Born with a crayon in one hand and a camera in the other, Cindy Seip has never ventured far from her creative instincts. Through the years, her creative side took hairpin turns but always finished with a checkered flag.
As an “A+” student in art, it was her 12th-grade art teacher, Mr. Popovitch, that set her on a professional course in design, introducing her to the Ft. Lauderdale Art Institute. There, she would earn her degree in Advertising Design.
She began her career at the Miami Herald Tropic Magazine and later started her own design + underwater portrait photography business. Over the years, Seip has amassed an impressive client list with some high-profile names like Sony, Nasdaq, Ericsson, Blue Cross Blue Shield, AvMed, Miami International Book Fair, Breakthrough Miami, and many more. Her accolades reflect her keen eye for design.
Seip resides in sunny Miami with her husband, Miami Herald Photojournalist, Al Diaz, two great kids, and a cute Wheaten Terrier named Amanda Bubbles.
These big, beautiful barrettes can feature the images of your choice. Or pick one from Stephanie’s ready-made collection.
Fun and engaging, these never cease to get a conversation started.
Price: $15
Send Stephanie an email to order: seponder@hotmail.com.
Culinaria Cooking School Chefs Stephen Sands and Pete Snaith Are Featured This Week on Channel 10 from Inkandescent Public Relations on Vimeo.
Need a little pick me up? Try this delicious recipe by Culinaria Cooking School Chef Robyn Alexander that features the subtle flavor of green tea. (Note: Matcha, which is Japanese powdered green tea, can be found in the tea section or the freezer section of many Asian grocery stores.)
Chef Stephen Sands is the co-founder and CEO of Culinaria Cooking School.
A nuclear physicist for more than three decades, he began his culinary career in 1989 as the lead assistant for Francois Dionot, the director and founder of L’Academie de Cuisine in Bethesda, MD. Stephen assisted both L’Academie chefs, and visiting guest chefs, ensuring the execution of classes for the chefs was seamless; and assisted students in the participation classes with instruction and techniques during classes.
He graduated from L’Academie de Cuisine’s part-time professional program in 1996, and began teaching as a chef/instructor at the school. There, he developed curricula and original recipes for classes he taught at L’Academie. Stephen taught both demonstration and participation classes, and also instructed L’Academie’s private parties and team building events.
In 2004, Stephen formed Capital Food Partners, LLC, along with his business partner Pete Snaith, as a cooking school and catering company. He left L’Academie de Cuisine as a chef/instructor in the spring of 2009, and retired in March 2010 after working for 35 years as a nuclear engineer working for Westinghouse, Exxon, and NRC to pursue the development of the Culinaria Cooking School.
Founded in 2008, Culinaria Cooking School brings together professional chefs and wine experts who want to share their passion for the culinary arts with the community.
Conveniently located in the heart of Vienna, VA, this state-of-the art facility will feature modern equipment for use by instructors and students.
The team includes (from left to right) Chef and CEO Stephen Sands, Office Manager Stefanie Sacripante, Chef and VP Pete Snaith, Chef Brian Batsel, Chef Robyn Alexander, Chef Bonita Woods, and Wine Director John Peters.
“Our classes are built around teaching the fundamentals of cooking,” says Chef Stephen Sands. “They appeal to novice chefs, seasoned cooks, and beginners. Not only do our classes emphasize food preparation, but we also teach the presentation aspects of the dishes you serve — and offer tips on how to entertain with style and class.”
By Chef Marilena Leavitt
Introduction to Greek Cooking
Culinaria Cooking School
Welcome to the Greek table! I am excited to introduce Culinaria Cooking School students to an array of classes based on fresh, seasonal ingredients central to Greek cuisine.
March 18: Introduction to Greek Cooking. Students will learn to prepare foods that are the heart of any taverna menu, from tzatziki with zucchini fritters, to savory skewered meatballs with pita, to Greek peasant salad, to delicious almond cookies.
April 1: Cook with Fillo Dough. Students will learn to cook and bake with this versatile ingredient to make spanakopitakia, creamy chicken fillo pie, and mouthwatering baklava.
April 14: The Foods of the Greek Islands. In this class, students will make mini sesame bread rolls, olive tapenade, baked fresh fish wrapped in parchment paper, coriander potatoes, fennel and orange salad, and walnut spice cake.
By Elise Museles
Mindful Meals and More
Culinaria Cooking School
Despite our fast-paced world, we need to slow down, prepare a home-cooked meal, and spend quality time with those we love.
Eating consciously and making simple lifestyle changes will not only release you from the endless cycle of dieting, it will calm and relax you so that you can enjoy the wonderful life that you have created.
What’s love got to do with it? “When it comes to business, romance, and life in general, love is the engine that powers just about everything we do,” says our February Entrepeneur of the Month, Dr. Helen Fisher.
A world-renowned anthropologist and expert in the science of human attraction, Fisher wrote the questionnaire behind chemistry.com. Below you’ll find details about why we choose the mates, and business partners, that we do. In our Tips for Entrepreneurs column, she tells us when and why to trust our intuition.
Because February is the month of amore, we feature Rachel Machacek’s The Science of Single, a deliciously devilish account about her search for Mr. Right. Don’t miss Dr. John Maguire’s tips on heart health, the breathtaking wedding photos of Charlie Archambault, the work of personal historian Sherry Andersen, who preserves the legacy of loved ones on video, and our Truly Amazing Woman of the month, Anne Hastings, who runs Haiti’s largest micro-bank. To spark the romance, indulge in Culinaria Cooking School’s Valentine’s dinner menu, and learn to prepare a healthy elixir by our new Healthy Living columnist Jill Leslie.
From all of us at Be Inkandescent Magazine, here’s to an enchanted month! – Hope Katz Gibbs, Be Inkandescent • Illustration (of La Traviata) by Michael Gibbs, for the Virginia Opera.
January 18, SHRM — “HR consulting is a relationship business, which can be both good and bad,” writes reporter Lin Grensing-Pophal in today’s issue of SHRM.
For the bright side, she interviewed Dr. Alice Waagen, founder and president of Workforce Learning, who explained: “I am very pleased when a client of mine leaves their current position to join a new organization. I see their transition as potentially increasing my client base with a new organization.”
Happy Valentine’s Day! As I mentioned in my New Year’s Eve newsletter, I think it’s a shame to drink this effervescent gift from the gods only on fancy holidays. That said, I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate the joy of love than with a glass or two of champagne on February 14.
To add even more fun to the day, Chef Stephen Sands and I worked to pair some lovely champagnes with a menu of delicious dishes: Mussels with Avocado-Chili Cream; Steamed Corn Custard with Lobster; and Mixed Berries with Champagne Zabaglione.
Don’t know which champagne to pair with each course? Click here to view my primer, Champagne Supernova, which provides tips for choosing delicious, affordable bottles of bubbly.
When I was a young boy growing up in an Italian family in New Jersey, food and cooking were an important part of life.
I spent countless hours in the kitchen watching my mother and grandmother prepare family recipes, which filled our home with the scent of old-world goodness.
As a teenager, I learned to prepare these wonderful traditional dishes so that I could share them with others. I then went on to study architecture in college, and learned design skills and how to make a perfect presentation.
I now blend my passions as a professional chef through my firm, Roberto’s Creative Cuisines, which provides in-home meal preparation and cooking classes, as well as caters dinner parties and corporate events.
February 2011, Be Inkandescent magazine — I love romantic venues. Everything from big, open museums to well-lit art galleries, and private homes with spectacularly appointed interiors — each allows wedding guests to mix and mingle while celebrating the couple’s special day.
I know this from personal experience, as I tied the knot myself last fall. So it was an interesting exercise to apply to my wedding the advice that I offer to couples looking for the perfect venue: “Embrace your personality as a couple.”
February 2011, Be Inkandescent magazine — It’s that time of year when shop windows are ablaze in red, and grocer’s shelves are stocked with hearts, flowers, wines, and candies.
While there’s nothing wrong with a glass of smooth merlot or a chunk of melt-in-your-mouth chocolate, with a little know-how you can choose healthier foods to ignite your passion — and not just on Valentine’s Day.
I know what you are thinking: “Aphrodisiacs as part of my daily routine? Oysters for breakfast, chocolate-covered strawberries for lunch, and a bit of bubbly for my afternoon pick me up?”
While our Western notions of aphrodisiacs may be enticing, those selections may not be the best way to balance the body, mind, and emotions.
Simplicity Urgent Care is a neighborhood center that is open evenings and weekends, and never requires on appointment.
Located at 3263 Columbia Pike in Arlington, our goal is to provide a medical center where you can see a doctor any day of the week – whether you have insurance or not.
From treating sore throats and cold-and-flu symptoms to cuts and abrasions, strains and sprains, and urinary tract infections, the doctors on our staff provide fast, friendly care, as well as immunizations, X-rays, drug screenings, travel medicine, and more.
For more information, visit www.simplicityurgentcare.com.
Arlington, VA, January 20, 2011 — Imagine a neighborhood urgent-care office that is open nights and weekends, and accepts major insurance. That’s Simplicity Urgent Care, located at 3263 Columbia Pike in Arlington, VA.
The founders, Dr. John Jones and Dr. John Maguire, were joined by Arlington County Board Chairman Christopher Zimmerman, and Arlington Chamber President Richard V. Doud, Jr., for an official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“The Chamber is very excited to have a new urgent-care center in Arlington,” says Arlington Chamber President Rich Doud. “The facility is huge, incredibly clean, and very efficient. Those who choose Simplicity can rest assured that they’ll get the finest care.”
January 19, 2011, Patch.com — Patch.com reporter Christine Neff featured Culinaria Cooking School in an article that explained CEO / Chef Stephen Sand’s belief anyone can cook and cook well – with the knowledge of basic techniques. “The techniques translate from country to country, recipe to recipe. If you have those, it doesn’t matter what you attempt,” Sands said.
Neff wrote, “This chef and retired engineer has been teaching cooking classes to people of all skill levels for many years now and claims to have never repeated a recipe in his courses.”
Happy New Year! In this issue of our newsletter, we usher in 2011 with a feature article on page 2 by Trow & Rahal founder Linda Rahal, who encourages readers to Consider These New Questions Employers Must Answer on Revised Form I-129. This valuable guide will help employers seeking nonimmigrant visa status for foreign national employees.
In our Immigration Update on page 3, you’ll learn more about the Delayed Implementation of Deemed Export Requirement in Revised I-129 Petition. We also share details about the H-1B Cap, which is close to being reached.
January 13, 2011, Washington, DC — Ladd Johnson, a partner at the Washington, DC-based law practice Edinger Associates, learned today that he was named one of Utah’s Legal Elite for 2011 by Utah Business Magazine.
“This is a prestigious list, and I am very pleased to have been recognized,” says Johnson, who has a wealth of experience representing public and private companies of all sizes in business and finance matters.
For nearly 10 years, Utah Business has published the Legal Elite list showcasing the state’s best-of-the-best lawyers, the editors explain. Each lawyer on the list received votes from numerous peers.
By Dr. John Jones
Medical Director
Simplicity Urgent Care
It always seems to happen at 6 p.m. You left your happy, healthy baby at the daycare center this morning, and now you have a cranky baby with a runny nose, cough, and a fever. Since your pediatrician’s office is closed for the day, you know you can wait until morning to see a doctor, or take your child to the emergency department or urgent care center. But are you overreacting?
By Chef Robyn Alexander
Director of Programs for Youth and Families
Culinaria Cooking School
Kids are usually more interested in eating an item if it’s something that they’ve made themselves. So, get busy with them in the kitchen. Here are six tips that work with my students and four children:
1. Work together to make their favorite restaurant meals from scratch. Cooking experiences make food more memorable, even if the meal is not cooked perfectly.
2. Let kids decide. Make personal pizzas on whole wheat dough with your own homemade red sauce, and let kids choose their own toppings. Sauces are a wonderful way to use “stealth” to make sure the healthy veggies are incorporated into a diet. Carrots, red peppers, onions, and even spinach have been known to make it into pizza sauce at our house.
3. Get silly with food. Make polka dot mashed potatoes (peas mixed in with mashed potatoes) or use skewers, shape cutters and fancy toothpicks to present a visually appealing meal.
January 2011, Be Inkandescent magazine — Since planning and pulling off huge galas for nonprofit organizations is a large part of my business, this year I’ve been asked repeatedly: Are huge, expensive galas going out of style?
The simple answer is yes. And no. Some organizations are definitely rethinking throwing the ballroom event filled with giant TV screens, high-profile speakers, and cheerleaders (yes, cheerleaders) that annually asks supporters to whip out their black ties, diamonds, and checkbooks. Others, however, are sticking with the tried-and-true gala as a way to celebrate and show off the work they are doing with donors.
In fact, in December I was thrilled to see one of my clients who throws incredible annual galas have another fabulously successful event. The organization grossed more than $1 million at the event, which is obviously no small feat in the current economy. How did they do it?
Happy 2011! This issue marks our second year publishing Be Inkandescent Magazine, so this month we look toward the future.
Philanthropy is our theme, and our three Entrepreneurs of the Month are the leaders of some the largest nonprofits in the country – The Nature Conservancy, The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region, and The Humane Society. Scroll down to read about their strategies for 2011, and learn what keeps them up at night.
You’ll find an overview of what lies ahead in our Nonprofit column. Nonprofit consultant, and author of “Give a Little,” Wendy Smith shares donation trends for the coming years. We also talked to DC Central Kitchen founder Robert Egger, the author of “Begging for Change,” and our November 2010 Entrepreneur of the Month.
Happy New Year’s Eve! In anticipation of the big celebration on Friday night, you’ll find tips for picking the perfect bottle of bubbly in this week’s newsletter.
Personally, I think it’s a shame to drink this effervescent gift from the gods only on New Year’s Eve.
So I make a point to serve champagne and sparkling wines year-round, because bubbly sets the perfect mood for any celebratory event – from birthdays and anniversaries to graduation and Super Bowl Sunday.
Click image for larger viewWriting / Concept by Hope Katz Gibbs
Website design / coding / database by Gregg Hurson, Top Shelf Design
About Pavilion Medical Home Health
Pavilion Medical Home Care is a leading home healthcare and staffing agency, licensed in Virginia and certified by Medicare / Medicaid. From our offices in Annandale and Manassas, VA, we provide a full range of home healthcare and skilled nursing services to hundreds of individuals and dozens of institutions throughout Northern Virginia.
Independent, objective and qualitative measurements show that after Pavilion Medical Home Care has completed its treatments, our patients report having increased functional capacity, improved bladder control, better ability to bathe themselves, improved ability to correctly take oral medications, improved or healed wounds, and less tasking effort to live independently.
For every patient, we devise a comprehensive care plan, addressing patient needs and guardian concerns. We are dedicated to upholding the Patients Bill of Rights, and provide services 24 hours a day / seven days a week.New patients, including permanent placements, are admitted within 24 hours. We also recognize the comfort that comes from communicating in one’s native tongue; our staff is fluent in English. Filipino, Korean, and Spanish.
Website design / Eileen O’Tousa-Crowson
Writing / Concept by Hope Katz Gibbs
Website coding / database by Max Kukoy
About Workforce Learning, LLC
Workforce Learning is a leadership development company, founded in 1997 by Dr. Alice Waagen, which provides managers and C-level executives with the skills and knowledge they need to build a more productive work environment.
Prior to founding Workforce Learning, Alice served as Senior Director of Corporate Training for Amtrak in Washington DC and Director Education, Training & Development for Freddie Mac in McLean VA. In both of those positions, Alice created and implemented workplace development programs that served her internal clients from the shop floor to the executive suite.
Her passion for working with organization leaders to identify their successful HR programs and practices as well as to develop new programs that increase leader effectiveness. In the past three years, more than 125 leaders from 24 different organizations have graduated from Alice’s unique leadership development workshop series.
Alice is frequently called on to present on topics of organizational learning best practices. She has spoken at the International Personnel Management Association (IPMA) annual conference, numerous chapter meeting of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), American Association for Training & Development (ASTD), the Association of Fundraising Professional (AFFP) and the American Legal Association (ALA).
My professional life is well documented on my website, which got a facelift this month. I do hope you will go there for a visit: www.workforcelearning.com My other life is something that may come as a surprise to many. It is my passion for the visual arts. The only evidence of my artistic life is the mention in my bio that I have a doctoral degree in art education.
How did I make the transition from art teacher to business owner? That is a story for another newsletter, but suffice it to say that as my business has grown, I have increasingly felt the need to bring the two parts of myself together. So earlier this fall, I participated in a 12-week intensive study at the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM). Beginning in January, I will be a videoconference docent, presenting interactive art-appreciation talks with schools throughout the United States using artworks from the SAAM collection.
As 2010 comes to a close, we reflect on the interesting work we’ve done this year – as well as changes in the immigration law that have made an impact on our clients.
In this month’s Immigration Update, for instance, you’ll find that USCIS has issued a new version of the Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker (Form I-129), which pertains to employers seeking nonimmigrant visa status for foreign national employees. There are significant changes, so be sure to review the information on page 3 of this newsletter.
On page 2, you’ll find an article about our Of Counsel attorney, Laurie Volk. An accomplished attorney and equestrian, she combines her skills as an immigration lawyer with her passion for the horse world. We think you’ll be as impressed by her interesting work as we are.
Attention all carnivores: In this issue of our weekly newsletter, you’ll find three recipes that are sure to please.
They came from my cookbook, “The Street Chef,” and I do hope you’ll enjoy preparing this hearty, simple meal.
Rack of Lamb Stuffed With Brandied Apricots
Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Grilled Asparagus With Butter and Lemon
Tune in to WUSA9 at noon on Thursday, December 16 at noon when Chef Stephen Sands of Culinaria Cooking School will give a demonstration of Hazelnut Linzer Torte With Fresh Raspberries.
For more great recipes, sign up for one of Culinaria’s December classes. And be sure to buy a gift certificate for all of your family and friends for classes in the upcoming winter session. From Italian to Sushi, Baking to Knife Skills, each class will help improve your cooking. Click here to buy a gift certificate.
When you have a house filled with guests at holiday time, the last thing you want to do is spend the whole party in the kitchen. On the attached pages, you’ll find three of my favorite appetizers. They are easy to make, and can be prepared ahead of time. Plus, they are all packed with veggies.
Be sure to sign up for one of Culinaria Cooking School’s December classes, which are listed at the right. Most of our classes are three-hour sessions that run about $65 each.
Believe it or not, pumpkin pie, cornbread, roasted turkey, and other traditional Thanksgiving fare weren’t actually part of the original meal enjoyed by the Pilgrims. Back in 1621, potatoes were unavailable, and butter and oil were scarce. There were no ovens, and roasting on a spit over a fire took hours. But the pilgrims wanted to celebrate the end of the drought that revived their crop of corn and fruits with their neighbors, the Wampanoags.
In the spirit of collaboration, the Native Americans brought five deer, adding to a meal of stewed boiled fowl, lobster and fish, corn and wheat breads, dried fruits and pumpkin, boiled vegetables, and water to drink. About 150 people enjoyed the feast, which lasted three days. Now that’s a celebration!
Like the Pilgrims, we have much to be thankful for here at Culinaria Cooking School. More than 400 friends, family members, and new students turned out to our grand opening on Nov. 7, and we thank you all for that incredible show of support.
As our gift to you, click on the numbers at the top of this newsletter to find eight pages of Thanksgiving recipes, plus our holiday wine tips (page 10).
Washington, DC, November 18, 2010 — Join Robin Strongin and her Disruptive Women bloggers on December 1 at The Kreeger Museum for a night of art and music when she hosts the 2010 Disruptive Women holiday event, “Music & Art Therapy: A Demonstration in Healing.”
“I designed this special holiday event with a singular purpose in mind: to help people understand the enormous evidence-based power of the arts to heal — mentally, physically, and spiritually,” says Strongin, the creator of the Disruptive Women in Health Care Blog (www.disruptivewomen.net) and the president and CEO of the Washington, DC, firm Amplify Public Affairs (www.amplifypublicaffairs.net.)
Arlington VA, December 7, 2010 — Veteran emergency room doctors John Jones and John Maguire have opened Simplicity Urgent Care, a neighborhood medical center located at 3263 Columbia Pike that allows patients with or without insurance to see a doctor without an appointment.
“Urgent care is for accidents and illnesses that require a doctor’s attention, but not a trip to the emergency room,” explains Dr. Jones, an emergency department physician at INOVA Fair Oaks Hospital, who is certified in both pediatric and adult emergency care. “From colds and flu to minor injuries and urinary tract infections, our physicians will specialize in fast, friendly care. That also includes immunizations, x-rays, drug screenings, travel medicine, and more.”
Click image for larger viewWebsite design / Eileen O’Tousa-Crowson
Writing / Concept by Hope Katz Gibbs
Website coding / database by Max Kukoy
About Workforce Learning, LLC
Workforce Learning is a leadership development company, founded in 1997 by Dr. Alice Waagen, which provides managers and C-level executives with the skills and knowledge they need to build a more productive work environment.
Prior to founding Workforce Learning, Alice served as Senior Director of Corporate Training for Amtrak in Washington DC and Director Education, Training & Development for Freddie Mac in McLean VA. In both of those positions, Alice created and implemented workplace development programs that served her internal clients from the shop floor to the executive suite.
Her passion for working with organization leaders to identify their successful HR programs and practices as well as to develop new programs that increase leader effectiveness. In the past three years, more than 125 leaders from 24 different organizations have graduated from Alice’s unique leadership development workshop series.
Alice is frequently called on to present on topics of organizational learning best practices. She has spoken at the International Personnel Management Association (IPMA) annual conference, numerous chapter meeting of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), American Association for Training & Development (ASTD), the Association of Fundraising Professional (AFFP) and the American Legal Association (ALA).
December 6, 2010, US News & World Report — Congratulations to our client, and Be Inkandescent Events columnist, Roxanne Rukowicz Ladd of Behind the Scenes Events, who was quoted in US News and World Report this week about “Best Careers in 2011.”
Roxanne said: “Take every opportunity to break into the field, even if it means catering or volunteering with a florist. You’ll build an appreciation for the time on your feet and what it takes to pull off a gig. All experience is good experience and will serve you well in becoming a more rounded candidate for a position.”
As 2010 comes to a close, our thoughts turn to the future. Experts and entrepreneurs agree that no matter what your business is, you’ll increasingly be impacted by globalization.
That’s why we asked Tom Adams, CEO of Rosetta Stone to be our December Entrepreneur of the Month. As the leader of an international language-learning software firm, he believes that American companies that don’t get on the global bandwagon will certainly be left behind. “While it’s obviously important to speak more than one language, it’s also critical to understand other cultures, employ people from foreign countries, and look five or 10 years ahead—or risk being left in the dust,” he says. Click here to read more the entire interview.
Also in this issue:
From all of us at Be Inkandescent Magazine, here’s to your success in 2011.
Illustration (above) by Michael Gibbs: www.michaelgibbs.com
November 26, 2010, Colesville Patch — Got the Black Friday Blues? In today’s issue of the Colesville Patch, reporter Catherine Krikstan offers salvation in her article about The Bagelry, owned by Steven and Tracy Brecher.
“When it comes to Thanksgiving, most people are concerned with just one meal: dinner. But when stomachs start to rumble for breakfast on Black Friday, Colesville residents can turn to the Bagelry,” Krikstan writes.
November 23, 2010, TDB.com — In today’s issue of TDB Neighborhoods, reporter Rebecca Cooper writes about Simplicity Urgent Care, the newest medical office on 3263 Columbia Pike Arlington, VA, which opened its doors on Nov. 22.
“Co-founder, Dr. John Jones, says he hopes people will take advantage of the clinic’s services during the upcoming week if their regular doctors are unavailable due to the holiday,” she said.
Magazine cover design by Eileen O’Tousa-Crowson
Client: Washingtonian Magazine
Title: “Great Dates,” February 2010
Magazine article design by Eileen O’Tousa-Crowson
Client: Washingtonian Magazine
Title: “Inside Man”
Design by Eileen O’Tousa-Crowson
Client: Washingtonian Magazine
Title: “100 Very Best Restaurants”
Design by Eileen O’Tousa-Crowson
Client: Washingtonian Magazine
Title: Washingtonian’s Bride & Groom Magazine
“Imagine that your foreign-born client has been an American citizen since birth — but does not know it,” writes attorney Steve Trow in this month’s issue of our newsletter. “Perhaps the client tells you one of his parents was American, but he is not. Or he used to be an American citizen, but he lost that citizenship when he became a citizen of another country.” While your client may be certain he is right, Trow suggests that he or she could be wrong. Click here to learn more about The Accidental American Citizen.
By Victoria Tran
Senior, Fairfax High School
2010-2011 Student School Board Representative
Like the other articles in this month’s issue of Close-Up, I wrote about diversity — but from a student’s point of view. When I think about what has it been like growing up in a multicultural community such as Fairfax City, my answer is simple. it has defined who I am. Because of my exposure to different people, ideas, and beliefs at an early age, I have become more open-minded and more knowledgeable of the many different cultures that coexist in our community. I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity to grow up in one of the most diverse regions in the world.
November 11, 2010, Vienna Connection — Soon after Culinaria Cooking School opened its doors on Nov. 7, Vienna Connection reporter Donna Manz wrote an article noting:
“Hundreds of friends, family and supporters turned out to celebrate with the owners and staff and share. An array of sweet and savory finger foods and bottles of flowing wine didn’t hurt the camaraderie, either.
“Between the two co-founders, there is more than thirty years of culinary experience, and many of the guests go back 20 to 30 years with co-founders Stephen Sands and Pete Snaith.”
Culinaria’s Thanksgiving Feast 2010
For starters:
Parsnip Soup w/ Truffle Oil
Pair with:
The main course:
Brined Spice-Cured Roast Turkey
Pair with:
On the side:
For dessert:
Delicata Squash Tart
Pair with:
Since this is the month of Thanksgiving, we want to take the opportunity to celebrate the power and importance of giving.
Research shows that your brain actually lights up when you give, writes author Wendy Smith in Give a Little: How Your Small Donations Can Transform Our World. “Researchers at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke found that something in our brains shaped by evoalution allows us to feel joy when we do good things,” she says. “It’s a biological force.” Read our review of her book.
Also in this issue, you’ll learn about several incredible non-profit organizations including the Maasai Girls Education Fund, The Center for Wilderness Safety, and the World Food Programme, which is run by our Truly Amazing Woman of the month, Josette Sheeran.
The pièce de résistance of this issue is the November Entrepreneur of the Month, Robert Egger, the founder of the DC Central Kitchen, and author of the inspiring book, “Begging for Change.” He teaches us the dollars and sense of making non-profits responsive, efficient, and rewarding for all. As industrialist and philanthropist Warren Buffett says: “Anything not worth doing well is not worth doing.”
Here’s to giving it your all. — Hope Katz Gibbs
Editor & publisher, Be Inkandescent Magazine
Founder, Inkandescent Public Relations
Illustration (above) by Michael Gibbs, www.michaelgibbs.com
Click image for larger viewWriting / Concept by Hope Katz Gibbs
Website design by Michael Gibbs
Website coding / database by Max Kukoy
About the GED Program
The General Educational Development (GED) test gives students an opportunity to complete their high school credential and move forward to post secondary or training centers. Once completed, a GED credential shows colleges and employers that a person has the skills that are expected of a high school graduate.
The GED tests cover the five subjects that are taught in high school: Language Arts, Writing and Reading; Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics. Each test and section are timed based on the difficulty of each section.
As the test taker, you are not required to know all the information that is usually taught in high school. However, you will be tested on your ability to read and process information, solve problems, and communicate effectively.
You are in good company. Others who earned their GED credential include Bill Cosby, Dave Thomas of Wendy’s, Alicia Silverstone, Gretchen Wilson(country/western singer); Michael J Fox; Christian Slater, Ben Nighthorse Campbell(retired US Senator) and the former Surgeon General of the United States of America.
Bring your friends, bring your family, and bring your appetite to Culinaria Cooking School this Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. for our Grand Opening Bash!
Our address: 110 Pleasant St. NW, Vienna, VA 22180
Please RSVP: 703-865-7920
We’ll be serving: Polpettine with Pomodoro Sauce (little meatballs) •Dumplings w/ Dipping Sauces •Caramelized Onion w/ Gorgonzola in Fillo Cups •Flank Steak Crostini •Flat Bread w/ Mushroom & Gruyere •Mini Margherita Pizza •Cup Cakes w/ Strawberry or Chocolate •Smoked Salmon Mousse in Cucumber Cups •Italian Vino-Sausage Bites •Bruschetta w/ Olive Tapenade & Roasted Peppers •Southwestern Bruschetta •Baked Stuffed Brie w/ Cranberry Relish •Sprouted Lentil Dhal in a Pastry Shell
Check out our brand new digs and meet our chefs. You’ll find their bios below.
Also below, you’ll find a list of our fall classes, including individual sessions on cooking regional Italian dishes, tapas from Spain, and crepes. There is also an array of wine classes to choose from, and plenty of classes for teens who will learn to make Chinese food, cookies and quick breads. You’ll also see that we have classes for couples, Ladies Lunch Bunch, team building opportunities for businesses, and more.
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday! – Chef and CEO Stephen Sands, Office Manager Stefanie Sacripante, Chef and VP Pete Snaith, Chef Brian Batsel, Chef Robyn Alexander, Chef Bonita Woods, and Wine Director John Peters.
Visit us online: www.culinariacookingschool.com • Send us an email: info@culinariacookingschool.com
November 8, 2010, Colesville Patch — In today’s issue of the Colesville Patch, reporter Rob H. writes about the new owner of The Bagelry, Steven Brecher, who took over the popular bagel shop from former owners last month.
He writes: “Just learned that The Bagelry on Vital Way changed hands a couple of weeks ago. Inquiring Colesvillians (and longtime Bagelry customers) want to know who’s new and where our old friends are going! Last month, the former owners of The Bagelry sold the landmark breakfast shop. After seven years of ownership, Ricky and Neva Silverstein decided that running the restaurant had become far too tough.”
November 2010, Be Inkandescent magazine — I have a friend who is a mentor to many. Yes, he is well-liked and well-known. He is an excellent sales man and a consummate gentleman. In fact, some might say he is business in Greater Washington. But I have long since believed these are not the attributes that draw so many individuals his way. Instead, it is his philosophy that one can do well in business by doing good in the community, that pulls so many people close.
And at the end of the day, aren’t most people looking for a larger sense of accomplishment? We all want to know that not only did our work yield a positive to your stakeholders, but that at the same time, the work positively impacted the community at large.
Fortunately, more organizations than ever before are integrating the concept of corporate citizenship or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into their core culture and values.
Welcome to the October issue of my newsletter, in which we spell out the steps to ensure you shop for the right solution to your staffing needs. Case in point is a good friend of mine, who told me recently about a very bad day she had at work. She had to fire a staff member who was not performing the job he was hired to do. In fact, his performance wasn’t up to the most minimal of standards.
We talked a bit about the endless days of training and guidance that ended in the termination, and finally my friend asked me: “How can I learn how to do a better job of firing someone? They always end in tears, with me feeling guilty, as if it was my fault that the person was not the right fit for the job. What am I doing wrong?”
My quick response: “You have the right goal but are asking the wrong questions. You don’t need to learn how to fire someone. You need to learn how to hire the right person so that the firing never happens.”
In my experience, most of the information available on hiring focuses on interviewing skills. And while conducting a good interview is certainly important, click here to read HR / career expert Sharon Armstrong’s 100 Best Interview Questions, interviewing skills won’t help if there is a mismatch between your expectations for the job and how it is described in the hiring process.
Click inside: You’ll find tips on how to create what we call in the HR business an “organizational resource strategy.” You’ll also meet Gina Schaeffer, owner of a string of ACE Hardware stores in Washington, DC, who not only has mastered the art of hiring well. And, you’ll read about “What the Dog Saw: And Other Adventures,” by Malcolm Gladwell.
Here’s to a wonderfully successful remainder of Q4. I’ll talk to you again in December.
Alice Waagen, President
Workforce Learning
alice@workforcelearning.com.
Text by Hope Katz Gibbs, www.InkandescentPR.com
Design by Jerry Lustan, www.surface2.com
“The secret of a happy marriage is finding the right person; and you know it’s right if you love to be with them all of the time. But I wouldn’t keep him around long if I didn’t feed him well.” — Julia Child
At Culinaria Cooking School, we want your marriage to last a lifetime. Whether you are recently engaged, a newlywed, or a couple of old lovebirds hoping to spice up your culinary skills — our chefs will help you unlock new flavors and aromas, and teach you the secrets of preparing fine food.
From couples dinners to wine classes, bachelorette parties and more, sign up today for a fabulously fun cooking class that is sure to bring you closer. And do bring your friends. This is the gift that keeps on giving. Cheers to your happiness!
Ad copy by Hope Katz Gibbs, www.inkandescentpr.com
Design by Baltimore & Washington DC’s Best Lawyers
Photo by Steve Barrett
Employers have turned to this mid-sized DC law firm since 1993 for advice on immigration policies and strategies, compliance issues, and to obtain visas and green cards for executives and employees.
The firm also has niche practice areas including obtaining visas for foreign athletes, developed by Linda Rahal, a triathlete who applies the same winning strategies to her clients as she does to her races.
Cynthia Hemphill assists performing artists and the entertainment industry with their immigration needs, and collaborates with Laurie Volk to provide visa services to the equine community.
Steve Trow heads the EB-5 investor green card practice and focuses on immigration solutions for high net worth clients. He works with tax attorneys and financial advisors to develop tax-efficient immigration and citizenship solutions, both inbound into the U.S. and outbound when clients choose to terminate their U.S. status. Steve speaks regularly at conferences for tax and financial advisors worldwide, including the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).
Parsnip Soup With Truffle Oil
What you’ll need:
2-3 T. unsalted butter
1-2 lbs. parsnips, peeled and chopped
1 medium leek, washed well and chopped
1 large onion, diced
1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
1 small stalk celery, chopped
2 quarts chicken stock or vegetable stock
1 bay leaf
2 cups heavy cream, or low-fat sour cream, or yogurt, as an option
salt & pepper, to taste
finely grated nutmeg, to taste
2 T. white truffle oil
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
What you’ll need:
1 cup washed, sliced leeks, white and pale green parts only
3 T. unsalted butter
1 T. minced garlic
12 cups diced yellow onion
6-7 cups roasted butternut squash
3 cups granny smith apples, peeled and roughly diced
2 T. toasted spice rub
8 cups chicken stock
2 cups heavy cream
salt & pepper, to taste
3 tsp. olive oil
1 large peeped apple, sliced thinly for garnish
Change is in the air this October.
Click inside to page 2 to find a feature article about the immigrant visa allocation system. We’ll tell you about the September 22, 2010, meeting where Charles Oppenheim explained the process used to assign priority dates and provided background in the applicable law. We’ll also share his predictions about the progression of visa numbers over the next few months. Oppenheim is Chief of the Visa Control and Reporting Division of the Visa Office at the U.S. Department of State (DOS).
On page 3, you’ll find our Immigration Updates, where among other changes, you’ll learn that the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) has changed its filing fees and extended the validity period of advance parole.
All of us at Trow & Rahal are available to help with your immigration-related needs. Don’t hesitate to call for more information: 202-537-4830. — info@trowlaw.com
Oct. 18, 2010, Daily HR Solution — Today’s Daily HR Solution entry featured Dr. Alice Waagen, president and founder of the management training company, Workforce Learning.
In a Q&A with author Mary White, Alice answered a handful of questions including:
What are some of the unique challenges HR practitioners face when it comes to working with managerial level employees?
Alice said: Since the human resource manager’s main job is to keep the company safe from a liability lawsuit, we become de facto managers when the managers don’t manage well. And it happens all the time. In fact, in an interview with Inc. magazine in August, I told reporter Darren Dahl that for managers to succeed, the most important part of their job is to be accountable for results. For example, a good manager creates short- and long-term goals for all staff, and then sets realistic standards and targets to measure progress to plan. And, he or she needs to provide specific and objective feedback on an ongoing basis, which informs, enlightens and helps staff members improve their performance.
Remember, it’s the job of all senior staff members to monitor the rest of the team for compliance issues. When they fail to do this, lawsuits can occur — and that’s when HR must step in to minimize corporate exposure and liability. But the first line of defense is the management team, and they need to be pros.
September 2010 — Video producer Ann-Marie McHugh, produced this video of Nell Merlino’s “Make Mine a Million $ Business” conference. View it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGqNHjE6IvA
October 7, 2010, The Wall Street Journal — In today’s issue of the Wall Street Journal, reporter Emily Maltby interviewed five small business owners for an article entitled, “Preparing for a Double Dip.”
“Many business owners are worried that the economy will get worse before it gets better,” she wrote. “Here’s how some are readying their companies for a double dip.
“Inspiration and genius — one and the same,” said French poet and playwright Victor Hugo.
Indeed. Often referred to as “an unconscious burst of creativity,” inspiration literally means breathed upon. The Greeks believed that inspiration came from the muses. The Ancient Norse thought inspiration derived from the god Odin. In the Hebrew Book of Amos, the prophet speaks of being overwhelmed by God’s voice and compelled to speak. In Christianity, inspiration is considered a gift of the Holy Spirit.
In the October issue of Be Inkandescent Magazine, our Entrepreneur of the Month Steven Schussler is sure to breathe inspiration into your day. The founder of the Rainforest Cafe and CEO of Schussler Creative has a new book out called, “It’s a Jungle in There: Inspiring Lessons, Hard-Won Insights and Other Acts of Entrepreneurial Daring.” You’ll also be inspired by Schussler’s favorite nonprofit, Smile Network International.
And that’s not all. In this issue, our 14 columnists provide ideas and insights that we believe will fuel your imagination, touch your heart, and feed your entrepreneurial spirit.
Here’s to your incredible success! — Hope Katz Gibbs
Editor & Publisher, Be Inkandescent Magazine
Founder, Inkandescent Public Relations
Illustration (above) by Michael Gibbs, www.mglenwood.com
October 4, 2010, HealthCastle.com — Chef Stephen Sand’s recipe for Celeriac Bisque with Shiitakes is the recipe of the month for the online nutrition website HealthCastle.com.
Editors explain: “It is probably fair to say that celeriac is one of the most ignored root vegetables in North America. Its unglamorous appearance does not do its flavor justice – its crisp texture, as well as its celery and parsley-like flavor, is a great addition to any dish that goes well with celery. October is the time to try this strange-looking root vegetable, as it is generally available from October through April.
Read more here: www.healthcastle.com, and click on the link below to Read More, where you’ll find the recipe for this delicious Fall dish.
To sign up for a class at Culinaria Cooking School, visit www.culinariacookingschool.com.
Smith Fairfield, Inc. conceptualizes, coordinates, and produces special events, grand openings, meetings, conferences, trade shows, and exhibitions ranging from the Academy Awards Oscar Viewing and Post Party held in Beverly Hills, California to Presidential Inaugurations held in Washington, D.C.
Our experience covers every size, scope and type of special event. With an eye for detail and an appreciation of the special touches that make events memorable, we know the event sites that fit the character of each unique experience. Through imaginative stage design and set constructions, special effects, lighting, sound and program production, Smith Fairfield, Inc. masterfully creates an atmosphere that captivates audiences from beginning to end.
Smith Fairfield, Inc. assists clients in building and developing close ties to Washington’s decision-makers, including individuals in the Executive Branch, U.S. Congress, and the federal government.
Smith Fairfield, Inc. represents client interests before government officials and agencies, monitors legislation, arranges meetings with officials, builds ally group coalitions and working groups on legislative issues and drafts positioning papers. Furthermore, we know how to leverage our contacts through direct lobbying, the media, grassroots support, and viral messages passed through social networking medians.
Today it’s difficult for marketers to reach and impact consumers. The consumer seems ever more elusive and ever more savvy to the daily barrage of marketing messages and campaigns. It’s not just enough to reach consumers and businesses on the mass level; they must be touched utilizing creative one-on-one marketing techniques.
Smith Fairfield, Inc. (SFI) has a solid reputation for successfully launching and branding new products, driving sales, and increasing market share. We have achieved this by using proprietary tools, creative thinking and a compliment of marketing disciplines for business–to–business (B2B) and business–to–consumer (B2C) transactions. We have been able to deliver powerful programs that reach target audiences, building long-term brand loyalty with an eye squarely focused on achieving measurable results.
October 2010, Be Inkandescent magazine — I’ve enjoyed many a late night following an event with my hospitality colleagues, relaxing over a glass of wine and regaling each other with stories of events we have hosted.
Sometimes hilarious, often horrific, they never cease to inspire — and teach me how to do my job better.
Following are some of my favorites.
This month, Steve Trow traveled to Switzerland to speak at the Association of Foreign Banks in Switzerland Conference in Geneva (on Sept. 8) and in Zurich (on Sept. 9). The topic of the conference was “FATCA: first set of guidance for implementation.”
He addressed U.S. immigration rules that determine whether an individual is a U.S. citizen or has U.S. permanent resident (green card) status. This is not always clear, as a person may be unaware that he is a U.S. citizen or may mistakenly think that he has lost U.S. citizenship by acquiring another nationality or lost permanent resident status by residing abroad. Click here to view the agenda for the conference.
Steve’s next speaking engagement is October 26: He will travel to Calgary to conduct a four-hour presentation for Moodys Tax Seminars. The topic is “U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Planning for High Net Worth Clients.” Learn more about that here.
In this issue: You’ll learn about the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which allows foreign investors and their families to obtain U.S. permanent resident status (green cards) to reside permanently in the United States. Read all about that by clicking inside. Don’t miss the insights we share in our immigration news briefs. Specifically, take a look at the higher filing fees that will be required for companies with a large H-1B/L-1 workforce.
October 1, 2010, US News & World Report — Hot off the presses is the 2010 Best Lawyers issue of US News & World Report, which lists Trow & Rahal as one of the top immigration law firms in the country.
“Guiding the firm with their winning attitudes and capabilities, Steve Trow and Linda Rahal have a solid reputation within the legal community.” Click here to read the entire article.
Welcome to the first issue of our monthly newsletter, Cooking with Culinaria. Each month, our chefs will bring you new and exciting cooking tips and recipes. And our wine director John Peters will provide insights and ideas about wine.
Click “Read More” below to find a list of our fall classes, including individual sessions on cooking regional Italian dishes, tapas from Spain, and crepes. Teen classes include learning to make Chinese food, cookies and quick breads, and summer camp. There will be classes for couples, team building opportunities for businesses, and more. Also below, you will meet our team of professionally trained chefs who have years of experience in teaching the fundamentals of cooking.
We look forward to welcoming you into our kitchen at our grand opening in October. Look for details on the date and time in our next newsletter.
From all of us here at Culinaria Cooking School, Salud! — Chef Robyn Alexander, Chef and Co-owner Stephen Sands, Chef and VP Pete Snaith, Wine Director John Peters (pictured above), Chef Bonita Woods, Chef Brian Batsel, and Office Manager Stefanie Sacripante
Visit us online: www.culinariacookingschool.com • Send us an email: info@culinariacookingschool.com
By Janice Miller
Chairman, City of Fairfax School Board
As we welcome students and staff back to school this September, we are thrilled to invite you to celebrate the 75th anniversary of our beloved Fairfax High.
Festivities will begin with a Homecoming Parade on Friday, September 24, at 4:15 and continue through the evening. (See the entire list of events, at right.)
A new school year brings some other changes, including the redesign of our City School Close-Up newsletter. We’ll be publishing six issues this year, and in each one you’ll learn about something new and exciting in the field of education.
In upcoming issues, we’ll be interviewing local and national experts and writing about:
As school starts this month, entrepreneurs who are also parents are breathing a sigh of relief. It’s not easy managing a growing company while keeping your growing kids safe and entertained all summer. Read more about that here.
Because keeping all the apples in the air can be a potentially explosive situation, we focus this month on the topic of education. We agree it is mission critical to give our children the best education possible, but it is equally important for business leaders to continue their own quest for knowledge and growth.
Our columnists share their insights on how they use education to stay ahead of the curve, and offer advice on how you can, too.
Our September Entrepreneur of the Month, Blackboard Inc. CEO Michael Chasen, tells us how he got to the head of the class developing educational software applications. His DC-based firm, which develops and licenses educational software applications to more than 7,500 schools and universities around the world, projects revenues of $445.4 million in 2010.
And consider this thought from poet Robert Frost. “Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.”
Here’s to your great education. — Hope Katz Gibbs
Editor & Publisher, Be Inkandescent Magazine
Founder, Inkandescent Public Relations
Illustration (above) by Michael Gibbs, www.mglenwood.com
Sept. 15, 2010, The Wall Street Journal — In an article about “second-to-die” insurance, Golden & Cohen founder Scott Golden was interviewed by reporter Joe Mullich who wrote: “In addition to paying the estate tax, second-to-die insurance can also be used to build an estate and guarantee that a specific amount is available for heirs. Because of this, it is often suggested for families who have children with special needs or disabilities.”
Scott Golden explained: “The overall internal rates of return (IRR) can vary based on age, health condition at time of underwriting and death of both of the insured, but on average, the IRR is a tax free 6 percent which looks very attractive in the current financial environment. he insurance isn’t that complicated, but you should consider several variables which might affect how you fund the insurance and the cost of it.”
CAN YOU MANAGE MANGERS?
Can you explain how to write meaningful and measurable performance goals? Can you show us how to tell someone their work is not up to expectations?
I am asked these questions frequently as I interact with business leaders. Immediately, my brain opens the big mental file folder labeled “Managing Performance.”
Whether I am coaching individual leaders, working with a management team, or teaching a class on management skills, nearly everything I communicate falls into this huge knowledge area called performance management.
Why is the job of directing the work of others so difficult? Read on to find out. You’ll also learn about a wonderful new book by Sharon Armstrong, a human resources expert and the author of The Essential HR Handbook.
ALICE WAAGEN IN THE NEWS: Speaking of managing managers, Inc. magazine reporter Darrell Dahl quoted me in his article published on Aug. 23. “Your company’s managers are smart, committed, and passionate. How can you make sure they perform to their potential?” Read the entire article here: www.inc.com.
Enjoy the rest of your summer! I’ll talk to you again in October.
Alice Waagen, President
Workforce Learning
alice@workforcelearning.com.
September 2010, Be Inkandescent magazine — I consider myself one of the lucky ones. I found what made my heart sing very early on in my career—by sheer accident.
Right out of college, I got a temp gig working for a local business association. The job was to help plan the annual meeting. I arrived in my smart blue suit and sensible heels and was allotted an empty cubicle. Someone handed me an antiquated registration system: a shoebox full of postmarked RSVP cards.
I sat for hours inputting data and logging checks, registering individual guests into an Excel spreadsheet. Eventually, the fruits of my labor were compiled into a database that would yield alphabetized name badges and registration lists. These lists would, of course, also become the basic elements behind so many aspects of that event. From room sets to catering to the program, the individual names and organizations I came to know so well would drive the scope of the entire production.
I was hooked.
It has been quite a few years since that first event, and I have been fortunate to have learned from some of the best planners and business minds in the business.
In the spirit of education by fellow planner, here are seven tips to guide you to event-planning success.
Aug. 23, 2010, Inc. magazine — “When you work for yourself, as most entrepreneurs do, the notion of ‘managing’ those you have hired to do just that may seem quaint in light of all the work you need to catch up on,” writes Darren Dahl in this week’s issue of Inc. magazine.
“But as the company you started begins to grow, and you hire more and more people to fuel that growth, it is a good idea to take a step back from the day-to-day grind and consider what it might mean to both you and your company if you devoted some of your time to thinking about how best to manage your managers. After all, the more people you empower to make decisions, and that free you up to think more strategically, the faster, at least in theory, your company can grow.”
In the section entitled, “Managing Managers: Measure Tasks,” he interviewed Dr. Alice Waagen who said: “For managers to succeed, they need time to learn to manage” she says. “And then, once they do, they need to be held accountable for their results.”
By Scott Golden
Co-Owner and CFO
Scott@Golden-Cohen.com
On August 3, Agent’s Sales Journal reporter Heather Trese published an article featuring my comments about the future of Medicare.
She wrote: Some people, including Scott Golden, chief financial officer of the health benefits consulting company Golden & Cohen, predict that Medicare plans — such as original Medicare with a Part D or Med supp addition — will start to become more attractive as Medicare Advantage loses its luster.
I said: “Whenever you make one product less attractive, you’ll make the other product more attractive. So it does work to an advantage for those who work in the indemnity market.” Click here to read Heather’s entire article.
This issue is incredibly timely. In fact, back in March our monthly newsletter focused on Medicare — an important topic, especially if you or a loved one is nearing age 65. The process is complicated, and try as you might, don’t be surprised if you can’t get all the information you need to understand how to apply, what benefits you will receive, and a myriad of other questions you are likely to have. Click here for details.
Also in this issue:
• You’ll find an article by our accountant Eric Cohen, who asks, “Is it time for a Roth conversion?”
• And check out the 10th chapter in our upcoming book, “You Gotta Laugh: Life in the Trenches of the Health Insurance Business.” In this month’s insurance issue, my wife and business partner Stephanie Cohen and I explain why you need to carefully track and pay your premiums at the same time each month.
From all of us at Golden & Cohen, here’s to your good health!
Stephanie Cohen, CEO, stephanie@golden-cohen.com
Scott Golden, CFO, scott@golden-cohen.com
Jack Cohen, COO, jack@golden-cohen.com
RISK is the topic we tackle in the August issue of Be Inkandescent Magazine.
As a PR, marketing, and publishing company that focuses on helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses, the Inkandescent PR team was curious to learn the answers to these questions about risk:
Are all entrepreneurs natural risk-takers? Does success in business equate to taking calculated risks? Or are most risk-takers simply daredevils who are willing to risk it all? Do entrepreneurs have a predisposition to being willing to take a risk? Is it a personality type? Can a willingness to take risks be learned? Click on the articles below, which will take you to this months articles on Be Inkandescent Magazine where you can read what our 18 columnists have to say about taking risks in their industries.
Below, you’ll find the introduction to our interview with our August Entrepreneur of the Month: Dr. Ben Carson. The world famous Johns Hopkins Children’s Center neurosurgeon, who separates conjoined twins for a living, is also the author of “Take the Risk.” *Don’t miss his Tips for Entrepreneurs, where he teaches us to use his best / worst analysis to decide which risks to take.
Click here to read the entire August issue of the magazine! www.beinkandescent.com
Here’s to your success!
“Hope Katz Gibbs, editor & publisher
Founder, Inkandescent Public Relations
August 2010, Be Inkandescent magazine — I’ve met a lot of people who get lost in day-dreams full of black-tie gowns and tuxedos — a car service dropping them off at the entrance to a stunning museum, the beginning of a long night of heavy hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dancing and fun in sequins or a flashy bow-tie.
It’s easy to imagine just how enjoyable it would be if your organization was the one hosting the bash. But the truth is, just because you can throw an event, doesn’t mean that you should.
Hosting an event of any kind for event planning’s sake is simply not a practical idea. The cost to produce such functions is more than you might imagine and, in this economy, the sponsorship dollars are not as strong as they used to be.
Couple that with a decrease in overall attendance and an increase in pressure to show ROI from your constituents, and you can tell why organizations are taking a step back and re-evaluating how their time and dollars will be invested. So should you, or shouldn’t you?
August 1, 2010, Agent’s Sales Journal — Scott Golden talks about the future of Medicare in the new issue of Agent’s Sales Journal. Reporter Heather Trese wrote:
Some people, including Scott Golden, chief financial officer of the health benefits consulting company Golden & Cohen, predict that other Medicare plans — such as original Medicare with a Part D or Med supp addition — will start to become more attractive as Medicare Advantage loses its luster.
“Whenever you make one product less attractive, you’ll make the other product more attractive,” Golden said. “So it does work to an advantage for those who work in the indemnity market.”
July 28, 2010, Philadelphia Magazine — We are thrilled to announce that this week Avenida Restaurant was awarded the 2010 Best Kids Menu by Philadelphia Magazine.
At Philadelphia Magazine’s “Best of Philly 2010” celebration last week, owners and chefs Kim and Edgar Alverez celebrated the incredible honor with Philadelphia dignitaries such as Mayor Michael Nutter (click Read More to see that photo), and the other Best of Philly winners.
Click here to see the dishes that kids all over Philadelphia have been raving about.
July 28, 2010, Legal Bisnow — Immigration attorney Steve Trow, CEO and co-owner of the DC law firm Trow & Rahal, was quoted in the “Sound Bites” column of the July 28 issue of Legal Bisnow.
Sponsored by Hellerman Baretz Communications, Steve and three other attorneys were asked: What are your thoughts about the DOJ’s lawsuit this month challenging Arizona’s immigration law?
Steve said: “Congress dropped the ball on immigration reform, but that doesn’t give Arizona the right to run onto the field and pick it up. DOJ needs to get Arizona off the field, then Congress needs to fix our broken immigration system.”
July 25, 2010, The Philadelphia Inquirer — “When the economy came crashing down in 2009, it brought Kim and Edgar Alvarez’s crab cakes with them – at least for a moment,” writes Inquirer Restaurant Critic Craig LaBan in today’s Philly.com Food.
He continues: Those cakes were among the signature items at the couple’s former prepared foods store, the Delaware Market House in Gladwyne. But once the recession prompted enough Main Liners to start cooking more for themselves, the Alvarez’ business, which thrived on small pleasures like fresh chicken salad and sirloin broil, suddenly went “completely off the deep end,” says Kim.
It was a sorry moment for Gladwyne take-out addicts, perhaps, but has turned into a boon for Mount Airy, where the resilient Alvarezes have resurfaced with Avenida, a Latin-inspired neighborhood restaurant well-cast for a neighborhood that can use all the good flavors it can muster.
John Hasenberg is a senior vice president for wealth management with MorganStanley SmithBarney in Washington, D.C. He works with individuals, families, business owners, corporations and non-profits. Featured services range from selecting investments to retirement planning to sophisticated estate planning. Prior to joining Smith Barney, he spent six years with A.G. Edwards, where he was a member of the firm’s President’s Council in 2005 and 2006.
Nancy Hartsock is a Financial Advisor and Financial Planning Specialist with The Hasenberg Hartsock Group at MorganStanley SmithBarney, and specializes in wealth management, financial planning, and multi-generational family work. During her years in the financial services industry, she has helped her clients reach their wealth goals through hard work and a common sense approach to successful investing. Nancy began her career in the financial services industry with AXA Advisors, LLC in 2001 prior to joining Smith Barney in 2005.
By Scott Golden, CFO
Scott@Golden-Cohen.com
Over the course of a lifetime, there are certain events that can change someone forever. For me, that moment occurred when I found out that my cousin, Steven Seiden, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. He lived with that disease for 12 years, but finally succumbed in 2002.
I watched him deteriorate, slowly at first and then rapidly. I, like everyone who knew and loved him, felt helpless. But I wanted to be helpful in any way that I could. I visited Steven many times in his final days, and was there for his funeral alongside my entire family.
On that day, I made a decision to become active in the fight against ALS.
I had made a promise to Steven — not verbally, but emotionally. After his death, I got involved with the ALS Association — DC/MD/VA Chapter, and hosted a gala to raise money to help those stricken by this deadly disease. From that point on, I viewed philanthropy in a whole different way. I made it a priority to give both time and money to this cause, and to other good causes, many that are health-related. I feel that I am a better person for it — and that was the gift my cousin gave me.
Every year in October, I now gather as many friends, colleagues, clients, and family members as possible to participate in the DC Walk to Defeat ALS. It is my way of honoring someone who impacted my life so greatly. I invite you to join me! Mark your calendar now for October 17. I’ll meet you at the Old Folklife Festival Area in downtown DC. Sign up here.
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