“I believe cooking is God’s gift, and I try to honor it every time I tie my apron strings,” explained Marvin W. Jones, Jr., aka Chef Marvin. “From volunteering in breakfast programs to hospitality consultations, and banquet services, I’ve been privileged to prepare meals throughout the Midwest.”
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His passion for cooking, and what has become a 30-year career, was nourished early. “My dad enjoyed cooking and insisted that his children learn to do the same. He cooked Sunday’s dinner on Saturday. Watching him and answering questions about how he prepared each dish was our ticket out of the door to play baseball with the other kids.” A graduate of Columbia College in his native Chicago and Kendall College-School of  Culinary Arts, Chef Marvin is now firmly established among Milwaukee’s professional cooks.

​Her infectious smile and bubbly personality make it easy to imagine that this former high school administrator charmed students into obeying. Unlike retirees who isolate themselves from the world,  Ceola Mayberry was, pre-COVID 19, fully engaged. Her life is a testament to the benefits of positive social connections. ​

COVID-19 has been a difficult time for many all of us — especially families. Prolonged social isolation and disruption of normal life has created many new and unique challenges for kids. 
“It’s been a rocky road,” says Julia “Mickey” Wilson. “I just keep thinking positive and being positive for my grandkids. It’s all about that PMA— positive mental attitude.”
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Mickey has eight children of her own and 18 grandchildren — five of whom are in her care. Mickey takes the risks of COVID-19 very seriously. But her grandkids — ages 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10 — each have their own level of understanding. ​

Staged in a high school gymnasium in Wilmington, Delaware, on August 11, 2020, Joseph R. Biden, the Democratic nominee for President of the United States, announced his selection of California Senator Kamala Harris as his vice-presidential running mate. Harris is the first Black woman and first Asian American vice-presidential candidate on a major party ticket. ​

By Mary J. Dowell

Author Mary Dowell’s Playing Through the Fence is an essential read, not just for those in the workforce, but for all goal-oriented women fixed on elevating their quality of life — socially, professionally, spiritually, and financially. ​

​​The back-cover blurb includes one of those ‘let’s be clear’ statements regarding the symbolism of the words ‘ the fence’ in its title. It is an explicit reference to the inevitable barriers life presents or, as expressed, ‘the crossroads where struggle meets opportunity.’