“Where there is no vision, the people perish” - Proverbs 29:18
Your Success Newsletter - Nov-Dec, 2012 - Published Bi-Monthly
Henry & Dianne Ford
Publishers
How Long? 300 Years! - How Long, Too Long!
”Keep them divided and my methods are guaranteed
to keep them enslaved for at least 300 years.”
-Willie Lynch addressing Slave Owners on the banks of the James River in 1712Although originally meant to control slaves,
the “Willie Lynch Syndrome” today pits not
just black against black, but most of us
against each other. Those who seek power
and control at any cost, perpetuate a
crab in the barrel mentality, to insure their
dominance.
In this country, we are blessed with options
to challenge those who would deny us our
God Given Rights. One of those options is
the ballot. That right did not come easy,
did not come free, and is subject to
erosion. Names such as Dr. King, James
Chaney, Andrew Goodman, Michael
Schwerner, Viola Liuzzo, Medgar Evers,
should remind us that freedom is not free.
From the near destruction of distant
civilizations, through the grim depths of the
Atlantic Ocean’s Inner Passage, through
Slavery and the fight for Civil and Human
Rights, we are constantly reminded of the
need to act.
Our system, paid for by the blood of young,
old, black, white, red, yellow, Democrat,
Republican, and Independent is not a
perfect system. It is however the system we
have and should not take for granted.
On Election Day, we can rise to the
occasion and set an example for
generations yet unborn. Whatever minor
inconvenience we might experience in
exercising our right to vote, will not equal the
price paid by four little girls who died in a
Birmingham Church bombing, because they
represented equality; an equality you can
best insure by VOTING on or before
November 6th.
“Freedom is never voluntarily given
by the oppressor; it must be
demanded by the oppressed.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
IN THIS ISSUE
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1 - How Long? Too Long - The Vote
2 - Expectations
3 - Delrica Martin: A Breath of Fresh Air
4 - Willie Johnson: Musings on Personal Growth
5 - Address to Twinsburg Senior Citizens
5 - Twinsburg Toastmasters
6 - Cookout at the Acoffs
6 - Cookout at the Taylors
7 - Happy Birthday, Val Brown
7 - Happy Birthday, Cleveland Municipal Court
8 - Special Occasion Products
Dianne Ford - Editor
EXPECTATIONS!
The beginning of the school year usually yields no
information about student achievement. For that reason I
decided to search for information about achievement
gaps. The information below comes as no surprise to
me, and supports my position of looking for and
celebrating the good in young people. The quotes
about the Student Achievement Gap come from
www.cdl.org/resource-library/articles/achieve_gap.php.
When we speak with adults, no matter where we are in
the country, they make the same comments. "They're too
poor." "Their parents don't care." "They come to school
without an adequate breakfast." "They don't have
enough books in the home." "Indeed, there aren't
enough parents in the home." Their reasons, in other
words, are always about the children and their families.
Young people, however, have different answers. They
talk about teachers who often do not know the subjects
that they are teaching.
They talk about counselors who consistently
underestimate their potential and place them in lowerlevel courses. They talk about principals who dismiss
their concerns. And they talk about a curriculum and a
set of expectations that feel so miserably low-level that
they literally bore the students right out the school door.
When we ask, "What about the things that the adults are
always talking about—neighborhood violence, singleparent homes, and so on?"—the young people's
responses are fascinating. "Sure, those things matter,"
they say. "But what hurts us more is that you teach us
less."
VISIONS Newsletter - Published Bi-Monthly
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P.O. Box 393 - Twinsburg, OH 44087-0393
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E-mail: successisyou@yahoo.com
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DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE - Dec. 10, 2012
- Page 2 -
“As a man
(woman, child)
Thinketh . . .”
and as
they
are
told?
The truth is that the data bear out what the young people
are saying. It's not that issues like poverty and parental
education don't matter. Clearly they do. But we take the
students who have less to begin with and then
systematically give them less in school. In fact, we give
these students less of everything that we believe makes a
difference. We do this in hundreds of different ways.
Let me be clear. It would help if changes were made
outside of schools, too: if parents spent more time with
their children, if poverty didn't crush so many spirits,
and if the broader culture didn't bombard young people
with so many destructive messages. But because both
research and experience show that what schools do
matters greatly, I'll concentrate on what works in
education.
Whether we agree with the findings or not, it is
important to reflect upon the possibility that something
in these remarks is of value. I have personally
experienced being underestimated and I under performed
as expected. For those who doubt that low expectations
can create low results, allow me to also refer to Jane
Elliott's famous study "Brown Eyes, Blue Eyes" at
www.janeelliott.com. As individuals, as families, as
communities, as a nation, we need super performance,
not underperformance. The world is shrinking, and
accordingly, our minds need to be expanding.
Please remember to look for and share something about a
young person for our next issue!
PLAN AHEAD!
Graduating This Year or
Planning to be in the Audience?
You Want a Short, Powerful
Commencement Message
Recommend Us to Your
School Officials TODAY!
VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org
Delrica Martin: A Breath of Fresh Air
I
A graduate of Akron
n late August while
Buchtel High School,
r u s h in g
through
Delrica
earned
an
countless emails and
Associates Degree in
just as many Facebook
Paralegal Studies, and is
Postings, I spotted a
currently
enrolled
in
Newsfeed
comment
Stark
State
College
posted
by
Delrica
headed
to
the
Martin.
Her insightful
accelerated
business
comment caused me
program
at
Malone
to visit her Facebook
Delrica Martin flashes her signature smile,
University to obtain her
Page where I was
backs it up with a winning attitude,
long awaited Bachelor's
treated
to
several
and provides a forum for sharing
D e g r e e
i n
pages of insightful and
Organizational
inspirational tidbits. Just
Management. Delrica is an Escrow Officer
two days earlier Delrica had established
for Title One Agency, Inc, an affiliate and in
the Facebook Page Something to Think
-house title company for Cutler Real Estate.
About, a page dedicated to sharing
inspiration. Once again, the wonders of
With such a diverse and interesting
technology (thanks to workings of The
background, along with the ability and
Creator) had combined to practically
desire to inspire and help others, what is this
double my access to powerful and lifedynamic young lady most proud of?
changing information.
Among everything else she is to so many
people, she is one of those people whose
As we began to communicate, Delrica
actions truly move the world . . . a mother!
proved that she “walks the walk” by quickly
Now that says more than all I have written.
and openly sharing information about
Delrica’s only stipulation when we
herself, and some of her favorite
discussed the timing (and time needed) for
quotations, including:
this article, was that the time needed for
family would have to come first.
 Don't wait for things to "get back to
normal" CREATE A NEW NORMAL! New
Remember that many of the world’s
Norm...New You!!
greatest movements of both thought and
 NO isn't a Stop Sign, it's a Yield. Proceed
action began with a single individual. If
with caution while in route to finding
you are interested in reading and possibly
your YES!!
contributing inspiring messages, and
 Surround yourself with people who see
otherwise sharing in Delrica’s quiet
something in you... People who believe
revolution, I encourage you to visit
in you... People who are secure enough
Something to Think About on Facebook at
in themselves to encourage you to do
w w w . f a c e b o o k . c om / d e l r ic a . m a rt in /
better!! And if you can't find those
ricathinkspositive. If you are not yet on
people, be patient, God will SEND them
Facebook, you can still enjoy Delrica’s
to you!!
powerful thoughts on her blog at
 And a simple but clear “Keep moving
www.delricamartin.blogspot.com.
forward...”
VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org
- Page 3 -
Musings on Personal Growth
By: Willie Johnson
Performance Improvement & Training Consultant
www.williejay.com
I am extremely honored to be associated with Henry Ford and Associates VISIONS Newsletter. It has
given me the opportunity to share my views on varying topics. Topics such as: Personal Success,
Customer Service, Networking, Goal Setting, etc.
Through this article entitled “Musing on Personal Growth”, my plan is to share with you, statements I
have heard, that have helped and inspired me along my journey. I share them in hopes that they may
inspire you to take action on something you have been putting off, or to think more deeply about a
pressing concern. You may not embrace each statement; however, I challenge you to at least give it
some thought. Enjoy. {Note: These are statements and or quotes I have heard or read over time; and
have internalized them. I cannot credit anyone to any specific person.}










Take the Offensive: When you choose to be on the offensive, the atmosphere of your life
will begin to change. It’s a decision made from within.
Persistence: Persistence is a habit – so is quitting. Therefore, the choice of giving up or
going on is a defining moment in your life.
Be an Optimist: A smile adds to your face value.
Soar with Eagles: Misery loves company, but you don’t have to join them. If you associate
with eagles – you will learn how to soar.
Worry and Fear: Worry is simply allowing fear to triumph over what you believe.
Therefore; never let worry and fear direct your life.
Speaking: Communication is the “key” to your professional and personal success.
Goals: Write it down! When you commit something to writing, commitment to achievement
naturally follows.
Choice: (A) Choose today, whom you will serve. (B) Choose today, to take on
challenges and opportunities to build on your talents, gifts, and strengths.
Success and Work: Striving for success without hard work is like trying to harvest where
you haven’t planted.
Change and Growth: Change is constant – Growth is optional
Thank you for taking the time to read my “musings”. I hope that some, if not all, touch you as they have
touched me. As always, comments are welcomed; and I would love to hear from you. Send emails to
me at: willie_johnson@jbhunt.com. You can also visit my website at: www.williejay.com.
{Writer’s Note: Visit www.invitationcity.com. You will be glad you did.}
- Page 4 -
VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org
Addressing Twinsburg Senior Citizens
“Connecting Resources Across Generations”
On September 12th I had
the opportunity to share a
message of Volunteerism
a n d
C omm un it y
Involvement at a program
meeting of The Twinsburg
Senior Citizens. My second
book,
The
Power
of
Association along with over
thirty years of community
involvement, and over
twenty years experiences of
writing,
speaking
and
ot h e rw ise
in t e ra c t ion s
formed the content of my
presentation.
In addition to sharing how community involvement helps the community, I attempted to
demonstrate the personal and professional growth potential that results from that
involvement. Specific recommendations included seniors becoming involved in Twinsburg’s
School System, Library, Toastmasters, Rotary Club, and the planning of activities of the
Senior’s organization. How did I do? Stay tuned, we shall see and bear witness.
A big Thank You to our friend Reggie Brandes who recommended me, to the Seniors
Governing Board and of course, a kind and considerate audience. Additional details of
the program are available on-line at www.twinsburgseniors.blogspot.com.
Twinsburg Toastmasters: For Personal & Professional Growth
Thanks to Dennis Deegan and an inspiring group
focused on improving their communications skills, the
Twinsburg Toastmasters are off to a great start. I
attended their October 1st meeting and was
impressed at how quickly the group had hit the
ground running. Toastmasters has the potential to
give a big boost to the personal and professional
development of members. For additional information
about Twinsburg Toastmasters, contact Dennis at (330)
801-6608 or dennis.deegan@gmail.com.
VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org
- Page 5 -
Labor Day Weekend with Friends: “POURED OUT” BLESSINGS!
W
hat Blessings there are in having more
invitations to be with friends than there
is time in the day. These are the kinds of
challenges we welcome. Celebrating Labor
Day Weekend was a joy as we had to make
the difficult decision of when to cut short the
celebration with our friends from the old St.
Clair Neighborhood, and head to a late
arrival to celebrate with the Taylor Family and
friends. If we could confine problems to
issues of this magnitude, “OH what a
wonderful world this would be!”
We began the day with friends from the old
Dinner with the Acoff Family & Friends
St. Clair neighborhood, the area around East
91st and surrounding areas. As we shared GREAT FOOD, and reflected about old times,
there was a since of gratitude and appreciation for one another that we pray young
people can find today. The News Headlines can make one doubt, but that’s one purpose
of this newsletter, to look beyond the Headlines and encourage more of a world like we
from the St. Clair neighborhood recall. We appreciate growing up, going on to prosper
and enjoy life, and on occasion, enjoying each other and attempting to express how
much we mean to each other. After a few hours of good times, provided by hosts
Johnnie and Delcenia Acoff, it was . . .
O
nward
to
the Taylor’s
home, and their
always lively and
hospitabl e
guests,
and
again.
GREAT
FOOD.
You
probably picked
The Taylor’s with
The Taylor Family Cookout
up
on
two
Virginia
Edwards
(center)
(Good
Times & Conversation)
c o m m o n
themes . . .
GREAT FRIENDS and GREAT FOOD! In regards to the food, we believe, or at least want to
believe, that it was all low-fat, low-calorie and healthy. So being twice blessed in the
same day, we simply say to God, and to our hosts and those we shared the day and good
times with, THANK YOU!
- Page 6 -
VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org
The fabulous Birthday Club gathered at the
Mediterranean Party Center to celebrate Val
Brown’s Birthday. I can’t keep up with Val’s age. It
looks as though it may have been her 39th, but if
I’m off by a year or two, hopefully she will forgive
me. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Val.
Cleveland Municipal Court
Celebrates 100 Years!
I
t was a blessing to spend the evening celebrating and
socializing with many present and past members of
Cleveland’s Municipal Court. One of the evening’s highlights
was an inspiring and to-the-point keynote by Ohio Supreme
Court Justice Yvette McGhee Brown.
The evening was shared with other well known and respected
names such as the Honorable Ronald B. Adrine, the
Administrative and Presiding Judge, who’s been with the court
for the past 30 years. Also in the audience was Jean Murrell
Capers, at age 99, the oldest retired Judge in Ohio. This needs
to be stated, because if you have the pleasure of knowing
Judge Capers, you know that this spirited and personable lady
appears to be much younger than ninety-anything!
Centennial Lead Barbara
Williams (left) and Keynote
Speaker and Ohio Supreme
Court Justice Yvette McGee
Brown
Popular TV News Anchor Wayne Dawson served as Master of
Ceremonies, while Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson presented
a proclamation from the city. Our faces were fed and belts
became tighter from endless Hors d'oeuvres followed by a fullcourse dinner. Music for the evening was provided by the
Jerome Saunders Jazz Quartet, and the always lively DJ “Tony
Slim.” Closing remarks were delivered by the Honorable Judge
Emanuella Groves, with the Benediction by Rev. Stephen
Douglas Sullivan, Sr.
Dianne with Administrative
and Presiding Judge Ronald
B. Adrine
VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org
- Page 7 -
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- Page 8 -
VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org