Ever wonder if being on Twitter is worth your time?  Ever wonder why anyone would want to tweet?

Stylist at Grassroots & Joy of Brilliance Coach

I’ve been on Twitter as @debsoul for almost a year now.  My first tweet was on New Year’s day, 2009.  I love it.  I’ve found friends so uniquely matched to my interests from all around the world.

One of the things I love the most about Twitter is the generous, giving nature of the Tweeps I meet.

On a recent Saturday I had the pleasure of meeting one fine tweep in person at the salon.  She happened to tweet that she needed a new ‘do.  I was already at the salon bringing forth the full beauty of another client when Mark (@kalalea), my dedicated hubby saw @hostageek’s tweet.  He wrote back to Jen and mentioned I had an opening if she was available a little later that day.

History in the Making

And that’s how we embarked on this history in the making!

@hostageek loved her hair…we gave her curly locks a fresh layered cut and added some spicy, warm chocolate haircolor for this wonderful fall moving into the holiday season.  Upon returning to school the next Monday (she’s a librarian) she was met with ooo’s and ahhh’s and some ‘oh, I wish I could do that too’…which led to  a conversation about getting a makeover from me.

You see, I was the original Monday Morning Makeover Queen on Fox11.  Some may remember that. 

Jennifer Twittered me to tell me of the excited buzz around the school and to ask if I was interested in doing a makeover for one of the teachers.

I emphatically replied, “Heck yeah!  Let’s make it some sort of fun contest that also makes a difference…”  And @hostageek ran with it!

Makeover Contest Makes a Difference

Librarians must be creative…at least this one is.  There are eight teachers who decided they wanted to compete to win the makeover.  Jen’s been documenting the entire process.  She came up with a groovy theme and decided that a penny drive was a fun, easy way for the students to get involved in just which teacher wins the makeover.  All the monies collected will go to Toys for Tots!

Each day the pennies (and some larger coins and even a couple bills!) continue to roll in.  The students excitedly add to the bottles and the teachers are eagerly awaiting the final tally on December 3.

One teacher openly talked of her devotion as a Bears fan last week…that led to more pennies in her jar.  Apparently being a Bears fan in Packer country can work in your favor if you’re the one who wants the makeover!

Just One Seed

I love what’s sprouted here.  Something FUN for everyone!  The students are enrolled in making a difference by giving their hard earned pennies to a good cause (Toys for Tots) while they work hard to get a makeover for their favorite teacher.

Thanks to Twitter, Jen and I met…and are now continuing to enJOY our connection while creating a new experience for a teacher friend and making a difference along the way!

@hostageek, you rock!  I’m looking forward to Makeover Day on Dec. 5th at Grassroots a Salon!!  Woo-Hoo!!!  Way to shine your Brilliance.

Take a look at today’s video sharing the up-to-the-minute Hair Raising Makeover progress:

Want to Participate?

If you’d like to donate pennies to one of these fine teachers to help them win the makeover, bring your pennies to the library at Butte Des Morts Elementary school before Dec. 3, 2009.

We’ll be documenting the makeover itself on Makeover Day, December 5, 2009 at Grassroots a Salon.  Stay tuned for a follow up post sharing the highlights!

If you’d like to learn more about me, here’s my BIO.  Do you have a makeover contest idea?  Let’s here it!  Email me at: debra[at]soulitude[dot]com

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Jennifer Broden, Development Specialist and Lisa Stage, Unit Coordinator

Tracey Drews and Lisa Stage

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  In honor of it, here is a story written by Sandy Kloehn, Grassroot’s Nail Technician:

I’m a nail technician, she’s a new client.  We sit across from one another.  She sits back to relax and I finish preparing.  We make small talk.  ”Are we polishing?”, “What Color?” “What length and shape do you like your nails?”.  As we sit for the next hour and a half those questions seem so unimportant compared to what she shares next.  My relationship with Trina Reynolds will never be the same.  It will grow to a friendship neither of us were expecting.  Here is Trina’s Story:

December 17, 2008

“I will not die from this.”  ”I am going to MD Anderson” (A cancer treatment center in TX).

These were my exact words upon hearing my former oncologist inform me that not only do I have breast cancer, but there also is a tumor on my liver.  As he spoke of “comfort care” in front of my brother and sister, all I could think about was how this was surreal:  I am only 46 years old.  I am the mother of Hillary and Nick.  I want to grow old and live happily ever after.  I want to become a grandma.  This cancer is not how I’m going to die.  Especially now when I feel I’ve just begun to live.  ”Do you hear me God?”  That was the beginning of my search of another opinion about how I might fight and win the battle against breast cancer.  I am one of the fortunate ones.  I have strength to fight this and I am blessed with family and friends who love and support me way beyond what I could have anticipated.  Because of them, I am determined to win this battle.  As I listened to the doctor’s pessimistic words, I knew I had to seek another opinion.

I was able to take on the financial burden to find a different approach for treatment, but what about the women who cannot afford the cost of travel for a second opinion?  There has to be some way to help women with cancer to receive a second or third opinion about treatment.

When you support the “Trina Fund” you are giving hope to women who want to make sure they are receiving the best possible treatment for their breast cancer.  Your contribution will assist with out-of-pocket expenses of travel for a second opinion.  You can help them win their fight against this disease. This is my vision for every woman who hears the same words I heard, “You have breast cancer.”

In an effort to help support the “Trina Fund”, Trina’s daughter, Hillary, and several other artists have composed a CD titled,
“Living Life Out of a Suitcase.”  You can obtain a copy of this CD at Grassroots for a $10 donation and help support Trina’s vision.

At this time Trina and her sister flew to MD Anderson where she underwent surgery to remove her right breast.  In addition to that, surgeons will also remove the tumor from her liver.  We will keep you updated on her progress.  We hold Trina in our thoughts and prayers..

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When I drove into the driveway I had to share this joy somehow.  I purposefully went and got my husband, who was half asleep on the couch, and asked him for his assistance in unloading my vehicle.  He asked me “What is all this stuff?”  I couldn’t wait to tell him the story.  To our surprise not only was the backseat filled but there was 4  additional plum-filled garbage bags of clothing inside of my trunk.  We hauled all of the bags to the basement to join the other 5 over-filled bags recieved from various clients and staff.

As I sit here and ponder the idea that I have been struggling with in regards to finding a organization to be a part of that strongly promotes the welfare of our community.  I think to myself “you silly goose”  you have always been a part of an organization, you are a part of Grassroots.  I am a part of a wonderful organization of stylists, manicurist, receptionist and clients who have  wonderfully supported and cooperated in efforts in building a stronger community for all humantity.  We may be small, but don’t doubt our capabilities…

In recognition of our clients’ support to the St. Elizabeth’s Children’s Behaivioral Health Unit, the staff at Grassroots is donating 20 free hair and nail services to the devoted staff who work there.  We still will be collecting clothing and cash donations for the month of September if you wish to participate.  The staff and I are looking forward to the actual day that we get to bring the donated items to the Unit.  Our hearts filled with love from our supportive clients and our  hands filled with over-stuffed garbage bags……

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Tracey, the owner of Grassroots, toured the facility to see how we could help support the needs of this program. In doing so, was impressed with the compassion and commitment the staff members had in regards to the care and needs of their patients.  It is an honor that our community houses a program that services may surrounding counties to help ” these children” of our future.  During the visit Tracey discovered that many of the children are brought to this facility with little or no clothing.  The children are supplied with clothing, when available and are able to take them home.  There is always a CLOTHING NEED.  For the months of July-September Grassroots will be collecting  new or gently used clothing (sweatpants, sweatshirts, pants, shirts sizes XS-XL) new socks and underwear (Girl and Boy age 5-16) and/or cash donations. This visit really tugged at Tracey’s heart strings as she left the parking lot that day filled with emotion and tears.  Being a mother of three, she tried to imagine how hard the challenge of having a child with mental illness could be and how comforting to know that there is hope, direction, and people out there who truly care.

We encourage you the next time you visit the salon to please bring in your donated items.  Summer is a great time to clean out your closet or attend a rummage sale galore, pick up a few inexpensive clothing items that would make a great contribution and bring a smile to a child in need.

Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others, cannot keep it from themselves.-James M. Barrie

For more information about services offered, call Affinity NurseDirect at 1-800-362-9900 or www.affinityhealth.org.

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Thank you for your generous donations for our silent auction at Just Desserts this year.  We greatly appreciate your kindness.  With your help we can continue to heal those affected by sexual abuse.

Sincerely,

The Staff at Reach Counseling, Inc.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. – Margaret Mead

This was a thank you card that we received from Reach Counseling.  Grassroots stylist, Shelly Hunt, is an active member of the Fund Development Committee and her client, Lynn Beyer is the executive director.  Shelly Hunt, Sarah Seymour, Sandy Kloehn and Tracey Drews donated products, services and other items for the silent auction at the Just Desserts Event.  

Grassroots agrees with Reach Counseling that, “Every person has the right to live their life free from the threat of sexual abuse and sexual violence.  Individuals and communities will live freely when we vigorously exercise these rights and responsibilities”. 

If you would like more information about services offered at Reach Counseling or  are interested in learning more about there volunteer opportunities, you can contact them at  (920) 722-8150 or www.reachcounseling.com.

Grassroots thanks Reach Counseling for allowing us to be a part of this event.

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On behalf of the St. John-Sacred Heart parish and school we would like to extend our most sincere appreciation for your support of Spring Fever Fest.  Thanks to you, this event was a tremendous success.  Over 300 people enjoyed our new theme showcasing a casino night.  In addition to the casino tables, there were over 120 silent auction items, festive raffles and incredible prizes.  Many guests commented on the quality of this event and expressed an  interest in attending again next year.

As a result of your support, nearly $17,000 was raised!  All proceeds will support St. John-Sacred Heart parish and school.  Thank you for your generous donation of salon services.

Like many other organizations, today’s tough economic conditions have made it difficult for St. John-Sacred Heart to meet the needs of the parishioners and school children.  We are richly blessed with never-ending support from local businesses, parishioners and school families.  We could not continue our long heritage without help from people like you.

We look forward to your continued support.

With Warmest regards and kindest blessings,

Spring Fever Fest Committee

Peg Braun, Kelley Weber, Nicole Clark, Liz Uhlenbrauck

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We would like to thank our Grassroots client for your donations towards our Giving of the Green Event.  We raised $240 that will go to the homeless shelter for needed supplies.

In addition, in honor of your support, the team of Grassroots each purchased a blanket and Sandy Kloehn, our Nail Technician and Receptionist went above and beyond the call of duty and also purchased pillows for everyone being housed at the shelter.  Thank you Sandy for organizing this event.  Your commitment to building a healthy community is appreciated by all of us at Grassroots. 

For more information on volunteering opportunities or donation go to www.foxvalleywarmingshelter.org.

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One of our valued clients, Therese Janssen,  with the enlisted help of countless volunteers has made helping the homeless her passion.  She may be soft spoken, and often found behind the scenes, but make no mistake Therese is driven to help those less fortunate.

We are humbled and grateful for the opportunity along with our Grassroots clients to help make a difference.

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Style is more than a quick fix — it’s rooted in who you are.  At Grassroots, our mission is to find the essence of your personal style.  The result?  Style that fits your nature, not short-term fads.  Style that works with your lifestyle.  Style that reflects the inner you.

Beauty, fashion and style are all rooted in a “full circle” wellness philosophy.  We use environmentally friendly products, surround you in an organic environment, and so much of what we do is focused on your inner self.  We are different because giving back to our clients and our community is intertwined in our business life.  We invite you to watch this website or visit our salon to find out where our latest community service could take you.  Some of our latest efforts have been to benefit the woman’s shelter, the food pantry and many others because we believe inner beauty starts with growing a healthy community.

Please use this website to learn about our salon services, products and team. Find out for yourself why Grassroots is different from the roots up.

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