Interview with a Forwardian

On Wednesday September 30^th, members of the Sistah Chat Radio Show (which airs on 90.3 WESS FM of the East Stroudsburg University of PA) conducted an interview with a finalist of The Monroe County Image Awards (MCIA) in the Community Written Expression Category, Paul Adam Smeltz (aka Paparazzi Paul, Forwardian Dude, that's me, etc.). Members of the Sistah Chat Radio Show include Alicia LaRaine Middleton (aka Madame Raine), Deborah Cofer (aka Mama C), Sara Smith - Katz (aka Lady Sara), and Deaconess Daisy Perez (aka Mz. Daisy). While each of these individuals are more than capable of filling a room with an intense positive energy through their overwhelming presence, their collective approach to life enables their listeners to transcend the mediocrity of the world around them as a new perspective emerges from their soulful soliloquized sharings and the verbal exchanges they employ throughout the show.

As their guest for the week, I spent much of my time being silently in awe of my hostesses' as their words filled me and their audience with joy and inspiration. I was dazzled not only by their physical beauty but their spiritual attributes as well. So, when I was asked the first of several questions which was, “What turns you on?” I stumbled for an answer that would not seem too flirtatious. However, the question was rephrased to “What are you passionate about?” This made an answer relevant to the show's topic easier to come by.

The remainder of the hour added more queries about my approach to writing, photography, the arts, and life itself. The hour also included some questions directed toward the co-host of the show, Mz. Daisy, who is also a finalist for The Monroe County Image but as Woman of the Year. Her answers transcended the outstanding qualities of the questions. In addition to all this, the theme song of The Monroe County Image Awards (MCIA) as performed by Substance www.facebook.com/hforr was played. It was a wonderful experience being able to explore these and other topics during the hour I spent with these marvelous women. It was a lot of fun and I hope one day I'll be able to join the Sistahs again for another chat.

The Monroe County Image Awards (MCIA) was initiated to recognize and celebrate the many contributions of leaders who serve Monroe County, PA in an exemplary manner and for the selfless and tireless work they do to enhance the area and the lives of those who live in it. The 1^st Annual Monroe County, PA Image Awards Ceremony takes place Sunday November 15^th beginning at 2pm at The Kalahari Resorts in Pocono Manor, PA www.facebook.com/pages/Kalahari-Resorts/412649115580357. You can learn more about The Monroe County Image Awards (MCIA) by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/Monroe-County-Image-Awards-1664987550379966 or their Website at www.raineyrooproductions.com/imageawards.

The Sistah Chat Radio Show is presented every Wednesday on 90.3 WESS FM www.facebook.com/WESSradio which is a student run radio station that broadcasts out of The East Stroudsburg University of PA. The show has its origins in Deborah M. Cofer’s self-help book titled, “Sistah Power” which serves women and men who want to grow in positive ways in all areas of their lives. The program discusses a variety of topics focusing on those designed to educate, encourage, promote, and support women’s ability to live their lives with greater passion, purpose, power, and wisdom. Their next program will be broadcast on Wednesday October 7^th beginning at 6pm featuring Sharon Laverdure and Miriam Bouchekouk who are finalists of The Monroe County Image Awards. In addition to the broadcasts aired on 90.3 FM WESS, The Sistah Chat Radio Show can be accessed from the Internet from the station’s on line streaming services at www.tunein.com/radio/WESS-903-s28605. You can learn more about the show, how to listen to it, and all it has to offer by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/SistahChat90.3.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.