“Where there is no vision, the people perish” - Proverbs 29:18

Your Success Newsletter - Jul-Aug, 2014 - Published Bi-Monthly

Henry & Dianne Ford

Publishers

IN THIS ISSUE

Pg. 1 - Inspiring by Example

Pg. 2 - Youth Corner: Cyeve Ford and his sister Joli

Pg. 3 - Your Public Library

Pg. 4 - Willie Johnson

Pg. 5 - Congratulations Meghan Strang

Pg. 6 - Fatherhood Conference

Pg. 7 - Congratulations Dr. Otis L. Owens

Pg. 8 - We’ve Expanded Our Social Media Presence

Pg. 8 - Products and Services

Thankfully this issue is filled with people who

are even more successful than they realize

because they plant seeds of greatness in

the hopes and dreams of others.

Thank You not just for being who you are,

but Thank You for inspiring others to believe

and work toward their purpose.

Inspiring By Example

I n this issue are people who in many

cases possess large amounts of

credibility and confidence, and oftentimes

have power, fame or fortune. Some

possess two or even all three of these

attributes.

The very fortunate also have and show

respect, concern and compassion for

others. When we relate to others with

humility and consistency, we create an

atmosphere of openness that encourages

co-operation, builds strong relationships

and results in more empowered people.

The common factor in great relationships is

mutual respect, regardless of one’s

perceived level of power, fame or fortune.

To be confident but not cocky

demonstrates your best, and encourages

the best from others.

It is comforting to feel that you are in the

presence of greatness, but are not

consumed by it. It is reassuring to feel

accepted without the need to act out of

character. Also, it should be understood

that people don’t care how much you

know, until they know how much you care.

“Greatness is always built on this

foundation: the ability to appear, speak

and act, as the most common man.”

Shams-ud-din Muhammed Hafiz

(1320-1388); Persian Poet

- Page 2 -

VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org

VISIONS Newsletter - Published Bi-Monthly

Subscription $12.00 per year payable to

FORD & Associates

P.O. Box 393 - Twinsburg, OH 44087-0393

Phone 216-348-4612

E-mail: successisyou@yahoo.com

Make a Difference! - Share YOUR Story!

Someone’s Future Depends Upon It!

DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE - Aug. 10, 2014

PLAN AHEAD!

Graduating This Year or

Planning to be in the Audience?

You Want a Short, Powerful

Commencement Message

Recommend Us to Your

School Officials TODAY!

Congratulations to Cyeve Ford who recently graduated from Cleveland’s

nationally recognized Ginn Academy. Before attending Ginn Academy,

Cyeve attended Cleveland’s Glenville High school where he played on

their football team. Cyeve had several memorable events leading up to

his graduation. During Senior Honor Day he received an Achieving The

Leader Award. Next was his Senior Prom, where relatives and friends

gathered at his home to offer congratulations, take photos, and wish him

well.

Cyeve plans to attend

college and major in

Marketing. He is the son of

Racheal Longstreet and

Henry Lawrence Ford.

Cyeve’s achievements will likely inspire

his sister Joli who recently became a

proud Pre-School graduate and is on her

way to Kindergarten.

Sometimes while celebrating the

educational achievements of our children,

grandchildren and others, we forget that

the need for education never ends. As

time goes by, our list of reasons and

excuses for avoiding education can tend

to grow. I won’t mention anything from my

list, because I don’t want you to add it to

your list. Education can be fun, short-term,

low cost, or even no cost. Education can

still take place at your local library. So as

part of my “walking the walk” I decided on

two short courses to squeeze into an

already busy schedule.

Technology and the world are moving so

fast that it is entirely possible for us to forget

what helped bring us to this point. The

Public Library is one of those places I used

to visit often, but it is easy (and habit

forming) to become immersed in the

amount of knowledge available on-line.

Recently I slowed down long enough to

look at a brochure from my nearby library.

Of course there were the computer

courses, which I certainly need, but also a

wide offering of A to Z subjects, some of

which I have an interest in. No wonder the

library parking lot always seems full as I

drive by. Maybe I needed to find out why.

Photography Class

It was not difficult to locate a subject of

interest that involved stepping away from

the computer. I spotted an eight session

Photography course available for a cost of

$10.00. I’ve worn out many cameras

without really learning the basics.

- Page 3 - VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org

The first session was general and

exploratory. Vicki, our instructor and owner

of Jerney Studios at www.jerneystudios.com

sought to get a feel for the expertise level

and interests of the class.

Imagine, I would get to express what I

wanted, instead of accessing my 219 page

manual of what is possible, and forbidden.

Faced with the question of what do I want,

I realized that for so long I have been

reading and reacting to limitations and

specifications, that I didn’t know what I

wanted; and I wasn’t alone. As the session

progressed and the class started to think

“outside of the box” of manuals and

measurements, we seem headed toward a

fun learning experience. Our instructor

sparred us much of the technical jargon

that we can access in manuals or on the

computer, if and when we need it.

Our 2nd session came complete with an

outline of the remaining sessions, covering

important tips, and reflecting the interests

of our class. We are anxiously looking

forward to our first field trip where we can

use and improve upon what we are

learning. I’ve already experienced

breakthroughs and received answers to

questions that have gone unanswered for

years.

In the next issue of VISIONS I plan to share

more reflections of this class and also the

Social Media Class I’ve enrolled in. By then

I will certainly have experienced additional

benefits from the class and the practical

application of what I’ve learned.

Stay tuned, and meanwhile, keep an eye

open for the free or low-cost options to

learning at a library near you.

Don’t Forget Your Public Library

You are never too old to set another goal

or to dream a new dream. - C. S. Lewis

- Page 4 - VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org

It is significant that the first four words in the Bible are “In The Beginning God,

…” The truth is – “YOU” have a tremendously creative spirit and wonder-

working power within you which can improve your present circumstances and

re-shape your future.

When you are in close and constant contact with this infinite source of all

wisdom and power, your Super-Conscious Mind, there is no limit to what you

can accomplish. You are, in fact, capable of greater things than you now

believe. And you can accomplish those things more easily.

As the great play-writer Shakespeare so wisely put it, “The fault, dear Brutus, lies

not in our stars, but in our-selves, that we are underlings.”

The more often you think about the awesome power and ability of your Super

Conscious Mind, the more easily you can express it. And the more strength

and courage you will receive to help you stand against any of the problems

and difficulties, that you may experience; professional or personal. There are

countless stories of individuals who have proven this, such as Wilma Rudolph

and Booker T. Washington, who succeeded against all odds and become

notables in our history.

No matter how successful you may be at this moment, some circumstance

may occur that can cause you to lose everything you own in a single day.

Yes, a fire, a flood, a tornado, a war, or even bankruptcy can deplete you of a

lifetime of savings. In spite of a major and tragic loss, however, you can still rise

above the unfortunate mental upset that can occur, if you will just remember

the wonder-working, infinite power that is within you; Your Subconscious Mind.

An “Awesome” power is within you - Tap into your “Greatness” !!

{Author’s Note: Please visit my website at www.williejay.com, and check out

my newly created blog tab and postings. Feel free to comment on blog

postings and feel free to let me know the topics you would like to see as a

blog post and or VISIONS Newsletter article.}

The Awesome “POWER” You Have Within Willie Johnson, “The Ambassador of Potentiality”

www.williejay.com

- Page 5 - VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org

Good people, warm hospitality, good food, the

graduation of an award winning soccer player, and the

magic hands of a professional chef equals GOOD TIMES!

High achievement and great expectations are no

strangers to Meghan Strang. Neither is kindness and

warm hospitality. Dianne and I were blessed to be

neighbors of the Strang family for many years, until they

left us for better opportunities and better weather. We’re

not mad at them, and we are still blessed, because we

managed to stay in touch and even spent several days

with them in Arizona a few years ago. When we met the

family, it was just Mike and Cindy, but they

apparently became bored and all of a

sudden, there was daughter Paige, then

Meghan, and then son “little Mike.”

Meghan recently invited us to met at her

grandparents to celebrate her high

school graduation and her send off to the

Air Force Academy (the years went

where?).

Despite her warm friendly smile, we feel

well protected, knowing that this almost

timid looking young lady is a national

award winning soccer player. Despite

huge success is academics, sports and life

in general, Meghan displays the same

characteristics that made her and her

family such great neighbors and friends.

In addition to the good company, we

had the pleasure of dining on food

prepared by two great chefs, one of

whom is a professional chef, and the

other who cooks like one, but keeps his

talents under wraps (a good idea to

avoid being volunteered).

CONGRATULATIONS Meghan! We know

that wherever your career takes you, the

lives you touch will be inspired and

blessed.

- Page 6 - VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org

A rriving a half-hour early, I was pleasantly surprised to find the

conference reception area at Cleveland's Downtown Wyndham

hotel buzzing with activity. It was obvious from the beginning that the

Fatherhood Conference would be a day well spent.

The day was filled with information, inspiration, renewed connections,

and pleasant surprises. One of the early surprises was to hear the

Phuel Cafe mentioned. It was the same restaurant I had stumbled

upon for breakfast that morning. It was comforting to hear it

recommended as a place to eat. It was gratifying to see familiar

faces such as Harry Boomer, Meredith Turner, Michael Taylor, Terry

Butler, Prester Pickett, Rev. Bruce Goode, Rev. Hilton Smith, Wayne

Dawson and others. Others whom I had not previously met included

multiple Emmy Award winning reporter and Senior Political

Correspondent Tom Beres, Cuyahoga Community College President

Dr. Alex Johnson; and legendary high school coaches Chuck Kyle of

St. Ignatius and Ted Ginn, Sr. of Glenville. The full day program included an Opening Plenary

Session, Resource Fair, a variety of Workshops, a Town Hall Meeting, Awards Luncheon, and

a lot of networking. Everyone seemed ready and willing to share time and conversation with

others, and cameras were clicking all day long.

My most memorable moment was when I inquired about taking a photo of Hazel Parker, the

Assistant to the Executive Director of The Ginn Academy. I mentioned to Ms. Parker that my

grandson had graduated from Ginn Academy just days earlier. She asked "What is your

grandson's name?" When I said "Cyeve Ford" her eyes lit up, she told Mr. Ginn, "This is Cyeve's

grandfather", and then his eyes lit up. With all the good things they had to say, I became an

instant celebrity because of my grandson's qualities. As you will notice, I ended up in the

photo. It was a great way to begin a Father's Day weekend.

For more information about the Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative, visit

www.fatherhoodinitiative.cuyahogacounty.us.

LEFT: Dr. Alex Johnson, President of Cuyahoga Community College . . CENTER: Henry Ford, Hazel Parker, Ted Ginn, Sr.

RIGHT: Meredith Turner, Wayne Dawson, Ted Ginn, Sr., Al Grimes, Chuck Kyle

- Page 7 - VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org

Several years ago, Dianne and I had the

pleasure of meeting a quiet young man

who had moved to the Cleveland area to

attend college.

Arkansas native Otis Owens began his

college education in Cleveland by pursuing

a Bachelor’s Degree at Case Western

Reserve University. With the love and

support of his Cleveland area family, Otis

pursued his educational goals quietly,

confidently, and obviously with his “eye on

the prize.” Occasionally we would hear bits

of information about how he was doing;

and sometimes, especially on Holidays or

special occasions, our paths would cross at

the home of Val Brown. Val is a friend of

ours and cousin of Otis. Because he was

always quiet, well-mannered, and drama

free, one could almost “forget” Otis was

around.

All of a sudden (at least it seemed that way

to me), we received an invitation to a

dinner celebration for Dr. Otis L. Owens. My

first thought was “WHAT?”, as I struggled to

figure out how he went in what seemed like

such a short time, from the quiet pre-

college student to “Doctor.” That is what

happens when one is focused, determined,

and faithful to good habits.

Hard Work, Persistence, Faith and “A Village” CONGRATULATIONS to Dr. Otis L. Owens

His commitment is a reminder that you can

be “on fire” without “blowing smoke.”

After receiving his Bachelor or Arts, Otis

went on to earn a Masters from Emory

University in Atlanta, worked for a year at

the Center for Disease Control, and earned

his Doctorate from the University of South

Carolina. His accomplishments resulted in

him being offered and accepting a

professorship at the University of South

Carolina. In spite of his accomplishments,

Otis displays the humility of the young man I

met before he entered college. Being in his

presence is like a present. He is a gift to

those in his life

The support system (a.k.a. “A Village”) that

Otis has is also key to his success. That

Village includes his aunt Creasie Lewis,

cousins Val Brown, Allison Walters-

Thompson, and others. They always

supported and encouraged Otis as he

faced and overcome challenges inherent

in moving toward his goals.

Dianne and I appreciate so much having

been invited to this grand celebration of a

very deserving young man.

CONGRATULATIONS Dr. Owens!

- Page 8 - VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org

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GRADUATION

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Attention Graduates and

Parents: You’ve worked

hard for the moment that

to some seemed as though it would never

come. You owe it to yourself to have an

announcement that is as unique and as

special as The Graduate. Don’t be limited

by the “generic” announcement that may

be offered through your High School,

College or University. Please visit

www.fordandassociates.cceasy.com.

AVAILABLE FOR

eBOOK READERS

From Author,

Speaker,

Consultant

Henry Ford

For information visit:

www.successisyou.org

or call 216-348-4612

Social Media Platform

Expands Our Service

Look For Us on

I almost erroneously titled this article New

Social Media Platform Expands Our Service.

What is really new is my awareness of the

potential value of Pinterest. It turns out that

I signed up for Pinterest about a year ago

because Shirley Williams, a friend and

mentor posted something there that was of

interest to me. I’ve discovered that if Shirley

is involved, value is implied, but I don’t have

Shirley’s youth and energy (that’s an

excuse, not a reason). Like many people, I

sometimes do not follow up or follow

through because of other obligations,

projects and challenges. Investing two

hours at the library’s Social Media Class

provided the catalyst for me to move my

Pinterest account from dormant to active.

We now have product and service

i n f o r m a t i o n a v a i l a b l e a t

www.pinterest.com/successisyou.

Please visit the site and let us know what

you think You can also reach the site via

links from our web site, blogs and

Inspirational mailings.

Building upon the foundation I began a

year ago has created another business

asset. In this real world that we live in, we

don’t always do all that we can on a timely

basis. That does not mean all is lost. I can

only leave you with the words “better late

than never.” See you on Pinterest!

And by the way Shirley Williams, thank you

for introducing me to Pinterest, and before

that Linkedin, and for all the Social Media

advice and help you’ve shared.