Caroline V. Clarke on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

 Update: Audio of the show can be found here.

For several months, I have shared with anyone who would listen about the book, Postcards from Cookie: A Memoir of Motherhood, Miracles, and a Whole Lot of Mail. I fell in love with this amazing story from page one and have read it several times. I highly recommend reading it for several reasons. Tune in to Living Your Best Life Radio to hear why I as well as many women in my life loved reading it as well.

On Saturday, August 30, 2014, Caroline V. Clarke, author, award-winning journalist, and the host of Black Enterprise Report, will join us to share her journey to find her birth mother. Listen as Caroline shares how her initial inquiry about her adoption with Spence-Chapin Adoption Services was because of concerns about her health that could be hereditary. Concerned about the unknowns that could affect the health of children, she made an appointment to meet with a social worker at the agency.

Only expecting a few general answers, hear Caroline share that she was given a file that was several pages single typed that gave her clues to who her mother could be. Her journalistic background lead her to realize she knew her birth family. Caroline V. Clarke's birth mother was Carol "Cookie" Cole, the daughter of Hollywood's legendary crooner Nat King Cole. Caroline will share several stories that she did not discuss  in the book. Listen as she talks about the journey of others who have opened up to her about their own adoption stories. She also shares about her own vulnerabilities as she sought to build a relationship with her birth mother without hurting her mother and father who raised her to be the woman she is today.

This show promises to empower, inspire, and motivate you to live your BEST life!

 Living Your Best Life Radio can be heard on 760 AM in the Middle-Tennessee Region, Tune In, military bases, and streamed live on U-Stream.TV from 9-10AM CST. This show will also air on WTST, a member of the HBCU radio network (XM 142)

More About Caroline V. Clarke

Caroline V. Clarke hosts the Black Enterprise Business Report, a weekly, nationally syndicated television show that offers unduplicated reporting on black business, careers and lifestyles to today’s consumer. Black Enterprise Business Report reaches 80% of black households, in 52 broadcast markets and 145 cable markets; it can also be seen online via BlackEnterprise.com. Prominent business leaders and newsmakers interviewed by Clarke include RUSH Communications' Russell Simmons, NBC Universal executive Paula Madison, Chicago City Treasurer Stephanie Neely, Teen Nick CEO Nick Cannon, and Secretary of Labor Hilda Soliz.

An award-winning journalist whose experience spans print, digital and television platforms, Clarke is also Executive Editor of Black Enterprise, influencing the production of content across all platforms, including her blog, Winging It: Work. Life. Balance? for BlackEnterprise.com. In addition, as co-editorial director of the Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit, she determines the editorial direction and theme of the nation’s largest annual conference targeting African American women executives. She was instrumental in creating this event and has held this position since the inception of the Summit, in 2004.

In more than 20 years with Black Enterprise, Clarke has served in a number of other key roles including senior editor and editor-at-large, Black Enterprise magazine; editorial director, Black Enterprise Books; and general manager, interactive media, where she helped to run Blackenterprise.com as well as launch other digital platforms for Black Enterprise content delivery.

Clarke is the author of Take a Lesson: Today’s Black Achievers on How They Made It & What They Learned Along the Way. Her second book, entitled "Postcards from Cookie," debuted from Harper Collins in March.  Prior to Black Enterprise, Clarke worked at The American Lawyer and several newspapers.  She has a bachelor’s degree in English from Smith College and a master’s degree with honors from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
(Source: www.Iamempowerd.com)

Photos: Caroline V. Clarke

Dinner and Discussion Book Club: Postcards from Cookie

I received a copy Postcards from Cookie in March and fell in love with the author's, Caroline Clarke Graves, journey. I recommended the book to the book club I am in, to listeners of Living Your Best Life Radio and several friends in women groups. I have read the book several times since March and with each sitting, I felt as if I was turning the pages of the book for the first time.

I knew the book was a hit when I got an email from Diane Hines who simply stated "I loved Postcards From Cookie." I immediately called her and we spent the afternoon sharing our favorite stories from the book. A few days later, Joyce Searcy emailed me from London and said, "I read the book while I was on the plane." I also recieved a postcard from her which I thought was a great lead up to our book club meeting. When Cathy Ramsey called she said, "I have something to share but will wait until we see each other."

With so many positive comments, I could not wait for our meeting to hurry up and get here. The anticipation to fellowship with fellow book lovers and natural story tellers and hear their feedback had me counting down the days until I could see the ladies of club share more of their thoughts about Postcards from Cookie. While waiting to meet with them, I sent emails to the Caroline, letting her know the popularity of the book and how I could not wait to see her in person soon.

The Dinner and Discussion Book Club met at Sunset Grill to discuss Postcards From Cookie.
The afternoon spent together over diner and drinks was truly a special time. Cathy put our discussion questions on postcards that she made from photographs of student life at Palmer Memorial Institute. During dinner, Cathy revealed that she had attended the school at one point and understood the mindset of many of the women like Maria Cole who graduated from the school.

As usual, Cathy's questions were thought provoking and lead to follow up questions and sharing of individual stories that mirrored some of the family dynamics that were told in the book. As Veronica and Anessa shared from chapters of their lives, I felt the strong pull of Postcards from Cookie bringing women closer together as we read Caroline peeling back layers of her life one page after another while giving readers a glimpse of how life was in the inner circle of Black Royalty through Cookie's life.

Postcards from Cookie is rich with history, heritage, and mayhem that have helped shaped African American communities from North to South and East to West over several generations. It mingles the past with the future while having you reaching for your latest issue of Black Enterprise. After my first reading, I reached out to old friends that I met at BE Conferences and Events over years. Several places mentioned in the book during Caroline's travels regarding BE, I was there with other entrepreneurs. Oh, the fund memories. Those calls to friends had me searching for thank you notes from Mr. and Mrs. Graves that I saved. I was reminded of the power of sending notes and thank you cards and how special I feel when I receive one for any reason.

As Caroline reveals in Postcards from Cookie and my biggest take away from reading it, God does not make mistakes and we are all "uniquely and wonderfully" made.



Photo Credits: Genma Holmes, Harper Collins

The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Selection Committee held its annual selection meeting today and elected seven individuals to the Class of 2014. Bringing the total number of members in the Hall of Fame to 287 are linebacker Derrick Brooks, punter Ray Guy, defensive end Claude Humphrey, tackle Walter Jones, wide receiver Andre Reed, defensive end Michael Strahan, and cornerback/safety Aeneas Williams. - See more at: http://www.profootballhof.com/enshrinement/2014/2/2/pro-football-hall-of-fame-class-of-2014-elected/#sthash.jtyMmoEW.dpuf

The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Selection Committee held its annual selection meeting today and elected seven individuals to the Class of 2014. Bringing the total number of members in the Hall of Fame to 287 are linebacker Derrick Brooks, punter Ray Guy, defensive end Claude Humphrey, tackle Walter Jones, wide receiver Andre Reed, defensive end Michael Strahan, and cornerback/safety Aeneas Williams. - See more at: http://www.profootballhof.com/enshrinement/2014/2/2/pro-football-hall-of-fame-class-of-2014-elected/#sthash.jtyMmoEW.dpuf

Red Cross Volunteer Named BWC's 2014 Woman of the Year

Jennifer Wolcott has been named the 2014 Brentwood Woman’s Club Woman of the Year.
Jennifer Wolcott was nominated by several members from the non-profit community for her altruistic and generous contributions of time and talents, specifically on behalf of the American Red Cross Natchez Trace Chapter and the Oasis Center.

For five years, the Brentwood Woman’s Club has selected a Brentwood resident, non-member of the club, to honor as their Woman of the Year. Prior honorees have been Linda Lynch, City of Brentwood Community Relations Director; Joyce Keistler, director of the Martin Center; Susan Leathers, editor and co-owner of BrentWord Communications; Linda Jackson, executive director of BRIDGES; and Nancy Osman, community volunteer and Director of Ty2 Foundation.

Joyce Espy Searcy, Director of Community Relations at Belmont University and former CEO of Bethlehem Centers of Nashville, was among those nominating Wolcott for this year’s honor.

"I have watched Jennifer Wolcott from afar give of herself and of her resources to many organizations in Nashville area. I have seen many people volunteer for recognition or to have their names linked with a large organization, but Jennifer volunteers because she is interested in meeting the needs of others and helping to change their quality of life," Searcy said.

Another nominator who spoke highly of Wolcott's volunteer spirit and sees her hands on work in the community up close was John Mitchell, Executive Director of the Red Cross Natchez Trace Chapter.

Natchez Trace Chapter of the Red Cross Board of Directors

Mitchell stated, "Jennifer provides leadership to our chapter through personal giving and also challenges others to give as well. Jennifer has served as our annual breakfast chair for two years. In 2012, our breakfast speaker was Trace Adkins. Due to the success of our breakfast, Trace was elevated to the American Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet. Trace later raised over 1 million dollars for the American Red Cross on a national level." During the last two years, the Natchez Trace Chapter Red Cross Breakfast attendance has increased to nearly 400 and the giving has increased to over $100,000.

Trace Adkins 2012 Keynote

Coach Franklin 2013 Keynote

Wocott is not limited to fundraising with the Red Cross. She has participated in disaster preparedness drills for the area counties that the Natchez Trace Chapter serves. She recruited her sons', Perry and Parker, Boys Scout Troop and others in the community to participate in the drills. The Middle Tennessee area is becoming more and more aware that the preparedness of a community for a natural or man-made disaster decreases lost of life and property damage.

In addition to her work with the Red Cross, Wolcott is a proud supporter of the Brentwood High School Band where her sons are members, she is very active with the Boy Scouts Troop 86 (Perry is an Eagle Scout), and is a small group host at her church, Harpeth Hills Church of Christ.

Jennifer Wolcott will be honored as part of the Brentwood Woman’s Club’s annual fundraising luncheon, Step Up, It’s a Charity Affair, on May 6, 2014 at Brentwood Country Club. The Brentwood Woman’s Club is celebrating its 40th Anniversary of service to the community this year. 

WSMV's Emmy Award winning meteorologist, Lisa Spencer, will provide musical entertainment.  The  silent auction will begin at 10:30 AM and lunch will be served at 11:30 AM. The club will  recognize it's 40th Anniversary of service by presenting a special gift to Williamson County. This event is open to the public. Seating is limited. Bring a friend and enjoy a “Ladies Day Out”.

Tickets are $50 and can be obtained by contacting Jean Hairston by email, jean.hairston@yahoo.com before deadline date of May 1, 2014.

Brentwood Woman’s Club is a member of the international General Federation of Women’s Clubs that is dedicated to strengthening local communities and enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. GFWC members work locally to create global change by supporting the arts, preserving natural resource, advancing education, promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging civic involvement, and working toward world peace and understanding.

2014 BWC's Woman of the Year Committee: Genma Holmes (Chair), Liz Martin (Club President), Paula Uhlir, Marilyn Tolk, and Helen Holzen



Photo Credits: Red Cross, Genma Holmes, Jennifer Wolcott , Lisa Spencer

Genma Holmes at Olive Branch Church 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 will hear 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, August 3, 2013 listen to Genma Holmes speak at Olive Branch Church for their Mother-Daughter Tea. Genma shared why the month of August can still be a challenging month for her after family crisis from several years ago. She shares how her faith kept her focused while raising teens and the power of others praying for you. She shared lessons learned along the way about herself (and others) and how she became involved in the Oasis Center.

In the midst of recounting a painful chapter in her life, Genma promises to make you laugh while crying. She hopes the show will move you into helping others while reminding us that it truly takes a village to raise a child. The theme for the Olive Branch Church's 2013 Mother-Daughter Tea was Blooming and Blossoming in Grace. Scripture reference for the event was Isaiah 35:2.

Tune into 760AM in the Middle Tennessee Region, on Tune In,  streaming live on line at UStream.TV , and on military bases on Saturdays from 9:00-10am CST. 

More About Genma Holmes

Holmes speaks to thousands nationally at conferences and women events. She shares from personal experiences about family, leadership, and volunteerism. She tells many funny stories from her Mississippi childhood as seen through the lenses of her grandmother, mother, and aunts. As an entrepreneur, Holmes also addresses the necessity of work-life balance in 24 hour a day wired world.

Holmes has been featured in countless magazines and is a syndicated writer. Her upcoming book, The Friendship Club, will be released in 2013. Holmes is the owner of Holmes Pest Control and CEO of GSH Consulting, LLC. She is also the executive producer and host of several radio programs including the increasingly popular, Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes. 

More About the Oasis Center

                                 

The Oasis Center is a nationally recognized organization on a mission to help young people move into a happy, healthy, and productive adulthood.

Oasis Center is a place where ideas come to life.  A place where creativity and dreams meet a commitment to act.

The old model of youth “charity” tries to match a young person’s needs with the services the agency offers.  In today’s world, that model doesn’t work.

Oasis Center recognizes that the lives of our young people are complex, and that supporting their healthy transition to adulthood can’t happen through a singular support.

The Oasis Center currently offers 21 programs ranging from Nashville’s only crisis teen shelter to Nashville’s only college counseling center for first generation college students. That’s why over a third of the Oasis Center's young people are involved in more than one  programs or services. The Oasis Center is making a real difference in the lives of Nashville’s youth.

More About Olive Branch Church

Pastor Vinnie baptizing Lauryn

2013 Mother-Daughter Tea

The Olive Branch Church mission is to offer Christ, save souls and develop individual spiritual maturity. We accomplish our purpose through Spirit-inspired worship, Christ-centered service, and biblically-based education. The fruit of our mission will be the ever-growing display of God’s love, power and presence in the lives of our members.

Olive Branch continues to be a blessing to others through various local and international outreach initiatives. Each initiative falls under three focal areas of concern in our community: Illiteracy, Hunger, and Poverty.  The Antioch location currently participates in 16 different projects aimed at combating each of these issues, and Murfreesboro currently participates in 18. 

At Olive Branch Church members are constantly shown and told that they are valuable; their minds are valuable; their bodies are valuable; and their dreams are valuable. Although there is much work to be done in the vineyard, our aim and church focus is to reflect the love and grace of God; connect all to the body of Christ; and Commission the saved to win souls.

Photos credits : Oasis Center, Olive Branch Church, Genma Holmes
More Photos from Mother Daughter Tea can be found here .

Find us on Social Media:
Oasis Center here
Olive Branch Church here and Pastor Vinnie's Tweets here
Living Your Best Life Radio here
Genma Holmes' Tweets here

Nancy Osman named BWC's Woman of the Year

Williamson County's Nancy Osman has been named "Woman of the Year" by Brentwood Woman's Club. Unbeknownst to her, several close friends of Nancy Osman gathered to share stories from their lifelong friendships. 

Nancy has worked tirelessly with the Ty2 Foundation throughout the past year while volunteering in the community with several other organizations. Nancy is also well known for her servant leadership and generosity with her church family.

 

The Osman Family (May 2011)

In March 2012, Nancy Osman and her husband Ty, Sr. lost their son, Ty Osman II, in a tragic car accident. A 2011 graduate of Brentwood High School, Ty was a freshman at Harding University headed to a spring break. Ty was hit while helping others on the side of the road. He was always a very service oriented young man, going on mission trips with his family and church. A few months after Ty, II's death, Nancy and her husband decided to do a service project in their son’s memory. 

Nancy and Ty approached the Hard Bargain Association (HBA) in May 2012 about doing a service project in honor of their son. HBA serves Hard Bargain, a historic African American neighborhood in downtown Franklin, TN. The mission of Hard Bargain Association is to impact lives and preserve the Hard Bargain neighborhood by rehabbing existing homes, building quality affordable housing, and enriching the lives of our neighbors.

The only project available was a big undertaking, not a simple one day project. HBA was in the initial stages of needing to renovate the former Mt. Hope Cemetery caretaker’s house into a new community center for the Hard Bargain neighborhood.

 When Ty first saw the former cemetery caretaker’s house, he was overwhelmed by the amount of work needed to be done before anyone could come volunteer. However, when Nancy saw the house the next day, she saw possibility the moment she walked into the house. Instead of seeing a dilapidated house in need of major repairs, she had a vision of how this house would serve the residents of Hard Bargain. When she was made aware that the residents of the neighborhood had been dreaming of having a community center in their neighborhood for years, she began to visualize what an impact this community center would have. She knew it was a perfect fit for a project to honor her son, because he cared so much about giving back and helping others.

While the renovation of the house was a team effort (friends, family, her husband’s construction company, volunteer subcontractors, and the Ty2 Foundation), Nancy was the first one to have the vision of how great this could be. Her friends rallied around her to help organize volunteers for the “Ty Us 2gether @ Mt. Hope” service day on August 11, 2012. Over 400 hundred volunteered that faithful day! Instead of getting stuck in a mire of grief, she took action and channeled her energy into this project. She used her grief in a positive way and blessed an entire community in the process. 

During the “Ty Us 2gether @ Mt. Hope” service day, in addition to the work on the new community center, additional projects were done in the Hard Bargain community. More than a dozen residents received help with much needed repairs on their homes, landscaping, and yard work, as well as simple house repairs. Other projects included the demolition of a mobile home that was in terrible condition and a playground was established in the neighborhood, complete with a large Jungle Gym, horseshoe pit, and picnic tables.

Additionally, the McLemore House Museum of African American History was painted inside and out. Lastly, volunteers help landscape and do repairs on the Franklin Primitive Baptist Church, the oldest African American church in Williamson County.

The McLemore House

The new Hard Bargain community center opened in October 2012 and was named Ty’s House, in memory of Nancy’s son. Ty’s House is a tremendous contribution, not only to the Hard Bargain, but to Williamson County. The former caretaker’s house is a beautiful, historic building that was preserved. This building is one of the few remaining examples of Second Empire architecture, sometimes called the General Grant style, in Williamson County. If not for the renovation, Williamson County would have lost not only a rare architectural treasure, but also a piece of the historic cemetery’s and the neighborhood’s history.

The Hard Bargain build was not the only project spear headed by the Nancy and the Ty 2 Foundation during the past year, but it was it largest undertaking to date. 

 

Nancy and the Osman family are humble about the many lives they have impacted in the communities of Middle Tennessee, across the country, and around the globe. Nancy would be the last person to want recognition for doing what she loves to do, serving others to glorify God. That is what makes her such a wonderful "Woman of the Year".

(I want to thank HBA and the world's greatest girlfriends for your help. )

Other posts about the Ty 2 Foundation

http://genmaspeaks.blogspot.com/2013/02/hard-bargain-association-discuss-tys.html
http://genmaspeaks.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-ty2-foundation-on-living-your-best.html