The Official Magazine of Focused Radio
End of June 2017
Acupuncture, Acupuncture, Acupuncture pg 16
Denim Spring/ Summer Fashion 101 pg 28
#ExclusiveIndie Charts inside
Jazz in the City Adrian Crutchfeild is coming home to roanoke 1 The Focus
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focus points 6. Mz Malattos Moment 8. Ask Gizzy 11. Cover Story: Jazz Comes Back to Roanoke 16. Small Business Spotlight- Katie Clifton 25. From the queenpin 28. Fashion: Denim 32. The Heart of the Matter 38. Exclusive indie charts Editor in chief: TommyP content supervisor: Erica Jenkins lead visual artist: Brandon crafter Each month “The Focus� spotlights small businesses, entrepreneurs, community events, political topics fashion and the arts, we are poised to stay relevant and to influence what people are talking about and doing.
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From the Editor As a father, I want to first take this time to say Happy Fathers Day to all of those not only with that title, but showing what it means to be a father. If you are like me living without your dad, I especially want to sending thoughts of comfort your way. Truly it is hard to make it in life without one. This month we are excited to have so many new additions to the magazine. Columns seem to be the ongoing this here. We here from new personalities on the station, Mz Malatto and Styles Plus whose shows have taken off with a bang. However, we also here from a local business woman who is in the spotlight this month and Erica and my live in critic Gizzy. We love to hear from everyone who contributes and really enjoy hearing from all of you that takes the time to listen to our shows and read this publication, As Always, #StayFocusedMyFriends TommyP
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Funny, insightful, and the perfect way to get your day started...
Weekday Mornings 8a until Noon only on
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MzMalattos Moment
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character” - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I
’m sure when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave this speech on August 28th 1969, he meant his children, his children’s children and so on. Here it is 2017 and we are giving the same speech just in different words. “Black Lives Matter” The fact that we have to actually continue to reinforce this statement is what bothers me. Shouldn’t this be automatic by now? Why do we have to continually prove that our lives are just as important as white people? There is no “White Lives Matter” protest. Why? Because some how, some way to the world this is a given. then I read and watch the news when people have the audacity to say we, always try to make it a race issue. Sorry folks that’s pretty much the issue to start with. When I can sit back and watch on the news, Sterling Alton get gunned down by police, I can see a Facebook live with Diamond Reynolds fighting to stay calm while her boyfriend has been shot to death. Then her 4 year old daughter begs her mom not to try to get out of the hand cuffs because some how her intuition has let her know her momma is safer in “chains” Not to mention Michael Browns lifeless body laying in
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the middle of the street, while cops stand around “securing” the perimeter. I could go on forever but you get the point. What do all these and many more have in common? None of the charged have been convicted. So YOU have made it about race. Yeah YOU the one who feels scared every time YOU come across a black man, YOU the one who feels because your skin is pale YOU are inferior to a person of color, YOU the one who has a badge and thinks protect and serve means protect your own and serve a bullet to those who are different. And especially YOU the ones who sit in these positions of power and protect the YOU’s of the world who have gotten away with these senseless acts of violence, setting an example to the YOU’s who will come behind them and be taught if there is any pigment what so ever in your skin tone your life does not matter, and it’s ok to eliminate by any means, with no consequences. My question is, what will happen when we get tired?According to Wikipedia there are about 223,553,265 white Americans vs 38,929,319 black Americans in the United States. Do you not see anything wrong with these numbers? I’m going to leave you with something positive, although our overall population is diminishing compared to white America. Just over half of the babies in the United States are of ethnic and minority backgrounds. We have a chance to teach our babies their rights, to become people in leadership, to make change in the world. It’s not over, we will not continue to be eliminated because someone feels our existence is intimidating. Stop killing each other, show them we value our own lives. To them Black Lives Matter is a slogan with no power behind it. We grow up learning always take care of home first. Let’s take care of us, take care of home. Realize there is power in numbers. Although our numbers are low compared to White America,our growing number is on the rise! Groom and make great these young Kings and Queens who are coming up.
Never lose focus~ MzMalatto
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Ask Gizzy?
Hello, The Focus Magazine Readers I’m Gizzy!!! I want to introduce you to my new column Ask Gizzy.. In this column please feel free to ask me questions about cats or life..I will be glad to help in any way I can! Q. Gizzy why do cats not eat dog food but dogs eat cat food??? A. Do you really need to ask...there dogs that’s why they eat anything us cats still have dignity
Q. Gizzy how can I get gifts in The TommyPnda Morning Show? A. I’m still waiting on my gift when I get mine mb you’ll get yours Q. Gizzy how do you stay in shape? A. Easy I watch what I eat Q. Gizzy what are you Siamese? A. Nooooo I am even better Himalayan Q. Gizzy are you related to Grumpy cat? A. Not... I am Gizzy cat next ? Gizzy what size neck are you.. I’d like to put you in some accessories? My neck is about 3 or 3.5 inches.. please make sure the accessories are not to Girly!!! I am Gizzy not Girly...Thank you Last ? Gizzy where did you get the bow tie? You’ll have to ask Tommy Page
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“I saw a post this week from a really good friend who lost his son to sickle cell disease, and it inspired me to get over to Virginia Blood Services and do my part. It’s the least I can do, and it feels good to know my one donation can save up to three lives!” - Sandy, dedicated blood donor What inspires you to donate?
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Jazz Comes Back to Roanoke The Legendary Dumas Hotel is being placed on sale. A staple of the Historic Gainsboro District, community leaders have come together to raise money to acquire it. The “Leap for Legacy� concert features an artist from the city who has made major moves in the music industry.
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Roanoke has had it’s share of talented people. From movie stars, professional athletes, and highly successful business persons; this small town has produced some people that have left a huge impact on the world. The one thing that Roanoke has truly produced, has been Jazz artists. Whether it was the great Cedric Lawson who played with the likes of Miles Davis and many more, to the legend Mr. Don Pullen whose music is still 12 The Focus
appreciated all over the world, jazz is one thing we can do! Here is where we meet our newest and brightest star and subject of this story. Adrian Crutchfield, or A+ for the long time fans and followers, is back to showing the world that Jazz is not only relevant, but evolutionary. After touring with the likes of Cee-Lo Green, Anthony Hamilton, Lionel Ritchie, and the late great Prince, Adrian has gotten back to his roots of recording his own
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says his former boss, Prince told him he needs to do while on a visit to Paisley Park. It was in this visit Crutchfield would get the courage to record again on his on terms as well as the inspiration for the name of his current project: “Leap.”
music and on July 1, 2017 he is bringing it home to show at the “Leap for Legacy” concert. This concert is in effort to save a landmark that hosted some of the greatest musicians of all time, right here in little Ole Roanoke. Performing music comes natural to Adrian. He has toured playing support to many artist for the past couple of years. Getting back to recording his own music was something he 13 The Focus
Adrian was content with just being a part of Prince’s band and wanted to be a support to “Mr. Purple Rain’s” legacy. Talking to him he said that he didn’t want to record because of the “barriers” sometimes given to “horn players.” As a saxophonists it’s believed that you are supposed to only do Jazz and the simplest form of that. Because Adrian wanted to step out of the box and do more with his music, he felt hesitant to record another studio album. Adrian said Prince had him look at the collection of projects on the wall at Paisley Park basically saying no one made him stay in a particular format, why should you ? Obviously Adrian took the challenge and ran with it. Though Leap has some of your contemporary Jazz pieces, it also has songs like “Can’t Let Go” that has HipHop written all over it. “Morning After” and “Slow Down” are definitely R&B ballads, it just so
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happens that in the place you would normally have a singer, A+ is blowing that horn flawlessly. Having a project out and coming home for a great cause almost seems divine. I believe that though Crutchfield has a world audience from touring with other artists, an intimate night with his hometown could be a boost in generating more dedicated fans for his music. The fact that both the city needs a hero and Adrian has shown he is one by coming to restore the Legacy of the Dumas Hotel is a perfect match. I’ve seen Adrian in concert before, a few years ago at a venue in Charlotte, NC. I know the energy and awesome performance he The Pines apartments in Roanoke, VA is ideally situated to give brings to access any stage he is on.ofBecause ofarea that,has I’mtosure the city will talk you easy to the best what the offer. about this one for years to come. In my opinion, the best outcome would be that his performance sparks the community to support entertainment and ownership back in the Historic Gainsboro District. Showing support for the “Leap for Legacy” concert could be a catalyst for so much more. Adrian coming home will also give the opportunity for those lovers of music in Roanoke and surrounding areas to get an intimate display of his talent and purchase his music. A huge boost in his sales form within, should create a buzz for the world to not just look for Adrian to perform and enhance others, but recognize what a great musician, composer, and all around person this young man is!
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The Law Offices of
Darren Haley
We are dedicated to providing experienced, aggressive and compassionate advocacy for all of our clients.
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Small Business Spotlight:
Katie Clifton 16 The Focus
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I Love it!! Moving back to Roanoke it was a little challenging for me to find a good acupuncturist. When I lived in Jersey I used to go once a week to keep my body balanced and in tuned with my mind. So when I came back for months I felt off balance. Until, I met Katie the owner of Queenpin Acupuncture, at a Hoot and Holler event where she informed me she was an acupuncturist. The rest is history... 17 The Focus
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I want to share with you all the benefits of acupuncture so I asked Katie some questions that I think will help you understand what acupuncture really does.... What can be treated by acupuncture? Acupuncture works with the body’s immune system to help the body get back on track. On it’s website, the World Health Organization has a long list of illnesses and injuries that acupuncture can treat. I treat everything from colds, to back pain, and many times people come in for one thing and realize that something else they’ve been suffering with starts getting better too. If someone is scared of needles should they still try acupuncture? Yes! There are other ways to treat besides using needles. I also do traditional class cupping, which is great for loosing up tight muscles. I treat many people who are needle phobic. They keep coming in because they realize that acupuncture makes them feel so much better it’s worth it. Are there any side effects? For the most part there are no side effects from acupuncture. Occasionally people may have an increase in symptoms right after their treatment, or they feel tired and a little achy. You can also get a bruise from acupuncture, that’s about it. How many sessions are usually needed? I tell people to expect to come in 8 - 12 times for treatment, but since every body is different ,and every person reacts differently to acupuncture that’s just a
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general number. Some people only need one treatment, some people need 15. Acupuncture is a short Is it safe for babies, children or teenagers? Yes! Kids love acupuncture. I think a lot of people think that acupuncture is a woo-woo or magical practice, and it’s not. It’s been around for thousands of yet is the last resort. I see a lot of people who say they’ve tried every other medical intervention and acupuncture is their last chance before surgery, or just giving up. Don’t wait! See an acupuncturist first. You’ll be glad you did. It’s also much easier to treat a problem when it is a new occurrence, not one that has been set into a pattern yet. Can someone be on prescribed medication while getting acupuncture? Yes, patients fill out a thorough health history and I take medications into consideration when I’m treating someone. If there’s anything else you want to ad please do so... I think it’s important to realize that to be an acupuncturist in Virginia, you have completed 4-5 years of acupuncture school. Acupuncturists are licensed by the Virginia medical board, and certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. We also are required to take continuing education courses to keep our licenses current. What are your hours and location? Right now we’re located at 1731 Grandin Road, but in September we’ll be opening a wellness center at 808 5th Street in Old Southwest Roanoke. I’m working with Maya Ittah of TerraVie Wellness to create a one stop shop for wellness in Roanoke. We really want to make wellness available and affordable to everyone in the valley.
Erica Kane
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NuGenesis
HAIR SALON James “Rick” & Angie Dillon ~ Owners
NuGenesis
HAIR SALON James “Rick” & Angie Dillon ~ Owners “Your place for new beginnings”
3031 A Peters Creek Rd.
3031A Peterscreek Rd Roanoke, VA 24019 Roanoke, VA 24019 Brammer Brammer Village Village
Angie Cell: (706) 332-3797
Cell: 706-442-1131 Rick Cell: (706) 442-1131 Salon: 540-400-6938
Salon: (540) 400-6938
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“Your place for new beginnings” www.thefocusmag.com
#GetThewordout Since March 2014, Faith 4 A Cure and Virginia Blood Services has partnered together to “GET THE WORD OUT” about Sickle Cell Anemia. In order to do so we have used a diverse range of settings, such as: • Higher Education • Faith-based Organizations and forums • Community Engagement • Media/Broadcasting • Health Fairs • Public Service Announcements • Blood Drives At some point in their life, Sickle Cell patients will need a blood transfusion. In many cases blood transfusions are routine treatments. Because of this fact, the primary focus in getting the word out is through hosting blood drives throughout the state of Virginia. It doesn’t just stop here. Faith 4 A Cure is on a mission to create awareness and education not just in Virginia but globally through the use of social media, web presence, radio and television, speaking engagements, educational forums, and much more.
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From the QueenPin Licensed acupuncturist, Katie Clifton is the Queen Executive Officer of Queenpin Acupuncture and Retreats. Born in Roanoke, she is a mountain mama at heart who enjoys practicing acupuncture and creating wellness programs that blend her Southern heritage with her background in Chinese Medicine. She’s also honored to be the mama of two amazing kids who have helped her grow her business, and expand her soul. Questions for the Queenpin Dear Queenpin,
How do I stop dating jerks?! I’m a single female age 35, and I can’t seem to meet and be attracted to someone who isn’t a total tool. I also don’t know where to meet people in Roanoke. It seems that if I don’t want to go to a bar, my options are limited. Signed,
Jerk Magnet
********************************************************* Dear Jerk Magnet,
You don’t stop dating jerks….in a sense. In my late 30’s after two marriages and a slew of never boring relationships, I realized I had a type, and most likely, that type wasn’t going to change. I was getting something from dating the types of guys I dated. The key was to find out what it was I was searching for, accept that about myself, and then find a partner that could provide me with what I needed, but not make me miserable in the process. I changed my attitude about relationships, and set out to see what would be, not what I thought should be. Dating has seemed so much easier since. Writer Alain de Botton said it beautifully, “We need to swap the Romantic view for a tragic (and at points comedic) awareness that every human will frustrate, anger, annoy, madden and disappoint us — and we will (without any malice) do the same to them. There can be no end to our sense of emptiness and incompleteness….The person who is best suited 25 The Focus
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to us is not the person who shares our every taste (he or she doesn’t exist), but the person who can negotiate differences in taste intelligently — the person who is good at disagreement.” (Alain de Botton, “Why You Will Marry the Wrong Person”, New York Times, May 28, 2016, Web) Find someone who fights fair, and whose particular humanness you can tolerate; someone who can tolerate your particular humanness too. Take your time, Jerk Magnet. Go on a lot of dates, and most importantly, learn about yourself during the whole imperfect experience.
As for where to meet people in Roanoke. We’re going to put our This readers on that! Okay readers where is your favorite place in and around Roanoke to meet singles? Please send responses or questions for the Queenpin to katie@queenpinroanoke.com or to keep it super-duper confidential you can mail them to Q’s for the Queenpin 1731 Grandin Road, SW, Roanoke, VA 24015 All responses and questions will be kept confidential.
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Denim: Spring/Summer Fashion 101 Spring is over Summer is here and t’s the season for denim. Don’t throw away your old denim wear spring/summer 2017 is about to start denim wear as it’s latest fashion. Jean skirts, jackets, shirts or shorts are definitely in this year for spring/summer fashion collection. Designers took interest in all classic all American comfortable fabric re-imaging new denim looks, there are complementing with unexpected print no longer a fashion disaster just by adding denim shirt with a tank underneath. My favorite is adding a Denim jacket, you can take a work outfit and just by adding a denim jacket turns it into a causal more comfortable flirty look. Return of the Vintage look is also my favorite, from 1950’s with patchwork or wide leg pants with denim shirt and a pair of wedges will make any outfit complete. Can’t forget the light blue skinny jeans or even looser fit like boy jeans with casual white shirt with a pair of chucks is also a winner. Laced-up jean look has definitely made it’s return with or without it’s insanely low waistline has become very flattering. Denim skirts are back by popular demand cooler then ever when styled with a bodysuit or off the shoulder blouse. The key is make denim work for you. Nothing screams “chic” like a classic little black dress with a denim jacket, heck embellish it with some bling and it’s a sure win. For a fun playful look mix and match a vibrant graphic tee with some ca dual ripped jeans and you’ve nailed it. White on white denim also a summer daytime crusher turning heads everywhere you go. Seal the deal with a oversized chunky belt and button down denim dress. Whatever you denim look is make it your own style and be STYLISH. Styles Plus Styles beauty bar
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Pastor Cliff
Elder Otey
"I'm Bookable" Morn ings with
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M-F 7a
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The Gathering Place, where the Church assembles for praise and worship to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and to exort, teach, preach, pray and fellowship with other believers. Come be apart of this move of 2535 God..
Melrose AVE NW www.gatheringplace.co
Harm Reduction for Disease Prevention: Understanding and Integrating New Approaches June 8, 2017 Fitzpatrick Hall, Jefferson Center 31 The Focus
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The Heart of the Matter Addiction! Most times when we say the word addiction, it is synonymous with a bad habit that in our own strength most often we can’t give up. The American Society of Addiction Medicine states on its website that addiction is characterized by the inability to consistently abstain. In other words, it is something that is habitual! An addiction causes physical and mental dependency on a particular person, place or thing, whereby the addict is unable to stop the activity without incurring adverse effects. I also believe that some people are predisposed to certain addictions because of lifestyle choices and possibly upbringing. That’s not to say that everyone doesn’t have a choice, because there are children that grow up in households where both parents are alcoholics and they choose never to drink, while others can drink responsibly; and yet others, that first drink did them in and they too, become alcoholics. With that being said, not all addictions are alcohol or drug related. Many people suffer from addictions to food, gambling, pornography, sex and other people! Having been addicted to many things in my life, I can attest to the fact that addiction of any kind takes you too far and keeps you too long; and before you know it things have spun out of control and you’re asking yourself “how did I get here?” 32 The Focus
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The Word of God tells us that the devil comes to steal, kill and destroy; and addiction is one of the ways he accomplishes that. Addiction steals your self-esteem and pride, it kills relationships and destroys your health. Addiction is progressive and if not addressed and treated, can result in disability or premature death; and there’s nothing that would please the devil more than you dying and not living out the good and perfect plan that God has for your life! Evil is real and it has a way of taking hold in a person’s life. If you are battling addiction of any kind I implore you to seek help, but more importantly, seek God for healing and restoration. “For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord……” Jeremiah 30:17. If you haven’t accepted Jesus Christ into your life and you are battling something bigger than you, the Word of God says that “For the battle is not yours, but God’s!” So let go and let God and accept Jesus Christ as your Savior today! God tells us in His Word that “He so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” He didn’t do that just for me, but for you as well; and that “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” How marvelous is that? That you don’t have to make the difficult journey of rehabilitation alone! We serve a mighty God, who calls us “More than conquerors”! May your life be free from bondage!
Peace and blessing from Elder Lanell Otey!
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2609 Peters Creek Rd, Roanoke, VA 24017
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Boost Mobile in Roanoke, Virginia at 2729 Melrose Ave has some amazing deals and most importantly the best customer service you can find.
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Exclusive Indie Top airplay 1. “Woman in Me”- Si’Rese
2. “Money Callin”- Craig-O WHAM 3. “None of Them”- Skip of WELOOSE 4. “Party”- Star-Citi 5.“Been a Minute”- Don Papion 6. ”Best of Me”- T. Soul 7. “The Joys of Life”- Poe Mack 8. “Leave” - Tripp 9. “I Need You”- Jeremy Wilder 10. “Man Down”- S. Type
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