Adams-Brown Family Reunion Newsletter - February 2018

ISSUE NO. 2

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FEBRUARY 2018

BOOK YOUR ROOMS! THE HFA SELECTS A HOTEL LOCATION FOR THE UPCOMING REUNION The wait is over! We are announcing the selection for this year's rooming accommodations!

The Hyatt Place Lombard is offering an amazing rate which includes breakfast for everyone who is registered in your room!

Take a look inside to get more information about this beautiful property and instructions on how to book your room at the negotiated rate!

WHAT'S IN THIS ISSUE HOTEL INFORMATION SIBLING SPOTLIGHT OUR BEGINNINGS HEALTH CORNER "UNCONDITIONAL" EPISODE 1 AND MORE!

A Letter to my Younger Self You’re itching to be on your own. You don’t want anybody telling you what time you have to be in at night or how to raise your baby. You’re going to leave your mother’s big comfortable house and she won’t stop you, because she knows you too well.

But listen to what she says: When you walk out of my door, don’t let anybody raise you — you’ve been raised.

You know right from wrong.

In every relationship you make, you’ll have to show readiness to adjust and make adaptations.

Remember, you can always come home.

You will go home again when the world knocks you down — or when you fall down in full view of the world. But only for two or three weeks at a time. Your mother will pamper you and feed you your favorite meal of red beans and rice. You’ll make a practice of going home so she can liberate you again — one of the greatest gifts, along with nurturing your courage, that she will give you.

Be courageous, but not foolhardy.

Walk proud as you are, Maya Angelou

The millennial generation is creating history before our eyes today! Check out this up and coming entrepreneur and her digital invention that is forward thinking and relevant today!

Maci is the co-founder and CEO of On Second Thought, a messaging app whose patented technology lets users take back text messages before they get to the other person’s phone. She was recognized on Inc. Magazine’s “30 Under 30 List” of 2016, and Washington Business Journal’s “40 Under 40 List” of 2015. In addition, Maci has been identified as "Tech's Newest Innovator" by Essence Magazine, a rising leader in technology by Revolt TV, one of the “29 People You Should Know” by BET, and one of the "25 Black People in Tech You Should Know" by The Huffington Post. Maci began On Second Thought after winning 1st Place in the #StartupOasis pitch competition at South by Southwest in 2014.

Maci is a member of the Internet Marketing Association’s Women Leaders Group. She was a member of the Founder’s Council at the 1776 Incubator in Washington, D.C., and an alumna of the MindShare Class of 2015.

She has been invited to speak at a variety of leadership and business conferences including: South by Southwest, The White House Initiative on HBCUs’ National HBCU Week Conference, Inc. Magazine’s GrowCo, IdeaFest and Cox Communications’ Tech Summit.

The Hyatt Place Chicago-Lombard $129.00/night including breakfast To book online: https://lombard.place.hyatt.com/chizlgadbr2018.html To book via phone: 888.492. 8847 - Block Code is ADBR Dates: July 26 - July 29, 2018 The rate remains the same for each night.

You don't have to stay all nights to take advantage of the rate.

Unconditional backless halter top to match. I made sure I put on my herringbone chain that Rico gave me with our names on it. I added seven bracelets to my wrist, a ring on every finger and my ankle bracelet. To finish off my outfit I had a fresh pair of K-Swiss. I looked in Kia’s full body mirror, “You look good, girl,” I told myself. “Girl, you need on some earrings,” Kia said as she entered the room. “I got ‘em, don’t worry,” I told her.

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. Titus 3:3

Foolish

“Zara Adams…” the assistant principal of Madame C. J. Walker High School announced. I walked across the stage to accept the rolled blank piece of paper in my left hand as I shook the principal’s hand with the right. I smiled as the tall, slim, middle aged man said, “Congratulations.” I was in such a great mood not even his garlic, coffee and cigarette breath could make me frown today. This was going to be the happiest day of my life.

After dosing off 3 or 4 times during the commencement speech the ceremony was finally over. “Would the graduating class of 1995 please stand,” the principal said. “I am so proud of you all.

You are officially graduates of Madame C. J. Walker High.” We all cheered, some threw their hats in the air while others cried and hugged one another. We marched back to gather our things, take pictures and say our final goodbyes to the same people we’ve promised to keep in touch with. After a quick lunch with my family it was time to hit the streets with my girls.

My best friend is also my cousin, Kia. She’s having a graduation party and everybody was going to be there. There was a DJ, food, drinks and boys, boys, boys! When I arrived at Kia’s house, I changed from my powder blue dress, off white stockings and 1 inch sling back sandals that I wore to the graduation.

My mother loved a sale at Venture. She even wanted me to get a hat to match. I pulled my super short red Guess shorts out of my overnight bag, I slipped them on, and a red and white

Kia and I have been together all of our lives. Our mothers are sisters so coming up we did everything together. We used to wear the same size until she suddenly developed huge DD cups in 7th grade. She went to stay with her father in Atlanta for the summer after 6th grade and came back fully developed.

Me, well not so much. I used to tell my mother to send me to Atlanta so I could catch up to Kia. Atlanta must have something in the food that Chicago does not because my boobs are barely there. Auntie Rita, Kia’s mom, is the best at decorating for any event. When she married Kia’s stepdad, Marc, their wedding was so magical. There were floating candles, glitter, diamonds, and flowers everywhere.

“This is how we duuu it,” Montell Jordan sang. The music was loud, we walked into the banquet hall and greeted our family and friends. This party was on and poppin’! We laughed and danced as we made our way to the food buffet.

Mama created a spread of chicken wings (plain, bar-b-que or hot) garden salad, chicken salad, spaghetti, taco salad, punch and a huge cake for all of the graduates to share.

The party lasted until 10:30 PM, by that time the crowd began to shrink as everyone headed home.

“Zara, I see that you really enjoyed yourself,” Mama said as she handed me a 30 gallon trash bag. “I did," I replied to her. “It was the happiest 6 hours of my life.” She hugged me so tight that I could barely breathe. She told me that she was proud of me. Mama cried tears of joy as she praised me for completing high school with honors (GPA 3.9 of 4.0 to be exact!) and being accepted at 3 universities – Howard, Spelman and Yale. My mother told me that she was going to miss me while I continued my studies at Spelman, and she understood that it would help me to develop into a powerful woman of God. “I love you,” we said in at the same time. I thought, sorry mama, I am not thinking about no church. I was thinking about the fraternity men, parties, freedom, and did I mention the frats?

DONALD HALL Born March 22, 1959 Spouse: Doreen Hall

Favorites

Color: Blue Food: Oatmeal with butter and sugar Musician: Roy Ayers

Legacy 2 Children: Robin Armstrong and Desiree Hall 9 Grandchildren

Interview

What does family magic means to you?

Where we all get together and fellowship, eat, have a good time, laugh, and joke. That's the magic of family just love.

What do you consider to be your role in the family as it relates to your siblings?

Just to be there for them as best as I can be. Whether that be one of my skills or to stop by and say hello. A supporter.

What is your first memory of Big Mama Hattie?

The first time I went to Arkansas to visit and I took her a gold chain. She was so excited about getting that chain.

What is your favorite part of the reunion or the part that you look forward to the most?

The eating OF COURSE! Actually - the cooking.

Hanging out with Oscar and everyone on the grills, fellowshipping and talking. That's a special time for me.

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What do you consider to be your gift or talent?

My carpentry skills, things I love to do as a contractor. Also my ability to learn so quickly. I'm a jack of all trades and a master of all of them. Electrical, plumbing, ceramics, etc.

CHARMAINE ANDERSON Born April 27, 1953

Favorites

Color: Fuchsia Food: Rice Song: Be Still and Know That I Am God

Legacy 4 Children: Walter Anderson, Jr., Yolanda Robinson, Shavonne Anderson, and Paul Anderson 20 Grandchildren 11 Great Grandchildren

Interview

What does family magic mean to you?

It means coming together no matter what the differences are. Being humble enough to come together as a family and do your part, that is magic. Don't hesitate to tell family members you love them, you may never get to see them again. In a nutshell - love. To communicate and always keep in touch with one another.

What do you see as your role in the family as it relates to your siblings?

Since I'm older and wiser, I'm the person that the younger siblings call when they want something from the older siblings. Keeping the peace by keeping myself as peaceful as possible. The bold one. Boldness works for me or against me.

What is your first memory of Big Mama Hattie?

Her coming to visit for Thanksgiving. I must've been really young because I didn't know who she was. When I realize she was Big Mama, I was amazed.

I must've been about 7 or 8.

What is your favorite childhood memory?

Christmas. Daddy would make Christmas so big, he went all out of his way to make Christmas big. Not just Christmas, but all the holidays. He would make it work.

What is your gift or talent and how did you discover it?

When I was younger, I used to sing a lot. I love music. I played music all the time and discovered singing. The other is cooking. As I got older, I began to cook and saw that I was good at it. I had no choice but to cook, so I discovered by doing it. I am also an inventor. I just stumbled upon it. The Lord just dropped that in my lap. Really God?

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Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls – a cinnabon copycat recipe, about the closest you’ll get to the real thing. Super easy to make.

Ingredients Dough 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast or instant yeast 1 cup milk lukewarm 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup unsalted butter or margarine softened 1 tsp salt 2 eggs 4 cups all-purpose flour Filling 1 cup brown sugar packed 3 tbsp cinnamon 1/3 cup butter unsalted, softened, or margarine Cream cheese icing 6 tbsp butter unsalted, softened, or margarine 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar also known as icing sugar, or confectioner's sugar 1/4 cup cream cheese at room temperature 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1/8 tsp salt

Notes

Directions For the rolls, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk in a large bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. If the yeast is good, it will start to froth up.

To the bowl of your mixer add the sugar, butter or margarine, salt, eggs, and flour and mix until well incorporated.

Pour the milk/yeast mixture over the flour mixture and using the dough hook, mix well until well incorporated.

Place the dough into an oiled bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.

Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.

Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface, until it is approximately 16 inches long by 12 inches wide. It should be approximately 1/4 inch in thickness.

Spread the 1/3 cup of butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with the sugar evenly over the surface of the dough.

Working carefully, from the long edge, roll the dough down to the bottom edge.

Cut the dough into 1 1/2 inch slices, and place in a lightly greased baking pan. You can also use floss to cut into slices.

Place the cut rolls in the prepared pan. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place the baking pan in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cooking time can vary greatly!

While the rolls are baking make the icing by mixing all the icing ingredients and beat well with an electric mixer until fluffy and smooth.

When the rolls are done, spread generously with icing.

Prep time does not include time to let the dough rise.

Always check the expiration date on your yeast and make sure it hasn't expired. All your yeast products whether it’s in a jar or a package should be stamped with a “Best if Used by” date. Always make sure you check this date, even when you purchase the yeast, who knows it could have been on the shelf past its expiry date.

To keep your yeast fresh and longer lasting, unopened yeast packages or jars should be stored in a cool or dry place such as your cupboard.

However, you can also store your yeast in the fridge or freezer. If you do store it in the freezer and need to use yeast for your baking, make sure you take out the amount you need and let it sit at room temperature for at least half hour before using.

Once your yeast package or jar has been opened, you must refrigerate the yeast or freeze it in an airtight container.

One thing to remember about your yeast, is that it is a living organism and over time it will lose activity, even if you’ve never opened the jar or package. So if you don’t bake often, buy the smaller yeast packages rather than a big jar of yeast.

Make sure your milk is not too hot or it could kill the yeast which will cause your dough not to rise at all. The ideal temperature for the milk should be between 105 F degrees and 110 F for proofing. While 95 F degrees is the best temperature for yeast to multiply, that's not warm enough for proofing active dry yeast.

If after dissolving the yeast in the warm milk, the yeast didn't start to froth up, do not continue with the rolls, your dough will not rise.

TIP: To speed up the dough rising process, heat your oven to 200 F degrees. Turn off the oven and place your dough as specified in step 4 in the oven with the door closed. This will ensure a warm environment for your dough and the dough will rise fairly quickly, assuming the yeast was good.

You could prepare this the day before up until step 10. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge overnight. The rolls should continue to rise in the fridge but if by morning they have not doubled in size, turn your oven on to 200 F degrees until it warms up, then turn it off.

Place the pan in the oven for about 30 to 45 minutes until the rolls double in size. Then you can bake them as instructed.

To freeze unbaked rolls, complete everything up to and including step 10, then wrap the pan in two layers of plastic wrap. Freeze for 8 hours up to 6 weeks. The night before you want to bake the rolls, thaw them out in the refrigerator, still wrapped. They will thaw overnight. Finish the rest of the steps to bake them.

Try your hand at these riddles. The answers will be in next month's issue!

1. What's black, white and red all over?

2. What sits in a corner and travels all over the world?

3. What goes through water but never touches it?

CONGRATULATIONS to Twana Hall for moving into her new apartment! Way to go Twana!

ANNOUNCING a bouncing new baby boy for Shauna Hall!

Kyrie Jamar Weston January 4th, 2018 7 lbs. 3 oz.

CONGRATULATIONS to Autumn Armstrong! Autumn will be serving in the U.S. Navy as a GSMMechanical Engineer. She will be serving four years, leaving in July.

Submit all "Celebrations" entries to: The HFA Newsletter Committee hfanewsletter@gmail.com

We hope you have thoroughly enjoyed the second installment of the The Magic Monthly. If you have any questions or feedback, please reach out to the HFA Newsletter Committee. hfanewsletter@gmail.com HFA Newsletter Committee Yolanda Robinson - Tierra Muhammad Antonio Hall - Marisa Dickson - Carla Curry