SEPTEMBER 2013

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Maureen
A Woman Anchored in Faith

BUILDING AN AUTHENTIC BRAND THAT SERVES

OBOYLE

BACKTO-SCHOOL MEANS THE RETURN OF MORNING RITUALS

D
Mimi Zelman Publisher

Dear Readers,
Monday August 26 was Womens Equality Day nationwide. Womens Equality Day is the anniversary of national woman suffrage. The woman suffrage amendment was introduced for the first time to the United States Congress on January 10, 1878. It was re-submitted numerous times until finally in June 1919 the amendment received approval from both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Over the following year the suffragists spent their time lobbying states in order to have the amendment ratified by the required two-thirds of the states. On August 24th, Tennessee, the final state needed for ratification, narrowly signed the approval by one vote. The vote belonged to Harry Burn, who heeded the words of his mother when she urged him to vote yes on suffrage. The U.S. Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby signed the amendment into law on August 26, 1920. The observance of Womens Equality Day not only commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment, but also calls attention to womens continuing efforts toward full equality. Workplaces, libraries, organizations, and public facilities now participate with Womens Equality Day programs, displays, video showings, or other activities. At the behest of Rep. Bella Abzug (D-NY), in 1971 the U.S. Congress designated August 26 as Womens Equality Day. I attended an event at the Levine Museum of The New South sponsored by Mecklenburg County Womens Advisory Board. The featured speaker was Deborah J. Walker, Ph.D., a multicultural and organizational development consultant. She spoke on Interactive Dialogue about Race and Gender Issues. What impressed me the most was the dialog we had on how to discuss issues using the right language to prevent a discussion going into an argument. Use I , not you. Stay away from phrasing sentences using third parties. In doing this youll be amazed how much more productive and effective a discussion can be. Have a great month!

Mimi

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Publisher/President Mimi L. Zelman mimi@womenwithknowhow.com Creative Director Juliana Lievano www.JulianaCreativeDesigns.com Contributing Writers Terri Bennett Elyshia Brook For more advertising information call Mimi at 704-491-1207 or email her at: mimi@womenwithknowhow.com Copyright 2013

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26 46

8 Building An Authentic Brand

That Serves...

16 Back-to-school Means The Return of

Morning Rituals

12 How to Use YouTube for Business

38 Healthy Bedroom Checklist

On the cover Mureen OBoyle

www.womanwithknowhow.com SEPTEMBER 2013

Contents
3

professional spotlight

Claire Krusch
By

Mimi Zelman

How did you get started in this business? I jokingly tell people I started in the business 39 years ago. In 1974 Alan Krusch I and left New Jersey for Coral Gables, Florida where Alan would be attending the University of Miami School of Law. It was during those lean years of Alan being a law student, passing the NC Bar, finding our first jobs in NC and years later helping my life partner and partner in business start his own successful law practice.

What is your background-what were you doing before this business? Having a diverse background from being a small business owner, executive director of two non-profits, public relations director of a small college and being a patient advocate for a 425 bed hospital was the majority of my business background. It all seemed to mesh into one when I came to work for Krusch and Sellers. What is unusual or unique about your business, in

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comparison to your competitors or similar businesses? We deal with some very stressful situations that often need immediate attention. Attorneys address legal questions and advise clients. However, if an attorney is unavailable which is sometimes the situation, just listening and calming the fears of a client is the job of being the client advocate. It is unique for a law firm to have a client advocate on staff and benefits the client by having that personal service. Do you do any charity or non profit work? Community Service is a core value to Krusch and Sellers. For five years our team of attorneys and paralegals deliver Friendship Trays to the homebound elderly once a month. We also are very proud of our annual Sharing With Shoes event. Invited guests are asked to bring a new pair of sneakers that will go to one of the 4,770 homeless children who attend Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Schools. A Childs Place identifies these students and distributes them. Krusch and Sellers hopes to reach the goal of 500 sneakers for these children in need especially during the upcoming winter months. What are some of your greatest challenges in your business?

Having a team of attorneys who provide quality legal service and a dedicated support staff who gives extraordinary client service truly makes the challenge of the business easier to deal with. Every business has daily challenges. A positive attitude helps tremendously. What wouldyou most like the reader to know about your journey in business? For every job opportunity that Ive had, I use a skill from each one of them almost every day.

Claire Krusch Krusch and Sellers, P.A. Two Fairview Center 6230 Fairview Road, Suite 105 Charlotte, NC 28210 Phone:704-556-0707 ext. 1002 Direct Line:704-412-9099 Fax:704-553-7824 www.kruschlaw.com

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marketing

By Brooks byElyshia Terri Bennett

Building An Authentic Brand That Serves...

hat does your brand mean? What does it stand for? Do your divine clients get it? Have you sat down and reflected on what your brand actually means and what you want others to perceive you and your brand? Well, if you have not thought about it, it is very important that you do, because if you are going to build a solid, authentic and unique brand that speaks to who you are, it will take some serious thought. Your brand shares with the world exactly who you are and your intentions on how you serve. I share with my clients that you and your brand are One. Everything that you do is a direct reflection of your brand and what your business stands for. For instance, when you have employees and they go out and are doing business on your time, working for you, they are representing you in the marketplace and if they decide that they are going to do something bad, such as rob a bank, (a little extreme, but it happens),

and they have a shirt or uniform on with your logo; what do you think will happen? Be expected to have the news at some point at your place of business. They will come to your job for a character reference, because you hired them and you know them because you trusted them to represent your brand. Now, there are some other things that could happen that are not that extreme, which we see daily on the news, which we have recently seen with Paula Deen. But how do you handle it? An Authentic Personal Brand is an ongoing, conscientious effort to show the world your best authentic self. It is a process that continues to bring every aspect of your life into alignment with your characteristics, values, morals, goals and all that is a part of who you are and is incorporated in what will be your long lasting impression of who you are. It will precede you and follow you in all that you do. So you must protect your brand at all costs! As an expression of who you are, everything that you do represents you both

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inside and out. Yes, it is about what is on the inside of you, your personality, what you stand for, your uniqueness, how you serve and interact with others, and of course the outside. Your appearance and YES even how you dress, communicate in person and in print, means a lot to your brand. A Branding Lifestyle will be become a way of living because it who you are.

you are coming from a place of servitude and not out for self. Your divine clients can sense when you are true and authentic and it is vital to building relationships with your clients and with other business owners. After all, your brand is an extension of who you are and how you put your message out into the world is what will attract your divine to you and your business. Therefore, your message should be clear, constant and some consistency. An authentic brand that is based on Your brand is a strong representation of Serving is really what matters as the world becomes more social and relawho you are, including your: character, tional. Building a brand that serves oth- values, morals, personality, service and ers means a lot to any brand, because it so much more that you cannot take it shows that you have a caring heart and lightly; especially when you are building

Advertising and Graphic Design

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a personal brand and you are the face of their opinions matter if you are lookyour brand. When you are building a pering to building a strong brand. sonal brand, it is a process that has to be delivered consistently every single time 3. R  eview The Answers - Listen to in order to build and to be recognized for what they are saying and dont take your gifts and talents. As you build your it personally, but with an open mind personal authentic brand, here are a few because it could be time to change. things to consider: Receive it and you will figure out how to use the information for the 1.  Value Brand Proposition that good and betterment of your brand is Unique - What values resonate and business. with you about what it is that you These steps should be used when do? What do you hear most from you are designing or re-branding your your divine clients that isconsistent business because you do want to and positive? How isthe experience listen to what your divine clients and when they work with you? What potential clients have to say and how value are you adding to their busithey will perceive you. Remember, ness or life? It has to enhance and your brand is a representation of you or providesufficientvalue. and ultimately the branding lifestyle that you are desire and building. It 2.  Seek The Opinions of Others takes work to build a extraordinary Provide a survey or focus group that authentic brand. So please pay attenwould enlist your divine clients opin- tion to what you want the world to ions and perceptions because they know about you and how you serve. It are the ones you will be serving and is better to first understand, see the vision clearly, and then make it happen!

Elyshia Brooks, MBA /CEO/President Elyshia Brooks International, Inc. Personal Authentic Branding Coachsultant ElyhiaBrooks.com T: 800.511.5410 Author Branding The Authentic You Twitter: @ElyshiaInc

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Mitzy Kincaid-Attorney at Law mkincaid@kincaidandassociates.com www.kincaidandassociates.com

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Change is constant but never easy!

technology

by Mercedes Tabano

How to Use YouTube for Business

s a business, you undoubtedly already know the value of social networking. You might even have accounts on popular sites like Facebook, Twitter and even the new Google Hangouts. However, what about YouTube?

that YouTube is also the worlds second largest search engine (second only to Google). The reason this statistic is so shocking is because its not actually designed to be a search engine at all.

Still, YouTube is where the majority of people start looking for information Shockingly, outside the entertainment in- about anything. Whether you want to dustry, even those businesses that have a buy a diamond ring, take a vacation or presence on YouTube, do not truly utilize find a new salon, someone has already done a video about it on YouTube. it the way they should. When YouTube is used correctly, it can it can be just as powerful, if not, more powerful than the Branding the Channel When you have a YouTube Channel, other social media channels. you also have the ability to brand it. Why Use YouTube This includes uploading a background that represents your brand. These The reason many business give for not custom made backgrounds can have using YouTube is because its seen as a your colors, phone numbers, website fun site, not a valid social media and business tool. YouTube has achieved this address or whatever else you want. Adreputation because its where people ditionally, you have the opportunity to change your generic name into somepost the silliest of videos. Because of this, most businesses only use YouTube thing respective of your brand. Like a as a video host. This way, they are free to domain name, each name can only be embed their videos online without wor- used once and once set, they cannot be changed. So choose carefully. rying about bandwidth restraints. Many businesses are surprised to learn Another way to brand your channel is
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in the video description itself. Though links placed in the description will not be clickable, your viewer will be able to copy and paste the link into their browser. A one sentence sales pitch works best here. One sentence sales pitches include phrases like:

the best commercials on YouTube right now are the dollar shave commercial and Kmarts big gas discount. A clever enough commercial can have people flocking to your page.

Using SEO On Your Channel Because YouTube is not designed as a To find out more about (blank), search engine and only searches within go to (blank). Or its own site, it is not subject to the To get help with (blank), call us same frequent search engine algorithm today at (blank) updates that Google is. This means that its easier to get your video closer to the Filling the Channel top of a YouTube search then it is to get Now that you have your channel set your page closer to the top of Google. up, the question becomes what do you (This is known as ranking.) fill it with? The answer to that depends on what kind of business you have. For Getting close to the top of YouTube is a example, if youre a jeweler, youll want matter of SEO, or knowing what words to have videos teaching people how to to use for search engine optimization. pick out stones or what they mean. A These words go in both the description speaker could have clips of their speak- of your video as well as the title. Using ing engagements while a Realtor could the right words and building backlinks tell people what to look for when buy- can help your YouTube video rank very ing a home. A business in a tourist area close to the top. Not only does this help could post videos about the area, such you on YouTube, it helps you on Google. as local festivals or local sites. Since YouTube is owned by Google, A clever video commercial, also known they want to give special consideration as a webmercial, is also a great thing to their own sites. Google prides itself to have on a YouTube channel. Though on giving the searcher a range of relepeople realize its a commercial, when vant choices. So on any given search; it its on YouTube, it becomes a commer- likes to return a website, a social media cial they want to see. Best of all, these site, an authority site, and a video. If commercials can be edgier than com- your video is ranking on the first page mercials on regular television. Two of of YouTube, then it most often also

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shows up on the first page of Google as their suggested video.

had paid to be first on Google. YouTube is one of the most easily overlooked social media sites today. Paid Advertising On YouTube However, the average person is more You also have the ability to advertise engaged with a video then with just on YouTube. If youve ever been on text. Looking and listening makes us the channel, youve undoubtedly seen pay closer attention. Through the use those little embedded ads in the vidof SEO, clever and informational videos, eos. This is the most common way to a properly branded page and more, advertise on YouTube, but its not the you could attract hundreds, if not thoumost effective. The most effective way sands of viewers to your page, which to advertise is through the use of spon- could help skyrocket your sales. sored videos. Like Google, YouTube guarantees to put your videos at the Mercedes Tabano top of certain searches for a price. Since mercedestabanoii.com/ www.facebook.com/DynamicDimensionsMarpeople are still currently getting used keting \t _blank https://www.facebook.com/ to the idea of sponsored videos, this DynamicDimensionsMarketing results in many more clicks than if you LinkedIn: Mercedes Tabano II

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Photography: Paul Purser

400 Hermitage Road | Charlotte, North Carolina 704.714-4400 or 1-800-202-1009 | www.dukemansion.org The Duke Mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a nonprofit supported by its patrons, donors and neighbors.

legal

By Leigh Sellers

Back-to-school Means The Return of Morning Rituals

ack-to-school means the return of morning rituals, the return of morning traffic and the ever-familiar yellow school bus. We are faced with the ever-present back to school sales, the tax free weekend, school supply drives and the search for the perfect wardrobe, backpack and lunch box. If you are sending one off to college, the list is even longer. Back to school is a budget buster for most parents. I pulled a few back to-school lists at Wal-Mart for local elementary and middle schools in my area. Even using the big sales advertised during the Tax Free Weekend, the average costs for the general supplies exceeded $70 for elementary and $150 for middle school. This list did not include backpacks, lunch boxes or special books and supplies that the students dont learn about until they get to their first day of class. High school supplies are even more costly. Add the annual drives for PTSO memberships, booster clubs, school pictures, yearbooks, and athletic fees, teacher appreciation funds, field trips and a family can be very overwhelmed with extra expenses for the first few months

of school. But if you are a separated or divorced parent, it can prove to be an even larger ordeal. This time of year I receive a large amount of questions about back to school costs and child support. Many clients want to know if their childrens other parent must help with the costs, and many clients call and ask if they are required to pay in addition to the child support they provide. Child support in most circumstances is calculated by the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines. The guidelines provide a calculation to share the income between the two households based on income and the amount of time the children spend with each parent. Health insurance, health care costs over $250 a year, and work related child support is considered outside of the basic child support. But the guidelines are silent as to extracurricular expenses, camps, and school costs. Most parents want to share the care and expenses of their children. Some parents dont have a great deal of discretionary income after a separation. But sometimes, the parents are

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simply too angry to deal with one another about money after a separation.

The parents should discuss the extras that you know will come up. Try to handle them in your order or agreement.  Set up an account where each parBut there are some things that you can ent can contribute some agreed upon do even after an agreement or order amount each month or annually that has been reached to help you deal with can be used for the school expenses these annual costs, if you failed to adwhen they occur. dress them initially, such as:  Make sure the other parent stays in Discuss and exchange information formed about the activities and acaabout upcoming costs in advance. demic life of their child. Most parents The earlier you bring up expenses, the tend to contribute more to activities easier it is for the other parent to prethey share with their children. pare and help with a childs expenses.  Dont be pressured to spend more than  Instead of buying the supplies and asking you need. Buy used calculators and orto be reimbursed for a portion, ask what ganize a supply swap with your friends or the other parent can afford to contribute neighbors since the items their children before you go shopping. They may have have outgrown may be perfect for your an avenue to provide some supplies more child. If they are old enough, have your easily and cheaply than providing you child work and save towards the designer with a check. choices they want to have. You pay the basic cost and have your child pay the dif Divide the list and let them help with ference for the more expensive version. the shopping. One parent may be able to use a credit card for purchases but  Remember that you can volunteer your time if you cant afford to volunteer not be able to give you extra money your money for boosters and that month. PTSO organizations.  Make a plan to divide all of the costs anticipated during the year. It may be that one parent will handle the supplies Leigh Sellers Kusch and Sellers, P.A. and the other will handle other costs like Phone:704-556-0707 ext. 1002 Direct Line:704-412-9099/Fax:704-553-7824 trips and fees as they come up during www.kruschlaw.com the year. Based on how people are comwww.womanwithknowhow.com SEPTEMBER 2013

pensated or when they incur other expenses like property taxes or insurance premiums, they may have some months tighter than others.

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family

Create Your Own

Every woman knows it can be hard to work in a little personal time. A recent survey conducted with women found that two-thirds of respondents wished they had a special place to treat themselves and indulge in a little luxury. While many men have their own private man cave section of the house, many women long for their own place for a little me-time. I know that women have the desire to make their own special place at home. I have a passion for creating simple and comfortable spaces, said Melissa Michaels, blogger of The Inspired Room,

Restful Retreat

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who is partnering with the Skinny Cow space with a freezer to keep their indulbrand to help women create their own gent ice cream on hand, such as delicious lady lair or WoCav. Skinny Cow ice cream. You can turn any space into your own little nook by incorporating a few personal touches: Entertainment Reserve Every girl loves a little rest and relaxation with her favorite movies, television shows and music. Whether you love sentimental chick flicks or action-packed movies, keep your place stocked with your favorite movies and shows to catch-up on at the end of a long day. Also, make sure you have access to your favorite songs to enjoy while lounging. Fabulous Reads An assortment of magazines and books are also a must for this space. Surround yourself with your favorite reading materials and bask in the peace and quiet. Be sure to keep these favorites organized with a stylish magazine holder tote or bookcase. These items can be found at thrift or craft stores and decorated to fit your flair for the room. Beauty Parlor It can be hard to find time to treat yourself to a little beauty, so have a small stockpile of beauty tools for manicures, pedicures and makeovers. Invite girlfriends over for a night of nails, noshing and quality girl time. Youre sure to pick up some of their beauty tips as well.

Girlfriend-Worthy Nook Everyone knows sharing is always more fun, so include comfortable seating for visiting girlfriends. Move nice furniture from other corners of your home or purchase second For more details on Skinny Cow ice cream hand furniture and jazz it up with a sassy and candies, visit www.SkinnyCow.com. sofa cover and chic decorative pillows. Photo courtesy of Getty Images Snack Stash No personal space would be complete without a stash of indulgent, tasty treats, such as ice cream, candy and salty snacks. In fact, more than 57 percent of the women surveyed said they would include a candy bowl in their special room and nearly half would decorate their

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family

F
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Great Grillers Potatoes Make Healthy Meals in Minutes

for a great tasting baked potato, but its light and fluffy interior also holds up well when seared on the grill. Also great on the grill are Wisconsin yellow flesh potatoes, which have a just-buttered appearance. The appearance of the trendy new blue and purple potatoes will certainly get guests talking. They add color and a subtle nutty flavor to your favorite dish. Everyones favorite dish at an outdoor barbecue is often the potato salad. Wisconsin round red or white

Few things in life are harder to resist than the delicious aroma of a backyard barbecue. There is just something about the sizzle and smells of grilled fare that brings folks together. The farm families who grow Wisconsin potatoes know how to please the palates of hungry crowds. The natural flavors found in the many varieties of Wisconsin potatoes are easy to enhance with the addition of a few fresh ingredients and a little bit of smoke. The Wisconsin russet potato makes

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potatoes are both well-suited for salads Packed with Vitamin C. A medium as well as roasting, boiling, and steaming. potato contains 45 percent of the daily recommended amount Potatoes are an extremely versatile and of Vitamin C. hearty vegetable. But the one thing all Great source of fiber. The USDA potatoes have in common is nutrition. reports that fiber helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower your Just what can Wisconsin potatoes do for risk of heart disease. Potatoes can you? Well, potatoes are: also help make you feel fuller with fewer calories. Nutritional powerhouses. In addition to being fat-free, cholesterol-free, sodium free and gluten-free, a meGrilled, fried, baked, roasted or boiled, few dium potato has just 110 calories. ingredients get every guest asking for Rich in potassium. According to the second helpings like the versatile potato. USDA, diets rich in potassium may help to maintain healthy blood pressure. The Find more health information, as well potato is second only to the banana in as recipes and purchasing tips, at www. the amount of potassium it contains. EatWisconsinPotatoes.com.

Chicken and Potato Fiesta Grill

Servings: 4 / Ready time: 60 Minutes 1/2 cup prepared Italian dressing 2 tablespoons lime juice 1 tablespoon chili powder 4  whole chicken legs with thighs, skin on 1 1/3 pounds (4 medium) red Wisconsin potatoes, cut into 1 1/4-inch cubes 2 tablespoons water 1  red bell pepper, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces 2  medium zucchini, cut into 3/4-inch-thick slices 4  to 8 flour or corn tortillas, warmed (optional) Prepared salsa (optional)

In small bowl, combine marinade ingredients; remove 1/4 cup and combine with chicken in resealable plastic bag. Turn to coat; marinate in refrigerator 30 minutes or up to 2 hours, turning occasionally. Meanwhile, in microwave-safe dish, combine potatoes and water. Cover and microwave on high 9 to 10 minutes or until just tender; cool. When potatoes are cool enough to handle, alternately thread with bell pepper and zucchini onto eight 10 to 12-inch skewers; brush with remaining marinade. Remove chicken from plastic bag; discard marinade from chicken. Grill chicken over medium to medium-low coals 30 to 40 minutes or until juices run clear, turning occasionally. About 10 minutes before chicken is done, add vegetables to grid; reserve marinade. Grill until tender and lightly browned, turning and basting occasionally with reserved vegetable marinade. Serve chicken and vegetables with tortillas and salsa, if desired. 27 www.womanwithknowhow.com SEPTEMBER 2013

MAUREEN OBOYLE
A Woman Anchored in Faith This popular news anchors strong faith and determination are the reasons she lived to tell her story
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When nationally-known television personality Maureen OBoyle walks into a room, people notice. The statuesque, articulate and beautiful OBoyle commands attention without really trying. But heres the twist. OBoyle, who these days is a top news anchor at Charlottes CBS-affiliated station WBTV, has that rare

by Cristina Cassidy

ability to make whoever she is talking to feel as if they are the most important person in the room. I met Maureen last year at a charity event in Charlotte. She was emceeing An Evening of Believing Prom, sponsored by The Sandbox organization and held each year for kids with cancer and other life-altering illnesses. Maureen had nothing but praise for the organizations founder, Mara Campolungo and all that The Sandbox does for the Charlotte community. Throughout the evening, I watched Maureen interacting with the kids and their families. I was impressed by her ability to connect with people on such a genuine level, especially with kids who

were facing such enormous challenges. I sensed that there was an amazing back story to this remarkable woman. Maureen OBoyle was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, the eighth of ten children in a family that gave her a sense of belonging and dedication to hard work. She says that being part of a large family shaped her in every way possible to be the person she is today. Maureen jokes that being one of ten kids meant that, In order to get seconds at the dinner table, you had to be articulate and plead a good case. Maureens parents were significant role models. Her mother, while raising ten children, always found a way to take classes and improve her education. Her father worked in the corporate
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world and eventually started his own highly successful business. She credits them with teaching her to respect the uniqueness of others and to work hard to make her dreams come true.

could get a job at the station. In what turned out to be prophetic words, the manager advised her to come back when she had some experience.

As a freshman at East Carolina studyStruggling with Illness ing journalism and speech, Maureen Maureen knows a lot about childhood helped restart the campus radio staillness. She was born with a birth detion and got her first experience in fect that required multiple operations front of a mic. One day someone from and hospital stays. She missed a great a local TV station called the college deal of school and struggled with her asking about Maureen. She was ofacademics. Years later as an adult, she fered an audition for an on-air position discovered that not only had her illat a station in Washington, North Caroness impacted on her learning, but she lina. She didnt have a car at the time, also suffers from dyslexia. and got a ride with a graduate student who was also auditioning for the same When Maureen was 14 years old, PBS job. Much to everyones surprise, Mauproduced a documentary that includ- reen was the one chosen. She admits ed an interview with Maureen and her that her inexperience caught up with mother about dealing with her birth her, and she eventually lost the job. defect. After the interview, the PBS producer pulled Maureen aside and That summer her parents sent her to told her she should consider a career the South of France as a belated high in television. Her mother agreed, and school graduation present. On the the young girl tucked the idea away in beach one afternoon, Maureen hapthe back of her mind. pened to meet a beauty queen from Texas, who had just been given a TV As a student at West Charlotte High job to cover a pageant back home. School, Maureen was given a chance Maureen was stunned. If this girl, with to spend a few afternoons at WBTV no experience, could get a job doing shadowing a TV anchor and getting a TV work, Maureen knew she could, too. taste of what a newsroom was like. A She cut her vacation short, headed few years later, after her first semester home and got a nonpaying weekend at East Carolina University, she asked job with a station in Greenville, while the general manager of WBTV if she still going to school.
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A life-changing decision When Maureen found out that East Carolina would not have a broadcasting school for at least five years, she decided to leave college to pursue a career in television. When she told her father about her decision he was not happy, but said that if she could find a TV job in the next 24 hours, he would support her plan. In typical Maureen fashion, she did just that, and landed a job as a reporter at a station in Wilmington, North Carolina, where she was eventually promoted to news anchor. Maureen worked hard on building a solid career. After Wilmington, her next stop was a station in Macon, Georgia, where she was a co-anchor and reporter. From Georgia, she traveled across the country to take a position as the main news anchor at a local Spokane, Washington, station. It wasnt long before Maureen was heading back east to New York City to work as a reporter on Foxs national hit news magazine, A Current Affair. When Maury Povich left in 1990, she took over as the shows host and became one of Americas most popular news personalities. After several years with A Current Affair Maureen left due to contract issues. It was a time in broadcasting when women were not getting equal pay with men, and Maureen did not

think it was fair. In a pure act of faith, she packed up her belongings and headed west without an agent or a job. Within 72 hours of arriving in Los Angeles, she had an agent, and within a week had a contract with Warner Brothers. Her first job in LA was as a reporter and anchor for EXTRA, a nationally syndicated TV series. It was during this time, that Maureen gave birth to her daughter. After EXTRA, she hosted her own nationally syndicated talk show, In Person with Maureen OBoyle that ran for one season. When her contract with Warner Brothers ended, Maureen took another leap of faith and moved to a town in New York State with her daughter and became a full-time, single, stay-at-home mom. She recalls those years with great fondness and says it was a time of growth and healing for her. It gave her a chance to look at the events of her past and put them into perspective. A hidden memory becomes public knowledge One of those past events was something she had tried to put behind her for many years, but which was painfully revealed to the public back in the early 1990s. She was working at A Current Affair when one of her colleagues overheard her mention to someone
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that she had been raped several years before. Unbeknownst to Maureen, the colleague sold the story to The Globe, a supermarket tabloid, which published a story filled with inaccuracies. Maureen, who had always intended to keep the rape private, was devastated. In 1992, when People Magazine approached Maureen to tell her story, she declined, but after the management at Fox encouraged her to do the interview so the public would know the truth, she agreed. Maureen revealed that in April 1986, when she was a morning news anchor in Macon, Georgia, a man broke into her apartment, held her hostage, raped her repeatedly and threatened to kill her. He had been sneaking in and out of her apartment for over a year before the attack. Maureen would come home from work and notice things out of place, but when she mentioned it to people, they told her she was probably just over tired. Ironically, a few weeks before the rape Maureen started volunteering for a hotline that helped latch key kids and survivors of rape. The women she talked to who had been raped said that they wished they could remember more about the rapist. Somehow, while Maureen was experiencing this
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horrific ordeal, she made a decision that she was going to remember everything that was happening to her. Although terrified, she started asking her attacker a barrage of questions: Why was he doing this? Why did he want to be an evil person? Didnt he realize he was going to get caught? Even though he put a pillow case over her head, she carefully recorded in her mind everything she could about him. After 5-1/2 hours, the man left the apartment and she called for help. Maureen gave the authorities an 18page, single spaced, typed report of the assault. Her mother, who had recently gotten a criminal justice degree, helped her unravel the crime. Details that Maureen gathered during the attack were pivotal in arresting and convicting the man. He was sentenced to 50 years in prison. Maureen says she identifies strongly with other survivors such as POWs, and hostages, who often describe that they felt a sense of deep calm in their souls even as violence was being done to their bodies. Maureen says that during the attack she felt as if she were being cradled by her Higher Power and held above everything that was happening to her. In the midst of horror, her faith was strengthened.

Maureen tells other women survivors of rape or abuse that they are never the reason that this has happened to them. She calls on women to report rape, especially date rape because it often goes unreported. And most importantly, she says, Trust your gut. She believes women need to be their own best advocates and not let the world tell them they are crazy when they know something is wrong.

Maureen helps the Assistance League of Charlotte, the American Red Cross Greater Carolinas Chapter, and the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, to name a few.

Perhaps more than most people, Maureen OBoyle knows that we are not here forever. When asked how she wants to be remembered, she says she would love for people not to remember her at all, but to see the images she The other defining moment in Mauholds in her minds eye of a kid strugreens life was a much happier one. She gling with an illness, or a hungry peris convinced that she lived through the son waiting in line for food. She feels a attack so that she could give birth to soul connection with them, and with her daughter, and she thanks God every the homeless and the disabled, too. Her opportunities to do charity work night for the gift of being her mom. have shown her how we as individuals can be messengers of Gods love just Coming home Part of what brought Maureen back to through simple acts, and give people a Charlotte was a desire to surround her sense of hope who dont have that. daughter with an extended family. In I think you can rest assured, Maureen 2004, she returned to her hometown to fulfill her girlhood dream of working OBoyle, that even though you want at WBTV, where today she is a popular us to remember others first, you will news anchor. Her daughters life now be remembered as a woman who was includes grandparents, and lots of anchored in hope, faith, and love. aunts, uncles, and cousins. Maureen has gained the utmost respect from the Charlotte community over the years for her extensive work with charity organizations. Besides emceeing and promoting The Sandboxs An Evening of Believing Prom,
Cristina Cassidy Productions open minds with compelling video www.cristinacassidyproductions.com FB: Cristina Cassidy Productions email: docudramaqueen@mac.com phone: 704-930-8503

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going green

by Terri Bennett

Healthy Bedroom Checklist

hen we think about being healthier and more eco-friendly at home, the bedroom is usually one of the last places we consider. However there are easy ways to Do Your Part to clean up the air inside your familys bedrooms and reduce your utility bills at the same time.Here are a few places to start: Lighten the Mood There is a bigger selection than ever when it comes to energy saving light bulbs. Halogens, compact fluorescents (CFLs), and LEDs are a few options. All will last at least 25% longer than traditional incandescent ones. The key is to pick the right bulb for your specific fixtures. Some bulbs are not suitable for dimmable lights, for instance. Make sure to check the label before you buy. New, more efficient incandescent bulbs are also beginning to appear on store shelves, so look for those too. Buy Better Bedding So-called wrinkle free bedspreads,

sheets, and pillowcases are usually loaded with chemical products that actually release formaldehyde, which cant be washed away. Instead, opt for bedding made from natural fabrics such as cotton or flannel. Fans are Your Friend A simple way to lower your utility bills is to use a ceiling fan to keep the treated air moving. In the colder months, your fan blades should turn in the clockwise direction to force warmer air collecting at the ceiling down toward the floor. You can tell that the blades are turning in the wrong direction for the colder months if you feel a breeze pushing down on you when standing directly under the fan. Reverse the blade direction in warmer months. Clean out the Closets Are your closets jam-packed with clothes that you and your family no longer wear? Dont let them take up valuable space when they could go to someone who wants or needs them. Many well cared for clothes hold a lot of

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value and can be sold in consignment shops or online sites such as eBay. Of course, you can also donate them to a local charity and claim a tax deduction for the value of your goods. Select Safer Scents Many of us use candles or other air fresheners in our bedrooms. However, when you burn many popular candles made of paraffin, you are actually polluting your air with petroleum by-products.Better candle choices include ones made from natural beeswax or soy. Another option for a sweet smelling

room are to use essential oils. You can add a few drops of these plants based oils on cotton balls and place them around the room or add a few drops to a spray bottle filled with water to spray over larger areas. More Information: Exclusive Room By Room Checklists

Terri Bennett A veteran TV meteorologist, eco-expert and author of Do Your Part: A practical guide for everyday green living available at: DoYourPart.com. Send questions to terri@doyourpart.com

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Lay in a course, Navigate the change,

Destination Success

They helped me to focus on my goals, improve my personal capacity and put in place the systems I need to be successful.
Kelly Wascher/Owner, Kelly Wascher, CPA, LLC

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Some of the 1,200 farm families who own Cabot.

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I
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Leadership
By Sasha Gray
with perfect leadership talent. Even though we all may be born with certain leadership traits, it takes certain knowledge and skills that can only come from education and experience. A good leader never stops educating and studying themselves. They learn from their everyday life and continually work to improve. Some personality traits, which are inherited, may influence our actions or reactions to a situation. However, it is the confidence, intelligence, willpower & vision gained from years of mistakes and self-training that will make you an effective leader. All of which can only come from life, your personal experiences and what you learn from them. When I look at those who have been leaders in my eyes, I see people who werent afraid to voice their opinion regardless of what

Imagine you and 3 friends set out on a road tripsomeplace warm and sunny. Suddenly, your car starts overheating and smoke is radiating from the hood. Before you know it, youre broken down on the side of the road. Cell phone service is not available, and the nearest town is 10 miles away. Your 3 passengers are looking at you for a plan. You have 2 options sit there on the side of the road and hope another vehicle comes along sooner rather than later. Or, you can use your knowledge and the available resources to look under the hood and take control of the situation so that your girlfriends are not panicking. A leader would get under that hood to figure out a way to nurse the vehicle and make it to town. Leaders are made, they are not born. No one person will wake up some day

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others my think. Fear never stopped them from trying even if the attempt wasnt successful at accomplishing the task at hand. They were confident in the person they are and were going to make it some way somehow with the determination that lied within setting example to me that I could trust in what they were doing making me want to be that strong. This is successful leadership. My aunt raised me, which I am sure was a challenge, and never complained.

ed to follow your instruction and your leadership attempt wont be very effective. If Aunt Merry hadnt been strong and confident as a mother, I might not have believed her or followed in her footsteps. And Mrs. Clinton wouldnt have been very successful in her accomplishments if she wasnt confident and knowledgeable.

At 28 years old I am still learning a lot about life and myself. And thanks to those that have been a sterling example She took on the responsibility when of what a leader should do and how a my mom didnt figured out a way to leader should act, I know that I do not get me through school, taught me right want to be a follower. I want to be the from wrong and was pretty successful I person who demonstrates confidence think. Hillary Clinton who is a very well- and intelligence in my daily life. Knowknown, accomplished woman and has ing my strengths and weaknesses, being been the only First Lady to serve in the willing to admit where I need improvePresidents cabinet didnt do it by sitting ment and working to correct my faults is back and letting life happen. the only way I will ever be able to reach my leadership goal, and I am optimistic Whether you are president of a counthat one day I can be that leader that try, mother, inventor, supervisor at your I know is inside me. And if I am ever employment or simply just surrounded stranded on a road trip with my friends, I by friends, you must have confidence it will figure out a way to make it home. what you are doing and convince those who surround you that you are worthy Note from publisher: I met this young of being followed, for it is your followers lady at the WPEA/BPW conference. She which determine your popularity. They is a young careerist winner and I loved must trust you if they lack confidence her speech and wanted to share it with in what you are directing or advising our readers.. them to do, they wont be very motivat-

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family

T
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for Smart Spending

Here are some easy tips to start you down the road to smarter spending: Create a family spending plan.Start a weekly budget meeting with your family to make everyone aware of spending habits. Be sure to keep track of all transactions made throughout the week and prioritize necessities

Simple Steps

These days, people are thinking more about how to make smarter decisions with their spending. In fact, simple spending cut-backs can mean a huge difference to your familys bank account. Get back to the basics of what you really need, and youll eliminate unnecessary spending and stress, while keeping more cash in your pocket.

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over luxuries. With families increasingly concernedwith how they are spending, according to a recent Cricket Wireless survey, nearly two-thirds of Americans surveyed report paying bills as their highest priorityand are using tax refunds to cover basic necessities.

Cant find a co-worker who lives in your area? Many online websites exist to link those interested in sharing rides per region.

Cut those coupons. It may sound old fashioned, but you can score great deals on food and home goods Compare the rates. When reviewing when you dust off those scissors. Clip monthly bills, compare the amounts through your local Sunday newspaper, youre paying with others. According to or search online. Many online sites offer Crickets survey, wireless phone plans, extreme discounts on meals, gifts and cable and electricity are considered the services specific to your locale. top most overpaid bills by consumers. Look for online comparative tools Eat economically. If you love eatthat can help evaluate the advantages ing out on a regular basis, plan to eat between service providers. breakfast at home. Save your hardearned cash for leisurely lunches Consider easy ways to scale back and dinners where you can unwind spending on these items, such as go- with family and friends. This trick will ing with a more flexible no-contract, lighten the load on your pocketbook, prepaid wireless service that can be which is always easier to digest. half the cost than contract carriers, or eliminate the number of movie chan- For a comparative tool of wireless nels subscribed to through your cable carriers and other pricing information, to curb spending and instead go with visitwww.mycricket.com. a lower cost digital movie subscription service. Photo courtesy of Getty Images Carpool with a buddy. Ask coworkers if they would be interested in carpooling with you. This will save you and your co-worker gas money, while also being environmentally friendly.

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Making An Impact
News about Awards, Events, Promotions and Business Meetings Uptown Charlotte Welcomes 17th Annual Komen Race for the Cure
Charlotte, NC- The17thAnnual Race for the Curereturns to uptown Charlottes Marshall Park on Saturday, October 5, 2013. Registration is already strong, said Lori Vaccaro, executive director of Komen Charlotte. Last year, Charlotte hosted over 17,000 participants ranging in age from newborns to 90s. Race for the Cureshowcases a 5K timed race, 5K non-competitive run/walk, one-mile route, 50-yard kids dash, race expo, survivors tent, exhibits, and more. This year the Race Committee is adding live entertainment, Food Truck Rodeo and ceremonies for competitive racers and survivors. Third generation race car driver, Taylor Stricklin, will greet and meet NASCAR fans. Locally presented by Novant Health and Mecklenburg Radiology Associates, Race for the Cureis a celebration of life where runners and walkers of all ages gather to honor survivors who are winning the battle against breast cancer and to remember 50

Around Town
those who have lost their lives to this devastating disease.Register as an individual, join a team, or donate to an individual or team on the Komen Charlotte websitewww. komencharlotte.org. Race for the Cureis Komen Charlottes largest awareness and fundraising event of the year, with 75% of every dollar used to fund community health grants in the 13-county, greater Charlotte area. The remaining 25% is used to support national cancer research grants, including research underway at universities in North Carolina. We are so thankful for all the individuals, team members, team captains and sponsors who have joined us this year, said Vaccaro. We really cant do it without the communitys support and dedication. Susan G. Komen is one of the most widely known breast cancer organizations in the world. Komen Charlotte raises funds to battle breast cancer through events such as the annual Race for the Cure; Laugh for

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the Cure; Carowinds for the Cure; BCC Rally; Serve for the Cure; and a variety of community events hosted by schools, volunteer organizations, faith communities, small businesses and corporate partners. More than 300 volunteers dedicate time and talent to educate, advocate and share the mission of Susan G. Komen Charlotte.

call my aunt and cousins and tell them that the end was near and there wasnt anything he could do to make the pain end sooner for him says Sabrina. Sabrina did not want to see anyone have to go through what her father went through when his brother died and set out to become an Estate Planning Attorney to help others put a plan in place so that their wishes are carrieHe never ever forgot a birthday and Sabrina has childhood memories of visiting at his office and playing receptionist and pretending to be working. Later in life her uncle was diagnosed with Alzheimers and died with her father and her family by his hospital bedside. Sabrinas father was left having to make decisions about his funeral and managing the end of his brothers life. He was left wondering if he made the right decisions and if his brother would have been happy with the decisions that were made.d out and their loved ones dont have to make hard decisions in such a difficult time. Help Team DEFEET ALZHEIMERS make this a record-breaking year for this cause by joining the team or donating. To donate of join her team, click the link below. Team DEFEET for Alzheimers

Charlotte, NC: Team DEFEET ALZHEIMERS, led by Sabrina Winters Attorney atLaw,

PLLC is participating in the Alzheimers Association Walk to End Alzheimers in Charlotte, September 28that Symphony Park at 10:00am. This event is the largest in the nation to raise awareness and funds for the care, support and research of Alzheimers.Sabrina has supported the cause of Alzheimers for several years. Alzheimers disease is near and dear to the heart of the founder and managing attorney, Sabrina Winters, of Sabrina Winters, Attorney atLaw PLLC. The one thing that changed her life was the death of her uncle Giovanni, nicknamed by the neighborhood kids as the candy man.He was known to have a trunk full of candy that he shared with all of the kids in the neighborhood when he came to visit. I always think how different it would have been if my uncle knew the heartache my father felt when he had to

Michele Stutts, Seasoned Financial Services Professional, Joins Solamere Advisors

We are thrilled to welcome Michele
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Stutts, CFP to the Solamere Advisors team. Michele brings over 25 years of experience in the financial services arena. Her background includes wealth management, financial planning, tax, credit and banking expertise. She spent 18 years at NationsBank, now Bank of America, managing the companys expansion of Private Banking services in the southeast. Michele obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Louisville where she was a four-year collegiate athlete on the Womens Varsity Basketball team. She then went on to earn a Masters of International Business Administration from the University of Kentucky. A member of the Charlotte community for over 22 years, Michele has been involved with several volunteer organizations, mostly recently serving two consecutive terms on the Board of Directors at Charlotte Country Day School (CCDS) and also participating on both their Investment and Finance committees. She has been a longstanding member of the local Financial Planning Association (FPA). Over the years, Micheles passion for youth sports has led her into coaching roles at numerous non-profit organizations around town to include serving as Head Coach for the GirlsVarsity basketball program at CCDS. We value the 52
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expertise, energy and versatility Michele brings toour Solamere team.

Women Executives of Charlotte announces 2013/2014 Board of Directors

About Women Executives Women Executives (WE), founded in 1977, is a diverse group of accomplished professional women whose mission is to support and nurture each others personal and career growth. Members are senior executives in corporate, entrepreneurial, sales, nonprofit and professional positions in a wide variety of industries and organizations in the Charlotte metro area. Celebrating 35 years in 2012, WEs mission is to support and nurture members personal and career growth through a variety of activities including monthly speakers, informal networking, affinity groups and community outreach. While its 250 plus membership is already highly involved in the community in leadership and philanthropic roles, members also share their success and experience by supporting WEs 501(c)(3) affiliate, Women Executives in Community Service (WECS). This group provides scholarships and mentoring support for Women Initiating and Nurturing Growth through Scholarships (WINGS). The scholarship and mentoring program is open to female undergraduate students, 25

years or older, who are pursing higher education as a way to improve their lives. For more information about WE, its membership and programs, go towww.wecharlotte.orgor contact Penni Stritter at 704.442.5322.

Charlotte, North Carolina Mimi Zelman, president/ publisher of Women With Know How Magazine has been elected president of BPW/NC at the annual state convention held in Greensboro, NC the weekend of June 21 & 22 2013.
BPW/NC is a network of North Carolina womenwho are committed to achieving full equity for all women in education, government, business and the community. Top of Form BPW-NCs Mission To provide personal and professional growth opportunities and to promote equity for North Carolina women in the workplace. BPW-NC Federation Objectives To elevate the standards of women in business and in the professions. To promote the interest of business and professional women. To bring about a spirit of cooperation among women of the United States. To extend opportunities to business and professional women through education along the lines of industrial, scientific, and vocational activities. BPW/NC advocates for: Pay Equity

Equal Education Economic Opportunities Some of the advocacy tools we use include: Political Awareness &Community Involvement ~ Participate in a wide range of activities and grassroots efforts to raise awareness of issues affecting working women at local and state levels. Personal & Professional Development ~ Attend workshops and programs designed to enhance professional skills and leadership abilities, such as Individual Development, WEE Women Empowered and Enlightened Events, Young Careerist and BPW/NC Career Woman of the Year. Scholarships ~ Assist women through scholarships to further formal education. Network with other Motivated Women ~ Connect with other motivated working women, network professionally, share contacts and exchange Send us your announcements that you information to would like to make or if you are an organization enhance your that focuses on business women send info to: business thormimi@womenwithknowhow.com (Deadline is the 15th of every month ough local profor upcoming issue) grams, as well as within the state of North Carolina.

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Will your money last? With a retirement plan it can.

Having a plan and the right financial solutions can help you put a confident retirement within reach. As an Ameriprise financial advisor, Ill work with you to define your retirement dreams. Then, Ill apply our disciplined financial planning approach, considering all aspects of your finances. And together, well create a plan that works for you with the products and strategies that are right for your goals. Learn how you can put your confident retirement more within reach. Our Advisors. Your Dreams. MORE WITHIN REACH
Call me today at (704) 522.6565
Diane S. Davis, CFP, CLU Financial Advisor CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER practitioner 5200 Park Rd Ste 117 Charlotte, NC 28209 704-522-6565 diane.s.davis@ampf.com www.ameripriseadvisors.com/diane.s.davis

Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results. 2012 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.