d-mars.com Community Journal 62

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November 2016

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Giving Back and Making a Difference Constable

2 Girls Who Travel Visit Boston

By Valerie Jones & Kim Floyd 2 Girls Who Travel had the opportunity to experience Beantown during a wonderful time of year – the fall.

PAGES 4-5

Ruben George Davis, Jr. Law Enforcement Hero 1955-2016

PAGES 14-15

In the Community…

Ricky Anderson and Melvin Houston Host TSU-TMSL Homecoming Reception

Remembering Constable Ruben Davis, a d-mars.com Community Hero

PAGE 6

PAGE 12

15th Annual Texas High School Jamboree Presented by Nelson Brand Sports This month d-mars.com is teaming up with the Nelson Brand Sports organization to sponsor the Thanksgiving High School Basketball Rivalry Week, which kicks off with the Texas High School Jamboree, now hosted at two sites: PAGE 10

Senator Borris Miles and MR.D-MARS salute Dr. Terence Fontaine, Black Heritage Committee Chairman Progress is the attraction that moves humanity.

- Marcus Garvey

November 2016 3

Journal Behind The

Publisher’s Message

MR. D-MARS

SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr.

VICE PRESIDENT Kim Floyd

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Dawn Paul

“Giving Back and Making a Difference” is the theme for this issue of the Community Journal. Are you giving back? Are you making a difference in your community? This is the season of giving, but we should remember to give back and make a difference all through the year. It’s always a good time to give back. I encourage you to start using your talents and gifts to better your community. You can make a difference.

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES C.J. Johnson C.T. Foster Tiffany Black

This month’s cover story is a tribute to Constable Ruben Davis. One of the most respected names in law enforcement in Houston and the surrounding areas was Constable Ruben Davis. He faithfully served as Constable of Fort Bend County, Precinct Two. He spent his professional career working to empower people and communities — improving their safety, security and quality of life.

PHOTOGRAPHY

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.

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR

Contents

L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines

Andrea Hennekes

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Angel Rosa

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Charlette Washington

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Tashara Callaway

DISTRIBUTION

Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden

DISTRIBUTION

2 Girls Who Travel Kim Floyd Valerie Jones Tammi Durden J Thomas Smith Nelson Brand Sports Charlotte Jackson Stella Alexander Linda Lindsay Noel Pinnock d-mars.com News Provider

2 Girls Who Travel................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4-5 In the Community.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................6 A Little Dirt..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................6 Master Your Time…or Your Time Will Master You.............................................................................................................................................................8 What Does That REALLY Mean?.............................................................................................................................................................................................8 The Priceless Gift of You.........................................................................................................................................................................................................9 15th Annual Texas High School Jamboree.........................................................................................................................................................................10 Black Heritage Committee....................................................................................................................................................................................................12 Remembering Constable Ruben Davis.........................................................................................................................................................................14-15 What Are You Giving in Your Relationship?......................................................................................................................................................................16 Is Your Facebook Account Secure?.....................................................................................................................................................................................16 Enjoy the Preparation............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 17 The New Normal!......................................................................................................................................................................................................................18 Word Search..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................18 Fantasy Football.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................20 Wonderful Wines to Share at Holiday Celebrations.....................................................................................................................................................22 To Whom Much Is Given........................................................................................................................................................................................................25

MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month “Associate yourself with people of good quality, for it is better to be alone than in bad company.”

- Booker T. Washington

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4 November 2016

2 Girls Who Travel Visit Boston

If you ever plan on traveling to New England, Boston has to be one of your stops. You’ll learn why in a moment.

By Valerie Jones & Kim Floyd 2 Girls Who Travel

2 Girls Who Travel had the opportunity to experience Beantown during a wonderful time of year – the fall.

The leaves were bright and beautiful, the weather was cooling down and we stayed on the go!

Our first stop after landing at the Boston airport was our brand-new hotel located in Cambridge, Mass. The AC Hotel Marriott Boston Cambridge is nestled right next to a beautiful walking trail and is in walking distance to the train station.

So when we were tired of taking Uber, we opted to partake in Boston’s public transportation … it was actually fairly easy to navigate! The hotel’s décor was modern and the staff was chipper. They told us the hotel just opened two weeks prior to our stay.

We were eager to see all we could in Boston and had our itinerary packed – thanks to the City of Boston for hosting us!

Food

Iconic bar from the hit TV show “Cheers”

Mike’s Pastry in Boston’s North End: home to some great cannolis

Per usual, the food during our travel was one of the highlights! Let’s just run down the list of great restaurants we visited and insanely delicious menu items we ate, shall we?

Dinner our first night was at Southern Kin Cookhouse, a Southern-inspired eatery in Somerville, Mass. The service was outstanding – from the host who gave us their house peach cobbler bourbon-infused cocktail to the waitress who made sure our booth was never void of something to eat, Southern Kin gets the Southern Hospitality part right. And the food was delicious. We were literally so full when we left – but the food was so good! We’re talking bourbon-brined chicken and barbecue ribs. Can’t forget the mac and cheese. Unfortunately, there was no room for dessert!

The second night, we ate at Beat Brasserie in Harvard Square. The vibe was less “Southern charmy” and more “Bohemian chic.” Just thinking about our

Barbecue ribs, mac and cheese, collard greens and skillet cornbread from Southern Kin

appetizer – nachos with slow roasted pork, black bean salsa and enough cheese to please us – wait, what were we talking about again?

And before we hopped on our flight back to Houston, we trucked it over to Boston’s North End – home of the city’s Italian community. We had one thing on our brains – lobster rolls. And not

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We sampled an assortment of house bourbons at Southern Kin Cookhouse

just any lobster roll … the grandest lobster roll in New England. A lobster roll from Neptune Oyster Bar. Words just don’t do those things justice. The lobster was so fresh and flavorful, the bun so soft and it was complemented with fries.

What’s not to love?

And just a block or two from Neptune is Mike’s Pastry, home to some of the best cannolis around. This was a great dessert after our lobster rolls!

November 2016 5

History Boston has an incredibly storied past. It played a significant role in American history and we were able to learn more about that in two separate walking tours as well as a visit to the Skywalk Observatory downtown.

The Black Heritage Trail took us on a trek through the Beacon Hill neighborhood while exploring the history of 19th Century African Americans in Boston. Our tour guide Sentidra was very knowledgeable and happily answered any questions we had. The tour ended at the

Museum of African American History, in which we were able to learn more about abolitionist Frederick Douglass in a special exhibit that will run through July 2017.

Later the same day, we tackled the Freedom Trail, which runs about 2.5 miles and encompasses 16 historical locations. We were able to see the actual site of the Boston Massacre! Tour guides dress up in full costume and portray individuals from the 1700s.

It was an interesting tour, to say the least!

We departed from Boston having learned so much and are truly grateful for the experience. It’s not every day Southern girls get to visit the East Coast.

Until next time, Beantown!

Stops along the Black Heritage Trail

The Freedom Trail Tour

Beacon Hill neighborhood

Boston has breathtaking fall foliage

2 Girls Who Travel snapped a pic with our tour guide Sentidra Boston Common is a central public park in downtown Boston

The Massachusetts State House located downtown

Modern decor at the AC Hotel Marriott Boston Cambridge

TOP: Dessert before dinner? SWEET Cupcakes in Boston had some tasty choices LEFT: The famous Neptune lobster rolls: cool with mayo and warm with butter RIGHT:Peach Daisy cocktail made with house peach cobbler bourbon

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Assembly Row is home to shopping and restaurants in Somerville, Mass.

Be sure to subscribe to our blog 2girlswhotravel.com to read more about our time in Boston!

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 takes 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 2girlswhotravel.com.

6 November 2016

In the Community…

To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.d-mars.com and Click on ‘Photo Gallery.’

Ricky Anderson and Melvin Houston Host TSU-TMSL Homecoming Reception

A Little Dirt…

By d-mars.com News Provider

A

s a parent, you probably spend a lot of time trying to keep your kids clean and healthy, but sometimes a little dirt is just what the doctor ordered.

Research shows a direct link between children’s current and future health and their participation in gardening. In fact, kids who garden are more likely to stick with the hobby as adults, have a higher likelihood of excelling in group work and are typically more inclined to eat healthful fruits and vegetables when given the option, according to a compilation of research summarized by the Children and Nature Network.

School garden programs

some tips on how to get one started:

1. Grow support Successful gardening programs require collaboration from school administrators, teachers and parents, as well as support from the community. Start by including all stakeholders in the conversation. Express the value of a school gardening program, share information about success stories in other schools, and look for sponsorship opportunities from the corporate community. For example, Tractor Supply’s “Dig It” program, designed for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, is available for schools in California, Pennsylvania and Utah this year.

The program, which launched last year in Tennessee and New York, provided 88 schools with an enriched, hands-on cur-

riculum and $500 grants to start or sustain a school garden program. More than 17,000 students were involved in the program. Upon completion, each student received a kid-friendly garden tool set and Master Gardener Certificate. To learn more or apply for a 2016–17 grant, teachers in qualified states can visit https://form.jotform.com/62155743106148.

2. Choose a location Whether your school has a large plot of land or just a sunny windowsill, it’s always possible to grow a garden. With the help of things like raised planter beds and container gardens, almost anything—including a section of parking lot, an unused play area, even a rooftop—can be transformed into a viable, healthy space for plants to thrive. When selecting a location, consider spots that receive at

least six hours of ample sun per day, can be easily watered, and can be protected from rodents or deer. Most importantly, though, remember to choose an area that’s safe and easy for children to access.

3. Keep kid-friendly design in mind In addition to finding a safe and accessible location for your school’s garden, it’s also important to create an atmosphere that’s appealing to youngsters. Start by getting students involved in the design process. If you’ll be using raised beds, ask children for their input on the materials and colors; conduct a poll to determine what vegetables and/or flowers they would like to grow; and plan for decorative touches, such as plant markers or garden stepping stones that students can create on their own or in art classes.

4. Seek and use guidance

While some children develop a green thumb at home, research by a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation program indicates a growing number of kids are learning about gardening in school — a tactic that’s proving to be a popular, effective way of teaching children important life and nutritional skills.

A survey by Tractor Supply Company, which sponsors the “Dig It” school garden program, found 75 percent of polled adults believe hands-on learning is more effective than memorization and 97 percent believe hands-on activities help kids develop a more positive outlook on learning.

Tractor Supply’s Know How Central offers a wealth of information about gardening. You can also find guidance and assistance—such as soil testing services—from local cooperative extensions.

Reach out to parents or teachers who are home gardeners to help coach kids through the process of growing and harvesting crops.

“Getting kids outside the traditional classroom setting can be a wonderful, fun way to help them learn important skills and lessons,” said Lisa White, Director of Store Marketing at Tractor Supply. “The value of school gardening programs has been proven repeatedly through programs like Dig It, and the great thing is it’s never too late to begin one at your school.” – BPT

Starting a program If you’re a parent or teacher whose elementary school doesn’t yet have a gardening program, Tractor Supply offers

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November 2016  7

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8 November 2016

Master Your Time…or Your Time Will Master You don’t master your time, then your time will master you.

Allow me to share a few tips that can assist you with time mastery:

I

By Tammi Durden Contributing Writer

t is 2:20PM in the afternoon and your appointment is scheduled for 2:30PM. You are stuck in traffic on the interstate and it does not appear to be moving anytime soon.

Now your anxiety level is building because you are worried about sabotaging an excellent business opportunity by being late. You begin to voice your frustration about unnecessary road construction and find yourself yelling at slow drivers. At this point, you come to the realization that there is absolutely no way you will arrive at your destination on time.

Is it really the traffic and construction that is causing your repeated delays? Just maybe this problem began before you entered the highway. The root of the issue could be a lingering case of poor time management. Don’t worry, because you are not alone.

Thousands of individuals struggle daily with mastering their time management. As a result, we become frustrated and unproductive. In some instances, we suffer loss of time, money, resources and opportunities. If you

What Does That REALLY Mean?

T

By d-mars.com News Provider

here are so many phrases that we have heard growing up, but do we really know the meaning behind the phrases? How many times have you heard your mom or grandma say, “Cat got your tongue?” We’ve all heard these phrases growing up, but had no idea what they meant. Below are some familiar phrases and their meanings. Enjoy as we take you back!

Phrases & Meanings

Bite the bullet Meaning: To accept something difficult or unpleasant Origin: In the olden days, when doctors were short on anesthesia or time during a battle, they would ask the patient to bite down on a bullet to distract from the pain. The first recorded use of the phrase was in 1891 in The Light that Failed.

Break the ice Meaning: To break off a conflict or commence a friendship Origin: Back when road transportation was not developed, ships would be the only transportation and means of trade.

1) Plan. The key to mastering your time is to plan in advance. Life can be full of distractions. However, with a strategic plan in place you will be well on your way to a less frustrating and more productive day. One of the keys to a great time management plan is utilizing the appropriate tools. There are a number of useful devices available to-

day including electronic planners, notebooks and calendars. In addition, you can take advantage of online calendars, where clients can both schedule time with you and pay for services. Smartphones are also a great source for setting reminders to avoid missing important meetings and commitments. Now, if an electronic device proves to be a bit overwhelming and a spiral planner seems to work best, go for it!

2) Prioritize. Not only should you plan, but be sure to prioritize the things that are critical to your daily success. Have you ever found your-

self getting dressed for an appointment and all of a sudden organizing your closet seemed to be the most important task to accomplish at that moment? Now you’ve wasted thirty minutes on something that was not priority. Learn to focus on your priorities and not the perimeter. Keep your eyes on what is most critical at that time. Resist the temptation to give in to distractions. Trying to fit in a last minute project could cost you more than what it’s worth. Stick to what is most important.

3) Delegate. Have you heard the saying, “Jack of all trades and master of none?” This is the category we place ourselves in when we try to do it all. I know that in your mind you think nobody can do it like you, but delegating is powerful. You are surrounded by experts every day who are willing to help if you only ask. Begin to buy more time by onboarding people to help. Whether it is a virtual assistant or intern, choose to invest in the appropriate resources. In doing so, this will allow you to focus on your true genius and not become bogged down with activities that take you out of your gift zone.

Remember, effective time management begins with a decision to change and take action. The choice is yours.

Master your time…or your time will master you.

For more information about Tammi Durden, please visit her website at www.tammidurden.com.

At times, the ships would get stuck during the winter because of ice formation.

The receiving country would send small ships to “break the ice” to clear a way for the trade ships. This gesture showed affiliation and understanding between two territories.

Butter someone up Meaning: To impress someone with flattery Origin: This was a customary religious act in ancient India. The devout would throw butter balls at the statues of their gods to seek favor and forgiveness.

Cat got your tongue?

Meaning: Asked to a person who is at loss of words Origin: The English Navy used to use a whip called “Cat-o’-nine-tails” for flogging. The pain was so severe that it caused the victim to stay quiet for a long time. Another possible source could be from ancient Egypt, where liars’ and blasphemers’ tongues were cut out and fed to the cats. (What a treat for the cats!)

eye and said, “I do not see the signal.” He attacked, nevertheless, and was victorious.

Bury the hatchet Meaning: To stop a conflict and make peace Origins: This one dates back to the early times North America when the Puritans were in conflict with the Native Americans. When negotiating peace, the Native Americans would bury all their hatchets, knives, clubs, and tomahawks. Weapons literally were buried and made inaccessible.

Give a cold shoulder Meaning: Being unwelcoming or antisocial toward someone Origin: In medieval England, it was customary to give a guest a cold piece of meat from the shoulder of mutton, pork, or beef chop when the host felt it was time for the guest to leave. This was a polite way to communicate, “You may leave, now.”

Turn a blind eye Meaning: To ignore situations, facts, or reality Origin: The British Naval hero, Admiral Horatio Nelson, had one blind eye.

Once when the British forces signaled for him to stop attacking a fleet of Danish ships, he held up a telescope to his blind

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Go the whole nine yards Meaning: To try your best at something Origin: During World War II, the fighter pilots were equipped with nine yards of ammunition. When they ran out, it meant that they had tried their best at fighting off the target with the entirety of their ammunition.

Rub the wrong way Meaning: To bother or annoy someone Origin: Early Americans, during the colonial times, would ask their servants to rub their oak floorboards “the right way.” The wrong way (not wiping them with dry fabric after wet fabric) would cause streaks to form and ruin it, leaving the homeowner annoyed. Alternatively, it could have derived from rubbing a cat’s fur the “wrong way,” which annoys them.

Caught red-handed Meaning: To be caught in the act of doing something wrong Origin: This originates from an old English law that ordered any person to be punished for butchering an animal that wasn’t his own. The only way the person could be convicted is if he was caught with the animal’s blood still on his hands.

Source www.grammarly.com

November 2016 9

The Priceless Gift of You

By J Thomas Smith

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Contributing Writer

ne of the earliest proverbs known to humankind is "It is better to give than receive." The adage is rooted in the Golden Rule and the

Christian Bible: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

However, today those sentiments are too often overshadowed by the pursuit of instant gratification, financial success, personal ambition and other learned selfrewarding behaviors.

Our Most Basic Instinct In spite of the apparent “me first” mindset, there has really been little change in humanity. Our most basic, primal instinct has always been self-preservation and self-

protection. We are naturally wired to survive, to continue to strive and to try harder, even when the going gets tough. As the saying goes, that is when "the tough get going."

But there is a very simple secret. When we show gratitude for other people and give of ourselves, we are rewarded with pleasurable benefits that are too numerous to measure. But more importantly, those who are the receivers of our generosity will have many benefits as well. Why is this so?

Because helping others is our second most basic instinct.

What You See Is What You Get Many people argue that the world is in a mess. That could be true, depending on how you view the world. What you see is what you get. It is all about your perspective.

If you simply change your perspective from

negative to positive for example, the impact on you physically and mentally will be unimaginably positive.

When was the last time you visited an aging senior? If we are lucky, we too will be an aging senior one day. How did it feel being in that person's presence? Can you recall your desire to make that person happy? How did it feel with that as your dominant thought at the time?

Doing Unto Others Benefits Everyone When was the last time you helped out a homeless person? When was the last time you volunteered at a food bank, a group home or the hospital? Didn’t it give you a greater sense of humility giving back? Didn’t it make you feel closer to everyone and more

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a part of the community and the world around you giving to those in need? Those occasions are precious to our very spirit, mainly because they fulfill part of our reason for living. When you give back, you are not focused on yourself and you can enjoy the light and happiness that others experience.

One of life's most rewarding experiences is the act of giving. Volunteering not only benefits the community, but it is a great benefit for the giver. The gift of you is priceless.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dr. J Thomas Smith is host of “Sunday Morning Live” on KMJQ/Majic 102.1 (9-11 am CST). He is an attorney, author, keynote speaker, and mental health consultant. Your comments are welcome at jtsmith@radio-one.com or jtsmith@worldfamousradio.com. Follow on Twitter @drjtsmith102 and at facebook.com/ jthomas.smith.12.

15th Annual Texas High School Jamboree

10 November 2016

The Best of Thanksgiving Basketball Where Will You Be?

Presented by Nelson Brand Sports

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his month d-mars.com is teaming up with the Nelson Brand Sports organization to sponsor the Thanksgiving High School Basketball Rivalry Week, which kicks off with the Texas High School Jamboree, now hosted at two sites: Episcopal High School and St. Thomas High School on November 25-26, 2016.

The Texas High School Jamboree was created as a platform for student-athletes who are not usually afforded the opportunity to be seen by college coaches. This event gives athletes the chance to compete at a high level for college scholarships in front of college coaches. The Texas High School Jamboree is a full two days of 42 top-tier high school basketball programs at two high school locations. As President of Nelson Brand Sports, Rick Nelson’s mission is to provide a positive environment for academics and the game of basketball for young men and women. He recognized early on the value of using basketball as a tool to further one’s education.

Nelson played point guard on scholarship for Texas College, winning two back to back National College Championships.

He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Prairie View A&M University.

“In sports, the principle of working as a team is essential to achieving championship success,” says President and CEO of d-mars.com, Keith J. Davis, Sr. “With this partnership between d-mars.com, the Exquisite Group, Hunt & Hunt, Boost Mobile and adidas, we are setting out to show the community that there are ways to achieve your goals in life, whether it is through entrepreneurship or athletics.

Strong team players make some of the best leaders.”

For more information or to get involved with Nelson Brand Sports, please email eliteaction@sbcglobal.net or visit www. nelsonbrandsports.com.

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November 2016  11

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12 November 2016

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Black Heritage Committee Annual Western Gala Continues to Open Doors for Our Youth

By Dawn Paul

Associate Editor

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ince its beginning in 1932, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has committed more than $430 million to scholarships, research, endowments, calf scramble participants, junior show exhibitors, School Art participants and other educational youth programs. When it comes to partnering with the Rodeo to help provide scholarships for the youth in our community, the Black Heritage Committee remains diligent in its efforts. As the only African-American committee for the Rodeo, one of their initiatives to help raise funds for our youth to attend college is their annual Black Heritage Committee Western Gala held on Sat-

Dr. Terence H. Fontaine

urday, January 14, 2017. This is the 24th year for the gala, continuing their commitment to see our young people attend college and have successful careers.

The Black Heritage Committee’s outreach and community involvement goes well beyond Black Heritage Day festivities, also raising awareness and highlighting the pioneers and Western heritage of Black individuals in Houston and throughout Texas. This year’s gala is recognizing those who have a genuine spirt of community and a heart to help our youth through education. Six honorees this year will receive the Verna Lee Booker “Boots” Hightower Award.

Verna Lee Hightower was a civil rights activist, rodeo competitor and the first African-American to become an official member of the Girl’s Rodeo

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Association. Born in Spring, Texas, she developed a love for the outdoors and horses, so much so that she earned a nickname of “Boots.” She competed on the national level on the Black rodeo circuit in Texas and Oklahoma, where she was very successful. She became a “poster girl” for area rodeos. In 1969 Hightower became the first AfricanAmerican woman to take part in the barrel racing competition in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. She was a member of the National Colored Rodeo Association and the Southwest Rodeo Association, Inc., as well as the Girl’s Rodeo Association (now the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association). She died on August 27, 1970, in Harris County. In 2007 she was inducted into the National Multicultural

November 2016 13

Western Heritage Museum Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, Texas.

“Our job as the Black Heritage Committee is to highlight Western culture within our community in efforts to stimulate money for scholarships for the Rodeo. We provide this opportunity through our annual gala, outreach in the community and Black Heritage Day,” says Dr. Terence Fontaine, Black Heritage Committee Chairman.

Through Dr. Fontaine, Curtis Clerkley (Officer in Charge) and the Committee, the knowledge and history of our contributions to the Western culture is well-known and appreciated. Much of this culture is presented at schools in the area, in addition to outreach on the Rodeo’s scholarship opportunities. Dr. Fontaine adds, “The Committee raises awareness of the past and gives hope of our future by raising scholarship funds for our youth. I am proud that the Black Heritage Committee has been recognized as community leaders. We are responsible for making sure our community stays aware of our Western history.”

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The Black Heritage Committee Western Gala is not only a fun event, but it highlights the Committees commitment to the Rodeo’s efforts to raise scholarship money and to the young people in our community. This gala helps provide $18,000 a year scholarships to deserving students. Last year 1,600 people were in attendance and the attendance is looking good for this year’s gala, as the entertainment will be Keith Frank aka “The Zydeco Boss.”

The Black Heritage Committee Western Gala is held on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Grand Ballroom (1001 Avenida de Las Americas, Houston, TX 77010). This highly attended event contributes to the goals of the Rodeo benefiting youth, supporting education and facilitating better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentations. For more on the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the Black Heritage Committee, please visit www.rodeohouston.com.

Source: www.tshaonline.org

Constable

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He was a member of the d-mars.com family, not only supporting the publication, but a recipient of the 2013 Law Enforcement Hero Award at our d-mars.com Top 50 Black Attorneys Award event for his service. Constable Davis was always in attendance at d-mars.com events, and he had a smile and spirit that would light up the room when he entered.

t was a great shock to hear about the loss of Constable Ruben Davis, as he was one of our most loved, admired and respected law enforcement heroes who proudly served and protected Fort Bend County.

He was not only dedicated to serving Fort Bend County, Precinct Two, but he was also dedicated to his family, friends and those in the surrounding communities.

Dear d-mars.com Family and Friends,

Law Enforcement Hero 1955-2016

Ruben George Davis, Jr.

14 November 2016

November 2016 15

14 November 2016

MR. D-MARS Publisher and CEO d-mars.com

With Love,

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication • Fort Bend County Criminal Justice Grant Board • University of Houston Sugar Land Advisory Board Member • Founder of the Community Council of Fort Bend • National Diversity Forum Board • Past President of the Houston Chapter of National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives • Former Board Member of Afro-American Police

Affiliations and Board Appointments Include:

ne of the most respected names in law enforcement in Houston and the surrounding areas was Constable Ruben Davis. He faithfully served as Constable of Fort Bend County, Precinct Two since May 10, 1996. He spent his professional career working to empower people and communities — improving their safety, security and quality of life.

As Constable, his duties included serving civil documents, lawsuits for debts, divorce cases, repossessions, collection of judgments, foreclosures, criminal warrants, subpoenas, juvenile summons and a wide variety of other duties.

Recognizing the needs of our youth and senior citizens, Constable Davis extended his administration to the youth by providing job opportunities to enhance their skills, and he devoted his personal time giving back to the community.

Constable Davis graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in Criminal Justice. He received his Master’s degree in Counseling from Prairie View A&M University. Constable Davis held numerous police certifications, including police academy instructor, DARE instructor, crime prevention specialist and a master police license (the highest license in the state of Texas). Constable Davis retired from the Houston Police Department as Senior Supervisor with twenty-one (21) years of service.

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Constable Davis was an Adjunct Professor with the Houston Community College (HCC) System, Wiley College and Texas A&M University.

He was also a faithful member of The Fountain of Praise Baptist Church, where he served as the Director of Church Security. He took his family to church, and he was faithful to the Lord until he was called into eternal rest on October 18, 2016.

He leaves to mourn his wife Sharon and his daughter Robin Davis, among other family. He was predeceased by his daughter Traneka Michelle Davis and his mother Lola Mae Bolton Davis.

• T.O.P.S. (Teens Oriented Police Seminar)

Officers League • International Association of Police Chiefs • Former Board Member City/County Juvenile Justice Board City of Houston • Lee P. Brown Criminal Justice Institute at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas • Executives Police Session Project for Community-Oriented Policing • Chi Sigma Iota Honor Society • Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo • Fort Bend County Community Liaison Deputy Program

Remembering Constable Ruben Davis

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Like many of you, I can say that Constable Davis was a true friend. He has left a great legacy and he will truly be missed. I was proud to know a man such as him. I consider myself better for knowing him.

The d-mars.com family extend our thoughts and prayers to his wife Sharon, his daughter Robin Davis, other family, friends, law enforcement he served with and all whose lives he touched.

Constable Davis was definitely one of a kind, and a confidant who I would gain great wisdom from.

Though he was a man who had great responsibility as a Constable, he never turned away when I needed that listening ear. He was truly a man of God.

He used his position as Constable to truly make a difference. It was not just a title for him, but a calling to serve others, and he did it with the highest integrity.

His long career in law enforcement empowered many people and many communities, not only improving security and safety, but quality of life. He was proactive, not reactive when it came to serving our seniors and young people. Under his leadership, youth were provided with opportunities to help them succeed.

November 2016 15

16 November 2016

What Are You Giving in Your Relationship? also create and share meaning. In general, communication is a means of connecting people.

Below are a few things to remember:

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By Stella Alexander Contributing Writer

roverbs 15:1 reads, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

Open and honest communication strengthens your relationship. But you must carefully choose the time and place to share a challenging issue or concern with your spouse. If he/she is just arriving home from work, they may need a moment to relax and unload from the stress of the day in their own way. Give them time to release and relax, then they can better receive what you want to discuss. It may be beneficial to let them know you would like time with them later when they are refreshed.

I suggest you take time to look within yourself first to figure out what the concern truly is. Then come up with a couple of realistic resolutions so you will be prepared to offer solutions for consideration. You may have to present the situation to your mate and give them time to ponder it for resolution. Remember, communication is a two-way process of reaching mutual understanding, in which participants not only exchange (encode-decode) information, ideas and feelings, but

• The person who initiates the communication to resolve a concern should not present it as a challenge.

Because that could set discussion into a confrontational mood. The person who responds can also turn the conversation into a conf lict if they don’t respond with calm and patience in choosing their words.

• Remember, you can maximize the success of the conversation by choosing the timing of the conversation carefully.

• I believe inviting God through prayer into your conversation to make for a more successful outcome. In fact, pray for guidance from God before you approach your mate for discussion. Pray for your understanding and your mate’s understanding.

The sooner you learn how to communicate with your spouse, the sooner you will have unnecessary turbulence in your relationship. It is important to learn each other’s love language. A suggested read is “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman.

Relatable, reliable and real, Stella is your go-to for rejuvenating relationships!

Transparent and empowering, she energizes audiences. Stella is the founder of the social networking site www. stellaalexander.com, where individuals and couples gather to discuss, learn and encourage one another about building healthy relationships.

Is Your Facebook Account Secure?

By d-mars.com News Provider

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Your Facebook profile is a representation of you on the Web. It's where you connect with friends, learn the latest news and find the best reviews of the restaurants and products you enjoy every day. You use your Facebook profile all the time, so you want to make sure the information you display on Facebook remains as safe and secure as possible.

Facebook works 24/7 to protect people's accounts, but there are also simple things you can do to take more control of your security. Here are three easy options:

1. Take a security checkup.

Security Checkup is the quickest and easiest way to add extra layers of protection to your Facebook account. With three simple steps you can: • Control where you're logged in.

This makes it easy to log out of devices you haven't used in a while or may have forgotten about, meaning you'll only be logged into Facebook on devices and

browsers you approve.

• Turn on Login Alerts. When this feature is activated, you'll receive a notification or email alert whenever someone tries to log into your account from a new device or browser.

• Review your password security.

Only use strong and unique passwords.

You should never use your Facebook password anywhere else online and never share it with anyone.

You can start your Security Checkup any time by searching for "security checkup" in the Facebook Help Center, or by typing facebook.com/securitycheckup into your browser.

2. Turn on login approvals.

If you're only going to make one change to improve the security of your account, this is it. Otherwise known as two-factor authentication (2FA), login approvals provide an extra security step whenever you log in from a new device. You will get a special code on your phone that you use along with your password to complete the login process.

To turn on login approvals, all you have to do is go to "Settings" in the Facebook

choose whether to let the app post on your behalf.

To sign into an app with Facebook, simply click on the Facebook button on the app's sign-in page.

app on your phone or in your browser.

Once you've done this, select "Security Settings" and check the box next to "Login Approvals." If you don't have login approvals turned on already, you should do it as soon as possible.

3. Use your Facebook login with third-party apps.

Your Facebook login allows you to quickly and safely log into many thirdparty apps using your Facebook account.

Maintaining a login system is hard, and by using your Facebook account, you don't need to trust your login to every app you sign into. They never get to see your Facebook password. As an added bonus, using Facebook Login means you don't need to create and remember lots of new passwords.

You can also control what information you share with these apps by clicking "Edit the Info You Provide." And best of all, you

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Improve your Facebook security today In addition to the steps above, you can also visit the Facebook Safety Center, which provides additional tools to help control your experience on Facebook, as well as numerous tips and resources for safe and secure sharing. It also gives you access to the Bullying Prevention Hub, a resource for teens, parents and educators seeking guidance on how to prevent and address bullying on the Internet.

Your home comes with locks on the doors. Your car comes with an alarm. Your cell phone comes with a passcode. Yet every day you take additional steps to protect these possessions and the valuable information they hold. Why not do the same for your Facebook account? With just a few simple clicks, you can give your account a tune-up and more safely connect and share on Facebook with the people you care about. – BPT

November 2016  17

Enjoy the Preparation

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By Linda Lindsay Contributing Writer

etting the house ready for guests on Thanksgiving takes planning and preparation.

Though many don’t like the preparation, I have some tips for you to enjoy the process. After all, the planning, cooking and entertaining are what make the holidays special. Start planning now and reap the benefits of seeing your guests enjoy the special occasion you have put so much into. Holiday entertaining can be better than you imagined.

The best place to start decorating for this time of the year is the living room.

This is often the epicenter of the home and the main family gathering space during the holidays. Committing to one main seasonal focal point is smart.

This time of year is also a great time to celebrate your ancestors by creating a

collage of photos. Having this piece of history allows you to honor those who are no longer here and those who have come before you. Share this collage of family history with your family and guests.

Plan what your table will look like in your dining room. If you prefer a formal table, assure the table, linens, napkins and dinnerware are ready for entertaining. For a casual table, assure you have the appropriate number of settings for everyone.

This season is for enjoying your loved ones. If the thought of cooking is too much, consider hiring a caterer so that you may spend more time with family.

Serve all meals on decorative plates with special napkins and silverware.

Shop for small bites that guests will enjoy. Have serving platters filled with cured meats, olives and cheese, plus simple crackers or bread. Also add a selection of fruit and nuts.

Make sure that each family member and guest know how much you appreciate them with a thank you note on a place setting or a hand written note wrapped around a glass or cup.

Play a collection of music that will satisfy all guests, like gospel or upbeat jazz mixed with soulful tunes. Another suggestion is adding the power of African beats and reggae.

Have a collection of wines handy for your family and guests. The world of wine is so vast that narrowing down your search makes the selection process less daunting. Start with your current season in mind (lighter wines are better for summer, heavier varieties in winter),

then consider buying five or six varieties based on their country or region of origin. Purchase wines with a mix of flavors and vintages so that there’s something for everyone, and serve them from lightest to darkest.

Make sure that you have candles in each room. The idea of placing dimmers for your ceiling lights during the holiday's will help enhance the specialty

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lighting for your holiday decorations.

Give yourself the gift of fresh flowers every other day during this season, allowing you to feel special. Create a stunning and classic atmosphere. Have a wonderful season of giving.

For more information, contact Linda Lindsay of Designing Your Lifestyle at 347-731-1020.

18 November 2016

The New Normal!

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By Noel Pinnock Contributing Writer

enry James said that there are three things in human life that are important: “the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.” In 1766, the world was introduced to the word reciprocity. Reciprocity has known synonyms such as cooperation, exchange, mutuality or interchange. The short definition can be summed up in two words, giving back. In this edition of the d-mars.com Business Journal, the emphasis has been placed on the essentials of giving back. I am a strong advocate of reciprocity and it is incumbent upon everyone to understand that there is true value in helping others and giving back.

In fact, many of you who will read this article are able to read because someone in your past (home, school, etc.) taught you to do so. There is no mistaking the reality, we are born owing and not knowing – knowing anything but owing everything to those who chose to pour into us. Someone invested time, talents and treasures to help ensure you were capable of making it in our society.

It feels good to give. Sure, giving back should be an altruistic, selfless notion, but the truth is that giving back is good for both the giver and the recipient. Studies even prove that there are amazing benefits to giving, whether you are taking on a regular volunteer position, donating money or simply doing a random act of kindness.People oftentimes approach me after I give a speech or present a training session and ask me do I minister or preach at a church. I am always flattered; however, my typical response is two-fold and centered on the two types of ministers in the world: ministers by profession and influence. In either case, we are all ministers.

Likewise, we are all teachers because we have an influence (positive or negative) on everyone we meet on a moment-bymoment basis. Susan Skog once wrote: There’s a deep wave of grassroots giving back sweeping the country.

A surge of people across all age groups is volunteering like never before. But giving back doesn’t mean that you don’t get anything in return. Helping others reach for a new day rejuvenates us in ways that another margarita-soaked vacation, more stuff, a fatter resume, or a supersized house can’t begin to. We want to feel useful. We want to find meaning. We want to feel this alive and on fire with possibility.

Here are some direct benefits one receives when reciprocity or giving back becomes a priority of life: 1. Longevity – Giving back makes people happy. People who volunteer have lower levels of depression, increased life satisfaction and a more positive wellbeing than those who do not do volunteer work. We do not need a season to begin giving back. If you have the op-

portunity to get up in the morning, then that is reason enough, because when you do it unto the least of them, you are really doing it unto God. So, have fun giving back. One day someone will give back to you!

2. Experience – Giving back can be a great way to gain work experience, especially when you are volunteering in your field of interest, trying to master a new skill or hoping to on-ramp back into the

work force.

3. Relationship - It is true that people usually feel good when they give back, but they feel even better if they give back to someone they know or on behalf of someone they know. The greatest happiness boost comes from giving to a charity via a friend, relative or social connection, rather than simply making an anonymous donation to a worthy cause.

4. Model - Children who make an effort to perform acts of kindness report being happier and feeling more accepted by their peers. Being kind to others can have a cyclical effect, in that those who are kind are less likely to be bullies, and those who are kind (and therefore more accepted) are less likely to be bullied. So let's be a good example for the next generation and teach them ways to be kind to others.

5. Heart - Kindness is good for your heart, both figuratively and literally.

Older adults who make it a practice to give back have lower blood pressure than those who do not. However, the benefits on the heart start young, too. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality, and the first signs of the disease can begin to appear during adolescence.

Research shows that youth who practice giving back early in their development, even just one hour per week, can have lower levels of inflammation, lower cholesterol and lower BMIs than those who do not.

Let’s face it, giving back is the world’s new normal and we should perfect this daily, because the alternative is never an option. Our first obligation in life is to be happy and the second obligation is to make others happy!

To read more about Noel Pinnock, B.S., M.P.A., C.A., CCC, IPMA-SCP, please visit www.noelpinnock.com. #GetAtIt

WORD SEARCH

Enjoy this word search featuring election and voting vocabulary!

Ballot Campaign Candidate Caucus Citizen Constituency Convention County Delegate Democracy Economy Elect Electors Federal Gerrymandering Government Incumbent Independent Issues Local

I R T L C I M S W F E Q S U J M S S Q S F R I J R I B C N H Y C A J U S U M H R B I H E T T N L X T S Y M M Q Z Q G O V

N T X E D H R Q L W R L G Q N V W V S E

E I U K G C M O W F C L L D F G H W B R

D Z F J R A C O T Z O A Y T N U O C W N

N E F V M U K Z B C M C O V O L U K J M

E N B L S C C V V A E O Q K I N I G P E

P T R H U U R D K X D L O B T F U M J N

E D N Q V S A M E I D L O W I S A S I B S L F H F Q R N L M D N G R G Y E E I F L H N E V Y C D Q T I H M G Q H K T T N

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I B R J M O C B N G T A G E L D D W B C U G L K O D Q X P N U N D F S Q W A X T B B L C I T X Y J T Y B M C U I A O Z E O L N W N S L O N C N O C D Y R T E E G E Y V B V U R S N W A T A F G R H I L Z

H Z E J I P G N I R E D N A M Y R R E G

E S D B B H Y H H Q U K O B Y W T S D F

O P E G M Z C A M P A I G N E R O C I P

November 2016  19

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20 November 2016

Fantasy Football: Score BIG By d-mars.com News Provider

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ore than 57 million people will play fantasy sports this year, according to the Fantasy Sports Trade Association (FSTA). With fantasy football season underway, you need to make sure your game face is on and your line-up is set. If you have a team this season, or this is your first year playing, here are some tips for scoring a successful season: 1. Don’t receive an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Whether you’re playing in a formalized league or one the office football aficionado threw together, it’s important to know and follow the rules of your league. Just like the real deal, fantasy football has rules and regulations.

Run afoul of those rules in a formalized league and you might be invited to leave, or at the very least, not come back next year. Mess up in the office and you’ll have to hear about it until you retire. Realize people will play with varying levels of commitment and proficiency, but everyone wants to have fun - and rules help make that possible.

2. Avoid fumbling your lineup. Once you have your lineup locked in for draft

day, your player knowledge doesn’t stop there. Devote time each week to research your player’s strengths and weaknesses.

You can rank players on many criteria, from last year’s performance to expert predictions of this year’s performance.

Researching can help you get your best lineup each week to crush the competition. Whether you’re playing to win or just for fun, some preparation can help ensure you put together your dream team.

3. Score savings with an audible.

More than a third of fantasy sports players primarily use their phones to track scores, follow teams, make lineup changes and communicate with others about their fantasy sport, according to the FTSA. That’s a lot of phone usage on-the-go that can potentially cause high overage charges. Switching to a more affordable plan can make your fantasy football season more cost efficient. Just in time for kickoff, Straight Talk Wireless is launching Straight Talk Plus(TM), giving customers even more options to save on their wireless service. Available exclusively at Walmart, Straight Talk Plus lets you get the latest smart phones like the Samsung Galaxy S7 for just about $1 a day. Just add our unlimited service plan with 5GB of high speed data (then 2G speeds) starting at just $45 per month to make sure you’re covered for all of those game-day lineup changes. Best of all, there is no contract on your smartphone or unlimited plan - letting customers cancel anytime with no activation fees or penalties.

4. Tackle Traditions. Every fantasy football league is different. It’s much more than just strictly about winning.

This is a game that brings friends, room-

mates and colleagues together to participate alongside their favorite players each week. With this, the collective personalities and traditions between leagues can vary. Whether you’re new to the league or the reining champ, make sure you double check the scoring system and are aware of your league’s traditions.

5. Get caught up with sideline streaming. Remember, one does not simply pick a team and then stop paying attention. In fact, keeping track of how players on your team are performing in real life is what makes fantasy football exciting. Not everyone has time to watch every game their players are in, or even just the highlights. Consider downloading a fantasy football app for your smartphone to stream games, keep track of stats, scores, injuries and more. Straight Talk Wireless will help you have your data streaming needs covered.

Now you’re well on your way to a win-

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ning team and prepared for the season ahead. For more ways to save, visit www.

StraightTalk.com.

This is a lease-to-own transaction except in MN, NJ, WI, and WY where straight leases are offered. Well-qualified credit may be required to purchase.

Smart Pay terms: Lease-to-own transaction for the Samsung Galaxy S7 total cost is $722.88 with 24 30-day payments plus any taxes and fees except in North Carolina where final payment may be more. No ownership until all payments made. May be able to exercise early purchase option. Retail cost of the Galaxy S7 is $599, subject to change. Customers may end lease and return phone at any time. Wireless service subject to Straight Talk Terms and Conditions. On the $45 Unlimited plan the first 5GB of data is at high speeds. After 5GB, speeds are reduced to 2G where streaming and audio may be affected. – BPT

November 2016  21

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22 November 2016

Wonderful Wines to Share at Holiday Celebrations

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By d-mars.com News Provider

s the weather cools and the fireplace whets your appetite for comfort and relaxation, thoughts naturally turn to friends, family, good food and drinks … enjoyable moments this season so notably brings. Whether you plan to be the host or a guest at the festivities, you can make a lasting impression by offering up some tasty and carefully selected pairings of wine and appetizers. Sharing delicious food and drinks can be a great conversation starter and create memorable holiday experiences. Consider these suggestions for delicious combinations that will impress even your most experienced wine-loving and foodie friends.

• Choose a bottle of Leese-Fitch Cabernet Sauvignon, hailing from where cab is king, sunny California. The enjoyable finish of this full-bodied wine features hints of toasted coconut and rich vanilla to balance out the dark fruit overtones.

The meat lovers in your group will enjoy this wine with easy-to-prepare braised beef short ribs or turkey meatballs. You could even offer up a strategic selection of crackers and aged cheeses, ranging from a sharp cheddar to a higher-end Chalosse or Reblochon. Picture those pairings as you reunite with friends around the holiday table.

• A pinot noir can be an excellent

introduction to red wine for the white wine drinker, and is a great choice for the holiday season because it pairs effortlessly with a variety of foods. Whip up a batch of salmon tartare on toasted wontons for your next dinner party to go with the light, red fruit and earthy elements typical of this varietal. Try the Moobuzz Pinot Noir, named after “the land of milk and honey” (the California Cen-

tral Coast), which features an abundance of red currant, dark cherry, rich mocha and wild strawberry … with a finish one critic compares to “a velvet blanket.” This is one you’ll want to snuggle in!

• Those celebrating a special occasion, or any day that ends in “Y,” may enjoy the festive White Knight Prosecco D.O.C. with crisp aromas of acacia flower, apple, white peach and citrus fruit, this bubbly

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is a nice change from the typical white wine. It is great by itself as an aperitif or as a base for a festive French 75 cocktail. Enjoy this lively sparkler with mini quiches at a wedding shower, gathering of friends or your company holiday party.

Visit 3badge.com for information on where to purchase these wines, or to learn more about 3 Badge’s strong portfolio of award-wining beverages. – BPT

November 2016  23

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24  November 2016

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November 2016 25

To Whom Much Is Given

By Charlotte Jackson

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Contributing Writer

ost of us have heard the words, “To whom much is given, much is required.” And unfortunately, most of us have known way too many people who focus only on what they can get out of life. Yet somehow, I have been blessed to know many more people who believe in giving back than those who just take.

It does not matter if it is an athlete such as my friend, retired NFL player Cory Redding or my friend John, who is a recovered substance abuser. They both give back in ways that cannot be measured. Each year, not only does Cory hold a youth football camp at the Galena Park ISD football stadium in east

Harris County, but he speaks multiple times to youth, educators and young adults in Houston, as well as in Austin, where he currently lives.

He and his wife established a foundation years ago to help youth. They also set up an endowed scholarship at The University of Texas for education majors. Often Cory can be found mentoring youth in football or even talking to young males on how to tie a tie and treat a young lady on the first date. When Cory is in Houston, he takes the time to go by and spend time with those older adults who poured their time and wisdom into him and many others. And he takes the time to stop in with those he grew up with, making sure he never loses touch with his roots. He is continuously gaining knowledge. This semester, he returned to the classroom at The University of Texas to work on completing his degree.

He and his wife Priscilla dedicated many hours ministering to younger players and their wives during the years he played football. Making money was important, but building a stable marriage and providing a foundation for their three children was much more important. Now retired, he and his wife spend more time as a family growing in God’s word.

Another wonderful friend who continues to give back is John. After spending years in addiction, he found himself one night crying out in pain. As an ambulance took him from the Salvation Army with a blown-out knee at age 50, he called on his parents who were several

states away. He shared with me that at that moment, he knew he had to return to the roots his parents had provided for him. Now, nearly 10 years later, he not only has a nice car, but an apartment and a fulfilling job. Each day he starts the day with prayers of thanksgiving. During the day, he finds himself checking in with his sponsor, as well as checking in on others who are just starting their journey to recovery. He invests time daily reaching out, sharing his story and acknowledging that at 59, he is not where he should be, but he is so much better than where he was. He may not be at a place where he can give as much financially as he would like to, but he gives back with his time, his testimony and his talents. I honestly have to

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say that there has not been one conversation with him when I have not been encouraged. His laugh is contagious and his smile says it all, even when he says nothing at all. John’s smile radiates acceptance and encouragement.

So as we enter the holiday season, do not worry about giving gifts that cost too much money or that will be put on a shelf and forgotten. Instead, I suggest giving back by thanking those who have been there along your journey, as well as those who are facing things that you have survived. Do not let the things of this world get you down. Instead, look up and count your blessings. Give back and be blessed beyond measure. And remember, I love you and there is nothing you can do about it.

26  November 2016

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November 2016  27

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