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: successisyou@yahoo.com

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

successisyou@yahoo.com.

"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:

willie_johnson@jbhunt.com or willie@williejayspeaks.com. 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