Wishing us all a wonderful and fun-filled holiday. May the

holiday spirit fill our homes and our hearts in this lovely season.

Let there be plenty of reasons for us all to smile and laugh with

our loved ones!

Warmest greetings of the season and Best Wishes for happiness

in the New Year with Holiday Blessings!

N A S H V I L L E C H A P T E R AIM-IRS D E C E M B E R 9 , 2 0 1 9 V O L U M E I I , I S S U E 1 0

S P E C I A L

P O I N T S O F

I N T E R E S T :

• AIM Monthly

Meeting

January 2020

(TBD)

Inside this Issue:

2020

Southeast

Conference

2

Finding

Holiday Joy

Amid Grief

3-

6

Fundraising 7

Kwanzaa: 7

Principles

8-

10

Sad News 11

Angel Tree 12

Low Calorie

Holiday

Recipes

13

-

16

Facebook

Page

17

CFC Open

Season

17

Chapter

News

18

Holiday Edition

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2020 Southeast Region Conference & Training

A I M - I R S

Register today for the 2020 Southeast Region Conference & Training in Atlanta, Georgia.

DATES: MARCH 20-21, 2020

Early bird registration fee is only $75 and a payment plan is available!

Hotel Information: Double Tree Northlake Rate $115.00 per night*

Reservations: 1-800-222-8733 (refer to AIM-IRS group) Breakfast included*

For additional information, contact:

Paula Kannike (paula.t.kannike@irs.gov) Joelle White (joelle.n.white@irs.gov)

Tammye Butler (tammye.j.butler@irs.gov)

Finding Holiday Joy Amid the Grief

If you've lost a loved one or suffered a setback, the holidays can feel hollow. Learn how to experience joy despite it all. By Jeanie Lerche Davis It's a disappointing truth: Holiday cheer can be difficult to come by if you're facing emotional pain caused by a loss. But experts urge us to muster our inner strength -- to find bits of holiday joy amid the grief. Loss of a loved one, loss of a job, a divorce, illness -- all these bring grief to our lives, says Lisa Lewis, PhD, Director of Psychology at The Menninger Clinic in Houston. "There's loss when a child leaves home for college, or when a child gets married. These are normal transitions, but they do create a sense of loss." "Even at the best of times, the holidays are stressful -- but when there's an additional emotional burden, they're especially difficult," says Paula K. Rauch, MD, director of the Parenting at a Challenging Time program at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

You might like "When there's a loss or a change in our lives, our traditions must change -- and that's hard because we will miss our favorite things," notes Rauch, author of Raising an Emotionally Healthy Child When a Parent Is Sick. "People do well to anticipate how changes will affect those traditions. It's important to be open to new traditions. Take the best of the old, borrow from new people in your life, and create new traditions."

Open Your Heart Indeed, the traditions are what tug at our hearts. "Holidays symbolize a time when people come together," explains Susan Apollon, a counselor licensed as a psychologist in Pennsylvania. "The holidays represent a myriad of memories accumulated during your lifetime," she tells WebMD. "If you've had wonderful times, you hope for the same good times, having all your family together. Even if you haven't had that, you hope for it." Though the holidays can be difficult, they can also be a time of healing, says Apollon, who authored the book, Touched by the Extraordinary. "Allow little miracles by opening your heart and experiencing connections with loved ones. You're entitled to find some joy."

Accept the Sadness "People think they should be happy all the time, but that is an unrealistic expectation for life," Lewis tells WebMD. "Life is much more complex than that. If we can welcome the full range of emotional experience as part of a normal, healthy life, it takes some of the misery out of normal unhappiness and grief.

Finding Holiday Joy Amid the Grief

"If we allow ourselves to have those emotions, they will actually pass more quickly than if we push them away," she says. The feeling of separation is indeed poignant at the holidays, says Apollon. "It's important to feel safe in facing your sadness, letting yourself cry when you need to. You have to experience the sadness to get past it," she tells WebMD. Then call a friend and meet for coffee -- or do something equally comforting, she adds.

Let Go of Perfectionism This is no time for idealized visions and big pressures, Lewis advises. "Nothing can live up to expectations of a Norman Rockwell holiday. You can put a lot of energy into making your vision come true, and very often it doesn't. Nothing is ever going to be that rosy." Be open to what spontaneously occurs, Lewis says. "Then you won't feel the pressure to turn every holiday dinner into a picture postcard. Be in the moment and awake to whatever happens in the moment." So the cranberry sauce doesn't taste quite right -- so what? Focusing on flaws makes for an unhappy experience, she explains. “If you can just be present and taste the food you spent four hours cooking, you will notice that much of it tastes really good.” If your son has a bad haircut, just let it go. Enjoy your conversation with him and everyone else at the table. “If you allow yourself to experience it, the moment will be fresh and happy and joyful," says Lewis.

Transform Old Traditions Because we love our traditions, change doesn't come easily, notes Rauch. "It's important to take stock of favorite old traditions like sitting around the fireplace in your big old house. Now you're in a small condo, alone after losing your spouse -- and the family is scattered across the country." Examine the most special aspects of that tradition, she advises. "Maybe that's when the family shared stories. This year, line up a family conference call instead. Think about what makes traditions special -- then come up with creative ways to make a new tradition to fit your new situation." When a parent is seriously ill, it's important that the whole family brainstorm on how to spend the holidays, notes Rauch. "You may not be able to travel or have all the relatives over for the big dinner. Talk about the traditions and what matters most to everyone -- and the best aspects you can salvage."

Finding Holiday Joy Amid the Grief

You might watch Christmas movies together. Have the big meal earlier in the day if a sick parent is particularly tired. If the kids love their cousins' swimming pool -- but you can't travel this year -- find a pool in your own town. "Be creative," Rauch says. "Find ways to celebrate."

Say 'No' If You Need To Creating new traditions is part of healing -- but it can be hard, says Apollon. "When a mother, father, spouse, or child dies, your heart's not in it. You don't feel like doing it. "Do what you can," Apollon advises. "Maybe you want to go somewhere so you won't be at home during the holiday. If you want to leave town, take a vacation. You've got to do what feels right for you."

Honor Your Loved One Light a special candle to celebrate someone you love. Create ornaments with a photograph. "It's important to find ways to honor your loved one -- a way that feels comfortable for you," Apollon tells WebMD. "Make cookies that grandmother used to make. Or serve dad's favorite main dish in his honor. Watch their favorite movie together. These are all ways to connect with that person." A visit to the cemetery is a tradition for many people. Take that moment to talk heart-to-heart with your loved one. Or use a journal to have a conversation. Get out the photo albums. With a death in the family, it helps to focus on the richness of a life well-lived, says Rauch. "When you share stories about that person, you're filling your heart with that person -- since they can't fill your living room anymore. While there is sadness, there are often a lot of happy, funny, rich memories that can be shared. " For the child who has lost a parent, it helps to talk about school, about things they knew made their parent proud, Rauch adds. "When a parent dies, the child can carry the best of them in their hearts. It's a means of strengthening that relationship, that memory." Apollon counsels many parents who have lost a child. "It's important to give holidays a different meaning -- since meaning determines how you feel about your life," she tells WebMD. "Do something in honor of your child. If his football team did a charitable event every year, get involved in that. Buy the gifts you would buy for your child, then give them to a needy child. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or hospital for children."

Discover Small Joys As the holidays unfold, tune into small joyful moments, Apollon advises. "When you hear the laughter of children, focus on how good that feels.

Finding Holiday Joy Amid the Grief

When you eat a piece of pie, really taste it. In the moment, it tastes so good -- and in that moment, you're outside your grief." Also, look for opportunities to laugh. "When you're laughing, your brain produces endorphins to boost the immune system," she says. "Give yourself permission to find things that make you laugh." A cautionary note: "If it feels impossible to imagine the holiday as anything but unbearable, you might be severely depressed," says Rauch. "You need to see a doctor." Symptoms of depression include: sadness, loss of enjoyment, loss of energy, feelings of hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, digestive problems, change of appetite, and thoughts of death or suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, get advice from your health provider or a referral to a mental health professional. WebMD: Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on November 08, 2007

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Fundraising for AIM-IRS

A I M - I R S

We have more opportunities to raise funds for our organization by volunteering to staff events at Nissan Stadium. Listed below are the upcoming events. If interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Renee Spencer by email. spencerrenee@hotmail.com

Kwanzaa: 7 Principles to Honor African Heritage

Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of life observed for seven days from December 26 to January 1 by people of African descent to honor their heritage. The week-long celebration may include songs, dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large feast on December 31, called a Karamu. A candle on the Kinara (candleholder) representing one of the seven principles on which Kwanzaa is founded, called the Nguzo Saba, is lit every one of the seven nights. Each day of Kwanzaa emphasizes a different principle. There are also seven symbols associated with Kwanzaa. The principles and symbols reflect the values of African culture and promote community among African-Americans.

Establishment of Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of black studies at California State University, Long Beach, as a way to bring African-Americans together as a community and help them reconnect with their African roots and heritage. Kwanzaa celebrates family, community, culture, and heritage. As the Civil Rights Movement transitioned into black nationalism in the late 1960s, men such as Karenga were searching for ways to reconnect African-Americans with their heritage. Kwanzaa is modeled after the first harvest celebrations in Africa, and the meaning of the name Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means the "first fruits" of the harvest. Although East African nations were not involved in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, Karenga's decision to use a Swahili term to name the celebration is symbolic of the popularity of Pan-Africanism. Kwanzaa is celebrated mostly in the United States, but Kwanzaa celebrations are also popular in Canada, the Caribbean and other parts of the African Diaspora. Karenga said his purpose for establishing Kwanzaa was to "give Blacks an alternative to the existing holiday and give Blacks an opportunity to celebrate themselves and their history, rather than simply imitate the practice of the dominant society." In 1997 Karenga stated in the text Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture, "Kwanzaa was not created to give people an alternative to their own religion or religious holiday." Instead, Karenga argued, the purpose of Kwanzaa was to study Nguzu Saba, which were the seven principles of African Heritage. Through the seven principles recognized during Kwanzaa participants honor their heritage as people of African descent who lost a great deal of their heritage through enslavement.

Nguzu Saba: The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa: 7 Principles to Honor African Heritage

The celebration of Kwanzaa includes an acknowledgment and honoring of its seven principles, known as Nguzu Saba. Each day of Kwanzaa emphasizes a new principle, and the evening candle-lighting ceremony provides an opportunity to discuss the principle and its meaning. The first night the black candle in the center is lit and the principle of Umoja (Unity) is discussed . The principles include: 1. Umoja (Unity): maintaining unity as a family, community and race of people. 2. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): defining, naming and creating and speaking for ourselves. 3. Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): building and maintaining our community--solving problems together. 4. Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): building and maintaining retail stores and other businesses and to profit from these ventures. 5. Nia (Purpose): work collectively to build communities that will restore the greatness of African people. 6. Kuumba (Creativity): to find new, innovative ways to leave communities of African descent in more beautiful and beneficial ways than the community inherited. 7. Imani (Faith): the belief in God, family, heritage, leaders and others that will leave to the victory of Africans around the world.

Symbols of Kwanzaa Symbols of Kwanzaa include: Mazao (Crops): these crops symbolize African harvesting celebrations as well as the rewards of

productivity and collective labor. Mkeka (Mat): the mat symbolizes the foundation of the African Diaspora--tradition and heritage. Kinara (Candleholder): the candleholder symbolizes African roots. Muhindi (Corn): corn represents children and the future, which belongs to them. Mishumaa Saba (Seven Candles): emblematic of Nguzo Saba, the seven principles of Kwanzaa. These

candles embody the values of the African Diaspora. Kikombe cha Umoja (Unity Cup): symbolizes the foundation, principle and practice of unity. Zawadi (Gifts): represent parental labor and love. Also symbolizes the commitments that parents

make to their children. Bendera (Flag): the colors of the Kwanzaa flag are black, red and green. These colors were originally

established as colors of freedom and unity by Marcus Mosaih Garvey. The black is for people; red, the struggles endured; and green, for the future and hope of their struggles.

Annual Celebrations and Customs Kwanzaa ceremonies typically include drumming and varied musical selections that honor African ancestry, a reading of the African Pledge and the Principles of Blackness.

Kwanzaa: 7 Principles to Honor African Heritage

These readings are followed often by a lighting of candles, a performance, and a feast, known as a karamu. Every year, Karenga holds a Kwanzaa celebration in Los Angeles. In addition, the Spirit of Kwanzaa is held annually at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. In addition to the annual traditions, there is also a greeting that is used every day of Kwanzaa called "Habari Gani." This means "What's the news?" in Swahili.

Kwanzaa Achievements The first United States postage stamp honoring Kwanzaa was issued in 1997. The stamp's artwork was created by Synthia Saint James. The holiday is celebrated widely throughout Canada, France, England, Jamaica and Brazil. In 2004, the National Retail Foundation found that an estimated 4.7 million people planned to celebrate Kwanzaa. In 2009, the African American Cultural Center contended that 30 million people of African descent celebrated Kwanzaa. In 2009, Maya Angelou narrated the documentary The Black Candle. Source Kwanzaa, The African American Lectionary, http://www.theafricanamericanlectionary.org/PopupCulturalAid.asp?LRID=183 Kwanzaa, What Is It? https://www.africa.upenn.edu/K-12/Kwanzaa_What_16661.html Seven Interesting Facts About Kwanzaa, WGBH, http://www.pbs.org/black-culture/connect/talk-back/what-is-kwanzaa/ Kwanzaa, History.com, http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/kwanzaa-history By: Femi Lewis Updated: March 05, 2019

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Sad News...

A I M - I R S

Please keep the family of George Seals in your prayers during this time. George was a member and great supporter of AIM until he got sick and could not continue. Cards may be sent to his son at the address listed below: Jared Seals 7601 E Treasure Drive Apt #1122 North Bay Village, FL 33141

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Low Calorie Holiday Recipes

A I M - I R S

Turkey Tenderloin with Cranberry-Shallot Sauce

“Turkey and cranberry sauce is delicious any time of year. To help keep this recipe fast, sear the tenderloins and get them in the oven first, then prep the shallots, thyme and cranberries and make your sauce. If you like sweeter cranberry sauce, you may want to add another tablespoon of brown sugar.

Ingredients

2 turkey tenderloins (about 1½ pounds total) ¾ cup reduced-sodium chicken broth

¾ teaspoon salt, divided 1½ cups fresh or frozen (not thawed) cranberries

¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper ¼ cup dried cranberries

4 teaspoons canola oil, divided 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, or to taste

4 shallots, peeled and quartered 1 tablespoon fruit-flavored vinegar ex: (raspberry)

2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried

Directions

1. Preheat to 450°F.

2. Sprinkle turkey tenderloins with ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey and cook, turning to brown all sides, about 5 minutes total. Transfer to a baking sheet. Roast until an instant-read thermometer registers 165 degrees , 15 to 25 minutes (depending on the sizes).

3. Meanwhile, add the remaining 2 teaspoons oil to the pan. Add shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, 3 minutes. Add thyme and cook until fragrant, about 10 seconds. Add broth and cook, scraping up any browned bits, for 1 minute. Stir in fresh and dried cranberries and cook until most of the fresh cranberries have broken down, 6 to 7 minutes. Stir brown sugar, vinegar and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt into the sauce; cook for 1 minute. Cover and remove from the heat.

4. Let the turkey rest on a clean cutting board for 5 minutes. Thinly slice; serve with the sauce.

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Low Calorie Holiday Recipes

A I M - I R S

Creamy Mashed Cauliflower This creamy cauliflower mash makes a perfect low-carb stand-in for mashed potatoes. Here we take simple mashed cauliflower and mix in garlic, buttermilk and a touch of butter to create a flavorful side dish that has about one-quarter of the calories of typical mashed potatoes. If you like, vary it by adding shredded low-fat cheese or chopped fresh herbs.

Ingredients

8 cups bite-size cauliflower florets (about 1 head) 1 teaspoon butter

4 cloves garlic, crushed and peeled 1/2 teaspoon salt

⅓ cup nonfat buttermilk (see Tip) Freshly ground pepper to taste

4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided Snipped fresh chives for garnish

Directions

1. Place cauliflower florets and garlic in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover and steam until very tender, 12 to 15 minutes. (Alternatively, place florets and garlic in a microwave-safe bowl with ¼ cup water, cover and microwave on High for 3 to 5 minutes.)

2. Place the cooked cauliflower and garlic in a food processor. Add buttermilk, 2 teaspoons oil, butter, salt and pepper; pulse several times, then process until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a serving bowl. Drizzle with the remaining 2 teaspoons oil and garnish with chives, if desired. Serve hot.

Tip: No buttermilk? You can use buttermilk powder prepared according to package directions. Or make “sour milk”: mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup milk.

107 calories per serving (3/4 cup)

30 minute prep

Serves 8

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Low Calorie Holiday Recipes

A I M - I R S

Christmas Salad

Mixed salad greens, toasted almonds, red onion and crumbled blue cheese are tossed in a fresh cranberry dressing for an impressive and easy salad! Perfect for Christmas lunch or Boxing Day. Ingredients Serves: 8 3 oz flaked almonds 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced 4 oz crumbled blue cheese, such as Gorgonzola 1 lb. mixed salad greens For the cranberry dressing: 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 small clove garlic, minced 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 oz fresh cranberries 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons water Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Arrange almonds in a single layer on a baking tray. Toast in oven for 5 minutes, or until nuts begin to brown. 2. In a blender or food processor, combine the vinegar, oil, cranberries, mustard, garlic, salt, pepper and water. Process until smooth. 3. In a large bowl, toss the almonds, onion, blue cheese and salad greens with the dressing until evenly coated.

Tip: You can also toast the almonds in a dry frying pan over medium heat on the hob - just stir frequently and keep a close watch so that they don't burn!

189 calories per serving

20 minute prep

Serves 8

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Low Calorie Holiday Recipes

A I M - I R S

No Bake Pineapple Dream Dessert

This pineapple dream dessert is a no bake pineapple lush recipe. It has a shortbread crust and is the perfect no-bake dessert recipe!

Ingredients

10 ounces shortbread cookies crushed

7 tablespoons unsalted butter melted

1- 3.4 ounce box instant vanilla pudding mix

20 ounce can crushed pineapple

8 ounces Cool Whip divided

Directions

1. Mix crushed cookies and melted butter. Press into the bottom of an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch pan.

2. Stir together pudding mix, pineapple, and half the cool whip container. Spread evenly over crust.

3. Top with remaining cool whip and more crushed cookies, if desired. Chill at least 2 hours before serving.

4. Store in refrigerator covered for up to 3 days.

246 calories per serving

15 minute prep

Serves 10

Pictures from ABMTS 2018

AIM-IRS NASHVILLE AIM-IRS NASHVILLE

CFC official solicitation period is now open.

September 9, 2019 through January 12, 2020

Support this great organization by giving a monetary donation.

CFC # 10143

https://cfcgiving.opm.gov/welcome

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Help Support AIM-IRS

Conference and Planning-Wilbrena Lyons Thomas

Membership-Charlotte Nicholson

Budget & Finance-Vickie Green

Fundraising-Renee Spencer

Program & Development-Chris Norwood

Chapter By-Laws-Mary Stewart

Public Information-Valencia Towns

Legal/Legislative-Tonda Ramey

Fair Election-Janiene Jessie

Nominating-Angela Hardin

Evaluations & Scholarship-Denise Johnson

Issues & Research-Angela Hardin

Parliamentarian– Lendia Huey Rosser

P.O. Box 24544

Nashville, Tennessee 37202

Our Mission

The purpose of the Association for the Improvement of

Minorities is to educate and develop our members to their

fullest career and personal potential, and instill in them the

highest degree of confidence in their abilities; in a manner that

is free from negative influence and discriminatory policies and

practices. To achieve that purpose, we will:

A. Educate and counsel our members as to opportunities for

career and personal advancement;

B. Foster Equal Employment Opportunity;

C. Provide a Self-Help Network to further the general welfare

of our members;

D. Promote local and community wide services that assist

individuals seeking career and educational support;

E. Cooperate with all government agencies and other

organizations in taking lawful actions to ensure the

removal of discriminatory policies and practices.

Nashville Chapter

Nashville Chapter Officers & Board of Directors

Officers:

President: Kimberly Sanford

Vice President: Valencia Towns

2nd Vice President: Yvette Patrick

Immediate Past President:

Tony Stevenson

Treasury: Arndra Jackson

Secretary: Tammie Jackson

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Facebook Page: AIM-IRS NASHVILLE

Website: www.aimirs-nashville.org