by Kathryn Zarczynski

OVER THE YEARS Selma Jackson has worn many hats: an officer at Chemical bank in Community Affairs, founder of 4W-Circle of Art and Enterprise, a business incubator, recent winner of a Charles Revson Fellowship to Columbia University last fall, and most recently a volunteer member of the SDOP (Self Development of People), a grant-giving arm of the Presbyterian USA National Church.

In the winter of 2007 when she closed the 4W business, Selma said, "what's next?" If not work, what area over the course of her active and full life called out to her to continue her efforts? Her continuing major social concerns are women's issues, economic parity and health.

In 1977, working for the Community Affairs department of the bank she worked in Bed Sty, Ft Greene, and Bushwick right after the blackout that devastated the city. She scouted the streets looking for business to assist during the crisis. What could recreate the gratification of that first job?

by Suzanne McCaffrey

Heidi BotnickFEELING A BIT OUT OF SORTS and you can't put your finger on exactly why? Have your friends recently been introducing you as Mr. Crabby Apple or Ms. Prickly Pear? Has your yin lost its yang? Acupuncture might just cure what ails you! And lucky you, the "doctor" is in... I ducked into Heidi Botnick Licensed Acupuncturist's 218 Dekalb Avenue office one bright mid-April afternoon, excited to learn more about her practice, the benefits of this treatment, and to experience acupuncture firsthand.

If you have any reservations about the insertion of hair-thin needles through your skin, to various depths placed at strategic points on your body (no, not me!) the minute you walk three steps down into the space Heidi rents from Chiropractor Dr. Danielle Gardiner any anxieties dissolve on the spot. The calming stream of music quietly playing from her iPod and Heidi's gentle, welcoming demeanor puts you immediately at ease.

by Selma Jackson

IT NO LONGER MATTERS what your income bracket is, the price of food has escalated so significantly that everyone is looking for ways to reduce costs: changing eating habits; finding alternative food sources and even starting food programs.

There are two new programs and one existing program that are right in our midst; all we need do is register to participate.