Make the World a Better Place Neva Gould Graceful Aging Worry Is ...

GIRL SCOUTS OF CENTRAL MARYLAND’SGREEN CARPETEVENTThursday, November 12, 6-8:30 p.m.Port Discovery 35 Market Place, Baltimore, MD 21202The 3 rd annual Green Carpet Event is akick-off to our time-honored Girl ScoutEntrepreneurial Cookie Program. Thisevening highlights the girl-centered benefitsof the Girl Scout Cookie Program byhonoring one girl from each of the fivecounties in Central Maryland and BaltimoreCity. These girls will be joining the featuredchefs as the “Stars” of this Big Event.Join us for a night of celebration!Our Girl Scout Stars will be chauffeuredto the Green Carpet Celebration bylimousines and they, along with our guests,partake in very special culinary delightscreated by the featured chefs using GirlScout cookies. This will be a night not tomiss and not soon to be forgotten by thecorporate, family and community guestsexpected to be in attendance.Tickets ($25) are available atwww.gscm.org/gce.htmlor call Clarke, 410.358.9711 ext. 287FeaturingFabulous Chefs:(confirmed to date)Chef Jason AmbroseSalt RestaurantChef Daniel ElardoZeffert & Gold CateringChef Michael GettierAntrim 1844Chef Nancy LongoPierpoint RestaurantChef Jaime LunaMari Luna RestaurantChef William McKinleyMcCormick & Schmick’sSeafood RestaurantChef Bryan MontzChef Montz ExecutiveCateringAmber RichardsNespressoRev. Edward RobinsonAgape House CateringChef Daryl RodriguezTruffles CateringChef Robert W. SeeligSantoni’sFor Women, To Women, About Women

tainly a welcome and timelygift for us. Another group ofGirl Scout troops annuallycollect food for local sheltersand food banks in their areaduring the Thanksgiving andwinter holiday season to ensurethat those in need willhave food available to them.And during this time of worldturbulence, we also have GirlScouts who choose to spendtime during this season atthe BWI/Marshall Airportdistributing Girl Scout Cookies,as part of our OperationU.S. Mint Gift of Caring project,to soldiers and militarypersonnel who are returninghome or are being deployedto an overseas tour of duty.The saying goes, “Charitybegins at home.” And whilethat may be true, charityis strengthened when it issupported and encouragedby a community. Imagine theimpact that a whole community’scharity can have;collectively, it makes a worldof difference in the lives of somany.Juliette Gordon Lowsaid, “Ours is a circle offriendships united by ideals.”This holiday seasonwill be greater for all peopleif we—individuals, families,organizations and businesses– become united by the idealsof charity and service. Thepossibilities of what couldemerge from this “circleof friendship” are infinite.Whether you follow the leadof Girl Scouts and collecttoys, food, clothing, blanketsand coats; spend time helpingout in a soup kitchen; wrappresents; visit nursing homesand senior centers to singcarols or just talk; send cardswith donations to your favoriteorganization(s) or find away to brighten someone’sday or ease their burdensomeload—the holiday season isa great time to spread joyand make new friends. I andthousands of Girl Scoutsacross the country will bespending part of the holidaysmaking the world a betterplace; we challenge you to doso as well.For Women, To Women, About Women

Gould recounts that thefamily’s stay in Como was farfrom ‘freedom.’ “ We were infree confinement there,” shesays. “We could only movein a radius of ten kilometersand were subjected to dailyroll call by the police.”Remaining in Como until1943, during the timethe Allies were deployed toSouthern Italy, the Gould’swere on the run again whenthey were informed that theGermans were advancinginto Northern Italy. So, inAugust of that year, Neva’sfamily gradually workedtheir way South, walkingpart of the way where therail tracks were destroyedand taking the train wheneverpossible. But for thefamily, getting to SouthernItaly was a sojourn of circumlocution,says Gould.“The Germans rerouted thetrains from Rome,” Gouldsays. “So we walked towardsthe mountains to a towncalled Benata, near Beneventoand remained there untilthe front lines of the Alliedtroops liberated us.”For a while, Gould’s freedommeant further confinement.Following their liberation,they were sent to livefor one month in a nearbytown and were given applicationsto apply as refugees toenter the United States. Dueto a special Act of Congressin 1944, a certain numberof refugees could apply forentrance into America. Whenthe Gould’s application wasaccepted, they boarded a U.S. convoy ship and shortlyafter their arrival theywere resettled to Fort Ontarioin Oswego, New Yorkwhere they remained until1946. “Although were werefree to go to school and toshop, there was barbed wirearound the camp—becausewere were refugees, and notyet citizens” Gould says.For the Goulds, citizenshipwas two years and one borderaway. So in 1946, the familyentered Canada where theyapplied to become UnitedStates citizens and the applicationwas accepted.As a progeny of doctors,Gould had an innate interestin saving lives. Consequently,she attended Hunter Collegein New York, graduating in1952 and later from SUNYNew York Medical Schoolwhere she studied pathology,graduating in 1956. Gould’smedical degree allowed herto practice medicine in NewYork, five years in Washingtonand 35 years at MichaelReef Hospital in Chicagowhere she continued herwork in Pathology with aspecial interest in infantmortality.Reflecting upon her life,Gould’s reddish hair andradiant transluscent skin beliesher age of 78. “My entiretown where we lived in Croatiawas completely liquidated.Because of my parents’ connections,we escaped the fateof other Jewish families,”she says in a tone of humbleremembrance.Just shy of retiring oneyear ago, Gould has anotherpursuit—promoting thehistorical novel, Run for MeToo, offered online throughBarnes and Noble. “With theexception of some characters,the novel is the story of mylife,” Gould says. “I wantedto include people and events Iknew about, not write it likea memoir.”Neva Gould resides inChicago, IL.Joslyn Wolfe is the publisher of Focuson Women Magazine.Focus on Women Magazine’sFinest AwardsFocus on Women Magazine congratulates the following businesseswho have won our first annual 2009 Focus on Women Magazine’sFinest Awards. And the winners are:• Doctor Paul Ambush, Pediatrician,Ellicott City, MD for Finest Patient Care• Abigail Dion of Glazed to Perfection,Eldersburg, MD for the Finest Familyand Community Based Business.• Triangle Printing, Jessup, MD for FinestPrinting Award.• Woodberry Kitchen, Baltimore, MD forthe Finest Customer Service, Food, andAmbiance Award.• The Iron Bridge Wine Company, EllicottCity, MD for the Finest Food, and WineCombinations.• Lynn’s Day Spa, Columbia, MD for theFinest Customer Service, Ambiance andService to the Community.• Fogo De Chao Gaucho Steak House, Baltimore,MD for the Finest Steak, Chicken,Salad Bar and Food-a-Thon.• Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, FinestNon-Profit dedicated to helping girls.• Maryland Women’s Heritage Center,Baltimore, MD for the Finest non-profitdedicated to highlighting contributionsfor women.Focus on Women Magazine thanks you for your contributions andfor being recipients of our 2009 Focus on Women Magazine FinestAward.For Women, To Women, About Women

Graceful Aging:A Conversation withDowning KayBy the timeThanksgivingrolls around, myfriend DowningKay will havejust celebrated her 102ndbirthday. She is the firstcentenarian I have knownpersonally and, admittedly,she has become a newstandard against which Ichallenge the stereotypes ofaging. Recently I had a conversationwith her to find outthe secret for her long andhealthy life. She graciouslyobliged my questions, beingaccustomed to attentionBy Jaana Myllyluomadue to her age—being “theExhibit A”, as she laughinglysays of her role at the seniorliving complex where she hasher own apartment. It is notunusual for the managementto stop her in the hallwayto put in a good word to apotential new resident. She isan irresistibly engaging person,an elegant woman fullof sparkle and energy, whoappears much younger thanher three-digit years.Downing was born andraised in Baltimore, themiddle child of five, andenjoyed a happy childhoodat a time when life was farsimpler than today. Shegraduated from High Schoolin 1920 and went on to theNormal School to become ateacher. She married, hadtwo children, and when herdaughter was young, Downingenrolled her at the Graceand St. Peter’s preschool inMount Vernon. The school,in turn, hired Downing toteach, which led to a longand satisfying career at theschool.Perhaps it’s the teacher inher that gives Downing aninsatiable curiosity about theworld around her. Keepingup with progress is one of thesecrets to which she attributesher long life. We talkabout the changes in the roleof women over the last century.Being a career womanmost of her life has given hera different perspective frommany of her peers. Quite emphaticallyshe declares thathaving a woman running forthe president of our countryis real progress. I sense inher voice the pride of seeinghow far we have come.It is no surprise to mewhen Downing reveals anotherone of her secrets—herunfounded interest in people.“I like people—children,teenagers, old people, middleaged—all ages. I want tohear what they have to say,what they’ve been doing,”0Focus on Women Magazine

Participants are supportingplayers who have chosento gain by osmosis and growthrough observation. Theycreate a circle of energy andhold the space for the work tobe done.Representatives serve as“stand ins” for family members.They gain an evenmore visceral understandingof the impact and import ofwhat happens to members ofa family system. Note: theymay not be family members.Constellation ProcessSummaryThe Client places Representatives(Reps) of variousfamily members inside thecircle. The layout describesthe dynamics currentlyoperating within the familysystem from the Client’sperspective.Reps are then askedwhat’s going on for them.New relationship patternsare explored until familymembers are reconnected inhealthier, more supportiveways that enable the familysystem to achieve greaterwholeness, loving andbalance.As we said at the beginning,do not expect to understandfrom the descriptionI’ve just given. You need tosee the process at work forall this to make good sense.Sometimes seeing the finallayout and experiencing there-configured family systemis enough to bring immediateresolution. More often ittakes a bit of time for newunderstandings to take rootand become fully integrated.Occasionally people findit difficult to absorb the newknowledge and act on thepossibilities presented, yetlater report having clearlybenefited.Origins of ConstellationsWhile not the originator ofFamily Constellations, BertHellinger, from Germany,is credited with developingthe concept into its currentform, and taking the processworld wide. His insightfulunderstanding of humanentanglements and how tobring about rapid resolutionis now being taught inover 25 countries. Hellingerbegan his career as a priest,was a missionary to the Zuluin Africa, became a psychotherapist,and studied familysystems and group dynamics.What’s most significantabout Hellinger’s Constellationwork is that it is basedon years of observation, seeingwhat is and how thingswork. He steadfastly avoidsintellectual theories, beliefsand assumptions. It is thisrevelatory approach that hasled to numerous surprisingdiscoveries about how toestablish healthy, supportiverelationships and releasehistorical disruptions thathave long been reverberatingthroughout your familysystem.Benefits to Client—the Focusof a Particular Constellation• Discover root causes forundermining patternsof thinking, feeling andbehaving.•Access information andstimulate deep, permanenthealing in ways nopsychotherapeutic systemcan provide, because themethod goes beyond intellectand mind, relying onSoul to guide.• Know you are healingmore than yourself. Minimally,you are positivelyimpacting your entirefamily system, going backseveral generations, andthrough your children aswell.Benefits to Participants—Supporting Players•Deepen your understandingof, and connectionwith, the person you havecome to support and otherparticipating players• Learn from someoneelse’s experience. You mayrecognize yourself or yoursituation in the work thatis unfolding, possibly seeingsomething you’ve notpreviously considered.• Participate in a fascinatingprocess. Enjoy sharinga powerfully meaningfulexperience with peacefullyloving people.• Know you are contributingto healing the world.Benefits to RepresentativesIn addition to all you gainas a Supporting Player, youalso:• Experience Soul speakingto you and through you.• May simultaneously healsomething similar withinyour own self or familysystem.• Savor the joy of being ofservice.Is this for you? Do youfeel called? If not, this maynot be the right time. If yes,what else do you need toknow?For more information about ConstellationsPlus—Healing to WholenessMutual Support Gatherings, contactAnn McGill: 703-262-0620 or DianeHetherington: 202- 257-8300.For Women, To Women, About Women13

2The ImposterSyndromeThis source of worry is socommon books have beenwritten about it. The beliefbehind this worry is one of“I’m not good enough, I’mnot as good as others” andthere is a fear of being persecuted.Part of what happensis that you find yourself insituations where you havethe opportunity to access anduse your power, yet the impostersyndrome strikes andyou shut down out of fearof being attacked by thosearound you once they “findout that you really don’tbelong.”The challenge that thiscalls up is one of self-acceptance.Being able to acceptyourself as a powerful woman,and accepting yourselfin the midst of having theseworries—being able to say“this is who I am right now”stops the Imposter syndrome’sability to drain yourenergy.Common phrases thisworry may bring up include:“What if someone finds outI don’t know what I’m doing,”“What if they thinkI really don’t belong here.”“What if they get madand attack me?”3 PerfectionExpectationThis is a self-imposedexpectation based on thebelief “I have to be perfect”and comes from archetypalimages of “the good girl.”Behind this belief is a fearof losing control. When youhave this underlying fear, attemptsat controlling thingsaround you are made underthe hope that it will have acalming effect on your internalexperience.The challenge in theperfection expectation isto release attachment to aparticular outcome. If youare able to be authentic inwho you are, and put forthgood effort, then you can befully present and engaged inwhatever you’re doing. Youknow at a deep level that youare doing a good job in thatmoment, being authenticallyyourself. It becomes easier tolet go of the expectation of aspecific end result, and youcan feel confident that youdid do your best.Perfection expectationbrings up concerns such as:“What if things don’t workout the way they ‘should’?”“What if I can’t doall that’s expected of me?”“What if I disappointsomeone?”I work with women usinga combination of evidencebasedholistic and cognitiveapproaches to help themovercome these challenges.By discovering how to tapinto your own core poweryou can keep these worriesin check and often get rid ofthem altogether.The antonym of worry iscalm, or reassure. Once youidentify the underlying fearand belief that is causingyour worry, then you can addressthe underlying sourcethat is draining your energy,restoring confidence andcalmly focusing your energyin productive ways.A very effective and easilyused technique involvesbecoming mindful of yourthoughts. As you go throughthe day, anytime you noticeyourself worrying make asmall tick mark on a pieceof paper. Then write downsomething you are gratefulfor or glad about—it canbe totally unrelated to youroriginal worry. This exercisedoes a couple things: bybecoming aware of when youare in the midst of worry, youbring that worry under thecontrol of a higher functioningpart of your brain. Thenby switching your focus tosomething that taps intomore pleasant emotions,you’re exercising cognitivecontrol and regaining powerover where your energy isgoing. The worry may still bethere, but it is no longer brutishlydraining your energyand you have regained thepower of your rational mindto address any practical concerns.You can then generatemore energy to put towardbeing yourself and creatingthe aspects of a life you enjoyliving. Being a successfulwoman does not require perfection,or total confidence,or giving up your femininity.It does mean learning tostand in your own power andexpress your authentic self inthe moment.If you’re interested in exploringthis more, you can goto www.corehappinesscoach.com/bonus and downloadsome free resources to helpyou clear out your worrydrain and strengthen yourpower source.Tasha Walsh, known as the Core HappinessCoach, works with individualsand organizations to decrease stress,increase joy, and make it last! She isavailable for presentations, workshopsand coaching. Contact her at Tasha@CoreHappinessCoach.com.For Women, To Women, About Women15

ThanksgivingMy Thanksgiving thisyear will be celebratedin Orlando,Florida at… you guessedit “Disney World.” I haveheard of many families goingto tourist attractions duringthe holidays and I oftenthought that Disney Worldwas a great Christmas present,but I thought to myself,how does it fit with Thanksgiving?Well, allow me tobriefly share our family’spurpose for the trip and endwith some thoughts for beingthankful.I have a wonderful niecewho is also my God-daughter.She was diagnosed withscoliosis almost 4 years ago.Unfortunately, faithfullywearing her back braces didnot improve her condition.She currently has a greaterthan 50% curvature in herspine and to prevent thecurve from going into herheart and lungs, surgerywas recommended. Her momattentively scheduled thesurgery at a time to preventa huge absence from school,at the same time, knowingthat home school woulddefinitely be in the picture.So after planning the surgeryand becoming awareof some of the constraintsof the surgery, my sistercame up with a great idea.Let’s spend Thanksgiving inDisney World. I said, huh?What about the home cookedfood, fellowship, church,etc? You know the deal. Thethought of eating out onThanksgiving was foreign tome because in all my years,we have never eaten out onThanksgiving. Thanksgivingis “home cooked meals” andI emphasize thehome. But whenmy sister sharedwhy, the love, support,and fellowshipfor my niece wasstronger and moreimportant than mysilly hang-ups. Yousee, after her surgeryin December,my niece will notbe able to ride anyamusement parkattractions such asroller coasters likeSpace Mountainor the Joker’s Jinx.My niece has neverbeen to DisneyWorld and it is oneof the best places for lastingimpressions. Since this willbe her first and last and myfirst Thanksgiving of thissort, but hopefully not mylast. The whole family isgoing so, we are doing whatI have nicked-named “LocationThanksgiving.” Eventhough we will not be home,I still want everything to bebeautiful and delicious withthe company and fellowshipas the highlight! My niecewas the largest influenceand I also remembered thatwhat you bring in your heartand mind does not have tochange because you are nothome.So use the words belowto kick off the holidays witha splendid feast and festiveconversation!MENu ITEMTOPICT Turkey ThanksH Heavenly Ham HappinessA Asparagus AmazingN Nectarine Cranberry Sauce NoteworthyK Kale KindnessS Sauerkraut SharingG Gravy GodI Ice Tea InventionsV Vegetables or Velvet Cake ValuesI Ice Cream InspiringN Nutty Blue Cheese Salad NatureG Garlic Mashed Potatoes Good WillClosing Thoughts: Makesure your thanksgivingincludes some green friendlypractices! Here are few:• Avoid plastic wrap. Usealuminum foil or store leftoverswith glass or ceramicstorage containers.• Only buy wines with realcork stoppers rather thanplastic. Trees are not cutdown for cork.• Use homemade decorationssuch as sticks, stonesor leaves from your backyardor neighborhood. Becreative..it is in you!ByKathyPettwayFor Women, To Women, About Women

1 in 8 Women Fighting BreastCancer Get Boost from LawyersBy Carolyn Lamm, President, American Bar AssociationWhen a woman isdiagnosed withbreast cancer, manyof her most important questionscan’t be answered bya doctor. What if my insurancewon’t cover a newtreatment? Do I risk losingmy benefits if I am notworking full time? Will myboss let me take time off fortreatment?To help women answerthese questions, the AmericanBar Association andstate and local bar associationsacross the countryhave been sponsoring breastcancer legal advocacy workshops.This landmark projectfeatures panels of local legalexperts who can help womenfind the answers they need,from employment issues toinsurance issues.According to one experton the Family and MedicalLeave Act, when it comes tobreast cancer, the numberone legal issue is not thedenial of insurance coverage,but in fact, employment.Many breast cancer patientsface employmentdiscrimination due to misconceptionsabout the diseaseand a lack of empathy andunderstanding of cancer.However, both federal andstate laws protect againstunlawful employmentactions.Legal professionals canhelp patients understand thecomplex healthcare provisionsof insurance coveragethat are often difficult tounderstand and can fight forpatients’ employment rights.Women with breast cancershould work with legal advocatesand know that lawyersstand ready to partner in thefight against breast cancer.One in eight women willbe diagnosed with breastcancer in their lifetime,underscoring the need formore legal advocacy workshopsand more partnershipsbetween doctors, lawyers andpatients.The American Bar Association’sBreast Cancer LegalAdvocacy Workshop Toolkitoffers advice and aid for lawyerswishing to help patientsnavigate their situation andprovides a blueprint for attorneysto use for developingtraining programs to educateother advocates. Hereis a sample of the advice thetoolkit offers anyone facingbreast cancer:1Read2Determine3Find4Consult5PleadTen Steps to Protecting the Legal Rightsof Breast Cancer Patientsyour health insurance policycarefully.if the treatmentprescribed by your physician iscovered by your policy.out about the appeals processunder your insurance policy.with an expert who isknowledgeable about healthinsurance law.your case in person to yourinsurance carrier.6Personalize7Obtainyour written case withyour insurance company.copies of your medicalrecords.8Document everything!9Ask your physician to advocate foryour treatment.10Be prepared to fight!18 Focus on Women Magazine

S. T. E. M.By Liz BoboOne of the mostexciting thingshappening todayin education for girls is whatis known as STEM.STEM (Science, Technology,Engineering, Mathematics)is a program for bothboys and girls, though it isparticularly significant forgirls because of the longstanding preponderance ofmales in these professions.The Departments of Educationin both the State ofMaryland and Howard Countyhave well planned STEMprograms in their curricula.Diana Bailey, who haslived in Howard County formany years, all the whilededicated and working hardfor women’s equality, worksfor the Maryland Departmentof Education and isvery well versed in the subjectof STEM. For the thirdyear, she has organized aSTEM event for the region’smiddle school girls. Diana isa member of the board of theWomen’s Giving Circle whichis sponsoring the event.Other sponsors are the JohnsHopkins University AppliedPhysics Laboratory whichis hosting the event, MathEngineering Science Achievement(MESA), MarylandSpace Business Roundtable,and Multinational Developmentof Women in Technology(MDWIT).In our state of Maryland,STEM is of major importancebecause we are home to asignificant percentage of ournation’s economy-drivingtechnologies of aerospace,defense, systems engineering,computer software andnetwork engineering, andbioinformatics and biotech.Maryland, more than anyother state, is also the locationfor Base Realignmentand Closure (BRAC) activity.As women, we know theimportance of overcomingthe gender gap in scienceand technology careers. Wewant to prepare our girls tobe globally competitive withthe necessary skills for thejobs and the world of tomorrow.Then, sooner that wewill even be able to imagine,Focus on Women Magazinewill be covering thegreat beneficial contributionsthese girls turned women aremaking to our planet.“Girl Power, Reach for theSky,” the program Dianaorganized, is an excellent opportunityto take a big steptowards this goal we hold sodear. Girl Power will be heldat the Johns Hopkins AppliedPhysics Lab on Sunday,March 14, 2010 from 3-5pm.There is no admission fee.Parents are invited to accompanytheir daughters.For directions, go to www.jhuapl@edu,Girls attendingwillhave theopportunityto talk withprofessionalwomen inSTEM careers:aerospace,computerscience,mathematics,geology, informationtechnology, engineering,space science, chemistryand more. Hundredsof girls attended the eventin its first two years. It wastruly not only encouraging,but downright inspirational,to observe these girls, somewith a parent or two in tow,eagerly going from station tostation at the lab and engagingin animated conversationwith professional women.These women already employedin STEM positionsreported that it was equallyenergizing and gratifying forthem to see such potential inour girls.With so much to be troubledabout in our lives today—healthcare, the economy,poverty, environmentaldegradation—it’s importantand healthy for us to taketime to focus on somethingthat is going well. STEMeducation programs for girlsis one of them.For Women, To Women, About Women19

My Husband Assaulted Me,(Los Angeles - August 5, 2009) - Sheri Ferber wasviolently attacked by her husband. What happened afterwas just as abusive.** Editor’s Note: The following story was brought to our attentionthrough the incredible women in our Community, where outreachand support for Sheri Ferber abounds. We attempted to contactSaddleback Church for a comment, but we have yet to hear back.Five years ago, SheriFerber was violentlyattacked by herhusband on the wayhome from Sundayservice. Strong in her Christianfaith, she turned to herchurch, Saddleback Churchin Lake Forest, CA, for help.She attempted to confide ina pastor, who refused to hearher story. The pastor evencalled her husband to warnhim that she had been “gossipingabout their marriage.”As a parishioner for 10 years,Sheri was devastated.Her church, like manyother Evangelical denominations,believes in traditionalgender roles. These rolescommand a wife to be submissiveto her husband, as heis the leader of and providerfor the household. Along withthis comes the belief thatthere are very few reasonsfor divorce. Domestic abuse,as unfortunate as it is, is notone of them.Momlogic sat down withSheri Ferber to hear her sideof the story and learn moreabout her church’s views ongender, abuse, and marriage.ML: Most Evangelicalchurches teach from thepoint of view of traditionalgender roles, where wivessubmit to husbands’ protectionand leadership. Do youthink this allows abusers tojustify their actions?Sheri: I believe an abuserwill use any method ormeans to justify their actions.But on the reverse,there are men who love theirwives like the Bible indicates,and like what I believe wasits true intention, where aman would stop at nothing toprotect his wife and family—providing for them, leadingthem with a servant’s heart.Men and women need to betaught to love, honor, andprotect one another better.Marriage is a partnership,not a dictatorship. There isa humble submission andpreference for one another’sneeds, never forcing ourselveson the other person.I also believe most churchesteach the true meaningof the word SUBMIT. EvenSaddleback Church teachesfrom a perspective of mutualsubmission. There are thosewho take the submit termout of context and make ita buzzword for feminismtopics.ML: What does your supportgroup consist of now?(Note: Sheri has become veryclose to her former husband’sex-wife, who was also a victimof extreme physical andemotional abuse.)Sheri: I have an amazingset of friends—true friends,some neighbors, some I grewup with or went to collegewith. When I make a friend,I usually keep them for life.The sad reality is, those whowere there for me the mostwere friends who were notaffiliated with any church orreligion. It hurt me deeplyto watch my non-Christianfriends see what the churchwas and was not doing. Whenthe storm hit, my non-Christianfriends were the mostChristian in love and deed.They came to my side, madesure my home had what itneeded, made sure my sonhad everything he needed,and more. They brought food,they did my laundry, helpedkeep my shades open, tookwalks with me. I also have avery supportive mother. Sheloved me through it all.Angela, my former husband’sfirst wife, and I areclose now. We connectedafter the incident with Mark.Initially, when I met Mark, I20 Focus on Women Magazine

My Church Took His Sidehad heard that she “falsely”accused him, and he waslater arrested for anothercase of domestic violence.His mother invited me to thecourt hearing and asked meto help her pray for justice.The way Angela and Iconnected was rather miraculous.I did not have herphone number, nor did Iknow where she lived. WhileMark and I were married, heblocked any form of communicationbetween us.After that dark Novemberday in 2003, I was compelledto pray and ask God fortruth. That morning, Angela’splace of work popped intomy head. I dialed informationand secured the number; Iasked for her, but she was nolonger there. The person whoanswered the phone relayedthe message that I was calling,and within 45 minutes,Angela and I were speaking.What she said was chilling.She first said, “I have beenexpecting your call,” andthen shared her side of whatshe endured at the hands ofthis man.Now we speak regularly,discussing everything underthe sun. We pray together,laugh together, and are committedto our friendship andremain close for not only ourboys’ sake, but because welove each other as sisters.As far as a church, I havefound a new home just thispast April. I have met withthe pastor; he read about mystory before I would considermaking it my permanenthome. I wanted to know ifthere would be room for methere. He opened his armswide for my children and me,and he assured me that hebelieves physical abuse is aform of abandonment andcan be grounds for divorce.ML: Please explain howyou felt, to be not onlyabused by your spouse, but“abused by your church”?Sheri: Saddleback wasMY church. It was my home.It was MY family. I hadserved there for years. Thiswas NOT my husband’schurch. When we were married,he had me attend HISchurch. But, I continued togo to service in both places.When I went to MY churchfor help—there was none.The church never asked formy story, never asked tosee the police report, neverever asked for facts. I madedozens of calls to the churchfor assistance via prayer andGodly counsel. They allowedmy husband to come in, andbe a part of the two ministriesI had served in. All helpwas cut off.No matter how manytimes I asked for them toreview the facts, I was denied.Because he is giftedin ministry/music, he wasimmediately elevated in theworship. No one was holdinghim accountable but the legalcommunity.For four years after thebirth of our son, he has beengiven more and more leadershipresponsibility. Meanwhile,he has not ever seteyes on this little boy, and noone [at Saddleback] seems tothink it is necessary.ML: Do you think otherwomen in church communitieshave experienced thesame responses from theirchurch pastors?Sheri: Sadly, I do thinkthat many have experiencedsimilar responses. This is thecase of the three monkeys:Hear No Evil, See No Evil,Speak No Evil -- and therebydo nothing to stop the EVILthat abounds.I also know there aremany churches out there thatget it right. They see abusefor what it is and deal with itaccordingly.ML: What can you tellwomen who are either in anabusive relationship or thinkthat they might be in one?Sheri: Abuse hurts morethan your body and your reputation.It hurts the children.It hurts the entire body ofChrist. We cannot cover thewrong and think it will getbetter. We must ask for help.Bring light to it. We have toknow we play a part in it somuch if we stay and do notget assistance. It is like acancer—we cannot heal itby saying it is not there. Theearlier it gets addressed, thebetter the chances of recovery.Cancer untreated cankill. Some women choose tostay. I am not going to judgethat. But if you do, you mustknow you are risking yourlife. There are statistics thatare published that will helpyou to understand you areFor Women, To Women, About Women21

Endometrial CancerBy Jamie LoberIt is important to know thefacts on endometrial cancer,sometimes referred toas uterine cancer. “Endometrialcancer is the most commongynecologic cancer inwomen accounting for aboutforty thousand cases eachyear,” informs Dr. Dwight Im,Director for The GynecologicOncology Center at MercyHospital in Baltimore. Thisoccurs when there is a thickeningof the uterine liningor excess of estrogen. “It isa case of having too much ofa good thing turn into a badthing,” says Im.If you are in tune to yourbody, you can detect endometrialcancer in its earliestand most curable stage.“Luckily, once the uterine liningbecomes thicker it givesyou a little warning signwhich is bleeding. This iswhy three quarters of endometrialcancers are typicallydetected in stage one whenit is more than ninety percentcurable,” tells Im. Theamount of blood is not indicativeof the seriousness ofthe cancer. “There is no correlationbetween the amountof bleeding and the degree ofcancer, so you can have a badcancer and only a little bit ofspotting,” explains Im. Anynew discharge from the vaginashould also be reportedto your gynecologist.Focus on the factors youcan control. “Obesity is amajor risk factor becauseyour body turns cholesterolinto estrogen and most of thework is done by your adrenalgland but fat cells also havethe capability of turningcholesterol into estrogen,”explains Im. Estrogen is ahormone produced by theovaries and may be takenby postmenopausal womenvia hormone therapy. It isimportant that hormonetherapy has estrogen andprogesterone because whentaken alone, estrogen canheighten the risk of endometrialcancer. According to theAmerican College of Obstetricsand Gynecology, otherrisk factors are irregularmenstrual periods, startingmenstrual periods before agetwelve, late menopause, infertility,never childbearing,personal history of ovarianor colon cancer, diabetes, hypertension,thyroid disease,smoking and use of tamoxifento prevent or treat breastcancer.Diagnosis is made in thegynecologist’s office. “It iscalled an endometrial biopsyand is usually a little moreinvolved than a pap smear,”describes Dr. Sarah Temkin,gynecologic oncologistat University of MarylandMarlene and Stewart GreenbaumCancer Center. A littletissue is removed from theuterine lining and evaluatedfor abnormal cells. A vaginalultrasound is sometimesused to determine the thicknessof the uterine lining andthe size of the uterus.Perimenopausal women,or women who are in theirmid to late forties and arestill menstruating occasionally,should put extra efforttoward listening to theirbodies. “If you miss a fewmonths and have a periodthat is heavier than a normalperiod, that is abnormal andyou should be checked outfurther. A period after skippinga few months shouldnever be heavier than a typicalperiod for that patient.This is how you miss cancer,”says Im.Typical treatment is a hysterectomy.“We can occasionallytreat young women whowant to get pregnant medicallyby giving them progesteronewhich is an antagonistof estrogen that makesthe lining thinner and canpotentially reverse all theeffects,” shares Im. For thosewho are candidates, there isanother alternative. “Overthe last few years, surgerycan be performed robotically,”reveals Temkin. Althoughthe cancer is in the uterus,some women choose to havetheir ovaries removed sincethere is an increased risk ofovarian cancer. Based on thestage of the disease, whichis determined during surgery,radiation is sometimesoffered to stop the growthof the cancer cells. Followupvisits are recommendedevery few months for at leastseveral years after diagnosis.Studies provide moreinformation about thiscondition. “There is a proportionatelink of women with24 Focus on Women Magazine

endometrial cancer that aregenetically linked to whatis most commonly thoughtto be a genetic colon cancertree but women with thatgenetic mutation get endometrialcancer more frequentlythan colon cancer,” educatesTemkin.Following some simpleadvice can be lifesaving. “Tofeel in control, the thingsto do are to try and have ahealthy lifestyle and regulargynecologic care andsee your doctor about yourbleeding patterns if theyare abnormal,” encouragesTemkin.Jamie Lober, author of Pink Power(www.getpinkpower.com), is a nationallyknown speaker dedicated to providinginformation on women’s healthtopics. She can be reached at jamie@getpinkpower.com.Subscribe Now and Save.Only $1.00 per issue. Fill out this form and send to Focuson Women Magazine, 4615 Oakview Court, Ellicott City,MD 21042. If you prefer, a PDF version of the magazinecan be emailed to you, instead of receiving a hard copy.Name:__________________________________________Address: ________________________________________City: ___________________ State: ____ Zip: _______E-mail: _________________________________________Name on Card: ___________________________________Credit Card Number: ______________________________Exp. Date: __________Amount: ___________Signature: ______________________________________Please check form of payment:o Check o Money Order o Credit CardIf paying by check, please enter amount $ _____.Make all payments out to Focus on Women Magazine.Free Research Treatment forCocaine And Opiate AbuseHealthy men and women who are between agesof 18-55 are needed to participate in an outpatientresearch study at the Johns Hopkins BayviewMedical Center. The study will last up to 31 weeksand will provide standard methadone maintenancetreatment.Total possible earnings are $1155.00Principal Investigator: Annie Umbricht, M D.RPN # N A0003333Approved May 07 2007 JHM IRBCall (410) 550-1102 and refer to study 0606For Focus Women, on Women To Women, Magazine About Women25

Restaurant ReviewCorks Restaurant1026 S. Charles StreetBaltimore, MD410-752-3810www.corksrestaurant.comand seated in the rear diningarea, which gave one the feelingof entering a beautifullyadorned wine cellar.One of the things thattruly sets Corks apart fromother Federal Hill eateriesis the focus on cheese andinexpensive lite-fare. Prior tomy visit to Corks, I was toldthat I could not leave withoutsampling the incrediblerice and the coconut batteredTaro Root. This was a terrificentrée and I stronglyrecommend it. Additionally, Isampled a thick-cut GrilledPorterhouse Pork Chop ($18)which was served with aside of Bread Pudding andBrandy Apple Cream. Bothentrée’s were excellent andplentiful.Through the generous useByNoelleSchifferIn October 2008, after extensiverenovations CorksRestaurant re-openedas an upscale neighborhoodbistro. Corks, convenientlylocated in Baltimore’s HistoricFederal Hill section,has transformed itself intoan upscale wine bar restaurantwith exceptional food,top notch service and an exhaustivewine selection thatis guaranteed to please eventhe fussiest diners. Corks deliversone of the most eclecticand brilliantly conceivedseasonal menus in the Baltimorearea. The wait staffis expert on recommendingspecialty wine selections tocomplement any of the variedentrees.When I first entered thecozy, amber-lit row houserestaurant I was immediatelydrawn in by the comfortablerustic dining area withexposed brick and woodenceiling beams. We were ledpast the open-air kitchencheese fondue. Corks offersthree varieties of fondue, theHouse Blend, the S. CharlesBlend (Cheddar, Gouda, andGruyere), and the Blue Blend(gorgonzola). I decided tosample the House Blendwhich was a smooth andcreamy mix of white cheeses($7) with an accompanimentof Bison Meatballs ($6).Overall it was a very niceappetizer andwell worththe expense.The mainentrées arean interestingmix ofseasonal fish,steaks andvegetable selections. I optedfor the Skirts of Fire ($22),which is a sliced skirt steakwith a cayenne pepper andcola seasoning. The steakwas wonderfully preparedand had a nice bold kick toit which accentuated the accompanyingaromatic purpleof to-go boxes, I was able toleave room for a wonderfulVanilla Bean Crème Brulee($7) and some Coconut Sorbet($6).Overall, this was a veryinteresting and satisfyingdining experience and I lookforward to my next visit,which will undoubtedly befor the Steak and Cabernetspecial.Food: **** ExcellentPrice *** Very GoodService ***** Top NotchAtmosphere **** ExcellentOverall **** ExcellentCorks also offers weeknightspecials including, FoieGras on Monday nights andhalf-price Steak and Cabernetnight on Tuesday nights.Cooking classes and demonstrationsare held throughoutthe year. Sunday brunchesare a house specialty.26 Focus on Women Magazine

Book Review“The Women Who Raised Me”Authored byVictoria RowellReviewed by Natalia Roldan HartNatalia Roldan HartUpon opening thehard-back book,so neatly boundwith a glossy cover,and beautifulvintage pictures of women,I noticed Victoria Rowell’sautograph. I thought to myself,how nice to be reading asigned novel.I didn’t realizethe profoundmeaningof thatsignatureuntil I hadfinished thenovel and discoveredtheodds at whichVictoria sotriumphantlysucceeded.Her story is about survivingthe system of foster care,Research StudyResearchers at The Johns Hopkins University, School of of Medicine, Departmentof Neurology, Cognitive Neurology/Neuropsychology group group are are recruitingchildren for a study to gain a better understanding of of learning, memory,language and cognition.Specifically we we are are seeking children who: who:•Are between 5 and 17 17 years old•Have no peripheral blindness or or deafness•Are in stable health•Have a responsible caregiver who who will will accompany child child to to research site site in inFell’s Point•Have no no neurological, language, or or behavior behavior disorders disordersOur research site is located in in Fell’s Point, Baltimore, MD. MD. Qualifiedparticipants will be compensated for their time. Please call 443-287-1701to learn more!Principle Investigator:Barry Gordon, M.D., Ph.D.about overcominghardship,andabout theinfluentialwomen in herlife that havehelped shapeher into thewoman that she is today.A poetically writtenmemoir, Rowell begins eachchapter by dedicating it toher surrogate mothers, herclose friends, her inspirationalmentors, sisters, andcaretakers. She captures theessence of her experience notonly through her own liferevelations, but also throughthe family histories of thosesurrounding her. Born as award of the state of Maine,and the child of a whitemother and black father,Rowell facesrejectionand racism.She facesthe personalstruggle ofhaving anunknown father,and anever changingdestinationshe cancall home.Rowell states,“Travelingbetween differentworldsas I did on adaily basis,I becamevery skilledat adapting.This is anessential tool for any fosterchild, not merely to fit in,but to do so with frequency,sometimes at a moment’snotice.” However despitethese difficult circumstances,Agatha, Rowell’s fostermother, encourages her touse her natural talent fordance and helps her to enrollin ballet school-a key experiencefor Rowell. “Yet it wasalso important to have myown ground to stand on, myown sense of self, a sense ofwhere my home really existed.Dancing gave that to me.”Eventually, VictoriaRowell becomes the famousactress we all know today,starring in day time dramatelevision shows, soap operasand making appearances inmovies. Her novel is truly atestimony that no matter ourlife circumstances, with thegentle nurturing of others,the right guidance, and thebelief in yourself, one canovercome all odds.28 Focus on Women Magazine

Miracles Made EasyDear Soul Sisters & Brothers in Beingness …Do you know how to create miracles?Are you aware everyone has this power?Are you applying this knowledge on a daily basis?Miracles Made Easy shows you how to claim your birthrightto create the kind of life you want. It is …… a Spiritual Primerfor those who want to discover the power of belief and the power ofthought to make miracles happen as every-day events.… a Powerful Review of Principlesfor those who want to understand how the world really works and howto make it work better for them.… a Doubt-Busterfor those who find it difficult to believe the Universal Truths that guideand support all life.… a How–To Guide to Manifestingfor those who welcome tips and techniques, stories with easy-to-rememberexamples and experiments to try.Once enough people know how to create miracles in their personal lives,we can combine forces and create miracles together to solve all the world’sproblems… to create a safer, saner, healthier, happier world. Now thatsounds like something worth doing, don’t you think?Download your FREE copy of Miracles Made Easy or order a discountedbook at www.MiraclesMadeEasy.com. Also availableat Amazon.com and local book stores.Remember, every time you pass on this empoweringinformation, you serve as a positive contributingforce to creating the better world that is trulypossible. On behalf of all those who will be so gladyou did—Thanks.P.S. With the coming holiday season, considera gift of Miracles. The book suits teens on up.Families will find it interesting, fun reading full ifideas to explore together.Ann McGillMidWife of Consciousness—Birthing into BeingnessMidWife@AnnMcGill.comwww.MiraclesMadeEasy.com703-262-0620Visit the website for the FREE Downloadable BookFor Women, To Women, About Women29

By Jill Moss GreenbergJill MossGreenbergGenerationsFor JusticeFor generations,Maryland womenhave taken leadershiproles in everyarea of civil, humanand legal rights. Fromthe suffrage and abolitionmovements, to the fight forequal opportunities in areasas diverse as the workplace,education,credit rightsand domesticviolence, theyhave joinedforces toopen doorsfor futuregenerations.Their efforts,as strong asever, continuetoday.Perhaps the most recognizedwomen’s movement inMaryland history was thesuffrage movement, whenwomen banded togetherto fight for their right tovote. Interestingly, in 1920,when Congress voted to givewomen this right, Marylandfailed to ratify the suffrageamendment. The Marylandlegislature defended itsdecision with reasoning suchas: “Women are too stupidto vote.” “They will votelike their husband anyway.”And, “It is not God’s plan.”Imagine saying that today toSenator Barbara A. Mikulskior former U.S. MaritimeCommissioner and memberof Congress Helen DelichBentley, both of whom serveon the Honorary Board ofthe Maryland Women’s HeritageCenter. Most of today’sMarylanders, both femaleand male, could not imaginethat Maryland did not ratifythe amendment for women tohave the right to vote. Someyears later, after the amendmentwas already adopted,Maryland did affirm women’sright to vote.Many of the achievementsof Maryland womenin fighting for equality areunknown within our Stateand throughout the nationand need to be known. Forexample, the Maryland Commissionfor Women and theWomen Legislators of Marylandworked successfully toget relevant unpaid workexperience—so often thedomain of women—countedfully with paid work experiencewhen applying for a jobwith the State of Maryland.The Maryland Commissionfor Women, then chaired byShoshana S. Cardin, wasin the national forefront ofthe fight for credit rightsfor women. The Commissiongot a credit company, CommercialCredit, to pay for thepublication of a brochure addressingthe issues. The brochurewas called, “Women:Where Credit Is Due” andwas distributed throughoutthe United States. Shoshanaalso testified before Congressand appeared on the “Today”Show. These Marylandefforts were instrumentalin the passage of the EqualCredit Opportunity Act.Today’s girls and womenoften take for granted theireveryday rights, but theserights would not exist wereit not for the tireless effortsof past Maryland womenand those men who havebeen their allies. This articlespotlights a few of the courageousand inspirationalwomen throughout Maryland’shistory who fought forand achieved justice.Margaret Brent (0-), made history as thefirst woman to ask for theright to vote, as America’sfirst female attorney and asa prominent landowner. Ata time when women werenot allowed to own property,Brent and her sister owned70 acres in St. Mary’s City.Brent chose not to marry,and therefore did not have toturn her property over to aman. As an attorney, Brentrepresented communitymembers before the court ofthe Common Law. The GovernorLeonard Calvert appointedher as executor of hisestate, a role unheard of forwomen at the time. After asucceeding in this role, Brentpetitioned for the right tovote, but it was not granted.elizabethLange (-2), ablack Haitianimmigrantalso knownas MotherMary Eliza-0Focus on Women Magazine

eth Lange, founded the firstRoman Catholic religiousorder for Catholic womenof African descent. She alsoestablished schools for blackstudents in Baltimore whenshe saw that the city did notoffer them educational opportunities.Her work affirmedthe rights of immigrants,women in religion and educationalopportunity.Francesellen WatkinsHarper(2-9),an AfricanAmericanpoet and orator,spent herlife fighting for equality andthe freedom of slaves. Shewrote volumes of poetry withanti-slavery messages andgave antislavery speeches inboth northern and southernstates. She is credited as thefirst black woman to write anovel, Iola Leroy, which shepublished in 1893.Mary Garrett (-9)and M. Carey Thomas(-9) in 1889 gavea gift of $500,000 to JohnsHopkins Medical School onthe condition that womenwould be admitted to theschool on an equal basis asmales. As a result, JohnsHopkins became the firstco-ed medical school inthe United States. Garrett,a fervent supporter ofwomen’s education, foundedBryn Mawr College in 1885.Thomas, in 1894, became thedean of the college, and thus,the first female dean in theUnited States. Both womenwere extremely active in thewomen’s suffrage movement.Henriettaszold(0-9)founded thefirst nightschool in thecountry toteach Englishto immigrants. Her initiativein beginning these eveningschools was the forerunner ofadult education, somethingthat is taken for grantedtoday. Szold then devoted herlife to the health, educationand welfare of the pre-stateJewish community of Palestine.She founded Hadassah,largest women’s volunteerorganization in the world.Her mission: to enhancehealthcare in Palestine. Sheestablished nursing andmedical schools, hospitalsand soup kitchens for bothJews and Arabs. Her effortsto help Jews move from NaziEurope to Palestine allowed13,000 children to live.etta Maddox (0-9)graduated from law schoolin 1901, but was not permittedto take the Maryland barbecause of her gender. Shebrought her case before theMaryland legislature andconvinced them to pass alaw which allowed womento practice law in Maryland.She was admitted to thebar in 1902, making her thefirst female lawyer in Maryland.Active in the women’ssuffrage movement, sheauthored Maryland’s firstwomen’s suffrage bill, whichdid not pass. She spent herlife crusading for women’srights.Juanita Jackson Mitchell(9-992) was the firstAfrican American womanto graduate from the Universityof Maryland LawSchool and the first AfricanAmerican woman admittedto the Maryland bar. Sheadvocated for desegregationof restaurants, parks andswimming pools and was theNational Youth Director forthe NAACP, as well as thepresident of the BaltimoreCity NAACP branch. Mitchellwas recognized for herefforts by John F. Kennedyand Lyndon B. Johnson andthe NAACP established the“Juanita Jackson MitchellAward for Legal Activism,”which it confers annually.sol del Ande Mendezeaton (9- ) advocates forthe rights of Latinos, peoplewith disabilities, women andminorities. From 1976-1982,she held the post of co-chairmanof the Maryland AdvisoryCommittee to the U.S.Commission on Civil Rights,a position that enabled herto hold the first Marylandconference on civil rights. Inrecent years she has foughtto improve healthcare forwomen, particularly minoritywomen, and taken a standagainst domestic violence.It is important to reflecton the accomplishments ofpast generations of Marylandwomen to understand howwe got to where we are today,and to gain inspiration forthe future. To learn more,as well as become involvedin supporting the creationof the Maryland Women’sHeritage Center, visit www.MDWomensHeritageCenter.org.Jill Moss Greenberg is the ExecutiveDirector of the Maryland Women’sHeritage Center.For Women, To Women, About Women

Thanksgiving LeftoversIn the spirit of “waste not, want not,” allergen-free cookbook author Cybele Pascal sendsyou the following (mostly allergen, gluten-free) recipes for Thanksgiving leftovers.Creamy Harvest Soup(Allergen-free, Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Vegan)Yield: 6 servings1 Tbsp. olive oil1 med. yellow onion, diced (1 cup)1 Tbsp. minced ginger2 cups cooked sweet potatoes,yams, or winter squash (mashed,diced, roasted, etc, or a 10 oz.package if using frozen)2 Fuji (or Gala, Braeburn or Jonagold)apples, peeled, cored, diced4 scallions, chopped2 tsp. curry powder1/2 tsp. salt1-1/2 cups pumpkin (15 oz. can)3 cups chicken or vegetable broth1 cup apple juiceroasted pumpkin seeds, or choppedscallions for garnish (optional)1.2.3.4.Heat olive oil over medium heat in a heavy pot. Add onionsand ginger and cook, stirring often, for 4 minutes.Add sweet potatoes/yams/squash, apples, scallions andcurry powder. Cook a couple minutes, stirring often,until apples soften slightly.Add salt, pumpkin, broth and apple juice. Stir, bring to aboil, then reduce heat to low, cover loosely, and cook at asimmer for about 20 minutes, stirring every so often.In batches, puree soup in blender, (or use a hand blender),until smooth and creamy. Return to pot, warmthrough, and serve piping hot, topped with a sprinklingof roasted pumpkin seeds, or chopped scallions. Thissoup is even better day two.Cranberry Apple Crisp(Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Vegan)6 firm tart apples(such as Granny Smith)1 tsp. cinnamon1 cup brown sugar2 Tbsp. cornstarch1-½ cups cranberry sauce(whole berry)1 cup all-purpose or white wholewheat flour, (or 1-¼ cups all-purposegluten-free flour mix combinedwith ¼ tsp. xanthan gum)1/8th tsp. salt1 cup old-fashioned oats (orold-fashioned gluten-free oats, orquinoa flakes)1/2-¾ cup non-hydrogenatedmargarine such as Earth BalanceNatural Buttery Spread, (use ½ cupof margarine for a slightly driercrumb, ¾ cup for a more “buttery”crumb)Yield: 6 servings1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 7 x 11-inch, or an 8- or9-inch square baking dish.2. Peel, core and slice apples into ¼-inch-thick slices. Tosswith ½ tsp. of the cinnamon, ¼ cup of the brown sugarand the cornstarch. Transfer to baking dish.3. Spread cranberry sauce evenly over top of apples.4. Measure flour by spooning into a dry measuring cup,level with a straightedge or back of a knife, then pourinto a mixing bowl. Add salt, oats, the remaining ¾ cupof the brown sugar and the remaining ½ tsp. of cinnamon.Mix to combine.5. Melt margarine (30-60 seconds in the microwave usuallydoes it). Drizzle into the flour mixture a little at a time,tossing until you have a large crumb. Spread crumbevenly over top of fruit. Use your fingers to clump ittogether as necessary.6. Bake 40 minutes until top is golden brown and fillingis bubbling up around edges. Let rest about 30 minutesbefore serving.32 Focus on Women Magazine

Managing the business of officiatingincludes advertising, bridal shows,networking and all of the typical thingsassociated with running a business.Collecting deposits, fees and paymentsfrom couples and paying fees for insurancefor liability, equipment and my car are allpart of the deal. Training other Officiants,mentoring them and providing them withinformation can all take time and is part ofthe life of an officiant. Finally, the personalsacrifices--time lost with significant otherson the weekends. Typically, an officiantworks on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.The most important part:Your Officiant is a consummateprofessional without which there would beno marriage. It is the least expensive cost ina typical wedding, yet the only required part.You can have a wedding without flowers,DJ, expensive dresses and fancy food. Youcan’t have a legal marriage without anOfficiant, Rabbi, Priest or Minister.Patients and FamilyMembers Needed forSchizophrenia and BipolarDisorder ResearchIf you are between ages 15-65, diagnosed withSchizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder orBipolar Disorder with Psychosis, you and yourfamily members may be eligible to participatein a research study aiming to identify genes thatare related to the cause of these illnesses.Please call Beth Vayshenker at(410)-402-6822 or email us atSRD_Recruitment@mprc.umaryland.edu.Monetary compensation provided.Transportation available if needed.For further information, contact Sandy Bearden atwww.weddingsbysandy.com or 410-340-3224.SMOKERS NEEDEDAre you thinking about trying to quit smoking in the nearfuture? Smokers age 18 or over are needed for a research studythat involves an FDA approved medication and a practice quitattempt at Johns HopkinsParticipation requires 11 visits to theJohns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center over 5 weeksYou will be compensated for your time and cooperationPrincipal Investigator: Maxine Stitzer, Ph.D.NA_00019900Call (410) 550-1206 for detailsApproved 09/08/08For Women, To Women, About Women35

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For Women, To Women, About Women41

42 Focus on Women Magazine

Win the Focused Woman Contest!!____________________________________________Name____________________________________________Address__________________________ _____ _________City State Zip Code____________________________________________E-mailOnly one entry per household.Find the focused woman giving testimonyand win a pass at a local gym or arearestaurant. Simply circle the FocusedWoman, fill out this form and send to:Focus on Women Magazine,4615 Oakview Ct.Ellicott City, MD 21042For Women, To Women, About Women43

AddingHerstoryto Historyto TellOurstoryCelebrating theWomen of Maryland:Past, Present, & FutureWe invite all who wish to honorthe history and contributionsof our diverse foremothersto join us in supportingthe creation of this historic first.501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization410-767-0675www.MDWomensHeritageCenter.orgFocus on Women MagazineThe first comprehensive state center and museum of itskind in the nation—it will provide a place to learn andteach about the contributions of Maryland women andgirls throughout the State’s history.The Maryland Women’s Heritage Center will feature:• Permanent and changing exhibits about individuals,events, and special topics• Information and activities about renowned Maryland womensuch as those in the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame• Special recognition of the innumerable “unsung heroines”in our families and communities• An interactive, state-of-the-art student learning center• A resource and reference library• A women’s history archive• Displays of arts and crafts• Dramatic, musical, and dance performances byMaryland women and girls• Dialogues and seminars on women’s issues• Space for special events and receptions• A gift shop with art, literature and unique giftsby Maryland women