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The Magazine that Informs, Inspires, and Entertains Winter 2010 www.onyxmagazine.com
Ella Thomas: a Biography
NuJak Executives Grace the Cover of Black Enterprise Magazine Space Coast Awards a Huge Success
Why Am I Always Sick? Meet Jewel Collins Long-Term Relief for Haiti
Contents Volume 13 Winter, 2010
Publisher and Managing Editor Lillian Seays
Number 1
Associate Editor / Operations Manager Lester Seays
Cover Story
Director of Information Technology Brian Seays Director of Special Projects Cheryll Daniels
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Executive Director of Marketing and Sales George Oliver
JEWEL COLLINS ...A woman who has served her community well.
Northeast Florida Sales David Williams Circulation Manager Kenneth Seays
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Contributing Writers The Reverend Dr. Randolph Bracy, Jr. Joy Gendusa Teri Haux Sandi Morias Rhetta Peoples Lucia Reid
ELLA THOMAS From a real-life supermodel to playing a robot opposite Bruce Willis on the big screen in SURROGATES, there is nothing that this statuesque beauty and star of the NBC miniseries “The Storm,” Ella Thomas, can’t do.
23 HARRIS ROSEN Relief donations will be channeled through the Harris Rosen Foundation, which has managed the hotelier's multimillion philanthropic endeavors for more than 15 years.
DEPARTMENTS 26
Florida Scope Law Student Becomes 2nd Black President of Presti gious Political Organization Brevard Community College wireless Human Similator Manikin Delivers Manikin Baby
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In the News The Grammys FAMU College of Law Celebrate Its Accreditation Justice Reform a Must Tiger Woods Breaks Silence Volunteer USA’s National Disaster Recover Fund Launches Card Care for Haiti Beauty Tips Eating Well Technology Dude, Where Is My Dad?
16 DWIGHT HOWARD NBA Cares Community Assist Award for October
The Space Coast Awards 4
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Photographers Ted Hollins Mike Lester Seays Onyx Magazine is published bimonthly by LBS Publications, Inc., P. O. Box 555059, Orlando, FL 32855. Phone (407) 293-6102 or (407) 443-6237. Subscription $15 for six issues, and can be purchased online: www.onyxmagazine.com. Letters to the editor are encouraged. Copyright 2009 by LBS Publications. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the writer or interviewee, and not necessarily those of the editor. Manuscripts, photos and art should be submitted with a self addressed stamped envelope. DISCLAIMER: The editor does not assume responsibility for any materials not submitted in manner advised. Please go to the website for addition information regarding contributing writers. Unsolicited materials are not subject to payment from Onyx magazine.
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Dear Readers, HAPPY NEW YEAR! Please note that we have made the decision to convert to an online magazine, and we arae very excited about it. We will have only one print version, and that will be during the month of the Onyx Awards. By going on-line it gives us the opportunity for frequent updates, which helps to better serve our readers. This year, the Onyx Awards is being held on October 16, 2010. Please remember that the awards is a statewide gala. Nominees hail from different parts of the state (Florida); you are encouraged to come and support those from your area. This is an event that you don’t want to miss. Go to www.onyxawards.com for more information. You will find a variety of topics in this issue, including the Onyx Awards which was held on the Space Coast. If you have any ideas for a story, please let us know. Meanwhile, please enjoy what we have prepared for you in this issue. With warm regards,
Lillian and Lester Seays
SPACE COAST ONYX AWARDS A HUGE SUCCESS
SPACE COAST HONOREES BUSINESS Emma and Moses Harvin COMMUNICATION Jeffery Gallop COMMUNITY SERVICE Clara Pittman Smith EDUCATION Rosette Brown THE ARTS Rev. Arthur Blatch PUBLIC SERVICE (Organization) Iota Pi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. CULTURAL DIVERSITY Harris Corporation & Rockwell Collins PUBLISHERS始 AWARD Captain Winston Scott LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT Rev. W. O. Wells
With an attendance of 336 quests, the Space Coast Onyx Awards was well received for the second consecutive year. The elegant red carpet/black tie event is an unparalleled event honoring persons who have used their talents, professions and resources to make the Space Coast a better place to live. The Space Coast Onyx Awards was presented by Onyx Magazine and LBS Foundation Incorporated (a 501(c)(3)). The mission of the foundation supports the notion that health and education cannot be compromised. This year, the proceeds from the event went to the Diamond Community School. Onyx Magazine would like to thank Florida Institute of Technology and Harris Corporation, the corporate sponsors, for their belief in and support of our mission. We also thank our table sponsors as follows: Community Credit Union Florida Power and Light United Space Alliance Iota Pi Omega, Alpha Kappa Alpha Fifty Plus and Bridging Melbourne/Palm Bay Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Rockwell Collins Brevard Traffic and Safety Institute Brevard Community College Delta Life Development Center Brevard Ebony News (Media Sponsor)
Rev. W. O. Wells, Lifetime Achievement Award and Kendall Moore Rev. W. O. Wells, Sr. is the husband of the late Dr. Anne Wells, and the father of four children. He has served in the following capacities: Moderator of the Florida East Coast Baptist Association, Dean of the J.T. Brown Seminary of Florida, President of the NAACP of Central Brevard County, Chairman of the Redevelopment Commission of the City of Cocoa, board member of the Florida General Baptist Convention, Elected President Emeritus of the Florida State Congress of Christina Education, served on the Block Grant Advisory Board of the City of Cocoa, and is the president and founder of the 1000 Black Men Summit, Inc.
THE ONYX AWARDS COMMITTEE Purvette Bryant, Grace Smith, Jewel Collins, Beatrice Gillespie, Sandra Phillips, Lillian Seays, Audrey Grayson, Not Shown: LeRoy Darby and Lester Seays Winter
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THE HONOREES
FIRST ROW: Lester Seays, April LaRue, Rev. W.O. Wells - Lifetime Achievement; Clara Smith - Community Service; Captain Winston Scott - Publisher’s Award; Jeffery Gallop - Communication; Denise King (Harris Corporation) Cultural Diversity Award; Rockwell Collins - Cultural Diversity Award; Emma and Moses Harvin - Business
A GLIMPSE INTO THE SPACE COAST ONYX AWARDS
Purvette Bryant, Mr. & Mrs. Price, Lester Seays (Onyx Magazine) 8
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Rosette Brown - Education; LeRoy Darby, Presenter Winter
The Table of Florida Institute of Technology
CAPACITY CROWD Winter
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Emma and Moses Harvin, Winners of the Business Award
Charles Jackson, Winner of the Statewide Onyx Awards in the Category of Business 10
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Kim Kassis, Winner in Statewide Onyx Awards in Communication Winter
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Kimberly and Kimiah Hicks
Students from Viera High School Band Accompany Captain Winston Scott
Brevard Community College 12
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Dr. Doreatha Fields, Founder of Diamond Community School Winter
OUR HONORARY CHAIRPERSONS: Dr. Maxwell King - President Emeritus, BCC and Indian River Community College, Sandy Sanderson - Area Manager, Florida Power & Light, Attorney. Kendall Moore - Johnson Law Center
Mr. & Mrs. Bookhardt (Rochelle Bookhardt, President of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Received the Public Service Award for an Organization
Rochelle Bookhardt Winter
James and Phaedra Brown
Captain Winston Scott Onyx Magazine
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Rockwell Collins
Raynard “Genesis” McCleese
Harris Corporation 14
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HISTORY OF THE ONYX AWARDS The Onyx Awards, which is presented by LBS Publications, dba Onyx Magazine, was conceived as a means of giving back to the community. Therefore in 2002, the owners of Onyx Magazine created LBS Foundation as the philanthropic arm of LBS Publications in order to make a meaningful impact in its giving. The Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3). In May 2003, the Onyx Awards made its debut at the Rosen Plaza Hotel. Three hundred guests were in attendance. In 2004, there were 600 in attendance. Our guests include proactive individuals from throughout the state (from state and local government representatives to leaders of large corporations to upper and lower level professionals and people who are committed to making a difference in the community. The Onyx Awards Gala brings all of these people into the same room; thus, making this venue a perfect place for making new and meaningful contact, a place where knowledge is shared and a place for the merging of cultures. Each year Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida has been our signature sponsor. The Onyx Awards is a presentation that serves a dual purpose: A. To celebrate selected individuals’ professional accomplishments and community service, which we believe will provide an incentive for others to become more community oriented; thus, forming a solid network of people helping people. B. To generate revenue to go directly to the Foundation to benefit Health and Education initiatives (special emphasis on literacy and Sickle Cell Disease. As a result, the formal mission of The Onyx Awards Benefit Gala is to create a working partnership with community entities that we might encourage individuals, businesses, social and civic organizations to maintain a proactive presence in protecting the health, education and socio-economic status of the people we serve. Our major focus is Sickle Cell Disease and education initiatives. Our attack for seeking funding for our charities is deliberately designed with flair. We believe that the work of those persons who have been nominated to receive the Onyx Award deserve to be celebrated because they have gone above and beyond that which is expected so that everyone they touch can have an opportunity at quality of life. We want to present their lives as a beacon and an inspiration for others to follow. With more people falling into the footsteps of our honorees, the load gets lighter and the benefits broader. Secondly, what better way to honor a person for his/her unselfish acts except by publicly saying, “Thank you.”
Major General Titus Hall, Captain Scott
Rev. Arthur Blatch, III Winter
Our Hostesses
Rockwell Collins Onyx Magazine
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ORLANDO MAGIC CENTER DWIGHT HOWARD NBA CARES COMMUNITY ASSIST AWARD FOR OCTOBER The NBA named Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard as the recipient of the NBA Cares Community Assist Award for October in recognition of his outstanding efforts in the community and for his ongoing philanthropic and charitable work. Howard is being honored in part for his commitment to helping create a state-ofthe-art game room designed especially for teenagers at the Florida Hospital for Children in Orlando. Having made numerous visits to the hospital in past years, Howard recently decided that he wanted to make a larger, lasting impact. As part of his new “Dwight Howard’s Big Change for Kids” program, Howard provided an initial $30,000 to fund the new room, which will feature the latest in videogame technology, movies, board games, and education resources to provide young patients undergoing difficult medical treatment with a place to relax and have fun. He plans to continually support the project through fundraising efforts at local businesses, schools, and places of worship. “God blessed me with more than I could ever imagine,” said Howard. “Being able to give back to these kids and to people who really need help is very important to me.” Howard and his parents, Dwight, Sr. and Sheryl Howard, began their efforts to empower young people across America to reach their highest potential when they established the Dwight D. Howard Foundation in 2004. In late October, the foundation hosted “Community Spirit Week,” a fiveday celebration that featured leadership seminars, educational programming, and fun for Orlando-area youth. Over the past five years, the foundation has also helped students by granting them scholarships to attend Howard’s alma mater, Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, and has provided financial assistance to Central Florida schools Lovell Elementary and Memorial Middle.
This award marks Howard’s third NBA Cares Community Assist Award. Following his first award in July 2007, Howard earned his second in January 2009 in part for his support of the Parramore Kidz Zone Teen Shack at Orlando’s Downtown Recreation Complex. Howard continues to support a number of other charitable efforts focused on local youth, including the Blessings in a Backpack program, a national nonprofit initiative that tipped off in October 2008 and supports low-income children and their families. Through the program, Howard helps provide students at Orlando’s Lake Como Elementary School with six takehome meals each weekend in an effort to ensure that they receive the nutrition they need to help them learn and grow. In addition, Howard is an integral part of the Magic’s community service initiatives throughout the season and recently participated in the NBA’s Basketball without Borders program, traveling with a group of other players and coaches to South Africa for a week of basketball and community development activities. As the October NBA Cares Community Assist Award recipient, Howard will receive the David Robinson Plaque with the inscription, “Following the standard set by NBA Legend David Robinson who improved the community piece by piece.” In addition, a $5,000 donation will be given by the NBA to Howard’s Big Change for Kids program. The league presents the NBA Cares Community Assist Award monthly to recognize players for their charitable efforts. The award honors the NBA player who best reflects the passion that the league and its players have for giving back to their communities.
The Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard jokes aroun of the special pediatric “gaming” room and addit
Photo Compliments of Fernando Medina, Orlando Magic
nd with pediatric patient Greg Nelams, age 11, at Florida Hospital for Children. Howard was at the hospital to announce his initial funding tional fundraising efforts through Dwight Howard’s Big Change for Kids program.
ATLANTA-AREA TEACHER, RONELLE KEGLAR CROWNED MISS BLACK GEORGIA USA 2010 Local Student, Candi Caul Crowned Miss Black Georgia Teen 2009 Atlanta-area teacher, Ronelle Keglar was crowned Miss Black Georgia USA 2010 on last Saturday, November 14 at the Miss/Ms Black Georgia USA Pageant. Fifteen young ladies from various backgrounds and cities from across the state came to compete; but, after months of preparation and two dazzling nights of stupendous performances, panel interviews and modeling stunning gowns, the judges named Keglar the new queen. Ronelle Keglar, a native of Indianapolis, but now a Georgia Peach, is a graduate of Alabama A &M University and Georgia State University where she received her bachelor’s and graduate degrees, respectively. She is also an active member of the Atlanta Alumnae Chapter of the International Music Fraternity for Women, Sigma Alpha Iota. She is employed by the DeKalb County Schools, where she teaches 3rd grade. In addition to childhood education, Miss Keglar is concerned with the excess weight and obesity plaguing communities around the country. She works to educate others about the importance of living a healthy and active lifestyle, from proper exercising to choosing the right foods for a healthier diet. “We are proud to present our new reign-
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ing queen for the year 2010, Miss Ronelle Keglar,” stated Carletta Hurt, Executive Director. “Ronelle exemplifies what this pageant is about – strong and empowered African-American women leaders who are economically empowered, politically astute, spiritually centered, and civic-minded.” On Saturday afternoon, the Miss Black Georgia Teen Pageant was held during which five young teenaged ladies competed for the crown. The “Ladies of Motown” themed-pageant showcased the ladies in the areas of talent,fashion and their depiction of famed female singing artists from Diana Ross to Erykah Badu. The Jazzy Jewels of Freedom Middle School dance troupe entertained the audience with a performance filled with electrifying moves and precision. Only one girl could be crowned queen, and 17-year-old Candi Caul, a senior at an Atlanta-area private school, won the coveted title of Miss Black Georgia Teen 2009 for the year. Miss Caul wowed the crowd with a self-penned, dramatic monologue on teen violence. “This year’s pageants were filled with very talented ladies from across Georgia who are very talented and passionate about their communities in which they live, work and attend school,” added Hurt. “Although
they all spent long hours preparing for this special evening, only one could be crowned queen; however, we consider them all winners.” As the newly crowned queen, Keglar is the recipient of a $3, 000 scholarship, a Dell laptop computer, a professional stylists, and other prizes and services. Caul also is the recipient of an array of prizes and services, including a $1, 000 scholarship. Both will head into their new reigning years, making appearances and working causes near and dear to their hearts. Sponsors of this year’s events are Queen’s Level, Aaron’s; Princess Level, Dr. Miracle’s; Media Sponsor, Rolling Out Urban Style Weekly; and Nikki Darling & Co. Miss/Ms. Black Georgia USA is a non-profit entity designed to develop, celebrate, and assist with the educational goals of African-American women. The organization believes minority women should be economically empowered, politically astute, spiritually centered, and civic minded. The mission of Miss/Ms. Black Georgia USA is to identify, develop, and promote national leadership within the African-American community among women 18-45 years of age. This mission is served through intensive contestant development and by working to become the largest state provider of scholarships to African American women in Georgia.
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From the National Scene
Ella Thomas: a Biography 20
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From a real-life supermodel to playing a robot opposite Bruce Willis on the big screen in SURROGATES, there is nothing that this statuesque beauty and star of the NBC miniseries “The Storm,” Ella Thomas, can’t do. Thomas was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to an Eritrean mother and a U.S. Air Force officer who was stationed there at the time. She spent the first few years of her life in Ethiopia’s capital city before moving to Germany where she spent her childhood years. Languages came easy to Thomas as she became fluent in German and French while enrolled in a German school, in addition to learning English from her mother at home. It was there where she fondly remembers participating in both local and school productions and where she first realized her love for performing. It wasn’t until her family moved to Connecticut at 15 that she got discovered by her high school classmate’s mom and her career took off. In a whirlwind of a year, Thomas traveled to New York where she signed with Elite Model Management and spent the summer in Paris where she had photo shoots with Seventeen magazine, YM magazine, Benetton and was also featured in a fashion spread for Marie Claire magazine all at the age of 16. However, modeling wasn’t her only passion. While attending Holy Cross High School, Thomas immersed herself in a variety of athletics in her free time including varsity basketball, track, ballet and baton twirling. Thomas continued to model with great success for a year following high school graduation but was forced to reassess her career goals when she suffered a serious injury during a photo shoot. Thomas decided to step back and take a break from her rapidly growing career to
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recuperate and earn her Bachelors in biology. However, she never lost her determination and love for modeling. After three years, Thomas was itching to get back into the industry and moved to New York to pick up where she left off. She instantly got back into the modeling groove, traveling back and forth between Los Angeles and New York for print and commercial work including numerous ads for Gap, L’Oreal, Macy’s and Tiffany & Co. in addition to gracing the covers and pages of magazines including Elle, Glamour and InStyle. It was during one of her trips to Los Angeles that she booked her first acting role in the Artist View thriller DISTURBANCE. During the same trip, Thomas got her big break when she met “7th Heaven’s” creator Brenda Hampton while volunteering at Child Help, a charity for children who have been in the system too long and have not been adopted. Hampton was so amazed not only by Thomas’s looks but also by her heart that she cast her on “7th Heaven” as an angel who comes back to earth to thank a family for adopting her young children after she died. Shortly after her appearance, Thomas moved to Los Angeles to pursue her new dreams. Almost instantly upon her arrival to the “City of Angels,” Thomas began booking guest spots on some of the hottest shows on television. She appeared on “Ugly Betty” as a supermodel with the season’s hottest “must have item” opposite American Ferrera. Next she landed roles in “Las Vegas” as a New York photographer and Mike’s (James Lesure) love interest, “How I Met Your Mother” as a girl trying to seduce Neil Patrick Harris into a cab and “Entourage” as “Viveca” an
adulterous woman who tried to steal “Vince” (Adrian Grenier) away from his girlfriend. She booked a role in the Hallmark film PANIC BUTTON as the daughter of Richard Roundtree. Most recently, Thomas starred as Sean “P. Diddy” Combs’ fiance in an episode of “CSI Miami.” Next, Thomas stars in the apocalyptic mini-series “The Storm,” which is part of the highly anticipated Survival Sundays on NBC, which features three mini-series on what could possibly be the end of the world. In this two-part series, Thomas stars alongside James Van Der Beek and Luke Perry as “Anna Roberts,” a newly single New York City bartender that must reunited with her ex-boyfriend to save her best friend who is trapped outside during the storm. In addition to “The Storm,” Thomas will also be hitting the big screen at summer’s end as she takes on a role with actionlegend Bruce Willis in the sci-fi thriller SURROGATES. The film is set in the near future in which humans live in isolation while only communicating with their fellow man through robots that serve as social surrogates of their human counterparts. Thomas stars as “Lisa,” a surrogate who lusts after Willis’ character, an FBI agent who enlists the aid of his own surrogate to investigate the murder of inventor of the surrogates. The film also costars Radha Mitchell and Ving Rhames. When she is not working or on set, Thomas enjoys staying active by dancing and playing basketball and tennis. She also enjoys reading sci-fi, classics and American history every chance she gets.
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...a Woman Who Has Served Her Community Well
Ever since she was a child, Jewel Collins has had a sense of commitment to her community––going door to door with her mother collecting for the March of Dimes and even joining the NAACP at an early age. So it’s no wonder that her constituents would see her for what she is and elect her to serve as Cocoa City Councilwoman. A mother of three, Jewel followed in her deceased husband’s footstep and became Cocoa’s first African-American Councilwoman, therefore, serving the community for two terms. Rhetorically, how did Jewel come to be the woman that everybody loves. Well, let me count the ways: she visits patients at Wuesthoff Memorial Hospital (she doesn’t have to know them), she is an assistant to special needs children, she mentors students who need help, she sorts and bags food at the Cocoa Sharing Center and delivers Meals on Wheels, she is always equipped with voter registration material that she keeps in her car to sign up unregistered voters and she has cared for two grandchildren for 15 years and to top it off, one would be hard pressed to find a civic or charitable organization of which is not a member. Further, Jewel is responsible for the Trash Bash, Census Tract 626 - a project to turn a undesirable area of Cocoa into one of which the community can be proud. The Riverfront Park and development of Cocoa Village were achieved during the time that Jewel was in office. These were some of the reasons that in 2006, Jewel was chosen as the “March of Dimes Woman of Achievement”. She was chosen from among 50 nominees and 17 finalist and was presented the award by Dr. Lisa A. Cosgrove who was given the same honor in 2004.
Comprehensive Long Term Relief for Haiti When Jewel Collins was Cocoa Councilwoman, she was instrumental in bringing many improvements to the Cocoa area. Among them were bringing 500 jobs to Cocoa through the Cocoa North Wal-Mart; road improvements, storm water retention project, Heart of Cocoa street design and home construction; park improvements; SR 520 upgrades, Cocoa High School stadium; tax credits; and funding for new businesses; housing programs and neighborhood revitalization. She is also a member of of the Coalition for Women and Children Issues, the Diversity Group, and a Bible teacher at the Church of Christ on Fiske Boulevard in Rockledge. Recently, she became a member of the Space Coast Onyx Awards Committee where she is a complete asset to the group. What has Jewel not done? Well, just about every thing, and that’s the reason she is much appreciated for her deeds –– her awards prove it. She received the Marjorie Olsen Child Advocacy Award, from the Child Care Association; the Heart of Gold Award, from Florida Today; the Crystal Pyramid Award from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Community Service Award from the NAACP. Jewel has made several friends during her travels abroad. She seems to take sunshine with her no matter where she goes, despite the tragic loss of her son at the young age of 30 years old, she refuses to allow her pain to be exposed. Because of her son’s dedication to his church, a scholarship was established in his name. Through it all, Jewel continues to keep on giving. That’s the God in her.
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Orlando hotelier Harris Rosen, President and COO of Rosen Hotels & Resorts, announced a comprehensive and long-term relief effort to raise at least $1 million in donations as well as to collect first aid, medical and hygiene supplies to assist the earthquake victims in Haiti. Rosen jump-started the fundraising campaign with a personal donation of $250,000 and is seeking assistance from local companies, vendors, churches, Rosen Hotels & Resorts' associates and individuals in the Orlando community to raise the balance. Relief donations will be channeled through the Harris Rosen Foundation, which has managed the hotelier's multimillion philanthropic endeavors for more than 15 years. One hundred percent of donations received through the Harris Rosen Foundation will be used for relief efforts in Haiti. On Wednesday, Jan. 13, Rosen and his internal team met with Senator Bill Nelson and several leaders from Orlando's Haitian community to determine the immediate needs of those affected by this week's earthquake. Along with cash needed to buy supplies, the group is collecting first aid kits, medical supplies (bandages, gauze, peroxide, etc.), blankets, towels, washcloths, hygiene products (soap, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.), antibiotics and bug spray. No clothes, shoes or food will be accepted at this time.Rosen is also working with pharmaceutical vendors via his onsite Rosen Medical Center to secure donations of medical supplies. Supplies may be dropped off at Rosen Centre hotel, 9840 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819 or at First Haitian Baptist Church of Orlando, 4701 Lenox Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32811or at the Child development Center of Orlando, 11553 Winter Garden Vineland Rd., Orlando, FL 32836. Monetary donations may be mailed to the Harris Rosen Foundation, memo: Haiti Relief, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819. The Harris Rosen Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization (FEIN #592890420). For more information, call 407-996-6715 or visit www.rosenhotels.com/haiti.
Harris Rosen Approximately 30 percent of Rosen Hotels & Resorts' associates are from Haiti or are of Haitian descent, bringing the grief and worry very close to home for the hotelier and the 4,500 total associates within Rosen's seven Orlando hotels. Grief counselors have also been made available to associates via the Rosen Medical Center and Family Outreach Center. This is not the first time that Rosen Hotels & Resorts and the Harris Rosen Foundation have come to the aid of the Haitian people. Four years ago, Rosen hosted a "Water for Haiti" benefit, partnering with Air Mobile Ministries in Titusville, Fla. to raise $350,000 to purchase portable water purification systems for Haiti. The hotel chain regularly sends soap to the thirdworld country and had accumulated more than 50,000 bars that it was going to ship prior to the earthquake. The soap will now be sent along with the other medical and first aid supplies. "Even after we reach our goal of $1 million, we won't stop. The devastation in Haiti is immeasurable, and we know that this is a long-term commitment," said Rosen. "We are grateful for the expertise and first-hand knowledge of our friends in the Orlando Haitian community to help us determine the greatest immediate needs, so that the relief effort can be done in stages." Partners in the Rosen Hotels & Resorts relief effort include the First Haitian Baptist Church of Orlando, Senator Bill Nelson's Office, the Consulate of Haiti in Orlando, Haitian American Chamber of Commerce, Tekontrol, and Senator Gary Siplin's Office. Onyx Magazine
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Why am I Always Sick? Doctor Reveals What Might Be Causing Headaches, Stomach Problems and Heartburn in Millions of Americans
Millions of Americans suffer from headaches, stomach problems and other ailments like shortness of breath, abdominal pain, or even more long-term ailments like eczema and hypoglycemia. What’s worse, these ailments go untreated and undiagnosed because the cause is unclear. The answer for many of these patients could likely be a simple food allergy, but it is difficult to detect, according to Dr. Stephen Wangen, author of Healthier Without Wheat from Innate Health Publishing (www.healthierwithoutwheat.com). “The number of people who react to wheat and gluten, and the profound difference seen in their lives when they stop eating them, never ceases to amaze me,” Dr. Wangen said. “People need to arm themselves with the facts, and they need to change the way they think about their health so they can address diagnosis and potential treatment with their physicians. With the HMO’s attention to the over-utilization of healthcare services, many doctors and clinics are pressured to move patients through the system quickly, without addressing the patients’ needs more creatively. This is why so many people are still sick even after they see their doctor.” Because wheat gluten is such a common ingredient in foods we eat every day – including bread, pizza, pasta and others – it’s affects can sometimes go undiagnosed 24
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by many people, who just chalk their symptoms up to stress, over-eating or general fatigue. Dr. Wangen offered some tips for patients seeking answers to their undiagnosed health issues: Don’t self-diagnose because of TV drug ads – Many pharmaceutical advertisements may describe symptoms similar to yours, but don’t be fooled by them and simply ask your doctor for the prescription du jour. If traditional treatments haven’t worked, then ask your doctor to test for food allergies. Ask for Gliadin IgA testing (available from most major labs), Total IgA plus tissue Transglutaminase IgA (tTIgA) test pair (available from most major labs), ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) method IgG and IgE testing for gluten or the entire grain (wheat, barley, spelt, kamut, rye, etc.) Some of these tests may not be readily available. If your doctor cannot perform them, find one who will. Change your philosophy on health – People’s default position should be one of being healthy. Too many people walk around suffering unhealthy symptoms, but don’t feel it’s important enough to seek a doctor’s care for them. They are just “the way I am.” In the absence of an identifiable cause, people should generally feel good and be healthy. If you suffer symptoms, make it a point to find out why, and seek out treatment to correct the problem.
Wellness Visit – Too many people allow the “sicker-quicker” phenomenon to happen to them. Because of the poor economy, many people are working two jobs, and cannot afford to miss work to see their doctor for a wellness visit in order to seek answers to their minor symptoms. What invariably happens is that they wind up getting sicker, and then wind up taking a week off of work to get better. Moreover, the healthcare system moves them through quicker, because of managed care pressures, meaning that many treatments wind up being ineffective, anyway. “Many people know that they have a reaction to wheat or gluten, even though their doctors haven’t found any evidence to support the diagnosis,” Dr. Wangen said. “Others may just be beginning to suspect that the symptoms they are experiencing are related to their diets. People need to read, research and discover for themselves the information they need to understand and appreciate all forms of wheat and gluten intolerance, as well as more conventional wheat and gluten allergies.” About Dr. Stephen Wangen Dr. Stephen Wangen is a nationally recognized expert in the field of gluten intolerance, a gluten-intolerant physician and co-founder of the IBS Treatment Center.
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FLORIDA SCOPE Brevard Community College Wireless Human Simulator Manikin Delivers Manikin Baby, Teaches Emergency Medical Skills in Classrooms, Hospitals Photo Credit: Purvette Bryant
Law Student Becomes 2nd Black President of Prestigious Political Organization African-American law student Stephen Liverpool (UF Law 2010) survives car accident to become president of Florida Blue Key (FBK) of UF. He will serve as only the second African-American president in organization’s 87 year history. As president, Liverpool seeks to promote awareness and dialogue about issues that will affect the state’s future. Under his leadership FBK will work alongside the UF government relations department and alumni association to promote the new grass roots program “Gators for Higher Education.” The program advocates for the legislative priorities of the UF community. FBK is a student honor and service society at UF whose members include influential student leaders, businessmen, politicians, judges, and former governors. The organization actively lobbys at the state legislature on behalf of UF's educational and student interests.
BREVARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE, (COCOA), FLA. – Noelle, the only wireless human simulator manikin in Central Florida that delivers a baby, can also tell paramedics and nurses when her labor pains progress. When the mother talks, her eyes blink and mouth moves, providing students at the Brevard Community College Institute of Nursing, Brevard County Fire Rescue and area hospitals the full impact of an emergency medical crisis. She also yells in three phases as labor pains intensify. The college, which purchased a family of wireless manikins for $27,000 each, is the only institution to operate wireless multi simulation Gaumard manikins in Central Florida, said Kate Cunningham, associate provost for the BCC Institute of Nursing. The manikins are used to simulate emergency conditions such as heart attacks, bleeding, asthma attacks and amputated legs and arms in tragic accidents. The family includes Noelle, the mother; Hal, the dad; five-year-old Hal, the son; and two baby Hals that can be interchanged to reflect male or female babies. The wireless component allows instructors to use a laptop computer and operate up to three manikins at once from up to 200 yards away. “This gives us a greater ability to create more realism with the scenarios especially trauma or medical emergencies,” Cunningham said. “They provide a real life scenario, in real time, for the students to practice before entering the real world. The state board of nursing allows 25 percent of the nursing student clinical hours to be used on simula-
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tion manikins verses live patients. “Emergency Medical Services students can have a bleeding amputation or chest trauma and practice the emergency procedures they would perform in the field. If a paramedic student inserts an airway tube into the manikin, the computer system will let the instructor know if the tube is correctly placed.” Health First, Wuesthoff Health System, and Brevard County Fire Rescue use the manikins for training and are “pleased that we can run multiple manikins at one time creating a mass casualty setting that is more consistent with the real world,” Cunningham said. The manikins can answer questions when asked and students will hear a variety of breath sounds, heart sounds and can check pulses or take blood pressures. The father can be programmed with an amputated leg that bleeds. Nursing students, emergency medical technicians, paramedic programs, first responder students, and students in Introduction to Health courses utilize the manikins for training. The simulators are used to help nursing and EMS students with patient care. Introduction to Health students use them for vital signs and patient assessment, Cunningham said. Students experience how to administer oxygen, ventilate a patient, deliver a breached birth, bag/valve mechanical ventilation, setting broken bones in splints, and start an intravenous connection on a patient. The laptop computer can create traumatic Winter
FLORIDA SCOPE scenarios such as a lightning strike, heart attack, and a child struck by a car. The manikins have pre-programmed voice commands such as “Ouch!,” “I have chest pains,” “Don’t touch me,” or “My arm is broken.” “They need to be prepared for any patient condition,” said Mike Graf, BCC human simulator lab coordinator. “They may think they’re going for an asthma attack and upon arrival it is either a heart attack or something totally different. It gives students critical thinking skills. In an emergency situation concise, accurate thinking is important to save lives. During a class at the BCC Palm Bay campus, Graf said he created a scenario where a man was hit by a car. Hal the manikin was lying under the front end of the vehicle with massive trauma wounds. The manikins are used to teach Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support and International Trauma Life Support. All Brevard County Fire Rescue fire medics are recertified through the BCC program. The manikins are used as part of the recertification process, Graf said. “We also have the only fully automated birthing manikin,” Graf said. “During a birth, if mom is a drug addict we can program the baby to be lifeless, go into cardiac arrest or become unresponsive when born. We can simulate obstetrical emergencies such as high blood pressure and delivery complications such as a breached birth, a cord wrapped around the baby’s neck, the baby’s not breathing, mom can’t stop bleeding after birth or the mother’s water breaks.” The human patient simulator lab is located on the BCC Cocoa campus, Technical Center, (Building 17), at 1519 Clearlake Road. For more information about the programs call Graf at (321) 433-7544 or Cunningham at (321) 4337563.
Photo Cutline 1: Noelle, a human simulator manikin, is used for nursing, paramedic and basic health training at Brevard Community College. Mike Graf, human simulator lab coordinator, helps prepare newborn baby Hal and mother Noelle for a mock birthing scenario.
Photo Cutline 2: Rodney Wade, a Brevard Community College simulation technician, and Abby Covington, a trainer for Gaumard Scientific, Inc., the company that produces the wireless manikins, cares for Hal who was involved in a mock car accident that amputated his arm and leg.
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FLORIDA SCOPE
CAPTION: Alonzo Mourning met with members of the Congressional Black Caucus on October 7th to discuss health care reform and kidney disease within the African American community. Pictured from left to right are Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA), Congressman Kendrick Meek (D-FL), House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC) and Alonzo Mourning.
Commissioner Lynum Attends Holiday Reception at the White House ORLANDO, FL – Orlando City Commissioner Daisy W. Lynum attended a holiday reception at the White House as a guest of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama on December 15, 2009.
with the most recent visit being March 17, 2009, during the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference. Commissioner Lynum and several of her National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO) colleagues met with White House officials regarding NBC-LEO’s priorities and how to engage African Americans in the rebuilding of America. “The reception was superb,” said Commissioner Lynum. “The White House was elaborately decorated with dozens of trees and the President and First Lady were very gracious regarding the holiday spirit.”
Commissioner Lynum is no stranger to the White House, having visited several times, 28
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FLORIDA SCOPE
Congresswoman Corrine Brown Urges Immediate Assistance for Haiti "To whom God has given much, much is to be expected. My thoughts and prayers go out to the people of the island nation of Haiti, and to the Haitian Diaspora community residing here in the United States and around the world. The loss of life and destruction of property in and around the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince are simply unimaginable, and the work of caring for the injured, sheltering the displaced, and rebuilding the nation's infrastructure will be arduous. As President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton have stated, our country is ready to commit humanitarian aid, and civilian and military disaster relief to the recovery effort. Working with the international community and with non-governmental organizations, I am confident that our nation will provide emergency relief and support to the Haitian people during this critical time. I am encouraging everyone to assist the people of Haiti in any way possible, and am including a few important phone numbers and websites to donate and/or to make a contribution.
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Moore Dance Project Brings Black History to Life at The Garden Theatre Moore Dance Project will present its highly-acclaimed dance epic, Colours of Courage: A Celebration of Black History in America, in partnership with The Garden Theatre, located at 160 West Plant Street in Winter Garden, FL. Created for presentation at venues and organizations celebrating Black History Month, Colours of Courage blends contemporary dance, cultural music and historically-accurate narratives to trace the triumphs and challenges of the African-American experience from 17th-century Africa to today. Performances take place at The Garden Theatre on January 29 and 30 at 8pm, and January 31 at 2pm. General admission is $22 on Friday and Saturday ($18 for guests 65+ and students); on Sunday, general admission is $18 ($10 for children under 12). Tickets can be purchased online at www.gardentheatre.org or by calling the box office at (407) 877-4736.. To learn more about Moore Dance Project, including information about additional performances of Colours of Courage taking place throughout Central Florida, please visit www.TheCenterForDance.org or call (407) 695-8366. Produced by The Center for Contemporary Dance and made possible by funding from United Arts of Central Florida and Target Stores, Colours of Courage "is an artistic documentation of AfricanAmerican history," says Dario J. Moore, Artistic Director for Moore Dance Project. Beginning in 17thcentury Africa and moving forward in time through significant events, including the Atlantic slave-trade and the Civil Rights Movement, Colours of Courage "has been inspiring and educating audiences of all ages for the past four years," explains Craig W. Johnson, Executive Director for The Center. Performances are followed by an open-forum discussion about the impact of African-American history on modern culture. "Colours of Courage is a story about all of us," says Moore, "Above all else, the show is about the responsibility we share in creating the kind of world we'd like to see."
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FLORIDA SCOPE
The Orlando Chapter of Onyx Connection Plays Santa at Christmas Time On October 31, 2009, Onyx Connection hosted a Masquerade Affair to provide funding and toys for children in Central Florida that have sickle cell disease or the sickle cell trait. The toy give away was held December 19th.
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Dr. Brian Coleman Orlando - The Orlando Sentinel recognized the 2009 Top 100 Companies for Working Families. Brian O. Coleman, D.M.D. - Omega Dental Group was one of them! Sometime ago, one of Dr. Coleman’s employees sent in a letter to nominate him for this recognition and he was selected! “I’m so proud of him,” stated his wife, Yvonne. In this economic environment his office like every business, has had to find ways to be more efficient. He not only works hard to ensure that his employees can still receive health, profit sharing and other benefits, but he also takes a sincere interest in their families. He does the same with his patients too. He encourages kids education, helps find scholarships, goes to graduations and athletic games, attends family reunions, and the list goes on and on.
In the News Again: Itʼs a good thing! He consistently motivates his team to find ways to continue providing the best care to his patients. His heart always goes out to his employees and the community in time of need. Says Yvonne, “You have no idea how much he does for so many….quietly, without anyone ever knowing. The only thing that he hopes to get in return is that others learn to give back.
CONGRATULATIONS, TO DR. BRIAN COLEMAN
This is a huge honor for Dr. Brian Coleman. Says Yvonne, “I’m his wife and his biggest cheerleader, but he truly deserves a pat on the back.” 32
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NuJak Executives Grace the Cover of Black Enterprise Magazine March Issue Lakeland, FL - Frank Kendrick and Timothy Jackson are on the cover of the March issue of Black Enterprise. The article “How We Grew Our Business Using Technology” is the feature of the issue.
Both Mr. Kendrick and Mr. Jackson are graduates of the University of Florida, M.E. Rinker School of Building Construction. Mr. Kendrick earned a Masters Degree in Church Leadership and Administration from Southeastern University. Mr. Jackson earned a Masters Degree in Real Estate Development from New York University Schack Institute of Real Estate.
Company COO, Timothy Jackson notes that “NuJak uses technology to plan and manage construction projects timely and efficiently. We use project management software to track our projects to mitigate delays, save time and reduce costs.” Founder and CEO, Frank Kendrick added “We have always been on the cutting edge of technology and will continue to strive to exceed our client’s expectations.” The magazine will be on news stands this week at all major bookstores and retail outlets. NuJak teamed with Skanska USA were recently selected to build the new University of South Florida Polytechnic Campus signature building designed by the world renowned Santiago Calatrava. This will be the first campus in the world built from the ground up in the 21st century. Cutting edge technology that is currently not being used on any other college campus in the world will make this structure a hallmark in the academic community. The campus will be located at the epicenter of the Florida High Tech Corridor. NuJak Companies is a full-service construction and commercial real estate companies serving the state of Florida. The company expertise lies in three primary disciplines: construction, property management and real estate development. The company was recognized by the INC Magazine Fast 5000, Tampa Bay Business Journal 8th fastest growing, privately held company in the Tampa Bay area and the 10th largest Minority Company. Winter
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IN THE NEWS
Beyonce, Drake, Lady Gaga, and Taylor Swift... Must be the Grammys! By Dr. Denise Y. Mose It takes an amazing feat to render me speechless. Having a talk show allows me to talk for hours on end and meet famous people. But, what I saw on Sunday, January 31, 2010 in Los Angeles literally left my mouth wide open. Attending the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards certainly started my year off with a bang! Hitting the red carpet is always a blast! At 2:15 p.m. sharp (West Coast time), my crew was ready for a night of fun and serious work. Darren secured my light for the interviews and set his tripod in place. Next, Elvis (yes, that’s his real name) fixed his camera lens for all the shots. Third, Mike held my questions, backpack and my beloved lip-gloss. Just like clockwork, an agent for the Academy of Recording Music walked by to ensure that we had signed all the waivers necessary for our Press/Media Credentials. This lets you know that you are about to embark on a truly memorable evening. You are nothing without a killer press pass! The limousines arrived, the publicist took their place on the carpet and then the crowd began to form. My first interview was none other than pop sensation Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta. You may know her by her stage name, Lady Gaga. She is known for being dressed in over-thetop attire and she did not disappoint. To be only twenty-three years old, she is quite fascinating and completely normal. Which is a strong contrast to her onstage persona. Superstar producer and artist, Akon joined our conversation. He should, after all it was he who discovered her. Personally, I was waiting for my three 34
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favorite acts to arrive. The Black Eyed Peas, Maxwell and Rihanna! After interviewing Jennifer Hudson, Green Day, Kings of Leon, Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, Tedius “The Dream” Nash, Aubrey “Drake” Graham, Eminem, Justin Bieber, Stevie Nicks, Jamie Foxx, T-Pain, Celine Dion and Sir Elton John, I still hadn’t met whom I came her to see. Yes, those names are impressive, but I wasn’t done until I had my dream come true. As if they heard me, they were there! The Black Eyed Peas, Maxwell and Rihanna! I actually had to control my team of guys because they were about to chase Fergie. Getting nervous in front of celebrities is not in my genes. I see them just like I see Angela, John, LaWanda, Marvia or Sandra. However, when I talked to Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas, I was rendered speechless. I talked to him about his songs for President Obama, his charity and whom he is working with next. It was incredible! Darren asked Fergie if she wanted his phone number. She simply hugged him and gave him her autograph. Maxwell gave me a big hug and I nearly fainted. Rihanna came in a blur with her security close by; she was very sweet and apologized for having to leave so early. The show opened with Lady Gaga and the phenomenal Sir Elton John. WOW! I knew after that introduction, my crew and I were in for the time of our lives! Last year we were on the third level, this year we were on the floor. Thanks to my wonderful agent Monique, she keeps me ahead of the game. With Pink soaring high above the crowd, drenched in water and using no net to catch her stopped the show! Beyonce
came with over forty military-style guards while she belted out her hit, “If I were a Boy” mixed in with “You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morisette. Bon Jovi rocked the house with, “Livin’ On A Prayer”, while Taylor Swift was joined by Fleetwood Mac Legend Stevie Nicks to sing a version of their hits; “You Belong With Me” and Rihannon”. I thought it was over until Jamie Foxx, T-Pain, Lil Wayne and Slash (Guns n Roses) decided to take this party to a new level. As if that weren’t enough The Black Eyed Peas, all in black leather, graced the audience with their biggest songs of the year. Now, the performances were jaw-dropping, but when the all-star cast walked on stage to honor the late Michael Jackson, there was not a dry eye in the house. After donning my 3D glasses Jennifer Hudson, Usher, Celine Dion, Carrie Underwood and Smokey Robinson paid tribute to the King of Pop. After the song Paris and Prince Jackson accepted the special honor for their late father. Again, rendered speechless. As I returned to the Press/Media Bus, everyone was talking. Me, I was on my laptop, uploading my pictures, and working on my story for my awesome editor, Lillian Brown Seays. I know Mrs. Seays loves me, but she wants her story, too! Well, that’s the Grammy’s in a nutshell. Glitz, Glamour and some pretty grateful artist who get to share their gift with the rest of us. Monique is working on press passes for the Academy Awards in March, if I go, I’ll let you know. Otherwise, grab your mint julep, big hat, place your bet and find a seat. The Kentucky Derby 2010 is around the corner! Winter
FAMU College of Law Celebrates Accreditation
importance to all citizens of our state.” FAMU’s College of law is committed to enabling all students in the state of Florida who want a degree. Recently, FAMU’s College of Law was selected as the most diverse law school in the nation.
LeRoy Pernell, Dean of FAMU’s College of Law The FAMU College of Law goes from provisional to full accreditation. A celebrations of this accomplishment was held at Disney’s Coronada Springs Resort Hotel on February 20, 2010.
Dr. James H. Ammons, President of Florida A&M University Winter
Says FAMU’s President, Dr. James H. Ammons, “Since being re-established in 2000, the FAMU College of Law has distinguished itself by increasing the pool of talented minorities in the State of Florida’s legal community. As a result, the continued success of the institution is of increased
The Dean of the College stated, “ We look forward to broadening the relationships with the legal. business, governmental and educational professions to ensue that the FAMU College of Law becomes a premier institution of legal education, committed to leaving an indelible mark on the community and the world.” The program was preceded by an elaborate reception. The celebration that followed was opened with FAMU Connection performing a lively number, Can You Feel It. Guests were greeted by Dr. Frederick Humphries, LeRoy Pernell, and James Simmons. The FAMU Connection rocked the house with They Keep Coming.
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IN THE NEWS
Juvenile Justice Reform a Must in 2010 A lifetime of pain, hurt and dis-enfranchisement often follows minors who make stupid mistakes. State's juvenile justice systems and youthful crime block kid's chances at a college scholarship, the military and certain jobs. It is important for all states to focus on legislative bills that will allow the sealing of court records when a juvenile successfully completes a diversion or probation program in juvenile or county courts. Legislators must introduce bills now, for dramatic reforms in how states treat juvenile offenders. Among other things, it would allow the issuance of "civil citations" for minor offenses to relieve pressure on juvenile courts and get kids into counseling sessions as a proactive approach to incarceration. Such legislation must give schools a bigger stake in handling truants and give judges the power to order families to get counseling to address a child's problems. Too many juveniles with minor, nonviolent offenses are being sent to facilities that only make matters worst.
I encourage parents, school and community advocates to lobby their States Lawmakers to sponsor legislation on juvenile justice reform. As school districts across the country continue to face budget cuts of millions of dollars, there are more tax dollars being placed on the criminal justice system which becomes a formula for failure and disaster. Also, further cuts of teachers and support staff will result from these budget cuts and will continue to grow the criminal juvenile justice system and the prison industrial complex. Nationally, 1 in 3 African American and 1 in 6 Latino boys born in 2000 and beyond are at risk of imprisonment during their lifetime. While boys are five times as likely to be incarcerated as girls, there also is a significant number of girls in the juvenile justice system today. This rate of incarceration 36
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is endangering children at younger and younger ages. America's pipeline to prison, will create a trajectory that leads to marginalized lives, gangs, violence, imprisonment and often premature death. Although the majority of 4th and 5th graders cannot read at grade level, many states spend about three times as much money per prisoner as per public school pupil. In the United States, youth of color caught in the crossfire of the war on drugs are frequently subject to persecution, incarcerated and denied access to educational opportunities. The irony is that the war on drugs is often defended as a necessary policy and method to protect the nation's young people. In reality, rather than protecting youth, the drug war has resulted in the institutionalized persecution of Black, Latino and Native American young people. While more and more young men and women of color are being ushered into the criminal justice system under the guise of fighting drugs, resources for educating youth are diminishing and barriers to education restrict students with drug convictions from receiving higher education. In the United States, youth of color caught in the crossfire of the war on drugs are frequently subject to persecution, incarcerated and denied access to educational opportunities. The irony is that the war on drugs is often defended as a necessary policy and method to protect the nation's young people. In reality, rather than protecting youth, the drug war has resulted in the institutionalized persecution of Black, Latino and Native American young people. While more and more young men and women of color are being ushered into the criminal justice system under the guise of fighting drugs, resources for educating youth are diminishing and barriers to education restrict students with drug convictions from receiving higher education.
Youth of color most often bear the brunt of harmful drug policies, from arrest to prosecution to detention in correctional facilities. Some states in the U.S. now have the distinction of sending more African American and Latino young people to prison every year than graduate from state college and university programs. This legacy of discrimination in U.S. drug policy amplifies the widening gap in opportunities available to white youth and youth of color. In order to correct this discrepancy, policies must be enacted that make education a priority over incarceration. We must work to the best of our ability to eradicate the issues of poverty, racially discriminatory policing, despaired drug laws and other barriers that hinder the education of our youth. Finally, we must look within ourselves, our education, religious, political, civil rights, grassroots and business communities and ask the question: Are we better serving or under serving our At-Risk community? Also, why aren't political leaders and economist debating skyrocketing Prison Cost within budget talks? "At no time do we condone wrongness on either side of the wall" Richard P. Burton, Sr.,Director PROJECT R.E.A.C.H., INC. P.O. Box 440238 Jacksonville, FL 32244 Bus: 904-786-7883 610-349-3358 E-mail richbrenfl@msn.com http://projectreachinc.webs.com/ A non-profit 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) (Re-enfranchisement) Organization Your Gifts And Donations Are Tax Deductible. PROJECT R.E.A.C.H., INC. will host a Poverty and Criminal Justice Conference in 2010. Further information will be announced soon.
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IN THE NEWS
Tiger Woods Breaks Silence: Apologizes to Friends, Family, Fellow Golfers and Fans In a statement that lasted nearly 14 minutes Tiger stated, “I had affairs, I cheated. What I did was not acceptable, and I am the only person to blame." Tiger was surrounded by about 40 hand-picked family members and friends at the interview at the TPC Sawgrass clubhouse in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida when he delivered his apology.
mother and embraced her. His wife, Elin Nordegren, was not present.
As a child, Tiger was exposed to the teachings of Buddhism, which is an Asian widespread religion or philosophy. Buddhism has no creator god; it gives a central role to the doctrine of karma.
The program requires that both Tiger and Elin submit to therapy during family week.
The “four noble truths” states that all existence is suffering, that the cause of suffering is desire, that freedom from suffering is nirvana, and that this is attained through the “eightfold” path of ethical conduct, wisdom and mental discipline. Tiger said that he strayed away from these teachings in recent years…“I don’t get to play by different rules,” he stated, “the same rules that apply to everybody else, apply to me…I do plan to return to golf one day, I just don’t know when that day will be.”
Tiger Woods is in a sex rehab program, Gentle Path in Hattiesburg, MS. The Gentle Path Program is said to cost up to $60,000. Obviously, the center has gained overnight popularity with the admission of Tiger.
Tiger will also check into another rehab center in Arizona upon leaving Hattiesburg, MS.
The Florida Statewide Onyx Awards Has Been Postponed until October 16, 2010
The golf industry has suffered a tremendous loss since Tiger said that he would be gone indefinitely. Some of his sponsors dropped him, but Nike has stuck with him throughout the entire ordeal.
Tiger ended his apology with, “I ask you to believe in me again”. He then went to his
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IN THE NEWS
VOLUNTEER USA’S NATIONAL DISASTER RECOVERY FUND LAUNCHES CARDS OF CARE FOR HAITI: Project of love & hope to brighten lives of families during long recovery phase Project of love & hope to brighten lives of families during long recovery phase~ Tallahassee, FL – The Volunteer USA Foundation announces that the National Disaster Recovery Fund is accepting pictures and cards of love and inspiration to send to children and families affected by the earthquake in Haiti. In addition to the millions of dollars that are pouring into Haiti from US donors, the Cards of Care project aims to share these hopeful messages with families who live in Haiti and their loved ones in the U.S. "Millions of people in American are praying and sending their well wishes to the people of Haiti,” said Bill Simon, CEO of Wal-Mart and National Disaster Fund Chair. “We know children and families here want to do more, and we ask they do so by simply sending us cards, letters, prayers and pictures that will help spread hope among our Haitian neighbors. We know the rebuilding process will take years, and we believe these messages of encouragement will have a long-lasting impact." In addition, a television public service announcement (PSA) will soon begin airing to promote the Cards of Care project throughout the southern U.S., thanks to a partnership with Comcast. The PSA features HaitianAmerican family members, whose relatives in Haiti are alive but, like tens-of-thousands of others, are struggling in the disaster’s aftermath. Volunteer USA is also providing a free lesson plan to help teachers use the Haitian earthquake and other reallife disasters as examples of how Americans assist with humanitarian and recovery efforts, as well as provide a platform to discuss the need for all families to develop and practice personal disaster plans. Visit www.volun-
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teerusafoundation.org for access to the educational material. “We know the road to recovery and reclaiming of lives will be long – physically and emotionally exhausting,” said Jeb Bush, honorary chair of Volunteer USA. “It is our hope that by sending simple but heartfelt messages to the victims of this overwhelming earthquake, they will draw some comfort and hope in the months and years ahead.” Volunteer USA will work with hospitals, shelters, schools, non-profit and faith-based organizations to deliver the Cards of Care to the people of Haiti in the months ahead. Please send cards to: Volunteer USA Foundation – Cards of Care for Haiti 5970 SW 1st Lane, Ocala, FL 34474 *Please be sure to include your name and contact information with your message/card. Volunteer USA's National Disaster Recovery Fund funds faith and community-based non-profits that have track records of sustainable efforts helping communities rebuild. We use volunteer labor to stretch resources, and use donated funds to purchase materials and, when necessary, pay for travel expenses. Work often includes rebuilding non-profit buildings, such as childcare centers, so employees can get back to work; purchasing items such as roofing materials to repair or rebuild severely damaged homes; or funding nonprofits to rebuild the local economy. For more information about the project and on disaster preparedness tips for families and schools, please visit www.nationaldisasterrecoveryfund.org/ or www.volunteerusafoundation.org. Elizabeth E. Hirst Senior Vice President, Volunteer USA Foundation www.volunteerusafoundation.org
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BEAUTY TIPS
Cathy’s Hair Tips by Cathy Howse I find it hard not to flat iron my hair in between washes because my hair loses its curl and goes flat. Is there a thermal product that I can use to protect my hair when I want to flat iron more often? The problem with heated appliances is they dry out the hair. There is nothing that will protect your hair from excessive heat if you continually use heat on dirty hair. Wash your hair weekly and use the irons only when your hair is freshly washed to prevent excessive damage. The only other option is to roller set. I am very interested in healthy hair care, and I bought your book, which is very helpful, but there is only one question that I have. How can you have healthy hair without trimming it when you can get split ends? Cathy Howse is a Black hair care expert and the founder of Ultra Black Hair Products/UBH Publications Inc., is a 20-year old company that teaches the truth about Black hair care and growth. Her book, Ultra Black Hair Growth II, is noted as the only proven black hair growth system in the world. Notoriety for her method has been included in Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who of American Women, and Who’s Who in the World. Visit her website at www.ultrablackhair.com or send your hair care questions to her via email to Cathy@ubhpublications.com ã 2009
Split ends are caused by what you do and don’t do to your hair. Brushing our hair is one of the major causes of split ends. Excessive heat is another cause. You can avoid splitting end problems if you stop the damaging things you do to your hair. Trimming hair ends is a maintenance step that makes the hair look nice. You can tuck your ends under if you don’t want to trim your hair. You can minimize split ends by using good products that improve the hair and by adopting less abusive hair care techniques. I have heard that it is ok to use products with mineral oil or petroleum as long as these products are not first or second on the list of ingredients. Is this true? No it is not true. Mineral oil and Petroleum lay on the surface of the hair locking moisture out! I encouraged my sister and cousin to go natural and so far we have used only
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your products with great results. Even our hairdresser has now ordered your products as she too has gone natural. Like you, we do not intend to use chemical relaxers ever again. I thought that I was (according to the natural hair sites) damaging my hair and stunting its growth by blow drying and flat ironing it every week before twisting it. Are you saying that as long as I continue to deep condition and moisturize daily the ‘once a week’ heat treatment will not damage my hair or stunt its growth? I am proving what I say every day. As long as your hair is strong, you need not worry about (ridiculous remarks like “stunting growth”) I use only UBH products so if you use any thing else you may be setting yourself up to fail. As long as you follow my advice and use my products your results should be the same as mine. The internet is full of “expert opinions” - I have proven what I preach! That’s the difference. What do I need to do if my hair does not stay straight? It reverts back very easily (i.e. humidity, sweat). Does the hair have to be “trained” before it will stay straight for at least 2 weeks? I constantly wear a wig because it does not last very long when I press it. I want to wear my hair out; however, if I press it, it may last for a day or two if I do not do my regular exercise routine. I know that it is not healthy to press my hair every day. Do you have any suggestions? Nothing will keep your hair straight when pressed hair is in humidity. One option is to choose a different style if you want to maintain the health of your hair.
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EATING WELL
Chicken Marsala
Set a Healthy Table Delicious Ways to Add Omega-3 to Your Meals Foods for a healthy lifestyle can be full of great flavor. The traditional Mediterranean diet is a wonderful example of great food that can have a healthy impact on the body. The Mediterranean diet is characterized by daily consumption of olive oil, fish, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains. It encourages eating fewer processed foods and reducing consumption of meat, a common source of Omega-6 fatty acids. Everyone needs Omega-6 and Omega3 essential fatty acids because our bodies don’t produce them. But it’s important to keep them in the right balance to each other — a 2:1 ratio of Omega-6 to -3. The Mediterranean Diet helps achieve that balance by focusing on using olive oil instead of vegetable cooking oils that are high in Omega-6. 40
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Chef Nick Stellino, of PBS-TV fame, uses Pompeian OlivExtra Plus with Omega3 DHA for sautéing, baking and preparing soups, sauces and marinades because OlivExtra Plus has both olive oil and an added infusion of Omega-3 to help achieve a better balance. you are going to cook with oil, doesn’t it make sense to cook with one that contains more Omega-3?” asks Chef Stellino. In fact, OlivExtra Plus contains a full 32 mg of Omega-3 per serving, which the FDA states is considered an excellent source of Omega3 DHA. These recipes for Chicken Marsala, Red Beet and Blood Orange Salad, and Black Bean, Edamame and Wheat Berry Salad make it easy to set a healthy table everyone will be happy to sit down to.
For more delicious ways to set a healthy table, visit www.pompeian.com. What Is Omega-3 DHA? Omega-3 DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is a long-chain Omega-3 fatty acid. It serves as a primary building block for the brain and the eyes and supports brain, eye and cardiovascular health throughout life. DHA has been shown to reduce the decline in mental function among healthy adults. There is a large and growing body of scientific evidence demonstrating that people of all ages benefit from an adequate supply of Omega-3 DHA in the diet. Simple Substitutions Instead of using butter or margarine, try substituting heart-healthy olive oil. This chart from the International Olive Oil CounWinter
cil shows how: Butter/Margarine
1 teaspoon 1 tablespoon 2 tablespoons 1/4 cup 1/2 cup 2/3 cup 3/4 cup 1 cup 2 cups
run clear when chicken is pierced. Serve immediately. this much olive oil
3/4 teaspoon 2 1/4 teaspoons 1 1/2 tablespoons 3 tablespoons 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons 1/2 cup 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon 3/4 cup 1 1/2 cups
Chicken Marsala (Serves 4) 2 1/4
pounds chicken parts, skin removed 2 tablespoons Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1/2 cup Pompeian Marsala Cooking Wine 8 garlic cloves with skin on 2 to 3 lemons cut into wedges 4 rosemary sprigs Salt and pepper to taste* Preheat oven to 400째F. Place chicken pieces in a roasting pan and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Place garlic among chicken pieces and tuck lemon wedges alongside garlic. Pour cooking wine over chicken. Scatter rosemary sprigs on top of chicken and bake for 10 minutes. Lower the oven temperature to 350째F and bake for another 15 minutes, or until chicken is golden brown and juices
*All cooking wines are denatured, so adjust your salt content accordingly. Black Bean, Edamame and Wheat Berry Salad Serves 6 (3/4-cup servings) 4 cups water 1/2 cup dry wheat berries 1/2 of a 15-ounce can of black beans, rinsed and drained 1 cup frozen, shelled edamame, thawed 1 cup chopped tomato 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion 2 tablespoons Pompeian Red Wine Vinegar 3 tablespoons Pompeian OlivExtra Plus Salt and black pepper to taste Combine water and wheat berries in medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 55 minutes or until wheat berries are just tender. Place in a fine mesh strainer and run under cold water to cool quickly; drain well. Combine wheat berries with remaining ingredients in medium bowl. Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 8 hours in advance.
Black Bean, Edamame and Wheat Berry Salad
Note: Wheat berries are unprocessed wheat kernels and are sold in major supermarkets and health food stores.
vent staining of fingertips. Drain on paper towels and cut each beet into eight wedges.
Red Beet and Blood Orange Salad Serves 4 (about 1 cup salad per serving, plus 1/4 cup dressing for later Dressing 1/4 1/4 2 1 1/2 1/4 Salad 2
Red Beet and Blood Orange Salad
Winter
cup Pompeian OlivExtra Plus cup Pompeian Blueberry Pomegranate Infused Red Wine Vinegar to 3 tablespoons sugar tablespoons grated fresh ginger teaspoon salt or to taste
medium size, fresh beets (about 10 ounces total), stemmed and scrubbed 4 large Romaine lettuce leaves or 4 cups loosely packed field greens (about 4 ounces total) 2 blood oranges or navel oranges, peeled and cut into sections 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onions 1/4 cup chopped cilantro ounce chopped walnuts, toasted (optional) Preheat oven to 425째F. Peel beets under running water to pre-
Place beets on foil-lined baking sheet, drizzle with 1 teaspoon oil (from the dressing ingredient list) and toss to coat well. Arrange in a single layer, bake 10 minutes, stir and cook 10 minutes longer or until just tender. Remove foil and beets from baking sheet and place on wire rack to cool at least 10 minutes. Meanwhile, combine salad dressing ingredients in a jar or container with lid. Arrange lettuce on a large platter, top with remaining salad ingredients and beets. Shake jar vigorously and drizzle one half of the dressing evenly over all. Refrigerate remaining dressing up to 3 days for later use. Chef Nick Stellino
Courtesy of Family Features Onyx Magazine
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TECHNOLOGY
Dude, Whereʼs My Dad? New GPS Technology Can Help Prevent Silver Alerts
New GPS
It’s a growing problem with a growing solution – elderly dementia patients go missing every day – so much so that 18 states have created programs called Silver Alerts to help find missing elderly people before they fall into harms way.
Can
The Alzheimer’s Association warns that more than 60 percent of elderly patients afflicted with dementia will wander and become lost at some point in their lives.
Prevent Silver Alerts
One solution many advocates are promoting is the use of personal GPS tracking devices to help locate dementia patients within minutes of the realization they have gone missing. “Personal GPS devices that can be tracked via an online dashboard can literally be lifesaving devices,” said George Karonis, CEO of LiveViewGPS (www.liveviewGPS.com) and a former law enforcement officer with 15 years on the street. “Some devices are so small, they can fit on a keychain, in a pocket or they can even be sewn into clothing if need be. Having been in law enforcement and having dealt with missing persons cases, I can tell you that the first few hours that an elderly person wanders is the most critical, as many dementia patients suffer from other ailments and are on strict medication regimens. If they are without their medication for too long, they can collapse, suffer a cardiac arrest or worse. These devices can be tracked online, meaning you can actually log onto your dashboard online and get an exact position of the GPS holder that is accurate up to the last 20 seconds if they are on foot.”
devices that have feature sets designed to help them track and locate people fast, including: • Online tracking via the Internet • updates, so the location reported is accurate • Long battery life, and a motion-activated power button, so the unit is only using the battery for power when it is in motion • Portable, capable of fitting in your hand or on a key chain • Memory that stores tracking points for future reference “A portable GPS monitoring system can be an invaluable aid for law enforcement and rescue workers trying to locate missing elderly people before they can be hurt and providing peace of mind for family members,” Karonis said. “When used correctly, it can act as a safeguard against tragedy because it enables family and police to find a missing person within minutes.”
About George Karonis George Karonis, CEO of LiveViewGPS, is a 15-year law enforcement veteran with years of experience in security and surveillance.
Karonis said that caretakers of elderly dementia patients should look for 42
Onyx Magazine
Winter