Magazine/March 2012
Parenting ● Education ● Assistance ● Support RILYA Alert: Amir Jennings..Where Are You..? Featured Missing Children Marti Lee Bell Ashani Karin Creighton Aarone Thompson Andre Terrence Bryant Christine Green Allen Briscoe Stephen Shawn Austin Caleta Sade White Francillon Pierre Christopher Milton Dansby Shane Anthony Walker
Support Systems “Making A Difference” Amir missing over 100 Days..
peasintheirpods.com P.E.A.S Magazine
Remember To Laugh By: Gaétane F. Borders / Peas In Their Pods, Inc. President I recently read this poem, and wanted to share it with ALL parents because it accurately surmises everything related to childrearing. Being a parent is a no-jokesituation&but quite often, the stuff we have to deal with is simply funny. So here’s a reminder to remember to laugh about the “battles” we often face as parents. After all, although we may be in control&.We are not always in charge. Enjoy&.
The Toddler’s Creed If it is on, I must turn it off. If it is off, I must turn it on. If it is folded, I must unfold it. If it is a liquid, it must be shaken, then spilled. If it a solid, it must be crumbled, chewed or smeared. If it is high, it must be reached. If it is shelved, it must be unshelved. If it is pointed, it must be run with at top speed. If it has leaves, they must be picked. If it is plugged, it must be unplugged. If it is not trash, it must be thrown away. If it is in the trash, it must be removed, inspected, and thrown on the floor. If it is closed, it must be opened. If it does not open, it must be screamed at. If it has drawers, they must be rifled. If it is a pencil, it must write on the refrigerator, monitor, or table. If it is full, it will be more interesting emptied. If it is empty, it will be more interesting full. If it is a pile of dirt, it must be laid upon. If it is stroller, it must under no circumstances be ridden in without protest. If it has a flat surface, it must be banged upon. If Mommy's hands are full, I must be carried. If Mommy is in a hurry and wants to carry me, I must walk alone. If it is paper, it must be torn. If it has buttons, they must be pressed. If the volume is low, it must go high. If it is toilet paper, it must be unrolled on the floor. If it is a drawer, it must be pulled upon. If it is a toothbrush, it must be inserted into my mouth. If it has a faucet, it must be turned on at full force. If it is a phone, I must talk to it. If it is a bug, it must be swallowed. If it doesn't stay on my spoon, it must be dropped on the floor. If it is food, it must not be tasted. If it is dry, it must be made wet with drool, milk, or toilet water. If it is a carseat, it must be protested with an arched back. If it is Mommy or Daddy&..it must be hugged. I am toddler!
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Marti Lee Bell Details of Disappearance: Marti Lee Bell is shown aged progressed to 15 years. Marti was last seen at her custodial grandparents’ residence in the 1100 block of Cross Lane in Cincinnati, Ohio on October 7, 1994. It is believed that Marti may have been taken by her mother Tamik Bell. Marti has a birthmark on her left ankle. It is believed that if Marti was abducted by her mother they may still be in Cincinatti, or may be in Silverton, Ohio, Pleasant Ridge, Ohio, or Maryland.
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance: DOB: Oct 23, 1993 Age At Time Of Disappearance: 11 Months Old Missing: Oct 7, 1994 Sex: Female Race: Black Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Height: 2'0" (61cm) Weight: 25lbs (11kg) Missing From: CINCINNATI OH United States If you have any information concerning the case of Marti Lee Bell please contact The Cincinnati Police Department (Ohio) or The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. (513) 352-3542 OR The National Center For Missing and Exploited Children (800) 843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST)
Ashani Karin Creighton Details of Disappearance Ashani was last seen by her mother on March 21, 1997 in Orlando, Florida. Her photo is shown age-progressed to 17 years old. Ashani may also go by the name of Karin. Ashani was abducted by her non-custodial grandparents Ernest S. Jackson and Kaia Jackson. In August, 1998 the Jacksons moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Jacksons were arrested in October of 2000 on unrelated child abuse charges of one of their sons which took place in 1998. When they were located there was no trace of Ashani and to this day they refuse to give any information on her whereabouts. They are the prime suspects in Ashani’s disappearance. If you have any information concerning the case of Ashani Karin Creighton please contact The Orange County Sheriff’s Office (Florida) or The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. (407) 8364357 OR The National Center For Missing and Exploited Children (800) 843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST) Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance Missing Since: March 21, 1997 from Orlando, Florida Classification: Endangered Missing Date Of Birth: August 16, 1992 Age At Time Of Disappearance: 5 Height: 4'0" We ight: 50 lbs. Hair Color: Black Eye Color: Brown Race: Black Gender: Female Distinguishing Characteristics: Pierced ears. AKA: "Karin
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Message From The Editor Were you aware that a child is abducted every 40 seconds in this country? Moreover, did you know that over 40% of these children are African American? If not, you are not alone because few people are aware of this epidemic. The truth is that African American children receive limited media coverage when they go missing. Sadly, without this exposure it is less likely that they will be safely found. The staff at Peas In Their Pods works diligently to spread awareness about this issue by alerting media outlets as needed when African American children are missing or abducted. The media play a critical role in getting news and information out to the public, maybe in the future the role of reporting will include the safety of our children by alerting the public when one of our children are in danger, especially our African American Children, the response time ; immediate. Our mission is to bring awareness to our communities the plight of these children, and to make them a national priority.
Denise Bethune Editor-In-Chief www.peasintheirpods.com hfmbc@hotmail.com
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In This Edition What About Us..? College Girl Inc The Teen Toolbox, LLC Services The TammiJames Foundation Youth Mentoring Action Network Author Sharon Fox /Good Cooking For The Soul The Mattie C. Stewart Foundation Montly Treat Praise Is What I Do
Peas In Their Pods ● Janice Lowery Chief Executive Officer Gaétane Borders President / Training Specialist Denise Bethune Editor - P.E.A.S. Magazine / Publicity Manager Pattie Fitzgerald Safety & Prevention Advisor Paula Whitebear Administrative Assistant Sherry Sophia Researcher Missing Children Mildred Nixon Researcher Missing Children Nancy Fairbanks Webmaster Teri Kendle Researcher Missing Children Hope Winton - Intern Children Stories ● Peas in Their Pods P.O. Box 390296 Snellville, Ga 30039 Business: 770-686-4612 Missing Kids: 516-338-6873 or 301-501-7595 http://www.peasintheirpods.com hfmbc@hotmail.com
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Every day in America thousands of children go missing in America many of them never receive any media coverage. YOU can help change that. 10% of every dollar we raise goes directly Peas In Their Pods a not-for-profit dedicated to helping the families of those with missing loved ones. “What About Us?� is a film about the abductions of superstar athlete Ty Johnson and middle-class businessman, Brad Fuller daughters, which occurred one day a part. One of these families is provided with unlimited resources and support, while the other family struggles to be heard. Will they simply accept societies criteria of whose child is worthy of attention or will they take matters into their own hands? Starring: Jasmine Guy Directed/ Written/ Screenplay: Deatra L. Harris Produced By: Deatra L. Harris, Alrick Brown, Bryan K. Johnson, Sharon N. Williams Website: http://www.whataboutus-themovie.com
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College Girl Inc. (CGi) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the number of disadvantaged young ladies who graduate from college. Incorporated in the state of Maryland in 2011, CGi has partnered with Woodlawn Senior High school to bring its services to the school during its inaugural year, the 2012-2013 academic year. CGi is the brainchild of Yolanda Jenkins and Tamika Heard. During the fall of 2011, the two sisters wanted to develop a way to impact the lives of young ladies in their communities. Both sisters have always believed that education is a vital key to success, however for some youth there is often a disconnect between going to college and being provided the adequate support needed to earn a college degree. Even in the rare instance that there is adequate financial support, there is often a lack of social support for the type of experiences that this specific demographic faces. CGi looks to ensure collegiate academic success by working with young ladies beginning in their high school years and maintaining support through their college graduation. During their high school careers young ladies are provided college readiness education as well as life skills and leadership development. The high school phase is utilized to prepare young ladies to succeed academically, while enabling them to develop positive decision making skills that will assist them in achieving their goal of earning a college degree. During the college phase young ladies continue participating in workshops and are also provided mentors to support them during their first two years of college. Beginning in their Junior year of college, young ladies can continue their participation in the
program by becoming mentors for younger participants. Young ladies are held to high standards with their workshop participation and GPA requirements in order to remain in the program. They may also earn college scholarships given successful participation in the program. While programs that cater to young ladies or are college prep focused are not a new phenomenon, CGi looks to support young for up to eight very important years of their lives. While the program is college focused we believe it is our civic duty to prepare young ladies for successful lives and not just academic achievement. Our workshops all fall into one of four categories; The College Readiness Series, the I Love Me Series (nurturing healthy self-esteem, providing self-empowerment skills and teaching self-care techniques), the Dynamic Diva Series (grooming young ladies for successful professional careers and personal lives) and the Real Relationships Series (educating participants about healthy relationships, pregnancy prevention, women’s wellness, positive friendships, and etc.). You can learn more about the College Girl Inc. program by visiting www.collegegirlinc.org or emailing us at info@collegegirlinc.org. Please also feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter. The College Girl Inc. Team
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Details of Disappearance Aarone was last seen near her home on November 14, 2005 from Aurora, Colorado. Her photo is shown age-progressed to 8 years old. Aarone was last seen wearing a white sweater, a gray hooded sweatshirt, pink sweatpants, white sneakers, and a pink rubber band in her hair. Her father, Aaron Thompson, reported her missing. He said that Aarone had run off after an argument over a cookie. After investigating Aarone’s case and going to her home police discovered far worse. Law enforcement concluded that Aarone may have been killed years ago. After checking with area schools police discovered Aarone had never been enrolled nor had she been registered as homeschooled. While searching the home investigators could not find any recent photos of Aarone, no bed for her, and none of her DNA was found in the home. They concluded that Aarone had been dead for at least 18 months. To make matters worse Aarone’s father and then live in girlfriend Shely Marie Lowe were very uncooperative. They wouldn’t allow the police to search certain parts of the home or interview their other children who were also living in the home at that time. Aarone’s mother, Lynette Thompson, was living in Detroit, Michigan at the time and did not know the whereabouts of her daughter as Aaron Thompson refused to tell her. She admits that she struggled with drug abuse in the past but is now clean. Lynette Thompson has long been cleared as a suspect. On November 10, 2009 Aaron was sentenced to 114 years in prison charged with 31 counts ranging from conspiracy to commit child abuse, false reporting to authorities, concealing death, conspiracy to conceal death, child abuse resulting in injury and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Just before the trail he admitted that his daughter was dead. During the trail the remaining children told horrific stories of their lives growing up in the home of Aaron Thompson and Shely Lowe.
Lowe died suddenly at the age of 33 of heart disease. She refused to speak to the police involving the case and was never formally interviewed. On November 30th, 2009 on what would have been Aarone’s 11th birthday, just 20 days after her father’s sentencing, a memorial was held in her memory. On September 18, 2011 Peas in Their Pods featured Aarone Thompson’s story on our BLOG TALK RADIO Channel. You can listen to the broadcast below. Aarone Thompson’s body has never been found and her case remains open as a lost, injured, and missing child. We need to bring this precious girl home. If you have any information concerning the case of Aarone Thompson please contact The Aurora Police Department or The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Detailed information on the trial can be found (303) 627-3100 OR The National Center For Missing and Exploited Children (800) 843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST) Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance Missing Since: November 14, 2005 from Aurora, Colorado Classification: Lost, Injured, or Missing Date of Birth: November 30, 1998 Age At Time Of Disappearance: 6 Height: 4'0" Weight: 60 lbs. Hair Color: Black Eye Color: Brown Race: Black Gender: Female Distinguishing Characteristics: Missing top right canine tooth
Innovative ME is a relationship based mentoring organization. By using the power of art in all forms, we aim to mentor young girls in Metro Detroit communities through the challenging transitions of adolescence and through the effects of a technological society. The results will provide them with more confidence and self-awareness as young female citizens. www.innovative.org
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THE TEE TOOLBOX, LLC SERVICES The Teen Toolbox, LLC is a youth development company formed in 2007, which provides life skills programs and activities that enhance the strengths and experiences of teenagers and empower them to take charge of their lives and develop into their potential. We provide an individual approach to high school and beyond. Participation in our programs allows youth to learn life skills, dream big, develop confidence, and develop a plan to accomplish the goals they set for themselves. WORKSHOPS & SEMI ARS The Teen Toolbox, LLC provides workshops and seminars on self-awareness/selfefficacy, positive thinking, goal setting and action steps, academic enrichment, and civic responsibility. We are able to tailor presentations to meet the individual needs of the communities we serve. PUBLICATIO S & SOCIAL MEDIA The Teen Toolbox, LLC connects with our audience through our blog on Wordpress and our FREE electronic newsletter, “Toolbox Tidbits”. We are also accessible through our Facebook fan page and our Twitter page. Follow us for words of wisdom, cool facts, teen bios, contests, and more. SPECIAL EVE TS The Teen Toolbox, LLC will organize and sponsor special and community events including health and resource fairs, field trips, conferences, community service projects, and back-to-school and holiday drives. SPOTLIGHT TEE OF THE MO TH The Teen Toolbox, LLC, “SPOTLIGHT Teen of the Month” feature recognizes a teenager who is making a positive impact in their home, school, and community. Through this feature, we showcase the talent in our young people and show that when given the opportunity, youth can change the world. (Note: Teens will be recognized in our free weekly email newsletter, “Toolbox Tidbits”, on our website and social media pages.) Nominations may be submitted online at http:// theteentoolbox.com/NominateATeen.html CHIEF VISIO ARY OFFICER Ms. icki Sanders is the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of The Teen Toolbox,LLC. She is a Mother, Youth Advocate, Life Strategist, and Entrepreneur. Ms. Nicki created The Teen Toolbox, LLC to give teenagers the tools to take charge of their lives and make a smoother transition into adulthood. Ms. Nicki aspires to be a support and a resource for teenagers and help youth recognize and utilize the abundance of opportunities around them.
The Teen Toolbox, LLC “TOOLS FOR TEE S TO TAKE CHARGE”
icki Sanders, MSW, Founder & Chief Visionary Officer P.O. Box 6368 Columbia, MD 21045 (202) 431-3542 Nicki@theteentoolbox.com • www.theteentoolbox.com P.E.A.S Magazine
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Where Is Amir Jennings..?? 18 months missing November 24, 2011 from Columbia, South Carolina. SEX: Male, RACE: Black, HAIR: Brown EYES: Brown, HEIGHT: 2'02", WEIGHT: 25 lbs
Amir was last known to be with his mother, Zinah Demaris Jennings. Both were reported missing early in December. Zinah was found after being involved in a traffic accident in the early morning hours of Christmas Eve, driving a burgundy Dodge Neon. She did not have Amir with her. Zinah is being held on charges of unlawful conduct toward a child. She has continued to give false and inconsistent statements to Authorities. Zinah has ties to Atlanta and Charlotte. It has been over 100 days since baby boy Amir Jennings has been missing. One hundred days not knowing if this child is being taken care of with love and kindness the way all children should be care for, or his time on this earth has been shortened. According to published reports Amir’s mother ( Zinah Demaris Jennings ) is in custody but still has yet to say what happen to Amir. The longer the days go without word on where Amir is the longer it will take to find him. Timing is most critical in finding any child. We can only hope and pray that Amir’s destiny will bring good news. Keeping Amir, along with all our missing children, visible in bringing awareness has to be an effective collaboration between family, community, most important media (television, radio, social networks, blogs, signs and vigils). Someone has information on Amir’s whereabouts, perhaps the person or person’s will come forward if not for themselves for the ones who love him the most. Amir Jennings the community will continue to tell your story over and over again, your picture will remain visible along with all the other little children, this is our mission, this is our promise.
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Details of Disappearance Andre Terrence Bryant is shown age progressed to 22 years. Andre was last seen on March 29, 1989 in Brooklyn, New York. He was last seen wearing a gray sweat suit with two horizontal lines, beige and white knitted hat and sweater, and white socks. Reports have stated that Andre’s mother, Monique Rivera, left with her son from her Madison Street apartment to go shopping with two women she had met on March 28, 1989. On that day Rivera had been walking with Andre and her two older children when she was approached by two African-American women. One female was approximately 30 years old and the other, who had red hair, was approximately 22 years old. Both were about 5’7” tall and 130 Ibs. They were driving a 1988 or 1989 burgundy Pontiac Grand Am Sports Edition, with tinted windows, and possibly Maryland license plates. After engaging in conversation, mainly about Rivera’s children, the two women invited her to go shopping with them. After the shopping trip, Rivera agreed to meet up with the two women again the next day to go shopping once again. Rivera asked her boyfriend’s sister, Patricia Bryant, to babysit her children while she went shopping. Bryant stated that on March 29 the two women called Rivera from a pay phone around the corner from the apartment and asked
her to come out and meet them. The two women insisted that she bring Andre along as well so Rivera left with Andre. Neither ever returned. Rivera’s body was found in the woods near City Island Road in the Bronx borough of New York City on the morning of March 30, 1989. She had been strangled and struck in the head. Andre has never been found and the two women who accompanied his mother have never been identified. Law enforcement believes Andre may have been sold into an adoption ring. If you have any information involving this case please contact The New York City Police Department (New York) or The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. (212) 6947781 OR (800) 843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST) Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance DOB: Feb 17, 1989 Age At Time Of Disappearance: 1 Month Old Missing: Mar 29, 1989 Sex: Male Race: Black Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Height: 1'7" (48cm) Weight: 10lbs (5kg) Missing From: BROOKLYN NY United States
The TammiJames Foundation was founded in 2010. Our vision is to give every woman, in the Greater Richmond Area, an opportunity to build a long-standing foundation for herself and her children (family). Upon doing this we will provide these women with the necessary skills to lead empowering and ambitious lives. In order to achieve this goal we provide the following services: 1). Occupational/Educational Services 2). Free GED Testing 3). Transportation to/from Job Interviews 4). Job Placement 5). Counseling and/or Detox Services 6). Transitional/Home Placement Assistance This past year we provided assistance to various homeless shelters in the area, which includes but are not limited to, Feeding the Homeless for the Holidays. If you would like to volunteer or partner up with my organization please feel free to e-mail me at TammiJamesFoundation@yahoo.com.
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Originally established by a teacher in 2007 as a school based program, the Youth Mentoring Action Network has quickly grown into a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization serving over 70 young people of color. Torie Weiston, an educator and founder of the organization, recognized early on in her teaching career that young students of color had a need for additional support and resources. Tired of watching public education fail young people of color, she developed “The Network� to support, encourage and close the academic achievement gap. The Youth Mentoring Action Network is dedicated to increasing the academic achievement, college entrance, career success and networking capabilities of young people of color through mentoring. We work hard every day to ensure that young people of color are successful in schools and later on in colleges and careers. Torie Weiston, Executive Director weiston@mentoringactionnetwork.org www.mentoringactionnetwork.org www.facebook.com/mentoringaction http://twitter.com/#!/mentoringaction http://mentoringaction.tumblr.com/
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Christine Green Allen Briscoe Here is yet another case where two of our children have gone missing from the same place never to be found. In the first case Christine Green is shown aged progressed to 38 years. She was last seen at her family’s home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 23, 1985. She left for school at Bartram High School and was never seen again. Christine was last seen wearing a pink blouse, blue vest, jeans, and black shoes. Christine had her kidney removed in July of 1984 and has a scar on her left flank. Christine may also go by the name of Dinkie. There are very few details in the case of Christine Green. Authorities believe Christine’s case may also be related the disappearance of Allen Briscoe who also went missing from the very same Bartram High School on December 13, 1985. Allen is shown age progressed to 39 years. Allen was last seen wearing a black jacket and blue jeans. He has a lump on his left shoulder and is bowlegged. Allen also has a scar on his forehead. One of Allen’s front teeth was chipped at the time he went missing. He may also go by the nicknames “Squeak” or “Squeaky.”
Allen was last seen exiting a bus. Classes had been dismissed early and he planned to visit a friend’s house. He was last seen on Woodland Avenue in Philadelphia at the bus stop. He never arrived at his friend’s house. He left all his clothes behind, as well as, $50 his mother had given him. Neither of these two cases have a lot of details. If you have any information concerning the cases of Christine Green or Allen Briscoe please contact The Philadelphia Police Department (Pennsylvania) – Missing Persons Unit or The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. (215) 685-1180 OR (800) 843-5678 (1-800-THELOST) DOB: (Christine) Mar 28, 1969 Age Now: 42 Missing: Apr 23, 1985 Sex: Female Race: Black Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Height: 5'0" (152cm) Weight: 90lbs (41kg) Missing From: PHILADELPHIA PA United States. DOB: (Allen) Dec 5, 1969 Age Now: 42 Missing: Dec 13, 1985 Sex: Male Race: Black Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Height: 5'8" (173cm) Weight: 140lbs (64kg) Missing From: PHILADELPHIA
Stephen Shawn Austin Details of Disappearance: Stephen Shawn Austin is shown aged progressed to 27 years. Stephen was last seen at his home at the 9500 block of Sims in El Paso, Texas on August 19, 1997. He was wearing a white t-shirt, dark blue or brown pants, white tennis shoes, and a round gold earring in his right ear. There are very little details in this case and it has even been said that Stephen may have been seen at his home around 11:00 p.m. that day. Stephen has heart and sinus problems. He also has Asthma. Stephen may also go by the name Steve and has scars on both sides of his neck and nose. Stephen is listed as Endangered Missing. If you have any information concerning the case of Stephen Shawn Austin please contact The El Paso Police Department Pebble Hill Sector (Texas) or The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. (915) 832-4400 OR (800) 843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST) Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance DOB: Sep 22, 1979 Age At Time Of Disappearance: 17 Missing: Aug 19, 1997 Sex: Male Race: Black Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Height: 6'1" (185cm) Weight: 138lbs (63kg) Missing From: EL PASO TX United States P.E.A.S Magazine
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TOUGH LOVE OR ABUSE: How Yelling Affects Your Child Author Sharon Fox /Good Cooking For The Soul We hear it in homes, grocery stores, and in school hallways. Sometimes we even hear it in churches. What is this spectacle? It's yelling at children! Is it necessary? Is it an effective form of discipline or is it damaging to children? Research shows that yelling is one of the most harmful actions adults can do to children. Consider adult-toadult behavior for a moment. When one grownup makes a request of another grownup and he does not comply, does yelling bring about obedience? Not only does it not stimulate conformity, but it actually sets up an attitude of resistance. Children respond the same way and here are several negative effects of constant exposure to yelling. First, yelling at children attacks their humanity and self-esteem, the beliefs and feelings they have about themselves. Children need all the help they can get to maintain healthy self-esteem. Those who develop low confidence have trouble handling anxiety and finding solutions to common problems. They are easily frustrated, passive, withdrawn, and often suffer from depression. Since children's brains are still developing, it is hard for them to put labels on what they feel. They just know they hurt. On the other hand, children with healthy self-images handle conflicts well, resist negative pressures, smile a lot, and have optimistic outlooks on life. Second, yelling desensitizes children to normal voice levels. Children should be expected to respond to conversational tones. However, when yelling is what they normally hear, commands, requests, questions, and the like, spoken in casual levels blend in with common environmental sounds. Many children have auditory processing deficiencies and sounds are distorted to them. Yelling makes processing even more difficult because the muffled sounds are loud and the children's brains do not know what to do with them.
Incidentally, to communicate effectively with a child who is desensitized to a normal voice level by being yelled at, get in close contact. Tap him on the shoulder to establish eye contact. Then speak to him in a conversational level voice, state the request, and ask the child to repeat it. If he cannot do so, restate the request and ask him again to repeat it back. If he can repeat it, wait until he complies. Third, yelling sets a harmful model for the way children interact with other children and adults, including authority figures. When children display the learned, yelling behavior, it puts them in difficult situations that can result in social isolation as well as receiving disciplinary actions. Children become confused as to why they are punished for showing the same behavior modeled by adults. The last negative effect of yelling at children is that it challenges or destroys their sense of safety. Children have an inherent right to feel that there are emotional and physical places where they can go and harm will not follow them. When children do not feel safe, they perceive they have no power over what happens to them. Many times they cannot put words to what they feel. Some sources take a position that constantly yelling at children is mental child abuse and is as toxic as physical child abuse. Often times, the sting of words and tones last a lifetime. Abuse that occurs during early child development can cause the child to grow into an adult with self-destructive behavior and abusive traits. It is well documented that without effective intervention, children who are abused go on to become abusers. One more critical factor is that adults who constantly yell as a form of discipline oftentimes feel bad about it but do not have effective skills they can use. They are overwhelmed. http://goodcookin4u2.webs.com/
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Even the most patient adult can reach a limit and occasionally raise the decibel of the voice. This behavior must not become commonplace. It is far more effective when working with children to have a standard of raising the voice when it is a matter of safety and adults need children's immediate attention and action. When grownups yell, "Stop," "Come back," or "Put that down," for example, children will know a critical situation exists maybe even a matter of life or death. Adults who yell as a method of discipline must consider the harm it does and actively seek effective, non-threatening parenting skills. They should not let pride keep them from getting professional help. Many parenting classes are free and readily available. The destiny of our country depends on producing healthy children who have bright outlooks on life. Each grownup is obligated to do what is necessary to influence them in a positive manner. That means being equipped with effective discipline tools. Yelling is not one of them.
PIZZA MUFFI S 3 cups biscuit/baking mix 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed tomato soup, undiluted 3/4 cup water 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 cup diced pepperoni 2 tablespoons chopped ripe olives 1 tablespoon dried minced onion 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Place biscuit mix in a large bowl. Combine the remaining ingredients; stir into biscuit mix just until moistened. Fill greased muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake at 350° for 17-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Serve warm with marinara or pizza sauce. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 12-14 muffins.
S'MORES CUPCAKES 2 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs 1/3 cup Sugar 1/3 cup Mini Chocolate Chips 3 tsp. Baking Powder 1/2 tsp. Salt 3/4 cup Milk 2 Eggs 24 Hershey Kisses, unwrapped 2 cups Mini Marshmallows Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line mini muffin tin with paper baking cups. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, chocolate chips, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk milk and egg in a small bowl. Stir egg mixture into crumb mixture until well combined. Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling 2/3 full. (I like to scoop my muffins using mini ice cream scoops – available at all cooking supply stores). Press one chocolate kiss in the middle of each cupcake. Press 4 marshmallows around each kiss. Bake 10-12 minutes until marshmallows are lightly browned. Cool cupcakes in pans for 10 minutes, remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks. P.E.A.S Magazine
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Caleta Sade White Details of Disappearance: Caleta Sade White is shown age progressed to 21 years. She was last seen on the afternoon of August 21, 2006 on Metro Bus #128 in Auburn, Washington. Caleta was last seen wearing a yellow Adidas jacket, blue jeans, yellow sneakers or boots, and earrings. White has an unspecified eating disorder. She also likes to color her hair. She may have blue or pink highlights in her hair. Caleta’s nickname is KK. On the day Caleta went missing she had been en route to her boyfriend’s house in Tukwila, Washington. Police have stated that Caleta’s boyfriend has given inconsistent statements about her disappearance. He is not being called a suspect in her case. Caleta’s boyfriend has a criminal history. Caleta had a doctor’s appointment scheduled two days after her disappearance, and missed it. Her family and friends believe it is uncharacteristic of her to just go missing and not contact them.
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance DOB: Mar 19, 1988 Age At Time Of Disappearance: 20 Missing: Aug 21, 2006 Sex: Female Race: Black air: Black Eyes: Brown Height: 5'1" (155cm) Weight: 83lbs (38kg) Missing From: AUBURN WA United States. If you have any information concerning the case of Caleta Sade White please contact The Auburn Police Department (Washington) 253) 931-3080 or The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. (800) 843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST)
She had a cell phone at the time that she used often. Since her disappearance there has been no activity on her phone. Caleta’s case remains unsolved and foul play is suspected. Her case is listed as missing. Sisters on a Mission, Inc. is a 501©3, African-American Breast Cancer Support Group in Wilmington, DE founded and organized in 1995, by Cynthia Church and co-founded by Chevala Oliver-Berry and Geri McIntosh. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in AfricanAmerican women and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in African-American women exceeded only by lung cancer. It is our desire to increase education and awareness about breast cancer and other cancers, which increases the chance of survival as individuals become proactive in their approach to health issues that affect their lives and communities. sistersonamission.org
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The Mattie C. Stewart Foundation (MCSF) is a national 501 (c)(3) non-profit dedicated to reducing the dropout rate (Tax Identification Number 26-041498). The Foundation was established in the summer of 2007 in honor of Dr. Shelley Stewart’s late mother, Mattie C. Stewart, and is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. The mission of the Foundation is to create tools and resources to help educators, community leaders and parents effectively address the dropout rate and increase the graduation rate. For more information, visit mattiecstewart.org. A FEW FACTS ABOUT DROPOUTS Each year 1.2 million high school students drop out of school Every 26 seconds a student chooses to drop out of school Dropouts are 6 times more likely than high school graduates to commit crime and become incarcerated 75% of America’s prison inmates are high school dropouts More than 80% of prison inmates are functionally illiterate Each year dropouts cost the US economy $329 billion in lost economic opportunity and additional social services (welfare, health care, unemployment, incarceration, etc.) E DORSEME TS & PART ERSHIPS The Mattie C. Stewart Foundation has been endorsed and supported by many national and regional organizations such as: General Colin Powell’s America’s Promise Alliance, Washington, DC National Dropout Prevention Center, Clemson, SC Communities In Schools Shelby County, Alabama o2ideas, Inc., Birmingham, AL Verizon Wireless State Farm Insurance Pepsi Co.
Partnerships are vital to combating the dropout crisis. The Foundation welcomes all entities and individuals who wish to make a difference. Financial support and volunteered time and services are all put to good use through the many programs of the Foundation.
Dr. Shelley Stewart President & Chief Executive Officer o2ideas, Inc. Founder & President The Mattie C. Stewart Foundation
Dr. Shelley Stewart is a successful business leader, philanthropist and community leader. He is the President and CEO of o2ideas, one of the largest and most successful corporate communications firms in the United States. He is also the Founder and President of The Mattie C. Stewart Foundation, a national non-profit organization helping to reduce the high school dropout rate. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, during the Great Depression era, Shelley survived witnessing his own mother’s murder and suffered abandonment and abuse as a young boy. Out of this story of poverty and neglect emerged a man who learned to value education – laying the foundation for his success. Known as radio personality “Shelley The Playboy,” he helped launch the careers of artists like Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle and Otis Redding.
PARTNER WITH US
Innovation is a big part of The Mattie C. Stewart Foundation, as is collaboration. From grassroot operations to corporate tieins, the Foundation has continually looked for ways to maximize efforts through like-minded partnerships. The merging of talents and attributes contribute greatly to the effectiveness
In 2002, Time Warner Books published Shelley’s memoirs called The Road South. It became a best seller and publicly revealed for the first time the heartbreaking, yet amazing journey of Dr. Shelley Stewart’s life. However, despite all that he has overcome
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Francillon Pierre Details of Disappearance
and accomplished, it is the work he is doing with The Mattie C. Stewart Foundation that makes him most proud. Shelley is committed to helping students and their families understand the importance of having a good education. His dedication to this cause has led to the creation of several unique and nationally recognized tools being used in schools and communities across America. It is Shelley’s hope that the tools created by The Mattie C. Stewart Foundation, along with his own personal story, will help to demonstrate the life changing power of a good education. Stewart is the 2006 recipient of the three highest awards from the Birmingham Advertising Federation: Man of the Year, Advertising CEO of the Year and Mentor of the Year. He is also recognized as the longest running on-air talent in the US serving 52 years in the broadcast business. He has been inducted into the Black Radio Hall of Fame and the Smithsonian Institution as a pioneer of radio. He has also been recognized as a Drum Major for Justice along with Harry Belafonte and Maya Angelou, as well as by the 16th Street Foundation with the 1999 Footstep to Freedom Award for his work in support of human rights. He is a recipient of the Pacesetter Award from the United Negro College Fund and an alumnus of Leadership Alabama, Leadership Birmingham and the Alabama State Board of the SCLC. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Birmingham Urban League and United Way, as well as on the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board from 1983 to 1990 The Mattie C. Stewart Foundation direct 205.949.9565 office 205.212.6400 fax 205.949.9449 mattiecstewart.org
Francillon Pierre is shown age progressed to 20 years. Francillon was last seen at the Broad Acres Swap-Meet on August 2, 1986 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was last seen wearing a light gray short sleeve sweatshirt with two ivory colored buttons on the side. Francillon may also go by the nickname Yo Yo. Francillon is of Haitian descent. Francillon’s mother, Amy Luster, and step-father, Lee Luster, stated they had taken him to the swap-meet and lost track of him. They never saw him again. In December of 1985 Mr. and Mrs. Luster were charged with felony child abuse for a beating that left 30 to 40 welts on Francillon’s body. At the time of Francillon’s disappearance they were awaiting trial for the child abuse charge. Mr. and Mrs. Luster believe Francillon’s biological father, Jean Pierre, took the boy and fled to Haiti. However Jean Pierre has taken a lie detector test, which he passed, and has been cleared as a suspect. Amy and Lee Luster have been named suspects in the disappearance of Francillon but have never been formally charged. They moved to Florida 11 months after Francillon went missing. There are very few details in this case. If you have any information concerning the case of Francillon Pierre please contact The North Las Vegas Police Department (Nevada) – Missing Persons Unit or The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. (702) 649-9111 OR (800) 843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST)
Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance DOB: Oct 1, 1982 Age At Time Of Disappearance: 3 Missing: Aug 2, 1986 Sex: Male Race: Black Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Height: 3'6" (107cm) Weight: 35lbs (16kg) Missing From: NORTH LAS VEGAS NV United States P.E.A.S Magazine
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red ball and it too was missing. A seven year old boy stated he had seen Christopher walking along West 111th Street and that he was accompanied by an unidentified African-American man in braids. Christopher has not been seen since. Christopher was last seen wearing a blue jacket, a floral print shirt, blue jeans, and green and white sneakers. He has a figure 8 shaped birthmark on his neck. Fast forward to two and a half months later on August 10, 1989 which was the day Shane Anthony Walker went missing from the very same park Christopher was abducted from. He is shown age progressed to 23 years old. Shane was at the park with his mother, Roselee Glover, at the time of his disappearance. Ms. Glover sat on a bench while her son played with two other children, a boy and a girl. She was ap-
Christopher Milton Dansby Shane Anthony Walker Details of Disappearance Shane Anthony Walker and Christopher Milton Dansby are not related nor did they disappear at the same time however their disappearances are so similar it is imperative that their cases be mentioned together in the hopes of finding these two precious boys. Furthermore, law enforcement has stated that their disappearances may also be connected to the abduction of Andre Terrance Bryant, who was featured in yesterday’s Rilya Alert, due to the similarities and close proximity to the areas they went missing. If you remember Andre went missing from his Brooklyn, New York Neighborhood on March 29, 1989.
proached by an African American man who struck up a conversation with her. When she turned to check on her son he was gone. The two children were also gone but reappeared later through a hole in the fence. When she asked where Shane was they stated they had left him in the park. Shane has never been seen since. He was last seen wearing a blue and white shirt, light blue pants, and LA Gear sneakers. Shane’s hair was braided and pulled back into a ponytail and he has a small scar on his chin. Most astonishing are the major similarities in the two cases: Both children disappeared from the same Martin Luther King Towers playground located on Lenox Avenue between West 112th and West 115th Streets in the Harlem area of New York City, New York.
Christopher Milton Dansby went missing on May 18, 1989 in New York City, New York. He is shown age progressed to 20 years old. He had been at a park with his mother and other family members. Christopher’s mother decided to go to the store to get some food and because she did not have his stroller she decided to leave him playing at the park in the care of his relatives, which included his grandmother. When Ms. Dansby returned Christopher was nowhere to be found. Relatives stated they had seen Christopher playing with a red ball and two other children, a boy and a girl, but Christopher does not own a
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Both children lived in the same apartment building located at 41 West 112th Street, one of the buildings in the King Towers Projects located in the Manhattan’s Harlem neighborhood. Moments before the boys went missing they were playing with the same two children, a 10 year old girl and her 5 year old brother, in the same area of the park. According to a CNN report Shane’s mother stated she and her son were sitting on a bench eating potato chips when the children approached her and asked if they could play with Shane. Both boys disappeared around the same time of day and both on a Thursday. Shane at 5 p.m. and Christopher at 7 p.m.. Finally are the similarities in appearances and ages of the two boys. The man, as well as, the two children who were there at the time of both boys’ disappearances where interviewed extensively by police. The parents of both Shane and Christopher believe their children are alive. Law enforcement believe the boys’ abductions may be related to a black market baby-ring operation.
“my truth is our children need us more than ever before, with a need we can no longer ignore . . . for if we don't dearly invest in our children today, tomorrow we will all have to severely pay…….. “ R. Lee Gordon
If you have any information concerning the cases of Christopher Milton Dansby or Shane Anthony Walker please contact The New York Police Department (New York) or The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. (212) 694-7781 OR The National Center For Missing and Exploited Children (800) 843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST)
Young Enterprising Sisters is a subsidiary of The National Association of Black Female Entrepreneurs. Young Enterprising Sisters youth program is an initiative to provide entrepreneurial training and life skills to girls 12-17. Our main goal is to educate, empower, and energize girls to be successful entrepreneurs and business owners who will create jobs for future generations. We host an Annual YESpreneur Conference that consist of workshops presented by female entrepreneurs and business owners, Keynote speaker and fun interactive activities that will promote economic growth and financial literacy. Our mission is to Educate, Empower and Energize girls to be successful entrepreneurs and business owners. https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Young-Enterprising-Sisters/232636670144179?sk=wall P.E.A.S Magazine
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ALMO D LACY COOKIES By Pat Holmes
1 cup rolled oats ¾ cup sugar 2 tablespoon flour 1 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/3 teaspoon baking powder 1 egg lightly beaten ½ cup butter, melted 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup slivered almonds Vanilla cream frosting Preheat oven 325, Line cookie sheet with foil and lightly coat foil with nonstick cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl combine oats, sugar, flour, cardamom, baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. In medium bowl beast the egg, butter and vanilla until combined. Add egg mixture to flour mixture; stir until well mixed. Add the almond and stir until evenly distributed. Drop level teaspoon of dough 3” apart on cookie sheets. Bake 10-12 minutes or until edges are brown. Let cookies completely cool on sheets and then peel from foil. For each sandwich cookie, spread bottom side of cookie with a teaspoon of Vanilla Cream frosting and then place another cookie, top side down, on top of filling. Vanilla Cream Use your favorite vanilla cream frosting, for the flavorings add ½ teaspoon of vanilla and ½ teaspoon of almond flavoring.
Where are you Baby Rilya!! The 4-year-old foster child disappeared in South Florida in 2000, sparking a shakeup at the state's child welfare agency. Miami (Miami-Dade, Florida) Wilson's foster mother Geralyn Graham will go on trial March 26. Graham maintains her innocence in Rilya's death. Rilya's body was never found, and authorities have little physical evidence. They aren't even sure whether Geralyn Graham is the defendant's name or one of her 47 aliases.
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.
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Praise Is What I Do The meaning of the words may not be immediately clear; however, the action behind the words should be…”Praise Is What I Do”. With the world being the way that it is today, one cannot help, but to continuously be in prayer. So many of our trials and tribulations weigh us down to the point of believing that things will not get any better. I am here to tell you that this is not so, you have to praise your way through it all. While many may not feel that this is something that can be done it can be. At a time when you are at your wits end, praise God for He knows what you are going through. Man cannot be depended upon, but God can and He is deserving of your praise. As I always do, I like to share a little of my testimony as it may be an encouragement to someone else. No, life is not a fairytale by far, and I am a living witness to that. It throws you so many unexpected twists and turns sometimes you don’t know whether you’re coming or going and that’s where things can become quite real and have you believing that you are not strong enough to endure. You can endure! As a survivor of so many experiences I can tell you that you can endure. It is not over until God says it’s over, and I had to come to that conclusion. God knows what you can and cannot deal with, but that doesn’t mean that we aren’t allowed to say “Lord my plate is full; please take some of this burden from me.” He never said that the situations that we go through would be easy, but He did say that He would be there for us to guide us through. When we take the path that we want to take rather than the path that God laid out for us, it will definitely alter the things that we wind up going through, yet, we can make it. Praise God when you don’t feel that you can, praise God when you cannot see past the hurt and the pain, praise God when your friends and family turn their backs on you, praise God through your financial burdens, praise God through your sicknesses, praise God because he is worthy to be praised, praise God even when you feel that you don’t have any more praise left. Praise God!! I can never repay Him for the things that He has done for me, I can never thank Him enough for riding these storms out with me. It’s not easy, but what has seemed to be the impossible always seems to work out in my favor. When I didn’t have the desire to move forward I still told the Lord thank you, and for His mercy that He has rendered upon me is why I will continue to praise him...for Praise Is What I Do. Much Love and Many Blessings, Paula A. Whitebear-Burton
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Thank You The Community In Helping To Bring Awareness For Our Missing Children
Peas in Their Pods P.O. Box 390296 Snellville, Ga 30039 Business: 770-686-4612 Missing Kids: 516-338-6873 or 301-501-7595 http://www.peasintheirpods.com hfmbc@hotmail.com
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