Dr. Margaret Burroughs & Marcie

Dr. Margaret Burroughs is a historical icon that has been seen on TV and read about in history books.  I don’t have to tell you what an honor it was to interview this 91-year old artist, educator, and historian who still lives a very active life.  Although we discussed quite a bit during our hour long interview, I am only going to share the simple, yet powerful words of wisdom from Dr. Burroughs on AS NOT SEEN ON TV.

1.      The most important thing in life is to do things you enjoy.

2.      Everyone has a gift of creativity; you have to bring it out.

3.      You have to keep busy if you want to stay alive.

4.      Advice to young people: LEARN LEARN LEARN and READ READ READ.

5.      Don’t give up hope.  Identify your goals in life and move toward them.  Don’t let anyone discourage you.

I would be remiss if some of her accomplishments were not listed:

·        Co-founder of the DuSable Museum of African American History – the 1^st African American museum in the United States and in Chicago;

·        Co-founder of the Southside Community Arts Center in Chicago;

·        The recipient of many honorary degrees including an honorary doctorate degree from the Art Institute of Chicago, her alma mater;

·        The “grandmother” of the Park Board in Chicago. Appointed by the late Harold Washington, she is the longest serving member on the board;

·        She currently teaches art classes at Statesville Prison from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every Tuesday.  She teaches creative writing and poetry in the morning and art and painting in the afternoon;

·        AND she roller skates!!!!  You read correctly.  Dr. Burroughs gets her roll on!  She says that she still has to learn how to go backward!  Most of my friends would not dare get on wheels, and look at this 91-year-old woman actually skating!  Look at her flexibility.  I’m jealous.

Check out the clip below.  Now, this is something that has NEVER been seen on TV!

Brad Bechler, Author of When Will the Sky Fall

Former ghostwriter Brad Bechler was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. Although he has life-long memories of his home state, none of them are more vivid than the fateful day of August 29, 2005. That was the day that the lives of many people in New Orleans and Mississippi were forever changed by Hurricane Katrina, including Brad’s. With over 1,800 lives claimed and approximately 78,000 homes destroyed, Katrina is by far “the largest natural disaster in the history of the United States.”

Although this tragic day seems to be fading in the memories of American History, Brad is working diligently to make sure this does not happen. His newly released book, When Will the Sky Fall?, is one way of keeping the memory alive. “My primary focus is to get the book out to the mainstream while preserving the memory of the tragedy, victims, survivors, and revelations resulting from this epic storm.” He is certain that readers will be mesmerized by this poetic documentary that reads like a novel. He likened his book to “a song that told the story – a deeply seeded vision of solidarity and liberation.” He shared that “Hurricane Katrina compelled me to render the world on a poetic canvass because the souls of the people who perished and survived needed a voice, a non-threatening one.”

Brad released his book this year in honor of the 4th year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. In fact, it is dedicated to all of the families that survived the wrath of this brutal storm. His goal is to give 100,000 signed copies to the families of survivors through the public school system. Proceeds from book sales will go to a college scholarship fund for child survivors of the tragedy. Applicants only have to prove that they were survivors. He wants to bless approximately 3,000 children with scholarships this year. Thus, he is seeking private matching funds to reach his goal.

In addition to highlighting the pain and power of survival, When Will the Sky Fall? speaks on race and class in America. Hurricane Katrina was the event that showed the world how Americans really felt about these two topics. Excerpts from this compelling work can be read on his website at www.bradbechler.com.

Due to the enlightening content of When Will the Sky Fall?, it hit book stores six weeks before the scheduled release date. It can be found online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million. However, signed books with personalized poems can be purchased for $49.99 plus $5.00 shipping and handling. Signed books without personalized poems are also available for $24.95 plus $5.00 shipping and handling. Visit www.bradbechler.com to purchase personalized books by July 12, 2009.

Liz & James Hicks

It is truly a small world. I met Ms. Liz while shooting a video project for As Not Seen on TV. As it turns out, Ms. Liz is a member of my church, Vernon Park Church of God. She was kind enough to offer her story for couples married 50 years or more. So, here it is.

She and Mr. James lived across the street from each other as youngsters. They did not know each other, but their relatives were acquainted. They connected one day with general conversation. Well, it is 60 years and four kids later, and they are still holding tight.

This lovely couple dated two years before they got married. Their dates consisted of movies, walking, dancing, picnics, parties at different houses, and church. Ms. Liz said that going to church was a requirement. Apparently, Mr. James had no problem with that because church and Sunday school are still a part of their lives. Also worth mentioning is that they took time to find commonalities and areas of enjoyment before saying “I do.”

What made their union last so long? Ms. Liz said with a reflective look and smile on her face, “He was an honest man trying to do right by his family. There was no fighting… he worked and took care of home.” They communicated their wants and needs to each other. They went to church and raised their children in church. And they both loved socializing. She remembered card parties and other gatherings held at their home, which became known as “the Happy Home.”

Advice Ms. Liz has for youngsters:
• Nobody’s perfect.
• Men and women are completely different – accept that fact.
• Compromise – sometimes you give in, sometimes you walk away and talk about it later.
• Take care of each other.

More advice from a couple who has weathered many storms for 60 years together. I don’t know if you’ll see them in other publications, but you saw them here on As Not Seen on TV.

I would like to wish a very blessed and happy Mother’s Day to everyone – women and men – serving in this role.

Marcie Hill
Editor

 American television leaves a lot to be desired on so many levels.  No longer is it a source of wholesome entertainment.  TV has become the face of moral and social decay; the promoter of stereotypes and racism; and the death of common sense.  It also signifies the end of good news and positive messages as we know it.  And those are only the basic channels!

Because of all of the negativity and nonsense that flows from TV screens of all sizes, As Not Seen on TV was created.  This blog is destined to be the world’s largest online resource promoting positive stories, images and messages.  Therefore, volunteer writers are needed to make this happen.  Following are six reasons why you should volunteer to write one story per month for As Not Seen on TV.

1. As Not Seen on TV accentuates the positive.  Every day we are bombarded with negativity from a variety of sources – work, communities, church, home, and especially the media.  As Not Seen on TV will counter all of the negativity with positive stories about people doing great things, events held by giving organizations, and hidden treasures in our community that may not be covered by mainstream media.
2. Build your writing skills and portfolio.  If you are a new to writing or think you want to write, you can submit stories to As Not Seen on TV for a test run.  All stories are read and edited prior to posting so feedback will be provided.  In addition, experienced writers may have a positive story and need a source on which publish.  Make As Not Seen on TV your source for these stories. Don’t let your hard work go unread.   
3. Keep stories short and simple.  Ideally, all stories should be up to 500 words with accompanying photos or videos.  However, they can be longer if necessary.  Your stories should make the greatest impact with the fewest words possible. 
4. Let pictures and videos tell your story.  Pictures and videos are just as effective for conveying messages as words.  Pull out your camcorder or camera and get to working.  Just add a brief statement to explain the images or videos to readers.
5. You need a story; companies and individuals can use free publicity.  Writing for AS Not Seen on TV will help establish your credibility as a writer; build your reputations as a reliable source, and grow your network.  All you have to do is contact the organization or individual that you’re interested in writing about, and let them know that want to write an article about them, their organization, or their event.  If you do a good job and stay in touch, the relationship with the organization or individual will develop.  Eventually, their contacts will become your contacts. 
6. You will not be a volunteer forever.  You are on the ground floor of a blog that will rank within the top ten blogs within the next two years.  What this means is that even though you are volunteering as a writer for As Not Seen on TV now, you’ll get paid in the future.  Here’s how it works.  The more writers I have, the more stories can be posted.  More stories will draw more traffic.  More traffic gets the attention of advertisers.  When they start paying, we’ll get paid.  

Above are six reasons why you should volunteer to write one story a month for As Not Seen on TV.  Interested persons should contact Marcie Hill, Editor, at editor@asnotseenontv.info.

I learned about My Wish through LinkedIn, and contacted Donna Sirianni for permission to share the link to her site with my As Not Seen On TV readers.

Donna says that “DEMYSTIFYING the PROCESS of manifesting a dream so that people can see that dreams can truly become their reality” is the goal of her movie.  Visit www.mywishthemovie.com to view the trailer. 

I truly enjoyed it and know you will too.

Metropolitan Family Services - Calumet Center - Chicago

Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) has been serving the needs of communities in Chicago since 1857. They are completely dedicated to fulfilling their mission, which is “to provide and mobilize the services needed to strengthen families and communities,” by identifying and responding to the needs of the communities in which they serve.

Although MFS has seven Chicago and suburban locations, I would like to highlight their Calumet Center located at 235 E. 103rd Street in Chicago. I have had the pleasure of covering several stories about this Center as a freelance journalist with the Independent Bulletin newspaper. They do so much in the community and I know that all the things they do are not seen on TV.

I felt the need to share some of the services that they offer to residents of the Roseland, Pullman, West Pullman, Riverdale, Washington Heights, Morgan Park and Chatham communities.

Youth Education
These in-school and after school programs were created to address academic and behavioral challenges through tutoring, recreational activities, life skills training, case management services and field trips. The goals of the program are to:
• Increase test scores in reading, math and language arts*
• Improve schools behavior social skills, cognitive functioning and parental involvement*
• Attempt to reduce truancy, suspensions, expulsions and academic challenges*
• Provide opportunities to complete high school and attend college*

* This information was taken from their brochure

African American Male Initiative
A particularly unique program offered by MFS is the African American Male Initiative Program.
This mentoring program, Mentoring Toward Manhood, is not a typical program. Mentors are matched to families. The men will spend time with male participants ages 10-16 and their families during monthly family outings sponsored by Metropolitan. Caregivers of the participants must be actively involved in the 10-week family group sessions. If the parent or caregiver fails to participate in family meetings, the entire family will miss the benefits of a mentor.

Teen Parenting
MFS offers a parenting education program for young women who are new parents and need help with parenting skills. They also work with teen parents in school to prevent future parenting until they are ready, and encourage them to stay in school. Some of the teen parents are DCFS wards.

Senior Programs
Seniors Parenting Again (SPA) helps seniors who are faced with the daunting task of being parents all over again. Also, a senior home owners program is available to provide assistance and resources to these “seasoned” citizens.

Family Programs
General counseling to families; a domestic violence program for women and their children; and information and referrals to people who call in for assistance or who walk in for service are provided under this program. Additionally, activities, field trips, resource lending and parenting classes are offered to strengthen the bond between parents and their children.

Adoption Services
Relative caregivers obtain assistance to help adjust to becoming caregivers with adoption and guardianship assistance. MFS helps them apply for public assistance, address school and emotional issues as well as supply other resources. MFS’s Action Team is working diligently to reduce the number of children of color in the child welfare system.

Relocation Assistance for Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) Residents
MFS looks at the array of needs of families and individuals. They also consider barriers and determine offer the appropriate services to address the needs. These services include counseling, substance abuse services, GED, and connections to after school or childcare services. Employment and permanent housing support is also available.

**********

As you can see, Metropolitan Family Services is doing great things that are not seen on TV. They partner with Chicago Public Schools, the Illinois Department Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the U.S. Department of Education to develop and provide programs for youth, parents, grandparents and the community at large. Dedicated staff members and volunteers also make these programs possible.

Check out their website at www.metrofamily.org to learn more about the programs and services offered. You are welcome to stop in or call the Metropolitan Family Services – Calumet Center at 773.371.3600 for more information or with questions about services.

The Chicago Safe Start program at Metropolitan Family Services provides support and counseling services to families that have children 0 to 6 years of age that have been affected by violence at home, in the community and by the media. Family, group and individual counseling is available.

The Safe Start team is starting a new 10-week program called The Baby 1st Group. Beginning Monday, May 4, 2009, these weekly sessions will meet from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Department of Human Services located at 837 W. 119th Street. The Baby 1st Group will help parents with infants and toddlers three years old and under in the areas of child development, self esteem, and exposure to violence. Parents are encouraged to bring their children to the meetings.

If you know of any children that are being affected by domestic, community or media violence, contact Intake Department at Metropolitan Family Services at 773-731-3642. Also, parents with infants and toddlers three years old and under are encouraged to attend The Baby 1st Group that begins on Monday, May 4, 2009.

Note from the Editor:
This information was shared on As Not Seen on TV because I am almost certain that many people are not aware of Metropolitan Family Services or the wonderful programs they offer. Visit their site at http://www.metrofamily.org for more information. The Calumet Center is located at 235 E. 103rd Street.

It is truly a pleasure to introduce two writers who have so graciously volunteered their time to write one article per month to help make AS NOT SEEN ON TV the world’s largest online resource promoting positive stories, images and messages.

Tasha Clopton-Stubbs

Tasha Clopton-Stubbs

Tasha Clopton-Stubbs is a freelance journalist with a passion for story telling. A graduate of Columbia College Chicago with degrees in both broadcasting and education, she has been educating our future and telling the city’s stories for over 7 years. In addition, she records live broadcasts and coordinates video production projects as a camera operator for Salem Baptist Church of Chicago. Visit her websites www.tcloptonstubbs.com and www.tcloptonstubbs.wordpress.com to read her published works.

She was the author and photographer for the Good Gyrrls article that was written on April 6, 2009. Read her story and leave comments.

Missie Hahn

Missie Hahn

Missie was born and raised in Wisconsin. She is driven by her passion to create – whether it’s writing about a buried treasure that deserves recognition or drawing an artistic masterpiece from unique techniques of shading. Although she is passionate about writing and art, she enjoys the outdoors, living a productive life, music, dancing and learning. She is currently earning her Associate’s Degree in Marketing.

Missie wrote this week’s article about The Landmark Building in Wausau, Wisconsin. Take the time to read it and leave comments.
In the meantime, feel free to welcome both of the new volunteer writers for AS NOT SEEN ON TV.