Business Journal 143

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July 2019

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143rd Edition

HOW RC FITNESS’ ALL FEMALE FACILITY IS REDEFINING GYM COMMUNITY 14-15

INSIDE

06 The Smith Foundation, Inc. Scholarship Awards Ceremony

11 The Chauncy Glover Project 3rd Annual Black Tie Gala

06 2019 PowerNetworking Conference: Citizens of Generational Wealth

July 2019 | 3

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d-mars.com is proud to share the success stories of African American businesses and civic and community leaders. We know that success does not always come easy and it is not always measured in money. How have you helped your fellow entrepreneur?

Have you supported your locallyowned African American business?

Have you donated to a nonprofit that is working in our underserved communities? Questions to think about and actions to take.

This month’s issue highlights RC Fitness & Signature Physiques Studio, one of the nation’s top ranked womenonly transformation centers for weight

Port of Houston

COO & MANAGING EDITOR Kimberly Floyd EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Tiffany Brown ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla STAFF WRITER Carly Hammack

PROJECT COORDINATOR Lindsey Ford DISTRIBUTION Rockie Hayden

04 Business 04 7 Tips To Hire Smart For Your Small Business 05 More Women and Minorities Needed for Financial Planning Jobs 08 Defining Principles of the Authentic Business Person 06 Community 11 For Colored Boys Who Have Considered Suicide: When Love and 06 2019 PowerNetworking Conference: Mentoring Is Enough!

Citizens of Generational Wealth 12 Mayor Turner’s Open Letter 06 The Smith Foundation, Inc. to Houston Scholarship Awards Ceremony 24 Old Folks Saying/Did You Know?

07 There is No Success Without Successors 26 Texas Black Expo 07 Inspiring Men To Do Good 09 Education 09 Prevent Your Student's 'Summer Slide' With ...Video Games?

09 Increasing Access To Computer Science Education For Students 12 Chevrolet Gives HBCU Students An Opportunity To ‘Discover The Unexpected’

09

16 Health 16 Beauty Beyond Breast Cancer Annual Calendar Photo Shoot 16 Tips For Sanitizing 5 Hard-To-Clean Items In Your Children's Rooms

PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Frenetta Tate Lady Oliver Mayor Sylvester Turner Noel Pinnock Stacy M. Brown

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ART DIRECTOR Angel Rosa GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kendra Wiseman

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BEHIND THE JOURNAL PUBLISHER & CEO Keith J. Davis, Sr.

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loss and toning. This facility is owned and operated by Reggie Collier. Collier and his team have made it their mission to establish a workout facility that offers minority women an environment that is both comfortable and encouraging. Since its 2014 opening, RC Fitness has developed into a place where lives are changed, health is improved, and unbreakable friendships are formed. This month’s issue includes accounts from real clients of RC Fitness as well as owner Reggie Collier.

As always, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support us, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

17 7 Ideas To Give Your Barbecue The Ultimate Flavor Boost 18 3 Easy Changes that Could Transform your Health 20 How You Can Help Bring Nutritious Foods To Kids In Need This Summer

14­,23 Cover Story 14,23 The Mecca of Women's' Transformation: How 14,23

RC Fitness All Female Facility Is Redifinging Gym Community

28 Real Estate 28 Easy DIY Projects To Refresh Your Home Decor 30 How to add a bathroom in the basement or garage 31 The Homeowner’s Guide to Reading Your Roof; What’s Normal and What’s Not

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4  |  July 2019 BUSINESS

7 TIPS TO HIRE SMART FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS AI can also examine inherent bias in the language of job postings, plus evaluate other postings to see what attracts more applicants.

By d-mars.com News Provider

E

ver heard the expression, "One bad apple spoils the barrel?" In business this is especially true because hiring the wrong person can negatively affect everyone working around them, as well as potentially harming the reputation of your company.

Turnover is incredibly expensive and can have a ripple effect throughout an organization. Hiring new employees involves the cost of advertising, possibly an agency or recruiter, plus the time and energy spent searching, selecting, onboarding and training new hires.

For these reasons, any business - especially a smaller one - wants to hire the right person, every time. Here are tips to help you make a smart hire.

3. Include more people in the process.

It is vital to gather input from your team, especially others who understand the position and how that person will work cross functionally with others. It's also useful for the applicant to meet a number of employees with different perspectives in the business, to be sure they'll be a good fit. What doesn't seem like a red flag to one person may be obvious to someone else.

2. Add artificial intelligence (AI) to your talent acquisition toolbox.

AI is quickly becoming a useful tool for talent acquisition, as it reduces unconscious bias in the recruiting process. AI tools can assess a large amount of data and screen candidates without the biases we tend to have.

While the urgency to fill a position may be real, don't rush your decision. Take a step back and consider how they speak during the interview. Does the applicant talk mostly in negative terms about their former position? A negative candidate is likely to find problems in your company, too. Does the applicant ask intelligent questions? If your candidate did their homework, he or she should be able to engage in a meaningful way about the position and your company. If you're unsure, invite the candidate for another interview - or keep looking.

6. Consider a test run.

Does the position allow you to hire someone as a contractor for a short time? Could you search for candidates using a temp agency? Seeing how an applicant functions within the business or assessing their work directly is a great way to ensure this is a good hire. Even if the fit isn't there for a full-time position, it's useful to build a network of contractors for times of sudden growth or special projects, or if an employee needs to take a leave of absence.

1. Use the latest technology to streamline your hiring efforts.

If you are hiring several new people, or anticipate growth, talent acquisition software, such as an applicant tracking system, can help you not only find the right applicants, but efficiently evaluate and track applications throughout the screening and interviewing process.

Dell implemented software called Interview Stream.

This digital interviewing tool has cut the time managers and other team members have to spend interviewing candidates that are not a good job or culture fit by 50 percent. Tools like Interview Stream are affordable ways you can digitally screen candidates before putting them through a live interview.

5. Don't rush to hire.

7. Ask for outside help.

4. Do your due diligence.

Many employers don't follow through on reference checks, which could reveal a lot about potential new hires.

Call the applicant's previous supervisors, even beyond the references provided by the candidate. Ask about the applicant's strengths and weaknesses, as those answers can be critical in making your hiring decision. If the position requires particular technical skills, don't rely solely on outside certifications or credentials. Create a test to assess those skills, to ensure applicants are qualified.

If frequent turnover is a problem, or you're finding it difficult to staff positions, you may have other issues to resolve. There are many resources available for small businesses, so don't be afraid to get an outside perspective. Dell Small Business advisors, for example, are available to answer your questions and offer you advice, no matter the size of your company. Engage the team in a live chat online or via phone to find the right solution for your needs.

Whether you're hiring one person or 10, you want to find valuable hires who will not only contribute to your business and be productive, but who will care about your company's future and stick around long enough to help make it more successful.

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Source: StatePoint

July 2019 | 5 BUSINESS

More Women and Minorities Needed for Financial Planning Jobs By d-mars.com News Provider

A

mericans’ need for competent and ethical financial advice continues to grow, but the population of professionals who can provide such advice is shrinking.

At the same time, the demographics of wealth in the U.S. are shifting. The average net worth of African American families increased by 30 percent from 2013 to 2016, according to the Federal Reserve. Women now control more than one-third of wealth in the country, according to The Boston Consulting Group. And an “InvestmentNews” report found the top-fifth of Latinos, or more than 2.1 million households, have an average wealth of more than $400,000.

Not reflecting these changes, however, are the demographics of today’s financial planning workforce. Less than one-fourth of the more than 84,000 Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professionals are women, and only 3.6 percent are Black or Latino.

The gap between the current state of the financial planning profession and what is needed in this shifting landscape presents big career opportunities for aspiring

CFP professionals, particularly female and minority candidates.

“We need more financial planners,” says Brittney Castro, a Los Angeles-based Latina CFP professional.

“It’s such a great career. You’re helping people with their money, you make good money, and you have ultimate freedom over your time. That’s a win-win-win.”

Financial planners earn a median pay of $89,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which also projects that job opportunities within the financial advisory industry are expected to grow by 15 percent between 2016 and 2026. This means CFP professionals can enjoy lucrative careers with long-term opportunity and room for growth, all while helping others.

The ways in which diverse financial professionals benefit their communities is multifaceted, according to Justin Sullivan, CFP, an African American investment advisor for a wealth management company in Atlanta.

Giving back is a central part of the work, he says, whether through formal financial planning services or simple conversations with people in the community. “I think we take for granted what people know, especially when you talk about groups that have not historically been exposed to wealth.”

Becoming a CFP professional also provides opportunities to serve as a mentor for future generations of financial planners and encourage even greater diversity in the profession. “There are not many of us -- women of color -- who are financial planners, so I have a responsibility,” says Rianka Dorsainvil, a CFP professional in Washington, D.C. “I have to volunteer and raise my hand for leadership positions so other women of color can say, ‘I see her in me, so I can do that too.’”

To learn more about financial planning careers, visit cfp. net/become-a-cfp-professional.

Today’s CFP professionals take pride in meeting the growing need for financial advice, helping people in their community achieve their financial goals, and making a positive difference in their clients’ lives.

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Source: StatePoint

6 | July 2019

In the Business Community…

To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.d-mars.com and Click on ‘Photo Gallery.’

2019 PowerNetworking Conference: Citizens of Generational Wealth The 2019 PowerNetworking Conference: Citizens of Generational Wealth was held recently at the Hilton Americas in Downtown Houston, Texas.

This annual event is hosted by Dr. George C. Fraser, the Guru of Networking in the Black community. This year’s event was the biggest yet. Some prominent guest speakers included Daymond John, Dr. Randal Pinkett, Dr. Julianne Malveaux, plus more than 50 others there to share their expertise. This conference was three days full of learning to maximize the full human potential. In addition to the teaching sessions, there were also workshops, discussion panels and awards ceremonies for prominent figures in the community and business world.

The Smith Foundation, Inc. Scholarship Awards Ceremony The Smith Foundation, Inc. presented $64,000 in awards to its 2019 scholarships recipients.

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July 2019 | 7 COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY

INSPIRING MEN

There is no Success

TO DO GOOD

without Successors

By Noel Pinnock Contributing Writer

The African proverbial phrase, “it takes a village to raise a child,” is certainly applicable at levels of our life, and is not limited to young children, teens, or young adolescents and is by no means exclusive to a specific gender, class, or ethnic group. It originated from the Nigerian Igbo culture and proverb "Ora na azu nwa," which means it takes the community/village to raise a child. The Igbo's also name their children "Nwa ora" which means child of the community. But let’s face it, we are all challenged to maintain our competitive edge in an ever-evolving cultural and socio-economic world that places strong demands on its human capital outlay. It is also very glaring that our village have long since been expanded beyond the reach of our neighboring domiciles. We no longer live in silos bounded by geographical limitations. In fact, in a global economy much like we live in global village and the world is our community and each member affect the lives of the populous at-large. As Dr. King recited to the graduating class of Springfield College on June 14, 1964, just 10 months after the I Have a Dream speech and six months before receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, “we are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly for injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere!”

Much like Dr. King, I definitely learned a lot from my mom and dad, but I learned equally so f r o m the people in my circles as well as those who were not in the circle. Adaptation is a fundamental human trait that has a direct and indirect impact on our lives.

Momma use to say, “watch who you hang around and one who hangs around you.” It is critical that we are cognizant of the power of influence. We inevitably have either positive or negative influences on everyone we directly or indirectly encounter. As the potter shapes the clay, our life’s encounters shape our behavior, thoughts, feelings, attitude, and actions.

About 10 years ago, I spoke before a room full of Senior Level Executives and Melody Bizego, a Corporate Marketing & Communications Strategist, was just one of the 200 attendees. She was kind enough to send these confirming words vis-à-vis of LinkedIn: “…Noel is an enthusiastic and

inspirational speaker, who has the unique ability to reach into his audiences' heart, plant a message of hope and desire, and inspires each to elevate their goals to achieve their dreams. It was exhilarating for me as marketing strategist recently, to witness as Noel’s dynamic charisma and targeted message impacted a room full of Senior Level Executives.” Melody Bizego 10/13/2009 I was pleased to receive these words, because I truly under estimated the impact the short 30-minute speech had on the hearts and minds of so many diverse people packed in the large pale conference room that was adorned with pictures of hope and prosperity. Over one-third of the attendees were eager to converse after the event, which led me to believe each of us can teach one to reach one despite barriers and presuppositions.

Referring back to the African proverb, where it takes a village to raise a child…I challenge you to the two quintessential underlying questions that oftentimes remain stealth in the mindset of so many people who embrace this historical philosophy. These two questions are established on the premise, if it takes a village to raise a child then who trains the village and who in the village is invited to the training because human progress does not roll on the wheels of inevitability. If we want to attain true progress, we must continue to teach one to reach one or as many as we can, one day at a time.

To all my readers, be mindful that we learn something best when we teach it to others and at the end of the day, Pastor Munroe Myles said it best, there is no success without successors. #getatit!

Source: Noel Pinnock

By d-mars.com News Provider

W

ith so many negative messages about masculinity floating around these days, some say it’s important to spend some time focusing on the positive. Doing so can help give men the confidence they need to be their best selves.

In fact, 91 percent of men agree that it takes more confidence to be a “good guy” than it does to be a typical alpha male, according to research from Men’s Wearhouse, which is on a mission to encourage more men to be good on the inside and out. As part of its “Good on You” campaign, they are highlighting the good works of dads and gentlemen everywhere who have gone above and beyond to show they care about something that makes the world a little bit better.

“We believe that good guys everywhere are ready to stand up and be their best selves,” says Tank Sinatra, who after getting sober at 22, decided to surround himself with only positive things. Involved with the nonprofit organizations, Hope House and Bring Change to Mind, he is a social media influencer and founder of Tank’s Good News, which shares only positive news stories.

Already committed to identifying, spreading and celebrating acts of good, Sinatra is now serving as the facilitator of the Good On You Initiative and, in this role, is sharing an inspiring story of a man making the world a little bit better in his own backyard: In 2016, Rodney Smith founded a lawn care nonprofit, Raising Men Lawn Care Service, in his hometown of Huntsville, Alabama. Raising Men Lawn Care Service helps young men give back to their communities by mowing lawns or doing yard work -- free of charge -- for veterans, the elderly, the disabled and single mothers. Smith sought to establish a program that inspires young men to learn and understand their value in society, and acts as a true father figure to many young boys throughout the country. While founded originally in Alabama, the organization now has a presence in almost all 50 states.

To honor Smith’s work, Men’s Wearhouse is donating $10,000 to his organization as a “thank you” for all that he’s doing to help his community. He also received a custom-made jacket and lapel pin, as the brand believes that being your best self, and looking and feeling your best, go hand-in-hand.

To learn more about the campaign, which will honor men throughout the year, as well as to get gift ideas to honor the men in your life, visit menswearhouse.com.

“From activism to fatherhood, moments of good come in all shapes and sizes,” says Sinatra.

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Source: StatePoint

8 | July 2019 BUSINESS BUILDERS

“COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE”

Defining Principles

MISSED OUT ON INDEPENDENCE HEIGHTS? HERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU!

HOT AND UPCOMING AREA

of the Authentic Business Person 1 OR 2 STORY PLANS AVAILABLE FINANCING AVAILABLE INSTANT EQUITY AT CLOSING

By Frenetta Tate Contributing Writer

J

ohn Maxwell said, “Image is what people think we are; integrity is what we really are.”

Authenticity is crucial to the sustainability of your business. The actions and decisions of business persons, at almost every level of management, are more scrutinized now more than ever. The uncovering of abuses of power and unethical behavior over the past seven years has made ‘authenticity’ a highly admired characteristic in business.

Authentic business persons inspire those around them, bringing people of all backgrounds and statuses together around a commonality of values and goals. In addition, they tend to motivate others to create value for everyone involved. It would be to your advantage to incorporate values that speak to the principles of authenticity in your business operations, internally towards your employees and externally towards your clients.

In a world where lies are often more appealing than truth; Honesty, fairness and ethical behavior are still highly valued. An authentic business person is trustworthy, genuine, and committed to the truth.

They know who they are, have confidence in what they stand for and consciously choose to act with integrity in all of their business dealings. While there are many qualities of an authentic person; six will be highlighted here: The Authentic Business Person:

1. Embraces Growth.

The authentic business person understands that change is inevitable, but Growth, learning, developing and evolving is crucial and mandatory. Authentic business persons seek to be a better person and adjusting to life’s challenges and conditions with a positive outlook that influences others.

2. Operates in Truth.

As an authentic business person grows, he or she becomes more honest with themselves and all those they make contact with, thereby developing a higher level of trust and kindness towards others and in their relationships with others.

3. Seeks Wisdom.

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4. Takes Initiative.

Albert Schweitzer said, “Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.” An authentic business person is a passionate go-getter. If something needs to be done, they get it done; leading by example and showing the way for those coming after them. They are servant persons with willing hearts and action-oriented thoughts.

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5. Encourages Diversity.

An authentic business person understands the value of diversity and therefore fosters diverse interaction among others and seeks to create an environment that spurs innovation and positive conflict resolution.

6. Practices Integrity.

An authentic business person integrates his or her life with the highest levels of ethics and practices integrity in relationships with others, with clients, vendors and business partners.

It is noble for business persons to desire making an indelible impact in their organization, influence their employees and have solid relationships with business clients but what is of most importance is that persons are authentic in their business, trustworthy in their client’s eyes and ethical in their dealings. By doing this, they will be great persons and make an impact worth remembering. These six defining principles can serve as a guide as you grow in your ability and desire to lead with authenticity.

Frenetta Tate is a Certified Women’s Empowerment Coach and Entrepreneur Coach, Business Consultant and Awardwinning Published author. She can be reached at frenetta@frenettatate.com, Frenetta Tate @ IG, FB, Twitter and LinkedIn. Source: Frenetta Tate

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July 2019  |  9

Prevent your student's 'summer slide' with ... video games?

EDUCATION

skills and create a sense of community. In-game friendships (sometimes with players many states away) can expand the world around them. Games rooted in a positive, shared social experience and teamwork encourage collaboration and friendship.

3) Find games that involve reading.

Believe it or not, there are games where reading is a healthy part of the process. Barr points to Star Stable, an online horse game geared for today's tween/teen girls that has more words than the Lord of the Rings series, and in fact, the storyline for the game evolves each week.

By d-mars.com

4) Discover a game that encourages design and art.

News Provider

S

chool is out for the summer, and parents everywhere are worried about their kids spending too much time staring at their screens. If you are one of those worried parents, take a moment and determine what your child is actually doing with their screens. It's one thing if they're just consuming content, it's another if they're actually using their screen to be productive.

Screens actually can be tools to enhance learning, spark creativity and teach new skills. The key is to tap into your child's interests and discover screen-time options that provide a balance between consuming and creating.

Digital parenting expert Leticia Barr has been helping parents navigate the digital age for years. Her awardwinning blog, called Tech Savvy Mama, advises a big part of managing summer screen time is being able to distinguish between active and passive screen time. When kids are actively engaged, they're learning through the content on the screen whereas passive screen time is all about consumption. As parents, it's critical that we know the difference between the two and recognize when our kids are just consuming content versus using technology as a learning tool. It's easy to see them on a screen

and harp on them to get off when really, they might be learning a useful skill.

Barr offers guidelines to help parents search out ways kids can actually learn through screens this summer to keep their minds active and avoid the summer slide.

1) Find games that challenge kids to think.

Games involving problem-solving help kids feel a sense of accomplishment. When they analyze a problem and resolve it successfully, it boosts confidence. Many games today incorporate problem-solving as part of the adventure, such as multi-player games that introduce quests or challenges to solve.

2) Look for games that require collaboration and teamwork.

Increasing access to computer science education for students News Provider

F

or today's students, learning how to code is becoming just as important as learning how to read. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says computer science is the fastest growing profession within the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) field. They also project that, by 2020, there will be 1.4 million computer science-related jobs available and only 400,000 computer science graduates with the skills to apply for those jobs.

Historically, access to computer science education and skills training has been absent in the curriculum for many underrepresented and underserved communities, despite research showing that exposure to these subjects at a young age makes students more likely to pursue computer science in college. The new childhood-to-career program, Amazon Future Engineer, is working to change that with a four-step process to ensure access for all students.

K-8: First, the program has after-school computer science workshops, coding camps hosted at schools and various

Source: BPT

Games can encourage collaboration, communication EDUCATION

By d-mars.com

Kids can use games to explore their creative side this summer. In fact, the first step of playing Star Stable requires players to design their own character and horse.

These kinds of games can spark a new interest and keep the creative juices flowing during the summer weeks.

"Playing video games is not simply entertainment or an escape; playing video games can be a form of learning and active thinking. The best games offer intellectual challenges, social interaction and a creative outlet," said Barr. "Games like Star Stable provide opportunities for players to think boldly and express themselves, so it is no surprise that the right game is also ideal for summer learning and fun."

Since not all screen time is created equal, Barr advises parents to help guide kids toward activities during the summer months to keep them learning. Seek out activities, including video games, to help foster interests, learn new skills and prevent the dreaded summer slide.

Learn more about parenting in the digital age by visiting www.techsavvymama.com.

levels, since learning to code, and there is no doubt in my mind that we have paved the way for them to head down very successful career paths in the field of computer science.

I truly believe our students, particularly our female students, have been empowered by the computer science courses."

College:

As students head off to college, the program offers new resources to support continued education in the field. The program provides 100 students from underrepresented and underserved communities committed to studying computer science in college with a $40,000 college scholarship $10,000 per year. For many students, this financial aid is the catalyst that allows them to pursue post-secondary education and a career in computer science. "This scholarship is very important because it means when I go to college, I won't have to constantly worry about money," said scholarship recipient Leo Jean Baptiste, from Orange High School in Orange, New Jersey.

locations, and online computer science courses like Coding with Kids and Code.org's Hour of Code: Dance Party - all designed to encourage students to explore computer science.

"Without Amazon Future Engineer funding this coding camp, my son would not have had such a wonderful opportunity because I simply could not afford it," explained Internship: Kelly Garcia, whose son Pierce attended a Coding with Amazon Future Engineer also offers the 100 scholarship Kids camp in Seattle, Washington. recipients a guaranteed, paid summer internship after their first year of college. Interns partner closely with a techniHigh school: cal mentor and manager, as well as their fellow interns, to The majority of public elementary and high schools, innovate and create. particularly in low-income communities, do not offer com"I not only witnessed but was immersed in what it's puter science classes. Each year, Amazon Future Engineer like to be a software development engineer," explained provides 2,000 schools across the country (totaling about Nari Johnson, a sophomore at Harvard University study100,000 students) with Intro to Computer Science and ing computer science. "I left my internship feeling more AP Computer Science classes through trusted curriculum confident in my ability to transform a vision for a service providers. All students participating in this program also or product into reality. As a woman in computer science, receive a free membership to AWS Educate, which provides Amazon's commitment to diversity and early computer them with free access to computing power in the AWS science education has been especially meaningful to me."

Cloud for their coding projects, and content to learn about cloud computing.

Students, teachers, school administrators, and parents can Jennifer Tulipano, a teacher who is using the course in learn more and apply at www.amazonfutureengineer.com. her classroom at Monsignor Scanlan High School in the Bronx says, "It's exciting to see the significant increase in my Source: BPT students' creativity, logical thinking skills and confidence

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10 | July 2019 EDUCATION

CHEVROLET GIVES HBCU STUDENTS

an Opportunity to ‘DISCOVER THE UNEXPECTED’ Chevrolet announced on Friday, June 7 the 2019 Discover the Unexpected Fellows (left to right): Elae Hill (North Carolina A&T), Sharon Joy Washington (Florida A&M), Tyla Barnes (Hampton University), Tedarius Abrams (Bethune-Cookman University), Emani Nichols (Morehouse College) and Miana Massey (Howard University) pictured with the all-new 2019 Chevrolet Blazer. In partnership with the National Newspapers Publishers Association, these young aspiring journalists will embark on an 8-week road trip to discover and share positive stories within African American communities.

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Contributor

C

hevrolet and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) have selected six students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities to participate in the 2019 Discover the Unexpected Journalism (DTU) Fellowship.

With the help of NNPA editors and reporters, the Fellows will travel the country to discover and share positive, inspirational and relevant stories from African American communities during their eight-week summer internship.

The 2019 DTU Journalism Fellows are Tedarius Abrams (Bethune-Cookman), Tyla Barnes (Hampton University), Elae Hill (North Carolina A&T), Miana Massey (Howard University), Emani Nichols (Morehouse College) and Sharon Joy Washington (Florida A&M).

Chevrolet will award each DTU Fellow a $10,000 scholarship and a $5,000 stipend. Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 100 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks each year.

A trade association of more than 200 African Americanowned community newspapers from around the country, the NNPA has consistently been the voice of the Black community for 77 years.

The organization has been an incubator for news that makes history and, as the largest and most influential Black-owned media resource in America, the NNPA delivers news, information and commentary to more than 20 million people each week.

For the DTU program, students form two teams of three Fellows each. Each team will have access to an all-new 2019 Chevrolet Blazer during their reporting assignments.

Launched in 2016 and now in its fourth year, the

DTU program has awarded more than $400,000 in scholarships and stipends.

Initially, program participation was limited to students from Howard University, one of the nation’s most prestigious HBCUs. However, based on the overwhelming response and success of the program, the online submission process was eventually expanded to include students from any of the nation’s HBCUs in their sophomore through senior years with an interest in journalism, communications, mass media or visual arts.

“Our partnership with the NNPA continues to provide a unique platform to connect with young and remarkable storytellers.” said Paul Edwards, U.S. vice president of Chevrolet Marketing.

“From the inaugural launch at Howard University to the inclusion of all the HBCUs, it’s Chevrolet’s pleasure to partner with members of the African American community, ensuring a legacy is established for generations to come,” Edwards said.

“We’re thrilled to meet this year’s group of Fellows and immerse them in all things Chevrolet,” he said.

The NNPA “is excited to partner with Chevrolet for another year in support of young journalists to amplify

community voices across our country,” said NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. “Having these young journalists in our newsrooms working side by side with our editors and writers is inspiring and we are committed to including young storytellers’ voices in our reporting,” Chavis said.

The DTU Fellowship will take place from June 6 to Aug. 1, 2019.

The 2019 DTU Fellows teams will each work with two of the four participating NNPA member publications: the Atlanta Voice, Chicago Crusader, Houston Forward Times and Washington Informer.

The Fellows’ journey has already begun in Atlanta, where they participated in two days of journalism training with Chevrolet and NNPA leadership in preparation for them to “hit the road” to begin their reporting assignments.

Their stories will be featured on the Chevrolet DTU website (www.nnpa.org/chevydtu) and distributed through NNPA’s Newswire service throughout the summer.

Disc jockey and music producer DJ Envy, a co-host of the syndicated radio show “The Breakfast Club,” serves as the program’s national spokesperson while musician and author, Fonzworth Bentley, will serve as the Fellows’ Road Trip Advisor.

Both Envy and Bentley are HBCU alums — Envy graduated from Virginia’s Hampton University and Bentley is a Morehouse College graduate.

To learn more about the Discover the Unexpected Journalism Fellowship, visit www.nnpa.org/chevydtu.

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Source: NNPA

In the Business Community…

July 2019 | 11

To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.d-mars.com and Click on ‘Photo Gallery.’

For Colored Boys Who Have Considered Suicide: When Love and Mentoring IS Enough!

The Chauncy Glover Project Houston held its 3rd Annual Black-Tie Gala recently at the Wortham Center Cullen Theater in Houston. This year’s theme was “For Colored Boys Who Have Considered Suicide: When Love and Mentoring IS Enough!” which was showcased by a theatrical journey focused on how CGP helped its students take charge of their own lives as they tackle the hard truths about suicide among boys of color and how love and mentoring is enough to save them.

They also recognized several outstanding individuals for their contributions to young people and the community.

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12 | July 2019 COMMUNITY

other, where you will meet, and who you can leave messages with out-of-state if you can’t reach people locally.

If you or a loved one has special needs, be sure to plan for these as well.

Be sure everyone in the family knows how to get in touch with one another. Keep a list of important phone numbers in your emergency kit. Don’t forget your pets!

Have a pet plan in place and a pet disaster emergency kit that includes a collar with ID tag and a harness or leash ready to go. In case of an emergency evacuation, this will minimize stress and chaos for you and your pet.

MAYOR TURNER’S OPEN LETTER TO HOUSTON

For Houston’s Hurricane Season

Build a Kit Stock up on water and non-perishable food. Also make sure you have portable chargers, batteries, and flashlights on hand. Store important personal papers and financial information, such as Social Security numbers, birth certificates, and real estate documents, in a safe place.

Know Your Neighbors

By Sylvester Turner Houston Mayor

e’re in the middle of hurricane season. It’s important to be prepared in case a hurricane hits the Houston area.

Each hurricane is different – some have more wind than rain, others more rain and wind. So, the next storm may affect us in ways different from what Hurricane Harvey brought.

Here’s what you can do to be ready.

W

Stay Alert!

Pay attention to trusted weather forecasting sources.

Also, sign up for AlertHouston emergency notifications through e-mail, text message, voice call, or mobile app.

Download the Everbridge app for free to receive the information on your mobile device. Most alerts are aimed at certain parts of the city, depending on weather conditions. Subscribers with loved ones around the city may register up to five physical addresses per contact.

Help your community by getting to know your neighbors. Disasters shouldn’t be the only time our communities come together. Make the time now to get meet your neighbors so you’re ready to help each other when disaster strikes.

Houstonians are no strangers to emergencies, but we can always be better prepared for the next one. Stay safe and stay #HoustonStrong.

Source: Mayor Sylvester Turner

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July 2019 | 13

AVAILABLE

NOW

One thing I am proud of is, for 20 years, I have kept my core beliefs,” Davis said. “I know that by holding on to those values, we have changed lives and helped people grow in business and in their personal lives.

It is all thanks to the people who supported us, people who saw we were good for the community.

— Keith “MR. D-MARS” Davis, Sr.

ORDER ONLINE NOW WWW.KEITHJDAVISSR.COM (713) 373.5577 Keith J Davis Sr.

@KeithJDavisSr

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14 | July 2019

THE

TRAN By d-mars.com News Provider

R

C Fitness & Signature Physiques Studio. From its humble beginnings of free boot camps in the park, with hardly any clientele, RC Fitness has transformed into “the Mecca of women’s transformations,” boasting hundreds of triple digit weight loss stories as well as complete medical transformations with diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes being brought under control.

Reggie Collier opened the first location of RC Fitness in 2014. He wanted to create a place that catered to all women’s goals whether it be weight loss, health and wellness, muscle gain or toning.

“I noticed women needed a little more support in our community with being consistent and committed to their health and wellness goals,” Collier said. “They needed a place to go where they did not feel intimidated or distracted and could focus on gaining the knowledge and tools to better themselves.”

Collier also wanted his fitness center to focus on the needs of minority women in the community.

“I noticed in the Fitness World the majority of things are catered toward more mainstream communities, so I wanted an atmosphere that catered to minority women and their health and fitness goals.”

At RC Fitness there are options available for every woman, no matter their schedule, fitness level or fitness goals. They offer 21, 30, 60 and 90-day fitness challenges throughout the year as well as small group workout classes, public bootcamps and even online training videos.

Through these various fitness options, hundreds of women have achieved record breaking weight loss goals, beat illnesses and completely transformed their lives.

One RC Fitness customer that reaped great benefits from changing her lifestyle is Tyler Oaks. At just 29 years old, Oaks was suffering from fibromyalgia as well as ovarian cysts.

“I was so young and dealing with so many aches and pains, I knew it was time for a change,” Oaks said.

HOW AN ALL FEM

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Within the first six months of joining RC Fitness, O majority of her illnesses were gone, and she was ab Oaks has been a part of RC Fitness for over two yea teaches small group classes several times a week.

“I would encourage women looking to make a lifestyle change to let go of the past and embrace stepping into the new you,” Oaks said. “There is always going to be someone in the Reggie C Fitness family willing to help you and take you under their wing.”

Another woman who credits the community at RC Fitness with “saving her life” is Jordan Latham.

Latham joined RC Fitness in 2017 after realizing the unhealthy amount of weight she gained during her pregnancy. After her first 21 days, she lost 20 lbs. This weight loss revealed a lump on her breast she had not noticed before.

“It turned out to be breast cancer,” Latham said.

“My oncologist and other doctors said I was so fortunate to have lost the weight, otherwise I woul noticed the lump.”

Latham continued to pursue her health and weight even during her chemo treatments, and she credits t of her trainers and workout community with givi motivation to keep going.

“My trainers were so incredibly supportive,” Latham realized my limitations and helped modify my work when my hair fell out from chemo, and I had to wear they would continuously tell me how beautiful I was A year after her diagnosis, she was finally strong complete a 90-day challenge and lose the rest of the wanted gone.

“There is just an environment and community of su it enough: It is because of those women and Reggie

July 2019 | 15

E MECCA OF WOMEN'S

NSFORMATION

MALE FACILITY IS REDEFINING GYM COMMUNITY

Oaks lost 75 lbs, and a doctor’s visit in October showed the ble to completely stop taking her medications. ars now and has even obtained her training certification and

uld not have

ht loss goals the support ing her the

m said. “They kouts. Even hair wraps, s.” g enough to e weight she

upport you don’t get at any other gym,” she said. “I can’t say e and his trainers I am here today.”

Next to its transformative results with medical conditions and overall health and wellness, RC Fitness’ community is the main reason there is such a large, consistent client base. Many of the women who train here credit the camaraderie and accountability as the reason they’ve stuck with their workout lifestyle.

Claudenia Joseph had tried every exercise option before coming to RC Fitness. She has lost 101 lbs on her fitness journey so far, and gives credit to, not only her determination, but the accountability from her trainer and workout community too.

“It was the accountability,” Joseph said. “The trainer assigned to me has a passion and determination I really enjoyed. She wanted the results for me just as much as I wanted them for myself. I also met some phenomenal women who all share a common passion of wanting to become the best version of ourselves.”

For Jamila McGee, joining RC Fitness was the last option. She had tried every other thing it seemed but was never able to stick with any of it. A visit to the dentist forced her to get on the scale, and not having weighed herself in months, this was a wake-up call that she needed to change her lifestyle.

After finally taking someone up on the offer to join RC Fitness, and pushing through the initial intimidation of being in a new gym with new people, McGee realized how kind and supportive the community there was.

“They were always reminding me that we all started somewhere, and that is what kept me there,” she said. “I think if you are determined to lose weight but do not know where to start, [RC Fitness] is the right place. His facility not only provided the knowledge and training to succeed, but also comes with a support system of women all reaching for the same goal of being healthy.”

Building a community where women can be comfortable and have the motivation to achieve their ideal health was Collier’s goal when starting RC Fitness. He wanted it to be less of “just another cool gym” and more of a space for women to build relationships and push each other towards reaching their goals.

“I feel like the thing that our gym has that others don't is the community aspect,” Collier said. “Our gym community is like no other. We've had complete strangers become friends and form relationships that seem as strong as family members. And it is so fulfilling to see these women at the end of their challenges look at where they started and see how far they have come and how much they’ve grown, not just in weight loss but in the full spectrum of their lifestyles.”

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

16 | July 2019 COMMUNITY

“A man who asks is a fool for five minutes.

A man who never asks is a fool for life.”

A young boy by the name of Jerry Henry was walking through the downtowns of New York when he ran into Mr. Doulas. Mr. Doulas is the President of one of the top law offices in Manhattan. While taking an important phone, call Mr. Doulas accidently ran into Jerry causing him to break his phone. Jerry immediately turned red and started yelling in rage. Mr. Doulas apologized and handed Jerry a few hundred dollar bills to replace his broken phone. Jerry snatched the money and calmed down. Mr. Doulas decided to spend a few moments talking to Jerry and making sure he was alright and learned that he was traveling from a rough part out town and was downtown in search of a job. Doulas, gladly handed Jerry

DID YOU KNOW

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Contributor Known as the “Queen of Creole Cuisine,” Leah Chase carved out quite the niche in and around New Orleans for more than six decades.

During that time, she fed individuals like Quincy Jones, Jesse Jackson, Duke Ellington, Thurgood Marshall, James Baldwin, Ray Charles, Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama and countless others as Executive Chef of Dooky Chase’s Restaurant — one of the best-known and most culturally significant restaurants in New Orleans.

“If your soul is in New Orleans, I know what to give you,” Chase once said in response to being asked if she served soul food. “I’m going to give you some jambalaya. I can give you some stewed chicken. I can give you some shrimp Creole,” she said. The renowned cook and freedom fighter, Chase died on Saturday, June 1. She was 96.

“Her daily joy was not simply cooking but preparing meals to bring people together. One of her most prized contributions was advocating for the Civil Rights Movement through feeding those on the front lines of the struggle for human dignity,” Chase’s family said in a statement announcing her death.

his business card and told him to give him a call and he would look for an open position at his law firm. On the way home Jerry anticipated near the payphone on if he should call Mr. Doulas or not. After pacing back and forth a few times, he decided not to give him a call and inquire about the position. When he arrived home he told his dad what had happened to him, and mentioned that he asked a successful businessman for a job. His dad asked with excitement, “Well did you call him, did you get the job?” Jerry replied, “Yes! I got it.” His father replied, “A man who asks is a fool for five minutes. A man who never asks is a fool for life.”

REMEMBERING

QUEEN OF CREOLE CUISINE

Leah Chase

JANUARY 6, 1923 – JUNE 1, 2019

“She saw her role and that of Dooky Chase’s Restaurant to serve as a vehicle for social change during a difficult time in our country's history,” the family said.

Born on January 6, 1923 in New Orleans, Chase was one of 14 children. She was raised in the small town of Madisonville, Louisiana.There were no high schools for black children, so after sixth grade, Chase moved to New Orleans to live with an aunt, according to her official biography.

After completing high school, Chase had a colorful work history including managing two amateur boxers and becoming the first woman to mark the racehorse board for a local bookie.Her favorite job, though, was waiting tables in the French Quarter. It was there that she developed her love for food and feeding others. In 1946, she married local musician Edgar “Dooky” Chase Jr., whose father had opened a street corner stand selling lottery tickets and his wife’s homemade po’boy sandwiches. Eventually, Leah and Dooky Jr. took over the business, which by then had become a sit-down restaurant and a favorite local gathering place.

In a town deeply divided by segregation, Dooky Chase’s Restaurant was one of the only public places in New Orleans where mixed race groups could meet to discuss strategy for the local Civil Rights Movement. Although such gatherings were illegal through most of the 1960s, Dooky Chase’s was so popular; it would have caused a public uproar if local law enforcement had

interrupted the meetings.

Black voter registration campaign organizers, the NAACP, backdoor political meetings and countless others often found a home at Dooky Chase’s, and Leah cooked for them all, her biography noted.

Chase was also a patron of black art and her collection — displayed on the walls of her restaurant — was at one time considered New Orleans’ best collection of African American art. Until her death, Chase served on the board of the New Orleans Museum of Fine Arts and once testified before Congress to lobby for greater funding for the National Endowment for the Arts. She participated in countless political campaigns and has used her culinary talents and celebrity to raise money for a myriad of charities and services. Her cookbooks, including “The Dooky Chase Cookbook,” “And Still I Cook,” and “Leah Chase: Listen, I Say Like This,” are popular and have received great praise among her most famous colleagues. “Leah Chase was a legend, an icon and an inspiration,” New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said.

“It is impossible to overstate what she meant to our City and to our community. At Dooky Chase’s Restaurant: she made creole cuisine the cultural force that it is today,” Cantrell said.

Chase fed Freedom Riders during the Civil Rights Movement and she fed James Meredith and put him up the night before he integrated the University of Mississippi, said Kristen Clarke, the president and executive director of the National Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “She provided a space for whites and Blacks to strategize when other restaurants wouldn’t,” Clarke said.

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July 2019  |  17

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18 | July 2019

In the Business Community…

REAL ESTATE

To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.d-mars.com and Click on ‘Photo Gallery.’

2019 Texas Black Expo The annual Texas Black Expo was held recently at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The event began with a VIP networking event called Coffee & Conversation Professional Networking Happy Hour which included partners such Nightlight Pediatric Urgent Care, d-mars.com, Houston Forward Times, HEB, McDonald’s Houston and many more. The actual expo was a two-day showcase full of vendors and businesses promoting their products and services. There was also a College Fair and Kids Zone inside the expo. The event was concluded with a “Party in the Park” hosted by 97.9 The Box radio personality Kiotti, with performances by R&B singer Elle Varner, rapper Lil’ Keke and previous showcase winner Vannah Blaq.

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July 2019  |  19

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20  |  July 2019 REAL ESTATE

EASY DIY PROJECTS to refresh your home decor

EasyPress(TM), which provides professional results in 60 seconds or less without the guesswork of timing or temperature settings. What designs are trending this year? Mandala designs are great for a variety of home aesthetics, and words and phrases are always popular and can be completely personalized.

By d-mars.com News Provider

W

hen you look at your favorite interior spaces, are you craving a refresh? If your home decor is dated, drab or you're just bored with it, an update is in order.

Fortunately, you don't need to hire an expensive interior designer or completely redo rooms. With a few key DIY projects, you can easily give each room a facelift without spending a lot of money. Better yet, this gives you the opportunity to personalize your decor so it's one of a kind and truly reflects who you are.

Whether you're a savvy DIYer or just have always wanted to personalize your own projects, consider these simple home decor ideas i to update your home and bring new life to your favorite spaces:

Adorable umbrella wreath Add cheer to your front door or anywhere in your house with a homemade wreath that can be constructed in minutes. Use an umbrella as the base of the wreath.

Purchase a new one in a bright hue or use one from around your home. You'll want one with a hooked handle, as that will be how you hang this special wreath. Turn upside-down and open slightly. Then tuck into the top opening silk flowers of your choice that you can find at your local dollar or craft store. Tie the middle of the umbrella with a bow to secure flowers in place and allow the umbrella to be hung securely. Then, simply use the handle to hang on your front door's wreath hook or anywhere else in your home where you desire to add seasonal color.

Pineapple paper vases Think outside the box when deciding on materials to use for your project. While vases are often made out of glass or porcelain, how fun would it be to update your space with paper vases?

Heartfelt wooden signs

Opportunities are limitless with the Cricut Maker(TM) that allows you to cut hundreds of materials quickly and accurately, from the most delicate paper and fabric to chipboard and leather. Pineapples are a symbol of hospitality and are an ideal design for warm-weather months. You can use the Cricut Scoring Wheel to create stunning geometric Paper Pineapple Vases (pictured) in a variety of sizes from 3- to 10-inches tall. Add silk flowers (or make your own!) to these vases for a splash of color in any room, from the vanity in the bathroom to the kitchen table.

Personalized accent pillows Decorative pillows add pops of color to couches, chairs and other furniture. New pillows can be costly, so consider updating the ones you have with iron-on appliques that you create yourself. Use the Cricut Maker to cut words, silhouettes and other fun designs with Cricut's Everyday Iron-on(TM), which comes with a StrongBond guarantee so you can enjoy it wash after wash. After cutting your designs, weed the iron-on and apply using the Cricut

Rustic chic is a top design style, and wooden signs are a perfect example of this trend. Wooden boards personalized with meaningful sayings, monograms and other custom elements are popular, but you won't have to pay an artist to create one for you. Instead, go to your local craft store and buy an affordable board in the shape of your choice. To save money, go through scrap lumber you might have and sand a piece to prepare it for paint. Start by creating an outline of what you want to paint using a pencil, so it can easily be painted over or erased. If you're not good at freehand designs, use a stencil to create your preferred design. A popular design is to write out your last name and then under it put an establish date. For example: "Nelson" followed by "est. 2005".

These simple home decor projects will get the creative juices flowing and help you refresh your home and personalize your spaces. With fresh color, fun designs and personalized elements, you'll enjoy these one-of-a-kind decorations for many years to come.

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Source: BPT

July 2019 | 21

Save The

DATE

2019

7th Annual Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards Gala

August 23,

2019

The Houstonian Hotel 111 N. Post Oak Lane Houston, TX 77024 www.top30women.com

FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES EMAIL OPERATIONS@TOP30WOMEN.COM

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22 | July 2019 REAL ESTATE

How to add a bathroom in the basement or garage By d-mars.com News Provider

O

It's home improvement season, which means you're probably dreaming of enhancements to make your space more livable and to enhance property value. Adding a bathroom is a great way to do both, but for many people, concrete poses a potential problem.

Want to add a bathroom to your garage? How about in the basement? A bathroom addition means you need proper plumbing, and often in these types of spaces none exists.

You have a cold concrete slab and a bit of a dilemma: Do you give up on your bathroom dreams or cut through the concrete to put in the conventional below-floor drainage and piping necessary for a bathroom?

Cutting through concrete is not to be taken lightly.

Before you hire a contractor or rent a jackhammer and concrete saw, remember these red flags.

basin, but that perfect shape will inevitably crack on the edges and fray outward in unintended directions. Once a stress crack is created, it can extend into the footing or into the walls.

3. Cutting concrete is unpredictable: It is difficult to know the depth of the concrete and whether it sits on rocks or a ledge, as well as if it contains rebar or tension cables. You can cause major damage if you accidentally cut one of those cables, so many professional contractors use an X-ray machine to determine the positioning of the cables, which is an additional cost.

5 reasons to avoid cutting concrete 1. Cutting concrete undermines structural integrity: When you cut a slab you compromise the foundational integrity of the building. You may be able to patch the hole so it's aesthetically appealing, but the floor will not be as solid as it was to begin with. Plus, if your home sits on ground that's less than solid, such as sand, it may settle differently after the cut.

2. Cutting concrete is never perfect: You may need to cut a circle, square or rectangle into a floor for burying a sewage ejector and its waste-storage

4. Cutting concrete creates leaks and seepage: Once a stress crack is generated, radon and groundwater penetration are major issues, with the latter bringing unwanted moisture and mold problems as well. You don't need a major flood to trigger these hazards. A higher-thanusual water table, because of extended wet weather, could be the culprit.

5. Large amounts of dust: Breaking through concrete generates a large amount of noise and dust. The noise stops when the jackhammers and saws shut down, but the dust doesn't fade as quickly. That's because it is not conventional household dust, but a thick particulate that gets into the central air system, which means it can be around for a long time if not properly handled.

Consider smart alternatives Beyond these red flag reasons, cutting concrete can be time-consuming and expensive. The actual expense of cutting concrete depends on the size and complexity of the job, as well as local labor availability and rates. In some parts of the nation, the per-foot rate may be a few hundred dollars; in others, $1,000 or more.

To add a bathroom but avoid cutting concrete and the associated cost, consider Saniflo above-floor plumbing technology. Macerating (also called up-flush) plumbing systems can be installed right on top of the existing floor virtually anywhere in your home.

How do macerating systems work? Waste and water from a toilet, tub or sink are pumped through small-diameter piping, rather than flowing down like conventional plumbing. The up-flush system doesn't store waste like a sewage ejector system; waste and water move out of the house to the septic or sewer system with every flush.

Macerating toilet and plumbing technology can be installed on top of concrete slabs, which means no costly cuts or messy, time-consuming extra steps. If space is a problem, these bathrooms can also be installed in a closet or the area beneath a stairway. Learn more at http://go.saniflo.com.

advertising

Source: BPT

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July 2019  |  23 REAL ESTATE

e d i u g s ' r e n w o e m o The h

F O O R R U O Y G N I D A E TO R 's not t a h w d n a l a m r o n 's t a wh

By d-mars.com News Provider

O

How to tell when your roof needs repair

Four out of five homes in the U.S. have asphalt shingles on their roof. And it's easy to see why. The wide variety of available colors and styles, combined with durability and affordability, has made asphalt shingles the leading choice for residential roofing in the country.

But, like all exterior building products, asphalt shingles start to age as soon as they are exposed to nature.

Buildings experience aging factors differently, so it's difficult to predict how long shingles will last. With storm chasers and insurance adjusters claiming roof damage or defective shingles after major weather events, it's important for homeowners to arm themselves with information about what type of roof aging is normal, and most importantly, what type is not.

What is normal?

It's natural for a roof to age, and the process begins as soon as shingles are exposed to nature. The sun can raise rooftop temperatures as high as 50-70 degrees above the ambient air temperature. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun and heat have been shown to accelerate roof aging, as have pollution, hail, snow, ice, falling tree limbs and people walking on a roof.

Here are a few common signs of aging shingles:

Minor cracks may also appear on the shingles as they age, but industry experts say it is a normal weathering characteristic and not cause for alarm, as long as the cracks do not penetrate through the shingle and the roof is still performing the intended purpose of shedding water.

"Minor cracks may not be noticeable from the ground, but people often spot them while hanging their Christmas lights," said roofing industry expert Rick "the Roofer" Taylor, a longtime roofing contractor now working as a traveling trainer for shingle manufacturer TAMKO Building Products. "The intense heat from the sun can deplete some of the protective asphalt oils, and that can cause minor cracks."

Dark brown or black streaks down the roof are common in particularly moist or humid areas of the country, and are the result of algae growth on the shingles. While not particularly attractive, these stains should not affect the shingles' ability to shed water.

Some granule loss on the shingles is to be expected, especially if a roof has been recently repaired or replaced, since extra granules are a part of the shingle manufacturing process. Loose granules are usually noticed collecting in roof gutters after the shingles are installed. This type of granule shedding is common and not a cause for concern.

What is cause for concern?

While minor curling, surface cracking, closed blisters, algae stains and some granule loss can all be signs of normal roof aging, some more serious roof wear and aging could be indicative of a potential problem, and should be examined and monitored.

These roof issues may need attention: Blisters, or small circular raised areas, are often the direct result of under-ventilated attics or excessive use of plastic cement - both of which are installation errors. If the blisters are closed and are not affecting the shingles' performance, they are not a cause for concern. But if the blisters are open, exposing the asphalt, the roof is vulnerable to water penetration and requires immediate attention.

Buckling, a distortion of the shingles, can be a possible sign of inadequate roof ventilation, issues with the roof deck or other installation errors and may require attention.

Deep cracks that penetrate through the fiberglass mat should be investigated, as they may compromise the roof's ability to shed water and make it susceptible to leaks.

Excessive granule loss that exposes the shingles' asphalt layer is a reason for concern and requires immediate attention.

Armed with this basic information, homeowners should be able to distinguish between natural processes that are no cause for alarm and issues that do re qu i re attention and repair. Visit www.tamko. com for more information about roofing repair and replacement.

Curling is a common phenomenon in some shingles and is not considered a defect. It is natural for asphalt to age and shrink with time, which may result in a slight curling of the shingle edge.

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Source: BPT

24 | July 2019 TECHNOLOGY

5G IS HERE.

What does it mean for you?

By d-mars.com News Provider

y now, you've probably heard about the coming launch of 5G. Rolling into the marketplace for the first time this year, it's the next (fifth) generation of cellular technology, and promises to significantly enhance the speed, coverage and responsiveness of wireless networks.

It's a major upgrade, and has wireless carriers excitedly rushing to promote the arrivals of their 5G networks and compatible products. As a result, the average cellphone user may well be wondering: How and when will 5G really make an impact on me?

Well, before you feel compelled to rush out and upgrade your phone, consider the following.

B

A limited rollout

Ever since the first field tests of 5G were deployed in

2015, hype for the technology has been building. Tests have delivered responses 10 to 100 times speedier than current 4G cellular connections. The arrival of 5G is predicted to bring phenomenal advancements to the digital landscape, supercharging marvels like self-driving cars, virtual and augmented reality, and even newly emerging medical services like remote surgery.

But that magnificent future is just that: the future.

Initially, 5G is only being made available in a small number of launch cities, and even there only to those who've already laid out upwards of $1,200 for the first generation of 5G-compatible phones.

The rest of us will still be connected to the reliable 4G service we've grown used to - and 4G won't be going away anytime soon.

Check the expiration date

2020, at the very earliest. And even when they do, you can expect the technology supporting 4G to remain in place indefinitely. In fact, unless you're actively seeking to change, you may not even notice that 5G has been turned on in your area for a long time.

How long? Let's use history as a guide. Just this year, major network providers have begun the final phase-out of 3G technology, which launched in 2001, meaning it's had a productive lifespan of almost 20 years. 4G launched in 2010, so it will likely still be supported for as much as another decade.

The bottom line is, if you're comfortable with your current network speeds and performance, you won't need to change a thing for a long time to come.

Going down a familiar road The best approach for upgrading to 5G may very well be: Wait and see. If you trust your wireless provider, remember that they've been through these changes for each successive generation, and have plans in place to make sure customers stay "up to speed," so to speak.

A good example is Consumer Cellular. Focusing largely on customers ages 50 and up, the company recognizes that its users may be less tech-savvy than other segments of the market. As a result, they've helped steer them through transitions all the way from 2G by proactively reaching out to alert customers as to what changes to expect, and when, with each succeeding upgrade. The result has been millions of customers making seamless transitions, whether that required simply changing a setting on a cellphone or upgrading to an entirely new device.

5G offers a bright future for wireless, and opens an almost unlimited range of technological possibilities.

Yet for the average user, and for the foreseeable future, it will be a "nice to have" rather than a "need to have" upgrade, meaning there's really no rush to decide.

It's estimated that most wireless networks won't be providing widespread 5G coverage until the end of

Source: BPT

TECHNOLOGY

Here are a few ways to get the most out of a Wi-Fi connected unit:

Using Technology to Stay Cool in Summer By d-mars.com News Provider

S

taying cool in summer is easier than ever thanks to technological innovations that are making homes smarter and their inhabitants more comfortable.

Beat the heat using the latest tech in the following ways:

A Bright Idea LED bulbs are more efficient than their incandescent counterparts for a reason -- less energy is expended in the form of heat. Keep your home illuminated without the side effect of adding warmth to rooms by swapping out traditional bulbs for LEDs. You’ll be happy to discover it

• There’s no reason why your home should not be cool and comfortable as you walk through the door, even if you’ve been away for an entire week on vacation. On your way home, use your app to set your AC unit to your preferred temperature so that it is cooled by the time you get home.

• If you forget to turn your AC down or off when you leave for the day, don’t waste energy or face unnecessarily high energy bills from chilling an empty home. Use your app to set your unit to the desired temperature, let it go into sleep mode or simply turn it off completely.

• Feeling lazy? Still half asleep? Tell your voice assistant to turn the AC on from bed, the couch, or wherever you happen to be.

will be a long time before they need to be changed again. Smart Shades A room with large windows can quickly feel like a Smarter Climate Control greenhouse. The latest window shades can sense the A smarter climate control system can keep you more amount of sun coming in through the window and comfortable for less money. In the case of Midea’s close themselves automatically in order to keep out heat.

SmartCool series of window air conditioners, available Whether you opt to control the shades via an app or now at Sam’s Club and Midea.com, you can control your let them do their own thing, smart technology around air conditioning unit remotely, which can be helpful in window treatments just makes good sense. more ways than one. When away from home, users can This summer, stay cool. Give your home a few smart use the MideaAir app to control their AC from afar. updates that will transform the way you control your When at home, they can simply use voice commands climate. with Google Home and Amazon Alexa to set the temperature to their liking. Boasting Energy Star ratings Source: BPT while giving users greater flexibility, you’ll know you’re cooling your home’s spaces efficiently and affordably.

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July 2019 | 25 TRAVEL

NEW ROAD TRIP Report Shows Rising Gas Prices,Work Schedules Cramp Car Travels

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Contributor

N

early half of American drivers surveyed say that rising gas prices are stopping them from heading out on a road trip this summer, according to results of a motorist study released by CarInsurance. com, a one-stop destination for expert advice on car insurance.

Soon, the school year will be in the rear-view mirror, and families across the nation will hit the road for a good old-fashioned summer road trip.

To kick off the season, CarInsurance.com surveyed 1,000 drivers to find out how they feel when behind the wheel, what their family road trip experiences are like, what they do to cope with traffic and what types of mishaps they’ve had due to poor road conditions.

CarInsurance.com found that 44 percent of people said that gas prices are preventing them from taking the family on a road trip.

That’s an increase from 36 percent last year.

Another reason drivers may skip a summer road trip is that they can’t take time off from work.

Nearly one-third of respondents pointed to not being able to take off time, according to a news release.

The research also revealed that the vast majority of people enjoy family road trips, despite some respondents mentioning that a family member had a meltdown before the adventure was underway.

More than 90 percent say they’ve taken a family road trip over the past five years.

Only 17 percent of respondents claim to prefer air travel over road trips.

Most of those who favor the road say those trips are just more enjoyable than heading to an airport.

While on the road, 44 percent of drivers surveyed say they feel contentment when driving. A mere 10 percent feel either stressed or “rage-y.”

However, one noted headache associated with road trips is traffic.

Approximately 11 percent called people who they weren’t particularly close to because they were bored.

The survey found that poor road conditions also caused

20 percent of drivers to have a one-car accident, 19 percent report getting into an accident with another car.

Just one accident can raise your yearly car insurance rate by 32 percent, or $450 a year, on average, according to CarInsurance.com’s rate data analysis.

Whether you’ve experienced an accident or not, you can save on car insurance by comparing rates, according to Penny Gusner, CarInsurance.com consumer analyst.

“You can always save money by comparison shopping,

as pricing varies significantly among insurers for the same coverage,” Gusner said.

“But you should definitely shop around after an accident. Your current company may assess risk differently than others, so it may no longer be the most affordable,” she said.

Gusner added: “Our rate analysis of six major insurers shows drivers can save an average of $1,000 by comparing car insurance quotes after an accident.”

To view the full report and methodology visit, https://www. carinsurance.com/Articles/2019-family-road-trip-report

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Source: NNRP

26 | July 2019

TH E

E X P E R T

N E TW OR K

BORRIS L. MILES INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENCY

Auto • Home • Life • Health • Disability • Annuity • Commercial

Supporting Our Community A good person to know for all your insurance needs.

Gets you back where you belong

5302 Almeda • Houston, TX 77004 Office: 713-355-8331 Fax: 713-355-8318 Pager: 713-406-1088 Email: bmiles@bmilesinsurance.com

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July 2019  |  27

The Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program at the University of Houston was established to identify and encourage HUBs to participate in the competitive bid process with the objective of increasing the number of contracts and subcontracts awarded to Texas HUB Vendors.

The University of Houston HUB Program is committed to expanding business opportunities available in order to promote the successful development of growing businesses, to have a positive impact on improving our local economy and to give back to our community.

For more information about how to do business with the University of Houston, bid opportunities, or to learn about events, workshops and seminars, visit: www.uh.edu/hub

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