SASSY Magazine March 2015

March 2015

NO33

Trendy For

National

Red

Cross

Month

Building Resilient Communities

The FAMILY Magazine Presents…

2015

The Virtual Camp & Kids' Care Fair starts February 28th and will continue to be online throughout 2015!

Join Us!

Camps  Summer School  Summer Workshops  Classes & s  Daycare amps  Athletic C s  Art Camp Camps  Specialty ed Camps  Faith Bas ps  Day Cam re!  Many Mo

There will be contests and giveaways during the month of March on www.michianamom.com and FAMILY Magazine’s Facebook page!

Want a reminder?

Sign up to receive the FAMILY Magazine’s eblast reminders on the homepage of their website!

Come visit all of your local and regional summer camps for kids in the comfort of your own home!

March

/ contents

EVERY MONTH 4 On The Cover 5 Contributors & Testimonials

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SASS FACTORY: STUFF WE LOVE 6 Sassy Time SASSY BOOK REVIEW 7 Everyone’s A Critic: Winning Customers

In A Review-Driven World By Bill Tancer

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Reviewed By: Chris Granatino

SASS 8

For Trendy Sake!

By: Kathy Friend

16

Refresh A Room

By: Andrew Skipper

LIFE 10

Beauty In The Mess

By: Meagan Church

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Embrace The Madness

By: Allison Hayes

HEALTH 14 National Red Cross Month: Building Resilient Communities

22 26

By: Amy Westbrook Pracht

WORK 20

Give Your Cover Letter A Digital Makeover

By: Allison Smith

22

The Power Of The Lunch Break

By: Allison Smith

24

Tax Tips For Small Businesses

By: Rita Miller

26

Supercharge Your Network This Year

By: Cyndy Searfoss

ADVICE FROM A BUSINESS COACH 18 Dear Charrise THE DATEBOOK 28 Sassy Events To Put In Your Calendar SCENE AND BE SEEN 30 U93 Hosts Dress Drive For Glamour Event

To Benefit Hello Gorgeous!

31 3rd Annual Sweethearts Ball

S ASS Y

on the cover

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The 70’s fashion is making a come back this spring!

President & Publisher: Betsy Tavernier

Betsy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

MANAGING Editor: Jessica Haviland

Jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN Manager: Zuzanna Zmud

Zuzanna@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

AD COORDINATOR & INSIDE SALES MANAGER AMANDA OILER Amanda@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

MEDICAL EDITOR: Dr. Jesse Hsieh

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Make your cover letter stand out!

Distribution Managers: Mike Trentacosti Kevin Reynolds

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

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Take the challenge and become a “ReMARKable Woman!”

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The FAMILY Magazines PO BOX 577 Granger, IN 46530 PH: 574.387.5420 • FX: 574.217.4700 www.MichianaSassy.com 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!

March 2015 Volume 5: Number 3

March is National Red Cross Month!

LOOK WHO’s TALKING

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

MARCH

/ contributors 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.

Cyndy Searfoss is a mom, fundraiser, writer, equestrienne, creative writing adjunct instructor, volunteer and insomniac (which is how she manages to fit everything into the space of 24-hour day). Her professional history includes stints as the managing partner of an advertising agency, director of creative services, director of alumni services at IU South Bend and director of advancement at a local independent school. She received her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in journalism and her master’s degree in creative writing from the University of Notre Dame in 1995.

Kathy Friend is an Image Consultant, speaker and expert stylist. Her StyleU workshops have become a ‘must-attend’ for ladies across the country.

She is a contributor to the Fox59 Morning Show out of Indianapolis and the fashion guru for Goodwill of Michiana. She is a busy Mom-on-the go trying to keep up with her daughter Anya.

Allison Boelcke Allison Boelcke Smith is a digital marketing specialist for Indiana University South Bend, and a freelance writer who loves to focus on topics of career and personal finance geared toward working women and mothers. She resides in South Bend with her husband and toddler daughter. During any free time she can manage, she is a foodie whose goal is to actually make more recipes on her Pinterest boards.

SASSY

/ testimonials

“Love SASSY Magazine and all it has to offer!”

– Ashley S.

“Awesome magazine and terrifically wonderful people working there!”

– Erica M.

“Love this local magazine!

Super inspiring!”

– Jillian K.

We'd LOVE to hear from you!

Email your testimonials to Jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

SASSY Time MARCH 7

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6

Southern Fried Chicks, 7:00 P.M., Shipshewana Event Center

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

26

Saint Patrick’s Day

RETA’s Annual Fundraising Banquet, Life-Affirming Legacy, 5:30 P.M., Maple City

3

I Want You To Be Happy Day

17

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Prom Expo 2K15, 11:00 A.M., University Park Mall

Chapel, Goshen St. Paddy’s Tent Party & Pub Tour, 5:00 P.M., Downtown South Bend

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Save That Shirt, 9:00 A.M., St. Patrick’s County Park, South Bend

Zumba, 6:00 P.M., The Salvation Army, Elkhart

20

International Earth Day

16

Brit Floyd-Space & Time World Tour 2015, 7:30 P.M., Morris Performing Arts Center

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30

National Doctor’s Day

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Murder Mystery Dinner Fundraiser, 6:00 P.M., Friends of the Bristol Public Library

Monty Python’s Spamalot, 2:00 P.M., South Bend Civic Theater

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Egg Stravaganza, 11:00 A.M., Downtown South Bend

1 2 4 5 8 10 11 12 15 18 19 21 23 24 25 29 31 Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su Mo Tu

What We Are Pinning: pinterest.com/MichianaSassy

March is Women’s

History Month This history of women’s involvement professionally has came a long way since 1970. The women’s movement in the 60's caused women to think independently and be treated equal to men personally and professionally.

Below are five women who have proven that your sex doesn’t determine your placement in a workplace.

1. Meg Witman, Former President & CEO, eBay Technologies 2. Anne Mulcahy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Xerox Corporation 3. Sheryl Sandberg, Chief Operating Officer, Facebook 4. Marissa Mayer, Chief Executive Officer, Yahoo 5. Andrea Jung, President and CEO, Avon Products (Information found on www.infoplease.com.)

Frames

www.hgtv.com

Lucky

www.madebymarzipan.com

Save the Planet One Simple Change at a Time • Turn Your Computer off at Night: This simple change can save up to 40 watt-hours per day!

• Recycle Glass: Recycled glass reduces related air pollution by 20 percent and related water pollution by 50 percent!

• Use Both Sides of Paper: On average, businesses in America throw away 21 million tons of paper every year, which equals to 175 pounds per office worker.

• Buy Reusable Coffee Cups: If you prefer coffee house brewed coffee, consider bringing in your own travel mug or ask for a reusable cup!

(Information provided by www.50waystohelp.com.)

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MARCH 2015 | SASSY

Kiss Me

www.etsy.com

SASSY

book review

Everyone’s a Critic: Winning Customers in a Review-Driven World

By Bill Tancer Review By: Chris Granatino, Branch Manager Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library Bittersweet Branch Photo Courtes

y: Amazon.co

Editor

Book Picks

Funny Girl By: Nick Hornby

www.amazon.com

First Frost By: Sarah Addison Allen www.goodreads.com

Insurgent By: Veronica Roth

m

Have you ever eaten at a restaurant where the service was so terrible that you felt like you needed to get onto Yelp before even leaving the table? Or stayed at a resort so perfect that your Trip Advisor review was nearly a page long? Websites like these have become powerful tools for consumers, in that they can aggregate an incredible amount of useful data for someone who is looking to try a new restaurant or plan a trip. But, these same tools can also be terrifying prospects for the owners of smaller businesses who find themselves in a position where they receive more feedback than perhaps they are prepared to delve through.

In Everyone’s a Critic, Bill Tancer tries to lay out a set of guidelines and helpful tips to help small business owners harness the power of the ‘review-driven world.’

many websites like Yelp. He is also careful to demonstrate that while there is a lot of good to be found on these websites, they are not without their own biases and occasional problems.

The book is informally split into two fundamental concepts; just who is the person behind that review, and how can your business effectively incorporate this new review-based climate into your own business. By first dealing with the reasons why people are so increasingly drawn to review sites the type of reviews you’ll likely see on these sites, and perceptions from other business owners on this new review-based frontier, Tancer sets the stage for us. Who is behind that ranting one-star rating of our favorite restaurant? Can we believe all those five-star reviews we see on Amazon products? Through interviews with industry experts, Tancer deftly illustrates how we can start to understand the climate which has led to the success of so

Everyone’s a Critic, is a must-read for anyone who owns or operates a small business, particularly those of us who may find our businesses on a website like Yelp. If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “reviews online are primarily negative,” or “good reviews are either paid for, or are business owners masquerading as their own customers,” then you should definitely take a look inside. Tancer notes that these beliefs tend to create an overly defensive posture among businesses, which can blind them to the real benefits of this feedback. In the end, he makes the powerful case that any reviews, including negative reviews, can help to improve sales for a business. We just have to be ready (and willing) to listen.

The second half of the book deals largely with reaction and response. How (as a business owner) do you respond to negative reviews, how can you utilize reviews to improve your business in a healthy manner and what have successful companies done to incorporate feedback from their reviewers into their experience. The emphasis is on treating reviews like another tool in our self-improvement toolbox, recognizing both their benefits and their limits. We don’t need to shutter our windows after just one bad review, and in fact, those critical reviews play an important part in helping us grow.

www.amazon.com SASSY | MARCH 2015

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SASSY

sass

For

TRENDY sake!

What to wear, and would you dare?

By: Kathy Friend

Trends this spring have a personality all of their own. It seems the past few years trends have lacked punch, wow, zing…or personality.

This season the designers and trend setters have more than made up for a lackluster the past few years.

Bohemian Glam

Denim

Trend: Bohemian Glam. Think 60's and 70’s flower child, soft silhouettes, baby doll dresses. Within this trend we are seeing a lot of wild floral prints. The key note to remember here is “go big and bold,” or “go home!” The new silhouette falls into this category too – long over long!

To Wear: The easy breezy feel of this style certainly isn’t for everyone and doesn’t fit into everyone’s lifestyle. Having said that, I think we can all agree that a good maxi skirt or dress will work effortlessly into anyone’s wardrobe. Do it!

Would you Dare: The new silhouette is HOT! Long sweater with a wide-leg trouser or a long (ankle skimming) skirt with a long (past the knee) jacket. Would you? This look can be a bit overwhelming, so be sure to balance it with sky high shoes and a body-con top.

Trend: Speaking of Denim. Denim is everywhere, and I do mean everywhere! Denim is in dresses, skirts, shoes, handbags, vests and even bathing suits. This season, I take back everything I’ve ever said about not matching denim. According to fashion trend setters, NOW is the time to be matchy matchy with your denim pieces.

To Wear: My gut tells me this trend is one that won’t be sustainable, so consider adding in a pop of denim with accessories to capture the trend; a shoulder bag with denim accents, or maybe a sandal that sports some denim fabric.

Would You Dare: A denim skirt with matching denim button-up? Or maybe a denim suit? If you are considering going all out monochromatic with denim this season, be sure to balance all that blue with bold accessory pieces.

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MARCH 2015 | SASSY

Disco Fever Trend: Disco Fever: In looking through some of the runway looks for spring, it feels like the fashion houses were preparing for Woodstock or Studio 54. Peasant tops, prairie skirts, bell bottoms, wide collars, fringe and tassels. More conservative pieces harken back to the Brady Bunch and Partridge Family looks, while others seem to capture an edgy pre-hairband vibe. Mega Platform shoes and lace up to the knee gladiator style sandals are being seen with cut offs and midriff baring tops. Alongside these pieces look for tons of embellishment.

Last year we saw leather in spring trends, so it's no surprise we're seeing suede this year. The pieces I am seeing have a distinct 70's mod feel to them in the patchwork feel of skirts, jackets and handbags.

America The Beautiful Trend: America The Beautiful. Think tablecloth floral reinvented into your favorite summer sheath. Key pieces are shirt dresses, polo-style shirts, and lots of denim! Within this trend we are seeing overalls. Yes ladies, you read that right – overalls!

The stand out detail in this trend is in print – gingham.

Gingham…it isn’t for just picnics anymore! This check print you are going to see remixed against itself and translated into everything from shoes to handbags, tops, pants and more!

To Wear: Take the 70’s vibe chic in your work wardrobe this spring. Pair a wide leg pant with a form fitting blouse with an over-exaggerated collar. Maybe you have one of those great blouses tucked away in your closet that is a true vintage piece. Dust it off and bring it forward in your wardrobe! You will be the fashion-envy of all your friends.

Would You Dare: Patchwork! I have passed on these vintage gems at thrift stores so many times, and now I am kicking myself! Embrace a suede patchwork skirt in early spring, and a bold patchwork shift dress or baby doll style in later spring. Of course, these pieces must be paired with a wooden sole platform shoe!

To Wear: Trade in your white blouse for a white polo shirt this spring. Pair it with your suiting pieces to give a slight casual edge to your look.

Would you Dare: Mixing gingham against another gingham piece or with another strong patterned piece is a style element seen on the runways. Would you do a gingham pant or skirt with a star motif sweater or t-shirt? This bold statement isn’t for the faint of heart, or for someone who doesn’t want to attract attention. However for those that love a little spotlight, give it a go!

Whatever your fashion-plan is this season, remember my number one rule of thumb; if you put it on and question it, the answer is “no, don’t try it”. On the other hand if you try one of these new-to-you trends and think “I can totally pull this off”, then YES! Be confident showing your personal style! As for me, I plan on embracing my inner rocker-chick and getting outfit inspiration from 70’s rock band CD covers.

SASSY

life

Beauty in the Mess By: Meagan Church

Anne Brown is used to being a behind-thescenes woman, supporting her husband, Jim Brown, who is lead pastor of Grace Community Church in Goshen, Ind. So when asked about her leadership role within the church and the ReMARKable Women’s ministry, or the fact that she was chosen as a fan favorite in SASSY’s Women to Watch Class of 2015, she gets a little flummoxed. “I’m just used to being an important part, but not necessarily having any title or anything to put on a business card,” she said.

Title or not, Anne is a woman on mission who is making a difference. She first felt called to full-time ministry when she was serving in the mission field in Mexico City. She had taken a break from college after two years at Michigan State University to serve in Mexico before transferring to Grace College where she finished her bachelor’s degree and met Jim. “While in the mission field, I felt a call to full-time ministry and I didn’t know what that would look like. I was a business major and I’ve always liked to organize. I thought I might be an administrative assistant and help with the work of the church somewhere. I didn’t even know if it would be missionary work overseas or how it would play out, but I feel like that’s what I do as a pastor’s wife: I fill in the gaps of whatever needs to be done.”

One of those gaps has been as a leader of the ReMARKable Women’s ministry. The ministry started a few years ago when Anne and other women within the church realized, “We are good at connecting, having studies, doing things together, but it made us think that maybe there was more than what we’d been doing.”

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MARCH 2015 | SASSY

Classic Image Photography

One woman’s mission leads her out from

behind-the-scenes.

Prayer time for the leadership team of ReMARKable Women Ministry is greatly valued.

That “more” turned into ReMARKable Women. The ministry offers various tools, including 40-day challenges that help women improve upon all aspects of their lives, including their physical, spiritual and emotional sides. During the 40 days, they are challenged on all levels to go deeper. They have small groups and partners to encourage them along the way and through assignments that include everything from push-ups to Bible reading.

Over 400 women have taken part so far and the response has been, well, remarkable. Women have broken free from addictions, such as poor eating habits, smoking, alcohol and porn. One woman in her late 40s set and achieved a goal to run her first 5K race. Women have forgiven deeply rooted hurts and have rebuilt healthy relationships as a result of the ministry.

In her leadership role, Anne has witnessed amazing transformations.

She has also been personally affected and pushed to grow along the way.

“There are some areas that I might not be doing the amount of push ups or fasting from different things if it wasn’t for the assignment, but I’m in there with everyone else.”

Faith has always been a central part of Anne’s life, but being a part of the ministry has given her new goals and perspectives. “As a result of this challenge, I want to take time to dance, stretch and play with my teenage son, while he's still at home, and my husband. I want to ask questions and listen more. I want to ‘do without’ on purpose with intentions of craving God more.”

Bethany Joy Photography

Anne may feel like a behind-the-scenes woman, but her faith has brought her to the forefront and given her direction. “There’s a lot of hard things that go along with things on planet earth. Having faith that God is good and that He can work good out of everything, that gives me hope to not stop in the middle when things are messy, but to hang in there and just to see what He can do and how He can make something beautiful out of a mess.”

Through her ministry work, Anne has had a front row seat for finding beauty in the mess.

SASSY | MARCH 2015

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SASSY

balance

Embrace The Madness

A

By: Allison Hayes

s the snow melts, the tulips pop and buds begin to sprout on trees, we know that spring is within reach here in Michiana. But, no matter how cold it is outside, the heat inside basketball arenas across the country tells us spring has sprung with the arrival of March Madness.

Three weeks of nonstop college basketball consumes the television and the conversation – especially for men. Women, like me, revel in the excitement of this time of year, but March Madness drives other women insane. It’s just another sporting event that excludes them because they feel like they don’t know enough about basketball to understand what is going on. But, the beauty of the NCAA Tournament is that you don’t have to be an expert to be a part of the action.

There will always be the big name schools in the tournament like Duke and Kentucky, but college hoops is famous for the rise of the underdog. Every year there’s an obscure school that knocks off one of the power teams. In 1998, Valparaiso did it in dramatic fashion when Bryce Drew, son of head coach Homer Drew, made a three-pointer at the buzzer to give the Crusaders a miraculous 70-69 win over Ole Miss.

I still get goose bumps every time I see this highlight. No other sporting event creates pure emotion like the NCAA Tournament. Moments like Valpo’s buzzer beater represent all of the hours spent practicing and working out in the weight room, the arguments and scuffles, and the support they receive from their coaches and teammates. It is their lives.

So, take a moment to connect to the madness on a personal level. There is a story behind every player. Like Notre Dame star Demetrius Jackson. Demetrius was taken in by a foster family and starred at Mishawaka’s Marian High School. He had his pick of top programs around the country, but chose Notre Dame.

While the sport is full of emotion, it is also just good old fashioned fun. The best way to experience it is to fill out a bracket in your office pool. But, before you can do that, let’s get a handle on what March Madness really is.

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MARCH 2015 | SASSY

The Basics

“College hoops is famous for the rise of the underdog.”

The NCAA Tournament features 68 men’s college basketball teams competing for the national championship. (There’s also a tournament for the women.) After four “playin” games, the tournament begins in earnest with four 16-team regions. Each region has teams seeded from 1 to 16, with the best team seeded No. 1 and the worst team seeded No. 16. It’s one loss and you’re out. The field is whittled to 32, followed by the Sweet 16, the Elite Eight and ultimately the Final Four, which consists of two games to determine who will play in the national title game.

Now you are ready to fill out your bracket! There’s no right or wrong way to fill out your bracket, but there are some things you should know. It’s not a bad idea to pick a few upsets in the early rounds, especially the 5 vs. 12 matchup. Also, while a No. 1 seed has never lost to a No. 16 seed, you shouldn’t pick all four No. 1 seeds to go to the Final Four because it almost never happens.

The NCAA prohibits coaches from participating in bracket challenges, or anything that would be construed as gambling but that does not keep Notre Dame Women’s basketball coach Muffet McGraw from enjoying tourney time. "I love watching the men's tournament, especially in those first couple of rounds, there's always upsets," McGraw said. "Some small team you've never really heard of is going to come out and beat a top seed. I think the excitement of not knowing what's going to happen at the end, the thrill of following your team, picking teams that you think are going to win and following them through…I don't look at it as a coach so much as I just get to be a fan."

Put A Bet On It The NCAA Tournament became a fun tradition in my household. My late husband and I would sit down together to fill out our brackets.

No peeking allowed. Then we would exchange brackets and compare notes. At the end of the tourney, the winner would win the date of their choice.

If you have never tried it, grab your pen and fill out your bracket with your significant other, friends, family or co-workers. Don’t sit back on the outside looking in anymore… be a part of the fun! 

“The best way to experience the fun is to fill out a bracket in your office pool.”

SASSY | MARCH 2015

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SASSY

health

National Red Cross Month

Building Resilient Communities

F

By: Amy Westbrook Pracht

or one area teacher, the skills learned from watching her fourth grade students learn basic aid training from the local Red Cross chapter were put into real life use during a routine staff meeting. As a fellow co-worker collapsed to the floor, the teacher immediately thought of the life-saving skills she had previously learned. She didn't panic and she knew what to do.

Call 911. Check the airway. Check for breathing.

"We hear these stories all the time," said Sue Gulley, executive director for the Northern Indiana Chapter of the American Red Cross. Currently over 3,000 fourth-grade students in the Elkhart area receive basic aid training through a special program that targets this age. "We are so enthusiastic about this program," said Gulley. "This program teaches preparedness and at that age they eat this up."

It is programs like this one that make the local Red Cross chapters so vital to the communities they serve. "When people think of the Red Cross, they think national disasters and giving blood," said Gulley, who spent this last year at the helm of the South Bend-based chapter after seven years in a similar role in Bloomington. Yet, there is so much more to the Red Cross. Programs likes the basic aid training (BAT) are vital to their mission of building more resilient communities and ultimately saving lives. In fact, Gulley is hoping to see the BAT program expand into more area schools including schools in St. Joseph County.

It is through this desire to prevent disasters and increase community preparedness that the Red Cross likes to focus on unique programs geared towards children who have an eagerness to learn and take more responsibility. "We have such a great legacy here in Northern Indiana," said Gulley. That legacy is centered on the Red Cross' belief that the key to building resilient communities starts with the individual and the younger they learn the better. “We have found that a fourth grader is at a great age to learn these skills," said Gulley. "We give them the mindset that they can influence and handle situations like when grandma is choking and teaching them how to dial 911."

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MARCH 2015 | SASSY

“I request that during that month (March) our people rededicate themselves to the splendid aims and activities of the Red Cross.�

President Franklin D. Roosevelt, first Presidential Proclamation of March as Red Cross Month, 1943

The idea of empowering kids with programs like basic aid training, fire safety and the new Pillowcase Project, a national pilot program that teaches young children about evacuation in the event of a disaster, is vital to their mission. The Red Cross is also finding that not only are children learning these important life skills but they are taking home these skills and teaching their families the skills they have learned and ultimately creating a community that is better prepared for disaster.

And while the younger generation is learning important safety skills, Gulley said the Red Cross is also learning from kids themselves and how they naturally react to disasters. The Pillowcase Project originally stemmed from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. According to Gulley, after Hurricane Katrina and the massive evacuation that forced people out their homes, relief workers noticed children coming into shelters with only their pillowcases stuffed with whatever they could grab before evacuating their homes.

It gave the Red Cross an idea to better prepare the children for the next time a disaster strikes. Forming a partnership with the Disney Company, the Red Cross created "Go Kits" that are essentially giant pillowcases filled with items children might need in the event of a disaster, such as flashlights and personal comfort items. The program goes into schools and other organizations and teaches disaster preparedness. Before the end of their learning session, students will be able to decorate their pillowcases and then take them home and put them in a safe place.

The fire safety initiative is another lifesaving program where the local Red Cross chapter focuses their attention. Gulley said this program canvases high-risk, lower income neighborhoods where

homes are often lacking working smoke detectors. The Red Cross chapter provides replacement batteries, as well as new smoke detectors for homes that don't have them. In the event of a fire, the Red Cross is also called in to assist the families in dealing with the aftermath.

"Many people don't have a security net, or even home insurance," said Gulley, while explaining the tremendous amount of poverty she sees within our community.

Adding that when there is no security net in the event of a fire disaster, Gulley said these families are often left homeless and with just the clothing on their backs. "We step in with immediate lodging help, food and clothing, whatever they need."

Image Courtesy: redcross.org

Gulley said that while the Red Cross is congressional-mandated organization, it receives no federal money for their programs and services. It relies on monetary donations as well as an army of volunteers to make these programs successful. Potential volunteers can go online to the Red Cross website and discover all the volunteer opportunities available. "To me our strength is we work through volunteers, we are powered by volunteers. We recover after disasters collaboratively and we start getting things back to normal," said Gulley, who also described their vast volunteer database that includes over 1,000 volunteers in the seven county area. "We have a wonderful online community (of volunteers), but we always need more."

There are other ways for the community to volunteer and one of the most important donations collected by the Red Cross is blood. According to the American Red Cross, they are currently the nation's largest blood collection organization and provide over 40% of the blood used in the country.

Starting March 2nd

Celebrating a Century of Service in Northern Indiana: History Exhibit at Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library

Supporting America's military families is another arm of the Red Cross that might not be as public as their other programs. To the military and their families, the Red Cross provides assistance in many forms. "If a military family at home had an emergency, we are designated to help that family," said Gulley. "We work with military aid and help with emergency financial assistance if needed. We also follow up and make referrals." The Red Cross also works with military groups in the area and helps the homeless and returning vets.

Whether it is teaching first aid or supplying much-needed blood around the country, the Red Cross is there to empower people and save lives. ď Ś SASSY | MARCH 2015

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Refresh a

SASSY

sass

Room

M

By: Andrew Skipper

arch brings the hope of spring with warmer weather, longer days and outdoor activities. However, now is the perfect time to start spring cleaning inside and give a fresh look to rooms in your house. Many would love to do a complete home makeover but the idea sounds daunting and expensive. Rather than be overwhelmed, which often leads to procrastination or even doing nothing, use these tips to help keep you focused on a few changes that will make a big difference in your home.

Fresh Coat

“Painting is budget-friendly and is perhaps the best way to transform the feel of any room.”

You’ve heard it time and time again, but painting a room can really change the entire atmosphere. Now is the perfect time to move the furniture out from the walls to do a good spring cleaning and while everything is moved, why not paint?

Before you do so, be sure to wipe down all the walls and ceiling with wet rag, starting from top and moving all the way down to the baseboards. It is amazing how much dust can accumulate on the walls due to pet dander, burning candles and as a result of forced air being blown from the ducts during winter months.

By starting with a clean slate, you’ll better achieve the color you’re after. While you’re at it, consider painting the trim as well. Painting is budget-friendly and is perhaps the best way to transform the feel of any room.

Prioritize

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Start by taking an inventory of everything in the room. Make notes of which pieces you want to replace—i.e. that 25-year-old sofa or those lamps from the 1970’s. Then make a list of things you want to add to the space such as an area rug or window treatments. Once you have all of these things written down, prioritize them from most important to least. This will help you see what needs to be done first and where to spend your money. For instance, if there’s a crack in the ceiling or a window that needs replaced, these are things that will come before buying new lamps. By using your prioritized list, you can see that while it may be easy to go buy lamps for $100 now, if you took that money and put it toward a new window fund, you’d reach your high-priority goals sooner.

MARCH 2015 | SASSY

Narrow Your Focus

Accessorize If you’re happy with all of your anchor pieces, try swapping out the accessories in a room. Take all of the small items out of the room and then bring back only what you love. If you still find that there is something missing, treat yourself to a shopping spree and redo the coffee table with new books, accessories and candle holders.

Think about your main anchor pieces in the room.

These can be rugs, sofas or even window treatments.

These are the pieces you are most likely going to spend the most money on and keep the longest.

Think about it—you don’t want to be buying a new sofa every two years!

Consider replacing just one of these main pieces to give your space a new lease on life. Then in six months, you can replace another anchor piece.

Remember, decorating is a process and takes time. You want to be sure you’re purchasing quality because pieces such as rugs and sofas get used on a daily basis.

Artwork Changing the artwork in a room can have a dramatic effect. Enjoy the process of establishing an art collection by attending local art shows where you can often meet the artists themselves. By understanding the inspiration behind a piece and getting to know the artist a bit, you’ll appreciate it more and have a story to tell once it’s hung in your home. The good news is that you’ll not only be investing in the art and your home, but you’ll also have the experience of finding just the right piece that reflects your tastes. Now that’s getting your money’s worth!

When it comes to refreshing your interiors, don’t be afraid to do things in stages. So many decorating shows on TV give a misguided “reality” of what the process is like. A 24-hour makeover is achievable, but the results are usually not that great.

Work with your schedule and your budget to achieve the home of your dreams…one step at a time!  SASSY | MARCH 2015

17

SASSY

advice from a business coach

Dear Charrise: 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 :

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.

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

Q:

I’m a sales manager for a team of salespeople in a very competitive market. I was promoted from my former position as a salesperson, and I’m finding the transition to be very difficult. Not only do we have huge sales goals and a great deal of pressure to meet them, I’m finding that the team is not responding to me as their leader. Half the time I still feel like I’m one of them, and truthfully I’m probably not acting like much of a leader.

I was a top performer in my sales role, and now I feel like a failure.

I want my old job back, but don’t want to lose face. What do I do?

Answer: The first step is to decide is if you really want to go back to your sales position, or if you’re simply too scared to move forward. Your doubts about your ability to do the job are crushing your confidence. Your team won’t see you as their leader until you act like one. You won’t exhibit leadership skills if you don’t see yourself as a leader. Once you get that worked out, your actions need to be swift and decisive. What skills did your boss see in you in order to get you promoted in the first place? What attracted you to accept the promotion? What do you need to create in your new position in order to be happy?

Go deep. Do the inner work to discover what you truly want, and then get busy creating it. Whether it’s to go back to being a top performer salesperson, or kick butt as the sales manager leading your top performing team, take decisive action to get off the fence. Everyone will be relieved, including you.

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MARCH 2015 | SASSY

“Get really clear about what you want your life to look like, and build your business around that.”

Q:

I started my own commercial cleaning business one year ago and had a lot of success right away in getting clients. In order to keep up with demand, I’m now having to work 12 hour days. If I’m not doing the actual work, I’m constantly thinking about what I should be doing. This isn’t what I had in mind when starting my own business!

Sure, the money is good. But, I am a slave to my business when what I really want now is to grab a life.

How can I find a better balance?

Answer: Congratulations on your business success! Many people would likely love to be in your shoes. Clearly there is great demand for your services.

The obvious answer is to hire help, though as you know, that cuts into your profits. What are you willing to give up to create the sort of balance you’re looking for? Do you have a client that is a pain in the you know what? Perhaps you could fire that client and bump up your rates with your top clients to make up the revenue difference?

As a business owner, you get to make up all the rules. Sometimes having complete control is overwhelming, ironically. You don’t have a boss making those important decisions for you so you don’t make them at all. Being your own boss can be both rewarding and liberating, unless you’ve inadvertently built a cage for yourself.

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My advice is to get really clear about what you want your life to look like, and build your business around that. You’ll know what to do if you’re honest with yourself.  SASSY | MARCH 2015

19

SASSY

work

Give Your

Cover Letter a Digital

Makeover By: Allison Smith

Long gone are the days where the norm for job applicants was to mail hard copies of cover letters and resumes to perspective employers. In the digital age where job ads tend to request emailed resumes or online applications, the standard best practices that worked for paper cover letters may no longer be applicable. Now, job applicants have to tailor their cover letters not only for content for human eyes, but for proper formatting for acceptance by online servers to prevent being automatically rejected.

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MARCH 2015 | SASSY

Use these tips to create a cover letter that works for digital use:

1.

Make it Personal The best practice for paper cover letters holds true for digital versions – when possible, address it to a specific person. Even if your “cover letter” is simply typing into the body of an email message before sending a resume attachment, always attempt to find out the name of the hiring manager. With online job applications, it takes barely any time at all to blast a generic cover letter out to several companies at once. The extra effort required to include specific information demonstrates you’re a candidate with attention to detail.

2.

Keep it Simple and Brief In terms of both formatting and content, it’s best to stay basic and to the point with your digital cover letter. Don’t use fancy fonts or elaborate templates – they are likely to be rendered incorrectly when opened by other systems. Also, keep your audience in mind.

Hiring managers are often inundated with emailed resumes or online applications so it’s important to try to make an impression in as little text as possible. Make sure your cover letter contains some white space and isn’t huge blocks of text, or you could risk key information being missed during the first initial scan.

3.

Answer the Important Questions If a job posting requests that you simply send your resume as an email attachment, the protocol is to treat the body message of the email as your cover letter. In this instance, you need to pitch yourself in order to entice the recipient to want to take a good hard look at your attached resume.

Make sure to clearly communicate: • What job you are applying for (include this in the subject line too) • Your level of background experience • Your measurable accomplishments (such as sales figures) With an email message as your cover letter, you have a greeting and a few lines of text to get your point across. Don’t waste it on filler or you risk losing the recipient’s attention or patience.

Applying for jobs online can seem impersonal, but poor etiquette and carelessness will reflect negatively on you as a candidate.

4.

Use the Right Keywords Remember, employers are often utilizing online applicant tracking systems to prescreen applicants with designated filters. If the system deems you unqualified, your cover letter and resume is treated like spam; therefore, you have to strategically think like a search engine. Scan the job description and be sure that your cover letter includes any common keywords or phrases so the system knows you are a viable candidate.

5.

Maintain Professional Etiquette In the digital age, correspondence is performed more quickly and is often more casual in tone than with direct mail.

Give your digital cover letter the same level of professionalism as you would a paper letter. Even if you are only typing an email message with a resume attachment, show professional courtesy by using a polite, respectful tone. Spell check thoroughly and don’t use any text abbreviations or other shorthand. Applying for jobs online can seem impersonal, but poor etiquette and carelessness will reflect negatively on you as a candidate.

With stiffer competition amongst job applicants than in the past, making your cover letter easily accessible to hiring managers is essential in ensuring your application materials don’t get pushed aside. Having a cover letter that works for digital use demonstrates that you are a candidate that can adapt when necessary, and is likely to get you noticed in a positive way.  SASSY | MARCH 2015

21

SASSY

work

The Power of the

Lunch Break By: Allison Smith

Working through lunch can be seen as a badge of honor for the truly ambitious go-getters, but it may actually negatively impact your productivity. Regardless of the amount of coffee you toss back, the brain has limited reserves of energy. Working nonstop without an appropriate lunch break (that is, more than hurriedly eating a sandwich at your desk as you continue to work) means you're eventually running on fumes and not able to perform as well.

Make your lunch break the secret to your productivity with these steps to recharge your physical and mental energy levels:

1. Leave Your Desk It is essential to physically separate yourself from work during lunch if you want to clear your mind. The possibility for distractions is too high if you're eating at your computer next to your phone, making it nearly impossible to get your mind out of work mode. You know how after some days off, you come back more refreshed and ready to work?

Consider your lunch break a micro mini vacation - which requires actually getting away from your workspace, whether it's in the break room, a cafe or even outdoors.

2. Eat a Proper Meal

“It is essential to physically separate yourself from work during lunch if you want to clear your mind.�

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MARCH 2015 | SASSY

If you want to avoid the early afternoon energy crash (especially if you have an important meeting that you really need to be "on" for), use your lunch time to properly fuel yourself. Choose a satisfying, well-balanced meal of protein and whole grains instead of "quick fixes" like sugar and caffeine that cause an inevitable crash later. Avoid greasy fast food or other starch heavy dishes, or you'll be struggling come 3:00 P.M. due to a dip in blood sugar.

3. Unplug Step away from the email and other forms of electronic communication during your lunch break. This can give your brain a much needed break from the stimulation of constantly switching tasks and priorities. Your brain is the ultimate smartphone and after extended use, it also needs time to recharge. Make your lunch time technology free and you may be surprised at how much better you are at brainstorming and completing your workload once you return.

4. Enjoy a Treat Plan something to look forward to during your lunch break. Partaking in small pleasures, such as reading a book, listening to music or taking a walk can lift your spirits mid-day after a tough morning. Plus, coming back from lunch in a good mood will make you more engaged in your work.

Powering through and never taking breaks can leave you feeling frustrated at your job and lead to burnout.

It can be difficult to transition into taking a true lunch break, especially if your workload seems never-ending. Plan your break so that it doesn't inconvenience your colleagues so you can focus on unwinding during your lunch. You’ll be able to come back more pumped to work with renewed creativity and motivation – and likely accomplish more than you would if you hadn’t ever stopped working! 

5. Create Connections Sure, you may be in the same building as your colleagues, but it can be difficult to actually have conversations. Use your lunch time to get to know your coworkers. Keep the focus off work if possible to prevent it from feeling like a business meeting. Establishing a rapport with the people you work with can improve morale and make you happier and thus, more productive.

6. Regroup Lunch time is an opportune time to take a quick inventory of how your day is going so far. Before you return to work from your break, think about your day in terms of your productivity. Is there anything you could do to make the second half go more smoothly? Thinking of solutions helps you gain some control and be more proactive in overcoming stressful circumstances.

GIFT CARD

SASSY | MARCH 2015

23

SASSY

work

By: Rita Miller

Small business tax filers know that April 15th arrives far too soon!

Thinking about this deadline can cause plenty of stress, but with some simple preparation and a little leg work done now, many of the headaches can be avoided. How can you make your filing an easy experience?

Next is a list of four things to help you prepare:

• Take the reality check. You can employ a work force

• Educate and enlist your employees.

of a thousand and have advisors in double digits but the person responsible for your tax information and filing is you. I overheard someone talking about a friend the other day. I heard her say “She can’t manage her money.” Added to the many roles we currently fill, Money Manager should be one of them!

Review year end numbers with your employees. Emphasize areas meeting expectations and ask for suggestions to improve lagging areas. Let your employees know that proper financial documentation is essential for management of the business.

Ask to see detail for selected accounts such as travel, taxes and licenses, and advertising. Make sure paperwork is complete for those accounts. Show them that you are committed to this principle by submitting your expenses timely and with receipts.

Setting the tone from the top will go a long way to getting cooperation from your workforce.

Years ago, many women left the responsibilities of money management to others. Times have changed, women are in the work force in record numbers, and there is a need for education in financial responsibilities. Many colleges and local CPA firms offer free or low cost seminars to explain basic money management or tax law changes. In South Bend, the SCORE program offers training in financial software using computers donated by local companies. St Mary’s College has a program for budding entrepreneurs called SPARK. These programs are offered by local experts and can help you understand the basics of financial management and planning.

• Think about the future. Is this a good time to move to online banking, upgrade your software, or review your vendor contracts? What things can you do in 2015 that will enhance your business and help streamline your tax filings?

Talking to a professional may help. Bankers and CPAs can offer assistance year round.

If you already have the basics mastered, look into gaining additional knowledge. Ask plenty of questions. My favorite clients were always the ones who were interested in the details and my most successful business owners were the ones who handled their own financial matters.

• Review your year-end income statement and balance sheet. These two statements will become the backbone of your tax return, so now is a good time to review them in detail. I always start with the balance sheet. Bank accounts should be reconciled back to bank statements. Loan accounts should be properly adjusted for reported principal balances. Fixed assets should be supported with a detailed list of assets and accumulated depreciation. Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable should have detailed support.

Review the list of uncleared checks to see if Unclaimed Property needs to be updated. Check on old receivables to determine bad debt adjustments. Review fixed assets to determine disposals have been properly recorded. Look at your income statement. Do any of the expenses seem incorrect? Did you spend more on meals and entertainment than you anticipated? Are utilities reasonable?

I had a client discover a gas leak after reviewing their utility bills!

More review now means less trouble at tax time!

Finally, be proud of what you’ve accomplished!

Celebrate those successes and think to the future, asking plenty of questions along the way!

SASSY | MARCH 2015

25

SASSY

work Networking may be the single most important aspect of boosting your career, outside of performing your job well. A robust network of friends, professional peers, former co-workers, vendors and suppliers is a great way to stay up-to-

By: Cyndy Searfoss

date on what’s going on in your profession as well as identifying potential job opportunities – for you and others in your network.

Keeping active in professional organizations, keeping your LinkedIn profile up-to-date, attending business or non-profit networking functions and staying in touch with former co-workers and mentors are great strategies. So it’s only logical that increasing the size and depth of your network is likely to result in even more opportunities for professional growth.

Here are five tips for supercharging your network in 2015: • Take a continuing education course in an unrelated field – for example, if you’re an accountant, take a Photoshop course. It’s not as crazy as it sounds. Adding a new skill to your resume is always good, but meeting someone who may need your services in the future or who can provide a referral is even better. If you’re in a creative field, take a business course for the same reason. Look for courses that meet for multiple sessions – you’ll have the chance to get to establish deeper connections with more people in your class.

• Volunteer at a non-profit event – local calendars are full of non-profit events held by non-profit organizations to raise awareness and money, from walks to dinners. Call one of your favorite causes to see if they can use a hand in putting together their next event. It’s a great way to meet like-minded people while supporting something you believe in. Don’t forget the “give good, get good” mantra as well… if you’re particularly passionate about the cause, volunteer your professional services a few hours a month as well.

• Attend brown bag luncheons, lectures and seminars – one of the greatest benefits of living in an area with so many colleges and universities are the opportunities to learn – and connect. Even better, many are both free and open to the public. In addition, local museums, public libraries, churches and other organizations frequently host speakers on a wide range of subjects. Find a topic that interests you and sign up. Make sure to introduce yourself to at least three people at the event, particularly the speaker and the person hosting the event. Bonus points for following up with a thank you note or email letting them know how much you enjoyed and/or learned from the talk.

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MARCH 2015 | SASSY

“Call one of your favorite causes to see if they can use a hand in putting together their next event. It’s a great way to meet like-minded people.”

• Ask a friend or co-worker to bring a non-mutual friend to lunch – this is a favor that easy to ask. Tell a friend or co-worker that you’ll buy lunch if he or she invites a friend you’ve never met, preferably a friend in a different professional area. Be upfront that you want to talk shop during lunch and come prepared to ask questions and learn more about his/her field. Promise your friend to return the favor in the future. It’s a great way to maintain your friendships while making new connections.

• Serve as a career mentor for a current student at your college or university – even if your alma mater is a thousand miles away, it’s almost certain that your school’s career center, alumni associate, sorority, etc. that has a mentoring program in place to connect current students or recent graduates with alumni. Typically, these programs match mentors/mentees based on majors, degrees or professional interests. You can expect to be contacted via phone or email by the program so they can find how best to match your experience and skill sets with a student or recent graduate.

Most don’t expect you to meet with your mentee in person. Phone calls, emails, Skype and other digital communications have become the norm. While the focus of these programs are helping get recent graduates’ careers off to a good start, mentors can benefit from establishing new connections at their university as well as with the new graduate.

With a little creative thinking, a few phone calls and some emails, you can supercharge your professional

Afternoon Tea in Sorin’s Featuring Rishi Tea Spend your afternoon in the company of close friends and good conversation. Proudly featuring Rishi Teas, our tea in Sorin’s is perfect for those looking for a unique and educational dining experience.

Don’t miss out on your chance to enjoy Afternoon Tea in Sorin’s!

Our daily tea will be ending soon!

Now – Sunday, March 29 Three Seatings Daily – 2:30, 2:45, 3:00 pm Little Sipper – $10 // Apple cider or hot chocolate with assorted treats Traditional Tea – $16 // Assortment of sweet treats Afternoon Tea – $24 // Assortment of sweet and savory treats Champagne Afternoon Tea – $45 // Assortment of sweet and savory treats with Champagne

Reservations can be made by calling 574.631.2000.

Does not include tax and gratuity. Valet parking included.

574.631.2000

//

MORRISINN.ND.EDU

network this year. The possibilities are limitless!  SASSY | MARCH 2015

27

March 2014 Events

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

March 1st – 31st

March 6th

Elkhart For the Love of Art show

12:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.

7:00 P.M.

Northern Indiana Event Center at RV/MH Hall of Fame

Lesley Baker: New Natura South Bend Museum of Art

Artist Lesley Baker uses ceramics to create mutated natural forms that represent preciousness, raw materials and history, challenging the viewer to look more closely at the world around them. This free event is held at the South Bend Museum of Art in South Bend.

Frederik Meijer Garden and Sculpture Park Bus Trip 3:00 P.M.

Howard Park Recreation Center, South Bend

If you enjoy beautiful gardens and sculptures this is the trip for you. On May 4, 2015 the Howard Park Recreation and Senior Center will be leaving for Grand Rapids Mi at 8am and will return at 7pm.

The cost of the trip is $50.00 per person and includes a lite breakfast on the coach, admission to the park and the tram ride.

Payment is due at time of registration. Call Rose Kaufman at the center (574-2359428) for all the details.

March 5th Romeo & Juliet 7:00 P.M.

DeBartolo Performing Arts Center

The Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival has announced a special addition to its 2015 season: ROMEO & JULIET! Offering a three-night-only run, professional actors will perform an abridged version of Shakespeare’s famous love story (and incorporating live acoustic music) on March 5, 6, and 7 at 7:00pm in Notre Dame’s Philbin Studio Theatre. For tickets, or to learn more about the Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival's 2015 productions, visit shakespeare.nd.edu, the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, or call the DPAC Ticket Office at (574) 631-2800.

28

MARCH 2015 | SASSY

U-Can Paint 2 Fundraiser for Relay For Life

11:00 A.M.

South Bend

Art lovers take a trip over to Elkhart for Michiana's premier inside art show.

Featuring over 50 artists in a variety of medium including jewelry, pottery, blown glass, stained glass, fine furniture, sculptures, wearable art, fine woodwork and paintings. A portion of the door fee will support the arts in Elkhart. Entry fee: $5.00 children ages 12 and under are FREE.

Join us for an evening of fun and support Relay For Life. Learn how to paint with step by step instructions. $35 per person.

Everything is provided for you (apron, paint, canvas & brushes). Please register online at www.u-canpaint2.com

Southern Fried Chicks 7:00 P.M.

Shipshewana Event Center

The Southern Fried Chicks have busted out of the hen house for a night on the town with their new show, the "Cage-Free Comedy Tour!" Join the Chicks for a night of freerange comedy starring Etta May, Sonya White, Karen Mills and Style Network's Trish Suhr.

The new Cage-Free Comedy Tour features new stories, music, audience participation, singing, dancing and a multimedia show your audience is sure to enjoy. Tickets pricing ranges from $19 - $39.

Laser Beatles 8:00 P.M.

PHM Digital Video Theater/Planetarium

Laser Beatles Track List: Magical Mystery Tour, I Wanna Hold Your Hand, Twist & Shout, A Hard Day’s Night, Nowhere Man, Help!, Yesterday, Octopus’ Garden.

Advanced tickets highly recommended for this show! Tickets are $5 per person!

March 7th Prom Expo 2K15 11:00 A.M.

University Park Mall

Prom expo we will have two fashions shows, hair and makeup demos on stage, vendors selling and sampling their products. One lucky winner will win a dinner for two and limo service for their prom date and one lucky school’s prom committee will win a money donation to go towards their prom expenses! This event is free to the public.

March 12th Zumba

6:00 P.M.

The Salvation Army

Come join us for a fun and exciting work out and bring your friends! Price to Zumba is a suggest a donation of $3 per class.

March 13th

RETA's Annual Fundraising Banquet, LifeAffirming Legacy 5:30 P.M.

Maple City Chapel

RETA's Annual Fundraising Banquet, Life-Affirming Legacy, will be hosted at Maple City Chapel on Friday, March 13, 2015. Doors will open at 5:30 pm to begin the Silent Auction bidding with the dinner and program beginning at 6:30 pm. Reservations are required, but seats are complimentary. A donation will be collected at the end of the evening with all proceeds benefiting RETA. For more information, please contact the RETA offices at 574-522-3888 or visit the website www.RETAforlife.com.

Diva Days - Women's Weekend 6:00 P.M.

Downtown St. Joseph, MI

Grab your girlfriends and join us for a weekend of pampering, indulging, shopping, laughing, wine and beer sampling and more! This weekend is the

perfect chance to get away from it all and embrace your inner Diva. Tickets are $35 per person. For more information, please visit www.stjoetoday.com.

March 17th

March 22nd

6:00 P.M.

1:00 P.M.

March 14th

Moms and Sons will experience a night of dancing and light refreshments at this Western Rodeo themed event. Don’t forget to bring your cameras for photos. You can register in person at the O’Brien Recreation Center, by phone at 574-299-4765 days, nights and weekends at 574-299-3485, or online at www.sbpark.org. Register early, space is limited! Tickets are $17.

Save that Shirt 9:00 A.M.

St. Patrick’s County Park

Give an old shirt a new life, with just a pair of scissors. We’ll “up-cycle” old t-shirts into tote bags, scarves and accessories. No sewing necessary! Please bring sharp scissors that will cut fabric if you can. Shirts will be provided or bring your own. Registration and payment ($3 per person) required by March 9th. To register call 574-654-3155.

Monty Python's Spamalot 7:30 P.M.

South Bend Civic Theatre

A new musical lovingly ripped off from the motion picture "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." Join King Arthur and his intrepid and not-so-brave Knights of the Round Table on their quest to seek the Holy Grail.

Performance dates are March 14th through April 4th. Tickets are $25 per person.

Winter 2015 Volunteer Training All Day

Center for Hospice Care- Mishawaka

Center for Hospice Care needs volunteers in St. Joseph, La Porte, Elkhart, LaGrange, Marshall, Starke, Kosciusko and Fulton Co. The next training is in March.

No previous health care experience necessary. Training dates are March 7th and 14th. Registration required, contact Kristiana Donahue, Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator, (574) 286-1198, or donahuek@centerforhospice.org

March 16th

Brit Floyd - Space & Time World Tour 2015

7:30 P.M. BRIT FLOYD - THE WORLD'S GREATEST PINK FLOYD SHOW, returns to North America in 2015 to launch its SPACE & TIME WORLD TOUR. It’s most ambitious show to date with a spectacular new light show and an even bigger stage production. Ticket prices range from $25-40 depending on seating. Please all the Morris Box Office, 800-537-6415, or online at www.MorrisCenter.org to reserve your tickets!

Mom and Son Dance By South Bend Parks Palais Royal Ballroom

March 21st

Twice is Nice Children's Resale

8:00 A.M. – Noon Gently used children's spring and summer clothing items, shoes, toys, books, videos, games and much more.

Any item pertaining to children under one roof. Children's clothing from newborn to 18-20 boys and junior 9 girls. We also have maternity clothes!

CASH only please. Don't forget to bring your own shopping bag! Get more information at www.facebook.com/ twiceisnicechildrensresale.

Growing in Grace Conference 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. The Chapel, St. Joseph, MI

An Emotional Wellness Conference for the community. Local counselors from Southwestern Medical Clinic are joining keynote speaker, Linda Mintle, PhD, in this day-long community wellness conference. Workshops have been carefully selected to strengthen your interpersonal relationships while delivering practical skills for everyday life. Pre-Registration is required by March 16th. Cost of this event is $25.00 (includes conference and lunch).

Babysitting with Confidence 8:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. Lakeland Hospital, Niles

Created specifically for adolescents, this course covers a variety of topics intended to give participants the confidence and knowledge for caring for small children. Participants must have completed the fifth grade or be 11 years of age or older to register. Reservations are required, and class size is limited. For more information or to register for this free class, call (269) 556-2808 or (866) 260-7544.

Bottlecaps & Corks

Christiana Creek Country Club

The only event of its kind in Northern Indiana, Bottlecaps & Corks is a competitive fundraising event for amateur beer and wine makers to showcase their libations in a fun and casual setting.

Public Tasting: Tickets are $25 and include beer and wine samples, appetizers, live music & a tasting glass.

March 25th Crafter Club 2:00 P.M.

Bristol Public Library

Join our talented group of crafters in an afternoon of conversation and lots of creative fun! All ages and crafts are welcome. Bring our current project or stop by and learn a new craft or two!

March 27th

Murder Mystery Dinner Fundraiser

6:00 P.M. Friends of the Bristol Public Library Murder Mystery Dinner Fundraiser for adults, "Killer Reunion,” on March 27, 2015 from 6-9 pm. Tickets are $35 per person, and includes a 3 course dinner, dessert, drinks, scavenger hunt, a part in the mystery and an awards presentation.

This is not your average dinner and entertainment. When you call the Bristol Public Library to sign up (574-848-7458), you are going to be assigned a role for the party. You may be the murderer, the suspect or the victim.

Conservatory of Dance Spring Repertory 7:30 P.M. The Lerner

Conservatory of Dance is pleased to present Ballet Chicago and Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre in Spring Repertory with music from George Gershwin. The performance will be at the Lerner Theatre on March 28, 2015 at 7:30pm. Tickets range from $12 to $30 depending on seating.

SASSY | MARCH 2015

29

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.

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.

U93 Hosts Dress Drive for Glamour Event to Benefit Hello Gorgeous!

U93 hosted a “Goodwill® Gives” Dress Drive on Saturday, January 31st to benefit Hello Gorgeous at Flourish Boutique in Granger. The drive was held in the Centennial Place Shopping Center parking lot to collect gently used fashions for Goodwill’s upcoming Glamour Event on February 28th.

Wedding gowns, prom dresses, evening wear and accessories were accepted on-site near the familiar Goodwill truck.

Flourish and other retailers at Centennial Place offered additional incentives for donors with discounts and special offers. Goodwill, U93 and Hello Gorgeous staff gently bagged donor’s items and hung them on racks that were filled by the conclusion of the event.

This dress drive did more than support Goodwill’s job training programs and help area fashionistas gain valuable closet space.

The “Goodwill Gives” initiative was developed to support local charities. For this event, Hello Gorgeous! was chosen to receive up to $1,000 from Goodwill. Hello Gorgeous! is a nonprofit organization that provides complimentary professional make-overs to women battling cancer.

“We were so pleased to see U93 listeners and Hello Gorgeous! fans giving back to the community by donating their cherished wedding gowns and formalwear. Their generosity allows others to purchase these beautiful items affordably from Goodwill, and that supports our programs. It’s really true that when you donate and shop at Goodwill, you can change lives for the better,” commented Katie Paceley, Goodwill’s Public Relations Specialist.

Goodwill and U93 presented Goodwill Glamour: Fashionable Fun for Your Wedding, Prom or Special Event on February 28th at the DoubleTree in South Bend. Guests shopped in the Glamour Boutique for wedding gowns, prom dresses and evening wear. Beautiful accessories and gift items were for sale by local vendors, and displayed their services and offer a wide variety of expertise for those planning the high school prom, a wedding or special event.

Photos Provided By: Goodwill® 30

MARCH 2015 | SASSY

Generous donations of wedding and special event wear filled Goodwill’s racks.

Katie Paceley (left), Goodwill Public Relations Specialist, and Denise Longley (right), Hello Gorgeous! Event Specialist, bag dresses for Goodwill Glamour event.

Guy Fisher, Goodwill Director of Mission Advancement, accepts wedding and formalwear from a donor.

Katie Paceley (left), Goodwill Public Relations Specialist, Nikki Reid (center), U93 On-Air Personality, and Pam Homan (right), U93 Sales Manager, prepare dresses for bagging.

U93 On-Air Personality, Nikki Reid (left) helps U93 Marketing Consultant and former Miss Apple Festival, Courtney Brattain, carry some of her beautiful pageant dresses to donate.

Mark Ziegert, Goodwill Vice President of Retail Sales, receives a donation.

Doug Osthimer

Myron and Rosie Noble with Jennifer Arnold and Bill Klein

3rd Annual Sweethearts Ball Guests ventured out on a snowy evening to attend the 3rd Annual Sweethearts Ball held on Valentine’s Day to raise funds and awareness for A Rosie Place, a specialty hospital which serves children who have complex medical needs and require medical intervention for their everyday living.

Tieal Bishop, Executive Director and Dr. Bunmi Okanlami, President of O’Hana Heritage Foundation

The Sweethearts Ball is a celebration of the enormous impact our supporters have had on these fragile children and their families. Guest speaker, Dr. Jennifer Arnold, a neonatologist who stars with her husband Bill Klein on the hit television show, The Little Couple, shared with guests her own experience as a child with many medical issues and the impact that A Rosie Place can have on families caring for a child with complex medical needs.

With humor and passion, she encouraged guests to engage as a community to support these special families.

Special guests included Mayor Pete Buttigieg who praised the efforts of A Rosie Place and all who support such an innovative approach to addressing issues faced by families of children who are medically fragile. Kelly Johnson, parent of a daughter who is fragile, spoke passionately about the challenges her family faces and how A Rosie Place has designed an amazing “home-awayfrom-home” that provides support and opportunities not found anywhere else.

The vision of A Rosie Place is a home where caring and supportive people celebrate the gift of life, embrace human diversity, and empower families of medically fragile children. To learn more about A Rosie Place, visit our website at www.arosieplace.org or call Tieal Bishop, Executive Director, 574-315-6283.

Kelly Johnson, mother of a fragile child, parent representative for the O’Hana Heritage Foundation

Photos Provided By: Christian Alonzo-Cuatepotzo SASSY | MARCH 2015

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We want all people to experience more of life's precious moments with healthy hearts and minds.

So until there's a world free of heart disease and stroke, we'll be working to make a healthier, longer life possible for everyone.

her wedding is why.

Everyone has a reason to live a heathier, longer life. What is yours?

©2015, American Heart Association. Also known as the Heart Fund. MWA

To celebrate and share your “why” • Visit lifeiswhy.org • Use #LifeisWhy on Twitter and tag @AHA_Michiana