Richard H. Parker on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations and leaders who lead by example. With extraordinary acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations and leaders embody "Be the change you want to see in the world".

Throughout 2013, listeners have heard from presidents of organizations who are global change agents. We will also hear from CEOs of social enterprise businesses who are changing communities and college educators who are taking their students out of the classroom and into surrounding neighborhoods to learn and serve others.

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On Saturday, December 28, 2013, join us to hear Richard H. Parker, a foster grandparent to students at Napier Elementary School. Mr. Parker was featured on the front page of the Tennessean on Christmas Day. Mr. Parker and several other volunteers were profiled for being volunteers, in the most unlikely place.  Mr. Parker shared how the lives of the children were enhanced because of his volunteer work but how much his life has changed since he started volunteering at Napier Elementary.

In 2011, Mr. Parker became a foster grandparent with the organization Fifty Forward and has served as a tutor and mentor. He works with children regularly on their reading and comprehension, but the the hugs he received when he walks the hallway tells us that he helps so many more. When he isn’t tutoring kids in reading, he is helping with an in-school program called Men of Distinction, aimed at teaching Napier’s third- and fourth-grade boys with table manners, how to tie ties, how to respect girls and other life skills.

Mr. Parker will help us usher in 2014 with hearts ready to give more of time, talent, and treasure to our communities. He will also discuss with us why we were created to serve our neighbors and the importance of giving back to our communities.

 Living Your Best Life, a radio show that empowers, inspires, and motivates us to live our BEST life, is heard on 760AM The Gospel in the Middle-TN area, Tune In, Inspirational Networks, military bases and on Ustream.TV worldwide from 9:00-10:00am CST.

More About Richard  H. Parker

Richard Parker is an associate pastor/liturgist at Priestlake Christian FellowshipChurch in Antioch, TN. When he is not preaching/teaching you will find him volunteering as a foster grandparent for Fifty-Forward at Napier Elementary school in South Nashville, TN. 

Mr. Parker has a great deal of experience in a variety of ministry settings including planting churches. In addition to his pastoral duties, he is an event planner, a fund raiser, proposal/grant writer, board adviser, and public speaker. Mr. Parker has also worked in corporate America.

More about Fifty Forward Foster Grandparents 

Each year, approximately 80 low-income adults (age 60+) volunteer for one-on-one mentoring and tutoring of 1,000 or more young children who are at risk. These volunteers are paid a tax-free stipend and work in learning centers four hours a day, Monday-Friday. FiftyForward Foster Grandparents play an important role in the growth and development of the young children with whom they work. Current FiftyForward Foster Grandparent sites are:

• 15th Avenue Baptist Learning Center
• 18th Avenue Family Enrichment Child Care
• Bethlehem Center North
• Bordeaux Enhanced Option School
• Cora Howe Exceptional School
• Edgehill Center
• Fannie Battle Day Home
• The King’s Daughters Child Development Center
• Maddox YMCA
• McNeilly Center for Children
• McNeilly Toddler Center
• Napier Enhanced Option School
• Nashville Child Center
• Northwest YMCA
• Smithson Craighead Academy
• Temple Academy
• Tom Joy Head Start

This program is funded primarily through the Corporation for National and Community Service, the United Way of Metropolitan Nashville, the State of Tennessee and FiftyForward. For more information about the FiftyForward Foster Grandparent program, please call (615) 743-3420. Program offices are in the Patricia Hart Building, at 174 Rains Avenue, Nashville.

  

Story from Tennessean by Heidi Hall and Terrance Dean
Photos by John Partpilo and WKRN

Genma Holmes' Christmas Eve Visit on the Tom Joyner Morning Show

Genma Stringer Holmes, owner of Holmes Pest Control, author, and host of Living Your Best Life Radio will be on the Tom Joyner Morning Showing's Inside Her Story with Jacque Reid on Tuesday, December 24, 2013. Genma will discuss being Ms. Santa in Nashville for nearly ten years.

Genma started visiting day-cares, elementary schools, and nursing homes that used her pest control services as a fun way to give back to her customers during the holidays as Ms. Santa. As the years passed, she she was invited to visit the sick and shut in in hospitals who were not her customers. When her younger son became a Marine, many military families and the veteran community embraced her during the holidays as well as Ms. Santa.

Genma collects toys for young children, items for seniors and veterans year round from her customers who own businesses. In November and December, Genma visits schools and day-cares reading to them in her Santa Suit to show the spirit Christmas. Urban Outlook with April Eaton, a lifestyle regional CBS affiliate talk show, gives Genma a segment to discuss her work and give practical advice on buying toys for children that actually last beyond the holidays, educational, and age appropriate.

"It is no secret I sing Christmas songs year round," Genma said in a recent interview. She continued, "I am on mission to spread the love we feel, the joy in our hearts, the willingness to serve others at Christmastime year round. I hope it spurs individuals on to give a little more of themselves to help set examples for the next generation.

 

Other small companies and company executives give quietly each year to Genma meet the growing list of needs and wants from children and non-profits. But she has garnered the support of companies like Lamar Advertising Nashville, News Channel 5, Rhealistic Branding, and Mocha Magazine who sponsored billboards showing the non-profit agencies she serves at Christmas and in July by promoting www.livingtogivenow.com.

Tune in to Tom Joyner in your area to hear more about Living To Give Now and why Genma believes Christmas is 365 days a year!

Lipscomb University's LIFE on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations and leaders who lead by example. With extraordinary acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations and leaders embody "Be the change you want to see in the world".

Throughout 2013, listeners have heard from presidents of organizations who are global change agents. We will also hear from CEOs of social enterprise businesses who are changing communities and college educators who are taking their students out of the classroom and into surrounding neighborhoods to learn and serve others.

On Saturday, December 21, 2013 tune in to hear Dr. Richard Goode discuss Lipscomb University's LIFE  (Lipscomb Initiative For Education) recent graduation held at Tennessee Prison for Women (TPFW). Lipscomb recognized it's first associate degree earners.

Listen to Dr. Goode share about Lipscomb University's Associate of Arts degree offered exclusively for inmates at TPFW and is the only college degree in the region, and one of the few in the nation, offered to prison inmates. Listen to the journey of some of the inmates who started the program in 2007 and hear how Lipscomb's traditional students who took classes with the inmates lives were effected after completing the class. Each semester 15 on-campus students enroll in the LIFE course travel once a week to the prison, along with their professor, to study together with the inmates.

In an interview Dr. Goode stated, "Studies have shown that the percentage of prison inmates who return to prison with a new charge drops dramatically when the inmate has some college education, and drops to almost none if the inmate has a complete bachelor’s or master’s degree." Hear him discuss how LIFE helps not only the inmate get an education but the economy but reducing the repeat offender rates.

We will also hear the spiritual impact of LIFE on the faculty, staff, traditional and non-traditional students.

Living Your Best Life, a radio show that empowers, inspires, and motivates us to live our BEST life, is heard on 760AM The Gospel in the Middle-TN area, Tune In, Inspirational Networks, military bases and on Ustream.TV worldwide from 9:00-10:00am CST.

More About Dr. Goode

Dr. Richard Goode has taught at Lipscomb for nearly 25 years. He has also taught for the Vanderbilt Divinity School and the New Brunswick Theological Seminary. At Lipscomb he teaches such courses as U.S. History I, U.S. History II, Colonial America, Foundations of 20th Century America, the American Civil Rights Movement, Religion and American Culture, and Freshman Seminar. Additionally, Dr. Goode coordinates the Lipscomb Initiative for Education (LIFE) programs, which offers Lipscomb courses at Nashville area prisons and at Room in the Inn. He also enjoys research and writing, and has published three books with Will D. Campbell.

B.A., Lipscomb University M.A., Vanderbilt University Ph. D., Vanderbilt University

More About LIFE

Established in 2007, Lipscomb’s LIFE Program introduced an innovative education format that brought Lipscomb’s traditional students out to the prison each week to study with the inmates in for-credit classes. Faculty also travel to the prison to teach inmates face-to-face.

 

The LIFE Program strives to enhance the lives of the TPFW inmates – both in prison and when they are released – by helping them develop better self-confidence, expanded life experience and good study habits. Lipscomb’s traditional students are afforded an eye-opening experience to get to know and befriend the inmates, an encounter that many students say has affected their life choices well after completing the class.

 

The program began by offering an 18-credit hour slate of courses in the liberal arts arena. TPFW students have studied judicial process, art history, Christian ethics, negotiation and conflict management. In the last four years, LIFE inmate students have compiled three literary journals, held a theatrical production in the prison and are by far among the faculty’s most dedicated students.

 

More Lipscomb University

 

Lipscomb was founded in Nashville, Tenn., in 1891 by two individuals–David Lipscomb and James A. Harding–who believed that a truly educated individual of their time could not be so without attention given to spiritual growth as well as academics. So in addition to its role as the most important guidebook in a Christian’s life, the Bible was also given an academic position along with, we suppose, the works of Aristotle, Ovid and other hallmarks of a classical education.

The school opened with men, women and children attending (the beginnings of our 1,300-student pre-kindergarten through grade 12 campus school) and has grown into a consistently top-ranked university. Sure, things have changed from that October day in 1891, but what grounded the university then grows it to this day. The university is still a place of academic rigor and spiritual growth with more than 4,500 students enrolled at the university. Students can choose from eight bachelor’s degrees in 78 majors or 145 areas of undergraduate study, several pre-professional programs and an accelerated evening and online adult degree program for those who wish to complete their undergraduate degrees. Lipscomb also offers 25 master’s degrees, four education specialist degrees and three doctorate degrees in 58 fields of study.

 

Photos provided by Lipscomb University

Dr. Ming Wang on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations and leaders who lead by example. With extraordinary acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations and leaders embody "Be the change you want to see in the world".

Throughout 2013, listeners have heard from presidents of organizations who are global change agents. We will also hear from CEOs of social enterprise businesses who are changing communities and college educators who are taking their students out of the classroom and into surrounding neighborhoods to learn and serve others.

On Saturday, December 14, 2013, listeners will hear from Dr. Ming Wang of Wang Vision Institute and the founder of the Wang Foundation. Tune in to hear Dr. Wang give updates on Maria, a 15-year-old Moldovan orphan, long and arduous journey from darkness to sight. Over a year ago, Maria was brought to Dr. Wang's attention by Steve and Lynn Hendrich who were on a mission trip. They came back to the states and shared about the young, 15-year-old blind girl who had been living in a special needs orphanage in Balti, Moldova. In the fall of 2012, Maria’s story became the inspiration and primary focus of the foundation’s annual fundraiser, the Eye Ball.

Along with Maria's progress, Dr. Wang will share how science and faith coexists and his journey to United States. This show will help us see clearly the gift of being a blessing to others and how our talents are meant to be used to help enrich the lives of others.

Living Your Best Life, a radio show that empowers, inspires, and motivates us to live our BEST life, is heard on 760AM The Gospel in the Middle-TN area, Tune In, Inspirational Networks, military bases and on Ustream.TV worldwide from 9:00-10:00am CST.

More About Ming Wang

Ming Wang, MD, PhD, a graduate of Harvard & MIT (MD, magna cum laude), is one of the few cataract & LASIK surgeons in the world today who holds a doctorate degree in laser physics. He performed the world’s first 3D image-guided high-definition LASIK, the state’s first 3D premium Forever Young Lens cataract surgery and the state’s first bladeless all-laser LASIK. Dr. Wang has performed over 55,000 cataract and LASIK procedures (including on over 4,000 doctors), and is currently one of only three surgeons in the U.S. conducting an FDA-regulated clinical trial for a breakthrough new eye surgery to treat age-related loss of near vision. Dr. Wang is the founding president of the Tennessee Chinese Chamber of Commerce, which has played an active role in helping Tennessee become the #1 ranked state in the U.S. in the growth rate of export to China. Dr. Wang is the co-owner and international president of Shanghai Aier Eye Hospital, the largest publicly-traded private eye hospital group in China, with 35 hospitals throughout China, holding 10% of its eyecare market.

Wang Foundation for Sight Restoration 

The Wang Foundation for Sight Restoration is a 501c(3) non-profit charity  that has helped patients from over states in the U.S. and 55 countries, with all sight restoration surgeries performed free-of-charge. The foundation doctors published five textbooks and a paper in the world-renowned journal “Nature”, hold several U.S. patents for inventions of new biotechnologies to restore sight, and performed the world’s first laser-assisted artificial cornea implantation.

Nashvillian of the Year Renata Soto on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations and leaders who lead by example. With extraordinary acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations and leaders embody "Be the change you want to see in the world".

Throughout 2013, listeners have heard from presidents of organizations who are global change agents. We will also hear from CEOs of social enterprise businesses who are changing communities and college educators who are taking their students out of the classroom and into surrounding neighborhoods to learn and serve others.

On December 7, 2013, Nashvillian of the Year, Renata Soto, will join us in the studio. Hear from a remarkable woman who dreamed of empowering, inspiring, and motivating the Latino community by showing Nashvillians how to truly embrace diversity. Listen as Renato shares about her dreams to put a variety of immigrant services under one roof at Casa Azafrán and what it took to make those dreams become a reality.

A Costa Rican native, Renata Soto will also share how Casa Azafran is empowering Latino families in Middle Tennessee by promoting social, civic and economic integration in the community. We will also hear her give advice on giving your time, talent, or treasure to a non-profit.

Living Your Best Life, a radio show that empowers, inspires, and motivates us to live our BEST life, is heard on 760AM The Gospel in the Middle-TN area, Tune In, Inspirational Networks, military bases and on Ustream.TV worldwide from 9:00-10:00am CST.


More About Conexión Américas

 Conexión Américas was founded in 2002 to address the pressing challenges, and opportunities, created by demographic changes in Middle Tennessee as an increasing number of Latino families moved to our state.

Conexión Américas assists families and individuals in achieving goals such as buying homes, starting businesses, improving their conversational English, navigating systems in their new community, learning their rights and responsibilities, helping their children succeed in school, and bettering their lives through nationally recognized services and programs.

More About Casa Azafrán

Casa Azafrán is 28,800-square-feet  of community empowerment, nonprofit collaboration and global grandeur.

In rooms that mirror the beauty of African and Spanish design, Casa Azafrán is currently home to nine non-profit partners who provide opportunities – ranging from health, financial, and legal services to cultural, culinary and educational enrichment – in Nashville’s most international and ethnically diverse district.

The idea to create a central place of gathering, learning and engaging took root several years ago as a vision of Conexión Américas, which has worked since 2002 to promote the social, economic and civic integration of Latino families in Middle Tennessee.

Photo Credits: Eric England, Ashley Hylbert, Genma Holmes
Artwork: Frist Center for the Visual Arts

It's Cyber Monday And Here are Five Websites that Your Should Order From Year Round

December 2, 2013 is Cyber Monday. While millions will be purchasing goods and services to give during the holiday season, I would like to suggests five sites that should be book marked to return to over and over throughout 2014.

1. The Gilded Nut Snack Co.

If you know a pistachio connoisseur, The Gilded Nut Snack Co. is the perfect gift to give them.  Formerly John's Nuts, The Gilded Nut Snack Co. was founded by John Powers in 2012 and has fast become a favorite gift to give my corporate clients, family, and friends. I order the original blend for my snacking pleasure. The Gilded Nut Snack Co. also make excellent gifts for the holiday party host.

The Gilded Nut Snack Co. never uses preservatives, flavor additives, food colorings, binding agents, added sugar or other unhealthy ingredients. The Gilded Nut Snack Co. flavored pistachios are made in small batches with jumbo size U.S. Extra #1 pistachios from California, first cold pressed extra virgin olive oil, and pure herbs and spices. The pistachios are cholesterol free, heart-healthy and rich in protein and fiber. Your taste buds will love them, and your body will be grateful.
You can order them on line here.


2. Wifed Up Tees

With so many negative images of women, especially women of color, on television, seeing a movement to promote positive relationships had me hooked at "hello". Last year, I was introduced to the creative genius behind  Wifed Up tees, Dana Body. I was immediately impressed with her tenacity to keep her dreams alive to not only create a fashion line but a movement. Her tees are made of soft fabrics with hot designs, and poetry written by Dana. Wifed Up offers a fashionable voice for well deserving wives.

Genma Holmes on air interviewing Traci Otey Blunt in a Wife Up tee.

Whenever I wear a Wifed Up tee, the compliments are non stop. I have worn my tees with jeans, evening pants, dressed up a pencil skirt, and added pizazz under a blazer on causal Friday. Buy a tee that will empower, inspire, and motivate today's fashionista. You can find Wifed Up designers tees here.

3. Kara's Creations Jewelry

An attorney, pr professional, and an event planner, Kara Thompson began designing jewelry to relax. Encouraged by family and friends who would often buy her dazzling pieces right off her arm, Kara launched Kara's Creation Jewelry. Kara's Creations Jewelry specializes in original, handcrafted beaded pieces in semi-precious gemstones and unique materials that complement any outfit or occasion.

Genma Holmes on News Channel 5 Urban Outlook wearing Kara's Creation Jewelry.

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Kara's Creations are enjoyed by customers around the country.  In addition to the pieces on our website, Kara's Creations can also create a custom design just for you. At a recent trunk show in Nashville held at Essence Day Spa, I bought several bracelets that made their media debut on my wrist in several interviews. Every television and radio host and producer raved about my beautiful combination that made my media appearances even more festive.  If you desire a custom creation, please email Kara at karacreationsjewelry@gmail.com for information. To see more of her beautiful baubles, click here.


4. Windsor Neckwear

Windsor Neckwear, founded by Mike McPherson and Mace Neal, III,  offers handmade 100% woven silk bow ties and neckties with high thread counts, self tipping and wool blend inner linings to create a neckwear masterpiece that you will enjoy for years to come.  Each silk neckties and bow ties are limited edition because only 25 pieces of each design is offered. Windsor Neckwear believes in making quality products along with providing excellent customer service at a supreme value.  

In 2013, I got to know Mike and Mace personally. Their commitment to their family and community was my motivator to buy bow ties for several of my customers.  I also wear their bow ties...often. Windsor Neckwear has been featured in numerous publications like Mocha Market, the Nashville Business Journal, the Nashville Scene, and the Nashville Post to name a few.  

Windsor Neckwear has recently launched their line of men shoes.  They are running specials throughout the holiday season, so stock up on accessories for the man with impeccable taste. To see more of their neckwear line and other men accessories, go here.

5. Solo Noir

Men have become as conscious of their skincare as women. And rightly so. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Solo Noir, founded by Andrea Polk, is a complete grooming line for men featuring 100% organic 2-in-1 grooming products. For years, the male grooming market has been overlooked and Solo Noir is the solution to the market's void. Solo Noir offers cutting edge skin care technologies coupled with organic ingredients to achieve skin perfection in our consumers. 

The handsome men in my life have all suffered from various skincare issues. The products that I gave them would often aggravate their problems. On a trip to California, my oldest son bought Solo Noir at a boutique. He noticed right away that his skin felt different. His skin did not feel "stripped" or "peely". After several weeks of use, he recommended the line to his brother and his father. They are now loyal users of Solo Noir.

 Solo Noir addressed their battle with constant ingrown hairs, blotchy skin imperfections while restoring skin elasticity. Solo Noir also moisturizes and protects as well as promotes smooth and healthy skin.

Solo Noir is a provider of premier grooming products for men. To see the full line of skin care products click here.



Please let them know I sent you. Happy Shopping!