VMH Magazine ISSUE 28 by VMH Magazine

MAGAZINE

VMH

ISSUE 28

BUSINESS . SPORTS . ENTERTAINMENT

BEING BLACK IN AMERICA

The Life of

George Floyd Ignites Change Essential Worker

Curtis Johnson Contracted COVID19, His New Message Barack Obama Lebron James A GLOBAL TRIBUTE AMERICA HONORS THE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2020

THE FUTURE IS NOW

AMERICA’S SMALL BUSINESS

POST COVID19 REMOTE WORK & PPP ‘Continually grow, courageously face challenges, and always give your best.’ Dr. Cindy Trimm

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CONTENTS COVID19 as America Reopens Curtis Johnson’s Story

Barack Obama Lebron James

America’s Small Business Norm

Global Tribute to High School Students

No Longer Business As Usual, What We’ve Learned

Being Black In America George Floyd’s Life & Impact on Racial Injustice

Get Unstuck Script a New Future Start over do something new.

Market Your Business For Long Term Success 5 Ways to Drive Traffic on Social Media

At Home Learning Throughout The Summer Keeping Students Sharp

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REAL. CON ER A ION . I H

IKKI JONE

Interview Conducted by Chris Jordan Written by Michael M.

CURTIS JOHNSON’S America is slowly beginning to reopen – let’s hope that we don’t see a sudden spike in cases and need even more test kits. Essential workers are some of the true heroes of the coronavirus pandemic. Putting their lives on the line every day to fulfill their duties, these workers faced danger and uncertainty for months while working on the front lines. While the country begins to reopen and the economy starts to recover, there are still plenty of issues related to COVID-19 that we need to remember. Recently making an appearance on the VMH Magazine Spotlight podcast, Curtis Johnson shared his story of contracting coronavirus and his recovery. Thankfully, Mr. Johnson’s case had a happy ending, but his interesting story brings up several serious issues. Danger for Essential Workers Most people across the country (and the world) were told to stay at home as much as possible during the coronavirus pandemic. But what happens when your job is essential to everyday life and you can’t stay at home? That’s the situation Curtis Johnson found himself in. Working as a contractor for PepsiCo and visiting an average of seven grocery stores a day, Curtis was actually

Photo Courtesy Curtis Johnson

told NOT to wear a mask in the early stages of the pandemic. Masks are the new normal for us now, but the store didn’t want employees to wear a mask in fear of making customers uncomfortable. His job involves keeping items stocked and ensuring product displays are presented correctly. Being around numerous people and places every day, Curtis had no way to avoid coming in contact with one of the deadliest viruses in human history.

Due to self-quarantine rules, family and friends are unable to visit patients in the hospital during recovery. Mr. Johnson describes his stay in the hospital as lonely and anxiety-inducing. He cites personal friends who persevered through difficult situations; remembering their stories helped him keep fighting. Isaac Carree’s gospel music kept him going as well.

This is an issue that continues to affect essential workers everywhere. Do we really know if it’s safe to reopen the country and open more stores? The topic has been under considerable debate. The first wave of coronavirus might not even be over, and the second wave of coronavirus could be even worse. It’s simply inevitable that more essential workers will end up coming down with COVID-19.

Curtis could barely sleep during his time in the hospital. In fact, he says he only got two hours of sleep a night. Not only was he fighting coronavirus, but this was an emotional battle as well. He fought to stay positive while hoping that things would get better. Thankfully, they did. He’s no longer in the hospital and now making a full recovery. It’s important to remember both the brave survivors of COVID-19 as well as the tens of thousands that tragically lost their lives.

Shortage of Test Kits and Unorganized Testing

Coronavirus Lives On

After first visiting the hospital on Friday, April 3rd, Curtis was given amoxicillin and told to selfquarantine. He was also scheduled for a test on the following Monday to see if his symptoms were that of COVID-19.

This is undoubtedly an era that we will never forget and a pandemic that we will not be fully recovering from any time soon. With a coronavirus vaccine still a long ways away, COVID-19 will continue to affect our every day lives for the foreseeable future. The country is opening back up, and maybe things are going back to normal. Or maybe they’re not. Only time will tell, and it’s important to continue to stay safe and cautious during this period.

Monday rolled around, but the temporary testing facilities were shut down due to weather. He then had to wait until Friday, but his test was canceled yet again. Fortunately, he able to get a ride to another hospital, where he was then admitted into the ICU. The testing shortage has been a well-documented issue throughout the pandemic. While things are better than before, a coronavirus test shortage persists in some areas of the country. As the virus makes its way through other parts of the world, many countries are lacking a reliable test kit supply.

We don’t know what the future holds. Let’s hope that cases stay down and test kit supplies stay steady. Support your essential workers and local businesses, and remember to wear a mask.

The lackLGof test kits has been closely covered by the media, and many blame the federal government for our country’s poor preparation. America is slowly beginning to reopen – let’s hope that we don’t see a sudden spike in cases and need even more test kits. COVID-19 Recovery and Hospital Stay Coronavirus patients have been crammed into crowded hospitals for weeks. Luckily, we didn’t need to utilize some of the massive temporary hospitals assembled around the country, but the story of those who caught and recovered from COVID-19 cannot be forgotten.

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Phil Knight’s

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SIR PATRICK STEWART RECEIVES ARTISAN AWARD “Growth almost always requires stepping outside our comfort zone.”

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CES 2020: GLOBAL TECH CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS BUILD A BUSINESS / MANAGE MONEY SMARTER URBAN ONE HONORS AWARDS HIGHLIGHTS ISSUE 27

NEW WORLD NEW WAY

AMERICA’S SMALL BUSINESS

6 Keys to Success in Business and Life

Publisher VMH Publishing Editor-in-Chief Vikki Jones

Journalist/Editors Vikki Jones Garry Jones Sara Prescott Family Features Chris Jordan Family Features

Photography Vikki Jones Garry Jones

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CES2020

Huami, one of the world’s “By expanding our health and fitness largest wearable technology technology expertise beyond companies, wowed industry smartwatches and fitness bands to and consumers at the include immersive treadmills and Consumer Electronic Show earbuds, Amazfit is presenting a vision (CES 2020) in Las Vegas by of the future of fitness in the coming unveiling six new products decade and demonstrating how health spanning three verticals: the and technology can come together in futuristic immersive fitness 2020 and beyond.” Wang Huang, and category Founder, CEO Huami - r e d e fi n i n g A m a z fi t H o m e S t u d i o ; f o l d a b l e treadmill Amazfit AirRun[1]; the true wireless stereo (TWS) fitness earphones with Clip-to-Go d e s i g n , A m a z fi t P o w e r B u d s ; t h e s l e e p - c o m f o r t a n d h e a l t h monitoring Amazfit ZenBuds; the newly released outdoor adventurer’s watch Amazfit T-Rex, the new among the seven series in the brand’s smartwatch portfolio; and an upgraded edition of Amazfit Bip S.

With the category-redefining Amazfit HomeStudio, reaching fitness goals has never been easier – or more fun. Developed in partnership with STUDIO, the fitness entertainment leader, HomeStudio is a connected fitness treadmill paired with a 43” HD screen, called Smart Gym Hub, and surround-sound JBL speakers to provide an immersive and highly personal boutique fitness experience. It brings the thrill and inspiration of fitness classes right to your home.

In recognition of these ground-breaking innovations and Amazfit’s leadership in smart wearables, Huami Amazfit received two top awards from IDG (International Data Group)[2]: “the Most Noteworthy Smart Wearable Innovation Enterprise” for its industry-leading innovations and “Best TWS Fitness Earphones” for the newly announced Amazfit PowerBuds. Mr. Wang Huang, the company’s Founder, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, said, “By expanding our health and fitness technology expertise beyond smartwatches and fitness bands to include immersive treadmills and earbuds, Amazfit is presenting a vision of the future of fitness in the coming decade and demonstrating how health and technology can come together in 2020 and beyond.”

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Tech Gifts Can Make Resolutions a Reality

FAMILY FEATURES

hile many people who make New Year’s resolutions drop them within a couple weeks or months, pulling those newly received tech device gifts out of the packaging and putting them to good use may be just the help you need to keep your resolutions on track. Learn how to get the most out of your tech with these tips from the experts at Amazon.

Prioritize Personal Goals The most common resolutions are centered around getting

healthy or simply living life to its fullest. If you need help staying motivated and keeping your health goals on track, you may be able to rely on Echo, Fire TV or Kindle devices and a voice service like Alexa as partners in your personal health journey: Inspire you in the kitchen. Get some extra help or healthy recipe inspiration in the kitchen – just ask for “healthy recipes” – or catch on-demand episodes of food and cooking TV shows, and when you see a recipe you like, just ask to save it. You can also access live and on-demand cooking classes, get stepby-step cooking instructions and more. Create a bedtime routine. A good night’s sleep is key to physical and mental help, and you can set up a nighttime routine with your smart home devices with options like a reminder to meditate, dimming

soothing sounds to help lullHilton you into restful sleep Beverly inaBeverly Hills, CA that can be activated just by saying “good night.” Prioritize some “me” time. Ask for daily for a guided meditation to take a break from a Photos courtesy of Getty Images

busy day. An e-reader like the single-purpose Kindle can be another companion for taking a moment to unwind from the hustle and bustle without the potential for interruptions from emails or texts. You can select from millions of books, newspapers and audiobooks, and adjustable lighting lets you read comfortably whether you’re indoors or out, day or night.

Get Organized You may be surprised by how a voice service like Alexa can bring some muchneeded organization and peace of mind to your home. Set up routines. If you need to know you head out the door for work or want custom routine with your smart devices.

3 Keys to Success It’s not always easy staying organized. Life is busy, chaotic and fast-moving. Although it can be easy to get discouraged at times, there are ways to enhance organization and attitude through the peaks and pits life throws at you. Carol Lavin Bernick, former executive chairman of beauty conglomerate Alberto Culver, published “Gather As You Go: Lessons Learned Along the Way,” a book sharing insights she’s learned through her many roles as a corporate leader, working mother, philanthropist and founder of the nonprofit organization Enchanted Backpack. Bernick offers these tips to be ready for the good times and difficult situations, highlighting the importance of loving what you are doing in both business and life. Attitude is Key

Create reminders. If it seems as if you are always forgetting to turn on the dishwasher or need an extra push to clean out the garage, set a reminder on your device to provide you with the audible motivation you need to get tasks get to the gym for a daily workout, set a smart TV or streaming media player to get some exercise at home. Manage your shopping list. Missing an ingredient while cooking or problems of the past. Maintain a list to help you remember groups of information, even if you’re busy doing something else: Just say: “Alexa, add (item) to my shopping list.” You can also view your shopping list in the app the store. Find more tips for making the most of your tech gifts in the new year at amazon.com.

A person who is passionately committed to the success of his or her business – who has an “I-can-do-it” attitude – is more likely to succeed. One person can make a difference, and it’s up to you to demonstrate you are one of those people. If You Never Fail, You Will Never Grow If it’s always comfortable and easy, you can’t know the big win. When challenged and stretched, you may have a greater chance to learn. Reach out, get involved and take a risk. Oftentimes, the best talent has multiple experiences to share and on which to reflect. Credibility is Everything Some of the most important career-saving words are “I don’t know.” Never fake it. If you’re wrong, admit it and correct it. If you’ve made a mistake, fix it and learn from it. If it’s going to take some time to find an answer, set a timetable and stick to it.

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Graduate Together: America Honors The High School Class Of 2020

new responsibility—a responsibility to rebuild your community. Class of 2020, the world has changed. You will determine how we rebuild, and I ask that you make your community your priority. Congratulations, Class of 2020. I love all of you. And remember one thing: you’re all kings and queens.” Megan Rapinoe said, “I know, first hand, the power of a movement led by and for the next generation. You are that next generation. Take the torch and leave your mark. Plant your stake in the ground, and build the future that you want and you believe in. And fight like hell to do it.”

(Images and Footage Courtesy of EIF and XQ)

Malala Yousafzai said, “The Class of 2020 won’t be defined by what we lost to this virus, but by how we responded to it. The Q Institute, The LeBron James Family Foundation, and The world is yours now, and I can’t wait to see what you make of it.” Entertainment Industry Foundation paid tribute to high The program also highlighted some of the nation’s exceptional school seniors nationwide in a one-hour multimedia special high schoolers working tirelessly to affect change both in their event, Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class communities and on a larger scale as well as some of the of 2020, tonight, Saturday, May 16. President Barack Obama country’s most influential teachers including National Teacher of delivered a commencement message during the historic special the Year Rodney Robinson, who teaches social studies and that also featured an impressive lineup of prominent leaders, history at Virgie educators, and Binford Education entertainers, Center in including LeBron Richmond, Virginia. James, Bad Bunny, Timothée Chalamet, Kevin The celebration Hart, H.E.R., the featured specially Jonas Brothers, c u r a t e d Alicia Keys, Liza performances from Koshy, Julianne Grammy and Tony Moore, Ben Platt, Award-winning Megan Rapinoe, artists to Billboard Yara Shahidi, Lena chart toppers. Waithe, Olivia Following a W ilde, Pharrell t o u c h i n g W illiams, Malala performance by a Yo u s a f z a i , nationwide high Zendaya, and school student more. More than choir singing “The 40 broadcast and Star Spangled cable networks Banner,” Dua Lipa Former President Barack Obama #GraduateTogether and online opened the show streaming channels with her song throughout the U.S. and across the world carried the “Break My Heart.” Ben Platt and his brothers Henry and Jonah commercial-free program. The commencement special honored Platt followed with a medley of classic hits, including Maroon 5’s the more than 3 million high school seniors across the nation “Memories,” Vitamin C’s “Graduation (Friends Forever),” Bob whose final weeks of high school, including graduation Dylan’s “Forever Young,” and the Beatles’ “In My Life.” Other ceremonies, were postponed or canceled due to COVID-19. highlights included Alicia Keys’ rendition of her song “Underdog”; Chika’s performance of “Crown”; and “Sometimes” by H.E.R. The show ended with an electric finale from the Jonas Brothers President Obama said, “With all the challenges this country faces featuring KAROL G, singing “X.” right now, nobody can tell you ‘no, you’re too young to understand’ or ‘this is how it’s always been done.’ Because with so much uncertainty, with everything suddenly up for grabs, this Additional talent who participated include Kane Brown, Lana is your generation’s world to shape." Condor, Charli D'Amelio, Dixie D'Amelio, David Dobrik, Dolan Twins, Loren Gray, Chris Harrison, Maren Morris, and Yara Shahidi, all of whom shared messages celebrating the Class of He was also joined by several high school students who are part 2020 and their accomplishments, with hope and excitement for of the Obama Foundation’s work to inspire, empower, and their collective future. As part of the celebration, high school connect people to change their world, including seniors from seniors from across the country submitted portraits to the largestChicago Public Schools and members of the Obama Youth Jobs ever high school yearbook. Created by renowned artist JR and Corps, a program created in partnership with Urban Alliance. As his participatory art project Inside Out, the project offers part of its mission, the Obama Foundation is focused on graduates a place to share their portraits and stories while engaging, training, and supporting the next generation of leaders making a collective statement. to create positive change in their communities.

LeBron James said, “Pursue every ambition, go as far as you possibly can dream, and be the first generation to embrace the

Broadcast outlets that carried the show included ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, as well as California Music Channel, CNN, The

ABC News Live, Bleacher Report, CBS News, Cheddar, CNN.com, CNN en EspaĂąol, Complex Networks, Entertainment Tonight Live, Facebook App, FOX Now, Hulu, Los Angeles Blade, NBC News NOW, One TV, PEOPLE, Roland Martin Unfiltered, Reuters, The Roku Channel, SiriusXMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Urban View (ch. 126), TikTok, TVOne, Twitter, USO, Washington Blade, and YouTube streamed Graduate Together. Reuters carried the show to global media organizations, and USO made the s h o w available to every U.S. military base around the world so high Lebron James #GraduateTogether s c h o o l seniors and their families could celebrate their graduations alongside their stateside peers. In addition, Associated Press, Complex Networks, CNN, ESPN, Freeform, Los Angeles Blade, NowThis, PEOPLE magazine, Roland Martin Unfiltered, Univision, and Washington Blade are providing special editorial coverage of the event, and the Deaf Professional Artist Network (DPAN- TV) provided an official ASL version of the broadcast streamed through the XQ official YouTube feed.

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AMERICAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SMALL BUSINESS NORM No Longer Business As Usual Written by Vikki Jones

Edited by Sara Prescott

ife as we knew it exists no more. C o u n t r y a f t e r c o u n t r y ’s governments are lifting restrictions set in place because of COVID-19. These steps are made in an eﬀort for people to ‘go back’ to work, ‘go back’ to shopping and dining, and ultimately ‘go back’ to what is considered a normal way of living. However, it’s a bit hard to ‘go back’ to a world that has abruptly stopped, and significantly altered our day-to-day dynamics. We live in a world where we have watched body after body be loaded into storage trucks, desensitizing us to the horror and magnitude of death. Maybe now we can understand what the rest of the world experiences sometimes. (continued)

Maria Contreras-Sweet head of the Small Business Administration (SBA) under President Barack Obama, Publisher Vikki Jones, VMH Publishing, VMH Magazine - Obama’s GES Summit in Silicon Valley, California. continued from pg. 17

New Business Practice

Contactless cards and mobile payments are growing in the USA and Canada as the coronavirus pandemic continues, according to findings in this report.

revealed the government’s systematic way of financially caring only for the wealthy and big corporations, instead of individuals and small businesses. And these already struggling people are paying the price for this misallocation of funds. Factsquared has been taking detailed notes on publicly-traded companies that received PPP Loans https://factba.se/sba-loans. However, in a grand gesture, a lot of big companies have recognized that what they received could be put to much better use, and therefore have returned the funds. Below is a small list of companies that have done so: Here's what these companies returned (from Entrepreneur) • Auto Nation, Inc. (NYSE) — $77 million • Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. (NYSE) — $45.9 million

Photo: Shutterstock Drastic and rapid loss of life is only one element of the several traumatic events witnessed and felt by the American people (and people around the world, for that matter). It has added an aspect of grief, fear, weariness, and overly-cautiousness to the forefront of our minds. How does one return to normal when this is the new normal? How does one go back to work knowing they won’t see some of their coworkers there? How does a business owner make the decision to lay off employees? And not just that - how do former business owners pick up the pieces and scramble to make ends meet? Another layer that’s been made extremely evident is the disparity of wealth and care for those with low income. COVID-19 has truly

• Ruth's Hospitality Group, Inc. (NASDAQ) — $20 million • Jake Alexander's Holdings, Inc. (NYSE) — $15.1 million • Ashford Inc. (NYSE MKT) — $12.8 million • Castlight Health, Inc. (NYSE) — $10 million • CalAmp Corp. (NASDAQ) — $10 million • Shake Shack Inc. (NYSE) — $10 million • Potbelly Corporation (NASDAQ) — $10 million • IDT Corporation (NYSE) — $10 million • Hallmark Financial Services (NASDAQ) — $8,311,000 • Wave Life Sciences Ltd. (NASDAQ) — $7.2 million Furthermore, the pandemic has shed light on the number of Americans who have turned to alternative banking platforms like Cash App, Venmo, PayPal, Square, etc. When the stimulus check was released - as a measure to provide money for stimulating the

economy - the government could not reach many of its citizens.

been many positives. We cannot forget that.

According to the FDIC, unbanked Americans make up 6.5% of the country's households. That leaves around 14.1 million adults unbanked. "Unbanked and underbanked rates were higher among lower-income households, less-educated households, younger households, black and Hispanic households, working-age disabled households, and households with volatile income," the FDIC reported in 2017, the last time it conducted such a survey.

As a society, what we can do now is move forward and “adapt and adjust” in order to better serve our needs in every facet of life. Therefore, here are some ways in which we can shift to a “new normal” in multiple areas of our life:

What this information says to me, is if you are in the above category, you for the most part are left to ruin. But historically, it’s always been this way, hasn’t it?

We have to keep in mind that consumers have adjusted to contactless pay, food delivery, and online shopping. In fact, “Contactless cards and mobile payments are growing in the USA and Canada as the coronavirus pandemic continues, according to findings in this report. A recent survey cited by the analyst shows that nearly one-third of consumers in the USA became first-time users of contactless payments during the pandemic, and the majority planned to continue paying contactless post-COVID-19. Contactless card payments in the U.S. are projected to increase eight-fold between 2020 and 2024, and mobile proximity payments are also rising rapidly,” according to Business Wire.

A reason that so many have opted out of traditional banking is largely due to overwhelming monthly fees, and what appears to be historic banking favoritism. Plus, technology has made banking simpler now more than ever, and allows consumers to have more control over what they earn. Some people are still waiting on support from the government, slowly coming to understand that they may never receive support at all. Within this sect of the way people manage their finances, this pandemic has sure shown that there’s still much improvement to be made in order to benefit and help those who fall through the cracks. Slowing the Curve Like I mentioned previously, besides just financial hardship there is the fact that this pandemic has definitely taken a toll on people’s mental and emotional health. But for those that pulled together to slow the curve of COVID-19 by staying home, social distancing, and wearing their masks...what we have witnessed is a global community of citizens standing together in harmony. Which country was to blame for withholding information from the rest of us, has no bearing on how we unified once the news rolled down the hill. Now we must work together and possess a spirit of hope and positivity - that’s the only way we’ll get through this. We can never go back to life as we knew it. We have been forced into new mindsets, new routines, new precautions, have seen unsettling events, and been left with empty pockets. The question becomes where do we go from here, and what will define ‘normal’ for us? In all things, it has taught me that when you go through something particularly intense and harrowing, it is only meant to shape you and help you grow into a more intelligent, capable, and mature individual. Many aspects of our daily life have changed, such as education, employment, banking, celebrations and mournings, religious gatherings, physical fitness, family dynamics, technological dependency, shopping, and eating out. But I truly believe that these new adjustments will force us to recognize the difference between what is trivial and what truly matters. It might also spark in us a considerable degree of resourcefulness, experimentation, and creative ingenuity we didn’t think we had. Despite the pandemic’s many negative effects, there have also

Businesses (As it involves both entrepreneurs and consumers)

Granted, there will be a good number that pick up where they left off via brick-and-mortar retail shopping, but there is a definite shift in the way people approach purchasing now. Consumers are transitioning to digital-first commerce – no matter what they're buying. This gives businesses a very huge clue to expand their online market, and ensure that people can use various methods of virtual payments as well, i.e. Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, etc. Doing this will not only help businesses evolve/stay relevant and maintain economic flow, but it will also increase accessibility for a larger number of people. Workforce (As it relates to business practices and treatment of employees) If there’s anything that the pandemic has taught us, it’s that work is hard. And in this new wave of learning to adapt and adjust, I think a certain level of compassion and understanding is in order. One thing that businesses and agencies would do well to continue implementing is a degree of flexibility in the way their employees work, whether that be in person, from a local cafe, or at home. It also calls to attention the appreciation for stay-at-home moms and the increased need for paid maternity/paternity leave. In addition, with everyone feeling overly stressed or worn down, and people collectively realizing what it might feel like for other people, there needs to be a shift in the amount of healthy work hours. Beyond implementing tangible practices within a company, the greatest thing CEOs and business owners can do is to shift their mindsets. You can’t pick up where you left off, because where you left off no longer exists. (cont. on pg. 21)

Take time to reflect on what you are grateful for, or maybe use this time to set or plan goals you want to achieve.

(cont. from pg.19) The idea is to do the research in order to better understand what consumers care about today. Your customer lived differently, shopped differently, and consumed very differently prior to COVID-19, so it only makes sense that their needs and priorities have changed. A CEO’s challenge is to make changes within their infrastructure and adapt fast to an ever-changing world. At Home (As it relates to personal life and self-care) Lastly, it is ultimately our attitudes and how we make an effort to better take care of ourselves that will make all the difference in how we approach this new world. This pandemic has given us considerable time to reflect. Here are some ways in which we as individuals can nurture our mental and emotional wellbeing:

Have that necessary ‘me time,’ whether it’s spent reading, writing, cooking, playing an instrument, going on a walk, watching a movie/tv show, meditating, etc. Whatever you enjoy or whatever speaks to you. Spend more intentional time with the loved ones you live with, or if you are living alone use this time as a quiet respite from society and figuring out what you enjoy doing alone. Similarly, if you are in forced quarantine with not-so-pleasant or problematic company, take time to devise an outlet you can escape to, and also concoct a plan for when you’re able to get out, how to possibly distance yourself from those people.

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BEING BLACK IN AMERICA Written by Garry L. Jones The second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence starts off by saying, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”This is one of the biggest lies that has ever been written. God created us to be equal, yet we are not treated equally by some of His people. Our false declarations and what we know to be true from God do not necessarily reflect the actions of people down here on earth, and it’s very telling. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech at the March on Washington in 1963 always gives me chills, but in a good way. My favorite part is when he speaks about a check that America gave blacks, which has come back faulty and with insufficient funds. Hmm. How relevant in light of recent events. Coincidence? Well, Dr. King, it’s 67 years later and blacks are still being treated like trash. And they’re dying everyday by the very people who are supposed to protect and serve them.

“America has given George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and countless others over the course of our history a check that has come back with insufficient funds, with their senseless and violent deaths at the hands of corrupt police officers.

”

It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring the sacred obligation outlined in our founding documents and literature to treat everyone equally, as well as to love thy neighbor as thyself, America has given the Negro people a bad check. But some of us refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check — a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. All this to say, a large majority of white people have turned a blind eye to the plight of their black brothers and sisters, because what the black community has had to experience and endure on the daily has never once affected whites personally, and so they might not see it as a problem. However, that’s not to say that a large majority of whites aren’t also still extremely racist and hateful. And that is infuriating and unacceptable. Some white Americans can’t grasp the need for us to still be protesting in the streets for equal rights. But if history is any indication, it’s still very much necessary! This is not to say that we condone all the rioting and looting, but we cannot be surprised

that we got to this point, and we cannot let that be what we focus on instead of the larger issue at hand – police brutality. Because if we can remember correctly, Colin Kaepernick peacefully took a knee during the National Anthem to protest what was going on in this country. Kobe Bryant and others in the NBA peacefully donned jerseys stating “I can’t breathe.” MLK, in the entirety of his fight for justice and emphasis on love, was peaceful. Dozens of Black Lives Matter protests up until this point in time have also been peaceful. Yet, where was the support and solidarity then? It’s hypocritical for white people to argue against the riots and say, “well, what the police did was wrong, but destroying buildings is not the right response,” when they were still opposed to justice when the protests were more mild-mannered. It just shows that there apparently isn’t a right way to protest, and that white people just really don’t care. And what gets me is all the white people throwing out MLK quotes as a response to how they think black people should protest. He was perfectly peaceful and you guys still killed him! So as we can see, there is still a need for radical change and reform. There is still a need for white people to listen, educate themselves, cast away their prejudices (conscious or not), and be helpful allies. We need that more than ever. What happened back in the 60’s is still happening now. George Floyd is the latest victim to be killed in cold blood by police. He was arrested on suspicion of writing a bad check, but instead of being taken to be questioned, a police officer named Derek Chauvin needlessly put him on the ground and roughly kept his knee on Floyd’s neck, blocking his airway and ignoring his desperate pleas saying, “I can’t breathe.” Floyd then died of asphyxiation. The same happened to Ahmaud Arbery when he was shot down in cold blood for jogging, as people were saying he was at fault because he was looking at a construction site or retaliating by trying to defend himself. A few years ago, Eric Garner was killed by the police after telling them he couldn’t breathe as well. But regardless of what these victims may or may not have done (and as we can see, an overwhelming majority were completely innocent), violence should never be the response. However, there are laws set in place in this country that lead people to justify their killing of black people. There is the “stand your ground” law, meaning that if you are in fear for your life, you have a right to defend yourself and kill the person you are in fear of. Seems reasonable to want to defend yourself or your home, but whites are using this law to slaughter black people solely out of racism, and it’s deemed as merely defending oneself. But on the flip side, when blacks utilize the “stand your ground”law on their behalf, they are considered thugs, held with contempt, and sent to prison.

We have to remember that the murder of George Floyd is not an isolated incident, and these protests are not just for him, but countless others who have in the past been murdered because of rampant racism in this world; his killing was just the spark that lit the fire. America has had enough.

Thankfully, all four police officers involved in Floyd’s murder have been charged, a n d D e r e k C h a u v i n ’s charge has advanced to second-degree murder. However, there is still much work to be done. This is not where the fight stops. To conclude my analysis, let me end with a list of victims who were killed, along with the reasons why. If you pay attention, these are all perfectly normal things that white people don’t have to think twice about doing, and none will result in their death. That’s white privilege in action. May we honor these victims by relentlessly fighting for justice and a better world. May they rest in power. We cannot breathe (#GeorgeFloyd) We can’t protect ourselves in our own home (#BreonnaTaylor) We can’t go jogging (#AhmaudArbery).

We can’t play loud music (#JordanDavis). We can’t sell CD’s (#AltonSterling). We can’t sleep (#AiyanaJones) We can’t walk from the corner store (#MikeBrown). We can’t play cops and robbers (#TamirRice). We can’t go to church (#Charleston9). We can’t walk home with Skittles (#TrayvonMartin). We can’t hold a hair brush while leaving our own bachelor party (#SeanBell). We can’t party on New Years (#OscarGrant). We can’t get a normal traffic ticket (#SandraBland). We can’t lawfully carry a weapon (#PhilandoCastile). We can’t break down on a public road with car problems (#CoreyJones). We can’t shop at Walmart (#JohnCrawford) . We can’t have a disabled vehicle (#TerrenceCrutcher). We can’t read a book in our own car (#KeithScott). We can’t be a 10yr old walking with our grandfather (#CliffordGlover). We can’t decorate for a party (#ClaudeReese). We can’t ask a cop a question (#RandyEvans). We can’t cash our check in peace (#YvonneSmallwood). We can’t take out our wallet (#AmadouDiallo).

We can’t relax in the comfort of our own homes (#BothamJean and #AtatianaJefferson).

We can’t run (#WalterScott).

We can’t ask for help after being in a car crash (#JonathanFerrell and #RenishaMcBride).

We can’t live (#FreddieGray).

We can’t have a cellphone (#StephonClark).

A change will never take place if we continue to go back to normal. -Garry Jones, Advocate4justice (Edited by Sara Prescott)

We can’t leave a party to get to safety (#JordanEdwards).

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Upgrade Your Outdoor Living Space ome improvement projects aren't limited to indoors. In fact, not only can upgrades to areas outside the house expand your livable space, they can also increase your home's value.

Outdoor living projects account for almost one-third of renovation projects, according to a survey conducted by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. The findings echo trends reported by the National Kitchen and Bath Association, which found 43% of respondents said they designed outdoor kitchens in the past year and 41% expected an increase in outdoor projects in the coming year. "Our clients are asking for entertaining areas, which can be anything from a fully engineered cabana or a new paver patio with a pergola," said Dave Garcia, owner of DPG Pavers and Design. "We love being creative with materials in our designs and installations. One of my personal favorites is an outdoor kitchen we wrapped in hardwood with a granite countertop. It has clean lines and a unique custom look." Custom-built and prefabricated kitchens are also in high demand, Garcia said, along with recreation features like putting greens, bocce ball and basketball courts. Hardscape features that add function and ambiance top many homeowners' lists, as well. Examples include fire pits and fire tables, as well as water features like fountains, waterfalls, basalt columns and bubbling urns. Understanding Landscaping Elements Creating the ideal outdoor living space requires thoughtful planning and a holistic approach to landscaping. Typically, when people consider landscaping, they think of plants and flowers. However, landscaping includes a wide range of elements in an outdoor design that can generally be grouped into two main categories: hardscape and softscape. Understanding the components and options within each category can help you create a cohesive design for maximum enjoyment. The hardscape encompasses the man-made elements that bring function and aesthetic appeal to the design.

Examples include concrete pavers, natural stone features, seating and retaining walls, wood and composite decks, pergolas, fencing and synthetic lawns. Softscape elements are the living components that add beauty and character to your outdoor space. These include the grass, shrubs, trees, flowers and plants. Your softscape may also include enhancements like mulch and an irrigation system to help care for the vegetation. Although the hardscape and softscape elements are distinct, an effective landscape design integrates both to create the look and feel you want for your outdoor living space. Getting Started Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve considered the landscaping features necessary to bring your vision to life, it's time to get your project in motion. Set a budget and consider whether you will need professional support to make your design ideas a reality. A remodeling expert can guide you on how to achieve the look you desire with your home's unique characteristics in mind, while helping manage your timeline and expenses. Find more remodeling advice and contractors in your community at remodelingdoneright.com. Content courtesy of DPG Pavers and Design

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FAMILY FEATURES

etween spring cleaning and spending addetween spring cleaning and spending additional time outdoors (or both), the spring itional time outdoors (or both), the spring season can bring a lot changes your to your season canof bring a lot ofto changes home. From insect to rethinking home. prevention From insect prevention to rethinking home organization and adding style to your favorite home organization and adding style to your favorite spaces, it’s an to opportunity to reimagine your living spaces, it’s an opportunity reimagine your living areas while planning ahead for potential problems. areas while planning for potential problems. Visit ahead eLivingtoday.com for more ways to spruce up Visit eLivingtoday.com more ways to spruce up your home forfor spring. your home for spring.

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Combat Carpenter Bees with Early Prevention

FAMILY FEATURES

etween spring cleaning and spending additional time outdoors (or both), the spring season can bring a lot of changes to your home. From insect prevention to rethinking home organization and adding style to your favorite spaces, it’s an opportunity to reimagine your living areas while planning ahead for potential problems. Visit eLivingtoday.com for more ways to spruce up your home for spring.

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Don’t let carpenter bees get a foothold in your home where they For many people, a major part of spring cleaning revolves around can damage wood. One of Bees the easiest waysEarly to prevent carpenter reorganization. By addingHome versatile, Organization ventilated storage to pantries, Combat Carpenter with Prevention Optimize bees from boring into your house is to capture them before they laundry rooms, mudrooms or just about any space in the house, a Don’t let multiplying. carpenter bees foothold your homelure where ForClosetMaid’s many people, a major part spring cleaning revolves around begin Traps,get likeathe TrapStikin from Rescue!, in theysolution like multi-functional wireofdrawer organizer carpenter bees withOne appealing and ways patterns trap them for small spaces. in 2-, 3- or ventilated 4-drawer storage to pantries, can damage wood. of thecolors easiest tothen prevent carpenterkits are perfect reorganization. By Available adding versatile, a sticky surface. hanghouse the weather-resistant, pesticide-free beesonfrom boring intoJust your is to capture them before they laundry rooms, mudrooms or just about any space in the house, a traps where carpenter beeslike are seen holes canfrom be found. Learn lure in holiday decorations toiletries or cleaningmulti-functional supplies. Find morewire drawer organizer begin multiplying. Traps, the or TrapStik Rescue!, solution tolike ClosetMaid’s more at rescue.com/rescueyourhome. information at closetmaid.com.

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courtesy of Getty Images they Photo of Getty Images your home where For many people, a major part ofcourtesy spring cleaning revolves around Spring is a perfect opportunity to update your kitchen – or create Don’t let carpenter bees get a foothold inPhoto Pleasant Patio Lawn Clean By adding versatile, ventilated storage to pantries, damage wood. OneSetting of the easiest ways to prevent carpenterKeep thereorganization. a look from yesteryear. Consider an option like Elmira Stove Works’ can A warmer weather of spring often brings with it the desire to be As the green grass begins to sprout and add beauty to your yard, ranges. Available in seven colors and more than 1,000 custom hues beesThe from boring into your house is to capture them before they laundry rooms, mudrooms or just about any space in the house, a outside and enjoying the season. can spruce up the entertaining so do weeds and otherlike undesirable growth. Mowing the lawn wire drawer organizer with polished nickel or antique copper trim, the ranges complement begin multiplying. Traps, like You the TrapStik from Rescue!, lure in solution ClosetMaid’s multi-functional capabilities and comfort of your outdoor areas with patio furniture regularly may take care of a majority of issues, but for those hardstyles such as farmhouse, Victorian, log cabin and even more carpenter bees with appealing colors and patterns then trap them kitsaare perfect forcansmall spaces. built to hold up against the weather. Keep it simple with two chairs to-reach areas, string trimmer help you clean Available up spots thatin 2-, 3- or 4-drawer contemporary settings. Full-size, self-cleaning ovens are available on aand sticky surface. hang weather-resistant, pesticide-free a small table or Just go all-in withthe loveseats, end tables and more. simply can’t be mowed over. Available in gas, electric and batteryin electric, convection electric or gas. Complete the look with added carpenter comfort, look for furniture that Learn trapsForwhere bees are seenwith or removable holes cancushions be found. holiday decorations to toiletries or cleaning supplies. Find more matching fridges, wall ovens, dishwashers and microwaves. Find Classic Kitchen canatberescue.com/rescueyourhome. brought inside or stored away when not in use. for your yard. more information at elmirastoveworks.com. Photo courtesy of Getty Images more information at closetmaid.com. Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Spring is a perfect opportunity to update your kitchen – or create a look from yesteryear. Consider an option like Elmira Stove Works’ ranges. Available in seven colors and more than 1,000 custom hues with polished nickel or antique copper trim, the ranges complement styles such as farmhouse, Victorian, log cabin and even more contemporary settings. Full-size, self-cleaning ovens are available in electric, convection electric or gas. Complete the look with matching fridges, wall ovens, dishwashers and microwaves. Find more information at elmirastoveworks.com.

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The warmer weather of spring often brings with it the desire to be outside and enjoying the season. You can spruce up the entertaining capabilities and comfort of your outdoor areas with patio furniture built to hold up against the weather. Keep it simple with two chairs and a small table or go all-in with loveseats, end tables and more. For added comfort, look for furniture with removable cushions that can be brought inside or stored away when not in use.

As the green grass begins to sprout and add beauty to your yard, so do weeds and other undesirable growth. Mowing the lawn regularly may take care of a majority of issues, but for those hardto-reach areas, a string trimmer can help you clean up spots that simply can’t be mowed over. Available in gas, electric and batteryfor your yard.

mindsets in order to ‘transition’ into greater chapters of your life. Trimm further provides an innovative approach to ‘faith. “Faith is a spiritual technology that we can use to lean into our future, while we defy anything that threatens to undermine future success, future progress and prosperity.” To learn more about Dr. Trimm, her work or to purchase her new release visit: www.cindytrimmbooks.com www.cindytrimmministries.org Sample Reads From ‘Goodbye Yesterday’

Photo: Courtesy Dr. Cindy Trimm

et unstuck and script a new future….start over do something new.” Says Dr. Cindy Trimm. ‘Do not let others cheapen, depreciate, or devalue you—and never devalue yourself! Stop trying to fit in by lowering your standards and expectations.’

‘You have standout qualities that other people need to admire and desire, including your unique value and perspective in the marketplace and your execution of gifts and talents. You are the type of person other people should get to know. You have assets others would love to have, so put them on display. Your outlook, thoughts, and ideas, including your unique way of seeing things, really do make a difference.’ Dr. Cindy Trimm has dedicated her life to serving God and humanity. A best-selling author, Trimm is a revolutionary thinker, and transformational leader. Her latest book, Activating 12 days of ‘Boundary Defying Faith, Goodbye Yesterday,’ is a mandatory read for transitioning your life. You may be at a place where old practices must be left behind. With the challenge of next levels, creating a new future, you may wonder where to begin and how. ‘Goodbye Yesterday’ guides the reader to ‘that’ place of empowerment. Says, Trimm, “Get unstuck and script a new future….start over do something new.” Goodbye Yesterday, applies to every rule of thumb for those aspiring to be better, grow and obtain greater success. With practical tools, Dr. Cindy Trimm gives thoughtprovoking insights that require deep reflection and digesting. Change begins with thoughts, adjusting

‘It’s one thing to have faith in God, but it is another thing to have faith in who God has made you to be. You are awesome. Stop putting yourself down. Stop belittling who you are.’ You have standout qualities that other people need to admire and desire, including your unique value and perspective in the marketplace and your execution of gifts and talents. You are the type of person other people should get to know. You have assets others would love to have, so put them on display. Your outlook, thoughts, and ideas, including your unique way of seeing things, really do make a difference. You are worth more than anyone could ever compensate you for because of the unique blessing you bring to the world. But you must be faithful to protect and cultivate it. Continually grow, courageously face challenges, and always give your best. By doing so, you help make this world a better place. And by the way, your best should never be compared to someone else’s best. Your best is your best. The world needs you to develop your unique potential.

Unleash Home Chef UNLEASHYour YOUR Inner INNER HOME CHEF

FAMILY FEATURES

ith many Americans staying home, the pressure is on to maintain fun and variety in the kitchen, so family meals don’t get boring. However, cranking out three meals a day can be a burden. meals without a recipe, according to a OnePoll survey. Consider these fun tips to add a little diversity to your family’s daily menu. Build a taco bar. This is an easy way to use leftovers from the week. Pull out tortillas or make rice, add any leftover proteins and sides then mix in taco seasonings. Make a family classic. Think back to your childhood and the one or two dishes that became family favorites. Bust out those family cookbooks and recreate classics by having the kids helpCourtesy with age-of Apple Photo appropriate tasks. Try a microwave-friendly meal. For those nights when no one can decide what to eat, or when you’re simply tired of cooking, turn to the microwave. One healthy option is Aqua Star’s MicroSteam Seafood Meals, which combine sustainable seafood, including salmon, shrimp, tilapia and cod, with on-trend ingredients like mafalda pasta, sriracha, red quinoa and yellow locks in steam to cook food evenly in just Pull out the slow cooker. Being at home all day makes it even easier to prepare a good meal. Choose a recipe, throw it in the slow cooker in the morning and enjoy the delicious aromas as you wait for a meal that’s ready just in time for dinner. Try a meal kit. Meal kits are a fun way to switch up your regular repertoire. They’re tasty, easy to make with kids and many of them come frozen so you can stock up. Take, for example, Aqua Star’s Cutting Board meal kits, which come with all the ingredients required to prepare and clean up a high-quality and nutritious meal in 30 minutes or

for family dinners. Order takeout or delivery. Many restaurants services that exist, eating favorite restaurant meals from the comfort of home is easy to do. Have breakfast for dinner. Seemingly always a kid-friendly favorite, scramble some eggs, cook some bacon and get creative with pancakes, chocolate chips.

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Busting Common Cooking Myths Myth No. 1: Frozen is not as good as fresh. When it comes to nutritional value, frozen foods are packed and frozen at the food’s peak freshness, meaning they're still full of nutrients.

Myth No. 2: Cooking seafood is hard. Seafood is a healthy source of protein that can be steamed, baked, grilled or fried. Start with one technique and master it. An easy way to start is to saute shrimp

Myth No. 3: Fish should never be microwaved. Microwaving seafood can actually help preserve nutrients that are typically broken down when heated using other cooking methods. The key is to use steam: of the many ready-to-microwave selections in your

same technique as when you fry an egg and don’t overcook it.

If you learn new cooking methods, develop a larger menu and add some new dishes, eating at home can be fun and adventurous. Find more solutions at aquastar.com.

Adding additional bathroom space to your home or renovating an outdated lavatory can improve your home’s usability and increase its value, too. To get the most practical benefits and value out of your new space, there are several factors to consider.Before you get started, take into account these considerations about the design and function of your new bathroom from the remodeling experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Space A primary consideration is the available footprint to create your new bath. This is often a concern as children reach their teen years and also with expanding families. If there aren’t enough bathrooms in the house, you may want to add another, or it may be that you simply need to improve the layout and features to make better use of the existing space. For example, if the bath

will be shared by multiple members of the family, a separation of the sinks from the rest of the room may be helpful. Features Determining how you will use your bathroom dictates the features you’ll want to include. A guest or hall bath is likely to have far fewer features than a master bath but may share some similarities with a kids’ bathroom. First, you’ll need to make decisions about basics like lighting, the number of sinks and amount of counter space you’ll need. If you like baths, you’ll need to decide between a tub and shower combination unit or separate facilities. With a separate tub, the style you prefer may guide your overall design. The aesthetic for a bathroom with a focal point like a claw-foot tub is likely different from a jetted tub. Storage

Storage is one of the biggest concerns in any design, particularly in rooms as small as typical bathrooms. Carefully consider this aspect of the room during your pre-planning phase. To help determine how much space you need, make a list of all the items you need to store in the bathroom, including cleaning agents, toiletries, linens, first aid items and medications.

Make Your Goalsa aReality Reality Make YourWeight Weight Loss Loss Goals What isWhat OEA? is OEA?

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FAMILY FEATURES

osing weight is a highly personal journey as a wide range of factors can

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FAMILY FEATURES

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Cristina Sicard Helping Children Through Reading ‘Harmony’ solation — a word that may be squashing your mind these days. Harmony the llama knows that pain, feeling isolated in Ohio from his family in Peru. Cristina S i c a r d ’s c h i l d r e n ’s book, Harmony, follows a llama named Harmony who feels stuck with his life. Now more than ever, you may also feel stuck mentally and physically, but Harmony is here to remind you to reflect regularly on the good in your life. Like Harmony the llama, Cristina Sicard’s story encourages us to acknowledge our current situations but realize whatever

we are going through does not have to be permanent. Cristina wrote the story with the determination to help children and adults alike with mental health. She has always struggled to accept her life in Canton, Ohio away from her family in the Dominican Republic and loving herself. From childhood, Cristina knew she wanted to write children’s books to provide hope and love for those who need and deserve to feel joy again and again. After graduating from the University of Georgia for her M a s t e r s i n Te a c h i n g E a r l y

Childhood Education preK-5 and living in Atlanta now, Cristina wants this diverse book to connect with more individuals, especially those away from f a m i l y. A s l i v e s a n d demographics continue to change worldwide, Cristina b e l i e v e s h e r c h i l d r e n ’s book, Harmony, is a story of gratitude for everybody in need of love and encouragement to live. There is no better moment to read and learn valuable lessons from Harmony such as being grateful for what we do have. Especially during this stressful period, reading books such as Harmony will make for meaningful moments with your children, the perfect bedtime story filled with love. On every page, names of the author and illustrator’s family members and friends are blended in the illustrations Harmony, up for an award in the Favorite Children’s and MiddleGrade Book category, has been nominated for an Author Academy Award, an honor bestowed for literary merit and publishing excellence in the writing and publishing industry. To support Cristina Sicard and Harmony, go to authoracademyawards.com, click the Vote! tab, and scroll to 3/16 The Children’s and Middle. Then, click the book title image Harmony. Harmony can also be found on Amazon. The top ten finalists in each category will be invited to the Author Academy Awards Red Carpet in Columbus, Ohio on October 23, 2020. First prize winners will be announced that night to give acceptance

VMHNEXT

Market Your Business for Long-Term Success FAMILY FEATURES

apid growth and long-term success are the dreams virtually every entrepreneur pursues.

to the mountaintop quickly and stay there as long as possible. Adopting some clever marketing strategies can bring those dreams within reach, especially if you’re willing to take some notes from experts who have successfully navigated the path. For example, entrepreneur Russell Brunson was in college. Today, he is the co-founder of ClickFunnels, a successful software company that helps entrepreneurs get their message out to the marketplace the author of a series of books, including for using classic and foundational direct marketing techniques to help future customers discover an entrepreneur’s product or service and drive demand. Learn the art of successful business marketing with Brunson’s advice,

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

installment in his bestselling trilogy. Work behind the scenes to connect with your target audience. With a little research, you can identify the places your target customers tend to congregate. Places like Facebook groups, YouTube channels, podcasts, blogs and other platforms serve as trusted sources of information, and these are the places where they’re more apt to listen to what you have to say. Make a list of 100 of these hangouts and reach out to the people behind the scenes. Photo courtesy of Getty Images

!"#$%&"'(")*+,-".*$/+0"(1"2(0+$3"4-5+$ platforms: Google: Search the keyword you’d like to rank for. Scan results, looking for sites that or subscription boxes. Contact the owners of those pages and ask about advertising options to buy your way in and build your list. YouTube: Create a 15-second intro with a catchy hook followed by a short 4-second branded message then tell your viewer why he or she should listen. Create a connection with personal commentary and share valuable content for the next 7-12 minutes. Close with a call to action.

Facebook: Think of your cover photo as your billboard and the intro section as your business card where you can place links to funnels. When posting, share stories that can open conversations, and remember to engage readers in the comments. Instagram: Decide whether you want to inspire, educate or entertain then create a a question or make a list. Podcasting: In addition to working the podcast circuit and delivering a call to action at the end in other ways. Buy ads on their podcasts and arrange guest appearances that let you ask their listeners to check out your own podcast.

Listen, learn, pitch collaborative opportunities and pay for ads if that’s what it takes to get in front of your audience. Don’t just post on social media; understand it. Social media is a powerful tool for marketers and entrepreneurs. Depending on your business, you may be able to leverage both your audience. Another key is customizing your strategy for each platform. Know which channels your target audience members use and focus your energy there. Understand the platform’s algorithm and post content it wants to share with its users. Pay for email ads. A wide variety of online news sites, email lists. Approach those with audiences that would be interested in your product or service and request an email to their email lists lets you go around the competition to talk directly to your target audience. “If you are selling anything online, or trying to generate

customers, so I’m going to give you my new book for free.

Creating a Budget Track Spending

and going out of your bank account each month can help you make better spending decisions. A budget doesn’t have to be complicated; it can be as simple as a spreadsheet that lists your monthly income and expenses. Be sure to consider long-term debt, like student loans, and treat your savings account as a payee you owe each month.

There’s more to managing your money than paying your Track your spending. In a similar vein, it’s a good idea bills and successfully avoiding overdraft charges (although those are definitely steps in the right to see where your non-bill-related spending goes. For direction). Effectively managing your money takes time example, you may stop by the grocery store more and planning, but the payoff may be a stronger financial Type to enter text frequently than you realize, and each of those trips is future. likely going to cost you more than if you limited it to just once or twice a week. Many banks and credit Create a budget. Some people avoid making a monthly institutions offer charts and graphs that break down your budget because they think they don’t need one. spending so you can see exactly where your money is However, having a clear idea of the money coming in going and use that information to make adjustments.

Invite the Outdoors In children are mitigated by views of and interactions with nature in a host of different ways. Worker productivity, how people feel about espite the comfort and convenience it affords, modern by Vikki the work they do and the level of engagement, improves with a view society is contributing to a vanishing relationship withJones the of nature.” natural environment. However, there are plenty of ways by Vikki Jones Despite ample research demonstrating the benefits, the study to bring nature indoors to reap the benefits of an earthy revealed a common theme, with 85% of participants believing they connection inside your home. spent more time in nature as children than children do today. That’s According to a survey commissioned by the Velux Group, a gap is growing between the time Americans spend outdoors and the time a trend that translates into adult habits, too. “With work and family responsibilities, we can’t always they’d like to spend in nature. fit spending time outside into our busy schedules, effectively In the United States, 63% of survey participants said they average making us the indoor generation,” said Peter Foldbjerg, head one hour or less a week in nature, but 88% agreed they would like of Daylight, Energy and Indoor Climate for The Velux Group. to spend more time. In addition, the majority of respondents said “One thing we can do is improve how our homes connect to they believe nature, daylight and fresh air have a positive impact nature: From houseplants and nature-inspired art to skylights on stress levels, and most also agreed those factors have a positive and screened porches, there are a wide variety of options for impact on mental well-being. creating nature connections in the place we spend most of our “Exposure to nature such as trees, plants and views of open spaces has been found to improve the cognitive ability to focus time – our homes.” and read social cues,” said Arie Greenleaf, associate professor Learn how to bring more nature into your home with these of counseling at Seattle University. “Even ADHD symptoms in decorating and design ideas:

FAMILY FEATURES

Houseplants Living plants not only add a touch of the outdoors, but they also help clean the air inside your home. In smaller spaces, even a few pots of herbs can add a refreshing touch of nature. If flat surfaces and floor space are at a premium, get creative with your wall space and incorporate shelving and wall-mounted planters.

Sunshine and fresh air Whether it’s from windows or skylights, bringing natural light and fresh air inside can keep your space fresh and inviting. There are scientifically proven correlations between natural light exposure and mood, as well as your body’s ability to maintain its circadian rhythm. Refreshing the air in your home can help eliminate volatile organic compounds, pet dander and microparticles from cooking and cleaning. If your home is lacking in natural light, a skylight may be easier to add than a window, and skylights bring in twice as much light as vertical windows; their angle allows more of the sun’s rays to reach farther into the room. Some skylights, including many offered by Velux, also offer venting options that can contribute to cleaner air.

Nature-inspired art Studies have shown that simply viewing photos or paintings of nature scenes has mental and physical benefits. You can also use decorative mirrors to reflect natural light and make a space feel larger and brighter.

Botanically inspired patterns Look to pillows, area rugs and wallpaper to incorporate patterns inspired by flowers, foliage or landscapes outside. These decorative elements can boost your spirits and create a welcoming environment indoors by reflecting the outdoor world.

Natural materials Sisal rugs and baskets, wood planking and stone countertops or side tables can add texture and a touch of the natural world to your interiors. These materials let you incorporate nature into your design aesthetic with natural textures that not only look stylish but feel great, too. Find more ideas for integrating the outdoors into your home design at whyskylights.com/outside-in.

Connect with Nature at Work If you work outside your home, at least a third of your day may have you stuck inside an office. Make your work environment more appealing with these ideas that let you embrace nature even while you’re on the clock. Incorporate natural life with a desk plant. You may feel more refreshed by that touch of green, and it helps clean the air around you, too. Find the sunlight. Today’s offices actively promote free-range working, so find a sofa near a window and get your best work done there. Or spend a few hours working outside each day. If your office design is behind the times, take a daily walk outside during your lunch break. Surround yourself with natural materials. Transform your desk-scape with a bamboo monitor stand, stone smartphone holder or woven seagrass inbox. Trick the senses with natural soundscapes. Earbuds are a must in today’s open-plan offices. Instead of playing music, escape with nature-inspired tunes like rain, wind in the trees or forest birds. Select art influenced by Mother Nature. Decorate with nature-inspired art, whether it’s photos of landscapes or a sunflower print.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

At Home Learning Throughout Summer Photos courtesy of Getty Images

FAMILY FEATURES

ith the majority of schools across the country closed, many parents are feeling the stress of taking more active roles in their children's education. As time away from the classroom extends into summer, parents also face the challenge of helping their children maintain what they've learned through a summer of uncertainty. This year's shift to at-home learning has provided plenty of resources parents can use to keep their children's minds engaged and actively learning. The shift has also prompted families to create new routines and healthy learning habits. Continuing these best practices over the

Harvard indicates parents who engage with their children in simple activities over the summer – like reading together or talking about baseball statistics – can have a greater impact on their children’s academic performance than popular summer activities, such as summer camps, travel or summer school. Since education can happen anywhere as part of everyday life, there are many activities families can do together to create a sense of summertime fun while fostering academic growth. Spend some time cooking or baking together. Use these experiences as opportunities to practice reading recipes or practice math by measuring and adding ingredients.

success when they return to the classroom. Set a clear daily schedule with realistic goals and grows longer with age – typically 2-3 minutes per year of age – so the amount of time an elementary school student will focus on a task may be signFAMILY FEATURES

Build in ith time kids to of play. According thefor majority schools acrosstothethe journal, "Pediatrics," playing healthy country closed, manypromotes parents are feeling brain development and boosts academic skills.in the stress of taking more active roles Play timetheir alsochildren's helps children manage – education. As stress time away it an important and summer, fun way for parents from making the classroom extends into parents alsoto support kids coping withtheir stress or anxiety. face the challenge of helping children maintain what Create they'vealearned through a summer of uncertainty. conducive learning environment at This year'sIfshift to at-home has provided home. possible, set uplearning a designated desk and plentydistraction-free of resources parents can usechildren to keep can theiruse children's workspace for mindseverything engaged and actively learning. The shift has also from completing school assignments prompted families to create new routines and healthy to playing educational games. learning habits. Continuing these best practices over the While routines are important, they may not be the only keywhen to summer learning Research from success they return to thesuccess. classroom.

summer pen pals. Have kids write letters back and forth to practice reading and writing skills. Extend story time with read-and-do activities that lay the groundwork for developing engaged readers. For example, the Pizza Hut BOOK Harvard indicates parents who engage with their bookitprogram.com children andsummer parents –can children in simple activities over the likedo together, such as drawing, recognition reading together or talking aboutletter baseball statisticsor– sight-word bingo. can have a greater impact on their children’s academic performance popular summer such as Explore than science and nature byactivities, taking a walk. summer camps, travel or summer school. Since education can happen anywhere as part of plants, rocks Take pictures of can any everyday life, thereand areanimals. many activities families

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summer pen pals. Have kids write letters back and forth to practice reading and writing skills.

grows longer with age – typically 2-3 minutes per year of age – so the amount of time an elementary school student will focus on a task may be sign-

Extend story time with read-and-do activities that lay the groundwork for developing engaged readers. For example, the Pizza Hut BOOK

While on summer break, kids commonly lose some of the learning momentum from the previous bookitprogram.com Build in time forIt's kids to play. According to referred the school year. a phenomenon casually to as the "summer slide." children and parents can do together, such as drawing, letter recognition or journal, "Pediatrics," playing promotes healthy brainlost development boostsschool-year academic skills. about 20%and of their gains in reading sight-word and 27% inbingo. math, on average, during Playsummer time also helps children manage stress – break. Explore science and nature by taking a walk. makingAfter it ansuch important and fun for parents to an abrupt end way to formal curriculum, the slide could be a little steeper for kids in support kids coping with stress or anxiety. plants, rocks and animals. Take pictures of any Create a conducive learning environment at during this uncertain information when you return home to practice home. If possible, set up atime. designated desk and research skills. distraction-free workspace children can use Allow for reading aloud. According to for the National Association for the Education of Young everything from completing school assignments Children, reading aloud is the single most important activity success as it helps build Watchfor thereading news or read about current events to playing educational games. word-sound awareness. Encourage your child to play teacher and read aloud books, magazines, together. This can provide practical lessons on While routines are important, they may not be the social studies and help kids raise questions about only key Begin to summer learning success. from the world aroundwhat them.you all read over a a book club. Read the Research same books as your children then discuss shared snack or gathered around the dinner table. Joining in shows the importance of prioritizing reading during the summer. . If possible, make use of local libraries, many of which your area and how your family can participate in programs taking place over the summer.

While on summer break, kids commonly lose some of the learning momentum from the previous school year. It's a phenomenon casually referred to as the "summer slide." lost about 20% of their school-year gains in reading and 27% in math, on average, during summer break.

From educators helping their students to organizations lending support in trying times, dozens if not hundreds of online resources have emerged to help parents navigate teaching at home. Internet Access: While many at-home learning resources can be found online, some free or low-cost home internet access, as well as other resources for teachers and families, : While school and family outings are limited, it's still possible to explore the world from the comfort of home. Zoos, museums and other places of interest are sharing everything from educational videos and live webcams to guided tours on their websites and social media. : Literacy is the foundation for all learning, so focusing on activities that promote reading gives children a chance to practice that essential skill, often in ways that don't feel like learning. One resource is The Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Program, the nation's largest and longest-running corporate-supported reading program. Parents can visit bookitprogram.com book recommendations, activity and book pairings, video messages from best-selling authors Tom Angleberger and Kate DiCamillo and printable worksheets, story maps and more. Educational websites: Many academic websites have opened their subscription-based content Before creating an account, check if your school has secured free or discounted access codes. From educators helping their students to organizations lending support in trying times, dozens New From the basicshave of keyboard tryingnavigate a new instrument or home. if notskills: hundreds of learning online resources emerged typing to helptoparents teaching at mastering a new language, there are sites dedicated to helping students develop new skills Internet Access: While many at-home learning resources can be found online, some while they're at home.

free or low-cost home internet access, as well as other resources for teachers and families, : While school and family outings are limited, it's still possible to explore the world from the comfort of home. Zoos, museums and other places of interest are sharing everything from educational videos and live webcams to guided tours on their websites and social media. : Literacy is the foundation for all learning, so focusing on activities that promote reading gives children a chance to practice that essential skill, often in ways that don't feel like learning. One resource is The Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Program, the nation's largest and longest-running corporate-supported reading program. Parents can visit bookitprogram.com book recommendations, activity and book pairings, video messages from best-selling authors Tom Angleberger and Kate DiCamillo and printable worksheets, story maps and more. Educational websites: Many academic websites have opened their subscription-based content Before creating an account, check if your school has secured free or discounted access codes. New skills: From learning the basics of keyboard typing to trying a new instrument or mastering a new language, there are sites dedicated to helping students develop new skills while they're at home.

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