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Reaping the Rewards ... ...of a Bountiful Harvest
“Where there is no vision, the people perish” - Proverbs 29:18
Your Success Newsletter - Jul-Aug, 2012 - Published Bi-Monthly
Henry & Dianne Ford
Publishers
IN THIS ISSUE
Pg. 1 - Reaping the Rewards of a Bountiful Harvest
Pg. 2 - Aaron “Eddie” Brown
Pg. 2 - Alyssa Lardill: Prom
Pg. 3 - Avion Thurmond: MAC Scholar
Pg. 3 - Warrensville Heights School Retirees
Pg. 3 - Jasmine Hudson: Prom & Graduation
Pg. 4 - Taylor Marie Gray: Academics
Pg. 5 - Taylor Green: Book Signing
Pg. 6 - Barbara Williams: Graduation & Party
Pg. 6 - Paula Dozier: Birthday
Pg. 6 - Marilyn Adams: Birthday
Pg. 6 - Reflections: Inspirational Message Signup
Pg. 7 - Tina & Stephen’s Wedding
Pg. 8 - Jean & Emmanuel’s Visit / St. Clair Reunion
Pg. 9 - Kent Wise: Anti-Bullying Presentation
Pg. 9 - DeLores Pressley: UpWoman Workshop
Pg. 9 - Shirley Williams: Voice America Radio
Pg. 10 - Mona Sauder: Appreciation Dinner
Pg. 10 - BDPA SITES Program Graduation
Pg. 11 - 11th Annual Diversity Conference
Pg. 12 - Willie Johnson: Finding Your Inner Genius
If there was ever a time for me to grumble
about the lack of positive news, this
WOULD NOT be the time. The past several
weeks have provided news of such a
bountiful harvest, that I have not room
enough to write about it all, and to me
that is good news. Instead of the normal
eight pages, this issue of VISIONS is twelve
pages, and could have been longer.
In addition to high achievement and
passion, recent weeks have included
greater than normal varieties of positive
news. Stories of high GPA’s and high level
degrees are joined by a retirement
program, birthdays, an appreciation
dinner, a workshop, my stepdaughter’s
wedding, and much more. I was blessed
with the opportunity to be a guest on the
Voice America Network, a leading
Internet Radio Station.
Another blessing came in the form of
meeting and talking with Naomi Tutu,
daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Madame Tutu was the keynote speaker
at a Diversity Workshop I attended. Her
knowledge, background and superb
delivery were matched by her very
humble and personable nature. She is an
individual who certainly demonstrated
that power, passion and compassion
certainly can and sometimes do co-exist.
Added to all of this emotion and
excitement, there is the dynamic and very
well spoken Taylor Green, a recent high
school graduate that is also a published
author with soaring book sales. When I think
of her humble and gracious nature, and her
constant expressions of gratitude, I am
convinced that I am dreaming and want to
hang a “Do Not Disturb” sign on that dream.
THANKS to all that contributed to this issue.
Please have a happy and safe Summer.
- Page 2 -
Dianne Ford - Editor
VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org
I brought children into this dark world because it needed the light that
only a child can bring.
~Liz Armbruster
VISIONS Newsletter is published Bi-Monthly
Subscription $10.00 per year payable to FORD & Associates
P.O. Box 393 - Twinsburg, OH 44087-0393
Phone 216-348-4612 - E-mail: [email protected]
Want to Make a Difference? - We Need YOUR Story!
Someone’s Future Depends Upon Sharing Who YOU Are!
DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE - 8-10-2012
PLAN AHEAD!
Graduating This Year or Planning to be in the Audience?
You Want a Short, Powerful, To-The-Point Commencement Message
Recommend Us to Your School Officials TODAY!
CONGRATULATIONS to Alyssa
Lardill on her graduation from
Twinsburg High School. This
t a l e n t e d y o u n g l a d y ,
granddaughter of our friend,
Cathy Benton, plans to attend
Kent State University to continue
her education.
S e e m o r e p h o t o s a t
www.alyssalardill.blogspot.com.
CONGRATULATIONS to Aaron Eddie Brown
(left) on his graduation from Labrae High
School in Leavittsburg, Ohio.
And it is a “Family Affair .”
CONGRATUATIONS to Aaron’s sister
Chavon Nicole Brown on her graduation
from Hampton University (summa cum
laude) with a 3.97 average! Chavon is
pictured right with mother Carla, brother
Aaron, and father Larry. More photos at
www.successisyouphotos.blogspot.com.
- Page 3 - VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org
Our Congratulations and Best Wishes to
our great-niece Jasmine Hudson who
recently graduated from East Technical
High School. Jasmine also received a
$500.00 Scholarship Award from the East
Technical High School Alumni
Association. A happy and grateful
Jasmine shared her joy with mother
Andrea Hudson-Jenkins, grandparents
Rhea Hudson and Jake Harper, and
many other relatives, friends, classmates
and neighbors. So many people showed
up for her before-Prom sendoff that the
scene resembled a Block Party.
Additional photos can be seen at
www.msjasminehudson.blogspot.com.
CONGRATULATIONS Jasmine Hudson
Congratulations to Avion Thurmond for
his continued participation and
achievements in Shaker Heights School
System’s highly successful, award-
w inn ing M inor ity Ach ievem ent
Committee (MAC Scholars) Program.
CONGRATULATIONS Avion Thurmond
Avion with his Mother Crystal Thurmond
I recently attended a Retirement Program
for employees of the Warrensville Heights
School System. It was inspiring to see a
community turn out to show appreciation for
the dedication and sacrifice of these fine
teachers and other staff. I am reminded that
whatever and whomever we become
depends in large part on what we learn in
the classroom. In the shadow of this event,
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, for the
accomplishments of our young people and
for our own experiences, take a moment to
thank a parent and a teacher. See photos
at www.successisyouphotos.blogspot.com.
Warrensville School
Board Retirees
Honored Left: School Board
President June Taylor
addresses audience - Lower
Right: Retirees Pose
- Page 4 - VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org
graduated from
Maple Heights High in the
TOP 10 of Her Senior Class, ranking
6th. She is the recipient of
Presidential Award from President
Obama, Honors Diploma Recipients
and Merit & Honor Recipient, Taylor
will start the next chapter of her life
at Clark Atlanta University in July.
Taylor is the daughter of an
understandably proud mother,
former City Councilwoman Ms. Carolyn
Gamble.
Taylor’s accomplishments already
resemble that of a “Who’s Who” that has
been around much longer than her 18
years. This article is a meager attempt to
describe a dynamic and promising young
lady. Taylor believes that her chosen
major will enable her to fulfill her desire to
help others, to expand knowledge base,
and to travel.
Throughout her life Taylor has participated
in extracurricular activities, including
valuable volunteer experiences. Taylor has
strived for academic excellence, always
wishing to make the most of her
education. In addition, she has managed
to work to provide some of her basic
educational expenses.
Education has always been an important
aspect of her life. While in high school she
took challenging courses, such as
advanced placement English and
calculus, engineering, and Mandarin
Chinese. She was able to maintain an
excellent GPA 3.972, allowing her to
graduate with honors.
Taylor will attend the historic black college-
Clark Atlanta University this fall because of
the smaller class size, history, study
aboard opportunity and the
excellent program offered in her
major.
Although education plays a
significant role in her life, she was
involved with many other activities.
During high school she was an
active member of several clubs,
and served as ambassador. She
enjoys the arts and participated in
many per form ances, of ten
involving travel to other parts of the
United States. She has volunteered her
time to inform individuals about what our
voting rights means, and has done
community work, such as campaigning,
and working on the U.S. Census drive.
In addition to a long list of school related
activities, Taylor has been involved with an
extensive variety of community and civic
activities. These include video production,
video editing, photography, poetry slams,
writing projects, dance and music classes,
drama club, modeling, mentoring, NASA
programs, choir directing, and much more.
Work is a major part of Taylor’s life. Until
recently, she worked 26-32 hours a week to
provide for educational expenses, most
recently in the fashion world for Donnard’s
Apparel. She enjoys working because she
is able to help men and women shop for a
complete outfit that will change their
evening out and give them a sense of
pride.
Taylor’s accomplishments go on and on
and would fill a book, so we simply ask that
you Stay Tuned, for we are certain that
Taylor is just beginning.
CONGRATULATIONS and BEST WISHES
Taylor!
Taylor Green is a young lady who
demonstrates a level of knowledge,
passion, poise and gratitude that
causes one to stop, look, listen,
appreciate and learn from. I first
became aware of Taylor last year
during a program presented by the
National Black MBA Association.
Amazed and astounding at her
presentation skills, when I asked “Who
mentored this young lady,” nearly
everyone within earshot tried to grab
some credit, and I don’t blame them.
After the program, I went on about my life,
remembering that when I was eighteen
years old, it would have taken an act of
Congress to cause me to speak in public.
Fast forward to a few weeks ago, and I
became aware that Taylor is now a
published author, and graduating with
honors. Did I even need to tell you about
the “honors”? Probably not! Naturally I
knew that I wanted to share a little about
Taylor in this newsletter. So how do you
gather information about someone who is
receiving more attention than a rock star?
Working through Taylor’s mentor, Dr. Ellen
Burts-Cooper of Improve Consulting
simplified the process. Along the way,
each time I communicated directly with
Taylor, her enthusiasm and gratitude has
been amazing. She truly exemplifies the
best the world has to offer. To everyone
that is a part of Taylor’s village, I have to
say “Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!”
The Book Signing - June 20, 2012
As expected, Taylor’s Book Signing was the
equivalent of Baseball’s World Series; she
hit a “Home Run.” I arrived a full thirty
minutes before the doors were supposed
to open, with six of her books that I had pre-
ordered. I wanted to beat the rush.
WRONG! The first thing I saw after being
greeted by Taylor’s supportive parents and
escorted to Improve Consultings' spacious
suite, was a long time waiting for
autographs, and Taylor adding her
personal touch to each copy.
For the next three and one-half hours
(except for a brief 11 minute period of
glowing remarks), Taylor signed books,
smiled, hugged people, and graciously
accepted an unending string of
accolades, congratulations and best
wishes. For additional story content, please
c h e c k o u t T a y l o r ’ s b l o g a t
www.mstaylorgreen.blogspot.com.
- Page 5 - VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org
High School Honors Graduate or Top Selling Author?
YES!
Left: Taylor’s “Autograph Marathon”
Center: “This is GOOD” - Truth from the young mind!
Right: One copy not enough for many buyers
- Page 6 - VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org
Whether she is delivering a
Commencement Address, or
receiving her Masters in Social
Work, or socializing at her well-
d e s e r v e d g r a d u a t i o n
celebration at Frederick’s
Restaurant & Lounge in
Warrensville Heights, Barbara
Williams is always the same.
Her signature smile, warm
personality, and determined
nature, make her a pleasure to
be around and a challenge to
e m u l a t e . A B I G
CONGRATULATIONS and BEST
WISHES to Barbara who
recently graduated from
Cleveland State University. We
know that her future is just
b e g i n n i n g t o u n f o l d .
Additional photos from her graduation
and celebration can be seen at
www.msbarbarawilliams.blogspot.com.
Barbara Williams A Triple Treat!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Paula Dozier and Marilyn
Adams, both of whom recently celebrated
birthdays at Gibbs Lounge in Cleveland
Heights. Birthday photos for both can be
seen at www.birthdayclub.successisyou.org.
Paula Marilyn
And MOVING FORWARD! From Success is You
For the past several years I have shared
free inspirational quotes on the web with
clients, associates, family, friends and even
total strangers. These quotes from a variety
of sources, go beyond boundaries of
geography, race, religion, gender, age,
politics, and other “barriers.” Recently I
have changed the content to include
quotes from my first book, Success is You.
There is nothing like sharing one’s own
thoughts! The response has been positive.
I urge readers that are on-line to check out
these inspirational quotes, which can be
received by email, through Facebook, or
by directly accessing my blog or website.
For details, please email me at
"We each have a calling
that if left unanswered
will become a challenge unmet,
a problem unsolved,
an opportunity missed,
a dream and a legacy unfulfilled,
a link missing in the chain of events
that were meant to form
the history of the world."
- Henry Ford -
- Page 7 - VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org
Classy does not even begin to describe
the wedding and reception which took
place at LaMalfa Center. It was a truly
memorable day for a very special couple.
BEST WISHES to Tina and Stephen for a
lifetime of happiness.
The ‘recipe’ for the wedding and
reception begins with a Bride and Groom
that seem to have the admiration of
everyone. I know personally that my
stepdaughter Tina has always been a joy
and blessing to those around her,
knowledgeable, logical, passionate, yet
not easily swayed. While attending
college she downplayed financial
challenges, and remained fiercely but
quietly independent. It stands to reason
therefore, that her soul mate for life would
also be highly regarded and a blessing to
those who know him well.
The ‘recipe’ for a great day continued as
guests were treated to a well organized
and well orchestrated ceremony, followed
by a brunch reception with seemingly
endless amounts of seemingly endless
varieties of tasty food. If I had brought
along Tupperware, I’m sure I would have
been an embarrassment and possibly been
jailed.
In addition, the main photographer was the
famed Los Angeles based Leroy Hamilton,
the much sought after photographer of
high profile athletes, politicians, and stars of
stage and screen. Please do not confuse
photos on my site to his work. Visit Leroy at
www. photographybyhamilton.com.
For additional photos, video clips, comment blocks and more, visit www.tina-and-steve.blogspot.com
- Page 8 - VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org
My sister Jean and brother-in-law
Emmanuel visited Cleveland the weekend
of June 21-24, and as usual, it was a
whirlwind visit. With the exception of
attending Homegoing Services for long
time friend Thomas Stith, the weekend was
a pleasant one. Our sympathy and
prayers go out to all who knew and were
touched by Mr. Stith and his wife, the late
Mrs. Mildred Stith, a former educator who
changed the lives of so many.
The common thread for the rest of the
weekend was food, good times, and more
food, and more good times. The primary
reason for Jean & Emmanuel’s visit was
the wedding of my stepdaughter Tina
Elliott to Stephen Hardaway (see previous
article). The visit to Cleveland included
getting together with the “St. Clair Group”,
a move that guarantees side splitting
laughter and memorable moments.
Meeting at the Original Pancake House,
the group provided just enough liveliness
to keep themselves and those around
them entertained, yet not enough noise to
be ejected. We paused to sing Happy
Birthday to a gentleman who proudly
announced he was celebrating his 97th
Birthday, and had just renewed his Drivers
License!
In order to have the energy to participate
in such a whirlwind weekend, we needed
energy, so besides the Saturday breakfast
at the Pancake House and the expansive
spread at the Reception Brunch Buffet on
Sunday, there was Friday lunch at Cracker
Barrel, Friday dinner at our home, Saturday
dinner at Bahama Breeze, and Sunday
dinner at Frederick’s Restaurant & Lounge.
Jean & Emmanuel Visit Cleveland Another “St. Clair Reunion” and More
“St. Clair group”, spouses and friends
We even had a “Star Sighting” while at the
Pancake House. We spotted our friend
Marsha Mockabee
(C l eve l an d U rban
League President) trying
to have a quiet
breakfast with her
husband. We broke up
that idea just long
enough to snap the
photo at the right.
As it always seems, the
celebration was over
much too soon, but as
always, the t ime
together was much
appreciated. Good
times and good people
should not be taken for
granted.
We hope you will take the time to enjoy the
company of those special people in your
life, and let them know how important they
are to you.
Above: Jean (left) with
Marcia Mockabee
Below: Left to Right,
Betty, Jean & Emmanuel
enjoying dinner at
Fredericks
- Page 9 - VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org
Anti-Bullying Expert Pastor Ken Wise
with Young Scholars
“I am proud to have spoken and mentored
the Young Scholars from the Baldwin
Wallace mentoring program today! These
young men can excel and not become a
statistic!” - Kent Wise
A BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Pastor Wise,
who is the founder of Eagles of Success, a
Christian based networking group with
members across the United States,
Canada, New Zealand, Africa, and
continuing to grow and positively impact
lives worldwide. Find out more about Kent
Wise at www.kentwise.com.
WAY TO GO Pastor Kent Wise!
If anyone claims that they can keep up
with Delores Pressley, and they are not
wearing an Olympic Decathlon Medal,
chances are they are being less than
truthful. I managed to catch her and be in
her presence on May 4th, and neither I nor
the attendees at her seminar will ever be
the same. One of the many things she is
currently doing is conducting a national
tour of her UpWoman Seminar Series. If you
have a chance to hear her speak, treat
yourself. SAVE the DATE: August 3, 2012! The
next UP Woman Circle in Cleveland is
8/3/12 at the Holiday Inn Rockside in
Independence, OH. The theme is "Nurturing
the Leader in You". Find out more at
www.delorespressley.com.
DeLores Pressley - The “UpWoman”
On Thur., May 18th I was blessed to be a guest
on the first broadcast of Social Media Pearls,
hosted by International Social Media
Practitioner Shirley Williams on Voice America.
The other guests on the first program were
Daniele Thibodeau and Tanya Kracovic, along
with Marilyn Hyder, Executive Producer of Voice
America. Shirley has assembled guests from
around the world to join her on the weekly
program. A broadcast of the first program is
available at http://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2094/social-media-pearls. For more
information about Shirley and the services she provides, visit www.socialmediapearls.com.
One of Northwest
Ohio’s leading
spiritual and civic
leaders recently
received a little
a p p r e c i a t i o n
“payback” for her
mentoring and
other assistance
that she offers so
freely.
D i n n e r w a s
provided by the
Moore Family of
Oakwood Village,
and anyone who
k n o w s t h e m ,
u n d e r s t a n d s
everything they do
is “on point.” The dinner invitees included
local guests and some of Mona’s friends
and associates from out-of-town. The
dinner was one that would make you wish
you had brought your pajamas and a
sleeping bag so you could enjoy leftovers,
or at least wish you had brought along the
Tupperware. It was good weather, good
people and good times, and Mona’s
gratitude demonstrated why she is so highly
regarded. And while on the subject of
gratitude, a big Thank You to Minister
Larissa Moore for including Dianne and I in
the festivities. For additional photos please
visit www.mslarissamoore.blogspot.com
and click on Appreciation Dinner.
- Page 10 VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org
Mona Sauder
Appreciation
Dinner What a Lady!
What a Meal!
What an Event!
BDPA-Cleveland SITES Graduation
The BDPA-Cleveland Student Information
Technology Education Scholarship Program
(SITES) continues to educate and inspire
young people. The passion of Sylvia
Calhoun, a dedicated group of volunteer
class leaders, fine students, and supportive
parents help make the program and its
participants successful. Also key in the
success of the program are some members
of the Cleveland Business Community that
understand the value of educated and
inspired youth, and support the program in
a variety of ways.
The June 16th graduation ceremony
celebrated months of challenges and
accomplishments. Our congratulations to
everyone involved in the program. For
information about the SITES program and to
see additional photos, please visit
www.bdpa-cleveland.org.
Mona Sauder arriving by Limo
with other guests from
Northwest Ohio and Michigan
Left, Minister Larissa Moore, our
gracious Hostess - Right, Pastor
Robin Miller, Lee Heights
Community Church
Upper Left: SITES Project Manager Sylvia Calhoun
addresses attendees. Lower Left, proud Dad Emmett
Ford watches as son Nile (above) receives SITES
Award.
- Page 11 VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org
Once again I attended the Diversity
Workshop at the Ohio Aerospace Institute,
and once again I was informed, inspired
and amazed. Nothing could have
prepared me for the quality of content at
this year’s conference. Keynote Speaker
Naomi Tutu brought to the audience a mix
of experiences unlike almost any other.
She was more than outstanding in her
ability to share her story, and she shared it
with humbleness and gratitude. Unlike
many speakers, she did not rush out to
another engagement after the applause
subsided, but remained through the next
session and graciously posed for a long line
of people anxious for a photo-op with her
(of course I was in line), and the chance for
one-on-one conversation.
Throughout the day, workshop attendees
shared experiences, and participated in
sessions led by professionals in the area of
Diversity. Exercises were designed to
expand the mind, touch the heart, and
learn to meet the challenges in Our Shared
Community. The attendees heard stories
from the winner and runner-up of the STOP
THE HATE Essay Contest, delivered by
students who have felt the pain of bigotry
and insensitivity. Their ability to achieve in
spite of the challenges contained a strong
lesson and message, one that hopefully will
reach those who participate in or condone
bigotry or bullying. Thanks again to all the
planners and participants of this fantastic
and much needed event. Additional
photos are available by viewing this issue at
www.visions.successisyou.org.
11th Annual Diversity Conference Ohio Aerospace Institute June 12, 2012 Cleveland, Ohio
Theme: Our Shared Community Keynote Speaker: Naomi Tutu
(Daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu)
Photos Left to Right: Naomi Tutu delivers a
powerful point, shares a passionate thought,
demonstrates her compassionate nature.
It happens when you are rushing around town to get the dry cleaning, picking up a
few things at the supermarket or Wal-Mart, or meeting with a friend. You know it
happens because you feel it more than you think it. It is that new idea. It’s that
answer that was there all the time, and you couldn’t see it. You fumble around in
your car, trying to find something to write with, and a place to write it down.
Sometimes you record it, and other times you try to convince yourself that what you thought up was
not that insightful.
Call it what you may – intuition, poetic muse, innovative thinking or creativity – most of “us”
entrepreneurs regard it as a magical thing. We know that the vision of “I” Inc. (uh, that’s our
company), and our ability to think differently is related to our performance and success. However;
like lightning, there is no telling when inspiration might strike. I believe that waiting around for that
lightning to strike is not good enough. We must take action to find our inner innovative genius.
Recently I read some interesting material about psychotherapy and writing with the right brain – in
my quest to find new approaches to creativity. (Here – I share a glimpse of my research with you)
In this “writing with the right brain” approach to creativity, the person seeking new ideas writes down
a series of questions with their dominate hand. They then write answers with their dominate hand.
Then the person clears their mind and answers the same questions with their non-dominate hand. The
answers from that non-dominate hand are tied to pathways that lead to the brain’s more subconscious
or intuitive thoughts and ideas. So, it is new perspective from the same mind.
The power of this process is that the answers you get with your non-dominate hand may feel foreign
to you; however, they came from your mind and not from some Life Coach or outside source. No one
else is telling you what you should do. These answers are coming from your own mind. They have
been in there in some form or another all along. (The steps to this approach)
Step 1: Find a quiet setting in your home or office and clear your mind.
Step 2: Write with your dominate hand: “If I could be an animal, what animal would I be?
Step 3: Read the question, and write the answer with your dominate hand.
Step 4: Clear your mind and read the question out loud to yourself.
Step 5: With as little thinking as possible, write the answer with your non-dominate hand.
There you have it. A short review of “another method” of finding your inner innovative genius. Try
this approach. It just may be the spark you have been looking for.
Writer’s note: Please provide feedback as to how this approach worked for you. Send feedback to:
[email protected] or [email protected]. You feedback will be valued greatly
appreciated.
- Page 12 VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org
Finding Your Inner Innovative Genius Willie Johnson, Human Development Consultant, www.williejay.com