RENEW Magazine January 2015 by Eneida Orchard

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RENEW 3rdrd Women’s Health & Wellness

Expo

Hampton Roads Peninsula

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JANUARY 2015

To Benefit:

SATURDAY January 31, 2015 AT THE NEW

Ramada Hotel & Conference Center

FREE ADMISSION! Special Guest Speaker Benita Adams

HER BROKEN PLACES PT. 14

TRACY WAINWRIGHT

ASK A TEACHER

CAMPAIGN

JANICE UNDERWOOD

Restaurant Review

The Second Act with Benita Adams” pg 6

MAKE 2015 “THE YEAR OF PROGRESS”

TATRECE SWANN

RENEW

FIFTY PLUS pg 9

Resolve to Get

Healthier

Contents

January 2015

3 RENEW Health & Wellness Women’s Expo

4 Is The Presence Of Indoor Mold Contamination A Threat To Our Health? 5 Personalize Your Health To Help Meet Your Goals 6 The Second Act with Benita Adams Interview 7 How To Avoid These Six Tax Mistakes 8 Game Day Eats 9 Resolve To Get Healthier 10 Taking Control For Healthier Aging 11 “The Book Of Mormon” - The Musical 12 Make 2015 “The Year Of Progress” 13 The Smartklean®® Laundry Ball Awarded PTPA Winner’s Seal 14 2015 Sneak Peak: Hot Home Decor Color Trends 15 Can The Power Of Positive Thinking Change Your Life? 16 Eat Play Williamsburg Restaurant Review - Silt 17 Ask A Teacher Campaign- Q/A 18 Her Broken Places Pt. 14 19 Distribution Locations

RENEW Magazine is a free, full color, glossy publication distributed monthly and designed for and targeted to women residing in the Hampton Roads Peninsula region of eastern Virginia. RENEW is an acronym; Revitalize, Educate, Nurture, & Empower Women. RENEW Magazine provides readers with holistic editorial content benefiting women in Hampton Roads. Placement of advertising herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. This publication is distributed and available free of charge at over 300 high traffic locations in Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg and Yorktown, Virginia. RENEW Magazine is published by Orchard Business Group, LLC. Articles are the opinions of the writers and do not reflect the opinion of the publisher, advertisers, or their agencies. All copy is protected and cannot be reproduced without written permission from Orchard Business Group. Publisher further claims no responsibility for errors or omissions. All copy is protected and cannot be reproduced or transmitted without written permission from the publisher. Orchard Business Group • Brad Orchard CEO Eneida Orchard Publisher/Editor P.O. Box 593 • Lightfoot, VA 23090-0593 • 757-561-5219 info.renew.va@gmail.com • www.facebook.com/renewmagazine.va • www.renewvamagazine.com

2 RENEW JANUARY 2015

Hair by Valaria Williams Owner of Essentials Salon in Virginia Beach, VA and Moyock, NC. Makeup by Rosilyn Givens-Tennessee Fashion Fair Cosmetics Makeup Artist. Photography by Dexter D. Cohen Owner of Internal Expedition Images in Virginia Beach, VA.

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Contributing Writers Brad Orchard Mindy & Eddie Lepp • Tatrece Swann Janice Underwood • Tracy Wainwright • Yiorgo

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500 Merrimac Trail Williamsburg, VA 23188 (Across From Food Lion)

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“Empowering women through resources to enhance body, mind and spirit.” RENEW Health & Wellness Women’s Expo is a one-day fun filled lifestyle celebration event that features informative exhibits, food demos, dance demos, free vision screenings and booths highlighting products & services that are of particular interest to women. RENEW Women’s Expo will provide attendees guest presentations on Health & Wellness. Attendees can shop for leisure, financial services, health and fitness and more. RENEW Women’s Expo promises to have high energy atmosphere with prizes and giveaways conducted throughout the event. P.O. Box 593 • Lightfoot, VA 23090-0593 • 757.561.5219 O • 866.297.5241 F info.renew.va@gmail.com • www.renewvamagazine.com JANUARY2015 2015 RENEW JANUARY

IS THE PRESENCE OF INDOOR MOLD CONTAMINATION A THREAT TO OUR HEALTH? Pt.3of 3

hile the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) has never come out and declared that the presence of mold in the living environment may have serious adverse health effects, capable of being catastrophic or even fatal, they did finally come out with a report (viewable on their website) that did conclude that “exposure to various mold .. has been identified in a variety of biologic and health effects.” “The association between fungal exposures and opportunistic fungal infections of the skin (and respiratory system) is well established.” The fact that the CDC has created a website page dedicated to the topic is certainly of import. I am in homes and buildings throughout SE Virginia every day, investigating potential mold problems. I hear the physical complaints. They don’t differ much. And they are real for the folks who are allergic. 80% of all fungi are molds. They are a living organism. And just like termites, bed bugs, and other living, insidious scourges in our homes, they can be eliminated. For residences in Hampton Roads, the number

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JANUARY 2015

one contributor is an unhealthy crawlspace or basement. Mayo Clinic established that 50% of the air we breathe in today’s homes comes from the crawlspace. Through the stack effect (or chimney effect), air permeates through the floor and walls, and is sucked into our homes. Duke University did a study that determined if you combined all of the cracks and minor openings between a crawlspace and the Living Space, it would equate to a 2-3 square foot hole in the floor. PuroClean can provide a healthy crawlspace or basement by eliminating the conditions that promote the growth of microbes, as well as the other gases and contaminants that may emanate from these areas of the home. PuroClean will also sanitize the Living Space. 10 Things You Should Know About Mold 1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints. 2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture. 3. If mold is a problem in your home, school or business, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture. 4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth. 5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisturegenerating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidi fiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning.

Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. 7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. 8. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced. 9. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof or floors) by adding insulation. 10. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation). Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods. If you suspect that you may be experiencing a physical reaction to the presence of mold, see your primary care physician with this concern first. Then call the Paramedics of Property Damage™ to attend to the health of your home. Mike O’Donnell and the mold remediation experts at PuroClean are trained and certified to effectively rid your property of the presence of fungus. And for all of your property damage needs (flood, fire, biohazard) call PuroClean.

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PERSONALIZE YOUR HEALTH TO HELP MEET YOUR GOALS

hen it comes to heath and wellness, nearly 73 percent of Americans are trying to take better care of their health today than just a few years ago, yet 49 percent find that other things take priority, according to The Futures Company. However, experts say the more you customize your wellness plan for your personal needs and style, the more likely you’ll support your fitness and health goals. Here are some tips for creating a custom plan to get fit and feel fabulous. Stay hydrated. One of the most important aspects of healthy physical activity is proper hydration. Drinking fluids before, during and after physical activity is vital to provide your body the fluids it needs to perform properly, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Instead of bringing money for the soda machine or coffee shop, bring fresh, ice cold water or caffeine-free liquids with you in an insulated, reusable container. Need help tracking your water intake? There are water bottles and apps that can calculate and track your personal hydration needs. Opt for healthier, whole, portable foods. Do your body a favor and hit the farmers market or head to your grocer’s produce section to stock up on apples, bananas and berries, as well as veggies like carrots and broccoli to cut up and take with you. When purchasing other snack products, look for foods made with no artificial colors, flavors, colors, sweeteners or GMO-added ingredients, and opt instead for items made with whole grains, fiber and protein. Get proper sports nutrition. While eating healthfully is key, 90 percent of Americans don’t meet the recommended daily intake for vitamins and minerals from food consumption alone, according to a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, so sports nutrition supplements can help fill the gaps and help your body perform at its best. For example, the whole foodsbased GNC PUREDGE line of products includes a protein formula for muscle health and antioxidant protection; a daily energy formula to invigorate and boost workouts; an amino acid formula to protect and fuel your body from the everyday stressors of an active lifestyle; and even a delicious protein bar for on-the-go needs - all with no artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners and preservatives. Available at GNC stores and gnc.com, several of the products come in powder form that can easily be added to cold water or your favorite beverage to enjoy either daily or pre-workout in a variety of delicious flavors such as chocolate, tropical punch and cherry limeade.

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Personalize your physical fitness. Functional training and small group fitness are on-trend right now. This more personalized style of training helps you customize workouts based on your current level of strength and endurance and help prevent injury versus big group, one-size-fits-all training. Technology can help. If scheduling fitness into your day sounds impossible, try letting your phone or computer remind you to stretch or get up from your desk. Create a custom playlist to help motivate you and vary your exercises to avoid becoming bored with your workout. Or use wearable fitness technology to track your wellness goals. Get plenty of sleep. Your body needs sufficient rest to recuperate from your day and refresh its energy for the next. So go ahead and enjoy gazing at the stars - but be sure to get to bed on time, so you’re in tip-top shape for tomorrow. JANUARY 2015 RENEW

RENEW Magazine recently caught up with Benita Adams - TV and Radio Host of “The Second Act with Benita Adams, LLC.” at a photo shoot in Virginia Beach.

Journey Through The Second Act” be available?

Askmiltontv.com and Cox Communications.

Benita: “It’s scheduled to be released in the fall of 2015”.

It was very obvious that Benita is passionate about helping women through their journey of Transformation and Reinvention, through “The Second Act”!

RENEW: We are so excited about your upcoming participation at the RENEW Health & Wellness Women’s Expo, January 31, 2015. With so much to share about your experiences, what will your topic be?

The Radio Show broadcasts from the studios of 88.1 FM WHOV on the campus of Hampton University at whov.org and via iHeartradio.com, Saturday 7am.

RENEW: You are such an accomplished woman, you own your own TV Show - “The Second Act”, you are a TV/Radio Host, Author and Motivational Speaker. At what age did you decide to have a career in media? Benita: “I grew up in Cleveland and between the age of 7 & 8 I went on a field trip to a TV Station and I knew this is what I wanted to do”. RENEW: With such a busy schedule, how did you find the time to write a book? Benita: “Prioritizing, multi-tasking and juggling. Knowing when to move items on my list. I got it from my parents”. RENEW: When will your book, “A Women’s

Benita: “I will be sharing ‘Three Tips on How To Reinvent Yourself’”. RENEW: What is next for you, your third act and beyond? Benita: “Syndicated Radio & TV Show, The Second Act Chats and Mentoring Programs.” “The Second Act with Benita Adams LLC”, is a 30 minute weekly lifestyle show that will engage, inform and educate women. The goal for the show is to empower women “to make the rest of their life - the best of their life.” The TV Show airs on Channel 27 (CW Network) Saturday 6am, Direct TV-Channel 7,

Make sure you get your FREE tickets to the RENEW Health & Wellness Women’s Expo, scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2015 from 10a-3p at the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center in Williamsburg, VA. There will be FREE Vision Screenings by Walmart, Dance Demonstrations by Powerhouse Dance, Food Demonstrations by Pampered Chef, and much more! For more information, visit our website: www.renewvamagazine.com

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©Dexter D. Cohen, IEI

HOW TO AVOID THESE SIX TAX MISTAKES Mistake 2: Being a perfectionist Of course, you can’t and don’t want to lie on your tax return, but you don’t have to panic about making sure that each minute figure is perfect. The IRS isn’t going to hunt you down and send you to jail over a simple mistake - even they understand that we’re all human. If you’ve lost some information that’s necessary to your tax return, do your best to fill it out using reasonable estimates. Don’t let perfectionism get in the way of filing.

ax time is a stressful time, even for the most prepared filer. And for the many people who aren’t perfectly prepared when the season rolls around, each commercial, ad or sign that mentions tax preparation can be a painful reminder that the daunting task still lies ahead. This year, don’t let yourself be affected by the stress - or at least find ways to cut back on it. By avoiding these six common mistakes, you’ll be making the process of filing your taxes a lot easier on yourself. Mistake 1: Rushing to file by April 15 If you aren’t ready by the 15th, you don’t need to panic. Six month extensions are now an easy-to-use option. You no longer have to give a reason about why your taxes aren’t ready by the initial deadline - just fill out and file Form 4868, and you’ll give yourself some extra time to get it all complete.

Mistake 3: Going it alone We aren’t all tax experts, and that becomes particularly clear when you start filling out the labyrinthine forms. And if you’ve had any major (or even minor) changes to your life this year, the whole process can get even more confusing. Getting help from a tax professional is much more affordable than you might imagine, and can pay off in a lot of ways, not least of which could be a lower overall tax bill. Mistake 4: Not reviewing your work You had to do it for your homework, but you should be doing it for your taxes, too. Going back to your taxes with fresh eyes can help you catch mistakes or areas that were simply missed. Check the details. Are your Social Security numbers right? Were any credits or deductions missed?

still need more assistance, ask your question at Equifax’s blog or check with a tax professional. Mistake 6: Not being careful with direct deposit The advent of direct deposit has been a benefit to those waiting for their tax refunds, but you have to do the footwork for the IRS. They can only deposit the funds into the account you tell them to use, so make sure that the information you provide is correct. If there’s a mistake and your money is deposited into the wrong account, it’s a nightmare, at best, to get it back. At worst, you might not get it back at all. Preparing taxes might never be your favorite activity, but it doesn’t need to be a painful experience. Get the help you need, be cautious and don’t let the stress get to you tax season will be done before you know it. Remember you can always “Minimize Your Stress” by calling Mor Consulting Services at 757.240.2664.

Mistake 5: Being afraid to ask questions The old axiom “there are no dumb questions” applies to your taxes. If you’re not an expert, there will almost certainly be something that you don’t understand or find confusing. Luckily, there are plenty of resources out there that can answer your questions. You can go directly to the IRS website or the IRS help line, but if you

JANUARY 2015 RENEW

GAME DAY EATS I

t just isn’t game day without great food to help fill your belly and spirits as you cheer your favorite team to victory. While traditional tailgate fare has a rightful place in any pre-game celebration, adding interesting new tastes and textures to your typical spread only enhances the excitement. Quick, flavor-rich appetizers are an easy way to amp up your tailgate experience. Add diversity to your menu with snacks that are as easy to prepare as they are likely to become new fan favorites. You can save time while creating these delicious new dishes by relying on high-quality store-bought ingredients such as Sabra hummus and salsa. Flavorful hummus combines fresh chickpeas with the perfect blend of seasonings and ingredients to create a smooth and creamy spread every time, while each flavor in the Sabra salsa line features a unique blend of fresh veggies for a distinctive taste that is delicious on your favorite chips or in your favorite recipe. Turn up the heat this tailgating season with this spicy Mexican-style hummus dip that layers fresh cilantro and avocados with sour cream, cheese, hummus and salsa, or go Mediterranean with a toasty crostini covered in feta cheese, hummus and olives. For more game day appetizer recipes, visit www.sabra.com.

5-Layer Hummus Dip Servings: 12 1 cup reduced fat sour cream 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro 2 ripe avocados; pitted and peeled 10 ounce container Sabra Supremely Spicy Hummus 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese 114-ounce container Sabra Roasted Garlic Salsa In small bowl, whisk together sour cream, lime juice and cilantro. Set aside. Mash avocados in medium bowl, then whisk until smooth. Spread hummus in even layer on bottom of small baking dish. Sprinkle cheese evenly over hummus. Dollop avocado, sour cream mixture and salsa over cheese in layers, spreading each layer with spatula before adding next ingredient. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes. Serve with crispy tortilla or pita chips. Hummus Crostini Appetizer Recipe provided by www.supergluemom.com Servings: 6-8 1 French baguette Extra virgin olive oil Sea salt and black pepper 1-2 7-ounce tubs Sabra Classic Hummus 3/4 cup Feta cheese 1 cup chopped or sliced olives (Kalamata and/or green olives) Preheat your oven to 350∞F.

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Slice baguette on slight diagonal angle. Brush tops with olive oil and place on large baking pan (cookie sheet). Sprinkle each slice with a little coarse sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, carefully watching crostinis around 12 minutes, as oven temperatures vary. Remove from oven when golden brown and let cool. Spread hummus on each crostini, garnish with feta and olives, and drizzle with olive oil.

Resolve to Get

Healthier

RENEW FIFTY PLUS

Move It: Walk, Dance or Ride Your Way to Health Unless you use it often (2-3 times per week or more), skip the gym membership. Walk outside, walk the dog, dance in your kitchen, work in the garden or ride your bike to run errands. And, if possible, do it every day with friends for fun, and make it part of your regular lifestyle.

(Family Features)

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

Diets don’t work. According to the Journal of Clinical Psychology, 45 percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions each year, and weight-related resolutions top the list. Unfortunately, only about 8 percent achieve any type of resolution, weight-related or not. If you’ve made (and then broken) the same old weight- or health-oriented resolutions each January, you’re not alone. It might be time to focus on research-proven approaches to get healthier that actually work - without gimmicks, diets that eliminate foods, or buying strange foods and equipment. Start Well: Eat Breakfast Start the day right, and it really can make things go better all day. Research has repeatedly shown that people who eat breakfast tend to take in more nutrients (calcium, iron, protein and fiber), are more alert and can concentrate better, and may even have better success with weight management. To get yourself off to a strong start, think about combining protein, carbohydrates and low-fat dairy. Some possibilities: whole grain cereal and a high protein yogurt, an English muffin with peanut butter, or an egg sandwich with fruit and yogurt.

Make It Stick: Schedule and Track Your Progress Make a schedule of your health goals, and keep track of progress by writing in a food and activity journal or calendar. Write things down; it makes them more likely to happen. Note things like how you feel before and after meals and exercise. You may be surprised by what you learn. For more info, try these resources: * US News and World Report Ranking of Best Overall Diets:health.usnews.com/best-diet/best-overall-diets. * Mediterranean Diet: oldwayspt.org/programs/mediterraneanfoods-alliance/what-mediterranean-diet. * DASH Diet: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/ dash/. * Find a Registered Dietitian: www.eatright.org/programs/rdnfinder/. * MyPlate: www.choosemyplate.gov. * Information on diet, health, fiber, gluten and other topics: www.wheatfoods.org.

Eat Rough(age): Make Fiber a Priority Fiber, found in whole grain wheat, barley, corn and oats, as well as in fruits, vegetables and beans, helps keep things moving easily through the digestive tract. Remember that grain fiber has different nutritional benefits than fruits and vegetables, so you need both. Fiber is also filling, providing volume with few calories because our bodies don’t have the enzymes to break it down. But fiber can be digested and used for fuel by the 10 trillion bacteria that live in the colon and prevent numerous health conditions. Get Your Facts Straight: If It Sounds Too Good to be True... Losing 10 pounds in two weeks only to regain it in eight makes no sense. Whether you’ve tried to go gluten-free, low carb or avoid all white foods, chances are quite high that your efforts didn’t result in long lasting effects. What does work? A balanced eating pattern and an active lifestyle. There is no one perfect diet, and anyone who says otherwise is typically selling a book or products promising weight loss. Registered dietitian nutritionists can be trusted to provide credible, evidence-based information that can be tailored to your lifestyle and taste preferences. In addition, eating patterns such as those recommended by the Mediterranean Diet, the DASH Diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and MyPlate can provide guidance on the types of foods to include in your meals. JANUARY 2015 RENEW

RENEW

s adults age, they often face different health challenges than those experienced during their youth; however, there are several key steps that can be taken to improve their chances of maintaining good health.

FIFTY PLUS

A key part of healthier aging is preventing serious illnesses. Regular medical check-ups and maintaining a healthy diet and active lifestyle can go a long way toward that goal. Even if you are healthy, an adult’s immune response can begin to diminish with age, leaving older adults more vulnerable to infectious diseases such as shingles, influenza or pneumococcal pneumonia. Influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia in particular can be further complicated by certain chronic conditions like COPD, asthma or diabetes, which can increase your risk of getting these diseases.

TAKING CONTROL FOR

HEALTHIER AGING

Pneumococcal pneumonia is a common form of pneumonia that affects roughly 900,000 Americans every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is a life-threatening infection of the lungs, which is caused by bacteria that live in the upper respiratory system. The bacteria can be spread via respiratory droplets through coughing or sneezing. Once infected, the disease can cause symptoms such as cough, fever, chills, fatigue, and/or difficulty in breathing. In some cases the symptoms of pneumonia can last weeks or even months.

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There are steps that can be taken to help prevent pneumococcal pneumonia, including good hygiene, regular hand washing, and immunization. Many adults think vaccines are only for children, but it’s critical for adults to keep current on their immunizations as part of their strategy for healthy living. If you are over the age of 65, talk to your doctor about getting up to date on all appropriate immunizations and other steps that you can take to help support healthier aging.

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Pneumococcal pneumonia can lead to hospitalization and may also be fatal in some patients. Older adults are more prone to getting sick from pneumococcal infection, and are also at higher risk to experience more severe and prolonged symptoms.

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“THE BOOK OF MORMON” - THE MUSICAL dreams. It’s such a great play and such a great role that I made the decision to audition for it and after several call backs I got the role. I was able to finish my last semester on the road then go back to school and I graduated this past May. It is a dream come true! What is life like on the road? Do you get to see any of the local sights?

Courtesy Photo

I recently had the distinct pleasure of talking with Denee Benton, one of the young, up and coming and extremely talented actresses who plays Nabalungi, the idealistic, wide-eyed Ugandan girl in “The Book of Mormon,” currently on a Broadway National Tour. The brainchild of Trey Parker and Matt Stone, who also co-created the hugely popular TV show “South Park,” none other than The New York Times has called it “The Best Musical of this Century”. It has broken records for the highest single day of sales in both Britain and Broadway history, and this year “The Book of Mormon” has scored four Olivier Awards statues at Britain’s version of the Tonys.” Yiorgo: Where are you from and why did you choose theater as a career? Benton: I grew up in Orlando, Fl., doing theater and singing in my church. I just graduated in May from Carnage Melon University with a degree in musical theater. It’s all I ever wanted to do. I also admired Whitney Houston and actress Angela Bassett. Speaking of church, this play definitely pushes the envelope when it comes to religion. How did your parents react the first time they saw this play and your involvement in it? Thank God, they have a great sense of humor and they were just so proud to see me in it, that they were able to laugh everything off pretty well. You were still in school when you auditioned for this role, how did that fall in place?

We are very lucky. We have a great manager that paces things out for us. When we were in L.A. we got to stay there for three months, so we had plenty of time to take in the local spots. And with me being so young it would not have been possible to see and experience America like I am doing now. When you were in L.A. did you get to meet with the creators of the show? Yes we did, it was so awesome! Trey is one of the co-directors of the show so he was there from the beginning with me. It was very surreal to be getting directions from the creators themselves. How do you keep your voice so crisp and sharp every night?

RENEW FIFTY PLUS

A really cool moment was when I was in L.A. and the incredible actor, dancer, singer Ben Vereen who I grew up watching, came back stage complementing the show and me as well. It was breathtaking to get validation from someone of his stature. It was definably a bucket list moment. Given the nature of this play, what would you say to someone who is a novice to musical theater and this will be their first Broadway musical that they will see? It is very groundbreaking and unlike any other play on Broadway. You will leave feeling wonderful. It is lots and lots of fun, with a great sense of humor and full of heart.

Yiorgo is Hampton Road’s arts and entertainment journalist. He is also an entertainer, stage and TV actor, motivational speaker, writer, storyteller, columnist and educator. Yiorgo’s celebrity interviews, articles and local arts and entertainment reviews appear monthly here in RENEW Magazine.

Yiorgo

I have my warm-ups that I do before every show. I also make sure that I rest and drink plenty of water. How do you keep your role fresh night after night? You have to remind yourself that it’s not about you but about that audience that paid their hard earned money to be entertained. You keep it fresh for them and give them the ultimate respect! Any wow moments that put a smile on your face when you think about them?

Yes, It’s important to follow your JANUARY 2015 RENEW

MAKE 2015 “THE YEAR OF PROGRESS” Tatrece Dunl ap Swann Welcome To 2015 Renew Readers!

efore you embark on a list of resolutions, consider the sacrifices they will require, and be realistic about the time it will take to achieve the goal. Personally I don’t make New Year’s resolutions; instead I call them New Year’s Improvements. I’ve found that it’s easier on the psyche to determine where I can improve versus beginning something totally new that can be challenging and sometimes intimidating. The truth of the matter is we ALL have areas in our lives where we can improve....do better, and it’s not always about weight loss. We can count everything from finances, time management, habitual lateness, having a bad attitude, and yes the most frequent weight loss as areas where we need to be better. Sometimes we could do better at extending more grace to the people we come in contact with daily. Are you honest enough to admit where you can do better, and courageous enough to take the steps at making the improvements? Make 2015 the year of progress starting with baby steps. Start with taking an honest self- assessment of where you are, and this will help you compile the most realistic list of expectations and improvements. Next, prioritize the list based on a realistic time and commitment factor. Finally, decide that excuses are not an option, and will keep you from reaching your goals. Early in this year 2014, I set out on a goal of losing and maintaining at a certain weight, and when I lost all of my excuses, I found my results. Nothing is more rewarding or gratifying than to see results after you’ve poured your hard work and heart into a project. What’s holding you back from being the best ‘you’ possible? What’s standing in your way? Sometimes we stand in our own way by holding on to the things of the past that we can’t count as success, or in the reverse, we believe that because we’ve achieved success in certain areas that we don’t pay attention to the areas that need improvement…I call those your blind spots. Be careful of considering past achievements so important that they get in the way of where you’re trying to go next. Grace has been extended to us all even when we don’t deserve it. It’s a blessing that can’t be earned, only received. That’s not to say that we walk around watching and waiting for those small miracles to happen, but perhaps we could stay alert enough to see them out of the corner of our eye. One of the things I know is for sure is that you can’t ever stop progressing. We were all called to this earth for a purpose, to be creative and to grow. What’s your purpose? Once you find your passion, you’ll most assured find your purpose, but you must set goals, and go after new opportunities deciding that failure is not an option just because you’re too scared! Get ready, Get set, Go!! Happy New Year!! Come and see Ms. Swann at the RENEW Women’s Health & Wellness Expo January 31, 2015 at the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center! For more information: www.renewvamagazine.com

12 RENEW JANUARY 2015

THE SMARTKLEAN® LAUNDRY BALL IS AWARDED THE “PARENT TESTED PARENT APPROVED” WINNER’S SEAL

he SmartKlean® Laundry Ball has been awarded the PTPA Winner’s Seal of Approval. PTPA Media has North America’s largest volunteer parent testing community, with over 70,000 parents and was rated the Most Trusted Seal by over 22,000 parents across North America.

Consumers looking for high-quality products and services can rest assured when they see the PTPA Winner’s Seal; it’s evidence of a products’ excellence from having been evaluated by unbiased parent testers. SmartKlean® was among many entries from across North America competing to earn the PTPA™ Seal. Independent parent volunteers evaluate products in their own homes to ensure that PTPA winners are chosen based on merit and consumer experience – not on commercial considerations. As a result, the PTPA Media™ Seal has quickly gained recognition as an international leader in certifying consumer products for quality, effectiveness and value. Their CEO and founder, Sharon Vinderine has appeared on over 100 morning shows as a reliable source for the latest and greatest in family products. The media and parents alike trust the collective opinion that PTPA Media represents. Being honored with the influential Seal of Approval from PTPA Media Inc. is a huge achievement for a product geared to families, children or parents. We are honored to have been recognized for our commitment to developing an effective and non-toxic laundry care solution and are very proud to have earned the coveted Seal of Approval from PTPA Media Inc. “At PTPA Media, we are proud to play a role in certifying innovative products that families can trust,” says Sharon Vinderine, CEO and founder of PTPA Media Inc. “When consumers search for our Seal of Approval on product packaging and web sites, they are essentially searching for validation from their peers. Their peers will have objectively tested and approved these products based on their performance in a real life environment. That type of resource for families is priceless.”

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2015 SNEAK PEAK: HOT HOME DECOR COLOR TRENDS

t’s a strategy interior designers often use to create stunning rooms that wow the instant someone enters them: the use of creative color. Homeowners looking to deliver impressive interior style can take cues from what will be the trendiest hues of 2015 and beyond. “Color itself is like one of the senses, enhancing our world and our state of mind,” says Erika Woelfel, director of color at Behr Paints. Homeowners can convey a variety of emotions in their favorite rooms by embracing different color palettes. From the sweet charm of pastels, to the comfortable ambience of neutral tones, to the majestic deep and bright tones, Behr Paints has pulled together trends to capture the balance needed to create inviting, inspiring and dramatically transformed rooms. Behr’s 2015 Color Trends provide homeowners with inspiration and guidance for selecting the right color for their projects while providing a glimpse of how rooms appear in different tones. The top four on-trend color themes include:

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Deep Dreams: An invitation to a tranquil escape into a dreamy, mythical landscape, the Deep Dreams palette features tranquil colors like teal, charcoal and eggplant that offer an oasis of relaxation in a bedroom. Balance is created with white trim, gold metallic and pops of citron yellow in the decor accessories. Lush layers of patterned textiles invite fuchsia, bright green and purple into the mix. To achieve a Deep Dreams theme in your space, paint walls in BEHR® Paint Colors Liaison T15-1, Seared Gray T15-2, Essential Teal T15-3, Your Majesty T15-4 or Heritage Oak T15-5. Frosted Pastels: Pastel paints create stimulating environments when combined with zesty bright accents; the contrast of pastel and striking accent can be balanced by touches of mauve and black created by floor stencils, fireplace tile and window treatments. Take a modern approach to pastels with paints in BEHR® Paint Colors Dreamscape Gray T15-6, Secret Blush T15-7, Elusive Blue T15-8 and Dandelion Tea T15-9. Social Brights: A refined balance of brights and neutrals, lighter and darker colors, Social Brights features pure blue, red, purple and orange that feel energetic, draw attention and create a lively place for conversation. Shades of gray are the perfect balance on adjoining walls, trim or ceiling. Other intense hues make playful accompaniments in small decorative accessories for tabletop and shelving displays. Be inspired with BEHR® Paint Colors like Clarified Orange T15-10, Sonic Blue T15-11, Graphic Grape T15-12, Prime Purple T15-13, Super Hero T15-14 and Plastic Lime T15-15 that create a refined yet lively look. Nuanced Neutrals: Weathered, rustic colors are the hallmark of today’s mid-range neutral palette, spotlighted in Nuanced Neutrals. This trend features dusty aqua paneling and light tan walls with the casual companions of charcoal, lively copper and citrus orange accents. Mix and match BEHR® Paint Colors like Blue Clay T15-16, Mocha Foam T15-17, Snap Pea Green T15-18, Mulberry Wine T15-19 and Peach Preserve T15-20. Touches of dusty earth tones ensure neutral rooms create a marriage of function and comfort for the ultimate in interior styling. For more interior design ideas and photo inspiration, visit www.facebook.com/BehrPaint. Article sponsored by Inner Space Systems. They can be reached at 757-487-1101.

CAN THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING CHANGE YOUR LIFE?

positive attitude is one of the most powerful assets you can have. Positive people find success, good health, happiness, wealth and rewarding relationships throughout their lives. This is not because they are already successful, or because they are more confident, it is simply the attitude. The law of attraction is that positive thoughts lead to positive results. Your thoughts are much more powerful than just electric signals between synapses. They have the ability to define you and affect those around you. However, it’s not easy to summon this way of thinking on command. It may take years of patience and practice to change your overall mentality. Learn from the example of others. “Early leaders in the United States understood the true

meaning of positive thinking,” says Stanley Murphy, department chair for the Graduate School of Business and Management at Argosy University, Nashville. “It is one aspect of the root of their success. Philip D. Armour, F.W. Woolworth, Thomas A. Edison, Marshall Field, Andrew Carnegie, Napoleon Hill and a host of other movers and shakers who participated in shaping our country in the early 20th century all understood these two powerful words: positive thinking.”

It is true that the most successful people throughout history have all recognized the power of positive thinking. Even Gandhi was a strong advocate of positive thinking. He is reported to have said, “A man is but the product of his thoughts; what he thinks, he becomes.” So what are some proven methods to developing mastery in positive thinking? Well for starters, believe that you can become a positive thinker. “Invest and commit yourself to your own personal development,” suggests Murphy. “You must first believe in yourself. When you do, you will notice that others believe in you too. Examine how you are investing in yourself. Make note in your observation of yourself. See if your personal investments are constructive or destructive. If they are destructive, then try to eliminate them. If constructive, then perfect them.”

R. Brian Salinas, professor at Argosy University, San Francisco Bay Area recommends interacting with people who are on the same journey, whether they are ahead or behind. “People project who they are and you will too. You’ll start to pick up their traits and ways of approaching things,” says Salinas. “Read books that talk about handling the lessons and challenges that come up in life and that mirror those you want to overcome in yours. In a few years, you’ll find that your story of triumph over adversity mirrors those you read about.” Consider the physical aspects as well. Try to incorporate the practice of daily meditation (a minimum of 20 minutes a day) suggests Murphy. “Take care of your body and it will take care of you. Moderate exercise, balanced diet and adequate rest will keep you physically fit for your daily task.” Also, try to be realistic. Everyone has down moments, and that’s alright. “Positive attitude is more than the sum of your feelings at any particular moment. If a loved one passes away or you are facing a challenge that feels overwhelming at the moment, it doesn’t mean that you’re not a positive person,” adds Salinas. “Positive people have every right to feel sad. It’s even healthy to express those feelings from time-to-time. Just remember that those moments don’t define us.”

JANUARY 2015 RENEW

sauces were delicious! You’ll also find that Silt’s menu changes a few times a year, according to what fruits, veggies, meat, and fish are in season at that time. It’s obvious Silt is passionate about what they do, has a heart for this community and a strong desire to treat their customers well by offering fresh ingredients and friendly service. Come by to support them and keep those amazing sauces here. Mindy’s Favorite Thing: The Pan Fried Chicken Livers appetizer was so good because of the amazing sauce, but I’m going with the Duck Sous Vide because it was the best duck I have ever let melt in my mouth. Actually…that was the only duck dish that melted in my mouth. I also really liked the potato stir fry. It had tomatoes, carrots, peppers, bacon, brussel leaves, and fried egg mixed in with the potatoes. It sounds strange, but it was so tasty!

arm-to-table. It’s become a bit of a buzzword these days. However, we don’t really have a restaurant proclaiming this 100% in Williamsburg…until about three months ago. Silt recently opened its doors in the Village Shops at Kingsmill and is a “Farm to Fork Eatery” focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. They work with farmers and purveyors who use sustainable, organic practices. The overall feeling of Silt is farm, rustic, chic. The guest tables are made out of repurposed barn wood from North Carolina and the other decorations definitely portray that “rustic” feeling. At the same time though it has a very sophisticated vibe to it. The majority of that sophistication comes from the food though. And that’s where we’ll dive in. Our meal began with two recommendations from our waiter: The Chesapeake Bay Crabcakes and the Pan Fried Chicken Livers. The crabcakes were miniature little nuggets of goodness with no filler that I could see (trust me…I inspected it thoroughly!). They were incredibly tasty, seasoned beautifully and served over a delicious bed of creamy rice. The chicken livers were served on a grit cake with a peppadew-tasso ham pan sauce. Couldn’t tell you what peppadewtasso means, but all I know is that it was incredibly delicious. I regretted not dipping the Billy Bread (Silt gets this from a bakery in Richmond) in the sauce to dab up every last drop. Next on the agenda was the special of the day. Chef Nelson Miller chooses what special of

16 RENEW JANUARY 2015

the day he is going to make based on what ingredients are freshly available. Today he created a Duck Sous Vide, which is a duck vacuum packed and then cooked at a low temperature for 4 hours with water constantly swirling around to cook it. Then, it’s pan seared and served with a potato stir fry and topped with a raisin plum sauce. I’m having tasty flashbacks now. I’ve never had a duck so moist. The last entree we tasted was the Sweet Tea Brined Pork Chop (brined for 24 hours in sweet tea) with Byrdmill faux cheese grits, Eastern Shore collards, and pot likker pan sauce (another ridiculously good sauce). And those grits…they were creamy and almost risotto-like, but no cheese was used to make them creamy (that’s where the “faux” comes into play). Our waiter listed off about 5 delectable dessert choices for us to choose next. I

would have been happy eating any one of them, but we decided upon the plate with home-made “Cracker Jacks”, toffee bar pieces, peanut butter truffles, and cherry brandy ice cream as well as the chocolate lava cake with cayenne ice cream. That combination of the spicy cayenne pepper, ice cold ice cream and gooey chocolate cake was so unique and satisfying that I recommend everyone try it at least once. We scooped ours all up. I thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Silt and loved the uniqueness of flavors and fresh ingredients used on every dish. We were able to talk with Chef Nelson a few times throughout our meal and found out that one of his “specialties” is sauces and soups. No wonder those

What I Would Try Next Time: Line Caught Market Fish with a bacon Asian mustard broth, Dave and Dee’s oyster mushrooms, summer vegetables, and a broken rice egg. Mushrooms get me every time and I’m intrigued by the “broken rice egg”. ................................................................. Reviews and photography by husband and wife team, Eddie and Mindy Lepp. For more reviews and a full listing of restaurants and things to do in Williamsburg, VA visit them today at EatPlayWilliamsburg.com.

ASK A

because it feels like the homework is for us, and not the children. But honestly, I think you may be so overwhelmed because you are experiencing some of the same frustration even the most accomplished teachers would, if given such a wide range of levels in one “class.” Now, I don’t have a magic wand that will make the homework hour disappear, but to make things a little easier, think about the following:

JANICE UNDERWOOD

• First, create a routine and plan ahead. This will help kids become empowered to take charge of their own time. Also, kids take comfort in predictable routines. So, make sure your kids know exactly what is expected of them before they walk through the door. For example, when the kids get home, they should all hang up their coats, visit the restroom, wash their hands, un-pack and repack lunch-boxes, and set up their books/supplies at their work stations. Keep healthy afterschool snacks available for their quick reach that does not require any cooking or preparation, such as fresh fruit, squeezable applesauce or yogurt, water bottles, wheat crackers, stringed cheese, or popcorn. This will cut down on wasted time looking for an after school snack. Also, have designated spaces for decorative bins for crayons, pens, pencils, erasers, hole punchers, assortments of paper, and sharpeners, so they don’t have to get up and run around the house looking for that one piece of colored construction paper they need for their project. Grandparents can play an important role in planning also. For those who live close, you can co-strategize meal planning or preparation, so that when homework is complete, everyone can sit down and enjoy a delicious and healthy dinner together.

TEACHER CAMPAIGN

Happy New to everyone from RENEW’s favorite teacher! So now that 2014 is gone we are now in the second semester of the school year. We are starting 2015 with some great questions that I know keep most parents and grandparents with school-aged children/grandchildren scratching their heads. This month we have a treat. We have a double question from the same family…one from a grandparent’s perspective and one from the parent’s perspective. So let’s get to it… E. O. As a grandparent, what can I do to help a single parent manage an avalanche of homework for my four grandchildren? K. M. How can I, a single parent, manage the homework routine when my children vary in age? I have three in elementary and one in middle school? Mrs. Underwood: I combined these questions this month because I believe you both are talking the same language….HELP! So, homework overall has seemed to increase across the board for all ages. My two elementaryaged children average 2-3 hours of homework a night, to include worksheets, practice math problems, studying for quizzes and spelling tests, special projects, and independent reading. In fact, I love PTA night because it is the one night of the month there is NO HOMEWORK! So, I know why you are frustrated. I think many of us are

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• Delegate, Delegate, Delegate. If your schedule permits, stagger the homework times by age groups and after the older children complete their homework, they can assist the younger children. Or if there are grandparents or other trusted adults that can facilitate the homework hour(s), this can also help. Breaking up into homework groups may also be helpful. A grandparent may help with the older children and the parent could help with the younger group or visa versa. For older children in middle or high school, there may be homework assistance or free tutoring provided at your son or daughter’s school...just ask in the main office if there is a tutoring schedule. Also, investigate nearby churches and community centers, which may have free tutoring services. Grandparents might be able to download practice SOL tests or other resources from the Virginia Department of Education or other school websites. This is particularly helpful for older students in high school because at this stage SOLs become “high stakes tests” necessary for graduation. • Keep the conversation going. Make sure that homework time is not the only time your children or grandchildren are thinking about school-related topics. So, purposely provide strategic opportunities for your kids to enjoy their homework because research shows that overall achievement is positively impacted when kids make connections outside of the classroom. For example, during dinnertime at the table, a grandparent or parent might like to ask open-ended questions about the homework to help reinforce what was just learned

or reviewed that night. For example, someone might ask, “So tell me about the water cycle. I noticed an awesome poster about the water cycle earlier this evening…” Also, register for on-line games and educational sites that can be tailored for all ages (elementary to high school), such as Flocabulary.com, kidsknowit.com, CoolMath.com, funbrain.com, and YouTube. Many of these sites are free, only have a very small annual fee if you wish to upgrade for more features, and are downloadable for many electronic devices, such as a tablet, Kindle, or iPad. On You Tube I regularly search for whatever topics are being reviewed and make it relevant for my girls. For example, my children enjoy watching an animated rhyming video about the water cycle as opposed to simply defining precipitation, condensation, transpiration, and evaporation. • Find websites that make the homework “work smarter.” Quizlet.com is a great site for younger and older kids. You can create a free account and this site can be used for so many things, like vocabulary, concepts reviews with videos, or even assistance with foreign languages. For example, many upper elementary and secondary students are always asked to define large quantities of vocabulary terms, which seem to take hours. However, with this site you type in any word and then the student has the ability to compare and analyze definitions of that word (which actually increases their critical thinking skills because it transforms a lower-level “definition” assignment into a higher order assignment). The student then selects the definition that most closely relates to the definition from their textbook and it is automatically typed in a preset document. Once the vocabulary list is complete, it can be printed out to submit to his or her teacher. What is fantastic about this site is that the word lists can be turned into printable flash cards. So, before the spelling test or unit test, a grandparent, sibling, or parent can use the flash cards in a review session. You can save each vocabulary list on your personal account, so that you create a sort of cumulative record of all vocabulary terms for each school year. Every teacher knows that unfamiliar vocabulary words stand as a barrier to most kids who do poorly on tests (classroom tests or high stakes tests, such as SATs and ACTs). • Lastly, be flexible. Allow kids to take breaks if you find their homework is lingering too long. If not, they will become tired and discouraged, and you will too. Also, try not to get frustrated with unclear homework. We’ve all been there. Keep a folder with each child’s teacher’s contact information (older children will have multiple teachers), so that if you find that even you don’t know the answer(s), you can email or call the teacher with your concerns or questions.

I hope you enjoyed this edition of “Ask a Teacher.” If you would like to submit a question, you can email me directly and confidentially at mailto: janicebellunderwood@gmail.com and your question could be featured in an upcoming issue of RENEW Magazine.

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Her Broken Places

Part 14

BY TRACY WAINWRIGHT Marla stepped out of the car and surveyed the area. Her heart dropped and her eyes filled. The pictures on TV had been bad enough, but they didn’t even compare to the sight before her. Where she imagined houses once stood were piles of bricks, splintered wood, and pieces of furniture. Cars were skewed about, upside down, on their sides, few with windows, not a one in a parking space. It was hard to imagine that the area she was standing in used to be a neighborhood. Peoples’ lives, homes, belongings that filled their everyday were strewn about or destroyed. She blinked several times, pulling from years of training and practice in removing

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herself from pain and heartache. This would definitely be the most difficult thing she’d ever done. Across the road, speaking with a young couple with three small children clinging to them, stood Mrs. Ferris. Marla took a deep breath and strode with more confidence than she felt. Mrs. Ferris looked up as she approached. “Marla, good to see you again. You didn’t have any trouble finding us?” “No, my navigation system brought me right here.” “Good.” She turned to the couple she’d been talking with. “This is Bobby and Madeline Amble. This is the first time they’ve been allowed back to see their house.” Mrs. Ferris had told her about the family the day before after she’d arrived. The Red Cross had put them up in a hotel, but they had nothing but the clothes on their back. She had no words to offer. Yet her job was communicating. Comforting. Helping. She stuck out her hand, shaking his first. “Mr. Amble. Mrs. Amble. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’d like to help in any way I can.” They both nodded. “We have a mobile help center set up down the street. Why don’t I show you where it is and you can have some time to talk.” Mrs. Ferris held out her hand indicating the direction of the group of trailers Marla had passed on her way in.

“That’s okay. I think we can get there on our own. But first,” she responded before bending down to talk to the little blond girl who appeared to be about three. “Let’s stop by my car and get some crayons and coloring books. What do you think?” The little girl and her older brother both nodded. Mrs. Able shifted the smaller girl she held in her arms and mouthed her thanks. After grabbing a bag of goodies from the back seat of her rental car, Marla led the family down the street. Coloring books wouldn’t fix anything. But maybe it’d give the children a little bit of normalcy, if not just a distraction, as she tried to work through the unimaginable emotions their parents must be going through. Lord, give me strength, she prayed. She certainly didn’t have anything within herself to help this family. But maybe, just maybe, she could offer some hope along with an opportunity to work through their doubts, fears, and losses. That despite everything they’d lost, there was light ahead. It was only a matter of walking through the darkness to get there.

by Tracy Wainwright, Home Manager, Writer, Speaker, Conference Director

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