Oct-Nov 2014

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OCT/NOV 2014

We Are Keep It Local

the road to

the road to awareness resources for women

four ways

to make the most out of college

A life by design

agnes preston-brame

We Are Keep It Local

Volume: 03

ISSUE: 05

EDITORIAL Managing director /editor

wearegreensboro.com

Tony Bates | tbates@wearegreensboro.com

creative director

Arthur Bates Jr. | abates@wearegreensboro.com Non-profit coordinator

Veronica Bates | vlb@wearegreensboro.com staff writer

Carol Bates Morris | cmore@wearegreensboro.com

ADVERTISING advertising manager

John Graham | jgraham@wearegreensboro.com

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Š We Are Greensboro 2012-2014 All material is strictly copyrighted and all rights are reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of We Are Greensboro is strictly forbidden. The greatest care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine at the time of going to press, but we accept no responsibility for omissions, errors, products, services, information or statements made by contributing editors or advertisers. We Are Greensboro reserves the right to deny advertising or any other type of submission that does not meet our standards.

invest in greensboro 02

•

keep it local

A Word (or two) From

Lessons from

Leigh

the editor

Every once in a great while someone enters our lives and makes an everlasting impact. While their sage advice and words of wisdom are invaluable, more often than not, it is their actions that speak the loudest and reach the farthest.

I have been blessed with my family, and have met and become friends with many others, who have helped shape my life; and I certainly cherish them all. Still, it is the lessons from a then 88-year-old man that have most decidedly transformed my ideas about life’s fulfillment and the possibilities that surround us all.

I first met Leigh Rodenbough two years ago and in that short time, my outlook on life has been changed forever.

Living a life that by any standard would be considered full and rich with loved ones and experiences, Leigh spoke at length of the promise of life and the opportunities it holds if we just allow ourselves to be open to it. Leigh also spoke of entitlement; not in the sense of the word that we hear on political shows now and again, but of the fact that we are all entitled, we all have the right, to pursue our interests and follow our dreams. Already a navy veteran, an attorney, avid boating enthusiast and “part-time” artist among his many interests; it was his dream of devoting his full attention to the art he loved that led Leigh in his mid-seventies -- yes, I said his mid-seventies -- to retire from the practice of law and begin painting full time. Leigh spent the next fifteen years doing what he loved, alternating between his two favorite media,

Leigh Rodenbough at Uptown Artworks

oils and pastels, in creating his breathtaking art.

His works are moving, often evoking considerable emotion, yet it was our conversations and his outlook on life that I found most inspirational. When I asked Leigh what made him decide to become an artist at a time in his life when most people are content to sit on the front porch, his response was, “why not?

I have the desire and most importantly, the authority, so the better question is… why wouldn’t I?” While we shared many conversations running the full spectrum of topics from current events and history

to race relations, religion and of course fine art in every form, sooner or later, in his extremely eloquent manner, the dialogue always returned to one central theme, his mantra if you will…”It’s never too late to follow your dreams”. Leigh was very ardent in this belief and made a point during many of our talks to give examples of how true an idea it really is; although none carried more weight than his actions. Leigh’s impact is such that when I think I may be too old to return to school for additional classes or take on a new business venture or hobby, I think of him and realize his mantra is true. Likewise, when someone says they are too old or too set in their ways to start a new career or even to simply learn something new, my first instinct is to tell them about Leigh Rodenbough, quickly making him an inspiration to them as well.

Leigh Rodenbough departed on September 21st of this year at the age of ninety, leaving his loving family, adoring friends, a legion of admirers and fans and an amazing body of work. I feel truly honored to have known and learned from him and I miss my friend already.

But while our time together was way too brief, the lessons from Leigh will last long past his moment here and mine as well, as I pass them on to others. I only hope that in turn they will heed the message and pay his favor forward, realizing for themselves and sharing with others, what Leigh has already proven... it’s never too late. Thank you once again Leigh!

Tony In a final act of generosity, Leigh established a trust under his will that may be used to assist financially strapped aspiring artists. The works of Leigh Rodenbough can be viewed and purchased at Ambleside Gallery 528 S. Elm Street Greensboro, NC 27406. Stop by the gallery or call 336.275.9844 for additional information.

Details about Leigh’s extraordinary life as well as photographs of a number of his stunning works can be found in his book Timeless Reflections, also available at Ambleside Gallery.

Our original article about Leigh entitled Ageless Inspiration is available online in our August/September 2014 at

www.issuu.com/wearegreensboro/docs/aug-sept2014.

Please take a few moments to learn more about Leigh, you will certainly be glad you did.

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Contents A Life by Design

Awareness 06

the best of college 12

06

12

The Best of College

The Road To Awareness October is Breast Cancer awareness month. As important an issue as this is, it’s long past time we became aware...For women.

Kerri Nichole shares her experience and insights to help you make the best of your own college experience.

14

I’s Married Now! 17

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A Life by Design

Artist/Designer Agnes Preston-Brame is a remakable talent with an inspirational life story; one that is still being written.

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Photos - Who Are We?

I’s Married Now

Once known as Jasmine Simmons it’s time we began refering to her as Jasmine Nehilla. That’s right, Jasmine’s married now and she’s ready to talk about it.

GREENSBORO SCIENCE CENTER AQUARIUM MUSEUM ZOO

Check out these photos to see for yourself.

CORPORATE SECURITY INTERNATIONAL, INC.

GREENSBORO, NC • FAYETTEVILLE, NC 336.302.2421

05

the road to

Awareness

I

Tony Bates

n every voyage, recognizing the road signs along the way is imperative to a safe arrival, and awareness is no different. As a journey that never ends, understanding the various signs along the road to awareness can appear quite daunting at times. Yet, the reality is it’s actually a just matter of priorities, or deciding what we find important and interesting, then simply deciding to learn as much as possible. While these words; words like “important” and “interesting” often apply much differently to each of us, there are still many common areas where we can agree that having as much information as possible can be of tremendous value. One such area is health; ours and that of those we hold dear. As October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, there seems no better or more appropriate place to begin becoming aware than with this terrible disease that almost exclusively affects the women in our lives.

We all had, have or will have women we depend upon deeply. So as critical as the ladies in our lives are, it benefits each of us greatly to do everything we can to help ensure they remain healthy and happy and that any concerns they may have are readily addressed. Luckily we live in a city with resources and when discussing the resources available to women the obvious place to begin is with The Women’s Resource Center of Greensboro With so many instances of physical, mental and sexual abuse, as well as workplace, salary and other inequalities (that as a man I can’t even begin to imagine), not to mention gender specific health concerns such as cancers of the breast and ovaries, many women need a place with the knowledge, understanding and resources to help. For the last 19 years the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) has been just that place; a haven with the awareness and means to offer much needed understanding and assistance.

Since its humble beginning in August of 1995, The WRC has gone from assisting 800 women their first year to currently providing information, advice, support and assistance to over 8000 women and families each year. Increasing the number of women they have helped over the years is only part of the incredible progress the WRC has made. In addition to offering the original core services they began with, which include programs in peer advocacy, job-training for displaced homemakers, a free attorney hotline, a computer data bank, a library for women’s issues, and a barter board where women could exchange information about goods or services; the WRC has expanded to include among their new additions a four-part self-esteem series, a Department of Transportation assistance program and various educational workshops.

There are real people with real solvable concerns being helped here, but even looking at the numbers alone is extremely impressive for the WRC. Of the 8,674 women that were aided between 2010 and 2011, 157 displaced homemakers obtained essential skills for a successful job hunt while 845 women facing a variety of life transitions and crises were trained to develop action plans that connected them with community resources and services to effectively address their immediate and long term needs. Additionally 32 local attorneys representing 20 areas of law provided free legal guidance to 1,055 women helping them make critical decisions affecting themselves and their families. (continued on Pg. 18) 06

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Friday November 14 • 7pm

Ambleside Gallery 528 S.ELM ST•GREENSBORO•NC•27406 • 336.275.9844 • WWW.AMBLESIDEARTS.COM

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Fou r Ways

to make the most of your time 12

A

s a very recent graduate from UNC-Chapel Hill, I can personally confirm that college is pretty awesome. And, like all pretty awesome things, it comes to a close all-too-soon. Here are four things that looking back, I wish I had known sooner in order to make the absolute most of my time in school:

1. Apply to EVERYTHING. There are few times in life where you have as many opportunities at your fingertips as you will in college. You’d be surprised at the number of amazing grants, scholarships, and experiences that are just waiting for your application. Opportunities to be mentored (or to mentor), to study/volunteer/intern abroad, to conduct your own research, etc. are much harder to come by outside of an academic setting. College is your time to apply to anything and everything that peaks your interest! Even if it seems like a total long-shot because you’re afraid your resumè isn’t good enough, or an opportunity seems out of your price-range—apply anyway. Seriously.

During my freshman orientation, there was a presentation about a unique eightweek, fully funded, study abroad opportunity to spend a summer in Southeast Asia for twenty-five freshmen. I remember sitting in the auditorium blown away by how incredible it all sounded, and simultaneously thinking that there was no way I could get into such an amazing program. But I applied anyway, hoping that I could somehow beat the odds. Six months later, after a week of receiving rejection letters from two other scholarship and fellowship programs, I finally got the email saying that I was going to spend my next summer in Singapore, India, and Brunei. The moral of this story: You won’t get everything you apply to, but if you are willing to put yourself out there enough, you’ll be surprised at what doors will open for you.

2. Curious? Try it!

This is your time to expand your mind and explore subjects that you may not have been exposed to in your last twelve years of school, and to dive into the topics that truly excite you. I’m not going to give you the whole, “Find your passion and chase your dreams” speech, because not everyone has the luxury or ability to spend four years majoring in random topics that don’t translate into jobs after graduation, and not every passion can be pursued in a liberal arts setting. What I will suggest is that you try to make the most of your classes. Have Gen Ed requirements left? Maybe take the roads less travelled instead of same old 101 classes—i.e. Pilates or Swimming for a P.E. class, or a class on graphic novels for a Literature requirement. (My first college class was on Druids and Celtic Art, and it knocked out three of my requirements. While it made me realize that I definitely didn’t want to major in Art History, I really enjoyed the class and wound up learning a lot.)

in college Kerri Nicole

This advice also applies to student organizations. Have you always wanted to learn swing dancing, try intramural fencing, or get involved in a student activism group? Give it a shot! It’s a great way to make new friends and connections, develop a new skill, or discover a hidden talent with minimal commitment.

Extracurriculars are a great way to explore something new without the pressure of doing it for a grade or having to fork over a lot of cash for the experience. (continued on Pg. 22)

All images are courtesy of Kerri Nicole

Graduation Day - A college education is an amazing privilege, make the most of it.

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s s e e DD

Agnes Preston-Brame

A Life By

14

n n g g ii Tony Bates

to New York and upon seeing the works displayed in the many museums and galleries there, began to realize how much more the world had to offer and just how censored her life had been. Yearning to reach her full potential and realizing that it could never truly be developed under the scrutiny of the (then communist) Hungarian government, while still in her teens Agnes made the difficult decision to defect to the U.S. and follow her creative passion. Her decision was made even more challenging with the knowledge that she would be leaving behind the world that she’d known and could expect little if any help from her family. She would quite literally be starting out alone and with nothing.

After spending a short time in Montreal Canada studying painting and drawing at the Art Institute of Sir George Williams University, Agnes moved to New York, initially living at the YWCA in Manhattan. Wasting no time, Agnes joined the Art Students’ League and immediately began classes in painting and print making while learning English and getting acclimated to the “American way of life”. From there, things really started moving quickly. A few months into her training at the league, Agnes received a scholarship to attend classes at their Woodstock, NY studios. The very next year she received a full scholarship to the State University of NY at New Paltz, where she graduated Summa cum Laude with a Fine Art degree in painting.

F

or many of us life has a way, of getting in the way. We start off with an interest or desire that we’d like to follow when one thing then another comes along, diverting us from our path. Of course we may eventually return to it later in life or even find new interests to pursue; but often that’s after long periods of… well, life. If we are able to return, that’s wonderful, but in the end, how many of us take an interest we have as a child and use it to fuel a passion that lasts a lifetime?

Artist/Designer Agnes Preston-Brame has done just that. By staying true to herself while developing the ability to adjust and adapt, Agnes has not just maintained a presence in the world of art and design, she has excelled there.

Born in Budapest, Hungary and a student of art from the age of six, Agnes, like many teens thought she knew it all. Form, style and other artistic elements were second nature to her; after all, she had been raised admiring and studying the great works that surrounded her. However, visiting her mother in Canada, Agnes took a trip

Although it was (and still is) a major hub in the American art world, New York in the 70’s was a tough place for a newly graduated artist, even a talented one with a degree. Shows and exhibitions were barely paying the bills while potential jobs only cared about how fast she could type. No one, it seemed, was interested in a BFA, especially one in painting. Where many others would have become deterred, Agnes stayed the course and continued her search for a job that would allow her to use her creativity and artistic skills. Seeing an ad for “textile designers” Agnes put together a portfolio and went to the company’s office, only to discover their address was a thirty story building full of textile firms. Portfolio in hand, she started on the top floor and had secured a design assistants position before ever reaching the firm she had set out to visit. Six months later she was heading the department. After a few additional classes in textile design, Agnes left the firm to start her own freelance design company, going on to create fabric collections for some of the best known companies in the home furnishing industry. Refusing to rest on her laurels, Agnes expanded her interests and skills to include interior design, garnering well deserved respect and building success in that field as well.

Seizing an opportunity to enjoy a change of pace, Agnes relocated to Greensboro with her husband Gary Brame. Here, she continued to paint and actually increased the number of her art exhibitions, all while maintaining her design company, Metamorphosis Design LLC. Seven years ago, understanding the similarities in their loves of art, and antiques, and seeing the chance to pursue that additional passion together, Agnes and Gary purchased Jules Antiques and Fine Art, quickly turning it into one of the city’s premiere antique shops. However, demand for her design stills never waned, and at the urging of her clients, Agnes refocused her attention and began taking on new clients, continuing to this day to design the interiors of some of the finest homes in, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Greensboro, Pennsylvania and NY. (continued on Pg. 24) Photo this page only by T. Bates • A sampling of Agnes Preston-Brame’s work on display at Jules Antiques and Fine Art • Greensboro, NC 15

524 S.Elm St. Greensboro, NC Triedandtruenc@gmail.com

336-274-1010 “like� our facebook page

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he day felt like an authentic Saturday. I barely slept the night before and rose early with a laundry list of tasks on my mind. I gazed at myself in the bathroom mirror and a smirk evolved into a teeth baring grin as I realized I'm a bride. "Today, I'm getting married"–whatever that meant. I felt my heart pound, my breath quicken, my stomach churn–and straight to the toilet I went! At the time, I thought my nerves were getting the best of me because I hadn't finished my vows–and that's not proper wedding etiquette. But with every attempt I made to express the depths of my love, I would erupt into tears. I couldn't stop thinking about all of the reasons why I love him. I couldn't stop thinking about how much we've grown in the past six years–evolution is intensely beautiful. I couldn't stop thinking how I'm a better human because of him.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, my stomach couldn’t handle it. Funny, I don't recall the romantic stories mentioning loving someone so much that it makes you vomit!

e erly Jasmin

illa (form Jasmine Neh

Simmons)

In the eleventh grade, I immersed myself Tea Cake, but bein' dead from standin' still in the novel Their Eyes Were Watching and tryin' tuh laugh. But you come God by Zora Neale Hurston. With 'long and made somethin' outa me. each page turn, I soaked up every So Ah'm thankful fuh anything word and yearned for a love we come through together." that Vergible "Tea Cake" and My eyes are welling up with Janie shared. They came tears all over again. alive together. Their reIf I had to describe lationship was genuine the wedding in one and exciting–and that word, my fourth was enticing. Paired grade spelling bee with modern blues coach would be vocalists like Etta proud; I'd choose James and Amy phantasmagoric.

Whinehouse, my The word itself inner-emo would reflects our quirky sculpt a partner that personalities. And made life worth livevery step down ing, who would the aisle felt like proudly stand bea dream.

I would side me, and love have pinched myme with great intenself but my heart sity. I had so much beat so fiercely, I love to give, but never knew I was present. imagined a partner like I never felt more alive.

B. He makes "everyday And I then realized, I feel like kindergarten." said the same thing about Right as I was getting ready playing roller derby.

Thereto walk down the aisle, I fore, it would be safe to constumbled across a quote from clude that getting married is the book that gave me inspiration like playing roller derby–adrenato speak from the heart–not like I line rushes and all • had any other option. The words were Janie's unofficial vows to Tea Cake. She said, You can now refer to me as Mrs. Nehilla.

"Once upon uh time, Ah never 'spected nothin', images courtesy of: top right - blue nervana photography • bottom center - paul seiler photography 17

dear. Thankfully our city has a hospital dedicated to the care of moms and newborns.

Often their only barrier to moving ahead and restoring their confidence; 345 women and adolescent girls were guided through the process of making positive life changes during a series of selfesteem classes taught by volunteer mental health professionals.

Just as Community Educational Workshops facilitated by 40 volunteer subject matter experts provided information and guidance to 621 women, affording them an improved capacity to care for themselves, their children and their parents.

Speaking with center’s Executive Director, Ashley Brooks, it becomes immediately apparent that they will never rest on the laurels of the exceptional work they’ve done so far. Not only is the future bright for the WRC, their direction is clear. “Over the last nineteen years, we have been steadfast in our mission to keep up to date with community resources. As Ashley tells me, “We have helped women open businesses, find childcare subsidies, obtain additional education, secure jobs, increase their self-esteem, and

“

The Breast Center of Greensboro Imaging With breast cancer being the most common cancer in women with approximately 40,000 women expected to perish this year alone (surpassed only by lung cancer), another wonderful and much needed area resource is The Breast Center of Greensboro Imaging. Providing state-of-the-art technology to serve women’s breast health and other health care needs, the Center is ultimately in the business of saving the lives of women. More than simply the only comprehensive breast health center in the region, their award winning, state of the art technology and thorough understanding of the need for early detection and the means to achieve it, have made The Breast Center one of only about ten BICOE (Breast Imaging Center of Excellence) centers in the state of North Carolina.

“

(continued from pg. 6)

With nearly 6,000 women delivering babies here annually, Women’s Hospital has a wealth of accumulated knowledge and the resources of the Cone Health network to help put that knowledge to good use. This 134-bed hospital provides women with world class services ranging from specialized care for a high-risk pregnancy to the latest diagnostic services and alternative birth options such as a water birth.

Their family-centered model of care means homelike rooms and extra special room service for new moms and their birthing partners, while neonatal care includes a newborn nursery and 36-bed Level II and Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), should the need arise. From initial pregnancy testing through delivery and the transition home, Women’s Hospital is right here ready for you to use. You can call or stop by today or visit their website anytime for additional information.

The Breast Center of Greensboro Imaging is ultimately in the business of saving the lives of women

access emergency assistance programs. But there is still much to do. Our community continues to rely on us to provide vital services that are every bit as relevant today as when we opened 19 years ago. While our services and facilities have grown to assist nearly 9,000 women each year, there is still the smell of fresh coffee, welcoming smiles from the staff and volunteers, and most importantly, a safe place for women to find answers.”

The Women’s Hospital Women have known for millennia what many men have yet to fully understand; childbirth is no easy thing. Even when everything leading up to “the” moment goes smoothly, it’s only because of the time and care invested in the preparation that the pregnancy and delivery seem to go off without a hitch. We hold women and children near to our hearts and consider them precious, so the combination of a woman “with child” is especially 18

Leaders in their field in administer- ing and reading mammography, ultrasound, breast MRI and bone density scans, the physicians here receive their training at some of the most prestigious institutions in the country. As the premier center for breast health in the Piedmont, the center not only provides a myriad of services including those listed above as well as MRI guided breast biopsies, they have recently become one of the first centers in North Carolina to offer the newest technology in breast cancer detection; 3D mammography (breast tomosynthesis). Recognizing that continued counseling is an integral part of ongoing treatment, the center also helps lead a weekly, multi-disciplinary breast cancer conference to ensure the most comprehensive and highest quality medical care.

The experts at The Breast Center of Greensboro Imaging have listed the following risk factors for breast cancer on their website:

Risk factors that cannot be modified: • Gender: Being female is the main risk factor for breast cancer.

• Age: The risk of breast cancer increases with age.

• Genetics: 5–10% of breast cancers are thought to be hereditary.

• Family history: 15% of women with breast cancer have a

family history.

• 85% of women with breast cancer have no family history.

• Personal history: 3-4 fold increased risk of new cancer after

diagnosis of cancer.

• Ethnicity: Caucasian women have a slightly higher risk of developing cancer than African-American women.

African-American women are more likely to die of the disease.

African, Asian, Hispanic and Native-American women have a

lower risk of developing and dying of breast cancer.

• Breast density: Women with denser breast tissue have a

higher risk of breast cancer. Dense breast tissue makes

a mammogram harder to read.

a b o v e : i n s i d e s e c o n d t o n at u r e o n s tat e s t r e e t

• Having children: Women who have no children or have

their first child after age 30 have a slightly higher risk for

breast cancer.

• Prior chest radiation: Radiation therapy at an early age

increases the risk of breast cancer.

It’s very important to understand that none of the factors on this list should be ignored and that only proper screenings can ultimately detect breast cancer with any certainty. If you know any women that should have been screened but have not as yet (or recently) had it done, or if you, yourself are due, please don’t wait.

Breast cancer is treatable, but only if detected. There is absolutely no reason to wait and every reason to go to The Breast Center of Greensboro Imaging. Stop by, call or visit their website for additional information

Risk factors that can be modified:

Second to Nature

• Alcohol: Risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed.

There are quite a few wonderful boutiques in Greensboro (especially on State Street), but very few that can honestly be called “necessary”. Second to Nature is one such boutique, one of those shops you hope you never have to use, but you’re really glad they’re there if you do. One of the largest cancer resource boutiques in the U.S., Second to Nature provides bras, prosthetics, swimwear and accessories to women who have undergone full or partial mastectomies, lumpectomies or breast reconstruction. Their certified bra fitters and caring knowledgeable staff provides choices and options that offer balance and symmetry to women who may have breast unevenness for whatever reason. And as an added benefit, in most cases health insurance will pay for their products.

• High risk lesions: Certain prior biopsies show a higher risk.

• Menstrual periods: Having more menstrual cycles at an early

age or at a later age increases risk.

• Obesity: Increases risk especially after menopause.

• Physical activity: Exercise reduces risk.

• Breast feeding: Reduces risk.

• Hormone therapy: Recent use of combined hormone

replacement therapy (estrogen and progesterone)

increases risk.

Second to Nature was created out of necessity in 1979 when, after a mastectomy, the woman who would become the original owner noticed that her grandmother’s only option for a bra and prosthesis was the closet of a local drug store, with only an untrained man to assist her. She created Second to Nature to give women much needed and much deserved privacy and dignity when being fitted with these products. Current owner Ramona Hertzell purchased the store in 1997 and in 2006 moved it to their current State Street location. In the process she has transformed it from the simple in-home fitting service it was into the full service, storefront, after breast surgery boutique it is today. (continued on pg 36)

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A Special Place also provides customer service unseen in a “typical” wig store. As Jamela explains, “Our fitters are certified in wig fitting, we cut, style and alter the wig for a custom fit and personalized style. We also carry compression garments - arm sleeves, stocking and so forth”. And like their next door

(continued from pg 36) From the 100 clients she began with, Ramona currently provides her company’s products and services to over 3500 customers, while providing the community a great service.

A Special Place

top left & above - a special place on state street

neighbor, “Many of the items we carry are covered by insurance for women with medical needs, and we work with many different insurance companies to help women get their products covered”.

Owner of an in-home mastectomy fitting service in Gold Beach Oregon for 12 years, when she moved back to Greensboro Jamela discovered there was already a great mastectomy fitting service Second to Nature. “After discussing the needs of the community with the owner of Second to Nature, we realized that women needed a quality wig store in our area”, she explains, “So, we created A Special Place in 2003 and partnered with Second to Nature on State Street in 2006 to offer wigs in a one-stop-shopping environment”.

Right next door to Second to Nature (you can walk through from one to the other) is A Special Place. That’s actually the name and in the case of A Special Place the name truly says it all. Specializing in what owner Jamela Hodgson refers to as “alternative hair”, A Special place offers “wigs, hairpieces and extensions, as well as hats, scarves and accessories to a wide variety of customers, from chemotherapy patients and women with thinning hair to women who wear wigs and hairpieces just for fun and fashion”.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, which hopefully means something very important to more than that segment of our population most at risk to develop it. If the women in our lives are special to us, if we care for our wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, nieces, cousins and friends, even those we haven’t met yet, then we must become aware. Without awareness we are left with only ignorance and, contrary to the well-known saying, in the case of health ignorance is by no means blissful and in fact quite dangerous. Too often in our busy lives, things that shouldn’t go unnoticed do and we miss the signs along the way. If we become aware we may see the signs that others have missed and with the right information we may be able to help. Knowing there are resources and where to get them is the first and very necessary battle in a long war. Therefore, we can never be stressed enough the need for awareness, because awareness leads to prevention and an ounce of prevention is worth, well you know the rest…•

For more information, call or visit the following women’s resources in Greensboro: The Breast Center of Greensboro Imaging - 1002 N Church St, 27405 - greensboroimaging.com/locations/breast-center - (336) 271-4999 The Women’s Resource Center - 628 Summit Ave, 27405 - womenscentergso.org - (336) 275-6090 Women’s Hospital - 801 Green Valley Rd, 27408 - conehealth.com/locations/womens-hospital - (336) 832-6500 Pink Ribbon Chic (Second to Nature & A Special Place) - 500 State St, 27405 - pinkribbonchic.com - (336) 274-2003 20

Connect with businesses in your local christian community GREENSBORO

CHRISTI AN BUSINESS GUIDE

“Faithfully Serving the Community ”

DECEMBER 2014

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(continued from pg 13)

3.Find Mentors.

This is so, so important. While this can be especially helpful when you are first getting acclimated to college life as freshman—and there are often special programs for freshman, minorities, international students, and first-generation college students—these mentors can provide you with guidance and advice throughout your college career and beyond. Mentors can be anyone: professors, deans, internship coordinators, upperclassmen, or even just peers who have more experience in your field. Once you’ve found mentors, be sure to keep in touch with them, even if only sporadically.

Whether you email them with intermittent updates on your life and projects, follow them on Facebook or LinkedIn, or just meet and catch-up every few months, maintain that relationship! Even after graduation, there’s still so much you can learn from each other, and they may even help you land a job.

away. I won’t tell you college is the best four years of your life- mostly because it implies that the next 60 or so will be mediocre at best and no one should live with that mentality--but it is a wonderful period for selfdiscovery and preparation for the next phases of your life. If you’re lucky enough to have the privilege of a college education, I hope you make the absolute most of it•

4.Savor Every Moment.

Don’t let the 80’s movies fool you into thinking that college is a four-year-long bacchanal with no real responsibilities. You will have projects and papers that are worth more than half of your grade in a course. There will be weeks where you pull more than one all-nighter trying to cram or finish multiple assignments that

Images: Top - Relaxing on The Quad.

Center - Pandanggo- As a freshman, I never thought I’d love performing traditional Filipino dances, but I’m so glad I gave it a try!

Left - My Southeast Asian Summer companions at the Taj Mahal.

To think I almost didn’t apply!

Below - My study abroad friends and I celebrating the Indian Holi Festival on-campus our Sophomores (top) and Senior years (bottom)

somehow all manage to be due the same day. At some point, you will probably have to balance a full courseload with a job or an internship (or both!). There will be a number of mandatory courses that you’ll sit through and think are the biggest waste of your time and money--and sometimes you’ll be right. There will be days when you want to say “Screw it!” and just binge-watch Netflix instead of going to class or writing that ten-page essay.

All of that said, college is still an incredibly fun time. During my time at UNC, I grew in ways I never imagined, had some great adventures (and equally-great mishaps), and was lucky enough to forge some pretty amazing friendships. After you get that piece of paper in the mail saying your undergraduate journey has come to an end, you won’t really remember the rough moments--or if you do, the sting will have long since faded 22

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On another occasion, Agnes had all but completed a design job for a client, yet was still searching for an appropriate art work for a difficult spot. Sometime later, the client called Agnes to let her know that she’d found a painting that was absolutely perfect for that difficult location and asked if Agnes could stop by and give her opinion about it. It turns out this perfect painting was one of Agnes’ original works that she had painted and sold several years ago. The new client had purchased the painting at an estate sale before ever knowing it was Agnes’s work.

Although painting will always be her first artistic love, Agnes continues to find great joy in all of her creative pursuits. When asked about the difference between designing interiors and her painting, she tells me the distinction is clear. “Interior and even textile design” she says, “is more specific to the client’s needs. Of course, you

(Design - continued from pg. 15) “Understanding and communication are key [factors] in design work,” Agnes tells me, “the designer must be able to take the clients tastes and wishes into consideration”. Left completely to her own devices (which happens more than one might think), Agnes would describe her design style as “Transitional-Eclectic”. As one can imagine, along the way, Agnes has had some very interesting and quite a few challenging experiences. For instance, tasked with the initial interior design of new constructions, Agnes often has to work from the blueprints, making suggestions as to room size and layout. For one such 5000sf project in Pennsylvania, Agnes remained primarily in her office in Greensboro, managing the entire design using blueprints, pictures and video. Although she expertly selected everything from wall color, flooring and drapes to cabinets, furniture and artwork, Agnes never saw the house until she and Gary recently hand delivered some of the final accent pieces and as usual her clients were thrilled by the results.

still use your imagination and creativity, but in the end it’s all about the client’s satisfaction. Artwork”, she continues “or ‘true artwork’ is (or should be) created only to please the artist. One always hopes that others will fall in love with the work as well, but when painting, the artist is expressing themselves on their own terms”. An interesting distinction, yet it makes perfect sense considering Agnes’s preferred and most prevalent painting style is “figurative expressionism”. A look at one of her faceless expressionist pieces and the underlying emotion becomes immediately evident, often describing the scene in detail using only rudimentary forms, colors and shadows and shades. All in all the interpretation can be a very intense experience.

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In an age when we tell ourselves and our children to “follow your dreams” yet many of us are forced to compromise, it’s truly refreshing to meet and experience someone who has taken on life on her own terms. When I asked Agnes what, out of all of her experiences and accomplishments, she is most proud of she quickly replied that while she is certainly pleased and fulfilled by her body of work , it was and still is her “ability to adapt…to change and survive without giving up her artistry” that gives her the most satisfaction. As to a life that continues to be well lived, driven by a love of art and one where she has always managed to stay the course Agnes Preston-Brame designed this one to perfection•

Interiors designs by Metamorphosis Design LLC. Opposite, page, bottom left: “Tension” Opposite page, center: “Ensemble” Above: Agness Preston-Brame Images courtesy of Anges Preston-Brame

W ho Are We?

Fernando at Lillo Bella Boutique

Kathie at Yamamori LTD

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GSO City Market Aug/Sept 2014

www.gsocitymarket.com See you again November 20th!

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