7 Permission Granted by Jemmie Watford
8 T.O.P.S.-14 Years in Action A Photo Summary
17 T.O.P.S. NOLA – In the Making
4 From the Desk of Pastor Kenneth Glasgow 5 From the Desk of Doug Wynn 9 From the Desk of Thelma Maybin Pullin 17 Publishers Note: Dr. Joy Spaulding
The Ordinary People Society Magazine is published monthly by The Ordinary People Society, Inc., a non-profit corporation., and owns the copyright 2015 for this and subsequent publications. The Ordinary People Society. 403 W. Powell St., Dothan, Al 36303. Phone: (334) 671-2882. The Ordinary People Society Magazine is a free publication, that can be viewed online, and is also available by hard copy subscription at a rate of $24.00 per year for 12 issues at the above address or on our website: www.TheOrdinaryPeopleSociety.org. Art, articles, and photo submissions are accepted, but will not be compensated for monetarily. Payment comes in the form of appreciation, love, gratitute along with credit, recognition and visibility.
From the Desk of Founder and CEO
Pastor Kenneth Sharpton-Glasgow
Each One Reach One History In The Making From my heart to yours, we here at The Ordinary Society pride ourselves on working for the community one soul at a time. I have thrived to continue to achieve local and national effects of committing myself to the betterment of all individuals without sex, race, creed or gender division. My goal is for equal humanity and pride for all. We as a people need to focus on what God has placed on our hearts, and the plans that He has for our lives. With your help, we can obtain the focal points for each of our communities, one person at a time. We have a responsibility to support and exceed their expectations. That means we aim to continue the support of local and national organizations with dedication, serving our members with integrity, accountability and commitment. Together we will strive for excellence one day at time. We, the ordinary people, are on a mission to build a strong local and national presence within all communities. Above all, we each have a voice because we are members of this thriving generation. We are all owners, we are all connected, and we are all part of a cooperative network. Thank you for your support in helping us in connecting one community at a time.
WE ARE JUST ORDINARY PEOPLE DOING EXTRAORDINARY THINGS, BY THE POWER AND SPIRIT OF GOD. NO WILL OF OUR OWN. ALL GLORY BELONGS TO HIM.
From the Desk of Doug Wynn
Perception as Reality From Doug Wynn, TOPS Advisory Board Chairman
When you were a child did you ever hear, “Stop crossing your eyes or they’ll get stuck like that”? Did you believe it? Considering that the advice usually came from the same person that also said, “Don’t touch the stove it’s hot and it’ll burn” then you very well might have believed that crossing your eyes would make they stick that way. Your perception had been shaped into reality by someone that you trusted because you had already tested their words before and burned your fingers when you just had to see if the stove was really hot. As adults we can too easily fall into the same pattern of belief. We hear someone speak what we know is the truth for one instance so we then have a tendency to take them at their word. No matter how well intentioned we should always think about their words, possibly test them, before accepting them as truth. Conversely, sometimes we hear someone speak words that we know are absolutely false and therefore we can have the tendency to then think everything they say is false. It is just as important to think about these words spoken by someone may we not trust and test them because there just might be truth in what they are saying this time. We can sometimes make our perception reality simply because we already believe one way or another. What we want may not be realistic. What we believe or want to believe may not be reality. If we only listen to people that we have agreed with in the past, we could be locking ourselves into an unrealistic belief. Purposely filtering out information is a big reason why communities, families and people become so divided. When we begin listening to opposing views only then will we be able to have constructive conversations and build healthier families and communities. Questioning our perception which builds our reality is a good thing for each of us to do.
If you stay high on life, life will stay high on you!!
Dr. Walter Sims The Minister of Motivation - Spiritual/Mindset/Mental Toughness Coach Professional Motivational Speaker - TV/Radio Host - Celebrity Impersonator 205.225.9757 www.ministerofmotivation.com
PERMISSION GRANTED Knowing firsthand the plight faced by African American of the south, it is interesting that the most necessary component that leads to unquestionable justice and freedom eludes us. Our God given rights as human beings supersede any imaginable rights constructed by man. There is a critical need for reconstruction within the culture of the African American race. Ownership and production of positive images and relative icons are crucial elements for great change. Economic infrastructure is all but unestablished on the collective front. We need one collective agenda that builds a respectable, strong movement that Graduates our children from major universities with established career opportunities within the cities they were born and raised. Other elements needed are: technological programs, banking institutions, Broadcasting Agencies and Sport Franchise ownership. Economics has escaped us throughout every movement of liberation we have pursued throughout the years past. Fortunately the ones who have capitalized from our ignorance and lack of planning have created an excellent blueprint for our success. Our inability to use ourselves for wealth and progress gave way for others to create great programs and systems of wealth on our backs. The time has finally come for Blacks in America to take ownership of their minds, their skills and all wealth that is gained from them. To all leaders, all advocates all believers; know that you have permission granted to you from the most high. You have been granted permission to pursue freedom, justice and equality. Permission to know and understand we all have been granted permission and grace in the pursuit of happiness. Have a great day on purpose! Minister/Teacher Jemmie Watford
URBAN DOMESTIC SPECIALIST
The Ordinary People Society 14 Years In Action Our children in Dothan Baptist Bottom being entertained by McGriff THE CRIME DOG saying no to drugs. One of Tops neighborhood events with support from our D A office Doug Valeska. Teach them while they are young so they will not get caught up in the system, or have issues.
Celebrating Martin Luther King Birthday 2010 Left to right with the mike – Pastor Kenneth Glasgow (TOPS), Rev. Dillard (Tabernacle church), Commissioner Curtis Harvey (Rhema Rock church), Pastor Mike Hoppe (Convenant United Methodist), Commisioner Amos Newsome, Greg Benton (Police Chief), Mike Schmidtz (Mayor), MikeWest (City Manager, Glennie Wiggins and Senator Harrianne Smith. All on one accord repeating with Pastor Glasgow TOPS creed “WHAT I WANT FOR MYSELF, I WANT FOR SOMEONE ELSE etc.”
continued on page 12
T.O.P.S - The Ordinary People Society 403 W. Powell St. Dothan, Al 36303 (334)-671-2882 (E-mail) tinaattops@yahoo.com www.theordinarypeoplesociety.com
Executive Director Tina Glasgow Executive Director, Tina Glasgow of “The Ordinary People Society” manages the day to day operation of T.O.P.S. Empowerment Center and Mama Tina Mission House, where we feed over 200 people per day in Dothan, AL. She is passionate about improving quality of life especially in low income communities where food, shelter, and most of all education is lacking. TOPS Ministry is all about LETS FEED THE NEED whatever the need may be. Ms. Glasgow go about day to day with a helping hand to motivate, uplift and give hope to those who feel they have no hope or no one to care. We feed physically, emotionally and spiritually by providing food, clothing and encouraging words to anyone that comes to the steps of TOPS MISSION HOUSE OR TOPS EMPOWEREMENT CENTER. Day to Day she checks on the successes of each programs Tops have implemented and always looking for new programs that will improve the needs of those in need , she focuses on the elderly that are without education and need a helping hand to make sure they are not being cheated out of their rights. She is always looking for resources that specialize in our elderly and our children. Ms. Glasgow’s personal passion focuses on our youth generating practical and elegant solutions to complex human and organizational problems. She also developed a program for pre- teen girls called “ Saving Our Daughters”, they are Goddess -Their Motto is (God’s Outstanding Daughter’s Developing SelfAcceptance and Self –Respect.) THEY WILL STAND UP AND SHINE. They are taught (old school home economics) cooking, sewing, etiquette, serving and most of all a personal relationship with God, no matter what their personal life is like it is their choice to BE all they can and want to BE. Prior to becoming Executive Director Ms. Glasgow served as Administrator for T.O.P.S. from its humble beginning August 2001 while she also maintained a full time store manager position for American Greetings, where she won many achievement awards for her great customer services which she say “My gift from God is to love everybody and reach out and touch a life”.
One of TOPS biggest supporters You are invited to visit Mark and Susan Anderson, at their family owned shop for all your outdoor gear and attire. 3535 Ross Clark Circle Dothan, Ala 36303 334-673-2878
MAYOR MIKE SCHMITZ Mike Schmitz supported T.O.P.S. since the beginning in 2001, before he became Mayor. He is known for his giving, and community service. Since becoming Mayor, he has been highlighted and invited to speak everywhere, China, Washington DC and numerous places about business and economic development. Mike Schmitz, now Mayor, said “The City of Dothan has a major focus on not only economic development, but also race relations in this southern city.�
Mike Schmitz blessing TOPS in 2001
Mike Schmitz blessing TOPS in 2014
The Ordinary People Society at work
THANKSGIVING DAY DELIVERING 601 PLATES TO THE WIREGRASS AREA. EVERY THANKSGIVING DAY AND CHRISTMAS DAY PASTOR GLASGOW AND TOPS STAFF MEMBERS SPEND THE DAY SERVING OTHERS
The Ordinary People Society Youth
TOM THUMB WEDDING FOR TOPS CHILDREN WHO PROMISED TO BE PRAYER PARTNERS FOREVER
TRELL AND MELACHI PRAYING FOR EACH OTHER
Thanks to our National Youth coordinator Ms. Kenyetta Rich who always make sure the community have a easter egg hunt for the low –income and children of prisoners, she sacrifices her time and money to make sure no one is left behind . I guess one would say that she is their EASTER BUNNY. Then she teaches them the real reason of why we celebrate Easter.
SAVING OUR DAUGHTERS
TOPS Goddess Program is willing to serve those in need and be a blessing to someone else. We do many activities, such as visiting the nursing homes and pampering the elderly, learning to sew, cook, and nurture others, while building our self-esteem.
T.O.P.S. 2015 Anniversary
T.O.P.S. New Orleans I am pleased to announce our newest chapter - T.O.P.S. NOLA. We will strive to uphold the tremendous success presently and previously set by our fearless leader, Dr. Glasgow, with the same integrity, professionalism, and purposeful duty. As the National Development Director, I will also, seek out other areas in and around this country that are in need of TOPS chapters, and find qualified individuals to participate, and also open additional chapters throughout the United States. Let this be a year of expansion for The Ordinary People Society. Additionally, as publisher/editor, I present to you The Ordinary People Society Magazine. This is the first of many more to come. This publication will keep you informed of TOPS activities, encourage your support of national and local businesses that exist to support you and your needs, and also the magazine will serve as a vehicle for our expansion, visibility, and subsequent increase revenue, so that TOPS can be a greater support system for you. I, too, see Dr. Glasgow's vision, and I honor his mission from God. And under his tutelage I proudly and eagerly accept this assignment, to be of service to you. Blessings, love, and light, Dr. Joy
New Orleans eliminates homelessness for veterans in 2015 by Rev. Sharron Federico New Orleans is now being celebrated for being the first city to end veteran homelessness. Social workers in NOLA moved the city's last known homeless vets into their new apartment. Advocates for the homeless are hailing New Orleans as a model for cities around the country, not just for veterans but for all homeless people looking for permanent housing. The contention is that housing solutions that work for vets should work for all people. So the problem is solvable if we invest in practices that we know will work. Statistics say, this time last year nearly 50,000 US veterans had no home. Last Independence Day, Michelle Obama sent out a Mayors challenge to end veteran homelessness. Since then, more than 300 Mayors, 6 Governors, and 71 other officials have joined the pledge to house every veteran by the end of 2015. Mayor Mitch Landrieu of New Orleans took the pledge saying "We owe our veterans our eternal gratitude for their service and sacrifices to this nation, and by making sure they have a place to call home, is a small way to show our appreciation." NOLA has placed 227 veterans since last year. According to HUD, although many cities have made huge strides, NOLA is the first to meet the needs of them all. Advocates say there are 600,000 in the US in abandoned buildings, shelters, and sleeping on park benches.
the Ordinary People Society Makes History in
Selma 03-08-2015
PROJECT SOUTH: AS THE SOUTH GOES 9 GANNON AVE, ATLANTA, GA.
www.ProjectSouth.org
Booking/Contact:
Email: topssociety@yahoo.com or tinaattops@yahoo.com Phone: 334-671-2882 or 334-791-2433 or 334-714-3482 Request Booking by letter: 403 West Powell Street, Dothan, AL 36303