1.

Rosé is the perfect summertime wine.

Learn more about Rosé on page 12.

MEDICAL EDITOR: Dr. Jesse Hsieh

2.

Distribution Manager: Mike Trentacosti

A farmer’s market offers more than just fruits and vegetables. Visit page 28 to see what more items they offer this summer.

Distribution Manager: Kevin Reynolds

3.

Not everyone is ready to go back to school. We have a few tips for those interested in graduate degrees on page 16.

4.

Meditation can help jump start your day.

Learn more about the benefits of meditation on page 22.

SASSY Magazine is a division of Michiana Family Magazines, LLC established in 2006. All rights reserved.

We would love to hear from you! Please submit press releases, event information and inquiries to: Jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com The FAMILY Magazines PO BOX 577 Granger, IN 46530 PH: 574.387.5420 • FX: 574.217.4700 www.MichianaSassy.com

5.

Create paper invitations for your next party. We have the perfect entertainment guide that can make your party be one to remember this summer on page 24.

Permission from the publisher is required for any reproduction or reprint of this publication.

Read SASSY Magazine online each month!

Go to www.MichianaSassy.com and flip the pages, cover-to-cover the organic and green way!

JULY 2014 Volume 4: Number 7

6.

Choose your next girlfriend trip by drawing from a hat. Try these fun summer adventures on page 26 for your next girlfriends’ getaway.

7.

Add strawberries to your salad.

Get the recipe on page 10.

LOOK WHO’s TALKING

follow us on Twitter, and become our fan on Facebook. @MichianaSassy www.facebook.com/Sassy-Magazine

8.

Avoid being strictly promotional on your business social media pages. Find out other ways that you can boost your social media following on page 30.

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pinterest.com/MichianaSassy/ instagram.com/michianasassymag

JULY

/ contributors ANDREW SKIPPER is an interior decorator and lifestyle expert who believes that life should be celebrated every day. His company, Andrew Skipper Everyday, focuses on helping people elevate the everyday tasks they perform and objects they live with. He is the lifestyle expert for NBC affiliate WNDU TV in South Bend, giving decorating and entertaining tips. He is also the official lifestyle expert for Elkhart County, working with the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Charrise McCrorey is certified as a Business & Transformative Coach, working with businesses and individuals around the world. Her local office is in Elkhart, where she resides with her family.

SASSY

/ testimonials “My girlfriend gave me a copy of SASSY Magazine a year ago and I’ve been hooked since!”

– Halie S.

“When I find some downtime in my busy schedule, I like to grab SASSY Magazine and freshen up on my style.”

– Amy N.

“SASSY Magazine always has something interesting to read, something that I can apply to my life and some wonderful recipes to try during the weekends.”

– Allie R.

Jillian Koeneman (@jillianmk) founded Freshlime: Digital Marketing (www.freshlimemarketing. com) in 2010 in order to lead businesses to increased sales and greater brand awareness through social media marketing and other online vehicles. Koeneman is a Board Member of the Women Business Owners of Michiana and volunteers on the Marketing Committee for the Humane Society of Elkhart County. She also heads up all marketing for her husband’s new business, Anytime Fitness in Goshen. Koeneman earned a degree in advertising and public relations from Michigan State University in 2004 and was a member of two National Championship Water Polo Teams.

Michelle L. Shirk is a proud graduate of the University of Notre Dame Law School and longtime resident of Northwest Indiana. Michelle writes for a number of publications across the United States and also serves as Assistant Director for READ La Porte County, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides free tutoring to students of all ages.

We'd LOVE to hear from you!

Email your testimonials to Jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

VIP JULY Advertisers Special THANKS to the following VIP July advertisers that help us provide Sassy Magazine to the Michiana community for FREE:

 Basney BMW  Clothes Mentor  Massage Envy

 Menno Travel  Studio One Boutique

JULY 2014

stuff we love

THE SA S SY FACTORY

SASSY Time 1

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St. Joseph County 4H Fair

Bikini Day

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Meet Me On The Island, 5:30 P.M., South Bend Museum Of Art

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Hairspray, 7:30 P.M., The Lerner Theatre

Monthly Meditation Yoga, 5:30 P.M., Elkhart Environmental Center

Pina Colada Day

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East Race Concert Series, 5:00 P.M., Seitz Park

11th Annual Kamm Island Festival, 5:00 P.M., Kamm Island

Elkhart County 4H Fair

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Fourth of July

Friday By The Fountain, 11:45 A.M., Jon R. Hunt Plaza

Bazaar Sunday At The State, 10:00 A.M., The State Theatre

Chocolate Day Wednesday Wine Walks, 5:00 P.M., Downtown South Bend

Move Live On Tour, 7:30 P.M., Morris Performing Arts Center

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National Cheesecake Day

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The Producers, 2:00 P.M., South Bend Civic Theatre

Yoga In The Gardens, 9:15 A.M., Wellfield Botanic Gardens

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Summertime Fun

With Your Girlfriends Don’t waste the sunshine, warm weather and light breeze by staying indoors.

Grab some of your girlfriends and try these fun ideas this weekend!

Lounge On The Beach: There are several beaches 1. in the area that you and your girlies can visit this summer. It’s the perfect time to gossip, relax and get a tan!

Dance Along With Mini Vacation Via 2.

Music: It’s that time 3.Train: Grab the next of year again where free train to Chicago and spend

outdoor concerts are popping up everywhere.

Plan an evening with your girlfriends and dance the night away!

the day, traffic jam free, with endless amount of fun. Visit the zoo, museums, baseball games, fine dining and shopping galore!

The Ultimate

Strawberry

Tours: Get everyone involved in the fun and hire Margarita 4.aWine limo driver to take all of you to each winery!

Pinterest:

Gold jewelry

Bracelets:

Rings:

www.besttiffanysale.com

www.revolveclothing.com

Ingredients • 6 Ounces Tequila •

2 Ounces Triple Sec

•

8 Ounces Frozen Sliced Strawberries In Syrup

•

4 Ounces Frozen Limeade Concentrate

Directions 1. Crush ice into a blender.

2. Pour in the tequila and triple sec, then add the strawberries and limeade.

Necklace:

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media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com JULY 2014 | SASSY

3. Blend all ingredients together for 30 seconds and serve in margarita glasses.

4. Dip the rims of the glasses in either sugar or salt.

SASSY

book review

What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast

By Laura Vanderkam

Reviewed By: Susie Cleaver, Branch Manager at Harris Branch What do the most successful people do before breakfast?

According to Laura Vanderkam, author of the same-titled book, plenty! It’s all about time management in those hours or minutes between rising and breakfast, “before life has a chance to get away from you,” explains Vanderkam.

A busy professional may feel she or he has no time to add one more thing to their schedule in the day. Add parenting to the mix and mornings can quickly turn to madness. Clearly, everyone can benefit by taking more control of their daily schedule and Vanderkam shows us how.

Early mornings are the prime time to take control of our schedule as our willpower is at its peak in the morning. Over the course of the day, willpower depletes and other factors take control. Vanderkam stresses we should use those early morning hours to nurture our career, our relationships and ourselves. But it takes planning and maybe even a little bribery to keep us motivated. Vanderkam highlights professionals who use the pre-breakfast time to read, meditate, work out, prepare breakfast for their families, take a class, manage a side business, and yes, even have sex.

SASSY Book

Vanderkam doesn’t just stop at mornings.

This slim volume also includes What the Most Successful People Do on the Weekend and What the Most Successful People Do at Work. Weekends are a time for rejuvenation but we should not be, according to former governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee too “leisurely about leisure.” Vanderkam and others suggest we should plan our leisure, embrace the plan and anticipate it and choose labors or activities that are different from our weekday labors, rather like cross-training. During the work week successful people are likely to use time management and planning to help themselves accomplish even more in less time.

If you are looking for a way to carve out more personal time in the day, to cut back on morning madness or to make the most of your 168-hour week then you should read What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast. 

Picks

You Knew Me When By: Emily Liebert (www.cornerbookstorenyc.com)

What Alice Forgot By: Liane Moriarty (www.sandynawrot.blogspot.com)

Four Friends By: Robyn Carr (www.goodreads.com)

THE SA S SY FACTORY

stuff we love

Girls’ Night Out Awesome Items for the Perfect GNO

Dressing For the Occassion

Join us Thursday, July 17th, from 6-8 for our "Girl's Night Out!” We'll help you find the perfect dress for any occasion!

Bella's Consignment Boutique, Elkhart facebook.com/BellasConsignmentBoutique

Paint The Town Pink

This pink maxi dress with peek-a-boo lace is perfect for a girl’s night out. Jazz it up with jewelry and heels or throw on a pair of sandals and take a stroll along the beach.

Jules Boutique, Goshen - $38 574-535-1119

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Pamper Yourself

Looking for the perfect bridal party event? Pamper yourself with a customized bridal package! Enjoy a facial, massage, fitness classes, waxing and more! Purchase any package by calling Jennifer Hoke.

Day La Sol Spa, Goshen 574-206-6063

Décor & More!

B on the River has everything you need for a relaxing evening – drinks, dining and shopping! Enjoy a glass of wine on our riverside patio and shop our unique selection of gifts, artwork and décor.

B on the River, Elkhart 574.293.9333

Flatter Your Figure

Hit the town with your bff's in Siwy jeans. Made in the USA, these jeans are developed in California with the best wash and sewing facilities! Siwy's superlative, modern tailoring creates the ultimate figure-flattering fit.

Steam Couture, Granger www.facebook.com/stmctr

SASSY | JULY 2014

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SASSY

sass

Organic By. Mary Grace Godfrey

Approach

to Your Style

F

Photography: Mary Grace Godfrey

Below are a few simple DIY tips and tricks to help personalize ashion is more than an expression of your favorite pieces in your closet: personality and status, it is about lifestyle.

The notion of “dress for success” is an inviting way of saying “dressing well is already winning.” When you love your wardrobe it’s like loving the city you live in – you feel understood.

It is a strange thing to say that “the clothes make the man,” but it is true that a person is much happier and Pull out your needles and button jar! content with life when dressing is thoughtful.

Be creative and add unique buttons to your jacket and blazers.

That is why dressing is becoming more of an accepted investment. A person might go so far as to shop for a tailor more than individual items of clothing, but in any event there is a trend toward taking clothes seriously. And that means letting go of a dependency on bargain-priced clothing when it isn’t real. Clothes that are cheap can never be real. Choosing to dress in organic, hence “real,” fabric is the first step.

The second step is clothes to be “tailored” to the individual.

Even though dressing well means making more careful decisions and taking more risks when it comes to acquiring pieces, there is a lot you can do to transform a poly-fabric infested closet into a gallery of art and culture (which, in the end, is what mass manufactured fashion lacks). Dressing well is not always about spending more money or buying more expensive items. It is about reflecting lifestyle choices on your wardrobe and employing creativity and innovation, a power most people forget they have when it comes to clothes. It was not so long ago that people were sewing their own clothes at home and designs were more complicated back then! 

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JULY 2014 | SASSY

Use the leather from an old unwanted handbag.

Ask your local seamstress to add a leather welt pocket to one of your trousers!

Dig out your grandmother's embroidery patterns and embroider one of your silk blouses hanging in your closet.

SASSY

recipe

Ingredients: • 3 Tablespoons Sugar • 3 Tablespoons Mayonnaise • 2 Tablespoons Milk • 1 Tablespoon Poppy Seeds • 1 Tablespoon White Wine Vinegar • 1 Bag Romaine Lettuce • 1 Cup Sliced Strawberries • 2 Tablespoons Slivered Almonds

Preparation: 1. Combine the first five ingredients into a small bowl and stir with a whisk.

2. Place the lettuce in a large bowl; add the strawberries and almonds and toss to combine. Divide the salad evenly among six plates then drizzle one tablespoon of dressing over each serving.

According to Medical News Today, Strawberries have been popular since ancient Roman times and were used to help alleviate inflammation, fever, kidney stones, bad breath, gout and so much more!

SASSY

sass

“Nothing screams summer more than a fun and fabulous chilled Rosé.”

Summertime

Wine By: Elizabeth Carris

Its delicate flavors will not only enhance your menu, it’s a perfect way to cool off since this wine is served chilled.

S

ummertime is officially in full affect and it’s the best time to enjoy your family and friends with get-togethers. Beer is most commonly served as a refreshing way to beat the heat at summer gatherings like cook outs and parties, but wine has come a long way in its popularity and is now being served to guests during the summer months to soothe away those sweltering temps. For many wine drinkers, there is a concern about serving wine during the summertime and if it will pair well with their average picnic fare, such as grilled meats and salads.

It makes me wonder what our founding fathers drank during this time of year. Thomas Jefferson, one of the founding fathers and third President of the United States, had 15 wine cellars in his lifetime. He even tried to grow a vineyard at his Monticello Estate but did not succeed. Benjamin Franklin was also a

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JULY 2014 | SASSY

lover of wine and, at one time, housed over a thousand bottles in his Paris, France wine cellar and apparently was quite the ladies’ man. He was very fond of drinking Champagne with the women. John Adams was indeed a wine lover as well and personally toured Bordeaux and enjoyed drinking wine with Thomas Jefferson in America and in France. He was also John Hancock’s, a wealthy ship owner and wine importer’s, lawyer when he was prosecuted by the British for allegedly smuggling Madeira wine without paying taxes on it. George Washington was particularly fond of Madeira.

He ordered Madeira directly by the barrel straight from the best producers in Portugal. He also ordered vine cuttings from Madeira hoping to start a vineyard at Mount Vernon. It was also said the Betsy Ross herself had a glass of Madeira wine sitting on her table as she sewed the very first American Flag!

So, what is Madeira wine?

Madeira is a fortified wine from Portugal.

It was made on an island just off the coast near Casablanca. Fortified means a wine that had brandy, or some other spirit, added to increase the alcohol content. Although it may be served as a drink either before or after a meal, it also makes a great cooking wine in both sweet and savory applications. Madeira comes in a wide variety of flavors, from pale dry to rich and tawny.

Save the date!

FASHION SHOW

With this history lesson over, you may wonder what wine you should serve.

The most complimentary wine that can handle your everyday outdoor fare, like grilled meats, popular salads (potato and coleslaw) or even our beloved Indiana corn on the cob, is a well-balanced Rosé.

A rich and fruity Rosé will pair very well with the lighter pasta sides and can even take on the heavier fare without over powering the foods. Its delicate flavors will not only enhance your menu, it’s a perfect way to cool off since this wine is served chilled. Nothing screams summer more than a fun and fabulous chilled Rosé. It comes in a still form as well as sparkling.

It’s also a great host or hostess gift and they are reasonably priced at your local party shops or liquor stores.

So, don’t forget to add a little pink Rosé to your summertime party shopping list along with the chicken and beer. It will be a pleasant way to compliment your food as well as offering your guests a lovely and relaxing refreshment to tame that summertime simmer. 

Cheers!

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BasneyBMW.com

The Ultimate Driving Machine®

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FROM THE INSIDE OUT. BMW CERTIFIED COLLISION REPAIR CENTER.

Basney BMW 52203 Indiana State Route 933 in South Bend.

574-272-8504

SASSY | JULY 2014

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SASSY

on the cover

By: Alexa Tupper

Photography: CLASSIC IMAGE Photography Stylist: Maria Gonzalez

The

Juggling Act And How to Find Time For Yourself

Elkhart Woman Shares Secrets For A Balanced Life

Erin Nickell

wakes up every day with what some consider the most important career of all; raising her four children.

As a stay-at-home mom, Erin’s job description varies day-to-day, but it wasn’t always that way. After graduating from Indiana University Bloomington in 2001, Erin used her Health Administration degree to work at Biomet Orthopedics in Warsaw. After four years of working in the corporate sales department, she made the decision to stay home with her newborn son.

“I really enjoy working out,” Erin said. “I go three times a week with my girlfriends. It’s really my outlet to burn off some steam, and I love to challenge myself.”

“Actually, at first I was kind of nervous about being a stay-at-home mom,” Erin said. “But it was what I was accustomed to because my mom was a stay at home mom, too. I really wanted to be the one taking care of my children, making decisions for them and sculpting them into who they are.”

It wasn’t until a friend told her about a new workout class she was taking. Erin decided to get involved at the Elkhart Youth and Community Center where she realized how important staying fit was, not only physically but mentally as well.

Now, nine years old, her firstborn is already hitting homeruns on the baseball field and scoring goals on the ice during hockey season. At four months old, her youngest isn’t quite as active, but still keeps her busy. With four kids to take care of, how’s a busy mom, or any working woman, keep her sanity while balancing a full schedule?

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Previously, she played tennis on the women’s travel team for Eastlake Athletic Club in Elkhart. With all of the other family activities though, it became too much for her, and she decided to play recreationally instead of competitively.

“I wanted to get my baby weight off, because I had gained a lot more in my second pregnancy than I had with my first,” Erin said.

“It kind of jumpstarted me, and I’ve been going ever since.”

One of Erin’s favorite workout classes to attend is Sports Conditioning.

This class is comparable to Crossfit and is a great, tough workout.

The calories that you’re burning aren’t the only benefits, though.

Working out regularly can lead to a decrease in potential health issues, such as heart problems and high blood pressure. Being active also positively affects your mood, as working out stimulates brain chemicals that boosts happiness. If you need another reason to lace up your sneakers, working out at the local gym is a great way to meet new friends and have fun with old friends.

“For me, it is a social activity too,” Erin said. “I can go workout with my friends and maintain those friendships. It gives me something to do when I’m not with my kids.”

In addition to working out three times a week for an hour and a half, Erin also focuses on cooking healthy meals for her family. She and her family enjoy grilling during the summer, naming grilled chicken or pork chops with sautéed veggies and rice as a favorite meal for the whole family.

“I enjoy cooking healthy meals,” she said. “I try and cook three to four days at home, and I try to have good, healthy eating habits. I’m trying to get my kids to eat healthy foods as well, with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Of course they can have the occasional junk food snack, but I really try to instill those healthy habits in them also.”

While her family comes first and staying fit is a passion of Erin’s, she also looks forward to a mini getaway with her husband every weekend. They hire a babysitter to look after the kids while they go out for a few hours. Sometimes they go just the two of them, while sometimes they go out with their friends. Erin insists that this downtime is crucial for any relationship, but especially when you have four kids.

“Whether it is with our friends or by ourselves, we like to go and get out for a bit. A lot of times we’ll just go out to dinner, and before we had our four month old, we would even travel a little bit. It’s just nice to get out and reconnect.”

While Erin is taking life on a day-to-day basis, she admits that she would like to get more involved in the community. In the past, she was a member of the Elkhart chapter of Tri Kappa. Now she is a committee member within Elcona Country Club and a regular contributor to her kids’ classroom activities at St. Thomas the Apostle School.

As for how she balances it all? Simple. Find activities that you love doing with your family and by yourself. The key is to make “me time,” even if it’s only for a little bit.

“You have to carve out time for yourself, too.”

Get sneaky with exercise!

Struggling to fit a whole workout into your routine? Try these simple tricks to get your body moving: • Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

• Flex different muscles while standing in lines or sitting at your desk.

• Park far away from the door.

• Walk while you talk on the phone.

• Balance on one leg while doing everyday activities.

“You have to carve out time for yourself, too,” Erin said. “Of course your family will come first, but it’s necessary to have that time for you as well.”  SASSY | JULY 2014

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life

Five Reasons

Why You Should Go Back to School – And a Few Good Reasons Not To! “Back to School” sales are in the air with pages full of school supplies and fun electronics. But maybe the words "back to school" are giving you a reason to think about pursing a graduate degree. Before you begin filling out applications, be sure that going back to school is really for you.

It’s Required in Your Field

If you work in the education or social services you’ve more than likely encountered the fact that an advanced degree – usually a master’s degree – is required to continue working in your profession. Physical therapists, audiologists and many health and medical fields fall into this category as well.

You Want to Follow Your Passion

According to career experts, this is one of the best reasons to go back to school for an advanced degree. Studies have found that people who work in professions for which they feel the most affinity not only have the greatest job satisfaction they also tend to make more money.

You Can Make More Money

In many lines of work, particularly those in professional fields such as engineering, business and science/research, an advanced degree is the quickest route to a jump in pay. Make sure to do a thorough cost/benefit analysis before taking this route, though.

Unless your employer is helping the foot the bill, it may be years before the investment in your education pays off financially.

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It Will Allow You to Advance in Your Current Position

In many companies, especially larger corporations, an advanced degree is a great route to a promotion, in addition to making more money. And some of them even provide tuition assistance – although this often has strings attached in the form of an agreement to stay with the company for a pre-determined number of years (after all, why should the company pay for you to take your new skills somewhere else).

You’re Looking for a New Challenge

Even the best career can go stale after a while. Whether it’s time to add some new skills to your repertoire or explore a totally different field, going to graduate school for the challenge makes sense.

By: Cyndy Searfoss

Reasons NOT to Go Avoidance tops this list. If you’re avoiding finding a job, financial responsibilities or just don’t know what to do with your life, graduate school isn’t the place to be.

Don’t go to graduate school to please someone else, either. Maybe your mom has always wanted you to be a doctor or a veterinarian. But if it’s not your dream or passion, graduate school will be an expensive, miserable experience.

And finally, according to career professionals, graduate school should never be something you do because you’ve run out of other options. For recent graduates who have difficulty finding a full-time position, gaining work experience through volunteering and working a retail or service job to make ends meet is a much better option.

What to Expect from the Experience

“An advanced degree is a great route to a promotion.”

Lisa Douglass, who is currently enrolled in Notre Dame’s Executive MBA program offered these words of wisdom about what to expect when heading back to school. “You will never feel 100% prepared for graduate school. Focus on your experience and how you can make a real contribution in the classroom.

Think about how your work history and home life will positively influence how you (and ultimately, others) learn and absorb information. Consider how to share your unique perspective on new concepts and theories.”

She continued by noting, “Harness your motivation to earn an advanced degree with your real-world experience to move past feeling that you have to possess every skill and ability before going for it. If you focus on planning, you’ll always be planning. Don’t overthink it and sentence yourself to a lifetime of wondering what would have been different if you had your degree. Let me tell you, everything will be different, starting from day one, and it will be better than you ever imagined.” 

“You will never feel 100% prepared for graduate school.

Focus on your experience and how you can make a real contribution in the classroom.”

SASSY | JULY 2014

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life

Improve Our

Community by Spaying and Neutering

Your Pet By: Jillian Koeneman

Pets are family!

Dogs, cats and other pets enhance our lives and provide numerous health benefits. Pets who are a part of loving, caring homes with responsible pet parents make our community a healthier, happier place to live.

But what about the thousands of homeless pets in our community who want and deserved to be loved?

Our shelters and rescues are overloaded with sweet, innocent animals looking for their forever homes.

There are far more animals who need homes than there are families who can care for them.

In every community, including right here in Michiana, there are homeless animals. In the U.S., there are an estimated six to eight million homeless animals entering animal shelters every year. Barely half of these animals are adopted.

Tragically, the rest are euthanized. These are healthy, sweet pets who would have made great companions.

Many people are surprised to learn that nationwide, more than 2.7 million healthy, adoptable cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters annually.

Spay/neuter is the only permanent, 100 percent effective method of birth control for dogs and cats.

As a volunteer for the Humane Society of Elkhart County (HSEC) I can personally attest to the severity of this problem. The HSEC does an amazing job finding good homes for as many animals as they can, but there simply is not enough time, money or manpower to help every single animal in need.

In 2013, the HSEC impacted the lives of more than 8,300 animals. And that’s just at one shelter. Multiple that number by the number of Shelters and Rescues we have in the Michiana area and you can quickly see how the complexity of the problem is magnified.

There is a huge homeless animal problem in the Michiana community and we need your help.

Fortunately, for those of us who have pets we can make a huge impact by doing one very simple thing - spaying and neutering our pets. Spaying and neutering your pet is also very beneficial to your pets’ overall health and longevity.

Top 10 Benefits of Spaying and Neutering Your Pet from the ASPCA: Your female pet will live a longer, healthier life.

1.

Spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast cancer, which is fatal in about 50 percent of

dogs and 90 percent of cats. Spaying your pet before her first heat offers the best protection from these diseases.

Neutering provides major health benefits 2. for your male.

Besides preventing unwanted litters, neutering your male companion prevents testicular cancer, if done before six months of age.

Your spayed female won't go into heat.

3.

While cycles can vary, female felines usually go into heat four to five days every three weeks during

breeding season. In an effort to advertise for mates, they'll yowl and urinate more frequently—sometimes all over the house!

Your male dog won't want to roam away 4. from home.

An intact male will do just about anything to find a mate!

That includes digging his way under the fence and making like Houdini to escape from the house. And once he's free to roam, he risks injury in traffic and fights with other males.

Your neutered male will be much better behaved.

5.

Neutered cats and dogs focus their attention on their human families. On the other hand, unneutered dogs and cats may mark their territory by spraying strong-smelling urine all over the house. Many aggression problems can be avoided by early neutering.

Spaying or neutering will NOT make your pet fat.

6.

Don’t use that old excuse! Lack of exercise and overfeeding will cause your pet to pack on the extra pounds—not neutering. Your pet will remain fit and trim as long as you continue to provide exercise and monitor food intake.

7.

It is highly cost-effective.

The cost of your pet's spay/neuter surgery is a lot less than the cost of having and caring for a litter. It also beats the cost of treatment when your unneutered tom escapes and gets into fights with the neighborhood stray!

Spaying and neutering your pet is good 8. for the community.

Stray animals pose a real problem in many parts of the country. They can prey on wildlife, cause car accidents, damage the local fauna and frighten children. Spaying and neutering packs a powerful punch in reducing the number of animals on the streets.

Your pet doesn't need to have a 9. litter for your children to learn about the miracle of birth.

Letting your pet produce offspring you have no intention of keeping is not a good lesson for your children—especially when so many unwanted animals end up in shelters. There are tons of books and videos available to teach your children about birth in a more responsible way.

10.

Spaying and neutering helps fight pet overpopulation.

Every year, millions of cats and dogs of all ages and breeds are euthanized or suffer as strays. These high numbers are the result of unplanned litters that could have been prevented by spaying or neutering.

“Spaying and neutering packs a powerful punch in reducing the number of animals on the streets.”

Spaying and neutering your pets not only can save many lives it can also help keep our community safe. Unwanted animals are becoming a very real concern in many places. Stray animals can easily become a public nuisance, soiling parks and streets, ruining shrubbery, frightening children and elderly people, creating noise and other disturbances, causing automobile accidents and sometimes even killing livestock or other pets.

The capture, impoundment and eventual destruction of unwanted animals costs taxpayers and private humanitarian agencies over a billion dollars each year. As a potential source of rabies and other less serious diseases, they can be a public health hazard.

Do your part as a responsible pet parent and spay and neuter your pet! Call your veterinarian today. Also be sure to check out low-cost options in our community such as the Pet Refuge ABC Clinic in Mishawaka (www.petrefugeabcclinic.com/).

You can also do your part by helping to educate those around you about the benefits of spaying and neutering. We have to be a voice for the voiceless. 

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5930 Grape Road Mishawaka, Indiana 46545 574-855-4493 cmmish@mail.com clothesmentor.com facebook.com/clothesmentor

SASSY | JULY 2014

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health

By: Abbi Pollyea

Swimming is an exceptional way to

get in shape. The water creates resistance against movement in addition to providing our bodies with an anti-gravity environment. These two components allow for a lowimpact yet high intensity cardiovascular exercise program. There are many local pools in our area. Get online and find one that is close to you and that fits your budget. Start with a 15 minute cardio workout, provided below, and finish with the following five sculpting exercises. All you will need is a pair of goggles, a beach towel and some sunscreen. Enjoy!

Cardio Swim Simple to do, but physically challenging. This method of Cardio Swim is called “Easy-Down-Hard-Back.” Swim a lap at an easy pace, swim the second lap as fast as you can. This is one rep. Complete 10 reps, with a 10 second rest in between. I recommend the Freestyle stroke, however, do whatever style of swimming you are comfortable with. Don't forget a good pair of goggles, it is no fun running into a pool wall.

“The Plunge” Playlist This playlist is provided for the sculpting segment of the workout.

1. Birthday by Katy Perry 3:35 2. First Love by Jennifer Lopez 3:36 3. Love Runs Out by OneRepublic 3:45 4. I Want it All by Karmin 3:47 5. Love Never Felt So Good by Michael Jackson 3:55

2. Warrior Three Toe Taps

Begin standing tall with the right leg reaching back and the towel overhead. Think about becoming a teeter totter and tip forward until your upper body and back leg are parallel to the ground. Return to start to complete 1 rep. Complete 10 reps on each side. Bring towel in front of chest to modify.

Important: Do not arch your back, keep abdominals pulled in and gluteal of lifted leg fired throughout.

1. Releve with Shoulder Flexion Begin standing with your heels together and your toes slightly apart. Hold a beach towel securely at shoulder height. Rise up onto the ball of your feet as you bring the towel overhead, lower to start to complete one rep. Complete 20 reps total.

To modify, lose the towel and use a wall to secure balance. To intensify, add on 20 more heel lifts at a quicker pace while holding towel above head.

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3. Tricep Kickback Rise Up

Begin in a lunge, both knees bent with back knee directly below the hip and front knee above the ankle-hold towel securely behind the low back with elbows bent. Rise up by straightening both knees while simultaneously straightening elbows. Lower back to start to complete one rep. Complete 10-15 reps on each side. To intensify, lift the heel of the front foot throughout exercise.

Important: Keep torso straight up and down, do not lean forward, keeping chest open throughout.

4. Pilates Teaser

Begin in a seated “V” with bent legs and hold towel directly above the head. Squeeze the seat and move behind the tailbone until abdominals are fired up. Keeping legs still, and without lowering arms, carefully roll the torso down to the mat. To come up, bring arms toward sky, followed by head and shoulders, finishing in start position to complete one rep. To modify, put the towel behind the thighs for support, or put the feet down throughout. Complete five reps.

5. Superswimmer

Begin lying prone with the towel above the head. Lift the arms, head, shoulders, and chest while simultaneously lifting the legs. Return to start to complete one rep.

Complete 20 reps.

Important: Look down throughout the exercise, looking up will hyperextend the neck. Keep gluteals fired throughout work and do not arch the back.  *This workout is designed to increase the strength in the postural muscles. Upon completion, a participant will feel taller, stronger and ready to take on summer.

Photos: Abbi Pollyea SASSY | JULY 2014

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SASSY

health By: Liz Nierzwicki

I

So, you want to begin a meditation practice because you want the benefits of this peace giving practice. Well, I might just be able to show you a way that could give you exactly what you’re looking for.

n my day-to-day life, I’m running a busy yoga studio with 11 teachers, a full seven-day schedule, workshops, doing all the social media and marketing, an online business and the list goes on. Outside of all my professional responsibilities, I’m a single mom, I work out and take the time to take care of myself. With this crazy schedule, it’s important that I have something to turn to in order to help me balance my mind and keep my stress levels in check.

I’m sure that many of you reading this can relate to my schedule and you wonder how you’re going to keep it all together. So how do we escape, or better yet, deal with this hectic life in a sane, productive, and focused way? Meditation. That’s right, meditation.

Meditation has become my BFF, my assistant and my personal companion. I talk to people all the time, who say, “there’s no way I can meditate, my mind is simply all over the place and I can’t slow it down; plus I’m too busy.” Well I hate to burst your ego bubble, but so is everybody else’s. The fact is we’re all busy and we all have simply too much on our “to do” list. Add to the list the blessing and curse of technology, always being connected. Simply put, we are all over the place physically and mentally and we need a practice that will reel us in.

In yoga land, we call the racing of the mind, “monkey-mind,” because like a monkey, it’s all over the place jumping from tree to tree, thought to thought. So how do we get this incredibly powerful and rambunctious mind to slow down and long enough to focus and meditate? I like to teach two schools of thought around meditation:

1.) Meditation As A Daily Practice: Sure you can (and

I would recommend it) set a time and place every day to meditate but many simply will never bring meditation into their lives if this is what it takes, because remember, “We’re too busy.” But let me encourage you to think about adding this as another “to-do” item for yourself. When we set a time aside each day to meditate, we begin to create a powerful practice in our life, mind and body. When we meditate at the same time each day, we begin to hardwire the serenity and peace of mind that the practice brings

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into the biorhythms of our body’s energy. When we keep the practice consistent, our body will begin to remind us daily, as it will begin to yearn for this practice, like a friend saying, “do it, do it.” This practice begins to allow for clarity of mind, you begin to understand what deserves your attention and somehow you feel as if you have created more time for yourself. In reality, you’re just focused and grooving.

2.) Meditative Awareness: Just this phrase brings me peace and I want you to get there too. Regardless of your “religion” we all have a universal soul/energy within us and many great sages, philosophers, and spiritual leaders say that we are all “one” and connected via this universal spirit. Whether you call it, spirit, God, Holy Spirit, intuition, we all have it and many have become very adept at tapping into this at any time. Meditation helps us get there.

I want to you take a moment to think about something that brings you extreme peace. Maybe it’s the beach or perhaps it’s reading, praying, dancing or hiking and simply follow your breathing. When you are in those moments, you feel free and I’ll even go as far to say, connected to something greater. With enough practice, you can begin to feel the feelings of peace at any moment and that is my goal for you. So when you begin to practice meditative awareness, the key is to breathe into it and invite it to enter your current space, your body, your mind, your whole being and then invite this energy to move to those around you and then you will be surrounded with this sense of peacefulness. This might sound a little “who-who” to you, but before you judge it, I invite you to give it a try for the next thirty days and see what changes in your life.

Namaste

(The light within me, recognizes the light within you.) 

SASS Y

work

Bart Hatch Bart Hatch is Chief Financial Officer and Director of Business Development for Afdent Dental. He has over 25 years of experience in Business Management, Finance, Sales, Marketing and Performance Management.

Business Forum This Month's Question: “Recently I accepted a job promotion but have not received a pay increase for my new added job responsibilities. During the interview process it was mentioned that there would be a slight pay increase but it was never discussed how much and when it would take place. How can I talk to my boss about this pay increase without sounding like I’m only in it for the money?”

Tracy Schrimsher Graduated from Ball State University with a degree in Business Management. Tracy was a Manager with J.C. Penney for 28 years. She is now owner of Once Upon a Child, a children's resale store in Mishawaka & Goshen, along with Clothes Mentor, a women's resale store in Mishawaka.

First, congratulations! When you are promoted, it says your employer has taken notice of you and trusts you.

It also means the company is investing in you long-term by giving you more responsibility. Make sure to take a moment to be proud of your accomplishment and enjoy it.

Asking for a pay increase is an intimidating topic for most employees, even when the raise is warranted. Many people shy away from asking for what they want at work because they are worried about the implications of the question.

Similar to you, the majority of employees do not want to appear financially-motivated or pushy.

However, your company has already indicated by promoting you that they feel you are an asset to them and have invested in you long-term. During your interview, your boss suggested a slight pay raise with the promotion. It is not unrealistic or demanding of you to ask about the suggested pay raise and no one will be surprised or offended if you do.

If it has been a few weeks since you have taken on your new responsibilities and you still have not seen a raise, it is okay to touch base with your boss.

F

Find a good time for a discussion that does not interfere with work that needs to be done for you and your boss. Make the meeting a positive discussion of your new role. Thank your boss for the promotion and new responsibilities. Ask if there is anything else you should be doing within your new role or get clarification on any new task that might be confusing. Show your boss you are assertive, responsible and eager to work as well as you have historically. During your conversation, ask about the pay raise politely. “During the interview, a slight pay raise was discussed. Is that raise still a possibility?”

Then, before concluding the meeting, simply say, "I am very excited to take on these new responsibilities. When we first talked, you mentioned there might be a slight pay increase with this new position.

I just wasn't sure when that would be taking place?" Always thank them for their time and again thank them for the opportunity to grow with the company.

The worst that can happen is your boss says the raise is not on the table currently or that there is a probationary period before the raise goes into effect. At a minimum, this would give you clarification for when you could expect the raise or the reasons why it has to be off the table. (A company might be in a financial dip or waiting on something else to happen so they can adjust your salary.) In my experience, a majority of the time it is as minor as paperwork. Someone forgot to fill out a form or it takes a few weeks to process the pay change through the payroll system. Either way, you’ll have the clarification you need about the pay increase. 

irst of all, set an appointment with your boss when you can sit down without interruptions. I would wait for a couple of weeks to set up this meeting. That way it will give your boss ample time to put in a wage increase, if he/she is planning on it. Once you have this meeting, explain to your boss how appreciative you are that he/ she offered you this promotion. You might ask your boss how you are doing with your new assignment. Ask him/her if there are opportunities he/she sees to help you improve in this new job. Make sure your boss knows that you are truly interested in doing the very best job possible.

Most bosses like to know that you appreciate what they have done for you. They also like to know that you take your job seriously and you want to grow with the company. By making these points clear, your boss will not look at it as you are just in it for the money.

Best wishes to you!

SASSY | JULY 2014

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The

Simple Summer

Entertaining Guide

T 1.The Invite

While I love beautiful paper invitations, make it easy on yourself by going electronic.

In today’s world, almost everyone has an email and it’s easier to keep track of RSVP’s this way.

Save the paper invitations for formal affairs like weddings and graduation parties.

Be clever on your invitations and include a tagline such as “Come for an evening of al fresco dining and lively conversations by the fire.” This tells the guests that they will be outdoors so they’ll know how to dress appropriately. They also may want to wear bug spray or bring a hat to protect their skin from the sun.

You also want to think about who you’re inviting.

Mixing different groups of friends can be so much fun or a complete disaster. Will you have coworkers at your fête? If so, you may want to think twice about inviting your gal pal who enjoys doing one too many shots. Just be mindful!

By: Andrew Skipper

here has been several books written on the subject of entertaining and the art of hosting. You probably have a few (Emily Post or Martha Stewart?) stashed away somewhere. The reality is that in order to have a fun party at home, you don’t need perfect floral arrangements everywhere or place cards made out of leaves; who has time for all that? The secret to entertaining at home is to keep things simple and master just a few tasks.

2.A Well-Stocked Bar

Whether you’re serving alcoholic beverages or not, people are going to be thirsty. The first thing I do when a guest arrives at my home is offer them a drink. I believe that having a drink to hold in your hands is sort of like a security blanket. It makes people feel welcomed and gives them something to hold. That being said, if you don’t want to spend the night playing bartender, then do one of three things.  If your budget allows, hire a bartender for the evening. Go to your favorite restaurant and ask if their bartenders work private parties. It can certainly take the stress off you and allow you to mingle with your guests.  Another option is to stick with no fuss/no mix drinks such as wine and beer. Simply set out a few open bottles of red wine and place white wine and beer bottles in an ice bucket and let guests help themselves.  The other options is to premix drinks like a spiked punch or a pitcher of cosmos. Let them chill in the refrigerator and guests can serve themselves. Be sure to have plenty of ice on hand. If someone offers to bring something, always ask them to pick up a bag of ice on their way.

You can never have enough.

It’s important to have non-alcoholic options available as well. A few juices, sparkling water and a couple of soda options gives people choices.

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3.Play It Up

Games may sound cheesy, but they are a great way to diffuse awkwardness between guests who don’t know each other. They’re an unexpected way to get the party started and help people get to know one another. Save Twister for your very close friends. Instead opt for games like Pictionary or Guesstures.

These games let people be interactive and have fun. At first everyone will act like they’re too cool to play, but after the first couple rounds, everyone will be laughing and telling stories. That is a great start to a very successful party. After all, they won’t remember what you served, they’ll remember how they felt at the party!

5.The Menu

Whenever you’re serving drinks, make sure you serve plenty of food. Keep it easy on yourself and also set out lots of no-fuss finger foods.

Forget the diet for one night and put out bowls of chips, pretzels and popcorn. As the night progresses, you may want to order a couple of pizzas for delivery, even if you served dinner four hours ago.

6.The Music

Make your playlist in advance.

Nothing is more awkward than silence at a party. Whether it’s a dinner party, cocktail party or pool party (yes, even pool parties can be chic), you’ll want to have a long playlist ready to go as soon as guests arrive. If you don’t or if the music suddenly stops, one of your friends is guaranteed to start messing with your iPod docking station and wanting to play their music. At this point, you may be forced to listen to something that doesn’t really fit the theme of your evening.

The point is, music plays a huge role in setting the mood. Plan ahead so that you are in control. Cater your playlist to the mood you want to set whether that be mellow and chill or upbeat and dance-worthy— or a progression from one to the other. 

4.Be a Friend

Be a good host and make sure everyone has a safe ride home. Keep a list of taxi phone numbers on the refrigerator so you know who to call if a friend needs a ride. Also, if guests are out-staying their welcome, offering to call a cab can be a polite-but-not-subtle way to send them on their way.

SASSY | JULY 2014

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balance

The Cure for the Common Summer Vacation:

By: Michelle L. Shirk, J.D.

Whether you’re headed across the country or to a nearby city, taking a summer vacation is a great way to reconnect with friends and create memories. Want to add some extra excitement to this year’s girlfriends’ getaway? Choose one of these four twists on a regular vacation itinerary for a trip your group will never forget!

The Spontaneous Sabbatical

Can’t come up with (or agree on) this summer’s vacation destination? Select three to five top contenders and have a neutral third party draw one out of a hat. Surprise – you’re going to Chicago/Las Vegas/Charleston!

This unorthodox method of choosing a location shouldn't mean scrambling for hotel reservations at the last minute.

You can easily hold the drawing several months ahead of the scheduled departure date, or even immediately upon returning from the previous years vacation if taking a trip together is an annual tradition. Make it a special event by planning a night out to celebrate your chosen destination!

The “Taking Turns” Trip

When friends travel together regularly, it’s easy for one person to consistently fall into the role of trip planner. Why not share the work and fun of pre-trip decision-making by putting each member of your group in charge of planning a day or two?

This approach ensures that everyone gets to do the things that are most important to them, whether that means pool time, dinner at a local tapas restaurant or a visit to a major cultural attraction.

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It’s a good idea to set a daily budget to make sure everyone’s on the same page financially. Otherwise, there’s only one rule for this trip – no complaining about your buddies’ choices!

JULY 2014 | SASSY

An Active-Packed Adventure

Why not use this year’s getaway as an excuse to get fit? Sign your group up for a half-marathon, triathlon or mud run at an exciting destination. After the race, you can dive into delicious local cuisine or take a well-earned nap on the beach. As an added bonus, you’ll come home from your vacation in great shape and ready to enjoy the rest of the summer!

If a competitive event isn’t your cup of tea, think outside the box for active fun. Many waterfront destinations offer water sports such as rafting, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.

Or, choose a national or state park for fabulous hikes and gorgeous views. Even eating can be combined with exercise! Most major cities offer culinary walking tours that allow visitors to see the sights while snacking on local treats.

Go Back Home Again

If you’ve been fortunate enough to have the same friends for a long time, plan an itinerary that celebrates your roots together.

Your destination could be your hometown, college alma mater or another city with special meaning to your group.

Take a walking tour of memorable spots followed by a meal at one of your old favorite restaurants. For a true blast from the past, consider an evening at the roller rink, arcade or bowling alley. Add some new memories by checking out a museum, art gallery or other ‘grown-up” attraction. After spending a few days reminiscing about times gone by, you’ll probably come away with a whole new appreciation for your long-lasting friendship with these special women.

Travel with a Theme

Add some structure to your trip by planning your itinerary around something that interests you and your friends. This central “theme” could be a type of attraction, food, style of music or pretty much anything else you can think of.

A group heading to Key West could make a pledge to sample and rate slices of Key Lime Pie from at least five different eateries. Broadway buffs visiting New York City might want to snag tickets for several different shows. Heading to New Orleans? Make it your mission to scope out as many jazz clubs as time allows.

The possibilities are endless! Be sure to keep a written or photo record of your themed experiences so you can look back at your trip for years to come.

Whether you choose to plan one of these outings or opt for a more traditional trip, traveling with good friends means you’re sure to have a blast. Have a safe and happy summer vacation! 

SASSY | JULY 2014

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life

Relax at the

Farmer’s Market By: Kristine Smith

erhaps one of the best perks of living in the Midwest is the vast array of farmer’s markets and u-pick farms available within close proximity to wherever you may live. Having that kind of availability to fresh produce should be taken advantage of as often as possible through the growing season to both save money and save your mental health. Most agree that picking your own strawberries or meeting the farmer who grew the produce you are buying gives you a deep appreciation and respect for the food you serve your family.

The following list of some of the best farms and farmer markets is the tip of the iceberg:

1.

New Road Natural Farm – South Bend

Step into the South Bend Farmer's Market and your senses will be enchanted by the fragrances of baked pastries, bouquets of cut flowers and by mounds of fresh vegetables. You will hear and become part of the conversations of a vibrant market community. Over the years, the Farmer's Market has been known as the best spot to purchase farmgrown vegetables, a unique variety of cheeses, eggs and meats, baked goods, maple syrup, the highest quality fruits, homemade candies and floral bouquets. Incorporated in 1924, the South Bend Farmer's Market has become one of the largest and most diverse indoor markets in the Midwest. Vendors and customers come from far and near to sell and purchase the quality goods found at the ninety-six stalls that are owned and operated by families, many of whom have sold at the market for generations. While visiting, be sure to stop by the cafe, located at the center of the market. For over eighty-five years, the Farmer's Market cafe has been known for its outstanding meals, prepared daily from seasonal produce and fresh market meats and cheeses. The Farmer's Market is a place that allows you to form a personal relationship with the people who produce your food. This vital connection strengthens the community by preserving a food industry based on family-owned farms and small scale businesses. The hours are Tuesday, Thursdays and Fridays, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Saturdays 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

2.

The La Porte Farmer's Market

This market has expanded leaps and bounds these last couple of years and they would love to have you be a part of the market. This farmer’s market is located at the downtown city parking lot located on the corner of Lincolnway and Monroe Street and runs through October, weather permitting, every Saturday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.

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3.

Granger Farmers Market

An independently operated emerging farmers market. They value minimally processed ingredients and local produce and are trying to create a strong local food shed. They even offer an online farmer’s market which will allow customers to shop online for produce and then pick it up at a later time. For more information, including hours and days of operation go to www. grangerfarmersmarket.com. Meet a friend there and catch up. There is truly something for everyone.

4.

The Garwood Farm Market – La Porte

This market offers a variety of fresh, high quality, home grown produce.

Depending upon the season, you will find blueberries, peaches, cucumbers, peppers, apples, zucchini, sweet corn, tomatoes, raspberries, cherries, beans, etc. and their u-pick crops are impressive.

At the Farm Market, you can also find preserves, honey, dressing, salsa, sauces, popcorn, syrups and noodles. If you love fresh fruits and vegetables, and unique and tasty treats, you will want to make the Garwood Farm Market a regular stop on your weekly shopping trips. With apple season fast approaching, you won’t want to miss this u-pick experience. Check out their website at www.appleupick.com.

5.

Take A Drive Down The Country Roads

It may seem silly but simply taking a drive down country roads in the area can yield a ton of u-pick or freshly picked produce from local growers that do not have the need nor desire to advertise on a bigger scale. Just remember that they only take cash. Take a leisurely drive some weekend. You will be surprised where a country road might lead you! 

SASSY | JULY 2014

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work

8 SASSY

Easy Steps to Boost Your

Social Media Following By: Jillian Koeneman

W

e have all heard, been told and read about the increasing importance of a great social media strategy for our small businesses. Our customers are congregating there. Our industry leaders are congregating there, and although we may not want to admit it to ourselves, most of our parents are awkwardly congregating there too. Effectively using social media platforms to communicate with the public can increase brand visibility, inspire loyalty and sets you apart from your competitors. Below are eight tips designed to optimize your social media presence and increase more followers:

 Diversify Content Across Platforms

Each platform has different advantages, and to know how to use those in your favor is probably the most important lesson to learn. Something you post on Facebook may not garner as much activity if it were to be on Twitter, and a picture you post on Instagram may not even get a second look on Pinterest. Make sure you’re designing content based on the benefits each platform provides and diversifying to keep followers interested.

 Offer Exclusives

Everyone likes to feel like they’re special.

Offering exclusive deals like special sales or contests to your social media following will work to make following you more valuable (hence more followers), and will make those that already are following you feel appreciated and part of an elite “in-crowd.”

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JULY 2014 | SASSY

 Avoid Being Purely Promotional

Promotions? Great! Over-promotions? Not so much. Social media at its best is a way to humanize your organization and take part in genuine conversation with your audience.

Make sure to remember that you’re not only selling a product or service, but your brand as well.

 Authentic Personality

Your small business is unique in every way.

Your social media presence needs to reflect that. Using light humor, inspirational quotes or even pop-culture references can set you apart from other business accounts. You want your followers to recognize not only the name of your business, but to remember the reasons you’re different!

 Participating in Industry Conversation

Posting about hot topics in your industry and engaging with others within is crucial to any small business. You want to make sure you’re seen as an industry influencer.

Blog posts, linking to published articles and posing questions about industry concerns can help to elevate your business’ credibility in the field.

 Paid Advertising

From experience, small businesses are usually tentative about paying money for social media advertising. These are free platforms, and paying to engage followers seems counterproductive to most.

However, until you build your follower base, your posts aren’t likely to be seen by the larger population. Platforms are now providing reasonably priced opportunities to “boost” or “sponsor” posts to relevant demographics. Using these features will increase visibility and make sure your presence gets noticed.

 Post Frequently

It is so important to keep your followers engaged and posting once every two weeks is not going to do it. Consistently posting new content across platforms will keep your followers active and aware of your presence. Coming up with original content multiple times per day (or week) can become tedious, we know.

Luckily, there are sites like SproutSocial. com and HootSuite.com that allow you to schedule your content in advance and will post it to your pages at a preset time.

Family Physician who focuses on preventative medicine, diabetes & obesity.

Smita Patel, MD Family Practice We accept Medicare and most private insurance carriers.

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment or would like further details please contact Dr. Patel’s Office Manager, Nicole Divido, at 574-968-0011.

 Don’t Bite Off More Then You Can Chew

Some small businesses think the most important thing is to be visible on every social media platform currently available.

They have a company Facebook and Twitter and Instagram and Google + and LinkedIn and YouTube and MySpace (that’s still a thing right?) and what winds up happening is that they burn themselves out before they ever really get started. Pick one or two platforms to start with, depending on your target demographic, and get really good at them. Build your following, and when you feel you’re ready, choose another.

You can promote your new page on your established pages and your followers will come with you. 

922 East University Drive, Granger 574-968-0011 SASSY | JULY 2014

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work

So Your

Boss Thinks You Should

be

More Productive By: Cyndy Searfoss

P

erhaps it started with an email. Or maybe it happened during a staff meeting. Someone higher up in the food chain may have sent a memo stating, “in order to maximize our company’s profits, we need to become more productive.” The bottom line is the same; do more work and do it faster.

The Decision Tree

As humans, our first instinct is usually to say, “I’m doing as much as I can, as quickly as I can.” Take a step back from that position and evaluate the situation. Ask yourself – honestly – if there are things you can do more effectively. Most people can find at least a handful of areas that could use improvement.

If the answer to that is yes, you can be more productive, one of the quickest fixes is to find an app or program that can help with your problem area. The App Store and Google Play are chockfull of apps that can help you to become more organized, more productive or even help fight the urge to procrastinate. Even better, many of are available for free or at a minimal cost.

Technology isn’t the only answer, though. Making a list of high-priority tasks before leaving work at the end of the day 32

JULY 2014 | SASSY

can help you get a jumpstart on the next day. Cleaning up your desk and files can help save time in the long run by making it easier to locate things more quickly. If the answer is no, or if the increases being requested are unreasonable, it’s time to do some homework before responding.

Is it Spelled Out Somewhere?

Start by checking your job description and employee handbook to see what, if any, expectations are outlined for your job performance. Some companies have very specific language, others are vaguer about their requirements. If you can make the case that your productivity meets or exceeds those outlined, suggest a meeting with your boss to discuss the situation. Gather your figures and present your case in factual manner. If your job description or employee handbook doesn’t offer any guidance, it’s time to look outside your company for direction.

What Does Your Boss REALLY Want?

Work styles vary from person to person and even from generation to generation. Younger employees or those who have come from flexible work situations may have a difficult time fitting into structured work environments.

“If the work gets done well and on time, why does it matter when or how it gets done,” is a frequent response to the perception that they spend less time working than older employees and thus are less productive. In fact the opposite may be true. He or she may get more accomplished in the same time frame. As noted earlier, the best way to counter this perception is with fact and figures.

Occasionally, form is more important than function and the boss or corporate culture may insist that it doesn’t matter how much or how quickly the work gets done, it’s derriere in the chair for at least eight hours a day. While there are numerous studies that iterate that happy employees are productive employees, not every organization is willing to be flexible in how its employees approach the life/work productivity balance, and you may be better finding one that suits your needs. 

“Most people can find at least a handful of areas that could use improvement.”

What Are the Expectations in Your Industry?

Google is your friend. Many industry organizations have information on their web sites outlining realistic expectations for job performance. Some of it may even be in hard and fast numbers, depending on the industry and type of job. If that information isn’t available, chances are good that there are already conversations regarding productivity on industry forums. Again, schedule a meeting with your boss to discuss what you’ve found and how it applies to your situation. You may find that it’s not about your output but about his or her perception of your work style.

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SASSY

advice from a business coach

Dear Charrise: Charrise McCrorey is a global coach/consultant, writer, speaker and founder of Arms Wide Open Corporation, supporting the empowerment of people and businesses to live and work in their highest purpose. She has offices in Elkhart and Chicago.

Have a co-worker who’s driving you batty? A boss who just won’t listen to reason? Or maybe you’re wondering if this is your time to break out and show the business world what you’re really made of – but you don’t know exactly how to go about it. Sounds like you need some sound business advice! Send your questions to Charrise, our SASSY Business Coach, and have them answered here. It’s time to get a fresh perspective!

Email your questions to:

Jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com to have them answered by Coach Charrise!

Q:

Q:

I've been given a questionnaire as part of a performance review that focuses on how secure, happy and valued I feel in my role.

If I'm being completely honest, none of the answers are positive, but the person I need to address them with is the one who triggers most of my issues. How would you approach this?

My business is doing okay, but not nearly as well as people think it is. I keep getting suggestions for amazing ideas that I just don't feel I have the resources to execute, but I don't want people to know that. How would you suggest I approach this?

Answer: You must not game the system. Be truthful, and allow the

business, get in your business? “If I were you I’d…” can be some of the most infuriating sentences to hear. The truth is nobody is in your shoes.

They don’t truly know what they’d do if they were because they aren’t!

The first bit of coaching here is to acknowledge that those amazing ideas are presented by them with no real idea of feasibility.

questionnaire to provide the opening you’ve been waiting for to have the conversation you need to have with the trigger person. It will work one of two ways:

1.

The two of you will come to a new understanding and things will improve. You will feel better because you communicated your perspective and the channel for future communication will have been created.

2.

You will see that things won’t improve and that you need to rethink your current role. Either way, something important will move forward and you will gain clarity.

Oftentimes it seems easier to ignore a problem. This is usually not true.

Once something important has found its way into the space, shifts occur and you wonder why you waited so long to address the problem. My philosophy is always to have the conversation that is required to resolve the tension, and if that doesn’t work, you will at least have gained some clarity toward the next step.

Being stuck in an unhappy job situation is never ideal, and there is usually an obvious yet potentially difficult next step to resolve it.

Anything is better than being stuck. Being forthright is a character builder. Tell the truth fast and often.

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Answer: Don’t you just love it when people who aren’t in your

Secondly, you need to take an honest look at your need to look good image. It sounds like you’re not being authentic, and that it’s really important for you to keep up some sort of charade about how you’re really doing. Frankly, that’s exhausting!

Consider choosing to share the truth of your business with someone you can trust - perhaps someone who HAS been in your shoes. Tell the whole truth about your challenges and create new strategies based on your unique situation.

The others are like armchair quarterbacks. Ignore them or address it, based on the amount of energy you’re willing to expend. Other people will always have amazing ideas. It’s important to keep it real. Growing your business is a tricky business and you are likely the best judge of whether an idea has legs or not. Trust yourself. 

Green means

GO

GO

and check out the new green blooms at your florist!

Green flowers are becoming extremely popular in the floral world including wedding flowers. The bright green compliments most colors and gives a bouquet a fresh look.

CHECK OUT: Fugi Mums Kermit Button Mums Bells of Ireland Green Trick Green Cymbidiums Green Carnations (Natural)

GO

and get a green plant for your office!

PLANTS CAN: • Improve air quality and remove allergy triggers.

• Make the office more comfortable by affecting humidity.

• Decrease background noise if planted as a buffer between areas.

• Make the office more aesthetically pleasing and can create a generally pleasant work place.

GO

and pick up a new plant today!

C

SOME GREAT PLANT CHOICES FOR OFFICES INCLUDE: Spathiphyllum “ Peace Lily” • Philodendron Ivy • Areca Palm • Cactus Or call Flowers By Stephen for a consultation to add fresh plants to your décor.

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ATIN

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Making Everyday Special 4325 S Michigan St South Bend, IN 46614 574-291-2250 www.flowersbystephen.net SASSY | JULY 2014

35

July 2014 Events

This listing includes events around town. Always call ahead for updates.

July 6th

July 9th

Knitting and Crocheting in the Garden

7:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library, Mishawaka

Join a Lakeland Health Educator for this FREE series of classes on a variety of health topics for men and women. Following each presentation, a free health screening will be offered, including blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and waist measurement.

Preregistration is preferred, but not required; walk-ins are welcome. For more information or to register, call (269) 5562808 or (866) 260-7544.

July 13th

Potawatomi Concert Series Chris Wilson Pavilion

The July 6th concert will be featuring the Twin Cities Concert Band, a band performing a range of genres, from pop to show tunes to the classics! The event is free. Call the South Bend Parks and Recreation Department at 574-299-4765 for more information.

July 7th

First Mondays in the Garden 7:00 p.m.

Harris Branch Library, Granger

Your Health Matters in 2014

2:00 p.m.

Catholic Community Center, Benton Harbor

Are you an avid knitter? Are you a beginner who's always wanted to learn more?

Patrons aged 13 and older are invited to stop by the Mishawaka Library on Saturdays, July 12 and 26 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. The group will meet in the Periodicals department. Instruction is available for beginners. Participants should bring their own crochet hook or knitting needles.

Bazaar Sunday at the State

Master Gardeners will discuss "Container Gardening" at the July 7 program. 1st Mondays in the Garden is a monthly adult gardening and lawn program featuring various speakers and topics. It will be held at the Harris Branch of the MishawakaPenn-Harris Public Library at 7:00 p.m. on the first Monday of the month, except for Labor Day, between now and October.

July 10th

July 8th

Move Live on Tour

Saturday Visitor Hours at the Elkhart Environmental Center

Every second Sunday of the month, local vendors gather at The State Theater for our Bazaar Sunday at The State. Local vendors consist of handmade, repurposed, upcycled items, as well as antique and vintage items. We consider ourselves an upscale flea market in that our vendors are artists in the area of one-of-a-kind creations. Contact Christine Calkins at 574-855-4274 for more information.

Morris Performing Arts Center, South Bend

Elkhart Environmental Center, Elkhart

July 14th

Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos 9:00 p.m.

Blue Chip Casino, Michigan City

At this dueling piano show, not only will the musicians and staff be dueling, but the audience gets involved as well! Contact the Blue Chip Casino at 219-879-7711.

July 12th

7:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

MOVE LIVE ON TOUR is an all-new stage show starring JULIANNE and DEREK HOUGH who appeared on "Dancing with the Stars" and the MOVE company dancers.

The show is a cross between a spectacular Broadway musical and the hippest, coolest dance party you have ever been to. Tickets are available at the Morris Box Office: M-F 10 AM-5 PM, ONLINE, or at the following Ticket Outlets with credit card: Hammes Bookstore/Eddy Street Commons and O’Brien Recreation Center, South Bend.

Dinner and show ticket reservations are available. Call the Morris Box Office for more information at 574-235-9190.

The Elkhart Environmental Center features indoor and outdoor activities for all ages. Use the boat launch to fish along the Elkhart River, check out the food education garden, or take a walk along the beautiful trails that are open from dawn to dusk. The air-conditioned cabin is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Come inside to refresh, watch birds at the viewing window, check out environmental displays and explore the children’s activity loft. Visit the Elkhart Environmental Center’s website for more information at www.elkhartindiana.org/ eec or call 574-293-5070.

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10:00 a.m.

The State Theater, South Bend

Monthly Meditation Yoga 5:30 p.m.

Elkhart Environmental Center, Elkhart

Are you interested in yoga? The Elkhart Environmental Center and Kristen SmithMyers RYT 500 certified yoga instructor from Tree of Life Yoga are teaming up to offer free Monthly Meditation Yoga Classes in 2014. Participants will learn basic relaxation techniques to help stretch the body and clear the mind. All levels are welcome. It is recommended that you dress comfortably and bring a yoga mat or towel. Space is limited and classes fill up fast. Registration is required. Call 574-293-5070 to register or for more information.

July 15th

Hairspray

Batman’s 75th Birthday Bash

6:00 p.m.

The Lerner Theatre, Elkhart

Harris Branch Library, Granger

Lakeland HealthCare offers free quarterly seminars and one-on-one support sessions to help and encourage you to quit smoking. Schedule a consultation with a tobacco treatment specialist and receive the tools you need to kick the habit for good. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call (269) 556-2808 or email smokefreelife@lakelandregional.org

July 21st

Smoke Free Life

7:30 p.m.

Lakeland Community Health, Watervliet

Come out to the Lerner Theatre to see Hairspray on July 18-20. Tickets run from $12-$18. Call the Lerner at 574-293-4469 for more information.

12:30 p.m.

The Ann Arbor Art Fair

Come out and watch Her with your friends at the Pierre Morgan Branch! Admission is free and fun is on the way! Check out www.myepl. org for more details. Adults aged 17+ only.

Batman is turning 75! Help MPHPL celebrate this special birthday with a cake and a variety of Batman-themed activities for all ages (while supplies last.) The festivities take place at the Harris Branch Library on Saturday, July 26 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Other activities include: Photos with Batman in the Bat Booth from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m., Lego Batman Wii U from 2:30 to 2:00 p.m. (registration required), Batman Look-Alike Contest at 2:30 p.m., Movie at 3:00 p.m., Children's Bat games, Door Prizes. Contact Helen Cawley at 574-271-3179 for more information.

Ann Arbor

July 24th

July 27th

6:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

July 16th 9:00 a.m.

The Ann Arbor Art Fair is composed of four independently juried art fairs taking place simultaneously and contiguously throughout Ann Arbor. The annual event includes live performances, interactive activities and artist demonstrations. Hours include: Wednesday July 16 - Friday July 18, 2014, 10-9, Saturday July 19, 10-6. For more information, visit www.TheAnnArborArtFair. com or on Twitter @AnnArborArtFair.

Squeeze Before You Sneeze 6:00 p.m.

Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph

Women of all ages may be affected by incontinence – even young women in their 20s and 30s who’ve recently had babies.

Get your questions answered by providers from BellaNova Women’s Health during a free and candid discussion about the causes of female incontinence. Preregistration is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome; call (269) 556-2808 or (866) 260-7544.

July 18th

Tour de Mitt- A Bike Ride for Hospice 8:00 a.m.

Mackinac City to Stevensville, MI

Dawn will take her first long-distance bicycle ride to raise money for a cause near to her heart – hospice. Join her July 18 through 26 on a 423-mile bike ride from Mackinac City to Stevensville, Michigan. Participate in all or part of the ride, no matter your level of experience. Help people get the care they need; go to www.fundly.com/tour-de-mitta-bike-ride-for-hospice.

Movie Night 6:00 p.m.

Pierre Morgan Branch Library, Elkhart

Who are you? A Genealogy Roundtable!

Mishawaka Library, Mishawaka

Interested in genealogy? Join fellow family researchers and share ideas, tips, and even ancestral stories during a genealogy roundtable on Thursday, July 24 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Mishawaka Library.

Beginners and experienced researchers are welcome to chat about their family history research. Your level of expertise doesn't matter. We want to hear your story.

Contact Deanna Juday at 574-259-5277 for more information.

East Race Concert Series Seitz Park, South Bend

Head out to listen to the Everyday People perform country and country-rock at Seitz Park! Admission is free. Contact the South Bend Parks and Recreation Department at 574-299-4765 for more information.

July 28th

Open Irish Music Session 8:00 p.m.

Fiddler’s Hearth, South Bend

Castles & Cottages Tour of Homes

Come out for open mic night at Fiddler’s Hearth. Enjoy tasty food and good music with friends. Call Fiddler’s Hearth at 574232-2853 for more information.

Paw Paw Lake Yacht Club, Coloma

July 29th

July 26th 10:00 a.m.

Enjoy a day on Paw Paw Lake while supporting the Community Health Foundation of Watervliet at the Castles & Cottages Tour of Homes. During the tour, pontoon boats ferry participants to unique lakefront homes from the Paw Paw Lake Yacht Club; maps are available for those who want to travel by car. Proceeds from the event support projects and services at Lakeland Community Hospital, Watervliet.

Advance tickets will be available at Lakeland gift shops and on the day of the event at the Yacht Club. Please call (269) 927-5143 for more information. To register online, visit www.lakelandhealthfoundations.org.

Living Through Grief 6:30 p.m.

First Congregational Church, St. Joseph

This seminar is offered free of charge for any adult who has experienced the death of someone close. Anticipatory grief feelings will also be discussed. The seminar will address various aspects of grief to help individuals gain knowledge and renewed strength. Presented by staff from Lory’s Place, this discussion is intended to offer hope and life-affirming ways to address one’s own grief, as well as be of support to another facing grief. Call 269-983-2707.

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

Scene Be Seen

SASSY Magazine promotes Michiana’s cultural offerings, personalities, attractions and local businesses with a special emphasis on non-profit organizations’ events and activities. We expect this section of SASSY to grow significantly and we’d like your help to get it rolling!

Please send us some of your favorite photos from your organization’s or charity’s best events and fundraisers. They just may make the next issue of SASSY Magazine!

We prefer snapshots of people that are full of life and enjoying the moment, so please send them our way: Jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com.

Photos: Relay For Life

The stands at Goshen High School were illuminated with Hope, Cope and Cure during the Luminaria Ceremony.

Relay For Life Of Elkhart County The question you will hear the most at Relay For Life of Elkhart County is, “Why do you Relay?” Every year hundreds of people from our community unite for a common goal. For some, it is to celebrate what they have overcome. For others, it is to receive support and encouragement to continue their fight or to remember loved ones they have lost. Relay For Life of Elkhart County is a 24 hour walking event where teams and individuals raise money for (cancer) research, service programs, education and advocacy. Many teams camp out and fundraise right on site.

What can you expect at Relay For Life? After the Opening Ceremony, survivors are invited to the track for a survivor lap followed by a lap with their caregiver, and then all Relay Teams are invited to begin walking. Survivors are treated to a special lunch where they can share their stories and give thanks to their caregivers. Teams walk throughout the day and evening, taking turns being on the track and participating in various games and activities or browsing through the creative fundraisers. Relayers this year enjoyed a DJ, live music and a silent auction. As night falls, the Luminaria Ceremony lights up the track with luminaria bags, decorated to remember loved ones.

Relay For Life of Elkhart County is an event where the community can unite for a common cause, an opportunity to raise money and fight back against a deadly disease that has taken so many. There are many ways to get involved with Relay For Life of Elkhart County, by creating or joining a team, donating, or volunteering. For more information on how you can join the fight, please visit www.relayforlife.org and help our community celebrate, remember and fight back!

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JULY 2014 | SASSY

1 2 3

Photo Captions 1.) Relayers walking for a cause. Relayers across the country unite each year to Remember, Celebrate and Fight Back!

2.) The Relay For Life of Elkhart County

committee began the 2104 relay season with a fun-filled Kick-Off Party at Concord Mall.

3.) Gunner Hankins relays for his grandpa,

Lonnie Wheaton, who died from kidney cancer before Gunner was born. Gunner wants every child to have a grandpa!

Photos: Beth Anne Anderson of Anderson Photography

2014 Go Red

For Women Health Forum and Luncheon The Go Red movement in Michiana celebrated 10 years of standing strong and fighting for every woman’s heart at the 2014 Go Red For Women Health Forum and Luncheon on Thursday, May 8th at the Morris Inn Ballroom. The Health Forum and Luncheon offered something for everyone. Activities included a wonderful ‘Purse-onalities’ silent auction, free health screenings, interactive exhibits, a heart healthy lunch, doctor’s panel and rousing survivor celebration, where heart disease and stroke survivors over the past 10 years shared their triumphant stories. The event was hosted by WSBT Anchors Bob Montgomery and Leanne Tokars.

The Go Red For Women movement is so critical in raising awareness and funds for lifesaving research and education programs in the Michiana community. The event and others provide a place for residents to connect with a common passion in making the region healthier and free of cardiovascular diseases and also celebrate the successes made in saving women’s lives over the past 10 years and the strides the movement will make for many more.

During the luncheon the American Heart Association also unveiled several women from Elkhart General Hospital who were selected to participate in a Go Red For Women BetterU Makeover Challenge. As part of the 12-week challenge, the women received free wellness screenings, coaching from personal trainers, nutritionist and behavior modification and additional resources to help them make healthy changes to their lives.

All funds raised at the luncheon go towards lifesaving research, educational programs and advocacy efforts targeting heart disease and stroke in women. For additional information on the Go Red For Women movement, visit www.MichianaGoRedForWomen.org.

SASSY | JULY 2014

39

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