Month: May 2018

Entrepreneur Travels Around the World to Research New Book

Local entrepreneur Robert L. Wallace is on a voyage that will take him by boat to about 35 countries and 100 ports to complete research for his new book, “Global Entrepreneurship.”

Wallace says this approach allows him to visit locations around the world and to “feel, touch, see, smell, and experience” the entrepreneurial reality and energy of the global community through the eyes of a world traveler.

“A few years ago, I began conducting research on how American entrepreneurs could start doing business globally. I was particularly interested in learning how small businesses and grassroots

entrepreneurs could be successful at expanding their entrepreneurial opportunities internationally,” Wallace said. “I was not interested in looking at large, multinational corporations because they have been successful at building this international network.”

Not content to conduct this research from a purely academic and research perspective, Wallace said he decided to take a novel approach.

With the assistance of his wife and staff, he decided to take a sabbatical from his role as founder of BITHGROUP Technologies, Inc. and CEO of Bithenergy, Inc.

The five-month journey, which is expected to conclude next month, is unique because of the method of travel he chose, according to Wallace.

“Instead of jumping around the world on a jetliner, hopping from one country to another, I instead decided to sign up for a world cruise on Viking Cruises,” he said, noting that this approach provided him the vehicle for covering a great distance in a relatively short period of time with the least stress.

Raised in Cherry Hill, Wallace overcame poverty to become a speaker, consultant, author and entrepreneur. He is considered as one of the most influential Marylanders in business and he is the author of several books, including: “Soul Food,” “Black Wealth,” and “Black Entrepreneurship.”

“It is my belief that when we bring together entrepreneurs from different societies and different backgrounds at the grassroots level, we will begin to see a rapid expansion of ideas and innovation that have the potential and likelihood to change the world,” Wallace said.

Having spent the last 40 years studying and documenting the success and failures of American entrepreneurs, Wallace says he has isolated a series of common mistakes that are made by both aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs.

“[Aspiring entrepreneurs] underestimate the amount of capital it will ultimately take to fund their idea or project and, consequently, they are confronted with structural deficiencies in their

financial business model that are difficult to resolve,” he said. “This group of entrepreneurs, too often lack clarity in their business objectives and mission. This fuzziness in their business objectives results in precious resources being squandered, putting the enterprise at risk from the very beginning.”

Seasoned entrepreneurs are often guilty of not spending enough time developing an acceptable exit strategy for their business and frequently develop a “no one can do it better than me” attitude which results in them trying to do everything themselves when they could be using this energy to better develop their organization.

“I have been blessed to have been able to experience such a wonderful global voyage as has been experienced through this World Cruise,” he said.

“The experiences I have enjoyed and the wonderful people I have met has been invaluable. While I do believe that anyone who is able to take such a trip should take it, the reality is that most people will not have the time or the money to invest in such an adventure.

“My suggestion for any entrepreneur who is looking to expand her markets and relationships internationally first define what countries, regions, and markets that they have a desire to do business in and then go to that country and spend some quality time there before making any significant investments there.”

Joint Statement From Starbucks CEO, Donte Robinson and Rashon Nelson

BlackPRWire.com — After constructive conversations, and mediation before a retired federal judge in Philadelphia, Donte Robinson, Rashon Nelson and Kevin Johnson, ceo of Starbucks Coffee Company, reached a settlement agreement earlier this week that will allow both sides to move forward and continue to talk and explore means of preventing similar occurrences at any Starbucks location.

The agreement between the parties stems from the arrest of Robinson and Nelson at a Starbucks store in Philadelphia on April 12, 2018 and includes a confidential financial settlement as well as a commitment to continued listening and dialogue between the parties as a means toward developing specific actions and opportunities.

As Johnson said previously, “I want to thank Donte and Rashon for their willingness to reconcile. I welcome the opportunity to begin a relationship with them to share learnings and experiences. And Starbucks will continue to take actions that stem from this incident to repair and reaffirm our values and vision for the kind of company we want to be.”

Robinson and Nelson intend to focus the public reaction to their arrest toward providing opportunities for young people from underserved communities.

Jointly they said, “We appreciate the opportunity to have meaningful discussions with Kevin Johnson and the group around the table to address hard issues. We all recognize the importance of communication about differences and solutions, and that we will be measured by our action not words.”

As part of the agreement, Robinson and Nelson will have an opportunity to provide input based on their personal experience to former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder as part of company’s long-term diversity and equity efforts.

Robinson and Nelson have also been offered the opportunity to complete their undergraduate degrees through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, a first-of-its-kind partnership with Arizona State University otherwise available to Starbucks partners to earn their bachelor’s degree with full tuition coverage.

Jubilee Arts Unveils Expressive Exhibit

As the nation paid tribute to the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in April, Geneva Johnson vividly recalled what was happening in her Baltimore City neighborhood following the death of the civil rights leader.

“I worked the graveyard shift and was asleep,” recalled the 71-year-old who has lived in Baltimore’s Sandtown-Winchester community all her life. “I found out that Dr. King had been killed when I woke up. The first day was fine, but then the next night, we couldn’t take our normal route home from work because of rioting. A curfew was being enforced by the National Guard, and if you didn’t have a reason to be on the street, they sent you to jail. I remember it just like it was yesterday.”

Ada Pinkston captured Johnson’s experiences of that turbulent time in 1968 through artwork that is part of a unique exhibit. The exhibit is entitled “50 Years Since the Assassination of Martin Luther King: An Anniversary of An Uprising,” and premiered on Friday, April 27, 2018 at Jubilee Arts located at 1947 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Pinkston affectionately referred to Johnson as “Miss G.”

“It was great meeting Miss G. and learning about the past of Pennsylvania Avenue,” said Pinkston. “My piece is a layered artwork installation which includes art and video. Miss G. talked about the jobs she had and I started thinking about the layers of experience she had over the years.”

Pinkston added, “Jubilee Arts is doing a great job of renewing artistic vibrancy in the community.”

Through the pairing of the artists and residents, Jubilee Arts seeks to use an intergenerational exchange of information that compares and contrasts experiences then and now to create unique works of art reflecting personal viewpoints.

The exhibit is the latest from Jubilee Arts, and is a program of Intersection of Change, which uses visual art, jazz, and the stories of community residents to explore these ideas, themes and issues.

Intersection of Change, formerly Newborn Holistic Ministries, is a community based non-profit located in the Sandtown-Winchester and Upton areas of Baltimore City and is dedicated to providing programs that enrich the economic, social and spiritual lives of those dealing with poverty-related issues.

The event featured feature artist talks and live jazz from renowned Baltimore musician Todd Marcus, Executive Director of Intersection of Change. Marcus’ latest CD is entitled On These Streets, A Baltimore Story, and also offers a portrait of the community and includes reflection on the 2015 unrest in the neighborhood.

“For the community and the kids to see something different other than police sirens is good,” said artist Mateo Blu who was paired with storyteller Elder C. W. Harris. “Jubilee Arts also ensured each artist got a stipend for materials, which was great. In my piece, the houses overlap, and the upper part of the painting depicts an abstract flow. That represents the spirit of ancestry and sacrifice that takes place daily.”

Longtime resident Kaleb Tshamba was paired with artist LaToya Peoples.

“LaToya talked to me about the 1968 riots,” said Tshamba. “I believe the piece she created is a masterpiece. She stayed with everything I said about the riots.”

Jubilee’s artist-in-resident and current MICA student Catherine Leberg has been overseeing the project in coordination with staff and volunteers.

“We realized that this is the third anniversary of the riots of 2015 and the 50th anniversary of the 1968 uprising,” said Leberg. “With both falling in April, we felt something like this was needed to acknowledge these two major events coinciding. We partnered people and facilitated conversations between them. The work developed out of their relationships. Many touched on the same themes despite working separately and all created something amazing.”

The other artists and storytellers included: S. Rasheem (artist) and Kibibi Ajanku (storyteller) and Ernest Shaw (artist) who was paired with George ‘Doc’ Manning (storyteller).

“I think a lot of the artists and storytellers have this rich, but painful history,” said Leberg. “The artwork is beautiful, and came out of a painful and complicated past that should never be forgotten. We have all of this amazing talent right here elevating stories of the neighborhood.”

For more information about Jubilee Arts or the exhibit, call 410-728-1199.

Local Author Reads From Her Psychological Thriller at Govans Branch, Pratt Library

BALTIMORE — Baltimore native J. Hawki knew she wanted to write books after reading “Durango Street” by Frank Bonham, a book she borrowed from her neighborhood book mobile library when she was an adolescent. And, after reading Sidney Sheldon’s book, The Other Side of Midnight, she realized she wanted to write thrillers.

Combining years of experience in healthcare with a keen eye for detail, Hawki creates suspenseful psychological thrillers with a strong, compelling black female protagonist.

“Being one of a small group of women writing in this genre, I discovered that my pulse-pounding, quick change, thrill-a-minute way of pacing my books is more similar to the style of male thriller writers like James Patterson and John Grisham. I hope that I will inspire more women to write psychological thrillers,” said Hawki.

In February, the third edition of her first novel, “Elephants and Chopping Blocks Retain Their Natural Color” was released. In the thriller, Psychiatrist Kirsten Leone is a leading figure in her field, respected by colleagues and clients alike, but her personal life is in shambles, as she finds herself caught up in a tumultuous secret relationship she cannot share with her family. When a series of gruesome murders stumps law enforcement agencies nationwide, Kirsten consults on an intense FBI

investigation in hopes of luring out the methodical and manipulative killer.

However, as her involvement in the case deepens, the killer begins targeting not only Kirsten but also her loved ones.

Hawki will read from her book at a “Meet the Authors” event at Enoch Pratt Free Library (Govans Branch) on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 2 p.m. For more information about author, J. Hawki and her books, visit: www.authorjhawki.com.

Local Progressive Leaders to be Honored at Tubman-Remillard Dinner

Former Governor of Virginia Terry McAuliffe, who could very well be a 2020 presidential candidate, is the keynote speaker at the Anne Arundel County Democratic Party Celebration Dinner on Friday, May 11, 2018 at the Byzantium Events Center located at 2747 Riva Road in Annapolis at 6 p.m.

Sponsored by the Anne Arundel County Democratic Central Committee, the honorees for whom the Tubman-Remillard Dinner is named are ground-breaking women from the past and the present: Harriet Tubman, who risked her life to free slaves; and Ann-Marie Remillard, who has worked hard over many years to strengthen the Democratic party in Anne Arundel county.

The three African Americans who will be honored at the dinner are Cynthia Carter, Annapolis’s first black Alderman; Christine Davenport, the first black chair of the Anne Arundel Central Committee in the 21st Century; and singer and Mead High School graduate, Kayla Currie.

The Master of Ceremonies is Maryland House Speaker Mike Busch and entertainment will include one of the night’s honorees, nationally known singer Kayla Currie who recently performed at New York’s Apollo Theater.

The outstanding service of two Anne Arundel County progressive Democrats will be honored. Councilman Chris Trumbauer will receive the Legend Award for his success in initiating legislation to strengthen the health of our environment. Cynthia Carter will receive the Chair Award for her exemplary service as the first African-American woman elected as Annapolis City Alderman.

Cynthia Abney Carter was brought up in Annapolis public housing and she was raised not to allow her lower-income status to get in the way of her desire to improve the lives of people of color and people living in subsidized housing. Her family was so well thought of by the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis that when College Creek Terrace was redeveloped, a street was named in their honor: Abney Way in Obery Court.

In 1997, Carter ran for Annapolis Alderman for Ward 6, a small but diverse Ward with several public or subsidized housing communities side by side with high-income neighborhoods.

Remarkably, she ran and won her race as a write-in candidate, and did so by reaching out to people, door to door, throughout the ward. In doing so, she became the first African-American woman ever to serve on the Annapolis city council, and cracked the glass ceiling for others who followed. She has consistently worked to improve services and equity to the underserved people of Annapolis.

Chris Trumbauer is a life-long Marylander, with a life-long commitment to serve his community and to keep Maryland shores beautiful and healthy. He has dedicated nearly two decades of work in the environmental field. After cutting his teeth as a water quality scientist with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, he worked as a volunteer for a diverse range of non-profit organizations and coalitions working on sustainability, clean water and conservation issues. As the executive director of the West/Rhode Riverkeepers from 2008 to 2013, he learned about as much as anybody could about the impact of area development on health of the Chesapeake Bay and the resources needed to maintain it.

Trumbauer has done much to preserve the quality of the Bay watershed— developing and gaining passage of the controversial but extremely important storm water remediation fee. This act has already provided $20 million annually in much needed revenues whose use both improves county rivers and streams and supports local small businesses.

The honorees for whom the Tubman-Remillard Dinner is named are ground-breaking women from the past and the present: Harriet Tubman, who risked her life to free slaves; and Ann-Marie Remillard, who has worked hard over many years to strengthen the Democratic party in Anne Arundel county.

Dinner tickets are $90, and are available for purchase at www.annearundeldems.com. For more information, call 626-710-2602.

Martin Luther King Jr. Wanted Equal Treatment For Blacks, Not Special Treatment

As the world commemorated the 50th anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I reflected upon the legacy of the iconic civil rights leader, I was reminded of two columns I wrote years ago in the form of poems. Yes, I do have a poetic side that most of the public has not seen unless they have read my book, “Writing Wrongs: My Political Journey in Black and Write.”

The first column was written in January of 2005 titled, “Letter to Dr. King.” Please remember the context in which this piece was written. George W. Bush had just won a second term as president; Barack Obama was just sworn in as the new senator from Illinois; Bill Cosby was being vilified for his now infamous “Pound Cake” speech before a NAACP awards program in Washington, D.C.; the speech was about Blacks being more responsible for what happens in their lives.

Even though Bush named Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice the first black Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, respectively in the history of the United States, liberal blacks still called Bush a racist; Former President George W. Bush also had a more diverse cabinet than former President Bill Clinton.

The second column was written six years later, in 2011, and titled, “The State of the Dream.” In this piece, I was very critical of how blacks awarded the contracts to design and construct King’s statue on The Mall in Washington, D.C., to a Chinese sculptor and not an American; this is why I will never visit it—ever. They even imported the granite from China, even though they could have gotten the same quality of materials in the United States.

One of the most prominent sculptors in the U.S. is Ed Dwight, Jr. who just happens to also be a former Air Force test pilot and the first black to be trained as an astronaut. Why was he not commissioned to do King’s sculpture?

With this as a backdrop, I think if King were living today, he would be totally embarrassed and ashamed of the black community; and he would be totally disappointed in the white community, as well.

When people called King the “n-word,” it was not a term of endearment; it was a term of death, as in, “Kill the n—ger!” I am quite sure that Jesse Jackson never walked up to King and said, “Yo, what’s up my n—ger!?”

Now, you have blacks all over television, movies, and public spaces using the word in mixed company. Then blacks have the nerve to want to get angry when a non-black does the same thing. N–ga, puh-leeeze!

No one should be using the word.

Period. The very use of this word is an affront to everything King represented.

Another thing that would embarrass Dr. King, would be the blatant mistreatment and degradation of black women. When did it become okay to call our women bitches and hoes?

Or what about the way some young people dress? Do you really think King would have approved of us walking around with our pants hanging down to our knees or our women showing all manner of body parts at work, church and on the street?

To my white folks: I think King would be disappointed that insidious social engineering through programs like welfare systematically have contributed to the destruction of the black family and the emasculation of the black male. Some of these perverted programs have also had a negative impact on the rest of America.

America, with all the strides that we have made, continues to hand the blacks the same check returned with the words “insufficient funds” stamped on its face ever time they try to cash it.

King didn’t want special treatment for blacks; he simply wanted equal treatment. He didn’t want blacks to become a protected class; he simply wanted America to enforce the Constitution.

We already had the right to vote; the right to live wherever we want; the right to eat at any restaurant; and the right to walk through the front door. The problem was that the Constitution wasn’t being enforced when it came to blacks.

God had already endowed us with these inalienable rights that were codified in the U.S. Constitution.

Yes, America has come a long way from where we used to be, but we still have a long way to go.

But, to my liberal friends who constantly posit, “When was America ever great?” I simply say that America was great when Lincoln freed the slaves; America was great when we passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964; America was great when we passed the Voting Rights Act of 1965; America was great when we passed the Fair Housing Act of 1968; America was great, when we elected the first black president in 2008.

So, as I reflect on King’s assassination and his legacy, I can hear him telling both blacks and whites: “Boy, go get me a switch, because you have brought shame on America.” After we start crying from his love taps from the switch, I can then see him grabbing us in his arms and lovingly saying, “Now, go do better.”

Raynard Jackson is founder and chairman of Black Americans for a Better Future (BAFBF), a federally registered 527 Super PAC established to get more Blacks involved in the Republican Party. BAFBF focuses on the black entrepreneur. For more information about BAFBF, visit www.bafbf.org

MCVET Begins New Program to Treat Opioid and Other Dependencies

Earlier this month, the national nonprofit Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training (MCVET) began its Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for adults 18 and older.

Officials say the initiative is an added resource to address the opioid epidemic and other substance abuse issues affecting Baltimore and other major cities around the country.

“This intensive treatment program represents a continuum of care to help improve the lives of our at-risk homeless veteran and non-veteran community,” said Jeffery Kendrick, executive director of MCVET.

Since 1993, the nonprofit has treated the root cause of homelessness among veterans, including mental illness and substance abuse. Over the last 25 years, MCVET has served more than 9,000 homeless veterans with job training and life skills in order to obtain employment that has netted an average wage of $17.62 per hour.

Overall, the organization’s programs for veterans realized a lot of success.

Further, MCVET counts as one of a few organizations that not only provides transitional housing and day drop-in programs, but also addresses the causes of homelessness among female veterans.

IOP clients will learn emotion and behavior-regulation strategies, skills to build and strengthen relationships, and techniques for the management of psychologically distressing situations, according to Kendrick.

“Local residents, which in this case will be both the veteran and non-veteran community, will now have the ability to receive outpatient treatment from a new provider offering services for those needing treatment for primary drug addiction,” Kendrick said. “Based upon recent identification of the national problem encountered by many with opiates, MCVET now joins the fight by offering an alternate facility where treatment will be offered.”

The adult intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment program is located at the MCVET facility at 301 N. High Street in Baltimore City. Morning and evening programs are offered four days per week, three hours per session and additional individualized services are provided throughout the week. Length of treatment is typically eight weeks to 24 sessions, Kendrick said.

A 24-hour/7 days a week crisis line is available, and clients can continue to work or attend school and those with obligations while addressing substance abuse issues and includes intensive family support. Special circumstances of each patient are carefully evaluated, and an individualized course of treatment is recommended, he said.

“We will be able to serve up to 60 clients when fully staffed. Prior to our recent opening, MCVET was just a housing venue only, with the ability to provide comprehensive services to 249 veterans,” Kendrick said.

Highlights of the new individualized program include certified addiction specialists, individual counseling and motivational interviewing and group counseling.

It’ll also include education and relapse prevention, individual and group family counseling, education and support, outside social support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Smart Recovery, and Women for Sobriety.

It’ll also include random drug testing.

“MCVET prides itself on the quality of services it provides to the veteran community, and now wants to offer the same type of care with regards to treatment for both those who served, and to those in the general community,” he said.

For more information about MCVET’s IOP services, call 410-347-7626 or email: treatment@mcvet.org.

Noted Food Historian to Speak at William Paca House

ANNAPOLIS — Historic Annapolis announces a unique program, which will explore antebellum food sourcing and cookery from the perspective of an African American chef on Monday, May 14, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. at the William Paca House and Garden located at 186 Prince George Street in Annapolis.

If you are a foodie or just interested in colonial history, you won’t want to miss “From a Haunted Plate: Becoming an 18th and 19th Century Black Chef,” which will be presented by Michael Twitty, culinary historian and author of The Cooking Gene: A Journey Through African American Culinary History in the Old South.

Twitty is the creator of www.Afroculinaria.com, the first blog devoted to African American historic foodways— the cultural, social and economic practices that relate to the production and consumption of food. The blog was recently honored with both the readers’ and editors’ choice awards from Saveur as the best food and culture blog.

Twitty is also the first Revolutionary in Residence at Colonial Williamsburg.

In his lecture, Twitty will discuss how foodways of West and Central Africa melded with those of indigenous people and Europeans. He also examines the cooking techniques, cultural transformations, and flavor principles unique to this blend of Western cuisine by early African American chefs.

The costs are $10 for Garden Circle Members and $15 General Admission. Reservations are required and can be made at: www.annapolis.org or by calling 410-267-7619.

Rambling Rose

Hello everyone, hope everything is well with you. I saw many of you in my travels last week at different events who asked about my health since surgery and was really surprised to see me. Well, my dear friends and fans, I am doing better this week than last week. I am feeling wonderful this week, I don’t have time to lay around and complain— God is so good! Also, if I don’t get off my butt and tell you what’s going on, who will? So let’s get started.

Shirley Chavis, Dr. Rodney Orange Sweetheart passed away Monday, April 30 at Northwest Hospital. Special prayers to Dr. Orange and her family.

Shirley Chavis, Dr. Rodney Orange Sweetheart passed away Monday, April 30 at Northwest Hospital. Special prayers to Dr. Orange and her family.

First, I want to send out special prayers and condolences to the family of Shirley Chavis, sweetheart of Dr. Rodney Orange, Sr. who passed away on Monday, April 30 at Northwest Hospital. We are sking God to wrap his arms around Rodney, her family and friends and keep them in his loving grace.

Carlos Hutchins produced an event last weekend at the Forum that was off the hook! I don’t do many reviews, but honey child, I had to give this one two thumbs up! An evening of elegance it was. Talking about a taste of history in music and songs, it was all presented on the stage this past weekend.

First, there was DJ Sugar Chris who started it all off with his oldies music, putting everyone in the mood as they walked in to take a seat, then there was the group who opened up—The Slagz Band. Their presentation, stage presence and sound were fantastic. Their music was properly fitted for the age of the audience. The group performed songs old and new and to put the icing on the cake, Girlfriend!!! This little skinny lady, one of their lead singers walked to the front of the stage to take lead and sang Whitney Houston legendary song “I Am Telling You” and the whole house of over 350 guests stood up and applauded, some with tears in their eyes. I am telling you, this was a standing ovation that was well deserved. Believe me my friends, as most of you may know, I am a true critic when it comes to music with 58 plus years of experience under my belt. Believe me if I say, it was “Bad Ass” than you can take it to the bank!

Okay, following that was one of my favorite Baltimore groups—The Spindles— who can’t do no wrong. They always bring the house down. I love the fact that they too did their show with the Motown sounds of yesterday and got many of the guests on the floor to dance. Ending the evening with the classic Philly Sounds were Harold Melvin’s Bluenotes, which I consider the cherry on the cake. I am ready for a knife and fork to eat my way to music heaven. BRAVO! Well done Carlos Hutchins, one of Baltimore’s premier promoters who knows what he’s is doing.

Special guest icon Baltimore Colts #26, Lydell Mitchell will be at the Avenue Bakery, 2229 Pennsylvania Avenue at Baker Street Saturday, May 5, 4 p.m. for the “Baltimore African-American Sports Icons Mural Unveiling Annual Courtyard Jazz Event.” It is free and open to the public

Special guest icon Baltimore Colts #26, Lydell Mitchell will be at the Avenue Bakery, 2229 Pennsylvania Avenue at Baker Street Saturday, May 5, 4 p.m. for the “Baltimore African-American Sports Icons Mural Unveiling Annual Courtyard Jazz Event.” It is free and open to the public

Another thing, I want to talk to you about in reference to “rolling out a taste of history” is what the Avenue Bakery is doing. In celebration of Baltimore’s African American Sports Legacy of Excellence, The Avenue Bakery owner, James Hamlin along with his organization “The Royal Theater & Community Heritage Corporation,” located 2229 Pennsylvania Avenue is presenting and opening to the public, a free music series. Local musicians will be performing throughout the summer months with scheduled performances from 4-8 p.m. in the Courtyard the first Saturday of each month. On Saturday, May 5, special guest, icon Baltimore Colts (#26) Lydell Mitchell and Maryland Boxing Hall of Fame, Marvin McDowell will be there to host the unveiling, honoring Ed Reed and Baltimore’s sports legends. For more information, call 443-280-2702 and tell him “Rambling Rose” told you.

Before I run out of space, I just want you to know we have a few tickets left for the Baltimore Times “Bangin with the Boomers” Luncheon with your truly “Rambling Rose” and the Queen of Hand-dancing Shirley Duncan, who are your hostesses. I am looking forward to meeting you or seeing you again. It is a party for the “young at heart” and it will be held at the Promenade DanceSport Facility, 2605 Lord Baltimore Drive, Windsor Mill, Maryland, on Thursday, May 10th from 12 noon until 3 p.m. Your ticket will include a delicious open buffet lunch, live entertainment, DJ with oldies but goodies; hand-dancing, line-dancing; door prizes, vendors for your shopping pleasure and you can bring your own deck of cards and play Pinochle, Spades, Bid Whist, etc. Get out and enjoy life for one afternoon. Have some fun, laughter and good food.

Well, my dear friends, I am out of time and out of space. Remember if you need me, call me at 410-833-9474 or email me at rosapryro@aol.com. UNTIL THE NEXT TIME, I’M MUSICALLY

Schools Must Do Better to Prepare Students For a Freelance Future

Almost two-thirds of children currently in elementary school will end up in jobs that don’t exist yet. That’s why students need transferable, creative skills. Unfortunately, they’re not developing them at school. Hiring managers say current graduates lack critical thinking skills, aptitude with problem-solving and attention to detail. New workers are also short on communication and teamwork abilities.

Students can hone these skills when schools empower them to think like entrepreneurs— by using their knowledge to figure out solutions to real-life problems.

For example, instead of memorizing the names of U.S. presidents, students might pick one president and create a campaign poster, speech, or advertisement to learn how to communicate a key message.

Freelance learning environments teach students how to think critically, collaborate and communicate – the abilities that hiring managers say they’re missing. When college students have application-based experiences like long-term projects or internships, they’re more likely to be engaged at work upon graduation.

Entrepreneurship gives people freedom over their work, which also improves well-being. One study of 11,000 graduates from the Wharton School of Business found that those running their own businesses were happier than graduates in other jobs— no matter how much money they made.

Some schools have embraced entrepreneurial learning. For instance, at the Portfolio School in New York City, teachers give students interdisciplinary projects centered on a theme. One course focuses on how to make ice cream machines. In the process, students learn history by studying how ice became commercialized; science by seeing how states of matter change at different temperatures; and math by measuring ingredients to make their own batches of ice cream.

Other schools enlist outside programs to bring entrepreneurial thinking into the classroom. The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship partners with underserved schools in cities like Chicago, St. Louis, and Los Angeles to teach students how to build a virtual food truck business or create an app.

To teach students to be adaptable, schools must ensure that the environments in which they learn are adaptable, too— that they reflect the real world. One idea that’s taking hold is the “makerspace”— a studio-like classroom designed so kids can learn by doing. A makerspace may allow students to work with drills, three-dimensional printers, sewing kits, or even a soldering iron.

The product engineers at the company I lead, KI, constantly collaborate with architects and designers on research into how the furniture within a classroom can support entrepreneurial learning. In one case, our research team found that teachers were improvising makerspaces out of everything from storage bins to old couches. So our designers developed a collection of seating and work surfaces called Ruckus that’s reconfigurable, adaptable, and tailor-made for cutting-edge learning environments like makerspaces.

No matter where the future of work takes us, entrepreneurial skills will never be obsolete. That’s why they should be the foundation of what we teach our children.

Dick Resch is CEO of KI Furniture (www.ki.com). This op-ed first appeared in Fox News Opinion on www.FoxNews.com.