Emerge Magazine Summer 2012

Emerge! | SUMMER 2012 | emergeva.com

The true building blocks of our We have great history and amazing technology, but it’s Jayme Wright Cardiopulmonary Health Services, Medical Outpatient Services, Wound Healing Center

Valerie Marshall Materials Management Legend of the Year

Director of the Year

Ella Faye Cameron Psychiatry June 2012

April Hairston Pharmacy May 2012

Debra Simmons Environmental Services 2012 Mercy Award Winner

Tim Haraway PACU April 2012

David Rust Environmental Services March 2012

hospital are pictured below. people that form our foundation.

Majida Zaher Clinical Manager, 5A February 2012

Suzanne Thompson Radiology January 2012

Ruby Mclean Radiology December 2011

Patricia Fackler Pathology November 2011

Carla Dewberry Customer Service October 2011

Fred Smith Critical Care September 2011

Sally Trent Payroll Coordinator August 2011

Cynthia Motley Clinical Coordinator, Danville Diagnostic Imaging Center

July 2011

DRMC Heroes Embrace Our C.A.R.E. Values C - Customer is always first A - Actions speak louder than words R - Respect equals the ‘golden rule’ E - Excellence is our standard

www.DanvilleRegional.com

Emerge!

PUBLISHER A n d r ew S c o t t B ro ok s s c o t t @ e m e r ge va . c o m

Publisher’s Note Children Are Our Future

C O N T E N T E D I TO R , P U B L I C R E L AT I O N S, & SALES Selena Lipscomb s e l e n a @ e m e r ge va. c o m 434.429.9795

It’s almost become clichéd to say that the children are our future. As those words are continuously thrown in our face by

SALES Larry Oldham l a r r y @ e m e r ge va . c o m 434.728.3713

politicians and marketers, they begin to lose some of their impact. The truth is much more subtle. The children are our future, be that in a positive way or a negative way. It’s our duty as members of a community to set good examples so that the future can be brighter for all of us.

Coach Hank Allen’s recent passing reminds us that there are strong mentors within our community. I recently received a letter from a former Danville resident, Mel O. Battle, who played baseball for Langston High School in 1960. The letter made me reflect on the impact that one man can have on so many young people.

It really is not enough to just nurture our young people academically, but we must teach them positive life skills. I believe it’s vital to challenge children, and ourselves for that matter, to become someone special. With those words, I mean a human being who contributes something unique to the people and society in which they interact. We should teach them the importance of taking their health seriously. But even more than that, we must teach them the importance of taking their life seriously. We are each given a limited amount of time on this earth and how we invest that time is as much a reflection on us as a reflection on the people who guided us through our childhood.

We must expose children to sports and activities that that will challenge their mind, not just build their muscles. As we mature, we all learn that strength of character is more important than strength of body.

Unfortunately when those who haven’t learned that life lesson yet are guiding our children in a different direction, it becomes harder to create a positive environment for our community. I believe that we must teach our children to love everyone. But we must challenge them to love themselves.

Young men and women who throw their lives away clearly have not learned to love themselves. And every time we see someone commit an act of violence or commit a crime of convenience, we must accept that we as a community have failed that person, just as much as that person failed themself.

Of course, society didn’t commit the crime, but when I envision concepts such as “no child left behind,” I have a different interpretation. Every child should have an opportunity to have a positive environment in which to grow, be that in school, in their home, or in their neighborhood. Every child should be exposed to the reality that we will all fail at some point in our lives, but the truly strong of character will get back up and try again. If children learn those simple things early enough in life, by seeing it acted out by those in which they come in contact, then they will grow up and invest their lives wisely.

Since the dawn of civilization, societies have systematically favored this group or that group over another. As individuals, we aren’t going to change how the world has lived for ten thousand years. But, if we as individuals challenge ourselves to have a positive impact on the people with whom we come into contact, and those people in turn have a positive impact on those with whom they come into contact, then over time, we can change the world together. And together, we can ensure that the children are indeed part of a positive future.

Andrew Scott Brooks PUBLISHER

Cover photo of Imani Jackson by Stephanie Henderson. mEr 2012

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D I R E C TO R O F G R A P H I C S & D E S I G N M e l v i n Ja c o b s m e l v i n @ e m e r ge va . c o m

Emerge! | SUMMER 2012 | emergeva.com

MEET THE WRITERS - SUMMER 2012 M ayo r S h e r m a n S a u n d e r s, We n d i E ve r s o n , L a S h e e ra L e e, E l a in e C a m p b e l l , M e l i s s a Wa l t o n , S e l e n a L i p s c o m b, To nya N u n n a l l y, Jo h n n i e F u l l e r w i n d e r, Pe t r i n a C a r t e r, A d r i e n n e To o m e r, Ka r e n To t t e n - W h i t e, M i c h e l l e Fo s t e r, V in c e n t t S u t t o n , Tra c i F l i p p e n Ja c k s o n , D a v i d W i l s o n , Q o n e l l To t t e n , K l i n i q u e M c C u l l o u g h P H OTO G R A P H E R S S t e p h a n i e H e n d e r s o n , Jo s h u a D a v i s, S a l l y ’s Photo Studio 210 North Union St, Klinique McCullough INTERNS K l i n i q u e M c C u l l o u g h , A d r i e n n e To o m e r, Q o n e l l To t t e n AC C O U N T I N G C i n dy A s t i n c i n dy @ e m e r ge va . c o m e m e r g e \ i h - m u r g \ ve r b 1 . t o c o m e fo r t h i n t o v i ew 2. to come up or arise 3 . t o c o m e i n t o ex i s t e n c e E d i t o r i a l Po l i c i e s : D a n R i ve r E m e rg e ! i s a q u a r t e r l y m a ga z i ne c o ve r i n g a l l a s p e c t s o f l i f e i n t h e D a n R i ve r r e g i o n a s s e e n f ro m a n A f r i c a n - A m e r i c a n p e r s p e c t i ve. We p r i n t a n d d i s t r i b u t e f r e e o f c h a r ge, d u e e n t i r e l y t o t h e b a c k i n g o f o u r a d ve r t i s e r s.

W i t h i n o u r p a ge s a p p e a r v i ew s f ro m a c ro s s t h e s o c i a l s p e c t r u m . A l t h o u g h t h e v i ew s ex p r e s s e d m ay n o t n e c e s s a r i l y r e f l e c t t h e v i ew s o f t h e p u b l i s h e r, e d i t o r, o r s t a f f, we a l l s u p p o r t t h e f r e e d o m o f ex p r e s s i o n .

I ro n i c a l l y, we r e s e r ve t h e r i g h t t o a c c e p t , reject, and edit all submissions and a d ve r t i s e m e n t s.

D a n R i ve r E m e rg e ! M a g a z i n e 753 Main Street #3 D a n v i l l e, V i r g i n i a 2 4 5 4 1 877.638.8685 w w w. e m e r ge va . c o m © 2 0 1 2 - A n d r ew B ro o k s M e d i a G ro u p - A l l R i g h t s Re s e r ve d Re p ro d u c t i o n s o r us e i n w h o l e o r i n p a r t i n a ny m e d i u m w i t h o u t w r i t t e n p e r m i s s i o n o f t h e p u b l i s h e r i s s t r i c t l y p ro h i b i t e d .

We e n c o u ra ge yo u t o ex p r e s s yo u r s e l f.

P l e a s e e m a i l t o s u b m i s s i o n s @ e m e r ge va . c o m w i t h s t o r y i d e a s, p o e t r y, f i c t i o n , a n d a ny t y p e o f c o n t e n t yo u m ay f e e l l e d t o s h a r e.

T h i s i s a l a b o r o f l o ve. Fo r t h e S u m m e r E d i t i o n , t h e d e a d l i n e fo r s u b m i s s i o n s i s J u n e 1 s t . T h e a d ve r t i s i n g d e a d l i n e i s J u n e 1 5 t h .

What’s INSIDE

features

Summertime When Food 16 22 24 an Organ Donor Fights Back Yes, I Want to Be

! e g r e m E

Summer 2012

Danville’s Transformation-Mayor’s Corner

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What Healthy Families Are Made Of

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It’s a Family Affair

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Are You at the Table?

Watching the children playing outside,

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Project Life

swimming, having water balloon fights,

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Just Get an Understanding

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Miracle One

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Summertime

Oh the joys of summertime! and of course watching them race to eat ice cream before it melts all down their arms. While we enjoy watching them play and have fun, in the back of our minds the

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From My Library To Yours

overall mission is to make sure they are

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Who’s Hot?

safe and healthy. It is important that we

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Yes, I Want to Be An Organ Donor

and have fun but to be healthy and safe

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When Food Fights Back

also. In this issue of Emerge we introduce

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Fighting Sickle Cell

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On the Road to Success: Dr. Sonya Lamb

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Financially Fit

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Kingdom Dominion

not only encourage our youth to be happy

you to programs such as Healthy Families and Kingdom Dominion, which strive

Rachel Martin, to make that happen in our community. granddaughter of Mayor Saunders enlightens readers in the Johnnie Fullerwinder, Photo by Stephanie Henderson Mayor’s Corner. We then take a trip down

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Art of Belly Dancing

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Act Like a Kid- Emerge Gets Fit

Miller and Deontae Foster, that will leave an impact. Most of all, we hope

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Danvillian From a Distance: Bryn Keith Johnson

that this summer issue will encourage you to get your bodies moving and

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Making a Hole in One

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Lifting a Living Legacy

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National Walk to School Day

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Who’s Got Next?

memory lane to recall summertime fun for some folks around town. Readers will also meet two young men, Brandon

conversations going for yourself and children to produce a healthy and wealthy generation.

Thank You to our Advertisers!

29 40 40 13 18 2 43 13 32 10

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Barkhouser Ford BEST Coalition Chaney’s Service Center Bro Pete’s Danville Regional Foundation Danville Regional Medical Center Danville Toyota EEG Enterprises LLC Get Fit Dan River Healthy Families of Danville & Pittsylvania County

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Selenadipitous

19 Inside~Out Self Esteem Services 19 KD’s Family Restaurant 19 Moral Hill Missionary Baptist Church 5 Negril 40 Piedmont Credit Union 7 Robert Woodall Auto 44 URW Community Federal Credit Union 32 Yates Home Sales 13 Your Vision Photography

Emerge! | SUMMER 2012 | emergeva.com

Emerge! | SUMMER 2012 | emergeva.com

Danville’s Transformation

Serves As An Example For Others Mayor’S Corner

by MAYOR SHERMAN SAUNDERS The skies were overcast on the day in late May when I joined several Danville leaders in greeting a delegation from a North Carolina city that has seen its fortune suffer with the decline of the furniture industry upon which it was long dependent. However, the

message we shared that day was clear and bright: Danville, once dependent on textiles and tobacco, has turned the corner and is positioned to be a growing community with a more future-oriented mix of businesses and a vibrant River District.

Seventeen community, business, and elected leaders from Thomasville, North Carolina traveled to Danville to learn about the transformation taking placing here, especially in the redevelopment of former factory, warehouse, and retail buildings in the River District. As tangible evidence of the transformation, one only needs to look back to seven months ago when Danville received a special delivery, and with it the city gained a new status as home to one of the nation’s most powerful computers, a next-generation Cray XMT2 supercomputer.

Why Danville? That was the question raised at a gathering earlier this year to celebrate this new status. The answer was provided

by Gil Miller, corporate vice president and chief technology of Noblis, a nonprofit science and technology organization that operates the supercomputer and the

Center for Applied High Performance Computing in Danville. “We came to Danville because they get it.” Miller explained that supercomputer project involved a long, complex process. “They (the city of Danville) kept the partners together, and any time there was the least bit of concern or questions, the city of Danville made it happen.”

Photo by Patricia Jinks

In a nutshell, that is Danville’s story.

Consider the following events of the past year: • For the fifth time in 10 years, Danville was ranked as one of the nation’s Top Metros (population under 200,000) for economic development by Site Selection Magazine, which is the oldest publication in the corporate real estate and economic development field.

• For the third consecutive year, Danville was named among the top 21 communities in the world for its innovative use of technology. Spurred by an expanding broadband fiber network, nDanville, data can be transmitted faster from Danville to Washington, D.C. than from Fairfax to the nation’s capital.

• For the second consecutive year, the city of Danville was ranked as one of the top cities in the nation for its use of information technology to conduct government operations. Danville placed

Emerge! | SUMMER 2012 | emergeva.com

fourth among cities with a population of greater than 30,000 and less than 75,000.

It is a story that applies not only to transformation of the economy, but to an aggressive effort to bring a renaissance to the River District. Through partnerships – local, state, and federal, and public and private – buildings throughout the River District, which includes downtown and the historic Tobacco Warehouse District, are being redeveloped into places to work, shop, eat, and live.

A streetscape project is under way in the River District that will lead to changes in vehicular traffic patterns and use of space that would allow for a more pedestrianfriendly area and include wider sidewalks, green spaces, and a large “gateway” river park with a waterfall. This project and others are expected to spur additional private development in the district.

Within the next ten years, I share the vision of those who see Danville with a restored and full River District, a city

with a well-balanced and diversified economy, and an influx of professionals and newcomers discovering Danville as a hidden gem to live and set up roots.

We will all benefit from the newcomers’ sense of entrepreneurialism and zest for educational attainment.

The supercomputer and the Center for Applied High Performance Computing is a case in point of this transformation. It sits inside a former tobacco factory and storage warehouse building known as Old Belt No. 1. located on Bridge Street, this building was built in 1877, but has been renovated with local, state, and federal dollars.

Across the street is the 512 Bridge Street. This building served as the former headquarters for Dimon, which was the largest tobacco company in Danville. After having sat vacant for nearly a decade, it has been renovated for use today as Averett University’s Riverview campus and offices for the Danville Regional Foundation. It was in this building that Thomasville leaders gathered to learn the lessons of the transformation taking place in Danville.

The skies may have been overcast on the day of their visit, but the message of Danville’s transformation was clear and bright. E

What Healthy Families Are Made Of

by KLINIQUE McCULLOUGH Since this issue focuses on the importance of building healthy families we thought who better to talk to than Healthy Families Family Resource Specialist Crystal Gunn of the DanvillePittsylvania Community Service to tell us what the Healthy Family Program has to offer our community.

Emerge Magazine: Hello Crystal. Thank you for taking the time out of your very busy day to talk to me.

Crystal Gunn: It’s a pleasure, thanks for asking me to speak with you!

EM: Crystal, I think that you have such a remarkable story will you share a little of your background with our readers.

CG: I have a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice/ Sociology and a master’s degree in Human Services Specializing in Marriage and Family Counseling. I have worked in the Human Service field for the past thirteen years. I have worked with juveniles in the court system, a counselor in a prison, worked as a prevention specialist to help families become selfsufficient, intensive in- home counselor and currently work as a family resource specialist with Healthy Families through Danville Pittsylvania Community Service.

Although I may have a great resume and the education to back it up now, the walk to get there was not easy.

I was the only child by my mother and she fell sick when I was fourteen-years-old which led me to have to grow up fast and had to take care of her. When I became pregnant with my son I moved my mother and I back home to Danville from New York and was a single parent. There I was, pregnant, taking care of my mother and had to live in public housing.

Although some of the public housing here looks like

town houses compared to New York…. Lack of knowledge of the programs that were out here at that time that could have helped me and pride of me asking for help stood in my way.

Therefore I had to do it alone and it made my journey longer than necessary which doesn’t have to be for others.

EM: Will you tell the readers how long you have worked with the program.

CG: I changed positions within Danville Pittsylvania Community Service to Healthy Families in December 2011. However, Healthy Families has served Danville and Pittsylvania County since 1996.

EM: Who are your clients? Are they limited to a certain income bracket?

CG: The program serves residents of Danville and Pittsylvania County who are expecting a baby or parenting a baby less than three-monthsold. Once the resident is in the program the family can remain in the program until the child reaches five-years-old. Healthy Families home visiting program services are provided free of charge and are not limited to a certain income bracket. (continued on next page)

EM: What type of services do you all offer?

CG: The services Healthy Families program provide but not limited to are intensive home visiting service to help parents with the skills needed to be great parents and to achieve their hopes and dreams.

Healthy Families provides early intervention through prevention health care and prevention dental health education, provides education on the importance of immunizations, provides parenting education and assists in the development of positive parenting techniques, provides child development screenings, nutrition education, provides instructions on home management skills, promotes self- sufficiency, and provides linkage to appropriate community resources.

Healthy Families is a source of support to families right from the start and continues through the first years of their baby’s life.

EM: What are some of the challenges that you face in your position?

CG: A challenge that I face is “awareness.” So many people within our community that can truly benefit from the program have never heard about Healthy Families. Some are not familiar with what the program offers or that it even exists. Another challenge is “pride” there are those that are aware however pride stands in the way of them taking advantage of the free program that is offered due to not wanting to ask for help or get the resources that are needed.

EM: Do you ever have to decompress before you go home?

CG: Throughout the years of working in the Human Service Field I have found it is very important to decompress before leaving work and going home because it can affect your household/relationships in a negative manner at times. You should never bring work issues home. I have decompressed in many different ways, always with prayer!!!!!! I may also go to the gym or a walk to refocus on “personal self ” so that I can enjoy friends/family and they can enjoy me.

EM: What message do you want to send to the community?

CG: My message would be that Healthy Families gives a helping hand because babies do not come with instructions. We all have faced challenges in our lives and it’s okay to seek support so that we can become the best individuals that we were set on this earth to be. E

It’s a Family Affair We have all heard the saying, “A family that prays together stays together.” Well, the Wright and Warren families not only know that praying together helps a family stay together but operating a business together will also. The family owns and operates Negril Incorporated.

Their services were established in 1999, as RC Right Home. It was the dream of two brothers, Robert and Kirby Wright, with the purpose of providing quality care to adults age eighteen and over who have been diagnosed with mild to severe mental retardation and/or have physical limitations who desire to live in a small home-like environment. In 1999, RC Right had only one Mental Retardation group home providing residential services that included a respite track for adults. After being approached by so many families that were concerned that Danville and Pittsylvania County area offered limited choices and resources for the special needs population, Kirby decided to expand to Day Support and In-Homes services.

Robert, having come back from what he felt was one of the most hospitable, relaxing, and tranquil places he had ever visited, felt that their new expansion should offer the same type of atmosphere; therefore, the two brothers decided to change the company name from RC Right Home to Negril, Inc. Negril’s mission is to provide the highest quality of compassionate and comprehensive services to individuals who have a pri-

mary diagnosis of intellectual disability and /or have been diagnosed with other mental or physical disabilities and limitations.

Negril, Inc. specializes in providing quality care and support for individuals whose desire is to remain in their homes or in a small, unique group home with a homelike atmosphere. Whether residing in their family home or the group home, each individual will receive services based on their particular needs. Negril group homes provide 24-hour staff support, whereas the In-Home support is based on the specific hours the individual requires in order to be successful in their private homes.

Negril offers Therapeutic Day Treatment, Mental Health Support Services, and an exceptional Day Support Program that offers structured learning, social and recreational activities that utilizes resources in Danville, Pittsylvania County, and surrounding communities.

Negril continues to expand under the leadership of Kirby Wright, Executive Officer and his daughter, Tammy Wright- Warren, Chief Operating Officer with locations in Danville, South Boston, and Richmond.

Tammy Wright-Warren says that, “Working with my father on a daily basis has been the best experience of my life! I not only have the opportunity to see him every day, but I also get the chance to learn the business first hand from him, the founder of Negril. I have been blessed beyond my imagination during the three years that I have worked with him. He gives me motivation to succeed and his impact on my life cannot be measured. I am a daddy’s girl and I love him with all my heart.”

Kirby Wright describes how it feels to be in business with his daughter. “It is every parent’s dream to be able to share moments with their child, but you never realize that it will actually happen. I have been blessed to live long enough to see my child grow up, be educated, married, and have a family. To have her come and share in the business that I established has truly been a blessing. It is sometimes difficult because of the growth of our operation which has almost tripled since she came aboard. This means that both of us had a difficult learning curve. It is truly a God sent blessing that I have lived long enough to be here to assist her during this time of growth. So, truthfully it has been a wonderful experience to be able to share in the business with Tammy who I love very, very much.”

Other relatives working in the Negril organization are Thelma Wright wife of Kirby Wright, Craig Warren husband of Tammy Wright-Warren, and their son Craig Warren, Jr., Tamela Warren, Robert Wright, Jr. and Rachael Brodie, who recently joined Negril. E

Emerge! | SUMMER 2012 | emergeva.com

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Are You at the Table?

by WENDI GOODS EVERSON Yesterday I asked myself, “Am I only at the decision making table when someone asks me to be or am I actively seeking opportunities to engage in conversations when the decision directly affects my family, my community, or my wellbeing?”

First, let me tell you a story to explain what prompted my precarious thoughts.

I was sitting in a meeting around a huge mahogany table making decisions about the future of a community organization.

As I looked around the room, I noticed only one other person that looked like me. He was an older male with wavy hair wearing a tailored suit that only a fancy lifestyle could afford. He was articulate, poised, and the deep lines in his face told a story of wisdom.

I asked myself quietly, “Where is everybody?” Then I asked out loud, “Where is everybody?” Of course, I said it in a much more appropriate and dignified way. The statement I made sounded more like this, “Why is there such a lack of diversity in the room?” Silence fell upon us for an awkward minute and then someone said, “I don’t know why more of you don’t show up to these meetings.”

After a 20 minute discussion that led to no substantive answers, I went home and pondered the question some more. Why aren’t we showing up? Then I had a thought, Maybe “we” did not get an invitation.

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Generally speaking, most of us do not show up unless we are asked to participate or invited to join the group. I remember watching grown-ups sit around the dinner table and make decisions about our family.

When I looked at who was present, many of the individuals looked like the man at the mahogany table making decisions for the community. But like good little girls do here in the south, I never questioned it or demanded the right to be a part of that process.

Have we built a societal norm for our youth that suggests you only speak when spoken to? Is it our culture to show up to a discussion only if invited? Are the results of those early teachings being played out in how we engage decisions in our local governments, schools, and churches? Is this the reason we are not showing up?

I once believed that if I showed up at every election or rallied at the Tuesday night council meeting I was doing my job as a citizen. Then I thought, This can’t be all that my citizenship requires? I believe that the 14th and 19th Amendments open the door for a much deeper obligation that we as African Americans and females must take seriously. We have to be deliberate about being present and giving input on decisions that affect our lives.

Mayor Saunders and President Obama are two examples of what citizenship means in the 21st century. Their lives are full expressions of what those amendments articulate for us as members of this community today. We all have an obligation to serve, but first we have to show up.

Emerge! | SUMMER 2012 | emergeva.com

So, how do we connect when we are not connected? How do we serve? How do we engage in our community at a greater level when no one has given us the formal invitation? This is not always easy, but there are several ways to get to table even without being asked. Start with your local government. There are meeting committees that are looking for citizens to serve like, fair housing board, zoning board, and social services. Consider your local chamber of commerce. They have committees that work on issues that face the business community.

Find a local non-profit that is near and dear to your heart and find ways to offer your expertise as a director on their board.

Remember, it is our obligation to not only exercise our decision making power on a cool foggy morning at the election poll in November, or by placing on name on the ballot, sometimes it is as simple as showing up even when we don’t have an invitation. E

Project Life

Tyquan Graves

Get Ready!

Get Ready!

Project Life! is in Danville to promote health and wellness in the AfricanAmerican community.

Photo by Stephanie Henderson The project is a joint collaboration presented by the Tobacco Commission and the Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center.

Danville and the Pittsylvania Community suffer from high cancer and obesity rates. Therefore, Project Life! was developed to educate and

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motivate people about cancer, obesity, and wellness.

The project is faith based. East New Hope, Shockoe Missionary Baptist Church, and Bibleway Worldwide Church will lead the charge to shift the atmosphere in our region. The goal of Project Life! is to demonstrate positive incomes in the community. Project Life! hopes to eliminate the financial barriers to screenings. Participants who are involved with their church Project Life! activities will have access to free screenings. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to engage in free informative and interactive exercises.

Each participating church have LIFE! coaches who were selected by Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center. The LIFE!

professional photographer

coaches are responsible for developing and implementing activities that are feasible for their participating congregations. E Emerge! | SUMMER 2012 | emergeva.com

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Just Get an

by ELAINE CAMPBELL In all things, it is imperative to get an understanding.

Having an understanding simply means to have the mind, intellectual ability, or capacity to grasp or comprehend what is being conveyed. In the final analysis, all

parties concerned must end with a basic knowledge and a mutual agreement as to what is done, said, or expected.

To be able to think, grasp, comprehend, and understand is one of the greatest privileges afforded to humankind. Wisdom itself is based upon understanding.

For a couple of examples, if we desire to build good relationships, having an understanding is foundational. Whether platonic or not, each person knows what he or she “will bring to the table” or “add to the pot,” where the boundaries exist, what buttons to push, which ones not to push, what is permissible and what isn’t. To cross those boundaries is an indication that there has been a break-down in communication, a lack of understanding, or a willful, selfish move to disrespect the other person’s wishes or desires.

Secondly, if a business deal is made between two parties, two or more businesses, groups of people or nations, a mutual understanding must come into play before the contract is finalized by the signing thereof. They all must comprehend, understand, and agree with the contractual contents. Not only must you understand what’s on table, you must understand what’s possibly under the table and the persons in whom you have come into agreement with. What have you agreed to lately? To enter a contract without a full understanding can be detrimental. To add or subtract from the contract without the consent of those concerned constitutes a breach of contract. Has someone been adding or subtracting to your contract?

Thirdly, if you are employed whether personally or corporately, to accomplish any goal by the week, by the month, or even by the year, there must be an understanding as to what is expected. To expect something of someone without properly communicating it to the point of understanding is a sure setup for failure and a continual repeating the process.

If you anticipate giving someone that perfect gift, there must be a certain amount of knowledge of the person’s likes and dislikes.

To an employer, a co-worker, a neighbor, a dear friend, a spouse, to say, “I understand,” means we are now operating on the same page, and we have somewhat the same level of understanding as to what role each is to play for the betterment of all concerned.

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Emerge! | SUMMER 2012 | emergeva.com

Alaina Carree, granddaughter of Elaine Campbell One of the saddest phrases ever spoken is, “I just assumed you understood me.” Of course we know that there are times when misunderstandings do occur. But just think of the many infractions that have been recorded in human history over a simple misunderstandings which resulted in major catastrophes; the many lives lost, the many battles or cultural wars that have been fought. How many relationships have been broken, loss of families, loss of jobs because no one took the time to understand.

If you want to make life better for you, your neighbor, and those with whom you daily interact, drop the pride, take on the spirit of humility – JUST GET AN UNDERSTANDING. E “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour when, thou dost embrace her”. (Prov. 4:7-8, KJV)

Miracle One Miracle One was founded by Roger Thaxton, Sr. in South Boston, Virginia. The idea that Mr. Thaxton had was not

just an idea, but a vision that God had placed in his heart. The vision was a three-part business that consisted of a Charter Bus Line, an Automotive Repair Facility, and a Transit Bus System for our rural community. After much planning, Mr. Thaxton embarked on this journey and incorporated Miracle One in August of 2007. Shortly after, he asked his son Roger Thaxton, Jr. to join him and turn this idea into a reality for their community and surrounding areas.

But this was no fairy tale! In early 2008, the President of the United States announced a recession. The markets dropped, millions of jobs were cut, and the economy fell into a recession. This was a great hurdle for a beginning company especially since it totally depended on the community to stay alive.

There were days where not a single person stepped through the front door.

But the bills continued to flow. There were months where there was no sign of the economy bouncing back. And the bills continued to arrive. There were customers that needed help with their automobiles and couldn’t afford to pay. And yes, the bills continued to flow. Out of all of the madness and the obstacles that Miracle One faced for a few years to come, they did not lose the faith in the vision or in God. The Miracle One team pushed forward regardless of the hurdles before them and continued to hold their head up high. They treated the customers with the upmost respect and provided outstanding service to each and every person. The needs of the community were being met by both the charter bus line and the automotive repair facility. And in 2012, Miracle One still stands!

Today, Miracle One is a great example for any entrepreneur or business person looking to follow their dreams. It is a great facility for the community to get their vehicles serviced and/or take a vacation using their high quality charter bus service. They can even help you with your moving needs being an authorized U-Haul dealership. The transit bus system is currently in the planning phase and will be coming to a community near you very soon. Please visit Miracle One in person or at www.MiracleOneBus.com Special Thanks: Christine Thaxton, Darnesha Poke, Tomika Thaxton, Joel Cunningham and Family, Miracle One Team, and the many family members, friends, and customers that all contributed to the success of Miracle One! Travel Tips for Charter Bus Travel: 1)

Decide on a destination to be traveled

2)

Decide on a date to be traveled

3)

Book service of a reputed company

4)

Ask questions

5)

Be prompt with payment

6)

Enjoy your trip!

Emerge! | SUMMER 2012 | emergeva.com

15

Summertime...

Back in the Day

Corey JenningsOwner/Barber Generations Barbershop and Beauty Salon

The summer that I learned to swim was my favorite summer memory. After I learned to swim all I wanted to do was go on vacation to get in the pool.

Steven Funderburk Financial Advisor

Two things that I expected every summer was the Fun Wagon coming to the neighborhood and going to John Newman’s basketball camp.

Arlove Puckett Courthouse Post Office Clerk

Growing up in a family of eight we played together all day long, hopscotch, jack rocks, and especially playing baseball within the street with our mother.

Zenniece Miller - Owner of Phenomenal Pre-Paid Phones

My dad played semi-pro baseball and we would go to Garrett Mountain in Patterson New Jersey for cookouts. My fondest memory as a child was lying on a blanket with my dad just looking up at all of the stars.

Everett Linder - Barber at Barberzone

Corey Lewis - Owner of Barberzone

My favorite summer memories are of playing football in the middle of the street all day long.

I remember being in a rush to finish drinking up my soda, that’s when Cokes came in the bottle. So that I could return the bottles for change at the corner store which was actually ran by a little lady out of her house. I bought sugar cookies with the change.

Terri Linder-

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I loved jumping Double Dutch in the middle of the street all day long. E Emerge! | SUMMER 2012 | emergeva.com

4147 Leesville Road

by MELISSA H. WALTON

4147 Leesville Road holds some Of the sweetest memories I have ever known.

The many feelings I experienced While living on this road I hold high on a throne.

It may have been waking at the break of dawn To go with Granddaddy fishing at the pond; Or maybe calling the cows to come eat, Or maybe helping them to get across the street Whatever the task –we never missed a beat.

Perhaps it was helping Granddaddy Roll logs up on the truck; Or maybe it was helping him dig graves Knowing for sure we would get stuck!

Maybe it was the delicious smells when Grandma baked.

Or maybe it was just waiting to bite into a chocolate 3- layer cake.

It may have been the times when I sensed fear And climbed into my grandparents’ bed to have them near.

It could have been going to church on Sunday morning.

It didn’t matter if you were still sleepy and yawning.

Or could it have watching Granddaddy kneel down and pray, Unaware that the foundation he laid down would stay.

Was it the games we played in the front yard?

Or was it eating watermelon on the “puckwood” truck after dark?

Whatever the situation – an easy or heavy load, Life was always sweet and beautiful At 4147 Leesville Road.

Emerge! | SUMMER 2012 | emergeva.com

17

From My Library to Yours

by LaSHEERA LEE

It’s Okay to Wait / A Father Daughter Conversation

by Alonda Thomas

Having “the talk” with your daughter can be an anxiety ridden moment for most parents. Often, parents do not know what to say. This book is a great introduction to having “the talk.”

Alonda Thomas beautifully and poetically takes you on a journey that most parents dread. This picture book captures your heart and senses with her approach to the topic. However, there is a big difference between It’s Ok To Wait and most books dealing with this topic; Thomas instills in our daughters, sisters, and nieces, how valuable their temples are. Therefore, your temple is only worth sharing with your husband. The book involves a father sitting down and having a meaningful and biblical conversation with his daughter about values and choices.

There are many life lessons women and men of all ages can gain from reading this book. It’s Ok To Wait promotes self-esteem and self-worth. I implore you to purchase this book for your youth groups and ministry. You will not be disappointed!

The Reverend’s Wife

Taylor Made

by Kimberla Lawson Roby

by Sherryle Kiser Jackson

Let the church say amen! What do you get when you mix, scandal, lust, and revenge? Well, when you open the doors to Deliverance Outreach, you will find the answer.

Pamela “Pill” Jones is a lady on a trip; she wants to go on any shopping trip she can find. However, she quickly finds out that all of the good things in life do not come wrapped in neat packages.

All first ladies are not the same. However, Charlotte Black is a far cry from what we perceive as your typical first lady. She is trying to bounce back from a few of last year’s indiscretions. Namely affairs she entertained with two different men. Not willing to give up on her marriage, she puts a plan to woo back her man.

The Reverend Curtis Black had probably touched and agreed with more women than he should. However, he repented from his transgressions and is ready to settle down.

But his wife is not first on his list. He has not been able to get past her affairs. Therefore, he wants out of his marriage. The reverend discovers that grass is not always greener on the other side. Will his new “friendship” be a treat or a trip?

Kimberla Lawson Roby always manages to keep you turning the pages.

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Emerge! | SUMMER 2012 | emergeva.com

Pill grew up with financial and emotional struggles in life.

Therefore, shopping is a way for her to validate who she is now. There is just one problem with her method.

Her bank account does not equal to her lifestyle.

Her husband Corey is fighting his own demons. Corey feels that he is always playing second fiddle to a family member. He wants to be accepted and valued for the true man of God he is learning to become. However, family health issues, self-doubt, and Pill’s spending sends him spiraling.

The couple participates in a marriage maintenance class where they learn to communicate, love, and, heal.

Corey and Pill learn that prayer really changes things.

Who’s Hot? AN INTERVIEW with alonda thomas

by LaSHEERA LEE Emerge Magazine: As a Christian, how do you integrate your values with your job as a publicist?

Alonda Thomas: I have worked on Christian and secular projects. I let my integrity and values shine on any set, office, or venue that I serve.

EM: What prompted you to write It’s Ok To Wait?

AT: I wanted youth to know how valuable they are. Often, our youth are shown images in the media that make it appear ok to engage in sexual activities at young ages. It is important that adults educate and communicate to our youth on what is appropriate.

EM: How can we help our youth to create positive role models?

Alonda Thomas is an author and entertainment publicist who had

relished success at several of Hollywood’s elite companies, including CAA, Sander/Moses Productions, The FrontPage Firm and Edelman.

Currently, she is enjoying the fruits of her labor, by forming on her PR Company. She has a host of authors, comedians, and actors on her roster.

Alonda is a graduate of Florida A&M University and she received her master’s degree in integrated marketing communications at Florida State University. Alonda is currently single and “waiting” while residing in Los Angeles, CA. Follow Alonda on Twitter @alondathomas

AT: Adults must engage in real conversation with our youth. We need to stop sugar coating the facts.

EM: Why did you choose to portray the father having the conversation with his daughter?

AT: I decided to write this book from the point of view of a father to his daughter because the advice of a good father is powerful to a young girl who wants to know how boys act.

EM: This book is applicable to all ages and genders. Have you thought about writing an adult book on the topic?

Alonda: Actually I have. I am in the process of organizing single, saved, and not having sex workshops for women. E Emerge! | SUMMER 2012 | emergeva.com

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Yes, I want to be an

Organ Donor

by SELENA LIPSCOMB

How many of you really think about checking the “Yes, I Want to Be an Organ Donor” box when you apply for a driver’s license? Have you ever

Kyran Adams (left) and Deontae Foster (right)

thought about the importance of organ donation? I would like to introduce a young man that is fighting a physical battle that may change the way you think about organ donation and how one act of giving can save someone’s life.

Deonte Foster is a fifteen-year-old, tenth grader, with his whole life ahead of him.

You would never guess that a struggle is going on within his body. This handsome young man is number one on the National Pediatric Transplant List, waiting for a liver.

His mother Jackie Foster tells me that at the age of four and a half he was diagnosed with Congenital Hepatic Fibrosis and Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease. Right now Deonte’s kidneys are okay however the liver failure is beginning to pull down his kidneys. When he finally has the transplant his kidneys should go back to their normal function.

For years Deonte did not show any outward signs of his condition, internally he had an enlarged liver and spleen. The doctors at Duke Medical Center in Durham North Carolina monitor the progression of the disease with blood test, biopsies, and endoscopic procedures. However, for the past four months Deonte has shown symptoms such as episodes of confusion, tremors, unsteady gait, fatigue, yellowish color to his eyes, fluid around his liver, and swelling in his legs and abdomen. He is currently on five prescriptive medicines that help with the symptoms but do not

22

stop the progression of the disease. For the last two months he has been on the transplant list, because he is blood type B+ the doctors say his wait will be longer than a child with any other blood type. (B+ and B- are the rarest blood types).

Deonte tells me that it wasn’t until he was thirteen that he really understood how serious his condition was and what was going on. He says when he was younger he was able to do more things, now he becomes tired easily. He was once active in sports. He liked playing basketball, but when he found out all of the restrictions that were placed on him for his protection, he lost interest in playing. He recalls that his first memory of knowing he was sick was at the age of ten when he was admitted to the National Institute for Health for testing.

Like average teenage boys in America, Deonte loves sitting at home playing video games, he explained that he has a lot of “associates” but only one true friend that comes by and spends a lot of time with him and that is Kyran Adams. “I don’t want friends to see me or treat me any differently and sometimes when they find out you are sick they do that, but Kyran is not like that.”

Kyran says he was shocked to find out that Deonte needed a liver. “All I knew was that he missed a lot of school sometimes, so I asked him what was going on with him and he told me about it. I was just shocked and wanted to help him in some way. I wanted to do a fundraiser for him at school before we got out for the summer, but I did not have time to get all the details to the principal.”

Emerge! | SUMMER 2012 | emergeva.com

I asked Deonte what has been the hardest for him in all of this and he replied with a smile , “This last hospital visit when they moved me up on the list, here I am with all these things wrong with me, liver gone, kidneys failing, stuff just going on in my body, that wasn’t it.

What got me and broke me down was when the nutritionist came in and told me that I could not have pizza. That’s when I started crying. My mom thought something was hurting me, but I was crying because I Love Pizza! “ Deonte’s parents Jackie and Ralph Foster expressed their thoughts with me as well.

“As parents of a child going through so much we put all of our trust in God. The doctors have all been great and they are very knowledgeable, but if we didn’t know that God makes NO MISTAKES we would be crazy by now. Right before our eyes we see what’s happening to our son and there is nothing we can do physically to help him.

He’s such a strong child with a positive attitude about his situation. We pray that an organ will become available soon, so he can have the chance to live a normal life and to do the things he has planned in his future.”

The Foster family noted the outpour of love and support has been overwhelming and they are truly thankful to those: showing up on their doorstep with checks, others organize fundraisers such as motorcycle rides, churches and organizations making contributions, and even little children offering to donate their liver to Deonte, all without them ever asking anyone for anything.

Why Donate?

by TONYA NUNNALLY It can be hard to think about what’s going to happen to your body after you die, let alone donating your organs and tissue. But being an organ donor is a generous and worthwhile decision that can be a lifesaver. For many people, a better life, or even life itself, may depend on organ donations.

African Americans make up the largest group of minorities in need of an organ transplant. In 2010, African Americans made up 13.6 percent of the national population. Without organ donation, current demand would go unanswered for kidneys, hearts, lungs, pancreases, livers, intestines, skin, bone, bone marrow, and corneas, according to the National Institutes of Health.

It’s especially important to consider becoming an organ donor if you belong to an ethnic minority. Minorities including African-Americans, Asians and Pacific Islanders, Native Americans, and Hispanics are more likely than whites to have certain chronic conditions that affect the kidney, heart, lung, pancreas and liver. Certain blood types are more prevalent in ethnic minority populations.

Because matching blood type is necessary for transplants, the need for minority donor organs is especially high.

It’s also important to tell your family that you want to be a donor. Hospitals seek consent from the next of kin before removing organs, although this is usually not required if you’re registered with your state’s donor registry. The best way to ensure that your wishes are carried out is to put them in writing. Include your wishes in your living will, as well as on your driver’s license. If you have no next of kin or you doubt your family will agree to donate your organs, you can assign durable power of attorney to someone who you know will abide by your wishes.

Before I left Deonte I asked if he had anything else he wanted to say his reply was, “I want to thank everyone that has helped me, my mom, my dad, and my older sister Brittany. I know one thing, prayer works and I have a lot of people praying for me. So one day I will be able to tell someone that has a liver problem about my test.” E Just as we were preparing to go to print I received a text message from Deontae’s mother Cheryl Foster that Deontae had a successful liver transplant on July 9th and is recovering well at Duke Medical Center.

Emerge! | SUMMER 2012 | emergeva.com

23

When Food

FIGHTS BACK

by JOHNNIE M. FULLERWINDER A high occurrence of hypertension and strokes seem to plague members of the African-American community.

Several articles have been written addressing these two conditions within the ethnic group. One possible source, with a strong link and often devoid of scrutiny, however, is the heavy consumption of fast foods.

Far too many individuals, even entire families, have become members of a ‘‘hurried society’’ where everything has to be done quickly. There is a hurry to get to jobs, schools, meetings, practices, etc. which results in grabbing a quick meal at a favorite fast food establishment. Less time-consuming, inexpensive, and tasty, these foods have become a major source of daily meals. The realization that some children, very young in age, have not experienced sitting at a family dinner table eating a good nutritious meal is disturbing.

Prevalent in communities where grocery stores are often missing, especially in large cities, fast food establishments often become the main source of quick and inexpensive meals. Convenient and often lured by special promotional prices, fast foods are being consumed by far too many African Americans (especially the youth). Beyond

the enticing physical appeal and taste is a potential dangerous side effect …the presence of large amounts of sodium (salt) and sugar content in many of these foods. A high concentration of these ingredients can eventually lead to hypertension (high blood pressure) which is a leading cause of strokes and death. Statistics reveal that African Americans with high blood pressure have an 80 percent higher chance of dying from a stroke than any other ethnic group. Survivors of strokes are often left with various degrees of paralysis that alter lifestyles. Kidney and eye damage can also occur.

To understand this disproportionate number of victims who fall prey to hypertension, a close look at the high concentration of just one of these ingredients in food…salt… may shed light.

The National Guideline for Daily Consumption of Sodium (salt) is 2300 milligrams (mg) or 1 teaspoon. Individuals who are already experiencing health problems have a limit of 1500 mg. It is alarming to discover the large quantity of salt that can be consumed in just one meal when frequenting fast food establishments.

Many individuals are literally eating themselves into severe health problems and even death.

Consider the median sodium content, in milligrams (mg), of several popular fast foods: Sausage Biscuit

1040 mg

Chicken Nuggets 6

540 mg

Bacon, Egg, Cheese Biscuit

1360 mg

Roast Beef Sandwich

792 mg

Pancakes (2)

1180 mg

Hamburger (large)

750 mg

Double Cheeseburger

1120 mg

French fries (medium)

570 mg

Hot Dogs with chili (2)

2166 mg

Baked potato, sour cream

Chicken Biscuit

1180 mg

Apple Pie

Fish, Cheese Sandwich Meat Pizza (2 large slices)

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939 mg 2260 mg

50 mg 170 mg

Carbonated Soda (medium)

65 mg

Orange Juice

15 mg

Selecting fast food for breakfast such as; bacon, egg, cheese biscuit with orange juice yield 1375 mg of salt; and two pancakes with orange juice contain 1195 mg. Utilizing a similar process for lunch or dinner could yield up to 2971 mg from two hotdogs, chili, fries, dessert and soda or 2325 mg with two large pizza slices and soda. Various combinations from the list may occur, however, many pose a significant risk when considering the limit for salt is only 2300 mg for an entire day.

Comparing these food samples to carefully prepared meals at home, reveals an astounding difference in potential health risk:

Home Cooked Meal Sample: Lunch or Evening Meal - 275 mg

Breakfast - 169 mg salt: Oatmeal

0 mg

Chicken breast (baked/grilled)

165 mg

Banana

1 mg

Vegetables (2boiled)

25 mg

Orange Juice (large)

15 mg

Roll

170 mg

Toast (white)

153 mg

Iced Tea

15 mg

A careful analysis of the nutritional components for a fast food choice can quickly expose it as a potential danger for consumption.

Although, complete avoidance of this food source is not being advocated, moderation in frequency and choices is the recommended action. In major stores, a chart of food ingredients and their concentration is usually posted somewhere near the serving lines. Take time to read the chart.

Unquestionably, food is essential for survival, therefore, one must exert extreme care to prevent it from becoming an enemy. In this role, a preponderance of evidence suggests it is quite capable of silently high jacking a vibrant lifestyle and eventually life, itself. E

Emerge! | SUMMER 2012 | emergeva.com

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?

Why isn’t

your company advertising in

Emerge!

TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ARE ASKING THE SAME QUESTION. WWW.EMERGEVA.COM

FIGHTING

Sickle Cell

by SELENA LIPSCOMB

Tae kwon do is the oldest form of Korean martial arts, developed by the three rival Korean Kingdoms of Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje, where young men were trained in unarmed combat techniques to develop strength, speed, and survival skills. I would like to introduce you to a young man that is using Tae know do to fight an invisible opponent sickle cell disease.

Just to look at him you would never think that since the age of two, nineteen-yearold Brandon Miller has had six trips to the hospital, three of them being overnight visits. That may not seem like a large number but for someone that has sickle cell anemia each visit can become a long stay. Brandon explained one hospital visit lasted for three months when he was in the seventh grade; he says his hospital room was transformed to look like his room at home.

Brandon was diagnosed with sickle cell disease (HbSC), at the age of two after being in the hospital with pneumonia. This means he may have one crisis a month and one severe crisis every six months, opposed to someone that has HbSS or HS-beta thalassemia which is the most serious form of sickle cell disease that a person can

have. A person with HbSS may experience a severe crisis every month.

Brandon Miller

I asked Brandon what exactly is a sickle cell crisis, he explained it as an extreme consistent throbbing, and many compare it to a woman’s labor pains. “The pain is so bad that I would rather have a crisis in my arm for two weeks than to have it for two days in my back.” He also says that a person can have a crisis anywhere that blood flows within your body. Medically, what happens is that the red blood cells in individuals who have sickle cell disease can become misshapen and block blood vessels. This leads to pain and chronic organ damage over time.

As Brandon has gotten older he tolerates the pain better. He credits his love and study of martial arts as a strengthening and teaching tool to help him through a crisis. He has studied martial arts all of his life, his father being the owner of a martial arts studio may have contributed to his love of the sport. Brandon hopes that his dedication and training every Tuesday and Thursday will allow him to compete this September in the Virginia State Games.

Martial arts are not Brandon’s only love.

Oh no! This young man has a love for cars. He recently graduated from auto mechanic school in Alabama were he also was hospitalized with his latest severe crisis. He currently works as a mechanic at Danville Toyota. Brandon has always loved working with cars and plans to own and operate his own auto shop, specializing in high- end cars and motorcycles.

I didn’t get into Brandon’s love life too much, but he did tell me that before he

starts officially dating a girl he makes sure she will be around for a while before he tells her about his illness, simply because so many people have a misconception about sickle cell disease. That also happens to be one of his pet peeves. He wishes that more people would educate themselves about sickle cell and not just make assumptions.

That is one reason why he is grateful for programs such as Faces of Our Children because not only have they helped him understand and cope with sickle cell, but they educate the community about disease as well.

Brandon hopes that by the age of twenty he will be able to stop taking the daily doses of Penicillin he has taken since he was two-years-old, but until then, he says he will keep a positive attitude and keep on fighting and fixing cars. E

Emerge! | SUMMER 2012 | emergeva.com

27

Dr. Sonya Lamb

On the Road to

by ADRIENNE TOOMER

When you have a dream or a passion you want to pursue you are told to travel “the road to success.” This starts by

going to college and getting an education, focusing on a career that interests you. Unfortunately, there isn’t any formal education that teaches about the distractions and transitions you will face when traveling the road to success. Your family and friends will have their own opinions of what career paths you should take, their opinions can be taken into consideration, but only you know what your desire is and how bad you want your dreams to come true.

I’ve learned that your passion and desire will keep you focused.

More than what people’s opinion about the choices you make to get there. I’ve found their opinions can be a distraction to the goals

28 Emerge! | SUMMER 2012 | emergeva.com

Success

I’m trying to reach. When you try to satisfy others you lose focus on yourself. Your dreams can be exactly as you see them; you have to believe in them even when your GPS leads you in a different direction. Dr. Sonya Lamb knows far too well of what I’m speaking of.

Dr. Lamb is a single woman that followed the road to success to becoming a young female chiropractic doctor. She belongs to a family of pharmacists, who wanted her to follow in their footsteps. She had to attend more than one college to pursue her dreams. They were Rice University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, as well as the University of North Carolina. This pointed her in several directions as to what type of doctor she wanted to be. However, it was her experience as an intern for a chiropractor in Norfolk, Virginia that led her to what would be her career.

Dr. Lamb commutes on the road of success daily to her clinic Health Source without hesitation and no matter how much the gas prices spike. She lives in Greensboro, North Carolina, but there were more opportunities for her in Danville to pursue what had become her passion.

Health Source focuses on chiropractic and progressive rehab.

Dr. Lamb’s work focuses on exercises to align your body, which helps to eliminate pain. Health Source also teaches a fitness program that focuses on learning exercises to do at home which are the basics of progressive rehab. Dr. Lamb uses an interesting metaphor about the human body and cars she explains, “The body is like a car if the car’s alignment is off then you will experience a lot of car problems, the same is true with your body. If your body’s alignment is off you can experience a lot of body pain.�

Your dreams can be exactly as you see them; you have to believe in them even when your GPS leads you in a different direction.

02%6)/53,9 WE REVIEWED SOME ADD ON FEES AND CHARGES COMMONLY EMPLOYED BY AUTO DEALERS 7E THEN EXAMINED IN DETAIL ONE OF THE MOST EXPENSIVE OF THESE ADD ONS !$*534%$ -!2+%4 6!,5% !-6 OR WHAT AUTO DEALERS CALL THE hBUMP STICKERv 4HE !-6 hBUMP STICKERv IS A SMALLER WINDOW STICKER USUALLY FOUND NEXT TO THE FACTORY STICKER WHICH SERVES TO hBUMPv THE NEW VEHICLE RETAIL PRICE OR EVEN ABOVE THE MANUFACTURER SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE -320 )F YOU ARE UNFORTUNATE ENOUGH TO ENCOUNTER THE DREADED hBUMP STICKERv

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WHEN THE l NAL PAPERWORK IS PREPARED FOR SIGNATURES )F A DEALER CHARGES THIS TYPE OF FEE AND MOST DO HE OR SHE MAY NOT LEGALLY REMOVE IT FROM THE PAPERWORK #ONSEQUENTLY YOU THE CONSUMER END UP PAYING THE hPROCESSING FEEv IN ADDITION TO THE NEGOTIATED PURCHASE PRICE 3UGGESTION &IND OUT THE hPROCESSING FEEv UP FRONT THEN NEGOTIATE A LOWER PURCHASE PRICE ACCORDINGLY ) PERSONALLY DO NOT BELIEVE IN hBUMP STICKERSv OR hPROCESSING FEESv AND PREFER A STRAIGHT FORWARD APPROACH TO BUSINESS WITHOUT ALL THE SMOKE AND MIRRORS THEREFORE OUR DEALERSHIP CHARGES ./ PROCESSING FEE DEALER PREP FEE OR !-6 !ND OUR CUSTOMERS REALLY SEEM TO APPRECIATE OUR APPROACH 3AFE DRIVING

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The Clinic helps patients align their back to prevent body pain and ease existing pains using simple exercises and her “back machine,� (which is really called a Spinal Decompression machine) has patients raving.

Dr. Lamb’s road to success extends further than just to Health Source; it runs out into the community. “Health Source is about the uplifting of the community,� said Dr. Lamb. She along with her staff participates in one outreach program each month that focus on the youth in our community.

After talking to Dr. Lamb about which direction she chose that lead her to the road to success, I was very inspired. As a recent college graduate, I’ve learned to be successful you must believe in yourself and follow your own map to the road to success instead of using someone else’s GPS. E

Emerge! | SUMMER 2012 | emergeva.com

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a self-exam to become

Financially Fit

by KAREN TOTTEN-WHITE

When the human physique is in agony or pain, some individuals immediately take the role of “Dr. Home Remedy” or “Nurse HelpMyself.” If the treatment does not

work, a decision must be made to call on professionals for advice and medication.

Whether it is grandmother’s home remedy or a prescription for an antibiotic, at some point a choice has to be made. Being financially fit is about making the appropriate financial choices in a timely manner.

One thing is for sure, actions must be taken after the choices are made in order to correct, mend, or rectify the situation.

30

Start by writing down your net income and monthly debts. If the monthly debts are more than the net income, the priority must be to correct this situation. At this point, the physique of finances is certainly in agony or pain; some choices must be made immediately. Excessive debt can be very stressful mentally and it is certainly financially unhealthy. All debts should be evaluated to find out what expenses can be eliminated. Consider cutting back on extra snacks and dining out. Try the DIY program, buy fingernail polish and cut back on the professional manicures and pedicures; wash shirts and jeans to cut back on dry cleaning or laundry fees. Purchase a can of spray starch to give your cloths that crisp ironed appearance. Think twice before

Emerge! | SUMMER 2012 | emergeva.com

making purchases. Ask yourself the following before each purchase “Do I really need it or do I just want it?”

Next, it is essential that you pay your debts by the due dates and save money each pay period. Include a self-payment plan in the total of monthly debts. A self-payment plan is a specific amount deposited consistently into a savings plan. The goal should be to decrease your debts and increase your savings or work towards adding a savings plan to your budget. Some people say: “Oh I don’t have enough money to save.” If payday is every other Friday, then a set amount should be deposited into the “pay yourself account” every other Friday. Some medications have warning

labels on the side of the bottle that read “Take this medication as directed.”

The warning label for learning to save is “Being Broke is Stressful.” Everyone has situations in their lives, from time to time when they need extra money. Instead of worrying about how, where, or who to get the money from, put yourself in a financially healthy position so that you can borrow the money from your own bank account.

Excessive debt can be very stressful mentally and it is certainly financially unhealthy.

Kingdom Dominion

Garrison Davis Photo by Stephanie Henderson Parents if you are looking for structure and a safe haven for your child to learn and build self-esteem, then you need

Karen Totten-White

Now it is time to start the healing process. Set a goal for saving and work towards a plan. It is just like taking an antibiotic; the medication has to be taken as directed to be effective. Sometime this means taking one pill once a day or it may require one pill to be taken three times a day. It is not about how much you save, it is about training yourself to get in a habit of saving consistently.

Decide how much to save by a certain date or how much to save each pay period, put your goal in writing.

Keep the written goal where it visible on a weekly basis.

Remember your savings account is your money. Consider it to be paying yourself. Ask the Human Resource clerk to split your direct deposit and have a portion deposited into your savings account each pay period. If the HR clerk cannot honor your request, check with your bank representative to find out what opinions are available for saving plans.

Just like medication, if you do not take it, the medication will not be effective. Take a few minutes to make a list of your net income and debts. Strive to pay your debts by the due date. Set a goal of how much you want to start or increase saving and how often. If you do not start somewhere, you will end up nowhere. You must begin your plan of action to see some results. Let today be the day that you exercise your right to become financially fit. E

to contact Kingdom Dominion. The program is the vision of Anthony “Chilly” Walker. He had one main goal to get children off of the streets and into a positive environment.

Currently, Walker owns and operates two centers in Danville, two in Gretna, and two in Martinsville, and one in Richmond which provide services for children ages 10 -18. The program is in operation year round providing therapeutic programs for children with ADD, ADHA, ODD, and mentoring for the at-risk youth as well.

The staff at Kingdom Dominion has a combined twohundred years of experience working with children. The facility is complete with an onsite library, computer lab, and food program.

Transportation is provided to and from the facility.

Marcellous Reeves II is the Clinical Administrator for the program; he says that, “What sets this program apart from other programs in the area is that we are a Faith-Based organization, meaning that we incorporate prayer and scripture into our daily activities.”

To find out more information on enrolling your child in the program or to schedule a visit contact: Marcellous at 434797-2024 or email him at kingdom.dominion2@yahoo.com

The Art and Fitness of Belly Dancing

Michelle Foster Photo by Sally Popu Belly Dancer or not --- our health is very important to us. Most women think that you must be a size 4 to enjoy this activity. Belly dancing is suitable for any age or shape.

When I first got into belly dancing with Donna Mehalko, she taught us to accept our bodies and helped bring out our creative side. Just like any other cardio exercise you perform, belly dancing has several techniques to strengthen your upper and lower body; it also releases endorphins into the brain, which generate a feeling of well-being. Belly dancing gives you the freedom to be yourself, heighten your selfesteem, and provide you with trusting and

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inspirational sisterhood.

Emerge! | SUMMER 2012 | emergeva.com

Emerge gets fit

by VINCENT SUTTON

Acting like kids

Congratulations you have officially made it to the point that every other person who set the goal to lose weight or get into shape has come to; you have become bored with your normal routine. The solution you ask...change up your routine!!!

The first and easiest thing people can do to help themselves continue to hit the desired goal is to get a workout buddy. This is not a change in routine, but it does help lift the attitude. You go from motivating yourself to motivating a friend. This may seem as an overly simplistic idea but if you can get that “one” friend to the gym, then you’ll essentially motivate one another.

Removing the boredom from your workout may take looking at your childhood. We do not realize how much fun we had burning off the tons of ice cream, chips, candy, and all the other foods that put adults in a fit of fear. As grown-ups, we can channel our childhood by jumping rope, hula hooping, playing tag, enjoying playgrounds, and especially running. You can now use a weighted jump rope and hula hoop to burn off calories and strengthen muscles you forgot you had. The game of tag on the playground has turned into Zombie chases (don’t worry not the ones from the news) on obstacle courses. Running has gone from trying to get on base to an exciting culture of short races, half, and whole marathons. So get out and act like kid again!

Another way to act like a kid and even involve your kids in your active lifestyle is to break out the video games. It is important to mention that people often forget that children are not as active as past generations, so with that said when buying video games (if you have children) buy those that allow them to move around as opposed to just using thumbs. Result in this case; you and/or a child have built up a sweat while having a great time being completely silly.

If you aren’t feeling the idea of acting like a kid again you can always be an adult...in more than one way. Now, this idea is more so for the women reading this article, don’t worry guys I have your alternative. It can often be taboo, but in the recent years pole dancing has become a popular exercise to help lose weight, build confidence, and give your significant other motivation to hit the gym as well. For the guys who don’t want to pole dance there is an alternative.....Silk Straps. You have seen them in circus acts everywhere; it is a combination of gymnastics and performance. The upper body will get an excellent workout.

In the continuous thought of performing, a great total body workout is going to be dancing. Now, when I say dancing, I don’t not mean what you do in a club but actual moves with structure. Cultural dance classes like African dance, belly dancing, or partnered dancing are always good ways to be social but sweat away those pounds. If you don’t want to dance and still be social you can always try a more defensive workout. Martial artists are in good shape, so try to model that. Martial arts are so vast in style and ideology that anyone can find one that fits their comfort level. Whether you are looking for a confidence boost, peace of mind, defense techniques, or flex-

Jones Chapel Lady’s Fit Club

Cultural dance classes like African dance, belly dancing, or partnered dancing are always good ways to be social but sweat away those pounds. ibility and strength it is all there in each and every one of them.

Last but not least there is group fitness.

This can consist of classes like Crossfit, Zumba, and Turbofit. If you are unhappy with your regular weight and cardio routine these group classes are available at your local gymu8i. If you want to create a group fitness of your own amongst your friends you can always do fitness videos like the popular P90X and Insanity series. These can keep you fit at home and help motivate others to keep up with you.

Now that you have ideas, get out and try some, so that you never lose sight of what you want to accomplish. E

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Danvillian From a Distance: Bryn Keith Johnson

by BRYN KEITH JOHNSON Bryn Johnson, Founder and CEO of Bryn Keith Clothing, started the company in 2005 simply to make clothes for himself, family, and close friends.

Growing up in Danville, I was influenced by many ‘moms and dads’ who taught me and my friends that we could do and be anything we wanted. In the 1980’s and ‘90’s Danville represented hard-working proud people deeply rooted in faith and the understanding that education is the key for self-empowerment and success. It was also in those years that I was exposed to entrepreneurs and minority owned businesses. My very first job was one of the best and most rewarding jobs I’ve had to date which was working in one of these establishments; I proudly shined shoes at Adams Shoe Shop (N Market St). There I learned people skills, professionalism, and the value of working for a dollar. By learning first-hand about the work and rewards of business from such ‘village parents’ at Cunningham & Hughes Funeral Home, Dr. Zachary P Hairston, DDS, Adams Shoe Shop, The Palace Barbershop, WILA Radio, etc., the notion that ‘truly believing leads to achieving’ was real.

By the time I graduated from GW (1993) I was 6’8 and slender. We made do with what we could find and my mom’s sewing skills. I attended the University of Virginia where I earned a degree in English and a minor in Sociology (CLAS 1997). To make ends meet in college, I ran a barbershop out of my dorm room and with a small circle hosted parties all over grounds.

These pursuits helped me buy more fashionable clothes which ultimately led me to purchasing my first custom shirt. I loved the shirt yet hated the experience because the salesperson saw me as just another sale not as client. My ignorance of the process left him annoyed and frustrated.

After earning my MBA in Organizational Development at the Kogod Business School at American University (2001), I paired my real world experiences to my academic training and began selling custom shirts- not much different than the one I bought. Bryn Keith started in my living room in Alexandria, VA and out the trunk

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of my car. I carried fabric swatch books everywhere I went handing out business cards to friends, family; anyone who looked like a potential client and I thought would give me a chance. I met clients in their homes, offices, restaurants, parking lots- where ever was convenient for them I measured and sold them clothes. Offering an exceptional customer experience was my focus, contrasting greatly from what I experienced as a consumer. These efforts ultimately lead me to opening my first store in Arlington, VA where we work with celebrity clientele and serve clients globally (Korea, London, France, Africa, and Middle East). While custom clothing is the brand’s focal point, I work as a style consultant, design men’s accessories, as well as design custom fragrances.

What I would impart to anyone today who has a dream, don’t let current circumstances define what you will be able do and who you may become. I’ve come to realize that there are no short-cuts and that the outcome is worth the effort. E

Making a Hole In One

by TRACI FLIPPEN JACKSON

Amar Terrel Pittman is a seventeen-year-old senior at George Washington High School. Amar is a member of GW’s golf team, member of the French/Latin Club, and he is a member of the Gentleman by Choice Mentoring Program. His favorite subjects are Science and History. He is a member of the Youth National AsAmar Terrel-Pitman sociation for the AdvancePhoto by Stephanie Henderson ment of Colored People (NAACP) and he is a member of the First Tee Program. Amar attends Sunday school at Bible Way Cathedral and he ushers with the Jr. Usher Department.

During the summer Amar spends much of his time volunteering.

Last year he was a camp counselor for the YMCA. Currently, he is volunteering with the Stonewall Therapeutic Recreation Centers Summer Camp. This summer he will be employed for the third year as a counselor for the “Invent now Kids” Science Camp Program through the Danville Public School system. Amar also works part time at KD’s Family Restaurant.

Since 2005, Amar has been a member of the First Tee Program.

Along with his family this program has helped him build character.

The First Tee not only introduces young people to the game of golf, it offers classes that promote positive values. During the lessons, the young people are taught nine core values. These values include honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy, and judgment.

When asked what stood out from his time with the First Tee program, Amar replied, “I remember Papa, (Coach William Flippen) taught us we were not allowed to use the word can’t.

If we said can’t, we were made to do pushups.” First Tee not only provides life skill lessons and positive values, it teaches mental and physical discipline.

Amar plans to graduate with the 2013 class at George Washington High School. He is considering attending college at Virginia Commonwealth University, Old Dominion University, or North Carolina Agricultural and Technology University.

He plans to major in Criminal Justice focusing on forensic science with the desire of becoming a detective. E

Lifting a Living

Legacy

I want to begin by asking you all a few questions: What example are we giving our youth about how they should treat one another? What way should we show them how to deal with life and some of the conflict that comes with it?

Thirdly, what is the legacy that you are leaving to the world, the nation, the state, the city, even to your community as a whole? We all should reflect on the impact

of our life upon the lives of those around us.

Many of us take for granted the affect that our words, our actions or the lack thereof, has on our immediate surroundings. The people close to us, especially our youth, are very impressionable when it comes to how we act in front of them.

Do we realize when we go about our everyday life that there is someone many times emulating us and often wanting to be like us? They often see the good, the bad, and the ugly without us even noticing that they are watching. We could be the biggest hustler, drug dealer, thug, criminal, or even a great scholar, political activist, community organizer, preacher, or teacher; somebody is looking and wanting to be like us.

Jermain Parker and daughter, Sianna Parker Photo by Stephanie Henderson

A lot of times parents tell their children to do as I say and not as I do, but how often do those words get overshadowed by them observing how we act, react, or just plain cut the fool? We want to raise respectable children, but some of us don’t want to live respectable lives. We want our children to mind our rules and our edicts, but we don’t mind what comes out of our mouths or what goes into our bodies. We say we want them to do better and have better than we did, but what example are we showing them to be better or to do better? It is often said that a person would rather see a sermon

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any day as opposed to hearing one. The sermon of our entire existence should not be riddled with failure, regret, or complaints about what “coulda, woulda, or shoulda” been; but with a message of in spite of my circumstances, I accomplished great things. They may not seem great to other people, but at least we were looking upwards in victory and not holding our head down in defeat.

Many of us don’t realize the roles we play even if we are not parents: big brother/sister, uncle/ aunt, cousin, friend, mentor, leader, pastor, teacher, activist, or watchman, that influences the lives of the younger generation and even those in our own

peer groups. For example, often we wonder why our youth don’t attend our churches as we did or as often as we would like them to. Could it be that they don’t feel the genuine love for them, the interest in them, or they see so much mess that they shouldn’t see from those of us who profess the name of Christ? We also wonder why they become unruly and disruptive in and around services, maybe they view the bickering, back-biting, and verbal assassinations of fellow members, so they act out to draw attention to that. Unfortunately, the places that we have for so long looked at as a place of healing and restoration are often the places we get our biggest hurt. I’m not putting an indictment on all churches, but just pointing out what I have observed in some.

We can do better and I believe we will do better if we want to carry out the charge we have been given to love our fellow man as He has loved us.

children see this and shouldn’t we think they will often do the same thing? These types of attitudes and lack of concern leads us down the road to an anemia of care and concern on their parts towards one another, turf wars, fighting, stabbings, shootings, murders, and the like with no regard for human life. Is this how we want our little children growing up ?

A lot of our problems can be solved with effective communication with each other and learning how to talk to one another. Our children become so much better rounded individuals when they get the proper nurturing and teaching from their parents, elders, and extended family. How many of us even read to our children or even someone else’s child for that matter? Do we show enough love, compassion, and concern for their well-being? If we don’t, the streets will swallow them alive. Many things they learn the hard way from the streets could have been smoother and less traumatic if they had been warned or informed about life by those of us with years of experience. We can help so many escape the pitfalls we had to endure simply by sharing our stories with those coming behind us.

This is how we build bridges to the future and pass on the legacy that was entrusted with us from the previous generation. I applaud those of you that have given your time, energy, talents, heart, and finances to make sure the next generation has a fighting chance to succeed. I applaud the youth that are stepping up to the plate and running the bases of life as if they have already hit a home run. For those of us who find ourselves struggling to make a decent life, I encourage you to keep pushing and never give up on your dreams.

A lot of our problems can be solved with effective communication with each other and learning how to talk to one another.

The same goes in our homes and communities, how can we treat each other like dirt and expect our children and their friends to act any different?

They want to see us treat each with love, dignity, and respect, which in turn makes them feel good about us and in essence makes them feel good about themselves. Many of our homes are broken with a single parent running it and many of our homes are broken with both parents there as well. A vast majority of us don’t understand the concept that discipline begins with us first and then can be administered laterally and downwardly. How can we hold others accountable for actions, when we don’t hold ourselves accountable as well? In order for us to be responsible adults, we must first look ourselves in the mirror of accountability and make sure we are answering the call of what is required of us to be good life stewards. So many of us have failed that litmus test time and time again, but the great thing is that as long as we breathe we have another opportunity to get it right. We must not let them down.

Love/charity starts at home and then spreads abroad. In several of our communities, this same concept should be applied but isn’t. Every day we walk around, by, over, almost through each other without even so much as a hello. We don’t know or try to get to know our neighbors on a personal level, but yet we know all of their business while we are talking about them to others.

How can we even call it a community when this is the case? Our

Remember that while you are living your life and dealing with any troubles or triumphs you may encounter, somebody else might be noticing how you handle it in order for them to know that they can handle it too. Again I ask to our adults, what will be the legacy you will embrace to better our overall communities? To our youth, what will be the positive character traits you will adopt in order to continue strong, fruitful communities that gives us all a brighter hope for tomorrow? Neither group can do it alone, it takes us all working together with a common purpose and unified minds. That is when we will see success and the fruits of our labor.

Let’s keep it moving, FORWARD... E

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NATIONAL

Walk to School Day

by QONELL TOTTEN

“Boy! You don’t know what it means to be walking!!! I had to walk from Ridge Street to J. M. Langston Jr. High School. And if I wanted to get where I had to go, I sometimes had to walk in the snow even if it was up to my ankles!”

I can hear my mom embedding that into my head up to this day.

Have you ever had to walk to school?

Do you know what it’s like to walk in the cold? If not, get ready! GET FIT would be delighted to give you that opportunity on Wednesday October 3rd, 2012. We hope you all set aside for National Walk to School Day - raising awareness for the health benefits of walking during and/ or after school with friends and family.

“In the past, GET FIT has encouraged physical education classes to get out and walk. Different Physical Education (P.E.) teachers have started their own walking clubs for students to participate in,” says

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Stephanie Ferrugia (Program Director).

Therefore, if we are able to get more students to put a little pep in their step and add more movement to the body to get it up and running, they may be more focused while in school. In addition, we hope to transition from the epidemic of childhood obesity in which we have on going on all over the world. GET FIT is here to help anyone who may feel they are overweight or just need to tone up.

The program has been in the Southern Virginia area since the year of 2010. GET FIT would like the readers of Emerge, churches, and non-civic groups to agree to walk or mentor with at least one school on this day. “In 2010, the City of Danville and Pittsylvania County Schools had nearly 3,000 people to participate and hopefully we can beat that this year,” said Ferrugia. Instead of talking the talk, let’s all just walk the walk!! I must say we have a beautiful riverwalk in the wonderful city of Danville. It’s actually one of the many great places to have quality time with friends and family. E

As summer comes to a close and schools are back in session, make plans to walk to school on Wednesday October 3rd for National Walk to School Day. Let’s all get out and walk to support this event!

You may find more information about National Walk to School Day at the GET FIT table at National Night Out on August 7!!!

Emerge! | SUMMER 2012 | emergeva.com

Ready or Not

Here I COME

by PETRINA CARTER

Director of Career Services, Averett University As children many of us remember a game we would play called “Tag.” The person who was “it” would hide their face and count down until they got to one, while the other children would hide. Once they got to one they would shout, “Ready or not here I come, and then they would search for the hidden children. Well, it seems many jobseekers are using this technique as they go out looking for employment. Jobseekers are not taking the time to prepare themselves or their marketing package prior to proceeding in their job search. They are saying to employers ready or not here I come. If this is the approach you are using you will continue to hit a brick wall and become discouraged in your job search.

You may be asking if I don’t have a job or any money how do I prepare myself to look for employment. You begin by knowing yourself. What type of job are you looking for? Anything to pay the bills is not the answer. If you don’t take time to know what you want to do, you will continually find yourself looking for employment. If you accept a position that you are not happy with, you will not be able to do your best and eventually you or the employer will decide to part ways. Think of what you would do if money were not an option. Allow yourself to dream big. Would you like to build planes? Would you like to run a newspaper or be a lead broadcaster on 60 minutes? I am here to tell you if you believe it you can certainly achieve it. In order for your dream to become a reality you will have to work for it. So, once you have determined what job you want, it is time to do some research. Get on the Internet or go to your local library and find out what skills and education level are needed to achieve the position you want. Do a self-evaluation; do you need to further your education or do you need more experience in the field? Once you have completed your research, if you determine there are gaps in your skill set and/or education make a plan on what you will need to do to gain the skills and/or education needed. Don’t get discouraged if you find it necessary to return to school or take a lesser paying job to gain more experience. Many a bank president, started working as a teller.

Get your foot in the door and learn everything you can about the entire business, not just your area. Many educational programs

Syhmon Boyd Photo by Stephanie Henderson are accessible for working adults through evening and weekend classes. Will it be difficult? Yes it will, but remember, it is only a temporary struggle with a determined end that can open up doors for a lifetime of ease.

If you have not done a resume in over five years, please find someone to assist you in preparing one. Things have changed and if you are not up to speed your resume will be left in the dust. The days of preparing one resume and sending it to fifty employers and expecting to get a response are long gone.

Your resume, cover letter, and application are all part of your marketing package and must be exceptional. Your marketing package is going to sit on someone’s desk and outline how much they need you to be a part of their team. There is no room for error. Put the whiteout in the trash and take the time to prepare your package. Research the company to which you are applying.

Find out what is important to them. If this is a new field you are trying to break in to, find your transferrable skills and make them applicable to this company. Have a friend or mentor look over all of your documents before submission. Unlike the game of tag where you don’t want to be “it”; in the job market you certainly want to be “IT”!! Don’t blow your chance, by going forth when you are not ready. Take the time necessary to step out and tell the world …I am ready…so ready or not here I come!!! E

Who’s Got Next?

Makiya Terry and her mother, Latonya Terry Photo by Stephanie Henderson

by LaSHEERA LEE

In life we all have those ‘what if’ moments. Well, I know I do. There are too many choices

in life that we make based on our feelings or urges versus praying and waiting. Can I get an amen from the sister sitting in the corner?

After talking to author Alonda Thomas I went on a quest to find out some information. How many modern women were told NOT to engage in sexual practices prior to marriage? In the days of Leave it to Beaver, abstinence was preached and promoted at every turn. Ricky and Lucy had separate beds on television. The professor could never get Ginger to drop her coconuts on the island. These images help promote chastity.

Now, not only does the media inundate girls with sexual images, girls are not being told to keep their cookies packaged at home.

Yes, I said it! How many girls are being told it is ok to wait? In my quest for knowledge, I asked several women that question.

Not one woman told me that they were told it was ok to wait.

What conflicting messages are we sending our girls?

Some of our girls equate love with sex; who is going to have that conversation with their daughter? Some of our girls think that sex is ultimate result of any relationship; who is going to have that conversation?

I am far from a prude. However, if we can stop one of our girl’s “what if ” being teenage pregnancy, HIV, etc., our community will make gains! Take the time to talk and share with these young girls. We can help guide them to a road less troubled. E Emerge! | SUMMER 2012 | emergeva.com

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Selenadipitous Oh My! My BMI!

by Selena Lipscomb

Recently my five-year-old niece and I were watching a television program and within an hour we witnessed the transformation of an obese individual’s life over the course of one year. Mid way thru the program my niece informed me that she was going on a diet because the doctor told her that her BMI was too high. I sat there in shock thinking to myself why does a five-year-old go on a diet and does she even know what her Body Mass Index is suppose to be. So, I did the most logical thing that I could think of and I asked her. Do you know what BMI means? Her reply was, “No, but my doctor said mine is high and I want to make it low.” Immediately I had a flashback of being five-years old myself and my parents taking me to the doctor because I had refused to eat simply because I thought I was pinching more than an inch.

You all remember that commercial don’t you? At the age of five I did not have a clue as to what an inch was.

It dawned on me that after all these years we still are not getting the message of good health across clearly to our children.

One study says one thing, another says something different, and in the end, we have little girls and little boys growing up fighting weight battles their entire life.

I began to explain that it is important to listen to your doctors because they can be very helpful, but I wanted to tell her what my definition of BMI is.

Believe Believe in yourself even when it seems that no one else does. Whatever your goal may be - if it is to drop a few pounds or

compete in the Olympic Games. Set yourself a goal and do not stop until you reach it.

Motivate What is it that motivates you? I asked my niece as if I were not talking to a fiveyear-old anymore. And of course she reminded me that I was with her reply, “What does that mean, Auntie?” I told her that motivation simply means YOUR REASON WHY? For some of us it is success, and for some it maybe the smile on your child’s face. She told me her reason was so that she could run and play without tiring and not end up obese like the man on television.

Inspire What is it that inspires you to innovation?

I told my niece that she had inspired me.

With a look of shock she asked me how she did that. I told her by being bold enough to take a stand and make a change even if it meant that she had to sacrifice a snack or two, she was determined to do it.

I encouraged her to think of other ways to get her BMI low if that is what she wanted to do, other than a diet. Sometimes we have to go beyond thinking outside of the box and just create a new one.

One of my favorite quotes is by Moliere: “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” The future that I want to create is one in which little boys and little girls grow up healthy physically and mentally without the labels attached to their names.

I look forward to watching your BMI tilt the scales. E

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Man Man’s Me Moment

By Immanuel Martin What my mom said is something that will make a difference in my life and the lives of others, but I can break down what she said into three sentences.

All my mom is really trying to say is…

Adults be careful what you say to and around kids sometimes.

Be courageous enough to change if you think it will help you.

Inspire others to change for the better also.

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