The Focus by Tommy Page

THE FOCUS May 2014

May Flowers

Nicole Ross

The death of her son brings hope to many others

The official magazine of Focused Radio

Focus Points Computers Have Mothers Too Mother on a Mission (cover story) Hazy's Cool corner Beauty and Beast Taking It Back calling all dreamers

page 4 page 6 page 10 page 11 page 16 page 17

Editor in Chief: TommyP Story Editor: Miyon Baskin Administration: Shamon Gilbert Photo Credits: Hugh Jones Photography Moments Forever Photography Facebook NuFocus Media

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The Focus May 2014

Greetings All, Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day month and we have a very special story on a mother that has given more than just to her own children. Nicole Ross has been in the fight against Sickle Cell Anemia since the birth of our first son. Now her efforts has allowed families all over the state to be more educated about this deadly disease. Also this month we are paying tribute to our firstborn son, JonAnthony Page who would have turned 21 this month. JonA died at the young age of 16 due to complications with Sickle Cell disease. A brave soul

that not only touched the hearts of this community, but because he went through what he went through living with this disease, medical teams are more equipped with strategies to treat others living with Sickle Cell Anemia. Continue to read The Focus and listen to Focused Radio and together we can make a difference. Go Team,

TommyP

Technology Mother’s Day: Motherboards Deserve Some Credit Too by Dan’iele Smith The motherboard (sometimes referred to as the logic board) is the central component or ‘mother’ of all components attached to it. Simply stated, it is merely a circuit board that holds all the electronic intricacies key to system operations and functions such as memory and the central processing unit (CPU). In the same manner that a mother operates and allows all of her children to communicate and play together, the motherboard of a computer is built with the same capacity. Before the motherboard came into existence, its predecessor was a series of circuit boards connected to a backplane which is similar to our backbone. As technology and the computer as we know it began to evolve, one can see how this series of circuit boards was no longer a feasible option. The motherboard was forced into existence and individual consoles were born. Depending on its purpose, motherboards can vary due to the components they support. Regarding desktops, the motherboard is mounted and housed inside the case or tower. When the accessible side of the housing is removed, the motherboard is resembles the aerial view of a city. It has multiple ports, sockets, wires and LED (Light Emitting diode) lights. Today’s motherboard is equipped with USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports, HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) and FireWire (which is simply a faster interface) allowing devices to be connected to your computer such as digital computers and tablets.

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The Focus May 2014

Truly a Love Affair For All the Right Reasons

o v e w a s truly in the air on M a y 10th in Richmond. Reach 4 the Dream and Dream makers academy Visionary Ervin Johnson quarterbacked an event that brought businesses out in support of a blood drive. That’s not all, the event showcased area talent with

Ervin Johnson, Troy Michel, and Brandy Giles

the likes of the team from Lyric Ave and many organazations bringing alternatives in the RVA. Hosted by the lovely Troy Michel (CW Richmond) the evening was a success all around. With Virgina Blood services collecting blood for those in need and educating the attendees with much needed information, this was an awesome “Affair.”

Mother on A Mission

Focus

Sickle Cell Anemia claimed the life of one son, with two more sons living with the same disease, Nicole Ross has Faith For a Cure by TommyP

After carrying her first child for nine months in the womb, Nicole Ross found out something was wrong after delivery. This bundle of joy couldn’t leave the hospital with her. The beautiful young son she had asked God for was here and from the appearance on the outside he seemed healthy. He had all ten toes, all ten fingers, and everything else appeared to be in tact. However, something just wasn’t right. The doctors couldn’t say for certain what the issue was initially, but after a few days of strenuous testing, they realized Nicole’s baby had sickle cell anemia. JonAnthony D. Page came onto this earth with a purpose. Learning at a very fast rate, he never crawled, he started walking at the early age of 6 months. Reading as a hobby and speaking full sentences right at two years old, this baby was heading somewhere fast. Life was great for Nicole. Her son loved and “only” wanted to be with her! Everywhere she went, JonA was in-tow. A cutie that shared the resemblance of both his mother and father, he stole the hearts of everyone he came in contact with. Things seemed “right” until the first time his hands and feet had swollen to a point that he looked as though he had softballs on his wrist. This baby was crying and couldn’t get any relief. Confusion overtook his young parents. It took for a doctor to educate them that their son was having a sickle cell crisis. To watch her baby suffer, kept Nicole up many nights praying for healing and this procedure became a full time job. This was only an introduction to the ills of this terrible disease. Nicole would bare two more sons with sickle cell anemia. Some might have asked God, “What have I done

The Focus May 2014

to deserve this?” Instead this young mother stepped up to the plate and got busy with local hospitals to educate herself as well as educating the hospital’s staff. For the small town of Roanoke, VA the early 90’s didn’t have much experience with sickle cell patients. Once the Page’s came in to town, that quickly changed. Three boys with all different

Tommy and Nari’k Page reactions to the disease. One needing transfusions almost every other week and extended stays in the hospital and one who didn’t have a crisis until after he was in his pre-teens. Nicole

had now become the area’s subject matter expert on Sickle Cell disease and made sure she got involved in not only her sons betterment, but those others living in the surrounding areas with sickle cell. JonAnthony succumbed to the disease

The Focus May 2014

at the young of 16, but he left a lasting impression on his Star City community and the other areas he had lived in. With close to 1,500 people attending his home-going service, it was evident that a death to a young man such as he, had lasting effects on all those he knew and even the ones who only knew of his struggles. Dealing with a loss such as this along with going through our “second” divorce was plenty of excuse for Nicole to fall back and concentrate solely on her sanity and her two other sons Tommy and Nari’k that would be facing similar challenges as JonA did. They live with sickle cell anemia as well. Instead, God blessed her with a new husband and the daughter she always wanted which had to be an indicator for her to get back in the fight. Now the director of the Good Guides mentoring program at Goodwill Industries, Nicole is on a mission to assist in finding a cure to this egregious disease. By partnering with the BRASCA (Blue Ridge Association for Sickle Cell Anemia) in Rocky Mount, she is in the process of bringing a chapter to the Roanoke Valley. Doing the impossible of dealing with “her baby daddy,” she has also became a board member of my organization Faith 4 A Cure. JonAnthony will never come back to this earth, but his presence is felt in the lives of all that knew him daily and the love of his mother has sparked a fire that will be extremely beneficial for others that are facing the same challenges of living with Sickle Cell Anemia.

Thanks Nicole Ross for all you do and being a true star of the Star City! Learn more about what you can do to help find a cure for Sickle Cell Anemia

www.faith4acure.org

The Law Office of

Kevin E Wilson Attorney at law www.kevinewilsonlaw.com 902 Lafayette Blvd. Roanoke, Virginia 24017 P: (540) 265-6643 F: (540) 342-1632

Giving back to the community that gave me so much

Hazy's Cool Corner by Hazy Haymaker

hats happenin’ world! It’s about that time of year again for the most electrifying and suspenseful portion of the NBA season, the playoffs. This year, millions of fans have expressed their excitement and loyalty to their favorite squads as they anticipate the road to the NBA finals. Its no secret that the hip-hop industry and basketball have a strong relationship. There’s ballers who have tried there stab at rapping, and even MCs who have had a run in the league. Without any question, both have contrib-

uted to what we have as our bank culture today. Plenty of artist show their support for their favorite team like slim Thug and Bun B who even went back and did exclusive Houston Rockets edition of “three kings”. Drake, who is the new ambassador for the Toronto Raptors, could most definitely be seen sitting court-side and almost every game in the Raptors first round series. On the opposite side of the

The Focus May 2014

hardwood floor, Jay Z and Beyonce could be seen repping the Brooklyn nets. Jay had a share in ownership of the organization before selling it to venture onto establishing ROC Nation Sports Agency. Wale was at attendance for last game Washington wizards had against the Indiana pacers, while on the other side of the states Rihanna was sporting off a pink pixie cut at the staples center for the Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma city Thunder game 6 of the western conference semi-finals. So far there’s been controversy, historical moments, blood, sweat, tears as well as cheers in the first couple rounds. Its down to the conference finals now. OKC will be taking on San Antonio Spurs and Pacers square up against its #1 rival reigning champs Miami Heat. “ Lebron and Co.” Are on a quest to 3peat to leave their mark as a dynasty team in the books.

We truly appreciate

The Focus May 2014

Beauty

Troy Michel

TV Host CW Richmond CWhatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s UPVa,

Moments Forever Photography

The Focus May 2014

Beast

the ones making it happen

Ervin Johnson Entrepreneur, Reach for the Dream, Dream Makers Academy

The Focus May 2014

The Model Facial in Ten Minutes

by Money Mon

This spring and summer you want to look fresh and clean right ladies and gentleman. I am so excited about sharing this new way to give yourself a facial to pamper yourself and to ensure you are taking good care of your skin. It is simple easy and time efficient. The face is the most exposed part of the body in all seasons of the year, yet it is the most sensitive in some cases. I am going to share with you some awesome tips that will have you ready and fully equipped to give yourself the ultimate facial in ten minutes. Things you would need: ~ 4 Warm Wet Facial Towels ~ 1 mirror ~ 1 clear tray for products ~ Time Wise 3 in 1 cleanser to cleanse, exfoliate, and refresh face ~ Time Wise Night and Day Solution w Sunscreen SPF 35 ~ Time Wise Age-Fighting Moisturizer Now that you have your facial components these are the steps you need to take to give yourself the Ultimate Ten Minute Facial ~ Take one of the warm wet facial towelettes and wipe your face in an upward and outward circular motion make sure you clean your neck and under your chin this is where sweat and dirt settle also dab lightly around the eyes without wiping. ~ Now you are ready to apply the first product to your face. Take your ring fingers and put some of the Time Wise 3 in 1 Cleanser on both. Dot your forehead, chin, cheeks, and nose with the product and rub into your skin in an upward and outward circular motion. Make sure you pay special attention to any blemishes and or pimples on your face. Note: Pushing your cheeks and chin upwards is the best way to keep your skin looking and feeling youthful and it automatically fights against gravity which pulls your muscles in your face down. This product is available for all skin types Normal to Dry and Combination to Oily ~ Take another warm wet facial towelette and wipe your face in an upward and outward circular motion ~ You are now ready to apply your day or night solution depending what time of day it is determines which one you will use. Take a small amount of the day/night solution and rub into your face in an upward and outward circular motion. Leave these products on your face to allow them to do their job accordingly Note: These products protect the face and neck, the day solution protects your face from the sunrays and it is enriched with a special component called SPF 35. They both are enriched with vitamins A, B, D, and E they smooth your skin and make it visibly firm. These products last for 10 hrs each, so you experience all day and night protection and nourishment for your skin ~ Last but not least you would need to apply the Time Wise Age-Fighting Moisturizer in which contains ingredients that accelerate the skins natural renewal process, it adds the moisture and minerals that you have cleaned off your face, and it also has an hydration agent that keeps your skin soft and supple Note: This product is available for all skin types Normal to Dry and Combination to Oily and it is recommended to be used with the Time Wise 3 in 1 Cleanser only

Taking it Back

Star City is Our City, Let's Grow

by Randy Riggins

or the month of May I wanted to bring attention to an event coming up during the month of June. Taking back our community has been a portion of The Focus of the 5Forty mission from day one. One of the first things we must do as a community is take back our rights as a people, our rights to vote, our rights to work, and our rights to be treated equally in society. So as a step toward doing so the Roanoke Branch of the NAACP is sponsoring an Employment and Voting Rights for the Formerly Incarcerated event June 14th from 4pm-5:30pm at St.Paul’s United Methodist Church located at 502 Gilmer Ave in Roanoke,Va. The event will feature a short video on mass incarceration featuring Michelle Alexander (Author, The New Jim Crow) and Angela Davis (Author,Activist), also there will be a short powerpoint presentation highlighting issues in mass incarceration, banning the box, restoration of voting rights and sentencing reform. Included in the days event will also be a panel and discussion about obstacles to employment for the formerly incarerated, perspectives from a successfully employed formerly incarcerated person, employment specialist, employer, mental health specialist and probation/parole officer. To wrap up the event there will be refreshments along with

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time for informal conversation and help with obtaining employment and restoration of voting rights. If your in Roanoke or surrounding areas June 14th come on out and help us “take back our community” one step at a time. 5Forty!

Community

The Focus May 2014

Calling All Dreamers By: Abike Okesina

reams have been collecting dreams from the people of Roanoke. In an effort to collect survey information to help improve their programming, the Advancement Foundation took to the streets of Roanoke not only asking standard survey questions, but people were encouraged to write on colorful post-it notes their personal dream or aspiration for the future. In five words or less. By actively engaging partnerships with the Jefferson Center, Taubman Museum and Center in the Square, The Advancement Foundation was able to set up a booth and engage the people of Roanoke to share an intimate part of themselves. “Although hesitant in the beginning, people warmed up to the possibility of leaving a piece of themselves on display in hopes of inspiring or encouraging someone to move forward to something greater.” Said Deaduri Gales, an Americorps VISTA assigned to The Advancement Foundation and the coordinator of the public art project. Ms. Gales explained that the 3x3 papers

would be turned into a visual art piece with the help of local artist Charlene Graves. The words on the post-it note would inspire a poem entitled Dreams of Roanoke written by Performance Poet 13th of Nazareth from Arlington, VA. After two months of dream gathering Deaduri is diligently working with Charlene Graves and Jefferson Center’s Artistic Director Dylan Locke to help bring the visual part of the project to life so that it compliments a powerful vocal interpretation created by Nazareth. What started out as a routine community survey has grown into a symbolic reflection of a city that aspires to be greater than the sum of its parts. Like the Star that hovers brightly over the city, the people of Roanoke use the light of hope and strength of community to bring forth their dreams. Would you like to participate in the Dreams of Roanoke public art project? Contact Deaduri Gales at The Advancement Foundation, 540-345-1292

Choose Life by Martin Jeffery

Choose Life was established as a whole life regeneration organization which specializes in the improvement of quality of life and healing of relationships. The primary objective: building personal and community capacities. Choose Life is a catalyst for change, facilitating personal and community regeneration. The organization is an incorporated, nonprofit entity that serves as a guide for those seeking restoration and wholeness in their lives, through improved spiritual, family or community interaction and who do not know how or where to begin. Services are delivered though coaching. Choose Life is some of the best advice that the Bible gives in Deuteronomy chapter 30:19. After laying out the specific promises that God makes to us if we follow His laws. “…therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live”. “Choose Life” is also a mantra often cited by evangelicals right-wing ideologues when engaged in pious political rhetoric concerning the tragedy of abortion in this country. In these and other exercising of this idea the message is clear. There is life and there is death. Those are the two sole conclusions of our existence. Every day, and in every moment of that day we are choosing one or the other. In the way we choose to greet or not greet our family and co-workers in the morning; in the way we choose to or not to spend time with God each day; in the way we talk—speak—and project our hearts’ desire (“…out of the abundance

The Focus May 2014

of the mouth the heart speaks” Matthew 12:34); and in the decisions we choose to make concerning everything from what to eat to who we choose to sleep with—or without. It’s about the choices we make that will generate life or death. This month I want to introduce you to the single most influential action you perform non-stop, mostly without realizing it or its enormous impact. This act informs how you think, what you think, and even who you think about. What is that phenomenon? It is your PERSPECTIVE! How you choose to think about your life and the details of it. How you choose to think about your boss, and your past mistakes and your future has everything to do with whether you get the raise, or how you feel about yourself, or how prepared you will be for opportunities for success. Perspective—how you choose to think and choose to believe and project about your life is exactly that, a choice. And the choice is simply between two approaches. The desire to “live” is a God given desire born deep in your heart and grows as you nurture it with your choices—for life. When I was setting up our office I was out shopping for some wall art and came across a sign—black board with white writing that simply said, “From this day forward”. My desire for you is that From this day forward you will CHOOSE LIFE!

Handling all of your business and personal accounting needs with care!

Stay Focused

Against The Odds Clothing

EXCITE YOUR TASTE BUDS WITH HEALTHY EATING by Miyohn Baskin

Patients living with Sickle Cell Anemia may need regular transfusions of healthy red blood cells to help carry oxygen to the tissues in their body. A diet rich in Folic Acid can help to reduce the need for transfusions as the vitamin also know as B9 helps the body to produce new red blood cells on its own. A high content of Folic Acid can be found in some of our favorite fruits and vegetables like dark leafy greens, broccoli, citrus fruits, nuts and seeds, and beans and lentils. In honor of a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Prynceâ&#x20AC;?, try this quick and easy Citrus Summer Salad. It is sure to be a healthy and delightful treat!

Citrus Summer Salad Makes 6 servings 10-12 ounces of Mixed Romaine and Spinach Leaves 1/2 cup of Sliced Red Onion 2 large Navel Oranges peeled and sectioned 3/4 cup of Walnuts 1/4 cup of crumbled Gorganzola Cheese Place walnuts in a skillet over medium heat and stir for 5 minutes or until lightly browned. In

Citrus Vinegarette 1/2 cup of Olive Oil 2/3 cup of Orange Juice 2 tablespoons of Balsamic Vinegar 1/4 cup of Granulated Sugar 2 tablespoons of Dijon Mustard 1/4 teaspoon of Dried Oregano 1/4 teaspoon of Ground Black Pepper In a large covered container, combine olive oil, orange juice, balsamic vinegar, sugar, dijon mustard, oregano and black pepper. Shake contents together until they are mixed well.

The Focus May 2014

a large bowl toss the toasted walnuts, salad greens, oranges and red onions together before portioning into individual servings. Sprinkle the salads with gorganzola cheese. Drizzle with the prepared vinegarette And Enjoy!

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NuFocus Entertainment, LLC has a NU way to keep you plugged in and FOCUSED (Fighting Obstacles Continue Until Success Every Day)! The Focus magazine is a rising star in publications that reflects the balance in the art of entertainment, support, and education. It highlights movers and shakers that inspire and transform people. We stay FOCUSED through support from communities that want to know more about whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening around them. Each month The Focus spotlights small businesses, entrepreneurs, community events, and political topics. With Headquarters in the heart of the Star City (Roanoke, VA) it allows us to be the first in reporting on the up and coming! The Focus, in connections with Focused Radio, targets markets that have an interest in entertainment, sports, music, news, and exciting reviews on people you want to know more about, such as popular artists and public figures in the industry as well as leaders in the community! The Focus also highlights new music, independent artists, aspiring models, fashion trends, along with new products and services that connect with communities on both a personal and professional level.

So Get Focused!