Bryan and Kimberly Ricci on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join us Saturday, March 31, 2012 on Living Your Best Life to hear the inspiring story of how a once homeless youth, Bryan Ricci, is giving back to those who helped him turn his life around by paying it forward helping the homeless community. Ricci will also share how the Oasis Center impacted his life as a teen and a young adult.

Ricci will be joined by his wife, Kimberly, and their beautiful children. Hear his family share about the husband and dad they know today; a man of faith, an inventor and a company CEO. Listen to the Ricci family share about being faithful in life, dreaming big, and how their invention, the Eraselet, "a bracelet eraser", is raising awareness of the ever growing homeless community and what they are doing to help stamp out hunger.

Living Your Best Life, is a radio show that empowers inspires, and motivates one to live their BEST life. Living Your Best Life can be heard on 760 The Gospel in the Middle TN Region, Inspirational Networks, military bases, and UStream. TV from 9-10AM CST.

More About The Eraslet

The Eraselet was invented as a way for the Ricci family three young daughters, all in elementary school, to keep from losing their erasers. Since the girls loved bracelets, why not an eraser in the form of a bracelet? The product, a revolutionary eraser in the form of a bracelet, was given the title "Eraselet", patent-pended and trademarked through the USPTO (United State Patent and Trademark Office).

It was important to Bryan and Kimberly Ricci to produce the Eraselet in the US. They felt strongly that with our country's current economy in shambles, it did not seem right to send American jobs overseas. After being told over and over that they would have to go outside the US to find an affordable manufacturer, they kept searching until they found a 90 year old family owned business, Alliance Rubber Company, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. By staying firm to their commitment to sell "Made in the USA" products, every time you buy an Eraselet, you are helping to provide jobs right here in the USA.

The Eraselet can be an excellent fundraising item for various causes and can be customized for organizations to "Erase Your Cause". The Eraselet is also giving back through the Ricci's non-profit, Erase World Hunger. Erase World Hunger provides food and clean drinking water to children right in our own back yard and impoverished countries.

The Eraselet can found in Dollar General Stores, Life Way Christian Bookstores, and ordered online at www.eraselet.com.

Let's get Eraselet on the shelf at Walmart by voting for them here.

Photos supplied by Kimberley Ricci

Living Your Best Life is in partnership with Mocha Magazine.

Soprano Karen Parks on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week." Throughout the next five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as "Women’s History Week." In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month." Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.”

As well continue to discuss phenomenal women throughout the month of March, please join Living Your Best Life in partnership with Mocha Market Magazine on Saturday, March 24, 2012 to hear Soprano Karen Parks share about her life, her musical career, her work with young performers and what keeps her inspired. She will also share about her upcoming performance at Lipscomb University. The Greenville, South Carolina native made her historic recording tribute to Harry T. Burleigh's body of work in Nashville. Nobody Knows: Songs of Harry T. Burleigh, co-produced by Parks and Grammy-winning producer David Macias, debuted at #2 on Billboard's Traditional Classical Album Chart upon its 2008 release. Karen Parks divinely given voice has been heard around the world.

Ms. Parks has performed in major opera houses and concert halls in many European countries including Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, England, France, Switzerland, Denmark, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Hungary and Estonia. Her performances in America include debuts with recognized orchestras and conductors including Carnegie Recital Hall, Alice Tully Hall, The Kennedy Center, Meyerson Hall, San Francisco Opera, The Boston Pops and The Nashville Symphony. Other roles and works with various companies and orchestras include Verdi’s Requiem, Fauré’s Requiem, Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Mahler’s Second Symphony, Dvořák’s Te Deum, Bach’s Magnificat, Handel’s Messiah, Mařenka in Smetana’s The Bartered Bride, and the role of Harriet Tubman in two different operas (Harriet and Frederick Douglass). By special commission, she was the first artist to record an English language album (Nocturne) of Finnish classical music from Finnish poetry.

Living Your Best Life, a radio show that empowers inspires, and motivates one to live their BEST life, can be heard on 760 The Gospel in the Middle Tennessee region, Inspirational Networks, and military bases. Living Your Best Life is also streamed live on www.UStream.TV from 9-10AM CST.

More About Karen Parks' Lipscomb Performance
Soprano Karen Parks will perform along with Lipscomb University's Jerome Reed, the Patricia and Rodes Hart Chair in Piano as part of the Artist Series. Parks will perform works by Handel, Vivaldi, Mozart, Brahms, Faure, Puccini, Gershwin and a set of traditional spirituals arranged by Harry T. Burleigh.

Parks will conduct a Master Class on Friday, March 30, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. The soprano virtuoso will present a concert on Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. Both events will be held in Lipscomb University's Ward Hall. Tickets for Saturday's concert may be purchased online or at the door.

$15 adults, $10 students, Free with student ID.

Text INSPIRE to 99000 to win tickets to the concert, copies of Harry T. Burleigh's compositions, tickets to the Nashville Symphony, or a membership to the Frist Center.




(I would like to thank Honorable William J. Zick for his extensive research on www.africlassical.com that led me to spending hours studying such fascinating musician who stories must be told.

Veronica Burns on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week." Throughout the next five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as "Women’s History Week." In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month." Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.”

Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes along with Mocha Market Magazine as we celebrate women who are redefining power and influence. From celebrities to authors to leaders to educators to mom-next-door, hear from women who are impacting the world around them while empowering others to do the same.

Tune in Saturday, March 17, 2012, to hear from serial entrepreneur Veronica Burns. She will discuss how women can no longer rely on "lady luck" in their career choices. Women, especially those facing corporate downsizing, must plan strategically to survive and thrive in today's marketplace while preparing for their future.

Hear Veronica tell how she transitioned into her new career choice after 40 years in corporate human resources and using her skills to help other women become business women.

Living Your Best Life is a progressive radio show that empowers, inspires, and motivates individuals to live their BEST life. Living Your Best Life can be heard on 760 AM in the Middle TN Area, on military bases, and Ustream.TV worldwide from 9:00-10:00am CST.

More Info on Veronica Burns

Veronica Burns is an accomplished business partner and leader in human resources best practices. Veronica has a broad base of experience in financial, educational and healthcare environments. She is a solutions oriented human resource professional with the skills and strengths to bring organized approaches and successful people management with expertise in a variety of human resources disciplines including: salary Administration, strategic planning, organizational design, leadership coaching, performance management, staffing and dispute resolution.

Veronica moved to Nashville in 1999 and secured a human resources leadership position at Vanderbilt University and Medical Center. She held the position of Senior Director of Human Resources when she left Vanderbilt in 2011.

Prior to coming to Nashville, Veronica provided more than twenty years of human resources expertise and leadership in the Chicagoland area for large employers in healthcare, (Northwestern University Medical Center, Mount Sinai Hospital) finance, (Harris Trust Bank, General Board of Pensions for the United Methodist Church) and academia.

Veronica Burns is also a Dispute Resolutions Mediator, certified under Rule 31 by the Tennessee Supreme Court.

Text INSPIRE to 99000 for questions, comments, and a chance to win Easter dinner at Monell's Restaurant.

Stacey McBride-Irby on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week." Throughout the next five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as "Women’s History Week." In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month." Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.”

Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes along with Mocha Market Magazine as we celebrate women who are redefining power and influence. From celebrities to authors to leaders to educators to mom-next-door, hear from women who are impacting the world around them while empowering others to do the same.

Tune in on Saturday, March 10, 2012's for an interview that has been a year in the making! Hear from internationally renown creator of Mattel's So In Style Dolls, Stacey McBride-Irby. Stacey designed the most diverse cultural line of dolls ever created for the world's most premiere toy company. During her fifteen years at Mattel, Stacey also designed numerous fashions for the Disney Princess Collection and for the iconic Barbie line.

In addition to designing for Mattel's Disney Princess Collection and the Barbie, Stacey designed the highly sought after AKA Doll in celebration of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority's Centennial in 2008.

Stacey's creation of the So In Style dolls marked Mattel's first line of African American dolls that closely resemble today's young girls and women. The dolls were not just toys to play with but showcased the stylish diversity of the African American community and strongly encouraged education and mentoring.

Stacey will share about her new business venture with the One World Dolls Project and how her partnership with Trent Daniels will give her an opportunity to use the power of play and collector dolls to reflect genuine diversity and not limit her creativity to one group of people or organization.

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, Inspirational Networks, military bases and on Ustream.TV worldwide from 9:00-10:00am CST.

For more info on the One World Doll Project click here.

To Purchase Limited Edition Obama 2012 Dolls click here.

Previous post about Stacey McBride-Irby here.

To learn more about why Stacey McBride-Irby's doll are such an inspiration to me click here.

To win a trip to LA to meet Stacey McBride-Irby click here.

TEXT pictures of your favorite doll or your favorite doll story to INSPIRE to 99000.

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Dr. Norma Burgess and Jennifer Abernathy on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

February is often known as the month of love. Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes in partnership with Mocha Market Magazine as we discuss loving yourself, your family, and your community better. Hear personal stories from couples who radiate with love for one another as well as random calls to individuals Genma love to talk to and have written about over the years. We will also profile events that will enrich your community and empower, inspire, and motivate you to live your best life.

Join us on Saturday, February 25, 2012, to hear two dynamic women share about their passion for helping others. Dr. Norma Burgess, the Founding Dean of Lipscomb University's College of Arts and Sciences, will discuss Lipscomb's upcoming Women's Leadership conference. The conference, in its sophomore year, promises to be as electrifying as the inaugural event.

We will also hear from Jennifer Abernathy, the executive director of Tennessee Respite. Jennifer will share how Tennessee Respite Coalition wants to help strengthen families by helping provide assistance for the caretakers. We will learn about the organization and its mission to enhance the quality of life for family caregivers through respite.

Living Your Best Life can be heard on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00AM on 760AM, on military bases, and Ustream.TV.

More About Dr. Norma Burgess

Dr. Norma Burgess is the founding dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Burgess previously worked at Chatham University, Pittsburgh, where she was founding dean of the College of Graduate Studies. In that role, she was responsible for every aspect of graduate education, including new program development, faculty evaluation, budgetary management, academic management, and faculty and support services.

From 1993-2007 at Syracuse University, Burgess earned the rank of full professor and chair of the Department of Child and Family Studies and was academic co-chair of the Bachelor of Professional Studies program. She has also served as a visiting professor for the University of the Aegean in Rhodes, Greece, and as a member of the summer faculty at Cornell University. Dr. Burgess is a widely published scholar with a focus on work and family and leadership development.

Burgess has served as chair of the women’s caucus of the American Association of Higher Education and is currently a board member at-large of the National Council on Family Relations. She is co-author of African American Women: An Ecological Perspective and numerous articles and other writings on work and family life, leadership, faculty development and workplace diversity.

Burgess holds a doctorate in sociology and a master’s degree in public affairs from North Carolina State University as well as a bachelor of arts degree in political science from the University of Tennessee. She is a native of Stanton, Tenn.

To learn more about Lipscomb Women's Conference click here.

More About Jennifer Abernathy and Tennessee Respite

Jennifer Abernathy is the Executive Director of the Tennessee Respite Coalition, an organization that provides respite services and information to family caregivers across the state. She has diverse professional experience working in the fields of disability, mental health, volunteer management, senior services, and higher education.

The Tennessee Respite Coalition (TRC) provides relief to families and caregivers from the extraordinary and intensive demands of providing ongoing care for loved one.

Over the past year, the Tennessee Respite Coalition has provided access to respite to over 200 families across the state of Tennessee. The services that these families have been provided have enabled them to continue to care for their loved ones in their homes as well as get a much needed break from the everyday stresses associated with being a primary caregiver for someone in need and in a vulnerable state. For more info Tennessee Respite click here.

You Got Email Mayhem

Emailing has become the primary form of communications for 99% of the business people I know. Call me outdated, but I am determined to hold dear to hearing a person’s voice and tone while speaking with them. I wear my 1% badge with honor as I dial the numbers of my clients or personal acquaintances to say "hello," to talk through an issue, or to debate a point. I have learned that when I have much to say, emailing is not the best form of communications for me. Too many thoughtless emails have become newspapers’ headlines, the source of bloggers’ multiple posts, and the cause of careers lost at sea. To add to the growing malady, tweets are rapidly replacing emails as the number one cause of unemployment among anchors and pundits’ suspensions.

Email mayhem should have its own course at business seminars, non-profit organization orientations, and civic meetings. The conversations around the dos and don’ts of emailing, and texting for that matter, can no longer be limited to young adults vying for future employment opportunities. Over the last several years, I have received the best of the best or the worst of the worst depending on how you read them of emails unsuitable for reprint and dying to be reposted. Several emails in the batch have left many folks speechless and have caused private issues to spill over in the business realm. Thinking back on my own email internet footprint, I shudder, now that I am older, wondering about what I sent without thinking or(over thought) once upon a time…or two or three. An email is an email, whether it is sent between the hours of 8-5 or 4 in the morning, today or ten years ago. But an email can also be demoralizing, even when it is not intended to be. Prayers cannot erase a mangled, disheartening email.

Since I write during wee hours of the morning, the most epic emails that I have read have been written while angels are asleep. The rants and ravings of minds gone mad, or drinking, have been put into emails and blasted to hundreds of individuals’ inboxes. I have read every vile thought that could be written about anyone by individuals who left professionalism on planet Mars. From insults to innuendos to threats to rambling disjointed piece mill thoughts that were meant to smear, or try destroy an individual's reputation. Confrontations by email are becoming a distasteful part of our culture. So distasteful, email mayhem has lawyers for those seeking legal recourse for what has been written by others in emails on and off the job.

When assaulting emails become part of regular correspondence from an individual or an organization, it is considered cyber bullying or cyber harassment. I used to call it ignorance or foolishness on steroids but the more I read, the more I agree to the legal definitions. I chose not to respond or deal with anyone who sends ranting emails to me directly or within a group. Period. Occasionally, I have responded with short replies to clarify a situation but never to engage a debate via email.

Once, I even sought legal counsel over an email sent to me that was so revolting that my printer sought therapy after I printed it out. Upon reading the email, the attorney began salivating and shared several emails over the years that he responded to on behalf of clients. Instead of being encouraged, I left his office dismayed that his binder was five inches thick with emails that were sent without regard by senders to receivers and the number of individuals copied. Who knew the consequences would result in staggering amounts in monetary compensations.

Having a column in print, on the web, and now, being a voice on the radio, I am keenly aware that what I say or write has consequences. The more interaction a person has with the public, the more the responsibility they have in how they use their words. This rule does not apply only to elected officials but even to civic and social organizations that serve the community.

In the world of instant viral communications, what we write even in private can come back to haunt an inbox. An email is permanent and can be lethal in its delivery. It can never be erased. Send wisely.

Management Issues

Tips for handling unprofessional emails in the workplace.

Try to avoid an escalation into an all out email war. Think carefully how to reply to the email.

Talk to colleagues or friends if you feel hurt. Don't bottle it up.

Ask for time to discuss your feelings with the sender, face to face if possible.

Emails can feel much worse than the sender intended: don't immediately launch into accusations.

Give the sender a chance to explain what they meant.

Try to work together to resolve underlying issues.

Seek agreement on a less abrupt way of communicating in future.

Keep a record of exchanges, so if the problem persists you can discuss it with a senior member of staff. By Brian Amble

Ernie and Gretchen Campbell and Charles and Marie Sueing on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

February is often known as the month of love. Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes in partnership with Mocha Market Magazine as we discuss loving yourself, your family, and your community better. Hear personal stories from couples who radiate with love for one another as well as random calls to individuals Genma love to talk to and have written about over the years. We will also profile events that will enrich your community and empower, inspire, and motivate you to live your best life.

On February 18, 2012, join us to hear two powerful couples who are living by faith while supporting their families and giving back to their community. Hear them share how they encourage friends and work at balancing career and home life. Ernie and Gretchen Campbell and Charles and Marie Sueing are living life to the fullest with boldness and grace.

Living Your Best Life is heard on 760AM from 9:00-10:00AM CST in the Nashville-Middle Tennessee Area, on UStream.TV and on military bases.

More about The Campbells

Dr. Gretchen Campbell began her career as a neurologist and an associate professor of clinical neurology for Vanderbilt University of Nashville TN. She attained staff appointment at Vanderbilt University Medical Center as well as Williamson Medical Center. After a six year tenure at Vanderbilt, Dr. Campbell transitioned to her current position as a neurologist with KCA Medical Group in 2008. She remains on staff at Williamson Medical Center, Franklin TN, where her home office is located. Dr. Campbell is board certified in neurology, and treats all neurological illnesses including migraines, epilepsy, back pain, neck pain, neuropathy, pinched nerves, carpal tunnel syndrome, multiple sclerosis and a host of other conditions. She offers multiple procedures to determine and treat the root cause of symptoms prior to treatment. KCA Medical Group Franklin is also an accredited center for Tysabri infusions (an intravenous treatment for Multiple Sclerosis).

Dr. Campbell is active in her medical community as a member of the Tennessee Medical Association, The American Academy of Neurology, the American Medical Association, the American Diabetes Association, The American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine and the National Headache Foundation.

Dr. Campbell is originally from Birmingham, Alabama and completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. She subsequently received her medical doctorate from Meharry Medical College. Dr. Campbell then went on to complete her internship in psychiatry and internal medicine, followed by a residency in neurology at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia. She was honored to be selected chief resident during her final year. The Campbells have two beautiful girls and lives in Williamson County.

Ernie is the Founder and CEO of Mocha Market Media. Mocha Market is comprised of two branches, a magazine and a website. Both branches focus on highlighting the accomplishments of the African American community. This is accomplished through informative articles written by African Americans, interviewing interesting/successful African Americans, and publishing photos of African American events throughout Middle Tennessee.

A resident of Williamson County for 9 years, Campbell seeks leadership activities in all areas of his life. He is a member of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), a mentor with The 100 Black Men, and a teacher and deacon at Heritage Church of Christ. Campbell loves teaching and mentoring the youth; having a positive impact on a developing mind.

Campbell is originally from Athens, Al and holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alabama and a Master of Engineering in Management of Technology from Vanderbilt University.

More About The Sueings

Charles Sueing, a native Memphian, earned his undergraduate degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA and has resided in the Nashville area since 1994. He is the principal agent and President of Sueing Insurance Agency, Inc., which is a full service insurance and financial services agency with Nationwide Insurance & Financial Services. Having began his career with Nationwide over 18 years ago, he moved through the ranks of corporate management before branching out to start his own agency here in Nashville 13 years ago. This full services insurance agency offers insurance solutions and financial services including coverage for auto, homeowners, business and life as well as a variety of retirement and investment vehicles. In this most competitive environment, Charles still believes that Customers Service Matters and he and his staff have dedicated themselves to providing the very best in quality and service available. He was recognized by Nationwide Insurance Co as the 2007 Regional Community Service Award winner and 2009 District Community Service Award winner for his outstanding community and customer service work.

Charles is very active in various business and community organizations and has served at the Board level on many of them including the Nashville Association of Real Estate Brokers, North Nashville Community Development Corporation, Chairman for the Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce, Executive Committee for Big Brothers Big Sisters and Chairman for the Nationwide Insurance United Way Fundraising Campaign.

Currently, he is on the Executive Committee of the Board of Governors for the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce where he also served as Chairman for the Small Business Council. Charles received the 2008-2009 Spirit of the Chamber Award for his efforts in leading Small Business initiatives. In addition to this, he has served as the Nominating Committee Chairman, Steering Chairman, Scoutreach Strategic Plan Chairman, and just recently concluded a term as Vice President of Scoutreach for the Middle TN Council of Boy Scouts. He remains a member of the Executive Board for the Boy Scouts. Additionally, he is currently on the Board for Urban League of Middle TN and is a Global Board Member of 100 Black Men of America and Board President of 100 Black Men of Middle TN. In 2008, Charles was appointed by Mayor Karl Dean to serve on the TN State Fair Board of Commissioners and also joined the Executive Board for Faith Family Medical Clinic and the Nashville Business Coalition.

Charles is a member of the Downtown Rotary Club of Nashville where he has served in several capacities including the Board of Directors, Membership Committee, Program Committee, Second Harvest Feed the Need program and the Watkins’s Park Community Center. He is an alumnus of the 2010 Class of Leadership Nashville and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

The Sueings have been married for 18 years and have 3 children. They are members of Lake Providence Baptist Church, where he serves as a deacon. When not busy pursuing business opportunities or being involved in community service, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, enjoying good food and good music and is an avid golfer.

Marie R. Sueing, born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, has lived in Nashville since 1994. A Senior Sales Manager for the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau (NCVB), she began her career in the hospitality industry in 1990 in Atlanta, GA after attending Spelman College. Her former positions over the last 20 years with various Marriott Hotel brands, the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, and Starwood Hotels Worldwide have prepared her for her current role at the NCVB.

The tourism and convention industry accounts for over 56,000 jobs in Nashville, second only to the healthcare sector. Over 10 million people visit Nashville each year due largely in part to the marketing and sales efforts of the NCVB. Marie’s primary focus is to solicit market specific convention business to Nashville, which is a vital source of economic growth and development in our city. These markets include social welfare groups, military associations, ethnic / multi-cultural, religious and fraternal organizations. She is a believer that in order to be effective in her sales efforts, she must continue to provide the highest level of customer service to current and prospective clients. She also understands that relationships play an integral role in the sales process, and works diligently to develop and maintain them with each customer. In order to touch the majority of these customers, she often attends various industry tradeshows and sales trips across the country. Many of these travels include her participation within several market specific membership organizations such as: the National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners (serves on their Membership Committee), Religious Conference Managers Association, Christian Meetings and Conventions Association, Fraternity Executives Association, Collinson Media events, and Roadshows hosted by the NCVB.

Over the years, Marie has volunteered her time and offered her support to several local organizations within the community. These include the Middle TN Chapter of the NAACP, United Way Senet Society, United Way R.H. Boyd Leadership Society, the Urban League of Middle TN, Junior Achievement, Rotary / Second Harvest Feed the Need program and is active with the Youth Ministry at Lake Providence Missionary Baptist Church.

Marie is currently an active member of the TN State University Women’s Center Advisory Board, The Elite Athlete Board of Directors, and a member of the Foundation Committee of Jack and Jill of America Nashville Chapter.

When she is not working to bring visitors to the city she loves, she spends the majority of her time with her very active family.

Curt Hahn, Maisha Dyson, and Clay Brocker of Deadline on Living Your Best Life With Genma Holmes

February is often known as the month of love. Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we discuss loving yourself, your family, and your community better. Hear personal stories from couples who radiate with love for one another as well as random calls to individuals Genma love to talk to and have written about over the years. We will also profile events that will enrich your community and empower, inspire, and motivate you to live your best life.

Living Your Best Life is heard on 760AM from 9:00-10:00AM CST in the Nashville-Middle Tennessee Area, on UStream.TV and on military bases.

Tune in on February 11, 2012 to hear Curt Hahn, CEO of Film House and producer-director of Deadline, discuss his love of producing inspiring, uplifting films that are often overlooked by Hollywood; meaningful stories that speak to the heart. In addition to Curt, we will also hear from cast members, Maisha Dyson (Vanessa Brown) and Clay Brocker (Possum) who gave stellar performances in Deadline. Maisha and Clay will share about their characters in the movie and what it took to prepare for their roles. Genma, who played Possum's wife in Dealine, will chime in about the role Curt Hahn played in helping launch Living Your Best Life radio show.

Inspired by a true story, Deadline is adapted from Mark Ethridge's novel Grievances. Ethridge is a former managing editor of The Charlotte Observer. Deadline will be released in theaters on February 17, 2012 nationwide.

Curt Hahn
Curt Hahn was born and raised in New England. He discovered architecture at Phillips
Exeter Academy and enrolled in architecture school at Washington University.
Filmmaking was his other passion and after attending UCLA's summer session in film
production, he transferred to film school at the Disney-endowed California Institute of the Arts. After getting his BFA in Film from Cal Arts he moved to Nashville and founded Film House.

Film House has grown to become the largest film production company in Tennessee,
moving into its 40,000 square foot studio, editing and office facility in 1996. As CEO, Curt leads a team that produces hundreds of films and TV spots annually. He's directed such performers as Eric Roberts, Steve Talley, Candice Bergen, Teri Garr, Janine Turner, Garth Brooks, Kate Jackson, Amy Grant, Isaac Hayes, Reba McEntire, Shaquille O'Neill and Shania Twain. Curt's a member of the select International Quorum of Motion Picture Producers (IQ) and served as IQ President for two terms. IQ is an invitation-only organization of some of the world's top filmmakers.

Transcendent, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Film House, produces independent
features. Our current projects are “Jubilee”, based on the remarkable true story of Ella Sheppard and the original Fisk Jubilee Singers, and “Deadline”, which will be released in theaters nationwide in 2012. “Deadline” stars Steve Talley and Academy Award nominee Eric Roberts as reporters investigating the murder of an African American youth in rural Alabama that has gone uninvestigated, unsolved and unpunished for almost twenty years.

Curt wrote and directed Transcendent's first film, " No Regrets” starring Janine Turner and Kate Jackson. “No Regrets” has been a worldwide success, with repeated airings on HBO in Europe, Lifetime Television domestically, Hallmark in the U.K. and in dozens of other countries around the world. Next Transcendent co-produced “Two Weeks” starring two time Academy Award winner Sally Field, Ben Chaplin and Tom Cavanagh, with L.A.-based writer-director Steve Stockman. “Two Weeks” was released theatrically by MGM in major markets across the country in 2007. Transcendent produces the kind of inspiring, uplifting films that are often overlooked by Hollywood; meaningful stories that speak to the heart.

Maisha Dyson
Maisha Dyson’s film credits include The Scorpion King, How I Spent My Summer Vacation, Call Me Chris and Breakfast at Ben's. She has made television appearances on Savannah, Another World, As the World Turns, Boston Public, Eve, Las Vegas, Coupling and Not Now Kitty.

Clay Brocker
Clay Brocker other film credit's include D4, C2: Love at First Sight, Skarecrow

Genma Holmes and Clay Brocker in Deadline

Click here for premier events for Deadline in other cities

Press Coverage:here

Is Being In A Movie on Your Bucket List?

Text INSPIRE to 99000 to win passes to the red carpet premiere on Wednesday Feb 15th, 2012, copies of the book Grievances, and the sound track.

Food Service Workers by The Numbers at MNPS

After months of listening to many female food services workers share in whispered tones their agony of working in an environment that has been described as being hostile to anyone with “thinking skills”; I finally realized the depth of those conversations when an email from a male supervisor hit the internet in December. It was not that I did not believe anyone but often times the stories shared would remind me of overhearing my grandmother and mother talk about work life in a rural community.

It was hard to digest that derogatory statements, intimidating attitudes, and a demeaning workplace atmosphere were alive and well in Nashville (a city I love dearly) and being openly discussed in the community that seem to look the other way. I would often ask, “If everyone knows about the plight of the food service workers, then why are we whispering about it?” My question was often met with blank stares but on one occasion an older woman said to me, “Child, the more things change, the more they remain the same”.

As many changes are being made to help improve the educational infrastructure at Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS), maintaining good support personnel is an essential part of the foundation of a good school system. Food service workers are support personnel. They are not the principals leading the schools or the teachers in the classrooms who teach a child his or her ABCs but they are part of the village that influences and prepares students for a brighter future.

To have an unstable support personnel system undermines any short term goals or long term strategies to creating a healthier school system that will produce higher test scores and drastically improve graduation rates. When an email gives you a small glimpse of much bigger issues, MNPS leadership should hit the pause button and begin to dig deeper. When we are flying at 30,000 feet, one can easily mistake a dirt mound above ground to be hills that can be easily flatten by a bulldozer. In Tennessee, those hills can actually be entrances to deep dark caves.

As we learned in fifth grade, cave formations date back thousands of years. Many are veiled in darkness with acidic standing water while carbon monoxide permeates the air. Caves have tunnels that lead to other tunnels that lead nowhere. A school system should not be seen as a cave with endless nowhere leading tunnels by parents or the community who should be loyal supporters. Nor should educators and support personnel who work in the system see it as dark depressing cave-like atmosphere filled with administrators with toxic behavior.

As MNPS continue to look at various ways to improve the all-encompassing educational experience for all students attending public schools, parents and the community at large must take the time to become more educated on all matters surrounding MNPS. To continue to drag out employee disputes on issues like being able to file a grievance, to appeal a disciplinary action, or who will answer the phone on Mondays, takes time away from ginormous test scores concerns that makes one wonder if the students are learning from stone tablets. While at the same time, many of the buildings are beginning to look like caves forming right in front of you.

It came as no surprise that some believed that the media attention to the now infamous caveman email was an overreaction by hyper sensitive female employees to a harmless joke. In actuality, it was a delayed reaction for many food service workers who have watched MNPS for several years use intimidation and fear as the primary form of communication to over 700 women who make up the food service department.

Women are often known as society’s first teachers in life. The women in the MNPS food service department are mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, cousins, primary caretakers, neighbors, church members, Girl Scout leaders, football team moms, and lifelong cheerleaders of the family. They come from various socioeconomic backgrounds and throughout the district. The women in the food service department touch the lives of thousands of young people every day: at home, at the schools they work in, and in the neighborhoods and communities where they live. They can be influential in helping MNPS transition from a school system in crisis to a district with well-rounded students who score higher on tests and graduate from high school.

MNPS Mission and Vision

Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools will provide every student with the foundation of knowledge, skills and character necessary to excel in higher education, work and life.

We embrace and value a diverse student population and community. Different perspectives and backgrounds form the cornerstone of our strong public education system.

With so many deep caverns to climb out of, it is vital that MNPS build partnerships at every level in the school system, with families, and in the community. No one should be overlooked or devalued when looking for solutions to prepare our young people for "higher education, work, and life". It is going to take an entire village to help turn things around. MNPS may not have realized it yet but the “lunchroom ladies” are part of that village and are valuable in the community. Let us treat them with dignity in their work environments. Ultimately, the students being educated are the benefactors of improved employee relations at MNPS and the community will reaps the rewards for years to come.

Debbie Best and Sarah Bartholomew on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

February is often known as the month of love. Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we discuss loving yourself, your family, and your community better. Hear personal stories from couples who radiate with love for one another as well as random calls to individuals Genma love to talk to and have written about over the years. We will also profile events that serve many families in need and enrich the community.

On Saturday, February 04, 2012 we will kick off our series with two inspiring women who love their community. Tune in to hear Chairmen, Debbie Best and Sarah T.Bartholomew, of the Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville. In it's 22nd year, this once a year highly anticipated event draws thousands of attendees from around the country and abroad. The Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville brings together nationally and internationally-renowned experts and exhibitors in the fields of antiques, decorative arts and landscape design. Additionally, special lectures are held by experts in their areas of antiques and gardens.

Not only will attendees to the Antiques and Garden Show see spectacular gardens and landscapes that give a glimpse of paradise but many rare and beautiful antiques will be available for purchase.

Whether you’re a newlywed interested in finding ideas and pieces for your home or just want to update your garden, the Antiques and Garden Show is the place for you. Scheduled for February 10-12 at the Nashville Convention Center, the Show features amazing garden exhibits, vendors selling antiques, silver, jewelry, art, oriental rugs and more. Plus, the expert speakers never fail to rivet their audiences. (NFoucs)

The Antique and Garden Show of Nashville is recognized as the largest show in the country to combine both antiques and gardens. The show offers over 150 antique and horticultural booths and landscaped gardens. Proceeds from the show benefits the Exchange Club, a non-profit dedicated to funding charities with a focus on children and child abuse prevention, and the preservation of Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art.

Living Your Best Life is heard on 760AM in the Nashville-Middle TN Region, Inspirational Networks, in military homes, and Ustream.TV worldwide.

Photo Credits: Antiques and Garden Show and DKDA Publications

Genma loves social media. Here's her list to stay in touch!
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Dr. Lawrence Burns Discusses "Happy Feet" on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life radio show in partnership with Hope For Women Magazine as we help 2012 be YOUR year for a healthier lifestyle. As many discuss weight loss resolutions at the start of the new year that go by the “waist” side by the second week of January, we are going to help our listeners and readers try to stay focused by covering health issues that will cover the body, mind, and spirit year round.

On January 28, 2012, the show will cover another often over look health issue; care of the feet. Dr. Lawrence Burns, DPM, a new contributor to both the the radio show and magazine, will answer questions about foot care and how to have "healthy happy feet".

Healthy feet play an important role in maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. Healthy feet give us stability, balance and allow us to remain safe when we move about.

Dr. Burns' discussion will include information about routine checkups, treatments, high heels during pregnancy, and when to get surgery. Dr. Burns will also answer questions about commonly treated foot problems like:
Bunions
Circulatory Disorders
Corns and Calluses
Diabetic Foot Care
Flat Feet
Foot/Ankle Fractures
Foot Ulcer Care
Fungal Infections
Gait Abnormalities
Hammertoe
Heel Pain/Spurs
Ingrown Toenails
Occupational Injuries
Skin Problems
Sports Injuries
Swollen Feet
Vascular Disease/Edema
Warts

Dr. Burns may be contacted at:
Center For Foot and Wound Care
4230 Harding Road
Suite G-12
Nashville, TN 37205
615-301-7054

Living Your Best Life is heard on www.760thegospel.com in the Nashville-Middle TN Region and is live streamed on Ustream from 9-10am CST

Dr. Burns' CURRICULUM VITAE
EDUCATION

Undergraduate: University of Illinois Pre-Medicine and Sociology Major Special
Emphasis in Health Care, Degree Received: BA -- 1974

Professional: Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine 1974-1978
Degrees Received: Doctor of Podiatric Medicine 1978
Bachelors of Science in Biology 1978

Residency: Podiatric Surgery (PSR) 12 Lawndale Community Hospital
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1978-1979

BOARD CERTIFICATION

Diplomate, American Board of Podiatric 1987
Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine Recertified: 1998
(A.B.P.O.P.P.M)

Fellow, American College of Foot and Ankle 1987
Orthopedics & Medicine (F.A.C.F.A.O.M)

Fellow, American Professional Wound Care Association 2003

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Acting Residency Directory 2000-2002
Primary Podiatric Medical Residency
Tennessee Valley Healthcare System/Alvin C. York
Veterans Administration Medical Center
Murfreesboro, TN
Assistant Residency Director/ Director of Podiatric 1998-2000
Education TVHCS/ Alvin C. York

Meharry Medical College 2001-current
(Assistant Professor, Department Internal Medicine)

Meharry Medical College Grand Rounds 2000,2003,2004,2005
(Internal Medicine- Diabetic Wound Care)

Meharry Medical College 1999-2000
Grand Rounds Pediatrics-Update Podopediatrics

Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine 1983-1991
Clinical Associate Professor
Department of Orthopedics and Podopediatrics

Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine 1984-1991
Instructor, Department of Anatomical Scienes
Lower Extremity Dissection Lab

Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine 1981-1983
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Podiatric Medicine
Director of Podiatry
63rd and Lowe(Board of Health)
Chicago, Illinois

PODIATRIC MEDICAL CONSULTANT

Bordeaux Long Term Care 2003-2004
1414 County Hospital Rd
Nashville, Tennessee

Dialysis Center Inc 2002-2004
935 21st Ave. North
Nashville, Tennessee

Matthew Walker Health Center 2000-2005
1501 Herman St.
Nashville, Tennessee

Reach Adult Daycare 1995-1996
4501 West Augusta Blvd
Chicago, Illinois

Golden Light Seniors 1994-1996
3240 W. Franklin Blvd
Chicago, Illinois

Winfield/ Moody Health Center 1990-1996
1276 North Clybourn
Chicago, Illinois

Komed Health Center 1994-1996
501 East 43rd Street
Chicago, Illinois

Umoja Care 1994-1994
(Bethel New Life Adult Day Program)
4501 West Augusta Blvd

Saint Joseph Medical Group 1991-1995
Laboure Outpatient Clinic
2931 North Commonwealth
Chicago, Illinois

Chatham Medical Associates 1987-1988
8300 South Cottage Grove
Chicago, Illinois

Chicago Health Servie, LTD 1984-1990
(Managed Care) Consultant
3233 South Martin Luther King Dr.
Chicago, Illinois

Miles Square Health Center 1987-1988
2045 West Washington Blvd
Chicago, Illinois

Chicago Fire Department 1987-1988
Safety Shoe for Department
Personnel

Daniel Hale Williams Medical Center 1984-1986
5044 South state Street
Chicago, Illinois

Hyde Park- Kenwood Community Health Center 1985-July-December
(Managed Care)
1515 East 52nd Place
Chicago, Illinois

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Tennessee Podiatric Medical Association 1998-Current member
2001- Board member
2002- Scientific Chairperson
2007-2009- President
2008-2009- Delegate
2010- Alternate Delegate

Tennessee Board of Registration in Podiatry 2006-2009
2009-current

American Podiatric Medical Association Member- Current

American College of Foot Orthopedics Member/Fellow 1997-Current

Illinois Podiatric Medical Society Member 1978-1999

American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics Diplomate 1987-current

Primary Podiatric Medicine Member

Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine Member
Alumni Association

Illinois Podiatric Medical Association- Board Member 1992-1996

STAFF PRIVILEGES

St. Thomas Hospital 2003-current
4230 Harding Road
Nashville, Tennessee

Surgicare Surgery Center 2004- current
4230 Harding Road Suite 300
Nashville, Tennessee

Centennial Hospital 2000-2009
2300 Patterson Street
Nashville, Tennessee

Metro General Hospital 2000-current
Nashville, Tennessee

Tennessee Valley Healthcare Systems 1998-2002
Veterans Administration Medical Center
Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Catholic Health Partners 1983-2000
St. Joseph Hospital
2900 North Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, Illinois

Health South Surgicenter 1994-2000
18 South Michigan Avenue, 7th floor
Chicago, Illinois

Johnson Rehabilitation Nursing Center 1979-1992
3456 West Franklin Blvd
Chicago, Illinois

Managed Care HMO
1515 East 52nd Place
Chicago, Illinois

Center for Healthy Aging 1990-1996
2960 North Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, Illinois

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Volunteer Homeless St. Vincent DePaul(Foot Care) 1990-1995

Cycle(Community Youth Creative Learning Experience) 1993-1996
Board member

Dr. William M. Sholl College of Podiatric Medicine:
Facility Executive Committee Member 1989-1991
Alumni Advisor 1984-Current
Admission Committee 1986-1991

Chicago Association of Commerce and Industry: 1979-1986
Co-Chairperson of the Merit Employment Youth
Motivation Division

Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine:
Alpha Gamma Kappa/ Fraternity Member 1977
Student National Podiatric Medical Association, 1977
Chairperson
American Podiatric Medical Student Association, 1976-1977
Delegate
Student National Medical Association, Liaison 1977-1979
Student National Podiatry Association, 1975
Delegate

PROFESSIONAL SEMINARS AND ENGAGEMENTS

Scientific Summit( Wound Care) 2009, 2011
Smith & Nephew

Columbia University New York-2008
Comprehensive Management of Chronic Wounds

Texas Diabetes Institute San Antonia, TX 2007
Clinical Experience Program/ Wound Care

Examiner- American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics 1998,1999, 2008
And Primary Podiatric Medicine (A.B.P.O.P.P.M)

Surgical Grand Rounds Dec 2004
Diabetic Wounds and Infection/Osteomyelitis
Meharry Medical College
Department of Surgery

Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Chicago- 1988
Medicine- Podiatric Management of the Stroke
Patient

Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Chicago 1987
Medicine- Trauma of the Foot and Ankle

Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Chicago- 1987
Medicine- The Diabetic Foot

Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Chicago- 1987
Medicine- Podopediatrics

Tennessee Podiatric Medical Association Nashville- 1999-2009
Annual Seminar


Joslin Diabetes Center Nashville-2000
Diabetic Neuropathies & Microvascular
Complications

Diabetic Foot- Management Concept 90’s 1992

Northwestern University Department of Chicago- 1990
Prosthetic and Orthotics- Pedorthic
Management of the Foot (Certificate)

Langer Biomechanics Group Chicago 1989
Electrodynogram Systems

Langer Biomechanics Group Chicago 1986, Atlanta 2010
Smorgasbord of Biomechanics

Rush- Presbyterian- St. Luke’s Medical Chicago- 1987
Center Infections in the Diabetic Patient

Wenske Laser Center Ravenswood Hospital Chicago- 1987
(Xaner Laser Certification)

Podiatry Art Lab: Biomechanics and Orthotics Chicago 1984

Valley Podiatric Assoication Baja Projects San Francisco 1984
For Crippled Children, Biomechanic and Surgery
Of the Foot

Academy of Ambulatory Foot Surgery New Orleans- 1982
Annual Surgical Seminar

Podiatric Diagnosis Update Seminate Chicago 1982
Henrotin Hospital: Trauma and Infection

Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine and the Niagara Falls, NY- 1982
American College of Podopediatrics Annual
Seminar: Footsteps toward the future

America College of Foot Orthopedics & Chicago- 1979, 1988, 1989,
Annual Midwest Division America College of 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994
Foot Surgeons Seminar

Pennsylvania Podiatry Association Pennsylvania- 1978
Hershey Surgical Seminar

Student National Medical Association Washington, D.C.- 1976
American Podiatric Medical Student New Orleans- 1976
Association Dallas- 1976
Philadelphia-1977

Midwest Podiatry Conference Chicago- 1979,1981,1982,1983, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993,1994, 1995, 1996,
1999-2008

Dr.William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Chicago-1987
Medicine- Surgical Approaches to Hallux Valgus

Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Chicago 1987
Medicine- Current Issues in Anatomy and
Pharmacology

Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Chicago- 1986
Medicine- Practical Biomechanics and its
Application to Patient Care
*Lecturer

Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Chicago-1986
Medicine- Podopediatrics Pedial Infections-
Collagen and Diabetes

Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Chicago- 1986
Medicine- Podiatric Medicine- State of the Art

Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Chicago-1985
Medicine- Podopediatrics Seminar

Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Chicago- 1985
Medicine- Diabetic Food Seminar

Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Chicago-1985
Medicine- Annual Surgical Dissection Seminar

Illinois Podiatric Medical Association Chicago- 1989, 1992, 1993, Annual Meeting 1994, 1995

Illinois Podiatric Medical Association Chicago- 1989, 1991, 1992
1993, 1994, 1995, 1996

Zone One Meeting Chicago-1992
California College of Podiatric Medicine
Orthopedics Board Review- Examiner
Northwest Podiatric Foundation: Mexico-1991
Caribbean Paradise Surgical Chicago- 1991
Loyola- Stritch Scholl School of Medicine

Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Chicago-1993
Medicine- Radiographic Applications

Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Chicago-1991
Medicine- Abnormal Foot Function

Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Chicago-1990
Medicine- Podiatry Institute Group

Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Chicago-1989,1990
Medicine- Dermatology Review

Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Chicago- 1990
Medicine- Foot Infections

Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Chicago-1990
Medicine- Podogeriatric Patient
*lecturer

Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Chicago-1990
Medicine- Understanding the Podogeriatric
Patient
*Lecturer- Foot Wear Analysis

Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Chicago-1989
Medicine- Dynamic Gait Function Symposium


Cook County Podiatric Medical Association

*Speaker- Diabetic Foot Update Fall- 1995
Board/Review Podopediatrics

*Speaker- Metatarsus Adductus Chicago- Winter, 1990

*Speaker- Biomechanical and Surgical Chicago- Spring, 1988
Aspects of the First Ray

*Speaker- Insoles and Shoe Modifications Chicago- Fall, 1987

*Speaker- Practical Approach to Chicago- Fall, 1986
Pediatric Foot Problems

Diabetes Education Program

*Speaker- Saint Thomas Hospital Nashville- 2009,2010,2011
What to Know, Head to Toe

*Speaker- Saint Joseph Hospital
Care of your Feet Diabetes Chicago- 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995,1997

*Speaker- HYATT Center Hallmark Seniors Chicago- 1993.1994, 1995, 1996
Walking for Fun & Fitness

*Speaker- Winfield Moody Health Center Chicago- 1995
Care of Your Feet Diabetes
Update Podopediatrics

Illinois Department of Human Services Chicago- 1997
Diabetes Control Program
Foot Care Screening

*Speaker- Alvin C. York, VAMC Murfreesboro- 2000-2003
Diabetic Wound Care

Hershey Surgical Board Review Harrisburg, PA- 1996-1997

Columbus Hospital Workshop Chicago-1995

Columbus Hospital LCA Chicago 1994
Minimally Invasive Procedures in Podiatry

The Podiatry Institute Atlanta, GA-1995,2000,2001,2002,2003
Hallux Valgus, Reconstructive Surgery- Update

American Podiatric Medical Association Dallas-1976
Philadelphia-1977
Chicago-1982
Boston-1998
Las Vegas-2007
Philadelphia-2008
Seattle- 2010

National Podiatric Medical Association Dallas-1976
Chicago1977-1981
Lecturer San Francisco-1979
Atlanta-1980
Virginia Beach, Va- 1987

Lecturer- The Child’s Foot and Perspectives Atlanta-1988
For the 80’s

Honors

Presented Award Plaques:

President Tennessee Podiatric Medical Association 2009

Catholic Health Partners Anniversary 15 Year Award 1998

Saint Francis Xavier Cabrini Hospital 1989 Anniversary Award

Columbus/ Cabrini Hospital 1986 Fifth Annual Sister Sebastion Memorial

Herman Basptist Women’s Guild 1981

Lawndale Hosptial Staff Members 1979

Who’s WHo in American Colleges and Universities 1978

American Podiatric Medical Student Association 1978
Senior Trustee

Student National Podiatric Medicine Chairperson 1977

Certificate of Merit:

Langer Biomechanics 2010
The Comprehensive Orthopedic Management
Of Lower Extremity Ailments

Tennessee Podiatric Medical Association 1999-2009

New York College of Medicine 2008
Wound Healing Preceptorship Course

Middle Tennessee Podiatric Medical Association 2008
Podiatric Medicine and Surgery

Midwest Podiatry Conference 2008
American Podiatric Medical Association 2006-2011

The Podiatry Institute 2006,2009
Reconstructive Surgery of the Foot & Ankle

American Professional Wound Care Association 2005,2007, 2009, 2011

Student National Podiatric Medicine 1990-1991
Association, Honorary Member

Monumental Baptist Church 1987

Chicago Association of Commerce and Industry 1979,1980, 1983. 1984, 1986,1991, 1992

Jones Metropolitan High 1990-1999
School of Business and Commerce

St. Matthew Head Start Day Center 1980,1984,1985
Child Development Program

Archdiocese of Chicago Child Development Programs 1984

Columbus Cabrini Medical Citizens Award 1984

Chicago Police Department Citizens Award 1984

Illinois Podiatric Student Association 1976-1977

The Unsung Heroes Behind the 105 Voices Of History

The powerful angelic sounds of the 105 Voices of History Choir made their Inaugural performance on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. The diverse students from various corners of the country performed with heart and soul. Months of regional practices and five days of nonstop rehearsing on the campus of Tennessee State University were evident in every solo and group performance.

The students even outperformed the megastar headliners who have been performing for years to sold-out arenas and packed audiences around the world. Students performed every genre of music including: Jazz, Gospel, Pop, Spiritual, and Classical. Their classical sounds were by far my personal favorites. The students were truly the "best of the best" who shared their God given talents with those in attendance.

Much was said about the various sponsors of 105 Voices of History Choir. They were uplifted often. Who were not mentioned with the same reverence (and frequency) were the choral directors who were the sources of the training and teaching the gifted students received while preparing for the Nashville's debut.

Each director teaches music and has been directing choirs for many years. All have performed on stages around the world and are extraordinary musicians in their own right. They arranged the music, chose the musical selections, auditioned the students, gave vocal coaching to the soloists, and conducted the choir. Many 12-14 hours days went into preparing for the 105 Voices of History Grand Ole Opry's performance.

In addition to the preparations for Nashville concert, the directors teach full schedules at their HBCU schools, travel nationally and internationally for their individual choir concerts, and perform professionally on renowned stages.

The choral directors were truly the unsung heroes of the evening. They embodied servant leadership. They showed the students class and dignity at every turn by their speech and actions with students before the curtains were lifted. They taught their students that being talented is one thing; but talent combined with an education, dedication, and a desire to succeed are the ultimate keys to opening doors long after the lights of Opry stage have dimmed.

To each choral director who traveled to give Nashville one of the grandest performances ever heard, the city of Nashville salute. You truly deserve a standing ovation.

(Full Bios of Conductors Below)

A. Jan Taylor-National Conductor

A. Jan Taylor, educator, pianist, singer and choral conductor, is Director of Choral Music Activities at Prairie View A&M University. A native of Houston, Texas, she received the Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Houston, and the Master of Arts degree from Prairie View A&M University. She is currently completing requirements for the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting at the University of Houston, where she studies with Charles Hausmann.

Prior to her appointment at Prairie View, Taylor taught general music, piano, and trained choirs in elementary, middle, and high schools in the Houston Independent School District. She has served as adjudicator and choral clinician for numerous choral competitions, festivals, and regional choirs across the state of Texas. As an authority on the African-American spiritual, Taylor frequently lectures on the performance practices and preservation of the genre.

She is the founding director of Intermezzo, a professional vocal chamber ensemble, and has traveled throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia as a singer with such premier professional choral ensembles as the Houston Chamber Choir and the Houston Chorale. As Assistant Conductor of the Houston Symphony Chorus from 2003 until 2006, she assisted in preparing the chorus for world-class conductors in performances of such choral-orchestral works as Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem, Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis, the Verdi Requiem, and Leonard Bernstein’s Kaddish Symphony. She has prepared choruses and collaborated with such renowned conductors and composers as Barbara Baker, Roland Carter, Nathan Carter, Moses Hogan, and Adolphus Hailstork. For the Houston Ebony Opera Guild, she coaches and accompanies singers, and conducts the Guild’s Chorus in performances of spirituals, African-American concert music, and operatic works.

Under Mrs. Taylor’s direction, the Prairie View A&M University Concert Chorale and PV Chamber Singers have performed to critical acclaim throughout the United States and abroad, including performances at the Texas Music Educators Association convention, and the International Festival Wratislavia Cantans, a prestigious music festival for choirs and orchestras in Poland. Her choirs have performed with the Houston Symphony, the Acadian Symphony, and have collaborated with several professional and community choruses in the Greater Houston area.

Taylor is a member of the Board of Directors of the Bay Area Chorus, and holds memberships in the Texas Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, Texas Choral Directors Association, and Sigma Alpha Iota, a music fraternity for women.

D'Walla Simmons Burke-National Conductor

Maestra D'Walla Simmons-Burke is a native of Fort Valley, Georgia and was educated in the public schools of Peach County (GA); Hampton Institute (University) (VA); The University of Illinois of Urbana-Champaign (IL); The University of South Carolina of Columbia (SC); and has pursued doctoral studies in Music Education with triple minors in Research Methodology, Administration Leadership and Music History, at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

She has studied voice with Anna L. Lumpkin (GA), Vernon Holliston (GA), Princess Brown (GA), Shelia Maye (VA), Samuel Roberson (VA), Dodi Protero (IL), William Warfield (IL), and mentor Roland M. Carter (TN). Simmons-Burke has held teaching positions in the Fulton County Public Schools (GA), Voorhees College (Denmark, SC) and presently at Winston-Salem State University where she has been the Director of Choral &Vocal Studies of the Fine Arts Department for 22 years.

Simmons-Burke is the founder of three of the four choral ensembles currently existing within the Fine Arts Department at Winston-Salem State University (Winston-Salem State University Women; Winston-Salem State University Men and the renowned Winston-Salem State University Burke Singers). She has performed frequently as a soprano and in such operas as Lost in the Stars, LaTraviata, Amahl and the Night Visitors, The Telephone and The Old Maid and the Thief.

February 2004, Burke debuted (soprano) with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra in a celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday Holiday Celebration. In April, 2008, she conducted Gabriel Faure's Requiem with the New England Symphony and New England Symphony Chorale at Carnegie Hall. She returned to Carnegie Hall, January, 2010 to conduct the Winston-Salem State University Choir in concert. Burke has also traveled internationally with her choral ensembles. The Winston-Salem State University Choir has performed and recorded (Somewhere Far Away; Albany Record Label) with the Dvorák Symphony in Prague, Czech Republic. This recording, featuring the Winston-Salem State University Choir was nominated in 2010 for a Grammy Award in several categories. The renowned Winston Salem State University Burke Singers have traveled and performed in West Africa and have performed with Grammy Award Winner Patti Austin in concert. Maestra Simmons-Burke's Choirs have recorded and produced seven compact disks (In Silent Night; Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing; I Wanna Be Ready; Hold Fast To Dreams; Pieces of A Dream; Joy To the World; 20th Anniversary Celebration In Honor of D'Walla Simmons-Burke).

Under Simmons-Burke's baton, her choral ensembles have performed for such regional and national dignitaries as President George W. Bush; Kweisi Mfume; Susan Taylor; former North Carolina Governor James Hunt; Maya Angelou; Dick Gregory and Pope John Paul II, to name a few. Her exceptional and diverse vocal and choral pedagogies are continuously demonstrated through the outstanding students she has produced. As a result, Simmons-Burke has been the recipient of several teaching awards such as the Winston-Salem State University Patterson Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award (1996) and the Winston-Salem State University Cedric Rodney Service Award (2006). D'Walla is also the recipient of many community service and performance awards. Just recently she was honored by the National Women of Achievement for her national achievements in music with the "Keepers of the Dream Award".

D' Walla is listed in Outstanding Young Women of America and holds memberships in many other organizations such as the Music Educators National Conference; the American Choral Directors Association; the National Association of African American Studies; the National Association for the Study and Performance of African-American Music; The Intercollegiate Music Association (board member); the National Associations for African American, Asian, Hispanic, and Latino Studies; The Intercollegiate Musicians Association (board member); The Piedmont Opera Theatre (former board member); Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., The Moles, Inc. and The Links, Inc.

She is often sought after as a sacred music and multicultural music clinician/ lecturer and soloist. Burke has also made numerous guest appearances as a guest conductor and adjudicator for several High School and Middle School All-State and All-County festivals and collegiate choral festivals and workshops. She is married to Fred A. Burke and they have two daughters and two grandsons.

Jeremy Scott Winston-National Conductor

Jeremy Scott Winston, a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a notable musician, educator, clinician and scholar. He recently taught at University of California at Berkeley’s renowned Young Musicians’ Program in the summer of 2011. Jeremy currently serves as the Ray Charles Distinguished Chair of Sacred and Choral Music at Wilberforce University and Director of Music Ministries at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. Appointed to the distinguished chair position by former congressman, Floyd H. Flake, at the early age of twenty-four, Jeremy sought out to recreate the nation’s oldest private Historically Black College music program to become a haven for multi-talented musicians. Jeremy has taken huge strides over the past eight years of his appointment to this distinguished position. Breathing life anew into Wilberforce’s music program, Jeremy has increased enrollment of music majors over 700%, hired four world-class faculty members, put students in touch with renowned musicians including Kathleen Battle, Adolphus Hailstork, Donnie McClurkin, Roberta Flack, Rachelle Ferrell, Take6, and more. As the conductor and director of The Award-Winning Wilberforce University Choir, Jeremy has taken this ensemble to new heights. After being hailed as “The Best Collegiate Choir” and “The Best Overall Choir” by The National Association of Negro Musicians (NANM; oldest African-American music association) in October of 2005, The Choir has been in high demand throughout the country. Regularly performing in New York, NY; Baltimore, MD; Detroit, MI; Los Angeles, CA; and Las Vegas, NV; this choir is poised to begin the ‘next big thing’ in choral music. In October of 2006, Jeremy made history with the University by arranging and conducting The Choir on the title track of the major motion picture Amazing Grace with gospel vocalist, Chris Tomlin. Under Jeremy’s direction, The Wilberforce Universtity Choir has performed with opera star Angela Brown (Oakwood graduate), Wynton Marsalis, The Lincoln Jazz Orchestra, The Ohio Players, and recently performed the full production of Porgy and Bess with The Dayton Opera Company. Spreading his wings in the local community, Jeremy sits on the Board of Trustees for The Dayton Opera Company and Unified Health Solutions.

Leading the musical ministry at United Theological Seminary, Jeremy started one of a few fully certified music ministry programs in the nation. The Floyd and Elaine Flake Music Ministry program at United combines technological capabilities of online instruction with outstanding musical experiences and in-class education. In its first year, the certificate program hosted renowned composer Mrs. Carol Cymbala of The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and scholar Dr. James Abbington, Chairman of hymn committee for the recent hymnal Total Praise.

Jeremy attended Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Vocal Performance in May 2001. Jeremy was reunited with Professor Lloyd Mallory. Under his tutelage, Jeremy had many opportunities to grow his musical talents. He served as assistant conductor of the world-renowned Oakwood College Aeolians, a traveling tenor soloist with this same choral ensemble, and as am interim choir director at the local high school, Oakwood Academy in 1999. In 1998, Jeremy took full leadership of the Aeolians during their summer session when Dr. Lloyd Mallory took ill. While completing only one year of study at Oakwood, Jeremy led the choir in concerts at Riverside SDA Church in Nashville, TN; Brinklow SDA Church in Aston, MD, and Community Praise Center in Alexandria, Virginia.

Jeremy was the recipient of the Departmental Award from the music program in 2000 and the coveted Alma Blackman Scholarship in 2001. Jeremy formed his own group that performed gospel and acapella tunes in the tradition of Take6. Jeremy graduated from Oakwood College with honorable mention in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Continuing his education at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, Jeremy received his Master of Arts Degree in May 2003. Jeremy was a graduate assistant to master conductor, arranger and composer, Dr. Nathan Carter. As a graduate assistant, Jeremy worked alongside Dr. Carter, preparing and conducting the choir in numerous concerts and special performances. While at Morgan State University, Jeremy worked with many legendary musicians and orchestras, such as Wynton Marsalis and The Lincoln Jazz Orchestra, Kurt Masur and the Paris Symphony, Vladimir Valek and the Czech Philharmonic and Leonard Slatkin and the National Symphony Orchestra. As a tenor soloist with the Morgan State Choir, Mr. Winston performed with Raleigh Symphony Orchestra and the Baltimore Symphony.

Jeremy is married to the former Angelique Samuel of Queens, New York. They have two beautiful girls, Jordyn Sherrell and Joelle Simone Winston.

Travis W. Alexander- Concert Organist, Conductor, Pianist, Tenor

Travis W. Alexander received Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in performance from the School of Music at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Presently he serves on the music faculty at North Carolina A & T University where he teaches Piano, Music History and directs the University Choir and Chamber Singers.

Maestro recently conducted the NC A&T State University Choir in a concert performance at THE WHITE HOUSE in Washington, DC on February 26, 2011. He also was chosen to select and conduct the music for the combined choirs for the October 2011 Inauguration of the University of North Carolina State System President, Tom Ross. Also in September 2011, he served as Regional Conductor for the HBCU 105 Voices of History National Concert Choir and official concert organist for the choir’s annual concert at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, playing the historic Aeolian Skinner Pipe Organ. He also served on the initial HBCU Conductor’s Summit Team and as a workshop facilitator for the 105 Voices of History at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Maestro Alexander has worked extensively with Maestro James Meena and Opera Carolina in concert with Denyce Graves, Mezzo-Soprano and in a production of AIDA. In October of 2007, he served as conductor for a premiere performance of musical excerpts from the Lion King at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in Charlotte, NC. As a conductor, he has coached with Sir David Willcocks, former Organist and Master of the Choristers at King’s College, Cambridge, England. He has given organ recitals in the Long Library of the Blenheim Palace, Quedgeley Parish Church, and Bristol Cathedral in England.

Mr. Alexander is the founder of the Gethsemane Concert Choir of the historic Gethsemane AME Zion Church in Charlotte, NC which tours internationally. He has conducted choral concerts in Rome, Florence and Venice, London, Wales, Africa and Canada. He and the Gethsemane Concert Choir were presented in a joint concert/organ recital on Venice Island with the Coro Monte Peralba at the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta.

Since his brief tenure at A&T, Maestro has developed a comprehensive choral program with a repertoire that is wide and encompasses music of all styles and period. Both choral ensembles have doubled in size and perform a minimum of 20 concerts a year. Recent choral performances have been presented in NY, CT, FL, GA, SC, DC and MD. The University Choir has performed for Julian Bond, Maya Angelou, Julianne Malveaux, Susan Taylor, Rev. Jessie Jackson, Roland Martin and Douglas Miller, Donna Brazile & Charles Bowden.

Maestro is also noted as a singer and for his helden tenor quality voice. He has sung both tenor and baritone repertoire. He has performed as a singer/conductor throughout West Africa, culminating in a recital at the National Theater in Ghana. He has performed annually for Maya Angelou and the United Negro College Fund Women Who Lead Extravaganza, and given a recital in the Mozart Room at the private resort of the Von Trapp Family in Stowe, Vermont. He continues to sing for weddings, oratorio performances, and for various religious, social and civic functions.

Maestro Alexander is a member of the American Guild of Organists, American Choral Directors Association, Royal School of Church Music, Organ Historical Society, College Music Society and Music Educators National Conference. He is listed in Who’s Who Among American Educators and as Scholar All American. He is also a life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., where he serves as Sixth District Accompanist and Basileus of the Phi Chi Chapter, where he was named Omega Man of the Year 2007.

Damon H.Dandridge-Dean of Students

Damon H. Dandridge is currently a doctoral candidate at Michagan State University where he is the conductor of the Collegiate Chorale. He previously served as Director of Choral Activities at Cheney University of Pennsylvania. He holds the Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from Florida State University and the Bachelor of Music Education degree in Choral Music/Voice from South Carolina State University. Professor Dandridge has worked with The 105 Voices of History since its inception, serving as a National Conductor in 2008. He has had the esteemed pleasure of working with some of the most influential African-American composers of our time including Brazeal W. Dennard, Roland M. Carter, Dr. André J. Thomas, and Moses G. Hogan. As an artist, Dandridge's choral arrangements have been met with worldwide acclaim. From across the United States to Korea, Australia, and Italy, his pieces have been featured at various all-state festivals and international festivals. He is a past winner of the National Association of Negro Musicians’ Brantley Spiritual Arrangement Award.

Dandridge is an active member of ACDA, NANM, Phi Mu Alpha, and Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc.

Gloria Quinlan-Vocal Coach

Gloria Harrison Quinlan, a native of Houston, Texas, received the Bachelor of Music Education degree in Voice from Texas Southern University, the Master of Music in Voice from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Voice from The University of Texas at Austin. After a position as Assistant Professor of Music at Knoxville College in Knoxville, Tennessee, she was Associate Professor of Music at the University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and later served as Chair of the Music Department. She also served as Chair of the Humanities and Fine Arts Department at Huston-Tillotson University, Austin, Texas, and is currently Professor of Music, Voice/Choral and Director of the Huston-Tillotson UniversityUniversity Concert Choir.

She studied Voice with Ruth Stewart (Texas Southern University), Larry Day (Colorado State University) and the late Martha Deatherage (University of Texas), and coached with Gerard Souzay, the late Darryl Hobson-Byrd and the late David Garvey. Dr. Quinlan studied choral conducting with the late Ruthabel Rollins at TSU.

Dr. Quinlan has enjoyed success as a performer, in opera, as a soloist with ensembles, and as a recitalist, throughout the United States and the Caribbean. Significant performances include: Soprano soloist in a performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the Caribbean Chorale and Puerto Rico Symphony; Soprano soloist with the Austin Civic Chorus and Symphonietta in a performance of the Brahms Requiem; Soprano Soloist with the Capitol City Men’s Chorus; and Soprano Soloist with the Austin Singers in a performance of the Brahms Requiem. She recently recorded with the Trombone Choir of The Butler School of Music, University of Texas at Austin. She has also performed with the Scott Joplin Orchestra of Houston, Texas.

Dr. Quinlan has received acclaim as a choral conductor. She founded the Concert Choir of the University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Her choir at Huston-Tillotson University performed for President Jimmy Carter. President George W. Bush invited the Huston-Tillotson University Choir to perform at the opening of the Texas State Museum (a performance broadcasted nationwide). Dr. Quinlan was also selected as the choir conductor for the Lady Bird Johnson funeral service. She served as Minister of Music for Ebenezer Baptist Church from 1997 to 2008. She served as a Regional Conductor for the 105 Voices of History Historically Black Colleges and Universities National Concert Choir in 2009 and 2010, and made her conducting debut at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in September, 2011, directing the 105 Voices of History. She currently serves as the Vocal Coach for the 105 Voices of History.

Her University choir performed the Duke Ellington Sacred Concert with an All Star Jazz Band in 2009 and 2010, in collaboration with the Austin Chamber Music Center. In 2009, members of her choir also appeared in a production and recording of Duke Ellington’s opera, Queenie Pie, in collaboration with the Opera Department of the Butler School of Music, University of Texas at Austin.

Honors include the Danforth Compton Fellowship, Graduate Opportunity Fellowship, and a Graduate Scholarship Award from General Conference, Seventh Day Adventist Church. She also received the Fine Arts Award as an outstanding Music Educator by the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., Delta Beta Chapter, and the Outstanding Achievement in Fine Arts award from the National Women of Achievement, Inc. She is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Music Educators National Conference, Texas Music Educators Conference, American Choral Directors Association and Texas Choral Directors Association. Dr. Quinlan is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Dr. Quinlan and husband Quincy Quinlan make their home in Austin, Texas with their son Mykal.

Edryn J. Coleman-Regional Conductor

Mr. Edryn J. Coleman is the Director of Choral Activities at Lincoln University. He holds a wealth of knowledge and experience in the fields of Choral Conducting and Choral Music Education respectively. Mr. Coleman, a native of Montgomery, AL, holds an undergraduate degree in Vocal Performance from Stillman College (Tuscaloosa, AL), one of the nations oldest HBCUs, and a Masters in Music Education from Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL). He is currently pursing his doctoral degree from The Shenandoah Conservatory of Music (Winchester, VA) in Music Education.

Mr. Coleman has numerous years of experience in music education. He has worked with choral students from kindergarten to college. Mr. Coleman is recognized for his numerous guest conducting appearances. He has conducted over sixteen honor choirs across the states of Maryland and Virginia. In addition to his guest conductor vitae, Mr. Coleman has presented numerous workshops for MENC, NANM, and various school districts on choral music topics such as sight-singing, and repertoire selection.

While in the public school system, Mr. Coleman served in many leadership roles in the Maryland Music Educators Association of MENC. Before leaving Maryland, Mr. Coleman was voted President-Elect of this esteemed body of Music Educators. He also served as the membership chair for the Maryland Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. An organization dedicated to the teaching and preserving of choral music.