Business Journal 174

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

Entrepreneur | Business | Education and Career | Finance | Legal | Real Estate | Technology | Insurance

February 2022

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Inspire, Inform & Educate

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174th Edition

Join us in

Celebrating Black History Month

Keith “MR. D-MARS” Davis, Sr. 17-24

INSIDE

HARRIS COUNTY POLITICAL REPORT

12 Dianne Curvey Candidate for the 280th Judicial District Court

02 Senator Borris L. Miles For Texas State Senator

2022 PRIMARY ELECTION

HISTORIC BLACK GIRL MAGIC JUDGES Proven Judicial Experience High Judicial Standards

Al Green

Sheila Jackson Lee

Beto O’Rourke

Mike Collier

U.S. Representative, District 9

U.S. Representative, District 18

Govenor

Lieutenant Govenor

Carol Alvarado

Borris L. Miles

John Whitmire

Alma A. Allen

Jarvis D. Johnson

State Senator, District 6

Shannon B. Baldwin

State Senator, District 13

State Senator, District 15

State Representative, District 131

State Representative, District 139

HC Criminal Court at Law No. 4

Senfronia Thompson

Harold V. Dutton, Jr.

Shawn Nicole Thierry

Danielle Keys Bess

Genesis E. Draper

State Representative, District 146

Dedra Davis

State Representative, District 142

State Representative, District 147

Kyle Carter

State Representative, District 141

Justice, 14th Court of Appeals District, Place 2

HC 270th Civil District Court

HC Criminal Court at Law No. 12

Gemayel L. Haynes

Katherine “Kat” Thomas

Andrea Beall

S. “Dolli” Dollinger

Kimberly “Kim” McTorry

District Judge, 184th Judicial District

District Judge, 185th Judicial District

Linda M. Dunson

Toria J. Finch

District Judge, 183rd Judicial District

Excellent Judicial Temperament

Ronnisha K. Bowman HC Criminal Court at Law No. 2

Endorsements

Harris County

Inaugural Endorsement Announcements

District Judge, 189th Judicial District

District Judge, 208th Judicial District

04

Samuel “Sam” Milledge II

Chris Morton

Hilary Unger

Melissa Marie Morris

District Judge, 228th Judicial District

District Judge, 230th Judicial District

District Judge, 248th Judicial District

District Judge, 263rd Judicial District

40

Damiane “Dianne” Curvey Clinton “Chip” Wells

Glenda Duru

Leah Shapiro

Family District Judge, 280th Judicial District

Family District Judge, 312th Judicial District

Family District Judge, 313th Judicial District

Family District Judge, 315th Judicial District

Porsha Brown

David Fleischer

Kelly Andrews

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 3

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 5

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 6

Andrew A. Wright Judge, County Criminal Court No. 7

Veronica Monique Nelson District Judge, 482nd Judicial District

HC 309th Family District Court

Lori Chambers Gray HC 262nd Criminal District Court

Theldon Branch State Board of Education David M. Patronella Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. 4

35

Angela L. GravesHarrington

HC 246th Family District Court

Judge Kyle Carter Democrat For 14th Court of Appeals

Tonya Jones

Audrie Lawton-Evans

HC Criminal Court at Law No. 15

HC Civil Court at Law No. 1

Erika Ramirez

Michelle Moore

Latosha Lewis Payne

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 8

HC 314th Juvenile District Court

HC 55th Civil District Court

BWGH-PAC proudly endorses candidates based on: Qualifications

HC Criminal Court at Law No. 9

Campaign/Electoral Viability

11 Judge Robert Johnson Democrat for the Court of Criminal Appeals Place 6

2 | February 2022

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PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

MR. D-MARS CERTIFIED:

HMSDC

d-mars.com is proud to continue our partnership with the community, publishing positive content and success stories promoting the advancement of our African American businesses and civic and community leaders.

Happy Black History Month! President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Though February is the month recognizing our central role in U.S. history, let’s not forget to celebrate our history throughout the year.

Where some people say don’t live in the past, our history cannot and should not be forgotten, as that is what drives us to succeed, continuing to walk the road set before us. When I look at the achievements of African-Americans today, it is undeniable that we would not be here today without those from the past sacrificing and standing strong on principles. They fought so

Port of Houston

BEHIND THE JOURNAL

“Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.”

— Dr. Mae Jemison, first African-American female astronaut

METRO

City of Houston

04 BUSINESS 04 What Every Small Business Owner Should Know Today

CHIEF OF STAFF & MANAGING EDITOR Kimberly Floyd

08 COMMUNITY 06 The Breakfast Klub Makes Yelp’s List 06 COMMENTARY: 2022 Will Be a Great Year for Blacks and People of Color in America 08 Critical Race Theory and the Banning of Black Authors in Schools, Libraries, and Prison

ASSISTANT SALES REPRESENTATIVE Tiffany Brown OPERATIONS COORDINATOR Bria Casteel

EDUCATION & CAREER 10 McDonald’s® USA and Media Entrepreneur Roland S. Martin Launch Scholarship To Help HBCU Students on the Path to Graduation 30 Howard University Professor Says Americans Are Quitting ‘Bad Jobs’

PHOTOGRAPHY Grady Carter L.C. Poullard

13-16, 20-28 HEALTH & WELLNESS 14 3 Ways To Set Yourself up for Success This Year 15 4 Ways To Improve Sleep in the Face of Daily Stresses and Work-life Demands 16 How Forgiveness Strengthens Your Relationship 26 Study Reveals The Major Contributors To The $300 Billion Cost Of Smoking

DISTRIBUTION Mike Jones

17-24 AS WE CELEBRATE OUR 10TH ANNUAL TOP 50 BLACK PROFESSIONALS & ENTREPRENEURS AWARD CEREMONY

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Marla Lewis Stacy M. Brown d-mars.com

31 FINANCE 31 Use Your Tax Refund To Save on Car Shopping 32 6 Smart Ways

ART DIRECTOR Angel Rosa

HISD

CONTENTS

PUBLISHER & CEO Keith J. Davis, Sr.

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla

that we could reap the rewards. Without them, we would not have access to higher education, business ownership, and other benefits.

This month’s journal is special, highlighting this year’s d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs who are individuals making an exemplary difference in their professions, proving you can grab ahold of everything that is purposed for you. This event goes beyond just celebrating a degree and title, but acknowledging the history that has been made and will continue to be made. This d-mars.com event is most necessary as a long-standing tradition for Black History Month, celebrating African Americans in our community making their mark in Houston and beyond.

So, how are you going to make history? Seeing this year’s honorees, hopefully you will be inspired to leave a legacy that will encourage, drive, and pave the way for the next generation to do the same.

As always, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com, progressing our publication’s efforts to highlight the communities in which we serve, live, and work. Partnering together, we succeed in making positive things happen.

HUB

VBE

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OUR SERVICES ADVERTISING | MARKETING MEDIA | COMMUNICATION • Business Journal • Health & Wellness Journal • Community Weekley Report • Black Pages Online Business Directory • Top 50 Black Health, Medical & Wellness Professionals • Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs • Top 30 Influential Women of Houston • Top 25 Prime & Subcontractors for Diversity • Business Connection • Business Development • Business Consulting • Graphic Design • Photography • Printing • Web Design • Online & Email Marketing • Public Relations • Social Media • Advertising • Writing • Promotional Marketing

34 REAL ESTATE 34 Is It Too Late To Reduce Your Mortgage Payment by Refinancing?

36 Think Green Before Spending Your Green 37 IT & TECHNOLOGY 37 Gaming Connects American Military Members With Loved Ones

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4 | February 2022 BUSINESS

What Every Small Business Owner Should Know Today

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior

G

iven how much has changed about the way people do business over the last few years, experts say it may be time for entrepreneurs to rethink how they store and protect company data, and collaborate with their teams.

According to Brian Mallari, a marketing director in Western Digital’s hard drive business unit, a shared storage or network attached storage (NAS) solution can help, and here’s why: • Cost: As every owner of a small- or mid-sized business (SMB) knows, cutting costs without cutting corners is key to protecting the bottom line. While cloud storage fees can incur ongoing costs, adopting a NAS solution is a great way to pay once while keeping sensitive data local to the office or home.

• Capacity: Before selecting a storage solution, consider your needs. From wedding photographers to graphic designers, many businesses need a storage solution that can grow over time. Popular NAS storage drives for small and medium businesses, such as the WD Red family of products from Western Digital, range in capacity from 1 terabyte (TB) to 18TBs, making them a good solution for those who work with large amounts of data.

• A shifting workplace: With hybrid and remote workplaces becoming the norm for businesses of all sizes, this has added new challenges for business owners and their staff wishing to easily collaborate, edit files and work with shared files and databases.

With a NAS storage system, all users’ PCs and laptops can be assigned permission to access the storage solution, giving them the ability to load files and data wirelessly or via connected ports.

What’s more, such a system can help protect your team’s work and data against loss from a network outage or potential cyberattacks, as remote/home data can be backed up to the storage device itself at the office. Because NAS solutions use several hard drives, they can provide protection of data via redundancy, also referred to as RAID. In other words, should one drive fail, the data lives on.

• Getting set up: Getting set up with a SMB NAS storage system is easy.

The solutions are available at consumer electronics stores and online, and you can choose from a NAS system that includes from two to 24 slots or “bays” for hard drives to make sure all your data is covered. Most NAS solutions, especially two- and four-bay solutions, can simply plug into an internet router via Ethernet.

To learn more about NAS-ready data storage options, visit westerndigital.com.

“In today’s world, small- and mid-sized businesses need both reliable, affordable data storage solutions, as well as tools that allow for collaboration among workers near and far,” says Mallari. “Rethinking how data is stored can help entrepreneurs achieve both these goals.”

Source: StatePoint

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6 | February 2022 COMMUNITY

The Breakfast Klub Makes Yelp’s List By d-mars.com News Provider

A

favorite for foodies known around Houston and nationally, The Breakfast Klub is one of the highest-ranked Black-owned restaurants on Yelp and has been included on Yelp's "Ones to Watch" list, just in time for Black History Month. The Breakfast Klub celebrates its 20-year anniversary this year, and during a time when restaurants close as quickly as they open, owner Marcus Davis continues to implement sage wisdom and experience for sustainability and success in business.

The spirit and entrepreneurial mastermind behind The Breakfast Klub and Reggae Hut Café, Davis is best known for his charismatic personality, authentic customer appreciation, and his tireless commitment to the communities he serves.

Applying “kommunity” as his guiding principle in his business and personal life, he has created one of the most phenomenal restaurant success stories in the country. The koncept for The Breakfast Klub was born after Davis, a native Houstonian, recognized a void in the market for a unique breakfast restaurant serving signature items in a soulful, relaxed community environment. He chose two of his favorite dishes from opposite ends of the country – “Katfish & Grits” from the East Coast and “Wings & Waffles” from the West Coast, and the rest is history.

Since opening in September of 2001, The Breakfast Klub has become a top tourist attraction, as well as the local favorite breakfast spot, lining up droves of cheerful patrons on a daily basis. It consistently receives rave reviews, including recognition as the best breakfast in the country by “Good Morning America,” USA Today, Esquire Magazine, and Forbes Magazine. Locally, The Breakfast Klub is touted by the Houston Press as the

2011 Readers Choice for best breakfast, winner of the 2011 My Table Culinary Award for favorite breakfast, and Best Of Citysearch 2011 winner in the breakfast category.

About the Yelp designation, Marcus says:

"The people have spoken, and they have spoken for over two decades. This acknowledgement shows a continued interest of the community in empowering us as we empower the community. We are very grateful for this recognition."

According to Yelp: To determine the list of Black-owned businesses to watch, our data science team started by identifying businesses that have self-identified with the Blackowned attribute on Yelp in food, beauty, or home categories. From the candidate businesses in each category, we limited the list to three businesses per state and narrowed it down by weighing a variety of factors, including national online presence, average rating, and review counts. Businesses featured are listed alphabetically.

For the complete list, visit this link.

Visit The Breakfast Klub at www.thebreakfastklub.com.

COMMUNITY

COMMENTARY: 2022 Will Be a Great Year for Blacks and People of Color in America

By Roger Caldwell NNPA Newswire Contributor

W

ith the election of President Biden and Vice President Harris, they have quickly delivered for the American people, while helping our country recover from a pandemic, and an economic crisis. It is very easy for the Republicans to talk about what the Biden team has done wrong, but with the passing of the American Rescue Plan, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, their first year in office has been extremely successful.

These two pieces of legislation will rebuild the economy and put money in the pockets of hard-working American families. Many businesses received stipends from the government, and many Americans were able to keep their businesses in the black and afloat. The American Rescue Plan was passed in March 2021, and it provided stimulus aid for families, state, local areas, and Tribal nations.

Many have forgotten the $1,400 stimulus check every family got for each family member and the expanded tax credit for each child. President Biden and the Democrats delivered big for America, but

everyone has appeared to have forgotten, especially the Republicans.

The economy under President Biden is doing extremely well, and the Democrats must blow their horn loud and clear.

“Today, America is the only leading economy in the world where household incomes and the economy as a whole are stronger than they were before the pandemic, even accounting for price increases,” says President Biden.

When Americans look at the president’s cabinet there is a diversity of people of color, which is an accurate representation of the country. This is the first reason that in 2022 Blacks and people of color will operate and grow successfully: because the economic track record is the strongest in 50 years.

When leadership reflects people of color,

America is in a better place for opportunity and progressive ideas for Black people. Whether you’re looking forward to them, or dreading them, the midterm elections will take place in November 2022.

There will be more Blacks and people of color running for office than ever before in the history of America, and there will be more millions in circulation than ever before.

In Florida, Val Deming’s campaign will raise over $60 million dollars and other races of color will raise between 10 to 50 million dollars. The opportunity for Black public relations companies, campaign jobs, the Black Media, will be tremendous, with an opportunity to make millions of dollars.

In entertainment Black companies will be given more opportunities to grow their companies and make millions of dollars in 2022. Black professional sports figures, which are making millions of dollars already, will start investing their money with other Black sports and entertainment millionaires and build major corporations, which will operate nationally and

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internationally.

As Blacks in America build major corporations, they will start to invest their money in Africa –The motherland. 2022 will be an exceptional year for Blacks and Africans on many different levels, and the opportunities will expand and grow exponentially.

Buying Black in 2022 will become a grassroots campaign for Blacks in America, and the fight for social, racial, and economic equity will bring Black organizations and communities together.

Young Black college students will take leadership roles in political campaigns and will create change.

2022 will be a transformational year for Blacks and people of color, and we will create a new order with the national protection of voting rights, and labor reforms. Vice President Harris, as the first woman and the first woman of color in that office, will create new political power, and empower workers to take collective action in the workplace.

Finally, the Black Family will come together, because we are only as great as the Black family is together. So now pick up the phone, resolve family issues, and remember to Love…

Source: (NNPA)

February 2022 | 7

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8 | February 2022 COMMUNITY

Critical Race Theory

and the Banning of Black Authors in Schools, Libraries, and Prison

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior

C

eleste Headlee paused as she contemplated how Black authors have for decades endured the banning of their books in schools, libraries, on shelves across the country, and even in prisons.

In the summer of 2020 and the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd, a major publishing house turned down the opportunity to obtain Headlee’s book “Speaking of Race: Why Everybody Needs to Talk About Racism – and How to Do It.” The reason?

“They said they had enough books on race and that this topic is covered for us,” Headlee recounted. “It was very surprising since we were offering it in the summer of 2020.”

Headlee, who co-hosts the Retro Report on PBS and is affectionately known as the “light-skinned Black Jew,” ultimately sold her book to Harper Collins Publishing, who published it in 2021.

She counts among dozens of Black authors whose works are being pulled from school libraries under the pretext that they’re teaching critical race theory.

As noted in a recent report, most of the books targeted don’t teach critical race theory but are written by and about people of color.

A c c ord i n g to t he American Library Association, its Office for

Intellectual Freedom reported that 273 books were affected by censorship attempts in 2020, many with content highlighting race, gender, and sexuality.

Since September 2021, at least 230 challenges have been made against Black-authored books.

Tiffany D. Jackson, the author of the 2018 novel “Monday’s Not Coming,” about missing girls of color, remains in the throes of a similar controversy.

Yahoo! News Writer Tat Bellamy-Walker reported that during a school board meeting in Loudoun County, Virginia, parents demanded that officials ban Jackson’s work for “sexual content.” In an email to Bellamy-Walker, Jackson, a Black woman, said the book discusses friendship, dyslexia, community, healing, and mentions sex, though it’s not acted.

Further, celebrated Black children’s author and illustrator Jerry Craft told NBC News that he received a message saying a school library in Texas pulled some of his books.

“I was caught off guard,” stated Craft, the Newbery Medal-winning author of the 2019 graphic novel “New Kid.” “I felt bad for the kids because I know how much they love ‘New Kid’ and ‘Class Act.’ I know what my school visits do. … I felt bad if there were going to be some kids that would not be able to take advantage of that.”

NBC reported that the individual who sent the message to Craft hailed from Katy, Texas, a town near Houston that’s come under fire for attempts to limit the public’s access to books that teach about racism.

In October, the Katy Independent School District made headlines for temporarily yanking two of Craft’s books, which tell the stories of Black boys who experience racism in schools, from school libraries and postponing his virtual visit.

“Apparently, I’m teaching critical race theory,” Craft wrote in response to a parent confused about the ban, citing the decades-old academic and legal framework that teaches about racism in America.

T h e banning of works

by Black authors extends to American prisons.

Andy Chan and Michelle Dillon, who serve on the board of the nonprofit organization Books to Prisoners, said the need for educational and self-empowering materials in prisons remains vast.

In an op-ed, they contended that prisons routinely impede access for arbitrary and biased reasons despite the need.

The duo pointed out that it’s a practice long overdue for public examination.

“A recent rejection from South Central Correctional Facility (SCCF) in Clifton, Tenn., epitomizes this issue.

In late December, SCCF returned a package of rejected books to Books to Prisoners,” the pair summarized.

“Inside were three books we had sent to an incarcerated reader and a note scrawled by a prison guard reading simply: ‘Malcolm X not allowed.’ The offending book, ‘Malcolm X: By Any Means Necessary,’ is a Scholastic biography intended for grades 7-12,” Chan and Dillon asserted.

“Prison censorship is still shocking to us, even after years of work with Books to Prisoners, but it rarely surprises us now.”

Headlee noted that even the late Pulitzer Prize-winning author Maya Angelou endured censorship.

“For quite some time, Maya Angelou was called the most banned author in America,” Headlee recalled.

“Her book, ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,’ was banned several times. She is an author who won the Pulitzer Prize and an Emmy. But there was one case in which they claimed her book caused bitterness and hatred toward white people. So, here we are again. It has happened again and again. You can’t get through a decade in the United States without seeing books by Black authors banned.”

She said her book could offer some assistance.

“It’s meant to diffuse some of the apprehension that people feel about talking about race without getting into an argument,” Headlee said.

“And maybe make a little progress.”

Source: National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)

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10 | February 2022 EDUCATION & CAREER

McDonald’s® USA and Media Entrepreneur

Roland S. Martin Launch Scholarship To Help HBCU Students on the Path to Graduation • Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident with a valid permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551

By d-mars.com News Provider

M

cDonald’s USA and Roland S. Martin, a lifetime member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., are awarding more than $100,000 in scholarships to rising juniors and seniors attending Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs). The effort, in honor of the fraternity’s 115 years of scholarship and Black excellence, is to help address the often-insurmountable financial challenges faced by HBCU students attempting to fund a four-year college education.

Data shows that on average, scholarships and grants only cover 25% of the total cost of college per year and often scholarships for HBCU students are centered on transitioning them from high school to college. For upperclassmen, the rising costs of tuition and growing loan debt paired with the limited scholarship funds offered for this group can make it financially difficult to graduate.

“HBCUs and their students are vital to the fabric of our nation and I will always champion for their success,” said Roland S. Martin. “I’ve witnessed first-hand the financial struggle that impacts Black college students, especially those in their final semesters. So, I’m pleased to partner with McDonald’s and TMCF to celebrate my beloved fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, and provide a resource that will help Black students graduate.”

With the help of Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), seven rising juniors and seniors will be awarded $15,000 scholarships for the 2022-2023 academic year. In alignment with Alpha Phi Alpha’s century-long commitment to scholarship, McDonald’s continues its longstanding support of community, education and feeding and fostering community with this scholarship, which is additive to its

existing Black & Positively Golden Scholarship program that awarded $500,000 to HBCU students last year.

“We know the outstanding work being done at HBCUs, which is why our team is devoted to using our scale and resources to expand educational opportunities for Black students,” said Reginald J. Miller, Vice President and Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at McDonald’s. “Our hope is that this scholarship effort helps build and support the pipeline of diverse talent that will go on to be changemakers in our society for decades to come.”

Applications are now available on the Thurgood Marshall College Fund website at TMCF.org. Award winners will be announced prior to the start of the Fall 2022 semester.

Students interested in applying must meet the following eligibility requirements: • Be 18 years or older • Be enrolled as a junior or senior at a TMCF member institution and private HBCUs in Fall 2022 • Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.7 or higher • Submit a brief essay on how they demonstrate Black excellence and leadership within their campus community

In addition to the scholarship funds, recipients will also have the unique opportunity to engage one-on-one with McDonald’s executives currently working in their respective fields of study. This real-world learning opportunity will provide additional benefit to students as they plan for the next step into their professional careers.

“For more than two decades, we’ve worked with McDonald’s to provide critical resources to students when they need it most. Matriculating through college can be tough, and funds to support navigating that journey is a crucial part of ensuring graduation is attainable,” said Dr. Harry L. Williams, President and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. “And we’re excited to extend our partnership with this scholarship to offer even more funds to HBCU students next year.”

This scholarship is just one of the many ways that McDonald’s continues to support its commitment to the Black community, building on brand initiatives that provide skills training, mentorship and education resources to support people who are building a path forward and achieving their goals. Since 2020, through strategic initiatives like the partnership with TMCF, the company and its owner/ operators have awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to deserving HBCU students who are positioned to be the next generation of transformational leaders across business, STEM, politics, law, the arts, and a multitude of other careers.

For more information on the scholarship or to apply, visit www.TMCF.org. For more information on McDonald’s commitment to uplifting the communities it serves, visit www.blackandpositivelygolden.com and @wearegolden.

Source: National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)

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HEALTH & WELLNESS JOURNAL

BIOTECH | BUSINESS | CAREER | EDUCATION | HEALTHY LIFESTYLES | MEDICAL | MENTAL HEALTH | POLICY | RESEARCH | SPORTS MEDICINE

February 2022

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Inspire, Inform & Educate

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28th Edition

How

FORGIVENESS Strengthens Your Relationship

16

INSIDE

14

3 Ways To Set Yourself up for Success This Year

18

4 Ways To Improve Sleep in the Face of Daily Stresses and Work-life Demands Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

17

Study Reveals the Major Contributors to the $300 Billion Cost of Smoking

14 | February 2022 HEALTH

3 Ways

To Set Yourself up for Success This Year By d-mars.com

and Eggland's Best eggs.

News Provider

Chickenvegetable vegetablebowl bowl Chicken

M

aybe you want to travel, read more books, learn a new skill or take up a new hobby.

Whatever resolutions you set, it's important to create life-long habits to support your goals and overall wellness.

Not sure where to start? Registered dietitian Dalina Soto has three simple tips to set yourself up for success this year.

1.1.Prioritize Prioritizeself-care self-care You don't have to be sitting in a bubble bath to practice self-care. It's all about finding moments to relax, refresh and enjoy the things you love. If you're an early bird, try taking your morning coffee outdoors or make a cozy spot in your home to write, meditate or read.

If you're more of a night owl, carve out time before bed to recharge and reset.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure it's something that rejuvenates you so you can tackle the rest of the day as your best self.

Prep time: 25 minutes; Cook time: 25 minutes; Makes 4 servings Ingredients Chicken 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or tenders 1/4 cup olive oil 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika Rice and peppers 4 Eggland's Best Hard-Cooked Peeled Eggs, sliced 1 1/2 cups brown rice 3 cups chicken broth 2 peppers, sliced in strips 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced

Getmoving moving 2.2.Get Instead of making a resolution to go to the gym three times a week, think about how you can incorporate physical activity into your daily life through smaller steps that are easier to keep up with. Maybe every hour, you get up and take a walk around the office or do a few stretches at your desk. Perhaps you'll start your day with a 10-minute yoga session or invite your friends to go on a lunch walk. All these movements add up and will help improve your mood, promote better sleep and even give you more energy to accomplish your other goals.

3.3.Fuel Fuelup upon onwholesome nutrition wholesome nutrition Getting enough key nutrients at every meal is essential to your physical and mental health. When you're properly fueled, you can better concentrate on your goals and how to achieve them.

Instead of starting the new year with a restrictive diet, think of ways you can add wholesome, nutritious ingredients to your recipes.

"It's important to give your body the best fuel possible, and there are many foods that are likely already in your diet that can provide what your body needs," says Soto. "Eggland's Best eggs, for example, contain superior nutrition such as six times more vitamin D, more than double the Omega-3s, 10 times more vitamin E and 25% less saturated fat compared to ordinary eggs, making them the perfect ingredient to add to any of your go-to recipes in the new year."

Are you looking for a delicious recipe to help fuel your body throughout the day? Check out this recipe that packs a nutritious and filling punch with chicken

Salt and pepper

Instructions Instructions 1. In large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, onion powder, pepper and smoked paprika. Add chicken and toss well. Cover and place in fridge.

2. Add chicken broth to medium-size pot, bring to boil, then add the rice. Stir and place lid on pot and turn heat down to low. Allow rice to cook until all the water is gone and rice is no longer hard, about 30 minutes.

3. While rice is cooking, heat two skillets to medium-high heat.

4. Place peppers in zip-top bag and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Seal and shake well to coat.

5. In skillet, sauté chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, flipping a couple of times until cooked through.

6. While chicken is cooking, cook peppers for about 5 minutes, flipping once or twice in another skillet.

7. Remove everything and let cool for 5 minutes. Once cool, dice chicken into cubes.

8. To assemble, divide rice among four bowls. Top each with equal amounts of chicken, pepper and Eggland's Best HardCooked Peeled Eggs slices.

9. Garnish with shredded cheese and enjoy!

Source: BPT

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February 2022 | 15 HEALTH

4 Ways To Improve Sleep

in the Face of Daily Stresses and Work-life Demands By d-mars.com News Provider

D

o you get enough sleep each night? Do your loved ones? Or are you a "short sleeper," someone who routinely sleeps less than seven hours per 24-hour period - something known as short sleep duration.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society both recommend that adults aged 18 to 60 sleep at least seven hours each night to promote optimal health and well-being. Increasingly, researchers are finding that poor sleep quality and duration is associated with a slew of negative health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, stroke and Alzheimer's.

Most U.S. adults (88%) understand quality sleep is critically important to overall health, but a third of Americans (33%) regularly sleep less than the recommended minimum seven hours per night, and 44% do not have a serious sleep routine, according to a consumer survey by Tranquility weighted blanket brand. In the same survey, general stress and anxiety was the top barrier to getting good sleep.

blanket, and cutting off eating and drinking several hours before your established bedtime.

2) Incorporate small, realistic changes, like adjusting your immediate environment with cooler nighttime temperatures, new bedding or limiting evening screen time, versus more drastic changes that may be hard to maintain, like making a career change or cutting out coffee cold turkey. Giving up caffeine drinks can improve sleep, but less than two in 10 (19%) adults said they would be willing to try this tactic, whereas about a third would be willing to change bedding or adjust screen time habits.

3) Tie your new routine to existing habits.

Behavioral scientists say we are more successful adopting new healthy habits when they are tethered to existing ones. If you watch TV or read to unwind before bed, adding

a weighted blanket that elicits a calming sensation through the application of deep touch pressure can compound the relaxing effect. If you work out in the evenings, adding a few minutes of gentle yoga, breathwork or meditation to the end of your session can help prep your mind and body for sleep.

4) Give yourself time to settle into your new routine. There will be days where family, social or work obligations disrupt your new pattern, and cutting off screen time or eating and drinking well in advance of bedtime is an impossibility. This is where a meditation routine or weighted blanket can come in handy, helping to quickly quiet a busy mind or body close to bedtime.

Eventually, you'll be reaping the health benefits of consistent, quality sleep.

So, So,how howcan canyou youimprove improvesleep sleepininthe theface faceofof daily dailystresses stressesand andwork-life work-lifedemands? demands?

1) Establish a sleep routine including wind-down rituals and a consistent bedtime, even on weekends.

Wind-down rituals could include bathing at night, turning down lights, setting your devices to nighttime mode or Do Not Disturb, relaxing with a weighted

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Source: BPT

16 | February 2022 HEALTH

How

FORGIVENESS

Strengthens Your Relationship Tami V. Allen, MS, LPC Contributing Writer

M

“I forgive you.”

any individuals think forgiveness is saying, But forgiveness is the choice or decision to let go of resentment and the need to seek vengeance against people who hurt you, whether they deserve it or not. However, it does not mean you forget or approve of the action against you or let go of your boundaries and be taken for granted. Before forgiveness can be extended, it must be communicated and understood how the offense has hurt you with suggestions for how to prevent the hurt in the future.

While some minor offenses against you can be forgiven and it’s easy to move forward, some are forgiven but not forgotten and may be unrecoverable. Some of the major hurts that are difficult for relationships to recover from are infidelity, abuse, and broken trust.

The following outcomes are a result of choosing to forgive in your relationship.

1. As we already know, forgiveness releases us from the weight of the burden that eventually leads to resentment. Forgiveness must be extended to move forward and maintain harmony in your relationship. Resentment leads to anger, and anger affects your attitude and behavior toward your partner. This creates the hamster wheel effect of blame which can lead to the downfall of the relationship.

2. Forgiveness can strengthen love and vulnerability in your relationship. Your partner has the potential to hurt you most, because they are the closest to you and know your hot buttons.

Forgiveness humbles us and is a decision to sacrificially love your spouse despite their faults. It is important to remember that we are not perfect just as much as our partner is imperfect, and grace must be extended if you want it back. The key is to identify your deal breakers, and decide that all other acts are forgivable when the forgiveness is not taken for granted and the action continues.

3. Forgiveness increases longevity and improves relational satisfaction and is a tool used in conflict resolution. Partners often claim they are each other's “best friend,” but when you think about your relationship with your friends, do you forgive your partner as easily and quickly as you do your friends, or do you keep a tab of his or her wrongdoings?

Forgiving demonstrates love in godly ways. Remember that forgiveness is a process without a predictable amount of time to get there. All actions can be forgivable but not always forgettable or have the ability to move forward in the relationship. You have to communicate boundaries in your relationship for what is acceptable and unacceptable. Choosing to forgive starts with giving yourself grace, time, and space to move through the process. Having the support of your partner, who hurt you, can decrease the recovery time.

My goal as a therapist is to work with individuals and couples to help bridge the gaps in your interpersonal development that subsequently affects your relationships.

For more information about me and my services, please visit my website at www.AllenCounselingGroup.com. You can also reach me by email at Tami@ AllenCounselingGroup.com or by phone at 713-597-4499.

713.597.4499 877.214.5758

theallencg@gmail.com www.allencounselinggroup.com

President, Lead Therapist and Mediator at Allen Counseling Group, PLLC. Licensed Professional Counselor approved by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Licensed Professional Counselors.

Texas Certified Mediator - Parenting agreements and relationship dissolution.

“As your relationship coach, I will work with you to identify unhealthy communication patterns, recover from affairs, stop living like roomates, and revitalize your relationship.”

Specializing in Relationship and Self-Improvement counseling for an exclusive clientele of: - professionals - entrepreneurs - celebrities - athletes Desire Full Confidentiality while working through personal challenges.

No worries about sitting in an office wondering who may “see you” because we offer Tele-Conferencing from the location of your convenience. speciali in working with couples, While I specialize I also work with individuals who want to improve their self-esteem and achieve their personal goals.

I have appointments available in the evenings and on Saturdays to fit your schedule.

Specializes in cosmetic dentistry with porcelain veneers, whitening and coming soon Botox and lip llers. www.sdshouston.com

Dr. Mikenah Joyy and Dr. Simone Ellis

Tami Vienn Allen is the owner of Allen Counseling Group and specializes in relationship counseling.

Like and follow the Allen Counseling Group on social media: FB: @AllenCounseling2017 IG: @AllenCounselingGroup Twitter: @CounselingAllen

Smile Design Studios, Family and Cosmetic Dentistry 9303 Hwy 6, Suite 300 Missouri City TX 77459

281-969-7388

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26 | February 2022 HEALTH

Study Reveals the Major Contributors to the

$300 Billion Cost of Smoking

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior

W

ith more than 34 million tobacco users in the United States, the estimated financial cost of smoking over a lifetime has reached above $2.3 million per smoker.

According to a new report from the Washington, D.C.-based financial planning website WalletHub, the average out-of-pocket cost per smoker stands at $133,911 over a lifetime.

An analysis revealed that smokers in the District of Columbia would pay the highest cost, $197,801, two times higher than in Missouri, where smokers will pay the lowest price at $96,535.

Further, each smoker will incur an average of $545,166 in income loss over a lifetime. In the District of Columbia, those who smoke will lose the highest amount, $746,669, or 1.9 times higher than in Mississippi, where smokers will yield the lowest amount at $389,500.

Experts said each smoker would incur an average of $177,599 in smoking-related healthcare costs over a lifetime. Smokers in Massachusetts will pay the highest amount, $316,377, which is 2.6 times

higher than in Arkansas, where smokers will pay the lowest amount at $120,430.

Further, WalletHub’s latest report quotes the American Lung Association, which stated that tobacco use accounts for nearly 500,000 deaths in the U.S. each year and ranks as the leading cause of lung cancer.

Those who smoke also may have an increased risk of severe symptoms from COVID-19. In addition, even those around tobacco smokers aren’t safe from its harmf u l ef fec t s.

Since 1964, smok i n g-re lated illnesses have claimed over 20 million lives in the U.S., 2.5 million of which belonged to nonsmokers who developed diseases merely from secondhand smoke exposure.

However, the report revealed that the economic and societal costs are just as huge. Every year, smoking costs the U.S.

more than $300 billion, including medical care and lost productivity. Unfortunately, some people will have to pay more depending on the state in which they live.

“Evidenced-based strategies, including the combination of FDA-approved medications like nicotinereplacement therapy and nicotinefree medications and behavioral support, increase the chances of successfully quitting,”

stated Dr. Mary Rezk-Hanna, a WalletHub expert and assistant professor at the School of Nursing at the University of California, Los Angeles.

“Setting a quit date and sharing it with

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friends and loved ones for support increases the likelihood of quitting success. As far as the method, both quitting abruptly or gradually, by reducing smoking slowly until the quit date and then quitting, produce comparable cessation rates,” Dr. Rezk-Hanna remarked.

Dr. Steven A. Schroeder, the director of the Smoking Cessation Leadership Center and a professor of health and health care at the University of California, San Francisco, said most smokers want to quit.

“But it often takes multiple attempts before quitting is achieved, often up to 20 or more,” Dr. Schroeder insisted.

“But the good news is that there are now more ex-smokers than current smokers. In addition, the odds of quitting are increased if the smoker gets counseling combined with smoking cessation medications such as nicotine replacement therapy and varenicline. Unassisted quitting – or cold turkey – is less helpful and living with someone who smokes is also a handicap,” he concluded.

View the full report at www.wallethub.com.

Source: National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)

February 2022 | 27

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30 | February 2022 EDUCATION & CAREER

Howard University

Professor Says Americans Are Quitting ‘Bad Jobs’

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior

I

t’s official, America has entered the Great Resignation.

In August, 4.3 million Americans quit their jobs, and the quit rate, measured by the government against total employment, rose to 2.9 percent in August.

But that was August.

According to the Labor Department’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, November quits hit close to historic highs.

The number of workers jumped to 4.5 million above the prior record of 4.4 million reached in September. When broken down, 3 percent of workers voluntarily left their positions, a figure that matched September’s record high.

Further, employers posted 10.6 million job openings, down from a near-record 11 million the previous month and just below July’s all-time high. Openings have now topped 10 million for six straight months.

Economists said the decline was fueled by a drop of 261,000 openings in restaurants and hotels, leaving a whopping 1.5 available jobs for each unemployed person, the most on record dating back two decades.

After years in the restaurant industry, Colette Graack told CBS News that she left her duties in the food prep line in June 2021 in exchange for a more profound role as mom.

“I just couldn’t handle keeping on that pressure when my son needed me more,” Graack said.

Her son has autism and needs constant care, a job she will soon take as she trains to be his personal care assistant.

Graack told the network the leap proved difficult.

“Especially financially because I’m a single mom.

Thankfully I had savings at the time that we could ride that out,” she said.

R e p o r t e d l y, m a n y Americans left the workforce recently and shared Graack’s concerns.

Despite millions quitting, millions more found new jobs. So where are they going? Often, it’s a different industry altogether.

“This notion that if you leave one industry,

going to a new one requires, you know, a degree or a bunch of training, it might not be the case,” said Steve Grove, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, told CBS. “The reality is today; whether it’s the state, whether it’s a college, whether it’s your future employer, there is a ton of support and free training available to make that shift.”

William Spriggs, a professor in Howard University’s Economics Department and an economist for AFL-CIO,

cautioned that the government’s job numbers shouldn’t frighten anyone.

During an appearance on the NNPA’s Let It Be Known live breaking news program, Professor Spriggs said it’s dubious calling this the “Great Resignation” or the “Great Quit.”

“The problem of job matching was going to be a problem once we, the United States, showed a policy of separation as opposed to retention to make it through the virus,” Professor Spriggs remarked. “All other industrial countries held employees in place,” he said.

He asserted that “what took place in Europe, Australia, and Canada were schemes where the government paid employers to keep employees connected to their jobs through the pandemic.”

Professor Spriggs said the U.S. took a different route.

He said the federal government placed workers on unemployment, separating them from their jobs with no reconnection plans.

“For instance, in a place like New Jersey where you have perhaps the best unemployment insurance system, you also have better job matches,” Professor Spriggs stated. “You didn’t see the quit rate rise when we had the supplement to unemployment because you could choose jobs. Now, we force people to take a job so you will get a mismatch as you’ve seen in the accommodations sector.”

Professor Spriggs continued: “They’re not letting people go, but they’re still draining people of hours and still paying lower wages.

With the shift in demand taking place and a record number of online shopping and getting tested at much higher rates, the shift in demand to other sectors is happening because workers no longer have to put up with bad jobs. It’s really bad jobs where the quit rate is up.”

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Source: National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)

February 2022 | 31 FINANCE

Use Your Tax Refund To Save on Car Shopping By d-mars.com News Provider

L

ike many other people, you probably have taxes on your mind right now. Figuring out if you have a tax refund coming your way can be an exciting time. But tax season doesn’t have to be all about crunching numbers and filling out forms.

“If you’re in the market for a newer vehicle, tax season can be the perfect time to treat yourself to that upgrade,” says James Wright, vice president of company stores at Byrider, the nation’s largest used car and finance network of dealerships.

Wright’s offering a quick rundown of the reasons why tax season is the best season for searching for the right vehicle for you.

Putting your tax refund towards a down payment means a lower total cost: The best reason why you should upgrade your car is the extra cash you get from your refund. According to the IRS, 77% of all 2020 tax returns ended up with refunds, so the odds are in your favor that Uncle Sam will hand you a check and you’ll have more money in your pocket. That means you’ll have more money to spend on a down payment for a car.

The higher your down payment, the lower your monthly payments, saving you money in the long run. This is especially true for places that allow you to customize your payment plan, such as Byrider, and you can even use your anticipated tax refund to make a deal before you have the check in hand.

Tax season dealership events and sales: Car dealerships know that tax refunds mean that people have more money to spend, and will often have special tax season sales to further entice buyers into signing up for a payment plan.

Many will even help you file your taxes. For example, many Byrider locations host Tax Event sales that file taxes and advance customers’ refunds. Take advantage of promotions like these to stretch your tax return even more. To learn more, visit byrider.com.

The extra money in your pocket, the need for dealerships to move inventory, and great tax event promotions at d e a le rships all combine to make tax time the best t i me to shop for a car, stresses Wright.

of money in the bank. That higher down payment can save you some serious cash on a car payment plan in the long run, making you glad you made the most of your refund this tax season,” says Wright.

“If you’ve been putting off upgrading to a ‘new’ used car because it seems out of your budget, this tax season just might change that, even if you don’t have a perfect credit history or tons

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Source: StatePoint

32 | February 2022

6

Smart Ways FINANCE

To Save Money for Your Kids By d-mars.com News Provider

W

hile there are many ways to set your kids up for a successful future, money in the bank is one of the most powerful financial tools you can pass along. Every dollar you save or invest can help your child create a productive and stable foundation for many years to come.

When it comes to saving for your kids, the sooner the better. Building up funds now can ensure kids will have less to worry about as they get older and can open up more financial opportunities.

To help you get started, consider these several ways to save wisely for your kids.

1. Open a college savings account If higher education is in your child's future, consider a 529 savings plan. This is a tax-advantaged investment plan that can be opened as soon as your child is born.

The money grows tax free and can be withdrawn without taxes. There are two types of 529 plans: prepaid tuition and education savings. Prepaid tuition plans can purchase credits at a participating university and lock in current tuition costs. An education savings plan is an investment account where funds are designated for qualified college expenses. Be sure to consult a tax advisor to assist with your specific circumstances as this is only intended to provide general information.

2.

Invest in a home Purchasing a home can be one of the most secure and highest-return investments you can make for your children, especially in today's housing market. A home can be passed down through generations or sold when the value has increased.

If you're looking to invest in a home for your children, consider manufactured housing. Manufactured homes attached to a permanent foundation appreciate at an average rate of 3.4%, while traditional homes appreciate at an average rate of 3.8%. So, while manufactured homes may not appreciate at the exact same rate, they're pretty close! Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance can help you finance manufactured housing with their newly improved loan process, which allows you to apply online and track your progress digitally. Vanderbilt's Home Loan Guide offers more ideas on how to budget and prepare for buying a home.

3. Use Roth IRA contributions If you have a Roth IRA account, you can use some of the funds to pay for qualifying education expenses. If your account is at least five years old, you can withdraw up to your original contribution amount. Be sure to consult a tax advisor to assist with your specific circumstances.

4. Allow kids to use debit cards Consider teaching your kids money management skills early on by allowing them to use a debit card co-owned by you. If you have teenagers who earn an income, this is a great tool for learning how to deposit checks, set aside money for savings and more.

5. Open a high-yield savings account A high-yield savings account can be a great place to stash birthday and holiday gift money over the years and watch it continue to grow. This type of account can typically be co-owned and managed by parents until your child is responsible enough to manage it on their own.

6. Set aside money in a trust fund Putting money for your kids in a trust doesn't have the same tax benefits as a 529 plan, but it does pose some important benefits. Trust accounts allow you as parents to create exact rules around how you want the funds disbursed to your children. For example, you can give the money in a series of installments or request that it be used only toward tuition.

Whether you're thinking about your child's education or simply want to set aside funds for when they reach a certain age, plan ahead and consider these tips and options for reaching your goals.

Source: BPT Paid Content by Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc.

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February 2022 | 33

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34 | February 2022 REAL ESTATE

Is It Too Late To Reduce Your Mortgage Payment by Refinancing?

By d-mars.com News Provider

E

xperts say that with mortgage rates beginning to rise, refinancing your home now might be your last best chance to lower your monthly mortgage payment, as rates remain near all-time lows.

Those who refinanced early in 2021 have already reaped the benefits. Borrowers who refinanced their 30-year fixed rate mortgage into another 30-year fixed rate mortgage during the first half of 2021 saved over $2,800 in mortgage payments on principal and interest annually, according to a recent Freddie Mac research report.

But mortgage rates are rising. Indeed, in October 2021, the 30-year fixedrate mortgage, which is the most common type

of mortgage, rose to its highest point since April, surpassing 3.0%. Freddie Mac forecasts that mortgage rates will continue to rise, averaging 3.5% for the 30-year fixed in 2022. That’s up from an average of 3.0% in 2021.

• So is it time to refinance your home loan? To help you make an informed decision, Freddie Mac is offering answers to commonly asked questions about the refinancing process: • What does refinancing mean?

When you refinance your mortgage, you’re applying for a new mortgage to replace your current one, which will result in a new rate, term and monthly payment. The most common type of refinance is a no cash-out refinance, in which you’re refinancing the remaining balance on your mortgage.

• When should I consider refinancing? Generally speaking, refinances make the most financial sense when

average interest rates are at least half a percentage point lower than the interest rate on your current mortgage. Another reason to consider refinancing is if your financial situation has improved, allowing you to secure a loan with a shorter term and own your home sooner. Finally, if you currently have an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) and it’s adjusting upward, you may wish to convert to a fixed-rate mortgage that provides you with the security of consistent payments.

• Is refinancing free? Although refinancing your mortgage could save you money both in the long- and shortterm, it isn’t free. For the most part, refinancing costs are similar to what you paid when you purchased your home, including a loan origination fee.

There are required services involved, such as appraisals, and state and local fees that can vary significantly based on where you live. The average cost to refinance is almost $5,000, so you should carefully consider how long you plan to stay in your home to ensure the savings to outweigh the costs.

• Who should handle my

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refinance? You don’t have to use your current lender to refinance your loan.

In fact, it’s in your best interest to shop around and compare multiple lenders’ loan estimates in search of the best terms and cost. It may take more time, but even a difference as small as onequarter of a percentage point can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your home loan. The good news? Rates are often negotiable. In other words, you can ask lenders to match the rate quoted by another lender.

There may be no time like the present to lock in the lowest possible rate and receive the highest monthly savings. To get a sense of what refinancing could save you, access Freddie Mac’s refinance calculator, along with additional homebuying and refinancing resources, at myhome. freddiemac.com.

As with any big financial endeavor, you’ll want to do your homework, look carefully at your short- and long-term goals, and work closely with your lender to do a cost-benefit analysis.

Source: StatePoint

February 2022 | 35

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36 | February 2022 REAL ESTATE

Think Green

Before Spending Your Green

By Marla Lewis President of the Houston Black Real Estate Association

M

any consumers are mindful of the environment when making purchases these days. Just look at the popularity of hybrid vehicles, alternative fuels, locally grown produce and a host of other products designed to use fewer resources and reduce pollution and waste.

Housing is definitely on that list.

Whatpollutes pollutesmore more–– What a car or a house? a car or a house?

You don’t think of houses being responsible for carbon emissions, but they are – to a significant degree. The energy you use for heating, cooling, appliances and lighting most likely comes from a source that produces carbon emissions. Other factors, like water use and building materials used to construct or remodel a home, can also significantly affect the environment.

You might think the best way to “go green” in housing is to start from scratch.

And it’s true. If you’re building a new, custom home, you can make decisions that will greatly increase energy and water efficiency. You can also select the most environmentally friendly building materials and construction methods. But if you’re not building a new home, there’s no need to throw up your hands. There’s still plenty you can do to make a difference.

Howlow lowcan canyou yougo? go?

How When looking to purchase an existing house, it’s possible to assess some aspects of its energy use. How old is the air conditioning unit? Does the landscaping consist of native plants? You might even be able to secure energy bills from the current owner to review electricity and water usage (but keep in mind that your usage may vary considerably).

You can also hire a professional to better determine just how energy efficient or inefficient a home may be.

Whether purchasing a home or wanting to make the best of the house you already own, there are many steps you can take to improve energy efficiency. Here are some examples: · Replace water-thirsty plants with

landscaping that requires little additional irrigation. · Replace old windows with energy-efficient windows. · Seal air leaks around windows, doors and other areas that may have gaps. · Seal air ducts. · Install additional installation. · Replace appliances with newer models that have earned the EPA’s Energy Star designation. · Replace heating and cooling units. · Replace the water heater with a more efficient model. · Change out incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents.

You probably know that efforts like these offer benefits beyond helping the environment. They also save money. Yes, you pay more on the front end to make improvements such as those listed above, but each one of them reduces your expenses – often paying for itself in short order. As energy costs continue to rise, the more you can do to cut consumption, the more it pays off.

Beinformed informed Be You can find information online about how to lower your energy consumption and make wise environmental choices in housing. The EPA’s Energy Star website, EnergyStar.gov, offers resources and tips about new homes, home improvements and more. You can find advice, calculators and other helpful tools on other sites as well.

Your realtor also can help you make informed, green decisions. Some agents have even taken courses specifically designed to help their clients reap the benefits of environmentally friendly practices.

For more information about Texas real estate, please visit HAR. com. And for information about the Houston Black Real Estate Association, please visit www.hbreahouston.org.

Content provided by the Houston Association of Realtors

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February 2022 | 37 IT & TECHNOLOGY

Gaming Connects

American Military Members With Loved Ones By d-mars.com News Provider

F

or military members, video games are not just a fun way to unwind during downtime, they can provide much-needed stress relief and are an opportunity to connect with friends and family.

For these reasons, the United Service Organizations (USO) has focused part of its mission on providing military members with opportunities to connect and relax with video games.

Many of these games require players to form collaborative relationships with other gamers, during which service members can discuss the challenges of their lives beyond the screen.

Beyond featuring dedicated gaming areas at a growing number of USO centers, the nonprofit hosts gaming events, including the “Operation Play it Forward” Streamathon, which took place over Veterans Day on the USO’s Twitch channel, twitch.tv/theuso. Sponsored by USAA, Pratt and Whitney and GEICO Military, the second annual Streamathon was a 72-hour gaming experience, tripling 2020’s 24-hour event.

Service members from around the world were joined by family, friends and special guests, including USO gaming ambassadors, entertainers and celebrities like Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda, Pittsburgh Steelers' Juju Smith-Schuster and Twitch streamer Tfue. As part of the Streamathon the “Battle of The Branches,” presented by GEICO Military, featured service members teaming up with top gamers to compete in “Call of Duty: Warzone.”

“Members of the military community, military supporters, celebrities and fellow gamers connected with us during an exciting 72 hours of gaming with some of the most popular video games and creators out there right now,” says Callum Fletcher, USO Director of Global Gaming Operations.

In recent years, the emergence of platforms such as Twitch and Discord has allowed service members to connect with their family and friends while deployed or serving in geographically separated locations.

Since the inception of its gaming program, the USO has hosted 90 events featuring USO gaming ambassadors, celebrity engagements and tournaments. In addition, the organization is planning to open more gaming centers in the months to come. With the support of Razer, gaming centers will soon be well-equipped at Marine Corps Base Quantico and Eglin Air Force Base.

To learn more about how the USO gaming program has evolved, visit uso. org/gaming. More information about USO entertainment programs can be found

at USO.org/MVP. To join the USO Discord, head over to discord.gg/theuso.

“Gaming provides the military community with opportunities for stress relief and entertainment,” says Fletcher. “And thanks to new technologies, it also provides connection to loved ones, civilians, veterans, and the broader community of gamers.”

Source: StatePoint

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

38 | February 2022

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

February 2022 | 39

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

2022 PRIMARY ELECTION

HISTORIC BLACK GIRL MAGIC JUDGES Proven Judicial Experience High Judicial Standards

Al Green

Sheila Jackson Lee

Beto O’Rourke

Mike Collier

U.S. Representative, District 9

U.S. Representative, District 18

Govenor

Lieutenant Govenor

Carol Alvarado

Borris L. Miles

John Whitmire

Alma A. Allen

Jarvis D. Johnson

State Senator, District 6

Shannon B. Baldwin

State Senator, District 13

State Senator, District 15

State Representative, District 131

State Representative, District 139

HC Criminal Court at Law No. 4

Senfronia Thompson

Harold V. Dutton, Jr.

Shawn Nicole Thierry

Danielle Keys Bess

Genesis E. Draper

State Representative, District 146

Dedra Davis

State Representative, District 142

State Representative, District 147

Kyle Carter

State Representative, District 141

Justice, 14th Court of Appeals District, Place 2

HC 270th Civil District Court

HC Criminal Court at Law No. 12

Gemayel L. Haynes

Katherine “Kat” Thomas

Andrea Beall

S. “Dolli” Dollinger

District Judge, 185th Judicial District

Linda M. Dunson

Toria J. Finch

District Judge, 184th Judicial District

District Judge, 189th Judicial District

Kimberly “Kim” McTorry

District Judge, 183rd Judicial District

Samuel “Sam” Milledge II

Chris Morton

Hilary Unger

Melissa Marie Morris

District Judge, 228th Judicial District

District Judge, 230th Judicial District

District Judge, 248th Judicial District

District Judge, 263rd Judicial District

District Judge, 482nd Judicial District

Damiane “Dianne” Curvey Clinton “Chip” Wells

Glenda Duru

Leah Shapiro

David M. Patronella

Family District Judge, 280th Judicial District

Family District Judge, 312th Judicial District

Family District Judge, 313th Judicial District

Family District Judge, 315th Judicial District

Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. 4

Porsha Brown

David Fleischer

Kelly Andrews

Andrew A. Wright

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 3

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 5

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 6

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 7

Excellent Judicial Temperament

Ronnisha K. Bowman HC Criminal Court at Law No. 2

Endorsements

Harris County

Inaugural Endorsement Announcements

District Judge, 208th Judicial District

Veronica Monique Nelson

HC 309th Family District Court

HC Criminal Court at Law No. 9

Lori Chambers Gray

Angela L. GravesHarrington

HC 262nd Criminal District Court

HC 246th Family District Court

Tonya Jones

Audrie Lawton-Evans

HC Criminal Court at Law No. 15

HC Civil Court at Law No. 1

Erika Ramirez

Michelle Moore

Latosha Lewis Payne

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 8

HC 314th Juvenile District Court

HC 55th Civil District Court

Qualifications Experience and Skills Needed for the Office Sought

Campaign/Electoral Viability Knowledge and Commitment to Issues Impacting the Black Community

Sandra Peake

Juanita Jackson

Je’Rell A. Rogers

Pamela Medina

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 10

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 14

Judge, County Probate Court No. 2

Lina Hidalgo

Marilyn Burgess

Carla Wyatt

Adrian Garcia

Lesley Briones

Germaine Tanner

LaShawn Williams

Harris County Judge

Harris County District Clerk

Harris County Treasurer

Harris County Commissioner, Precinct 2

Harris County Commissioner, Precinct 4

HC 311th Family District Court

HC Civil Court at Law No. 3

HC 257th Family District Court

Endorsements

Fort Bend County

BWGH-PAC proudly endorses candidates based on:

Ron Reynolds

JaPaula Kemp

Oscar Telfair

Monica Rawlins

Albert Tibbs

State Representative, District 27

Judge, County Court At Law No. 1

Judge, County Court At Law No. 2

Judge, 328th District Court

Ft. Bend County Treasurer

Note: No endorsements for: - U.S. Representative, District 38 race - Texas State Board of Education Member, District 4 race Published February 4, 2022