Issuu

March - April 2016

The Women and Family Issue

Charlotteâ€™s African-American Magazine

Ladies, You Can Lose the Weight

3 women share their journey

Children and Cutting

Uncovering the secret

Women Wealth

Whatâ€™s inside your purse?

Black Lives Matter Part II

The solutions

BringMore to the table Our commitment to bringing you fresh quality foods at affordable prices makes it easy for you to make smart menu choices for your family.

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Life’s better when we’re connected®

to community

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to compassion At Bank of America, we’re connecting our resources and people to the things that make life better in communities across the United States. From working with local businesses that create jobs and supporting nonprofits that address critical needs to revitalizing neighborhoods and funding safe and affordable housing. Our mission is simple: to help Charlotte thrive.

to each other

Learn more about how we’re helping at bankofamerica.com/charlotte

PROUD TO GIVE BUSINESSES A LIFT CATS is proud to provide opportunities for businesses to create local jobs through the advancement of transit projects. CATS also seeks to create an environment that gives small and socially or economically challenged local businesses the opportunity to compete for publicly funded contracts by participating in the Small Business Opportunity (SBO) and the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Programs. To date, 100 DBE firms have been awarded contracts of $76 million to help build the LYNX Blue Line Light Rail Extension. As the major provider of public transportation to Charlotte and the surrounding region, CATS relies on the communities we serve to build and operate the service every day. By working together on these new opportunities, we can all keep our communities moving in the right direction. For more information, visit ridetransit.org.

CATS. YOUR RIDE IS HERE.

Featuring

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra With Wynton Marsalis

PHOTO BY JOE MARTINEZ

A Jazz-packed 3-day Event • Free public • Two main stage performances by the performances. critically acclaimed Jazz at • Jazz dinner and Lincoln Center Orchestra. happy hours.

PHOTO BY FRANK STEWART

• Intimate club performances • Youth jazz competition. featuring national and regional jazz artists. • Free workshops.

APRIL 21-23 LEVINE CENTER FOR THE ARTS KNIGHT THEATER AND SURROUNDING AREAS

704.372.1000 • BlumenthalArts.org/Jazz

March-April 2016

Departments 10 From the Editor 12 Notable Names 13 By Faith 14 The Mindful Parent 15 Book Review 16 Family Notes 44 Scene and Seen 54 Events Calendar

Business 48 Innovation at Work

Cotton Locks Apparel

51 Pride Business

Marketing for 'Mompreneurs'

53 FYI News & Notes

Health 25 The Journey to Fit

3 women share weight loss goals

52 New and Improved

The rise of the "Mommy Makeover"

PRIDE

March - April 2016

| MARCH - APRIL 2016 |

The Women and Family Issue

Charlotteâ€™s African-American Magazine

Features 17 Black

Lives Matter Part II The solutions

21 In

THE WOMEN AND FAMILY ISSUE

Red Bottoms or In the Red When will women wise up about wealth?

28 From

Part-Time to Postmaster Meet La Gretta Ross-Rawlins

Ladies, You Can Lose the Weight 3 women share their journey

Children and Cutting

Uncovering the Secret

www. PRIDE magaz i ne.net

Women Wealth

Black Lives Matter Part II

The solutions

Whatâ€™s inside your purse?

On the Cover

39 Making

it Count Miss Ebony's School of Etiquette

41 The

Women's Inter-Cultural Exchange Organization celebrates 10 years

42 Cookin'

Good Cato Education Center offers something new

Financial strain is often a result of lack of planning. Learn why in our story on women and wealth.

March-April 2016 | Pride Magazine

From the runway to your everyday, the hottest trends in modern, Southern style. www.belk.com/trends

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Retro like you’ve never seen it before: relaxed and perfectly authentic. Flowy dresses, bell sleeves, floral prints, fringe and more. It’s a modern, Southern take on 70s. SOPHIE MAX Pleated top; suede pants

GET THE LOOK IN-STORE OR AT BELK.COM

Charlotte’s African-American Magazine

CEO/Publisher Dee Dixon

Editor-in-Chief Lashawnda Becoats

Copy Editor Polly Paddock

Lead Writer Angela Lindsay

Design & Production SPARK Publications www.SPARKpublications.com

Creative Director Larry Preslar

Lead Designer Genna Baugh

Distribution Watchdog Entertainment

Account Executive Nikelle Fesperman

Public Relations Nepherterra Estrada

Subscribe to Pride

$13.25. Please subscribe online at www.pridemagazine.net, mail to P.O. Box 30113, Charlotte, NC 28230 or call 704- 375-9553

Letters to the Editor Please send an e-mail to info@pridemagazine.net fax to 704-375-9550 or mail to Pride Magazine 402 W. Trade St., Suite 102, Charlotte, NC 28202 www.pridemagazine.net

March-April 2016 | Pride Magazine

FromTheEditor

One Hard Lesson

n my 20s, buying Coach handbags, Nine West shoes and Bulova watches made me happy. I had to be the first woman in my crew with the latest trend. When I was happy, I shopped. When I wasn’t happy, I shopped. I worked hard and told myself, “I deserve it.” I didn’t think overspending with no savings was a problem. My credit limits were high and I was never late paying a bill. Then, one day, my Land Rover needed an expensive repair. I didn’t have the money to fix it and my credit cards were maxed out. I was so embarrassed. I had a closet full of expensive clothes, handbags and shoes, but couldn’t put my hand on the cash that I needed to fix my expensive car. That was it for me. The idea of not having enough money in my savings account to pay for a basic necessity scared me. After that, I sought help through credit counseling, and I paid down my debt. I learned how to save, live within my means and let go of emotional spending. And yes, I got rid of my Land Rover and eventually bought a Camry. More than 200,000 miles later, I’m still driving that car. Now, instead of buying things I don’t need, I save money and I choose to invest in experiences, such as traveling and fine dining. In this issue we tackle two of the most important issues facing women of color -money and health. Hopefully, our story, “In Red Bottoms or In the Red” on page 20 will get you thinking about your own finances. If you’re managing your money well, I commend you. If not, hopefully this story will get you to be honest with yourself and make changes. Speaking of changes, on page 25, you will meet three women who made life-changing decisions. They started eating healthy and exercising. They lost weight, but more importantly, they live healthier lives. Getting healthy isn’t easy. It takes courage to acknowledge you need to change bad habits and then to do something about it. When we know better, we must do better.

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazine.net

I invest in experiences now. I had a blast snow tubing at Hawksnest in Seven Devils near Boone.

Keep it positive and keep it moving,

Lashawnda Becoats Editor-in-Chief Let’s stay in touch! Email: Lashawnda@pridecommunications.net Facebook/Instagram: Lashawnda Becoats

March-April 2016 | Pride Magazine

NotableNames By Deborah Bayliss

WINNYE WILKS

JOHN M. LEWIS

ANTHONY TROTMAN

TANYA STEWART BLACKMON

Winnye Wilks recently accepted a position with Extended Stay America as human resources division director. Before joining Extended Stay America, Wilks served as director of talent acquisition for Barnes & Noble for more than six years. In her new role, Wilks will oversee recruitment and retention, employee relations and associate engagement. “Creativity and inclusion is what [set] this company apart from its competitors,” said Wilkes. P

Anthony Trotman has been named Mecklenburg County’s new assistant county manager for health and human services, and will manage approximately 2,000 employees with an annual budget of $270 million. “I am excited and blessed by the opportunity to serve the citizens of Mecklenburg County,” Trotman said. With more than 15 years of health and human services experience in state and local government, for the last five years Trotman served as director of the department of job and family services for Franklin County, Ohio. He also managed and enhanced service delivery for three community-based centers. Trotman holds a bachelor’s degree in management from Bellevue University and a master’s degree in health services administration from Central Michigan University. He also has a project management certification from Boston University and is a 10-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force. P

John M. Lewis, the new chief executive officer of the Charlotte Area Transit System, is focusing on advancing longterm transit plans. Lewis arrived in Charlotte last fall after serving as CEO of Central Florida’s Regional Transit Authority. Lewis is leading CATS through a significant stage of growth to construct the LYNX Blue Line Extension and expand existing light rail platforms. “I am excited about leading Charlotte Area Transit System into the future as we work to expand and improve public transportation in the Charlotte region,” said Lewis. A graduate of Allegheny College in Meadville, PA., Lewis holds a bachelor of arts degree in political science. P

After joining Novant Health in 1992, Tanya Stewart Blackmon has a new role as senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer (CDIO) for Novant Health. As CDIO, Blackmon is responsible for hardwiring diversity and inclusion across the Novant Health system. Blackmon has been engaged in the community to promote diversity, inclusion and equity in a variety of ways, including serving on community boards. “As one of five Novant Health core values, diversity and inclusion permeates our organization and drives its mission and vision. Its influence is felt in the very fiber of who we are and why we exist,” she said. Blackmon holds a master’s degree of Science Degree in business administration from Queens University of Charlotte, a master of social work degree from the University of South Carolina and a bachelor’s degree in social work from N.C. A&T State University. P

DID YOU KNOW? In 1928, Marjorie Joyner invented the “Permanent Wave” machine, a device that could straighten and curl hair. She was the first African American woman to receive a U.S. Patent. 12

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazine.net

ByFaith

By Rev. Dr. Dwayne Bond

A Businesswoman Who Transformed a Region

n our current day, it is refreshing to witness highly-educated, extremely successful, and financially savvy women making a significant difference and contribution in major corporations, businesses, organizations and communities. Women are charging the gates of opportunity and seizing the moment. They are increasingly becoming the industrious catalyst for changing and enhancing America and the world. Yet, when God opens the heart of a woman to know, love and understand Him and His Word, transformation takes place internally and ushers her into making an even greater impact. When a woman uses her resources, talents, wealth and influence for God, His agenda is advanced, lives are enhanced and people who are far from Him are reached. In Acts 16:11-15, as the Apostle Paul is making his way through Macedonia, he encounters a group of unassuming women gathered by the river to pray. As Paul engages the women, he purposefully strikes up a conversation with a wealthy and assiduous businesswoman named Lydia. She is an entrepreneur from Thyatira, a city known for producing an expensive purple dye. Creatively using this dye, Lydia built a successful and well-known business. She became a highly profitable entrepreneur similar to the Proverbs 31 woman who was hardworking (Proverbs 31:13), resourceful (Proverbs 31:14), sacrificially diligent (Proverbs 31:15) and full of business savvy (Proverbs 31:16, 18). Through the use of the resources in her city, accompanied by her talents, diligence and skills, she built a lucrative enterprise that blessed her, her household and all of Asia. Although Lydia manages a demanding business, she is never too busy to pursue God in prayer. Consistently gathering for prayer with a small group of women by the river is her routine. Lydia recognizes that regardless of her wealth, status and accomplishments, she needs more than just herself and the material possessions that she has acquired. The Scriptures inform us that

she was not a Christ follower, but instead a “worshipper of God.” In other words, she was a God-fearing woman who was religious and spiritually-minded, but had not been made alive spiritually and transformed by faith in Jesus Christ. Lydia was religious until she encountered God’s servant Paul and heard the truth about Jesus Christ. As a result, her life was radically and instantaneously changed forever. As Lydia hears Paul talk about the good news of Jesus Christ, the Scripture says, “The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul” (Acts 16:14). It did not matter how educated, wealthy or religious she was. The Lord chose to “open her heart” to know and understand the truth of what Paul was saying. Thus, Lydia can immediately see things that she never could before. She is made spiritually alive. Subsequently, she is baptized along with the rest of her family who heard Paul and responded by faith. As they splash in the waters of baptism, their act of obedience is declaring to their friends, community and city that they are now Christ followers who willingly and completely identify with Jesus Christ and

everyone else who is a part of God’s family. As a woman of influence, Lydia ensures that her family is the first to benefit from her new life in Christ. The significance of her business success pales in comparison to the new life she now has as a Christ follower. Consequently, she uses her new life, current possessions and abundant resources to further the work of God. The Scriptures say that since she is no longer simply religious but now a genuine believer in Jesus Christ (16:15), she asks if Paul and his friends will come experience her hospitality in her home. From that time forward, Lydia’s house and wealth become catalytic for the furtherance of the good news of Jesus throughout all of Asia. Never forget that God can use your talent, success, wealth and business savvy not only to benefit you personally, but also to play vital roles in His kingdom as it seeks to influence people to the ends of the earth. May your heart be open to all that Jesus Christ may want to do with your life, resources and future. P The Rev. Dwayne Bond is the lead pastor of Wellspring Church.

March-April 2016 | Pride Magazine

TheMindfulParent

Cutting:

By Shavonda Bean

Uncovering the Secret

n my clinical experience, I’ve sat with numerous teenagers who have donned the mask of bravery while breaking underneath. Some of them carry unimaginable burdens. After much exploration, I soon learn their life stories include abuse, abandonment, life struggles or social stressors and so much more. When emotions are externalized, it is easier to identify a problem. It’s the child who internalizes the pain that can be more difficult to recognize. “Cutting,” or what is medically referred to as self-injury, is often done in secrecy, but it happens. It involves using a sharp object (i.e., knife, razor, paper clip, pencil eraser, or wire) to cut or break the skin on the wrists or less obvious places such as the stomach, shoulders or thighs. Many hide the objects under a mattress or other discreet locations for easy access when the nagging urge hits. Cutting isn’t the only method. Some burn their skin, punch themselves or bang their heads. After the initial rush of emotion and relief, there’s often guilt and remorse. Self-injury is a very unhealthy method of coping with very strong emotions. Although the reasons for self-injury are vast, the intent is often to cause pain and is not a desire to die. Some actually describe feeling a sense of emotional control, while others seek to feel pain instead of their usual emotional numbness. I recall listening to one young man describe cutting and seeing his blood as confirmation of being alive, because he felt completely numb in his existence. The average age of onset is between 11 and 15 years old (selfinjury.bctr. cornell.edu). The Black community is not exempt;, I’ve seen it in my own practice. Some research shows just as much prevalence in minorities as in Caucasians (self-injury.com). About 12 to 37 percent of adolescents and 12 to 20 percent of young adults have self-injured, based on research by the Cornell University Research Program on Self-Injury and Recovery. However, like many other statistics, Blacks are less likely than

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others to seek professional help, and when our children are in treatment, they are less likely to report the behavior to their counselors. Statistically, 30 to 40 percent of those who cut are boys, so this is not justa female problem. And when you discover your own child or someone you love is self-injuring, the reaction is one of fear and helplessness.

What puts a child at risk?

Teenagers are more likely than others self-injure. The cause might be attributed to more volatile emotions in teenagers, such as loneliness, peer pressure and social stressors. A child or teen who has been abused or neglected is also at risk. A diagnosis of bipolar disorder, depression, borderline personality disorder, anxiety or even substance abuse can increase the risk, while at other times there is no diagnosis. There are even YouTube videos of teens cutting, and although some teens have described feeling a sense of support, others might normalize or learn the behavior from the videos.

Recognize the warning signs… There is hope

If you notice significant changes in behavior or academic performance, this is a good reason to get closer to your teen and determine how he or she is coping. Some warning signs of self-injury might include: • Wearing long-sleeve shirts or jackets regardless of the weather • Odd scars without clear explanations • Abrupt changes in moods and emotions • Periods of withdrawing from the family or isolating Being informed helps parents and friends prepare for addressing the issue and noticing warning signs. If you suspect your loved one is at risk, don’t judge him or her… Listen and seek professional help. Self-injury can stop and doesn’t have to be the way your loved one choses to cope. P Shavonda Bean, is a licensed psychological associate and owner of Essential Assessments & Behavioral Health. Visit www. EssentialHealthNC.com for more information.

BookReview

By Angela Haigler

“Teacakes for Tosh” & “Hope’s Gift”

elly Starling Lyons is an N.C. children’s book author. Two of her books, “Teacakes for Tosh” and “Hope’s Gift,” are highlighted in this review. “Teacakes for Tosh,” illustrated by E.B. Lewis, is about Tosh, a modern-day boy who enjoys spending time with his grandmother, Honey. Her legendary teacakes are known for both their taste and their important place in the family history. When Honey’s memory begins to fail, it is Tosh who helps her, in more ways than one. Lewis’ realistic illustrations in neutral tones provide the perfect backdrop. “Hope’s Gift,” illustrated by Don Tate, shares the story of Hope’s family, who were slaves living on a Southern plantation. When Hope’s father must leave the family, he gives her a symbol and a promise to return. The story is about how the family copes with the father’s departure. Tate’s art is both bright and melancholy, seeming to echo the uncertainties of slave life. The book was published in 2012, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. Lyons’ writing in both books is straightforward and clear. She has an uncanny way of breaking down broad concepts into child-sized bites that are delightful, informative and pleasing to the ear. These are books that children will reach for over and over again.

Meet Kelly Starling Lyons Pride: Both “Teacakes for Tosh” and “Hope’s Gift” have an element of history to them. Was this intentional? Lyons: Yes, I’ve always been drawn to stories about family relationships and African-American history. Writing stories about these topics is my way to affirm and empower children and preserve stories of our past. Pride: What was the inspiration for each book? Lyons: The inspiration for “Teacakes for Tosh” came from my own grandmother, whose parents moved to Pittsburgh from the South during the Great Migration. I grew up hearing stories about my grandma’s grandmother Ida, who seemed to always have teacakes stuffed in her apron pocket. The cookies were a symbol of love. “Teacakes for Tosh” was inspired by that family history. “Hope’s Gift” emerged from my editor inviting me to submit a story about a child growing up at the time of the Emancipation Proclamation. I felt honored to have the opportunity to explore that time through a child’s eyes, and learned so much from my research. For example, New Bern was considered a gateway to freedom for enslaved people who escaped, because it was occupied by Union

soldiers during the early part of the Civil War. Pride: Describe your journey into writing and becoming a published author. Lyons: I was always a kid who loved to read books about everything. I’ll never forget the first time I discovered a book with someone who looked like me on the cover. That book was “Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry” by Mildred D. Taylor. I was in the third grade, and that book created an awakening for me, an awareness that I could write stories about my life, my history. I didn’t realize it at the time, but it set me on the path to being a children’s book author. The next book that gave me a similar feeling was “Something Beautiful” by Sharon Dennis Wyeth. That picture book was written with such grace and power that I felt called to write for children, too. I did my research, took children›s book writing classes, closely studied picture books and attended retreats and conferences. Pride: Do you have any new books on the horizon? Lyons: I’m excited about my next picture book, “One More Dino on the Floor,” coming out in this month. It’s a rhythmic counting story about dancing dinosaurs who show off moves from the Dougie to disco. My early chapter book, “Jada Jones: Rock Star,” will debut next year. Pride: What advice do you have for would-be writers? Lyons: I’d advise writers to stay true to the ideas that come from the heart. Don’t chase the trends. Write the stories only you can tell, because those are the stories that are really powerful, lend the most authenticity and resonate. P Angela Haigler explores the literary world at www.angelicmusings.wordpress. com and on Twitter @angelicmusings.

March-April 2016 | Pride Magazine

FamilyNotes

Leap into Spring

Compiled by Lee McCracken

Tech-less Road Trip Heading to the beach, Grandmas or Orlando for spring break? It seems like a no-brainer to sell the long, boring car ride to children and pre-teens as, “Just four movies, and we’ll be there!” But consider the fact that, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation report, the average 8-year-old spends eight hours a day staring at a screen. (Wow, that’s like going to a full-time job!) Beyond old-school “I Spy” and “20 Questions” games, here are some screen-free activities for the car that also help develop fine motor skills: • Tape balls or pictures — Let kids peel and break off small pieces of blue painter’s tape or colorful washi tape to create a giant ball or make mosaic-style pictures. This is a great maneuver activity for little fingers. • Lunch bag puppets — Get out the crayons and let the creativity begin. A fun and humorous puppet show with a variety of characters just might entertain the entire family. • Lacing and weaving — Bring along some small plastic totes with holes (perfect for carrying craft supplies, too) and show children how to weave yarn or ribbon. Free printable lacing cards also can be found online, downloaded and printed on colorful paper. And why not let little ones practice lacing (and tying!) Mom’s tennis shoes? • Look and listen — While looking out the window (gee, what a novel idea), parents and children can listen to family-friendly audiobooks, the likes of Dr. Seuss, Harry Potter, Magic Treehouse and more.

For every woman’s heart … “Passion is the fuel in the engine of your purpose. It’s your ‘want-to.’ It’s what keeps you going when mundane tasks bore you or difficult ones dissuade you. Passion is what keeps you moving in the direction your best intentions want you to go.” — Priscilla Shirer, author, speaker and actress (“War Room”)

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazine.net

Venture over the state line into South Carolina to celebrate the arrival of longer, warmer days. Following the beginning of Daylight Saving Time (Sunday, March 13), the first day of spring is Sunday, March 20. Get outside as a family and enjoy walking, bicycling or playing lawn games at the Anne Springs Close Greenway (www.ascgreenway. org) in Fort Mill. The large park features miles of hiking trails, a 28-acre lake, tour fishing ponds, forests and lush lawns. A 1946 dairy barn and two circa-1800 log cabins are great for picture-taking fun. The entrance fee is $5 for adult non-members and children 5-17, ages 4 and under are free. Farther south off Interstate 77 in Rock Hill is the Museum of York County (www.chmuseums.org). Join in the fun of “Leap Frogs and Hoppy Toads Day” on Saturday, March 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., in which children are invited to wear green (for frogs) or brown (for toads) and team up for lily pad hopscotch, froggy trivia, games and coloring contests. Cost is $3-$5, which includes museum admission.

Science, Food and Fun Be sure to get your seats for “Alton Brown Live: Eat Your Science Tour,” which comes to the Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center on Sunday, April 17, 7 p.m. Tickets begin at $20. Enjoy messy comedy, talk show antics, multimedia presentations and music, as well as new puppets and songs. Brown introduces bigger and potentially more dangerous experiments during the two-hour show. Visit www.blumenthalarts.org.

Little Proud Kid A new online resource for parents promotes diversity and celebrates multiculturalism. Georgia Lobban created Little Proud Kid to help her young daughter and other children understand and embrace their beauty. The aim, she says, is to arm “the next generation with the tools and resources to lead, become good citizens and solve the problems of the world.” Little Proud Kid offers a marketplace of books and toys that feature characters from many cultures and races. The website also promotes multicultural family activities and has a blog featuring articles about cultural acceptance and tips for teaching tolerance. The site is a community, says Lobban, where parents can ask questions or speak about their challenges. Visit www.littleproudkid.com and follow it on Facebook and Twitter. P

n our previous issue, we posed the question: Do Black Lives Really Matter . . . To Black People? In doing so, we delved into some of the issues causing the high rate of crime within the Black community. Now, the question becomes: Who is really doing something about it? After watching the Ferguson, Missouri, riots during the Michael Brown case, Shaun “Lucky” Corbett, owner of Da Lucky Spot Barbershop, decided he had to do something because he didn’t want the same thing to happen here. More importantly, the Brooklyn native had an 18-year-old son at the time who had just gotten a car. Corbett admits he didn’t know the proper way to teach his son how to deal with law enforcement officers. Sensing others may have the same issue, his brainchild called Cops & Barbers was conceived. Partnering with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Park and Recreation Department and various neighborhood barbershops, Cops & Barbers begin holding events one Sunday a month at 11 of the city’s recreation centers. Corbett said his group wanted to work on building the relationship between the kids and the officers in the same community. The first event, held in 2015, yielded about 250 attendees. In fact, the program has been so successful that it has branched out. “(CMPD) Chief (Kerr) Putney and I, we’re going to the high schools now. So, we took the program into the schools to deal with the youth directly,” says Corbett, explaining that they help teach students how to behave if they find themselves in an altercation with law enforcement officers, as well as presenting the officers’ point of view.

Ron “Rhandu” Adams of Resolutions Youth and Family Behavior Management.

Black Lives Matter Part II: By Angela Lindsay

March-April 2016 | Pride Magazine

Photo courtesy of Will Jenkins Photography.

Shaun “Lucky” Corbett, owner of Da Lucky Spot Barbershop.

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazine.net

The Gang Alternative Program (GAP) is a program operated under a nonprofit called the Charlotte Community Services Association is also making strides. Serving 13-17 year old males, GAP provides instruction on gang and violence prevention, life skills, leadership development, anger management and substance abuse. It uses an evidence-based curriculum to facilitate activities that encourage youths to “‘stop-think-act’” before engaging in behaviors that may have short- and/or long-term negative consequences. “Most of the GAP youth who are in the juvenile justice system at a young age are there as a result of poor decision-making while with a group of their peers. Petty theft and drug use, primarily marijuana, is often the manifestation of this poor decision-making while with peers,” GAP program manager George Wilkerson says. All GAP activities are led by male facilitators with backgrounds ranging from counseling, law enforcement, and education to former gang membership. It is the largest gang prevention program in Mecklenburg County. Students are referred by school counselors, principals, juvenile justice officials, judges, parents and churches. Wilkerson says many of the youths that successfully completed the GAP program have moved out of the juvenile justice system and did not have any re-offenses. While structured programming has its benefits, Resolutions Youth and Family Behavior Management, a mobile behavioral consultant agency, uses a different tactic. “Resolutions YFBM is a much-needed community resource that develops intimate relationships with their clients,” says Ron “Rhandu” Adams, senior consultant/program director of the organization. “Our consultants are required to give free assessments of each young person and their family to make sure the services implemented are conducive and most of all effective to the unique needs of the young person and his or her family.”

The 5th Annual Da Lucky Spot Barbershop and CMPD Book Bag Drive at Sugaw Creek Recreation Center.

Adams says that many government-funded agencies and nonprofits in Charlotte working with youths and families use “antiquated and cookie-cutter approaches when trying to solve current-day and very unique family problems,” which are only temporary fixes and are ineffective long-term. He says Resolutions YFBM is different because of its unorthodox approach of creating a “family cooperative learning” process. The for-profit agency has subcontracted with and provided services for nonprofit organizations, churches and private citizens and does not seek government funding. The Resolutions YFBM team consists of a diverse group of individuals who are not only trained but also able to empathize with clients because of their own personal experiences and challenges. The organization also has special programs and consultants in place to help reduce the recidivism rate. “When it to comes to keeping Black youth out of trouble long term, we will have to begin the ‘process of unlearning’. We will have to assist in changing their way of thinking, by helping them to understand why they behave the way they do and the generational behavior that has been passed down through the years . . .,” he says. “We also have to educate them on how going to jail is not a rite of passage in the “hood” but is really the Prison Industrial Complex’s way of providing slave labor to the major corporations. When you go to jail, you are creating wealth for municipalities and manufacturers across the nation. You become a modern day slave.” Wilkerson suggests that businesses and government agencies in the community work together to establish a modified summer apprentice program for youths who are in danger of becoming a part of the justice system. Not only would the incidents of youths moving into the justice system be reduced, he says; introducing youths to jobs that require a specific skill will help them become more productive adults and also help reduce the adult crime rate. But making a big difference can also start with just a little idea. “I’m just everyday people. I don’t have a college degree. I didn’t go to college for this. I’m a regular barber, but I just genuinely care about my community . . .,” Corbett says. “I have a background. I have a past just like everybody else. But I just decided instead of talking about it, it’s time to step up and do something.” P

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March-April 2016 | Pride Magazine

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In Red Bottoms or

In the Red

When Will Women Wise Up About Wealth? By Angela Lindsay

n any given workday in uptown Charlotte, you may see African-American women looking fabulous, from their hair to their Christian Louboutin red-bottomed high heels, carrying luxury handbags from Tory Burch and Louis Vuitton. But what’s the story inside those purses? Even though they may look put together nicely on the outside, the reality is that the relationship between Black women and their wealth is not such a pretty picture. “Many people view wealth as being

‘rich’,” says Marsha H. Barnes, a personal finance expert and founder of The Finance Bar, a mobile personal finance hub. “Being wealthy or having wealthy habits is exploring aggressively the products, tools and habits that allow you to increase your overall assets. The ultimate goal is identifying what you would like your portfolio to look like long term. In short, how can you grow your money?” She says wealth can be measured by calculating your overall liabilities and comparing that to your overall assets, which allows you to grow wealth.

March-April 2016 | Pride Magazine

TIPS TO GET YOUR

FINANCES

ON TRACK from Marsha Barnes

1 2

Take a day to measure your assets over liabilities.

Devote one weekend to having a date with your finances. Review your monthly income and compare that to how much money it takes to take care of your household. Include every expense that you pay throughout the month. Once you have those two magic numbers subtract them from your income.

“Do you own more than you owe is the question that we should continuously ask ourselves. There is no one measurement of wealth; it’s personal,” she says. “Many would like to retire and never have to work again. Some have a desire to leave a legacy to their children in businesses or in cash that allows them to grow it even more. Each of us deserves to dream out loud.” According to a survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor, AfricanAmerican working mothers are more likely to be the sole breadwinner for their families than others, and several sources say that a whopping 72 percent of Black babies are born to single mothers. A crucial foundation for wealth accumulation is through income earned from employment, according to a 2014 report by The Center for Global Policy Solutions called “The Wealth Gap For Women of Color.” It found that in 2007, white women had a median wealth of $45,400, while African-American women and Latinas had a median wealth of $100 and $120, respectively. Further, it states that in 2012, African-American women earned 64 percent of white men’s wages, compared to 78 percent for white women.

Determine what adjustments can be made or reduced that will allow you to begin saving.

Set quarterly goals for saving by asking yourself how much you would like to save by March 2016, June 2016, September 2016 and December 2016.

Have conversations with your family/friends who are on the same or similar journeys. Accountability and motivation will be extremely necessary.

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazine.net

Marsha Barnes

“This means that even though [African-American women] may be participating in saving, they are receiving less money from Social Security and employer matches over time, as those are based on income,” Terry Colen explains Terry Colen, a wealth manager with Blackbridge Financial. “Women also tend to invest conservatively. So, when it comes time to retire, they don’t have the savings necessary to live comfortably. Because of these trends, it’s increasingly more important for women to educate themselves to close the confidence gap that they have in the area of investing.” Colen also cites other important considerations. “On average, women outlive men by about five years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And the Social Security Administration reports that women who reach age 65 can expect to live, on average, 21 more years,” he says. “Overlay on that the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education’s prediction that seven out of 10 boomer women will outlive their husbands, which means that many of these women will be living as widows for 15 to 20 years, according to a Forbes December 2015 article.” He also points out that women tend to focus on everyone else—such as spouses and children—more than themselves. “Women are trying to do it all by themselves, which leaves them worse off both financially and emotionally,” he says. One of the biggest problems women struggle with is simply a lack

of understanding about their money. “Women are well-informed about how much money they earn, but not always how much they spend or the amount that it takes to operate their households,” Barnes says. “Those numbers are extremely important as it relates to proper financial management, as such budgets are rarely used or only used temporarily. When we aren’t fluent in recognizing our spending habits, it allows money to control us.”

Failing To Plan is Planning To Fail “Financial strain is often a result of lack of planning,” Barnes continues. “It goes back to proper and consistent budgeting. One emergency can turn us upsidedown financially—flat tire, car repairs, unexpected illness—the list is endless. As women, we also give as part of our nature. It helps us to feel good about ourselves. However, in those moments of desiring to give, we lack preparation for emergencies which ultimately result in financial despair. Overspending is a direct reflection of not having guidelines for our money.” So, perhaps the most important question is: Exactly what are you spending your money on? According to a recent study by the Nielsen Company, African Americans will have $1.3 trillion in collective buying power by 2017. However, they are leaning toward instant gratification purchases as opposed to saving and investing in homes, businesses and other sustainable areas. In fact, marketing research firm Mintel estimates that the black hair care and weave industry alone could be worth half a trillion dollars. Further, a recent report conducted by Essence Magazine found that African-American women reported spending 80 percent more on cosmetics and nearly twice as much on skin care products as the general market. Of course, women want to look beautiful. But at what cost? “We often sacrifice our financial wellness for those things,” Barnes states. “There should be a sound balance between looking beautiful and having beautiful finances to match.” Since actions often stem from thoughts, women may first need to change how they view money. “What we have to remember is that we are 100 percent accountable for all of the decisions that we make with our money. As women, it is important to acknowledge how our financial mindset affects us or our families on a daily basis. Every decision we make about our money should matter,” says Barnes.

“There should be a sound balance between looking beautiful and having beautiful finances to match.” – Marsha H. Barnes, The Finance Bar One exercise she uses when working with women is asking them, “How long have you been working, and how much do you have saved?” She says it is a question that will get all of us thinking.

Getting Back in the Black

The adage of saving your pennies for a rainy day may be old, but it is still relevant. However, too many women still aren’t taking enough heed. “Unfortunately, (women aren’t saving) like we should or as aggressively as we

should,” Barnes says. “Nothing is better than a good night sleep of knowing that you are financially prepared for the small and often large mishaps of life. I think that we all can agree that ‘life happens,’ and when it does, we want to be prepared for that.” Beyond the unforeseen circumstances of life, she suggests that the purpose of having a robust savings account is also “to help us live out the life that we really want in real time,” such as creating our own businesses, vacationing throughout the year and donating to charities. So, how can you begin to get your finances on track? Start by taking a good hard look at your current numbers. Colen suggests the following: Create a spending plan, have an emergency fund, cut your credit card debt, increase your income so you can increase your investments, resist impulse purchases, use credit cards sparingly and use an automatic savings plan. “Keep in mind that financial education efforts should seek to improve financial knowledge and confidence in order to promote positive financial behavior,” he advises. “Educate yourself on saving and growing money so that it lasts longer.” P

As we all continue to build a brighter future, we must never forget our roots. This month, MassMutual honors the resolve of African Americans and all they’ve created for their families. Learn

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how we can help you preserve your family’s legacy so you can care for who matters most. Visit MassMutual.com/ BlackHistoryMonth Andréa C. Hardy Financial Advisor MassMutual Carolinas 6000 Fairview Road, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28210 704-557-9632 achardy@financialguide.com www.hffcarolinas.com

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March-April 2016 | Pride Magazine

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Journey to Fit is Hard

The

3 Women Share How Weight Loss Goals Turned to Healthy Lifestyles

By Tonya Jameson

ach year, many of us make resolutions to lose weight, cut sugar, eat healthier andexercisemore.Wedrinkthelatest cleanses, embrace trendy diets and (re) join gyms. It’s March now, and back to the sameole, same-ole, but it doesn’t have to be. Meet Shirley Lee, Gena Washington and Elizabeth Colen. These Charlotte-area women made healthy living a lifestyle, not just a resolution. Their results and fitness levels varied. Their journeys to living a healthier lifestyle varied, too, but a few things were common – getting healthy is not easy, it’s still a challenge every day, and it’s worth it.

March-April 2016 | Pride Magazine

Shirley Lee

52, former 30-year smoker Shirley Lee’s journey to a healthy lifestyle started after she quit smoking. Giving up tobacco came with picking up weight. “I needed to get healthier,” said Lee, who weighed 20 extra pounds. “I really got determined when I turned 50, not to stay overweight.” Lee, of southeast Charlotte, joined K.O. Fitness + Bootcamp. Owner Dayron Booth pushed Lee. When Lee started training with Booth three years ago, she couldn’t do a single pull-up; sit-ups were tough and jumping rope was hard. “For a while, I thought my name was ‘Shirley, get your butt down,” joked Lee, in reference to Booth telling her to squat lower during exercises. Now, she can do 25 pull-ups and jump rope 200 times consecutively. Lee saw improvements each year, but the weight barely budged. Last year, Lee used the controversial and non-FDA-approved HCG diet for three months. Human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone produced during pregnancy. She only ate 500 calories a day and stopped exercising. After she finished Shirley Lee the diet, she increased her eating to about 1,100 calories a day and resumed training. She lost 25 pounds last year. “I really didn’t need as much (food) as I thought I did,” said the quality assurance specialist. “It’s a lifestyle change to eat better.” Lee trains an hour a day, six days a week, and sometimes twice a day. She runs the Big South 5K race in south Charlotte every year. She said learning a new exercise is easier than it used to be, but she keeps challenging herself. Her next goal is to do a bar muscle up (pulling your upper body above a pull-up bar). Her biggest goal now is to change the lives of the people around her, such as helping her sisters get healthier.

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Gena Washington

Gena Washington has a love-hate relationship with losing weight. For decades, trying to lose weight consumed the compliance consultant’s life. At 303 pounds, Washington lost weight based on the occasion – a wedding or a trip to the beach. She always regained

the lost weight. Seven years ago, her doctor told her she was at risk for diabetes. Washington got serious about weight loss. She went to a clinic to learn how Gena Washington to eat properly. She lost a few pounds, and took it to the extreme. She dramatically cut her eating, measured her food and became a vegetarian. At the same time, she exercised compulsively. She woke up at 5:30 a.m. to work out, then exercised during her lunch break and sometimes with co-workers after work. She lost 100 pounds, but eventually landed in the emergency room with double vision and balance issues. Her manic eating and intense exercising caused a vitamin B-1 deficiency. She missed six weeks of work. “In the pursuit of skinny, I messed myself up,“ she said. Now, Washington pursues healthy instead of skinny. She sought counseling. Although she’d lost weight, she still pictured herself as the 300-pound woman who wore a size 24. She was stuck mentally, and burned out. “For me, it’s getting the mind right. It’s always going to be a work in progress,” said Washington, who trains at Burn Boot Camp. “It’s hard. When it comes to weight loss, if people are more honest, then I think it will help other people.” She monitors what she eats, but she doesn’t obsess over every morsel of food. She isn’t hard on herself when she misses workouts. Washington runs half-marathons, but she doesn’t restrict herself to traditional exercising. She wants to try stand-up paddle boarding, belly dancing and, as she said, “anything that’s out there that’s fun.”

the body that God gave me,” she said. “When you start taking body parts out, it’s serious. That was my moment to say ‘I need to make a change.’“ After the surgery, Colen couldn’t eat solid foods. She mostly ate Jell-O and cottage cheese for the first three months. She used the time as an opportunity to learn how to eat properly. Colen took a nutrition class, learned about healthy food versus non-healthy food. Equally important, Colen learned about portion control. “I’m from the South,” she said. “I never knew how to eat.” Colen also attended therapy to address the personal issues that caused her to overeat. The exercise portion of getting healthy was easier, because Colen said she always loved to exercise. “I’ve always been an athlete,” she said. Elizabeth Colen “I was even working out as a size 24. I was working to maintain my size 24.” Colen started using the elliptical machine for cardio. Then she started taking spin 24 shrank to a size 00 and the pounds fell off. classes. Initially, she couldn’t stand up on It was steady and slow, but Colen is down to the bike and pedal, but after four months, 130 pounds. She is using her experience to she could stand up. Now, Colen’s a spin help others as a personal coach. instructor. After six months, she became Colen says she’s not gaining the weight a group fitness instructor, and now she’s a back, but it’s a fight every day. certified personal trainer. “The eating part is 80 percent of it,” she After two years of healthy living, the size said. “I need to control myself every meal.” P

Elizabeth Colen 43, lost 100 pounds

Elizabeth Colen is an addict. “I’m happy I want to eat. I’m sad, I want to eat,” she said. “I was eating my emotions. To this day, I am a food addict.” Colen takes each day one meal at a time. She knows the consequences of letting her addiction control her. In 2008, Colen weighed 247 pounds. Her unhealthy eating habits lead to diabetes, but it was the removal of her gall bladder, which helps with digestion, that made her want to change. She thought, “I am literally destroying

March-April 2016 | Pride Magazine

From Part-Time to

Postmaster A By Edward Henderson

new wave of millennial employees is hitting the job market with high (some may argue unrealistic) expectations and a limited amount of patience. The concept of sticking with an organization from an entry-level position and climbing the corporate ladder seems archaic from this ‘on demand’ generation’s perspective. These resume carrying hopefuls could learn a lot from Le Gretta Ross-Rawlins’ rise to prominence. She is the reallife manifestation of Drake’s famous celebratory rap ballad, “Started from the Bottom.” Ross-Rawlins began her career with the U.S. Postal Service as a temporary employee and today is proud to be the first African-American woman

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazine.net

appointed to the position of Charlotte postmaster general. Ross-Rawlins oversees 1,200 employees who deliver to over 400 delivery points. Last year alone under her watch, the Charlotte Postal Service operated on a budget of $85 million dollars and generated more than $167 million in revenue. Ross-Rawlins’ career began in Seattle, scanning parcels in the post office’s bulk mail center. The position didn’t have a set schedule or benefits. The lack of job security didn’t stop her. Early on, Ross-Rawlins had her vision set on an executive position within the organization. She credits her success to hard work, faith and flexibility. “Always make yourself available. Sometimes you have to make certain

sacrifices to get where you need or want to be,” Ross-Rawlins says. “Once I make my mind up that there is something I want to do, I’m going for it.” Ross-Rawlins was eventually promoted to manager at her station in Seattle before she began to look into other jobs across the nation. She made stops in New Mexico, Texas, Washington, D.C. and Atlanta before administrators began to consider her for an executive position. On Feb. 6, 2015, RossRawlins made history with her appointment to her current postmaster role in Charlotte. “It’s an honor and a privilege always being the first,” Ross-Rawlins says. “You want to put yourself in the position to do the best and be the best, because you never know who is standing on the sidelines looking at you and wondering if they could get a similar opportunity.” The lessons of sacrifice and flexibility still hold true, however, as Ross-Rawlins spends a lot of time driving up and down I-85 to visit her husband and younger son in Atlanta. Despite the emotional push and pull the distance from family creates, Ross-Rawlins takes a lot of pride in serving the Queen City, and sees a lot of room for growth here. “The city of Charlotte is one of the better places that I’ve worked. It’s growing, upcoming and so many opportunities are here, not just in our organization, but in other businesses, as well,” Ross-Rawlins says. “As postmaster, I want to make sure that we’re providing the best possible service that I can under my leadership to my customer base that we have here. That’s very important to me.” The dedication Rawlins vows to bring our city was on display while serving in New Mexico. She fondly recalls a time when a bride-to-be ordered dresses sent to her home. There was a mix up with the delivery with the wedding coming the next day. Rawlins’ management team tracked down the boxes and made sure they were delivered on time. The bride’s fiancé called and expressed his joy over the team’s diligence. “I’m very proud to work for the US Postal Service. Nothing takes the place of going to the mailbox and getting that special card or package delivered. That’s magical, nothing can ever compete with that.” P

MakingItCount

School of Etiquette Teaches Young Girls the Power of Good Manners By Eren Simpson

bony Moore, who has been hosting tea parties and teaching her peers proper etiquette since she was 12, has turned her love of a good manners into a full-time business. Since 2000, Miss Ebony’s School of Etiquette has been helping girls and adults of all ages learn how to put their best feet forward. Moore’s teachings are all inspired by her grandmother, Hattie B. Anthony – one of only two African-American women to have buildings named after them in Mecklenburg County – who sent her to etiquette classes while she was growing up in West Charlotte. “She was my first example of a true lady and is who started the

ball rolling and sent me to finishing school,” Moore said. “She was the best.” Moore always taught what she learned to the girls in her neighborhood, and when she went to Winston-Salem State University, she shared her knowledge with her fellow student athletes to make sure they were prepared for sports banquets and other social activities. Since then, Moore has worked for organizations such as the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, developing programming for girls, and also has worked as a teacher. Until recently, she always balanced a full-time job with her work at Miss Ebony’s.

March-April 2016 | Pride Magazine

Photo by Kevin Mitchell, Surf Photography

The focus of Miss Ebony’s is to teach young girls proper etiquette through a variety of programs, including the Diva Day Camp, which started in 2005. “It’s about empowering girls for the future,” Moore said. “We talk about entrepreneurship, financial stability, different cultures, etc. It’s been very successful.” Because of its success, she’s also rolling out a camp for boys this summer, called The Blueprint. In addition to her programs for younger girls, she has added Everyday Etiquette to her line of work, which focuses on business professionals and professional athletes. Moore offers classes, workshops and one-on-one consultations to go over everything from dining etiquette to wardrobe, interview prep, personal development and more. Moore’s teachings extend to a monthly column in Trendsetter Magazine, a – Ebony Moore, Miss Ebony’s YouTube channel, and a new School of Etiquette book for elementary schoolaged girls called “Pretty Girls Say Please and Thank You.” “I’m a brand-new Emily Post,” Moore said, referring to the etiquette guru of the early 1900s. “Everything is different now; etiquette changes. I do this work because I love it. I have girls who have gone through the Diva Day Camp and are now in law school’, they’re teachers, marketing specialists, etc., and when I had them, they didn’t like to speak publicly. I love to see the outcomes of my kids.” Lis Chambers-Davis has also seen the positive outcomes of Moore’s programs. Her daughter Astaria, now 16, has been benefiting from Moore’s tutelage since she was three years old, through pageant training, modeling and Diva Day Camp. “It’s given her more self-confidence, helped her ability to speak in front of others and has helped her be more responsible, taking ownership of her actions,” Chambers-Davis said. Tiera Stuckey is another of Moore’s success stories. Stuckey attended the Diva Day Camp when she was 11 and 12, participated in Moore’s modeling program and worked as a counselor for the day camp for two years. Today she’s working as a teacher in Atlanta after graduating from N.C. A&T University. “These programs really did have an impact on my life, because I’m always reminding myself that I may not be where I want to be, but I know I can go so much further and not to give up on my dreams,” Stuckey said. To learn more, visit www.missebonys.com P

“It’s about empowering girls for the future. We talk about entrepreneurship, financial stability, different cultures, etc. It’s been very successful.”

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazine.net

The Women’s Inter-Cultural Exchange

Organization Celebrates 10 Years of Service

By Iris Hunter

he Women’s Inter-Cultural Exchange (WIE), a Charlottebased nonprofit organization founded by Stephanie Counts and Dee Dixon, will be celebrating 10 years of successfully addressing and repairing race relations among women of various ages and cultures. “WIE’s goal is to build and bridge social capital among women of diverse cultures. WIE provides outstanding multicultural programming, and has the distinction of being the only one of its kind in the region,” says Counts. Dixon added, “WIE is an unique and phenomenal nonprofit, where social capital can be created among women of all races.” Throughout history, race relations have improved within many cultures. However, it is no secret that this topic still causes controversy among millions throughout the world. “In 2006, Dee and I were aware that influential women of color (Hispanic, Asian, American Indian, African-American, etc.) were highly educated, going to have tremendous buying power, starting businesses at six times the rate of growth of the economy, but they were not in high positions in corporate America,” say Counts.

Dee Dixon

Stephanie Counts

“WIE is an unique and phenomenal nonprofit, where social capital can be created among women of all races.” - Dee Dixon, co-founder, The Women’s Inter-cultural exchange “We conducted a session called ‘What Women of Color Want’ and learned that they (women of color) had a low level of trust for Caucasian women.” WIE was created to help fix that problem. The organization has grown in popularity over the years and has had an impact on bringing peoples together to share, network and learn from one another. “These relationships were not common, and many people, even today, had not had experiences with other races. We believe that trust is a major business essential and we have impacted companies by assisting them in their efforts to become more multicultural, and instead of using the old melting pot concept, they are using acculturation — meaning to employ multicultural staffs where company policies reflect those cultures,” says Counts. “Members of the WIE are realizing that reaching outside of your own race enriches your life within the community and in business,” she adds. The organization has been able to assist in closing the racial gap by offering

workshops, conferences and mentoring programs with colleges that are geared toward building trust between all races and cultures. Achieving this goal has been rewarding, but challenging, over the years. As the organization continues to grow, there are still obstacles to overcome, such as having the time and financial backing to sustain the organization and compete with larger, established organizations. Both Counts and Dixon are always planning for the future. “We would like to expand this organization into other cities, build on the programs we have in Charlotte, increase our resources and mentoring programs and hire more staff members as we continue to grow,” says Counts. “Over the years, there have been many individuals who have joined this organization and have helped with building it into the organization that it is today,” says Dixon. To learn more about WIE, visit http:// www.wi-ce.net/wie3/index.php. P

March-April 2016 | Pride Magazine

Cookin’ Good W By Kallan Louis

YMCA Cato Education center features 10,000 square feet of indoor space, including 10 classrooms, a performance stage and the teaching kitchen. The center also has 12,000 square feet of outdoor space, including an outdoor covered-air gymnasium.

Photo courtesy of YMCA of Greater Charlotte

Cato Education Center Offers Youths Something New to Learn

hen Britt Tuite drops off Sloan, her five-year old daughter, at preschool at the Harris YMCA in the SouthPark neighborhood, she is confident in the quality of learning she receives. “Having a preschool at a place like the Y offers a lot more opportunities to learn than the traditional preschool,” said Tuite. “She [Sloan] is excited about going every day. They do cooking in the kitchen, dance, gymnastics, swimming, yoga. It’s so amazing to have such a great preschool so close to us.” As the culinary coordinator in the Piedmont Natural Gas Teaching Kitchen inside the Harris YMCA’s new Cato Education Center, Tuite has a firsthand look at the center. The Harris YMCA has served SouthPark for more than 35 years and is one of the largest YMCAs in the country, with more than 25,000 members, including 7,000 children, according to the YMCA of Greater Charlotte. With the

Photo courtesy of YMCA of Greater Charlotte

Children inside the teaching kitchen at Cato Education Center.

area’s rapid growth, local YMCA leaders believed more facilities and space were necessary to serve the community, particularly youth education programs. The Cato Education Center opened in September 2015, and offers a solution to the space issue. The $3.5 million facility features 10,000 square feet of indoor space, including 10 classrooms, a performance stage and the teaching kitchen. The center also has 12,000 square feet of outdoor space, including an outdoor covered-air gymnasium affectionately called “the airnasium” and a fruit and vegetable garden Tuite uses for ingredients in her cooking classes. “With the Y, we’re all about healthy living,” she said. “We try to have a lot of fun in the kitchen, as well as teach the kids where the food comes from. We have a garden on the property, so we are able to go out there and pick fresh tomatoes, broccoli and basil and incorporate all those into the food we make in the kitchen.” Tuite also set up a farmers market, where parents and YMCA members can purchase produce. Tuite is passionate about cooking. She began at the age of four, and now she is thrilled to share her passion and knowledge in the kitchen with young people. She creates themes for dishes that keep the attention of her students, such as Disney characters and superheroes. It’s important to think outside of the box when convincing kids to eat healthy instead sugary sweets, she said. The cooking program rolled out last fall. Tuite’s preschool cooking programs are five-week sessions that occur once a week in the afternoon. In addition to the current cooking program, the center will host multiple cooking workshops in the spring and camps in the summer. Last year’s 10- week summer camp served about 200 children. With the new facility and the steadily increasing interest in the culinary program, participation numbers are expected to rise. The Harris YMCA is adding an after-school cooking program for elementary students this year. “It was a really big need that we didn’t know was there,” said Margaret Rhodes, the performing arts director at the Harris YMCA, regarding culinary education for children. “Now we are able to fulfill that, and the kids absolutely love it.” Some benefits of the Cato Education Center are not as apparent as the physical structures and or shiny upgrades. The facility gives members a space to gather and build relationships. When Tuite and her daughter arrive every day, they feel as though the center is turning strangers into friendly faces and bringing a sense of community. “Before the Cato Education Center, parents would just pull up and drop their kids off at the carport,” said Tuite. “Now everyone gets there a lot earlier than they used to and we all meet. So you’re not just meeting the parents of the kids in your kid’s class, but the rest of the kids in the whole preschool.” For more information on the youth culinary classes and the other programs available at the Harris YMCA or any of the other 18 YMCA of Greater Charlotte member locations and two resident camps, visit www.ymcacharlotte.org. P

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SceneandSeen

The 2016 Pride Awards celebrating â€œPaths Out of Povertyâ€? was held January 16 at The Westin Charlotte. Photos by Jon Strayhorn

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazine.net

March-April 2016 | Pride Magazine

WHITE ON WHITE

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PrideBusiness

Innovation at Work

Cotton Locks Apparel

Designed for Fashionable, Active Women By Tonya Jameson

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazine.net

performance wear. It allows me to have the creativity that I’m used to.” Dawan, who has two adult sons and several grandchildren, likes the business of design, from conceptualization to manufacturing. She also prefers to be behind the scenes. “Everybody can’t be Michael Kors,” said friend Tara Davis, a fashion instructor at the Art Institute of Charlotte. “But you can still make a living doing what you love.” Davis is also an independent designer. Her company, Flow By Tara Davis, specializes in ready-to-wear dresses. She’s spent a lot of time at Dawan’s 1,000 squarefoot studio in Plaza Midwood. The front of the studio has racks of leotards with sequins and intricate patterns for her rhythmic wear clients. Another wall has a sports bra decorated with patches of fabric and sketches for pants and tops. The sewing machines are in the rear. These aren’t your mother’s sewing machines. Some machines sew only certain types of materials, such as the straps for tank tops. Dawan sews mockups for her contractors to manufacture. Davis said Dawan’s “athleisure” apparel is actually wearable for leisurely activities. A lot of “athleisure” clothing still looks like performance wear, but Dawan’s designs are a good combination, Davis said. “I like that she has the eye for what she does,” Davis said. Hopefully, customers will like Dawan’s style, too, and her leggings, sports bras and cover‑ups will be carried in a Charlotte boutique near you. P

Here’s a peek at a couple of the "athleisure” designs Cotton Locks owner, Talibah Dawan will offer in her new line.

Photo courtesy of Cotton Locks

hen most people think of fashion design, New York and Parisian runways come to mind. Talibah Dawan imagines Serena Williams diving for a tennis ball. Dawan’s fashion world is sweaty, active and cute. Dawan owns Charlotte-based Cotton Locks Inc. For more than a decade, she created costumes for dance companies in the region. This fall, she plans to expand into “athleisure” wear. “Athleisure” is performance apparel that can be worn outside of the gym. It’s a pair of leggings that look as good with heels as it does with tennis shoes. “It’s going from the gym to the streets all in one,” said Dawan. It’s also one of the hottest fashion trends in the last couple of years. Juicy Couture’s velour tracksuit was a trendsetter when it debuted more than a decade ago. Suddenly, Hollywood celebrities were seen wearing the candy-colored sweat suits everywhere. Today, companies such as lululemon, Nike, Gap Athleta and countless others have helped make “athleisure” a more than $30 billion industry. Dawan is targeting independently owned boutiques rather than big-box retail stores for her line. Dawan studied fashion design and manufacturing at Los Angeles Trade Technical College. She developed bedding and bath fashions as a freelance stylist for Springs Industries Global. Her accounts included Walmart, Kmart and Bed, Bath & Beyond. In the mid-‘90s, she and her former husband moved here promote his Negro League baseball apparel throughout the East Coast. Dawan eventually met a Morris Costumes designer who encouraged her to make dance wear. Although, Dawan built a strong reputation in dance wear, her heart always remained with athletic wear, which she designed while living in California. “I like the garments that go along with the sports industry,” said Dawan, who doesn’t play sports. “I’m most happy doing

Small changes, big savings By Glenda Gabriel Neighborhood Lending Executive Bank of America

While saving a dollar here or there may not sound like much, if you keep at it, by the end of the year those dollars can really add up. With just a few small changes to your usual routine, you could save more than $3,100 this year.

Here are three easy ways to save money during a typical workweek: 1. Forgo that latte at your local coffee shop and brew at home each morning — a potential yearly savings of up to $340. 2. Take public transportation, ride a bike or carpool to work and you could save up to $1,100 in gas and parking money — not to mention potential service costs related to wear and tear on your car. 3. Pack your lunch instead of going out and you could save up to $1,754 at the end of the year. If you’re a Bank of America customer, you can use our Save for a Goal feature to help you manage and track the progress of your saving efforts. This free online tool makes it easier to save for whatever you need (for example, saving for a car, new home, education or emergency fund), and you can easily adjust your goals as life changes occur. It’s available to anyone using Bank of America® Online Banking at bankofamerica.com. If you’re not already a Bank of America customer, it’s easy to get started. Just visit bankofamerica.com to learn more about our range of banking products and services.

Ready to start? All it takes is a few simple steps. First, sign in to Online Banking at bankofamerica.com. Then: • Hover over the “Tools & Investing” tab • Select Save for a Goal • Fill in your goal information, link your Bank of America banking or investment account, approve it and start tracking your savings With Save for a Goal, it’s easy to plan ahead for your financial needs.

Explore these additional resources: The America’s Home Grant Program If you earn less than $52,800 per year, you may be eligible for the America’s Home Grant Program, offered by Bank of America.1 With this program, eligible homebuyers in the Charlotte area can receive a lender credit of up to $2,500 toward nonrecurring closing costs, such as title insurance and recording fees. The Bank of America Down Payment Resource Center This online tool makes it easy to find out about federal, state and local down payment and cost savings programs. Just visit bankofamerica.com/downpaymentcenter and answer a few simple questions to see what programs you may qualify for.2 Your local mortgage specialist If you’d like to know more about these programs, talk to a Bank of America mortgage specialist near you. Your specialist can give you more information, discuss your next steps and be there to help you every step of the way. Just visit mortgage.bankofamerica.com

Start saving today at bankofamerica.com. Qualified borrowers must meet eligibility requirements including, but not limited to, being owner-occupants, meeting certain qualifying income limitations and purchasing a home within a certain geographical area. Homebuyer education will be required if all borrowers on an eligible loan are first-time homebuyers. The America’s Home Grant Program is a lender credit and is not eligible to be used for down payment, escrowed taxes or homeowner’s insurance. No cash back to borrower. Completed loan applications must be received by September 30, 2016. America’s Home Grant Program is available for properties in the following counties: North Carolina – Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan and Union; South Carolina – Chester, Lancaster and York. The maximum borrower/co-borrower annual qualifying income limit is $52,800 for properties not located in a low- to moderate-income census tract (LMICT). Qualifying income of $52,800 is 80% of Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) Area Median Income and subject to change without notice. For properties in eligible counties and located within a LMICT, the maximum borrower/ co-borrower annual qualifying income limit is $100,000. The home loan must fund with Bank of America. America’s Home Grant Program is only available with conforming conventional, FHA and VA first mortgage loan products. Bank of America may change or discontinue the America’s Home Grant Program or any portion of it without notice. Please ask for additional details. 2 Down payment and/or closing cost assistance programs may not be available in your area. Down payment and/or closing cost assistance amount may be due upon sale, refinance, transfer, or repayment of the loan, or if the senior mortgage is assumed during the term of the loan. Some programs require repayment with interest, and borrowers should become fully informed prior to closing. Not all applicants will qualify. Minimum credit scores may apply. Sales price restrictions and income requirements may apply. Homebuyer education may be required. Owner-occupied properties only. Maximum loan amounts may apply. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Bank of America and the Bank of America logo are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. ©2016 Bank of America Corporation. ARWTVQLT 02-2016 AD-02-16-0254 1

SUMMER PLANS? SUMMER PROGRAMS! Over 250 camps for Rising Grades TK - 12. Camps run June 6 - August 5. Information and Registration at ProvidenceDay.org/SummerPrograms

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PrideBusiness

By Nepherterra Estrada

Marketing for ‘Mompreneurs’

oms are the most efficient creatures on the planet. Think about it. Moms are masters of creating processes to streamline life so they can get more done during the day. They are multitasking queens who often juggle school schedules, carpools and the family finances. So it’s no surprise that more and more mothers are starting businesses and becoming “mompreneurs,” women who juggle running their own businesses along with the demands of being parents. The National Women’s Business Council reports that there are about 7.8 million women-owned businesses in the United States, and many of the women who run them are mothers. I’ve been an entrepreneur and business owner since 2004, but I didn’t become a “‘mompreneur’” until 2012, when my son, Bryson, was born. I know firsthand that motherhood is a game changer. Mothers excel as the CEOs of their own companies because they have the ability to: • Identify solid business ideas “Mompreneurs” are great at building businesses that fill a void or solve a problem. • “Feel” Passion Successful “mompreneurs” are passionate about their businesses. They believe in their products and services and are laserfocused on fulfilling their dreams. • “Show” Efficiency Streamlining business practices and identifying areas of excess comes naturally for “mompreneurs,” and this is beneficial for any business.

Move Over Marilyn… The ICON T-shirt Collection is one of my favorite start-up fashion brands, and was recently started by “mompreneur” Lauren Mattox. Mattox married her husband in 2014, bought a house, got pregnant with the couple’s second child and started her business ALL in the same year! “After becoming a mom, I knew I had

to start my company,” Mattox recently explained. “I grew tired of seeing T-shirts featuring Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn in stores like Target and Forever 21, so I used that as motivation to create a T-shirt line that celebrates women of color, like Dorothy Dandridge, Lena Horne and Maya Angelou. I honestly had to do this for my daughters.” Mattox is building a business that addresses a huge void in the market. ICON’s signature T-shirt celebrates women by using the names of influential African-American women to spell out the word ICON -names such as Michelle Obama, Diahann Carroll, Nikki Giovanni, Maya Angelou and many more. “The response to the shirts has been amazing,” Mattox says. “The fact that people are spending their hard-earned money on something that I created means the world to me. As a mom with two little girls, I want to provide a quality product that women and girls of color can connect with and feel proud to wear.” Ultimately, Mattox wants ICON T-shirts to be available in big-box stores, as well as online, as they are now. But that takes time. “I always recommend starting online and

then getting the product in boutiques,” said Stephanie Calhoun, a buyer for TJX Stores. “I also recommend attending trade shows in major cities to connect with buyers face-toface and get the product in their hands.”

Marketing Strategies for “Mompreneurs” “Mompreneurs” and start-ups often assume that marketing is necessary only once the brand has been established, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Marketing is just as important as payroll, rent and insurance. Therefore, it needs to be a line item in the budget. Mattox understands that marketing is critical to the success of her T-shirt brand. Although she may have a shoestring budget as a start-up, she has taken the first step, which is allocating dollars for marketing activities and developing a plan to guide her throughout the year. For more information about ICON T-shirts, visit http://myiconictee.com. P Nepherterra Estrada is an award-winning communications professional and is partner and director of public relations for Pride PR, a fullservice communications agency that is a division of Pride Communications.

March-April 2016 | Pride Magazine

PrideHealth

The Rise of the “Mommy Makeover” By Iris Hunter

lastic surgery is not a new phenomenon. However, there has been a steady rise in cosmetic procedures in certain cultures, and this rise is predicted to continue. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), racial and ethnic minorities had approximately 22 percent of all cosmetic procedures in 2014: African Americans (7.1 percent), Asians (5.1 percent), Hispanics (8.3 percent), and other non-Caucasians (1.3 percent). The surge in the number of women of various ages who have decided to receive cosmetic surgery has begun a new trend, the “Mommy Makeover.” “The global ‘Mommy Makeover’ involves doing something for the tummy and something for the breasts,” says Dr. Kevin L. Smith of Charlotte Plastic Surgery. After pregnancy, a Dr. Kevin L. Smith women’s body changes, and although she may try to get back into shape or watch her diet, there are some things that cannot be accomplished by exercising and dieting, including fixing the stretched skin in the abdomen and the stretched muscles that accommodate a uterus during pregnancy. “Whenever a woman becomes pregnant, the collagen in the body loosens up, and this causes the pelvis to spread and muscle attachments get softer in order to allow them to stretch to accommodate a baby. A ‘Mommy Makeover’ really addresses those post-pregnancy changes for the tummy,” says Smith, who has been conducting the surgical procedure for over 30 years. Also, after breastfeeding, a lot of women experience volume loss, in which the breasts get smaller or become droopy. A makeover may encompass reconstructive breast surgery to reestablish the volume that a woman had before pregnancy, or tighten up the skin to fix the droopiness so her nipples are pointing forward, he says. Smith feels that there has been an increase in African-American women

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After receiving makeovers because today there is more acceptance and availability of this procedure. “Women today have a sense of empowerment and feel more positive about undergoing the procedure,” he says. There are many women who find it difficult to get back the same figure that they had before pregnancy, and many have decided to undergo both minor and major cosmetic surgery. “We are a lot more like plastic than rubber, in that we don’t snap back like a piece of rubber,” says Smith. Helen Little (not her real name), a nurse, is one of the numerous women who decided to have the surgery. Little’s choice to undergo surgery was not an immediate decision. “I thought about it for two years before finally deciding to go through with the procedure,” she says. Although Little constantly exercised and dieted, she still was not able to lose the extra skin from her abdomen. “My goal was not really to lose weight. I was just trying to tone up,” she says. The recovery time for Little was only two weeks. However, for the first week, she was very sore, but could still move around to complete certain tasks that did not

Before After: Abdominoplasty (6 months) after surgery. Before: Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) before.

involve heavy lifting. “I wasn’t as bound as I thought I was going to be,” she says. Little recommends this procedure to other women. However, she wants women to understand that this is not a weight loss surgery. This surgery will tighten up your abdominal muscles as well as your skin, she says. The total cost to have a “Mommy Makeover” ranges from $10,000 to $18,000, depending on how complex the procedure. Smith recommends women wait between six and eight months after delivery before having the surgery. He also recommends being fit and as close to a comfortable or ideal body weight as possible before having the procedure, since losing weight after the surgery could possibly lead to excess skin. P

PrideBusiness

New Director for Thompson Child Development Center Tameka Ardrey, a doctoral candidate with years of experience in teaching young children, has been named director of Thompson Child Development Center. Ardrey earned a bachelor’s degree in public policy with a concentration in education from UNC Chapel Hill, and a master’s degree in child and family studies from UNC Charlotte. Ardrey is a child development specialist who anticipates earning her PhD in urban education from UNC Charlotte in 2017. Since 2012, she’s been a child development specialist at Child Care Resources. She’s also taught pre-kindergarten and served as preschool camp director and intensive reading program coordinator at the Steele Creek YMCA. Family involvement and behavior management are among her specialties. “Tameka is the perfect person for this role,” said Thompson President and CEO Mary Jo Powers. “She has an impressive educational background, plus all the right practical experience. She’s a great addition to our leadership team, and the children enrolled in our Child Development Center are going to benefit tremendously from her knowledge and compassion.”

FYI

By Abby Flanders

TreesCharlotte Launches Tree-Gifting Program TreesCharlotte recently launched a unique way to go green. The nonprofit wants residents to give the gift of a tree to help expand Charlotte’s tree canopy. “By giving a tree from TreesCharlotte, you’re helping fulfill our mission of expanding the city’s tree canopy to 50 percent by 2050, as well as providing benefits to not just your yard, but the whole region,” says TreesCharlotte Executive Director Dave Cable. There are two tiers to this tree-gifting program: School Plantings and Tree Delivery. Prices range from $150 to $225 per tree, and six different species of tree are offered. Every purchase comes with a certificate of dedication and a percentage of the price will go back to fund TreesCharlotte. Purchase your favorite tree through April. Go to www.treescharlotte.org for more information.

Charlotte Black Film Festival Brings Opportunity to Filmmakers Exodus Foundation Wins Pride Award Congratulations to Exodus Foundation on receiving the Pride Nonprofit “Paths out of Poverty” Award at the black-tie gala held in January at the Westin hotel in uptown Charlotte. The theme for this year’s gala was “Paths out of Poverty,” in which we spotlighted individuals who have become upwardly mobile despite the odds. Founded in 1999, the Exodus Foundation was chosen because of its commitment to helping formerly incarcerated men and women transition back to society, preventing reentry into the jail system. The organization offers mentoring, educational scholarships, strategic partnerships and critical wraparound services. Each client is given job readiness support and other critical tools and valuable insight to become productive citizens in the community.

Hundreds of filmmakers will pour into the Queen City for the chance to showcase their work, while others pitch their films and production ideas, April 6-10 at the Charlotte Convention Center. Charlotte Black Film Festival brings an explosion of talent and opportunities to the region. “We’ve created a platform for Charlotte filmmakers and content producers to voice their creativity and share their hard work,” says Tommy Nichols, founder and CEO of the project. “Our workshops and networking atmosphere have placed Charlotte in the spotlight of the entertainment industry.” Featured films, workshops, panel discussions and interaction with up-and-coming actors, writers and producers make this the premier film festival of the region. For tickets and more information, call (704) 777-5898, or visit charlotteblackfilmfestival.com.

March-April 2016 | Pride Magazine

EventsCalendar March 1-6

The Realish Housewives of Charlotte Fans of the Real Housewives series will rejoice! The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center presents a hilarious show about a group of Charlotte women and the issues surrounding their scandalous circle of friends. Prices begin at $19.50. Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. 130 N. Tryon St. Visit website for additional information. (704) 372-1000 www.blumenthalarts.org

March 5

GlobalFest on the Road — Creole Carnival Join the Creole Carnival Tour as it pays homage to its African musical roots as well as many other influences. McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. 7:30 p.m. For additional information, visit the website. (704) 3721000 www.blumenthalarts.org

March 10

Susan G. Komen Charlotte Laugh for the Cure 2016 Susan G. Komen of Charlotte is back with a unique event as a result of the cancellation of the Race for

the Cure due to adverse weather. Comic Bobby Collins headlines the event at McGlohon Theater in uptown Charlotte. 345 N. College St. 7:15 p.m. For tickets and additional information, visit the website. (704) 372-1000 www. blumenthalarts.org

March 13

Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra For one night only, the popular New Zealand ensemble is bringing its charms to the McGlohon Theater. Sure to be a blast for the entire family, this show combines both witty humor and contemporary music, done ukulele-style. McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St., 7:30 p.m. For additional information, visit the website. (704) 372-1000 www. blumenthalarts.org

March 19

Dance Charlotte Charlotte Dance Festival presents Dance Charlotte, now in its tenth year. The show features the striking visionary works of local female choreographers. Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square.

345 N. College St., 8:30 p.m. For additional information, visit the website. (704) 372-1000 www.blumenthalarts.org

March 24

Black Violin Wil Baptiste and Kevin “Kev Marcus” Sylvester, the duo behind the band Black Violin, are bringing their unique sound to the Knight Theater. 430 S. Tryon St. 7:30 p.m. Visit the website for more information. (704) 372-1000 www. blumenthalarts.org

March 26

Gina Robinson Live Join star Gina Robinson and her unique gospel style at the Duke Energy Theater, where she will be performing as part of her 2016 Release Tour. For additional information, visit the website. (704) 372-1000 www.blumenthalarts.org

April 6

An Evening of Poetry and Music In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, local poets and musicians gather to celebrate with poetry and musical performances. All ages are welcome and admission is free. Mint Museum Randolph. 2730 Randolph Rd. 7 p.m. For more information, visit the website. www.mintmuesuem.org

April 15

Mint to Move Cultural Dance Night A night full of Afro-Cuban and Latin American music and culture celebrates diversity and art at the Mint Museum Uptown. Admission is $12 for the general public and $8.50 for members. 8 p.m. For more information, visit the website. www.mintmuesuem.org

April 16

Join the 6th annual Pure Religion 5K to promote awareness and fight against human trafficking. This will be a fun family event which will include a Black Violin

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Kids Fun Run, face painting and music. Food and drink items will be available in our coffee shop. 9 a.m. Central Church, 5301 Sardis Rd. For more information visit www.PureReligion5K.com

April 17

Celtic Woman: The Destiny Tour Join the Irish music group for its new show and world tour featuring new music and production. The Destiny Tour will provide exhilarating entertainment, as well as fresh energy from world-class vocalists Mairead Carlin, Susan McFadden and Eabha McMahon, accompanied by other talented musicians and dancers. Ovens Auditorium. 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 3 p.m. For more information, visit the website.www.ovensauditorium.com

April 21

Neil deGrasse Tyson Neil deGrasse Tyson is bringing his expertise in astrophysics to the Queen City. Join him as he uses comedy to help bridge the gap between science and the mainstream community with his popular program, “StarTalk.” Ovens Auditorium. 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit the website. www.ovensauditorium.com

April 30

Coveted Couture: The Mint Museums Third Annual Fundraising Gala…A Celebration of and Tribute to Our Fashion Collection. For the third year, Bank of America and Merrill Lynch partner with the Mint Museum to bring a night of fashion and glamour to the forefront. Proceeds will support the continued innovation, art and education programs associated with the Mint Museum. Individual tickets start at $500. 2730 Randolph Rd. For more information, visit the website www.mintmuseum.org

March 1- May 31 Get Involved, Get Green, Get Moving & Get It Clean

For more info or to get involved call 980.314.3862 or email Jake.Wilson@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

WipeOutWaste.com

You don’t need an appointment. Just a connection. 24/7 care from your phone, tablet or computer. Introducing Virtual Visit. Get anytime, anywhere care without an appointment. It’s just one more way you can see one of our medical professionals whenever, wherever you need to. So whether it’s urgent care, emergency care, primary care or now Virtual Visit, your health takes a system working as One. Get more information or enroll now at CarolinasHealthCare.org/VirtualVisit Available to Carolinas HealthCare System patients located in North Carolina at time of visit.