Huami Magazine November December 2014

CotLu Films: Bringing Film To Life

Nov/Dec 2014 Volume 3 Issue 11 FREE

Dynacon Event Center Unleash Your Imagination

Sheleta Mason

A Praise On Her Heart

Sharon Altman CAP Learning Center

One Church in Two Locations To Better Serve You 4344 Blackberry Road - Greensboro, NC 27406 Sunday - Worship Services 7:30 am Morning Express 9:30 am - Regular Morning Services

556-A Arbor Hill Road - Kernersville, NC 27284 Sunday - Worship Service 9:30 am Tuesday Bible Study 7:00 pm (Free Dinner After Bible Study)

Wednesday - Communnity Bible Study 12 Noon Sanctuary (Free Lunch - Fellowship Hall) 7:00 pm Sanctuary (Childrens Bible Study Youth Wing) (Free Dinner at 5:00 pm - Life Enrichment Center) Saturday Worship Services 6:00 pm - Satruday Evening Express Service

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There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It! A Letter from the Editor

What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired today? What would you do?

www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief

I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much.

Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen?

If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in return acquire life.

Terry L. Watson Alana Allen - Deputy Editor

The best advice ever given to me happened when someone told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only hope provided. I have also learned the difference between what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and when to be quiet, because someone may get it confused with being arrogant.

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Make you tomorrow happen today, but most importantly make it count.

Life is but a whisper and we must put ourselves in a position to hear what it is telling us.

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder 4

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November/December 2014

mykelmedia@yahoo.com (336) 340-7844 HUAMI MAGAZINE is published quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication may be submitted to the editor by E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

On The Cover

Photo by Shaw Photography Group

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CONTENTS

Sheleta Mason

23

Cotlu Films

November/December

2014

14

16

Sparks Foundation

Also Inside..........................

Ebola Virus Information

6

Reliable Home Care Services

It Happens During The Holiday Season

24

Living Healthy

34

Plan Your Next Event

16

Bold and Beautiful

30

Love The Skin You’re In

22

The Youth in You

38

Domestic Violence Awareness Diabetes

The Dynacon Events Center Bovanti Cosmetics & Spa Of Skin And Wellness

Sharon Altmon & Cap Learning Center

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

40

Mariah and Makala Moyer

8

Ronald Smith

November/December 2014

18

Weave Doctors Expand

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20 5

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Cases Of Domestic Violence Escalate During The Holidays

Information provided by The Sherri Denese Jackson Foundation For The Prevention of Domestic Violence Seeing family around the holidays is something many of us looks forward to, but for victims of domestic violence it can be a time of turmoil and fear. The pressures of celebrating the holidays sometimes causes tempers to flare, energy levels to soar and arguments to ensue, culminating in an explosion of domestic violence and abuse. Parties, celebrations and festivities are everywhere and the temptation for excess can be intoxicating. Alcohol, drugs, heightened emotions and the wrong combination of family members are very often contributing factors in violent holiday explosions.

Ear Rings

In fact, the holiday season can be an exceptionally tough emotional period for many domestic violence victims, even children. Most loving mothers will do whatever is necessary to create a fun and festive holiday environment for their children. However; for children living in a home where violence occurs, very often Christmas represents a prolonged period of trepidation due to the anticipation of violence.

It is quite logical that domestic violence will increase during this holiday season because every possible risk factor is in play; the struggling economy, the jobless rate, home foreclosures, the rising cost of necessities and the stress of gift giving. According to experts, during the holidays, when many people are home from work and spending unusually long periods of time with an abusive partner, there can be a greater sense of anxiety and stress that results in a violent situation.

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Domestic violence does not only affect husbands and wives and cohabitating partners.

Domestic violence is a purposeful intimidation, assault, sexual assault, mental abuse, threat or other abusive behavior perpetrated by one family member, household member, or intimate partner against another. Children in homes where there is domestic violence are more likely to be abused and/or neglected and are, by definition, victims of domestic violence. Even if a child is not physically harmed, they may have emotional and behavior problems as a result of their unfortunate, traumatic life experiences.

Domestic violence does not discriminate. It is as prevalent in higher-income families as it is in lower income ones. The abusers and victims are minimally educated, as well as multiple-degree holders. The faces of domestic violence represent the entire spectrum of races and cultures. Researchable data indicates that one out of four households are affected by domestic violence. However, those who passionately engage in domestic violence awareness and eradication know that these numbers do not fully, nor accurately, represent the incidences of domestic violence. Many occurrences are not reported to the police. The millions of calls made to local and national hotlines are anonymous and, thus the content of the calls is not reported to the police or government agencies for statistical purposes.

Although the national statistics are inconclusive as to whether domestic violence increases on Christmas Day, convincing statistics indicate that, during the two-week period following Christmas and Thanksgiving, calls to domestic violence hotlines and local police departments increase. “One of the things that often happen is that people don’t reach out (initially) because they think it’s a family time and they should to be staying together during the holidays. But we know that if you’re staying together and it’s a violent situation, that’s not the best thing for the family and the children,” said Mingo County Sheriff James Smith.

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The sheriff said he feels that financial strains during the holiday season and the declining economy play a large part in the increase of domestic violence cases they have already investigated over the last month. Joe Smith, chief field deputy for the Sheriff’s Department, told the Daily News that victims of domestic violence need to remember that the promises made to them that this was a one-time occurrence and that it will never happen again are only words - and easily forgotten. “During my years as an officer, I have heard guys promise women over and over that they won’t be abused again, but seldom did I see anyone stay good on that promise,” Smith said. “It usually escalates and gets more intense and more dangerous with each occurrence.”

“Only the victim of domestic violence can break the cycle. We can assist them in getting an EPO (emergency protective order) against their abuser, we can get them in the Tug Valley Recovery Shelter - we can do everything possible to help them, but the ultimate decision to stay away from the person hurting them is theirs and theirs alone. Sadly, a great majority of women abused will become repeat victims because they choose to stay in the situation and will go back for more.” “Every time you give an abuser another chance, you’re simply giving them a permission slip to do it again, they have the belief that you will continue to take it and do not believe you will leave or file criminal charges,” the sheriff said. “Do not allow yourself to be a punching bag for anyone, and that goes for the mental abuse as well.” “Take a stand for yourself, reclaim your life and end the cycle,” Smith said. h

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Ebola History & Facts

A Two Part Feature (Part 2 is OnlIne at www.huamimagazine.com) Ebola, previously known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a rare and deadly disease caused by infection with one of the Ebola virus strains. Ebola can cause disease in humans and nonhuman primates (monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees). Ebola is caused by infection with a virus of the family Filoviridae, genus Ebolavirus. There are five identified Ebola virus species, four of which are known to cause disease in humans: Ebola virus (Zaire ebolavirus); Sudan virus (Sudan ebolavirus); Taï Forest virus (Taï Forest ebolavirus, formerly Côte d’Ivoire ebolavirus); and Bundibugyo virus (Bundibugyo ebolavirus). The fifth, Reston virus (Reston ebolavirus), has caused disease in nonhuman primates, but not in humans. Ebola viruses are found in several African countries. Ebola was first discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since then, outbreaks have appeared sporadically in Africa.

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The natural reservoir host of Ebola virus remains unknown. However, on the basis of evidence and the nature of similar viruses, researchers believe that the virus is animal-borne and that bats are the most likely reservoir. Four of the five virus strains occur in an animal host native to Africa.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of Ebola includes Fever, Severe headache, Muscle pain, Weakness, Diarrhea, Vomiting, Abdominal (stomach) pain, and Unexplained hemorrhage (bleeding or bruising).

Symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 21 days after exposure to Ebola, but the average is eight to 10 days. Recovery from Ebola depends on good supportive clinical care and the patient’s immune response. People who recover from Ebola infection develop antibodies that last for at least 10 years.

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Because the natural reservoir host of Ebola viruses has not yet been identified, the way in which the virus first appears in a human at the start of an outbreak is unknown. However, scientists believe that the first patient becomes infected through contact with an infected animal, such as a fruit bat or primate (apes and monkeys), which is called a spillover event. Person-to-person transmission follows and can lead to large numbers of affected people. In some past Ebola outbreaks, primates were also affected by Ebola, and multiple spillover events occurred when people touched or ate infected primates. When an infection does occur in humans, the virus can be spread in several ways to others. Ebola is spread through direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes in, for example, the eyes, nose, or mouth) with blood or body fluids (including but not limited to urine, saliva, sweat, feces, vomit, breast milk, and semen) of a person who is sick with Ebola, objects (like needles and syringes) that have been contaminated with the virus infected fruit bats or primates (apes and monkeys).

Ebola does not spread through the air or by water, or in general, by food. However, in Africa, Ebola may spread as a result of handling bushmeat (wild animals hunted for food) and contact with infected bats. There is no evidence that mosquitos or other insects can transmit Ebola virus.

Only a few species of mammals (for example, humans, bats, monkeys, and apes) have shown the ability to become infected with and spread Ebola virus. Healthcare providers caring for Ebola patients and the family and friends in close contact with Ebola patients are at the highest risk of getting sick because they may come in contact with infected blood or body fluids of sick patients. During outbreaks of Ebola, the disease can spread quickly within healthcare settings (such as a clinic or hospital). Exposure to Ebola can occur in healthcare settings where hospital staff are not wearing appropriate protective equipment, including masks, gowns, gloves and eye protection.

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Dedicated medical equipment (preferable disposable, when possible) should be used by healthcare personnel providing patient care. Proper cleaning and disposal of instruments, such as needles and syringes, is also important. If instruments are not disposable, they must be sterilized before being used again. Without adequate sterilization of the instruments, virus transmission can continue and amplify an outbreak. Once someone recovers from Ebola, they can no longer spread the virus. However, Ebola virus has been found in semen for up to three months. Abstinence from sex (including oral sex) is recommended for at least three months. If abstinence is not possible, condoms may help prevent the spread of disease. h Charlotte, Raleigh, Burlington, Salisbury High Point, Winston Salem, Greensboro & Durham

Visit www.huamimagazine.com to read the 2nd part to this feature.

Reliable Home Care Services, LLC 2200-B East Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27401 Office: 336 510-9393 Fax: 336 510-1499 Email: ReliableNC@yahoo.com Website: ReliableHomeCareServices.com November/December

For more information, please call (336)340-7844 www.huamimagazine.com

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She is Blessed To Be A Blessing To Others

By Tonya Dixon Photos by Shaw Photography Group

S

haron Altman spent 30 years working with the North Carolina Department of Social Services. Upon her retirement she was a manager within the adult services division. The work she performed throughout her career simply gave legs to her passion and calling. Her life was and has been dedicated to working with adults with disabilities in various capacities. From supporting and embracing a disabled individual in her own home to respite care, she has the superior knowledge, resources, dedication and compassion needed to successfully care for the adult disabled population of society.

“There is no dollar amount that compares to the joy you receive from seeing someone you help care for grow, develop and be successful. It’s a game changer,” Altman says. “If you are dedicated, you have the ability to alter the turn of events for an individual if you care for them daily. You are meeting their needs and in turn they are in essence meeting a need you may have, especially in the family dynamic if they are living in your home. My children grew up with someone disabled living in their home. They learned discipline and a level of respect for the disabled population and developed a passion to serve.”

In 2006, Altman established CAP Learning Center in Greensboro, N.C. Her passion for the often overlooked and underserved in the community is what compelled her to start the noble undertaking. Additionally, she knew from experience what was truly needed and what parents were seeking in a facility for their adult children.

Sharon

Altman CAP Learning Center

Many adults with disabilities or nearly adult progress through and age out of public school system programs, but still requires support and assistance. Parents often struggle to find adequate care for their children. It’s a gap and need that CAP Learning Center successfully fulfills.

Continued on page 10

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Pictured with Sharon is her husband, Thomas

10

CAP offers a program for individuals 18 and older who have dual diagnosis, visually impaired, autism disorder, mental retardation or are determined to be mentally ill. The program seeks to ultimately provide opportunities for the mentally disabled adults to function in the community and reach their fullest potential. The students or consumers, as they are often referred, are engaged on a level and speed according to their accessed abilities. Unlike many other programs and day centers, CAP tailors a specific plan or course of action for each individual consumer. There is no magic cookie cutter track for everyone to follow and adapt to. One of the many reasons for the success of CAP is because of the great care the staff takes in making sure each consumer is given individualized and specific care. Moreover, each consumer is assigned one fully-trained staff member whose sole purpose and responsibility is to engage and assist that one student. All interactions are one-one-one. It’s something that Altman is extremely proud of.

“There are other day programs to choose from, but CAP will tailor activities to meet the needs of each and every individual that comes to us. There are no cookie cutter services. It’s very individualized,” Altman says. “If a consumer wants to learn more about computers then we offer that to them. If the desire is to teach a person to make a bed, perform minor kitchen activities or simply become more independent, then we have mock rooms that we disrupt and then ask the individual to clean up or perform simple tasks with limited direction.” Additionally, CAP provides a wide-ranging list of services including goal achievement, basic math, money management and computer application; activities of daily living, personal hygiene development, socialization, coping skills, low impact exercise, socialization and a host of other skills and activities.

Sharon Altman and Loran Lawson CAP Learning Center is fully accredited through CARF. With well over 20 rooms strategically designed to enhance the consumers, CAP is able to develop every individual’s specific need. The center currently serves approximately 40 individuals (with a capacity of 100) on a daily basis. In addition to the care and instruction that is provided in the facility, CAP also provides in-home care options. Staff members assist with personal care, helping the consumer’s prepare for daily living activities, homework, outings, breakfast, dinner and many other activities. The needed in-home care that CAP offers provides parents or guardians with an additional level of support and care.

However, Altman says CAP success lies much more in the staff rather than in extraordinary services it offer. She understands and adamantly asserts that it’s her staff that makes the center the awesome provider it has become. “I have a wonderful staff. It’s all about teamwork here.

I’m in the shadows [which is how she prefers it]. They are in the spotlight. Each one brings to the table a variety of skills. They are talented, skilled, educated, creative, full of expectations and standards,” she says. “There is a list of credentials, screenings and background checks that each worker must have. All of our staff members have surpassed even the things the state requires.”

Nevertheless, as much care and attention that consumers receive from CAP, there comes a point in which many of the consumers progress to a point of general independence and knowledge that increases their drive and desire for something beyond the restricted walls of the

Continued on next page

November/December

2014

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facility. They want to know what it’s like to put their skills into real world application. It is an exciting time for the consumer, but still one filled with anxiety for the parents. Altman realized it wasn’t enough to teach them the skills; they also needed a way to use the skill, while still maintaining a modicum of insulation and supervision.

Not to be outdone or without a solution, Altman decided to establish two additional businesses in which the consumers could work independently.

Consequently, starting next year, she will branch into the daycare, beauty and barber business. The businesses provide the perfect situation for the consumers to branch from the center. Although the individuals will not be able to perform tasks in relation to the children in the daycare or the clients in the salon, many of the individuals will still play vital and fulfilling roles in the businesses such as sweeping, mopping, landscaping, exterior maintenance, meal service, towel laundry and other similar positions. Seemingly menial tasks to the everyday individual, they are anything but that for CAP’s consumers. Being able to be a productive citizen is a great accomplishment and a source of pride for the individuals.

Additionally, as they move onto more independent jobs, she will have the availability to assist others within the CAP facility. She says people don’t stand still, we don’t want to believe their growth is stagnant or standing still. Both the daycare—Garden Academy— and the beauty, barber and nail salon are slated to begin operation by mid-spring 2015. Both will operate with the same excellence as CAP Learning Center.

Garden Academy will offer daycare as well as after school care with four-star amenities including in-room monitors for parental online access, vouchers and private pay, family night and many other options.

Although not currently named, the beauty, barber and nail salon will have three stylists, two barbers, two nail technicians and all the top-of-the-line equipment and services. Additionally, the salon will have the capabilities to provide beauty services for assisted living facilities and their residents at designated times.

Nonetheless, Altman insists every endeavor is strictly about enhancing the lives of the mentally impaired community that she and CAP Learning Center serves.

And to that end, she attributes the growth, exceptional service and superior standards of CAP to the phenomenal team that works diligently and tirelessly for the edification of so many others. “I’m just the undergirding force that keeps everything stable. I meet the needs of my staff so they can better serve our consumers,” she says.

CAP Learning Center 215 Webster Road Greensboro, NC 27406 Garden Academy Day Care 610 Spur Road Greensboro, NC 27406

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November/December 2014

“There is no dollar amount that compares to the joy you receive from seeing someone you help care for grow, develop and be successful.

It’s a game changer”.

Pictured from left to right are the staff of CAP: Kalub Shipman, Robert Collins, Cedric Burns, Matthew Creedmore, Latasha Gaddy, Raymond Rogers, Maurice Warren, Sharon Altman, Christopher Crowder, Shamonika Burke, Dominique Frye, Brian Davis, Victoria Russell, and Fred Rudd

“I have a wonderful staff. It’s all about teamwork here. I’m in the shadows, they are in the spotlight.

Each one brings to the table a variety of skills”.

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CotLu Films, LLC www.cotlu.com www.facebook.com/cotlufilms

336-553-9904

By Terry L. Watson Photos by 7545 Photography

C

otlu Films are a full-service film company that focuses on films that expresses strong messages. Additionally, they strive to provoke awareness and bring attention to issues of which they feel are important such as domestic violence, bullying and juvenile delinquency. They provide high quality HD (high definition) filming for all types of projects. Though mostly a film a motion picture company, they are also available for weddings, live events, and documentaries.

Cotton says his biggest inspiration comes from an old proverb developed during slavery ― “each one, teach one”. “Everything we film has a message behind it. I feel it is my duty to teach and help as many people as I can before I leave this earth. Through our films I am able to teach and help others, even when I’m gone,” he says.

Lewis also says his career has been impacted mostly by his family.

“My wife, Danita, and our children have been behind me and given me that push when I needed it. They have never lost faith in me and what I do, even when we faced adversity,” he says. Lewis also credits his mother, Doretha Lewis for pushing him to fulfill his dreams.

“She never saw any of my films before she died,” he explains.

They have worked with some very talented individuals throughout their careers. This includes Cranston Johnson and Jennifer Rusolli. They have also worked with Sheena Adams Crawley, who plays Sharon Jones in “The Return” alongside Gogo Lomo, who is the young Nate. Christopher “Play” Martin is in the role of older Nate. Phillip Burges made a guest appearance as the reverend in the film.

Cotlu Films is comprised of Ricky Cotton and Edwin Lewis.

Lewis serves as president/chief executive officer of CotLu Films. Lewis has worked in management, sales and/or sales management for majority of his professional career. As the creative mind behind the company’s start up, he has been writing and creating stories since he was in his early teens. A sharp thinking, proactive professional with a strong focus and creative mind, he is the writer behind the original law/crime drama TV series, “The PO.” He holds a degree in economics from North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, N.C. and is a strong supporter of the school. He plans to give a percentage of the revenues from his first feature film, “The Return,” to their entrepreneurship program to promote new business creation.

Ricky Cotton serves as vice president, chief operating officer, casting director and music supervisor. He is a native of Scotland County, N.C. and moved to Greensboro in 1992 in search of better opportunities. After years of working various dead end jobs, he says he was blessed to be laid off for the fourth time in 2004. He used that opportunity to return to school and further his education. During this same time, CotLu Films was formed and he earned an associate’s degree in paralegal technologies. His knowledge of the law he says is a major asset when drafting and reviewing contracts. He also loves to work with kids and volunteers at various Guilford County Schools while mentoring troubled youth.

Cotton says what he loves most about film making is making the film come to life. “The process of making a film can sometimes be long. However, it always seems as if the actual filming time goes by quickly,” he says. Lewis enjoys creating the story and the development of the plot. “The misdirection of the audience and the unwinding of the characters as the story approaches the conclusion really intrigues me,” he says. “Watching actors bring my story to life, and seeing life come to what I wrote on paper is all the motivation I need. It is like air being breathed into something that was cold and limp. It becomes real and full of life!”

Collectively, Cotlu has produced several short films. These titles include “Leaving the Game”, written by Lewis, and two films written by Cotton, “Consequences & Repercussions” and “The Word,” Lewis says his first film was “The Return” starring Christopher “Play” Martin from the Hip Hop duo, “Kid & Play,” which happens to be the only feature film that he filmed and the last to be released. There is a showing scheduled on November 17, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. at the Carousel Grand Cinemas on Battleground Avenue in Greensboro, N.C.

Lewis and Cotton both agree that their chosen careers can be quite challenging. This includes budgets and people saying they can do things that they really were not competent to do, along with dealing with attitudes and creative differences. Lewis says largely and by far is the securing of the capital needed to make films at a quality level that they find acceptable; making films is not cheap and he would advise any filmmaker who is starting out to understand that.

“Getting to the point where you can actually earn an income is a long and tedious road of which you must constantly be willing to bend and do whatever it takes to get your film made that does not require you to compromise your integrity,” Lewis explains. h

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Empowered Sparks Inc. “Every Spark Start With A Match”

www.empoweredsparks.com

Facebook.com/empoweredsparks

By Donna Foxx Photos by Perfect Lenz Photography

T

here’s a local organization in the city of Greensboro who sees, understands, and wants to instill in young girls the importance of having self-confidence and to help them recognize and bring about a sense of belonging, accomplishment, and fulfillment. This organization is the Empowered Sparks, Inc. Donna Foxx, founder and executive director of the organization, spearheaded this organization after a discussion she had with her granddaughter, who expressed an interest in becoming involved in a “girls club.”

After several disappointing phone calls, Ms. Foxx discovered there were no ideal programs—at least not any that she felt would provide her granddaughter with the essential ingredients for growing and developing into a dynamic young lady.

Ms. Foxx is very passionate about inspiring girls to believe in themselves and walking in their God-given destiny. So she began collaborating with her best friend and co-founder, Barbara Hawley, about the dream of starting an organization for girls. Ultimately, they assumed the title, “Blaze,” while their husbands were dubbed, “Match.” After all, how can you start a fire without a “Match?” On April 25, 2010, “The Sparks” (Smart, Prepared Adolescents Reaching for Knowledge and Success) was born. Eight girls and their big sisters, aka “Flames,” were inducted by candlelight ceremony into “The Sparks.” The organization became incorporated in June 2010 with a new name, “Empowered Sparks.”

As they moved forward in this quest for a program for young girls, they formed a board of directors and appointed officers for the board. In December 2010, they received their official IRS 501c 3 nonprofit tax-exempt status.

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The Empowered Sparks, Inc. is an educational, skill building, creative organization designed to introduce girls to concepts and skills that promote positive self-esteem. The organization encourages girls to challenge social rules and media messages that diminish a girl’s sense of selfworth as they move from adolescence to adulthood. “I like being in the Empowered Sparks because it teaches me how to be a lady, and help me go toward the right path in life”, says nine-year-old, Niobe.

The group’s activities are centered around promoting awareness and helping to increase the girls’ knowledge base on how to cope with and overcome potential upcoming teen challenges. Through a connection to inner resources, girls explore ways to unleash, promote and claim a healthy connection to themselves, their peers, and the community. Currently, they have 30 members from the ages of 8-18.

Their mentors who are called, “Flames” are very essential because they serve as the big sister’s to the girls in the program.

Makailah, a Flame says, “We set the examples and we are the role models that the girls look up to. When the girls have an issue that they are dealing with, many of them come to us. The “Flames” are here to lead and guide them through their experiences of growing up, because many of them may feel uncomfortable speaking with someone else. Throughout the years I have seen the growth in the girls, watched them mature, it feels special to know that I could be a part of that.”

Nile, 13 says, “My experience with the empowered sparks has been really fun, I’ve been to a Grasshopper game, I’ve learned how to waltz and attended my first cotillion -- that was fun! The women in the program have introduced us to new opportunities in life and have taught us how to be queens and that’s the most important thing we need to learn right now.”

The driving force behind this organization is their relationship with God. They inspire their young girls with God’s Word recorded in Philippians 4:13 which states, “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me.” In 2015, the Empowered Sparks will be celebrating their fifth year of operation with the theme, “Inspiring Hope Through Leadership and Mentorship.” They meet bi-monthly through April and are planning to make this a phenomenal year! Look for the Empowered Sparks in the Greensboro Jaycees Holiday Parade on December 6.

The Empowered Sparks are currently seeking community support to raise funds for the “Every Spark Start With A Match” Crowd Funding Fundraiser for the “Bobby L. Foxx Memorial Scholarship Fund,” and their summer leadership camp. h

Jr. Team Leaders: Nile Whiteman, Flash Team [11-13 year old], Ricki Cheek, Flare Team [14-18 year old] and Kayla Blackwell Sparks Team [8-10 year old] pose outside after the Social Media Workshop

Empowered Sparks Founders: Blaze Foxx and Blaze Hawley Empowered Sparks Board of Directors: Teresa Showole, Barbara Hawley, co-founder, Christopher Bass, Donna Foxx, founder & exec. Dir., Claudelia Scott, secretary, Gloria Russ & Judith Hilliard.

Not pictured: Myrna Wigley, Board Chair

Ronal d Smi t h R&S Entertainment www.247praiseradio.com

By Terry L. Watson Photo by Mykel Media Company, LLC

S

ome may know him as Ronald Smith, however many know him as “DJ Ronnie Ron”. A local radio personality, Smith airs his show “Hip Hop Praise” on 1510 AM WEAL every weekday morning from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays.

Smith’s radio career has expanded over 20 years. He started out broadcasting Christian Rap in Orlando, Fla., where he is originally from on several radio stations, introducing audiences to a new style of music. During those early years he received a lot of backlash from the older saints that did not understand the genre.

Some even said it was of the devil using worldly beats in gospel music. “I knew what vision God gave me to reach this generation because I would see people giving their life to Christ as a result of the music,” says Smith.

He is also a program director for www.247praiseradio.com, as well as a partner in the station. He has been married to Saundra Smith for the past 13 years and also ministers serving faithfully at Word of Hope Fellowship Church, where Elder Dallas Scales is the pastor.

Tired of attending gospel events that were not exciting, they formed the company, R&S Entertainment in 2010 with their motto, “Entertainment That Promotes Inner-Changement” through radio, television and events as well as deejay services.

Another service offered by R&S Entertainment is marketing and promotion to help give more exposure to independent artist.

“We want to show that Christianity is meant to be enjoyed, not endured and that something is said or done that will cause you to want to change for the better,” says Smith. At any R&S Entertainment event, you will not get a church service but a quality show without compromise, while still representing Christ.

R&S Entertainment also helps independent artist get exposure through the different outlets it offers. Their past resume include events such as; The Lyrical Coffee House at Café Jam in 20082009 and partnering with Tim Day; Kingdom Music at the former Heaven Night Club, and downtown Greensboro in 2010 partnering with Blessed Entertainment. They also have done a couple of showcases at the Apple Store in Greensboro, which has never been done before concerning gospel music.

Presently, R&S Entertainment host events on Friday nights (except first Fridays) at Occasions II Restaurant located at 286 E. Front Street in Burlington, N.C. They offer live entertainment which begins at 7:00 pm. In addition to helping independent artist get exposure, they presently produce mix tapes -- “All Flavors for the Savior, Grown Folk Gospel” (25-50 adults) and “Hip Hop Praise” that are distributed for free. Donations are welcomed kindly accepted.

“We want to show that Christianity is meant to be enjoyed, not endured and that something is said or done that will cause you to want to change for the better. At any R&S Entertainment event, you will not get a church service but a quality show without compromise, while still representing Christ”.

An online television network is due to launch in the spring of 2015, titled “Urban Drama” (Disciples Reaching a Multitude by Assignment) with videos and Christian programming. In addition, R&S Entertainment has been blessed with the opportunity to partner with Huami Magazine to give even more exposure to up and coming urban Gospel and Hip Hop artists through a column in the magazine. “Each issue will have a different artist to spotlight with all their information to view and contact for possible bookings.

“We desire to help sincere artist who perfect their craft and are just as good and anointed as those who have a national platform, while at the same time showing the versatility of Gospel music in all flavors,” says Ron. It’s not to say they will not have national artist featured at their events but they realize there are a lot of quality artist that the world needs to see and hear. h

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By Alana Allen Photos by Still Shots Photography

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elebrity stylist, Tamia McCray has set out to make a name for herself in North Carolina with her headlining hair salons, Weave Doctors in Greensboro and her recently opened salon, WD Hair and Extension Bar in Charlotte, N.C.. With more than 10 years of experience as a stylist, her resume is what sets her apart. She has held key roles as a stylist for The Monique Show and Tyler Perry Studios, where she worked as an on-set stylist for hit shows, “House of Payne” and “Meet the Browns.” She has also

get away from it all. We can make you laugh, smile, and even sing you a song or two.”

With the success of Weave Doctors in Greensboro, McCray set out to open her new salon, WD Hair and Extension Bar in Charlotte. As a native of Gastonia, N.C., a neighboring city to Charlotte, she saw the marketing opportunity the city offered and the impact she could make as a business owner. The salon is upscale and equipped to provide any and all weaving and extension services including partial and full sew ins, the new Vixon/Versatile sew in, Lace Closure sew ins, Fusions, Tape extensions, and Malaysian/Micro link sew Ins. Natural Hair Services will also be provided at this location.

Her newest hair venture is launching her new “Illusion Custom Hair Units”. These are custom wig units that are unique and hand made, and sewn by McCray and her staff. Last year she launched her own hair line “True Life Virgin Hair” which offers premium 100% Virgin hair in all textures and lengths. This line is offered in both locations and also available for shipment.

McCray’s passion for her businesses is the fuel that sets the bar high for the stylists who work with her to build her vision.

She believes and is serious about bringing in stylists that are skilled in their profession and can add value to her brand. She remains so committed to her salons and customers, that she personally trains her stylists before they are allowed to handle any clients.

“My salons are a big family, we check on each other and my stylists care about my salons as much as I care about them,” says McCray. “With their support, it helps me to function efficiently by operating two salons in two different cities.”

McCray continues to stay motivated by her husband, Michael, and entrepreneur in his own right who owns Mesic Boy Productions, a Marketing and Promotional Company. She is also motivated by her 13 year old daughter. McCray says that she strives every day to show her daughter that she can do anything she sets her mind to do by going to school, having her own and being a responsible person.

In the future, McCray plans to open more salons and franchise her business name in multiple cities. Coupled with Mesic Boy Productions, she plans to offer services such as photography, professional makeup, hair and fashion styling. She is very excited about her new ventures and knows that with God by her side anything is possible. In addition, she is launching her newest hair venture, Illusion Hair Unit line. These are custom wig units that are unique, handmade and sewn by McCray and her staff. Last year she launched her own hair line, True Life Virgin Hair, which offers premium 100% virgin hair in all textures and lengths.

provided her services and talents for many non-profit opportunities in the community by donating custom wigs to cancer patients and alopecia clients that may not be able to afford these items.

With McCray’s experience and expertise, she has channeled all of it into her entrepreneurial mindset that has given her the ability to juggle more than one salon that provides excellent customer service to all of her clients. In April 2012, she founded Weave Doctors Full Service Salon in Greensboro, N.C. Ever since it’s opening, the salon has been booming with customers and retention has stayed at a peak. This salon was designed to meet the needs of all its customers by creating a wonderful salon experience. McCray says, “My salons are not just a place of service to get a great hairstyle, but a place to

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Weave Doctors Full Service Salon 3512 East Webdover Ave Ste C Greensboro NC 27405 336-621-1644 www.weavedoctors.com WD Hair & Extensions Bar 2925 E. Independence Blvd - Ste 17 Charlotte, NC www.wdhairbar.com 704-777-0459

passion for her businesses Tamia’s is the fuel that sets the bar high for the stylists who work with her to build her vision

is so committed to her salons She and customers, that she personally trains her stylists before they are allowed to handle any clients

By Tonya Dixon Photos by Perfect Lenz Photography Mykel Media Company

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heleta Mason has been experimenting and doing hair since she was in high school, and she has been singing for as long as she can remember. How do the two relate? They don’t other than they are the two things that perfectly describe and reveal the purposes of the woman she has become. Mason is a singer and stylist.

Neither takes precedence over the other because she realizes they are both God-given talents and she has been entrusted with the awesome responsibility of nurturing, cultivating and growing them to the best of her ability. In a sense it’s somewhat of a gift of thanks back to the giver.

As grateful as Mason is to have the ability and knowledge of a stylist she will be the first to admit that she was initially disinterested in the idea of learning the trade. Why? Because no 10th grader wants to spend free time going to more classes and studying more information. Doing hair and experimenting on family, friends and herself was cool and fun, but when it threatened to cut into her social life, she jokes that was crossing the line.

Thankfully, her mother, who was a professional stylist, recognized her daughter’s gift and enrolled her anyway, despite her objection. For the next two years, she attended high school and Carolina Beauty College. In addition, she also worked a part-time job. The workload was obviously

@happyhair001 Sheleta Mason @yieldedvessel

Sheleta Mason Singer, Songwriter & Stylist

challenging and difficult, but ultimately it all paid off. She realized she really did have a gift and passion for the craft. Moreover, the sense of accomplishment and pride she felt in herself when she graduated from both high school and beauty college in 1998 was unexplainable. “At first I didn’t want it to interfere with my social life, but I really understood what I had accomplished when I graduated from both of them. Unlike many of my friends, I already knew what I was going to do after high school. I didn’t have to wonder or guess,” Mason says.

Mason has never shied away from hard work or dedication, nevertheless the challenging schedule she faced getting her degrees wouldn’t be the last time she faced difficult circumstances. Undeterred, she never gives up, but always relies upon the one thing she has found to be the only consistent, dependable and stable source in her life. She leans on what she has been taught her entire life—her faith in God. In fact, Mason says practically everything she has ever done or attempted to do has been a walk of faith. After graduation she knew she would be working at her mother’s salon, but having enough clients to survive financially was an entirely different manner. However, when the opportunity arose for her to finally have her own booth in the salon she jumped at it; even though that meant quitting her part-time position, which basically

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helped her stay afloat in favor of full-time salon work with only approximately five clients to show for. Her faith said do it, so she did. According to Mason, somehow everything worked out. She never missed a payment on her new car; in fact she paid the note off early. The more she remained committed and focused on her gift and the gift giver, the more her business bloomed and blossomed.

“I have never even had to advertise other than my business cards. Most of my business has come through word of mouth. People started asking other people, ‘Who did your hair.’ I could be in a public place and people would find out who I was and would say things like Oh you are that girl, Sheleta that does hair. People knew my name. I couldn’t believe it. I was like wow, what the heck?! It was so surprising. When it blossomed it blossomed big and it is still booming” says Mason.

It’s still booming because people know that when they come to Mason they will get what they want and will get what they pay for. She doesn’t just specialize in one thing; in her own words, she specializes in everything. No arrogance intended, but she says she simply just doesn’t believe in giving away opportunities that were obviously meant for her. So whether a client wants a cut, color or natural style she has the skill and expertise to meet the need. Her desire is to do what she does with perfection. “I like to be creative, but I won’t do anything half-handed. I’m always learning new styles and I stay on top of the latest techniques,” she says.

Her hard work has absolutely paid off. Some of her work has been featured in several nationally published magazines including Black Hair Magazine as well as various online portals and social media outlets. The dedication that the Greensboro native exhibits extends beyond her profession.

Mason just recently celebrated 10 years of happy marriage, which in itself is a ministry. In addition, years of being taught the word of God by her parents, singing and performing in choirs and praise and worship groups, with her sisters and even a gospel girl group has brought her to the point in her life where she knows it’s her time to step out on faith, establish and launch her own musical career.

Although Mason is a praise and worship leader at her church, Full Gospel Christian Center in McLeansville, N.C., where her father, J.W. Melton is the pastor, she is preparing to do it all by herself now…that is with the Lord on her side.

Her first solo project will be available by next summer, but her first single, “I Shall Not Be Moved” will be released in November. The single, which she wrote, encourages others to keep the faith, stand on the word of God and not be moved by unfavorable situations. Her gospel with a twist sound is completely word-based and always will be. Even though being a solo artist is new to her and admittedly a bit unnerving she says that she’s nervously excited and expecting God to minister though her.

“I asked God to give me the courage, wisdom, knowledge and strength and He has given them to me. Now I want to be fully used by Him. Everything is for His glory. He gave me this gift and now is the time to use it,” she says. No matter if Sheleta Mason is in the salon styling hair or on the stage singing praises to God she knows that everything is based upon the work that God does through her. She is only a vessel willing to be used. h

Shelia’s Creative Hair Design 901 Elwell Avenue - Greensboro, NC 27405 336-255-4524

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ynacon D The New

Events Center

2100 East Wendover Ave. - Greensboro, NC 27405 (336)458-8422 www.dynaconeventscenter.com

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From Excellent to Extraordinary

By Tonya Dixon - Photos by Miles Darden

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ver the years the Dynacon Center has become known as the local powerhouse for events and meeting space, but the burgeoning facility, which by the way, is categorized as a convention center, has added even more awesome, unique and highly sought after amenities. Dynacon owner, William Waller says the center has improved upon its already impressive capabilities and added significant upgrades to virtually every aspect of the facility. From a technical standpoint the center now boasts more state-of-the-art, professional equipment including an even better sound system, additional large projection systems, individually or collectively controlled flat screen televisions, lighting and special effects and a long list of various improvements and additions.

Waller jokes, “Now when you book your family reunion at the Dynacon Center you can showcase grandma doing the Wobble on one screen or all the screens.” Dynacon is used by people of all races, ethnicities and nationalities for every imaginable event. From Quinceaneras to Bar Mitzvahs, no matter the day or time, patrons’ ae guaranteed to be met with a mixed crowd. Waller says it’s all by design. “When I put Dynacon together I was determined to make it a truly multifunctional, multicultural events center. We have African American groups, Caucasian groups and at least eight other different groups that utilize the center at any given time,” he says. “You just never know what you are going to get here.” For the most part the facility is booked nearly every weeknight and every weekend. At least 70 percent of the center’s business is from repeat customers because they have discovered that the Dynacon Center is Greensboro’s hidden gem. The satisfaction is so overwhelming that the 2015 calendar is quickly filling up. Nevertheless, Waller isn’t complaining.

Patrons may not know who they may run into at the center, but they are well aware of the outstanding service they will receive. The Dynacon Center offers each person or group that utilizes the facility a host of free amenities and services including free Wi-Fi, cable television, shuttle bus parking and even a free room when the grand ball room is rented. It’s the little things that count when a major event is on the line.

Waller designed the center with that very fact in mind. People need customization and they need to experience the wow factor whenever they attend a Dynacon event.

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Want To Advertise? Call (336)340-7844

“I see the Dynacon as not only a very elegant and upscale event center, but we are able to provide everything customers might need. For example we do a number of weddings. Some people don’t have the foggiest idea of where to get started. We can provide just the venue or a complete turnkey event; from the venue to the minster,” Waller says. “We are selectively bringing in business tenants, from limos to videographers to caterers to even a progressive church, we offer it all. We don’t dictate. You can pick and choose. We can negotiate on your behalf or you can do it yourself; either way, but you will see our price advantage.”

The Dynacon center is known for hosting upscale events from concerts, to weddings, to conferences. With the newest additions and upgrades the facility has expanded its services. In addition to facility rental, the center is quickly becoming a major hub and source for corporate events, artist development and artist exposure and discovery.

More and more corporations and businesses have discovered that Dynacon offers them a way to engage their employees and clients away from workplace distractions in a professional manner. Many of the day time slots that were formerly consistently vacant are now being quickly filled.

But what has really been attracting even national clientele is Dynacon’s full service recording studios and artist development packages. Waller says Greensboro would be surprised by the sheer number and names of wellknown singers and musicians that frequent The Dynacon Center. It’s all because the word has spread—Dynacon is the real deal for artists and aspiring artists. No corners are cut and no expense is spare. The center has amassed and assembled a power team of sound engineers, attorneys, photographers, booking services, CD generation and packaging, headshots, press kits, recording studios, live recording options and virtually anything an up-and-coming artist would need. Additionally, Dynacon has the ability to connect well-polished artists to prospective managers and record company executives based upon an artist’ musical style and genre.

“We want to be able to offer you those same package deals that we offer to people for events. Right now we encounter inexperienced artists attempting to do it on their own and paying good money for recording time, but are getting poor quality and then trying to sell themselves,” Waller says. “We will be the source that puts you together and packages you in a professional way. You should not have to go anywhere else other than to the Dynacon center.”

Waller has already contracted with artists to help package, present and push them to the next level. One specific artist, Shonda Nicole will be a featured artist at the Dynacon center. She will be in concert on November 29 along with other well-known and local artists. But her story isn’t unique. Waller and staff are actively seeking new artists to groom. Dynacon will provide a platform for artists to showcase themselves in front of a live audience as well as A&Rs, managers and label executives. As Waller puts it, as a means to “test” the waters and see if the artist is prepared for the mainstream.

Ultimately, Waller says, the Dynacon Center remains synonymous with upscale and elegant events, but now its repertoire includes an unparalleled, technical expertise and knowledge that anyone in the world of music would love to experience and utilize. It’s an enormous bill, but the h Dynacon Center is ready and poised to handle the job.

Dynacon Events Center owner Bill Waller

All across fall runway shows features this years hottest fall makeup trends. You’re in luck because Bovanti has just these looks in store and more! With these looks you will be a style maven in no time!

Beauty Experts, Marquel and Marquis Bohannon

Bovanti Cosmetics & Spa 219 Four Seasons Town Center Greensboro, NC 27407

Facebook.com/bovanticosmetics Twitter: @bovanti Phone: 336-299-0109 www.bovanticosmetics.com Register Now for the next Bovanti Makeup Class!

December 13th, 2014

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Full Brows Call it what you want but the full brow beauty trend refuses to budge. Style icons are opting for thicker, natural looking eyebrows. They lend a certain character and depth to the face. If you haven’t been blessed with full brows, here’s what to do.

Get the arch right: The key to getting power brows is to put the arch in the right place. To do this, carefully slant a Bovanti angle brush from the bridge of your nose to your iris. The rule of the book is, thicker is always better. Always use a full mirror instead of a compact so that your whole face is in view. Don’t try to be a perfectionist. Your brows don’t have to be symmetrical, just identical for them to look natural.

When in doubt, consult a professional at Bovanti Cosmetics & Spa and pick up the Bovanti Perfect Brow Kit. The fab four for the perfect brows include: Bovanti Brow Powder, Bovanti Angle Brush, Bovanti Camouflage Concealer, and Bovanti Chisel Shading Brush.

Use Bovanti Brow Powder: Use it to fill in your brows.

Apply the brow powder using a Bovanti Angle Brush.

Don’t stray too far from the natural hairline. If your brows are damaged and have gaps or scars, then damp the brush for a heavier application. The way to use one is with light strokes in the same direction as the hair growth. Using Bovanti Camouflage Concealer apply with the Bovanti Chisel Shading Brush a small amount of concealer to highlight underneath the brow and to conceal brow hairs.

Once this is done you now have the Perfect Brows!

Glittery Lips Out in public, people often act amazed, as if they’ve never seen glitter lips before. “What kind of lipstick is that?” a passerby on the dance floor will demand. “Where did you get such sparkly lipstick? I mean, does it come like that?” the bartender will ask as she hands you your drink. Glitter Lips have been a burlesque trick for years but now it is just as simple as a swipe of gloss to add that sparkle and lust to your lips. Lips that sparkle and shine have always been a hit but when you add glitter it just makes pop a little bit more. Our newest Glitter Glosses in Diva, Time Warp, and Pacific

by Bovanti will give your lips the edge you’ve always wanted!

Dark Bold Lips Effect One of the hottest trends of the season is wearing the dark lip trend. If you’re thinking about making a bold statement with your lips with a swipe of dark lipstick, and are not sure where to start then you’re in luck! We’ve got the perfect color to compliment your sexy, sultry, edgy side.

Choosing the right shade to fit your skin tone is important before you buy. Dark shades can consist of hues ranging from plums to oxblood to black. Understanding what works well will set you up for a successful look and the next two tips.

Lining your lips is extremely important to ensure your lipstick looks more polished and neat and put together. With such a dark and sultry color, you want to be sure to tone down the eyes a bit. Make sure your eyes are at least lined with Bovanti’s Cream Eyeliner in Onyx and Bovanti’s Luxury Mascara is applied. Dress up your eyes how you want, but the true star of the show will be that pretty pout!

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World AIDS Day “Know Your Status” The Alicia Diggs Story

By Jeuron Dove

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n June 5, 1981, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report describing cases of a rare lung infection, pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, attacking five young, previously healthy gay men in the Los Angeles area. Each man had other unusual infections as well, indicating that their immune systems hadn’t been working. This edition of the MMWR marked the first official reporting of what would later become known as Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, better known as HIV/AIDS. Around the same time it was discovered that an aggressive form of cancer, kaposi’s sarcoma, had developed around a group of gay men in California and New York. By the end of 1981, there were 270 reported cases; with 121 of those individuals dying.

However, there was little in the way of conclusive information about what exactly the disease was or the way it was contracted.

Many people looked upon those infected with a sense of fear and contempt.

Over three decades later there is still much confusion and mistreatment toward individuals infected with the disease. However, if there is one person who is able to separate the truth from fiction when it comes to HIV/ AIDS awareness, it’s Alicia Diggs. She has spent the better portion of her life educating others about it. Growing up in Philadelphia, Alicia recalls joining her brother in distributing pamphlets in their local neighborhood.

“There was never an excuse to not be made fully aware of the risks involved with any kind of sexual behavior whenever you came into contact with me,” says Alicia. Alicia’s knowledge of the subject took an entirely new meaning on December 13, 2001. It was around this time when Alicia began experiencing intense, flu-like symptoms. Coming from a family with a prevalent history of cancer, she went into the doctor’s office that day for what was supposed to be a routine biopsy. Instead, she left with the news that she tested positive for HIV. HIV is an infection that weakens the body’s immune system by destroying the important T-cells or CD4 cells that fight disease. Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body is unable to ward off infections and diseases. The latter stages of HIV are referred to as AIDS. While there is no cure or vaccine for HIV, antiretroviral treatment can slow down its progress and allow those infected to lead a fairly normal lifespan.

The news came as a shock. Not only was Alicia recently married, but she had abstained from all sexual activity in the years prior to her marriage.

She eventually discovered that she contracted HIV from her then-husband, who was untruthful in revealing his past medical history. “All kinds of thoughts were swirling through my head at that moment. I didn’t know if I’d live to see my children (from a previous relationship) grow up or become a grandparent,” said Alicia. Thankfully, she has lived to see both of her adult children go on to lead productive lives. She hasn’t allowed HIV to slow down her life either.

In 2004, Alicia made a bold decision to take her story public. Her transparency has allowed her to heal internally from past bitterness, while empowering, encouraging and educating others. In 2009, she graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a bachelor’s degree in social work. She obtained her master’s degree in public health last spring from Capella University. In addition to her numerous speaking engagements, Alicia volunteers with the Triad Health Project and Piedmont Health Services and Sickle Cell Agency, and is a board member of the North Carolina AIDS Action Network. The month of December is of great significance to Alicia since it contains two events she actively participates in: World Aids Day and the 23rd Annual Winter Walk for AIDS. The walk is a community one-mile walk and 5K run that raises money and awareness to benefit Triad Health Project’s client services and prevention programs. It will be held Sunday, December 7, on the campus of UNC Greensboro. h

For more information on how to participate, visit www.triadhealthproject.com.

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Want To Advertise? Call (336)340-7844

Help I Am A Queen Feed 300+ Families in Greensboro for Thanksgiving

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By Jeuron Dove hanksgiving is usually a time reserved for expressing gratefulness for all the blessings in your life. A major centerpiece of the holiday is partaking in a scrumptious meal with family and friends. Unfortunately, this is not the reality for several families across North Carolina.

According to a 2014 Hunger in America Study by the Food Research and Action Center, North Carolina has one the highest percentages in the United States of children under 18 years of age who are food insecure on a regular basis at 26.7 percent. Between 2010-2014, North Carolina regularly ranked among the top ten states with the highest percentage of citizens experiencing food shortages. Fortunately, I Am A Queen, a local women’s empowerment nonprofit organization, is doing its part to reverse this downward trend.

I Am A Queen has teamed up with a host of nonprofit organizations and business partners to host the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway on Saturday, November 22, from 10 a.m. -1 p.m. at the Windsor Recreation Center, located at 1601 E. Lee St., Greensboro. This year’s goal is to feed 300 plus families. The event is open to the entire community with donations being accepted the day of the event or at designated drop off locations. Families are advised to arrive early as only one representative will be allowed to receive a box of food. This initiative is in partnership with Professional Divas, a nonprofit organization based in Durham, N.C., that is collaborating with 10 cities including Greensboro to feed 2,000 families for the holiday.

The following food items are being collected to fill 300+ boxes: Frozen Turkeys, Cans of Green Beans and Corn, Cans of Sweet Potatoes and Yams, Packets of Gravy Mix, Cornbread Mix, Stuffing Mix, Cranberry Sauce, Mashed Potatoes Mix, Macaroni and Cheese.

Drop Off Locations for Food Items: Chandlar’s Florist and Coffee Shop, 709 E. Market St., #200A, Greensboro, N.C. (Freezer Available) EM Creative Fitness and Wellness, 3610 N. Elm St., Suite C, Greensboro, N.C. Perfect Image Hair Salon, 609 State St., Greensboro, N.C. The Barbershop of Lee Mykel, 4000 Spring Garden St., Suite D, Greensboro, N.C. This year’s media partners for the event include Huami Magazine, 97.1 WQMG, K&F Custom Car Detail and Born to DJ. Also, I Am A Queen has partnered with local organizations that include Beyond the Block, Footsteps to Follow, Destined 4 Greatness Event Planning, Ange’le’ N. Simpson Foundation of Love, Granny’s Love Outreach, Shield Mentor, In the Image of I Am, Empowered Sparks, I Will Live and the Live Life Foundation. In addition to their tremendous support, each organization plays a critical role in challenging others to give and volunteer.

For more information about donating, volunteering or details about the event, please visit www.iamaqueen.org. h

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GetYOU

Living Healthy

LifewithDr.J Dr. Jillian Morgan Dr. Jillian Davis Morgan holds a Ph.D. in pharmacology with a focus in oncology. She is a researcher, motivational speaker, professor and medical science liaison for an international biomedical company.

Diabetes Banana pudding, sweet potato pie, chocolate cake, cheesecake, pumpkin pie… oh my! Hello my Healthies! With the Holidays rapidly approaching, diets are sure to be out the window. However for large group of people, monitoring sweets and carb intake is still very important.

Diabetes is a health condition that affects roughly 30 million Americans, according to the American Diabetes Association. It is a very serious and lifelong condition. Diabetes is a disease in which your blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are too high. Glucose is the main sugar found in your blood and it is your body’s main source of energy. We get this energy source, glucose, from the foods that we eat. Once we eat the food, our body converts the glucose into usable energy. In order to make this conversion, we must first get the glucose into our cells. Glucose is carried into our cells by insulin. So insulin serves as the escort, or usher, to assist glucose into the cells. When the body does not have enough insulin to escort the glucose into the cells or the insulin is not functioning properly, then we get an excess of glucose floating around in the blood. This excess glucose is what leads to health problems.

These serious health problems may include: diabetes, and diabetes-related conditions such as heart disease, stroke, kidney dysfunction and nerve damage that can lead to amputations. Due to the serious complications associated with diabetes, it is very important that, even during the holidays, individuals who are diabetic, or even pre-diabetic, continue to monitor their food intake and remain active. So after that big, tasty Thanksgiving dinner, please be sure to get out and walk around the block, shoot a few hoops, or play a game of, “The Michael Jackson Experience” with kids (trust me, it’s big fun and a WORKOUT!).

Diabetes that occurs most frequently in adults is type 2 diabetes. This form of diabetes used to be called adult-onset diabetes; however it can affect people at any age, even children. Individuals who are overweight and inactive are also more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. This type of diabetes usually begins with insulin resistance, which is a condition that occurs when fat, muscle, and liver cells do not appropriately use insulin to carry glucose into the body’s cells to use for energy. As a result, the body needs more insulin to help glucose enter cells.

Women are pregnant can develop what is known as gestational diabetes.

During pregnancy, women make hormones that can lead to insulin resistance. Gestational diabetes most often goes away after the baby is born. Pre-diabetes is when the amount of glucose in your blood is above normal but not high enough to be called diabetes. With pre-diabetes, your chances of getting type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke are higher.

However with weight loss and moderate physical activity, a person can delay or even prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. You may even be able to return to normal glucose levels, without taking any medicines.

Approximately, 86 million Americans are currently pre-diabetic Some people with diabetes initially have no symptoms, while many people experience symptoms that can include, frequent urination, being very thirsty, feeling extremely tired, having sores that heal slowly, blurry vision, and a feeling of pins and needles in the feet. In an interview with Everyday Health, legendary singer Patti LaBelle revealed that she remained in denial about her own diabetes symptoms until she passed out on stage during a concert. After that incident, she got serious about her health and started a regular exercise routine and a healthy diet. She has also published several healthy cookbooks. Halle Berry, Ben Vereen and Sherry Shepard have all been diagnosed with diabetes as well.

So as you begin to enjoy the upcoming holiday season, I encourage you to continue to GET YOUR LIFE by limiting the amount of your aunt’s sweet potato pie that you eat and bundle up, go outside, and take your dog on an extra-long walk. November is Diabetes Awareness month so I urge you to use this month to meet with your physician or diabetes educator to get test for diabetes and develop a healthy holiday meal and exercise plan.

Blessings and Health for a Great Holiday Season! I will be taking a little time off for maternity leave but I will be back to talk health and healthy living with you in spring! Cheers to Good Health! h

For those who have been diagnosed with diabetes, exercise, weight control and sticking to your meal plan can help control your diabetes. You should also monitor your glucose level and take medicine if prescribed.

Developing an individualized plan with your physician or diabetes educator is very helpful. The diagnosis of diabetes is made through a series of blood tests including, a fasting glucose test and a test of A1c levels. These tests also help to differentiate between the three types of diabetes, type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes, as well as pre-diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, which used to be called juvenile diabetes, develops most often in young people. In type 1 diabetes, your body no longer makes insulin or enough insulin because the body’s immune system has attacked and destroyed the cells that make insulin.

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HuamiMagazine.com

November/December 2014

Want To Advertise? Call (336)340-7844

Introducing The New Faces of

Lady Shae’s Hair Salon Chonte James Stylist

Specializing in the latest trends, and keeping healthy hair first.

Stephen Stewart

Clarice Brown

Very Attentative Assertive Punctual

Versatilie and innovative. Very excited about the industry.

High Energy.

Assistant/MAU

Kim Kaye Key

Stylist

Stylist

“The more things change the more they stay the same. I’ve been in the industry for some time time now and I have seen things change and come back around.

Natural hair has come back with a vengeance and a new flavor. I have enjoyed ever new and exciting part of hairstyling, It never gets old. The beauty industry is here to stay and so am I”.

1025 Homeland Avenue - Greensboro, NC 27405 - 336.333.3222 - www.ladyshaes.com

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Opens New Location In Charlotte N.C. WD Hair and Extension Bar 2925 E. Independence Blvd - Ste 17 - Charlotte, NC Wdhairbar.com - 704-777-0459

Weave Doctors and WD Hair Bar

@WeaveDoctorsGSO

Offering ALL Weaving and Natural Hair Services!! That includes Partial and Full Sew Ins, Lace Closure and Lace Frontal Sew Ins, Vixen/Versatile Sew In, Fusions, Malaysian/Braidless Sew In, Tape Extensions, Blow Outs for Relaxed and Natural hair, Treatments, Crochet Braids, AND MORE!!

True Life Virgin Hair SOLD ON SITE!!

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“The Doctors Are In”

Mariah and Makala Tied for the #1 Academic Rank in the James B. Dudley High School Class of 2014

Both maintained identical High School GPAs of a 4.9 Members of the National Honors Society Dudley Ladies Mu Alpha Theta Mathematical Honors Society, Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) Dudley High School Cheerleaders (Varsity Captians For 3 Years) Won the State Championship in 2014 Won the National Championship in 2014

Student Athletes Speak & Read Spanish Fluently Volunteer in Thier Community

“

(

(

Mariah and Makala Moyer both chose to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where they major in Spanish with a concentration in Biology. They aspire to be bilingual pediatricians in the future.

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HuamiMagazine.com

November/December 2014

Self Improvement

Wrapping Up

2014

By Demetra Moore Photo by Demetra Moore

Time To Get Ready For 2015

I

t’s time to wrap up 2014 and prepare for 2015! Are you feeling anxious about what that looks like? Or are you thinking I must get started and setting goals for 2015. If either of those sounds like thoughts you are currently having then keep reading.

At the end of every year people start planning for the holidays and talking about what they are going to do different in 2015. But notice I said “planning for the holidays and talking about what they are going to do in 2015.” Most people don’t plan before the New Year starts. We wait to make resolutions, and to be accountable in the New Year.

Demetra Moore is a certified professional career coach and the founder of Moore Out of Life, Inc

Try something different plan early and start working with accountability partner right now. It’s time to create the plan of transition for 2015. As a Transition Expert specializing in career development, personal and professional development, I meet several people who fall short in the area of preparation. I have three suggestions that would help:

3. Join A Mastermind Group Or Think Tank. Napoleon Hill cited the use of Mastermind Groups in his book Think and Grow Rich. Successful people rely on these groups to help them grow in various areas. Mastermind groups offer new perspectives, support, and accountability and provide a way to extend your network.

1. Create A Vision Board: Ever heard the saying seeing is believing? Well that’s what a vision board will do for you. This process puts your dreams on paper and makes them real. It provides a sense of direction and gives you something to work toward.

2. Hire A Coach: They will work one-on-one to implement your plan of action. You will have an accountability partner, gain new perspectives, and have a way to extend your resources. A coach can help you get beyond mediocrity and onto a level where you are moving and growing into the person you were destined to be.

It’s time to prepare. You’ve never seen a fighter prepare for the fight during the fight. All the planning occurs months before. There’s less than two months left in the year make it count and finish strong. h

For more information, contact Moore Out of Life at (704) 565-9608 or visit www.mooreoutoflife.com

November/December 2014

HuamiMagazine.com

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Cutest Baby huami

M A G A Z I N E Photo Contest

Trinity Shyann McAdoo

Daughter of DeWitt McAdoo Jr. and Kimberly Johnson

Photos by Mykel Media Company, LLC

To submit photographs into the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby Photo Contest, send a detailed email to mykelmedia@yahoo.com

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The Skin You Want Myth #2: Skin Will Or Must “Peel” Truth: This is an outdated concept. Based on what was previously known regarding traditional peels, individuals believe that they will have a sunburnlike appearance accompanied with itching and unsightly shedding that requires one to go into hiding for a week. Again, this is not true. A chemical peel should not interrupt one’s day to day life. Skin, in fact, does not have to peel. Advanced formulations applied to the skin typically cause dead epidermal cells to dissolve. This process is usually invisible to the naked eye, working on a microscopic level. As a result these dead skin cells shed with normal grooming activities and continue to shed with an effective at home skin care regimen. Keep in mind, the deeper the peel the more shedding that will occur.

Myth #3: One Peel Will Do The Trick Truth: Regular in-office treatments are critical to creating and maintaining optimal skin health. Chemical peels are recommended in a series. The very least is 3 treatments but for many 6-12 treatments per year is needed or required. One should plan on initially getting a peel every 2-4 weeks apart in order to treat all layers of the skin. Normal skin turnover is 21-28 days, as one gets older that process slows down considerably. Evenly spaced peels at your clinicians discretion according to your skin issues allow the skin the heal post treatment while it treats an additional layer of skin with each visit.

Hyperpigmentation, for example, is layers deep so to effectively improve skin pigmentation one should prepare to have a peel every 2-4 weeks at a minimum of 5-6 peels.

Of Skin And Wellness: Health, Beauty, Medicine 603 Milner Drive, Suite D - Greensboro, NC 27410 (336)701-2202 www.ofskinandwellness.com

The skin you want is under the skin you see. For this reason chemical peels are an obvious choice to reveal younger, smoother, brighter skin. In the aesthetic industry, it is common knowledge that individuals have many different thoughts in regards to the procedure. Those thoughts tend to be negative as a result of a lot of misinformation that can readily be found on the internet, disseminated by media and other individuals’ report of past experiences. This misinformation creates fear and tends to make people nervous. Just like any other advanced skincare treatment there are risks.

However, when performed by a properly trained professional, the benefits definitely outweigh the risks. It is the clinician’s responsibility to fully explain treatment outcomes but this article will highlight some common myths regarding the procedure.

Basic Truth: Chemical peels provide a nonsurgical, nonablative peel technology that offers a controlled removal of damaged skin to smoothe texture, improve wrinkles, brighten the skin, and increase hydration and firmness. Chemical peels—whether light, medium or deep—all involve the removal of the upper layers of the skin, which is known as an ablative skin procedure. Depending on the depth of the peel, one could possibly experience swelling, redness, flaking and peeling. It is important that post peel care instructions are followed so that the skin is hydrated and protected following treatment. Once healing is complete, one will see overall improvement in the texture and color of the skin.

Myth #1: Chemical peels require significant downtime Truth: Post-peel recovery time varies depending on the type and strength of peel you receive. Traditional peels of the past usually contain phenol and produce a deep resurfacing effect. Those peels are not the peels of modern day. The truth is most peels performed today do not call for any down time.

This is because they typically are milder with no visible signs of exfoliation; for some, slight redness and skin flaking may be noticed. Having a series of milder peels is safer and will give one the same effect of the “phenol” peels of past times.

Myth #4: Stronger Is Better Truth: Traditional peels all fall in the same category: they contain the highest percentage of single acids with the philosophy that stronger is better.

Stronger is not always better. Stronger peels will in fact aggressively peel the skin. This is the aggressive peel that people are all too familiar with. It is the chemical peel that causes the skin to “peel” in sheets. These peels are performed by a physician and while there still is a place for this type of peel, they are not performed very often any more. Peels of today include alpha and beta hydroxyl peels, in addition to Jessners and TCA peels. These peels are more favorable directly related to virtually no downtime and an exfoliation that occurs over a course of days.

Superficial, Medium and Deep Peels Superficial/light – also called the “lunchtime peel” - No down time Great for: Minimizing the signs of aging, Reducing fine lines/wrinkles, Increased product penetration (i.e. serums), Exfoliation of dead skin After: You can expect some possible pinkness the day of your treatment and possible mild flaking 2-3 days after. Medium Depth Peels – faster results – but more down time - Typically includes TCA (trichloroacetic acid) Great for repairing sun damage, correcting pigmentation issues, minimizing the signs of aging. After, you can expect redness, tightness, brown skin (where the skin is actually peeling). Recovery time is typically one week, but this treatment can cause pinkness and sensitivity for up to 6 weeks.

Deep Peels The strongest type of peel available - Only available through a doctor. Great for those who need significant resurfacing as determined by a physician and want to avoid more ablative treatments.

After: Immediately following treatment, the skin will be red and feel like it is sunburnt. You will also experience a significant recovery time with swelling, scabbing, and a risk for infection.

Final note: Regardless of which peel you desire, it is important that you choose a professional who has been properly trained. Peels sold over the counter and on the internet are not safe for use at home. Not having a peel performed correctly may lead to significant hyperpigmentation and scarring that will take many months to correct. h

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Birthday’s, Anniversaries, Holidays, Weddings, & Banquets Personal Chef Services - Fresh Nutritios Meals - Catered Events

Rita Tisdale

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Making Moving Easier On You Since 2001 Assigned Coordinator ∙ Certified by NC Utilities Commission Free No-Obligation Estimates ∙ Licensed & Insured Local & Long Distance Moves ∙ Relocation Team Replacement Value Protection ∙ Trained Moving Staff We Sell Moving Supplies ∙ We Furnish All Padding

Office

336-834-2654

Home

www.ritasmeals.com

Weddings, corporate events, family reunions, fundraisers an much more!

2100 E. Wendover Avenue Greensboro, NC 27405

336-458-8422

www.dynaconeventcenter.com 42

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November/December 2014

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Providing Expertise in Taxation Issues General Accounting Payroll Services Tax Representation Tax Services

tax

Have you received a letter from the IRS? Do you know how your business structure affects your taxes?

NC Tax Updates, how do they affect you?

Can you retire today?

Call To Schedule Your Free Consutation Mary Ann Adams

Enrolled Agent - Licensed to Practice Before the IRS 1105 East Wendover Ave. Suite D - Greensboro, NC 27405 (336)235-1912 phone (336)510-8505 fax

www.teaccountingtaxservices.com

maryannadams@aol.com

www.jazzydesigngraphic.com

Jazzy

620 S Elm St - Suite 151 Greensboro, NC 27406 Screen Printing - Embroidery -T Shirts - Caps - Greek Wear

336-412-0012 (336)965-7658

(336)268-1455

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HRforU is a Full Service Human Resources Consulting Firm

This Chair is Waiting For You! Professional Barbers Wanted

Providing Human Resources Leadership for small, midsize and emerging operations (Private and Public)

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Great Opportunity & Benefits Package New Barbershop - 2 Weeks Vacation Call 336-340-7844

1451 S. Elm Eugene St Suite 2008 Box 18 Greensboro, North Carolina 27406 www.hrforu.org

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HuamiMagazine.com

November/December 2014

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Direct Cremations Starting at $795 The experienced funeral directors at Serenity Funeral Home & Cremations will guide you through the aspects of the funeral service with compassion, dignity and respect.

Serenity Funeral Home & Cremations 1024 Homeland Avenue Greensboro, NC 27405 336-907-8085 www.serenityfhcremations.com

Preston Legacy, LLC Full Service General Contracting Company

New Commercial and Residential Construction & Remodeling Commercial & Retail Upfit Tile Installation

Custom Decks Custom Garages & Storage Buildings Concrete & Masonry Installation Driveways & Sidewalks

For Free Estimates, Please Call (336) 202-5040 www.prestonlegacy.com Email: estimates@prestonlegacy.com NC General Contracting License #71785

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Greensboro High Point Winston Salem

Alston’s Yard & Landscaping

Commercial Residential 12 Month Service

Serving The Triad Since 1983

Johnny Alston Owner

336-987-4488 Lawn Maintenance - Landscaping - Mulching - Tree Removal Seeding & Fertilization - Weed Control

EDUCATIONAL PLAYTIME TOO! INC. Enroll Now For Our Fall Preschool Program Owned & Operated

By Tanika Harris B.S. in Early Childhood Education

Programs For Infants & Toddlers

Children Ages 6 weeks - 12 Years of Age

Open Monday - Friday 6:00 am till 7:30 pm

Kid’s Love it Here!!

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2802 St. Leos Street Greensboro, NC 27405 (336)-358-9177