Community Journal 50

Community Journal

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November 2015

INSIDE

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Giving Back to the Community

The Power of Mentorship! d-mars.com Student Spotlight on Brittany Burnam By d-mars.com News Provider d-mars.com has been inspiring, informing and educating the Houston community and surrounding areas for 16 years.

PAGE 6

2 Girls Who Travel Take New Orleans

PAGES 22-23

Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival.

Parkway Bakery & Tavern: A Restaurant Founded on Tradition and Really Good Food.

Top 10 Things to Do and Places to See in The Big Easy

In the Community

PAGES 16-17

PAGES 4-5

Got to Give Back!

By Pastor Alan Philanthropy is essentially the love of humanity.

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Jay Prince & His Mom, Mary, Create Cookie Royalty

Minister Eugenie Doualla

Blessed to Be a Blessing

What God intended for you goes far beyond anything you can imagine. – Oprah Winfrey

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November 2015 3

Journal Behind The

Publisher’s Message

MR. D-MARS

SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis

VICE PRESIDENT Kim Floyd

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES C.T. Foster Eric D. Goodwine Tiffany Black

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Dawn Paul

Giving Back to the Community is the theme for this issue of the d-mars.com Community Journal. At d-mars. com, we are a publication that takes pride in inspiring, informing and educating the community. We know that we would not be here as a successful business without the support and love from the community. Because of this fact, that is why we support our local businesses in our community. Supporting our local businesses keeps our community prosperous.

This month’s cover story is on Rookies Cookies. Jay Prince and his mom, Mary, are an awesome mother and son team that have taken a simple oatmeal cookie recipe and created success. Planted in the heart of the community, Rookies Cookies is contributing to the community in which it serves. This article and other articles in this issue will inspire you to support our community businesses.

As always, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support us, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM Dyvl Davis DeAndra N. Dunn

PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Angel Rosa

DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Charlotte Jackson Linda Lindsay 2 Girls Who Travel Pastor Alan Shelondra Peavy Minister Eugenie Doualla Ash Davito Dr. Wendy Johnson d-mars.com News Provider

MR. D-MARS

Contents Rookies Cookies Bakes with Love for the Community............................................................................................................................................. 4-5 d-mars.com Student Spotlight..............................................................................................................................................................................................6 Giving Thanks for the Blessings in Our Lives...................................................................................................................................................................8 Giving Back Through Good Deeds.......................................................................................................................................................................................10 d-mars.com Veteran Spotlight..............................................................................................................................................................................................11 Veterans: Are You Missing out on Key Benefits.............................................................................................................................................................12 Giving Back – Living a Green Lifestyle...............................................................................................................................................................................14 5 Easy Ways to Reduce Food Waste in Your Daily Life................................................................................................................................................14 2 Girls Who Travel............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16-17 Got to Give Back......................................................................................................................................................................................................................20 In the Community.............................................................................................................................................................................................................22-23 Blessed to Be a Blessing......................................................................................................................................................................................................23 Once You’re Successful.........................................................................................................................................................................................................24 Embrace the Holiday Spirit and Fight Hunger in Your Hometown...........................................................................................................................26 Direct Your Heart to Give..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27 Do the Right Thing..................................................................................................................................................................................................................28 Voluntourism 101: How to Travel and Make a Difference.............................................................................................................................................28

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4 November 2015

Rookies Cookies’ Ice Kaream Sandwich

Rookies Cookies

Bakes with Love for the Community

By Dawn Paul

Associate Editor

Y

ou love sweets? You love cookies? I tell you, you better get over to Rookies Cookies fast.

Located in the heart of Third Ward, near Texas Southern University and the University of Houston is Rookies Cookies, a gem for connoisseurs of cookie confections and sweet treats. Jay Prince and his mom, Mary, have co-created a culinary cookie empire with Rookies Cookies.

The Princes make each cookie with love, and it’s proven by each consistent quality and tasty creation that comes out of the Rookies Cookies’ kitchen.

The family credits the success of the business to faith in God, hard work, stellar customer service and their genuine love for the community to have the best.

There’s always amazing stories behind amazing businesses, and the story of Rookies Cookies is a sweet story that’s no different. It all started in the Prince kitchen when Jay was a youngster, that the Rookies Cookies’ seed was planted. Jay’s inspiration started when he would see his big sister, Ashley, make oatmeal cookies for their dad.

When Ashley got older, she moved out, and that’s when Jay was passed the baton. The more Jay made the cookies, the more he understood that the ingredients really change the flavor. He began experimenting with the recipe, until he created the absolute perfect oatmeal cookie. Though the branding of Rookies Cookies was easy, Jay admits that the oatmeal cookie recipe was not, but all the experimenting paid off. With encouragement from mom, he started selling the cookies to friends and family and it gained momentum, but still no name for the business, until he was put on the spot at a family dinner. When asked what the name of the business was, the name ‘Rookies Cookies’ just

“I seriously love making good quality cookies and treats that our customers and the community love. The success of Rookies Cookies is due to prayer, hard work and quality ingredients. We will never compromise the flavor of Rookies Cookies for less expensive products. We are thankful to the community for embracing us. Our cookies are consistently great, because that is what our customers and the community deserve.”

– Mary Prince, Co-Founder of Rookies Cookies came out. Jay says, “The cookies were selling good, but I had to have a name for the business. Since I love sports so much, Rookies Cookies seemed fitting. Our goal is to put a smile on your face when you have a cookie, and we do just that.” Jay remembers that at the age of seven, he had to get his mom to help him mix the batter. His tiny arms were not strong enough to stir the dough when the oats were added. That’s all changed now that Jay is grown up. He and mom are equally capable of making a delicious delectable batch of oatmeal cookies.

Mary has a degree from the University of Houston, and has experience and success in graphic design, but this is not her first dip in the en-

trepreneurial waters. Mary has a strong faith in God, and shares that faith in her successful business, Without Ceasing, Inc., creating prayer stools. One of Mary’s favorite scriptures is in Proverbs, and reads, “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty” (Proverbs 14:23, New International Version). Mary says, “I take prayer very seriously. I grew up in a house with a praying mother, and God is my foundation. We work hard in this business. I pray over Rookies Cookies daily, and I even pray over every oatmeal cookie we put out, believe it or not.” Rookies Cookies started off as something fun, and friends and family started making orders, but Mary saw the lucrative success this cookie business could have. “In 2010, I told Jay we need to make this into an official business. We started baking more often, and when it continued to grow, I realized this needed to be a thriving business,” Mary adds. They set up the storefront on Scott, and since the grand opening in September, Rookies Cookies hasn’t stopped growing, making the best oatmeal cookies you have tasted and exceeding their expectations.

Wondering why they specialize in

Rookies Cookies’ Milkshake

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just oatmeal cookies? Mary expresses, “I just felt like we needed our own little niche, so specializing in oatmeal cookies sets us apart from the competition. Also, our cookies are made fresh every day. We have our competitors, but we also have our own signature cookie that we’re proud of, and it has paid off.” Rookies Cookies prides itself on not adding preservatives to

CONTINUED on page 5

November 2015 5

CONTINUED from page 4 their oatmeal cookies and not cutting costs by using less expensive ingredients - only the best ingredients. Rookies Cookies is about flavor and quality over saving a dollar. They know that it’s important to keep costs down, but when it comes to ingredients, they will never compromise in that area. At Rookies Cookies, you always know that you will get a fresh cookie. The customer favorite at Rookies Cookies is the chocolate chip oatmeal cookie, but there’s an assortment of flavors for your taste buds, including, but not limited to the pecan and peanut butter cup flavors. Yes, they make an awesome oatmeal cookie, but they also have other delectable items on their menu. You can also have a thick creamy milkshake or the popular Ice Kaream Sandwich, where you choose your flavor of ice cream to go between any two of your favorite oatmeal cookies. They have special flavors for the “My inspiration was my big sister, Ashley Prince, holidays, and coming soon to the menu are the pizza cookie aka Rookies who enjoyed making cookies for my dad. At Pizzookie and Cookie Pops. Always experimenting, look for more exciting seven, I adopted the task of making cookies and items added to their menu. began selling them. Our goal is to put a smile Though there are risks when starting your own business, this is especially on your face when you have Rookies Cookies. true when it comes to the food business. Though it was a risk, Mary and Our cookies are made with love, and every Jay stepped out on faith and took the cookie is made with a risk to gain success. It’s important to them to be an entrepreneur and own smile.” yourself. As African-Americans, it’s especially important to own ourselves.

– Jay Prince, Mary and Jay are blessed that Third Co-Founder of Ward and Houston have embraced Rookies Cookies Rookies Cookies. Mary expresses, “We grow up feeling like we need to go to school. I have a degree, and I want my kids to go to college, but we may miss White Chocolate Macadamia out by just going to colNut & Chocolate Chip Pecan lege and getting a job.

There’s nothing wrong with working for someone else, but to have your own is important.”

Rookies Cookies is not just a busi-

ness. To Mary and Jay, Rookies Cookies is a legacy and a ministry.

Mary says, “What we want to do with Rookies Cookies and what we want to achieve is employment for members of the community and for our business to be a beacon of light for students and budding entrepreneurs in the area.” Mary having attended the University of Houston, Third Ward has a special place in her heart. With Jack Yates High School, Texas Southern University and the University of Houston as neighbors, Mary and Jay see Rookies Cookies as a source for students in the area to get first-hand knowledge of how a business runs and to give them self-esteem and encouragement to be their own boss. Jay says, “Even if students don’t want to go into the food business, Rookies Cookies can encourage them to start their own business.”

Mary and Jay have a genuine love and spirit for the community. Mary says, “We always want to give to charities.

Part of our mission is to give a percentage of earnings from Rookies Cookies to the Prince Complex and different charities of our choice.” Mary sees her experiences and community initiatives as a way for her and her family to be witnesses of God’s goodness. To see Rookies Cookies provide a quality product and contribute to the community is the true reward for them. “Seeing my son grow this idea and co-founding Rookies Cookies with him is a blessOatmeal Peanut ing.

RookButter ies Cookies Cup Cookie is not just a business, but we are here to contribute to the community we are proud to be a part of,” says Mary.

To find out more about Rookies Cookies, please visit www.rookiescookies.com.

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6 November 2015

The Power of Mentorship! d-mars.com Student Spotlight on Brittany Burnam

d

By d-mars.com News Provider

-mars.com has been inspiring, informing and educating the Houston community and surrounding areas for 16 years. Celebrating and highlighting African-Americans and people of color is what the d-mars.com brand is all about. We are especially proud to celebrate our young people who have interned with our company and are now doing amazing things, making their own mark in the world and paying it forward. As we always strive to make a positive impact and teach the younger generation, we are especially proud to see them excel, grow and exceed expectations.

The theme for this issue of the Community Journal is Giving Back to the Community, putting a student spotlight on Brittany Burnam, a former d-mars.com intern. She is using the lessons she received under the leadership of Keith Davis, Sr., Kevin Davis and the d-mars.com staff, and she is implementing those skills into her own life and helping better her community. Below please see a recent letter sent by Brittany to d-mars. com, and enjoy Brittany’s article published in our journal in 2010.

Dear d-mars.com,

I hope this letter finds you well. I visited the website recently, and remembered the opportunity you gave me and my fellow interns to write an article and have it published in one of the journals. Reading it brought tears to my eyes. Writing this letter now brings tears to my eyes. As I get older, I realize just how much relationships matter, and that I didn’t get to where I am alone. I didn’t have much family support or many that believed in me. There was a time when I didn’t care about myself, life, college, or my future.

I remember getting this opportunity through The WorkSource in Houston. I took the bus every morning at 6:00am, just to get to work an hour early, and I would sit outside or go get something to eat before it was time to work. You all saw something in me and knew I had potential. I remember having the nickname, “Miss Sassy.” I won’t lie. I had an attitude, and I remember sitting down to talk to Mr. Keith about professionalism and how my story would be a testimony. He shared with me his story, and it related to mine. It was good that I had someone I could relate to. I remember when I turned 16, the office celebrated my birthday. It was very emotional for me, especially because I didn’t have a big celebration at home. The fact that everyone knew me less than a month but still cared so much made me happy.

I just want to let you know how far I have come. I’m now 22 and a junior studying Integrative Studies in Sociology, Business Marketing and Communications at the University of North Texas. I’m serving my second year as the UNT NAACP President, and I’m a proud member of the Amazin’ Zeta Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I have served as a Youth Marketing Director, volunteer for several organizations and also served as a Student Government Senator. I have spoken at many events on several social issues, and I create programs and organize events to educate and empower minorities. This year my NAACP chapter has won the National Chapter of the Year Award, Economic Empowerment Award and Voting Empowerment Award. I aspire to go to grad school next or take an internship in Washington, D.C. I’m still deciding on what I want to do long-term, but I know I want to be powerful enough to inspire, create change and empower others.

I want to let you know that the hard work and love you put into me did not go to waste.

I know God places people in your life for certain reasons. I want to let you know I am forever grateful for the opportunity at d-mars.com.

Sincerely and Forever Thankful, Brittany Burnam University of North Texas We celebrate you Brittany and we are proud of you!

W

hen I think of interns, I think of the fashion reality television shows where the person is always complaining about how little work is given, how boring their job is, or how they never have contact with the boss. But then let’s get straight to the point. Why have interns when you’re not there to teach, to guide and to help them get a start on the right road? As a teacher, what you speak as a business owner to an intern are words of wisdom. They may not see that at first, but at the end they will. What we learn now will prepare us for the future.

Some interns may have all they need without working hard to be successful, but others may not have that type of support. Either way, there is always room for advancement. That’s where you come in. An intern is there to learn. They should see a glimpse of the real world, because some may still be stuck in the fantasy life of a teenager.

The work that you give us, the caring attitude that you show, and your influence in our lives is what influences us to be better than what we have previously been. We may not appreciate it now, but we will give many thanks later.

I was raised by my mother with help from a few. As a young child, I lived in the suburbs, moved to the apartments, was evicted when my mother had her fifth child, and finally moved to the middle of Acres Homes, which would not be considered suburbs. I went from having it all, to not having anything at all. I know how it feels to live with no lights or water for a couple of days. I was taught to learn how to do things myself. By the fifth grade, I knew how to take care of myself, but my mother was always there for me. I adapted to the new environment I was in. I was always shy, until I felt comfortable in situations, which didn’t always come immediately.

When I became an intern at d-mars. com, business was something I didn’t want to do. Then when I started interning as a receptionist, I hated it! I wanted to leave. I didn’t like sitting at the desk from nine to five. Every time I wanted to leave, I could hear my conscious ask me, “Why don’t you think there is more to learn than the thing you’re most interested in? Don’t you want more from your experience?” I found myself filing, labeling, and listening to interviews, which ended up teaching me a lot.

I remember MR. D-MARS calling me “Miss Sassy,” which made me laugh, until I knew what the real meaning of it was, and I wanted to change my actions immediately.

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Working at d-mars.com, you understand it’s a privilege, and you learn so much from the opportunity. I’m happy I’m here and my fellow interns are my family, and everyone at the d-mars. com company are like second parents to me.

Entrepreneurs definitely have a lot more to offer than a steady paycheck for youth. It may go on unnoticed, but having a positive adult to look up to every day works wonders; like gaining management skills, good morals, and money management skills. Being allowed into this program is nothing less than a blessing.

Life itself brings certain circumstances that may be positive or negative to you. My father figure was not up to par, but viewing a strong African-American who maintains his reputation as he does, is very empowering. I believe there are things Mr. Keith Davis teaches us all without even speaking sometimes. It could be his facial expression, his posture, or even the look in his eye.

A teen like me must have a very stable and structured surrounding in today’s society. Being in a summer program for d-mars.com is not only a great opportunity, but it’s also an awesome learning privilege. However, the life basics I will need are being taught to me in ways that will benefit me, as well as others to come in the future.

Life is like a game of chess, without the necessities needed to play, one will definitely lose.

Though many people have a colorful background, Mr. Keith has, without a doubt, opened his heart to us all. By doing this, he made me see life much different from the way I did before, resulting in a personal “spiritual enlightening.”

Despite my lack of whatever it is I may be missing, Mr. Keith only sees what I am trying to aspire to be. The previous version of me would probably have sold myself short on an opportunity such as this one, but it never is too late to change one’s ways. And this program is doing just that, by allowing me to use and execute more positive ideas.

Who knows what I’d be getting into right now if I were not in this program.

Sometimes you have to slow down to consider all aspects of any situation.

Here I am absorbing multiple perspectives, not only from adults, but from teens as well on how things should be done in this “real world.” My mission is not yet accomplished, but being able to see the grass that’s greener is a wonderful way to achieve any goal.

If you want it, you have to work for it. If there is one thing Mr. Keith has taught me it’s, “If it comes from the heart, it touches the heart.”

November 2015  7

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8 November 2015

Giving Thanks for the Blessings in Our Lives

I

By Charlotte Jackson Contributing Writer

n my lifetime, I have met thousands of individuals, many of whom have left an impression on me. Among those, there is a much smaller number who I would say have not just left an impression, but touched me on a level where there is very little I would not do to help them. Mr. Ronald Gene Butler, Jr. is one of those very rare individuals who has captured my respect on that level.

Ron and I met several years ago when he was assigned an office next to mine.

Over the course of this time, I have seen him interact with colleagues of his, as well as with our students on campus. He is one of those people who cannot refuse to help someone. One characteristic that everyone notices who has ever met Ron is his genuine concern for people.

Not only have I heard about community service projects that he has participated in, but I have also seen him speaking life into the young adults on our campus.

I have personally been touched by his concern and compassion.

Back in 2011 when my 18 year old daughter left for the U.S. Army, Ron was determined that I would have the finances to travel out of state to attend her Basic Training Graduation. The following year, knowing my daughter was stationed in Washington and my mentally ill son was incarcerated, Ron was determined that I would not spend Christmas alone. He not only invited me to spend Christmas with his family, but called me to be sure I was coming.

Once I arrived, I instantly knew where his values had been nurtured. His father and entire family went out of their way to make me feel welcome and a part of their holiday celebration.

On multiple occasions after my son’s release, Ron took the time and spoke to my son about overcoming obstacles and the importance of taking his medication. Even though my son continued on a downward spiral, Ron, unlike many others, has continued to ask about my son. And when he asks, you can tell he truly is concerned.

Being a single African-American man

with no children, Ron could easily choose to focus on himself and his goals, yet the very foundation which his late father poured into him will not allow this.

Ron inherited a big smile, a caring spirit, and a heart to help those less fortunate from his father. There are not many days that I don’t hear Ron say, “Good morning Ms. Charlotte. How is life treating you?” or “Come on Ms. Charlotte. It’s time to shut it down and go home.” It is the blessing of a friend like Ron that makes it much easier to show up on days that the enemy would want me to roll over, pull the blanket over my head and stay away from people while I cry about the hand that I have been dealt.

This is the season to reach out and hug the people we come into contact with and to give from the abundance that we have been given. Think about the co-worker down the hall, the neighbor down the street, the greeter at church on Sunday and the clerk at the local gas

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station. Life is not bad. We are truly blessed to have many more good people in our lives than those who have bad attitudes and actions.

Today, I give thanks for the blessings of those special folks like Ron in my life.

Life is not easy, but with those blessings we too often take for granted, it is good.

Hug someone today. Let a stranger know you are concerned, and do not forget to tell those who are in your everyday life just how much they bless you.

November 2015  9

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10 November 2015

Giving Back Through Good Deeds

By Dawn Paul

S

Associate Editor

heldon Theragood is an officer with the Houston Police Department Mental Health Division, working with the department’s Homeless Outreach Team.

The theme for this month’s issue of the d-mars.com Community Journal is Giving Back to the Community. When it comes to giving back, Theragood is doing just that with his nonprofit organization TheraGOOD DEEDS. This nonprofit gem is giving youth the unique opportunity to do good deeds for the often forgotten members of our community who are in need. TheraGOOD DEEDS gives young people hands-on experience to show compassion and help those that are less fortunate. This organization gives youth a positive outlet that empowers and motivates them to be responsible and compassionate citizens in their adulthood.

TheraGOOD DEEDS’ primary focus revolves around assisting school-age children and young adults in at-risk situations. These children and young people they are helping are known as their “Future Achievers.” The passion to start this selfless endeavor began during Thera-

good’s tenure as a Harris County Youth Detention Officer. While working at the detention center, Theragood often came into contact with many youth who lacked positive role models, but after giving some positive reinforcement, the youth began to confide in him about their dreams and aspirations. Many of our youth in at-risk situations have dreams, they just need those positive role models to help guide them. Theragood realized it was his job to offer hope and positive direction. That is when the TheraGOOD DEEDS seed was planted.

With the assistance of their volunteers, this organization challenges their Future Achievers to always think positively and perform good deeds not only for themselves, but for society as a whole. They also challenge their Future Achievers to set short-term and long-term goals by identifying their aspirations. Theragood coordinates outreach activities to get them involved in the community. This organization is greatly benefitting the youth in our community. TheraGOOD DEEDS has coordinated outreach activities to get them heavily involved in the community. “The kids involved with TheraGOOD DEEDS are learning that there are other people in difficult situations and they are improving in school.

Some of the kids have even saved their

money and bought supplies when we did a toiletry drive, because they felt it was important to have money saved to give back to the less fortunate. Some parents have told me that they are so thankful for showing their child the importance of giving. We are showing our kids that it’s better to give than receive,” says Theragood.

The efforts and positive impact of TheraGOOD DEEDS have not gone unnoticed, as they have received recognition from the South East Gunners

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football and cheer team and Faces of Black Houston. The long-term goals for this organization are creating a youth center and after school care program, among other initiatives. Coming up for TheraGOOD DEEDS is their 2nd Annual Pre-Thanksgiving event on November 25th, their Christmas for Kids Toy Drive on December 5th, and their Christmas party on December 12th for their sponsored families and kids. For more on TheraGOOD DEEDS, please visit www.theragooddeeds.org.

November 2015 11

d-mars.com Veteran Spotlight Elgin G. Davis has received the following certification and recognition for his service to this country:

• Certificate of Training • The Silver Star • The Purple Heart • The Army Commendation Medal

Thank you for serving our country!

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12 November 2015

Veterans: Are You Missing out on Key Benefits?

By d-mars.com News Provider

T

here are currently 19.6 million veterans in the United States.

These hard working men and women have access to a variety of programs and benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs during active duty and retirement — yet many are not taking full advantage. Why? One reason is that the VA system can be difficult to navigate. That’s where the Military Order of the Purple Heart National Service Officers can help. NSOs are accredited veteran representatives located at VA regional offices, medical centers or clinics, and military bases throughout the country. Guidance from these experts can make all the difference for veterans of all ages.

In 2014, National Service Officers helped over 19,000 veterans get over 300 million dollars in lifetime benefits from the VA. “My job is to get them [veterans] the most compensation I possibly can within the guidelines, but I also want to take care of them,” says Sandra Ripe of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Program. “I always encourage them to go to the VA and get enrolled.”

Ripe says a main piece of her job is making veterans comfortable so they can start talking about their experiences. “We talk and figure out what’s going on. Often they don’t think of certain things or don’t realize issues they may be having are combat related, such as tinnitus,” she says.

While veterans can file claims on their own, Ripe doesn’t recommend it. NSOs are experts who not only have ongoing training in the legislation, regulations and precedents, they have relationships within the veteran community they can leverage.

“If I get a really tough case, I can go to appeals at the VA and ask how to put it in, and they will help me, because wording is very important,” Sandra says.

Her primary goal is to put the fully developed claim in correctly the first time with all the proper documentation and evidence to back it up. If submitted incorrectly and a claim has to go into the appeals system, it can take 2-3 years to be resolved opposed to the 4.5 month average a first-time claim takes to make its way through the system.

This complex and time-consuming process is why many veterans miss out on important benefits. The Military Order of the Purple Heart National Service Program, which is funded by the Purple Heart Foundation, assists all veterans who are trying to navigate programs and obtain benefits

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through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. In addition to health and wellness programs, these benefits include: • Compensation and pension • Veteran’s preference housing • Education • Employment services • Job training • Death and burial benefits Another function of the program is the National Appeals Office in Washington D.C., where expert professional representation is provided to veterans whose claims have been denied at the regional office. This program is one of the few Veteran Service Organizations eligible to take selected cases to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

This Veterans Day, celebrate the service men and women in your life by ensuring they are getting the benefits they deserve. NSOs are available to be advisors and confidants to veterans who struggle to speak openly to friends and family about their time in the service as well as current struggles.

They help veterans get the care they need and the benefits they deserve.

Consider making a tax-deductible, nonprofit donation to the Purple Heart Foundation to help support this important program. Visit www. purpleheartfoundation.org to find out how easy it is to help. – BPT

November 2015  13

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14 November 2015

Giving Back Living a Green Lifestyle

purchase a table base kit, and visit local wood salvage yards for reclaimed lumber to use as a top. In the bedroom, use fabrics that are of OEKO-TEX certification, which certifies that no harmful chemicals were used in the production, processing or finishing of these goods.

Choose home décor furniture and accessories that are recycled and reused.

By Linda Lindsay They will last a long time and require Contributing Writer very little maintenance. Using upcycled co-friendly living isn’t a furniture allows you to use fashionable trend, but it’s a way of and exclusive one-of-a-kind pieces of life. Participating in this furniture. Reworked upcycled furnilifestyle allows you to re- ture and accessories allow for you to be spect our environment environmentally friendly in your home. and understand that there is a need for our community to change Flooring the way we live in order to preserve our Use modular carpet tiles. Several planet. eco-friendly companies, like FLOR Choose to decorate with real sustainand Shaw Carpet, offer stylish carpet ability in mind — using less energy, less squares that use non-toxic dyes and are water and less non-renewable resources, made from recycled materials.

Carpet while still beautifying your home. squares are a huge eco-improvement, If you are building new from the ground up, work with a builder who because they're modular. When you're builds with only high quality, green and done with it, you can ship it back to the sustainable materials, installing solar manufacturer to recycle. This product panels, water capture systems, and in- of square carpet involves little labor. corporating efficient utility usage sys- They are easy to lay down by yourself, tems, allowing for one common goal and you don't need support from toxic — to give back and be dedicated to the padding.

If you make eco-friendly improveimprovement of humanity. ments to your home, reporting these on your yearly taxes can earn you a Existing Homes tax break. But after remodeling, what No matter your style, there are ways should you do with all those materito get greener interiors without turning als you ripped out? Rather than takyour home into a forest. For instance, ing them to the landfill, contact The if you need a new dining room table, ReUse People (www.thereusepeople.

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org). They check over your refuse for reusable parts, which will be shipped to their warehouse for distribution to organizations like Habitat for Humanity

— while you get another tax write-off.

Eco-friendly living is a way of life.

You can change the way you live in order to help preserve our community.

5 Easy Ways to Reduce Food Waste in Your Daily Life By d-mars.com News Provider “What’s for dinner?”

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or many, the question is uttered nearly every evening, and the answer is easy.

But for 795 million people in the world — those who don’t have a reliable meal to look forward to according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — the question is more open-ended.

You might be surprised to learn that an important step in the fight to end hunger is to reduce food waste. In fact, 1.3 billion tons of the food produced around the world goes to waste each year, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

The severity of the issue recently prompted the United States Department of Agriculture and Environmental Pro-

tection Agency to establish a goal to reduce U.S. food waste 50 percent by 2030.

The country’s first-ever food waste reduction goal calls for the federal government to join forces with local governments, charities, faith-based organizations and the private sector to find ways to conserve the country’s resources in order to improve food security.

Ready to take a stance? World Food Day, Friday, Oct. 16, marks a good opportunity to set your own waste-reduction goals, and if you visit www.dow. com/makeitlast you will find a number of ways you can help reduce food waste and use.

Here are five simple ways to cut back on food waste in your daily life.

Pay attention to packaging. Increasingly, high-performance food packaging makes it possible to better protect food as they make their way from grocery store shelves to your pantry. Take lightweight

flexible pouches, for instance. You’ll find these packages used to protect some of your favorite foods at the grocery store, from frozen fruits and vegetables to cereals and crackers. The pouches’ layers keep contents from being damaged or spoiled.

Resealable packaging allows you to use what you need and safely save the rest for later, preserving the remaining portions and making food last.

Learn the dos and don’ts of food storage. Believe it or not, pre-wrapped vegetables purchased at the grocery store can last up to 5 times longer than vegetables without packaging. Take for example a cucumber pre-wrapped in plastic. It can stay fresh up to 14 days instead of just three days if not wrapped.

Call on technology for new recipe ideas. Download an app on your phone to help inspire new dishes that use up last night’s leftovers. Several apps available in the App Store generate recipes based on

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ingredients you’ve marked as currently stocked in your kitchen. They’ll help you look at the food in your refrigerator as delicious opportunities rather than garbagebound.

Donate to local organizations. Find a local food drive to donate non-perishable foods to those in need. Start by organizing your pantry and piling the items you likely won’t use in the near future. Rather than tossing the items, turn your waste into an opportunity to feed the hungry in your community.

Visit the Make It Last Site. The Make It Last site from Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics offers information about the food waste crisis and leaves you feeling empowered with helpful tips and facts to help you reduce food waste in your home. The campaign also offers information on the role plastic packaging plays in preventing food waste from farm to table. – BPT

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2 Girls Who Travel 16 November 2015

Crescent City Blues

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ive music by Southern blues and jazz greats, delicious barbecue and vendors showcasing their specialties and talents. What’s not to love about New Orleans’ Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival? This was the tenth year for the two-day festival, which attracted about 15,000 attendees, according to Scott Aiges, director of programs, marketing and communications for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation.

The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit established in 1970 with a mission to “promote, preserve, perpetuate and encourage the music, arts, culture and heritage of communities in Louisiana through festivals, programs and other cultural, educational, civic and economic activities.” The

Garb Boutique on Magazin e

foundation is also responsible for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and is active primarily in the areas of education, economic development and cultural enrichment.

“The Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival is the oldest and largest of four free festivals the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation produces each year. Each of the four festivals are intended to be a little slice of Jazz Fest, rather than the whole kit and caboodle of Jazz Fest,” Aiges told 2 Girls Who Travel.

He said attendees of next year’s Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival can expect more great music, great food, great barbecue and a great arts market.

“We are a nonprofit, not concert promoters.

We do these festivals because they are a part of our mission to support the musical culture of Louisiana, and the festivals that we do are smaller and more intimate than Jazz Fest, and that is appealing to a lot of people,” said Aiges.

“They are high quality events that provide a real value to the community, especially since they’re free. People really appreciate that.”

To learn more about the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation and their programs and events, visit www.jazzandheritage.org.

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About 2 Girls Who Travel:

Armed with a love for culture, adventure, food, arts and entertainment – and equipped with a laptop, camera and multiple cellular devices – 2 Girls Who Travel has a mission to share their journey with the world. Throughout their travels, they conduct exclusive interviews, write about cool finds, give destination-specific travel tips and provide their take on the best food and drinks and so much more. Embodying two different kinds of travelers – Val is the adventure-seeking millennial and Kim is the cultured lover of luxury – readers will learn more about them as they share their experiences traversing the globe! Subscribe to the 2 Girls Who Travel Blog at www.2girlswhotravel.wordpress.com.

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Parkway Bakery & Tavern: A Restaurant Fo

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ocated in mid-city, New Orleans is a restaurant so full of tradition, it’s main menu item is recognizable far beyond the confines of the city by just three words, “Parkway Poor Boy.” And before we delve into the deliciousness that is the Parkway Poor Boy, it’s a must that we discuss the history of the restaurant, which spans more than a century. History breeds tradition – and Parkway Bakery & Tavern is rich in history.

It was an unseasonably warm day in midOctober when 2 Girls Who Travel visited Parkway Bakery & Tavern. We were seated outside with chef and general manager Justin Kennedy, as he chronicled the humble beginnings of the restaurant.

Parkway opened in 1911 and was owned by a German family of bakers, the Goerings, and operated as a corner bakery before the owners sold it to the Timothy family in 1922.

Kennedy said the Timothy family were some real characters, often greeting customers with, “What do you want?” But what they lacked in customer service, they made up for in taste. The

People from all walks of life patronize Parkway Bakery & Tavern for the quality food and friendly service.

bread was baked fresh in-house and workers from the factory that was then located across the bayou – it has since been replaced with condos – would come to the restaurant in droves during lunch.

When the factory shut down in the 1980s, it was a big blow to Parkway’s business. In addition, the neighborhood was getting older and the owners were getting older. In 1995, Parkway’s owners put the building up for sale.

“My uncle Jay lived right next door. He was a carpenter. And he said, ‘You know what? I don’t want no riff raff joint opening up next to my house. I’m going to buy this corner to save my property.’ So he bought Parkway and made it a toolshed for his construction business,” Kennedy said.

As a kid, Kennedy used to work with his Uncle Jay at different job sites and he remembered his uncle would always brag that his toolshed was the old Parkway Bakery.

“The old-timers would always say, ‘Parkway Bakery?! You gotta open that place back up!’”

Kennedy said.

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Parkway’s Surf and Turf poor boy comes fullydressed with layers of tender roast beef with gravy and golden-fried shrimp on fresh bread.

Eventually, Uncle Jay did. When Kennedy graduated from high school in 2003, he came and helped his Uncle Jay Nix reopen Parkway Bakery. At the beginning, Kennedy admitted they didn’t really know what they were doing.

“We ended up figuring it out and we’re still figuring it out,” he said. “If you’re born and raised in New Orleans, you know how to eat.

That’s why the restaurants have to be so good … because the home cooks are so good here.”

Take New Orleans

November 2015 17

s and BBQ Festival

New Orleans artist Epaul Julien shows his art to visitors at the 10th Annual Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival in New Orleans.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Epaul Julien

“Creating art is for me a necessity, a vital part of my existence. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, I felt abandoned by photography because I could not pack a giant enlarger, darkroom chemicals and the other bulky, cumbersome equipment in one day and evacuate from this city I love. In exile for six months, I decided to use images I salvaged from the storm—expression, light, energy, spirit, movement, texture and value to create new mixed media art.” - Epaul Julien Pulled straight from his bio, artist and New Orleans native Epaul Julien describes his passion for artistic expression. Julien, whose col-

other’s famous fried

shrimp, oysters & catfish

lections are housed in art museums across the country, also has private collections for the likes of Reggie Bush, Emeril Lagasse, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and the Sir Elton John Collection, to name a few.

Using lumber and materials from post-Hurricane Katrina renovations in and around New Orleans – the wood is de-nailed, cut and then reworked – Julien is able to create art rich with imagery and unduplicated history.

Julien was on hand at the 10th Annual Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival in New Orleans, displaying some of his historical and unique artwork. In between the steady stream of attendees who stopped by his booth to inquire about his art, 2 Girls Who Travel were able to steal a few minutes with Julien to find out a little more about his artistry.

“The inspiration behind my art is my culture – southeast Louisiana, Haiti, France – anything that influences the Creole culture of New Orleans and southeast Louisiana,” Julien told 2 Girls Who Travel.

And much like any respectable artist, Julien did not isolate one piece of art as his favorite.

“All of them are my favorite pieces because all of them have different meanings, metaphors and relationships to my life and cultural heritage,” he added To learn more about Julien or to see some of his art, visit www.epauljulien.com.

Top 10 Things to Do and Places to See in The Big Easy

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ew Orleans aka The Crescent City aka The Big Easy, offers food, nightlife, history and culture to the tenth power.

There’s something to do for everyone, and you’ll never get bored. Of course, the French Quarter is the place to go for drinks, food and people-watching, but there’s so much more to the city – art, music, antiques and architecture.

Take a look at our top 10 list of things to do during your visit to NOLA! Laissez les bon temps rouler!

1) French Market – 1235 N. Peters St., New Orleans, LA 70116 – Food, trinkets, clothes and more … it’s a destination during your visit.

2) Café du Monde – 800 Decatur at St. Ann St. near Jackson Square; www. cafedumonde.com – A visitor’s mecca for café au lait and beignets!

3) Walking Tour of the French Quarter – See the architecture and learn about the history and the French and Spanish influences in the city. There are many tours to choose from … take your pick!

4) Antoine’s – 713 St. Louis St., New Orleans, LA 70130; www.antoines.com – A world-renowned French creole fine dining restaurant – the oldest in New Orleans.

5) Magazine Street – Uptown to Downtown – You’ll find eclectic boutiques, bars, antique shops, restaurants and more.

6) St. Charles Avenue – Home of the St. Charles Streetcar – take a ride on the streetcar to see all of the beautiful homes lining St. Charles Avenue.

7) The Cigar Factory – 415 Decatur St., New Orleans, LA 70130; www.cigarfactoryneworleans.com – Step into the world of cigar rolling and enjoy the rich complex smells – and while you’re there, take home a few.

8) Jackson Square – 700 Decatur St., New Orleans, LA 70116; www. jackson-square.com – The St. Louis Cathedral, artists, restaurants, museums and the merchants make Jackson Square one of the French Quarter’s most popular destinations.

9) Preservation Hall – 726 St. Peter St., New Orleans, LA 70116;

Bourbon House’s charbroiled oysters with crawfish tails www.preservationhall.com – Live jazz at Preservation Hall is a must!

10) Stella Jones Gallery – 201 St. Charles Ave #132, New Orleans, LA 70170; www. stellajonesgallery.com – One of our faves – New Orleans has “art for the gawds!”

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op 5 Oyster Houses in NOLA Oysters … we like ‘em on the half shell, raw, baked, fried, charbroiled, chargrilled – long story short – we’re as fond of oysters as Forrest Gump is of shrimp and New Orleans is one of the best cities for them! Here are five of our favorite Big Easy restaurants for the tasty bivalves.

1) Dragos – 2 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70130; www.dragosrestaurant.com 2) Bourbon House – 144 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70130; www.bourbonhouse.com 3) Desire Oyster Bar at Royal Sonesta Hotel – 300 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70130; http://www.sonesta.com/desireoysterbar 4) Acme Oyster Bar – 724 Iberville Street, New Orleans, LA 70130; www.acmeoyster.com 5) Antoine’s – 713 St. Louis St., New Orleans, LA 70130; www.antoines.com

nt World-Renowned Antoine’s Restaura

ounded on Tradition and Really Good Food Parkway began as a family business and though ownership has switched families, it remains to this day a family business. Kennedy serves as chef and general manager, his uncle owns it, his mom runs the books, his sister runs the bar and his brother runs the kitchen with him. Add in about 40 staff members who are treated like family, and that rounds out the business.

Kennedy took a minute to chat with 2 Girls Who Travel about the makings of the perfect poor boy and why people continue to come back to Parkway time and time again.

Parkway still remains a family business, and all employees are part of that tight-knit group.

2 Girls Who Travel: What goes into making the perfect poor boy?

Kennedy: The key to making a good poor boy is key ingredients. It’s freshness. The bread that is delivered today is used and gone today.

Tomatoes you slice fresh today are gone today.

Everything has to be fresh, from all your produce to the products you put on it. Back in the old days, they didn’t have processed foods – ready to go cooked beef and already fried and

battered seafood. In the old days, you made it from scratch, cooked it, sliced it and put it on a sandwich, and that’s basically what we do.

We do things the way they’re supposed to be done – the old way. We’re a sandwich shop, but we do a lot of cooking in here. We make everything and we don’t do foreign. We support our locals. Anything you can get local, right from your backyard, get it. Our oysters, shrimp and catfish we get right from Lake

Borgne or the Gulf of Mexico. You can’t fake a good roast beef sandwich and that’s what New Orleans poor boy shops are known for – roast beef. If you come around here trying to buy pre-cooked roast beef and sell it, you’re going to get caught.

2 Girls Who Travel: What’s your favorite menu item and why?

Kennedy: My favorite menu item is one we do called the surf and turf. It’s roast beef and shrimp and those are our two biggest sellers. Some weeks, it’s shrimp; some weeks, it’s roast beef, depending on the weather and what’s going on in town. When you see people in line, they always ask “should I get a roast beef or should I get a shrimp poor boy?”

So I decided to develop the surf and turf. It’s not a half and half. It’s a layer of roast beef, a layer of shrimp and roast beef gravy on top.

And it comes dressed: with lettuce, tomatoes, mayonnaise and pickles. The beef isn’t in slices; it’s more like stewed pot roast beef or debris. It’s so tender and already pulled

apart, which makes a bed for the shrimp. It’s delicious.

2 Girls Who Travel: What makes Parkway Tavern such a tradition?

What keeps people coming back?

Kennedy: I don’t look at this place as being another restaurant. I look at it as being an institution, like we’re providing a city service.

It’s something people have to have. You have to pay your light bill. You have to pay your water bill. You have to pay your taxes. And people in New Orleans have to get their poor boy. There’s a bunch of good poor boy shops and a lot of them come here. The thing about a New Orleans poor boy shop is this: you got all walks of life, from age 8 to 80, cripple to crazy.

You got all different races, all different ages, all different demographics and you’ll have a man with a $500 suit rubbing elbows at the bar with a homeless person, and they’re eating the same damn sandwich. That’s what I like.

You can sit in the bar and see the city of New Orleans come to you every day.

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18  November 2015

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November 2015  19

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20 November 2015

Got to Give Back!

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Pastor Alan

Contributing Writer

hilanthropy is essentially the love of humanity.

Philanthropic love exists in the forms of caring for, developing, enhancing and nourishing the embodiment of what it means to be human. We have got to give back!

When it comes to philanthropy, giving is based on the love for humanity.

Giving can help communities rise to another level and gain a higher standard of living. Giving can help communities revitalize areas that have been neglected, rejected and unprotected.

Giving can help reduce crime in our communities, restore confidence in the classrooms and refresh civic consciousness in our communities. This is why we have got to give back.

There are at least four reasons why we have to give back. First, we have to give back, because giving connects our communities. A philanthropic perspective has the power in our communities

to connect companies, corporations and churches for one common beneficiary cause for a community. Spiritual churches, which are the bedrock of most communities, can combine efforts with companies and corporations, along with nonprofit organizations to find common ground and goals for the educational or social advancement in our communities.

We have to give back.

Second, we have to give back, because philanthropy provides a helper’s high. When we take the focus off of ourselves and turn it towards someone else, it helps us to forget about our failures, faults and frustrations, while focusing on fixing someone else’s future. A recent Boston University study found that depression, disabilities and pain in patients decreased after they became engaged in volunteering to create change in their communities. We have to give back.

Third, we have to give back, because giving generates optimistic opportunities. Once our own level of depression, discouragement and disability is decreased, our desire to do better ourselves increases. As a result, pessimistic perspectives are shaken down and optimistic opportunities are shaken up, and positive change is opened up in the community. We have to give back.

Finally, we have to give back, because giving provides us joy for our life’s journey. There is no better medicine for the

healing of the heart than to help others who are in need. It’s the dynamics of the principle of despairing vs. developing. We can spend all of our time in a state of despair over the affairs of our own or reach out and get involved in developing what’s around us on a local, regional, national or global level. The prescription of focusing on others rather than ourselves produces the power to not only help others, but to help ourselves in the process as well.

One man who knows more about living than anyone else who ever lived said it this way, “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your

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lap a good measure-- pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return” (Luke 6:38, New American Standard Bible).

Are you ready to give back? Well, now is the time for us to connect with our communities, gain a helper’s high and become open to optimistic opportunities that will provide us joy for life’s journey. With a philanthropic perspective, you can be a positive force for others. We have to give back!

Pastor Alan is the Pastor at Mount Corinth Church located at 4901 Providence Street, Houston, Texas 77020.

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22 November 2015

In the Community…

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Sylvester Turner Election Night Watch Party

MPAC at the Buffalo Soldiers Museum with Ella Joyce

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Blessed to Be a Blessing Minister Eugenie Doualla

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Contributing Writer

od expects us to demonstrate His love, so He can be glorified.

Matthew 5:16 reads, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” God’s children have been anointed by Him on certain levels. However, the anointing is for His service, as He called all of His children to be a part of His business. Everyone has something to offer, no matter the financial or physical situation.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3, King James Version). God has blessed all of His children with all kind of gifts, but not just for us, but to be a blessing to others.

It can be easy to forget where we come from once we have a breakthrough.

There can be distractions, but if we pay attention to God’s voice, there is always an opportunity around us to bless someone. Acts 20:35 reminds us that it is better to give than to receive.

I recall when I last moved. I wanted to get rid of all my furniture, not because it was old or damaged, but to erase hurtful memories attached to a failed marriage. I called my church and asked if they knew of someone in need who could use my furniture. The connected me to a woman with five children who lost everything during the last hurricane in Houston. She went back to school with the hope to better her life, so she could provide for her children. She was also in the final process of being placed in a housing unit. She was speechless when she knew I wanted to give her my furniture. Because she didn’t have a way to pick up the furniture from storage, a member of the church who owned a moving company took care of the pick up for the furniture. I cannot tell you the joy and appreciation that this woman felt receiving such blessings. I was happy to be able to make a difference in someone’s life, but more importantly, to represent Jesus Christ. When we answer a calling from God to serve, we are giving back what God has entrusted to us.

The satisfaction of ministering and seeing the positive impact made in her life was priceless.

November 2015 23

Today’s Prayer: “Thank you Father for blessing us with many blessings.

Give us a heart to discover our gifts. Prepare us to be used by You, so we can enhance Your kingdom. Let us be a blessing to others. In the precious name of Jesus Christ we pray, amen.”

In the Community…

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Women on the Move

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24 November 2015

Once You’re Successful

By Shelondra Peavy

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Contributing Writer

nce you’re successful, then what? In the words of Albert Einstein, “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.”

That being said, what you get provides you with the means for you to make a living, but what you give provides you with a life worth living. In line with this sentiment, a host of notable professionals and community leaders recently made a collective effort to tee-up for Houston Community College’s Seventh Annual Fall Golf Classic on behalf of HCC’s Minority Male Initiative. With the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Academy as its basis of interest, tens of thousands of dollars were raised in support of HCC’s Minority Male Initiative, which is a program that extends a hand of guidance to young AfricanAmerican and Hispanic males by providing mentorship and encouragement for young minority males to create and accomplish educational goals, begin-

ning with finishing high school and then transitioning to further educational heights, while preparing for tomorrow’s workforce and other professional opportunities. At HCC’s Seventh Annual Fall Golf Classic, prestigious teams of four hiked across the greens of the Quail Valley Golf Course and donated thousands of dollars for the aforementioned cause.

But, what if you don’t have thousands of dollars to give? Sometimes the most memorable and life-changing gifts are not even tangible ones. In fact, there are many non-monetary gifts that can counter the current crisis of hopelessness and despair that exists in the lives of many underprivileged people across our nation. Another bit of truth is that social and/ or emotional anguish bears no color or age range. On the flipped side of the coin, the task of giving back is not limited to those who are

deemed rich, successful or well-to-do.

Furthermore, anybody can touch somebody else’s life if they choose to. Give a grocery store or gas station gift card to someone whose budget is low, or if you’re a stylist, arrange a makeover for someone who has low self-esteem.

Perhaps you could search through your personal belongings and give an indigent person a new pair of shoes, or you could ultimately render any act of kindness that is placed deep in your heart. Then, attach a note and a condition to your benevolent act. Yes. Ask for something in return for your

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generosity. Ask the recipient of your generosity to pay it forward. Reason being, we all have the power to make a difference in the lives of others regardless of our financial status. Better than that, we can all allow a spirit of compassion to spread, perpetually touching the lives of people we may never even meet and crossing boundaries we may never physically cross.

Within our own circles of influence, we can all vow to let the power of giving be an infectious beginning to changing the world because verily, giving back is an essential part of life.

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26 November 2015

Embrace the Holiday Spirit and Fight Hunger in Your Hometown

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By d-mars.com News Provider

magine helping feed 500 people in order to fight hunger in your hometown. Jill Chandler of Fayette, Missouri, does this twice every month.

Her efforts through the Fayette Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry help feed approximately one-sixth of the city’s 3,000 population. In this rural town where cattle outnumber residents, most people would be surprised to learn about the widespread need for food.

This holiday season, more than 3 million households in rural communities will face hunger. The counties with the highest rates of food insecurity are more likely to be found in rural areas, according to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap 2015study.

Chandler is making a real difference through her volunteer work managing the food pantry. Recently the organization was able to enhance their menu of options thanks to Invest An Acre, a program of Feeding America that provides resources for

hunger-relief organizations that serve small towns and rural communities across the United States.

Over the years, Fayette County has grown older, with many of its younger residents moving away, leaving mostly retired citizens on fixed incomes.

Part of the food pantry’s mission is to deliver food to a senior housing complex. Thanks to their involvement in Invest An Acre, the food pantry was able to add meat to their regular grocery deliveries.

“One gentleman said ‘this is the only meat I get in a month’s time’,” says Chandler. “He is a retired veteran who plays guitar and travels around entertaining nursing home residents, volunteering his musical abilities. Several others receiving donations voiced the same struggle to make ends meet.”

“When you’re of a certain age and on a fixed income, sometimes you have to make a choice,” Chandler explains. “Whether it’s your medical bills or other payments, at the end of the day it’s often your grocery bill that doesn’t make the cut, which can be

especially felt around the holidays.”

The need for food never goes away,

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notes Chandler, who strives to make a positive impact for community members both young and old.

“I think about the children more than anything else,” she says. “Children don’t choose to be in the position they’re in. And I cannot go to sleep at night knowing that we’ve got hungry kids, because there’s somebody else who has food who can share.”

With Jill’s help, more community members in Fayette County will have one less thing to worry about when winter arrives. Invest An Acre is an easy way to join her example and help people struggling with hunger in your own community. The good news is that anyone can donate to Invest An Acre and be sure they are helping their neighbors in need because every dollar donated goes back to your local food bank. Plus, every donation is matched dollar for dollar, so contributions double the support provided to local families facing hunger.

Hopefully this year, because of people like Chandler, more Americans facing hunger can have a brighter holiday season. – BPT

November 2015 27

Direct Your Heart to Give

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By Ash Davito

Contributing Writer

he most honorable act a person can perform is the act of giving to someone in need. Proverbs 3:9-10 reads, “Honor the Lord with substance and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.”

Well, I personally believe that with all of my heart. When I started my first movie production for my comedy-romance film, Temp to Fire, my goal was to give.

This film would give love, inspiration, opportunity, experience, direction, jobs and hope.

As destiny catches up with time, I am able to see that I did just that by the personal testimonies of everyone who

had a part in this film. It’s a blessing for me to hear that I inspired change, and when we positively inspire others, God honors those efforts. While hosting auditions for my film, in my heart I told myself, “I’m not turning away any talent that walks through that door.” I dedicated myself to give an opportunity to everyone, while not jeopardizing the quality of the movie. I’ve been acting for ten years prior to me making my directorial debut, so I know how it feels to be turned down over and over again for a role more times than you can count.

However, during that time of rejection, I never gave up. I’ve watched people that I started my acting career with let the rejections pile up in their mind, and they gave up on what they loved to do most. I knew that I had to give hope during this process of producing my first movie.

Everyone has different talents to offer the world, and though our talents may not be the same as the next person, we can give. I remember guest speaking at Poe Elementary School and giving away copies of my children’s book, Sunny & Star Elf. While I was passing the books out, one of the students handed me a gift. Her teacher told me that she had

been anticipating my arrival and had taken it upon herself to personally make it for me. The girl handed the gift to me, and it was a small circle clay object with beaded strings at the top. It was adorable. As I flipped the object over it read, “Never give up!” It was by far the most sentimental and thoughtful gift I have ever received. Now, years later, I still have that gift next to my bed on my dresser. That child was a giver. That child was a giver of hope and inspira-

Proverbs 3:9-10 reads, “Honor the Lord with substance and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.”

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tion. That kind young girl and the message her gift conveyed blessed me in the dark times of my life. Because someone inspired me, I want to encourage everyone in the world today to direct your heart to give.

28 November 2015

Do the Right Thing!

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Dr. Wendy Johnson Contributing Writer

ife is interesting. As children we grow up trying to figure out life and how to successfully navigate through this journey without experiencing too many controlled trials and tribulations. Like me, I’m sure during the journey you’ve asked yourself, “What do I like to do?” Another question on the journey may have been, “What

do I want to be when I grow up?” Many questions can go through your mind about career, passion and purpose on the journey. In many cases, we did not know what direction to take, and we had to talk to our parents, join various community

organizations and leverage mentors for the appropriate guidance and direction.

Life has been good for many, as you were able to matriculate through life, and although you encountered various up and downs, you made it. No matter

how hard it was and how long it took you to get there, you persevered and accomplished many of your goals and are still striving to accomplish many more. This is an awesome thing, as many of you have successful careers, thriving businesses and have established phenomenal relationships. These tasks are not easy to accomplish, and you should be very proud of yourself.

Though you have accomplished goals and developed successful careers, businesses and relationships, you could not have done this without the assistance of others and your community. With that said, if you are not already doing so, it is time for you to take a step back and give back. That’s right! Give back! Give back to the community and various organizations that gave to you. Give back to those that need some additional guidance, motivation and encouragement.

Okay, okay, I get it. Many of you are busy and have very hectic schedules. I do understand, but what would the results be if various mentors and organizations did not make time for you? What would be the results if they did not invest in you?

So, with that being said, I want to encourage you to do the right thing and give back to your community. Make the time, and share your experiences with others. You have an amazing story, so don’t hesitate to share it. You never know the lives you may change.

Voluntourism 101: How to Travel and Make a Difference By d-mars.com News Provider

H

ave you ever wondered if there’s more to a vacation than amusement parks and beachside sunsets? Do you dream of immersing yourself in a culture, all while impacting the people as much as they impact you? If so, volunteering while vacationing — also known as voluntourism — is for you.

What is voluntourism?

Voluntourism is the act of traveling and spending time volunteering, typically for a local nonprofit or charity. You could volunteer for a single day or the duration of your vacation. Many people think voluntourism only happens while traveling abroad, but this is not always true. There are countless opportunities for traveling and volunteering within the United States as well as overseas.

How many travelers are participating in voluntourism?

Voluntourism has existed for decades, but recently there has been a significant increase in participation. This increase can be partially attributed to millennials, a group who, as a whole, desire to get more out of their travel experiences than previous generations. According to a recent report from Reuters, there

are an estimated 10 million volunteers a year who embark on philanthropic travel.

What types of things do people do as voluntourists?

Help build a school in Peru. Visit an orphanage and teach children in Haiti.

Travel to Hawaii and help with ocean preservation. Go to the Philippines to lend aid to the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan. Want to be inspired? Travelocity has long been a supporter of voluntourism and supports the cause through their Travel for Good campaign. The program is launching a nationwide search for three people who are looking to travel for a worthy cause and will fund the travels of these voluntourists.

Visit www.travelocity.com/travelforgood for more information.

Tips for planning a voluntourism vacation: 1. Think about what matters to you The list of causes that you can support as part of your volunteer trip are almost endless. Take time to think about your passions and what matters most to you. According to Travelocity, the top five volunteer programs include medical/health (disaster volunteering ranks as No. 1), education, wildlife, conservation and orphanage. Knowing what cause is most meaningful to you is the best starting point.

2. Brainstorm where you’d like to go The most popular destination for voluntourism is the Philippines, but there are so many locations you can consider. Most causes are not isolated to one particular part of the world. Do you want to help fight hunger domestically or abroad? If you want to help save the rainforest, you could go to Africa, Central America or numerous other locations. Think about where you’d like to go to make an impact. You should consider other things you’d like to do beyond volunteering so you can find a location where you can do it all.

3. Look into voluntourism assitance What if you could have some or all of your voluntourism expenses covered?

There are a number of organizations

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that can assist with your travel expenses - for example, Volunteer Forever offers travel scholarships several times a year, while Travelocity’s Travel For Good program is selecting individuals who want to take a voluntourism trip via a social media based program.

4. Adopt the right mindset Some people go on vacation to be served, while voluntourists go on vacation to serve. While volunteering, you may have experiences very different from your normal day-to-day life.

Maintain a positive attitude, be flexible, and be willing to help and learn. Remember that traveling can make you a better person, and traveling for a cause is the ultimate way to make a positive difference to others. – BPT

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