“It’s an unbelievable opportunity – a once in a lifetime thing,” Jackson told viewers. “I never dreamt that I’d get to go to China to sing in the World Choir Olympics.”

The competition, which takes place from July 10 through July 26 in Shaoxing, China, will include 400 choirs from 90 countries. Fort Wayne’s Voices of Unity Youth Choir is the first Indiana choir ever to be invited to the international competition.

“We received our confirmation from the Competition Board from Germany last week approving the music we will be singing for the competition,” White reports.

The Official Voices of Unity USA Choir Olympic Team will include 105 people: 62 singers;  six band members; 15 olympic workers; nine production members; six delegates and seven tour personnel. The total cost of the trip is approximately $400,000. Members of the choir, who range in age from seven to 18-years-old, have been hard at work raising money for months. From small gifts from individuals to corporate donations, the choir is honing in on its fundraising target.

“We are now focusing on raising the last $100,000 for the trip and in two weeks $26,000 of that came in,” White explains. “Please continue to encourage your friends, co-workers, employees, colleagues to reach into their hearts and lets help these young people bring home the gold.”

To contribute, visit DreamsofGold.Org

For details, call Bro. George Smith at (260) 489-0801 or William Walker at (260) 456-2006.

Clifford M. Clarke

Clarke is president of C2 IT Advisors, a strategic information technology advisory firm providing consulting services in the areas of strategic planning, project management, policy development, and broadband deployment. He is also Chief Information Officer for Public Technology Institute, Washington D.C., a technology organization created by and for cities and counties to identify opportunities for technology research, to share solutions, and to develop best practices addressing the technology management, governance, and policy issues that impact local government.

With campuses throughout Indiana, Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public post-secondary institution and the nation’s largest singly-accredited statewide community college system with more than 150,000 students enrolled annually.

Smith is the only minority union concrete contractor licensed and registered in Fort Wayne.  This puts him in a unique position to serve as a subcontractor for union contractors needing to fulfill the 10 percent to 15 percent minority participation clause in their construction contract, in addition to running jobs through his own superintendent’s and contractor’s license.

During Smith’s 26 years in the concrete business, he has acquired a vast array of experience while moving up the construction ladder.  He started out as a laborer in the field of residential concrete installation and after just two years was promoted to a foreman.  After 10 years in the industry, Smith became affiliated with the Laborer’s Union Local 213 and the Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ Union Local 692, making him a union contractor; and, for the past 16 years, he has worked as a concrete foreman for commercial contractors, including Michael Kinder & Sons in Fort Wayne, Bowen Engineering in Indianapolis, and Walsh Construction in Chicago.

All of this experience has provided Smith with a solid foundation (no pun intended) in the concrete industry.  In addition to concrete flatwork and basement foundations, he has constructed high-rise buildings, bridges and roads, as well as installing decorative concrete.  “There’s not much in concrete I don’t know, and my policy is to never settle for less when it comes to quality and taking care of my customers,” he says.  He points out that because he does it right the first time, he has never had to go back and fix any of the concrete he has installed.

Smith worked with Scot Goskowicz of the Northeast Indiana Small Business Development Center to get his business off the ground.  “Scot’s been great – he worked with me on with my business plan, ran financial projections and helped me get everything in place.”  The SBDC also provided him with confidence and encouragement.  “You’ve got everything going for you,” Goskowicz told him.  Smith plans to start his company out slowly, hiring subcontractors as needed, and eventually become a prime contractor once he gets the business built up.  “I have my trailer, work truck and tools and am ready to roll!” he says.

For more information on Smitty’s CRD Concrete Services, call (260) 602-4884 or send an e-mail to smitty7820@verizon.net.  To learn more about the services available through the Northeast Indiana SBDC, visit www.isbdc.org or call 260-481-0500.

Indiana Black Expo, Inc.

“Elizabeth is a wonderful addition to the IBE family,” said Tanya Bell, president & CEO. “She has the background and expertise to enable us to effectively communicate our message across the state and the nation, especially during our 40th anniversary. I am immensely excited about Elizabeth’s arrival, and I am confident she will bring value as we strive to enhance the quality of our programs and events, increase our membership base and deliver premium customer service to our partners and constituents.”

Hart’s professional background includes helping some of Indiana’s largest organizations communicate their key messages. Most recently, Hart worked as the director of marketing for the Indiana State Department of Health. She was responsible for marketing and promoting specific agency initiatives, such as the INShape Indiana Black &Minority Health Fair; oversaw special campaigns for the Divisions of HIV/STD and Immunizations; and served as the agency spokesperson during disease outbreaks.

“This is an exciting time to join this extraordinary organization,” said Hart. “As IBE celebrates its 40th anniversary, I look forward to continuing the great relationships it has already established as a pillar of this community.”

Prior to her tenure at the Indiana State Department of Health, Hart worked in the IU School of Medicine Office of Public and Media Relations and radio stations in both Indiana and Alabama. She is a member of the National Broadcasting Society, a member of Alpha Epsilon Rho Broadcasting Honor Society, a board member of the Indiana Minority AIDS Coalition, and a former board member of the Indianapolis Urban League Young Professionals.

Hart holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Alabama.

Comicbook writer and artist Sterling Clark and colorist Terry Huddleston will appear along with dozens of talented creators at Fort Wayne’s first-ever Summit City Comic Con on Saturday, May 22nd at downtown’s Grand Wayne Convention Center.

Clark, a Kokomo, Indiana-based talent, is the creator of Ntombinde: The Girl Who Loves Danger, a syndicated adventure strip which has been featured in INK since early 2009. During the show, Clark will greet fans and draw commissioned art pieces. The same is true of Ntombinde colorist Terry Huddleston, a northwest Indiana based artist who is currently working on the revival of fan-favorite comic book company Big Bang Comics.

Summit City Comic Con will feature vendors, local and regional retailers, publishers and some  80 participating artists representing a broad spectrum of the comics community: from mainstream to the very independently minded, from the fledgling creators to Eisner Award nominees and winners.

Convention hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission is $10.00 for adults and teens. Children 12 and under will be admitted free with a paid adult admission. For more details, visit http://www.summitcitycomiccon.com

Smiley, whose previous book, “Parole For the Soul: Poetry that Liberate the Mind and Frees the Soul,” drew rave reviews, talked to INK about the inspiration for his latest work and how he hopes it enlightens others.

INK: How would you describe the contents of the new book?

SMILEY: “Wisdom and Faith Lead to a Better Place” is a collection of poems, short stories, quotes, and essays about various aspects of life including politics, love, religion, and of course using Wisdom and having Faith.
I was inspired to publish this book in response to personal setbacks over the course of the last couple years. Using setbacks as motivation has allowed me to climb the corporate ladder and “Wisdom and Faith Lead to a Better Place” is symbolic of that climb.”

INK: What personal experiences inspired the book?

SMILEY: “My cousin Tanisha Washington and I were discussing possible titles for this book based on my desire to show the growth I have experienced since my first book “Parole for the Soul: Poetry that Liberates the Mind and Frees the Soul.” “Wisdom and Faith Lead to a Better Place” is the title upon which we agreed was catchy enough and held true to the essence of the book.”

INK: What do you hope to accomplish on the book tour? In other words, what impact do you hope the book as well as your personal appearances will have on audiences?

SMILEY: “It is my hope that the book tour creates a buzz that will allow me to go from ‘local’ author to an author with national prominence. I hope that people in the audience are entertained and edified. For example, I have a piece called “Maybe” that states that maybe we don’t need to purchase every state-of-the -art electronic device that hits the stores. By cutting down on what we purchase we can have more time with family and doing things that bring us joy instead of going to work.”

INK: What, if anything is different about you since your last book, Parole For the Soul?

SMILEY: “Since my first book I have really grown in how I view adversity in life. I understand better that my life has a calling that goes beyond personal comfort. “Wisdom and Faith Lead to a Better Place” has a plethora of essays and poems that speak to issues on a much broader scale than ‘woe is me.’”

INK: What advice do you offer to aspiring writers?

SMILEY: “I’d advise aspiring writers to keep aspiring and to keep writing. Eventually, if they are persistent enough their, breakthrough will come. Before getting published I received many rejections letters, but I knew one day I’d find the right publisher. During my time searching for a publisher I was able to complete several other manuscripts that will soon be published.”

WISDOM and faith lead to a better place by E. Scott Smiley
$ 29.95 • 356 pages • Available through PublishAmerica.com
Visit www.publishamerica.net/product89946.html

Located near the intersection of Bower and Hurd Streets, the new facility is transforming a former brownfield into a vibrant, green development. The state-of-the-art family wellness and recreation center has long been considered a vital addition to efforts to revitalize the former Hanna-Creighton Neighborhood, now know as Renaissance Pointe. The new YMCA is expected to be an enticing amenity complementing new home construction and rehab efforts in the neighborhood.

However, beyond its many impressive physical attributes, perhaps the most important impact of the new facility will be social. The Renaissance Pointe YMCA will build on more than 45-years of service to central Fort Wayne through the programs of the Old Fort and Southeast Family YMCA’s. Under the leadership of long-time director Brenda Robinson, the Old Fort YMCA developed a loyal following of children and youth who participated in a number of activities and after-school programs at that branch. Although both aging facilities will be replaced by the new branch, YMCA officials say the programs and services upon which the community has come to depend will continue stronger than ever.

“We wanted to keep the rich history of the Old Fort YMCA in serving the youth in that area as far as cultural programs  like dance, music and art,” says Marty Pastura, YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne President& CEO. “

Ebony Young will serve as director of the Renaissance Pointe YMCA. Young knows the area well having served as director of the Southeast YMCA and then adding the duties of running the Old Fort YMCA upon Brenda Robinson’s retirement.

“Ebony has a real passion to make sure that all kids get the guidance they need in orde to succeed,” Pastura remarked.

Young says she’s exciting about the opportunity to lead a brand new branch while building on the proud history of the central city YMCA’s at the same time. Despite the initial apprehensions of longtime members, Young says anticipation is building.

“YMCA patrons have grown to become very positive and excited,” Young says.

In many ways, the youth development and family wellness programs that have traditionally been mainstays of the two southeast Fort Wayne YMCA’s actually helped shape the physical design of the new branch. The building will have a teen center; an expanded Computer Learning Lab; a multi-purpose community meeting room; a drop-in child watch center; choral and music rooms; and an art room.

“We’ll now be able to expose youth to new opportunities in education, arts and wellness,” Young explains. “For example, the art room space can be used to create a YMCA arts academy for youth.”

These physical attributes of the new building will allow the YMCA to continue to enhance educational programs for children and adults. Programs including After School Care, Summer Day Camp, and Youth Sports will offer a safe, structured environment for youngsters, while amenities like the Computer Learning Lab will offer classes to people of all ages.

The Renaissance Pointe YMCA will also house a Family Resource Center providing information about and help facilitate access to available social services. The YMCA will offer links to transportation, financial aid, child care, job training and other services aimed at improving the quality of life of people living in the neighborhood.

“The neighborhood can hold us accountable to increase family support through actively engaged family mentoring and programs,” Young says.

Of course, the facility will also be a resource for wellness. The building will include a double gym; a dance/aerobics studio; a wellness center; locker rooms; family changing rooms; and a versatile warm water therapy pool equipped with sauna and whirlpool.

“The warm water therapy pool can be accessed for physical therapy for adults and seniors, as well as for swim lessons and recreation for kids,” says Young.

By the summer of 2011, the new YMCA will also feature an outdoor splash park.

Pastura expects a smooth transition of programs and staff from the two closing facilities to the new building. Despite the sluggish economy, fundraising is also going smoothly. With a goal of $6.5-million, the organization has secured $6.2-million in donations and continues with its capital campaign.

The new YMCA will also encourage individual and family support through paid memberships, however Young says the branch will continue to assist those who can’t afford the dues.

“We turn no one away for the inability to pay,” Young says.

Organized by Jayson Love, owner of Urban Expressions tattoo shop in Fort Wayne, the three-day festival attracted  a constant flow of thousands of visitors all weekend. Love issued an open call to tattoo shops and licensed tattoo artists near and far. Some of the best tattoo artists from around the midwest and across the country answered the invitation to display their work and do custom tattoos on-the-spot. However, Love’s vision for the festival went far beyond just body art.

“The conventions that I went to didn’t have the aspects of art that I thought were important,” says Love, who added music, stunt demonstrations and other activities to entertain people of all ages.

One surprising demonstration involved “hook suspensions.” For those unfamiliar with the term, hook suspensions are an exhibition of physical endurance. The eccentric folks from Atzlan Tattoo and Suspension Team precisely pierced the skin of a lucky volunteer with two stainless steel meat hooks through their backs. The “hookers” then attached ropes and chains to the hooks and hoisted the volunteer three-feet off the ground. It was amazing although somewhat sickening to watch as they spun and danced through the air.

Alongside the suspension act, BMX stunt cyclists thrilled audiences. All of this was accompanied by live music from heavy metal to hip hop from bands like  The Great Escape, New Definition, Andromeda and many others.

The 2010 Phunk-N-Ink Tattoo & Music Festival was an unqualified success and you could tell by the happiness of all in attendance. Look for this festival to keep getting bigger and better with every year to come.

An outstanding student and athlete (wrestling), Jarrell is majoring in Criminal Justice at Albany State University, a Historically Black College. Jarrell credits his participation in the local Black College Club, founded by Kevin Howell, as sparking his interest in attending an HBCU.

Jarrell will graduate in May 2011 and plans to go on to law school.