The Good, the Bad & the Ugly is a Council Chronicle series that offers a glimpse at unusual stories in the news around the world. They are intended to provoke thought, inform and elicit a range of emotions from joy, outrage, anger, amusement to hope. These are a summary of stories worth knowing. Each month we will feature a story of the Good, the Bad & the Ugly around the globe. If you come across a news item that falls into any of these categories, please email it to me for possible inclusion in the monthly e-newsletter.
THE GOOD OR BAD? You decide.
WOMAN GOES VIRAL FOR COMPLAINING HER MOM WON'T BABYSIT FOR FREE
A young mother posed the question in an online forum, "Is it reasonable for my retired mom to expect $20/hour to babysit her grandkids every weekday?" In addition to her hourly rate, the grandmother said she would charge her daughter late fees if she's late to pick up the baby. She also requested the daughter provide a car seat, stroller, bottles and everything else she will need to care for the child at her home.
As new parents, the woman and her husband are struggling to make ends meet. Her baby is a few months old and she’s looking into daycare, but worrying the cost will eat up much of what she earns. They already have some credit card debt, and they are concerned that paying daycare fees could drive them further into debt.
The woman was hoping to get her mother to help them out, but she was astonished to find out that she wanted to be paid to watch their baby. For the grandmother, the issue didn’t seem to be money, but instead, she disapproved of her daughter going back to work instead of staying home with her child.
“My mum is 64 and has been a stay-at-home-mom since 1992 and hasn’t been part of the workforce since then,” she explained in a Reddit post.
“She refused, saying she’s too old and that she has already raised her kids. She also added that if I really wanted this baby, then maybe I should have thought about staying home like she did to take care of it while my partner goes to work and provides for us like a 'traditional' family," the young woman added.
It seems as though the grandmother doesn't want to take care of a baby every day and that's her prerogative. I'm sure the woman loves her daughter and grandchild, but I've always heard that the great thing about being a grandparent is that the kids go home at the end of the day. I can't imagine how exhausting it would be for a senior citizen to have to keep up with a young child every day. A regular visit with the grandparents or babysitting while the parents have a night out is one thing, but taking care of an infant all day is a full-time job and should come with substantial compensation. Personally, there is no amount of money that would make me agreeable to babysitting a child.
What are your thoughts?
CINDI FOWLER 3/7
AMY LUCKETT 3/11
SOPHIA WHITE 3/15
DONNA PURVIS 3/20
MICHAEL GARTON 3/23
AMANDA BLACKBURN 3/25
SARA FELTNER 3/28
BRIAN POWELL 3/29
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
In recognition of Women’s History Month, we are featuring the women who inspire us in this edition of the Council Chronicle. These women are our personal heroes. They have earned our respect, admiration and love. Who inspires you most? Your mom, wife, sister, aunt, or a teacher who made a lasting impression on you? Perhaps it’s a woman who you have never met but always admired for them for their accomplishments and would like to spotlight for Women’s History Month? Below are the responses I received from our co-workers when I posed the question, 'who inspires you'?
Serena Williams, widely considered the G.O.A.T. in tennis.
Councilman Kumar Rashad named Serena Williams as a woman who inspires him.
Rashad said, "Serena Williams is the most inspirational woman besides my mother. She has a work ethic equal to none which is why she is considered the greatest tennis player of all time. Other than being a quality athlete, she is even a stronger human being. She has endured unnecessary criticism and racism for representing her heritage and never allowed the naysayers to thwart her greatness. She is an example to all young Black women that hard work and accepting your culture makes one a quality individual."
Thank you, CM Rashad for your submission to the newsletter. Also, great choice! Serena Williams has been one of my personal heroes for a long time. I am a great admirer of her accomplishments on and off the tennis court.
Serena Williams, off the court.
Astrid Winkler
President Markus Winkler said his mother, Astrid is the most inspirational woman he knows.
"For me, I would say my mom. When I was 4, my parents left Germany for the US, a place where they did not know a person, did not speak the language, did not have any family or connection in order to provide a better opportunity for their children.
My mom, who was the daughter of a single, 16-year-old girl and therefore raised by her grandparents, was denied a formal education beyond high school because back then in rural Germany higher education was seen as unnecessary for girls, raised three children who have or are attaining post-secondary degrees. Additionally, after having left the workforce for almost 15 years to raise children, re-entered the workforce and quickly rose to become a regional manager for Wendcoast, a Wendy's franchisee in the Southeast. There, she consistently grew sales for almost a dozen restaurants, earning repeated national recognition for her work. She was repeatedly recognized by her team members for her compassion for their wellbeing.
She is the caring mother of three and the most doting grandmother of 7," Winkler said.
Thank you, President Winkler for your submission to the newsletter and helping us shine a spotlight on the women who inspire us.
The Winkler Family
Dorothy Ernest
Edwin Ernest says that his mother is his true inspiration.
"When someone asks what or who inspires me, I must quickly reply that my inspiration derives from my mother, Dorothy Ernest. Along with my father, she provided my three siblings and me with a foundation to grow into people of faith, love and kindness. Growing up, I was able to understand firsthand what selflessness really meant by viewing her dedicated work as an educator with JCPS for over 30 years and the care and support she afforded her students over that time. After retiring, she has continued her service to others by working diligently to support various non-profit programs and numerous parochial organizations helping members and the community. She has done all of this while continuing to be the best wife, mother, grandmother, sibling and friend anyone could ever want."
"Her unwavering support and encouragement have afforded me the confidence to be comfortable in my own skin and to understand that regardless the situation I would always be loved. That love serves as the platform I attempt to apply to my life by remaining cognizant of my behavior and actions to ensure they are acceptable in her eyes. I am forever grateful that God blessed me to have such a wonderful and inspirational woman to call 'mom'," Edwin said.
Thank you, Edwin for allowing us to highlight your wonderful mother, Ms. Dorothy in our Women Who Inspire feature. On a side note, her culinary skills, especially her baked goods are truly an inspiration to my taste buds. 😁
Ms. Dorothy and Edwin.
Malakeh Batshon
Councilman Khalil Batshon says his mother, Malakeh inspires him.
“My mother, Malakeh Batshon, is an inspiration to me. Growing up, I watched this amazing woman teach herself English, get her GED, and become an American citizen after immigrating here in the mid-80’s. She truly embodies the American Dream. She taught me that I could do anything, be anything, and create anything if I put my mind to it. I took this lesson to heart. Now, my wife and I teach this to our three boys, who my mom often babysits. Malakeh Batshon is a saint, and I am proud to call her my mother,” Batshon said.
Khalil & his mom, Malakeh.
Dr. Maya Angelou
Dr. Maya Angelou has been an inspiration to me since I read her book at the age of 12, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings." She was a poet, dancer, singer, civil rights activist, scholar and a world-famous author. Angelou was best known for her unique and pioneering autobiographical writing style. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. In 1993, Angelou was invited to recite her poem, "On the Pulse of Morning" at Bill Clinton's Presidential Inaugural Ceremony. In 2011, President Barack Obama awarded Angelou the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor. It was a fitting recognition for Angelou’s remarkable and inspiring career in the arts. Angelou passed away at 86 years old on May 28, 2014.
Maya Angelou is the author of my favorite work of poetry, "Phenomenal Woman," shared below. She was the only public figure I'd always hoped to meet. Maya was a phenomenal woman, indeed.
My Mother, Edwina Turner during her modeling days.
My mother, Edwina has inspired me for as long as I can remember. When I was a little girl, I was in awe of my mom’s beauty, strength, and courage. She wouldn't back down from anything or anyone. Now as an adult, I’m still in awe of everything my mother was and all that she did. She was filled with an inner strength that was remarkable. Now that she’s no longer with us, she continues to inspire me to do my best in everything that I do. Everything that I am, is what she taught me to be. I appreciate her more with the passage of time and will never stop missing her. I cherish every day we had together.
She raised three strong, intelligent, educated and independent women. Mom taught us to be self-reliant and not to depend on anyone to do something that we could do for ourselves. She taught us to always speak up for ourselves and that we could do or be whatever we wanted to be in life.
Mom collected people like stray cats. Anyone she met who didn't have a place to go for the holidays was welcome at our home, much to my dismay. She brought home strangers from work and made them part of our family. Everyone loved her and called her 'Mom'. 🙄
She left us way too soon. Momma was the best friend, adviser, teacher, staunch defender and supporter her children could ever want. She made Everything better simply by being there. I am filled with gratitude and pride to have had such an extraordinary woman as a mother. My Mom was my hero. She was everything I always wanted to be.
Edwina enriched all those whose lives she touched on her life’s journey. I miss her every moment of every day of my life. I draw strength, comfort and joy from the memories of my mother. I honor her memory with a personalized license plate that reads, "IOU- MOM" that I've had for the past 25+ years and other small things each day.
Erica & her mom, Edwina. 💜
Thank you to all who contributed to this Women's History Month feature celebrating the women in our lives that inspire us every day. They are worthy of our admiration, love, gratitude and recognition for enhancing the lives of others by their mere existence.
In the last few years, we have all experienced new challenges that have affected our mental, physical, and social well-being. Many of us have felt tired and stressed, which is why wellness and self-care are more important than ever before. Our wellness journey is an ongoing one, and we have to prioritize our emotional and physical health. Here are some ideas to care for the many dimensions of wellness, so we can nourish our bodies and nurture our minds.
WOMEN'S TOP 5 HEALTH CONCERNS
From heart disease to breast cancer to depression, WebMD gives you the inside info on why women are at high risk for these problems but may not know it. Experts looked at the risk factors for each disease and asked the experts what women could do to prevent such ailments. In order to make full use of this information, Saralyn Mark, MD, encourages women to take charge of their health. She says women need to work in partnership with their doctors by finding out their family medical history, educating themselves on health issues, and paying attention to their bodies.
HEART DISEASE
The American Heart Association lists risk factors for heart disease as increasing age, heredity (including race). People with family history of the disease have greater risk. So do African Americans, Mexican Americans, Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, and some Asian-Americans. Smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, obesity and diabetes.
Burke says people can reduce their risk of heart disease by modifying lifestyle to include a well-balanced diet and exercise.
BREAST CANCER
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. It is second to lung cancer as the leading cause of death for women. Experts say the fear of breast cancer can sometimes be exaggerated, stopping women from going to their doctors for screening, or pushing women to make rash decisions about mastectomy, when it may not be necessary.
Women are urged to keep their emotions in perspective and to educate themselves about the issues. The American Cancer Society lists the following as risk factors for breast cancer: increasing age, genes, family history, personal history, race, earlier abnormal breast biopsy, earlier chest radiation, early onset of menstruation (before age 12) or menopause after age 55, not having children, medication, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity.
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OSTEOPOROSIS
Osteoporosis threatens 44 million Americans, of which 68% are women. It is largely preventable. The behaviors that women develop in their childhood, in their adolescence, and in their early adult years really play a significant role in the development of the disease.
That's because bodies build up most of bone mass until age 30. Then new bone stops forming, and the focus is on maintenance of old bone.
It is never too late to keep bones strong and avoid fractures. Adequate calcium consumption and weight-bearing physical activity help prevent osteoporosis. Risk factors for osteoporosis include being female, increasing age, small, thin-boned frame, ethnicity, family history, sex hormones. Infrequent menstrual cycles and estrogen loss due to menopause may increase risk. Anorexia, a diet low in calcium and vitamin D, medication use, particularly glucocorticoids or some anticonvulsants, sedentary lifestyle, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
DEPRESSION
Depression appears to affect more women than men. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that about 12 million women are affected by a depressive disorder each year compared to about 6 million men.
Sometimes, hormonal changes can also trigger the condition, particularly after pregnancy (postpartum) or around menopause.
To help reduce risk of depression, experts recommend finding a reason to get up in the morning. She says things such as work, community, love, pets, and volunteering can be good reasons.
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AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES
Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders in which the immune system attacks the body and destroys or alters tissues. There are more than 80 serious chronic illnesses in this category, including lupus, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes. About 75% of autoimmune diseases occur in women. By themselves, each disease appears to be uncommon, except for diabetes, thyroid disease, and lupus, but as a group, the disorders makeup the fourth-largest cause of disability among American women.
It is not known what causes the body to turn on itself, but genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors are suspects. Since autoimmune diseases are not very well understood, pinpointing specific risk factors is difficult. Symptoms can also be nonspecific, hampering proper diagnosis. However, if you know something is wrong with you or a loved one, it's important to become an active health advocate.
It's very common for women to make multiple visits to doctors to finally get a diagnosis. Insist that someone take your symptoms seriously. If you don't feel like your doctor is taking your complaints seriously, find another doctor that will take the time to investigate your symptoms.
Establishing healthy habits is a challenging but important part of maintaining your wellness. Small actions and simple activities like these can make a big difference in your holistic health. The holistic approach to health care focuses on the health of the entire body and mind and not just parts of the body.
The nation's first Women's Day celebration was in New York City in 1909. In 1987, Congress passed a resolution designating March as Women's History Month in 1987. Here are 10 interesting facts in honor of Women's History Month.
1. Since 1980, there have been more females than males in the US. The female population grew 6.3% in the last 10 years.
2. At the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924, the only event open to women was figure skating.
3. In 1903, Mary Anderson was granted a patent for the windshield wiper. It would become standard equipment on cars by 1916. She isn’t alone in her inventiveness. Women have also invented things like white out, bras, non-reflective glass, the dishwasher, disposable diapers, petroleum refining methods and much, much more.
4. Half of women ages 55 to 66 have no personal retirement savings, while 47% of men in the same age group do.
5. Since 1916, every state but Vermont has sent a woman to Congress. Sixteen states have sent women only to the House of Representatives. Alaska, Mississippi, and North Dakota have sent women to the Senate. Thirty states have sent women to both houses of Congress.
Women in Congress, 2022.
6. Wyoming was the first state to grant women the right to vote. It was also the first state to elect a female governor, Nellie Tayloe Ross.
7. In almost every country in the world, the life expectancy for women is higher than men.
8. Until 1846, the practice of obstetrics was a female-dominated field. It was then that most medical colleges decided women could not attend and the newly founded American Medical Association barred women.
9. The two highest IQs ever recorded, through standardized testing, both belong to women.
10. African American performer Josephine Baker was working in France during WWII, but not only as a singer, dancer and actress. She was also helping the war movement, smuggling numerous messages to French soldiers.
Josephine Baker
Anthony Michael Daniels Jr., Norma Maddox's grandson.
Anthony Michael Daniels Jr., born to Tonya Daniels (Maddox) and Anthony Michael Daniels Sr. is the oldest grandchild of D2’s Norma Maddox. He is currently a third-year law student at Nova Southeastern Shepard Broad College of Law. Originally a student at Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, he transferred to Nova Southeastern Shepard Broad College of Law in the summer of 2021 and will graduate in May of 2023.
Anthony, affectionally called TJ by his family, is currently a member of the Black Law Student Association, where he serves as a class representative. He is also a member of the Transactional Law Practice Group and First-Generation Professionals Legal Society. TJ plans to take the Florida Bar Exam in July this year with the hopes of starting his career in the areas of Criminal Defense, Family Law, or Sports and Entertainment Law.
Ms. Norma says, "His ultimate goal is to own his own practice and then proceed to taking the bench."
TJ
Ari, After Rescue
Before & After Rescue Dog Transformation
Who can resist a heartwarming makeover, especially when it involves a sweet dog? Whether they were abandoned, lost or mistreated, these down-on-their luck dogs were in dire need of a loving presence in their lives. That's where caring animal shelters, pet rescues and foster parents come into the picture. With lots of love and much-needed TLC, these rescue dogs started thriving — inside and out. These before-and-after transformation pictures speak for themselves. Hopefully, it will inspire you to adopt a rescue pup of your own.
Ari, Before
This sweet baby is Ari, a boxer. He was found as a stray in Texas and was almost euthanized before being rescued. He had terrible mange, pyoderma, and the tips of his poor ears were beginning to slough off. He was treated for 5 months before being adopted by a loving rescue worker. Now, look at this handsome boy! It's amazing how a little love and TLC can completely transform a pup's life, isn't it? 😍
Please consider adopting a pet from your local animal shelter or a pet rescue if you have room in your home and heart for a new furry family member. Trust me, you'll be so glad that you did. 🐾❤️
EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY 3/3
WORLD WILDLIFE DAY 3/3
NATIONAL OREO DAY 3/6
NATIONAL CEREAL DAY 3/7
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 3/8
WORLD KIDNEY DAY 3/9
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS 3/12
NATIONAL NAPPING DAY 3/13
ST PATRICK’S DAY 3/17
FIRST DAY OF SPRING 3/20
WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY 3/21
RAMADAN BEGINS 3/22
NATIONAL PUPPY DAY 3/23
WORLD TUBERCULOSIS DAY 3/24
WORLD BIPOLAR DAY 3/30
AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH
NATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH
Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
Crock pot cooking is my favorite way to cook. I love using the crock pot, also known as a slow cooker, for Fall and Winter meals. I get up in the morning, put my ingredients in the crock pot, set it and forget it. The house is filled with the most amazing aromas as you go about your day.
It's an easy, hands-off way to cook healthy, filling, flavorful meals. An added bonus to crock pot cooking is the easy clean up. There's not a lot of pots and pans to clean after dinner is done. These meals are also great for those days when you get home in the evening, your lunch is a distant memory, and your stomach is letting you know it’s ready to be filled ASAP! All you have to do is plate your food, maybe toast some bread or throw together a salad to accompany your meal and dig in!
SLOW COOKER BAKED ZITI
INGREDIENTS
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1 lb. ground beef (or turkey or Italian sausage)
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1 onion, finely chopped
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1 teaspoon minced garlic
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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1 teaspoon dried parsley
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28 oz. can diced tomatoes
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1 large jar of pasta sauce (about 2 ½ cups)
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2 1/2 cups water or chicken broth
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4 cups Penne or Ziti or other short pasta
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Stir in garlic and salt and cook 1 minute. (OPTIONAL: you can also add the raw onion and spices right into the slow cooker to save on time)
2. Add beef mixture, basil, parsley, tomatoes, pasta sauce and water to a 4 quart (or larger) slow cooker. Stir.
3. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
4. Turn slow cooker to high. Add pasta and stir until combined. Cover and continue cooking for 15-30 minutes (depending on how hot your slow cooker is) — check and stir at the 15-minute mark.
5. Sprinkle with cheese and cover for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted.
Dinner's Ready!
Women inventors are responsible for many of the products and technologies we use every day. From disposable diapers, life rafts to rocket fuel, women have invented remarkable things, but they're also responsible for some of the things we use for day-to-day life. You can thank a woman for the GPS on your cell phone or vehicle, the windshield wipers on your car, and that chocolate chip cookie you ate for dessert last night. Here are some women whose innovations have changed the world.
Melitta Bentz (1873 - 1950)
If you're a coffee-drinker, you have German entrepreneur Melitta Bentz for making it easier to brew. Bentz was a housewife who became frustrated with the difficulty of making coffee: percolators often over-brewed it, the machines of her day left grounds in the drink, and linen bag filters were difficult to clean. She invented coffee filters, patented her invention and opened her own company around 1908. By 1928 her company employed dozens of people. Bentz was beloved by her employees for her generous bonuses and work schedules. She also created "Melitta Aid", a social fund for her company's workers. The Melitta Group is still making coffee, coffee makers, and filters today.
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Madam C. J. Walker (1867 - 1919), America's First Female Millionaire
Sarah Breedlove was the first child of her family born after the Emancipation Proclamation, and she would go on to become the first female self-made millionaire in the United States. Widowed at age 20 and working as a laundress, Walker developed her own line of hair care products specifically designed for African American hair and branded them with her new identity as Madam C. J. Walker; the title was deliberately chosen to evoke Parisian luxury. As her wealth and prominence grew, Walker used her influence on social and political issues. She was also a philanthropist who donated generously to African American schools, orphanages, and retirement homes. Her legacy, though, is one of perseverance; she famously said, "If I have accomplished anything in life it is because I have been willing to work hard."
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Ayah Bdeir
Ayah Bdeir is an entrepreneur, inventor, and interactive artist. She is the founder and CEO of littleBits.
littleBits is the electronic building block that has transformed STEM education for millions of kids around the world through empowering kids of all ages to invent, create and play. littleBits Electronics raised over 70M from prominent investors in Silicon Valley and New York and the company was acquired by Sphero in 2019 to form a leader in STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics). Today, more than 20 million “Bits” are in the hands of kids, teachers, parents, and artists in over 70 countries. And littleBits has won over 150 awards including Toy of the Year. Her inventions are included in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and she holds over a dozen patents.
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Madison Maxey
Madison Maxey may be the future of fashion. She designs second-generation wearable technology—think textiles infused with circuits, not the Fitbit-type gadgets on the market today. After one semester at Parsons, the 22-year-old won a $100,000 Thiel Fellowship, allowing her to drop out and pursue her goals on her own terms. She has since co-founded The Crated, a Brooklyn-based design studio at the intersection of apparel and technology and was recently featured on Forbes’s “30 Under 30” list. There, Maxey has collaborated with major companies including a co-branded project led by Google and fashion designer Zac Posen, for which she designed a programmable LED dress. Her creations, like an electrically heated jacket and a collection of UV-responsive apparel, push technical boundaries while remaining aesthetic objects. With these designs and others, Maxey is paving the way for futurism in fashion.
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LOL
EDWIN ERNEST 3/7
PAT MULVIHILL 3/16
CALEB HOWARD 3/20
HAPPY WORK ANNIVERSARY!
'WOULD YOU RATHER' QUESTIONS ARE GREAT CONVERSATION STARTERS AND JUST PLAIN FUN.
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Malala Yousafzai, Female Education Activist, Nobel Peace Prize Winner.
1. Would you rather have lunch with Greta Thunberg or Malala Yousafzai?
2. Would you rather be Joan of Arc or be Hua Mulan?
3. Would you rather time travel to the past to take part in a Women's movement or time travel to the future and start a Women's movement?
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Frida Kahlo's self-portrait, "Frida Con Amigos Mexican"
4. Would you be the first pilot to fly across the Atlantic Ocean (Amelia Earheart) or be the first scientist to discover radioactivity (Marie Curie)?
5. Would you rather be the first female pilot or the first female voter?
6. Would you rather learn art from Frida Kahlo or learn about science from Marie Curie?
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Depiction of Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt.
7. Would you rather be a philanthropic billionaire or discover something new?
8. Would you rather be a part of an all-female Mount Everest climbing team or an all-female aviation crew bombing Nazis?
9. Would you rather
10. Would you rather be Cleopatra and rule Egypt or be Princess Diana and rule England?
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I pray for equality, unity and peace in every city in our country. Equality for all people everywhere. I pray for justice for all those who have lost their lives needlessly and unjustly. I pray that all people, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status be treated with the dignity and respect we all deserve. I pray for change so that healing can begin in this country and around the world.
Amen.
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