Parenting ● Education ● Assistance ● Support
Magazine August 2013
www.peasintheirpods.com
MISS BELIEVE INC. Adolescent girls learn the importance and value of self-understanding
TOYA HILL Missing March 1982 Baltimore, Maryland cover age progression
THE ROCK OF ESCAPE
Helping boys and young men change their character to change their destiny
AUGUST FEATURED
MISSING CHILDREN
HerShe GROUP USA Transitioning girls in foster care from adolescence to adult independence 1 PEAS Magazine August 2013 Edition
PARENTING CORNER Gaetane Borders
As the school year begins, parents often look for activities and events to empower their daughters. Girls need proactive help with the many circumstances and situations they encounter when interacting with friends, bullies, and peers in general. The metro Atlanta area has a large number of organizations and private businesses that provide mentoring programs and services to help girls become strong, confident leaders. We are proud to showcase them under one roof at our very first Annual Girls Mentoring Program Expo and Fair! If you are looking to give back to your community and would like to become a volunteer for local girl organizations, here’s your chance! Come meet leaders of organizations and join forces with them. Register to attend this event and you will also be added to our data base of potential volunteers. We will be hosting a mentoring/volunteer training session in the spring and would like to notify you of the details. Do you have products or services for girls and their parents? Limited vendor booths are available. Would you like to support this event? Sponsorship opportunities are available. We are also seeking items for raffle prizes, and swag bag items for our attendees. Your support will greatly help connect girls and their families to community resources and services. Please email expo4girls@gmail.com for more information. 2 PEAS Magazine August 2013 Edition
Parenting ● Education ● Assistance ● Support Website: www.peasintheirpods.com 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. 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
Peas In Their Pods Staff Janice Lowery Chief Executive Officer Gaétane Borders President/ Training Specialist Yolanda Butler Business Consultant Denise Bethune Editor P.E.A.S. Magazine Publicity Manager Paula Whitebear Administrative Assistant Vickie Britton Researcher Missing Children Anita Harris Parent Mentor Marcus Dent Guardian Angel Nancy Fairbanks Webmaster
3 PEAS Magazine August 2013 Edition
* Featured Organizations
4. THE ROCK OF ESCAPE
Helping boys and young men change their character to change their destiny
6. MISS BELIEVE INC. Adolescent girls learn the importance and value of selfunderstanding
11. HERSHE GROUP USA Transitioning girls in foster care from adolescence to adult independence
* Monthly Contributors 5. Gaetane Borders Parenting Corner 16. Author Sharon Fox Comfort Food for the Mind, Body & Soul 10. Pat Holmes Monthly Treat 19. Paula Whitebear - Burton Encouragement
Restoring the Personal Lives of Boys & Young Men ages 14-24 There’s A Warrior In You! To be a cheerful, helping influence for boys and young men who have the courage to willingly change their character to change their destiny. We provide case management services through a creative set of opportunities to equip boys and young men to stay in school, build winning character and work ethics, and make dynamic relationship connections to family and community by age 25.
Lewis Autor Executive Director The Rock of Escape 598 Oakside Drive Atlanta, GA 30331 404-281-1858 info@therockofescape.com http://therockofescape.com/
We began in 2003 as a volunteer support group to the Communities In Schools department at the New Schools at Carver. In 2006 our program received 501 (c) (3) non-profit status as a Congressional District Programs, a part of the National Heritage Family. Volunteer: Connect with us and Uplift Your Brothers. The Rock of Escape needs you to invest in the lives of young men ages 14 to 24, who on their own, lack the vibrant support system needed to become productive citizens by age 25. We help youth and young men through our day outreach programs and provide resources free of charge. Those entering our transitional living program are assessed a nominal fee based on ability to pay. However, most enter without employment or income and we provide loving patience during their journey. The greatest support system comes from caring people who give their finances, time, and talent. Specific roles include volunteering to be a mentor, helping facilitate training programs or leading the production or promotion of our play and special events. 4 PEAS Magazine August 2013 Edition
Ptah Diamond MISSING/ARIZONA DOB: Apr 8, 1998 Age Now: 15 Missing: May 27, 2001Missing From: ELOY AZ Sex: Male Race: Black Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Height: 3'1" (94cm) Weight: 37lbs (17kg) JAMES DIAMOND Companion Type: Companion DOB: Feb 3, 1959 Sex: Male Race: Black Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Height: 5'9" (175 cm) Weight: 160 lbs (73 kg) He is missing with his father, James Malcom Diamond. They may have traveled to Cleveland, Ohio. Ptah's two front teeth are discolored. James has a scar under his right eye. James may have a beard. ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678 (1-800THE-LOST) Pinal County Sheriff's Office (Arizona) 1-520-866-5111
This week, many school systems around the country are back in session, and kids are getting their supplies in order for the big day. This also means that I, too, am leaving the carefree days of summer behind me as I embark on the new school year. There is always a palpable energy from students and parents on the first day. The students are typically excited to see their friend, but also have a bit of nervous energy. The parents are often relieved that their kids are back in school. (lol) However, for some parents and students, the thought of school brings anxiety. These students may struggle with the academics, or may have difficulty with behavior. As a School Psychologist, much of the work that I do involves identifying reasons for why children may not be performing as well as might be expected. I always feel privileged to help families unlock underlying issues. However, this is a double edged sword because for many parents, coming to terms with the fact that their child has a disability is very difficult. Upon learning that their child may have a disability, many often parents react in similar ways. One of the first reactions is that of denial -- "This cannot be happening to me, to my child, to our family.” Anger, is another emotion that I’ve witnessed. Sometimes it is directed at me…the one who first indicates that their child may have an underlying condition. I believe that much of this is fueled by fear. Fear of the unknown…Will my child be okay? Can they learn? Are they normal? What quality of life will my child have? Is there something wrong with me? One of the childhood diagnoses that has been widely talked about is autism. It is defined by the Autism Society Of America (ASA) as: "a complex devel5 PEAS Magazine August 2013 Edition
opmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life, and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities." There is a lot of debate regarding what causes autism. We have heard the debate played out in the news… Is autism genetic….or the result of medical intervention or the environment? Researchers continue to attempt to figure this out. However, reportedly the rate is 1 in 110 births, and is (reportedly) the fastest growing developmental disability. I always like to remind parents that a disability does not have to be limiting. Did you know that many people…many who you might idolize…are very famous and successful? For example, Daryl Hannah, the actress best known for her roles in Splash, Blade Runner and Kill Bill was reportedly diagnosed as a child as being ”borderline autistic.” Also, Satoshi Tajiri, who created of PokeMon, is also reportedly autistic. Early intervention is key! So if you if you suspect that your child’s development is not progressing as expected, or if you are seeing a regression in skills….please seek the guidance of a professional. Oftentimes you will be reassured that nothing is out of the norm. However, for a smaller percentage of parents, School Psychologists…Pediatricians…and Developmental Specialists may provide the needed recommendations that could make a considerable difference.
Gaetane Borders President/Peas In Their Pods
"Enhancing self perception one girl at a time."
M
iss Believe is a 501(c)3 non profit organization created to enhance and educate adolescent girls on the importance of self perception. We provide interactive courses for young ladies to actively participate and become more aware of their self esteem. By installing a firm foundation and positive examples in the lives of young girls today, we hope to create more successful women of the future. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the self perception of adolescent girls in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. We empower and uplift girls to become the best they can be within their lives despite various circumstances. We provide programs that interactively install high self esteem and goal setting behavior within girls. We base our principles on everyday woman who have accomplished numerous goals and broken many barriers in their lives to become successful. We feel it is our duty to provide
structural guidance to girls and help them reach their destiny regardless of obstacles that may come their way. We invest our time in today’s young females to create powerful women of the future! Miss Ebony B. Lewis is a 27year-old successful young woman who was born and raised in Washington, DC to a single mother who migrated from Trinidad. In February 2009, Miss Lewis created Miss Believe. Miss Lewis is committed to making a difference in the world and plans to do that through Miss Believe. Throughout her life positive, intelligent strong women such as her mother, aunts and grandmother have surrounded her. Her success is partially due to those women and she anticipates returning the favor by providing the same love and care to girls who attend Miss Believe. Follow us on Twitter, Find us on Facebook: Miss Believe, Inc. ~To sign up for Miss Believe's quarterly newsletter,
6 PEAS Magazine August 2013 Edition
please send inquiries to contact@missbelieve.org~
Miss Believe was originally created by Miss Ebony B. Lewis with the help of her 15 year old sister (at the time). Inspired by powerful women such as Michelle Obama, Yulia Tymoshenko, Margaret “Meg� Whitman, and Oprah Winfrey, Miss Lewis thought Miss Believe would be an appropriate way to create more powerful young women. Day by day, more women are breaking stereotypes and barriers that women many years ago were not able to break. Although women are considered the minority, we should be given the same respect and opportunities as men. Unfortunately women are not always treated equal. This is one reason why Miss Believe was created: to produce healthy, confident young powerful girls who will later build
www.missbelieve.org
Keiosha Marie Felix MISSING/LOUISIANA The FBI is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the safe return of Keiosha Marie Felix. Keiosha was last seen and reported missing from a residence in Duson, Louisiana on or about April 30, 2012. Keiosha is a 15-year-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 Police 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 Investigations: (337) 233-2164 or (504) 816-3000 Missing and Exploited Children:1-800-843-5678 Find Keiosha Felix Now https://www.facebook.com/findkeioshanow Website http://findkeioshanow.com/ YouTube Video Information
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0DA1UE1a3U
Adji Desir
MISSING/FLORIDA
Six-year-old Adji Desir was last seen when he went outside to play with friends in Immokalee's Farmworker's Village. His grandmother went to check on him and couldn't find him. Children who were outside with Adji when he went missing say they just noticed at one point that he was gone. Investigators say the boy is developmentally disabled and functions on a two-year-old level. He has a very limited vocabulary. He knows his name, but cannot speak it. Adji also understands Creole, but cannot speak it. DOB: Oct 22, 2002 Age Now: 6 Sex: Male Race: Black Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Height: 3'0" (91 cm) Weight: 45 lbs (20 kg) Missing From: Immokalee, FL 7 PEAS Magazine August 2013 Edition
Young Divas, LLC is a mobile spa party company that seeks to promote natural beauty and build self-esteem in young girls aged 4-16 through parties, pampering and events for all occasions, including birthday parties, junior bridal parties, quincea単eras, and organizational events. Established by Sabrina Young in 2008. In a time when most families have full schedules with work, school, sports and whatever else we try to fit on our plates. Call to book your Divalicious Spa Party (302) 3546232 Ages 4-16 ww.youngdivaparty.com Young Divas gives parents and opportunity to give their daughters the chance to unwind and experience the benefits of treating themselves to extra care and a positive way to enhance the way they feel about themselves. The young ladies are taught at an early age to take care of themselves physically, mentally and spiritually. Studies show that when you look good you feel good. The objective was to get this behavior started early in age so that it would become second nature to our ladies. Although the parties are fun, the main idea is to promote and build self-esteem.
Tarasha Benjamin MISSING/ALABAMA
Case type Endangered Missing Case #1151013 DOB Sep 16, 1992 Age Now 20 Missing Date Jun 26, 2010 Missing From Selma, AL Sex Female Race Black Hair color Black Eye color Brown Height 5'2" Weight 125 lbs Tarasha was last seen on June 26, 2010. She has a tattoo on her right shoulder. Tarasha Benjamin has been missing for over a year. Now the family and police hope the national attention will shed light on this cold case.
The Journey Girls Guide to Teen Self-EmPOWERment "Author, Andrieka J. Austin, opens the realm of conversation to tackle sensitive topics and effectively break down the embarrassment, emotional and time barriers as it relates to teen girls living more empowered lives. The Journey Girl Guide to Teen Self-Empowerment; Girlfriendly Tips, Tools and Tidbits encourage teen girls to develop positive habits and maintain good life skills practices and more. This book gives positive strategies to effectively deal with the conflict and level of stress that comes from bullying, peer pressure, poor health and hygiene and other teen-focused topics and issues like finding a mentor, social networking, discovering their gifts and talents and more." www.journeygirl.org 8 PEAS Magazine August 2013 Edition
Missing March 1982 Baltimore, Maryland TOYA HILL
A child leaves home on her way to the store. Toya Hill age 8 when she went missing. One would wonder; if she is still alive, saw the photo’s, information circulating about her, would she come forward or stay hidden out of fear. Like Toya and so many more of our missing children the question always remains the same…”Where Are They?”, and why won’t anyone come forward in helping families find closure. Toya Hill who will turn 40 on August 24th will not celebrate with her family unless someone comes forward. DOB: Aug 24, 1973 Age Now: 39 Missing: Mar 24, 1982 Missing From: BALTIMORE MD United States Sex: Female Race: Black Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Height: 4'0" (122cm) Weight: 80lbs (36kg) Toya departed from her family's residence at the Perkins Homes, a public housing project in the 200 block of South Spring Street in Baltimore, Maryland, on March 24, 1982. She was going to walk to a grocery store two blocks away. Near the store, she stopped to talk to her mother's exboyfriend and one of his friends. She has been heard from again. Toya was in the third grade at City Springs Elementary School in 1982. She lived with her mother, her two brothers and her sister. She was supposed to be the flower girl at her mother's wedding ceremony three days after she disappeared. Her mother, Annette Stanley, initially believed her ex-boyfriend had taken Toya in order to convince Stanley to start seeing him again. She repeatedly asked him about Toya, but he said he didn't have her and didn't know what had happened to her. Stanley said she went ahead with her wedding on schedule because she thought this would encourage her ex-boyfriend to give Toya back. After that marriage ended, she renewed her relationship with her ex-boyfriend and married him. She said she did this because she still believed he knew where Toya was. Stan-
9 PEAS Magazine August 2013 Edition
ley left the man again after only a few months. He is now deceased. Stanley is still alive and still lives in the area, and hopes that her daughter may yet be found. Little information is available in Toya's case, but foul play is suspected. If you have any information concerning this case, please contact: Baltimore Police Department 410-396-2334 443984-7114 410-396-2284
Books for Little Girls True Friends by Stephanie Perry Moore Carmen Browne is a ten-year-old AfricanAmerican girl beginning fifth grade. With her family moving to a new city, Carmen is anguished to give up her friends and comfortable home. As her family adapts to a new location, Carmen learns that finding new friends and fitting in is not easy. Part of her doesn’t even want to try. Family I ssues become complicated when Carmen’s brother learns he is adopted. Will Carmen be able to cope with her unpopularity and the cultural differences in her new environment?
MONTHLY TREAT LEMON BROWNIES
Pat Holmes
1 ½ Cups flour 1 ½ Cups sugar ½ Teaspoon salt 10 Tablespoons butter, melted & slightly cooled 3 Large eggs 1 14 oz. Can sweetened condensed milk ½ Teaspoon vanilla extract 1 Teaspoon lemon extract 2 Tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice (I like to use Meyer Lemons) 1 Teaspoon packed lemon zest (from lemon Preheat oven 350, Butter a 9x13 pan In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar and salt. In a separated bowl, whisk together the belted butter, sweetened condensed milk, eggs vanilla, lemon juice and zest until combined. Mix the flour mix into the butter mixture until well combined. Spread the batter into pan and bake for 25-35 minutes until set and just golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean. Let the bars cool slightly in the pan before glazing. Glaze: In small bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, 4 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest until smooth. Pour over the lemon brownies and cool before serving
10 PEAS Magazine August 2013 Edition
HerShe Group USA Goes National The mission of the Hershe Group Foundation, Inc. is to prepare girls in foster care to successfully transition into adulthood through the performing arts, mentoring, college readiness, and exposure to extraordinary experiences.Additionally, Hershe services include life skills and leadership training, academic support, emotional development, pregnancy prevention, book publishing, and entrepreneurial training. Today, the Hershe Groups partners hundreds of young women with female mentors who are captains of industry and leaders in their noted professional fields. Each mentor personally invests their time and resources to ensure these young women have the opportunities and access to success. Through mentorship, the arts, academic training, and empowerment exercises, mentees are provided the tools to live life after foster care. Kenadie Cobbin Richardson, a native of Youngstown, Ohio, is the founder & Executive Director of the HerShe Group. She graduated fourth in her class from The Rayen School and received her bachelor’s degree from the prestigious DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. After graduating, she began teaching for the next seven years, first in Japan and then in urban cities across America teaching English, Spanish, Drama and Psychology. Then, having the desire to expand her territory, she took a position with the #1 pharmaceutical company in the world, Pfizer, Inc., and began to partner with Los Angeles doctors to educate the public about heart disease, hypertension, cholesterol and other abnormalities that disproportionately plague the black community, especially women. There, she won back to back national awards for her service, including the #1 Pharmaceutical representative in the Western region and the #4 representative in the United States. However, Kenadie, is best-known in Los Angeles as a producer demonstrating a keen ability to find originality within tried and true formulas. She is best known to produce projects with a purpose of empowering women. She has been the executive producer of Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues, directed by Penny Marshall starring Mo’Nique, Marla Gibbs, Tracee Ellis Ross, Teri Hatcher, Wendy Raquel Robinson and others. In 2006, Penny Johnson Jerald directed the piece, starring Vanessa Williams, Ananda Lewis, Meredith Baxter, Victoria Rowell, and other noted stars. She has also produced such works as Medal of Honor Rag, starring Heavy D, directed by Delroy Lindo, Little Shop of Horrors, The Wiz, Dreamgirls, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, and the Miss & Ms. Black California USA Competition. Her writing credits include The Arsenio Hall Show, the All New Dating Game and Newlywed Game and various shows on Black Entertainment Television (BET). Kenadie was first introduced to the harsh realities of the foster care system when she was a freshman at DePauw University. Her college roommate was an emancipated foster youth who had already beat the odds by being accepted into college – especially a competitive academic institution like DePauw. Her roommate did
11 PEAS Magazine August 2013 Edition
not have any system of support since being emancipated from foster care. Although, she was living with a loving foster family for three years before emancipation, they, too, could not be considered family after she turned 18. This experience inspired Kenadie to create empowerment programs for youth since 1994. Ultimately, in 2004, she established the HerShe Group Foundation, Inc. with the missionto support the successful transition of girls emancipating from foster care into adulthoodby helping them to realize their full potential and by exposing them to extraordinary experiences through the arts, mentorship, adventure, and education. We consider the mission of the HerShe Group to be critical because . . .
·7 out of 10 foster youth will be homeless within one year of emancipation. ·6 out of 10 foster youth will be incarcerated within one year of emancipation · 1 out of 10 foster youth go to college; of those only 1 out of 100 will graduate · I out of 2 girls in foster care have been physically and/or sexually abused. · Foster youth in the system for 4 years or more have lived in 47 different homes The good news is that these youth have an opportunity to overcome their past with the help of positive youth development and mentoring organizations like the HerShe Group. To find out more about HerShe, please visit and get involved!
www.hershegroup.org
Wear Who You Are T-shirts Inspiring Greatness!! www.kacitaylor.com
12 PEAS Magazine August 2013 Edition
THE P.H.A.T. KIDS MENTORING PROGRAM PROTECTING, HEALING, TEACHING OUR KIDS Pebbles McClain
Tyler Thomas MISSING/Nebraska Tyler Thomas, a
reported the numbers are getting higher
Bellevue resi-
and higher. Like so many other families,
dent, is approxi-
communities are asking their loved ones to
mately 5-feet-5-
please let someone know where you are,
inches tall, 140
your safety is the number one priority. No
pounds, with
parent should have to go thru so much pain
black hair and
and suffering. If anyone has any infor-
brown eyes. She mation on the whereabouts of Tyler Thomwas last seen
as please contact the local authorities at
wearing a teal shirt with green sweat pants, once, every second is critical in locating. a scarf and ear muffs. Every parents worse nightmare, receiv-
The mother of a missing Peru State College student has sued the state for al-
ing a call that your child is missing, no
lowing a known criminal to live in the same
clues, witnesses or leads. How does a par-
dormitory as her daughter. Tanya Thomas
ent even begin to understand or even
of Omaha alleges Joshua Keadle
phathom the notion that someone is re-
“abducted and killed” 19-year-old Tyler
sponsible in causing harm, or have infor-
Thomas on Dec. 3, 2010. While Keadle has
mation but will not come forward in helping. never been charged with Thomas' disapTyler Thomas a college student on her way pearance or presumed death, he has told back to her dorm and suddenly disappears. authorities he left the college freshman at a It doesn’t matter if she was leaving a party,
secluded Missouri River boat ramp near
library, college game, she is missing and
Peru on the night she was last seen.
someone has information. Security cameras on campus recorded
The wrongful death lawsuit names the State of Nebraska, Peru State College, the
Tyler walking across campus, then she
City of Auburn, Nemaha County, and the
suddenly disappeard, she was less than
University of Nebraska Board of Regents
one mile from her dorm according to pub-
as defendants. It also lists Keadle as a
lished reports.
defendant.
To many of our children are missing,
Case Type: Endangered DOB: Sept 7,
this has gotten out of control. Every single
1991 Missing Date: Dec 03, 2010 Age
day reports of missing children are being
Now: 20 Missing City: Peru Missing State:
13 PEAS Magazine August 2013 Edition
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.
14 PEAS Magazine August 2013 Edition
Janteyl Johnson MISSING/DELAWARE
Janteyl disappeared from Newark, Delaware on February 3, 2010. She left school early that day and never arrived at her home at Autumn Park Apartments on Winterhaven Drive. Her mother reported her missing at 10:00 p.m. Authorities believe she left of her own accord. Janteyl may still be in the local area, or she may be in Wilmington, Delaware; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Maryland or New York. She may be in the company of an adult male. Few details are available in her case. AfricanAmerican female. Brown hair, brown eyes. Janteyl's hair was in braids at the time of her disappearance, and her ears are pierced. Her nicknames are Jay and Puff. She has a scar on her chin under her lip and scars on her legs. She needs eyeglasses or contact lenses but wasn't wearing either at the time of her disappearance. Clothing/Jewelry Description A black ski jacket with a fur-trimmed hood. Janteyl was five months pregnant at the time of her disappearance and may be in need of medical attention
A Young Woman’s Guide to Being Safe, Smart, and Successful in College Author Lacey C. Clark!'s New Book Phenomenally U Offers Young Women Advice on How to Thrive in College Guide offers women advice on how to successfully navigate student life. America, July 10, 2013 – In 2012, The Digest of Education Statistics showed that women were surpassing men in college enrollment numbers, for both public and private colleges. Each year, young women head off to college unaware of what challenges they may face. Author Lacey C. Clark!'s new educational reference book Phe-
nomenally U: A Young Woman’s Guide to Being Safe, Smart, and Successful in College helps women find themselves instead of losing themselves in college and university.
A Founder's Scholar and Graduate of New York University, Clark! is an awardwinning speaker, author and life coach. Her new title is for the quick minds of the Twitter generation, and offers no-nonsense lessons on how to survive plus thrive in young women's early years. The guide offers a blueprint on how to women can have a phenomenal college experience, which will provide a solid foundation for success. Clark uses her book to teach women the seven S's of Phenomenally U: ● Smarts - Discovering proven study habits and
15 PEAS Magazine August 2013 Edition
time management skills for success. Safety - Attaining life-saving techniques to handle the common dangers of campus life. Self-respect - Preparing to take care of your body, mind, and spirit. Sisterhood - Understanding the importance of making healthy connections with other women for mental, spiritual, and physical support. Sex - Practicing healthy and safe sexuality as a developing young woman. Success - Learning how to walk in integrity and focus on what is important. Social Media - Mastering social media and apps to make college life easy and fun. Many young women lose themselves in college because they don't know who they are. Phenomenally U equips them with a solid foundation that will help them navigate their new world with wisdom and success,” Clark! stated. Phenomenally U offers powerful advice for young women from every walk of life attending college and university.
“It was refreshing to have someone give the facts to me straight without all of the sugar coating. This book helped to awaken a stronger sense of responsibility in myself. I see the importance of taking my personal and professional image seriously in order to get where I want to be in life. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to all young ladies,” remarked Sydney, a college Sophomore who read Phenomenally U. Phenomenally U is for sale on Amazon.com now for $9.99. For more information, please visit http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D5VBTS8 http://phenomenally-u.com
THE BEST CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM 1/2 cup Hershey's cocoa powder, 3 cups half-and-half, 1 cup heavy cream, 8 large egg yolks 3/4 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract Place the cocoa powder along with 1 cup of the half-andhalf into a medium saucepan over medium heat and whisk to combine. Add the remaining half-and-half and the heavy cream. Bring the mixture just to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and remove from the heat. In a medium mixing bowl whisk the egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add the sugar and whisk to combine. Temper the cream mixture into the eggs and sugar by gradually adding small amounts, until about 1/3 of the cream mixture has been added. Pour in the remainder and return the entire mixture to the saucepan and place over low heat. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon and reaches 170 to 175 degrees F. Pour the mixture into a container and allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract. Place the mixture into the refrigerator and once it is cool enough not to form condensation on the lid, cover and store for 4 to 8 hours or until the mixture is very cold. Pour into an ice cream maker and process according to the manufacturer's directions. This should take approximately 25 to 35 minutes. Serve as is for soft serve or freeze for another 3 to 4 hours to allow the ice cream to harden. Makes 1 1/2 -2 quarts. OLD FASHIONED CHOCOLATE POUND CAKE 2 sticks butter, ½ cup shortening, 3 cups flour (all purpose), ⅓ cup cocoa, 3 cups sugar, ½ tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt, 5 eggs, 1¼ cup sweet milk, 1 TBSP vanilla Cream shortening, butter and sugar for 5 minutes. Add eggs one at a time beating after each addition. Sift together flour with cocoa, salt and baking powder. Add a bit of flour, alternating with milk until all milk and flour are added. Add vanilla. Bake in a tube pan. 325 degrees for 1 hour or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
16 PEAS Magazine August 2013 Edition
HOMEMADE ORANGE CUSTARD 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 1/2 cups whole milk, 3 large eggs, 1 cup sugar, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 2/3 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed 4 teaspoons grated orange zest Whisk the cornstarch and 1/2 cup milk in a small bowl until smooth. Whisk the eggs, sugar and salt in a medium saucepan; whisk in the cornstarch mixture and the remaining 1 cup milk until smooth. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring, until thick enough to coat a spoon, 8 to 10 minutes (do not boil). Pour through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, then set in refrigerator to chill. Add the cream and stir to combine. Stir in the vanilla, orange juice concentrate and orange zest. Cover and chill until cold. Freeze the custard in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's directions. Scrape into a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip and pipe into cups for that "custard shop" soft serve look, or just dip into bowls! Freeze for a harder ice cream. NEW ORLEANS POUND CAKE 3 cups cake flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 cup butter, softened, 4 large eggs, room temperature, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 cup buttermilk, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup sweetened flaked coconut Preheat oven to 350 Degrees. Sift together cake flour, salt, baking powder and soda. Set aside. In a large separate bowl, beat butter until very fluffy (approx. 5 minuets) then add 2 cups of sugar. Continue to beat until light and fluffy (approx. 2 more minutes). Beat in eggs, one at a time, making sure that each egg is thoroughly blended before adding the next egg. Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract. Blend in some of the dry ingredients followed by some of the buttermilk in alternates. This is a way to ensure that the ingredients are being thoroughly blended together -- DO NOT OVER BEAT OTHERWISE CAKE WILL BECOME HARD AS A BRICK ONCE FINISHED BAKING! Grease a NON-STICK Bundt cake pan and dust very lightly with flour. Add in 1/4 cup of sugar to the bottom of pan and about 3 inches up the sides, tapping the pan to ensure even distribution. Leave excess sugar in pan. Sprinkle coconut flakes to the bottom of the pan. Scrape batter
into the pan and spread evenly. Bake for about 50 minutes to 1 hour... or until a wooden skewer inserted comes out clean (if it comes out wet, bake another 10 minutes or so, if it comes out crumbly, you over baked the cake). *Some ovens take about 1 hour 15 minutes. Let cake cool for about 10 minutes, then carefully remove from pan, making sure that the sugary coconut side is faced upward. Cool completely. GLAZE: 2 cups confectioners' sugar 1/4 cup butter, melted 1/4 cup evaporated milk 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon almond extract In a medium sized bowl mix all ingredients together until smooth. Add more milk for desired consistency. You may also use regular milk, but I must say that evaporated milk gives a WAY better taste! Drizzle over cake. 4 QUARTS: 4 eggs 2 1/4 c. sugar 2 cans evaporated milk 5 c. BEST HOMEMADE VANILLA ICE CREAM whole milk 4 1/2 tsp. vanilla 1/2 tsp. salt 1 can Eagle Brand milk 6 QUARTS: 6 eggs 3 3/4 c. sugar 3 cans evaporated milk 1/2 gallon milk 6 3/4 tsp. vanilla 3/4 tsp. salt 1 can Eagle Brand milk Beat eggs until foamy. Add sugar gradually. Beat until sugar dissolves. Add remaining and mix well. Chill at least 4 hours, overnight is even better. Pour into ice cream freezer and freeze using rock salt and ice. Great with homemade hot fudge sauce. HOMEMADE HOT FUDGE SAUCE: 1 tbsp. butter 1 square unsweetened chocolate 1/3 c. boiling water 1 c. sugar 2 tbsp. Karo corn syrup (clear) 1/2 tsp. vanilla 1/8 tsp. salt Melt butter in saucepan. Add chocolate and stir over low heat until melted. Add boiling water slowly, stirring constantly and bring to a boil. Add sugar and corn syrup, stir until dissolved. Simmer 5 minutes, watch carefully, then add vanilla and salt; mix well. Makes 1 cup.
17 PEAS Magazine August 2013 Edition
Curtis McCoy MISSING/NEW JERSEY Curtis was visiting the family of his father, Curtis Williams, for the Thanksgiving holidays in Newark, New Jersey on November 18, 1989. His mother, Lashawn McCoy, had custody of him and they resided in South Carolina at the time. Curtis was last seen walking slightly behind his father, his father's girlfriend, Sabetha Moore, and the two baby daughters Moore and Williams had together. The family was window-shopping in downtown Newark. Williams said he reached behind to take his son's hand as the group crossed an intersection, but Curtis had vanished. The child has never been seen again. An extensive search yielded no evidence as to his whereabouts. Williams was questioned numerous times over the years by the New Jersey investigators regarding the child's fate. Lashawn claims that her son did not want to travel to New Jersey for the visitation and that she had to reassure him the trip would be fine. She moved her family to New Jersey after her son disappeared in 1989. Williams was jailed, along with Moore, on fraud charges in September 2005. They allegedly stole security deposits from prospective tenants of an apartment and also falsely reported Curtis as a dependent on a loan application. Authorities initially believed Williams had hidden Curtis in the local area and 18 PEAS Magazine August 2013 Edition
the child was living under an assumed name, but their search turned up no evidence that he was alive. In January 2006, Williams was additionally charged with his son's murder. Authorities stated they had opened a grand jury investigation into Curtis's disappearance and Moore testified that Williams killed his son and then reported him as a missing person to cover up the crime. Moore did not, however, know where Curtis's body was; nor did she have any other evidence to support her statement. In May 2007, Williams pleaded guilty to hindering apprehension in connection with his son's disappearance. He was sentenced to time served and five years' probation, and was released from custody immediately. The murder and fraud charges were dropped. Williams admitted to killing son and stated he buried the child's corpse in a shallow grave under the New Jersey Turnpike in Jersey City, New Jersey. Prosecutors stated they did not have enough evidence to prove the murder charge; hence, the plea agreement. Lashawn criticized the arrangement as being too lenient. Numerous unsuccussful searches have been conducted for Curtis's remains. Authorities believe Williams was telling the truth about the body's location, but they have not located anything at the specified place. His case remains classified as a non-family abduction with some agencies. If you have any information concerning this case, please contact: Newark Police Department 201-733-6123 Federal Bureau of Investigation 202-324-3000
“A Test of Faith...Fight or Take Flight?” One can never define what it means to truly have faith amidst a storm if the individual seeks flight instead of the fight…hmmm, sounds strange and even looks strange reading it back to myself as I type this encouragement letter, but it speaks volumes when you look at the various situations that we have to endure. In the past several months loss has been what seems to be my everyday routine, and I’m not speaking of small losses as in something material that one can eventually get back. I’m speaking of losses of loved ones near and dear to me. To date, it was only 2 months, 1 week, and 5 days ago that I lost my father in law, and while many people may not have that strong attachment to their in-laws, my father in law was a man that I said daddy to more often than not… calling him when I needed that one word that would set me back on track, a man that knew I was dealing even without telling him that I was. Wow…I can’t even imagine how he could know just what to say that made me look at things in a more spiritual realm than in the natural, and now he’s gone. I seriously can’t complain as God allowed him to be on this earth for 90 years and in my life for over a decade, yet it feels like this aching in my heart has yet to heal once again is the same aching that my heart still feels after losing my grandfather 16 years ago. What such great men of God, and even more of blessing to have had the time with them that I have had. Today, my heart goes out to and stays steadfast in prayer for all those that need encouragement. Trust and believe God makes no mistakes, not even when we have sure fire position that He has had to make a mistake for us to be dealing with the situations that we have to deal with. Just as I told a friend of mine today whose mother was recently admitted back into the hospital wrestling with cancer, which is tearing her kidneys down… while we have no idea why things are the way that they are or why there is so much pain, we have to know for certain that God is in full control. While we are sitting back asking ourselves why, He is saying “why not” because there is a purpose and plan for 19 PEAS Magazine August 2013 Edition
Paula Whitebear-Burton everything that takes place in our lives and even when we can’t see that purpose or figure out that plan, the situation was already in God’s design for our lives. We have to encourage one another, and at times even encourage ourselves, we have to build each other up instead of tearing each other down, we have to be mindful that even as we stand in the midst of our own personal storms there may be someone that crosses our path that is dealing with a tsunami within their lives. I didn’t fall to stay down, in fact the quote that I continuously meditate on is “What we do does not define us…what defines us is how well we rise after falling.” So what do you do? Do you have faith, stand, and fight; or do you doubt your faith and take flight? Faith is defined in the Bible as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Even if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can move mountains…and just think, here I was just the other day asking God why does He keep allowing me to go through these same situations, when the reality is, as I told my friend, I should be saying thank you Jesus for it all anyhow. The thing is, we are not fighting a natural battle, we are fighting a spiritual battle, a battle that is requiring us to be prayed up, steadfast in the Word, and continuously speaking praise even when we’re going through. When you’ve cried all the tears you can cry, keep in mind that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in morning. No one is immune to the trials and tribulations of life; they are just “A Test of Faith…”, but it’s your choice on whether you will “…Fight or Take Flight.”
PEAS IN THEIR PODS KEEPING OUR CHILDREN PRIORITY
www.peasintheirpods.com
20 PEAS Magazine August 2013 Edition