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JUNE/JULY 2023
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Conflict between generations has always existed, but tensions rise when people from different age groups spend little time together. Intergenerational Day on June 1 was created to bridge that gap and foster understanding between our communities’ younger and older members. The impact of nurturing these relationships is more far-reaching than you might think. We intuitively understand why spending time with children and younger adults is good for seniors. Research shows that everyone is more prone to social isolation and loneliness as they age, and company improves a person’s mood and self-esteem. Many seniors also discuss how spending time with children “keeps them young.” By interacting with younger generations, people in retirement can continually learn new skills, face fresh challenges, and enjoy their infectious energy. But spending time with older adults is more than an act of charity for younger generations. I have many fond memories of spending time with my grandparents as a child, and I know I’m not alone. Young people can gain a wise role model and source of comfort from older adults. The younger person can better understand their history and develop a sense of belonging when the two are related. Research also indicates that children who spend time with seniors are more empathetic than those who don’t. People often avoid intergenerational friendships because they assume they’ll have nothing in common with someone of such a different age. But they might be surprised. Millions of people over 50 play video games or would love to learn, and younger people still enjoy a good board game. Meanwhile, other activities like crafting, nature walks, gardening, and cooking are ageless. With mutual respect and curiosity, younger and older people can find shared interests and experience countless new things. WHY WE SHOULD BRIDGE THE AGE GAP Friendships Can Span Generations
Unsurprisingly, most people find intergenerational relationships through their families. But not all young people have living grandparents, and an increasing number of seniors don’t have grandchildren. How can we spend time together without a blood relationship? Nursing homes and senior centers regularly have volunteer opportunities, but young people can also find friendships closer to home. Most probably have neighbors in their golden years or can find people of older generations at their church or hobby group. They can always take time to chat, offer small favors, or encourage their children to help. People from older generations can reach out, too. Those still in the workforce might take a younger coworker under their wing. Others might volunteer for story time at a library or be friendly with children in the neighborhood. Wherever we might come across people of different generations, there are ways to bridge the gap. Whichever side of the generational divide you’re on, remember that people of different ages are still people. Show empathy, focus on what you have in common, and be curious about each other’s differences. It could be the start of a beautiful friendship.
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ECO-FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVES ANY HOST CAN USE Make Your Summertime Parties Sustainable!
Put the recycling bin in plain sight. Metal cans and plastic bottles are unavoidable at summer parties, but when guests are unsure where the recycling is in someone else’s home, they usually end up in the trash. So, before the party starts, put your recycling bin in a place everyone can see, and consider labeling it. When people ask where to put their bottles and cans, say “the recycling by the [location]” instead of “the trash” to make it even more straightforward. The important thing to remember when becoming more eco-conscious is that it’s okay to start small! If trying all three of these tips at once is overwhelming, begin by changing one aspect of your party to something more sustainable and celebrate saving the planet!
Summertime brings images of pool parties, backyard barbecues, Father’s Day family gatherings, and endless get-togethers with loved ones. But these countless parties usually come with elaborate decorations and disposable dishes. While they make your party festive and easy to clean, they end up in the dump, where they’ll sit for years. Even worse, they could get into our oceans and harm endangered sea life. However, you can still host fantastic summertime celebrations without sacrificing sustainability. So, if you’re looking to turn up the hosting heat, here are three ways to entertain your guests while remaining eco-friendly. Reuse home decor. If you have an indoor party, consider printing theme-appropriate images from the internet and inserting them into the picture frames you already have hanging.
Or, grab a garland from your Christmas decoration box and weave in some fresh flowers from your yard or local nursery to fit the season. Consider dragging potted plants closer to the action for outdoor festivities and draping them with your Christmas lights to create a relaxing and enchanting ambiance! Avoid disposable dishes. Yes, disposable cups, plates, and silverware make party cleanup easier. But to be more eco-friendly, you should opt for the dishes, cups, and plates you already have in your home. To make cleanup easier, empty your
dishwasher ahead of time and ask your guests to pop their dirty dishes right into the washer. After they leave, you only need to add detergent and turn the machine on!
A Peculiar Roman Requirement: Walk Your Furry Friend or Get Fined
If you live in Rome and feel too lazy to walk your dog, you better think twice before breaking the law. Wait, the law?
How authorities in Rome can enforce this law is still unclear, but the city also passed other less-ambiguous animal welfare laws. Aside from the mandatory daily dog walk, docking an animal’s ears or tails and selling animals at fairgrounds are also illegal acts. While Rome may seem dog-biased, cat people will be happy to learn the Italian city didn’t forget felines. They passed another law to make declawing a cat for aesthetic reasons illegal. Additionally, the city will recognize those feeding and caring for the countless stray cats roaming the stone-paved streets. And last but not least, round fishbowls are also illegal, as the circular shape forces the fish to swim in circles, which is disorienting and can affect the fish’s mood and behavior. But Rome isn’t the only city in Italy with animal-friendly laws. In Turin, for example, dog owners are required to walk their pets at least three times a day or face a fine of $650. Meanwhile, in Reggio Emilia, it is illegal to boil live lobsters. The city officials considered this cooking method “useless torture.” Even though Italy is known for stunning landscapes and delicious cuisine, it can also take credit for holding pet owners accountable and ensuring they take proper care of their animal companions.
Yes! In 2005, the city of Rome passed a law requiring every dog owner to walk their furry friend at least once a day if they wanted to avoid a fine. This was one of the multiple laws protecting the safety and well- being of Roman animals. The city had been dealing with ongoing problems due to dogs being cooped up in small apartments or abandoned in the streets.
Monica Cirinna, who created the law, explained, “It’s good to do whatever we can for our animals who, in exchange for a little love, fill our existence with their attention.” She also told the Roman newspaper Il Messaggero that “the civilization
of a city can also be measured by this.”
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and continued making her vegan, cruelty-free, and affordable lip products. Butler did not find success overnight, and it might have seemed the sharks had a point. But she began to make headway into retail outlets, and in 2022, The Lip Bar closed $6.7 million in seed funding. The company now has a flagship store in Detroit and sits on shelves in over 500 Walmart and 750 Target stores. Butler announced in early 2023 that The Lip Bar is now the largest Black-owned makeup brand on Target shelves. Former first lady Michelle Obama and actress Taraji P. Henson have both worn the company’s shades. As her company continues to expand and roll out new products, Butler doesn’t shy away from her less-successful past — she actively celebrates it. The Lip Bar CEO regularly tells her story and even placed a billboard in her hometown of Detroit, noting how she beat the odds. It read: “‘Shark Tank’ told me to quit. 10 years and 2 million units sold. Thanks, Mr. Wonderful.” These days, even Mr. Wonderful is on board. In a 2022 interview, O’Leary admitted that he got it wrong. “They were facing an almost impossible task,” he said. “They pulled it off, so you gotta applaud them.” Impressed by how she beat the odds, MarthaStewart.com asked Butler last year what advice she had for other entrepreneurs. “Keep working towards your goals,” she responded. “Because your idea will never become reality if you don’t do it.”
FROM ‘SHARK TANK’ REJECT TO STAR CEO
How Melissa Butler Overcame Failure
Melissa Butler, CEO of skin care and cosmetics company The Lip Bar, had her first brush with fame when she appeared on a 2015 episode of “Shark Tank.” But it was almost her last. The “sharks” not only didn’t like her idea — they mercilessly skewered it. Butler’s journey began in 2012 when she decided the beauty industry needed more diversity and natural ingredients. So, she started mixing her own lipstick shades in her kitchen. But when she presented her bold and beautiful creations on “Shark Tank,” the experts called them “clown makeup.” Kevin O’Leary, also known as “Mr. Wonderful,” was particularly harsh. He told her the cosmetics market was oversaturated and that she should quit while she could. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Butler did no such thing. She knew Black women and other women of color wanted cosmetic options that better suited their skin tones SEAFOOD PASTA SALAD
What Our Clients Are Saying
Ingredients
“I was involved in an unfortunate situation that resulted in a physical altercation. Mr. Houston looked objectively at the case, and through his hard work, he was able to get my case dismissed.” –Brandon
• 4 cups fusilli noodles • 2 cups crab meat or shrimp • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese • 2 cups ranch dressing • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed • 1/2 cup chopped green peppers
• 1/2 cup chopped red peppers • 1/2 cup diced onions • 1/2 cup shredded carrots • 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes • 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions
1. In a large pot, bring the fusilli noodles to a boil and cook until al dente, then drain. 2. In a large bowl, combine noodles, crab or shrimp, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, peas, green and red peppers, onions, and carrots, then mix together gently. 3. Refrigerate the pasta salad for 3–4 hours. If salad is dry upon removing from refrigerator, add more ranch dressing. 4. Once you’re ready to eat, top salad with tomatoes and Parmesan cheese if desired.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE The Value of Intergenerational Relationships Saving the Planet, One Party at a Time You’re Legally Obligated to Walk Your Dog? The ‘Shark Tank’ Contestant Who Didn’t Give Up Seafood Pasta Salad Testimonial Can You ‘Sea’ the Health Benefits? PAGE 1 PAGE 2 PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGE 3 PAGE 3 PAGE 4
year-round in the Atlantic Ocean. Humans have been consuming sea moss for centuries, and it’s been prevalent in the Caribbean. These days, sea moss has piqued the interest of health and wellness gurus and health-conscious consumers for its many potential health benefits. It’s also touted as one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. Besides being rich in vitamins and minerals, here are a few reasons why sea moss is worth considering on your quest for healthy living: Immune Function: Sea moss is high in antioxidants which fight free radicals and protects the body against cellular damage and inflammation. Digestion: Sea moss contains soluble fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements. Plus, it helps decrease the amount of harmful bacteria in your gut. Thyroid Function: Sea moss has abundant amounts of iodine, which
is key to the production of the thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism and energy. Healthy Skin, Hair, and Joints: The high vitamin and mineral content in sea mosses are excellent for skin health and can help prevent hair loss. Plus, sea moss may help reduce the pain caused by arthritis inflammation. Weight Loss: Sea moss is low in calories but high in fiber, which boosts metabolism and helps you feel full and satisfied longer after eating. Plus, sea moss reduces fatigue during physical activity. The benefits of sea moss are impressive. However, as with any supplement, it’s recommended that you consult with your health care professional before adding sea moss to your diet. If you get the green light to try sea moss, experiment with the best method for you. Sea moss is a powerful superfood that can improve your health — and we all deserve a few more waves of good health in our lives.
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When you think of sea moss, you probably imagine the green, slimy stuff that floats in water or gets caught in your toes when you’re wading in the ocean. You might even think of seaweed used in sushi and salads. But did you know that sea moss is sold as a health supplement in both powder and pill form? Just A Spoonful of Sea Moss … THE SUPERPOWERS OF THIS POPULAR RED ALGAE
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Sea moss (a red algae, also called Irish Moss) is a type of seaweed that grows
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