Antoinette Essa

Guest columnist: Turning 50, and fighting for control

Antoinetteessa — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 18:35:05 +0000

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Guest columnist: Turning 50, and fighting for control

by Antoinette Essa on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at 6:30am ·

ANTOINETTE ESSA GUEST COLUMNIST
Published: November 30, 2009
Richmond Times Dispatch

It’s a Saturday afternoon, I’m sitting in the emergency room wondering if I am having a heart attack but too scared to think that I am — and I’m looking around me at all the other patients ANTOINETTE
ESSA
who are really sick.

As it turned out, I was not having a heart attack, nor was it a stroke. The tingling and numbness I was feeling in my left arm was called paresthesia, a burning or prickling sensation that can occur in any part of the body but generally affects the limbs.

I don’t think I experienced paresthesia because of my age, but it’s one of the “things” happening since I turned 50.

I celebrated my 50th last December. The night was fabulous; I had no worries celebrating with my friends. But the following day, I started to wonder just what turning 50 meant.

Was I supposed to start acting 50 or continue to think that I was in my 40s? Besides, I didn’t look a day over, hmm, well, 35 — at least that’s what my mind keeps telling my body. So how was I supposed to be 50?

Is part of being 50 being scared out of my pants, thinking I’m having a major medical trauma?

I have lots of questions, and trust me, I do not have the answers. All I know is that for the past several months, I have been fighting with myself trying to figure out what’s going on.

I keep losing things. I can’t remember where I put things or what I’m looking for or who I’m calling. I lost my checkbook and had to call the credit union. After about 30 minutes canceling my account, I found my checkbook and started crying uncontrollably.

Then there’s my own personal summer. No one told me another person would make her home on my belly and waist. I’ve exercised all my life and tried to eat healthy, only to find that no matter what I do, my visitor wants to stay. You might be laughing; sometimes I have to, also.

Is this all part of being 50? Maybe not for some, but it is my reality, and I do not want to embrace it lying down. I’m going to fight it all the way to the gym. As I do, here are a few tips for other women struggling with 50 and beyond:

Continue to exercise, walk, swim, do yoga, whatever, but continue to move your body. Do your best to eliminate sugar and salt, and eat more fruits and vegetables. Laugh a lot, don’t stay mad long and learn to salsa dance. Eliminate stress, surround yourself with people who are genuine and be thankful every day.

Call 911 if something doesn’t feel right, and be aware of the symptoms of a heart attack, which can be different for women. Make sure you have EMERGENCY stored in your cell phone with a friend’s name.

When I was in my 40s, I looked forward to being 50. Now that I’m here, I’m going to enjoy it — and yes, I’m going to take control of my body and not let it control me. So the gloves are on, and I’m prepared for the fight of my life.

I welcome my 50s with a glass of Merlot, and I’m going dancing.

Empower Yourself Against Default Workshop

Antoinetteessa — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 23:47:05 +0000

RICHMOND, Va. Whether it’s foreclosure or homeownership, there’s a workshop for that and Neighborhood Housing Services of Richmond can help. “Empower Yourself Against Default”, is a free Educational workshop to help residents understand alternatives to foreclosure, homeownership and provide healthier and safer communities

The workshop is Saturday, February 9, from 9am – 5pm at Trinity Family Life Center, 3601 Dill Road in Richmond. Loan Officers from Bank of America, Chase, GMAC, SunTrust Mortgage, US Bank, Wells Fargo and Many more of North America’s Mortgage Lenders will be on hand with advice and solutions for homeowners.

Specific documents are required for mortgage modification like your deed, note, a hardship letter and others. Get more information on the workshop and Neighborhood Housing Services of Richmond at www.nhsofr.org or call 804-329-2500.

Lots going on In and around Richmond this Weekend!

Antoinetteessa — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 18:25:05 +0000

CBS 6 Healthy Lifestyle Expo, Saturday, February 2, 10am-4p, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, Trainer Stepp Stewart, “Hungry Girl” Lisa Lillien and other related health advice from experts, $3 for 12 and up, proceeds benefit Juvenile Diabetes Research, www.wtvr.com.

Film/Lecture Series: Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, 600 North 2nd Street, Jackson Ward, Saturdays 1pm – February 2nd, Our Inspiration: The Story Of Maggie Lena Walker; February 9th – Harlem Renaissance; February 16, The Road to Brown – Brown v Board of Education; February 23rd, February One – Greensboro sit-in movement & The Richmond 34, for details www.nps.gov/mawa, facebook.com/maggielwalkernhs or call 804-771-2017 x 24.

Chesterfield County Events for Black History Month: Friday, February 1^st, 7-9pm, free concert with Ordinary People Band at the Fulghum Center, 4003 Cogbill Road, North Chesterfield, registration is suggested but not required; February 2^nd, The March to Freedom, 11am, Central Library; February 2^nd, The United States Colored Troops in Civil War, LaPrade Library, for a complete list of events visit www.library.chesterfield.gov.

LOVE the Best Part of Virginia, Arts & Culture District Forum in Petersburg, Saturday, February 2^nd,10am – noon at Union Station, 103 River Street in old Towne, 804-586-5742; Black History Month Symposium, from Civil War to Civil Rights: The Effects of the Emancipation Proclamation, Saturday, February 16, 10am-2pm, register by Feb. 11, 804-318-8181; “Mr. Lincoln Returns To Prince George” Special Exhibit, Prince George County Regional Heritage Center, 6406 Courthouse Road,, 804-863-0212 or www.youtube.com/watch.

Black History Month Celebration: The Family of Silas Omohundro, lecture on education, emancipation & race in antebellum Richmond, Saturday, February 9, 2-3pm, at Dorey Recreation Center, Free, 804-652-3409; At the Crossroads of Freedom & Equality, an afternoon of musical reflection, powerful portrayals and historical interpretation, 3pm, Sunday, February 10 in the Auditorium at The Academy at Virginia Randolph, 2204 Mountain Road, Glen Allen, www.henricorecandparks.com or 804-501-5808.

THE 411 ON “CRADLE TO PRISON PIPELINE” In Celebration of the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Let Freedom Ring”, Sponsored by: The Coalition for Justice and the Virginia Leadership Roundtable. Saturday, February 2nd, 2013 – 12 – 2pm, First African Baptist Church, 2700 Hanes Avenue; Panelists: Congressman Robert “Bobby” Scott, Dr. Shawn Utsey – Associate Professor of Psychology and Chairman of African Studies, VCU, King Salim Khalfani, Executive Director, NAACP & Closing Remarks: Dr. Rodney Waller, Pastor, First African Baptist Church, www.firstafricanbaptist.org or 804-329-7279.

CARITAS Indoor Yard Sale, February 1st, 10am-4pm & Saturday, February 2nd, 9am-1pm, 1125 east Commerce Road, 804-343-5008.

Richmond Parents Monthly, 17th annual Summer of Fun Camp & Educational Fair, Saturday, February 2, 10am – 3pm, at the Tuckahoe YMCA, 9211 Patterson Avenue, a complete list of Camp & Education Fair participants can be found at www.richmondparents.com.

The JCC Forum – An Evening with Peter Greenberg, His “Inside Look” Royal Tour Israel and his insight on Middle East travel & tourism. Saturday, February 2nd, 7:30pm, 5403 Monument Avenue, www.weinsteingjcc.org or 804 285-6500.

CHOCOHOLIC! Sample treats from your favorite chocolates, bakeries & specialty shops, benefits Family Lifeline, Thursday, February 7^th, 7pm, at the Science Museum of Virginia, $50, www.familylifeline.org.

Innsbrook’s Girls Night Out – February Event, “Learning To Love Yourself” Empowerment Speaker Clovia Lawrence of Radio One, Wednesday, February 13th, 6-9pm, North Shore Commons, hot towel foot massage, peppermint scalp massage & chair massage, Wine Tasting & other vendors, admission $15, register on-line www.innsbrook.com click on “Girls Night Out”.

“Like” my FaceBook page for all the up dates on all the events happening around town and sign up for my weekend E-Blast on www.WTVR.com. Make sure to watch CBS 6 News at 7 p.m.

February – Black History Month Events!

Antoinetteessa — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 23:05:41 +0000

RICHMOND: Film/Lecture Series: Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, 600 North 2nd Street, Jackson Ward, Saturdays 1pm – February 2nd, Our Inspiration: The Story Of Maggie Lena Walker; February 9th – Harlem Renaissance; February 16, The Road to Brown – Brown v Board of Education; February 23rd, February One – Greensboro sit-in movement & The Richmond 34, for details www.nps.gov/mawa, facebook.com/maggielwalkernhs or call 804-771-2017 x 24.

Chesterfield County Events for Black History Month: Friday, February 1st, 7-9pm, free concert with Ordinary People Band at the Fulghum Center, 4003 Cogbill Road, North Chesterfield, registration is suggested but not required; February 2nd, The March to Freedom, 11am, Central Library; February 2nd, The United States Colored Troops in Civil War, LaPrade Library, for a complete list of events visit www.library.chesterfield.gov.

LOVE the Best Part of Virginia, Arts & Culture District Forum in Petersburg, Saturday, February 2nd, 10am – noon at Union Station, 103 River Street in old Towne, 804-586-5742; Black History Month Symposium, from Civil War to Civil Rights: The Effects of the Emancipation Proclamation, Saturday, February 16, 10am-2pm, register by Feb. 11, 804-318-8181; “Mr. Lincoln Returns To Prince George” Special Exhibit, Prince George County Regional Heritage Center, 6406 Courthouse Road, 804-863-0212 or www.youtube.com/watch.

Black History Month Celebration: The Family of Silas Omohundro, lecture on education, emancipation & race in antebellum Richmond, Saturday, February 9, 2-3pm, at Dorey Recreation Center, Free, 804-652-3409; At the Crossroads of Freedom & Equality, an afternoon of musical reflection, powerful portrayals and historical interpretation, 3pm, Sunday, February 10 in the Auditorium at The Academy at Virginia Randolph, 2204 Mountain Road, Glen Allen, www.henricorecandparks.com or 804-501-5808.

THE 411 ON “CRADLE TO PRISON PIPELINE” In Celebration of the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Let Freedom Ring”, Sponsored by: The Coalition for Justice and the Virginia Leadership Roundtable. Saturday, February 2nd, 2013 – 12 – 2pm, First African Baptist Church, 2700 Hanes Avenue; Panelists: Congressman Robert “Bobby” Scott, Dr. Shawn Utsey – Associate Professor of Psychology and Chairman of African Studies, VCU, King Salim Khalfani, Executive Director, NAACP & Closing Remarks: Dr. Rodney Waller, Pastor, First African Baptist Church. www.firstafricanbaptist.org or 804-329-7279.

Summer of FUn Camp & Education Fair

Antoinetteessa — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 22:45:15 +0000

RICHMOND: Time to start thinking Summer Camps for your children. More than 35 Camp & Education Fair participants will set up shop Saturday, February 2nd for Richmond Parents Monthly 17th annual Summer of Fun Camp and Education Fair.

If you’re looking for a Summer Camp, this is the place to be. The camp at The Tuckahoe YMCA, 9211 Patterson Avenue, is free and open to the public Saturday from 10am to 3pm. A sample of some of the camps include Camp Friendship, Camp Hidden Meadows, Camp Motorsport, Camp Tall Timber, for a complete list visit www.richmondparents.com.

Artifacts Roadshow at The Virginia War Memorial

Antoinetteessa — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 19:20:35 +0000

Every piece of Military Memorabilia has a story and the experts at the Virginia War Memorial wants to help you discover them at their 3rd Artifacts Roadshow.

Noted Military collectable Robert House of Virgina Beach and Memorial’s Curator Jesse Smith will review and offer their opinions on the origin and history of your item. Whether it’s a uniform cap, a helmet or a box of medals, you can bring them in for review.

The Artifacts Roadshow is Saturday, 10am to noon, and it is free and open to the public. For more details on the roadshow and the War Memorial visit www.vawarmemorial.org or call 804-786-2060.

Israeli Fim Festival at The Weinstein JCC

Antoinetteessa — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:08:19 +0000

Israeli Film Makers show off their films at the 3rd annual Israeli Film Festival at The Weinstein Jewish Community Center January 24th – 27th.

Four films are being offered this year Thursday, January 27, 7pm, “Violins in Wartime”, a documentary; “Sima Vaknin Witch” Saturday, January 26, 7:30pm a comedy; Sunday, January 27, 10am, “The Flat” a documentary and Sunday at 1:30pm, “Mabul (The Flood)”, a drama.

All screenings at The Weinstein JCC, 5403 Monument Avenue. Members $8 per film, all four $28, non-members $10 per film, all four $36, for details call 804-545-8608 or www.weinsteinjcc.org.

An Evening with Peter Greenberg, The JCC Forum, February 2nd, 7:30pm, his “Inside Look” Royal Tour Israel and his insight on Middle East travel and tourism.

Generation Dream 2013 Youth Educoncert

Antoinetteessa — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 21:59:48 +0000

Richmond Peace Education Center honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with Generation Dream 2013, The Richmond Youth Peace Project’s annual Educoncert. The shows features talented youth singers, dancers, instrumental musicians and spoken word.

Due to a snowy forecast the Friday, January 25, 7pm performance has been postponed to February 8, 7pm at Richmond Community High School, 201 East Brookland Park Boulevard.

There’s another opportunity to see Generation Dream 2013 Educoncert Friday, February 1, 7pm at Richmond Public Library’s Main Branch, 101 East Franklin Street. Both concerts are free and open to the public, for more details visit www.rpec.org.

My picks for the weekend!

Antoinetteessa — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 19:16:12 +0000

“Shaka & FRIENDS: Smart from the Start” is a joint effort between VCU Head Basketball Coach Shaka Smart and Friends Association for Children (FRIENDS) to win ESPN and Infiniti’s Coach’s Charity Challenge. The challenge pits 48 of the top college basketball coaches and their chosen charities against each other in a quest to win $100,000. To support FRIENDS vote “SMART” daily www.espn.com/infiniti through the end of February. For more details on FRIENDS visit http://www.friendsassn.org/.

Richmond Jewish Food Festival, Sunday & Monday, January 20 & 21, 11:30AM – 7:30PM, Weinstein Jewish Community Center, 5403 Monument Avenue, www.richmondjewishfoodfestival.com or 804-288-7953, new this year pre-order.

Free Financial Aid counseling and help filling out your FAFSA. “Saturday at the Library” with GRASP and the Richmond Public Library, Main Branch offering free counseling Saturday, January 19 and Saturday, February 16, 10am-4pm. Students and parents can schedule appointments by calling 804-527-7708 and need to bring a few items that include, driver’s license, Federal Income Tax, bank statements, alien registration card among other important papers. For details about GRASP “Saturdays at the Library” visit www.grasp4virginia.com or www.richmondpubliclibrary.org.

Virginia Blood Services Resolution Blood Drive, Monday, January 21st, 7am-7pm, at the Sheraton Park South, 9901 Midlothian Turnpike, www.vablood.org or www.wtvr.com.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, Saturday, January 19, 10am-12:30pm, Peter Paul Development Center, 1708 North 22nd Street, admission 1 can good or toiletry Item, www.aka1908.com.

Fine Art Benefit & Sale, Hosted by Mega Mentors, Friday, January 18, 7:30pm, at the Hippodrome Theatre, 528 North 2nd Street, www.megamentors.org or 804-677-6063. Freedom Classic Festival Game & Activities, Sunday, January 20, doors open 4pm, Drum Line Competition 5pm, Tip off 7pm, www.freedomclassic.com.

Richmond City Schools MLK Drill Meet, featuring $1,500 Junior ROTC Cadets Saturday, January 19, 7am-5pm, at the Arthur Ashe Center, ceremony at 5pm, 804-780-6221.

Emerging Youth Leaders Forum, Saturday, January 19, 10am, Peter Paul Development Center, 1708 North 22nd Street, 804-264-9405; King Holiday Worship Service, Monday, January 21, 1pm, Sharon Baptist Church, 22 East Leigh Street, 804-329-7800.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, January 21, 10am-4pm, All CMoR Locations, free with Museum admission, Virginia State Yo-Yo Competition, Saturday, January 26, 10am-4pm, CMoR Central, www.ChildrensMuseumOfRichmond.org or call 804-474-7000.

Virginia Hornets Semi-Pro Football Team Youth Training/Conditioning Post Season Football Camp, Saturdays, January 19 & 26, 9:30am – noon, Westover Hills Elementary School, 1211 Jahnke Road, one time fee $55, for 6th, 7th & 8th graders, contact Coach Clifford “perk” Jefferson at 804-909-1325, www.vahornets.com.

Ghost Watch at Centre Hill in Petersburg, 1 Centre Hill Avenue, Thursday, January 24, 7:30pm, tours start 6pm and continues every fifteen minutes until 8:45pm, reservation required before January 24, 804-733-2401, adult tickets $7, children ages 7-12 $5.

The Cultural Arts Center At Glen Allen, features Desiree Roots in “An Evening of Jazz & Blues”, Friday, February 1, 7pm, tickets $12, www.artsglenallen.com or 804-261-2787.

Virginia War Memorial 3rd annual Artifacts Roadshow, Saturday, January 26, 10am-noon, 621 South Belvidere Street, www.vawarmemorial.org or 804-786-2060

Richmond’s Landmark Theater: “The Royal Comedy Tour”, Thursday, February 14, 7pm, “Les Miserables”, Tuesday, March 26 Sunday March 31; “The Jim Henson Company “Pajanimals Live!”, Friday, April 5, 6pm; “Mary Poppins”, Tuesday, February 19 -Sunday, February 24, www.ETIX.com or 800-514-3849.

Gottwald Playhouse at Richmond CenterStage: All About Love: The Hits of Tony Bennett with special guest Emily Skinner, Friday, January 25, 7 & 9pm, www.ETIX.com, 800-514-3849 (ETIX).

.Richmond Chinese Lunar New Year Festival, Year of the Snake -2013, (Lunar Year 4711), Sunday, February 10, 10:30am-3pm, Deep Run High School, 4801 Twin Hickory Road, Glen Allen, www.oca-cvc.org.

Suffolk Riverfront Jazz, featuring Euge Groove & Peter White Live, Saturday March 2, Suffolk Center For Cultural Arts, 110 Finney Avenue, www.suffolkriverfrontjazz.com or 800-838-3006.

“Shaka & FRIENDS: Vote to win

Antoinetteessa — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 22:28:55 +0000

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR): Off the court, Coach Shaka Smart is making a difference, helping a non-profit close to his heart and you have a chance to help bring thousands of dollars to “FRIENDS Association For Children”

To support FRIENDS vote “SMART” daily www.espn.com/infiniti through the end of February. FRIENDS is a multi-center agency providing subsidized child development, early childhood education services and family services in Jackson Ward and in Church Hill. For more details on FRIENDS visit http://www.friendsassn.org/.