GRACE 速
MARCH/APRIL 2014
TIMELESS FIRST LADIES OF MEMPHIS
CHEF CHARLES WALKER CLASSIC EASTER FEAST
Interview:
We Love MARDI GRAS
PHILLIP ASHLEY
THE MAN BEHIND CHOCOLATE
LETTER
Publisher’s
AS TOLD BY
CHRISTINA STEVISON Good bye ice, wind chills and long-johns! Helloooooo, Spring! After a record breaking cold winter summoned by a raging winter vortex swept through the Mid-South — the warm, sunny days of spring are finally here. It’s been cold in the Mid-South for so long, that spring has a renewed meaning for me.
When
you think about it, life is the same way. It’s only after we’ve gone through the sometimes chilling coldness of life that we can truly appreciate the thawing warmth that new and fresh brings. Thank goodness the cold days of winter and the cold days of life don’t last always. In this issue of GRACE, we celebrate spring and rejoice in the new opportunities it brings. You’ll get practical tips on ways to clean and de-clutter your home and perhaps consider a new career choice. I hope you’ll be inspired by the life lesson to prepare and do your best shared by 13-year-old Memphis-Shelby County Spelling Bee Champion, Dwight Moore. Then find out what’s eating away at the Sandwich Generation and why it matters and
Write To Us:
Email speakout@gracemagazine.com or send us a letter to P.O. Box 3180 Memphis, TN 38173
turn the page to find the best chocolate in Memphis. Take a good look at our GRACE® Transformation Challengers. Our next issue, you can follow their change. Finally, we have a surprise celebrity in this issue that you don’t want to miss! I hope you’ll reap lots of ideas and encouragement for new beginnings from this issue of GRACE. Start your spring today. In Sisterhood,
Christina
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March April
2014
33
FEATURES
44
60
47
TIMELESS ACCESSORY
DWIGHT MOORE
FIRST LADIES
A visit with Barbara Perkins
On his way to Washington, DC
No one wears hats like the First Ladies of Memphis Churches!
ON THE COVER
Model Stephanie Jones; Photo by Detric Stanciel MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE 3
CONTENT MARCH/APRIL 2014 | VOL. 2 | NO.2 | GRACEMAGAZINE.COM
HELLO SPRING
9
SPRING CLEANING
Bring new life to your living space
33
56
Mardi Gras Festivities
Time for a celebration
MAY WE HELP YOU?
12
HOW TO EARN EXTRA MONEY
15
PARENT CARETAKING
19
CHOOSING A NEW CAREER
Side Hustle Ideas
Will You Be Caught in the Middle?
Losing a job can mean a significant change in income.
27 TRANSFORM YOUR BODY Weight loss challenge
39
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53
PREPARING AN EASTER MEAL
Roasted Leg Of Lamb, Roasted Rosemary New Potatoes & Sautéed Green Beans With Cherry Tomatoes
30
Introducing GRACE® Magazine’s Celebrity Guest Columnist Shirley Strawberry Shirley Strawberry has teamed with GRACE® Magazine to offer advice to GRACE readers. Strawberry is the author of The Strawberry Letter – Real Talk, Real Advice, Because Bitterness Isn’t Sexy and co-host of the Steve Harvey Morning Show. Strawberry offers nononsense woman-to-woman straight talk. Shirley tells it like it is—from the heart. • Love and Relationships: the highs and lows of dating, marriage, and breakups • Family: the challenges of being a great mom • Sisterhood: ways to get (and give) the support you need to stay sane • Self: tips for overcoming low self-esteem and depression, and finding balance, faith, and acceptance
Send questions to strawberry@gracemagazine.com
MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE 5
Contributors TERRANCE BLOUNT TERRANCE BLOUNT EARNED A BS DEGREE FROM HOWARD UNIVERSITY AND TWO PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS FROM THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES: Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant. Before embarking upon his professional career, Blount was a US Army Intelligence Officer. Following discharge, he began his professional career at a major financial institution in New York City. In 1997, Blount joined AXA Advisors as a financial consultant with his core practice focused on retirement income planning. Blount is a Life Member of the Washington (DC) Urban League and a former member of its board of directors. As a Life Member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and the recipient of the fraternity’s second highest award, the Elder Watson Diggs Award, he was an incorporator of the Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation, the charitable affiliate of the Fraternity, serving as board member and former Treasurer. Blount is also a member of the Beta Nu Boulé of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, and a past chairman of its charitable affiliate, the Beta Nu Boulé Education Foundation. Blount lives in Metropolitan Washington, D.C. with his loving wife, Patricia.
JENNIFER RORIE JENNIFER RORIE IS A LAUDERDALE COUNTY TRANSPLANT CURRENTLY LIVING IN MEMPHIS. She is pursuing a degree in journalism/Advertising from the University of Memphis and graduates in May. Her interests include designing anything she can get her hands on, online shopping and spending time with her son, Micah.
CHEF CHARLES WALKER CHEF CHARLES BROUGHT HIS OHIO FLAVOR TO MEMPHIS IN 2008. His food service career spans twenty years having managed various corporate dining facilities, Kosher facilities, long term care facilities, and fine dining restaurants. Chef Charles is a graduate of Cincinnati State Technical & Community College with a degree in Chef Technology and a degree in Business Management from the University of Cincinnati with. Chef Charles and his wife are the proud parents of two sons and a daughter.
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GRACE ®
Founder Tina L. Birchett (1960 – 2013) Publisher & CEO Christina N. Stevison Editor-In-Chief Toni Harvey Executive Editor Lisa Lew Art Director Detric Stanciel Director of Operations Chris Boyd
Marketing & Advertising Director Alice Poston Account Executive Latasha Stonum Contributing Writers Terrance Blount, Chris Boyd B. Henderson, Ann Leung, Alice Poston Jennifer Rorie, LaTasha Stonum Tay Vin, Chef Charles Walker Contributing Photographers Detric Stanciel, Kenneth Watkins
HOW TO REACH US Stevison Group, LLC 200 Jefferson Avenue Suite 1066 Memphis, TN 38103 Phone 901.579.9333 Fax 901.795.2256 www.gracemagazine.com
GRACE® Magazine is a bi-monthly publication of Stevison Group, LLC and is distributed in locations throughout the Memphis/Mid-South area. Readership: 60,000 Copyright 2014 by Stevison Group, LLC. All rights reserved. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials and does not return unsolicited materials to sender. Photography and images obtained for editorial usage is owned by GRACE® Magazine and may not be released for commercial use such as in advertisements. Reproduction in whole or in part without the publisher’s consent is strictly prohibited. The opinions expressed herein are exclusively those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the positions or views of the editor or publisher. The publication of any advertisement in this issue does not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser’s products or services by this publication.
Spring BRiNGS‌
The Festivites Of Mardi Gras, the Celebration Of Lent, And Easter. Refresh, Transform, Celebrate and Indulge. Happy Spring! MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE 7
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SPRING CLEANING Bring new life to your living space by ALICE POSTON
N
ow that winter is almost gone, it’s time to get ready for spring and summer. Give your home a good spring cleaning and de-clutter your home. A clean and organized home will help you enjoy your home and save you time as your schedule starts to fill with outdoor activities. At least twice a year – fall and spring—you need to do some deep cleaning or organizing. Spring Cleaning Checklist: • Start with a clean view of the outside of your home by washing all of your windows. Deep clean all windows, inside and outside. There are several good housecleaning and janitorial services that wash windows. If you decide to save the money and do it yourself,
try using a solution of vinegar and water to clean your windows. Use old newspaper instead of paper towels for a streak free shine. • Clean the draperies. Depending on the fabric, you may need to have your drapes professionally cleaned. Although drapes are vacuumed on a regular basis, a good spring cleaning is needed in order to remove odors and freshen your home. • Have your heating and cooling system checked. Replace filters as needed. Clean vents and replace vent covers that are stained. • Clean kitchen and bathroom cabinets paying close attention to any areas that collect dust. • Clean out the garage. • Clean out gutters and patio furniture outside • Clean out flower beds and prepare the soil for spring planting
MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE 9
Spring cleaning
One of the biggest parts of spring cleaning is getting rid of clutter. A great place to start is with your closets. Take everything out of your closet. This is a good time to add a fresh coat of paint to brighten up your closet. However, if you don’t have the time or inclination for a complete redo, just do a complete cleaning of the shelves and floor. Anything you haven’t worn in the past year is a candidate for donation or the consignment shop. This includes shoes, ladies! Now is not the time to be sentimental. If you haven’t worn that dress or sweater in a year, chances are it’s too little, too big, too old, or too unlike you to wear. Put all of your “too” items in a pile because they are probably just taking up “too” much space and could be used by someone else. If the items are lightly worn, clean them and consider donating them to a worthwhile clothes closet. Organizations such as Dress for Success, Goodwill and Salvation Army can make good
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use of your donations. All the winter clothes you’ve worn in the past year and want to keep should be properly stored. When storing your winter clothes, remember to clean the clothes first. It’s tempting to just throw a stained sweater into a storage bag; after all, you can clean it when you get ready to wear it, right? Wrong! Dirt attracts insects that can damage your clothes. You’ll get ready to wear your favorite sweater and find that insects have eaten it for lunch leaving a few holes behind. So always clean your clothes before storing them. Make sure you store your clean winter clothing in a cool, dark, dry place. Some people like plastic storage boxes. However, storage bags are just as good, plus they take up less space than storage boxes. With your winter clothes out of the closet, you now have room to sort and arrange the clothes that you can wear for the spring and summer. Reorganize your closet so that only
the clothes you can wear are present. This is a great time to invest in hangers if your closet is full of wire hangers received from dry cleaners. Good hangers help to keep the shape of your clothes and they just look good in your closet. Hang all blouses together. You can sort the blouses by color and sleeve length. Then hang all pants together. Sort them by color. Do the same for dresses, suits and skirts. Line your drawers with freshly scented liners before filling them with your knits. This exercise can be an eye opener. You’ll soon see what items you need to purchase to spruce up your wardrobe. Make a list of the accessories and items you need to update your wardrobe. Put the list on your mobile phone so it’s handy whenever you’re out shopping. Once your home is clean and organized, you can sit back and enjoy sunny days of spring. G
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EVENT CONSULTANT Many organizations rely on events to make money for operations including nonprofits organizations, charities and political campaigns. Often, they require an event consultant to organize the events. If you have strong organizational and management skills, pay close attention to detail and enjoy working with people, consider becoming an event consultant. $49,000* VENDING MACHINE OPERATOR Vending machines have become part of everyday life in today’s busy society. Almost every break room, grocery store, and college campus has vending machines. With new businesses cropping up daily, there are plenty of entrepreneur opportunities. Depending on items you sell, how much you charge and the maintenance cost, the profits can vary; however, you can earn on average $39,000*. PERSONAL SHOPPER Interior designers and collectors as well as corporations hire personal shoppers to find specific items or gifts for their investors, executives, customers, or employees, as well as to purchase products for gift giveaways at special events, ceremonies, and seminars. Personal shoppers also buy for the elderly, individuals confined to their home, holiday or furniture shopping. If you love to shop, don't mind networking with business owners, corporate executives, and people from all walks of life then you can be a personal shopper. The average salary is $30,000*.
BE YOUR OWN BOSS
TRAVEL AGENT A travel agent can get great perks such as travel discounts and the opportunity to travel. If you enjoy travelling, putting together travel arrangements, researching vacation destinations and providing travel advice -- a travel agent may be something to consider. On average, travel agents can make up to $52,000* annually depending on how much time they devote to the business.
Side Hustle Ideas by ANN LEUNG
W
ant to start spring with extra money? Thinking about what you can do to make additional money on the side? Wondering what others are doing to cushion their savings? Anyone can start a side hustle as long as you are willing to do the work and put in the time. It can start out as a hobby or as a passion that can turn into real cash. Below are some ideas that don’t require certificates or professional degrees, just experience, passion and determination. *Note: all incomes are annual averages for Memphis, Tennessee as reported on SimplyHired.com February 2014. 12 MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE
DJ DJ-ing is a great part-time business and in high demand. Potential clients include event planners, wedding planners, nightclub owners, and individuals seeking to secure disc jock-
ey services. Potential income is based on your experience and reputation but on average is $47,000*. BLOGGER Anyone can start his/her own blog, but the challenge is converting the skill to income. Companies with online presence need to have a current, easy-to-use website or blog. There are companies wanting a blog, but don’t have the time to begin. An independent blogger can create the blog and create a search-engine presence reaching the company’s potential readers and customers. Depending upon experience and skill, earnings average $46,000*. DOG WALKER/SITTER/BATHER If you love dogs and cats, this is an extra job for you. Numerous people owning dogs work long hours, take business trips, go on vacations, or simply need to hire someone to walk, sit or bathe their pet. Walkers, sitters and bathers earn up to $39,000, $29,000 and $18,000 respectively. GOFER If you know your way around the city and can run errands fast and expeditiously, you can be a gofer. Gofer errands range from picking up dry cleaning, dropping off mail, shipping boxes, or picking up items. Initially hired by corporations, today more and more individuals are hiring them to run errands. If you have a flexible schedule, you might consider becoming a gofer. Gofers can make up to $57,000*.
maybe you should consider working as a videographer or video editor. The average income is $43,000*. SOCIAL MEDIA ASSISTANT Today’s social media age is a powerful medium for building personal and corporate brands, but it requires dedicated time. This is where a social media assistant comes into play. You can manage Facebook, Twitter and the like on behalf of personal or company accounts by setting up constant streams of updates and maintaining updates. Annual income is $50,000*. G
VIRTUAL ASSISTANT With today’s connectivity there are innumerable services you can provide virtually; for example, transcribing, running calendars, planning travel, compiling data, handling calls, writing and distributing standard business communications, preparing presentations even placing orders for new supplies. It basically entails any administrative task that doesn’t require being in the same place as your client. Average income is $41,000*. PERSONAL CHEF/ CATERER If cooking is your passion, personal chefs were once only available to the rich and famous, but not anymore. Today, you can go into someone’s home to cook a few times a week, or make meals in your own kitchen that you deliver weekly or daily. Annual income is about $50,000*. Catering is a great way to make extra cash. It requires less investment and manpower than a restaurant and also a great way to start a culinary career. Annual income is $33,000*. VIDEOGRAPHER/VIDEO EDITOR More and more couples not only want their wedding photographed, they also want it filmed and edited professionally. Watching video online is ever increasing and with that comes the demand for quality videographers and video editors. If making videos or short films is your hobby,
MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE 13
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14 MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE
THE SANDWICH GENERATION Will You Be Caught in the Middle?
I
f you are helping support your parent while raising a child under age 18 or supporting a grown child, you are a member of the Sandwich Generation. It’s difficult enough to pay bills and save aside emergency money, but it’s even tougher when you must meet your financial needs while providing financial assistance to your parents and grown children. If it’s not money then it is your time that’s in demand. But that decision may have longterm consequences. It may seem to make sense to take time off from work to care for
by ANN LEUNG
a relative rather than pay someone else to do it, but in the long run it can cost you even more. The average worker who is forced to quit, take early retirement, reduce hours or take a leave-of absence to provide care for an aging parent sacrifices lost wages and benefits over a lifetime – this includes the money you could earn; any company retirement match; your benefits and health insurance; and you are not guaranteed to find a job when you’re ready to return to the workforce. The majority of us between the ages of 30-
to 60-years olds are either currently facing this issue or will be in the relatively near future. WHAT CAN WE DO TO AVOID SANDWICH GENERATION PROBLEMS? Assess the Situation Before Problems Arise - First start conversations with your parents to discuss their financial status and their future plans. Determine whether they have enough money to sustain throughout their retirement and, if not, determine when assistance is needed. Discuss how they want to live as they age, such as in a retirement village; what kind of health care and lifesav-
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ing measures they want, including what will happen if they were to become ill or incapacitated. Determine who should make legal and medical decisions for them if they are no longer able to handle their own affairs. These discussions may be difficult and uncomfortable for you and your parents, but answering these questions while there is time to plan can help avoid problems down the road. Have Legal Documents in Place - If there is an emergency, you'll need to have the legal authority to act without delay on your parents' behalf. Make sure each parent has 1) a durable power of attorney authorizing someone to make financial decisions on their behalf and authorization to make health care decisions (or a healthcare proxy); and, 2) a living will outlining how to handle life-sustaining medical care. Get Insurance - Look into the feasibility of long-term care insurance for your parents. This option depends on several factors, including the coverage cost, how long you might need it, and what benefits you want. Long-term care insurance could help offset costs of a nursing home. Put Yourself First - As much as it may go against your instincts as a responsible parent and a dutiful child, you cannot dip into your retirement savings for your child’s college education or your parent’s long-term care. Your child can obtain college loans and will have decades to pay the loans while your parents’ assets can be used as long as possible.
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WHERE DO I LOOK? Start with Eldercare locator: The site eldercare.gov, sponsored by the U.S. Administration on Aging, is a nationwide service that connects older Americans and their caregivers with information on local senior services and agencies. Another helpful site is Caregivers’ Resources on the USA.gov site where you can find a nursing home, assisted living, or hospice; check your eligibility for benefits; get resources for long-distance caregiving; review legal issues; and find support for caregivers. Check for available benefits: Go to the National Council on Aging benefitscheckup.org to determine if your parents qualify for federal, state and local benefits. These benefits help pay for medications, health care, food, and utilities. You can also research government benefits at govbenefits.gov for eligibility and contact info for each program. Follow up on Medicare: For those who qualify for Medicare, medicare.gov is an easy site to use. It is particularly helpful as an interactive tool for comparing Medicare Prescription Drug Plans and getting tips for lowering costs in the coverage gap. WHO CAN ASSIST ME? Find someone to guide you: At National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers; caremanager.org, you can get referrals to local elder-care professionals who can assess your parents' medical needs and finances and identify local programs
and services to meet those needs. However, prior to engaging the services, be aware that there are fees ranging from $50 and $200 an hour, and an initial assessment charge can be several hundred dollars. Get daytime help: You can search on National Adult Day Services Association nadsa.org for adult day care in your local area by entering your city and state information. Hire a good lawyer: The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, naela.com, can help you locate a local attorney who specializes in elderly issues, including estate planning, power of attorney, health proxies and Medicaid eligibility. Keep in mind that federal and state government rules change constantly, so books and websites you may read on these topics may be outdated. WHAT ABOUT MY PARENTS’ FINANCES? Consider a reverse mortgage: Reverse mortgages can allow older people to borrow against the equity in their home so they can afford to keep living there. On the AARP site, aarp.org/money, it offers comprehensive information about lenders, fees, risks and other specifics. Get free tax help: Your parents can get free income tax preparation and advice from an army of volunteers working for the IRS' Tax Counseling for the Elderly program. Find local counselors using the locator function on the AARP site. WHAT ABOUT HOME OR CARE OR ASSISTED LIVING? Get assisted-living info: Deciding on which high-quality assisted-
living facilities can be a daunting task fraught with worries and concerns. At Consumer Consortium on Assisted Living site, ccal. org, some of the burden can be lessened. This nonprofit advocate for resident rights provides information on its site to assist with choosing an assisted-living center. Search for on-site care: The site, Assisted Living Federation of America, alfa.org, sponsored by the industry's trade association provides comprehensive information on senior-living options. Hire help at home: If your parents require assistance, but insist on staying in their home, you may want to consider home health care. National Association for Home Care & Hospice, nahc.org explains different types of care available and provides an agency locator to help you find services. WHERE CAN I FIND SUPPORT? Find a Community: Working Caregiver, workingcaregiver.com, is an online community devoted to the issues of caring for an aging parent while you’re working full time. Learn what to expect: Family Caregiving American Psychological Association, apa.org, provides lists and resources, as well as pragmatic advice on what to expect during the various stages of caregiving of older adults. Get support: Today’s Caregiver, caregiver.com, is an online support group that can refer you to local groups and offers a weekly newsletter for caregivers. Bookmark useful links: Help Starts Here, helpstartshere.org, provides a helpful and wide-ranged annotated list of resources for caregivers. G MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE 17
DR. DENISE MUSTIFUL MARTIN And the Staff of Periodontal Specialist of Memphis & The Malodor Clinic of the Mid-South
The American Academy of Periodontology’s risk assessment test will help you see if you are at risk for having or developing periodontal (gum) disease. Recent research from the Centers for Disease Control indicates that 64 million adults have some form of periodontal disease. Many of them do not know it! Once your answers are submitted, a proprietary calculation determines whether you are at low, medium or high risk and generates a report of your results. This Periodontal Disease Risk Score and the information contained in your report should not be construed as dental advice or as a substitute for a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis by a qualified practitioner. Rather, this report is intended to help educate patients about common risk factors related to periodontal diseases and to assist in the decision of when referral to a periodontist would be advisable Got Gum Disease?
DENISE M SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF GUM DISEASE Bleeding Gums, Bad breath, loose teeth and shifting teeth DID YOU KNOW THAT GUM DISEASE HAS BEEN LINKED TO CAUSING OR IMPACTING? ED-Erectile dysfunction Heart Disease and high blood pressure Gastro intestinal disease and Diabetes
If any of these Signs, Symptoms, Disorders or Conditions describes YOU! Call the Office of Dr. Denise MustifulMartin for a through Evaluation and Examination
901-276-6000 or 1-866-246-1899
1286 Peabody Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
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CONSIDER A CAREER AS A FINANCIAL PLANNER If you love finances and planning future for others
A
by TERRANCE BLOUNT
financial planner is a professional who prepares financial plans for people covering various aspects of their personal finances. They are professionals, who adhere to a code of conducts and standards of ethic that places the needs of their clients at the highest plateau. Financial planning is a goalbased process and is unique to each individual. A typical financial plan addresses several areas, including (as applicable) - education planning; insurance planning; investment planning; retirement planning; and tax planning. The process requires a candid (and confidential) discussion between the professional and the client to uncover needs and to identify goals. The plan includes a series of recommendations to address the goals, which the client deems important. Financial planners are compensated in several ways. Some are
fee-only planners. The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors is a financial planning trade association composed of financial planners who only charge fees for their services. Its members cannot accept any compensation from any source other than their clients. At the other end of the spectrum are financial planners who do not charge fees but are compensated from the sale of products to clients. The basis for developing a financial plan is the information the individual furnishes the financial planner. This information includes both quantitative data (such as information contained in bank statements, investment account statements, retirement account statements, social security benefit statements, and income tax returns) and qualitative data (feeling about non-financial matters such as family concerns, including children, lifestyle, potential retirement sites, legacies, etc.). The quantitative data provides the basis for a comprehensive analysis. It examines income and expenses, and assets and liabilities, to determine how (and if) the individual can meet the finan-
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cial goals identified during a series of interviews. The analysis assesses the risk tolerance of the individual to make certain investment recommendations are appropriate. The analysis assesses the adequacy of risk management techniques the individual is using, including life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance. Each of these insurance products transfers a specific risk to a third party (insurance company) for a price (premium). An efficient risk management program is often the cornerstone of a financial plan because of the serious consequences associated with the loss of life, employment income, and elderly ailments, upon the individual (or the family). In some instances, a premium dollar can be used to address more than one of these matters. For example, some life insurance policies have optional riders that provide long-term care insurance. The qualitative data gathering helps prioritize goals and shapes the focus of the financial plan. For example, a married couple may be concerned with providing adequate resources to maintain a quality lifestyle upon the death of a spouse. On the other hand, a married couple with children may have the same concern plus an additional concern - accumulating resources to fund future education expenses for their children. It is not unusual for financial planners to spend more time uncovering qualitative data to make certain the financial plan addresses the real concerns of individuals. These solutions are typically integrated, include a timeline for implementation, and progress indicators. A financial plan is not a static document. Rather, it is a blueprint that is subject to periodic review to make certain the recommendations are addressing the needs and goals of the clients. Often a plan will require adjustments to accommodate changes that have occurred in the life of the client. Another reason for adjustment is the performance of any retirement assets; this could change the amounts allocated to the retirement account(s) or change the time horizon to retirement. The relationship between financial planners and their clients is akin to the relationship between physicians and their patients. It is a longterm relationship built upon mutual trust with a clear focus on the needs and goals of the client. Clients who follow their plans and maintain an ongoing relationship with their financial planners have clear blueprints to achieving a series of goals that are important to them. For financial planners, there is an element of satisfaction interjected in their lives from seeing their clients realize their dreams and aspirations. G 20 MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE
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PURCHASING A NEW CAR
A
Follow The Three P’s by CHRIS BOYD
re you in the market for a new or used car, but dreading the prospect of going to a car dealership and dealing with pushy salespeople? Do you know what kind of car you want to purchase, but are not sure how much you are going to pay for that car? Armed with the three P's described in this article, you will be able to replace that sense of helplessness with confidence in your ability to secure for yourself a stellar deal on the new car of your dreams. The first and by far the most important P is preparation. This means doing your homework before you set foot on a car lot and before you call a single car dealership. The number one reason
why people pay too much for cars is that they have no idea how much they should pay for their targeted vehicle. They are unaware of what interest rate their credit score or rate qualifies. Most often, we are completely unaware of the tactics utilized by car salesmen. If you prepare prior to coming into contact with any sales associate, you will be able to nullify their tactics and get a great deal. Preparation to purchase a vehicle is very simple. If you plan to finance your new car, then the first integral step you should take is to contact your bank, credit union, or online auto-financer and speak to them about getting pre-qualified for a vehicle loan. One of the ways that car dealerships make money is by securing financing for you that inflates your interest rate beyond what you truly qualify for. This rarely happens when you go to a credit union or bank, and spending a little time shopping interest rates online will enable you to see who offers the most competitive rates. By pre-qualifying, you will be able to determine how much vehicle you can afford, how much interest you'll be paying over the term of a potential loan, and what monthly payments you will have. To illustrate the difference in how much your payment would be and how much you would be paying over the life of a loan depending on your interest rate, go MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE 23
to Edmunds.com and use their simple auto loan calculator. The difference of just two percent on a five-year loan for thirty-thousand dollars is nearly two thousand dollars over the life of a loan. Car dealerships try to make car buyers focus on monthly payments the priority while clouding the increase in total price you do pay for the vehicle due to interest rate inflation. To avoid the misleading tactics, research how much the car costs. The prices that car dealerships list on their vehicles can be perplexing for some shoppers. Window stickers will list what the manufacturer suggests as a retail price for the vehicle. This price is commonly known as the "MSRP." Many dealers also include a "dealer's suggested retail price" or something of a similar title. Both of these numbers can include thousands of dollars of profit that you should not have to pay. Simply taking the time to go to a site such as Edmunds. com can save you thousands of dollars. One great feature of Edmunds.com is that they list several key prices that vehicles sell for. Armed with this information, you should be able to avoid paying too much
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for your new vehicle and have a clear idea of the price range that you believe is fair for your targeted vehicle. The second P is patience. The actual process of purchasing a car can be quite time-consuming. Give yourself an entire day to work through the process. If your plan is to go to the dealership and drive away an hour later, you should expect to pay too much. Sales managers make very
Many dealers also include a "dealer's suggested retail price" or something of a similar title good money by creating an environment where customers feel the need to make quick - and often rash - decisions. Your preparation should have armed you with a clear idea of how much you are going to pay for your new vehicle, but it will probably take some time to convince the dealership to give you the deal you know you can
get. Bring a book or an electronic device to keep occupied. What will happen is that the dealership will bring out a first "pencil" that includes a price well above what you intend to pay for the car. They will try to sell you on the fairness of that price and the affordability of the payments. They will be persistent with many more pencils that don't quite hit your targeted price, so you must be prepared for a lengthy and frustrating negotiation. Patience is the key at this stage. This leads into the third P of purchasing a new car: persistence. A common saying among car salespeople is that, "persistence overcomes resistance." As a customer, you can either be in control of the process of purchasing a new car or you can allow yourself to be controlled by the sales staff. If you have taken the time to prepare, are patient within the process, and then are persistent about getting the deal that you know you can, you will save yourself thousands of dollars. If you simply utilize the three P's provided here then you can be assured that when you drive off of the lot, you got a great deal. G
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TRANSFORM YOUR BODY CHALLENGE by LATASHA STONUM
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e would like to thank everyone who submitted their application for our Transformation Challenge. The number of responses received showed that the community is tired of being overweight. After careful selection, we selected Edward Echols. Due to health reasons, Edward began his weight loss before joining our challenge, but has not reached his ideal weight. He feels that GRACE will help to become healthier and remain at his ideal weight. Our next participant, Rebecca Edwards was selected because her bubbly personality burst out in her response and her determination to slim down was evident. Rebecca is looking to be the talk of her school reunion with a healthier look and we are going to help accomplish that goal! Our final selection was Crystal Sawyer, who brought a smile to us with her reasons to become “A Better You.” She wanted to reconnect with her slim, sexy self These 3 participants will share the next three months working with Power Life Fitness and GRACE® Magazine. Kelvin “York” Brown and his staff will help them set goals, develop a personal workout program,
assess nutritional needs, create meal plans, and most importantly provide support and motivation throughout this journey. We look forward to revealing their amazing transformations at the 19th Annual Sisterhood Showcase! For updates on their progress, head over to our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ GraceMagMemphis. For more information about Power Life Fitness, visit www.PowerLifeFitness.net. Congratulations to our winners! G
MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE 27
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DRIVEN From Small Town to Rising Star
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by JENNIFER RORIE | photos by KENNETH WATKINS
pen the doors of Forerunner Baptist Church in Ripley, Tennessee, and you are immediately greeted with the sounds of singing, worship, and laughter. A few more steps into Forerunner Baptist, you are swept away by the worship group, praise leaders, and singers. As you slide into a pew, you sway to the sounds of the choir. A few musical bars later, you notice the inviting smile of the person on keyboards. With a few more chords, you hear his warm strong voice and you know you have found one of Ripley’s hidden jewels . . . Denzel Bester. Denzel is a riveting talent exploding on the Gospel recording scene. He describes himself as an urban, contemporary gospel artist - too safe for the secular world, but too worldly for the Christian world. When asked what brought him to the world of Gospel, Bester eagerly offers “coming from a small town definitely gave me a hunger for more. You know how in The Little Mermaid, Ariel wanted to move on from where she was—I kind of feel like the same thing.” Bester’s Christian foundation was developed at the foot of his father, the pastor of Forerunner Baptist Church and the support of a loving, church family. Bester’s strong Gospel foundation was the early influences of his sound, but other experiences, like dealing with stereotypes and status quos were also major influences.
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Bester attended the Nashville School of Audio Engineering. During his tenure, the news of his solid sounds reached various music managers, and they began to reach out to him about his music which led to the launch of Denzel Bester’s Gospel singing career. The road to success, however, has had its challenges. At the beginning of his career, Denzel lost friends, changed managers and the thought that his dream career was escaping created a bout of depression which endured for a few years. Bester admits that in the beginning, he may have not been prepared for the struggles of rising fame. Bester reflected saying “At the time, I don’t think I was ready. I knew it was something you have to have when you’re on the rise, on the way to being a super star. But, there’s no point in having a manager if you don’t have anything to manage, I just wanted to be known. The journey has definitely been bittersweet. It’s been a lonely road becoming someone who people deem a star or who people see in the spotlight.” Although Bester loves and appreciates his hometown and family, he has dreamt of a citylife and yearned for the horizons of more to come. He shared that he “never really wanted to be in the spotlight.” He wanted to be a songwriter. “That’s why I went to school for audio engineering.” “I would not trade anything from what I’ve went through because
if I hadn’t gone through it, I would not be where I am today. I am a sincerely happy person, and I’m in a very happy place.” “I got to a place where I was dealing with depression and dealing with a whole lot of issues with people, and I got to a place where I didn’t want to do anything anymore besides sit in my room and just cry. Then one day, I had an epiphany. God spoke to me and said, ‘Well, you know, I’ve called you to do bigger and better things than what you’re doing. If it was easy, it wouldn’t be for you.’” After this personal encounter, Bester made a decision. “I just woke up, said, ‘Okay, God. I’ve got you,’ and wrote ‘Driven. ’ “Driven is my personal vow I made with God. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. That’s what it is for me. It’s like my personal contract.” Bester said that God allows people to go through difficult things, especially special, called people. Driven, Bester’s first professional single was released in January 2014 and available in digital music stores in March, 2014. Currently, Bester is working on a fulllength album. Bester says that sometimes when people tell him they have heard of his music, it’s an unreal feeling. He wants his album to be collected and not categorized as one specific genre. His message will be simple. “If you are dealing with a moment of depression, you can move pass it.” G MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE 31
Special Exhibit: ®
“AND THE GRAMMY GOES TO MEMPHI S ” O 26, 2013 - O 31, 2014 ctOber
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WHY WE LOVE
MARDI GRAS by B HENDERSON | photos by DETRIC STANCIEL
March 4th marks the last day of the 2014 celebration of Mardi Gras, the joyous festival of parades, dance, music, food, and parties in New Orleans, Louisiana. Many associate Mardi Gras (which means “Fat Tuesday” in French) with the adult-oriented French Quarter and Bourbon Street, but Mardi Gras is much more expansive and inclusive than just one area or age group. In fact, Mardi Gras is a celebration for the whole family that has been enjoyed by generations of New Orleanians since the 1800’s. Official parades take place in the four parishes of Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard and St. Tammany for a 12-day period leading up to Fat Tuesday. Steeped in tradition, religion, and culture, here are the reasons GRACE loves Mardi Gras:
MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE 33
Feature
WE LOVE MARDI GRAS BECAUSE IT’S IN NEW ORLEANS!
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e love Mardi Gras because we love New Orleans, the Southern jewel that celebrates the best of African-American culture and strength. We love New Orleans because it’s the intersection of our beautiful African, European, Latin, and Caribbean heritage. We love New Orleans because it’s the birthplace of jazz, but also the birthplace of Lil Wayne and Master P. We love it because Ruby Bridges, the first black child to go to an all-white elementary school in the South, did so in the city’s Ninth Ward. We love New Orleans because it gave us the Superbowl Saints, “Who dat?,” and second-lining, the experience you can only get while following a New Orleans brass band. We love New Orleans because it’s home to three historically black colleges and universities – Xavier, Dillard, and Southern. We love it because it’s just down the Mississippi River from Memphis, another Southern jewel. And most of all, we love New Orleans because when faced with unbelievable trials and unthinkable tribulations, it battles hard and comes back stronger.
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WE LOVE MARDI GRAS BECAUSE IT TELLS US EASTER IS NEAR!
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o many religious observers around the world, Mardi Gras marks the end of the feasting season and the beginning of Lent. For those who count Christmas, or December 25th, as the first day of Christmas, the Feast of Epiphany starts on January 6th, or the twelfth day of Christmas. It is also known to many as “Three Kings Day,” or the day when “the Magi” or “Wise Men” from foreign lands came to bring gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby Jesus. January 6th also marks the beginning of the Carnival season in New Orleans. While there are several parades during this period, the New Orleans Mardi Gras parade season officially begins on the second Friday before Fat Tuesday. Mardi Gras is the last and most celebratory day of the season because it is the last day to feast on rich or “fatty” foods before the solemn fasting period of Lent starts on Ash Wednesday. Some Christians celebrate the day as “Shrove Tuesday” and serve pancakes for supper. We love Mardi Gras because it signals to all Christians, no matter what their denomination, that Easter Sunday, the holiest of days, is only 47 days away!
34 MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE
Feature Grace Talks To
WE LOVE MARDI GRAS BECAUSE IT’S A REASON TO ENJOY GREAT CUISINE!
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hether or not you are in New Orleans, Mardi Gras is a great excuse to enjoy New Orleans’s flavorful, signature cuisine. Cajun-style or Creole-style, nothing treats your tastebuds like the New Orleans comfort food that puts everyone in a good mood. From po-boys to beignets, gumbo to jambalaya, red beans and rice to crawfish etoufee, there may be fights over who makes it best, but everyone agrees that it’s all good. While you’re at it, Mardi Gras is a great time to enjoy, Sazerac, the first cocktail invented in the United States. Created in New Orleans in 1838, the Sazerac Rye Whiskey-based drink features a sugar cube among other ingredients. And no Mardi Gras experience is complete without a praline, a sugar-laced confection with nuts, or a “King’s Cake,” a cake baked with a plastic baby in it to commemorate the visit of the Three Kings to the baby Jesus. In the tradition of Mardi Gras, the person who gets the slice of cake with the plastic baby has the honor of hosting the next party!
MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE 35
WE LOVE MARDI GRAS BECAUSE WE LOVE A PARADE!
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he mere word “parade” brings to mind celebration. It conjures images of floats, bands, cheering, and costumes. A parade makes you think of endless smiles from the participants and more smiles from the spectators. Parades make us happy. And when it c o m e s to parades, few match the pageantry and happiness of Mardi Gras. While the history of Mardi Gras can be traced back to medieval Europe, the parades of Mardi Gras in New Orleans first took place in the 1800’s. The parades featured elaborate floats and costumes by secret societies called “krewes.” The oldest parading krewe since 1872 is the Rex Krewe. “King Rex” has become the international symbol of Mardi Gras and the revered Rex Krewe established the Mardi colors of purple, green and gold. The purple stood for justice, green for faith, and gold for power. The Rex Krewe also started the tradition of tossing doubloons – double sided coins – to spectators. Today, catching doubloons and other “throws” or souvenirs such as beads, cups, and stuffed animals that are thrown from the floats, is a special part of the Mardi
Gras experience. While the Rex Krewe is the oldest, the Zulu Krewe rivals it as the most beloved and anticipated, particularly by African-Americans. Named for the fiercest of African tribes, the Zulu Krewe was incorporated in 1916. Its most famous King was Louis Armstrong in 1949. In addition to its remarkable costumes and music, the Zulu krewe is known for throwing the most sought after “throws” – elaborately decorated coconuts or “golden nuggets.” Both the Rex and Zulu krewes parades are on the coveted day of Fat Tuesday, the last day of Mardi Gras. To see some of the most remarkable costumes of the festival, “in-the-know” spectators seek out the Mardi Gras Indians, a group made up mostly of African-Americans from New Orleans’s inner city. The Indians, who often spend a year working on their elaborate costumes, have paraded “unofficially” for over a century. Only those who are lucky enough to know where to catch them are privy to their spectacular artistry. No matter which of the many krewes they see, parade watchers enjoy themselves whether catching throws from the floats or just watching the perpetual pageant. In no time at all, even the youngest and newest of spectators master the magic words of Mardi Gras, “Throw me something, man!” The most important thing to catch is the wonderful spirit of Mardi Gras. G
Wynton Marsalis October 4
Taj Mahal March 20
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www.GPACweb.com Photo by: Jay Blakesberg
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36 MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE
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MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE 37
PHILLIP ASHLEY The man behind the chocolate by CHRIS BOYD | photos by DETRIC STANCIEL
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or any chocolate connoisseur, entering Phillip Ashley Chocolates will tantalize the imagination with artistry, tap-dance on taste bud with flavors, and tame a chocolate mania with the amazing “jewelry showcase designer chocolates. GRACE Magazine’s Chris Boyd sat with owner Phillip Rix to get the secrets of the man behind the chocolate.
GRACE: What inspired or peaked your interest to venture into the chocolate business? ASHLEY: In 2007, when fancy chocolate, for lack of a better word, particularly dark chocolate bars were on the rise. What I noticed was everything was straight forward, there wasn’t a lot of imagination in the market. There
were some that were really good… but I wanted to bring a “Willy Wonka” factor to the market. I had a wild imagination, but not knowledgeable in the industry. So, it was really a matter of learning the industry and foundations, which allowed me to use my creative juices. Sort of, learning the rules to break them; to create what we do today. GRACE: So, prior to 2007, you weren’t knowledgeable of chocolate? ASHLEY: No, I was never into chocolate. So, for 3 years, I took it upon myself to learn the craft (on my own) by reading; researching; travelling; studying how chocolate was discovered; where it derived from; and, its first uses. I expanded my research to an in-depth study on food: learning about spices, ingredients, how we taste and how we perceive food. With all of this, I wanted to bring it to the world of chocolate by combining different food with a multitude of ingredients. I taught myself how to combine and work with various foods and how we perceive foods. I really dove into the history, artistry and chemistry of chocolate making — mainly because I wanted to be an expert in chocolate — I didn’t just want to go out and start making bonbons. I mean that is great — but I wanted to really know the medium of the product inside and out so I could manipulate it how I wanted to – but also have a certain amount of respect. One of the things I learned led to my term “chocistry.” GRACE: When you say how we taste food, what do you mean? ASHLEY: We have zones in the palate, (bitter, sweet, salty). Considering the zones determines how I apply and build layers of flavors in the chocolate. Flavors like roasted jalapenos, avocado, mascarpone, and lime may MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE 39
be in one piece of chocolate and I have to determine how to put each one of those elements in, at what time, and how, much of each layer, to get the flavor of each layer; but not overpowered by the other so that at the end it all works together. This is the scientific side of formulating and composing chocolate to taste. GRACE: Each piece of chocolate here is like a work of art. Let me guess, you grew up with a hidden talent of art and this is how you expose it? ASHLEY: No. I attest my art to growing up around a lot of creative and nurturing people. My dad was an athlete and a teacher. I had aunts that also were teachers. You know – as a kid, we don’t always think about the importance of things, but I grew up doing arts and crafts all the time. My grandfather owned a construction business so I learned how to build things with my hands and use tools. My grandmother was a gardener so I learned all about fresh produce and how to cultivate and harvest. In essence, I gained a hodge-podge of different elements as I grew up. My uncle is a painter. So that’s kind of where the painting background comes from. I spent a lot of time throughout different segments of life with each of those individuals. GRACE: What comes to mind as you are creating and designing a new piece of chocolate? ASHLEY: Sometimes it’s just random. As I’m going about my day, I may come across something I would like to do more with or put a different spin on it. When you spend a lot of time inside your own head, you come up with ingenious thoughts. So a lot of times, it is just what’s going on inside my head at that moment of creation. Currently, we have over 150 items actively in production. I am constantly thinking about what else we can do? I have probably thought of about 10 different ones this week. We may not do all of them, but I am always thinking about change. That has been my goal - to re-
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ally create the largest portfolio of what I call designer chocolate. We call them designer chocolate simply because of the process and the result – because we are going through the process of designing the flavor, designing the look, and even naming them – much like a fashion designer. GRACE: What is your process when creating your designer chocolate? ASHLEY: Well, it’s funny because most of it is shooting from the hip. With my team – I may say, hey what do you think about this? They may say, maybe not. Most of it is a thought process before we go into production. Previously, I didn’t have a lot of space or the resources to produce in mass. I didn’t have tons of chocolate because that was not all I
was doing – I didn’t have stores of chocolate that I could just continue to test, test and retest. So, I had a very narrow margin of error. I did, however, learn how to get it right very quickly. For instance, when I create a chocolate, I’ll think about it numerous of times before I produce it. I kind of cook it in my head first. I try to work out any situation that may occur. I am just like a football coach or a basketball coach where they have to strategize and anticipate what the other team will do and I’m anticipating – well if I put these ingredients together, this is the reaction that might come; and, this is the outcome when someone tastes this. So, that’s really my approach to putting it all together. GRACE: Each piece is specially hand crafted? ASHLEY: Yes. Now, I am growing our team to be able to increase production. Every-
thing is hand cast. We are hand blending the ganache. We’re using a lot of vegetables. The peppers we are hand roasting. There’s a lot of manual labor in the process. GRACE: Was there anything during your studying of chocolate that gave you that “wow” effect? ASHLEY: Probably the most is that chocolate has been around a long time, almost 200 years. That it is an art form that has been around since 1895. But just its longevity and the fact that throughout history and even today it’s been one of the most sought after things. In terms of assessing a good business to be in, what better than one that’s been around for centuries? People have never stopped craving chocolate. People will never stop seeking it out and wanting it. GRACE: Can you share more about different kinds of chocolate for the novice in the chocolate world? ASHLEY: W e l l , from a production standpoint or producer, what’s called bean to bar process. The big ones are the Belgiums, the French, and the Swiss. Now you have some American producers – I think most of them are on the West Coast, but, they basically take the raw chocolate or the cacao bean from the areas of West Africa, the Central Americas, and the South Americas. One of the things we try to do is source from producers that produce beans or buy their beans from companies supporting sustainable growing. Basically, Fair Trade chocolate. That’s the term we use. It is kind of like conflict diamonds. We use conflictfree cocoa beans. In our ingredients, we use fresh ingredients. We use kosher ingredients, organic ingredients, mainly to use sustainable growing, environmentally friendly. GRACE: What type of chocolate is used in your store? ASHLEY: Well, we use a Swiss base chocolate just because – well for a lot of reasons -- for tempering (which is what we do to the chocolate to get that hard shiny shell and that sort of thing. So, all of our chocolate
Food
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I wanted to bring to the world of chocolate... different food with a multitude of ingredients.
MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE 41
is from one specific country or region and, it is just that I have tested several others and it is just one of those things I found that works best for the applications that I am doing. I am considered an artisan versus a chocolate maker or a chocolatier, or an artisan that takes the bar that is being made and then I turn it into truffles and the different pralines and that sort of things. GRACE: Tell us about your Taste TV award. ASHLEY: We won the award last year and again this year. It is primarily based off competitions that we enter and we actually only entered into two. And I was actually surprised. We have won a couple of gold medals – like the Memphis Bar-B-Que chocolate. We won it for the sweet potato. We won one for the geisha. We have won several for the caramels we do. It is one of those things where we are competing against chocolatiers around the country and around the world and we were listed at the top 50 or so. It is a good honor. Actually, it is a great honor. ASHLEY: We are trying to build from there and keep moving up the ladder because we are relatively new by comparison to some of the others entered, such as, the American chocolate maker, Scharffenberger. They are California based. They are a huge operation and been around for a long time. Being in that mix is cool. GRACE: Being a chocolatier, did you have concerns about starting this type of business and sustaining in a market that has negative dietary health issues? ASHLEY: Well both were considered. I was asked why Memphis. You should try Atlanta first or even maybe LA. But I was determined to plant my roots in Memphis. One of the things with the chocolate – well, the good news is – dark chocolate is actually good for you. Anything in moderation is not that bad, particularly with the ingredients we use. We do not use any added preservatives. We use root vegetables, such as rhubarb, sweet potato, carrots, parsnip, roasted peppers, bell peppers, all kinds of different things and so from the standpoint of chocolate, it’s a lot better for you than many other foods. So, you are getting great ingredients. We are just trying to give a new perspective even above and beyond what some of the other chocolate companies out there are doing. We’re putting blue cheese in chocolate and most of the people think that is odd, but, then they taste it and then say – all that works. There is a challenge in any market but that is also the reason why I made the decision to use fresh ingredients and not do a lot of the “candy.” We are not doing pops and suckers. I mean that is perfectly cool but just not the arena we want to be in. What we are doing with the designer chocolate, we have the opportunity to incorporate things that are good for you in other forms – in moderation. Again, there are no additional sweeteners. We really let the product stand for themselves without putting a lot of other things in the chocolate in terms of 42 MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE
enhancers or things that will make them last for 6 months. That’s really what we go for and it’s like anything else, some people look at something, and see it as an obstacle. We look at it more as an opportunity to bring something new and different that hasn’t been here before. And, its been working out. GRACE: I understand you’re big on community service? ASHLEY: I always felt that it is important to give back and I have always had a nature of giving and giving to each other so to speak. I know we ask a lot of the consumers in this market to spend their hard-earned dollars here. I also understand they have families that may be impacted by a number of things associated with the different organizations I support. So, just like supporting the economy is important, I feel supporting various organizations is just as important to the growth of Memphis, its sustainability, and all the things they rank cities on. So we just try to do our fair share and sometimes… well there are a lot of them … However, I am also learning to balance that out. Because sometimes you have a tendency to want to say yes to everything but feasibly that is just not possible. Really, what my focus has become and is going towards is figuring out where can we make the greatest impact
instead of necessarily latching on to one particular cause. What I am starting to lean toward is helping different causes at different parts of the year and that sort of thing. Eventually I am going to start a foundation of my own that can support those efforts through the things we do versus just saying ‘hey, we are all about cancer, or all about missing kids.’ I feel that everyone has their own voice and purpose and again, just figure out how we can best help amplify their message. GRACE: Any advice you would like to give to the GRACE readers? ASHLEY: Come buy my chocolate. Seriously, the main thing I try to convey is to find what it is that you love to do. I’ve learned and experienced first-hand that there is a process to everything. There are different jobs and there are certain education processes we go through for those jobs. The thing you do may not always be the thing we want it to be, or it may not be the thing we want to do … but what I personally have learned, over time, is that, ‘okay, I want to be a choco-
latetier and I want to build my business around that.’ So I just took my other life experiences and used those to support what it is that I do now. so, I guess in short, learn from every experience because when you least notice it – it will be useful. Right now, I’m drawing on things I learned when I was ten years old. GRACE: What can we look forward to from Phillip Ashley? ASHLEY: Well, we are moving the store along. Our tasting series is coming back in March – March 20th. We have a series called chocistry and it is basically where we have pairing of chocolate with wine or champagne or beers. And we are working with sommeliers, mixologists, and musicians. It is just a well-orchestrated event that we started doing and we got a great response from last year and people started asking when are you going to do it again. So we going to do that and then we have, we got some things happening– in different markets. We will start expanding, hopefully, in the next year or so. And . . . Come buy my chocolate. G MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE 43
A
A timeless ACCESSORY...
ccessories add style to your outfit and complement your overall look. A scarf, flower, lapel pin, jewelry, belt, shoes or handbag brings ‘pop’ to your total look. Accessories should be chosen to bring a zing to your wardrobe and make you feel good and comfortable when worn. Often when we think of accessories, jaw-dropping shoes, chic handbags, flowing scarves, alluring sunglasses, and lots of precious jewelry pieces come to mind. But if you want to make a fashion statement, try the perfect accessory which can be worn in all seasons . . . choose a hat! Handbags and shoes are often the accessory of choice but most times, they aren’t always unique. A hat is the one accessory that is unique to the wearer, makes a fashion statement, and offers a peek into your personality. In fashion terms, hats are a very noticeable accessory because the onlooker’s attention is first drawn to the face. Spring is a good time to wear a hat and Easter is the perfect day to wear a hat. In Memphis, if you are looking to jazz up your wardrobe or searching for the perfect hat with the best look for you; head to visit Barbara Perkins, owner of Galerie Des Chapeaux. At the Galerie Des Chapeaux, Mrs. Perkins believes each client is a joy to work with and it is her pleasure to assist women with proper hat selection, sizing and care. Mrs. Perkins has a long history with hats. Her love and passion for hats started at an early age. Barbara’s parents required Barbara and her sisters to wear hats to church. They thought it proper that their girls “dressed up” with a hat on Sundays. Today, Barbara wears a hat seven days a week, and says she wouldn’t leave home without a hat and glasses. Mrs. Perkins’ millinery skills are God-given and self-taught. Barbara’s superb technique was developed by creatively constructing new hats, deconstructing old hats and designing styles for her personal wardrobe, as well as for many of her customers. Humbly, she attributes her success to the many milliners she has as friends and suppliers whose hats she sells. But her clients will tell you differently. No client leaves Galerie Des Chapeaux without receiving 44 MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE
photos by DETRIC STANCIEL
unparalleled service and attention and feeling appreciated. Her advice to clients is simple … your hat does not have to match your outfit. Prepare your ensembles the day or night before. You should always select two hats, two pairs of shoes and coordinating handbags. This practice will always assist in necessary last minute changes. She advises when selecting a hat, you should consider a few suggestions: Hair should be styled to suit your preferred way to wear the hat. Select a hat that always feels comfortable on your head. Hat colors, styles, shapes and construction materials should be suited to the season and the occasion (e.g. small hats are recommended for night and evening wear). Remember makeup, hair oil or moisture will stain your hat and should be a focus of your hat care. A properly stored hat and a good quality hat should last for years. If you are unsure if a hat is right for you or you’re looking for the perfect style hat that looks best on you, visit Galerie Des Chapeaux where you will find Barbara Perkins and her wonderful world of hats. Galerie Des Chapeaux is open Thur-Sat 11am-6pm. The Boutique carries a large selection of knit and silk suits; (sizes 4 to plus size) and many beautiful accessories. Mrs. Perkins also assists with total wardrobe services. G
Galerie Des Chapeaux, Inc. 759 East Brookhaven Circle Memphis, TN 38120 901-767-5254
MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE 45
Fashion
OLIVET AD
46 MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE
Fashion
first
LADIES As we approach Easter, we thought of bright pastels, colorful fabrics, and Easter hats‌ who could wear them better than First Ladies?! We invited several First Ladies throughout the community to strut their favorite Easter hat. Due to the manysnow/sleet/ice days, everyone was not able to attend. We gathered at the little Hoopers A.M.E. Chapel exhibit at the Stax Museum and spent an afternoon full of laughter and great memories. As you turn the page, enjoy the beautiful First Ladies and their hats!
photos by DETRIC STANCIEL
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D MARTIN AD
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BRIDGETT TURNER
Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church | Pastor J. Lawrence Turner
What is your personal fondest Easter tradition? My fondest Easter tradition is dinner at my parents’ home in New York. Our family would give up meat during the Lenten season. So by Easter Sunday, I was ready for some ham and chicken. About 40 relatives and friends would gather after church for dinner and laughter and have a good time. By the evening, I was full from food, family and fellowship. This is a tradition that I hope to start with my own family here in Memphis. What do you look for when selecting a hat? When selecting a hat, I try to bring flavor to the outfit that I am wearing. Most of my suits are on the conservative side because I also wear my suits for work as an attorney. So the hats I wear bring pop to my ensembles. I try to look for a hat that fits my face and personality while still being classy. Bows on a hat are a favorite of mine. Most people think hats are for older women. However, I disagree. Kate Middleton wears them all the time. It's about making the hat fit you. What is your favorite springtime color? My favorite springtime color is purple.
BEVERLY STEPHENS Golden Gate Cathedral | Bishop Ed Stephens, Jr.
What is your personal fondest Easter tradition? My three sons and I colored Easter eggs together. It was so beautiful to be able to explain to my boys how each egg’s color is different. I allowed them to decorate their eggs and always displayed them no matter how funny they looked. I made my sons feel as though they were Picasso. It was so much fun. It was a wonderful teaching moment to show how God made us all uniquely different. To this day, I still color eggs. I would also always host an Easter egg hunt in our yard for family and neighborhood kids. The Easter speeches were the highlight. We would practice those speeches over and over and on Easter, sometimes the words still wouldn’t come. No matter how the speeches turned out, I remember Easter being a special time for my family then and it continues to be today. What do you look for when selecting a hat? I personally like a hat that says “BAM” with some bling. Your choice of hat gives a peek
LADY KIM
Anointed Temple of Praise Outreach Ministries (ATOP) Pastor: Dr. Thomas Murray
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What is your personal fondest Easter tradition? My personal and fondest Easter tradition is having a big family dinner. When I was growing up, we ate dinner every night at the dinner table. On holidays especially Easter, my mother would set a beautiful table and we would share a big dinner. I have continued this tradition with my family and now that we have grandchildren I believe it is just as important to share family time together and create lasting memories that will continue to bind us together. What do you look for when selecting a hat? I don't wear hats often. Not because I don't like
into your personality through style. I love a hat that has a “WOW” effect. Remember, if we don’t know the author, we tend to judge a book by its cover. The great doyenne of fashion, Coco Chanel , once said, “ If a person is poorly dressed, you notice their clothing; but if they are impeccably dressed, you notice the person.” As a professional beauty consultant, I am fully aware of how image and confidence go hand in hand. You get only one time to make a first impression. What is your favorite springtime color? My favorite springtime color is Multicolor. I discovered this when we vacationed in Paris, the Mecca of Fashions. Multicolor was in full bloom. Multicolor makes you look and feel healthy, fresh and vibrant. Multicolor also allows you to show the connection between attitude, personality, and packaging. When they are in synch, together they send a strong message of confidence and confidence begets good things.
them, but because I love to sing and have always sung on Praise Teams or in the choir. I do have several hats, and when looking for a hat, I allow the hat to find me! If I'm looking for a particular color hat I just keep trying on hats until the right hat makes me feel beautiful. Ladies that wear hats know what I'm talking about! When you find that special hat, you know that that special hat has really found you! You feel beautiful all over. What is your favorite springtime color? My favorite springtime color is pink. Pink comes in so many hues and looks great on me. Also, 18 years ago, on Good Friday, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Ironically a few years later, the pink ribbon became the symbol for breast cancer. When I reflect on my favorite springtime color and my total healing, I thank God for blessing me to live a beautiful life of abundance!
RHONDA SPENCER New Direction Christian Church | Dr. Stacy L. Spencer
What is your personal fondest Easter tradition? I love getting together with our family, our sons, nieces and nephews and sometimes neighbors, as we have our annual Easter egg hunt. The eggs to us represent new life. One year we put bible questions in them and they had to go to their cousin and tell them the answer before they received a prize. If you don’t wear hats, how do you express your Easter colors? Every year at New Direction we suggest on Easter that members wear their tshirts and jeans because we want the emphasis to be on Christ and not their clothes. We want the banker to be able to sit next to the man who has been laid off for over a year without them being able to tell the difference between their net worth or self-worth. In God’s eyes they are both equal , and we want them to feel that way on Easter. What is your favorite springtime color? My favorite color is green because it symbolizes life and prosperity. Green represents spring time, just as Jesus rose from the dead. The color green reminds me that new life is springing up all around me.
VIVIAN BERRYHILL
Greater New Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church | Pastor Charles Spencer
What is your personal fondest Easter tradition? My fondest and most favorite Easter tradition is to see little girls dressed up in Easter bonnets, lacy dresses, GLOVES, and shiny black patent leather shoes ....standing before their congregations on Easter Sunday morning stumbling through a "2-line" Easter speech. Now THAT'S Black church tradition that I pray we NEVER get away from! What do you look for when selecting a hat? When selecting a hat to purchase I ALWAYS look for something that even though it's unique or unusual, it will still be as fashionably stylish 30 or 40 years later as the day I buy it. When selecting a hat to wear to church, an event, or just to the grocery store, I make the selection based on what "mood" I'm in and what persona I want to project that day. If you don't wear hats, what is your favorite accessory? I can't even FATHOM the first five words of this sentence: "IF YOU DON'T WEAR HATS"! Every lady should own at least 2 hats, as hats have historically depicted the elegance, class, and good taste of the woman who wears them. PERIOD.
SHEILA WHALUM
The New Olivet Baptist Church | Pastor Kenneth T. Whalum Jr.
What is your personal fondest Easter tradition? My personal fondest Easter tradition is preparing Easter eggs still, even after my three sons are grown and gone. What do you look for when selecting a hat? When selecting a hat, I look for it to enhance my total look from head to toe. If you don’t wear hats, how do you express your Easter colors? If I don't wear a hat, I express my Easter color with lots of fabulous jewelry, in particular brackets. If you don’t wear hats, what is your favorite accessory? My favorite accessory is beautiful shoes. What is your favorite springtime color? My favorite springtime color is Purple!
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Recipes
the
COURSE Recipes from Chef Charles Walker
ROASTED LEG OF LAMB INGREDIENTS 1 leg of lamb, 5 to 7 lbs. Salt and pepper to taste 1 tsp. paprika ½ tsp. of minced garlic 1tsp of granulated onion 1/2 tsp. dry mustard 2 c. sherry
DIRECTIONS Make 4 to 5 small slits in lamb with tip of knife; insert minced garlic into slits. Rub leg of lamb with mixture of salt, pepper, paprika, onion, and mustard. Place lamb fat side up on rack in shallow roasting pan. Insert meat thermometer so tip is in center of thickest part of lamb and does not touch bone or rest in fat. Do not add water. Roast uncovered in 325 degree oven until thermometer registers 170 degrees (about 2 1/2 hours for 5 pound roast, about 3 1/2 hours for 7 pound roast). Lamb can also be roasted to 140 degrees (rare) or 160 degrees (medium). After first 40 minutes of roasting, baste with sherry until done. Let roast rest 15 to 20 minutes after removing from oven, makes carving easier. Serve with Mint Jelly if desired. Yields 8 Servings.
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ROASTED ROSEMARY NEW POTATOES INGREDIENTS 3 lbs. sm. red skinned new potatoes 3/4 c. olive oil 1 tsp of Parsley 1 tsp of granulated onion 2 tsp. rosemary Salt and pepper to taste
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DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Quarter potatoes and put in a bowl. Mix salt and pepper, parsley, onion and rosemary with potatoes. Pour olive oil in bowl with potatoes and spices and mix together to coat potatoes. Bake until lightly browned for 30 to 45 minutes. Yields 6 Servings.
SAUTÉED GREEN BEANS WITH CHERRY TOMATOES INGREDIENTS 1 lb. green beans, cleaned & trimmed 1/2 pint of Cherry Tomatoes cut in half 1 1/2 tbsp. olive oil 1 1/2 tbsp. butter 1 clove garlic, minced 1/4 tsp. salt Pepper to taste 2oz of Diced Red Onion DIRECTIONS Cut beans in half and drop into large pot of boiling water. Boil 6 to 7 minutes. Drain and drop into pan of ice water until chilled. Drain ice water off of beans and put in refrigerator until ready to sauté In a large skillet, heat 1/2 of the oil and butter, over medium high heat. Add onions and minced garlic, sautéing quickly until onions are cooked about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Heat remaining oil and butter in same skillet over medium heat. Add green beans; add salt and pepper and sauté until heated through - about 5 minutes. Stir in onions and garlic and add tomatoes, remove from heat and serve.
Submit your Recip es GRACE® is hung ry for your favori te Southerninspired dish for our 2014 GRACE® recipe search. We want your best homema de recipes!
Email recipes to: recipes@gra cemagazine.com
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Bright colors, floral prints, and black/ white are trends this spring. Step into our world of colors and prints.
Dress Rachel Roy Shoes Jessica Simpson Watch Michael Kors Shirt Crazy/Beautiful Jeans Crazy/Beautiful Shoes ASOS Bracelet H&M
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Fashion
Fashion Dress Crazy/Beautiful Shoes ASOS Bracelet Macy’s
Models Melba Martin & Stephanie Jones Photographer Detric Stanciel Stylist LaTasha Stonum
Dress Banana Republic “Mad Men” Collection Shoes Kelsi Dagger Watch Diva Necklace Belk
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Fashion
Fashion
Dress Wish Bracelet Wish Shoes H&M Necklace Macy’s
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Shirt Crazy/Beautiful Jeans Crazy/Beautiful Watch Michael Kors Shoes Fabulous Divaz
Dress Crazy/Beautiful Shoes Vince Camuto Bracelet Belk
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Grace Talks to Fashion
Spelling bee
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DWIGHT MOORE Be Prepared!
by ALICE POSTON | photos by DETRIC STANCIEL
S
et a goal, determine what is needed to accomplish the goal, then, prepare. You may not always get the desired outcome, but you are a winner because you prepared and did your best. This is the mantra 13 year-old Dwight Moore, Jr., marched to as he took the title 2014 Memphis-Shelby County Spelling Bee Champion. The Memphis-Shelby County Spelling Bee was a six hour ordeal. It was one of the most competitive ones they’ve had. There were 127 spellers and 23 rounds to finish. It came down to the word, “ketone.” Ketone is a noun of German origin, defined as any of a class of organic compounds. With the spelling, K•E•T•O•N•E, Dwight Moore was crowned the 2014 Memphis-Shelby County Spelling Bee Champion. Competition is what sparked this young man to reach his goal of winning the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Dwight started competing in spelling bees in the 3rd grade. In the 5th grade, he competed in the Association of Christian Schools International Regional Competition. When we asked Dwight what inspired him to compete in spelling bees, he stated, “I like competitions. I just like being able to compete against other people and just the thrill of competition, any kind of competition… sports, spelling bees, anything. So I was in all the competitions for which I was eligible. I really enjoy Math Olympics and spelling bees. So I just started doing all of those in 3rd grade. And I just like spelling bees so I just took off with that.” Spelling bees makes a lot of people nervous, including adults. When asked how Dwight whether he’s ever nervous, he calmly responded, “not really. I’m prepared. I just do it.” Dwight expressed that “spelling bees aren’t easy. It requires studying, time and dedication. You have to have a passion for it. For me studying is both work and fun.
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his vocabulary as a writer for The Commercial Appeal. He was afforded the opportunity to walk the red carpet at the National Civil Rights Museum’s 20th Annual Freedom Award Ceremony. On another occasion, Dwight met and interviewed Colin Powell. “I remember Colin Powell the most because at first he didn’t want to let me interview him, but after I asked my first question he stopped to speak with me.” We believe Dwight’s charm won Powell over. It certainly won us over during our interview. We asked Dwight one last question. If you could give advice to children your age who are contemplating competing in spelling bees, what would you say? He had plenty to say. “Make sure you're prepared. When you compete, don't think about messing up. Don't center everything on that [erDwight gathers books he has read and donates to others. rors]. Make sure you have other things to focus on. Just I know it’s going to pay off in the end. In the back of my mind, I think about doing your best. Keep your mind on other things. Make try to remember how many letters are in the word. I try my best sure spelling is important but don't be completely overwhelmed by to memorize the spellings, but if I don’t know the word, I spell it it. Don't let it scare you. Don't let the number of people or venue out by the way it sounds. It's actually pretty fun sitting there after scare you. It just matters how you do, not how other people do, I spelled my word correctly.” and of course have a good time.” Such sound advice can also be In addition to competing in spelling bees and playing video applied by anyone at any age facing challenges and competitions. games, Dwight plays basketball, tennis, and runs cross country. Dwight is busy preparing for his trip to Washington, D.C. to repWe asked how he maintained such a busy schedule. “Schoolwork resent Memphis-Shelby County in the Scripps National Spelling is my first priority, then spelling bees and then my sports,” says Bee. We wish him the best. We are C•O•N•F•I•D•E•N• T he will Dwight. “Reading is very important. The more you read, the more do well! G words you’ll be exposed to, and the better your vocabulary. It really helps with language, speaking, and definitions of words. Being able to understand what people are saying and conversing on different levels. Reading plays a big part in spelling bees because when you expose yourself to more words you're able to have a big vocabulary and spell more.” Dwight’s mom has always been his biggest fan. “Spelling bees were always a part of going to school when I was younger. I didn’t do as well as him, [Dwight] but I always liked it. He started reading when he was as young as 2 years old.” Last year, while competing in a regional spelling bee, Dwight was given a word. At the time, his parents thought ‘he's out’ because they believed he didn’t know the word. Dwight spelled it correctly. After the competition, Dwight shared with his parents that the word was in one of his video games. Dwight exposes himself to every word possible even while playing video games. Dwight has also had the experience to hone
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Grace Talks to
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MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE 63
GROWING UP WITH
GRACE
GRACE® Magazine wants our youth (our future) to be heard. GRACE® Magazine’s Chris Boyd visits
WHITE STATION MIDDLE SCHOOL photos by DETRIC STANCIEL
8th
ANURAG EPPARLA
CAREER CHOICE: Doctor Why is it important to vote? It is important to express what you believe. By voting the people will decide what is right for the community. If you could meet the Mayor, what would you talk about? I would talk about the community and ways to help make our society a better place. What would you like to do for spring break this year? Read, hang out with friends and, most of all, have fun.
7th
OSCAR CHAVEZ
CAREER CHOICE: Neurologist Why is it important to vote? One vote could determine the future of your whole life. It could impact you and your family. If you could meet the Mayor, what would you talk about? How we could reduce the unemployment rate. What would you like to do for spring break this year? Help my elderly neighbors by doing household chores.
64 MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE
MIA GILLIAM
6th
CAREER CHOICE: Professional Basketball or Softball Player Why is it important to vote? Everybody needs a chance to vote and have the opportunity to be heard. By voting, they are able to select the person they agree with. If you could meet the Mayor, what would you talk about? Ways to help expand and make available healthier choices in the school snack and drink machines. What would you like to do for spring break this year? I’d like to go to basketball or softball camp or go out of town with my aunt Aubra.
8th
KRISTINA QUACH
TRINITY CHISM
6th
CAREER CHOICE: Family Attorney / International Freelance Photographer
CAREER CHOICE: Pharmacist – Medical Field Why is it important to vote? It gives the people the right to choose.
Why is it important to vote? The importance of voting helps you express your individuality with a voice in Tennessee and the United States.
If you could meet the Mayor, what would you talk about? The city and how we should do stuff to make the city better and have fun things for the people.
If you could meet the Mayor, what would you talk about? How do you juggle this city and still be able to give us what we need and want?
What would you like to do for spring break this year? Go to Canada, California, Texas, or New York.
What would you like to do for spring break this year? Travel to Jamaica or out of the country, finally!
ELIZABETH “LIBBY” CAIN
6th
CAREER CHOICE: My mom wants me to be a lawyer. I want to be a singer, doctor or veterinarian. Why is it important to vote? Many citizens have different beliefs and it wouldn’t be fair if those people did not get a say. If you could meet the Mayor, what would you talk about? How we could improve our city and how others could help. What would you like to do for spring break this year? I would like to go to the space museum in Huntsville. I have been before and there are fun rides and everything I learned was very interesting.
6th
JADEN ROSS
CAREER CHOICE: Lawyer Why is it important to vote? This is a democracy not a republic, it has to be fair to the candidates, so they can have a chance. If you could meet the Mayor, what would you talk about? Having more police patrols around the city. What would you like to do for spring break this year? I just want to go outside, play soccer and relax. MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE 65
WHITE STATION MIDDLE SCHOOL 7th
SHREYA VEERAVELLI
CAREER CHOICE: Photographer Why is it important to vote? Voting will allow us to vote fairly. There wouldn’t be any arguments over why our president or anyone was chosen. Voting makes it fair.
ELSE PIECUCH
8th
If you could meet the Mayor, what would you talk about? Improving the transportation of our community. For example, if someone’s car just broke down and they needed to get to somewhere, there isn’t a bus available in some areas. Public transportation should be more accessible and available for all citizens.
CAREER CHOICE: Something in the Performing Arts
What would you like to do for spring break this year? I would like to go to my cousin’s place.
What would you like to do for spring break this year? Go to Washington, D.C. to see the Smithsonian Museum and the White House.
Why is it important to vote? Because whatever the conclusion is to an election, it is fair and speaks from the people’s opinions. If you could meet the Mayor, what would you talk about? We could talk about his idea of government and policies that apply to education in Memphis.
6th
KEVIN LUO
CAREER CHOICE: Architect Why is it important to vote? You exercise your rights and are able to have a voice in matters. If you could meet the Mayor, what would you talk about? Schools and how we must wake up so early to get to school. I would ask him to make schools start later, because it is not healthy to wake up at 5:30 a.m. every morning. What would you like to do for spring break this year? I would like to go to Atlanta to see the aquarium and take a break from school. 66 MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE
ANDREANA “ANNIE” LEOW
6th
CAREER CHOICE: ER Surgeon
Why is it important to vote? Voting gives everyone in this nation a voice in different matters. If you could meet the Mayor, what would you talk about? The school lunches and how a lot of kids only get 5-10 minutes to eat, because they have to wait so long. What would you like to do for spring break this year? I’d love to go ziplining.
7th
CHARLES “AYO” MCKINNEY
HAYDEN THORNTON
6th
CAREER CHOICE: Cardiologist Why is it important to vote? So people of our community have a fair say in our leaders.
CAREER CHOICE: Biologist
Why is it important to vote? To have the opportunity to vote is extremely important. The ability to voice your thoughts and opinions on a national level isn’t only an idea we as a country strive for, but something of an accomplishment. If you could meet the Mayor, what would you talk about? Ways to help with others and the importance of education. I’d also discuss ways to help people who need financial compensation and aid.
If you could meet the Mayor, what would you talk about? How he got to his position and how that will influence his future decisions. What would you like to do for spring break this year? Visit my far-away relatives, go to Hawaii to learn how to surf and to see and try new things.
What would you like to do for spring break this year? I’d like to travel to St. Louis. I’d want to go there because of the exciting places to enjoy and to see some of my favorite cousins. St. Louis is also a great place to travel to in general.
JANIYA DOUGLAS
8th
CAREER CHOICE: Lawyer or something with government or society Why is it important to vote? To have your voice as an American citizen heard. If you could meet the Mayor, what would you talk about? The crime and violence percentage in Memphis and also the poverty among youth. What would you like to do for spring break this year? I would not mind starting “The Diary of Anne Frank”, but hanging out and going on vacation is fine.
JACOB HATFIELD
7th
CAREER CHOICE: Singer / Author Why is it important to vote? So you can get the president or whoever you’re voting for that share common beliefs with you. If you could meet the Mayor, what would you talk about? White Station Middle School. I would tell him about its greatness and diversity, and then I would ask for a favor for my school. What would you like to do for spring break this year? Go to Pickwick on our pontoon boat and hang out with family and friends. I would look forward to swinging off rope swings and inner-tubing, the most. MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE 67
WHITE STATION MIDDLE SCHOOL
8th
COLLIN LINDSAY
CAREER CHOICE: Ophthalmologist Why is it important to vote? Voting is a very important part of the government system. Without voting, people would not have the authority to express their opinion about a person or issue. Voting helps to create a strong democratic system for people to successfully live in. If you could meet the Mayor, what would you talk about? Why he decided to run for mayor and why he made some of the decisions he’s made. What would you like to do for spring break this year? Enjoy time with my friends and family. I plan to help the community and spend time helping at the Memphis Food Bank. That would be a good Spring Break!
8th
NICOLAS HAYES
CAREER CHOICE: Paleontologist / Professional Athlete Why is it important to vote? Voting is important so everyone’s voice can be heard. And since this is a democracy, it is ruled by the people. If you could meet the Mayor, what would you talk about? A subway system through Memphis. The one is D.C. can take you anywhere for $1 and I really like it. Having one here would bring more jobs and revenue to the city. It would also help me get from place to place with my busy schedule. What would you like to do for spring break this year? I’d like to go to Orlando with my family and have fun. I’d like to enjoy the weather and play a lot of football. It’s my favorite sport. 68 MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE
GABRIELLE BRAY
7th
CAREER CHOICE: Equine Veterinarian Why is it important to vote? When our founding fathers wrote the Constitution, they included the ability to vote. When we vote, we let our voices be heard, as the early 13 colonies couldn’t. We pay tribute to our heritage and play a part in the country. If you could meet the Mayor, what would you talk about? How Memphis could improve its economic issues in government and with its citizens. What would you like to do for spring break this year? This spring break, I would like to continue riding horses and reading more books.
ALANA FARRIS
8th 6th
JONATHAN SHEPHERD
CAREER CHOICE: Performer, Actress, Singer, Model Why is it important to vote? It gives you freedom of speech.
CAREER CHOICE: Hedgefund Manager/ Quantum Physicist Why is it important to vote? If good people don’t speak out, bad people will.
If you could meet the Mayor, what would you talk about? Ask about the next move for the community.
If you could meet the Mayor, what would you talk about? Working on giving schools the resources needed to succeed.
What would you like to do for spring break this year? Hang out with friends, play basketball, sing and spend some time with my family members from out of town and show them some wonderful things to do in our city.
What would you like to do for spring break this year? Go to a computer programming class or a math camp.
7th
MARANDA GREEN
CAREER CHOICE: Medical Researcher Why is it important to vote? Because everyone needs to have their choice on who they want elected. We have to make sure we are confident in who we elect, not only for their race, but because of their personality. If you could meet the Mayor, what would you talk about? Some of the trash in various areas of Memphis, because I absolutely despise how much garbage I see every day in the streets. What would you like to do for spring break this year? I want to participate in helping the homeless and elderly. I also want to help clean my community.
MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE 69
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70 MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE
OUTINGS
Mr. and Mrs. Bartholomew Orr
Pastor Orr
Bartholomew II, Bates, Bra
dford and Brandon Orr
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS Numerous members and community friends of Brown Missionary Baptist Church celebrated 25 years of leadership under Pastor Bartholomew Orr on January 26, 2014 at the Hilton ballroom. Orr received numerous awards and honorary recognition. photos by DETRIC STANCIEL MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE 71
Pastor Orr
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS
Kneeling: Darin Smith, First Row: Milton Gray, Arthur Robinson, Eric Harmo, Albert Matthews, Ralph Tate, Dominic Jordan & Tige Willis Second Row: Roderick Mitchell, Eric White, Gerald Neal, Freddie Shannon, Michael Thomas & John Salter
Dewayne and Vernitta Strong
Angela Genes and Chenille Lynch
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Stacey and Tige Willis
Tammy McGill, Cheri Gray and Madlyn Taylor
Jeffery and Shannon Daniel
Claudette Bibbs, Keila Foster and
Trivia Holmes
the MED
FOUNDATION HIV/ ADS AWARENESS MED Foundation Memphis has the fifth highest rate for new HIV/AIDS infections. The MED Foundation has created a newcampaign called “Getting to Zero.” The MED Foundation hosted an event to raise money to fund hospital based strategies to increase patient awareness. The event was hosted by WMCTV’s Kontji Anthony and Memphis Grizzlies Quincy Pondexter. Dijoia Darden, Sarah Kortebein, Samantha Polly, Christine Son and Heather Cole
Jackie Smith and Quaneshia R. Farris
Lillie Flenorl and Chr
istina Stevison
Fonda Fouche and Joy Doss
Quincy Pondexter
Reading with GRACE
GASTON HEAD START
Celebrating Black History Month, GRACE was invited to read books written by African Americans to the children of Gaston Head Start at 1044 S 3rd St, Memphis, TN 38106. Children between the ages of 2-4 were entertained by the GRACE staff. Free time was enjoyed by all.
MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE 73
ANnies ad
IDA B. WELLS
BARNETT MUSEUM by ALICE POSTON | photos by DETRIC STANCIEL
T
hirty minutes from Memphis nestled in Holly Springs, Mississippi, is the Spires Bolling House. The charming white antebellum structure at 2240 North Randolph Street is a national landmark and birthplace of Ida B. Wells-Barnett. Today, it houses the Ida B. Wells-Barnett Museum Cultural Center of African American History. The Museum’s curator, Leona Harris, greeted us and shared her heartfelt passion, understanding, and appreciation for Ida B. Wells. In 1996, the Ida B. Wells Family Art Gallery was chartered by a small group of dedicated educators, artists and civic leaders who sought to preserve and share the artistic contributions of Africans and African Americans. The museum was established to educate, inspire, and enrich the lives of Mississippians, sharing the contributions of Africans and Americans in the fields of history, art and culture in the United States and the world. A variety of family heirlooms and artifacts of African American historic value comprise the museum’s collections. Located within the museum is the Ida B Wells Room dedicated to the personal memorabilia, the many awards and belongings of this courageous American figure. While we toured the museum, Mrs. Harris explained, “Ida B. Wells was uncompromising. She didn't pretend on things. She was firm about what she wanted. Mrs. Wells did what was
right, fair, and honest. Ida would say ‘this is barbaric. This is ridiculous.’ She would speak out when no one else was saying anything. Many people around the country united around her, but they did not want to say anything.” When asked what Mrs. Harris would like young people to
MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE 75
remember about Ida B. Wells-Barnett. Mrs. Harris responded, “In Ida’s autobiographies, she shared that ‘as a child our job was to go to school and learn all that we could.’ I want young people to remember she was a successful writer. It's important to know how Mrs. Wells used the pencil! She was articulate and wrote just as well. Her life was diverse. I think one of the things I would want young people to know is that Ida's life is a life that young people would want to emulate. She wanted to do what was right and what was fair.” As you tour the museum, you can’t help but catch Ida’s spirit . . . Sometimes you just can't hold your peace. Sometimes things are so atrocious you cannot contain yourself, you must speak out or be consumed with a burning within that slowly destroys the essence of your being. Such is the case with Ida B. Wells, a nationally and internationally recognized "crusader for justice" who lived right here in Memphis, Tennessee. Such a short trip from Memphis -- the Spires Bolling House is an emerging treasure for Holly Springs that we all should visit. G Ida B. Wells-Barnett Museum 220 North Randolph Street Holly Springs, Mississippi 38635 662.252.3232 www.idabwells.org Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays – Noon to 5 p.m. Closed Sunday
76 MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE
Lest we Forget
INVOICE EIN:
NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL DATE: July 3, 2013 INVOICE # 1001
PO Box 382808 Germantown, TN 38183 Phone 901.859.1565 Fax 901.795.2256
MLGW Property Mowing
FOR:
BILL TO: VANDERBILT LANDSCAPING 650 Mason Malone Road Mason, TN 路
DESCRIPTION Cycle 1 (Mowing Services)
ACRES
RATE
48.00
50.00
AMOUNT $
2,400.00
$
2,400.00
Metro ad
SUBTOTAL TAX RATE
-
SALES TAX OTHER TOTAL
$
COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT
2,400.00
Contact Ron Farmer
Make all checks payable to Metro Services Total due in 15 days. Overdue accounts subject to a service charge of 1% per month.
901.859.1565
THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS!
MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE 77
HARRIS
9
-year-old Harris Adolph reads about “Mo’s Bows” in the December issue of GRACE as he awaits his luggage at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York.
78 MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE
DIVINE
A
Divine Moment With Style and GRACE!
MAR/APR 2014 | GRACE 79
GOING GRACE RECIPES
YOU GO!
GRACE® is hungry for your favorite dish for our 2014 GRACE® recipe search.
Do you know an Amazing Woman or Man that is impacting the community and others?
Email recipes to: recipes@gracemagazine.com
If so, nominate him/her for a feature article. Email to: yougo@gracemagazine.com
EVENTS Are there events GRACE® Magazine should cover?
LOVE IS IN THE AIR
Let Us Know! Email to: events@gracemagazine.com
SPEAK OUT & LETTERS TO EDITOR We want to hear from you! Send feedback with your name, city, and state to: Email to: speakout@gracemagazine.com
80 JAN/FEB 2014 | GRACE
Recently married, engaged, or celebrating an anniversary?
DOING IT WITH GRACE Did you see someone reading GRACE® Magazine? Snap a picture and send description to speakout@gracemagazine.com
GRACE would love to share your special day! Submit your information, brief summary, two (2) photographs (minimum), and the photographer’s name. Email to: relationships@gracemagazine.com
JAN/FEB 2014 | GRACE 81
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