LYNNCHERYL M. GADSON | One on One Center director finds purpose, value in giving to others

What do you like most about working in community development in Youngstown and Warren?
What I like best about it is that it is an opportunity to see some things happen in the community, especially in an area where there has not been a lot of significant things done as far as models of different types of initiatives and programs. You have the opportunity to do things that you have seen done elsewhere that have made a difference.
What is the greatest challenge for Youngstown and Warren?
The greatest challenge is having a cohesive framework of people who are motivated and inspired to move our Valley forward.
When you are not working, where do you go and what do you do to get away from everything?
One of the things I do is I escape in the arts. I do things associated with the arts, fine and performing arts. That is kind of a break or relief for me. I also like to do some adventurous things like go to hot air balloon festivals.
What is the last arts related thing you've done?
Well, I went to Birmingham and visited a bunch of museums just in the last month. The month before that I went to the symphony.
What types of music do you like to listen to?
I like to listen to contemporary gospel, meditation music, and I like to listen to jazz and classical music.
Who are some of your favorite musical performers?
Well I'll have to give you a couple, Damaris Carbaugh, Babby Mason and Oleta Adams.
What do you most like to read?
I like to read mostly ancient African history. I also like to read things associated with holistic nutrition and holistic health issues.
Are you a TV or movie person at all?
TV, yes. I watch several news programs; that is basically what I like about TV. Movie person, no not that much.
What is your favorite type of food?
Asian.
Do you have a favorite restaurant?
Yes, Korean Village in New Hampshire. I have a few favorite restaurants in my travels, but to highlight one here I would have to say Alberini's.
Do you have any particular religious philosophies?
I am actually a seeker of truth, which really crosses a lot of different boundaries in my exploration of religion. I am a Christian, but as you see I like to read ancient African history, and when you start to read things other than what you are given to read in life you start to uncover other truths for yourself about history and religion, so I do believe that there are different avenues in seeking God. I believe that there are a lot of different forms that we have in getting and communing with God or the creator.
What would you say is your biggest pet peeve?
People operating at a level of mediocrity -- not seeking a higher level. That is a pet peeve of mine because I don't see people trying to move to higher levels, or not identifying obstacles and setting up barriers for themselves. That is a pet peeve.
What would be the ideal vacation for you?
That would have to be spending some time in Africa, Brazil, Haiti and probably Spain. Those would be dream vacations, but I would like to spend some time in the Gulla region of South Carolina.
It seems like more than anything you like to travel. Would that be a fair assumption?
Yes, I don't have the opportunity to go as much as I would like to, but having had a taste of it I have the desire to continue to do that. When you do that there is so much more diversity you add to your life, and you get to see things with a different flavor, different environment. People are predisposed in different ways than when they stay locked up in just your own little area.
How were you introduced to the holistic lifestyle?
Mine isn't one that just happened in the last 10 years when people got into herbs. I am third generation in my family of people that have been into living naturally, herbs, holistic nutrition and natural health. So as time has gone by and our society promoted it even more, there is a lot more material and knowledge available.
What is most important to you in life?
The most important thing is discovering inner self and finding what it is you have been given a gift to do, developing that and letting family influences and finances to influence what that is. Have the courage to develop yourself in a way that you know you are going to do what you desire to do, enjoy doing and that you have peace in, but if that all happens, you find a place in your heart to give to others.
Who has most influenced your life?
My mother, MaryAnne Franklin, and I would say my grandmother and a college friend.