Houston Style Magazine Vol 25 No 17

Houston Style Magazine April 24-April 30, 2014

Houston’s Premiere Weekly Publication

Volume 25 | Number 17

Complimentary

Jesse Jackson

A Deadly Attack on Americans

Kimberly Elise

Apple Mortgage Cake Exclusive

ALCOHOLISM: Speak Up to Save a Life Words: Jo-Carolyn Goode Follow Us #TeamSyleMag /// Twitter @HoustonStyle /// Instagram @StyleMagazine /// Facebook: Houston Style Magazine

National Conference of the American Association of Blacks in Energy

Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 21st Annual Luncheon

Rev. A. Louis Patterson Preaching Legacy Lives On

Links STEM-ulating the Next Gen

N E W S | C O M M E N TA R I E S | S P O R T S | H E A LT H | E N T E R TA I N M E N T

NOW THROUGH SUN, APRIL 27

SUPER

STOCK-UP SALE 3O%-75% OFF SPRING UPDATES STOREWIDE

USE YOUR MACY’S CARD OR PASS & TAKE AN

EXTRA 2O% OR 15% OFF

†

†EXCLUSIONS APPLY, SEE PASS.

PLUS, DON’T MISS SPECTACULAR 3-DAY SPECIALS FRI, APRIL 25-SUN, APRIL 27

PASS

EXTRA SAVINGS ON ALL SALE & CLEARANCE APPAREL & SELECT REGULAR-PRICED ITEMS! (EXCEPT SPECIALS & SUPER BUYS)

EXTRA 2O% OFF

SELECT REGULAR, SALE & CLEARANCE APPAREL FOR HIM, HER & KIDS EXTRA 15% OFF ALL SALE & CLEARANCE WATCHES, FINE & FASHION JEWELRY, COATS, SUITS, DRESSES, INTIMATES, SWIM FOR HER; MEN'S SUIT SEPARATES & SPORTCOATS & SELECT SHOES & HOME ITEMS; PLUS, SELECT REGULAR-PRICED ITEMS Also excludes: Everyday Values (EDV), Doorbusters, Deals of the Day, furniture, mattresses & area rugs/floor coverings, cosmetics, fragrances, athletic shoes for him, her & kids, electrics/electronics; products offered by vendors who operate leased departments in any of our stores including eSpot, Burberry, Dallas Cowboys merchandise, Gucci, Longchamp, Louis Vuitton, New Era, Nike on Field; all regular-priced: bridge & designer handbags & shoes, designer sportswear, watches, Impulse, Oval Room, 28 Shop, All-Clad, Eileen Fisher, Emporio Armani, Tommy Bahama, Breitling watches, Coach, Dooney & Bourke, Dyson, Ghurka, Henckels, Juicy, Lacoste, Lalique, Lauren/Polo/Ralph Lauren/Denim & Supply, Le Creuset, Levi's, Lladro, Locker Room by Lids, Marchesa, Michael Aram, MICHAEL Michael Kors/Michael Kors, The North Face, Not Your Daughter's Jeans, kate spade, Sperry, Star Power by Spanx, Sterling flatware, Swarovski, Tumi, Vera Wang, Wacoal, Waterford China/Crystal/ Silver, Wüsthof, selected Licensed Depts. Not valid on: previous purchases, special orders, special purchases, services, gift cards, jewelry trunk shows, payment on credit accounts; bridal salons, restaurants, gourmet foods, wine. Exclusions may differ at macys.com. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer, except opening a new Macy’s account.

EXTRA SAVINGS % APPLIED TO REDUCED PRICES.

VALID 4/23-4/27/2014

FREE ONLINE SHIPPING EVERY DAY + EXTRA 2O% OR 15% OFF!

FREE SHIPPING WITH $99 PURCHASE. USE PROMO CODE: SPRING FOR EXTRA SAVINGS; OFFER VALID 4/23-4/27/2014.

EXCLUSIONS APPLY; SEE MACYS.COM FOR DETAILS.

SUPER STOCK-UP SALE PRICES IN EFFECT 4/23-4/27/2014.

OPEN A MACY’S ACCOUNT FOR EXTRA 20% SAVINGS THE FIRST 2 DAYS, UP TO $100, WITH MORE REWARDS TO COME. Macy’s credit card is available subject to credit approval; new account savings valid the day your account is opened and the next day; excludes services, selected licensed departments, gift cards, restaurants, gourmet food & wine. The new account savings are limited to a total of $100; application must qualify for immediate approval to receive extra savings; employees not eligible.

Page 2

50571_N4030132H.indd 1

April 24-April 30, 2014

www.StyleMagazine.com

4/15/14 12:02 PM

07 Kimberly Elise 12 Alcholism Rev. A.L. Patterson 21

By Franceli Chapman

By Jo-Carolyn Goode

Volume 25 | Number 17 | April 24-April 30, 2014 EDITORIAL

FEATURE WRITERS Rebecca Briscoe Francis Page, Jr. National Entertainment Publisher and Editor Susie Stillwell - Entertainment fpagejr@stylemagazine.com Lan– Arts Mical Roy – Feature Jo-Carolyn Goode Yolanda Pope – Culinary Managing Editor Tonja Ward – Health editorial@stylemagazine.com Dr. Lovell Jones – Health Editor Lisa Valadez Dr. Latisha Rowe – Health Editor Hispanic Managing Editor Kim Davis – Sports lisa@stylemagazine.com Heather Nelson – Health Aiaina Mayes – Blogger Brandon Caldwell Demez White – Feature Online Editor bcaldwell@stylemagazine.com Dawn Paul – Feature Lindsay Buchanan – Fashion Burt Levine – Political DESIGN/WEB Jade Gold – Entertainment Eric Ford – Editorial Intern Trevor G. Piper De’Neisha Bell – Feature Creative Director/ Designer webmaster@stylemagazine.com Tianyi Sun – Editorial Intern

Cynthia Nevels – Business Kermit Williams Gabrielle Deculus – Web Master webmaster@stylemagazine.com Account Manager/Events Coordinator Dee Dee Wheaton – Blogger Jeffery T. Crump, Jr. Keandra Scott – Entertainment Chief Designer Marilyn Moore – Interior Design webmaster@stylemagazine.com Cecilia Smith - Entertainment Erynn Haskins - Feature Yvonne Guidry - Entertainment NATIONAL WRITERS Raegan Allen - Arts Mimi - Feature JESSE JACKSON jjackson@rainbowpush.org Abimbola Farinde - Health Sloan Houd - Sports ROLAND MARTIN Jessica Crawford - Feature www.rolandmartin.com Marcus Carter - Culinary Writer JUDGE GREG MATHIS Franceli Chapman - Entertainment www.askjudgemathis.com CoCo Dominguez - Reporter CIRCULATION

Benjamin Phagan Distribution Manager

PHOTOGRAPHERS Vicky Pink vhpink@gmail.com 281.857.7635 Roswitha Vogler photosbyrovo@gmail.com 832.876.9541 Antohny W. Morris anthonymorris@att.net 832.785.4855

By Jo-Carolyn Goode

VIDEOGRAPHY Reginald Dominique – Video/Social Media reggiedominique@me.com 225.802.1593 Dale Lemar - Editing

Willie D. Scott, Jr. Distribution Team ADVERTISING/SALES Lewis Miller advertising@stylemagazine.com 713-748-6300 Kimberly Elise

William Ealy Williamealy1906@gmail.com Sametra Scott semetra@artistikrebelcreative.com Joe English englishhst@gmail.com 832-888-6922

Minority Print Media, L.L.C.

dba Houston Style Magazine and Stylemagazine.com Phone: (713) 748-6300 • Fax: (713) 748-6320 Mail: P.O. Box 14035, Houston, TX 77221-4035

©2014 Houston Style Magazine, a Minority Print Media, L.L.C. Company. All Right Reserved.

Reproduction in whole or within part without permission is prohibited. Houston Style Magazine has a 2007 audit by Circulation Verification Council (CVC). Houston Style Magazine is a member of the Texas Publishers Association (TPA), Texas Community Newspaper Association (TCNA), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), Independent Free Paper of America (IFPA), Association of Free Community Papers (AFCP) and Members of Greater Houston Partnership(GHP). National Association of Hispanic Publications, Inc. (NAHP, Inc.), Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (HHCC), League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Latin Women’s Initiative (LWI), National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Houston Association of Hispanic Media Professionals (HAHMP), National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), and Members of Greater Houston Partnership(GHP)

www.StyleMagazine.com moc.enizagaMelytS.www

April 24-April 4102 ,6230, yra2014 urbeF-02 yraurbeF

Page B eg3aP

COMMENTARY

Jesse Jackson

National Writer

W

e pledge allegiance to “One nation, under God.” When terrorists attack us, we unite as one to defend our nation and our countrymen and women. Yet, we allow the doctrine of the Confederacy -states’ rights -- to divide us, even to the point of costing Americans their lives.

Charlene Dill, a resident of Florida, was a 32-year-old mother of three.

She worked three jobs to try to support those children, despite having a serious heart condition. She earned too much -- $11,000 a year -- to be eligible for Medicaid under Florida law. She would have been able to get expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare.

But the conservative justices on the Supreme Court ruled that states have the right to refuse to expand Medicaid, even though the federal government will pay 100 percent of the costs

A Deadly Attack On Americans for the first three years, and 90 percent thereafter. This states’ rights decision would cost Charlene Dill her life.

Every member of the Florida state legislature has health insurance. Yet, as zealous opponents of Obamacare, they voted not to expand Medicaid, turning their noses up on billions in federal support. That decision cost Charlene Dill her life.

According to a Harvard study, an estimated 8 million Americans will remain uninsured because of the decision of 25 states to refuse to expand Medicaid. They estimate that will result in about 7,000 deaths per year, or 19 a day. The victims are working people, who earn too much to get Medicaid and too little to afford health insurance. Conservatives, one would think, would want to help those who get the early bus, who clean our streets, take care of our children, work the midnight shift. But they hate Obama far more than they care for low wage workers.

They choose partisan politics over the common good.

Not surprisingly, the states that have refused to expand Medicaid include almost the entire South, the states of the former confederacy, as well as the Republican bastions in the Midwest and West (from Kansas to Idaho).

These are among the poorest states in

the union, with the most residents who have no health insurance, and the worst health care indices.

Texas Senator Ted Cruz spent 20 hours in a fake filibuster against Obamacare, while his state ranks among the worst in the country with more than one in five of its residents without health insurance. Georgia State Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens brags that the state is doing “everything in its power to be an obstructionist,” while 18.4 percent of Georgians go without health insurance.

Mississippi residents, not surprisingly, are most likely to lack access to basic necessities. One fourth report that they didn’t have money for food at some point in the last 12 months. Mississippi residents have the lowest life expectancy, the highest obesity rates (over 35 percent), the lowest household income, and nearly one in four reports they lack the money to purchase health care. Yet the Governor refuses millions in federal aid to expand Medicaid.

People of color -- primarily African Americans in Mississippi and the former confederate states, Latinos in Texas and elsewhere -- are disproportionately the victims of this cruelty.

That should not surprise. From John C. Calhoun’s South Carolina Ordinance of Nullification to secession,

the Civil War to segregation, states’ rights has always been a doctrine wielded to oppress minorities, even at the cost of depriving poor working people of all races.

These governors and legislators assume that poor people do not register and do not vote (and they are passing laws to make it harder for them to do so). They assume that most Americans won’t care if thousands die needlessly. They assume that states’ rights can allow America to move from one nation to two nations, separate and unequal.

Charlene Dill is neither the first nor the last to be lost to this callous calculation. But I believe we are a better country than that. Working and poor people have an insult level that is being violated. People of conscience will not turn their eyes forever. This is a moral disgrace that cannot be simply ignored.

You can write to the Rev. Jesse Jackson in care of this newspaper or by email at jjackson@rainbowpush.org.

Follow him on Twitter @RevJJackson.

Share this story online at www. stylemagazine.com.

Obama Care Success Story Judge Greg Mathis National Writer

T

he Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama Care, was passed in 2010 and since then there has been a non-stop battle to destroy and discredit the legislation. Republicans have waged ongoing campaigns to repeal it, defund it, or to have it ruled unconstitutional. All of them have been unsuccessful. During the health care rollout Republicans predicted the law would fail due to the website glitches, but the White House has announced more than 8 million Americans have signed up for coverage. The fact is that the Affordable Care Act may not be perfect, but it has brought long overdue reforms to health care in America. Republicans have invested a considerable amount of their resources in destroying health care reform, but they have not offered one real solution on how they would fix our nation’s health care system.

Flaws in the American health

Page 4

care system are not a new phenomenon and many of the issues some Americans have with their health care coverage are not related to the Affordable Care Act. A 2010 study of health care costs by the Kaiser Family Foundation shows that from 2000 to 2010 average premiums for family coverage increased by 114 percent. During that same period annual worker contributions increased by $293 dollars for single coverage and $1,354 dollars for family coverage. All of these price increases took place before the health care law went into effect. The Affordable Care Act now requires insurance companies to justify premium increases and prohibits insurers from spending more than 80 percent of premiums on non-health care related costs.

Conservatives who blame the health care law for rising insurance costs are not being completely truthful.

They continue to attack the law and remain in denial about its many benefits. For example, in the 2012 election cycle the billionaire conservative Koch brothers invested more than $100 million dollars attacking political candidates that voted for health care reform and they are on pace to top that number in 2014. In my home state of Michigan, the Koch brothers organization Amer-

April 24-April 30, 2014

icans for Prosperity has spent nearly three million dollars attacking U.S. Representative and current Senate candidate Gary Peters for voting for the Affordable Care Act.

Their ad in Michigan features a woman with cancer named Julie Boonstra who claims that Obama Care caused her to lose her coverage and that she can no longer afford to treat her cancer. Upon further investigation several news outlets reported that Mrs. Boontra’s health care coverage was actually cheaper under the Affordable Care Act. Due to the Affordable Care Act her plan is less costly and insurance companies can no longer kick her and other sick patients off of their insurance plans, which was the case for many sick people prior to the law. The facts prove that, contrary to mischaracterizations spread by conservatives, Julie is actually an Obama Care success story.

The Affordable Care Act is an important step in the right direction for our country. Insurance companies can no longer deny coverage to people who are sick or kick them off their plans, children are able to stay on family plans longer, and millions of low-income Americans now have health care coverage for the first time. Instead of

www.StyleMagazine.com

allowing billionaire conservatives and large corporations to dictate their agenda on health care our Republican leaders should focus on working with Democrats to bring further positive reform to our health care system. Leaders in the House of Representatives have voted more than fifty times to repeal the Affordable Care Act, but they have not offered a single replacement plan. Full repeal of Obama Care is not a realistic option and the continued attacks on the law are a disservice to the American people. Stop the political attacks on the health care law and work with Democrats to reach a realistic solution that will continue the Obama Care success story.

Share this story online at www.stylemagazine.com.

www.StyleMagazine.com moc.enizagaMelytS.www

April 24-April 4102 ,6230, yra2014 urbeF-02 yraurbeF

Page B eg5aP

HEALTH

The Systematic Racism of Breast Cancer

By Dr. Lovell Jones, Health Editor

I

t seems the more things change, the more they remain the same. And in when it comes to the health care disparities gap this means that no matter how much progress we make, the gap remains the same.

The question is how long as a nation are we going to tolerate this?

In 1985, I wrote my first grant targeting breast cancer in African American women. The grant wasn’t even scored. The reviewers’ comments can be summarized as follows: “don’t you know that biology has nothing to with higher breast cancer mortality rates in African American women? It is the issue of access.”

For almost two decades, I kept hearing this.

Then a story in the New York Times came out stating that the aggressive nature of breast cancer in African American women was in their heads and due to an issue of access. Because of this, the conclusion was that black women delay getting treatment. That got me so angry that I called colleagues and friends I had made around the country to ask, where was the scientific proof for what was stated in this article? Why was no one challenging this? This led to me convincing enough people to come to Washington, D.C. in the fall of 2000 to hold a summit to evaluate research in African American women, specifically looking at breast cancer.

Of the 130 scientists, policy makers and survivors who attend, the conclusion was we thought we knew, but we really didn’t. But that we knew enough that the gap was not just due to access. We had enough information to know what to do to begin to reduce the gap, but that more research was also needed.

CULINARY

Perfect Warm-Weather Pairings

By Family Features

F

or your next al fresco gathering, complete the menu and satisfy guests by pairing a flavorful meal with wines to celebrate sunny days and warm evenings.

When it comes to outdoor entertaining, choose fresh, vibrantly colored vegetables and a flavorful meat selection, such as tender lamb. Take your fare to the next level by uncorking one of the many delicious wines from Sterling Vineyards, all of which

Pinot Noir-Braised Lamb Shanks

are perfect for celebrating warm evenings and special friends. Whether your event is an elegant Mother’s Day meal or a casual summer brunch, Sterling’s wide portfolio of wines at a range of prices ensures there’s

Page 6

There were two publications that came out of that summit, “Impact of breast cancer on African American women,” which appeared in the American Journal of Public Health in 2002, and a monograph in the journal, Cancer (Cancer. 2003 Jan 1; 97) that summarized the summit meeting.

Now over a decade later, we’re still seeing this gap. Could it be as Dr. Steven Whitman, director of Sinai Urban Health Institute called it, “undeniable systemic racism”?

The Houston Chronicle ran a front-page story that contained these exact statements: “Black women in Houston are 45% more likely to die of breast cancer than white women;” “The racial disparity gap in breast cancer mortality rates in Houston is higher than the national average… and worsening.”

Some might be saying that I am sowing sour grapes.

You know, it seems that if you can’t do it yourself, you criticize those that are doing. Two of my mentors once said to me, we know how passionate you are about social issues, but people will down play your

message if you do not maintain your science. So am I sowing sour grape, I will let you be the judge.

Given the I received after receiving emeritus status, it would be easily walk away from all of this, but one factor continues to rest on my mind; breast cancer runs through my families. My mother died from breast cancer. My aunt is a survivor of breast cancer. My wife’s mother and her mother’s sisters have died from breast cancer and I have a daughter and granddaughter. So if not me, the question is who will continue to speak out on this issue?

Seeing such reports both in the press and in medical journals, I know that we still have a long way to go. And what disturbs me most are the reports on “how the mortality rates are coming down,” or the amount money being put into new discoveries, when we are failing to disseminate the cures we know that work.

I know this all too well, because I served on the various groups that published articles on what can be done and the number of lives it would save. With regard to African Americans and breast cancer, the answers and solutions are in the 2003 Cancer monograph.

In summary, I would like to close paraphrasing Frank Michel’s closing statement from his September 21, 1998 Houston Chronicle editorial. It is my hope that this opinion piece might just catch the eye and the mind of someone, a cancer center director or higher up, who may read this column, and who thinks at the very least, it’s worth putting up to the rigors of scientific and social inquiry to examine the message as opposed to the messenger.

If I am able to accomplish this, then maybe in some way, we all have won.

something for everyone. Carneros Pinot Noir offers a dark red fruit profile and toasty oak complexity, making it the perfect wine to pair with lamb.

Sweet Endings When it comes time to dish out the finale to your meal, pair those yummy desserts with a sweet and lightly-flavored wine, such as Butterfly Kiss Moscato. This well-balanced, sweet white wine is loaded with stone fruit and citrus flavors and tastes delicious after a hearty lamb dish.

For other delicious entertaining ideas, visit www.SterlingVineyards.com and www.TheWineBar. com.

Pinot Noir-Braised Lamb Shanks with Porcini and Cannellini Beans Yield: 4 servings

4 12- to 14-ounce lamb shanks

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms 1 bottle Sterling Carneros Pinot Noir 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 large yellow onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice 10 medium garlic cloves, peeled and minced 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice 1 large celery rib, cut into 1/4-inch dice 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes 1 can (14 ounces) cannellini beans, drained 1 bay leaf 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

April 24-April 30, 2014

www.StyleMagazine.com

4 servings of soft polenta 1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley, for garnish

Preheat oven to 325°F. Trim skin and tendons from lamb shanks. Season meat with salt and pepper.

Rinse porcini and soak in 2 cups of wine. Brown shanks in 1/4 cup oil in large Dutch oven or heavy, oven-proof pot over medium heat until browned on all sides. Transfer to plate. Add onions, carrots, and celery to pan, adding more oil if needed. Cook, stirring occasionally until it begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, cooking and stirring for another 2 minutes. Remove mushrooms from soaking liquid, squeeze, and chop into medium pieces. Add them to pot along with soaking wine, remaining wine, tomatoes, cannellini beans, bay leaf, thyme and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper. Return shanks to pot, cover, and transfer to oven until shanks are very tender and meat has shrunk back to expose an inch of bone, 2 to 2-1/2 hours, turning every 30 minutes. Remove from oven and season again to taste. To serve, mound a serving of polenta on each plate, top with a lamb shank, smother with sauce from pan, and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

ENTERTAINMENT Kimberly Elise Stars In The Up Orig-

inal Movie Apple Mortgage Cake

By Franceli Chapman, Entertainment

K

imberly Elise has been gracing us with her presence on screen for nearly two decades and she seems to now be in her busiest year ever! Up TV, America’s favorite channel for uplifting family entertainment has brought her on to star in the network original movie Apple Mortgage Cake, the inspiring true story of Angel Logan, a single mom with 3 teenage boys who faces foreclosure on her home.

Houston Style Magazine caught up with the beautiful Elise in Los Angeles to chat about her new projects:t Houston Style Magazine: Kimberly Elise in Apple Mortgage Cake How did the project of Apple Mortgage Cake come about? it and I loved it. I couldn’t believe it was a true story.

What led you to want to do this?

Kimberly Elise: Apple Mortgage Cake is the true It was so amazing in every point that happens in it story of Angela Logan. She got the idea to bake 100 is unbelievable and I thought it was very relatable cakes in 10 days and sell them for $40 to raise the to what so many people in our country are going money to save her house. It took off like a worldwide through. Financial crisis has really been brutal on a phenomenon, so you have to watch the film to see lot of people and she is an example of someone who reached inside themselves to find whatever gift they what happens.

HSM: How did it become a project that was ap- had to help their situation and I think that offers hope.

HSM: As an actor, tell us about your process, what’s proached to you?

KE: Well, the producers sent me the script and I read that like for you?

KE: I really just play the character, well written scripts lend themselves to easy acting, you know, its all there. I just play the character and what they are going through and allow the emotions to be real to what she’s going through. What was great with this one was Angela is also an actress so she was on set with us and actually had a small part in movie. I have some scenes opposite of her, which was cool, but in the scenes she wasn’t in, she would be behind the monitor watching me. It would affect her so deeply, some of the scenes were so powerful and profound in her life, she would burst into tears and come and hug me. It was an amazing experience and as an actor I really felt honored to get to play her and show her what she did.

She could see it through her own eyes.

Hear more of what Elise had to say when watching the video interview online at www. stylemagazine.com. She dishes a little about Hit the Floor Season 2 and her background as a dancer. Her 2nd quarter of the year is going fantastic!

Bid or Proposal Notice for Windsor Village Elementary School Project Number: 14132014 Houston Independent School District (HISD) Patriot Contracting, LLC, as Construction Manager-at-Risk for HISD, in accordance with Texas Government Code 2269, will receive bids or proposals from subcontractors for renovations of Windsor Village Elementary School. The work includes egress lighting, rest room renovations, marker board installation, and other general renovation scope. Bids or proposals are due no later than 4:00PM on Tuesday May 13, 2014, at the offices of Patriot Contracting, LLC, 300 Shepherd Drive, Suite A, Houston, Texas 77007, phone 713-8803445, fax 713-880-1154 attention: Sam Harrison.

The plans and specifications will be available beginning Monday April 28, 2014, and may be obtained from A&E The Graphics Complex, 4235 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77027, phone 713-621-0022, fax 713-621-2537, www.aecomplex.com, upon refundable deposit of $50.00 for each set of printed plans and specifications. Documents in portable document format (pdf) are also available from A & E Graphics on disk for a deposit of $50.00. Deposit checks should be made payable to HISD. Requests for access to on-line documents and any questions regarding documents are to be addressed to Patriot Contracting, LLC, 300 Shepherd Drive, Suite A, Houston, Texas 77007, phone 713-880-3445, fax 713-880-1154 attention: Sam Harrison.

M/WBE documents as described below will be received until 4:00PM on the due date. There will be no public opening of bids or proposals. All bids or proposals shall be available after award of contract or the 7th day after final selection of bids or proposals, whichever is later. After receipt of bids or proposals, Patriot Contracting, LLC, will conduct its evaluation of the subcontractor bids or proposals in relation to the project requirements and will select the bid(s) or proposal(s) that offers the best value to HISD. Patriot Contracting, LLC, is committed to meeting the M/WBE goals set for this project. M/WBE forms, schedules and statements, as required by the package documents, shall accompany each bid or proposal that is submitted. BIDS OR PROPOSALS SUBMITTED WITHOUT ALL REQUIRED INFORMATION AND IN THE MANNER SPECIFIED WILL BE CONSIDERED NON-RESPONSIVE. A pre-bid/proposal conference will be held at 3:30PM, Thursday May 1, 2014 at Windsor Village Elementary School, 14440 Polo, Houston Texas 77085-3352. For additional information regarding this project, please contact Mr. Earl Finley, wfinley@houstonisd.org.

Drawings and Specifications may be reviewed at: Patriot Contracting, LLC, 300 Shepherd Drive, Suite A, Houston, Texas 77007, and the following Houston locations: Associated General Contractors, 3825 Dacoma Street, Houston, TX 77092, (713) 843-3700 McGraw Hill Construction/Dodge, www.construction.com Virtual Builders Exchange, 3910 Kirby, #131, Houston, TX 77098-4151, (832) 613-0201

www.StyleMagazine.com moc.enizagaMelytS.www

April 24-April 4102 ,6230, yra2014 urbeF-02 yraurbeF

Page B eg7 aP

Parker Serves Up Houston As Hottest Economy in US

POLITICAL

By Burt Levine, Political Writer

H

ouston Mayor Annise Parker started the monthly meeting of the Houston Realty Breakfast Club last Thursday, April 16th telling a sold out crowd that Houston is now celebrating the hottest economy in the United States.

“This is the only city in America where the debt per citizen is coming down because of the ReBuild Houston program that has us fixing our city with dedicated funds and not debt funds,” said Parker, who in January began her third and final term allowed by law as mayor following her three prior terms as city controller and three terms as an at large city council member.

“While the rest of the country is in economic turmoil, Houston remains one of the hottest cities for economic growth and job potential. Companies looking to relocate often consider Houston a frontrunner,” she added.

Her comments included that many American cities have recovered a portion of jobs lost during the recent recession, but Houston leads the pack having regained all the jobs lost, and adding two for each lost position.

“Our proximity to the oil industry allowed Houston’s economy to suffer very little during the recession. The effects of the oil crisis in the eighties allowed Houston’s top economists and government to learn from past mistakes. During the eighties, when oil prices bottomed out, Houston lost one in seven jobs versus the loss of only one in 22 in this most recent recession. Oil prices recovered faster than

Rep. Sylvester Turner with Mayor Annise Parker

the rest of the economy in the latest economic crisis, which allowed Houston to be less crushed by troubles facing other American cities,” Parker said.

Knowing her audience was those invested in real estate, Parker, having earned her degree in accounting at Rice University and having worked in the oil and gas industry and in owning her own business before becoming involved in politics, explained that the recession in the 1980s caused not only a job crisis but a real estate crisis as well.

“Houston’s proximity to the energy market is a massive advantage for businesses, in addition to

closeness to Latin America. With the influx of companies moving into the area, job production continues to grow and the economy remains strong. Proudly, Houston boasts record numbers for new positions and new commercial real estate transactions,” she said and then went on to more mundane issues of city operations.

“We will soon get rid of our city jail by combining forces with the county. Our business starts are up as are tax collections but what I’m really proud of is we’re meeting my goal of getting of homelessness.

That is the right thing to do,” she said.

Parker said the biggest challenges and disappointments she’s faced so far in her last term is working on the pension issues with the city’s three unions.

“We can work through this but police, fire and municipal employees must work with me and trust me,” she said.

Attentively listening to Mayor Parker’s remarks were a plethora of city leaders including State Rep. Sylvester Turner, City Controller Ronald Green, former City Council Member Helena Brown, State Senator Sylvia Garcia, Harris County District Clerk Chris Daniel, Harris County District Judge Sylvia Matthews, State Judge Michael Landrum, Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia, former Judge Steve Kirtland, and City Council Members Brenda Stardig, Dave Martin, Oliver Pennington, Mike Laster, David Robinson, Jack Christie, Stephen Costello, and C. O. Bradford.

BOOK REVIEW Brief: Make a Bigger Impact By

By Terri Schichenmeyer, Literary Writer

F

Saying Less

ast, faster, fastest.

That pretty much describes your workday. You hit the floor running every morning and, physically or mentally, you don’t stop moving until bedtime. Consequently, you’ve learned to deal with distractions, decisions, and details, you do it with less, and you do it now.

You’re sure it’s the same with your clients so, in a business atmosphere that moves blink-fast, how do you capture and keep their attention? In “Brief: Make a Bigger Impact by Saying Less” by Joseph McCormack, you’ll get the not-too-short answer.

In the course of a day at work, your clients might get hundreds of emails, texts, and voice-mails.

They’re inundated with information and the time allowed for sorting through it decreases every day.

They’re time-starved, which means one thing: “If you can’t capture people’s attention and deliver your message with brevity,” says McCormack, “you’ll lose them.”

Having too much information is stressful, as you might know, especially when one realizes that the stream of info isn’t going to stop. It’s natural, then, to start to mind-wander. Interruptions don’t help, and impatience follows quickly. The antidote to this is brevity, which is a “stress release” for everyone involved.

Before you start, though, there are “Seven Capital Sins” that can hinder your efforts to become brief and to focus. Avoid them, and use a basic approach to trimming your message with McCormack’s four steps: map it, tell it, talk it, and show it.

Never go to a presentation unprepared. Write

Page 8

by Joseph McCormack

what’s important and stay on-point. Check in with your audience occasionally, to make sure they’re still paying attention. Learn to TALC Track, and cultivate good listening skills.

Finally, avoid mind-numbing blah-blah-blah by using visual material to get your point across.

Make it interesting and “cut to the customer’s chase.”

Then, don’t forget to express your gratitude, because it’s “not about you.”

I have fewer than 150 words to tell you what I think about “Brief.”

In brief, it could have been shorter.

Author Joseph McCormack practices what he preaches in this book, but sharp readers will find repetition and rather lengthy anecdotes. McCormack also says his methods are “immediately useful,” and while that’s true, I felt… well, information overload.

And yet, this book will absolutely help anyone who motor-mouths through their workday or anyone who needs to learn that “a few minutes” may mean literally that. There’s no doubt in my mind that Big Talkers will read and understand how to get to the nitty-gritty with this book, and meeting-planners will have clearer calendars.

Joseph McC ormtrick, ack I think, and what will help to counteract The an outline so you know what needs saying, the overload, is to be counterintuitive. “Brief” may then learn to mind-map (visual outlining) and BRIEF be just a couple hundred pages or so, but it’s not Map as a guide for succinctness. something you want to read fast.

Be “clear, concise, and compelling” through storytelling, rather through boring biz-speak. Rec.2014, Wiley member that, like every good tale, you need a villain $24.00 / $29.00 Canada and a happy ending.

234 pages, includes index

Start controlled conversations to laser-in on

April 24-April 30, 2014

www.StyleMagazine.com

FEATURED ACTS

CHARLES BRADLEY • LAURA MVULA • THE FAMILY STONE • NEUTRAL SISTER KYRA NOON

44TH ANNUAL HOUSTON INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL FOOD, MUSIC, AND WORLD MARKETS

FEATURING

SPOTLIGHTING

CHEVRON AUSTRALIA LIVING MUSEUM • WORLD MARKETS AND FINE ARTS & CRAFTS • GREEN MOUNTAIN ENERGY KIDS WORLD • FIVE STAGES OF GLOBAL HIT MAKERS • INTERNATIONAL CUISINE, FINE WINE AND BEER DISCOUNT TICKETS AT IFEST.ORG AND HOUSTON-AREA FIESTA MART LOCATIONS KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE ON SATURDAY, MAY 3 THANKS TO FIESTA MART

#HOUSTONIFEST

/IFESTHOUSTON

@IFEST

/IFESTHOUSTON

Mayor Annise D. Parker

2014 represents the 44th year for the Houston International Festival, which is produced by the Houston Festival Foundation. The mission of the Houston Festival Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is to celebrate Houston’s diversity and build community through international cultural events and entertainment. Festival proceeds benefit the education programs of the foundation, which includes a teacher's curriculum guide on the spotlighted country's culture, school visits and free admission to foundation programming for qualifying youth. Foundation funding is provided in part by grants, corporate sponsorships, private contributions, in-kind support and volunteer assistance.

Enjoy

33

% * off

“Mother’s Day Spectacular” Bouquet with FREE chocolates

100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED DIPPE D

BERR

from

IES

19

$

Feminine and full of color, this bouquet is perfect to wow any Mom in your life!

99 + s/h

Site Price:$2999 +s/h

20

y Da r’s 1th he 1 ot ay M is M

Order Delicious Strawberries for Mother’s Day

You Pay:

19

%

$

OFF*

99 +s/h

E * V A % S

33

REE TF GE LATES D AN OCO CH

Offer valid through May 10, 2014

Visit

www.berries.com/sale or call 800-793-9486

*20% off minimum product purchase of $29. Discounts do not apply to gift cards or certificates, same-day delivery, shipping and handling, taxes or thirdparty hosted products (e.g. wine). Discounts will appear upon checkout and cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Discounts not valid on bulk or corporate purchases of 10 units or more. Offer valid while supplies last. Offer expires 5/10/2014.

Plus, as a special bonus, take 20% off* all products over $29!

Visit www.ProFlowers.com/Treasure or call 800.456.1498 *Take 33% off “Mother’s Day Spectacular” and 20% off minimum product purchase of $29. Discounts: (i) apply to the regular price of the products, (ii) will appear upon checkout and cannot be combined with other offers or discounts, unless specified, and (iii) do not apply to gift cards or certificates, international delivery, shipping & handling, taxes, or third-party hosted products (e.g. wine). Discounts not valid on bulk or corporate purchases of 10 units or more. Images in this advertisement may include upgraded, premium containers which are available for an additional charge. Prices valid while supplies last. Offer expires 5/9/2014.

www.StyleMagazine.com moc.enizagaMelytS.www

April 24-April 4102 ,6230, yra2014 urbeF-02 yraurbeF

Page B eg9aP

AUTO

2014 Chevrolet Malibu

By Casey Williams – MyCarData.com

A

s soon as the current-generation Chevy Malibu debuted for 2013, creaking from journalists began. They didn’t like the grille. Rear seat room was too tight. Interiors were over-done.

Seats needed more support. Fuel efficiency wasn’t quite up to segment standards. Some of these were matters of opinion, but other concerns were legit. Showing Chevrolet is quick to react and tweak course, a significantly updated Malibu is coming for 2014.

“The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu builds on the strengths established by the all-new 2013 Malibu to make it a stronger choice for customers,” said Mark Reuss, president, General Motors North America.

“The midsize sedan segment is the most contested in the industry and we’re not sitting still with the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu.”

Designers kept their scalpels off of the Malibu’s basic body shell, but re-styled the front end to better match that of the all-new Impala. Gone is the blocky truckish nose, replaced by a more fluid twinport design with a hood that extends down over the top of the grille. Additional chrome lends an upscale appearance.

Exterior styling wasn’t a big problem — the 2013 Malibu looked pretty good. However, in an attempt to combine global platforms, the Malibu shares a shorter wheelbase with the European Opel Insignia — a car we know as the Buick Regal. That reduced rear seat space, which was a highlight of the previous-generation Malibu. Journalists and owners complained, and probably rightfully so.

To make the current model roomier, front seats were re-sculpted to increase rear knee space without losing front comfort. Rear seats were modified to allow passengers to sit deeper, providing much-needed space. GM claims about a half-inch

LOCAL BRIEFS

New Stage Play Raises Awareness About Social Media Usage

was trimmed from the front of the rear cushion. It only takes an inch here and there to make a significant difference in legroom. All of the nods add up to 1.25” more knee room for rear passengers.

None of the current Malibus are underpowered, but engineers decided to step up powertrain

2014 Chevrolet Malibu

output anyway. Base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines employ variable valve lift control and start/stop technology to deliver 196 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft. of torque. Fuel economy improves 5% in the city and 3% on the highway for ratings of 23/35-MPG respectively.

Start/stop technology allows the engine to pause while at rest, like during a stoplight. When the driver lifts off the brake, the engine re-starts automatically. An auxiliary battery powers accessories like the climate control system, windows, and radio while the engine is not running. This technology is already common in Europe and on hybrids, but expect it to become more commonplace here in the coming years.

If none of this sounds exciting, step to the upgraded 2.0-liter turbo-four engine that generates

Houston Teacher Bans Holy Bible From School

N

o guns in school…check. No drugs in school… check. No alcohol in school…check. No Bible in school…huh? That is what a Cy-Fair ISD elementary school parent is claiming that a teacher told her daughter. Upon learning of the complaint, the school issued a letter stating that the school principal would meet staff to further discuss claim. In addition, the school gave the requirements for student independent reading time, which were that books had to be appropriate and on the student’s grade level.

Prairie View students with cast

U

sing social media appropriately has become increasingly important in today’s society. A new stage play, sponsored by General Motors, The Black Social Network, dives into the reckless usage of social media. Directed by Deloris Madison and written

by Zondra Hughes, Liz Lampkin, Celeste T. Parker and Sylvia Snowden, the production is currently touring and made a stop at Prairie View A&M University. Our goal is to make college students behave responsibly on social media. It was imperative that the Black Social Network bring the message with authenticity,” Hughes says.

High Alert for Possible Rise in Identity Theft Crimes

H

arris County District Attorney Devon Anderson issued an alert for all Houstonians to be cautious of leaving valuables visible in vehicles. The Felony Lane Gang, known for stealing purses, checks, and driver’s licenses to commit identity theft, has arrived in Houston. According to click2houston.com, the

Page 10

April 24-April 30, 2014

www.StyleMagazine.com

14% more torque than before. It is rated 259 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. You will not miss having a V6 option.

Putting power to good use is a refined chassis that integrates advances from the 2014 Impala.

Re-designed springs and struts are better tuned for a smoother ride, but also controlling body roll in corners and weight transfer during acceleration. Wheels stay better planted to improve handling. Electric power steering was also modified to provide higher effort at speed to improve feel. Four-channel anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, electronic brake force distribution, corner brake control, and brake force distribution further enhance handling.

Safety technology is even more impressive.

Borrowing from research that went into GM’s luxury models, Malibu is available with a full array of crash avoidance systems. Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert debut for 2014. The systems compliment a car that already achieved a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score in the New Car Assessment Program from NHTSA and was a 2013 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

“We made changes within 18 months, demonstrating an unprecedented commitment to make the Malibu the best car it can be,” said Ken Kelzer, executive chief engineer, global full-size and midsize cars. “The 2014 Malibu has been engineered to deliver more precise ride and handling that is on par with more expensive sports sedans.”

Chevrolet took a bit of flak for the Malibu, but these changes should make significant steps in the right direction. This is an incredibly competitive segment where little upgrades make a big difference.

Kudos to Chevy for reacting swiftly.

group of men recruit men and women to break into cars and forge stolen checks to make anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 per week. If you are a victim or have information that can help catch the thieves, you’re asked to call your local law enforcement agency.

New Ordinance Will “Strike-Off” Houston’s Abandoned Properties

M

ayor Annise Parker and Houston City Council Members approved a resolution, effective immediately, authorizing the resale of tax foreclosed dangerous properties, known as “strike-offs,” held in trust by the City of Houston. Expenses incurred to bring the properties into code compliance for resale Mayor Annise Parker will be recovered by the City from sale proceeds. “The resale of strike-offs is smart business and an effective way to fight blight and make our neighborhoods safer,” said Mayor Parker. The City’s strike-off transactions at tax foreclosure auctions and the maintenance and resale of property will be administered under the new Mayor’s Strike-off Blight Program, an initiative of the Department of Neighborhoods (DON) Inspections & Public Service division (IPS). Costs incurred for the maintenance of strike-offs will be given priority for payment at sale, potentially netting a 40% return compared to a 1% recovery rate under traditional abatement protocol.

T:12.75"

STAY CONNECTED. THE NEW 2014 CHEVROLET MALIBU

Important family talks happen everywhere. With your Bluetooth-connected iPhone速 and available Siri Eyes Free 1 with voice command, you can hear what everyone has to say while keeping your eyes on the road. #THENEW CONNECTED

1 Requires available Chevrolet MyLink and compatible iPhone running iOS 6 or later.

Apple, the Apple logo, Siri and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

www.StyleMagazine.com moc.enizagaMelytS.www

April 24-April 4102 ,6230, yra2014 urbeF-02 yraurbeF

B eg11 aP Page

Alcoholism: Speak Up To Save A Life

FEATURE

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

S

ome say a party is not a party without it. While others will argue it is not needed to have a good time. Whatever side of the alcohol debate on which you stand one thing is certain, Houston we have a problem! Out of about 5 million people, at least 50% have issues with alcohol. Alcohol misuse accounted for 88,000 deaths in the state alone at the end of last year. It is beyond time to stop ignoring the problem and speak up to save a life.

Defining Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a term that society can readily recognize but in the professional arena alcoholism is really defined as alcohol dependence. According to Lori Fiester, LCSW, BRI II Center for Recovering Families Director of Treatment Services at The Council on Alcohol and Drugs Houston (CADH), alcohol dependency is the physicality of a person’s state since when one misuses alcohol the brain’s changes and the person’s physical components out weigh rational and/or emotional thinking.

Breaking down alcohol abuse into 4 categories, Fiester paints a clearer picture of when alcohol goes from use to abuse. The first category is familiar to a lot of people, the use of alcohol. A fun night out with friends might be enhanced to include a cocktail or two. It is not your focus or priority. You can love it or leave it. It is simply a drink. Use graduates to misuse when one indulges more than one should and pays for it the next day. After the hangover sets in you think I probably should have just stopped with the second drink. The danger zone is crossed when entering the abusive stage. This is when one drinks despite the consequences. It is the first red flag that a problem could is brewing. The second flag is when abuse becomes dependency. Drinking is now your

Page 12

primary focus and takes precedence over everything in your life. You literally can’t stop drinking.

Recognizing the Problem

One of the first steps of recovery is recognizing that the problem even exist. Often it is family and friends that see the signs before the person who is alcohol dependent realizes there is a problem.

Noticeable behavioral changes like missing work and taking risks of drinking and driving occur more frequently. Personal relationships will change as the person may become distance or angry.

CADH cautions families and friends who see these initial signs from diagnosing the disease as they are not licensed or trained professionals. Instead they encourage them to make the person aware of the behaviors Fiester says that is where a lot of families and friends fail their loved ones. They see the cries for help but don’t know what to say or do so most often they do nothing. Family and friends are vital to the recovery of anyone suffering with alcohol dependency so they must speak up. Start the conversation with “Hey, I am really concern about you” and tell them what you have witnessed them do that concerns you. Families and friends need to let the person know what behaviors they are witnessing and give them information on where to go to get help at places like CADH.

“That is the reason why the council is here.

The main reason why my treatment program is here is because we do know. We know where to get the help, we know what level of care,” said Fiester.

Getting Help

Treatment opinions for alcohol dependence are not black and white. Since there are numerous

April 24-April 30, 2014

www.StyleMagazine.com

reasons why people drink and various levels of dependency, there are also plenty of options for treatment. “There is detox, inpatient, and outpatient, which is what we (CADH) do,” Fiester expressed.

Deciding on the best course of treatment will depend on the person’s state of alcohol use when first seeking help. CADH gets an understanding of this through a general assessment. “We do a full battery of tests to see where they are at in the struggle from use to dependency,” said Fiester. They are careful in determining treatment since, depending on your level of dependency, suddenly stopping alcohol cold turkey can kill. Usually people who are in the misuse and in the early stage of abuse categories can take advantage of outpatient services and be successful. Some forms of outpatient treatment are group therapy with others at various levels of recovery and individual therapy for one-on-one counseling sessions. Inpatient therapy is reserve for those who can’t do treatment by themselves and need assistance or they are at such an acute level of dependency that they may have detox issues.

The issue of the misuse of alcohol is growing as we lose the ability to know how to cope with the trials of life. Don’t let your fellow man suffer in silence. Speak up, make them aware of their behavior, and give them info on how to get help. It most certainly will help save their life and it might just save yours as well.

Photo: Shutterstock

ONAL CONCEPTS PERRY ELLIS KENNETH COLE ELLEN TRACY DOONEY & BOURKE MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS VINCE CAMUTO S STEVE MADDEN BCBGIRLS JESSICA SIMPSON COACH LACOSTE WEDGWOOD MARTHA STEWART COLLECTION LENOX CALPH EIN GUESS POLO RALPH LAUREN I•N•C INTERNATIONAL CONCEPTS PERRY ELLIS KENNETH COLE ELLEN TRACY DOONEY & B NSON LEVI'S BAR III KENSIE FRANCO SARTO STEVE MADDEN BCBGIRLS JESSICA SIMPSON COACH LACOSTE WEDGWOOD ER LAUREN RALPH LAUREN DKNY CALVIN KLEIN GUESS POLO RALPH LAUREN I•N•C INTERNATIONAL CONCEPTS PERRY ELLIS NGLASS HUT RACHEL RACHEL ROY BETSEY JOHNSON LEVI'S BAR III KENSIE FRANCO SARTO STEVE MADDEN BCBGIRLS JESS ON CUISINART KITCHENAID KRUPS TOMMY HILFIGER LAUREN RALPH LAUREN DKNY CALVIN KLEIN GUESS POLO RALPH LAU URKE MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS VINCE CAMUTO SUNGLASS HUT RACHEL RACHEL ROY BETSEY JOHNSON LEVI'S BAR III KENS OD MARTHA STEWART COLLECTION LENOX CALPHALON CUISINART KITCHENAID KRUPS TOMMY HILFIGER LAUREN RALPH LA ELLIS KENNETH COLE ELLEN TRACY DOONEY & BOURKE MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS VINCE CAMUTO SUNGLASS HUT RACHEL R ESSICA SIMPSON COACH LACOSTE WEDGWOOD MARTHA STEWART COLLECTION LENOX CALPHALON CUISINART KITCHENA N I•N•C INTERNATIONAL CONCEPTS PERRY ELLIS KENNETH COLE ELLEN TRACY DOONEY & BOURKE MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS ANCO SARTO STEVE MADDEN BCBGIRLS JESSICA SIMPSON COACH LACOSTE WEDGWOOD MARTHA STEWART COLLECTION NY CALVIN KLEIN GUESS POLO RALPH LAUREN I•N•C INTERNATIONAL CONCEPTS PERRY ELLIS KENNETH COLE ELLEN TRACY BETSEY JOHNSON LEVI'S BAR III KENSIE FRANCO SARTO STEVE MADDEN BCBGIRLS JESSICA SIMPSON COACH LACOSTE WE S TOMMY HILFIGER LAUREN RALPH LAUREN DKNY CALVIN KLEIN GUESS POLO RALPH LAUREN I•N•C INTERNATIONAL CONC NCE CAMUTO SUNGLASS HUT RACHEL RACHEL ROY BETSEY JOHNSON LEVI'S BAR III KENSIE FRANCO SARTO STEVE MADDEN NOX CALPHALON CUISINART KITCHENAID KRUPS TOMMY HILFIGER LAUREN RALPH LAUREN DKNY CALVIN KLEIN GUESS P Y DOONEY & BOURKE MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS VINCE CAMUTO SUNGLASS HUT RACHEL RACHEL ROY BETSEY JOHNSON LEV WEDGWOOD MARTHA STEWART COLLECTION LENOX CALPHALON CUISINART KITCHENAID KRUPS TOMMY HILFIGER LAURE S PERRY ELLIS KENNETH COLE ELLEN TRACY DOONEY & BOURKE MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS VINCE CAMUTO SUNGLASS HUT GIRLS JESSICA SIMPSON COACH LACOSTE WEDGWOOD MARTHA STEWART COLLECTION LENOX CALPHALON CUISINART K RALPH LAUREN I•N•C INTERNATIONAL CONCEPTS PERRY ELLIS KENNETH COLE ELLEN TRACY DOONEY & BOURKE MICHAEL II KENSIE FRANCO SARTO STEVE MADDEN BCBGIRLS JESSICA SIMPSON COACH LACOSTE WEDGWOOD MARTHA STEWART C H LAUREN DKNY CALVIN KLEIN GUESS POLO RALPH LAUREN I•N•C INTERNATIONAL CONCEPTS PERRY ELLIS KENNETH COLE EL RACHEL ROY BETSEY JOHNSON LEVI'S BAR III KENSIE FRANCO SARTO STEVE MADDEN BCBGIRLS JESSICA SIMPSON COA CHENAID KRUPS TOMMY HILFIGER LAUREN RALPH LAUREN DKNY CALVIN KLEIN GUESS POLO RALPH LAUREN I•N•C INTERN EL KORS VINCE CAMUTO SUNGLASS HUT RACHEL RACHEL ROY BETSEY JOHNSON LEVI'S BAR III KENSIE FRANCO SARTO STE OLLECTION LENOX CALPHALON CUISINART KITCHENAID KRUPS TOMMY HILFIGER LAUREN RALPH LAUREN DKNY CALVIN K E ELLEN TRACY DOONEY & BOURKE MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS VINCE CAMUTO SUNGLASS HUT RACHEL RACHEL ROY BETSEY J H LACOSTE WEDGWOOD MARTHA STEWART COLLECTION LENOX CALPHALON CUISINART KITCHENAID KRUPS TOMMY HILFI ONAL CONCEPTS PERRY ELLIS KENNETH COLE ELLEN TRACY DOONEY & BOURKE MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS VINCE CAMUTO S STEVE MADDEN BCBGIRLS JESSICA SIMPSON COACH LACOSTE WEDGWOOD MARTHA STEWART COLLECTION LENOX CALPH * EIN GUESS POLO RALPH LAUREN I•N•C INTERNATIONAL CONCEPTS PERRY ELLIS KENNETH COLE ELLEN TRACY DOONEY & B NSON LEVI'S BAR III KENSIE FRANCO SARTO STEVE MADDEN BCBGIRLS JESSICA SIMPSON COACH LACOSTE WEDGWOOD ER LAUREN RALPH LAUREN DKNY CALVIN KLEIN GUESS POLO RALPH LAUREN I•N•C INTERNATIONAL CONCEPTS PERRY ELLIS NGLASS HUT RACHEL RACHEL ROY BETSEY JOHNSON LEVI'S BAR III KENSIE FRANCO SARTO STEVE MADDEN BCBGIRLS JESS ON CUISINART KITCHENAID KRUPS TOMMY HILFIGER LAUREN RALPH LAUREN DKNY CALVIN KLEIN GUESS POLO RALPH LAU URKE MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS VINCE CAMUTO SUNGLASS HUT RACHEL RACHEL ROY BETSEY JOHNSON LEVI'S BAR III KENS OD MARTHA STEWART COLLECTION LENOX CALPHALON CUISINART KITCHENAID KRUPS TOMMY HILFIGER LAUREN RALPH LA ELLIS KENNETH COLE ELLEN TRACY DOONEY & BOURKE MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS VINCE CAMUTO SUNGLASS HUT RACHEL R Regular, SaleLENOX & Clearance Items CALPHALON CUISINART KITCHENA ESSICA SIMPSON COACH LACOSTE WEDGWOOD MARTHA STEWART COLLECTION N I•N•C INTERNATIONAL CONCEPTS PERRY ELLIS KENNETH COLE ELLEN TRACY DOONEY & BOURKE MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS ANCO SARTO STEVE MADDEN BCBGIRLS JESSICA SIMPSON COACH LACOSTE WEDGWOOD MARTHA STEWART COLLECTION NY CALVIN KLEIN GUESS POLO RALPH LAUREN I•N•C INTERNATIONAL CONCEPTS PERRY ELLIS KENNETH COLE ELLEN TRACY BETSEY JOHNSON LEVI'S EXTRA BAR III KENSIE FRANCO SARTO STEVE MADDEN BCBGIRLS JESSICA SIMPSON COACH LACOSTE WE 10% OFF* electrics/electronics, furniture, mattresses and rugs/floor coverings S TOMMY HILFIGER LAUREN RALPH LAUREN DKNY CALVIN KLEIN GUESS POLO RALPH LAUREN I•N•C INTERNATIONAL CONC SHOPRACHEL ONE DAY EARLY! Tuesday, April 29 on macys.com/friend NCE CAMUTO SUNGLASS HUT RACHEL ROY BETSEY JOHNSON LEVI'S BAR III KENSIE FRANCO SARTO STEVE MADDEN NOX CALPHALON CUISINART KITCHENAID KRUPS TOMMY HILFIGER LAUREN RALPH LAUREN DKNY CALVIN KLEIN GUESS P USE PROMO CODE FRIEND at checkout to receive savings Y DOONEY & BOURKE MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS VINCE CAMUTO SUNGLASS HUT RACHEL ENJOY FREE SHIPPING with any purchase of $99 or more**RACHEL ROY BETSEY JOHNSON LEV WEDGWOOD MARTHA STEWART COLLECTION LENOX CALPHALON CUISINART KITCHENAID KRUPS TOMMY HILFIGER LAURE S PERRY ELLIS KENNETH COLE ELLEN TRACY SHOP. DOONEY & BOURKE MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS VINCE CAMUTO SUNGLASS HUT SAVE. SHARE. REPEAT. GIRLS JESSICA SIMPSON COACH LACOSTE WEDGWOOD MARTHA STEWART COLLECTION LENOX CALPHALON CUISINART K RALPH LAUREN I•N•C INTERNATIONAL CONCEPTS PERRY ELLIS KENNETH COLE ELLEN TRACY DOONEY & BOURKE MICHAEL II KENSIE FRANCO SARTO STEVE MADDEN BCBGIRLS JESSICA SIMPSON COACH LACOSTE WEDGWOOD MARTHA STEWART C H LAUREN DKNY CALVIN KLEIN GUESS POLO RALPH LAUREN I•N•C INTERNATIONAL CONCEPTS PERRY ELLIS KENNETH COLE EL RACHEL ROY BETSEY JOHNSON LEVI'S BAR III KENSIE FRANCO SARTO STEVE MADDEN BCBGIRLS JESSICA SIMPSON COA *Friends & Family discount applies to regular, sale and clearance prices, with exceptions listed. EXTRA CHENAID KRUPS TOMMY HILFIGER LAUREN RALPH LAUREN DKNY CALVIN GUESS RALPH LAUREN I•N•C INTERN 10% OFFKLEIN applies to electrics, electronics,POLO furniture, mattresses and rugs/floor coverings. EXCLUDES: EL KORS VINCE CAMUTO SUNGLASS HUT RACHEL RACHEL ROY BETSEY JOHNSON LEVI'S BAR III KENSIE FRANCO SARTO STE Everyday Values (EDV), cosmetics, fragrances, athletic shoes for him, her & kids, Nike on Field, New WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30 – MONDAY, MAY 5 Era, HILFIGER Dallas Cowboys merchandise, TAG Heuer, Breitling, Tempur-Pedic; products offered by vendors CALVIN K OLLECTION LENOX CALPHALON CUISINART KITCHENAID KRUPS TOMMY LAUREN RALPH LAUREN DKNY who operate leased departments in any of our stores including: maternity, eSpot, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, E ELLEN TRACY DOONEY & BOURKE MICHAEL MICHAELfurniture, KORS VINCE CAMUTO SUNGLASS HUT RACHEL RACHEL ROY BETSEY J 10% off* electrics/electronics, Burberry, Longchamp. Not valid on: previous purchases, special orders, services, gift cards, jewelry H LACOSTE WEDGWOOD MARTHA STEWART COLLECTION LENOX CALPHALON CUISINART KITCHENAID TOMMY HILFI trunk shows, payment on credit accounts, restaurants, gourmet foods, wine.KRUPS Cannot be combined with mattresses and rugs/floor coverings.

TAKEPERRY AN EXTRA ONAL CONCEPTS ELLIS KENNETH COLE ELLEN TRACY DOONEY &anyBOURKE MICHAEL KORS CAMUTO S savings pass/coupon,MICHAEL extra discount or credit offer, except opening a new Macy’sVINCE account. EXTRA SAVINGS % APPLIED TO ALREADY REDUCED PRICES. PresentCOLLECTION Friends & Family discount cardLENOX at register.

Shop macys.com/friend beginning Tuesday, WEDGWOOD STEVE MADDEN BCBGIRLS JESSICA SIMPSON COACH LACOSTE MARTHA STEWART CALPH Use promo code FRIEND to redeem discount online.

Only one promo code may be used per transaction.

April 29 with promo code: FRIENDCONCEPTS PERRY ELLIS KENNETH COLE ELLEN TRACY DOONEY & B EIN GUESS POLO RALPH LAUREN I•N•C INTERNATIONAL Additional exclusions apply online, see macys.com/friend. Friends & Family discount code valid online NSON LEVI'S BAR III KENSIE FRANCO SARTO STEVE MADDEN BCBGIRLS COACH WEDGWOOD AprilJESSICA 29 - May 5, 2014. SIMPSON **Domestic U.S. shipping only. Exclusions LACOSTE apply, for details visit macys.com. * Enjoy FREE SHIPPING with any online purchase OFF †Exclusions apply,I•N•C for details visit macys.com/international.

ER LAUREN RALPH LAUREN DKNY CALVIN KLEIN GUESS POLO RALPH LAUREN INTERNATIONAL CONCEPTS PERRY ELLIS of $99 or more**. Ship internationally to over NGLASS HUT RACHEL RACHEL ROY BETSEY JOHNSON LEVI'S BAR III KENSIE FRANCO SARTO STEVE MADDEN BCBGIRLS JESS 100 countries around the world†!

ON CUISINART KITCHENAID KRUPS TOMMY HILFIGER LAUREN RALPH LAUREN DKNY CALVIN KLEIN GUESS POLO RALPH LAU URKE MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS VINCE CAMUTO SUNGLASS HUT RACHEL RACHEL ROY BETSEY JOHNSON LEVI'S BAR III KENS OD MARTHA STEWART COLLECTION LENOX CALPHALON CUISINART KITCHENAID KRUPS TOMMY HILFIGER LAUREN RALPH LA ELLIS KENNETH COLE ELLEN TRACY REGULAR, SALE & CLEARANCE ITEMS DOONEY & BOURKE MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS VINCE CAMUTO SUNGLASS HUT RACHEL R ESSICA SIMPSON COACH LACOSTE WEDGWOOD MARTHA STEWART COLLECTION LENOX CALPHALON CUISINART KITCHENA N I•N•C INTERNATIONAL CONCEPTS PERRY ELLIS KENNETH COLE ELLEN TRACY DOONEY & BOURKE MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS

MACY’S FRIENDS & FAMILY WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30 – MONDAY, MAY 5

25 TAKE AN EXTRA

It’s the sale everybody’s talking about!

% OFF

Your Favorite Brands

MACY’S FRIENDS & FAMILY

25

%

www.StyleMagazine.com moc.enizagaMelytS.www

April 24-April 4102 ,6230, yra2014 urbeF-02 yraurbeF

Page B ega13 P

FEATURE

“

cont.

By Bell of TotallyRandie.com

Hi, my name is Edward C. Whittaker* and I am a recovering alcoholic”; words I would have spoken had I ever stepped foot into an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. Instead I decided to allow my story to be shared with whoever is reading it now in hopes that I am able to reach some of you before it’s too late.

The Start of My Downward Spiral

Most people who drink start out with a reason. They have a why. For me, my why was to be like my father. All while growing up I witnessed my own dad become victim to the bottle. Since children are like sponges and learn the behaviors of their parents I followed his lead.

My first taste of alcohol happened before I was even officially a teenager, when I was 12. Stealing my father’s mason jar full of vodka, wine, and sometimes moonshine I experimented with different alcoholic beverages until I found my drink of choice, vodka.

As I grew so did my appetite for alcohol. I went from sneaking sips to whole drinks to bottles. I would have the occasional bottle (yes, bottle) of wine but straight vodka made me come alive. My body was so used to the alcohol that I actually functioned pretty normally and was able to hide it from family and friends. My problem quickly became out of control.

A Myriad of Complications

Its nothing like a health scare to literally scare you straight or in my case sober. Born with Atrial Fibrillation (or A-Fib), [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Atrial_fibrillation], which in layman’s terms is the most common heart rhythm disorder; I was hospitalized over the years and was diagnosed with conges-

By Demez White, Feature Writer

H

Finding My Way to Sobriety: A Personal Tale of Alcoholism tive heart failure (CHF) in the ‘80s. Naturally this condition and alcohol don’t mix but that didn’t’ stop me from abusing alcohol.

With repeat visits to the hospital, no doubt to my excessive alcohol abuse, I continue to drink.

It would take a massive heart attack to stop me in my tracks. I stopped not because I wanted to but because I didn’t have access to my beloved drug while in the hospital. My body still craving alcohol I began to experience alcohol’s ugly head with the effects of withdrawal symptoms. I began to experience freezing cold sweats, mood swings, and my motor coordination continue to deteriorate. I was hallucinating.

On the day I was release it was a happy day.

Not because I was going home but because I could have access to alcohol. Year after year I would drink, taking meds for A-fib and CHF, ignoring my body’s cry for help, and repeat.

Alcohol and medicine don’t mix so you can imagine the chaos going on in my body. Well along with A-fib, I became the “lucky” statistic of being 1 in 4 heavy drinkers who developed cirrhosis (slow deterioration) of the liver. “Once alcohol damages your liver you began to experience effects like intense itching due to Bile products deposited in the skin,” said my primary physician. Dr. Rishi Hingorani also told me long-term effects would be “personality changes, incontinence, decreased sex drive, high blood pressure, loss of memory (alcohol-related dementia), neglect of personal appearance (due to liver being unable to remove toxins in the blood affecting the brain), seizures, loss of motor skills, stroke, and even death.” And I experienced all of

*Name was changed to protect the identity of the person.

Social Drinking v. Alcoholism: Stay Aware My Friends

ave you ever driven while drunk? I want you to really think about the question. For a grown man legally drunk is a couple of glasses of wine and maybe two beers. For a grown woman it’s probably around a glass and a half of wine or two mixed drinks. So let me ask you the question again, have you ever driven intoxicated?

A large segment of society socially drinks.

We have a bad day at work, so we stop and get a couple beers at happy hour. Finals or family is stressing us out, so we stop and grab a bottle of wine. Social drinking is woven into the fabric of American culture about as much as Apple pie and pickup trucks.

Social drinking isn’t wrong when it’s done responsibly. Making sure to have a designated driver or calling a cab if you’ve had too much to drink is a safer, smarter choice as opposed to weighing out the decision if you are too drunk to drive. These are just adult decisions that we all have to make.

Any of us can justify social drinking as long as we aren’t putting others in harm’s way but what we can’t justify is alcoholism or you can also refer to it as binge drinking. It takes alcohol 6-8 hours in most cases, depending on how much you’ve drunk to leave your system. If you’re drinking to the point where you are abusing alcohol it never really leaves your system.

It affects your mood, your work ethic, and the way you interact with your family. What is the difference between socially drinking and drinking uncontrollably? The difference is one is a disease and

Page 14

those symptoms verbatim, yes even death. Because of cirrhosis I code blued [http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Code_Blue_(emergency_code)#Code_Blue] or “died” twice.

My New Day

It is funny how nearly dying makes you feel so alive. The experience allowed me to seeing how the effects of how my selfish behavior was destroying the lives of the very ones I hold so dear. That was the day I got help.

Today I am proud to say I am 67 years old and that my wife and four children stuck by me. I am alive and just celebrated my 1yr dry anniversary. By no means am I cured. It is a day-to-day struggle but I refuse to go back. I still have to live with the effects of my reckless behavior. I have high blood pressure, A-fib, CHF and take a plethora of meds for seizures, depression, anxiety, sleep apnea, incontinence, cirrhosis, and dementia. I have loss all of my teeth and I am under going a two month procedure for implants.

But I am sober.

My journey to become sober was not easy. I was able to make it because of the love and support of my family. So my message is to never give up on those in your life suffering from alcoholism. They may not get sober today, tomorrow, or even in the weeks and months to come. But one day they will say enough and want to stop. And they will need the support of family and friends to help them through it.

I will be forever grateful to my family for helping to save my life.

April 24-April 30, 2014

one is what you make it.

When you’re an alcoholic you can’t control the urges. You can’t control wanting to take one more sip, you sip until the bottle is gone. You sip until you can’t stand straight and all you want to do is go get more. Not caring who you may hit or kill on the way.

My father is an alcoholic, a man that wakes up and drinks a six-pack, a man that has been a drunk since the day I realized who he was. That gene runs in my DNA and that scares me so even though I’m a social drinker I have to be careful that I don’t let the sins of my father engulf me.

When I sat down to right this article I wanted to write it from an analytical standpoint but the truth is real life is much more readable. I would venture to say there isn’t a family that hasn’t been touched by alcoholism in some way. A loved one or friend that has been killed by a drunk driver or hurt; an old college roommate that had too much to drink.

All of us can do a part in helping not only the youth but each other separate social drinking from binge drinking. Telling a friend, “You’ve had too much, let’s go.” Or getting counseling for a problem instead of drinking your way out of it makes all the sense in the world.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Stay aware my friends.

www.StyleMagazine.com

IVY EDUCATIONAL AND CHARITABLE FOUNDATION OF HOUSTON, INCORPORATED PRESENTS THE

33 Annual Scholarship Luncheon and Fashion Show LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF FASHION rd

Sunday, April 27th, 2014 (2:00pm) Hilton Americas Hotel | 1600 Lamar, Houston, TX 77010

www.StyleMagazine.com moc.enizagaMelytS.www

April 24-April 4102 ,6230, yra2014 urbeF-02 yraurbeF

Page B15 egaP

FEATURE

cont.

By Jessica Crawford and Eric Ford

A

ngela Roberts*, a sophomore at Texas Southern University (TSU), knows the legal consequences of underage drinking. After paying a $200 fine and performing 10 weeks of community service, she thinks she’s learned her lesson.

“Luckily campus police found me before HPD did,” said Roberts.

“The charge would have been much worse because not only was I underage, but I was drinking and driving as well.”

Roberts is not alone. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 25 percent of people aged 12 to 20 consume alcoholic beverages.

“The most common issues of drinking on college campus will be binge drinking,” said Dr. Andrea Velox, a counselor at TSU. “This is where consumers take in large amounts of alcohol at a fast pace, in short amount of time.”

Roberts said that drinking had become a part of her regular routine until her Minor in Possession charge put an end to it.

“At first I felt free and away from the rules of my parents,” Roberts said about her first year in college. “But I can see now having no discipline is

College Thinking On Underage Drinking

never a good thing.”

Dr. Velox said that the high number of underage drinkers may be linked to the accessibility of alcohol.

“While in college, alcoholic beverages are easily assessable to, this is why the most underage drinking occurs during the freshmen and/or sophomore levels,” said Dr. Velox.

Carla Boysen, who teaches alcohol awareness courses at the Alcohol & Traffic Safety Institute, said that alcohol accessibility combined with peer pressure makes underage drinkers even more likely to consume alcohol.

“People think you are weird if you don’t drink and think you can’t have fun unless you do drink and get drunk,” Boysen said “A lot of young people just want to be a part of a group and to be liked.”

Bryan Matthews*, a junior at the University of Houston (UH), said that underage drinking is commonplace at college parties.

“Everybody just drinks at parties,” said Matthews. “I don’t know the reason behind it. It’s kind of weird not to.”

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, underage drinking isn’t strictly a result of the college party scene.

Alcohol sensitivity, risk-taking behavior, and hereditary factors all influence whether a person will drink underage.

At TSU, Dr. Velox tests the students to

see why they choose to consume alcohol.

“With all students, we always

begin with a screening procedure to test for patterns and the depth of the situation,” stated Dr. Velox. “This is a way to understand the reasoning behind the particular issue.”

UH also offers both in-person and online alcohol awareness programs.

Boysen said waiting until the proper drinking age to indulge can help young people ensure that they won’t become dependent on alcohol to have a good time.

“(Young people) learn how to have fun without it and to enjoy life,” Boysen said. “They also learn how to solve issues and work through fear and solve problems, not create more.”

Dr. Velox suggests that underage drinkers should start trying to drink less, if not quit completely.

“Knowing your drinking tolerance and being around designated friends who are not heavy drinkers will be a great start,” said Dr. Velox.

Boysen said that young people should take initiative and show others that alcohol isn’t a necessity.

“Have people over and have parties without booze and drugs,” Boysen said. “Show you can have fun.” *Names have been changed to protect the identities of those interviewed.

EDITORIAL The Greatest Mix Luncheon Celebrat-

T

ing the Core DJ’s 10th Anniversary Conference

he NNPA, a federation of approximately 200 Black newspapers, the Hip Hop Union, a governing body of businesses and entrepreneurs and the largest DJ coalition in the world join forces to eliminate the communication barriers that have plagued Black America for years. ‘The Greatest Mix’ Luncheon will bring together generations that have often stood on separate sides of the table when it comes to Hip Hop. For the first time in history, all parties have agreed to level the playing field and work together for the betterment of Black America.

‘The Greatest Mix’ Luncheon moderated by George Curry, Editor-in-Chief of NNPA News Service seeks to capture the essence of how the power of Hip Hop and the power of the Black Press can improve circumstances in the areas of politics, economics and positive images in the media.

“Hip Hop often carries a stereotypical stigma of misogyny, violence and ignorance, which unfortunately sometimes is true. What gets lost is in translation is why people continue to gravitate and support the

Page 16

culture despite the downsides. This collaboration with the NNPA will connect the dots to the places that Hip Hop does not explore because we do not have the guidance,” said Jineea Butler, President of the Hip Hop Union whose Hip Hop column is syndicated by the NNPA.

“This is an opportunity for us to learn from each other and build on our strengths and eliminate our weaknesses as a collective unit. We have represented the black voice in America for over 187 years and we want to continue to magnify our mission and work more closely with the Hip Hop Community by featuring more articles and ads that speak directly to Hip Hop Citizens,” says NNPA Chairman Cloves Campbell.

“Joining forces is monumental on so many levels, as DJs our platform influences what the masses hear, as the Black Press they influence what the masses think. What better combination of forces to help move and influence the NEXT generation of not only consumers but future leaders. I’m proud to be part of the template of this

April 24-April 30, 2014

Cloves Campbell, Jr.

historic venture,” states Manny ‘Maddog’ Ayala, an original Core DJ.

“The Road to the Core” Song Submission Contest is one way in which the NNPA has begun to connect with the Hip Hop Community. “Knowing that so many young aspiring artists are seeking an outlet for their music and often can’t find one, we want to provide an arena where we are helping uplift the culture and expand-

www.StyleMagazine.com

ing the opportunities,” said Chairman Campbell.

Hip Hop and R&B Artists can still submit their music for the Road to the Core Song Submission Contest to be listened to and voted on by top Core DJ’s during the 10th Anniversary Conference May 2nd - May 5th, 2014. New submissions winners will be announced after the conference and winners will be chosen to perform at the next Core DJ Conference in August 2014.

Log on to www.hiphopunion. org for contest rules, prizes and details.

To register for the Core DJs Worldwide 10th Anniversary Conference, go to www.coredjsworldwide.com. To find the local NNPA newspaper in your community, go to this link:http://nnpa. org/about-us/nnpa-member-papers/

twconnection.com

HOUSTON 11330 FM-1960 W Houston, TX 77065 281-890-TIRE

NEW BRAUNFELS 6485 S. IH-35 New Braunfels, TX 78132 830-624-2700

TOMBALL 14431 FM 2920 Tomball, TX 77377 281-351-TIRE

HONDO 2805 Highway 90 West Hondo, TX 78861 830-426-TIRE

www.StyleMagazine.com moc.enizagaMelytS.www

April 24-April 4102 ,6230, yra2014 urbeF-02 yraurbeF

Page B17 egaP

LOCAL

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

A

Bringing Sparkles of Life to Mothers-in-Waiting

baby’s coo, the pitter-patter of little feet, shrills and giggles of delight …these are the sounds that warms a mother’s heart. These same sounds of a bouncing bundle of joy can also make a particular group of women cringe with pain for their journey to motherhood has been delayed.

Though they have been poked and prodded, tested and retested, and tried this and that method health complications or other concerns have not granted them the most important job in the world…. that of being a mom. Silently they suffer as they continue to press on wondering when it will be their turn to be a mother.

The issue of infertility, although a growing widespread issue, is not something that is openly talked about. However, one woman and her team are changing that each passing day while bringing the sparkle of life to many women longing to become mothers.

Rhonda Lewis-Nwosu is a testament of faith. Before she was 5 years old she would loose both of her par-

Rhonda Lewis-Nwosu

ents. God sent her aunt to step in the role of mother for her and allowed her to understand and see what unconditional love looked like. It was because of the influence of her aunt that she is successful today and wanted to pass that on to her own children.

First finding the love of her life in Ral Nwosu, the couple quickly acted on the desire to become parents.

For nine years, while enduring four miscarriages, they saw parenthood slip through their grasp but they kept the faith. Rhonda never stopped believing that one day she would be a mother.

“I believe there was no way that God would give me a desire to be a mom if He didn’t have the provision to make it happen,” Nwosu. In March of 2007, it did happen. Nwosu and her husband became the parents of not one miracle baby but two. “He gave me double for my trouble,” laughs Nwosu, who reference the scripture Isaiah 61:7 where God said He would give double for your shame. She details her struggles with infertility in her new book “Delay is Not Denial! A Victorious Journey to Motherhood.”

Now having reaped the benefits of God’s fulfilled promises Nwosu

Page 18

didn’t want to “leave another woman on the battlefield helpless” as she struggled to become a mother. “I just couldn’t imagine going on with a happy life and not reaching back to hold up the hand and the arm of a woman going through this predicament.” A year after the birth of her twin daughters she established Sparkle of Life, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families on their paths to parenthood using education, empowerment, and advocacy. “The point about establishing Sparkle of Life for me was to make sure that this conversation gets mainstream,” said Nwosu, stating the problems surrounding infertility is more common than most think effecting 1 out of every 8 couples.

Sparkle of Life, Inc. opens up the conversation to discuss trending topics dealing with infertility at their annual Mother’s Day Brunch and Conference. Admitting that before she was parent, Mother’s Day was one of the toughest days of the year for her. Nwosu knew others felt the same way and wanted to change the stint of Mother’s Day for mothers-in-waiting by creating a new experience for them. Thus the Mother’s Day Brunch and Conference was birth.

Not only does it allow women to know that they are not alone in their struggle but it presents a venue to address some of their needs. This year’s conference will touch on the topics of depression while waiting, balancing the stress associated with waiting, egg donation, and feature a panel with the men of sparkle. Nwosu is finding that as the subject of infertility becomes less taboo more and more men are becoming open in their support of the women in their lives as they both struggle to become parents.

The conference will conclude with a prayer session that will lead into the Mother’s Day Brunch. During the 4th Annual “High Heels and Hats” Mother’s Day Brunch several women who have continuously broken barriers in their respective field and have left an indelible mark in their community will be honored. The 2014 honorees are Krista Bourne, President of the Houston/Gulf Coast Region Verizon Wireless; Barbara Harris Curtis, Sr. Director at Lakewood Church; Kandi Eastman, Radio Personality/Announcer at Majic 102.1 FM; Debbie Festari, Owner of Festari for Men and Philanthropist “Una Notte In Italia”; Dr. Joanie Hare OB/GYN at Houston Perinatal Associates; Karen Johnson, Mother of 7-time NFL All Pro Houston Texans Andre Johnson and CEO/ Founder of the P.A.C.E. Moms; Kristyn Page, Director Diversity Strategies for Macy’s; Kysha Reid, Executive Producer Fox 26 News; Dr. Docia Rud-

April 24-April 30, 2014

ley, First Lady of Texas Southern University and Thurgood Marshall School of Law Professor; Hawa Stinson, FNP Lead Family Nurse Practitioner at Bee Busy Wellness Center; and Lashica Salter-Velazquez, PHR Market Human Resource Manager for Wal-Mart.

An additional highlight of the brunch is the awarding of the Garden of Life Grant to help couples financially who demonstrate a documented need for fertility treatment. Families who were previous grant recipients are honored at the affair to give parents-in-waiting hope and encouragement that their time is coming.

With each year the affair is made bigger and better. For the first time Sparkle of Life, Inc. will present the Woman of Courage award to Sheryl Howard. Having been all too familiar with the journey to motherhood, Howard suffered seven miscarriages before giving birth to her “miracle child,” eight-time NBA All Star Houston Rockets basketball player Dwight Howard.

And that is not all. Sparkle of Life brings more star power to this year brunch with celebrity keynote speaker Mariah Huq. Her message will center on believing and achieving with the overall message of having faith over fear. Huq wants to encourage those in parental waiting to speak what they want into existence so it is more of a reality and to keep the faith through the duration. A mother herself of two children, Huq credits motherhood with giving her own life purpose. “The best part about motherhood is you realize that there is something bigger than you. There is something more important than you. And that alone gives you substance, structure and direction.”

Huq wants to also be a visual example to the waiting mothers that once their dream of having children is realized that the balance of family and career is doable. As the co-creator, producer, and co-star of Bravo’s hit series “Married to Medicine” Huq’s secret to keeping it all together is to always keep family number. “I don’t care what it is I am doing. I will stop everything for my family.”

Sparkle of Life, Inc. 4th Annual Mother’s Day Brunch and Conference is Saturday, May 3rd at The Villagio. The conference begins at 9am and the “High Heels and Hats” brunch will start at 11:30am. All events are open to women and men. Registration for the conference is still open and has free registration until Friday, April 25th.

Tickets for the brunch are $65. Register for the conference and purchase brunch tickets online at SparkleofLife. org or call (281) 397-3260.

www.StyleMagazine.com

Mariah Huq

Karen Johnson

Candy Eastman

Kristyn Page

Sheryl Howard

Debbie Fesari

Barbara Harris

Kysha Reid

Hawa Stinson

Dr. Joanie Hare

Krista Bourne

Lashica Salter

Docia Rudley

you are cordially invited to a mother’s day celebration 4th annual

Enjoy...

Mother’s Day ConferenCe & BrunCh

When it comes to entertainment, this one’s a real

▪ Light jazz ambiance ▪ An inspiring Mother’s Day message ▪ Comedy provided by Margo Hickman

Share the day with Women & Mothers-at-Heart in your life datE confErEncE bruncH location

saturday, May 3, 2014

UPCOMING EVENTS:

9:00am to 11:00am 11:30am to 1:00pm the Villagio 10901 Braes Bend Dr. Houston, TX 77071

SEASON OPENS

2014 woman of courage award winner

Sheryl Howard

Mother of Eight Time NBA All Star basketball player with the Houston Rockets, Dwight Howard

May 2 | 8:00 p.m.

Philippines: Pearl of the Orient featuring Leyte Dance Theater May 3 | 8:00 p.m. ¡Ritmo Latino! featuring Pedrito Martinez Group May 4 | 8:00 p.m.

Cinco de Mayo featuring Natalia Lafourcade

Keynote Speaker Mariah Huq. Bravo’s hit series “Married to Medicine”

Ticket information: www.sparklesoflife.org

Brunch

65

$

May 9-11 | 8:00 p.m.

Highlights of Houston Ballet May 16-17 | 8:00 p.m.

Houston Grand Opera presents: Die Fledermaus

ProcEEds will bEnEfit sParklEs of lifE, inc. Sparkles of Life is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, empowering, and uplifting women and couples who face infertility, miscarriages and delayed parenting.

BREATH OF FRESH AIR.

And it’s absolutely FREE.

Miller Outdoor Theatre offers extraordinary entertainment, right in the heart of Hermann Park. The best music, dance, theatre and more. Every performance is free.

VISIT WWW.MILLER OUTDOORTHEATRE.COM FOR A COMPLETE CALENDAR OF EVENTS. 281-FREE-FUN (281-373-3386)

May 22-25 | 8:15 p.m.

Dancin’ in the Street...

Motown & More Revue

www.StyleMagazine.com moc.enizagaMelytS.www

April 24-April 4102 ,6230, yra2014 urbeF-02 yraurbeF

Page B19 egaP

37th Annual America Association of Blacks in Energy National Conference Photography By Vicky Pink

n April 8-11, 2014, Houston Style Magazine was on hand at the Hilton Americas Hotel O for the America Association of Blacks in Energy National Conference. The 37th annual four-day conference hosted more than 600 energy industry and community leaders under

the theme “Global Energy: Resources. During the conference, leaders discussed emerging policies that impact global energy, strategic innovative solutions and trends in energy and partnering opportunities to create sustainable futures. Solutions. Sustainability.” Some in attendance were Gerald Freeman, Tracey Woods, Paula R. Jackson, Telisa N. Toliver, City Controller Ronald Green, John Rolfe, Ralph Cleveland, J. Robinson West, The Honorable LaDoris Harris, Andre Pettigrew, Colette D. Honorable, Bill Frank, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Redia Anderson, Warner M. Williams, John S. Watson, Sabrina Campbell, Bob Powers, Janice Bryant Howroyd, Joe W. Laymon, Melvin D. Williams, Stephanie J. Hickman, Gina Gatson, Francis Resheske, and Dr. Patricia Russell-McCloud.

Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 21st Annual Luncheon and Business Expo Photography By Vicky Pink

O

n Thursday, April 17, 2014, Houston Style Magazine was on hand at the Hilton Americas for the 21st Annual Luncheon and Business Expo for the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The sold-out crowd of more than 1,500 made it Houston’s largest business luncheon. Over 70 companies were represented at the business expo showcasing there products and services. Some in attendance with Dr. Laura Murillo, President and CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce were Mayor Annise Parker, Lieutenent Gov. David Dewhurst, Rhonda Arnold, Terence Fountaine, Vanessa Garcia, Dr. Alma Allen, Wanda Adams, Rhonda Skillern Jones, Pati McCandless, Robert Valdez, Conroe Mayor Webb Melder, State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, Rev. Leslie Smith, Devera Daughtry, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Sheriff Adrian Garcia, Cyndi Garza, Port of Houston Chairman Janiece Longoria, State Rep. Sylvester Turner, Houston City Councilman Larry Green and Francis Page, Jr.

Page 20

April 24-April 30, 2014

www.StyleMagazine.com

OBITUARY Rev. Dr. A. Louis Patterson, Jr. Dies While His Preaching Legacy Lives On ByJo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

Pastor A. Louis Patterson, Jr.

“

Time can not erase, nor ages destroy” the work and legacy of the Rev. Dr. A. Louis Patterson, Jr. He was more than the Senior Pastor of Mt. Corinth Missionary Baptist Church for over 40 years. He was a teacher, counselor, comforter, prayer partner, Christ warrior, missionary, visionary, leader, son, husband and father to more than just his biological children. There are not enough words in the English language to describe what he was to so many throughout the world. His touch could bring comfort to a newborn baby when being given back to the Lord to an international leader needing a spiritual guide. We now mourn the passing of one of the nation’s most prophetic preachers, Rev. Dr. A. Louis

Patterson, Jr.

Born in Granger, Texas a young Patterson as he has said, “made the conscious decision to accept Christ” at the age of nine at the St. Love All Baptist Church. He knew at a very early age that he would be a preacher, practicing his technique since he was a preteen. In an interview with H. B. Charles, Jr. earlier this year, he said his first congregation was a congregation of corncobs.

Like many preachers before officially accepting the call to preach, they run from the ministry.

Patterson ran for eleven years before he answered the call. Highly influenced by the late Rev. O. S. Davis and Rev. E.V. Hill, Patterson found his voice to teach the Word of God. Beginning his preaching journey at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in California, he would eventually be called to be the Senior Pastor at Mt. Corinth in Texas recommend by his mentor, Rev. Hill.

During his preaching career that spans four decades, numerous states, and international waters, Pastor Patterson has garnered numerous honors.

Some included being recognized three times as a Living Legend by his peers, constant speaker at the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education of the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., inducted into the Morehouse Hall of Fame, recognized

by Ebony Magazine as one of America’s Greatest Black Preachers and conducting revivals throughout Europe, Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. He has also authored three books – Prerequisites for a Good Journey, Joy for the Journey, and Wisdom In Strange Places.

Always at his side was the love of his life, Melba Beverly Lorraine Simmons Patterson. The two first met in church in Sunday School Class at Mt. Zion. They were married for forty-eight years.

Together they have three children – Albert Louis (deceased), Alan Lamar, and Alette Lorraine. Patterson also has a third son Anthony.

It was while holding the hand of his beloved wife that Pastor Patterson took his last breath sitting in his favorite chair at his home. He was eighty years old.

Pastor Patterson has blessed so many beyond unspeakable measures. His presence will be missed but his voice and legacy live on for years to come through the power packing principles he taught from the Word of God.

OBITUARY Audrey H. Lawson IMPACT Awards

By Erynn Haskins, Feature Writer

T

Celebrates 51 Years

he Women’s Guild of Wheeler Avenue Inner City Visions, Inc. presented the 51st Annual Audrey H. Lawson IMPACT Awards Luncheon and Fashion Show honoring women in the Houston area who have contributed greatly to the community and excelled in their chosen profession.

The event, which took place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Downtown Houston, is a major fundraiser for the organization. All the proceeds helped benefit educational programs and outreach services provided by Wheeler Avenue Inner City Visions, Inc.

LaTricia Williams chaired this year’s event with Tarita Davis and Dr. Polly Sparks Turner serving as event co-chairs. Renowned Houston Anchor and Reporter at ABC 13 Melanie Lawson returned to emcee the affair that is named in honor of her mother. Under the theme “Changing the World Through Beauty, Family and Style,” attendees showed off their personal style in Sunday best ensembles.

Annually a distinguished group of Houstonians is recognized for their various achievements.

This year’s honorees in medicine and health included Sherilyn Gordon Burroughs, M.D., FACS. and Paula Johnson Ealy, MS. In the area of business, Vernita Harris was honored and in fine arts/music Betty Gregg Hollins. In civic/politics Jackie Pope, Tia Locke-Simmons, and Marianne Young Walker were also honored. During their recognition, the women walked the runway in their best fashions and received the IMPACT Award.

The angelic sounds of Gospel singer Kathy Taylor and Gerra Gistand filled the ballroom while

lunch was served. Subsequently, Dr. Rose Austin was honored as Member of the Year and door prizes were given out to a few lucky guests.

The highlight of the event came with a fashion show that featured styles from Dillard’s Galleria, Think Twice Fashions, and Woody’s Furs. Models walked the runway dressed in apparel themed as Bridal, Work/School, The Family, and Date Night.

Following the fashion show, Women’s Guild President Irene Allen gave closing remarks with special thanks to this year’s sponsors including: H-E-B; Envisions Marketing Services/Vernita Harris; Bayway Lincoln; CenterPoint Energy; Diedra and Terrence Fontaine; The Guess Group, Inc.; MJWJ Radio; Carla Ortique, MD; Ready-To-Go Transportation/Paul Johnson-Ealy; Buffalo Soldiers National Museum; Byron Bryant; Denny’s; Foston International; Drs. Jakeen and Garfield Johnson; Mayberry Homes; McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy, LLP; State Representative Sylvester Turner; Stewart Cadillac; Texas Spring Cypress Chapter of The Links, Inc.; and Hyatt Regency Houston.

Model walking runway

www.StyleMagazine.com moc.enizagaMelytS.www

April 24-April 4102 ,6230, yra2014 urbeF-02 yraurbeF

Page B21 egaP

Lamik’s 10th Anniversary Photography By Vicky Pink

n Saturday, April 12, 2014, Houston Style Magazine was on hand at the House of LaO mik as they celebrated their 10th Anniversary. Honoring their heritage, Lamik invited guests to enjoy a night of makeup, art, and models with the opening of The Museum of La-

mik’s Past, Present, and Future Decade Collection. Lamik founder Kim Roxie and her glam squad gave all ladies in attendance the royal treatment.

Links’ 16th Annual College For A Day:

STEM-ulating the Next Generation of Creative STEM Professionals and Community Leaders

O

Photography By Anthony Gordon

n April 5, 2014, Houston Style Magazine was on hand for Missouri City Chapter of The Links, Inc.’s 16th Annual College For A Day: STEM-ulating the Next Generation of Creative STEM Professionals and Community Leaders.” The day-long experience allowed students to participate in interactive activties that emphasized Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.). Several students received Gateway laptops to continue their studies. Some in attendance were Argentina James, Dr. Omar Criner, Dr. Daryl Wilkerson, Yolanda Green, Jiles Daniels Jr., and Missouri City Chapter of The Links, Inc.’s President Sharon Owens.

Page 22

April 24-April 30, 2014

www.StyleMagazine.com

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Mexican Author Wins Prestigious Cervantes Prize

Houston’s Own DJ Supastar Opens First Local DJ Spin Academy for Girls

F

ormer President George W. Bush will offer his perspective on the U.S. economy to BBVA Compass clients this summer as he takes turns headlining the bank’s economic forums with former Treasury Secretary Lawrence H. Summers and Columbia Business School Dean Glenn Hubbard at the BBVA Compass Economic Forum in Houston this week.

The bank launched its popular economic forum series in late 2012, bringing Erskine Bowles, the White House chief of staff under former President Bill Clinton, to several U.S. cities to talk about the nation’s budget deficit. For more information, visit www. bbva.com.

GM Global Manufacturing Steps Up STEM Support for Youth

E

Elena Poniatowska DJ Supastar

D

J Supastar of BET’s Master of the Mix Season 2 reality show contestant launches a DJ academy in Houston. The grand opening event was held on Thursday, April 24th at 8369 Almeda Suite P, Houston, TX 77054. The SupaStar Spin Academy “is a place that will allow the inner star to shine” in the students that register to learn the art and craft of the dee-jay. Students of the program will learn all facets of being a DJ by combining traditional methods, alongside the ever-changing technology of the trade.

Founder DJ Supastar is committed to developing the next superstar disc jockey by providing and promoting self-expression through music. She originally created this program to help counteract the art form that is mainly male-dominated. For more information on the SupaStar Spin Academy, visit www. supastarspinacademy.com or call 713-470-9775.

T

he Associated Press and HispanicBusiness.com is reporting that Mexican writer Elena Poniatowska has become the fourth woman to receive Spain’s prestigious Cervantes Prize.

The 81-year-old journalist and author on Wednesday recalled her nation’s many needy people and battered women when accepting the top prize for Spanish-language literature from King Juan Carlos. She also paid tribute to Colombian writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez, who died last week at his home in Mexico City. For more information, visit www. hispanicbusiness.com.

ach spring, General Motors employees around the world engage in a program that combines the excitement of a Grand Prix race, the spectacle of Carnival, and the intellectual heft of a TED conference. That program is the FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC®) and GM, as a Founding Sponsor of FIRST® – For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology – sponsors or supports hundreds of teams involving thousands of students around the world. FIRST is one of many programs and activities focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, that GM and its employees support globally. Each year, Global Manufacturing team members from 169 GM facilities in more than 30 countries participate in some 300 local education initiatives as part of the company’s Driving a Better Tomorrow initiative. For more information, visit www.gm.com.

George W. Bush

Social Video Sharing App WeVue Launches

Former President George W. Bush One of Trio of Heavyweights to Headline BBVA Compass’ Series of Economic Forums

S

axon Baum and Taylor Wallace, recent arrivals to the Tampa Bay tech scene, came to Haneke Design president Jody Haneke with an idea. They wanted to create a mobile application that would allow people to crowdsource content from guests of events they’d attended – everything from private family celebrations to massive public festivals –and using an in-app video editor, turn the collected images into a video that could be shared across the web. Haneke and his team loved the idea and the chance to help two young entrepreneurs turn their vision into a successful enterprise. Today, Haneke Design is proud to announce the launch of WeVue, the mobile application they worked with Baum and Wallace to name, design, develop and brand. The app is available for free download for iPhone and iPad in Apple’s iTunes as well as the web site, http://www.wevue.com.

GM Employees and Students

HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS The Houston Independent School District located in the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center at 4400 West 18th Street Houston, Texas 77092 will accept proposals, until the stated date and time deadlines, in the Board Services Office, Level C1 •

Project 14-04-07 – Purchase of Tires, repair of tires and retreads – with a deadline of 2 P.M. May 21, 2014. The pre-proposal conference for this project will be in Room 2C12 at the above stated address on May 6, 2014 at 9:00 A.M. Proposals are available on the HISD web-site at www.houstonisd.org.

The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or, to accept the proposal that is most advantageous to the District.

The District sells obsolete assets on-line at www.PublicSuprlus.com. www.StyleMagazine.com moc.enizagaMelytS.www

April 24-April 4102 ,6230, yra2014 urbeF-02 yraurbeF

B eg23 aP Page

®

®

Get up to

meal deal!

save more than

6

$ 23 in

BUY

FREE

items!

FREE

13 in 5 items!

$

81

with in-store coupons

buy

H-E-B Fully Cooked Barbacoa

X

with in-store coupons

16 oz.

GET

free! with in-store coupon

H-E-B Lokitos Tortilla Chips 10 oz.

two (2) Raw Medium White Shrimp

41 - 60 ct., 12 oz. bag

5

That’s up to

1.98

$

free! buy H-E-B The Big Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches 4 ct.

2.98

$

assorted varieties

• H-E-B Shredded Cabbage

¡gratis!

GET

free! with in-store coupon

H-E-B The Big Chip Cookie 10.6 oz.

That’s up to

• Taco Bell Hot Sauce, 7.5 - 8 oz.

Llévatelo

free! buy H-E-B Casa Magnífica Seasoned Tortilla Chips 10 oz.

Llévatelo

¡gratis!

GET

free! with in-store coupon H-E-B Salsa

16 oz. assorted varieties

8 oz.

• H-E-B Yellow Corn Tortillas, 20 ct.

• H-E-B Corn Tortilla Chips

That’s up to

1.99

$

free! buy

Taco Bell Dinner Kit

8.85 or 12.77 oz. soft or crunchy

14 oz., assorted varieties

• H-E-B Cilantro Cotija or Creamy Avocado Sauce, 3 oz.

Llévatelo

¡gratis!

GET

free! with in-store coupon

Taco Bell Dessert Kit

5.54 or 5.82 oz. cinnamon nachos or chocolate taco

That’s up to

2.88

$

free! buy

Dole Salad Mix

5 - 10 oz. assorted varieties

Llévatelo

¡gratis!

GET

free! with in-store coupon

Marzetti Salad Dressing 12 - 15 oz. assorted varieties

Prices Good Wednesday, April 23 Thru Tuesday, April 29, 2014 At Your Neighborhood H-E-B Stores.

Some items may not be available in all stores. Items not valid at Central Market. Due to the popularity of our Extra Low Prices Every Day, we reserve the right to limit quantities. Limit Rights Reserved. We Accept Lone Star Card, WIC And Manufacturers’ Coupons. ©2014 HEB, 14-1503 visit www.heb.com

Page 24

April 24-April 30, 2014

www.StyleMagazine.com

That’s up to

3.98

$

free!

Llévatelo

¡gratis!