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Want to become a Sponsor for the
Holla Back Excellence Awards?
 
We would like to offer your business a great opportunity to be a part of the 13th Annual Live taping of The Holla-Back Excellence Awards celebration, Doors will open up at 5:00 pm for our Hollywood style Red Carpet Pre-Party. The Awards ceremony begins at 6:00 pm Saturday October 6th 2018 at Wilbur Cross High School Auditorium 181 Mitchell Dr, New Haven Ct. 06511 
 
It would give us great pleasure to have your business as a sponsor of this event. For the past twelve years the Holla-Back Excellence Awards has grown from a small award ceremony for 125 people, to last year (2017) with over 725 people in attendance. Last year our featured artist was 11 time Grammy Award winner: Shirley Caesar, over the years, we had other award winning artist that performed like Byron Cage, Erica Campbell, Melvin Williams, Maurette Brown Clark and J.J. Hairston and Youthful Praise.
 
Since 2006 The Holla-Back Awards has recognize local and national people in the music industry, the community and civic leaders, we’ve giving out scholarships, and 
lifetime achievement awards. In the pass we have giving out awards to the former Superintendent of New Haven public schools Dr. Reginald Mayo, we also presented awards to local ministers, and pastors. We presented Channel 8 Action News Reporter Keith Kountz with a lifetime achievement awards. In 2017 we honored Connecticut Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro with a Lifetime Achievement Award. 
 
This year our featured performer will be 2018 Grammy award winner: CeCe Winans the awards show is hosted by Jerry Green and radio station 94.3 WYBC 
 
As a sponsor your business name will appear in our full color special awards edition magazine, with 2000 copy’s circulated in New Haven, Hamden, West Haven Bridgeport, Ansonia, Waterbury, Meriden, Middletown and Hartford. The magazine will be circulated for 6 weeks from August 20th 2018 until this years Excellence Awards Show, you will also get a 4X2 ft banner for the awards Red carpet and your business name will be mention as a sponsor on the red carpet and as a during the awards show. 
 
We look forward to the opportunity of having your company as a sponsor. The cost just ($500.00): We also have a premium sponsorship package that includes being part of our radio advertising campaign. 
 
Thank you for your time, I will contact you soon. 
 
Tony Pearson Awards Organizer (203) 671-5332
Holla-Back Entertainment Headquarters 316 Goffe Street New Haven Ct 06511
 

Pastor Smokie Norful spent the early portion of his life in Muskogee and  Tulsa, Oklahoma . He later moved to  Pine Bluff, Arkansas , where he attended Jack Robey Junior High and Pine Bluff High School. He is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff with a bachelor's degree in history. He also received formal training in ministry at  Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary  in Evanston, Illinois, and  Trinity Evangelical Divinity School  in Deerfield, Ill., where he studied to achieve a Master of Divinity.

He served as a history teacher for seven years at Jack Robey Junior High School, Pine Bluff High School (Pine Bluff, Ark.) and Evanston Township High School (Evanston, Ill.) respectively. Additionally Rev. Norful served for two years as the educational director for the Pine Bluff Housing Authority’s after-school program. Other notable vocational experiences include, but are not limited to, his service as a historian for the National Park Service and a congressional aid for the fourth congressional district. He formerly served on the board of Regents for Trinity International University.
He was ordained an elder and has been a licensed preacher since 1997. Rev. Norful served as youth pastor, minister of music, and associate minister of St. John AME church in Pine Bluff, under the leadership of Rev. W.R. Norful Sr., and Teresa Norful until relocating to Chicago. He also has served internationally as worship leader for the connectional youth department of the AME church. In addition, he has served as an educator and workshop conductor for the Christian Education department of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., and has been a well-sought clinician and keynote speaker for many organizations, ministries, and civic groups. He was recently inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame, along with many other notable people.

Currently, he serves as pastor of the Victory Cathedral Worship Center in Bolingbrook, Ill. On September 20, 2005, Pastor Smokie Norful officially launched Victory Cathedral Worship Center in Bolingbrook, Ill. Since its launch, Pastor Norful and the Victory family have experienced an extraordinary and unprecedented growth in the community. In addition, on September 28, 2008, Pastor Norful launched a second campus on the south side of Chicago. Since its launch, they have witnessed a similar dynamic growth and a phenomenal move of God.
He is an internationally renowned musician, music composer, and recording artist. His debut compact discs entitled I Need You Now and Smokie Norful Limited Edition have garnered favorable accolades and awards across the world, including the 2005 Grammy Award for Contemporary Soul Gospel Album of the Year for his release entitled, Nothing Without You; three Stellar awards; four Dove awards; three Gospel Music Excellence Awards; an  NAACP Image Award  nomination; a Soul Train award nomination; two nominations for the BET award for gospel music; two RIAA certified Gold selling compact discs; and countless others. Norful again got the Grammy nod in 2015 for best gospel song/performance for "No Greater Love." Pastor Norful has contributed as a writer to five platinum selling compilations, and has written for numerous major label gospel recordings. Billboard magazine named him the number one selling gospel music artist for 2003 and 2004. His notable performances include such events as the Trumpet Awards, Save Africa’s Children Event in Soweto, the BET Awards, the Stellar Awards, Soul Train, hosting and performing on the Dove Awards, the Parade of Stars, the Essence Music Festival, the New Orleans Jazz Festival and numerous other notable festivals, events, concert halls, and tours. He has also had the honor of performing for President  George W. Bush  in the White House in celebration of Black Music Month.

How to be successful in your ministry.


The most successful people that fulfill there ministry is those that is committed with the never give up mentality.
it's a mental toughness that only comes with renewing your mind through the word of God and casting down every imagination
that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.

I am committed, dedicated and loyal to my ministry and that is radio broadcasting, television and great entertainment that God has blessed me with that requires hard work
and lots of studying your craft.

To be successful in this world requires hard work with a focus and determination that can take you to the next level with greatness. The word says your gift will make room for you and bring you in the presence of great people. So trust in God and remember we walk by faith and not by sight and with God all things are possible. Be successful and a winner.

Taking Care of God’s Business
 
Scripture: St. Matthew 26: 39
“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
 
               Some of us have been through disappointments, Heartaches, Pains and griefs. But in and through all that we have had to go through we found that God has always been there for us. He have always been the one and only constant Friend without a shadow of a doubt. He will stick with us when others will leave us.
Many of our friends and Loved ones who had promised us that they would be there for us, was no where to be found when we needed them.
People of God, when we have a promise from God, a friend like no other friend, JESUS,  our Lord who says that he would be with us even until the end of the world, we can surely believe, trust and take Him at His Word for His promises are true.
Jesus our Savior, Jesus our Lord gave his life for all who would believe in him. Jesus the only begotten son of God, Jesus The true and living God. Died for all of us.
 Jesus was in anguish over what was ahead of him, which was Calvary Cross. Jesus was not rebelling against his Father’s will, 
In Matthew 26:39, when he asked that the cup of suffering and separation be taken away. In fact, he reaffirmed his desire to do God’s will by saying, “Yet not as I will, but as you will.” His prayer reveals to us his terrible suffering His agony was worse than death because he paid for all of our sins by being separated from God. The sinless Son of God took our sins upon himself to save us from suffering and separation. In times of suffering people sometime wish they understand the reason for their anguish. But Jesus knew the reason . Even so that this struggle was intense- more wrenching than any struggle we will ever have to face. We must trust God whole heartily that he have our well-being at heart and he have the best plan for our lives, even when we are going through pain and suffering. In spite of what you are up against remember that God is Still Able to Give you Peace in the midst of your storm and he will give you complete peace in everything else that you may be going through. Trust God for he have the Best Plan for your life. Taking care of God’s Business and doing all that he have instructed you to do will take prayer and obedience to follow him each and every step of the way. Pray that God’s will be done in your life and follow His Instructions. When you take care of God’s business, He will surely take care of yours.
God’s continued Blessing,
 
Pastor Dr. Arlene E. Henry, Th.D.
NOW FAITH MINISTRIES CHURCH
552 Winthrop Ave 1Flr.
New Haven, Connecticut 06511
Phone #  203-745-5333
 

Born and raised out of New haven, CT, Tremaine Barr has not only witnessed the struggle of poverty, he has lived it. Resorting to his sense of humor and talent for boxing he was able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. After his mother's death and his added responsibilities as a husband and father of two, he grew closer to Christ. Allowing these circumstances to be the push he needed to graduate from Albertus Magnus College with an undergraduate degree in Business Management. It has been a spiritual roller coaster, however, his deep desire to please Christ by utilizing his new found gift as a gospel artist, he has grew his faith. Using the name Tranzpar3nt, he believes his experiences illustrated in his music will reach the hearts and souls of those living in darkness. 


NATIONAL FOOT HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
April is National Foot Health Awareness Month. Just about everything you do during the day involves being on your feet. Keeping your feet, ankles, and lower legs healthy is the key to preventing unwanted pain and suffering, especially if you are diabetic. This is the perfect time to get your feet back in shape.
Basic Foot Care/Hygiene
  1.  Wash your feet: Good foot hygiene starts with washing the feet each day. ABC News reports that the soles of our feet are among the most germ-infested parts of the body. In fact, the heel alone hosts 80 different types of fungi!
  2. Moisturize: This helps to prevent cracks that may allow bacteria and fungi to gain access to the rest of your body and cause an infection.  Keep your feet moisturized, but be sure not to put lotions or creams in between your toes.
  3. Look at your feet daily: Check for cracks, blisters, dryness, wounds, bruises, inflammation, ingrown nails, rashes, or pain. See a podiatrist at the first sign of trouble!
  4. Wear the right shoes: Over time, tendons stretch out and fat pads thin, causing the foot size to change. Shoes that are too tight can lead to painful bunions, neuromas, or blisters.
  5. Consider orthotics: Custom orthoses fitted by a podiatrist can alleviate a lot of aches and pains.

Although April is National Foot Health Awareness Month, caring for your feet is a year round task. To help you care for your feet 365 days a year, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today.

JG : Tell us about Dave McClure. How long have you been singing Gospel music?
DM : I’ve been singing gospel music for about 18 years. 

 
JG : How did you get your start and tell us how you transition into a professional Gospel Singer?
DM : Believe it or not I was doing secular background first for artist like John Legend, Mario, Mary J Blige, and Carl Thomas. As far as Gospel, I have been around the circuit due to friends and family. One of my fond moments was singing with Doobie Powell. He started a group and asked me to be one of his lead singers. From there I was a member of TFT where Bishop JC is the Pastor. JJ Hairston was also a member and husband to Trina Hairston (Bishops Daughter). Shawn Brown, and JJ asked me to do some spot dates with YP. A year or two later, JJ asked me to be apart of his tour and lead a few songs, and the rest is history. 

 
JG : Your latest single "It’s Yours" is doing very well. Is it doing what you expected? 
DM : I am beyond honored for the great response I am getting from the single. You have one expectation but you never know until it goes live! I’m excited and encouraged.

 
JG : Do you write most of your songs?
DM : I am a co writer on some of my songs and my producers (Clarence Singleton, and Eric Davis) have written and produced them all. 


JG : How can you tell by listening to your music you have a hit song?
DM : I can always tell how my Spirit/gut responds to the song. It gets into my spirit, mind, and emotions.

 
JG : What is your biggest accomplishment as a recording artist or moment you are most proud of?
DM : One of my most fondest moments is singing at Bishop TD Jakes Church, and the encouraging words from him and Deon Sanders. 

 
JG : How is it singing with JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise and winning Six Stellar Awards?
DM : It’s surreal! I’m beyond excited to be apart of a ministry that continues to soar! 

JG : What would you tell another artist from CT to expect in this gospel music industry?
DM : Continue to push for your purpose! Have a goal, and build a team that will push you even when you want to quit!


JG : Any engagements coming up for Dave McClure anytime soon?
DM : Yes, I have dates all over! DC, FL, NJ, and NY.


JG : Tell us about your new single “ It’s Yours “
DM : This single deals with the promises of God and learning to Faith again, Hope again, and Live again! After losing my brother to a homicide, I had to find hope beyond a broken place. 


JG : Finally, what is in store for Dave McClure for the remainder of this year?
DM : I’m working on a Performance Video in June and will release a full EP later this Fall. 
 
JG : Are you the Minister of Music at your Father’s church?
DM : I am actually one of the Senior leaders at New Life Worship Center (Dad's Church). This role enables me to be an Administrator over all Auxiliaries including the Music Ministry.!