Parenting ● Education ● Assistance ● Support
Magazine/December 2012 www.peasintheirpods.com
TEENS WHAT’S THE RUSH INC.
A.S.P.I.R.E.
Affordable Academic, Athletic & Mentoring Programs
DECEMBER
FEATURED MISSING CHILDREN
AngelaCARES
YOUTH & SENIORS: Reason why its works EMPOWERMENT BEHAVIORAL THERAPEUTIC SERVICES
KEIOSHA FELIX 15 MISSING APR 30, 2012 DUSON, LA
Peas In Their Pods
Mission
Featured M
Janice Lowery Chief Executive Officer
Peas In Their Pods is an incorporated not-for-profit organization that provides a specific service to those who have missing loved ones. The organization is self-funded, and is comprised of a team of volunteers who work diligently to assist families during their time of greatest need. We are here to help parents find their missing children.
GaĂŠtane Borders President Training Specialist
We do not take the place of the Amber Alert System. We simply pick up where they leave off or never engage due to program criteria. Peas In Their Pods Organizational goal takes pride in helping to find missing children of color, fight against child abuse, and provide information to the public.
Denise Bethune Editor P.E.A.S. Magazine Publicity Manager Paula Whitebear Administrative Assistant Yolanda Butler Business Consultant Vickie Britton Researcher for Missing Children Anita Harris Parent Mentor Marcus Dent Guardian Angel Nancy Fairbanks Webmaster
What To Do If Your Child Is Missing Act immediately if you believe that your child is missing. If your child is missing from home, search the house checking closets, piles of laundry, in and under beds, inside old refrigerators--wherever a child may crawl or hide. If you still cannot find your child, immediately call your local lawenforcement agency. If your child disappears in a store, notify the store manager or security office. Then immediately call your local law-enforcement agency. Many stores have a Code Adam plan of action--if a child is missing in the store, employees immediately mobilize to look for the missing child. When you call law enforcement, provide your child's name, date of birth, height, weight, and any other unique identifiers such as eyeglasses and braces. Tell them when you noticed that your child was missing and what clothing he or she was wearing. Request that your child's name and identifying information be immediately entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Missing Person File. After you have reported your child missing to law enforcement, call the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children on our toll-free telephone number, 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). If your computer is equipped with a microphone and speakers you may talk to one of our Hotline operators via the Internet. Adapted from Just in Case...Missing. CopyrightŠ 1985 National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). All rights reserved.
Missing Children
*December Featured Organizations 4 Teens What’s The Rush Inc. Sherrell Anderson, CEO/Founder Varlon R. Anderson
20 A.S.P.I.R.E. Affordable Academic, Athletic & Mentoring programs Coach Erisha DeMolle Executive Director
10 AngelaCARES Angela McKnight Youth & Seniors: Reason why its works
28 David Shrank, MSW, LSW Founder & CEO of Empowerment Behavioral Therapeutic Services
*Contributors 8 Gaetane Borders Parenting Corner
16 Author Sharon Fox Holiday Meal & More
23 Pat Holmes Monthly Treat
31 Paula Whitebear-Burton Encouragement
Teens: What's The Rush, Inc. Teaching the Benefits of Avoiding Destructive Decisions Through the Arts. Sherrell Anderson, CEO/Founder Varlon R. Anderson, CFO/Director of Operations
Founded in Jan 2011 after my sons asked for condoms at the ages 13 and 14 years old. We knew that we had to do something about their request but also important is that they trusted us enough to talk about those subjects. After talking with them about the Benefits of Not Rushing into Sex, they understood and to this day, they are still virgins. Now aged 15 and 16 they are Teen Mentors in our organization. A Faith Based Organization, we are now in the Fulton County Juvenile Court System, which serves over 25 teen boys and girls whom are mandated to attend our program. Located in Downtown Atlanta, our programs, "Beyond the System" and "Arts and Abstinence" serves many youth from various backgrounds, cultures, family structures, etc. We Teach the Benefits of Avoiding Destructive Decisions through the Arts... it works and its proven. Sherrell Anderson is a Filmmaker, Playwright, Artist, Program Developer, Writer, and most of all Mother of 3 children aged 15, 16, 23 and Wife of over 24 years. Teens: What’s The Rush, Inc. is to prevent and significantly reduce the incidents of destructive decisions, teenaged sex, teenage pregnancy, sexual transmitted diseases, teen sexual violence, peer pressures, bullying, teen suicides and incarceration...Through the Arts.
Vision Our vision is to increase self-worth, self-love, graduation
rates, social skills and provide kno quences of choices through the de that are
1) delivered in a language that a stand, 2) focused on solutions underserved and at-risk comm ment of a network of support g ful information and instruction
History Teens: What’s the
Anderson in response to her teen that moment she knew that somet children from making adult decisio lectually immature. Teens: What's dream of helping our youth and fa quences of choices and the impac lives. As a result, Sherrell created twice a year interactive Teen Foru issues facing today’s adolescents haven for our youth to speak freel proven that she can improve decis priate behavior. Giving our youth t
owledge, awareness on the consedelivery of no judgment conversations
the value of self-love, and the confidence to go against the peer pressures, Sherrell believes that she can make a difference, one child at a time. The Village is Back!
adolescents and teens under s for all children especially the munity members; and 3) establish groups, outreach resources, help ns for children and their families.
Teens: What's The Rush, Inc. Teaching the Benefits of Avoiding Destructive Decisions Through the Arts. admin@teenswhatstherush.org ** 678-960-9248 ** 1984 Howell Mill Road #250496 Atlanta, Ga 30325 www.TeensWhatsTheRush.org Sherrell Anderson, CEO/Founder Varlon R. Anderson, CFO/Director of Operations
e Rush, Inc. was founded by Sherrell
nage sons' request for condoms. In thing needed to be done to deter ons while still emotionally and intels The Rush, Inc. brings to life her amilies understand the consect that they have on the rest of their d a plan for weekly, monthly and ums and Productions to address key s and teenagers. By providing a safe ly about their concerns, Sherrell has ision making skills and deter inapprothe tools to make better decisions,
Tammy Charles Not Giving Up Searching for Keiosha “The search for Mickey Shunick is what inspired me to become involved in the efforts to find Keiosha. My husband, Bryan, and I were very involved in the Shunick efforts when news of Keiosha's disappearance came to light. My heart was broken for yet another young girl missing from our community. We were saddened by the lack of effort and media coverage in Keiosha's case and decided it was our responsibility to do our part. It's been over 7 months and she's still not home. Our efforts continue and we are not giving up hope.”
lice Department. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact one of these law enforcement organizations:
Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office (337) 232-9211 Lafayette Crime Stoppers (337) 232-8477 Federal Bureau of Investigation (337) 233-2164 or ( Keiosha has been missing for eight months, her community has rallied in keeping her information alive in bringing aware- 504) 816-3000 ness. Peas In Their Pods, need your help in bringing Keiosha Missing and Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678 home. And yes, Keiosha has alittle baby who needs the love of her mother. It is imperative that any information be reported at once. Keiosha “Red” Felix has been missing since April 30, 2012. She was last seen at a relative’s Here is additional information about this case. home located in Duson, LA. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information She hasn’t been heard from leading to the safe return of Keiosha Marie Felix. Keiosha since. Several people have been was last seen and reported missing from a residence in Duson, arrested in connection with her Louisiana on or about April 30, 2012. Keiosha is a 15-yeardisappearance. old, Black, Female approximately 5’0″ in height and weighing approximately 120 lbs. She is known to frequent the Veazey area of Lafayette, Louisiana.
This is a joint investigation by the FBI, New Orleans Division, Lafayette Resident Agency, the Louisiana State Police, the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Department and the Duson Po-
The Lafayette Sheriff’s Office is now in charge of the investigation (as of 9/10/2012).
Candlelight vigil for Keiosha "Red" Felix in Duson, La.
PARENTING CORNER Beauty In The Eye Of The Father Gaetane Border I shook my head when I read the statement that Oxonian Globalist writer Alice Robb recently made in an article in which she criticized President Barack Obama's choice to describe his two daughters as beautiful during his victory speech. "It is difficult to imagine a president congratulating his sons for being handsome. So why was it appropriate for Obama to praise 11-year-old Sasha and 14-year-old Malia for their beauty?" she posted. My initial reaction after reading the article was that Ms. Robb must have had ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to write about on that particular day. Then I reflected on my own children, and how often I tell them that they are beautiful, pretty, handsome, adorable, cute, and yummy. Ummmm...the unofficial tally is roughly 25 times a day (give or take). After all, I see absolutely nothing wrong in speaking the truth (wink wink). All kidding aside, I also instill in my kids that there is more to life than the superficial. However, it is also critically important that they have a solid sense of self-esteem. What better way to cultivate that then to show your child that you think the world of them? I could go on...and on, but I received an email this week from Corey Crawley who is the co-founder of an company that specializes in inspiring self-esteem and confidence in young girls. His email took the words right out of my mouth. Here it is: As the Co-Founder of Pretty Brown Girl and the father of two African American daughters, I am shocked and appalled that our President would be at all questioned about giving his daughters adoration as it relates to their beauty. This is exactly why my wife and I started the Pretty Brown Girl Movement. A lack of nurturing, specifically from the father, severely affects the self esteem of any girl- but in particular, girls of color. In a world that edifies physical attributes that are opposite of our daughters as beautiful, if we don’t call our girls beautiful, who will? We should not apologize for giving our daughters the love and affection they need and deserve that en-
courages them to Dream Big and to remember that they are beautiful inside and out. Shall we rely on television, magazines or images of fairy tale princesses to define our The connection between the re and her overall self esteem is extr the first to teach a girl how specia be handled with care. Equally imp daughters know that they are inte of their goals and dreams. I believ much pressure and emphasis on unrealistic images and ideals of b stand in the gap to let their little gi inside and out. Most women who rarely had the proper love and nu father or father-figure was not pre his daughter this too has a negati her own self image and confidenc there is no such thing as too much giving compliments to your daugh happier place. I call every brown g You never know, it could be the fi those simple yet powerful words. Pretty Brown Girl Indeed, it could very well be th ever heard these loving words. S word beautiful continues to be a te use it recklessly. Now lets focus o the parenting vernacular.
daughter’s beauty? elationship a girl has with her father remely significant. As the father is al she is, this is a bond that should portant, is for Fathers to let their elligent and capable of reaching all ve, however, in a world that puts so girls and women as it is related to beauty, it is imperative that Fathers irls know that they are beautiful seek attention in negative ways urturing from their own fathers. If a esent or involved in the raising of ive impact on her relationships and ce. The message to Fathers is: h positive attention as it relates to hter. Give love, it makes the world a girl I meet a "Pretty Brown Girl". irst time that they will ever hear ~Corey Crawley, Co-Founder
he very first time they may have So fear not dads...and moms! The erm of endearment. So feel free to on removing words like stupid from
Tie One On For Safety December has been designated National Impaired Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. In issuing his proclamation, President Obama urges all Americans to “mak MADD was incorporated on September 5, 1980, the mission or purposes of MADD as stated in its Articles of Incorporation were “To aid the victims of crimes performed by individuals driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, to aid the families of such victims and to increase public awareness of the problem of drinking and drugged driving." In 1984, MADD changed its name from Mothers Against Drunk Drivers to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. This carefully considered change was made because MADD is opposed to the criminal act of drunk driving, not individuals. MADD also updated its mission statement to “Mothers Against Drunk Driving provides grassroots leadership to create major social change in the attitude and behavior of Americans toward drunk driving."
The time period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is the most dangerous time of year on our nation’s roadways. That’s why every holiday season, MADD asks drivers to put a MADD red ribbon in a visible location on their vehicle as a reminder to drive safe, sober and buckled up. Started in 1986, Tie One On For Safety® is MADD’s longest running and most visible public awareness project. The name Tie One On For Safety comes from the phrase “tie one on,” which is slang for getting drunk. But at MADD we use the phrase to remind everyone that drinking and driving don’t mix.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO CARE FOR A CHILD While all of us are susceptible to hard times, the elderly and the youth are most fragile and in need of guidance and support. As the saying, it takes a village to care for a child, well; this is the same for the elderly. Joining our youth and seniors not only contributes to the village, it also allows two generations to interact, educate, communicate, volunteer, stimulate, support, cross train, and provide care for one another. Whether you recognize it or not, the demand for intergenerational activities is at an all-time high and we need to continue supplying, but also increase the intergenerational activity supply. Per Gilbert Highet, “wherever there are beginners and experts, old and young, there is some kind of learning going on, some kind of teaching. We are all pupils and we are all teachers.� To name a
few organizations, United Way, Generation United, The Glamour Gals, Penn State University, and AngelaCARES, Inc. understand Mr. Highet’s point that connecting youth and seniors enhance the quality of life and empower both generations to live life to the fullest which also fosters society change. The advantages of intergenerational activities are indeed endless. These activities provide opportunities for both generations to learn new skills, increase volunteerism, help each other, feeling of having a purpose, help alleviate senior loneliness, allow youth to learn about history from a direct source, help fill a void of absent grandparents, and help seniors stay active. When youth and seniors are consistently joined through meaningful and in-
ANGELA V. MCKNIGHT
teractive activities, both generations grow a respect and understanding of each other. This is why it is very imptant for parents, educators, loved ones and communities to promote intergenerational connections, so that youth an seniors can reap the great benefits which will help them live their best life and bring more social change to the world.
AngelaCARES, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization based in Jersey City, NJ, whose vision is to encourage a caring and helpful world. Therefore, our mission is to serve as an advocate and support system for senior citizens, a support system for senior caregivers, and a mentor to the youth (educating and empowering them to volunteer). We are committed to strengthening communities by enhancing the quality of life through empowering our seniors, their caregivers, and the youth.
Achiever in Training Achiever in Training illustrates that every young person has a purpose in life. Our educationally themed products and services help ensure success in achieving his or her life long goals. "To promote the HBCU spirit through high quality baby memorabilia and parent resources that increase global awareness and support of historically black colleges and universities." Achiever in Training was designed in 2007 based solely on customer feedback. The brand launched unique and inspiring designs to promote family culture, education and historically black colleges to children 0-6 years old. Description Our products and services are created to inspire the proliferation of FUTURE DREAMERS, LEADERS and ACHIEVERS.
THWANA DARROUGH Age Progression DOB: Mar 12, 1972 Age Now: 40 Missing: Jan 11, 1989 Missing From: EL DORADO AR United States Sex: Female Race: Black Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Height: 5'6" (168cm) Weight: 130lbs (59kg) Age Progressed. Thwana's photo is shown age-progressed to 38 years. She was last seen on January 11, 1989. Thwana's ears are pierced. She may go by the nickname Wanda. ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST)
HASSANI CAMPBELL Age Progression DOB: Sep 24, 2003 Age Now: 9 Missing: Aug 10, 2009 Missing From: OAKLAND CA United States Sex: Male Race: Black Hair: Brown Eyes: Brown Height: 3'0" (91cm) Weight: 40lbs (18kg). Both photos shown are of Hassani. He was last seen on August 10, 2009 at approximately 4:15p.m. Hassani was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt and gray pants. He wears braces on his ankles. ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST) Oakland Police Department (California) 1-510-777-3333
BIANCA ELAINE LEBRON Age Progression Case Type: Non Family Abduction DOB: Jun 26, 1991 Sex: Female Missing Date: Nov 7, 2001 Race: Hispanic Age Now: 21 Height: 4'11" (150 cm) Missing City: BRIDGEPORT Weight: 115 lbs (52 kg). Missing State : CT Hair Color: Brown Missing Country: United States Eye Color: Hazel Case Number: NCMC923729 Circumstances: Bianca's photo is shown age-progressed to 18 years. She was last seen at school on November 7, 2001. Bianca may have gotten into a dark colored vehicle with tinted windows, driven by an adult male. She has a birthmark on her forehead.
BRIAN ANDREWIN Age Progression DOB: Aug 25, 1978 Age Now: 34 Missing: Jul 10, 1995 Missing From: CHICAGO IL United States Sex: Male Race: Black Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Height: 5'8" (173cm) Weight: 135lbs (61kg) Age Progressed. Brian's photo is shown age-progressed to 30 years. He was last seen playing basketball with some friends in a local park on July 10, 1995. He has not been seen or heard from since. He has a birthmark on the right side of his neck and a small scar on his eyebrow. ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST) Chicago Police Department (Illinois) 1-312-747-5789 Say It See It Believe It is an affirmation activity journal for you to read with your mom. This book will show you how to use the power of your words to think bigger, recognize your value and dream beyond any limits that others have placed on you or that you have placed on yourself. What’s more, it will show your mom as well as any other caregivers in your life how to support you in building healthy self-esteem and inner resilience. So what are affirmations? Simply put, affirmations are positive statements designed to help you do three things: 1. Think and act more positively toward yourself. 2. Instill calm during stressful times. 3. Activate your mind to pump you up with so much positive motivation and inner confidence that you actually begin to believe the best about yourself and as a result start taking steps in the direction of your desired outcomes . Why should you read this book with your mother? Because the more support that you have in building your self-confidence and inner resilience from people who truly care about you, the more you’ll realize how special and valuable you are and that you have what it takes to succeed in life. What if your mom is not around? Then read and do the affirmation activity journal with a concerned caregiver who wants the best for you or a person whom you look to as a mother-figure.
About Khalil’s Way was inspired by the thousands of children whom I’ve met who shared traumatic stories about being bullied in classrooms, locker rooms, and at bus stops, and countless other places. Mission To support a healthy conversation among parents and teachers to address the epidemic of bullying in schools. Description Khalil's way was written for middle school students to help them deal with the school bully. This page is designed for parents, educators and students to ask questions and gain advise about how to deal with bullies.
CR CHIV
GLAZED HAM
HONEY YEAST ROLLS
VIRGIN POMEGRANATE CRANBERRY BELLIN
Author Sharon Fox.
How does a cookbook fit in COOK! God has blessed me stroy all barriers...race, cr for cooking is an Internati It's my way of inviting you
CREAM CHEESE AND VE MASHED POTATOES
HOLIDAY GREEN BEANS
CREAMY RED VELVET CHEESECAKE DESSERT
E and NI
...COMFORT FOOD for the Mind, Body and Soul
nto my purpose? Well, everyone has to eat. Everyone has to eventually e with this passion for food and cooking. Food is something that can dereed, sex, age, etc. It is the one thing we all have in common, so my gift ional gift! It's a way to break the ice and get into the hearts of people. u all to the table for dinner and conversation!
Author Sharon Fox GLAZED HAM 1 10 lb. Spiral Ham Glaze: 1 1/4 cups dark brown sugar 1/3 cup pineapple juice 1/3 cup honey 1 large orange, juiced and zest 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard 1/4 tsp. ground cloves Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place ham in a roasting pan. In a small saucepan, combine all glaze ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-8 minutes. Set aside. Bake ham in preheated oven, uncovered for 2 hours. Remove from oven and baste with glaze. Bake 30-45 minutes longer, basting every 10 minutes.
HOLIDAY GREEN BEANS 2 pounds green beans, trimmed 2 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 2 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced, cut into ribbons 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons minced fresh sage 1/4 teaspoon salt, divided Freshly ground pepper, to taste 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest 1 teaspoon lemon juice Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add beans, return to a boil, and simmer until crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain. Heat 1/2 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add prosciutto; cook, stirring, until crispy, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain on a paper towel. Wipe out the pan; heat the remaining 2 teaspoons oil over medium heat. Add the beans, garlic, sage, 1/8 teaspoon salt and several grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beans are browned in places, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in pine nuts, lemon zest and the prosciutto. Season with lemon juice, the remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper.
CREAM CHEESE AND CHIVE MASHED POTATOES 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed 1 (8 ounce) pkg. cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup butter, softened 1/4 cup milk 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives 1/4 tsp black pepper Garnish with extra chopped chives if desired Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.Drain potatoes well and return to saucepan. Cut cream cheese into cubes and add it and the butter to the potatoes in the pan. Using a potato masher, mash this mixture until the cream cheese and butter are melted and incorporated well. Add milk, chives, a few dashes of salt and pepper; stir until well combined. Garnish with chopped chives if desired. Makes 4 to 6 servings.
GOING HIS WAY? Women drivers get a bad rap by macho men who accuse them of being reckless behind the wheel. On the other hand, ladies mock men, for refusing to stop and ask for directions even when hopelessly lost. Reaching the desired destination is not always easy; manufacturers of GPS devices have keyed in on both our desires and our inability to find a specific location, in an unfamiliar place, to line their pockets. The Wise Men had no back seat women drivers, AAA roadside service, MapQuest or GPS devices balanced on their camel saddles. They trusted the guidance of a supernatural star and kept on looking up! Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him (Matthew 2:1-2). The worshipers came to Bethlehem by way of a star lit route. God still lights our path and guides us every step of the way. Why are we prone to ignore His direction? Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). We can rely on the Father; He always guides seekers directly to his Son.
CHRISTMAS RECIPES HONEY YEAST ROLLS 1/4 cup warm water (100° to 110°) 1 (1/4-oz.) envelope active dry yeast 1 teaspoon honey 1 3/4 cups milk 2 large eggs, at room temperature 1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled 1/3 cup honey 3 teaspoons salt 6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided 1/2 cup butter, softened 1/4 cup honey Combine first 3 ingredients in a small bowl, and let stand 5 minutes or until mixture bubbles. Meanwhile, heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes or until 100° to 110°. Stir together warm milk, eggs, and next 3 ingredients in bowl of a heavy-duty electric stand mixer, blending well. Add yeast mixture, stirring to combine. Gradually add 5 cups flour, beating at medium speed, using paddle attachment. Beat 3 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap, and let stand 1 hour. Uncover dough, and add remaining 1 1/2 cups flour, beating at medium speed 5 minutes. (Dough will be sticky.) Transfer to a lightly greased large mixing bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in bulk. Punch down dough. Turn dough out on a well-floured surface, and roll into 28 (2 1/2-inch) balls (about 1/4 cup dough per ball). Place balls in 4 lightly greased 9-inch pans (7 balls per pan). Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in bulk. Stir together 1/2 cup softened butter and 1/4 cup honey. Bake rolls at 400° for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Brush tops with honey butter. Serve with remaining honey butter. Note: To freeze, place baked rolls in zip-top plastic freezer bags, and freeze up to two months. Let thaw at room temperature. Reheat, if desired.
CREAMY RED VELVET CHEESECAKE DESSERT 1 1/2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs 1/4 cup melted butter 1 tablespoon sugar 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 4 large eggs, beaten 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa 1 cup sour cream 1/2 cup whole buttermilk 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar 2 (1 ounce) bottles red food coloring 1 (3 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup butter, softened 2 cups powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Stir together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Press into bottom of 9-inch spring-form pan. Beat 3 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese and 1 1/2 cups sugar at medium-low speed with an electric mixer, 1 minute. Add eggs and next 6 ingredients, mixing on low speed just until fully combined. Pour batter into prepared crust. Bake 325°F for 10 minutes; reduce heat to 300* and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until center is firm. Run knife along outer edge of cheesecake. Turn off oven. Let cheesecake stand in oven 30 minutes. Remove cheesecake from oven; cool in pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Cover and chill 8 hours. Beat 1 (3 oz.) package cream cheese and 1/4 cup butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth. Spread evenly over top of cheesecake. Remove sides of spring-form pan. Garnish if desired.
VIRGIN POMEGRANATE and CRANBERRY BELLINI 1 cup ice 1 1/2 cups simple syrup, recipe follows 1 1/4 cups unsweetened pomegranate juice, chilled 1 cup unsweetened cranberry juice, chilled 1 (25.3 fluid ounces) bottle sparkling water, chilled 2 limes, thinly sliced 1 bunch fresh mint, for garnish Optional garnish: 1/2 cup (2 1/2 ounces) pomegranate seeds Special equipment: a 6 to 8 cup capacity punch bowl Directions: Place the ice in a punch bowl. Add the simple syrup, pomegranate juice, and cranberry juice. Stir well. Slowly pour in the sparkling water. Garnish with lime slices, mint sprigs and pomegranate seeds, if using, and serve. Serving Suggestion: As an alternative to serving from a punch bowl, make the Bellini mixture in a 6 to 8 cup capacity pitcher. Divide the pomegranate seeds between 12 champagne flutes. Add 1 slice of lime and 1 sprig of mint to each glass. Pour the Bellini mixture into the prepared glasses and serve. Simple syrup: 1 cup water 1 cup sugar In a saucepan, combine water and sugar over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Take the pan off the heat and allow the syrup to cool.
Ask . Seek . Pray . Inspire . Respect . Educate A.S.P.I.R.E. Learning Organizations is a 501(c)(3) non profit founded by its Executive Director, Mrs. DeMolle, better known as Coach Erisha. As an educator in the public school system since 1997, Coach Erisha realized the need for additional academic services and support outside of the classroom. Parents are ultimately responsible for the education of their children, not the school districts. To close the achievement gap of at risk students, increase student performance, and reduce the drop out rate, it will take more than what a teacher can do alone in a class of 30. While homework help and tutoring are beneficial, the most critical support comes from the parents. The more actively involved parents are in their children's education, the better their chances are for academic success. A.S.P.I.R.E. was founded to assist parents with helping their children reach their educational potential. In service since February of 2008, A.S.P.I.R.E.'s goal is to provide learning opportunities for at risk youth and encourage them to reach for their highest goals and dreams. The learning programs offer students the chance of getting additional instruction that meets their personal educational learning styles and needs. During the summer of 2008, A.S.P.I.R.E. began facilitating Summer Math Camps in partnership with another non profit, A.B. Christian Learning Center. In the winter of 2010, A.S.P.I.R.E. began offering after school Math & Reading Help and now currently offers Homework Help and, Adult GED Classes. Focusing on Family Literacy is important because a family that reads together, succeeds together. A.S.P.I.R.E. Youth Sports League- Mitchell & Erisha DeMolle, parents of five children, experienced how expensive it was keeping their children actively involved in sports. Many of the area leagues focused more on winning and finding "select" players than teaching the fundamentals of the game. With spiritual guidance and finances from their own household, they sought ways to provide youth team sports that would be more affordable for families, especially those with more than two children.. Therefore, in April of 2010, Mitchell DeMolle, "Coach Mitch," began serving as the Commissioner of Athletics for the newly formed A.S.P.I.R.E. Youth Sports League. A volunteer coach, referee, promoter, mentor, and sports events planner, he dedicates countless hours serving and growing the sports programs on a minimum budget. In August of 2010, Addie Brown Ferrell began volunteering her time and talent during the inaugural season of A.S.P.I.R.E. Youth Sports League. As an educator, she quickly began offering her ideas, support, and services to the academic goals of A.S.P.I.R.E. as well. Her willingness to support the organization with personal finances, finding other donors, and providing other resources as needed proved her commitment. In February of 2011, Addie Brown Ferrell and Mitchell DeMolle were officially added to the Board of Directors and continue to be a vital part of the growth of A.S.P.I.R.E. Learning Organizations & Youth Sports League today. A.S.P.I.R.E. Youth Sports League wants to promote well rounded, physically active youth by encouraging children to participate in team sports. We offer youth football, cheerleading, color guard, basketball, baseball, and soccer programs for children ages 4 to 12. Due greatly through God's provisions, the combined efforts of the board, the many parents who serve as volunteer coaches, creative budgeting, and hard work, A.S.P.I.R.E. served over 500 children through the sports department during its first two years. Our Mission: In an unstable economy, our mission is to provide more affordable academic, athletic, and mentoring programs that will enhance the lives of children, young adults, and families in the communities we serve.
PROVIDE MORE AFFORDABLE ACADEMIC, ATHLETIC AND MENTORING PROGRAMS Many of the area leagues focused more on winning and finding "select" players than teaching the fundamentals of the game. Our Goals: Provide Math & Reading Help, GED Help, and other Family Literacy Programs that will allow students and their family members to obtain higher educational goals. Provide Sports programs that will encourage children to stay active and promote the importance of good physical health. Provide mentoring services through our coaches, tutors, and community volunteer for at risk youth. Obtain donations, grants, and sponsorhips from the community that will help reach our goals and have scholarships available for families with several children or limited ability to pay.
Coach Erisha DeMolle Executive Director A.S.P.I.R.E. Learning Organiztions & Youth Sports League 2104 Roosevelt Drive, Suite C Arlington, Texas 76013 (817)79-LEARN ~ (817)795-3276 www.AspireLearningOrg.com
Unidentified Child JANE DOE 2007 Estimated Age: 22 Date Found: Feb 26, 2007 Location Found: GARY IN United States Sex: Female Race: Black Hair: Black Eyes: Unknown Height: 5'4" (163cm) Weight: 102lbs (46kg) NCMEC: 1107266 NIC: None NamUs: None On February 26, 2007, an unidentified deceased female was found in an abandoned garage in Gary, Indiana. The decedent was a black female believed to be in her late teens or early twenties. The height and weight listed above are approximations. The image at left is a composite created by a forensic artist at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to depict what the decedent may have looked like in life. Some items, such as eye color and hair style, are the artist’s estimations to complete the image and should not be used as significant markers for identification. ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT National Center for Missing & Exploited Children Forensic Services Unit 1 -800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST) Lake County (Indiana) Coroner’s Office - Chief Inv. Thomas Branson or Inv. Erika Hanrahan - 219-755-3265
JAQUILLA SCALES DOB: Mar 2, 1997 Age Now: 15 Missing: Sep 5, 2001 Missing From: WICHITA KS United States Sex: Female Race: Black Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Height: 3'0" (91cm) Weight: 40lbs (18kg) Age Progressed. Jaquilla's photo is shown ageprogressed to 13 years. She was last seen in her bed at 12:30 a.m. on September 5, 2001. She was discovered missing at 3:00 a.m. and has not been seen since. She was last seen wearing a knee-length flowered nightshirt and tan barrettes in her hair. Jaquilla has a scar on her upper right leg, a brown birthmark on her face, and her upper teeth are decayed. She may answer to the name Grammy-Boo. ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST)
“Too many of our children are unjustly going down rather than just growing up in a society seemingly more intent in turning them into prisoners and prostitutes rather than positive, productive people. Only by taking matters into our own hearts and hands, to reinforce in our young generation the values of living, loving and learning, can we hope to create brighter futures for our people and planet.” R. Lee Gordon
JARKEIUS ADSIDE DOB: Sep 30, 2000 Age Now: 12 Missing: Oct 18, 2001 Missing From: MIAMI FL United States Sex: Male Race: Black Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Height: 2'0" (61cm) Weight: 30lbs (14kg) Age Progressed. Jarkeius' photo is shown age-progressed to 11 years. He was abducted by three unknown males during an early morning robbery on October 18, 2001. Jarkeius may be injured and may be in need of medical attention. His hair is in braids and he was last seen wearing a red, white, and blue shirt and a diaper. Jarkeius may respond to the nickname Kisha. ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST) Miami-Dade Police Department (Florida) - 1-305-471-8477
TIAJ SMITH DOB: May 3, 2001 Age Now: 11 Missing: Aug 10, 2009 Missing From: GARY IN United States Sex: Female Race: Black Hair: Brown Eyes: Black Height: 3'5" (104cm) Weight: 70lbs (32kg) Both photos shown are of Tiaj. She may be in the company of her father. They are believed to be in the Bahamas. Tiaj may go by the nickname Aji. ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST) Gary Police Department (Indiana) 1-219-881-1260
Sweet Orange Rolls Ingredients: Dough: ¼ cup warm water (110 to 115 degrees) 1 package active dry yeast ¼ cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs, beaten 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled ½ cup sour cream 1 teaspoon salt 3½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour Filling: ¾ cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon grated orange zest 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, divided Glaze: ½ cup unsalted butter ¾ cup granulated sugar ½ cup sour cream 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice Tip: Use a citrus zester and citrus juicer for fresh zest and freshly squeezed juice. Use standard measuring cups and spoons or scales for accurate measuring.
Monthly Treat
by Pat Holmes
Dough: In a large mixing bowl,combine warm water and yeast; stir and let sit until yeast is dissolved, about 10 minutes. Add sugar, eggs, melted butter, sour cream, and salt; beat until mixture is smooth. Add 2 cups flour; stir until well mixed. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn dough onto a lightly floured pastry mat or pastry board knead dough until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes, adding additional flour 1 tablespoon at a time if dough is too sticky. Place dough in a well greased bowl; turn dough over once to grease the top. Cover bowl with a small kitchen towel and let dough rise is a warm place until doubled in size, 1 to 2 hours. Prepare two 13x9x2 inch oblong pans; lightly grease the pans with shortening Filling: In a small bowl, combine sugar and orange zest. Set aside. Punch dough down then turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead dough briefly, 4 to 5 times. Divide dough in half. Roll half of the dough into a 12-inch circle. Use a pastry brush to brush dough with 1 tablespoon melted butter, and sprinkle half of the sugar-orange zest mixture on top. Cut into 12 pie-shaped wedges. Starting with the wide-end, roll-up each wedge; bend into a crescent shape and place point-side down in the baking pans about 1 inch apart. Repeat with the 2nd half of the dough. Cover and let rolls rise is a warm place until doubled in size, 1 to 2 hours. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake: Bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove rolls from oven. Place pan on a wire cooking rack to cool. Drizzle glaze onto still hot rolls. Glaze: Prepare glaze while rolls are baking. In a small heavy saucepan over medium-high heat, combine butter, sugar, sour cream, and orange juice; bring to a gentle boil, boil 3 minutes stirring constantly so mixture does not burn. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly until rolls are finished baking.
Rilya Wilson Missing at age 4 Trial began Monday, November 5, 2012 Rilya is an innocent young girl who is missing, you would never have heard of her if she hadn't been a child of the state. Rilya's media coverage was based on DCF. NOT based on a beautiful child being missing.
RILYA Alert Criteria• * The abduction is of a child age 17 years or younger. The parent must have contacted law enforcement to report child missing. * A RILYA Alert may also be issued if the child is classified as a runaway by the police. If the parent has reported missing child and has convincing evidence that child does not have a history of running away, an alert will be initiated within the 1st hour. * We recognize that at times, not all information is readily available (ie. license plate numbers, name of abductor, or witness to abduction. In such cases, the available information will be reviewed and verified prior to RILYA Alert. * The law-enforcement agency believes the child is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death. * All children of color meeting the criteria for the Amber Alert will also receive the RILYA Alert If these criteria are met, alert information is assembled for public distribution. This information may include descriptions and pictures of the missing child, the suspected abductor, and a suspected vehicle along with any other information available and valuable to identifying the child and suspect.
SHAWN WHITE Missing: WILMINGTON DE DOB: Nov 6, 2002 Age Now: 10 Missing: Dec 8, 2002 Sex: Male Race: Black Hair: Brown Eyes: Brown Height: 1'8" (51cm) Weight: 10lbs (5kg) Age Progressed. The picture on the left is a composite image of what Shawn may look like at age 6. He was last seen with his father on December 8, 2002. The child's father has since been located but the child's whereabouts remain unknown. Shawn was last seen wearing green and white pajamas and a gray Mickey Mouse snowsuit. He has long eyelashes and thick eyebrows. ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THELOST) Wilmington Police Department (Delaware) 1-302-571-4525
BRITTANY ROBINSON June 27th 2012 MOBILE, Ala Age 14 It's been more than five months now since 14-year-old Brittany Robinson's mother has seen her daughter. The teen’s mother, Tiana Hogue, said there have been no calls, no sightings, ...and no leads. She is frustrated, but holding on to hope. I'm taking it one day at a time. I'm just relying on God and the help from my family to get through it," said Hogue. She's in constant contact with detectives, who she said assure her they are following all leads related to Brittany's disappearance. "I guess they are waiting until they get something conclusive to tell me because it's been pretty frustrating, and you know, upsetting to me that everything they have done so far have run into a dead-end," said Hogue. Hogue said her daughter was rekindling a relationship with her father, Demetric Hooper, and Brittany planned to spend a weekend with him last month. Hogue said that's the last time she saw her daughter. I get phone calls from her friends almost every other day. ‘Ms. Robinson, Ms. Tiana, have you talked to Brittany? Have you seen Brittany?’" Hogue now spends time trying to think of anything from her ex's past that may help this case. She said she remembers him having a collection of out-of-state ID's. "It's like Detroit, Michigan, Ohio, Kansas, Texas, and Arkansas," said Hogue. On Monday, Hogue said plans on contacting courthouses in those states to stop any attempt by Hooper to apply for custody of Brittany. Brittany's mother said detectives have learned that Demetric has contacted family members in Mobile. UPDATE Mobile police have now put out a warrant for the father of a missing teenager.
ADDRESS BULLYING THROUGH MOTIVATIONAL THER
David Shrank, MSW, LSW Founder & CEO of Empowerment B David Shrank, Founder and CEO of Empower ment Behavioral Therapeutic Services, is a licensed therapist and social worker. David is creating and developing a mental health program which is geared towards providing group psychotherapy to students and adults who have been bullied and/or currently are being bullied as well as to provide support and resources to the family of these individuals. David has worked with the youth of Philadelphia, PA, and Trenton, NJ, as well as the mentally ill adults and correctional population of Trenton, NJ. While growing up in school and most social environments, David suffered severe and constant verbal and physical bullying. This bullying was most intense from first grade until sixth grade but continued until eleventh grade. After eleventh grade, David began working on his trauma to better understand his mental/emotional pain from having been bullied. Through intense selfdiscovery, he has transformed himself into a highly confident individual who has been able to help many others psychologically, who have been severely bullied to work past these issues and become confident and self-assured adults as well. David is also a person who stutters and has developed ways of addressing the disability of stuttering (although David feels it’s a gift) from a psychological perspective to reduce anxiety and increase selfesteem. In relation to bullying, David is currently writing a book on bullying to better understand the issue and • change the way in which teachers, school administration, parents, therapists, and the legal system handles this social issue. The book also highlights ways for the victim of bullying to change ones mentality and increase self• esteem thereby decreasing future bullying from occur-
ring. The book also highlights ways to view all disabilities and deficits as strengths and to use strengths to combat the issue of bullying. David has been cited and published by Greg Wright (National Director of Social Relations for the National Association of Social Work) in Socialworkersspeak.org online magazine. You can find articles/reviews and citations by typing David Shrank into the search engine in the top right hand corner of the main page of the online magazine. David was also inter- • viewed in a radio show as a bullying specialist. The website to hear this interview is: http:// www.blogtalkradio.com/ coaching-for-life-today/2012/ 10/21/leave-the-bully-behind David is deeply committed to reducing and hopefully stopping the issue of bullying. He realizes that it requires the entire community and hopes to be one of the leaders bringing the community together to combat this issue, thereby preventing future trauma leading to suicides as the result of bullying. David’s specializations include, Bullying in relation to both the victim and the bully as well as family support, • Child and family therapy, Trauma/PTSD, Youth and adults with severe behavioral issues, Drug and alcohol therapy (Dual Diagnosis Treatment), Grief and loss, Panic/anxiety disorder, Interpersonal relationships, Multi -cultural issues, Victim of abuse or neglect/rape, Mindfullness based therapy, and Family systems.
Target Of Bullying Childhood through adulthood:
Focus on developing self-esteem through empower• ment. Increased self-esteem is the center of addressing the issue of bullying and reducing and/or eliminating bullying. The most painful aspect of bullying results in physical and/or emotional trauma. It is not un-common for
RAPY, INCREASING SELF-ESTEEM
Behavioral Therapeutic Services
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those who are bullied to suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Addressing PTSD requires much forgiveness and letting go. When a person is bullied, he or she replays the painful interactions of having been bullied, and often replays in imagined different reaction that might have ended the bullying. Every time this is replayed in the mind, the pain and trauma resulting from the interaction is relived. Depression is very common for a child or adult who has been bullied. If the depression and trauma goes untreated and life stressors take effect, there is the potential for a personality disorder to develop which makes it considerably more difficult to treat and assist the victim towards recovery. The depression is often treated in a very similar way as post traumatic stress disorder especially in relation to building selfesteem. Once self-esteem increases, the sadness of depression decreases, resulting in more energy and a stronger mental and emotional ability to live life in a meaningful way. For both the child and adult being bullied, engaging in therapeutic exercises that increase self-esteem is profoundly helpful. The victim should feel more in control of social situations and not at the mercy of others. Counselors can do this by discussing what the victim excels at and drawing more attention to it so the victim begins to feel better. That which creates the increase in self-esteem is not nearly as important as the actual increase in one’s self-esteem, i.e. it is not what the person does well but how the person feels about him/herself. Another very important aspect to combatting bullying is to learn to think faster and have quicker retorts as it is all too common for those who are bullied to lack a quick response system. The bully will often focus on an easy target. If the victim has a quick re-
sponse, he or she is no longer as easy of a target and will most likely deter the bully from repeating the offense. Laughter is one suck quick response regardless of whether the comments hurt. By laughing off responses and having a quick response back, the victim is anything but an easy target and therefore can very easily deter bullying from continuing. Bullying only occurs when someone’s feelings are being hurt. Therefore without the proof of feelings being hurt, bullying can simply reduce, if not stop. Specializations include: -Bullying in relation to both the victim and the bully as well as family support -Child and family therapy. -Trauma/PTSD (Including Veterans, Victims of abuse or neglect/rape) -Youth and adults with severe behavioral issues. -Drug and alcohol therapy (Dual Diagnosis Treatment). -Grief and loss -Stress -Panic/anxiety disorder -Interpersonal relationships -Multi-cultural issues -Mindfulness based therapy -Family systems -Training for mental health professionals to feel mentally and physically safe in all work related environments.
You Have To Go Through To Get To When I first heard the words that I had to go through to get to I was so at a loss for words, but as time has passed I see those words coming full circle. Did you know that it is always darkest just before day?... this references the hard lessons that life never fails to throw us. I can honestly say that the lessons that I've been thrown in life were rougher than some of the things I have had to study while earning my degree. The catch to life is that through every experience is a lasting testimony in the end if you use the experience as such. No, it doesn't seem that way when you're dealing with them, but look back on them once you make it through them and you will see these were things you had to go through to get to where you are today. I cannot tell anyone enough how hard it is and can get, yet going through these hard times isn't by coincidence. Had I not dealt with so many struggles I couldn't write these words offering my heart to all who read them. When you're down to nothing, God is always up to something, but You Have To Go Through To Get To.
Paula Whitebear-Burton