The Official Magazine of Focused Radio
End of mAy 2017
Your Uniqueness brings Strength pg 28
Emerging Artist Spotlight pg 16
a Mother’s Love Denise Henderson knows about Sickle Cell 1 The Focus
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#ExclusiveIndie Charts inside
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focus points 6. Everyday joe- Final Examination
Period 11. Cover Story: A Mother's Love 16. Emerging Artist Spotlight- Darcel Walters 28. The Heart of the Matter 30. Memorial Day 38. Exclusive indie
Editor in chief: TommyP content supervisor: Erica Jenkins lead visual artist: Brandon crafter Each month “The Focus� spotlights small businesses, entrepreneurs, community events, political topics fashion and the arts, we are poised to stay relevant and to influence what people are talking about and doing.
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From the Editor If the saying is true that April showers bring May flowers, we truly can see that in our stories this month. Small Businesses are popping up everywhere in Roanoke and throughout the state of Virginia. We have been very fortunate to sit down with many of these entrepreneurs in the past couple of months. More importantly we have seen that our media platforms are bringing increased sales, exposure, and visibility (flowers) for these said businesses. That’s been our goal and we look forward to keep getting better at it. Another flower is our cover story subject. Denise Henderson is a lady who is beautiful inside and out. When asked to help with Faith 4 A Cure, not only did she jump in head first with promoting, she volunteered time out of her already hectic schedule to form a support group to get information to others who were willing to come learn from her thirty-one years of experience in the field. We go into depth about her journey and how she is very active in bringing alternatives to the valley that once weren’t available in all of Southwest, Virginia. As Always, #StayFocusedMyFriends TommyP 4 The Focus
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Funny, insightful, and the perfect way to get your day started...
Weekday Mornings 8a until Noon only on
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Everyday Joe Joe Denfield is a Senior at Rutgers University and he definitely understands the craziness surrounding college life and decisions within
Final Examination Period. One of the most stressful occasions during a college
I
student’s academic career.
t mainly consists of pulling all nighters to cram for exams, surviving off nothing but junk food or coffee, and struggling to avoid any type of distraction that you can think of. It’s also not uncommon to suffer from headaches while trying to memorize huge amounts of material that may be on your exams. Frequent mood swings and asocial behaviors are caused by this time frame too. Finally, feelings of anxiety take over your mind while waiting to receive those last grades that can either make or break your GPA. Yet, as grueling as studying for finals can be, there are some rewarding moments that come from it. Now for that last part I’m speaking from my own experiences. Not every student will recall any enjoyable occurrences related to finals. I myself do not have many but the few that I do have were nothing but fun. That’s right; they were FUN! I bet you’re asking how on earth that could be so let me take the time to further explain.
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Here at Rutgers an event called “MidKnight Breakfast” is held usually toward the beginning of finals week, during the fall and spring semesters. I’m sure that you noticed the spelling of night with a K. Here’s a fun fact; this was intentional as our mascot is called the “Scarlet Knight”. Anyway, going back the actual event, starting at 11:30 pm the dining hall on each campus opens its doors for students to enjoy a breakfast buffet. Students have the choices of various breakfast foods and other delicious treats such as ice cream. If you happen to consider taking a study break then this is a great way to utilize that time. Studying is bound to cause hunger pangs at some point. Additionally, it is never a good idea to try and retain important information on an empty stomach. Your appetite will only distract you from focusing. Since the food is already cooked, a buffet provides quick yet filling meals that should help with improving concentration and memory ability. Another benefit of this event is being able to socialize with friends. Because of its popularity, you’re likely to bump into at least one person who you interact with daily or haven’t seen in awhile. If there is enough time between the two of you then you’re obviously going to use every minute of it to catch up on each others’ lives. You can also meet up or go with multiple people. Now this is fun because you can see even more of your friends. Of course for every advantage that the MidKnight Breakfast has, there is a negative aspect to go with it. One of them is that it ends at 1:30 am, making the duration only two hours long. Regular breakfast hours are usually double that. So this along with overcrowded dining halls can lessen a fun experience. You may not be able to find a table to sit at depending on the time that you leave. Hence you have to eat while standing or leave altogether. Having said all of this, I must finally admit that I’ve never been to a Midknight Breakfast before! It’s shocking I know! You’d think from how much I’ve talked about it that I went to at least one event but sadly it has yet to happen. I did try however and while I ended up not going, something even better happened. After hours of studying, my friend and I were craving something sweet to eat. We were in the library at the time, so it made sense for us to walk over to the dining hall which was only a block away. As soon as we entered though, there was a long line at the check in desk to get our student ID cards swiped. To avoid the wait we decided to go to IHOP instead. This decision turned out to be a well made one because the restaurant had very few customers. We talked about our personal lives, final exams, and shared secrets. Now I didn’t get to see my friend for quite some time until we took a class together. However, we still didn’t get to spend a lot of time together outside of the classroom. So the fact that we got to bond over a delicious meal was even more pleasing. It was also fun being out late even when our final was the next day. We were just enjoying each other’s company and not letting the stresses of the exam get to us. Another favorable memory involving finals was at the library. I was hungry but had already eaten my packed lunch. Luckily for me the employees were giving away free snacks. Naturally I took full advantage of this opportunity to fill my stomach. It was a nice little treat after intensive studying. I also got to save money since the freebies spared me a trip to the vending machines. When you’re a broke college student you begin to appreciate the value of a dollar. Lastly, whenever I study alone late at night I focus a lot better and have a stronger grasp on the information, especially during finals. Moreover, my gratitude for the classes only grows. I’m not sure why this is exactly. My guess is that final exams are the last chances to prove how well you know everything taught throughout the course. If you know the subjects well enough then your grades can improve dramatically. In other words, they act as motivators for your educational success. Other than achieving satisfactory exam results, for me, final exam period can also bring some unexpected but pleasant surprises. While my recollections may be pretty minor, they have helped me grow as a person and become more responsible in my academics. Furthermore, these satisfyingly simple pleasures will help me get through tougher points in my life. Looking back on them will provide a source of optimism and help me realize that I can get through anything problematic.
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A Mother’s Love #LivingWithSickleCell
The pain a person goes through living with a horrible disease like Sickle Cell is one thing, however the effects it has on a mother who has to watch their child go through it is something else. Denise Henderson’s commitment to her son shows you what that journey is all about
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We met a few years ago at the Roanoke Throwbacks game. My good friend, Veronica Waddell said to me, “You’ve got to meet Denise!” Me being busy with hosting the game and trying to keep everything flowing right, heard her but didn’t hear her. “Denise has a son with Sickle Cell...” is what was the connection, however for some reason it just didn’t click to me at that time. 12 The Focus
I watched my new found friend working diligently with the others on the throwbacks committee that day. Lending a hand at the ticket booth, smiling at the table as people came in, and I said to myself, she’s a natural at this. Being a help, smiling all while giving people what they needed. That’s just what Denise Henderson does. It wasn’t until a few years later that it registered why my friend
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was telling me I needed to meet her. Here I am a father of children #LivingWithSickleCell doing what I could to #GetTheWordOut about this disease was in need of a nurturing person , a mother, who had the same passion to help me with this mission. I remember the first time we talked, she told me all these things her journey as a parent with a child living with sickle 13 The Focus
cell had taught her and some of the things she’s had to do in order to help her Shaun battle Sickle Cell his 31 years on this planet. All this time I had been looking for someone who understood the pain a parent endures watching their child suffer during crises. Looking for answers that may be available in areas where there is a higher population of folks with Sickle Cell. Knowing the challenges of having to seek help and not always getting what was needed. This mother’s love had me say, it’s time I start making room for another powerful voice to be heard at Faith 4 A Cure. It was time to tell someone else’s story. Starting the beginning of this year, we did just that. After getting with Denise and Shaun to sit and talk with them about their journey, that gift of helps went into overdrive. Denise immediately went to work and coordinated our Sickle Cell Support Group. She not only compiled a plethora of great information to put out to the attendees, she even bought the chicken to eat as well. Tell me that’s not a mother’s love for your ass! Though she smiles all the time, evidence of the pure heart she embodies, you can still tell when
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Shaun isn’t doing well. Sure he’s 31 and his own man with a wife and friends as part of his support system, but one thing I’ve learned along my journey of life is that there is still nothing stronger than a mother’s love for their child, No matter how old they are, it’s something in their DNA that can’t handle pain or hurt befalling their “baby.” The “shy-type”, I knew it would be a task to get Denise to start speaking in front of people. Just like every other challenge she’s faced, she knocked that out too. She recorded a video now available to the world on YouTube asking the question, “What do you know about Sickle Cell.” With detailed answers that almost seem The Pines apartments in Roanoke, VA is ideally situated to give as though she’s to a doctor orofsomething, shehas stilltoadds in her touch of you easy access the best what the area offer. what it feels like as a mother to go through with her son. Not only has she worked diligently to up the participation of the support group, she was one of the first people in line to volunteer to donate blood. For those who don’t know, in times of a sickle cell crises, a blood transfusion is oftentimes the only way to bring relief to the patient. Now a person with sickle cell trait, which each parent of a child living with sickle cell has, will not be a candidate for blood used during the transfusion, leading by example is her way of getting more of us to come out and donate. I’m fortunate to have met this young lady. The way she encourages me to stay on the line is something I try to do for others. I have my way of doing things, but her touch is the balance that has me encouraged that regardless of how bleak it may seem at times for those living with sickle cell, there are special people like Denise that has Faith for a Cure!
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The Law Offices of
Darren Haley
We are dedicated to providing experienced, aggressive and compassionate advocacy for all of our clients.
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Roanoke Merchant Spotlight
Emerging Artist Spotlight:
Darcel Walters 16 The Focus
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Longevity is in Style
Each and every month I write an article on a small business, a non-profit organization, or an emerging artist. Fittingly so this month, I chose to do an article on someone who has not only represented all of these things, she’s also my mom. 17 The Focus
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A
s May represents Mother’s Day it’s only right I speak about the beautiful woman who I call mom. For her life has been a true adventure. She always explores new and exciting opportunities and I’ve come to talk about a few. Back in the 80’s she began a small business venture of hand painting clothing and selling her creations to local boutiques. Eventually she went to New York City to display her clothing at a fashion trade show where she received orders from different boutiques across the US and department stores such as Macy’s Herald Square in New York City. She then did various modeling jobs when she made her way back to Roanoke. It didn’t stop there, she later went to Italy where she discovered there was so much more to life then she ever realized. The journey in Italy changed her outlook on life forever. Whether it was the food, the hospitality of the Italian culture or the beauty of the country she explored. That journey opened her mind that much more. It was a trip that would never be forgotten. When she decided to come back home she wanted to bring a piece of Italy with her. She started creating a different image of black women, one that she had witnessed through out Rome and Florence. Her paintings were based on her feelings of seeing black culture from a European perspective. In Italy there is a lot of old architecture, many beautiful cathedrals and amazing museums. One in particular, was the Uffizi Gallery in Florence Italy. It was there that she saw the
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portrait of Alessandro d’e Medici who was the first Duke of Florence and was of African ancestry. She felt like Italy was a country of great depths and historical knowledge. When she returned home her paintings and sculptures began to reflect her experiences in Italy. She later became a curator at Harrison Museum of African American culture. Where she hung exhibits which reflected the art history and culture of Roanoke’s African American community. Years later my mom went back to New Jersey and is now doing nonprofit work for the city where she now lives. My mom has had a will continue to have wonderful journeys in this world. I am so blessed and honored she chose me to be her daughter.
Boost Mobile in Roanoke, Virginia at 2729 Melrose Ave has some amazing deals and most importantly the best customer service you can find.
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Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project, Inc.
SERCAP is Spreading the Word
SERCAP is challenging YOU to
Turn off the Tap and go...
A Day Without Indoor Plumbing Accept the Challenge:
• Register @ www.sercap.org • Collect Pledges / Donations • Pick a Day to Challenge Yourself to go 24 Hours without using the Indoor Plumbing in your house! • Take Pictures and Videos and post online using: #ADayWithoutIndoorPlumbing • Share your Experience! *Proceeds benefit families and communities without adequate access to clean, safe drinking water!
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#GetThewordout Since March 2014, Faith 4 A Cure and Virginia Blood Services has partnered together to “GET THE WORD OUT” about Sickle Cell Anemia. In order to do so we have used a diverse range of settings, such as: • Higher Education • Faith-based Organizations and forums • Community Engagement • Media/Broadcasting • Health Fairs • Public Service Announcements • Blood Drives At some point in their life, Sickle Cell patients will need a blood transfusion. In many cases blood transfusions are routine treatments. Because of this fact, the primary focus in getting the word out is through hosting blood drives throughout the state of Virginia. It doesn’t just stop here. Faith 4 A Cure is on a mission to create awareness and education not just in Virginia but globally through the use of social media, web presence, radio and television, speaking engagements, educational forums, and much more.
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#APPLEADAY2017
An apple a day brings campers our way! Help us Send A Kid to camp by contributing to our mission to Help Kids Grow! Apple Ridge Farm operates as a non-profit organization dedicated to providing dynamic educational & environmental experiences to under-served children.
Learn more at www.appleridge.org
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The Hope Center is a community space in Northwest Roanoke run by a small non-profit (two people) called Roanoke Role Modelz. They provide a space and programs for kids in NW to be in afterschool, host community events that support local artists and businesses, periodically provide food and clothing to homeless persons and those in need in the neighborhood, and more. They are vital to NW in 2017, and are a peoples’ resource
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Reppin my hood , my city - #starcityclothing #theyounivercity support local businesses
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Custom Apparel Manufacturer nivercity.com 27 The Focus
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M-F 7a
Your Uniqueness Brings Strength to the Whole… Joseph the youngest brother of the 12 Children of Jacob or Israel, was uniquely gifted and his gift created great persecution and triumph for him in his life. In the Book of Genesis the 37th chapter begins the story of Joseph, his story doesn’t end until the last chapter of Genesis chapter 50. I encourage you to read it.. Today we want to just focus in on Joseph’s early life when he first discovered he was gifted. When we read Genesis the 37th chapter we discover a young man that is loved very much by his Father but was despised by His ten elder brothers. They disliked him so much that many of them plotted to kill him, but all of them wanted him gone. Not so much because they hated him but because of his gift. There are many in the body of Christ who has had similar experiences that mirrors Joesph’s. Have you been persecuted just for being gifted? Have you found it difficult to settle in a church family. Have you been forced out by those who WERE suppose to encourage you and help you cultivate your gifts? Have people tried to change you to fit their mold? IF you’ve answered “Yes” to any of these questions then this message is for you. God created you uniquely and gifted you unlike anyone in your circle of influence because He has a plan for your life. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” God has an expected end for your life which means, He has a plan for your life.. Psalms 139:14 “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Although you may be going through persecution right now, Proverbs 18:16 reads “A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.” This is ultimately what happens in 28 The Focus
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The Heart of the Matter Sundays 10a-12n
Pastor Cliff
Elder Otey
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Joseph’s life. So for all my specially gifted brothers and sisters, your greatest potential is being yourself. Your time of triumph will come, but until that time comes know that your best IS good enough. You are special for a reason and you have purpose. Your Uniqueness Brings Strength to the Whole..
Pastor Cliff
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The Gathering Place, where the Church assembles for praise and worship to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and to exort, teach, preach, pray and fellowship with other believers. Come be apart of this move of 2535 God..
Melrose AVE NW www.gatheringplace.co
Harm Reduction for Disease Prevention: Understanding and Integrating New Approaches June 8, 2017 Fitzpatrick Hall, Jefferson Center 31 The Focus
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Memorial Day Remember the USS Cole 33 The Focus
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2609 Peters Creek Rd, Roanoke, VA 24017
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Beautiful Strange: Memoirs of a Life Once Lived is a vivid compilation of poetry and prose that beautifully depicts the life of novelist and poet Kalandra St. George. As it trundles fluidly through a vast landscape of emotions, Beautiful chronicles a lifetime of love, resentment, self-doubt, and revelation. It embodies all of the elements of the human mind in a time of struggle, wonder, and constant inquiry, told through a soulful collection of prose. St. George lays bare her deepest thoughts and secrets to her readers through the vivid language of poetry. ...and although each time i was left less than before there always seemed to be more beauty a hellious beacon whose only purpose was to attract prowlers continuously to my tomb so here i lay lifeless and desecrated exposed and hopeless looted and plundered shattered and torn exhausted and angry ashamed and confused but still oh so Beautiful -Jackals In the Night 35 The Focus
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#ExclusiveIndie
Si’Rese:
Naptown has a gem. R&B artist Si’Rese has released a soultry banger that get’s back to the art of love and good music. Grown Folks Music team put together this month’s #1 Airplay single. 38 The Focus
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Exclusive Indie Top airplay 1. “Woman in Me”- Si’Rese
2. “Money Callin”- Craig-O WHAM 3. “None of Them”- Skip of WELOOSE 4. “Party”- Star-Citi 5.“Been a Minute”- Don Papion 6. ”Best of Me”- T. Soul 7. “The Joys of Life”- Poe Mack 8. “Leave” - Tripp 9. “I Need You”- Jeremy Wilder 10. “Man Down”- S. Type
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