C L Magazine Volume 4 | Issue 3 - Summer| Fall Issue 2018

VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 3 | SUMMER | FALL 2018

Special Feature:

I e rv e s e R rn te s e W e th pice of s o H e th h it w y e rn u o A Family’s J n

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

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Grounded in Gratitude: Reflections from C L Magazine Readers Across the Region Seven Strategies for Increased Employee Engagement by Stacie Riffert Spiritual Health Check-up by Rose Hosler, RN, BSN The Power of the Podcast

GOING THE DISTANCE

FOR OUR

COMMUNITIES. At Dominion Energy Ohio, going the distance for our customers means more than just delivering safe, affordable natural gas. It means being a positive force in the communities we serve. Our EnergyShareÂŽ program has raised $6.8 million and helped more than 70,000 people in Ohio alone. These resources, combined with more than 6,300 volunteer hours from our employees, have benefited organizations as diverse as the American Red Cross, the Boy Scouts of America and the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition.

CONTENTS

VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 3 | SUMMER | FALL 2018

COVER

SPECIAL FEATURE

24 Dispelling Myths About Hospice: An Interview with Alexandria Johnson Boone

by Laurie Henrichsen Our Publisher, Alexandria Johnson Boone sits down with Hospice of Western Reserve to share her moving testimony about her mother and father’s illness and the critical support the organization provided throughout the most challenging time of her and her family’s lives.

CAREER

18 Grounded in Gratitude: Reflections from C L Magazine Readers Across the Region Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Find out what our readers are thankful for this holiday season!

Seven Strategies for Increased Employee Engagement

by Stacie Riffert

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You’ve got the power! Check out this list of practices every CEO, Director and Manger should incorporate in their leadership style to inspire and encourage employees to become more enthusiastic about their work!

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A Snapshot of the Living Generations in the United States Age is much more than a number, especially in the workplace. Understand your boss or colleague better after reading this breakdown of Baby Boomers, Gen Z, Millennials and more inside!

ON THE COVER: Photo pictured from left to right: Alex Johnson Sr., Alexandria Johnson Boone and Aria Johnson (1947) SUMMER | FALL 2018 | 3

FROM THE DESK OF THE

C L Magazine Team

PUBLISHER

Publisher and Chief Editorial Officer Alexandria Johnson Boone Editor and Chief Researcher Simone E. Swanson Creative Team Frederick Burton Design LLC Senior Copy Editor Michelle E. Urquhart Business Manager Paula T. Newman Assistant to the Publisher Bernadette K. Mayfield Photographer & Photography Editor Rodney L. Brown Database and Information Coordinator Cheretta Moore Social Media Manager Frechic Burton Dickson For advertising information please contact us at: advertising@CL-Magazine.com Subscribe free at: www.CL-Magazine.com CLMagazine CLMagazine CLMagazine

C L Magazine is published digitally on a quarterly basis by the Women of Color Foundation (WOCF), a 501 (c) (3), tax-exempt organization. Our offices are located at 4200 Warrensville Center Road, Building A, Suite 353, Cleveland, Ohio 44122. Our toll free phone number is: 866.962-3411 (866.WOCF.411).

Our Day Will Come!

Dear Readers, My Publisher’s Letter for this issue is primarily for women and girls only. And, perhaps for the men who really get the substance and importance of the #MeToo movement and the lasting impact that it will have on women and girls around the globe for years to come, if not forever.

Tarana Burke, an African-American civil rights activist from The Bronx, New York, founded the Me Too movement. In 2006, Burke began using the phrase “Me Too” to raise awareness of the pervasiveness of sexual abuse and assault in society. The phrase developed into a broader movement following the 2017 use of #MeToo as a hashtag following the Harvey Weinstein sexual abuse allegations. Time named Burke, among a group of other prominent activists dubbed “the silence breakers”, as the Time Person of the Year for 2017. Burke attends public speaking events across the country and is currently Senior Director at Girls for Gender Equity.

The “truth be told,” many of us have suffered some form of sexual assault, sexual harassment and/or rape, in our lives at the hands of male and female family members, friends, trusted members of the community, clerics, and the list goes on. Did we report it? Some did, but many, many, more did not.

Why not, you ask. Because of threats, fear of retribution, further victimization of us, and/or our families, shame, embarrassment, etc.

But now is the time for us to remember; and to stand up if we are emotionally able.

For many, speaking up has been truly liberating. So please don’t be afraid to share your story and your pain. Your sisters in the struggle, and the men who care about you, will stand with you.

It’s not about the money, the media frenzy (should you decide to go public), or directly confronting your victimizer. It’s about freeing your mind so that you can move on and free yourself to remember and enjoy the amazing, positive things that have happened in your life!

To the men who love and support us, THANK YOU. We are your grandmothers, mothers, sisters, daughters, colleagues and friends. Please know that your support has not gone unnoticed. We appreciate those of you who have stood with us. But unfortunately, the fight continues.

Copyright © 2014-2018. All rights reserved.

No portion of this publication may be distributed electronically, reproduced or duplicated in whole or in part, without written permission of the publisher.

In the spirit of the greatness in us all

Magazine Production: GAP Communications Group

Alexandria Johnson Boone Publisher and Chief Editorial Officer, C L Magazine and Chairwoman/Founder, Women of Color Foundation

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EDITOR’S LETTER Dear Readers, “God placed the best things in life, on the other side of fear.”

While clicking through YouTube videos one day, I stumbled across a video posted by actor, Will Smith.

In the video he was recounting his first skydiving experience. The Fresh Prince star was speaking to an audience about fear and used his bucket list adventure as a metaphor to inspire folks to move past their fears into their purpose. The quote above stood out to me and I have been meditating on it for a few weeks now.

As we enter the last few months of the year, I ask, what is your relationship with fear? Let me be clear, this is not to be confused with actual danger where your life or the life of someone else is in physical harm. This is specifically speaking to the illusion based fear that we create in our minds. We cling to our fear for dear life, because it is all we’ve ever known. We’d rather marinate miserably in the comfort of our fear rather than surrender to the unknown.

Many of us started the year with a list of lofty New Year’s Resolutions and by the end of February we’ve forgotten what we set out to accomplish. Whether your ambition for 2018 was to start your own business, lose unwanted fat, go back to school or jump out of a plane…if you haven’t accomplished that goal or made significant strides, my guess is it’s because you are letting fear steer you from your deepest desires.

We are one publication away from celebrating our FIFTH YEAR of CL Magazine! It still humbles me to think this all started as an idea and has now touched so many people worldwide. Far too often we

celebrate the end product without acknowledging the challenges and road bumps along the way. When our Publisher, Alexandria Johnson Boone, decided that she would expand her brand and offer a digital publication to women worldwide, I’m sure there was a form of fear that surfaced. However, instead of feeding into that fear, she aligned herself with a team of people who she felt would help shift her brilliant idea into reality.

As you browse through this issue, ask yourself what your relationship is with fear. Could there be something beautiful on the other side of your fear?

Share your thoughts with us online or via social media.

Do you have a topic in mind that you’d like to share with our readers? Send in your article today by visiting www.cl-magazine.com.

Cheers,

Simone

SUMMER | FALL 2018 | 5

CONTENTS LIFESTYLE

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Spiritual Health Check-up

by Rose Hosler, RN, BSN

The Importance of Reducing Stress & Practicing Self Care by Cassandra Hill

When was your last spiritual check-up? See what a Rabbi, Reverend and hospital Chaplain say about the importance of maintaining good spiritual health.

A trip to the spa could save your life! A shocking 80% of lupus patients report emotional stress before disease onset. Get the facts on the alarming link between stress and chronic illness inside.

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36 Keep That Fat Burning All Year Long

by Phillip Germany II

Guard Your Gates by Nancy L. Robinson

Summer bodies are made in the winter! 3 simple non-exercise activities working women can incorporate during the fall and winter months to effectively burn unwanted fat!

Are you experiencing spiritual blockage? Could it be your obsession with work, social media or reality tv shows? Find out how you can reach a deeper meaning of life by cutting back on your consumption of mainstream media.

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Our Quarterly Profile: A Non-Profit Organization Making a Difference!

Find out how this youth development organization uses the game of golf to change the lives of young people in Cleveland, Ohio.

Let’s Talk About It! Sex, Singles & Love

by Antwan Steele Many women have failed to incorporate one very important rule while dating. Find out what could be standing in the way of you and Mr. Right!

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: 44 4 NEW Recipes That Your Spouse and Kids Will Love!

38 The Power of Podcasts: 6 Podcasts that Inspire & Inform!

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Good neighbors.

Great Lake.

Greater future.

The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District Good Neighbor Ambassador Program offers career opportunities and professional development in communities affected by major construction projects.

The result is better relationships and a brighter future for the region.

@neorsd • neorsd.org/neighbor

Spiritual Health Check-Up When we think of health and wellbeing, the focus usually is on physical and emotional health.

It isn’t until we are in a difficult life situation or health crisis that our spirituality or lack of, comes into our awareness. We often speak of the mind/body/spirit connection but how many of us really take it in? The mind, body, and spirit are interconnected and when these are in balance then we are healthy. Have you had a spiritual health checkup lately? To check in with spirituality and spiritual health, I asked questions of my friends and colleagues in this profession.

Rabbi Alan Lettofsky Rev. Brent Raitz, M.Div, BCC Association of Professional Chaplains

PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Rev. Ikwo Umosen, D.Min, BCC Association of Professional Chaplains, hospital chaplain (endorsed hospital chaplaincy)

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How do you define spirituality?

Rabbi Lettofsky: All human beings experience the world in such a way of our five senses. Spirituality is going beyond those five senses, there is more going on than we can sense.This may be expressed in many ways, through religion, various practices, or meditation. When we look at science, especially medical science, spirituality is not measured, not concrete. We have to go back to our own spirituality to make sense of our lives and the universe.

Rev. Raitz: For me it is my connection with God Spirituality is a defining piece that orchestrates all the rest, the physical and emotional. Not only my connection with God, also how I love my wife, children, and the relationships I have with others.

Rev Umosen: To me it is looking inward to use the resources we have from within that empower us to maximize our fullest potential. Many times we function in two realms; the mind and body, we forget the spiritual realm. Religion is outward based in ritual, tradition, and rules. Spirituality is informal, flexible and internal; what one is comfortable in believing that supports you.

We understand and see physical, mental/ emotional health. What about our spiritual health?

Rabbi Lettofsky: Sometimes we cannot cure disease, but we pray for healing. It involves connection with self, others, and community. One feels at peace that things are OK. We tend to focus on our spirituality when faced with illness and death. Having spiritual health is knowing there is more to life than just our body. Love, beauty, our relationships, that is what counts and lasts.

Realizing there’s more, we do not live forever, and we are not perfect. My spiritual health comes through my relationships especially with my grandchildren; they will remember me after I have died. My reward is in the next world.

Rev. Raitz: Spiritual health is about balance. What speaks to a person maybe through journaling, prayer, connecting with nature, the people around you. Spiritual health can guide how you take care of the physical and emotional body. Also, for me it is how I love people as God loves people.

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Rev Umosen: Creating an environment of spirituality, part of being. What activates the spirit, the goodness, kindness within us? Building relationships, talking about life, even nature, empathy, and compassion creates spiritual health.

For those who are struggling with spirituality or feel it is missing, where can they begin?

Rabbi Lettofsky: Asking a person what is important in his life. What is of value to you? Not material. I would help them find meaning in his life. We can take things for granted, especially in times of health. When illness falls upon us I feel it is my role to support a person when they need to focus on their spirituality.

Rev. Raitz: For me it would be talking with the person, checking to see if they are connected. Either through a church, group of friends, a spiritual advisor, or what speaks to them. Getting in touch with the spiritual side in day to day life. When people are ill or have lost a job, relationship, they may feel abandonment, anger, disappointment with God. People have different ways of connecting, and it is helpful to explore that. Focusing on what their spirituality has looked like when they have felt good. Helping them to reignite that feeling of connectedness.

Rev. Umosen: I would ask what is your meaning or purpose in what you are doing right now. Asking a person what they feel is missing in their life. It can be easy to bridge the gap —we have to be conscious of the mind/body/spirit. It is three dimensional; cannot function independently. Helping someone find what makes them whole, purposeful. As men age, they tend to be more retrospective as they think about their life and how spirituality comes in.

The mind/body/spirit are intricately connected. Take time to assess and check-in with your spiritual self. What speaks to you spiritually? How do you feel connected?

I would like to thank Rev. Raitz, Rev. Umosen, and Rabbi Lettofsky for their wisdom and love.

Peace and Blessings for your Spiritual Health!

Rose Hosler, RN, BSN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC rosehosler@aol.com

More time together.

Living with a chronic illness is challenging for the whole family, but keeping your loved one at home is easier with specialized care and compassionate support. We can make the first visit the same day you call for help, and we’ll continue to be there for you 24/7, in person and by phone.

Living with serious illness is hard. Deciding on the right hospice and palliative care provider is easy. Insist on Northern Ohio’s oldest and most experienced provider.

For same day help, call or visit our website today.

Insist on

HOSPICE OF THE WESTERN RESERVE

800.707.8922 |

hospicewr.org

Volume 4

Wint er Spr ing 20 1 8

CAREER & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Mark Birtha, President, Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park. A real winner in the gaming industry, in his career and in life.

Read his journey from humble beginnings to the top of his game!

More Inside this Issue:

• “Cleveland’s “Hidden Figures” at the NASA Glenn Research Center • “Food for Your Soul” by Antwan Steele • “Five Key Components to Writing a Successful Grant Proposal” by Linda Styer • “Spring Photo Tips for Amateurs”

by Phillip Germany II

GET YOUR "FREE" DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION TODAY AT: www.cl-magazine.com 12 | C L MAGAZINE

Strategies for Increased Employee Engagement Employee engagement has been a hot topic amongst corporations, large and small, for almost two decades now. Most organizations recognize the importance of an engaged team; it helps you lower your risk of turnover, boost customer satisfaction, realize higher productivity, improve the bottom line and increase your company’s overall chance of success.

Yet less than 33% of employees are engaged in their jobs in any given year.

PHOTOS BY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Companies have been focused on this metric for years, but the engagement numbers haven’t changed much since 2000. In one of Gallop’s recent reports, The State of

the American Manager, they determined that managers account for as much as 70% of variance in employee engagement scores. Thus, bringing truth to the phrase “people don’t leave jobs, they leave managers.” So, is there anything you can do to make your employees feel involved in and enthusiastic about their work and workplace? Happily, YES! Leaders should view every interaction with an employee as one with the potential to influence engagement and inspire effort. How leaders interact with and manage their employees can substantially affect engagement levels in the workplace, which in turn influences the company’s bottom line. Here are few strategies organizations can use to help build engagement with their employees: 1. Have and Communicate a Clear Vision Engagement starts with the leadership communicating a clear vision for the

“Strong leaders use every opportunity, every touchpoint and every communication vehicle to reinforce the organization’s commitment to employee satisfaction and engagement.”

SUMMER | FALL 2018 | 13

organization. People naturally want to belong to something greater than themselves. Your vision should inspire passion and commitment from your employees (and other stakeholders) and should serve as the rally cry for your organization.

If your team knows, understands and believes in the direction you are moving they are much more likely to engage.

2. Explain the Why People need to understand why they are being asked to do things. The best managers and leaders are transparent with their teams (to the extent they can be). Let your team know why they are doing things (or not doing them) and how their work fits into the bigger picture. The more they understand, the more likely they will be to want to help.

3. Set Processes, Procedures and Expectations From the first day of employment, make sure you have clearly laid out processes, procedures and expectations for each employee. People crave certainty, and they find it stressful when they are unsure of what is expected of them from day to day. If you are clear from the beginning, neither you nor the employee should encounter surprises.

4. Get to Know Each Individual Employee The strongest leaders take the time to personally connect with their teams. They get to know them at a personal level, outside of just their work and remember that they are human with real thoughts, feelings, responsibilities, families and challenges. They are interested in their hobbies and families and recognize that,

allowing each employee to bring their “whole self” to work. Showing you care creates trust and loyalty. Knowing that they are respected as individuals at work can have a significant impact on how employees view not only their jobs, but their overall lives.

5. Understand Individual Motivators We each have different motivators that drive our desires and our decisions. As a leader, it is your duty to identify the motivators for your team. Each person is likely driven by a different factor, so by understanding them you will be better equipped to tap into the right ways to engage your team.

6. Create an Incentive Structure Now that you know what motivates the individuals on your team, you can create incentives that speak to those motivators.

Great organizations have at least six different incentives available for their teams. Here are a few examples of motivators and incentives to support them: • Security – benefits, job stability • Financial – fair salary, bonus opportunities, one-time incentives • Learning – on-going training and development opportunities • Leadership – opportunity for advancement into management roles • Expert Status/Recognition – new hire mentor, trainer • Altruistic – community service projects • Relationships/Connections – committees (i.e. safety, employee engagement), team building events

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7. Encourage Regular Feedback People want to feel valued and know their input matters. Give your team a safe forum to let you know what is happening within your organization. Be open to ideas and suggestions from your team. Often the best ideas and solutions come from the people living through the pain points or those who are closest to the customer. Remember, you don’t need to act on everything. However, you should address and acknowledge each suggestion and explain why you are tabling it for now.

The best leaders ensure that all their employee engagement efforts are aligned.

They find ways to communicate the impact of the engagement efforts throughout the organization throughout the year, and they share best practices across the organization.

Strong leaders use every opportunity, every touchpoint and every communication vehicle to reinforce the organization’s commitment to employee satisfaction and engagement.

Employee engagement becomes a piece of the organization’s strategy. Your team is your organization’s most important asset, make caring for them a priority. If done right, these seven strategies will help you inspire trust with your team.

Stacie Riffert sriffert@focalpointcoaching.com

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Grounded in Gratitude:

Reflections from C L Magazine Reader “I just returned from Cincinnati and I’m so grateful for my two sisters. The longer I live I’m finding out that my relationship with them is not the norm. As we all know, families usually gather at Mom’s house when family comes to town. Well for over 35 years, my sister in Cincinnati always drove home to Cleveland and I seldom drove there. After my mom passed, my sister Karen, who’s here in Cleveland said, “Patrice always comes home, why can’t we start going there?” Well, well, well….

I-71 does go north and south! So, every quarter, we drive down to Cincinnati to just spend time together.

The 3 Hill girls!!! A few people have told me how much they admire our commitment to this quarterly trek to southern Ohio. My sister’s friend in Cincy has even said that she called her sisters and told them “Patrice’s sisters come visit her every quarter, and I’m jealous. We should do the same thing!” #gratefulformysisters” ~ Connie Hill-Johnson

“I am grateful for beautiful sunsets.

The sky in Idaho often looks like it is on fire, literally makes me STOP and just be present .... I moved to Idaho about a year ago and I was very resistant to it...and I did my best to not be happy here ... so these sunsets to me are a little message from God that ALL IS WELL.”! ~ Megan Rencher

“I am grateful for the opportunity to be a mom to my beautiful boys Cale and Cooper.

Being a mom is the most rewarding and challenging thing I will ever do and I am so blessed to have them. The love I have for them and receive from them is indescribable.

They motivate me to be the best version of myself everyday! I get to watch them grow and teach them about life and this amazing world we live in. It is our job as parents to mold our children into adults one day and show them how to impact the lives of others, and I am so grateful to share that with my two boys.” ~ Kelly Sutton “I could say that I am grateful for my beautiful wife, Heidi. I could be grateful for my children and for completing a successful career as a Cleveland Firefighter, or the wonderful friends I have. But I believe what I am most grateful for are the three beautiful granddaughters Heidi and I have been blessed with, Madison, Annalise and Nora. When I view them, I see 3 innocent lives full of hope of what they could become. I see the legacies of my ancestors, passed through my DNA and directly into theirs.

They have become my reasons to press on and continue to be a positive impact in the world.” ~ Bilal Akram

rs Across the Region

BACKGROUND PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

“I am grateful for my two little girls. Brooklyn and Emmerson keep me finding my Strong in the weakest of moments so that I can teach them to Start Strong and Stay Strong through all parts of life.” ~ Julie Lee

“I am thankful for my family. As a multiple business owner, my schedule can get crazy. My husband has been so supportive since day one and encourages me to take advantage of any opportunity that comes my way. I’m grateful that I can show my children that if you are willing to put in the work, you can do what you love and create a life you are proud of. Without their support, I wouldn’t be brave enough to do a lot of the things I do.” ~ Kamron Khan

“I am thankful for my children! Each child brings a new dynamic and blessing to my life.

They teach me everyday to love a little harder, be patient, be kind and to succeed in every aspect of life. I’m thankful they’ve been able to help me slow down, be present and to inspire others to do the same. For them, I will forever be grateful.” ~ Ashley Collins

“I wasn’t always this self aware and, I certainly didn’t always have this ability to really see myself the way I am able to now. It is one of the most gratifying feelings to be able to see yourself for who you really are. Without judgment, but rather with an innate knowingness and an overflow of compassion.

There has been and will always be many occasions that requires me to step outside of myself and away from whatever script I’m currently buying into. The practice has involved accepting all of me. It has required brutal honesty and vigorous action to follow. When I’m able to be present,mindful and honest I am able to see and return more quickly to Her, to bliss. For that I am most grateful.” ~ Latarria Whitehead SUMMER | FALL 2018 | 19

&

The Importance of Reducing Stress Practicing Self Care STRESS from work. STRESS from family.

Stress can be defined as a strong or straining exertion. Our bodies have a mechanism the flight or fight response that helps us to effectively manage stress. However, our bodies aren’t designed to handle stress daily.

Long term effects of stress will create chaos in our bodies. After years of wear and tear our bodies will begin to crumble or break down completely. This can result in ulcers and hypertension. The ultimate enemy can present an autoimmune condition. There are countless autoimmune conditions, and the common component among them is the condition that causes your body to attack itself.

Lupus is an autoimmune condition that primarily affects woman of color. The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that 1.5 million Americans have lupus and at least five million people worldwide. One in 537 young black women are affected by lupus. The lupus in minority population study reported that

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black women have organ system involvement and their lupus is more active than whites.

It is estimated that 10-15 percent of people with lupus will die prematurely due to complications.

Multiple factors cause lupus including environment, genetics, and hormones.

Notwithstanding that 50% of autoimmune conditions has been linked to unknown trigger factors. Are you ready for this statistic?

EIGHTY PERCENT of patients reported uncommon emotional stress before disease onset. WE ARE LITERALLY WORKING OURSELVES TO DEATH. Ladies it’s imperative that we listen to our bodies. Our bodies are designed to work as well as rest. Rest is imperative for us to perform our best in our career and maintain a fulfilling personal life. When we ignore the warning signs more damage is done, which makes the recovery process slower.

Common body signals that indicate you may not be getting enough rest:

PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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• • • •

Waking up feeling tired Missed menstrual cycle Irritability Hair loss

water. Adding lemon (essential oil/fruit) balances ph and helps purify the liver.

•

Spinach. Tastes great in salad combine with tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil.

Spinach is a good source of protein which makes a great substitute for meat.

•

Beans. Beans are the perfect food. They measure high in antioxidant capabilities.

Since they are high in fiber and water a person feels fuller quicker which can aid in cutting calories.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms give your body the rest it deserves and schedule a doctor’s appointment.

Do you realize that neglecting your body is dangerous? I didn’t realize how dangerous it was until my body decided to shut down.

One evening I woke up, experiencing extreme pain and difficulty breathing. My symptoms had been waxing and waning for a little while and when I arrived at the ER several tests were administered. One of the tests, Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) came back positive. Given the symptoms I experienced, the doctor diagnosed me with systemic lupus.

This trip to the emergency room happened four years ago. My life changed in ways I never imagined. Now I listen to my body and ensure I give it proper rest and nutrition. Since I began listening to my body you wouldn’t believe the changes that have resulted. Two years ago, I entered remission with systemic lupus!

Other diet recommendations include consuming meat no more than three or four times a week and drinking no soda.

Rest and relaxation is another component of self-care. Pamper yourself at least weekly doing whatever you enjoy. Your body will thank you by providing more energy and performing even better.

Love and invest in yourself because you are an asset!

Self-care is key to maintaining good health. One of the most important components of self-care is diet.

The following foods/drinks are beneficial: •

Water with lemon.

Our body is composed of about 60% of water.

It makes sense to drink plenty of Cassandra Hill, M.A., Gerontology Certified Wellness Coach www.cassandrarhill.com

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Dispelling Myths About Hospice:

An Interview with Alexandria Johnson Boone

Alex, Alexandria and Aria Johnson (1947)

I can sum it up in one sentence: They saved my emotional life.

Before my experiences with my mother, I thought hospice was a place people go to die. I thought: “If I take her there, she will die.” But I learned this was not true. You go into hospice care to live your best moments before the transition.

This is my family’s personal story. I am sharing it here with the sincere hope it may help others.

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BACKGROUND PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

What do I think of Hospice of the Western Reserve?

Dealing with my mom’s illness was way, way more than I expected. Mom had a condition called Lewy body dementia. Although the underlying disease is different, many of the symptoms are like those of Alzheimer’s disease. Before I realized what we were dealing with, there were times she became so agitated and restless that she was on the move for 52 straight hours. It was exhausting for her and for us. I thought: “What do we do?”

In December 2009, we admitted her to South Pointe Hospital, part of the Cleveland Clinic system. After she was discharged, the doctor referred her to one of Hospice of the Western Reserve’s inpatient care units — David Simpson Hospice House on E. 185th Street — for assessment and development of a medication plan. The goal was to develop a plan to manage her symptoms and allow her to return home. My sister and I planned to care for our mom there supported by Hospice of the Western Reserve.

During the week Mom was there, the specialists on her team developed an individualized plan of care to address her

symptoms and needs. They taught my sister and me how to administer her meds and what signs and symptoms to look for. We later took her home to begin caring for her.

Transitions can be challenging, especially when caring for a loved one with dementia.

My sister and I thought we had it all together.

But we didn’t. Initially, when we brought our mother back home, she became more aggressive and began acting out more. I remember saying: “Mom, we’ve got you settled back in your own home now. We will all be fine.”

We had the good fortune to have Hospice of the Western Reserve’s care at home, including a nurse, social worker and doctor.

Gigi’s (as we affectionately called my mom) first nurse was named Ruth. She loved Ruth.

It got to the point she looked forward to her visits. My father liked her so much that one day he asked: “Ruth, can I receive care from your team?” She said, “Mr. Johnson, you’re not ready for hospice yet but if you need us, we’ll be here for you too.” The social worker was my rock. I don’t know what I would have done without her.

As Mom’s illness advanced, we returned to David Simpson Hospice House, and Gigi became a resident there. The hospice staff became our second family. I had my own rollaway bed in her room. I spent the night and had meals there. I used their family kitchen to prepare my mother’s meals and brought my dad out on weekends, so we could all be together. I was able to cook the foods they both loved. When I had to go to work or leave town on business, I felt just as comfortable with my mother there as I would have felt caring for her at home.

Alex and Aria Johnson (1994)

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Mom liked to sing, so sometimes we would visit the Meditation Room and sing together. Once, when we were in there, she looked at me and said: “Now you know I am going to leave you, right?” I started to cry.

She said, “Don’t cry. I am going to take you with me in my heart.” Every time I got low, something like that would happen. And when it did, It helped keep me going.

Mom had periods of being lucid. She would say things to my sister and me like, “You guys don’t think I know what’s going on, but I do.” The progression of dementia toward the end of life can be swift but Alexandria, Alex, Aria and Dorothy

One day, my best friend Michelle called and announced she intended to travel from Arizona to spend Mother’s Day with Gigi and me. She stayed overnight in one of the guest rooms provided there.

unpredictable. On one occasion before she was ever diagnosed, Gigi was helping me work on my grandson’s family tree project for school, and she was doing it from memory! Two weeks later, she was staring into space. That was the beginning of our tumultuous journey.

Mom was still lucid at that time. The three of us sat

In the end, Mom wanted to die in her own home.

up most of the night. It is such an amazing memory,

The doctor said she had two weeks, maybe. The

even now. I didn’t know at that time, that It would be

Sunday morning before she transitioned, I said, “Gigi,

Gigi’s last Mother’s Day.

I can’t watch this any longer. You don’t need to worry

The difficult thing about Lewy body dementia is that Mom died for us twice: the mental death and the final transition. Hospice of the Western Reserve was there to help us get through it. I’ll never forget the day my mother looked at me and said, “You’re

about me. I am going to be fine. (I wasn’t fine at all, but I wanted her to have peace. She wasn’t eating or drinking.) I said, “If you can hear me, squeeze my hand. She squeezed my hand. Thirty-six hours later she was gone.

taking such good care of me. Who are you?” Later,

Later, I would turn to Hospice of the Western

the nurse gently pulled me aside and said, “Alex,

Reserve again to care for my father. They played a

you have to understand. Sometimes when your

very important part not only in the care of both of my

mom is talking she is not Gigi. She is not Gigi now.

parents, but in their transitions. I learned you don’t

It’s not personal, it’s the disease.” That really helped

come to hospice to die. Yes, you may die while you

me understand what was going on.

are in hospice, when you are in an acute state of

One night I wanted to feel close to my mother, so I climbed into bed next to her. She awakened later and called out: “Hey, hey, wake up! You’re smashing me.” She and I had a good laugh about that before I got back in my rollaway bed and went to sleep.

transition, but hospice allows family to be there. They don’t just give care, they give “hospice extra care.”

While caring for the patient, they are caring for the family, too. Hospice of the Western Reserve allowed us to create some amazing memories together.

Laurie Henrichsen, Public-Media Relations Manager, Hospice of Western Reserve www.hospicewr.org

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2018

EVENTS

MARCH MARYSVILLE��O�IO (BY INVITATlON ONLY) 3rd Annual Women's History Month Program Fri�����March�1���2018�������12��0�����2��0���

APRIL AURORA��O�IO 2nd Annual "C-Suite" Executive Summit S�������T��������A�����8�10��2018

MAY �LEVELAN���O�IO 16th Annual Personal and Professional Development Retreat for Women of Color "Connections, Community and Career 2018” T���������M���1���2018�������8�00�������00��

JUNE

�LEVELAN���O�IO 7th Annual "Speaking of Women! A Dialogue Series for Women in Leadership” T���������J����1���2018�������1��0�����1��0��

AUGUST

�LEVELAN���O�IO 2nd Annual Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD) Women’s Leadership Symposium Thur������A������30��2018�������11��0�����1��0��

SEPTEMBER MARYSVILLE��O�IO (BY INVITATlON ONLY) 4th Annual Special Prison Outreach Program T���������S������������2018�������12��0�����2��0���

NOVEMBER

�LEVELAN���O�IO 13th Annual Leadership Development and Training Institute & Awards Luncheon T���������N��������8��2018�������8�00�����2�00��

www.womenofcolorfoundation.com info@womenofcolorevents.com

(216) 391-4300, ext. 307 | Toll Free Number (866) 962-3411

The level of urgency for us to “stay woke,” is only matched by the relentless deluge of distractions that purpose to rob us of our ability to both see and hear, even though our eyes and ears are wide open.

If we ever really become conscious of just how many strange voices we’ve allowed to speak into the portals of our ears, we would be appalled and would hasten to block the vast majority of them. Yet, through our failure to diligently guard our gates, we have permitted other voices access by opening ourselves up to seducing spirits through our own fleshly lusts.

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As a noun, Webster defines the word gate as a mouth, beginning, or doorway. As a verb, it is a hedge, stronghold, or prison. From a spiritual perspective, it’s easy to see how important it is to our Adversary, Satan, to gain full access to our gates — those doorways to our eyes, ears, hearts, mouths, and to our minds. Jesus calls Satan a thief and a liar, whose purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).

PHOTOS BY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

These trespassers have irreverently trampled the pathway to our faith so that we are no longer able to hear or discern the voice of God. In Romans 10:17, we read: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” With so many unfiltered voices speaking into our ear gates, we owe it to our eternal souls to violently push back against the noise and ask ourselves just who and what are we permitting to shape our faith? Jesus said, “My sheep know My voice, and a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers (John 10:4b-5).

Yet, we foolishly follow the counsel of internet imposters every day. Jesus calls them “blind guides,” and urges us to get away from them (Matthew 15:14).

An anonymous quote states “A single sentence can be a life sentence.” One unwise person speaking a misguided or venomous word into the portals to your ears has the power to forever bend your life towards the path of destruction if your faith has been built on a faulty foundation. Just as a strong faith empowers us to hope, to wait, to move, to trust, and to rebound, so an anemic faith will keep us imprisoned, double-minded, hopeless, doubtful, and afraid.

If you are experiencing difficulty hearing and discerning the voice of God, chances are it is because you are granting access to the gates to your ears to too many gatecrashers. Those intruders have no right to stand at the place of authority at the gates to your ears. Their voices bring lies and confusion into your life; therefore, they must be blocked!

When God told Abraham to separate himself from everything that was familiar to him, Abraham obeyed, with no questions asked (Genesis 12).

When He told him to sacrifice his son on the altar, he prepared to do just that – no questions asked, and there Abraham was given a promise.

This promise from God to Abraham, in Genesis 22:17-18, remains His promise to us today – “your descendants will take possession of the gates of their enemies, and in your descendants all the nations of the earth will find blessing, because you obeyed my command,” (NASB). This same kind of radical obedience from us to God will empower us to regain possession of the gates to our ears. Thus, radical obedience is God’s strategy for recovery.

If God is telling you to turn off the radio, TV, YouTube, or shut down your FB, Twitter, or IG account, be radical to obey His voice quickly. Shut them all down so that you can unclog your filters and tune back in to the only voice that matters God’s. Let the one that has an ear, hear what the Spirit of God is saying.

Nancy L. Robinson IG: @Nancyatthegates

SUMMER | FALL 2018 | 29

On Sale Now!

“ I felt myself in my own

storm feeling exactly what Natalie has written.

Amazing! ” – LaToiya Muse

“This book has blessed

me tremendously!

By the end of the second chapter I was in tears.

Awesome testimony! ” – Bridgette Hamilton

Find your copy on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Westbow Publishing

Natalie Brown Rudd is an associate minister at Antioch Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio.

She is the founder of Because of His Grace Ministries, which seeks to influence the spiritual growth of women.

She is a sought-after speaker and teacher.

For more information, visit: www.becauseofhisgrace.com

Connexions Consulting, Inc. is an organizational development firm dedicated to creating inclusive, culturally competent workplaces.

We help organizations achieve their mission, goals, and objectives by optimizing talent, unleashing creative and inclusive environments and enhancing organization’s reputation in the marketplace.

At Connexions Consulting, we focus our services on helping our clients to define the end goals. Along the way, we tap into some, or all, of our core services, including:

◉ Customized strategic plan consulting ◉ Inclusion and Diversity strategic plans, audits and assessments ◉ Development and implementation of diversity councils and employee resource groups ◉ Alignment of talent management with diversity ◉ Inclusion and Cultural Competence education and training ◉ Community capacity building facilitation ◉ Human resource compliance Together we can achieve your mission. Find out how: Charmaine Brown President / CEO Connexions Consulting, Inc. 216-970-6740 charmaine.brown@connexconsultinginc.com

Quarterly Profile: A Non-Profit Organization Making a Difference!

The First Tee of Cleveland: A Different Kind of Youth Sports Program & Junior Golf Experience The mission of The First Tee is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill lifeenhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf! The First Tee of Cleveland, founded nearly 18 years ago, is one of 150 chapters of The First Tee, a national initiative begun in 1997. The Cleveland Chapter impacts, influences and inspires Northeast Ohio youth ages 6 to 18 by empowering them to build strong character assets using life skills, core values and healthy habits.

In 2017, more than 900 young people participated in programs led by The First Tee’s staff of 6 and more than 70 trained volunteers and coaches. We’re on track to serve more than 1,200 youth in 2018.

When we say, “A Different Kind of Youth Sports Program,” we mean: Different as in using a values-based platform for our curriculum, The First Tee Nine Core Values — Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courtesy and Judgment, through which we encourage participants to develop a positive, respectful “inner self,” while developing an appreciation for the unique culture of golf.

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Different as in using life skills such as interpersonal skills, self-management, goalsetting, and resilience skills for core lesson themes, encouraging participants to explore self-development while simultaneously (seamlessly) developing golf skills and learning and appreciating golf’s culture of honesty and integrity.

Different as in using an unheralded health and wellness model for young people — The First Tee Nine Healthy Habits, which fosters wellness and encourages participants to make healthy choices regularly and habitually in all phases of life.

Different as in using an expressly written golf skills curriculum designed to initially peak curiosity about the game and shift progressively toward helping young people further develop golf skills and establish their own personal par for the game of golf.

Different as in using a unique coach philosophy activity-based core lessons and a

coach philosophy based on asking instead of telling, encouraging participants to explore and discover their own unique skills and talents, and apply the lesson learned in class to home, school and work.

How do we know it works?

Independent research® confirms it!

•

73% of respondents reported high confidence in their ability to succeed academically

•

82% felt confident in their social skills with peers

•

78% stated an ability to transfer life skills learned at The First Tee, through specific real-life stories.

•

57% credited The First Tee for their meeting and greeting skills

•

52% credit The First Tee for their ability to appreciate diversity

Where do we deliver our programs?

We deliver programs at four green grass courses across Greater Cleveland:

BACKGROUND PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

• • • •

Washington Golf Course The Links Briardale Greens Windmill Golf Center

We also reach participants through our National School Program in physical education classes in elementary schools and through outreach programs partnering with our youth organizations, such as Boys & Girls Club of Cleveland. Our participants take what they learn here and apply it at home, school, work and in social settings.

When do we offer our programs?

Our programs are offered throughout the year. Currently, we’re in the Fall session, which began September 4 and runs through October 20. The late Fall session commences October 28 through December 9, and we meet on Saturdays at Washington Golf Course (main campus), 3841 Washington Park Blvd., Newburgh Heights.

We have annual programs for children age 6 and up. We also offer School Year, After School and Saturdays; “Try It” sessions; see what you like first, then join the program.

We even offer Caddie Class, which take place the first four Saturdays in March.

Get Involved!

We’re always looking for volunteer coaches!

The national The First Tee Coach Program provides all the necessary training of curriculum, child safety, and process. Developed with input from national leading experts in positive youth development, our program focuses on empowering participants through decisionmaking and exploring options. This helps foster positive relationships between coaches and young people, inspiring the leaders of tomorrow to look to the future, set goals, and unlock their potential.

For details on our program or volunteer opportunities visit www.thefirstteecleveland. org or call David Alexander, Program Location Manager, at 216-641-7799 ext. 255, or email him at: dalexander@ thefirstteecleveland.org.

You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

SPRING | SUMMER 2018 | 33

A Snapshot of the Living Generations in the United States In today’s economy, people are taking retirement later. Of the six living U.S. generations, two have departed almost entirely from the workforce. However, the influential Baby Boomer generation continues to be strongly represented in private and public organizations – and today’s younger generations are likely to put in longer years of work than some predecessors.

GI or “Greatest” Generation – Born 1901 – 1926 This generation grew up in the aftermath of World War I, children of those who fought it, and went on to fight their own battles in World War II. Assertive and energetic individuals, they have a strong sense of teamwork, community-­mindedness, and loyalty to the causes they join. These traits helped drive conventional ideas about company loyalty that have been challenged in recent decades. This generation’s careers predate modern notions about retirement.

The Silent Generation – Born 1927 – 1945 Born just before or just after the upheaval of World War II, the Silent Generation in the U.S. lived in an era defined by both conformity and general prosperity. They followed in the footsteps of the GI Generation in defining themselves by lifelong loyalty to their workplaces. Discipline, self-­ sacrifice, and caution are all common traits feeding into their feelings of teamwork.

Baby Boomers – Born 1946 – 1964 As they grew, the Baby Boomers evinced two broad, largely incompatible values sets that have come to be understood as the “hippies” versus the “yuppies.” The first TV generation, Boomers think big but have a tendency to be self-­centered. Their drive and optimism served them well in the peak of their careers but may have led to poor planning of some long-­term decisions.

Generation X – Born 1965 – 1980 This entrepreneurial and individualistic group grew up as two-­income households became more common. Their independence and individualism made a major mark on the emerging world of the Internet and information technology. They like to learn, explore, and grow, and have brought these values to work; when work clashes with those values, they tend to go their own way.

The Millennials represent a departure from individualism and return to conformity in part thanks to nurturing, highly-­involved parents who maintain authority long into their lives. They feel great pressure to succeed, managing their time via meticulous scheduling. They are drawn to teams and appreciate a relaxed, respectful work environment where their contributions are recognized.

Generation Z – Born after 2001 The oldest members of this generation are in high school today; a clear picture of their identity as employees has yet to form. Generation Z is on track to be a large generation and will spearhead a demographic shift as Hispanics are represented in the U.S. population in greater numbers. They begin using cell phones and other digital technology very young, leaving traditional toys behind.

TAKEN FROM: HTTPS://APPLIEDPSYCHOLOGYDEGREE.USC.EDU/BLOG/MANAGING-THE-MULTIGENERATIONAL-WORKFORCE/

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BACKGROUND PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Millennials – Born 1981 – 2000

SPRING | SUMMER 2018 | 35

Keep the Fat Burning All Year Long Now that autumn is upon us and winter is around the corner there is no reason to stop the progress that you made of getting in shape during the summer. You can keep the momentum going by not only exercising but doing everyday simple activities.

Exercise is a small portion of your total fat loss picture.

Other daily activities contribute significantly to your overall fat loss total. Notice I stated fat loss, not weight loss. Some people use those terms synonymously. Your goal is to lose fat. Actually, you can lose fat and increase your total weight because muscle weighs more than fat and when you perform resistance exercises you’re building muscle which is a metabolically active tissue that burns fat.

PHOTOS BY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

There are several major components to how much fat you burn off in a day: 1) your basal metabolic rate, or the energy used for basic functioning when the body is at rest; 2) the energy used to break down food; and 3) the energy used in physical activity. For most people, the basal metabolic rate accounts for 60 to 80 percent of total energy expenditure. Digesting food accounts for about 10 percent. That leaves only 10 to 30 percent for physical activity, of which exercise is only a subset.

However in this article we’re going to focus on NonExercise Activity Thermogenesis or NEAT. NEAT is the low physical and unplanned activity that you do every day.

Activities such as standing when talking on the phone, parking further from the door, taking the stairs, washing dishes by hand, simple chores, or basically just moving around. These are methods I also use when I’m in training.

So, now that the season has changed, and you

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understand NEAT, you can take advantage of the cooler temperatures by doing simple activities in chilly weather.

The body burns more calories and fat at a faster rate when you conduct outdoor activities in the cold.

How? Well, your body reacts rapidly to heat loss that comes from being exposed to the cold.

For example when you perform activities when it’s chilly, your body will immediately try to raise its BMR (basal metabolic rate) in order to compensate for body heat loss and thus, burn more calories. Don’t worry, if you wear one less layer of clothing your body will acclimate.

Below are three simple non-exercise activities you can do this fall and winter to help shed extra fat. Also be sure to have your doctor’s approval before partaking in these activities.

Raking Leaves Raking leaves is a great way to get your body moving. It’s a whole body activity that will burn roughly 178 calories in 30 minutes.

Shoveling Snow Shoveling snow instead of using a snow blower or plow is another great way to get some winter activity.

You’ll use your whole body and burn approximately 266 calories in the process.

Walking If you don’t have leaves to rake or snow to shovel then simply walking in cooler temperatures is a great way to burn fat. You’ll burn 222 calories in 30 minutes walking at a 13 minute per mile pace.

These calorie figures are based on a 185 pound person. However you’ll burn more calories if you weigh more, continue an activity longer than 30 minutes, or the temperature decreases. Also using an activity tracker is a great way to keep activity at the forefront of your mind.

Turn the negatives of chilly weather into positives by employing these and more activities into your daily routine. You can use them to compliment your normal exercise regimen. By doing so you will keep the fat off of your body year round and keep you looking and feeling great.

Phillip Germany II pgerm2@gmail.com

The Power of Podcasts: 6 Podcasts that Inspire & Inform!

If you are anything like the 68 million Americans who listen to podcasts, you have your set list of favorites that you tune into daily, weekly or monthly. For those living under a rock, podcasts are a form of digital media and have been around for awhile, but in the past few years the podcast community has seen a huge spike in numbers due to the quick and easy way to receive, engage and retain information. According to entrepreneur.com, nearly 1 in 4 Americans tune in monthly, with 44% of millennials (ages 18-34), the largest age group, and 16% of Generation X (ages 35-54) and baby boomers (55+) are tuning in. If you think the peak in listeners is impressive, you won’t believe the large sums of money corporations are spending on advertisements. In 2015, $69 million was spent on advertisements and in 2017, $220 million was projected!

You may be asking, why someone would listen to a podcast? There are podcasts that speak to a wide variety of interests including news, sports, entrepreneurship, music, finance, heath/wellness and more. Most podcasts are available free to listeners on apps such as Spotify, Sound Cloud, etc.

Listeners can access these from their iPhone, Android or tablet. Once you download your preferred app, browse through the endless lists of podcasts, subscribe to your favorites and your journey to becoming more enlightened begins!

We’ve put together a handy list to get new listeners started. If you’re already tuning in, you may consider adding these to your list!

1

Oprah’s Super Soul Conversation Awaken, discover and connect to the deeper meaning of the world around you with SuperSoul.

Hear Oprah’s personal selection of her interviews with thought-leaders, bestselling authors, spiritual luminaries, as well as health and wellness experts. All designed to light you up, guide you through life’s big questions and help bring you one step closer to your best self.

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2

Pod Save the People Organizer and activist DeRay Mckesson explores news, culture, social justice, and politics through deep conversations with influencers and experts, and the weekly news with fellow activists Brittany Packnett and Sam Sinyangwe, and writer Clint Smith.

3

NPR’s How I Built This Guy Raz dives into the stories behind some of the world’s best known companies. How I Built This weaves a narrative journey about innovators, entrepreneurs and idealists—and the movements they built.

4

GirlBoss Radio with Sophia Amoruso On each episode of the Girlboss Radio, Sophia interviews boundary-pushing women who’ve made their mark—eschewing polite conversation and extracting solid advice from the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Expect hilarious co-hosts and vulnerable, honest conversations you won’t hear anywhere else.

Conversations that humanize the known, champion the unknown, and laugh a little at the absurdity of life.

5

Afford Anything by Paula Pant You can afford anything, but not everything. We make daily decisions about how to spend money, time, energy, focus and attention – and ultimately, our life. Every decision is a trade-off against another choice. But how deeply do we contemplate these choices? Are we settling for the default mode? Or are we ruthlessly optimizing around a deliberate life? Host Paula Pant interviews a diverse array of entrepreneurs, early retirees, millionaires, investors, artists, adventurers, scientists, psychologists, productivity experts, world travelers and regular people, exploring the tough work of living a truly excellent life.

6 PHOTOS BY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

The Daily Show With Trevor Noah Listen to highlights and extended interviews in the “Ears Edition” of The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. From Comedy Central’s Podcast Network.

Courtesy of itunes.com

SUMMER | FALL 2018 | 39

Let’s Talk About It! Singles, Relationships and

Stop waiting for that feeling of butterflies in your stomach and get SERIOUS about dating!

Dating life can be overwhelming at times, especially if you’re someone who desires to be in a relationship. With the various feelings that Singles face, we tend to date for different reasons. With that said, I would like to provide some advice on how to go about dating. I believe if we approach dating properly, we can avoid unnecessary consequences and heartache. Hear me out.

There are two mindsets to dating: Singles who date casually and Singles who date exclusively. There are two outcomes to dating: Singles who do not marry and Singles who do marry. I’ve observed Singles who date casually or exclusively, yet with no intent to marry, and I’ve also observed Singles who date casually or exclusively with the sole purpose of marriage.

Dating exclusively with marriage as the end goal is the right approach, but before I share with you the true meaning of dating, let’s discuss the four different types of dating: Antwan Steele IG: @twansteele info@antwansteele.com

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1 Casual dating with no purpose

of marriage should never be an alternative

for Singles who are attempting to date the way God intends. The reason being is that there is absolutely no purpose for two Singles engaging in a dating relationship if marriage is not the goal, and it always leads to giving into the temptations of our fleshly desires. This is the complete opposite of intentional dating. According to worldly standards, aimless and casual dating is the most popular way to date. Hooking up with multiple partners may seem harmless, but it can produce emotional discomfort, physical difficulties and spiritual emptiness. Since casual dating is unintentional, there is not much focus on getting to know the other person, and that leads to a lack of care and understanding. With no real connection between the two, sexual pleasure typically becomes the focal point. With no aim, you are destined to travel anywhere fast or nowhere at all, and you have no way to measure the growth of the dating relationship. This is the

worldly way of dating, and Singles who desire to honor God must stay away from this method of connecting with other Singles. We cannot treat dating as a mindless activity. It should always be a purposeful engagement.

2

Exclusive dating with no purpose of marriage may seem commend-

able from the outside looking in, but it is actually the most dangerous way to date. Singles who are interested in being in a relationship with someone but never see matrimony in their near future defeat the purpose of dating exclusively.

Exclusive dating with no aim of marriage often results in couples cohabitating, which puts the couple in danger of falling into sexual temptation. Society has become more accepting of this, but most importantly, God is not pleased with this type of dating. Without marriage in mind, hearts get broken, relationships get destroyed, and time gets wasted. Say no to a long-term relationship and yes to a life-long marriage. Our aim is a covenant, not a contract.

3

PHOTOS BY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Casual dating with the hopes of marriage aligns with what God intends

because of the desire to marry, but it can still be displeasing if done the wrong way. Some Singles understand the importance of marriage, but still battle with dating casually and frequently. When Singles pursue marriage by hopping from one casual situation to another, it may speak to a level of desperation that stems from impatience and loneliness. Ultimately, this type of dating lacks faith because the focus is more on what we desire instead of what God desires for us, and we tend to go out of turn.

This results in premature relationships that most likely do not end with marriage or if marriage does happen, it was more than likely forced or rushed. Forced or rushed relationships are situations that we must avoid. Being Single is not intended for testing the waters, it’s intended for testing the faith. This style of dating has a kingdom approach but is still worldly.

4 Exclusive dating with the purpose of marriage

is the pleasing and proper way Singles should date. This is the responsible way of engaging someone that you are attracted to, and it speaks to the level of maturity that a Single man or woman possesses. How would you feel if someone expressed interest in you only to find out that they were pursuing or being pursued by someone else?

I’m sure that you wouldn’t like that, and neither would I. As we take our time in the dating process, not being so eager to bounce from one person to the next demonstrates patience and trust in God. Allowing Him to order our steps and present us to our spouse is the only godly way of dating. Dating shouldn’t be a place for trial and error, but clarity and purpose. You don’t date aimlessly hoping it all will work out.

You date with the intent of building.

With the mindset of dating being casual or exclusive and the outcome of dating being marriage or no marriage, your chances should be much better when you decide to date. There should be no ambiguity when approaching someone in hopes of a dating relationship. This framework can and will guide you if you use it.

SUMMER | FALL 2018 | 41

-

Speakers and Special Guests

-

Keynote Presenter

Pelin Batur, MD

Lyla Blake-Gumbs, MD

Rev. Amy Greene, DMin

Renita Jefferson

Jason Knight, MD

Angela Kyei, MD, MPH, FAAD

Thelma Lampkins

Andrea Sikon, MD

Diane Young, MD

Ana Monica Yepes-Rios, MD, FACP

Celebrity Chefs

Brandon Chrostowski

Yolanda Ramos

EXPERIENCE IT ALL! • Heart-Healthy Breakfast • "Flavorful Foods from around the Globe" lunch extravaganza • Food and lifestyle vendors • Health screenings • Door prizes and raffles • "Ask the Doctor" information sessions • Health and wellness information and exhibits • On-site Cleveland Clinic appointment schedulers • Conference bags and lots of goodies to take home!

-

Ryan Salter

SPACE IS LIMITED. Advance registration required - no ticket sales at the door. #eelebratesisterhood FREE PARKING

KeyBank

0-W.

Ellen Burts-Cooper, PhD, MBA

Trina Bediako President, NH Acquisitions Corporation

Rhonda Sharpley

Registration fee: $65 per person. Pay by credit card only. All payments are non-refundable and non­ transferable. If you have special menu or seating needs, please let us know when you register.

If you plan to register as a group who would like to be seated together, you must register online as a group and include all names at the time of registration. Include first and last name for each person. Names cannot be added to your group at a later time. In addition, payment must be made for the entire group at the time of registration.

Companion seating will not be guaranteed without complete and accurate information.

This conference sells out every year - register early to reserve your spot!

For more information or to register online, visit clevelandclinic.org/CelebrateSisterhood2018 or call 844.748.0814 (toll-free).

CHEF ERIC WELLS

PAD THAI

12 ounces dried flat noodles, ¼ inch wide (sometimes called Pad Thai) 3 tablespoons tamarind 1 cup boiling water ½ cup light soy sauce ¼ cup packed light brown sugar 2 tablespoons Sriracha (Southeast Asian chile sauce) 1 bunch scallions cut into 2 inch pieces lengthwise 4 large shallots, sliced thin 1 package firm tofu, rinsed, pat dried and cut into 1 inch cubes 1 ½ cups vegetable oil 6 large eggs 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 cups bean sprouts ½ cup roasted peanuts, chopped

Accompaniments: lime wedges, cilantro sprigs, Sriracha Soak noodles in a large bowl of warm water for about 15-20 minutes, or until softened. Drain well in a colander and cover with a dampened paper towel.

Meanwhile, make a sauce by soaking tamarind in boiling hot water in a small bowl, stirring occasionally until softened, about 5 minutes. Force the mixture through a sieve into a bowl, discarding any seeds or fibers. Add soy sauce, brown sugar and Sriracha, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

4 RECIPES THAT YOUR SPOUSE AND KIDS WILL LOVE!

MASHED SWEET POTATOES 2 pounds sweet potatoes 1/2 cup half and half cream 3 tablespoons light brown sugar 3 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons maple syrup Pinch salt and pepper 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Place the potatoes on a foil lined baking sheet and bake until tender and begins to ooze sugary syrup, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Remove from the oven and let sit until cool enough to handle.

Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh with a spoon into a large bowl.

Add the cream, sugar, butter, syrup, salt and pepper, and thyme and mix with hand mixer, mashing until the potato mixture is smooth. Cover to keep warm until ready to serve.

Yield: 6 servings.

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Heat oil in the wok over medium heat until hot, then reduce the heat to medium low and add ½ half of the shallots, stirring frequently until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Carefully remove the shallots and spread them out over paper towels. Reserve the shallot oil in a heatproof bowl. Wipe the wok clean and reheat the shallot oil in wok over medium high heat.

Fry the tofu in the wok in one layer, gently turning occasionally until golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer tofu to paper towels. Pour the oil back into a heat proof bowl and reserve.

Lightly beat the eggs. Heat about two tablespoons of the reserved oil over high heat. Add the eggs and gently stir with a spatula until the eggs are cooked through. Transfer the cooked eggs to a plate.

Heat wok over medium high heat and add the remaining reserved oil. Stir fry scallions, garlic and remaining uncooked shallots until softened, about 1 minute. Add noodles and stir fry for about 3 minutes. Add tofu, bean sprouts and ½ of the tamarind sauce. Stir to coat the noodles evenly. Toss in eggs.

Transfer the Pad Thai to a large serving platter. Garnish with fried shallots, peanuts, lime wedges and cilantro sprigs. Finish by topping the dish with remaining tamarind sauce and Sriracha.

BACKGROUND PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Eric is a Personal Chef, Culinary Instructor, Caterer and Entrepreneur. He owns Skye LaRae’s Culinary Services. www.skyelaraes.com

MOROCCAN CHICKEN WITH SPICED VEGETABLES 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided 3 cups sliced onions 6 large garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon Hungarian sweet paprika 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, ground 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 2 cups drained canned diced tomatoes (from 28-ounce can) 1 cup water 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced thin 3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced thin 1 large eggplant, unpeeled, cut into 1-inch cubes Chopped fresh cilantro Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in heavy large wide pot over medium heat.

Add onions and garlic. Cover and cook until onions are soft, about 10 minutes. Add paprika, salt, turmeric, coriander, fennel, pepper, cumin, and ginger; stir 1 minute. Add tomatoes, 1 cup water, 3 tablespoons lemon juice and olives; bring to boil. Add chicken to pot; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 30 minutes, or until chicken is tender.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°F. Brush large rimmed baking sheet with olive oil. Place eggplant and remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil in large bowl; toss to coat. Spread eggplant out on prepared baking sheet and bake until soft and brown, stirring occasionally, about 25 minutes.

THAI GROUND TURKEY LETTUCE WRAPS 1 bunch fresh cilantro 1 bunch fresh mint 1 head Boston Bibb lettuce 2 small shallots, sliced thin 10 ounces lean ground turkey 2 tablespoons minced ginger 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons Panko breadcrumbs 2 tablespoons Asian fish sauce 1/8 teaspoon cayenne 2 cups carrots cut into matchsticks

Accompaniments: Sriracha, Light Soy Sauce Chop enough cilantro and mint to measure about 2 tablespoons each. Arrange the remaining cilantro and mint on a platter. Also, arrange the lettuce on a separate platter.

In a saucepan, add ground turkey, ginger and two tablespoons of lime juice and cover with cold water. Bring the turkey mixture to a simmer until cooked through, stirring with a fork to break up the meat. In a sieve, drain the turkey mixture well and place it into a large bowl. Combine the turkey mixture with chopped herbs, shallots, Panko, fish sauce, cayenne and remaining lime juice.

Arrange sprigs of cilantro and mint on each lettuce leaf.

Spoon about a tablespoon of turkey mixture on the lettuce and top with a pinch of carrots. Use Sriracha and soy sauce as condiments.

Stir eggplant into chicken. Simmer uncovered 10 minutes to heat through and blend flavors. Season stew to taste with more lemon juice, if desired, and salt and pepper. Serve with couscous or yellow rice and topped with cilantro.

Yield: 8 servings.

SPRING | SUMMER 2018 | 45

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