It's Your Community: Recent Episodes
It's Your Community
Vanessa spoke with Grace Derocha, Registered dietician, certified diabetes educator and certified health coach at BCBS of Michigan. Vanessa and Derocha discussed how mothers could implement their child into their workout routines and how they could make exercise fun for the kids as well. Derocha explained that simple task such as making a healthy meal or snack with your child goes a long way to creating healthier eating habits. Vanessa also spoke with Derocha about the rise of type 2 diabetes in children and how parents could spot the signs of early onset diabetes. Grace Derocha loves helping others learn how to live a healthier and happier lifestyle. Grace was born and raised in Michigan and is a wife, mother, Sparta and avid Detroit sports fan. They also talked about how you can include in your workout plans various activities such a playing at the park, planting a garden, hitting the pool and dancing. The possibilites are all around you. For more information on living a healthier lifestyle, log on to www.ahealthiermichigan.org.
Vanessa interviewed Dr. Reid Wilson, author of Stopping the Noise in Your Head: The New Way to Overcome Anxiety and Worry. Reid Wilson informed Vanessa on the various forms of how people can worry and how we have an innate sense to worry about little things until they become big worries. Vanessa and Dr. Wilson discussed the natural habit to incessantly worry. They also discussed the “panicky feeling” we often experience that is nothing other than our brains processing a task as being too big for our skillset that seems too small. The two talked about the reasons of why we worry and how can we silence or tame those feelings of anxiety. Dr. Wilson is an international expert in the treatment of anxiety and disorders as well as the Director of the Anxiety Disorders Treatment Center. Dr. Wilson also designed American Airlines first national program for fearful fliers and is currently serving as the expert for WebMD’s Panic and Anxiety Community. For more information about Dr. Reid Wilson and his techniques to override anxiety, go to www.noiseinyourhead.com.
Vanessa interviewed Kevin Fite, coach and founder of Detroit City Chess Club and Kameron Wilson a player on the team. Vanessa asked Coach Fite about his motivation behind creating the Detroit City Chess Club and how he led his team to be the number one chess team at nationals. They also discussed other achievements and success the club has had since Coach Fite founded the club 13 years ago. Vanessa also asked Coach Fite what age and other requirements those who are seeking to become a member of the chess club must meet in order to be a part of the team. Vanessa discussed with Kameron how he came to be a team player at the chess club and how has chess improved his life. They also discussed what it has been like for Kameron, to be coached by Fite. Finally, they spoke about how Kameron first learned about the game of chess and his role on his 5th-grade chess team winning the 2014 K-5 Under 900 Elementary National Championship. For more information on the Detroit City Chess Club and how you can register, log onto www.youngdetroitthinkers.org.
Vanessa interviewed Adel DiOrio, chair of Education and Advocacy for the Spina Bifida Association of Michigan, about Spina Bifida and recent legislation (HB 5098). They talked about what is HB 5098, what it does and why the Spina Bifida Association is applauding its sponsorship. Also discussed was how the bill first started and how it's pro-information in focus, arming families and their care teams with readily accessible information during a critical decision-making period. Adel explained the type of information healthcare providers would and wouldn't provide in the past and the options or sources of information families would have to turn to in its absence. They also talked about the Michigan Walk-N-Roll for Spina Bifida, which is held at Waterford Oaks County Park in Waterford on September 24th. The Walk-N-Roll for Spina Bifida is a non-competitive walk that raises awareness about Spina Bifida and whose proceeds are used to support local community programs and services for all affected by Spina Bifida. For more information about Spina Bifida, the recent legislation and statistics, log on to: www.spinabifidaassociation.org.
Vanessa interviewed Andy Tata, director of support services for the Boy Scouts of America, about their STEM program and their up-coming Summer programs. They talked about how over the last few years, the Boy Scouts of America have added new STEM elements to their program such as robotics. Discussed was how the STEM program came to be, what it entails and the recently launched STEM awards for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers. Also discussed was some of the upcoming summer events which include the Cub Scout Mobile happening on June 11th and the Archery Adventure event on June 12th. Andy was also asked about how the scouting merit badges have evolved the years. Andy initially joined the Michigan Crossroads Council as Program Director coming from the Black Swamp Area Council in Ohio. Andy also explained the details about the Boy Scout's popcorn drive and other summer programs, including the Parents and Pals 24-hour camping trip which will take place on June 25th and the Cub Scout Day Camp that will begin in June. For more information on the Boy Scouts of America and summer events, log on to www.michiganscouting.org/greatlakes.
Vanessa interviewed various guests from the Detroit Skating Club about the 17th Annual Detroit Skating Club Ice Show: Skating Across America. The event is June 9th through June 12th at the Detroit Skating Club (DSC) located in Bloomfield Hills. The first guest interviewed was Jerod Swallow, managing director of the DSC about the possibility of the Detroit getting the 2018 National Championships. If they do, some of the competitions will be at DSC. Jerod is a five-time U.S. national champion, two-time Skate America champion, and competed twice in the Winter Olympics. The next guest interviewed was Rachel Lee who is the Learn to Skate Director, Ice Show Director and National Coach for Detroit Skating Club. Rachel talked about the 2016 Ice Show called Skating Across America and the Learn to Skate Program. The show features Olympic Skaters including Patrick Chan and Jeremy Abott. The last guest interviewed was Terry Watson, owner of the Ice Sports Cafe at the Detroit Skating Club, who talked about eating habits of athletic skaters and how they derive gourmet and healthy food options at the cafe. For more information about the Detroit Skating Club and the Skating Across America show, log on to www.dscclub.com/.
Vanessa interviewed Dr. Charles Main about the 2016 Stars Guitars event happening on Saturday, June 4th at the Dearborn's Ford Community & Performing Arts Center. This year's event will feature Creedence Clearwater Revisited. They talked about how this event benefits The Charles A. Main M.D. Pediatric Cancer Survivor Scholarship Fund of Beaumont Children's Hospital. The scholarship program was created to assist young cancer survivors in meeting the expenses of an advanced education. The program also honors outstanding achievements made by current and former patients of the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Department at Beaumont Children's Hospital in Royal Oak. Dr. Main explained the history of Stars Guitars and the reasons behind it coming together, why guitars were chosen as the silent auction items and who was the first person Dr. Main reached out to for a guitar. Also discussed was how the event has grown over the years and the reaction from the artists who have contributed guitars and their time to the event. For more information on Stars Guitars, log on to www.BrownPaperTickets.com.
Vanessa interviewed Greg Pitoniak, CEO of SEMCA, about Michigan Works and its efforts to help the state's LTU (long-term unemployed). According to a study released in 2015, by the State of Michigan, one in three job seekers today are LTU, which translates into nearly 100,000 individuals, and that three in four have been looking for work more than a year. In comparison, the LTU stats were one in twenty during the Great Recession. They talked about how there is a disconnect between a job shortage and employee talent pool. This disconnection is often seen when those who are unemployed lack the necessary skills to fill the shortages that employer face. They also discussed how Michigan Works helps people find jobs in the region and which skill sets are needed more in metro Detroit. With Michigan’s unemployment rate falling to its current level of 4.8 percent, there is a population that no longer appears in these statistics, which is the LTU that have been looking for work for 27 weeks or more. Finally, they discussed the challenges they face in getting people to take advantage of Michigan Works. For more information on SEMCA, log on to: www.semca.org/
Vanessa interviewed Kathy Dix Director of Ogichi Daa Kwe about how to rebuild teen's self-esteem and a summer camp that focuses on helping teen girls build confidence. With May being National Teen Self-Esteem Month, Kathy talked about why it's important for your teen to create a daily reflection time. Whether it's journaling, doing yoga, sitting quietly in their room to disconnected from technology, taking 30 minutes each day to reflect can help them when coping with conflicts. They also discussed learning a new skill and creating opportunities for your teen to accomplish a task that seems challenging and unknown at first. Camp Ogichi Daa Kwe, located in International Falls, MN, is an all-girls wilderness camp that inspires self growth and teaches lifelong skills. Kathy has served as camp director since the fall of 2004. The Camping and Education Foundation’s mission is to develop body and spirit through wilderness experiences that celebrate a love of the outdoors. Finally, they touched on how to conquer a disconnection challenge and how you can support your teen by creating a family disconnection through turning off technology and doing an activity as a family. For more information on camp Ogichi Daa Kwe, log on to www.ogichi.org.
Vanessa interviewed Michael Goldman, owner and convention promoter for Motor City Comic Con about the upcoming event at Suburban Collection Showplace, the weekend of May 13th. They talked about the history of Motor City Comic Con, how it first started and for those who haven't been to one before, what they can expect to see. Motor City Comic Con is Michigan’s largest pop-culture event gathering people of all ages, young to adult. This year’s 27th annual event will feature more comic and media guests than ever before with more than 50,000 guests expected to attend. They discussed who usually attends the event, some of the highlights from past events and what makes this event so successful, year after year. Attendees can meet the writers who created their favorite comics, the illustrators who drew their favorite characters and the actors who brought them to life. Motor City Comic Con will also have a variety of pop-culture merchandise available for purchase. Finally, they highlighted some of the favorite moments from past events. For more information on Motor City Comic Con 2016, log on to: www.motorcitycomiccon.com/
Vanessa interviewed Calvin Colbert, executive director and board chairman for Detroit Impact Center, which has been mentoring kids since 1991. They talked about the history of Detroit Impact and how it first started, the outreach of the organization and the various ways it helps the community, including the age ranges of the children they help. Detroit Impact is a 501(c) (3) non-profit charitable organization that focuses on community development in Detroit’s Westside neighborhoods. They help low income and at risk youth develop a sound values system and positive self-esteem. Their program is a cooperative effort with parents, churches, schools, the business community, and neighborhood residents. They also talked about up-coming events Detroit Impact has planned and other groups and organizations they work with. Calvin explained how someone can learn more about the services Detroit Impact offers, how they can get a hold of the organization and if someone was interested in donating or volunteering, how they can get involved. For more information, log on to www.detroitimpact.net
Vanessa interviewed Dawn Evola, finance director board member for the Shades of Pink Foundation, about how the Shades of Pink Foundation will host the 9th Annual “A Walk At The Zoo”. The event will happen on Saturday, April 30th. They talked about the background and history of the Shades of Pink Foundation and how it's completely volunteer run. Founded in 2005, the Shades of Pink Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Also discussed was how the Shades of Pink Foundation provides assistance and support in the areas of rent and mortgage, car payments, insurance and utility bills. Its outreach has grown to hospitals in 6 counties around the region, has raised $1.3 million and assisted more than 500 women to date. This year, Shades of Pink is celebrating its 11th anniversary this year and, in turn, celebrates the ability to provide temporary financial assistance to women experiencing monetary hardship as a direct result of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. For more information, log on to www.shadesofpinkfoundation.org.
Vanessa interviewed Anne Schenk, vice president of development for Gleaners, about the Gleaners Million Meal Match and the 23rd Annual Women’s Power Breakfast. Starting April 1st, Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan launched its Million Meal Match campain. The goal of the one-month campaign is to raise 1 million meals for hungry children in southeastern Michigan. They talked about how donations to the campaign are matched by local sponsors, which in turn, means that every dollar donated can generate six meals for hungry kids. They also discussed the 23rd annual Women’s Power Breakfast. This breakfast brings together over 600 of metro Detroit’s most powerful female leaders together. The event will happen on Thursday, April 21st at the Detroit Eastern Market. Gleaners, which is headquartered in Detroit, has been serving the local community for nearly 40 years. For more information on Gleaners and both the Million Meal Match, as well as the Women's Power Breakfast, log on to www.gcfb.org/2016_wpb_wphh.
Vanessa interviewed Madonna University President, Dr. Michael Grandillo about his new appointment at the university. They talked about the history of the school and how Dr. Grandillo is the first lay president in the school's history. Madonna University has started a new billboard campaign with the slogan "Our degrees change lives". They discussed the campaign, as well as how the university offers a distinctive education that is rooted in Christian humanistic values. Dr. Grandillo explained how liberal arts, career prep, and service learning are the hallmarks of a Madonna education. Nearly 28,000 Madonna alumni are changing lives through their careers, thanks to their Madonna education in nursing, criminal justice, sign language studies, education, business and the arts. Also talked about was residence life, student life, athletics, internships and support services that ensure students’ success. Madonna University offers a unique education thanks to benefactors who believe in the mission of Madonna and the legacy built by the Felcian Sisters. For more information, log on to www.madonna.edu.
Vanessa interviewed, Rafed Yaldo, owner of JohnPaul Homecare, about a new documentary that focuses on displaced Christians in Iraq. The film, called MARKED: The Untold Story of the Iraqi Christians, sheds light on how Iraqi people are been forced from their homeland and being persecuted for the faith. They talked about what Rafed experienced in his three trips to Iraq and how www.iraq.org was set up to help the Christians inside Iraq. Rafed's company, JohnPaul Homecare, is the official sponsor of the documentary. Rafed was also instrumental in the making of the film as he was one of the guests interviewed. They also discussed the footage he help secure for the documentary and the very difficult conditions in which many Iraqi Christians live in as a result of being driven from their homes. MARKED: The Untold Story of the Iraqi Christians will be shown locally on Wednesday, March 23rd before airing at theaters around the country. Rafed is also the co-founder of www.helpiraq.org. For more information on the documentary, log on to www.martomaproductions.com/marked.
Vanessa interviewed Lisa Lyn, celebrity fitness and metabolic nutrition expert, about how to lose one pound a day, the safe and natural way. They talked about why Americans are gaining weight at rocket speed and yet can't seem to lose weight, what type of foods are best for weight loss and about exercising and what kinds you should do, how much of it you should do and when it should be done. Lisa is founder of LynFit Nutrition and author of the award-winning The Metabolism Solution: Lose 1 Pound a Day and Melt Belly Fat Fast. She frequently writes for Livestrong Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Men's Health, Muscle and Fitness and other prominent media outlets and created “The Metabolic Boosting Weight Loss System”. They also discussed what to do if diet and exercise don't seem to be enough and how best to deal with hunger and cravings. Last year, Lisa authored her first illustrated children's book, The I Love My Body Book, which addressed all of the issues kids face. For more information about Lisa, log on www.lynfit.com.
Vanessa interviewed Steve Majors, head coach of the Hartland Rising Eagles FIRST Lego League Team, about the team preparing for the Global Championship Meet in St. Louis, Missouri from April 27th to April 30th. The Rising Eagles will compete against other teams in their age class at the global competition of FIRST LEGO League, founded by Dean Kamen, the inventor of Segway®. The global meet involves a total of 108 teams out of a total of 29,000 teams worldwide, including teams from Hartland, China, Russia, Japan, Taiwan and England. The Rising Eagles won first place in Michigan beating more than 400 entries statewide to qualify for the international event in St. Louis. The FIRST LEGO League is a challenging and exciting global robotics program that ignites an enthusiasm for discovery, science, and technology in today’s youth. Each team consists of 9-14 year olds who spend a four month season working on various areas. For more information, log on to www.fllhartland.org and www.firstinspires.org
Vanessa interviewed Amanda Kremer, director of Product Program and Retail Operations and Barb Sosin, director of Council Event from the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan. Amanda talked about all things related to the cookie drive and the Girl Scouts other product sales, which includes candy/nuts and a magazine sale that happens every fall season. She discussed how girls sell cookies and also this season's mall kiosks and the cookie pop -up shops which are open now thru March 18th. Finally, Amanda discussed the benefits of selling cookies and the skills the girls build. Barb discussed the Girl Scout programs that they have coming up the rest of the spring and summer. She also discussed how easy it is to get started on Girl Scouting at any time of the year. The Girl Scouts have programs and activities available throughout the year and throughout the region. Barb also talked about how to join and volunteer with GSSEM and the benefits and fun of Girl Scouting. For more information, log on to www.gssem.org.
Vanessa interviewed Ang Hart, Product Manager at Art & Scraps. Arts & Scraps takes recycled industrial materials and reimages it to inspire people of all ages and abilities think, create and learn. They are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in 1989 and located in Detroit. Arts & Scraps seeks to provide quality educational and creative experiences to underserved children in Metropolitan Detroit, while minimizing the negative impact on the environment. They talked about the upscale Fabric Sale which is happening from March 4th to 12th, how they have a community store serving classrooms, community organizations, and Do It Yourselfers. Arts & Scraps has kits assembled by volunteers that bring affordable STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) learning to classrooms and youth serving organizations. They are currently testing different training methods to greatly expand the program. In 2015, they documented 12,000 volunteer hours and are always seeking more groups and individuals to get involved. Arts & Scraps hopes to motivate the community to see value in materials that traditionally have no value and to donate materials for reuse that cannot be recycled in a traditional manner. For more information on Arts & Scraps, log on to www.artsandscraps.org.
Vanessa interviewed Gerry Piro, executive director of Covenant House Michigan, about human trafficking and homeless youth in our community. Each year, in just the United States alone, there are as many as 2 million youth who experience a period of homelessness. Of those 2 millions, there are more than 5,000 of them who lose their lives to the streets every year. Covenant House tries to restore hope and promise for those who need someone to love and care for them. They talked about human trafficking and how it's not just a Foreign problem, but a it's happening in America too. Traffickers use various ways to trap victims and they often seek out one of the most vulnerable populations, which is homeless youth. Covenant House's mission is to serve suffering children of the streets, and to protect and safeguard all children. They also discussed how young trafficking victims can be helped at the 23 shelters across the Americas. Many of the children are hungry, tired, scared and almost always alone, with no family or parent to call who can care for them. For more information on Covenant House log on to www.covenanthousemi.org/.
Vanessa interviewed Julie Nagle, director at Humble Design. Humble Design was created in 2009 in order to help families that were making the transition from either being homeless or coming from an abuse shelter and helping them rebuild their home lives. They talked about how in 2014 Humble Design was able to service 91 families, but in 2015 they were able to service 143 families. The increase meant going from helping two families a week in 2014 to three families a week in 2015. In total, Humble Design was able to provide over 460 beds to families that were sleeping on the floor. Humble Design receives their clients through partnering homeless and abuse shelters such as, COTS, SOS, Veterans Affairs, CASS, Haven, Detroit Harbor Light and Lighthouse PATH, but does not receive government funding. They raise money through events, donors, corporate days of service and grants. They also discussed how Humble Design helps families stay in their homes, and how their efforts can help restore hope and dignity. For more information on Humble Design log on to www.humbledesign.org.
Vanessa interviewed Dr. Terri Orbuch, "The Love Doctor", about Valentine's Day. Dr. Orbuch is a relationship expert and has been helping improve couple's relationships for decades. They talked about the secrets to a healthy relationship that is based on science, relationship "killers" that can cause a relationship to fail and things that young couple can do to help grow their relationship. Dr. Orbuch is an author, speaker and therapist, who provides simple and straightforward advice to couple in need. She also is a professor at Oakland University and research professor at the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research. They also discussed creative ways to celebrate Valentine's Day, what are some phrases that you can write on your Valentine's Day cards and how to pick out a good Valentine's Day gift. Dr. Orbuch also touched on ways to celebrate Valentine's Day, if you're not in a relationship, and some good ways to find love or meet someone special. For more information on Dr. Orbuch, log on to www.drterrithelovedoctor.com/
Vanessa interviewed Dr. Joseph Nemeth about TRIOS3, which is a revolutionary new dental 3D imaging device. They talked about the how in the past a dental implant or crown required the ‘goop’ they had to put on trays and then place in your mouth. However, now the TRIOS3 allows for a fast and easy color scan of the arch of a patient’s mouth for the purpose of creating new teeth. They discussed how the process is fast for the patient and fast for the dentist and how the new device can cut several days off the process of getting a new set of teeth or an implant. Dr. Nemeth was the first periodontist in the state of Michigan to be trained and certified to offer the Chao Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation procedure and the first periodontist in the United States to purchase a dental laser. He was also the founding member and president of the North American Society of Periodontists (NASP). For more information on Dr. Nemeth and his revolutionary device, log on to www.DrNemeth.com
Vanessa interviewed Jim Willis, vice president of Rehab services at JVS and the program manager for Pathways to Careers and Bill Hielscher, employer relations specialist for Pathways to Careers about the work that Pathways to Careers provides. They talked about what is JVS, who are the partners involved with Pathways to Careers and who are the participants that are involved. They also discussed what is Pathways for Careers, the groups goals and how it works. Pathways to Careers is a Federally funded initiative that is piloting some ground breaking things that will help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities develop careers. Jim and Bill also explained how businesses benefit from hosting an internship site, what happens if a business hires an intern as well as how the community and listeners can help Pathways to Careers. For more information about Pathway to Careers, log on to http://www.sourceamerica.org/workforce-and-research-programs/pathways-to-careers
Vanessa interviewed Chris Nixon, LMSW, CAADC, manager of Outpatient Behavioral Health-Eastwood Clinics at St. John Providence Health about winter blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). They talked about the difference between the winter blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder and also what is recommended to handle both of them. They also discussed whether or not traveling to a warmer climate can help minimize the effects of this disorder. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons. The disorder starts and ends at about the same times every year. Symptoms can start in the fall and continue into throughout the winter. This disorder can rob you of energy and can cause depression that continues into spring and even summer. Chris also spoke on how important is it to get away from the winter if you have winter blues and SAD. For more information about St. John Providence Hospital, log on to www.stjohnprovidence.org.
Vanessa interviewed Reuben Grandon, Project Detroit director, for All Hands Volunteers about the work the organization is doing in the Detroit area. Reuben provided an overview of All Hands Volunteers, including who they are as well as past and current projects. They talked about what makes All Hands Volunteers different from other organizations that do disaster relief and the challenges they face as an organization. All Hands Volunteers is a non-profit organization that helps with both the immediate and long-term needs of areas that have been hit with natural disasters. They do this by engaging local volunteers, organizations and the community. Over the past 10 years, All Hands has impacted communities with over 28,000 volunteers from over 70 different countries on 50 disaster response and rebuild projects in 9 countries around the world. They also discussed how listeners can help and other projects they are currently involved in. For more information about All Hand Volunteers, log on to www.Hands.org
Vanessa interviewed Dr. Jonny Bowden about eating healthy during the holiday season and starting your year off right. They talked about knowing how to read a label's nutrition guide, why you should avoid trans-fats, the need for people to eat more perennial foods such as wild rice, bananas, dark chocolate, artichokes, figs and apples, and also why people should consider changing their cooking oil. Dr. Bowden is a board certified nutritionist and also known as the "myth-buster". He has a master’s degree in psychology and is the author of fourteen books on health, healing, food and longevity. They also discussed dark meat poultry and how there is very little difference between light and dark meat, in terms of nutritional content. Dr. Bowden also explained how avocados help you fight fat with the right fat and the benefits of them being high in fiber and antioxidants. For more information on Dr. Bowden and his books, log on to www.jonnybowden.com.
Vanessa interviewed Author Karen Dybis about her new book "Better Made in Michigan: The Salty Story of Detroit’s best chip". They talked about how Karen came up with the idea to write the book and what the reaction has been from the audience. Better Made was founded on August 1st, 1930 and has been become of one Detroit's most popular potato chips. Today, Better Made uses over 50 million pounds of chip potatoes each and every year that are only cooked is 100% cottonseed oil. Karen is a freelance journalist and a Michigan native. She graduated from the University of Michigan and spent five years at The Detroit News as a business writer. They also discussed the reaction Karen got from Better Made when she told them that she wanted to do the book and also the interesting facts that she learned about the potato industry in Detroit. Karen also explained that when writing a book, it is typically a two-year process from start to finish. The book is available locally through local bookstores, as well as online at retailer sites.
Vanessa interviewed Gail Alpert, president and secretary of FIRST in Michigan about robotics and the programs for students in the state of Michigan. Some of the topics they talked about included what is FIRST, who participates in the program terms of level of education and why Michigan is so far ahead of other states in robotic programs. FIRST is a 501(C)(3) non-profit corporation that is volunteer-based and spreads over 16 districts throughout Michigan. Its mission is to establish a robotics competition team at every high school in Michigan. The skills kids learn from robotics competitions, helps pave the way for the future of technology and development in the region. They also discussed why companies and universities get involved in FIRST, what a typical high school competition season looks like for the students, where the public can go to see an event and how students, schools, mentors and companies can get involved. For more information on FIRST, log on to www.firstinmichigan.org.
Vanessa interviewed Sr. John Dominic, O.P. about the Disciple of Christ - Education in Virtue program. The program, created from a Christian perspective, provides a curriculum to educate children and adults in how to live a virtuous life. It emphasizes Christian discipleship as indispensable and examines the quest for joy and happiness. They talked about why the program on virtues was created, why some virtues are not as well known these days and why are they important. Sr. John Dominic converted to Catholicism during her sophomore year and entered the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia in 1982. She and three other Sisters founded the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist in Ann Arbor, Michigan and has been involved in Catholic education for over 25 years, as both a teacher and administrator. They also talked about how Sr. John Dominic was able to develop a well-rounded virtue program that could start with the younger students and grow developmentally with the students. For more information, log on to www.educationinvirtue.com