(Kiki's Corner by Kiki Angelos - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

If a person wants to be a true leader and try to achieve different tasks, goals and dreams in life it will take a lot of determination, hard work, long hours and dedication on your part. Even at all the things mentioned, sometimes things do not turn out the way we would like for them to or want.

Keep in mind that nothing comes easy and it is very challenging, taking extra effort to achieve and prove to yourself that you can do it.

Everyone does not believe the same way, which is fine, but I personally still have it in me to keep on pushing myself until I am able to meet the challenge of being a good leader.

Leadership is the capacity to translate visions into reality. If you are able to manage things then you will be able to lead people and be successful.

I always wanted to be involved in the business field because my father owned a lithograph and printing business in Greece and when I arrived in the USA my father-in-law owned and operated Angelos’s Confectionary and my husband and I owned the Olympic Deli, numerous rentals, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels and Great Steak Grill at the Grand Central Mall, plus we aided and helped our son in the two Chick fil A’s.

Being in charge and a boss is not always a bed of roses but rather a leader is a dealer in hope that all your work and efforts will lead to success.

An orchestra conductor must turn to the orchestra members and his back to the audience but still everyone knows that he is the leader of the orchestra.

A good leader trains others how to do things correctly and a good boss tries to hire talented and capable employees yet be available for advice when needed.

When you are involved in the business world you need to produce more leaders and not just more followers.

There are three different types of leaders :

1. An average leader raises the standards on themselves,

2. A good leader raises the standards for others.

3. A great leader inspires others to want to do better.

When in the position of a leader you become a friend to some but at the same time an enemy to others and therefore you must build trust and believe in yourself to teach and help others set a good example.

A good leader constantly should read and keep up with all the various developments taking place in their business.

Many want to be leaders but sadly not all do succeed — It takes a strong personality and dedication to face and deal with and communicate down the road to resolve all the issues.

Days to remember!!!

The Easter Parade is Saturday, April 12, at 2 p.m. in downtown Parkersburg. Applications can be picked up at both Chick fil A’s, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels at the Mall or on Facebook “2025 MOV Easter Parade.”

The Spring Easter Celebration and Egg Hunt will be Tuesday, April 8, at 6 p.m. on the Parkersburg High School front campus.

Till next week.

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BLACK BEAN SOUP

1 pound dried black beans

1 pound spicy stuffed sausage

3 large onions chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

3 green peppers, chopped

1 or 2 hot peppers, chopped

1/2 cup olive oil

3 bay leaves

Pinch basil

1 Tablespoon of wine vinegar

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Cooked rice

Wash beans thoroughly. Place in large pot and cover with cold water. Add sausage cut into 1-inch slices and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer. Saute vegetables in olive oil. Add to beans. Add bay leaves and basil. Cook until beans are tender. Remove 1 1/2 cups drained beans and place in blender with vinegar. Blend until it forms a paste. Add paste to soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over 1 teaspoon cooked rice. Prepared 2 days ahead. Freezes well. Serves 8-10.

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LENTIL BEAN SOUP

1 (1 pound) package lentil beans

1 teaspoon salt

1 large onion, finely chopped

1 green pepper, finely chopped

1/3 cup olive oil

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

4 pounds smoked sausage cut into bite-size rounds

Salt to taste

1/2 teaspoon Greek seasoning

Lemon – pepper seasoning to taste

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/2 cup chopped parsley

Lemon slices

Wash lentil beans thoroughly. Cover beans with water until water is 1 inch above beans add salt and simmer about one hour until beans are soft. Saute onion and green pepper in olive oil until soft. Add these vegetables and the garlic to soup. Brown sausage in skillet. Add water to cover bottom of skillet. Cover and cook 20 minutes on low heat. Add sausage to soup, add salt, Greek seasoning and lemon pepper seasoning. Continue simmering adding water if necessary. Soup will be very thick, continue to cook 45 minutes just before serving, add lemon juice. To serve, cover with chopped parsley and lemon slices. May be reheated or frozen. Serves 6-8.

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PAELLA SALAD

1 (7 ounce) package yellow rice cooked

2 tablespoons tarragon vinegar

1/3 cup oil

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon dry mustard

1/4 teaspoon Accent

2 cups diced cooked chicken

1 cup shelled boiled shrimp

1 large tomato, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

1/2 cup minced onion

1/3 cup thinly sliced celery

1 tablespoon chopped pimento

1 teaspoon salt

Mix rice, vinegar, oil, salt, mustard and Accent. Cool to room temperature. Add remaining ingredients. Toss lightly and chill. May be prepared the night before.