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Dr. Talisa Dixon PROPELLING MORE STUDENTS INTO COLLEGES AND CAREERS FREE

NOV-DEC 2016

GIVE FROM THE HEART With an Eye on The Budget

COUSINS HARDY & JACKSON

“THIS LIGHT OF OURS”

Are Keeping it All in The Family

Exhibit Looks at The Civil Rights Movement

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Writers Shelley M. Shockley Ruby Lee Gamble A. Michele Garrett Kim Brown

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Cover Story: Ruby Lee Gamble Photo: Eric Benson

Contributors Michelle Phillips Fay Stephanie Phelps Deborah Prince Kimberly Smith-Woodford Marjorie Clark

Guest Contributors Robyn C. Hill Tanisha Rush

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From the Editor: Shelley M. Shockley Celebrating the season of “Thanksgiving”

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s we prepare to close out 2016, I would venture to guess that many of you are shouting “hallelujah” just as I am. I have never been so happy to see the end of one year so that I could welcome a new one. This year has been plagued with some of the most polarizing propaganda in my life time.

I've read history books and news reports of times much like this, and I can say with conviction that I never thought I would live to see it happen in these “united” states of America.

As I contemplated this column many angles came to mind, but the one I kept coming back to was “Gratitude.”

Gratitude is the message I want to convey and encourage others to embrace as we end 2016 and welcome a new, yet uncertain future.

I, for one, will keep the words of William Arthur Ward close to my heart over the weeks and months to come, “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joys, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.”

Over the last several weeks I have heard this sentiment preached as a sermon in Church, and discussed on my friend Yvonne Pointer's “Live from the Hope Haven” broadcast. It is never my intent to impart my political views on anyone reading this column and I won't today, but I'm sure we can all agree that as a country we have lost sight of gratitude.

We are disconnected from one another thanks in part to this age of modern technology. The internet, smart phones, computer gaming systems and the latest tech gizmo now consume our thoughts. I've heard stories of parents having to set “no phone zones” just to insure they have an old fashioned dinner where family members share the highlights of their days in more than 140 characters.

Adults like to place the blame on our youth, but I would guess than many of us don't spend as much time talking with friends on the telephone or for that matter, interacting with our children and spouses for extended periods of time either. We are all working long days that don't end when we leave the office; instead we're heading to meetings, cocktail parties or supporting our children in after-school activities.

By the time we get home we're rushing to cook dinner, throw a load of laundry in the wash and check homework and because we live in a “connected world” we're checking emails from work on our smart phones.

So as we approach the holidays, let's challenge ourselves to show our gratitude for our family and friends by spending quality time with them. Let's take it a step further and spend some quiet time with ourselves and reflect on the many things that we are grateful to experience. When was the last time you took a stroll through the park or even around the block? I know that we are living in violent and uncertain times, but have you ever thought about some of the reasons that have fueled these turbulent times?

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I have thought long and hard about this and I strongly believe that we have lost our sense of community. Sitting on the front porch or stoop is no longer the norm, instead we all come home and close our doors to the world. We don't know our neighbors or what's going on our own streets. If we do see something we turn a blind eye and pawn it off as someone else's problem. In order to change our communities we must start within our homes, on our own streets until it becomes our reality.

In this issue we highlight Zeta Hardy and her cousin Velma Jackson who have committed their senior years to helping youth through the foster care program. Ms. Hardy epitomizes what our communities' need – an elder who has lived her life, but is willing to share her love, wisdom and her home with those who are in need of support. Ms. Jackson is passionate about taking care of children and encourages us to continue looking after those particularly in need! You should definitely read this article if you are looking for inspiration.

Tanish Rush points out the additional financial stress the holidays bring and cautions us to be mindful of our spending. In her article, she encourages us to create more memories in this holiday season and not debt.

Empowering youth while creating a bright future for us all is part of the work that Dr. Talisa Dixon performs as the Superintendent of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District. This district has undergone a number of transformations over the years, and much like other inner-ring suburbs, they have experienced challenges with educating a new generation of students. Dr. Dixon's goal is to not only increase graduation rates, but to propel more students into colleges and careers.

Next, we present you with a look at a powerful exhibit at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage that takes a look at the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. The exhibit, “This Light of Ours” features the work of eight activist photographers and shows the faces of everyday citizens you have probably never heard of. The lack of notoriety of the subjects when juxtaposed with the unrest that we have experienced in the U.S. over the last several months helps to bring home the message that everyone has a voice and the right to express their opinions in protest.

Finally, we offer “tokens” to hold close to your heart this holiday season if you find these times to be an emotional strain. While spirits run high and many people are filled with joy and love this is also a time when reports of depression increase. If you don't suffer from depression at this time, please be sure to check out this article and lend a hand to those in need.

As always we encourage you to relax, grab a cup of your favorite beverage and enjoy our offerings. We would also love to hear from you, so drop us a line.

Happy Holidays, I'll look forward to meeting you in this space in 2017!

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CONTENTS

GIVE FROM THE HEART, but with an eye on the budget

Cousins Zeta Hardy and Velma Jackson dedicated to keep it All in the Family

COVER

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“This Light of Ours” Powerful Exhibit Looks At The Civil Rights Movement At The Maltz Museum Of Jewish Heritage

“Four TOKENS” to ease Holiday Stress

Thoughtful Gifts The secret to easy gift-giving

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Dr. Talisa Dixon SUPERINTENDENT CH-UH CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Movie Review Delicious Recipes

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WIN TICKETS!

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34 www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me ▒ 5

Give from the heart, but with an eye on the budget

By Tanisha Rush 'Tis the season to be jolly‌but it's not so jolly when you are in debt. The holidays can cause additional financial stress.

With the average credit card debt per household being $8,000, it's important to be mindful of our spending.

Between gifts, holiday parties, existing bills, and for some, fewer work hours, it's easy for debt (and stress) to increase. How much debt you have matters when it comes to your credit score and borrowing money for big purchases such as a home or car. We must be realistic when figuring out how much can be spent on discretionary purchases such as holiday gifts.

According to a Consumer Survey by the Rubicon Project, Americans plan to spend $1,175 this holiday season. This is a 12% increase in spending over last year. One survey suggests that Clevelanders can really only afford to spend a small fraction of what the 'average' shopper in the rest of the country can afford. WalletHub analyzed the average debt-to-income ratio (how much of your income should be set aside for current debt) per city. Their findings suggest the following holiday budget for those in Northeast Ohio: Cleveland $265, Akron $402 and Canton $361, --- that's a far stretch from $1,175!

Yet, most people shop with their heart, not their budget.

Experian conducted a nationwide survey and found that 62% of consumers don't create budgets and are unprepared to cover added expenses beyond gifts, such as postage costs, hostess gifts, gift-wrapping supplies and greeting cards.

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Here are 10 ways to spend less this holiday season: 1.

Create a Spending Plan The first and most important step is to create a spending plan. Take into account your current debt obligations, income, and any money already set aside for shopping.

Remember that in addition to gifts, your plan should include meals, decorations, and incidentals. Throughout the shopping season, be sure to track all holiday-related purchases to avoid over spending.

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Make a List & Check it Twice Now that you have a realistic spending plan, it's time to make a complete list of everyone you'll be shopping for this season. Be sure to prioritize your list (kids, significant other, parents, etc.) and note how much you plan to spend on each person or category. Also, be sure to leave a little wiggle room for unexpected expenses.

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Compare Prices Before heading to the stores, check online (save your gas) to get an idea of current prices and sales. Websites and apps such as BeFrugal, ShopSavvy, and CouponSherpa, can help you find deeper discounts. Signing up for alerts to cash in on single-day discounts and instant offers will help to trim the cost of your purchases. You may find that you can save both time and money by ordering online utilizing free shipping and online-only discounts. But be careful not to overspend just to get free shipping!

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Try Cash Only Shopping Spending cash helps to eliminate impulse shopping, which results in over spending. If using a credit card (especially if shopping online) it's important to remember the negative impact that outstanding card balances can have on credit ratings. Unless you pay off balances immediately, it's possible that any of the savings and rewards gained will quickly be erased by interest payments.

festivities. The best part is the chance to have new and interesting dishes and desserts.

9. Trim the Tree (and your Decoration Expenses) Artificial trees are less expensive in the long run, but if you prefer the real thing, it's generally cheaper to cut the tree yourself. Also fresh trees are discounted the closer you get to Christmas. For your decorations, check out the Dollar Store, and secondhand and resale stores. You'll be surprised how many crafting supplies and simple decorations you can find. If doing an over haul on supplies, order from places such as papermart.com and Save-oncrafts.com. Many large stores mark down decorations in mid to late November. Bonus Tip: Plan ahead for next year. After Christmas you can find decorations for as much as 80% off.

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Be Careful When Purchasing Gift Cards Gift cards often seem like the easiest and most practical gift, especially for those who are hard to shop for.

However, the reality is that 40% of gift cards aren't fully used (some kind of balance remains). Each year 40% of people surveyed state that they lost their gift cards, and more than $750 million worth of gift cards went unused.

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Do a Gift Exchange With gift exchanges and Secret Santa's you won't have to purchase something for everyone, but each person on the list will receive a gift. This is especially true for large families and office gift-giving.

10. Create “Memorable” Gifts I've saved the best for last. As we reflect on the “reason for the season”, keep in mind that gifts that cost the least (or nothing at all) are sometimes the most meaningful.

Handmade gifts, a hand-written card, homemade treats, or just spending quality time with someone might mean more than anything you could find at a store. Take advantage of inexpensive, or completely free, activities like decorating the tree, caroling, touring light displays, sledding, baking together, or even volunteering to serve those less fortunate.

7.

Use/Earn Points and Rewards This is the perfect time of the year to use those points and/or rewards you've earned from your customer-loyalty programs, credit card spending, and airline and hotel transactions. Shopping reward sites like Ebates, MyPoints, and Swagbucks give you a percentage back when you buy something from a store. If using a credit card to shop, make sure you use those cards that offer cash back, points, and other benefits. Not only are you saving because you're buying gifts at a discount, you are also getting cash back from using your credit cards.

As the lyrics from a Temptations song says “…Give love on Christmas day…No greater gift is there than love”. This holiday season create more memories, not debt. Your days will be Merry and Bright by examining your current financial obligations, setting a realistic holiday spending budget, and finding ways to spend less. Happy Holidays!

8.

Have a Potluck Potlucks are a great way to save money, time, and stress.

It also allows everyone to feel more involved in the

May Your Holidays Be Filled With

Love and Laughter phenomenal

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Zeta Hardy ALL IN THE FAMILY

by R. Lee Gamble PWM Contributing Writer

Most of the children placed with Hardy have stayed for long periods of time. She recently had one child stay with her five years.

When Zeta Hardy retired 20 years ago, she knew spending time at a senior center was not on her list of things to do.

Her children were all grown and on their own so Hardy decided to open her home to those that really needed it – foster children. Over the years working with the National Youth Advocate Program, many foster children have found a temporary home with Hardy and a few have grown to see her as family. At 80, she is still proud of the choice she made.

“Miracles happen sometimes,” said Hardy. “There was a brother and sister in foster care. The sister aged out and I took in the brother. I had the chance to meet his mom through his sister. One day the mother called and asked if she could come by and bring a cake for his birthday. When she came, she wanted to tell me her life story and I told her that I didn't need to hear it. I didn't want her to think I was judging her because everyone has made mistakes in their life.”

“Senior citizens should really consider being foster parents,” Hardy said. “I think more don't get involved because they hear horror stories about taking in a foster child. I would encourage seniors to ignore the negative things people say. You always hear about the bad stuff but there is so much good that can be said too. Of course you are going to get some toughies but I don't get angry with them. I understand that they have been through a lot.

They just need people who are willing to be there for them.”

The child's mother started stopping by more often trying to spend time with her son. It was during one of those visits that Hardy found out that Children and Family Services was petitioning for permanent custody of the boy. Because she knew that his mother was trying to get her life together, Hardy spoke with her social worker and asked him to help the boy's mother fight to regain custody.

Those efforts, as well as the mother doing what was asked of her to do to please the courts, led to her being reunited with her son. Even now, mother and son still see Hardy as family.

Hardy said that the children in her care know exactly what she expects when they arrive at her home. “I have my little rules and they follow them. The children are responsible for their rooms and some household chores. I have a lot of patience with them. They know there are consequences for not doing what they are supposed to do and they always come around. I say what I have to say and I don't repeat it. Kids think they have a chance of getting their way if they keep talking,” she said with a smile.

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“This is why we have to work with foster parents,” Hardy said. “This mother went back to school, got a job and she got her child back. People do get themselves together and his mother is a good person. This is why I encourage other people to become foster parents. The children and many times the parents need someone in their life that can help them. I think it is a great opportunity for a senior citizen.

We have lots of time on our hands and it feels good to do something for someone else.”

Velma Jackson

The one person who agreed is Velma Jackson, Hardy's cousin. In 2009 the now 73-year- old initially was taking classes to become a childcare worker. She found the classes overwhelming so her cousin suggested she think about becoming a foster parent instead.

“I have always been passionate about children,” Jackson said. “Their care matters to me. I understand what some of these parents are going through. I have three daughters and when I was young I worked nights so I could go to the school with them during the day. When my mother passed, I had a hard time getting daycare. It was hard to find people you can trust. That becomes even more important for a child in foster care.”

Jackson said she liked taking in teenage girls. She has four granddaughters that were always around and they were a great influence on the foster girls in her care.

“My granddaughters helped to make sure the girls were dressed like everyone else so they wouldn't be singled out in school, and most of them were very appreciative of that,” she said. “If the family was in the position to visit their child, I tried to accommodate them. It was important to me to interact with the girls and their family. I tried to make sure they knew they were in a safe environment. I wanted my home to be a warm place and I wanted the foster youth to know I am concerned about them.”

Fostering teenage girls wasn't always easy. Jackson said she had difficulty with three, but since leaving her home, two have come back and apologized.

“I always tried to have a family home,” Jackson explained.

“No one has lived in my home other than family and that included all my foster children. I tried to make them feel a part of us by doing things like cooking big meals for them, but most of all by just listening when they needed to talk.

You really have to work with the kids. I understood that

initially these young people see me as just someone getting paid to do this. But I tried to help them understand that I am there to help them learn the things they need to know, like how to take care of themselves.”

In 2013 Jackson was diagnosed with cancer. She pulled through only to be diagnosed with lupus two years later.

Now Jackson offers respite care to other foster parents.

She still gets children quite often and many of the young people will ask to be placed with her.

“When you see children in need, you should try to help them,” Jackson said. “It's rewarding. You have to go through some struggles but it's worth it. You get up each day and you advocate for the children. It is such important work.”

Both cousins trained to become foster parents through the National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP). Founded in Northwest Ohio in 1978 as an advocacy agency, NYAP provides community-based foster care for youth ages 18 and under. The agency continues to work to be an energetic instrument of compassion and change in the lives of children, youth and families as well as the systems, structures and practices that affect them.

Over 1,000 children are in need of a home in Cuyahoga County alone. These are young people who have faced multiple challenges including family violence, mental illness, sexual abuse and neglect. What they need are kind, patient and loving people who are willing to provide them with a home, understanding and guidance. With your help they can one day return home, be adopted or successfully emancipated to independence as a productive adult.

For more information on how you can help call NYAP at 216-221-7588. Let's not allow another child to slip through the cracks. www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me ▒ 9

This Light of Ours: Exhibition highlights the faces of the Civil Rights Movement

By Shelley M. Shockley PWM Managing Editor

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half century ago segregation and “Whites Only” signs were the norm in southern communities across the United States, and young people said 'enough is enough,' leading to The Southern Freedom Movement where they began to boycott and stand against laws and policies meant to oppress and suppress them.

exhibit showcases events that took place more than fifty years ago, but they could be scenes of events from recent protests taking place in cities across the country.

The photographs on display have been shown in other parts of the country; however, this exhibition is unique with the addition by The Maltz Museum of videos, interactive features and material about racial division today. “This exhibition is timely,” says Museum co-founder Milton Maltz, noting its relevance to recent shootings, riots, vigils and protests in Baltimore, Charleston, Cleveland, Dallas, and Milwaukee. “Ordinary people risked everything to fight for equality in the segregated South of the 1960s. The question this exhibition asks is, 50 years later, who will take up the challenge to right inequities to spark anger across this country? How can we heal this open wound of racial division in America?”

These were college students, day workers, seamstresses, and farmers – just everyday people. When the movement started, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a young southern preacher without a regional or national following. He was a man who saw wrongs that needed to be corrected and by the urging of others was propelled into the front of what would become known as The Civil Rights Movement. Battling alongside him were Jesse Jackson, Ralph Abernathy and John Lewis – all just young men seeking to effect change. All of the aforementioned became symbols of the movement and rose to prominence in the world; many others marched side by side with these men and women of the movement, yet you can't call their names.

Giving credence to the fact that everyday people stood up in the past and must again do so are the photographs that focus on Cleveland's role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s as well as documentation of the grassroots people that have taken on the battle to fight for justice over the last five years.

These unnamed freedom fighters can be seen in the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage's exhibit This Light of Ours: Activist Photographers of the Civil Rights Movement. The

As you tour the exhibit, there are a few photos of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Corretta Scott King, Huey Newton and other well known figures, but the majority of the collection

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depicts the hope, struggle, and life of everyday people who took part in creating history, yet never received notoriety. There is 5-year-old Anthony Quinn using all of his little might to keep patrolman Huey Kohler from taking his American Flag in Jackson, Mississippi. The pained and determined face of Jim Letherer, a white man, walking from Selma to Montgomery on crutches and only one leg.

These images were captured by Photographer Matt Herron, who along with his wife and children moved to Jackson in 1963 to join the Civil Rights Movement.

According to the World Photo Press Foundation, Herron organized a team of eight photographers to record the social change taking place in Mississippi and other parts of the south as northern college students were recruited to work in voter registration and education efforts in the south. These photographers were part of the Southern Documentary Project.

Bob Adelman captured a pensive Prince Arnold, the first black sheriff elected after the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Arnold is captured in from the Wilcox County Courthouse in Alabama. Another photographer, Herbert Randall captured Arthur Lelyveld, a Cleveland rabbi as he received first aid after being beaten with a tire iron.

In an effort to immerse the viewer in the situations, the museum enlarged photos and recreated protests signs that truly engulfs the visitor in the experience. The sounds of protest songs adds to this immersion.

In addition to Herron and Adelman, activist photographers featured in the exhibit include George Ballis, Bob Fitch, Bob Fletcher, David Prince, Maria Varela and Tamio Wakayama; all amateurs when they began but awardwinning professionals at the conclusion of their work with the movement.

These men and women documented the determined resistance of everyday activists and volunteers. “the power of these photographs that helped catapult longexisting inequities into the national consciousness is undeniable,” asserts Maltz Museum executive director Ellen Rudolph. “Pain, fear and home – the emotions and momentum fueling the movement – are palpable in the images.”

The exhibition is organized by the Center for Documentary Expression and Art (Curator: Matt Herron; Historical Consultant Charlie Cobb Jr.; Project Originators: Leslie Kelen and Steven Kasher) with major support provided by the Bruce W. Bastian Foundation and the National Endowment of the Arts. The films, design, and exhibition experience was conceived and produced by the Matlz Museum.

Additional sponsorship for the Cleveland installation is provided by Stanley Blum; Ruth G. and Sam H. Sampliner Fund of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland; Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic; Forest City Enterprises; Jewish Federation of Cleveland; Alan and Karen Kruse; Audrey and Albert B. Ratner; David Reynolds, Key Private Bank; RPM, Inc.; Barbara S. Robinson; Schwebel Baking Co.; and Dan and Ellen Zelman.

The exhibition runs through May 14, 2017. Admission to the Museum is $12 adults, $10 seniors (60+) and students, $5 youth (5-11) and free for Maltz Museum members and children under 5. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for guided tours and a discount with advance registration.

For information, directions and related programming, call 216-593- 0575 or visit maltzmusuem.org. www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me ▒ 11

COMBATING CONCUSSIONS IN YOUTH SPORTS Photo: courtesy of Getty Images

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ith athletes of all ages taking to fields and courts, there are important steps to take in keeping young athletes safe during practice and

games.

Data from U.S. Youth Soccer shows that the number of kids playing increased nearly 90 percent – with nearly 3 million children ages 7-17 playing each year – from 1990 to 2014. As soccer has risen in popularity, so has the rate on injuries – especially concussions – according to a Nationwide Children's Hospital study published recently in “Pediatrics.”

The number of youth treated in emergency rooms in the United States due to soccer-related injuries increased by 78 percent over the 25 years covered by the study. While concussions and other “closed-head” injuries accounted for just 7 percent of those injuries, the annual rate of those injuries per 10,000 children playing soccer increased drastically.

While the study's authors from the hospital's Center for Injury Research and Policy said some of the increase reflects the growing awareness about concussions, there are steps that can be taken to reduce exposure and increase overall player safety.

Know Concussion Signs Be aware of concussion symptoms and encourage players to report potential injuries. The first signs of a player potentially suffering from a serious head injury can include: · · · · ·

Headache Blurry vision Nausea Vomiting Noise or light sensitivity

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Utilize Available Educational Resources The National Soccer Coaches Association of America recently released the first interactive online course developed to educate soccer coaches on how to teach safer heading techniques. The free, 30-minute course titled “Get aHEAD Safely in Soccer,” which is available at NSCAA.com/heading, illustrates specific techniques, exercises and practice activities that are available for coaches to download or print. For more tips to properly coach young athletes on the fundamentals of heading and other soccer skills, visit nscaa.com.

Practice Proper Technique The U.S Soccer Federation recently ruled that there should be no heading in games or practice for any players age 10 and under and a limited amount of heading for those ages 11-13. It is important that coaches know the correct techniques and have the right educational tools to properly train their players. The fundamental steps include: 1. Keeping feet shoulder-width apart and knees bent in an athletic position 2. Tucking the chin and maintaining a stiff neck 3. Using arms for balance (and to shield opponents) 4. Concentrating with eyes open and mouth closed 5. Focusing on striking the ball with the middle of the forehead Understand Return-to-Play Protocol Coaches and parents should encourage players to always report blows to the head and be vigilant in looking for athletes who may have sustained injuries. If a player does sustain a concussion, they should seek medical attention and work together with an athletic trainer on proper return-to-play protocol before returning to competition.

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AMERICANS NEED TO UP POTASSIUM, CUT SODIUM IN THEIR DIET

By AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION NEWS

Men consumed more sodium than women.

Most Americans consume double the recommended amount of sodium but only half of recommended potassium.

Average potassium intake was 2,202 mg, compared to the recommended 4,700 mg. Women consumed less potassium than men, blacks consumed the least potassium, and whites consumed the most.

In a study presented at American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions, researchers studied 827 U.S. adults ages 20 to 69, analyzing 24-hour urine samples taken as part of the 2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

The average sodium intake was 3,662 milligrams per day, compared to 1,500 mg recommended by the AHA for optimal heart health. Federal dietary guidelines recommend a sodium limit of 2,300 mg.

This was the first time 24-hour urine excretion was used for a nationally-representative estimate of U.S. sodium levels.

Because of the health risks associated with excess sodium and inadequate potassium, monitoring intake is key to shaping effective dietary policies and interventions, researchers said.

Diet rich in omega-3s lowers blood pressure in young, healthy adults

By AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION NEWS Eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent high blood pressure in healthy young adults, new research suggests.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats, mostly found in fish and some types of plant oils.

Researchers measured blood pressure and the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood of 2,036 young, healthy adults. They divided people into four groups, from those with the highest amount of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood to those with the lowest.

They found adults in the highest group had about 4 points lower systolic and 2 points lower diastolic blood pressure compared to those with the least omega-3 fatty acids in their blood. This suggests promoting diets rich in omega-3 foods could become a strategy to prevent high blood pressure.

The study was presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions.

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Mostly meat, high-protein diet linked to heart failure in older women Women over 50 who follow a high-protein diet could be at higher risk for heart failure, especially if much of their protein comes from meat, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2016.

Researchers evaluated the self-reported daily diets of 103,878 women between 50 and 79, from 1993 to 1998. A total of 1,711 women developed heart failure over the study period. The rate of heart failure for women with higher total dietary protein intake was significantly higher compared to the women who ate less protein daily or got more of their protein from vegetables.

While women who ate higher amounts of vegetable protein appeared to have less heart failure, the association was not significant when adjusted for body mass.

“Higher calibrated total dietary protein intake appears to be associated with substantially increased heart failure risk while vegetable protein intake appears to be protective, although additional studies are needed to further explore this potential association,” said Mohamad Firas Barbour, M.D., study author and internist at the Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, in Pawtucket.

The findings were true regardless of age, race or ethnicity, level of education, or if the women had high blood pressure, diabetes, coronary artery disease, anemia or atrial fibrillation.

The subjects were all participants in the Women's Health Initiative, an ongoing, long-term national dietary survey investigating strategies for reducing heart disease, breast and colorectal cancer, and osteoporosis.

Researchers said other studies have found a link between increased protein from meat and cardiovascular risk in women.

“Our findings should be interpreted with caution, but it appears that following a high-protein diet may increase heart failure risk,” Barbour said.

Because dietary self-reporting can be unreliable, the team also used special biomarker data to accurately calibrate daily protein intake – doubly labeled water and urinary nitrogen. Doubly labeled water uses non-radioactive tracers to evaluate a person's metabolic energy while urinary nitrogen is used to determine actual amounts of dietary protein.

“We used self-reported intakes of total dietary protein, and the quantity of protein women obtained from meat and vegetables based upon the Food Frequency Questionnaire,” Barbour said.

The Food Frequency Questionnaire is the most common dietary assessment tool used in large epidemiologic studies of diet and health. A self-administered booklet asks participants to report the frequency of consumption and portion size of approximately 125 items over a defined period.

“While a better understanding of dietary risk is still needed, it appears that heart failure among postmenopausal women is not only highly prevalent but preventable by modifying diet,” Barbour said. “Heart failure is highly prevalent, especially in post-menopausal women; therefore, a better understanding of nutritionrelated factors associated with heart failure is needed.”

The American Heart Association recommends that people eat a dietary pattern that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, poultry, fish, and nuts while limiting red meat and sugary foods and beverages. For people who eat meat, choose lean meats and poultry without skin and eat fish at least twice a week – preferably fish high in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, trout and herring. www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me ▒ 15

The 4 Tokens for the Holidays

By Robyn C. Hill, LPCC PWM Contributing Writer

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he holidays are in full swing! It's time for festivities and if you had any doubt just check out the decorations that have popped up and all of the sales being promoted by every store you can think of.

Conversations have shifted from politics to who is traveling, who's doing the cooking. Then there are the work potlucks, after work mixers, and holiday gift exchanges. Everyone gets so excited!

As they say, “It's the most wonderful time of the year!”

For many it is just the opposite, they just can't quite get into the swing of things. The holidays bring on a different kind of stress because they serve as a reminder of a time that has passed or of one that never was. The person remembering the past is often shrouded in grief for family members who have passed on and celebrations are just not the same.

The holiday that never was, is often characterized by the person who grew up in dysfunction and never got to experience the jovial holiday time that everyone around them seems to cherish.

If you find that you fall into either of those categories, I want to give you 4 tokens to help you get through and hopefully enjoy your holiday season this year: 1. L e t G o o f E x p e c t a t i o n s – U n m e t expectations tend to have a negative effect on our mood. The reality is nothing will drastically change about your environment so you must either accept the environment, flaws and all, or insert yourself into a new environment. There is nothing wrong with accepting an invite to a dinner, you might find

16 ▒ NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

yourself getting grafted into a family that gives you the sense of belonging and warmth that you have been looking for.

2. Carry Over Positive Memories – We all have positive memories whether from family or people who have influenced our lives.

Find a creative way to turn these positive memories into your new traditions for the holidays. For example, my grandmother made corn with red and green peppers, and now this is my new side dish for the holidays.

When we carry over positive memories, it's our way of keeping them with us.

3. Create New Traditions – It is ok to create a “new normal” when the old normal has shifted by loss or is no longer acceptable because of dysfunction. Have fun being creative and starting something totally new for the next generations so that they can have positive memories with you.

4. Remember To Relax – The holidays can be filled with a rush of emotions, make sure the moments are memories you want to embrace. Be sure to take in the moments, laugh, and enjoy the company of family and friends. Most importantly remember to breathe and rest.

Remember, the holidays should not overwhelm you and should be a time of positivity. Keep these tokens with you to serve as reminders to help you manage your emotions and keep your spirits high during this season!

Robyn C. Hill, LPCC is the owner of Robyn C. Hill Counseling & Professional Development Services and host of Mind Healing Conversations Radio Show.

Robynhillservices.com mindhealingconversations.com

www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me â–’ 17

Why More Boomers are Getting Plastic Surgery

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ost people want to be a “10,” not an “11.” What's an 11? It’s those furrows that can appear between the eyebrows, making some people look older, stern or worried. These kinds of wrinkles, along with drooping eyelids and sagging jaw lines, have prompted many baby boomers to seek out plastic surgery.

“We’re doing higher volumes of procedures, such as eyelid surgeries, facelifts and tummy tucks, and the results are very good,” says plastic surgeon Vasu Pandrangi, MD. “Boomers are researching their options, educating themselves and finding the surgeon who best meets their needs.”

According to Dr. Pandrangi, the reasons boomers turn to plastic surgery vary and include:

n Remaining competitive in the workplace. Boomers are working longer and putting off retirement, but looking too mature can work against them and result in age discrimination. n “One segment of our patients is younger baby boomers who are still working in their careers,” he says.

“They may be in sales, promotions or work in the public eye and they don’t want these signs of aging to impact them in the workplace.” n

Having the money for elective procedures. “At that age, many boomers can afford to get plastic surgery done,” he says. “They’re at a place in their lives where they have expendable income and they want to use it toward looking and feeling good.”

n

Looking more rejuvenated and rested. Plastic surgery

18 ▒ NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

procedures and non-surgical facial rejuvenation – such as Botox, fat grafts, etc.– help many boomers achieve a more youthful appearance. This, in turn, makes them feel and act younger. In fact, in one study, people who got facelifts tended to live longer, healthier lives, Dr. Pandrangi says

n Streamlining their bodies. In order to increase selfesteem and look better in their clothes, some patients come to Dr. Pandrangi for body contouring procedures, such as tummy tucks without the use of drain tubes, which is easier and more comfortable for patients. n “Procedures like these change our patients’ lives,” he says. “We’re able to give patients more satisfactory results and they’re happier with their outcomes.”

With so many plastic surgery options available, boomers have more choices, Dr. Pandrangi says.

“We’re better able to tailor options to meet patients’ needs,” he says. “After all, not everyone buys a Cadillac.

Some people may want to choose another type of car – maybe a Ford Focus.”

For instance, you may want to dip your toe in the water and try Botox or a filler first rather than getting a facelift.

“With plastic surgery, it's a more artistic way, a more philosophical way, of looking at things,” he says. “We’re helping patients change their appearances and achieve the lifestyle they want.”

Vasu Pandrangi, MD is a plastic surgeon at Pandrangi Plastic Surgery UHMP in Middleburg Heights, Parma and Westlake.

Source: UHBlog.

Medical Mutual Awards $1 Million to Benefit Tri-C Nursing and Health Career Students

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edical Mutual of Ohio today announced a $1 million gift to increase the number of scholarships awarded to nursing and health career students at Cuyahoga Community College (TriC®).

The donation expands the existing Medical Mutual Nursing and Health Careers Endowed Scholarship Fund, which was established at Tri-C in 2012 through the Cuyahoga Community College Foundation.

Eighty scholarships have been awarded to Medical Mutual Scholars since the scholarship fund began. So far, 31 of those Scholars have graduated from Tri-C and taken jobs helping others across Northeast Ohio.

“It feels great to know we're helping the next generation of nursing and health care professionals as they learn their craft at Tri-C,” said Rick Chiricosta,

chairman, president and CEO of Medical Mutual. “We know this is a winning investment that will benefit our community for decades to come.”

Tri-C President Alex Johnson said the Medical Mutual gift will have an enduring impact. The College ranks among the national leaders in awarding nursing and health career degrees, meeting the need for skilled workers in an industry vital to the region's economy.

“The generosity and commitment of Medical Mutual to the future development of health care professionals in Northeast Ohio is truly inspiring,” Johnson said. “This support will change the lives of Tri-C students and every person they care for during their careers.”

The donation was announced during the Foundation's Presidential Scholarship Luncheon.

Source: www.tri-c.edu www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me ▒ 19

COVER: DR. TALISA DIXON

Dr. Talisa Dixon Implementing a Full-Scale Educational Equity Plan!

Photos: Page 20-23 Eric Benson

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by R. Lee Gamble PWM Contributing Writer

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s an educator, seeing students achieve their full potential has always been important to Dr. Talisa Dixon. So when Dr. Dixon took over the position of Superintendent of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District in July 2014, one of her main goals was the realignment of the District's practices with the needs and expectations of the community.

To that end, she has launched numerous initiatives and efforts, including leading students, parents, staff, the Board of Education and community leaders on a yearlong process to develop a comprehensive Five-Year Strategic Plan. The School District's mission as articulated in the plan is 'to provide a challenging and engaging education to prepare all students to become responsible citizens and succeed in college and career.' In addition, the District has enunciated five sets of goals to fulfill its mission.

The School District serves a diverse community made up of Cleveland Heights, University Heights, and a section of South Euclid. It educates more than 5,200 students each year, from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th Grade; in seven elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a career and technical education consortium, an alternative options school, an early childhood learning center and a school for students with emotional needs. The District offers extracurricular activities at every grade level, including world-renowned vocal and instrumental music programs, in addition to accomplished athletic teams.

Dr. Dixon and the District Board Members understood that the concept of educational equity goes beyond general principles of equality – where all students are treated the same – to fostering a barrier-free environment where all students, regardless of their race, class or other personal characteristics have the opportunity to benefit equally from their education.

“When we met with our Strategic Planning Committee two years ago, our community members were adamant that our plan address equity issues within the school district,” said Dr. Dixon. “As a result, Goal 2 of our Strategic Plan centers on equity and our educational approach to empower all students. We want to provide an excellent education to each student in every district school and classroom.

My parents believed that in order to be successful, you must be kind, respectful and confident.

“My goal is to transform the school district,” Dr. Dixon said.

“This transformation will include increasing the number of students graduating from high school who can demonstrate that they are ready for college or a career.

This is significant. It's not enough to give them a diploma if they are not prepared to enter the world of work or college. That's why we changed our District's Mission Statement to include an emphasis on preparing students for college and careers.”

Dixon understood that in order for her students to truly reach their full potential, some difficult issues needed to be addressed. For years, most schools have acknowledged the educational disparity that exists between white students and students of color. While recognizing the historically persistent achievement gap, many districts

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still have not taken the necessary steps to overcome these barriers for all students. In August 2016, the Cleveland Heights-University Heights (CH-UH) City School Board approved implementation of a full-scale Educational Equity Plan becoming the first school district in Cuyahoga County to adopt an official policy.

“Paramount to this is access to rigorous courses, especially at the high school level. It is our goal to ensure that all students have equitable access to Advanced Placement and high level courses. We know that many of our students are capable of handling the rigor of AP courses but need support and encouragement.”

In September, the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District was recognized in Washington D.C. for fully reflecting America's diversity at the highest levels of K-12 schools by equally including students of all backgrounds in Advanced Placement courses.

CH-UH, represented by Superintendent Dr. Talisa Dixon, was honored in large part as a result of its partnership with the non-profit Equal Opportunity Schools, which has assisted the district in identifying ways to provide equitable academic opportunities to all students, especially in regards to access and support for minorities in taking AP courses.

CH-UH was among a select group of districts recognized

by White House Cabinet Secretary and My Brother's Keeper Taskforce Chair Broderick Johnson at the dinner celebration, hosted by Equal Opportunity Schools and the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me ▒ 21

COVER: DR. TALISA DIXON

Dr. Dixon with colleagues.

“We applaud the tremendous progress Equal Opportunity Schools and all its partners have made to ignite the potential of thousands more traditionally underrepresented students across the country,” said Johnson. “The Lead Higher coalition exemplifies the values of My Brothers Keeper, forming innovative alliances to disrupt inequity and expand opportunity.”

This inaugural recognition builds on commitments that members of a group called “Lead Higher” have made to find 100,000 “missing students” over three years and ensure that those previously-overlooked low-income students and students of color are matched with challenging high school learning opportunities that will prepare them for college and a future of their choosing.

“When any group of students is struggling, schools and school districts can't simply sit by and watch – they have to act,” Dr. Dixon said. “We do well when we all do well. I also believe parents play a huge role in the success of our students. My parents were both teachers and always pushed me and my siblings. From Girl Scouts, piano lessons, sports, participation in a debutante ball, beauty pageant and even volunteering at our local hospital.

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“I had the social skills and experiences that prepared me for success in college. My parents believed that in order to be successful, you must be kind, respectful and confident.

They demonstrated these attributes and we continue to try to emulate them all. Parents speak life in their students – as children, we hang on to everything they say and do.”

Prior to becoming superintendent of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District, Dr. Dixon served in the Saginaw Public Schools, Michigan as Deputy Superintendent for Teaching & Learning and prior to that, she served as an administrator in the Columbus (OH) City Schools. She began her professional career as an instructor at the University of Akron, before becoming an assistant principal with the Akron City Schools.

Dr. Dixon advises parents to always meet with their child's teachers and administrators. “See the people who are teaching and modeling for their students. Join the Parent Teacher Association (PTA.) This organization can assist those parents who are not comfortable initially. However, it is critical that parents move from discomfort to becoming partners with the school. It's a family affair and the school is a part of that family. We all want to celebrate our students.”

Phenomenal Facts: n BA degree in Sociology, Mississippi Valley

State University n Master

of Arts degrees in Sociology, Educational Administration and Secondary Education, University of Akron

n Doctor of education degree in Educational

Administration, University of Akron n Widely recognized educational leader and

innovator n Named: one of the University of Akron's

Outstanding Women in Higher Education (1998); an Ohio Reads Educator (2005/2006) and The Ohio Transformation Champion of Change (2008) n Winner of the Ingram Award for Excellence

in Leadership (2009/2010); and Gerstacker Program Fellow (2013)

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n Selected

for the Summer Leadership Institute and the Future of Learning Institute, both held by Harvard University in 2010

n Made numerous keynote presentations at

national conferences on the subject of high school transformation and small school implementation n Member of the local board of directors for

American Heart Association(AHA)

www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me â–’ 23

Health and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand

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sunscreen that has a Skin Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 any time you'll be outdoors for more than 20 minutes. Even winter conditions pose a threat to bare skin, as snow can actually reflect UV radiation.

Warm up your workout. Exercise and physical activity are essential to a healthy lifestyle, but failing to approach your workouts with the proper warmup and know-how can really backfire. According to the experts at WebMD, a warmup is important because it gets blood circulating and eases muscles into more vigorous activity, getting them loose, warm and ready for the challenge.

Be wary of expiration dates. Most people at least periodically use prescription drugs or over-the-counter medicines as part of their commitment to staying healthy.

However, for people who rarely use medicines, their cabinets may be filled with potentially dangerous, expired medications. According to the FDA, both prescriptions and over-the-counter meds can lose their effectiveness over time and even become unsafe. Especially concerning are the medicines that can change chemical composition or become a breeding ground for bacteria over an extended period of time. That's why it's important to properly discard medicines after their expiration dates have passed.

ost people recognize the importance of a healthy lifestyle when it comes to physical and emotional well-being, but you may not realize that some health-related activities can pose a safety risk if you don't take proper precautions. Making safe habits part of your healthy lifestyle can help ensure you're able to enjoy the results of your efforts.

Know that technique matters. Another potential safety pitfall when it comes to working out is improperly using weight machines or employing improper technique for activities like yoga or core training. Failing to execute your exercises correctly can not only produce sub-par results, you may actually end up hurting yourself by causing a sprain or other injury. Even if you tend to be a loner when it comes to working out, enlist the expertise of a trainer or coach who can show you the ropes before you set out solo.

Exercise caution outdoors. A few hours spent in the great outdoors can leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated; fresh air is good for your body and your spirit. However, spending too much time soaking up the sun can have a detrimental impact on your health – overexposure to UV rays is a major risk factor for developing skin cancer.

Exposure to the elements, such as strong winds or harsh cold, can also take a toll on your body. The American Melanoma Foundation recommends lathering up with a 24 â–’ NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

Make reasonable eating choices. With countless diet options available, it may seem impossible to know which is most likely to help you achieve your desired results. When evaluating eating plans, be careful to avoid diets that are excessively restrictive, as these can have a serious impact on bodily organs that rely on nutrients to function. Also be wary of diets that recommend cutting entire food groups; a balanced diet with moderate portion sizes is the best approach for delivering your body the nutrition it needs for top performance.

Committing to healthier living is an important step, so be sure you can reap the rewards by making your journey to better health a safe one. Find more tips for living a healthy lifestyle at elivingtoday.com.

Contact Lens Safety Tips

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ith nearly 41 million adults in the U.S. wearing contact lenses as a safe and popular form of vision correction, there is a growing trend among Americans to alter the appearance or color of the eyes by using decorative contact lenses. However, if these lenses are bought illegally and without a prescription from your eye doctor, they could lead to serious health issues and potentially damage your eyesight permanently.

“Many consumers consider these lenses a fashion or costume accessory when, in reality, decorative lenses are also classified as medical devices and still pose the same potential safety and health issues as corrective contact lenses and require a prescription,” said Andrea P. Thau, O.D., president of the American Optometric Association (AOA).

The AOA recommends contact lens wearers take proper steps to protect their eyes and maintain a consistent hygiene routine, including:

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Inspiring Women To Reach Their Highest Potential! phenomenal

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PEGGY ZONE FISHER AND THE DIVERSITY CENTER OF NORTHEAST OHIO

PUZZLE PIECE

BY PUZZLE PIECE A family’s journey with

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Chief Operating Officer, NEORSD Committed to keeping our Great Lake great

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YOLANDA ARMSTRONG Working to Reignite BBBS

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An Out-of-the-Box Recruiter

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See a doctor of optometry for a comprehensive eye examination and proper fitting and prescription for decorative contacts lenses, even if you don't require lenses to correct your vision.

Never buy lenses from retail outlets or online sites that don't require a prescription.

Always follow the recommended contact lens replacement schedule prescribed by your eye doctor.

Wash and dry hands before handling contact lenses.

Carefully and regularly use cleaning solution to rub the lenses with fingers and rinse thoroughly before soaking overnight in multi-purpose disinfectant solution.

Use fresh solution to clean and store contact lenses – never reuse old solution.

Only use products recommended by your eye doctor to clean and disinfect lenses. Saline solution and rewetting drops do not disinfect lenses.

Store lenses in the proper storage case and replace your case every three months. In addition, cases should be rubbed with clean fingers, rinsed with solution, dried with a tissue and stored upside-down when not in use.

Remove contact lenses before exposing them to water.

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See your optometrist immediately if you experience redness, pain, irritation or blurred vision while wearing your lenses.

For more information about contact lens hygiene and safety, the risks associated with decorative contact lenses and to find an optometrist near you, visit aoa.org.

216.702.0845 www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me ▒ 25

About Body Image When you look in the mirror, do you like what you see?

LOVING THE BODY YOU HAVE

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s your body image positive or negative? If your answer is negative, you are not alone. Many women in the United States feel pressured to measure up to a certain social and cultural ideal of beauty, which can lead to poor body image. Women are constantly bombarded with "Barbie Doll-like" images. By presenting an ideal that is so difficult to achieve and maintain, the cosmetic and diet product industries are assured of growth and profits. It's no accident that youth is increasingly promoted, along with thinness, as an essential criterion of beauty. The message we're hearing is either "all women need to lose weight" or that the natural aging process is a "disastrous" fate.

Other pressures can come from the people in our lives. · Family and friends can influence your body image with positive and negative comments. · A doctor's health advice can be misinterpreted and affect how a woman sees herself and feels about her body.

Learning to love what you see in the mirror We all want to look our best, but a healthy body is not always linked to appearance. In fact, healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes! Changing your body image means changing the way you think about your body. At the same time, healthy lifestyle choices are also key to improving body image. · Healthy eating can promote healthy skin and hair, along with strong bones. · Regular exercise has been shown to boost self-esteem, self-image, and energy levels. · Plenty of rest is key to stress management.

For more info visit womenhealth.gov

26 ▒ NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

5 STEPS FOR EASY ENTERTAINING H

osting a large group of family and friends can be overwhelming, especially if entertaining isn't something you do often. No matter the occasion, these tips can help you avoid common party pitfalls so you can keep the focus on having fun.

Offer an assortment. Rather than attempting to plan the menu around a wide range of likes, dislikes, allergies and other considerations, simply create a menu that satisfies everyone's cravings. If you're serving a buffet, provide a mix of hot and cold dishes in a variety of tastes and textures. For a plated meal, offer several robust sides so if the main dish misses the mark for one or two guests, there's no chance of anyone going hungry.

Create a beverage cart. The kitchen is likely to be a hotbed of activity, but setting up a remote beverage cart can help redirect some of that traffic. A cart or table with multiple shelves is ideal. Stock the cart with an ice bucket and tongs; garnish such as lemons, limes, olives and cherries; and an assortment of glasses. Offer a couple of bottled beers on ice (one light and one with a bolder flavor), at least one white and one red wine, and a couple of liquors that work with a wide array of mixers, such as vodka and rum. Round out the cart with a few mixers, including fruit juice so non-drinkers can enjoy mocktails as well.

Never compromise on wine. Lots of times, guests have wildly different tastes in wine and it can seem impossible

to select a couple bottles that everyone will like. If you want to please everyone but worry you'll end up with a stash of partially poured bottles, there is an alternative to pulling all those corks. The Coravin Wine System lets you serve wine without removing the cork, allowing your guests to pour as much or as little wine as they like (you can save the rest or what's left for another day). Using a Coravin System is like having a wine bar in your house.

Rather than settling for what is open, everyone can drink whatever they like, even if the entire group has dramatically different tastes. If someone wants to taste lots of different wines, they will have the freedom to do just that. Learn more at coravin.com.

Plan ahead for refills. Clear as much space as possible in the refrigerator for extras so you can easily replenish anything that runs out. Make extra pitchers of punch, and have bowls of popular items ready to replace as needed.

For warm items, use the warming feature on your oven to hold dishes at serving temperatures, or simply leave the oven off and contain the precooked dishes' warmth.

Remember to enjoy yourself. Your guests can easily sense when you're frazzled or stressed, so plan ahead and get all your preparations completed well before anyone arrives. Then you'll be ready to mingle, visit and set a warm and inviting tone for an event that everyone can enjoy.

www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me â–’ 27

Handy

Holiday Hints

Simple steps to prep for a delicious turkey dinner Planning the Meal · Get your plans in writing, including your menu, how many people will attend, any special dietary needs of guests and what time you plan to serve the meal. ·

Buy the turkey early, and look for a bird with a pop-up timer in the breast, which ensures proper cooking time. Learn more at volkenterprises.com.

Preparing the Bird · Baste the turkey with extra-virgin olive oil, butter, margarine or wine. · For an unstuffed turkey, place a stalk or two of celery, seasonings, a cut-up onion and a handful of parsley in the cavity to keep it moist. · If you stuff the turkey, pack the neck and cavity loosely with stuffing prepared just before you plan to cook the bird. · Heat oven to 325 F. Place turkey breast-side-up on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. · Lay a “tent” of foil loosely over the turkey to prevent over-browning. · The turkey is done when the meat thermometer is 180 F and the stuffing is 165 F. If you don't have a meat thermometer, look for the red stem to go up on the pop-up timer, press a thumb and forefinger into the thick part of the drumstick to see if it feels soft or wiggle a drumstick to see if it moves easily.

28 ▒ NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

·

For easier carving, let the turkey stand at room temperature for at least 20 minutes.

Preparing Homemade Rolls · Purchase Frozen Rhodes Ready to Bake Rolls, which give you that original homemade taste with no preservatives. · Coat baking pan and large sheet of plastic wrap with nonstick cooking spray. Place frozen dough on the pan and cover with oiled plastic wrap so it won't stick to the rolls as they rise. · Let rolls rise for 4-5 hours, until they double in size.

Carefully remove the plastic wrap. · While you are carving your turkey, put rolls in the oven at 350 F and bake 15-20 minutes, until golden brown. · Brush tops with butter or olive oil, if desired. · Dinner rolls can also be used to create side dishes or desserts, such as this Butterscotch Bubble Loaf.

Don't Forget the Add-Ons · Surprise your guests with something different from years prior, such as new recipes or add-ons. For example, if you serve salad add something new, such as olives, pearl onions, raisins, nuts or mandarin oranges.

FAMILY FEATURES

Watermelon Cranberry Sauce Recipe courtesy of watermelon.org Servings: 4 4 1/2 1

1/2 2

cups fresh cranberries cup organic sugar teaspoon vanilla extract lemon juice (from 1 lemon) lemon zest (from 1 lemon) cup maple syrup cinnamon cups minced watermelon

In 3-quart saucepan over medium-low heat, heat cranberries, sugar, vanilla, lemon juice and lemon zest until simmering. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until cranberries are tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Reduce heat to low and add maple syrup and cinnamon to pan. Simmer another few minutes.

Remove from heat to rest 10 minutes. Stir in watermelon and serve warm, or chill and serve cold.

Butterscotch Bubble Loaf Recipe courtesy of rhodesbread.com 24 Rhodes Yeast Dinner Rolls, thawed but still cold 1/2 box non-instant butterscotch or vanilla pudding mix 1/2 cup pecans, chopped 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup butter or margarine Heat oven to 350 F. Cut dinner rolls in half and dip in dry pudding mix. In sprayed Bundt pan, arrange rolls, alternating with pecans.

Sprinkle any remaining pudding mix over top.

Combine brown sugar and butter. In microwave, heat together about 1 1/2 minutes until butter is melted and syrup is formed. Pour syrup over rolls. Cover with sprayed plastic wrap. Let rise until doubled in size, or even with top of Bundt pan.

Carefully remove wrap. Bake 30-35 minutes. Cover with foil for last 15 minutes of baking.

Immediately after baking, loosen foil from sides of pan with knife and invert onto serving plate. www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me â–’ 29

Sweet Treats Worth Celebrating Spoon cream cheese mixture over wide ends of crescent rolls. Top with fruit filling. Fold pointed ends of triangles over filling, tucking points under to form ring.

Bake 12-15 minutes, or until crescents are golden brown.

Cool 5 minutes.

To make icing: In small mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar and milk; whisk until smooth. Drizzle over crescent ring and serve.

Sugar-Dusted Apple Bundt Cake

Strawberry Cheesecake Crescent Ring Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 8 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 2 tubes crescent rolls 1 can (21 ounces) Lucky Leaf Premium Strawberry Fruit Filling & Topping Icing: 1/2 cup powdered sugar 3 teaspoons milk Heat oven to 375 F. In mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar and almond extract. Beat mixture until smooth.

Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles. On 14inch ungreased pizza pan, arrange triangles with points toward outside of pan and wide ends overlapping at center, leaving 4-inch opening in center. Press overlapping dough to seal.

30 â–’ NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 1 hour Servings: 12 2 cups sugar, plus 2 tablespoons, divided 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 cup vegetable oil 4 eggs, beaten 1/3 cup orange juice 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 can (21 ounces) Lucky Leaf Premium Apple Fruit Filling & Topping Heat oven to 350 F. Grease and flour 10-inch tube pan or Bundt cake pan.

In small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle bottom and sides of pan.

In large bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder and remaining sugar. Stir in oil, eggs, orange juice and vanilla; mix well. Add fruit filling and stir. Pour batter evenly into prepared pan.

FAMILY FEATURE

BERRIES AND CREAM FLUTED POUND CAKE Recipe courtesy of Baker's Advantage/Alissa Wallers 4 3 6 4 3 1/2 2 1 1/2

sticks butter, room temperature cups sugar eggs teaspoons vanilla extract cups flour teaspoons baking powder teaspoon salt cup milk, at room temperature nonstick cooking spray

Heat oven to 350 F. With stand or handheld mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, scraping between each egg. Add vanilla extract.

Sift flour, baking powder and salt together. Add flour mixture to mixing bowl and slowly add milk while mixing. Mix until just combined.

Spray Fillables Fluted Cake Pan with nonstick cooking spray. Fill bottom of both pans with batter to three-quarters full.

Bake on middle rack in oven 20-25 minutes. Allow to cool before removing from pan.

Filling suggestions: · Blueberries, plus additional for topping · Raspberries, plus additional for topping · Strawberries, stem removed and cut into small pieces, plus additional for topping · Vanilla Frosting (recipe below) Fill pockets in bottom layer of pound cake with different berries.

Carefully spread Vanilla Frosting over top of berries and cake.

Place top layer of cake on top of frosting.

Drizzle warmed up Vanilla Frosting over top of cake.

Decorate top with berries.

Vanilla Frosting Recipe courtesy of Baker's Advantage/Alissa Wallers 3 6 2 1/2 1/4

sticks butter, unsalted and at room temperature cups powdered sugar teaspoons vanilla extract teaspoon salt cup heavy cream

Using handheld or stand mixer, cream butter on high, about 3 minutes.

Add powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on medium between each addition.

Scrape bowl well. Add remaining ingredients; mix on low until incorporated.

Turn mixer to high and beat frosting until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

Use immediately or store in airtight container in refrigerator.

Note: Frosting must be at room temperature prior to using.

Bake In the Fun Making a cake with a treat hidden inside is as easy as 1-2-3 with Fillables Bakeware from Baker's Advantage. Because the bakeware does all of the work for you, there are no special baking skills required; just pour in the batter and bake. Then, fill the pockets in the cake with any treat you like and spread icing to cover the surprise. Next, add the top cake layer, ice the whole cake, slice and serve.

www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me ▒ 31

INFERNO

is an exciting, suspenseful, psychological thriller!!

by R. Lee Gamble Film Diva www.filmdiva3.com Academy Award winning director Ron Howard directs Oscar winner Tom Hanks once again in author Dan Brown's Robert Langdon series. This time Langdon (Hanks) wakes up in the middle of a mystery he needs to solve in order to save his own life.

This time, the renowned symbolist, Langdon must recover his memories in order to stop a madman from unleashing a deadly virus on the world. Langdon does not know who to trust and everyone seems to be after him.

The only one he can trust is the doctor that helped save his life Sienna Brooks (Felicity Jones). With her help he begins to unravel the truth. Billionaire Bertrand Zorbist has set in motion the destruction of the human race. He believes the world is over populated and only he can save the few by killing many.

Through all of the twists and turns Langdon finds out that nothing is what it seems and as his memory starts to slowly come back so does his clarity on what is really going on and why he woke up in Italy. What always 32 â–’ NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

made the Dan Brown series exciting to watch are the visuals. Howard is masterful in how he uses historical sites and the beauty of Europe as a character in the film.

Hanks is still just as enjoyable to watch as Langdon.

One of the things that makes him a great actor is that he has a way of fully embodying the character he is playing. His Langdon character is one of my favorites, not just for his knowledge, but his humor.

Felicity Jones matches his intensity as Sienna, a former child prodigy that enjoys solving puzzles. By helping Langdon, she is now on the run from the same people who want to stop him from solving the mystery.

Inferno is a movie for the art, history and mystery lover. You can't help but be intrigued by the stories surrounding the various pieces of art on display in the film as well as the historic locations. Each movie makes you want to see and learn more.

Mix in all of the action and this is one film you do not want to miss. Hanks and Howard are a great combination and this is another great installment in the Dan Brown series.

A MAN CALLED OVE A Beautiful Tale about Learning to Live Again

by R. Lee Gamble Film Diva www.filmdiva3.com A Man Called Ove is a beautiful and rich story of a grumpy old man who finds that life is still worth living even after he has suffered so many losses. Directed by Hannes Holmes, Ove is a character that you grow to care about with each scene and that is the truest sign of great acting and directing.

Ove (Rolf Lassgard) is a widow who has lost his job. Sadly, he decides to take his own life. Right in the middle of his attempted suicide, Ove is interrupted by a truck pulling up his street that backs into his mailbox. A control freak about everything in his community, Ove bursts out of his home to confront these people. What he finds is his new neighbors moving in. Parvaneh (Bahar Pars) and her family end up backing into more than his mailbox - they back into his life.

Watching the relationship flourish between Ove and Parvaneh is not only comical, it's moving.

It happens so subtly that even Ove is surprised that he has developed feelings for this family. As his love for this family begins to grow, he finds he is soon opening up with other people in the community as well.

A Man Called Ove is a charming film that movie lovers will really enjoy. The story is enjoyable and Lassgard is amazing as Ove. This is a film that reminds us how in the midst of feeling like all we want to do is die...it's ok to live. www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me â–’ 33

TO WIN 4 FAMILY PACK TICKETS EMAIL TO: WINTICKETS@PHENOMENALWOMAN.ME 34 â–’ NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

(WINNERS ARE SELECTED AR RANDOM DRAWING)

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