ISSUE 4 JANUARY 2012
COVER Lessons Learned A dynamic story about a woman’s life lessons told through the eyes of her colleague Christin Deremian
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F E AT U R E S
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CAREER Make it or Bake it A sweet New Jersey entrepreneur sacrifices a high-profile job to follow her dreams.
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REFLECT 11 Moments of 2011 Take a look back at last year’s 11 defining moments.
LIFESTYLE The Lipstick Chronicles How a 10-year-old reminded Kristina that being single isn’t a crime.
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STYLE A New Year, A New You Start the year off right with a New Year makeover.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
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EDITOR’S LETTER
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THE STILETTO STATEMENT
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SHINE ON SISTA!
Illumination
(and inspiration for the daily grind)
ISSUE 4 JANUARY 2012
Editor-in-Chief Natasha Clark Copy Editor Jean Wroblewski Art Director Leonardo Pilares Director of Photography Denise Smith Columnists Crystal Senter Brown Brenda’s Child Erin Corriveau Dawn Leaks Katelyn Gendron Contributing Writers Tony Gaskins, Jr. Lamara Hunter
Lioness Magazine is the first e-zine geared toward female entrepreneurs. We deliver sharp and compelling information on a variety of topics that are relevant to female entrepreneurs and professionals. Our mission is to elevate, educate and support female professionals.
We celebrate the unique challenges and achievements of women in business. We believe women are multi-dimensional creations who flourish, personally and professionally, when they take time to nurture their spirits.
editor’s
letter
Out with the old and in with the new Each year brings a fresh perspective – a new chapter to the story of our lives. It’s an opportunity to recount the past 365 days and look at the positives gained that we can store in our arsenal for the next year.
Natasha Clark
Instead of considering what we lack and trying to start with a clean slate, we should look at what we boast. When we do this, we can take the finer parts of ourselves and step into 2012 with our best foot forward. We all have areas of our lives that need tweaking. Like vehicles, we need regular maintenance. Throughout the year we take our modes of transportation for routine check ups. We shouldn’t be any different. Would you wait until the New Year to cram in all of your oil changes, tire rotations, alignments or engine maintenance? Then why do we tend to do that with ourselves at the spark of a new calendar year? Often we are bombarded with resolutions about our fitness, habits and emotional wellbeing. We feel pushed to vow to instantly change things that take true commitment and time on the whim of wanting to be a better version of ourselves as the New Year’s Eve clock winds down. If we schedule time throughout the year for reflection on our health, finances, relationships and affairs, making adjustments along the way, the New Year should be nothing but a joyous occasion to celebrate another year of life. It shouldn’t feel like cramming last minute for a final exam we knew we should have been studying for all along. If there is one resolution we should all make this year – it is to institute the change we want to see all year long from this New Year forward. I am very excited about our first edition of 2012, “A New Year, A New You.” We will look at female professionals who are using their finest assets – themselves – to achieve remarkable things in business and the community. These women are inspiring lives every day. We hope they motivate you to kick off 2012 with a bang. Still feel the need to make a task list of resolutions? Try any one of these: • Instead of: I will not work all the time. Try: This year I will make more time for the things that bring me joy. • Instead of: I will make sure I go to church more. Try: This year I will set aside time to nurture my spirit. • Instead of: I will lose weight. Try: This year I will focus on my physical health. • Instead of: I need to learn how to (fill in the blank). Try: This year I will discover how to turn my weaknesses into strengths. It’s all about perspective. Don’t try to change who you are in 2012. Take a hint from the forward thinking Apple Corporation. They never completely wipe away their last operating system. They keep the best portions, work out the kinks, and upgrade it.
Happy New Year! Natasha LIONESS JANUARY 2012
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What 11 moments will you remember from 2011?
As the year winds down, the events of 2011 become water cooler conversation. Reflections of what happened in the world beyond one's front door take the form of "top moments" and "best ofs." To mark the end of another exciting year in global, national and local news, AOL, whose mission is to inform, entertain and connect the world, shares the "11 Days That Shaped 2011." These are the moments that made news that got people talking, sharing and commenting most this year, from the horrific shooting of Representative Gabrielle Giffords and her miraculous recovery, to the passing of Steve Jobs and the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton. People can visit 11in2011.aol.com to agree, disagree, or add to the moments that helped define the year.
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The "11 Days that Shaped 2011":
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The shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords: On January 8, a deranged gunman went on a rampage that critically injured Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and killed six others. This brutal act led to an outpouring of support for Giffords and renewed focus on gun control.
Arab Spring: Inspired by their Tunisian neighbors who successfully overthrew their own oppressive government, Egyptians gathered in Cairo's Tahrir Square in January to protest the brutal 30-year regime of President Hosni Mubarak, who resigned 18 days later. Demands for freedom soon spread to Libya, Bahrain, Syria, Yemen, Algeria, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco and Oman, with social media playing a key role in organizing and spreading news about the protests.
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Cookie Couture A Jersey Girl’s Story of Sweet Success By Jennifer Sawyer At first glance, Daniele Boglivi-Fiori’s cookies look like they belong in a museum more than a mouth. The New Jersey native is an icing artist who meticulously details and embellishes cookies until they are truly too pretty to eat, but “too yummy not to,” as she cheerfully adds. Her online cookie gallery is a favor-lover’s dream: perfectly styled sugared wedding cake cookies adorned with sleek silver candies; brightly-colored owls with giant, expressive candy eyes; elegant edible ornaments for a Christmas tree, each one so intricate it could be on canvas. Fiori is the creative genius behind the eventaccessory business “Sweet Dani B” (named for her waitress nickname after graduating from RISD), which offers everything from customizable cookie favors to handmade specialty invitations. The business started shortly after Fiori’s wedding 10 years ago, when her best friend, Tamara Dilworth, showed up at her rehearsal dinner with a basket of beautifully iced & packaged heart cookies. Inspired by the cookies and other thoughtful details from her own special day, she went into business to help celebrate the special days of others. When Dilworth, a stylist at The Martha Stewart Show in New York City, suggested Fiori try freelancing at Martha while developing her business, the cookie artist took full advantage of the opportunity, styling and dressing the show’s set. Meanwhile, Fiori’s cookies got the attention of the show’s host, and she and Dilworth appeared in front of the camera in 2005 to decorate cookies on-air with Martha Stewart. Later, Fiori joined the team full time as a stylist and “resident cookie expert,” making several other onscreen appearances, and winning an Emmy Award for her contributions to the program.
Though Sweet Dani B is enjoying more attention than ever before, the road to success had its challenges. Fiori treated the business as her second job, but after a few appearances as a guest on Martha, her hours became brutal. When her health began to suffer as a result of stress, she was forced to make a change, and left the show. “Most people think I was crazy to walk away from a dream job like that,” she recalls. While Fiori understood the judgment, she made the difficult choice to focus on evolving her business. “I have a deep entrepreneurial spirit and I had to go with what I believed in,” she explains. “It was not easy to give up a ‘glamorous’ job with a steady paycheck. I still work crazy long hours, but it is different when you are working for yourself.” From weddings to baby showers to birthdays, Fiori believes the best part of her business is creating for people at joyous times in their lives. “My work makes people happy and enhances their celebrations of life,” she says. “That's the spark that keeps it all going.” Filled with friendly energy, Fiori gets to know many clients on a personal level and often finishes orders with new friends. “I miss a lot of them once our jobs are completed!” Fiori’s following continues to expand. She recently began advertising on famed wedding website, The Knot, and is hard at work on a cookie book proposal. She develops cookie tools and hopes to expand her line of cookie cutters (found on coppergifts.com) and offers an “icing expert” bottle kit on her website to help the home decorator. “With my tools and tips, almost anybody can create delicious and beautiful cookies,” she says, “and I really want to spread the love.” Another way Fiori spreads sweetness is through her cookie decorating workshops in New Jersey. When holidays approach, kids and adults alike can stop by to
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11 moments
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The meltdown of Charlie Sheen: TV's highest paid star went on a tirade on the first day of March against his "Two and a Half Men" producer Chuck Lorre, made a series of bizarre pronouncements across mainstream and social media, went on tour and was ultimately fired from his top-rated show.
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Japan earthquake: It was March 11 when the quake unleashed a giant tsunami that leveled cities and towns in northern Japan. The resulting nuclear disaster, just 170 miles from Tokyo, affected thousands more and rendered large areas uninhabitable for decades to come.
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11 moments
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The Royal Wedding: The fairytale wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton captivated people around the world and boasted the largest ever live online audience. In the months leading up to April 29, people breathlessly awaited - and debated - details from the guest list to the reception menu to the topsecret wedding gown design.
Osama bin Laden's death: Following news of the terror leader's death at the hands of Navy Seal Team 6, spontaneous celebrations erupted in New York, Washington and beyond on May 1. Learning that Bin Laden lived within sight of a key Pakistani military base further undermined U.S. trust in our ally.
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End of the Oprah Winfrey Show: The highest-rated talk show in American history ended its 25year domination of daytime television. After decades of influencing and defining culture, Winfrey left her namesake show on May 25 to focus on The Oprah Winfrey Network/OWN.
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Dinner with Two of our favorite ladies have released new dinnerware collections – Paula Deen and Rachel Ray. Whether you’re hosting business associates or family get-togethers, these household names’ fine, affordable collections are bound to have something for the occasion.
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aula Deen’s rise to fame is the quintessential American success story. Entrepreneur, best selling cookbook author, top-rated television show host, restauranteur, and the grand dame of southern cooking, Paula Deen’s accomplishments keep her in the hearts and minds of millions of consumers nationwide. First introduced in 2009, Paula Deen cookware and kitchenware from Meyer became an instant hit at retail, and continues to expand and attract strong demand.
Paula Deen Tabletop Collection Four new casual dinnerware collections: Georgia’s Bounty, Tatnall Street, Whitaker and Southern Gathering.
In keeping with Paula’s understated charm, the new Paula Deen Tabletop collections are designed with an eye towards approachable elegance, casual sophistication, and a touch of feminine flair. Though rooted in tradition, each collection features an updated twist. Available in porcelain – a highly durable material that provides a pure white body – and durable stoneware, all Paula Deen Tabletop is dishwasher and microwave oven safe. Additionally, the collections are designed to provide consumers with the freedom and confidence to customize their tables with a mix of patterns. Georgia’s Bounty and Tatnall Street are two new porcelain dinnereware patterns that feature distinct southern-style morigs and hues reflecting an authentic and beloved aspect of Paula Deen’s life. Celebrating her love of southern gardens, Georgia’s Bounty is replete with juicy peaches and delicate botanicals. Tatnall Street – aptly named
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JENNIFER SAWYER is a Springfield, MA native and a 24-year-old graduate of Fordham University. She currently works in television production and lives in New York City. She is an avid traveler, writer, and dancer.
cookie couture learn Fiori’s decorating tips and go home with their own sweet rewards. Just as her business has evolved, her views on entrepreneurship have as well. “Ten years ago I would have said, ‘follow your heart!’” She explains. “Now it is ‘follow your heart within reason!’ What is your entrepreneurial dream and where do you see it taking you? Is it realistic? Is it marketable?” Fiori also encourages budding entrepreneurs to focus on what they feel is most important to grow their business. “People advised me to ‘focus on one thing’ in the beginning and I didn’t listen because I could not choose,” she says. “Looking back, if I would have started with just one thing- say, my cookies, and then later grew the business into events and paper goods I think it would have been a quicker road than I traveled and am still traveling on. But then again, the journey is the destination- right?”
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Photos taken by Denise Smith Photography, Lioness Photographer. denisesmithphotography.com
LESSONS L E A R N E D
A dynamic story about a woman’s life lessons told through the eyes of her colleague By Kathleen Plante Family ... the holidays and the New Year are usually the time of year when we either spend a lot of time with our families or, if our lives have taken us away, contemplate what it would be like to be “at home” during the holidays, grateful for the memories. Christin Deremian takes nothing for granted these days and relishes time spent with, and lessons learned from, her family. Growing up in the idyllic, close-knit, and rural community of West Brookfield, Massachusetts, surrounded by an extended and loving network of family and long-time friends, it was almost as if she lived among dozens of grandparents, aunt, uncles, and cousins, all looking out for each other; an idyllic, almost Norman Rockwell-like childhood. Her parents, Michael and Sally Deremian, first generation Armenians, were hard working farmers who came from generations of the same, so their connection to “home” is rooted in the soil. Their neighbors were welcoming and close friendships blossomed. They worked hard to become self-sufficient; raising dairy then beef cattle, growing their own corn and hay, and chopping firewood to feed the wood stove. In order to make more money to support his family and to give his children opportunities that he and their Mom never had, Michael Deremian worked as a truck driver at night. Christin recalls, “My father was out pick-
ing corn in the morning, then mowing hay in the hot sun all afternoon. When he finished that, off he’d go to coach little league or soccer or take me to my horseback riding lessons. Then, as soon as the sun went down, he was on the road – truck driver by night!” Somehow he fit in years of service on the town’s school committee. Contemplating her childhood, Christin vividly recalls early lessons learned: appreciation for what one has and the value of giving back to one’s community. Like many young girls, Christin loved horses, and at 8 years old, was one of the first of her friends to receive a pony. Sassie, a dynamic little Shetland pony with a long, shaggy mane, brought out the entrepreneur in Christin. She started selling pony rides to her friends at West Brookfield Elementary after school, for a dollar. When her father found out about the budding financial venture, he made her give back all the money she had made and give free pony rides on the weekends to those same friends she had milked out of their allowances. Recalling the moment, Christin sheepishly acknowledges that her parents “mission in life was to raise their children to be the best people they could be and making money off of my good fortune wasn’t an available option.”
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dinner with style
Rachael Ray Tabletop Collections Inspired by Rachael’s Love of Italy: Lazio, Tirreni, Portici and Montalcino
after a historic road in Paula Deen’s hometown of Savannah, GA.- evokes images of hand – etched, delicate botanicals that spill beyond their borders. The Tatnall Street pattern is available in Bluebell (blue) and Coffee Bean (brown), with a contrasting body of crisp white. In stoneware, the Paula Deen Tabletop collection features two distinctive dinnerware patterns, Whitaker and Southern Gathering. New Whitaker is elegantly crafted with a sculpted basrelief design that brings a sense of history and tradition to table settings. Available in creamy Vanilla and a complimentary, soft Aqua, the two solid patterns can be used alone or blended together for equally charming table designs. Featuring a two-tone translucent glaze, new Southern Gathering combines a classic cream body with a rich chestnut colored rim. Perfect for everyday meals and celebrating family occasions in a manner that’s stylish yet relaxed, Paula Deen Tabletop feels right at home in the
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kitchen, dining room and outdoor patio areas. Available at retail nationwide and at www.PotsandPans.com in December and early 2012. RACHAEL RAY Intricately decorated and reminiscent of highly coveted, old-world Italian pottery, the four new collections pay homage to Italy’s renowned reputation for tabletop design and craftsmanship. As befitting Rachel Ray’s playful personality and casual approach to cooking and entertaining, tradition is mixed with light-hearted modernity to give the four collections a fresh and inviting look that encourages spending time at the table with “familia” and friends. Three of the new dinnerware collections- Lazio, Tirreni and Portici – Share a sunny and warmly inviting color palate that’s dominated by varied shades of blue and yellow, two colors that are
perennial favorites in casual tabletop. The collections’ rich border designs and detailed decorations combine youthful floral designs with contemporary graphic shapes, such as triangles and diamonds. The similarities and gentle contrasts between the three patterns invite collectors to confidently create a customized, sophisticated table setting with a mix of two or more collections. Named after a hill town in Tuscany that is famous for its namesake wine- and where Rachael got married in 2005 – Montalcino celebrates this beloved region with warm, earth-tone colors of terra cotta, olive green, sky blue and cream. Stylized florals and botanicals are updated with playful dot borders on the mug and salad/dessert plates. In another nod to Rachael’s passion and sentimental ties to Montalcino, the smaller plates of this collection feature an endearing heart motif, sketched lightly on the wide red rim. Scheduled for launch at retail in spring 2012.
the lipstick chronicles
Being single isn’t a crime By Kristina Chapell
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hen I was told the January issue was being titled “New Year, New You” I decided to look back on 2011 and what kept coming to mind was my recent encounter with a 10 year-old. She asked me why I was “old” and single. Ahh, the dreaded word…single! You thought I was going to say old, didn’t you? At thirty-one I don’t consider myself old; in fact I love being in my thirties. I feel smarter than I was in my twenties but I know it is more along the lines of more experienced versus smarter. But yes I am entering 2012 thirty-one and single. As I look back on my dating life all I can do is laugh. I have had some interesting experiences which have entertained me and a few friends along the way. My favorite to date is someone I met from Match.com; to be called Mr. Engineer. It was summer and we decided to meet for ice cream. I
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only saw his picture online and he mine, so when I arrived at the ice cream shop I waited in my car until I saw him, partly because there was a group of soccer teams there ordering ice cream. When I saw him I got out of my car and he realized it was me and walked over. We introduced ourselves and then hugged. Then out of his mouth came “you’re late; I just ate my ice cream.” I must have had a startled look on my face but he continued on to say “you snooze, you lose.” Okay, I was five minutes late because I did not want to seem like a stalker and hover by the kids soccer teams. He then asked seriously if I wanted ice cream; which I did so we walked up to the window. Knowing I only have two dollars in change on me I ordered a small cone. And when the lady asked “is that it?” he said “yes.” And then I reached into my purse to get my wallet. I pulled out my wallet and counted out exactly $1.51. Never once did he offer to pay. Even though I was not thrilled with the fact I
had to pay for my ice cream and he REALLY did eat his before I got there, I decided to talk to him while I was eating my ice cream. What a mistake that was. He was dull, not sure if being an engineer had anything to do with it, but the most exciting story he had to tell was about grilling. Don’t get me wrong, I love to grill but I didn’t want to hear all about taking a grill apart and putting it together for 30 minutes. Finally we parted ways and I headed to my friend, Chris’s house. He wanted to make sure I was still alive after my blind date but I know he never expected my story. I had him rolling on the floor laughing; he had been worried I might end up in the river swimming with the fishes (it was a blind date after all) and instead I end up with Mr. Cheapskate. Oh, to top it off I got an email from Mr. Engineer Cheapskate asking to go out again. HA! While I enjoy looking back on this story; it is
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lessons learned This defining moment no doubt contributed to a lifelong love of volunteering and giving back, which has included years, walking dogs and cleaning cat cages at MSPCA and Dakin Animal Shelter, working on The American Red Cross Emergency Response Team, getting called to local disasters, and several times weekly at Quaboag on the Common Nursing Home. That early lesson her Dad taught her led to a committed relationship with the not-for-profit, United States Pony Club, giving free clinics and horseback riding lessons to children. Obviously, Mr. Deremian knew how impart wisdom so that it possessed longevity! Later on, as more of her friends got their own horses, Christin recalls complaining to her parents that all her friends where getting expensive, fancy horses. “I can imagine now how bad those comments made my parents feel, but my Dad sat me down and reminded me that a horse doesn’t make a rider, a rider makes a horse.” The lesson learned was to always give your best effort and when you did that, you’d more often than not, be successful. Incorporating that belief into her young life, Christin qualified for the Central New England Show Jumping Team, at age 12, but was too young to participate in the national tournament. She qualified for the next national competition, which took place when she was 15 and, because she was the strongest competitor, was named captain of that Central New England National Show Jumping Team, being the youngest rider ever named to that position shows that she got her Dad’s message, loud and clear. Another defining, but devastating, moment of her young life came in June of 2000; when Christin was 21 years old. Her best friend’s sister, Molly Bish, was abducted from the neighboring community of Warren. Christin and Heather had been best friends for most of their lives, so Molly’s abduction and murder had a jarring impact on Christin, her family, and most of the members of these close-knit communities. Recalling the surreal days after Molly’s abduction, “Growing up in a small town we never imagined such horror would sweep our streets; that kids would not be allowed to play out side or go for bike rides; that every parent in town
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The Lipstick Chronicles KRISTINA CHAPELL is a single gal in her thirties making her way in the world. Passionate, savvy, and stylish; Kristina is a social relationship builder. You can often find her on Facebook and Twitter keeping up with the latest news and always supporting causes she is passionate about such as the Alzheimer’s Association, Link to Libraries, and The Businews Channel.
one of those you wouldn’t believe unless it happened to you. I wasn’t prepared for a 10 year-old to ask me that question. Usually, I get it from my family and know how to respond but how do you tell a 10 year-old why you are single? Would she really understand the “I’m too busy” line? What about “I am not in the mood to take care of someone else?” Or “I always end up dating losers, so why bother?” The truth is I have dated a LOT of losers and right now, I want to focus on me. And I have learned over the years making a New Year’s
Resolution of “I will stop dating losers and only look for the good guys” never works; been there, done that. Trying to find the “right guy” cannot be a resolution, it never works out just like saying “I am going to lose weight.” All one can do is continue to date every guy who comes along and hope eventually one of them isn’t a total loser and has the potential to move on to date number two. And if not, keep trying. Being single isn’t a crime, it is an honor. You don’t have to answer to anyone but yourself. You can leave your bed unmade, clothes everywhere;
you aren’t picking up after someone else or worrying where they are or how come they haven’t called. So as I look to 2012 and “New Year, New You” I will focus on me and being happy instead of dating. But, it doesn’t mean I won’t date. I will go out if the opportunity arises I just chose to not worry or stress about not having a date on a Friday night or a boyfriend Oh, and what did I tell the ten year-old about why I am single and old? I just haven’t found the right guy yet. Which in the end, is the truth.
11 moments
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Debt ceiling crisis: Washington's inability to provide a long-term resolution to the debt ceiling issue on August 8 contributed to a downgrade of our nation's credit rating, market volatility and the lowest approval rating for the U.S. congress in modern times.
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10th anniversary of 9/11: America marked the 10th anniversary of our deadliest day, September 11, with respectful ceremonies honoring victims and their families, who are still struggling to recover from their devastating losses.
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the stiletto statement
Top 5 Recap of 2011 ashion, like your career, is the evolution of your life’s work. Stepping into your first business suit is like taking your first baby steps. It’s certainly a change from wearing diapers as a baby or pajamas to your 8 a.m. college class but eventually you begin to climb the fashion, and professional, ladder.
as Cleopatra, Marie Antoinette and Marilyn Monroe. Growing pains have come in the form of Crocs, ’80s jumpsuits, leotards and hair scrunchies; but it’s important to note that with growth comes progress and contemporary fashion has given the 21st century working woman the leg up, should she choose to embrace it.
In its infancy, fashion was, to put it crudely, a loincloth and a walking stick for an accessory. The evolution of the human form and, of course, our own vanity, made it necessary to promote the assets of the female figure and develop such iconic beauties
Let’s try and make 2012 a better, fashion-forward year by revisiting the top five things we’ve learned in 2011 and what we’ll need to do in the New Year to keep it all on the runway.
Flats are considered, and rightfully so, as frumpy footwear. Flats rarely put you at eye level with your coworkers, and you don’t want anyone looking down on you literally or figuratively (use “literally or figuratively” instead of “physically or metaphorically”?)
Everyone can rock the stiletto. Women who think that they’re too old or too uncoordinated to wear high heels or even kitten heels are just lazy. If you truly believe you can do anything when attempting to succeed in the corporate setting, then you can learn to walk in stilettos.
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lessons learned had a curfew that was strictly enforced. Not that that mattered. Our MollyAnn Bish was abducted at 9am – on that beautiful, sunny day. That day we learned that the sun has no effect on if evil decides to rear its ugly head or not.” Through all the fear and terror resulting from that tragic day, Christin can positively say that her community cares. She recalls seeing the best in people. “The community rallied together, supporting the Bish family and each other, and watching out for every child.” While the murder has never been solved, Christin remembers Molly, as do many from all over the region, in the annual Molly's Ride for Child Safety, held each year since Molly’s abduction. Volunteering for the event every year, Christin notes that, “The ride is held to keep Molly and thousands of missing children foremost in people’s minds; letting families know that people care and are thinking of their daily struggle.” According to RideForMolly.org, “100% of the proceeds from this annual event support the funding necessary to provide child identification kits, as well as safety and educational programs for families, schools, community groups and Law Enforcement.” After graduating from BayPath College with a degree in Criminal Justice, Christin had the good fortune to connect with a woman working for the Commonwealth’s Department of Mental Health. This fortuitous meeting changed the direction of Christin’s professional career. Hearing about another way she could impact those less fortunate, Christin eventually ended up working for Human Resources Unlimited, an agency serving the needs of disabled and disadvantaged adults with the mission of full-inclu-
sion for all, no matter their ability. Initially, Christin managed one of HRU’s mental health “Clubhouse” programs, and eventually moved on from that position to manage HRU’s Pyramid Project, a day program for developmentally disabled adults, where she commits her time and energy to helping more than 70 members become integrated into our community and live their lives to their fullest potential. Christin is a true advocate for the members of her program. When she first arrived at Pyramid Project, she found out that not one member was registered to vote, most not even recognizing that they had the right, and indeed the duty, to vote for their elected officials. Christin quickly changed that perception and arranged for members to sign up with their town registrar, that effort continues with every new member who joins the program. Again, with the steadfast belief that every person, no matter their ability, deserves to be a part of their community, Christin created and maintains numerous programs that engage her members; these include a book club, a culinary club, a recycling program, and an Arm-Chair Travel program for people with more limited exposure to the outside world. She instituted a program to inform members of what is going on in the government and how we all are affected by government decisions. For some of the people she serves, she and her staff act as extended family members. One specific person comes quickly to mind, Phillip. A number of years ago, Christin become a conservator for one program member who had no one in his life to personally advocate on his
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11 moments
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The Occupy Movement: In September 2011, the Occupy Movement started on Wall Street and was aimed at the economic disparity and social inequity in the country and quickly spread around the world.
The death of Steve Jobs: When Apple CEO and cofounder Steve Jobs, one of the greatest innovators and businessmen in history passed away in October, people around the globe mourned the man behind the inventions that changed the world. - ARA Content
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shine on sista!
Keeping the PEACE in the New Year! Happy New Year! Or is it? For most of us, the New Year is a time for reflection. We spend time thinking about all we were able to accomplish, but we should also spend time planning what we want to accomplish in the New Year. Maybe you want to go back to school, or maybe you’d like to write a book! Whatever your goals are, you won’t get very far if you don’t recognize the need for keeping peace in your life. And believe it or not, peace IS attainable!
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KATHLEEN PLANTE is HRU’s first director of development. She is responsible for marketing the agency, growing its individual and corporate supporters, creating community partnerships, social media, as well as writing and managing grant opportunities. Plante is the 2011 YPS ‘Excellence in Leadership’ Award winner, was named one of Massachusetts’ 2011 Unsung Heroines and is a prior recipient of BusinessWest’s Difference Makers award.
lessons learned No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as a manor of thy friends or of thine own were; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind. And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. ~John Donne
behalf. Noted Christin, “Phillip had no family, or anyone else in his life, who believed or invested in him as a person. He had been discarded and abused by the very people that should have been there to protect him and had lost all faith in people.” She worked for years to prove to Phillip that she was there for him, that she cared for him and about his wellbeing, that she wouldn’t walk away from him, and that he does indeed matter. When the state was going to have a lawyer from another city (who had never met Phillip) become his conservator, Christin felt this would be the last straw for Phillip. This would confirm his belief that not one person in his life cared about him. She decided to make a commitment to him, and a promise to herself, that she would do all she could to change Phillip’s perception about people and life. It hasn’t been an easy road, but Christin firmly believes she made the right choice. In her words, “Phillip has complimented my life so wonderfully. I’ve learned so much from him. I have a true friend in him – and in return – he has a family: myself, my family and friends, who care so much about him. I’m really the one who has won!” This was clearly demonstrated a few years back when Christin was critically injured in a motorcycle accident and was confined to a hospital bed for an extended period of time. Getting choked up, she recalls that her friends, family, and coworkers all stepped in to make sure that Phillip didn’t feel abandoned. He had never experienced this kind of “family” before in his entire life. Their behavior toward Phillip mirrored the childhood Christin grew up with; that
nothing is more important than family and family doesn’t have to be the people with whom you share DNA. She considers this part of her life a true testament to her parents’ legacy and to people’s character and not merely people going through the motions of helping out. Recently, on October 29th, a day that began a struggle for many across a vast swath of New England, the Blizzard of the Witch moved up the east coast, hitting central and western Massachusetts especially hard. Christin and her boyfriend, Michael Shea III, a central MA police detective, were among the lucky few, literally, in West Brookfield not to lose power. Demonstrating, once again, that generosity of spirit is an integral part of her personality, Christin and Mike’s home became a haven for less fortunate family and friends. At this writing, a week later, many are still without power in their own homes, so are comfortably ensconced at Christin and Mike’s for the duration of the power outage. Since the idea that “we’re all in this together” comes as a result of her parents’ never ending reinforcement, it brings to mind the phrase “no man is an island”, and since yours truly had never read the whole John Donne poem, I looked it up and, as you will discover upon reading it, realized that this poem aptly applies to the Deremian philosophy of life. That lesson has already served Christin Deremian long and well and, if the past be any example, should serve her and our community well into the future.
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yeah i did
The passing of the fabulous gene
I
love to accessorize. I have more shoes than I can count from peep toe to pump to kitten heel to knee-high boots. My pocketbook collection accommodates every occasion, as well as season. To top it all off, I am the Imelda Marcos of costume jewelry.
My style ranges on a daily basis. Whatever I’m feeling, I go with. Some days I’m more conservative with a small, delicate pearl necklace. Other days I’m living out loud with pearls Wilma Flintstone would be envious of. While my sweet mother continuously questions if I’m really her daughter, this October my family celebrated the birthday of the woman who I DO owe these obsessions to: my grandmother, Margaret (Peg) Parsons. Born and raised in Holyoke, MA, she and my grandfather raised eight children between the 50’s and the 80’s. She worked tirelessly to ensure that the house was always clean, the kids were well
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taken care of and that my grandfather was happy. This was on top of working third shift at Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield. As my own mother’s 60th birthday approaches (sorry Mom!) I pulled out old photographs of my mother as a child and focused on the woman in the background – my grandmother. There is a picture of my mother as a toddler in a snowsuit with fur around the hood. She’s in my grandmother’s arms and they are both standing next to my grandfather. To anyone else looking at this picture, it’s clear that Betty Rubble married Orville Redenbacher and this was their child. To me, I saw a nineteen year old girl standing next to her twenty year old husband holding their second child out of the eight they would eventually have. I saw a huge smile on the face of this girl – a smile of the happiness of being in love and raising a young family and smile of what was yet to come. I also see perfectly placed lipstick, coiffed hair and a very stylish winter coat.
Throughout the pictures of birthdays, vacations, holidays, etc. my grandmother always appeared very well put together. Through the chaos of Christmas wrapping, family dinners, packing up the station wagon bound for the Cape or at the beach with sand flying every which way – there she was smiling, laughing, and bringing her A game with style. As a child I would get excited for sleepovers at my grandparent’s home, which by then was in Shelburne Falls, MA. I would be excited to watch my grandmother get ready for the day. Vials of perfume on her dresser were surrounded by every shade of lipstick known to man. Personally, I think she single-handedly kept Avon in business. I wanted nothing more than to try on the bright fuchsia lipstick that she applied effortlessly. With my little eyes just able to peer over the top of the dresser I would watch her open her jewelry box
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The Stiletto Statement Katelyn Gendron is a native of New York, who is currently living and working as a newspaper editor in Western Massachusetts. She is a college-trained journalist and world traveler, who has documented her journeys for various publications spanning five of the seven continents (she plans to visit the remaining two during her lifetime). Her motto: “Life’s a ball. Let’s play!”
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If you live in a minor market – anywhere outside of a major city like New York, Chicago or Los Angeles – you’ll need to travel to find the latest fashion trends. Apparel sold outside of major markets is at least one year behind. If you can’t make it to the city to shop, the Internet is your biggest ally, especially designer discount sites such as ruelala.com, ideeli.com or beyondtherack.com
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Accessories are meant to be fun and experimental, especially during the winter months when you can hide a botched dye job or spray tan with an off-center hat or long sleeves. And remember, a statement-making accessory is just that – one accessory that makes a statement, not two or three or ten. The winter months are not an excuse to slack on the trips to the nail salon. You don’t want to shake the hand of a new client with rough or dry palms, leaving skin flakes on someone’s suit coat. Yes, I’ve seen it happen.
The New Year means a new dawn for all you professional women out there. It’s time to step out of your infantile mindset and embrace the evolution of fashion. Even if you only take baby steps, at least you’re finally on your way to achieving fashionable maturity in 2012.
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Yeah I did Erin Corriveau is the Marketing Manager for Reliable Temps, Inc, a full service staffing firm founded in 1989 with offices in Agawam, Easthampton and Greenfield, Massachusetts. An avid writer, Erin has primarily worked in community and public relations adding Environmental Compliance Services, MassMutual Financial Group and Baystate Health among her previous employers. Visit www.reliabletemps.com.
and pull out a necklace, bracelet and matching earrings. She would snap them into place and turn in my direction. And there she was – my beautiful grandmother ready to take on the day, no matter what came her way. Maybe one of her children would have an issue that needed solving. Maybe she would be making me a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch. Maybe the laundry needed folding. Maybe my grandfather needed help finding something (seriously why can’t men ever remember where anything is?). Whatever it was Peg Parsons was ready for it – fuchsia lipstick and all. Throughout the years as my style developed, my grandmother always noticed. She would compliment a piece of jewelry or a new pair of shoes. Nowadays she laughs and says “I wish I could wear those shoes!” and then proceeds to tell me I’m going to ruin my feet someday. I know Gram, I know. She then smiles because she knows that she too was told the same thing and didn’t care –
because these shoes are just too much fun to not be worn…and you only live once. A couple of months ago we gathered to help get her house ready for Fall and to celebrate her birthday. I walked down the hallway into the bedroom where the coats were. I gave her a hug and a kiss and smelled that wonderful, familiar Grandmother smell. She pulled away and eyes bright asked me, “Oh! I just went shopping. Do you want to see what I got?” I smile immediately and answer “Of course!” For the next ten minutes we reviewed her sweaters, shoes and, of course, pocketbook that she added to her collection. In the excitement and laughter there was that nineteen year old girl shining through. A moment later I hear my aunt call “Mom! What do you want me to do with this garlic bread?” and off goes my grandmother to tend to her kitchen, her children, her grandchildren and her great grandchildren. I smile as I watch her walk away, her jewelry catching the light.
We lost my grandfather a couple of years ago. The patriarch of our family he is dearly missed each and every day. I’ve watched my grandmother at family functions since and although I don’t say it to her enough, she amazes me. She is still the strong-willed woman I know. She is still laughing and smiling. She has lunch with her friends, volunteers at the museum and has her standing Friday hair appointments. She never forgets a birthday. She never forgets a holiday. Through it all, she is still putting on her lipstick and accessorizing her outfits, ready for the day. She hasn’t stopped, forging ahead….whether she feels like it or not. My beautiful grandmother, ready for the day. So Gram, this month is for you because yeah, YOU did. Thank you for all that you have done – for the traditions you’ve instilled in me, for the strength you’ve passed on and most of all for my fashion sense. ;) I love you.
THREE P'S TO FULFILLING YOUR FINANCIAL NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS Financial resolutions are notoriously difficult to keep. There are a variety of tactics people use, but ultimately there are three big takeaways when trying to improve your financial situation. 1. Planning - Take an honest look at your personal financial situation and set reasonable goals for yourself. One way many Americans are doing this more is by seeking the guidance of a financial adviser. 2. Prudence - Those who improved their financial situation in 2011 say it was because they eliminated unnecessary expenses, paid bills on time and stuck to a budget. 3. Prioritizing - Retirement planning is often neglected when times are tight. Nearly half of non-retirees expect to retire later than they had planned a year ago. Prioritizing contributions to your 401(k) or retirement savings could help reduce financial stress in the long-term. – ARA Content
Shine On Sista! Crystal Senter Brown has been a performance poet for most of her life. Born in Morristown, TN she has performed at thousands of events. Her song "Large and Lovely" was nominated for several music awards including the Billboard Music Song Award, Peacedriven Song Award, ASCAP Music Plus Award and the Urban Music Award. Visit www.crystalsenterbrown.com
Plan- Make a list! (And check it twice!) Buy a small notebook and keep it with you at all times. Writing your goals is the first step in succeeding. Encourage yourself AND others. There is a song that has the lyrics “sometimes you have to encourage yourself ” and the words in that song are so true! Whether you encourage yourself through journaling, prayer, or even affirmations posted on your bathroom mirror, make selfencouragement a part of your daily life! You’ll feel happier, stronger and more revived than you’ve ever felt before! And don’t forget to share the love: Encouraging others can also make your heart smile. Ask for help when you need it! If you find yourself having a nervous breakdown every time you
think about all the chores that need to be done at home, maybe you should consider hiring someone to help out! Believe it or not, housekeepers are not very expensive, and what you’ll spend in dollars, you’ll save in sanity! Ask your friends and family for recommendations. Soon you’ll be able to enjoy your weekend instead of scrubbing your kitchen floor. Create a “new you!” Do one thing differently this year! If you’ve always plopped down on the sofa in front of the television after dinner, instead go for an evening walk! Play jazz or salsa music as you’re cleaning your house and notice how it gives you an extra kick in your step!
2012, step away from the computer and spend more time with your family and friends. Take a painting class together, or book a weekend getaway with your girlfriends. Spending time with friends and loved ones allows you to reconnect and realize just how much you are loved. When my heart is at peace, my life is fuller and happier. I rise earlier than usual in the morning, and I have more energy to complete my tasks during the day. By inviting peace into your daily life, you welcome good energy in while dispelling negative energy (and people!) Let’s make 2012 our best year yet! God bless you!
Enjoy “face” time with family and friends. In the age of Facebook and Twitter, it’s no wonder why we’re feeling more disconnected than ever. In
New Year, New You: Great tips for healthy skin, hair and nails in 2012 The new year is a great time to make some resolutions to keep your skin, hair and nails healthy. Your dermatologist can help you with these resolutions. Dermatologists are medical doctors and surgeons who have extensive training, experience, and passion for keeping skin, hair, and nails healthy throughout a person's lifetime. Here are tips to keep you healthy looking from head to toe. cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you've been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product (such as a lotion, foam or spray), but continue to use sunscreen with it. • Perform a skin self-exam. Examining your skin for suspicious moles and other lesions could save your life. Use the American Academy of Dermatology's body mole map, located at www.aad.org, to record your moles and learn how to perform a proper skin exam. If you find a suspicious lesion, make an appointment to see a dermatologist. • Don't skip the hair conditioner. Dermatologists recommend using a conditioner after every shampoo. While a conditioner cannot repair hair, it can increase shine, decrease static electricity, improve strength, and offer some protection from harmful UV rays.
• Protect your skin from the sun. Help prevent signs of aging, such as age spots and fine lines, as well as limit your risk of developing skin cancer by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing (a long-sleeved shirt, pants, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses) and seeking shade when appropriate. Choose a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 and broad-spectrum protection (protects against ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays). • Do not use tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin
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• Eat a healthy diet. A diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and other healthy foods can lead to healthier skin. Be sure to include some lean protein in your diet. Your skin is made of protein, so some protein is necessary for healthy skin. • If your skin feels dry, moisturize. After bathing is the best time to moisturize so that you can trap water in the skin. If your skin still feels dry with regular moisturizing after bathing, apply moisturizer a few times throughout the day. • Stop smoking. People who smoke expose their skin to toxins that accelerate the aging of their skin. And, the repeat puckering to inhale can cause deep lines around the lips. Frequent squinting to avoid getting smoke in one's eyes can cause noticeable crow's feet.
• Manage stress. To keep your skin looking its best, it is important to effectively manage stress. Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your skin, hair and nails. It can worsen many skin conditions, including psoriasis, acne and rosacea, cause brittle nails and ridging of the nails, and lead to hair loss. • Don't bite your fingernails. You can transfer infectious organisms between your fingers and mouth. Also, nail biting can damage the skin around your fingers, allowing infections to enter. • If you have acne, do not pick, pop, or squeeze the blemishes. People mistakenly believe that picking and popping pimples will get rid of them quickly. The truth is doing any of these can irritate the skin, make acne worse, and increase the risk of scarring. • The American Academy of Dermatology has additional tips for choosing the right doctor for your cosmetic procedure. There are a growing number of non-physicians and other doctors performing cosmetic surgery outside their scope of training. To protect your health and safety, find a doctor who specializes in the specific procedure you are considering. Board-certified dermatologists have the medical and surgical education and experience to perform cosmetic surgery and have pioneered many advances in cosmetic surgery, including tumescent liposuction, laser surgery and hair transplantation. For more healthy skin, hair and nail tips, visit the American Academy of Dermatology's website at www.aad.org. - ARA Content