CCRM_Premier Issue

PREMIER EDITION

Complimentary

Issue

We’re Bett er Together

VOL. 1, ISSUE 1

Welcome Home

Real Estate Expert

Chrissie Kallio tells

you everything you need

to know about buying

a new home

Buffalo, NY

More than snow! Fun,

Friendly and Rich

in History

Tony Smith

Meet the Man

behind the

caricature

Soldier On

Let’s do more than

just thank them for

their service

One Talent

Co-founder Jo Ann Allen

motivates and trains young

girls to become our

leaders for tomorrow

about ordinary

Featuring

STORIES

extraordinary

THINGS

PEOPLE doing

chrissie kallio REAL ESTATE

COMMUNITY-DRIVEN REAL ESTATE, INTOWN & BEYOND

come home,

T O C O M M U N I T Y

Helping clients buy or sell homes enables us in

our own way to craft communities. It is an honor

to be a part of the process and we would

welcome the opportunity to help you.

We Make Home

Seem Not So Far

From Home.

Full Kitchen

Amenities

Breakfast Buffet

Seven Days a Week

Dinner Five Nights a Week

Social Events 3 Nights a Week

And so much more to make

your stay comfortable.

Chrissie Kallio Real Estate delivers a million-dollar experience with a down to

earth approach, for buyers and sellers in all price ranges. Discover what the

difference our strategic team platform and commitment to integrity means

for you whether you are buying, selling or investing.

chrissie kallio

c. 404.295.2068 o. 404.874.0300

chrissiekallio@atlantafinehomes.com

atlantafinehomes.com // sir.com

©MMXVII Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

1 PREMIER ISSUE | COMMUNITY CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

Staybridge Suites Atlanta Airport

3420 Norman Berry Dr, Hapeville

404.305.9930 800.225. 1237

www.staybridge.com

Letter

Publisher

from the

“It only takes a spark to get a fire going. And soon all those around can warm up in it’s glowing…’’ is part of an old

hymn that I grew up singing so often at the church in Rentz, a small rural town in South Georgia where I was raised.

The words of that song, along with many lessons I learned during those early years, have stuck with me for life. I was

blessed to have grown up with a group of loving people who taught me the difference between just saying you care about

others and actually doing something to show them you care. I watched as Nana, my maternal grandmother baked pound

cakes, cut them into slices, and carefully wrapped up each piece as a small gift for me to distribute to the residents of a

local nursing home—a small, sweet reminder of home. While it may have seemed insignificant, the eyes of those loving

residents said otherwise. My paternal grandparents, Alvin and Cora, were simple farmers who grew up through the Great

Depression and knew the value of hard work, their faith, and the love of family. If others only knew, as I did, just how

generous they really were… not only with their time, but with the little resources they actually had. You were not going

to go hungry if Mrs. Cora knew anything about it, and Alvin, my hardworking grandfather, knew more about farming than

most people with Agricultural degrees; a self taught man who always planted extra crops so he would be able to share

with those in need.

What I learned from my Grandparents, and so many others, is that our actions do in fact speak louder than our

words. We would all like to end world hunger, homelessness, poverty, or find a cure for cancer, but for most of us, that is

highly unlikely and can seem a bit overwhelming at times. In the world we currently live in, there’s enough to be stressed

about already—the news media and periodicals are overflowing with stories of bad things going on everywhere, but little

effort is given to tell you about the good things and the wonderful people who are making a difference doing them.

My business partner, Mark Farah, and I have purposed to blaze new trails— to tell the stories here of ordinary

individuals, businesses, and organizations who are doing extraordinary things… and to inspire you to do whatever

you can, wherever you are, to make a difference in the world where you live. For some, that may mean buying a cup

of coffee for a stranger, volunteering to serve a meal at a homeless shelter, cutting the grass of an elderly neighbor, or

perhaps offering to provide childcare for single moms who need a helping hand. When you start to think about it, the

opportunities are endless for you to make a difference; especially in the lives of those who have no way to repay you.

What if we started counting our blessings each day instead of focusing on what we don’t have? What if we purposed to

put others needs ahead of our own, and do at least one thing every day to make a difference. I believe it will change both

you and the world around you.

Our biggest desire here is to inspire you to be the spark that gets that fire going! Personally, I’m inspired every

day by my loving wife, Marina, who has always believed in me, by our precious daughters Victoria, Laura, and Kaitlyn, and

by those lifelong friends who continue to mentor me and challenge me each day. I’m grateful for the new additions to our

family of friends and that we get to do life together. I’m inspired by, and grateful for, my business partner Mark who took

a leap of faith, believed both in me and in our mission, and who embraced change as never before. I’m inspired by those

who you will read about here on our pages— from homeless veterans who have endured tremendous hardships only to

rise again, to fortune 500 company leaders who sacrificially give of their time and talents to mentor our bright young

leaders of tomorrow. And finally, I’m especially grateful that you, our readers, are here, and I hope that you’ll come along

with us and help to fan the flames—the flames that were started with just one spark, and watch as they continue to grow

and transform lives—perhaps even yours!

We’re better together,

Royce Watson

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief


WWW.COMMUNITYCROSSROADSMAGAZINE.COM

4

CONTENTS

2 Letter from the Publisher

4 Table of Contents

6 Meet Our

Crossroads Family

DESIRE TO INSPIRE

16

One Talent

Founders, Jo Ann Allen

& Kamilah Burrow are

mentoring young girls to

be the leaders of tomorrow.

60

Hapeville Dwarf House

Where the dream began

and the legacy continues.

“

Alone

we can

do so

little;

together

much .

much .

we can do so

”

~ Helen Keller

22

66

48

16

28

Everyday Gourmet

Tony Smith

Paula’s Donuts

10

Soldier On

One Talent

Health & Fitness

FOOD

22

Everyday Gourmet

Chef Charlotte Lute teaches

you how to make your everyday

meal gourmet and offers tips

on perfect wine pairings.

26

Oh, What a Brine

The delicious how’s

and why’s of brining.

COMMUNITY

10

Soldier On

Let’s do more than just thank

them for their service. Pace Tyson

saw a huge need among our

Veterans and did something

about it.

36

Roberto Castillo

See how this young man has been

embracing life’s challenges to keep

Making the Goal.

38

Soccer in the Streets

Local organization giving kids

a positive outlet.

HEALTH

28

Health & Fitness

Meet our health and fitness expert

Jamie Evans, learn what motivates

him, and see how you, too, can be

the very best you.

THE ARTS

66

Tony Smith

Meet the man behind

the caricatures.

72

Tatum Dance

Local entrepreneur strives

to share her passion for dance

with young and old.

HOME

54

Welcome Home

Real Estate expert Chrissie Kallio

shares everything you need

to know about buying a

new home.

TRAVEL

40

Buffalo, New York

More than snow! Fun, Friendly

and Rich in History!

48

Paula’s Donuts

Find out why Paula is a ROCK STAR

in the donut world and why this

Buffalo institution is a MUST VISIT!



6

Meet Our Crossroads Family . . .

We’re

Better

Togetherer

Pace Tyson is a Dublin, Georgia native with a passion for family, fellowship, and community

goodwill. He studied Business Management at Georgia Southwestern State University.

He has been published on several platforms that include books, essays, magazines,

and online articles. When Pace was 15, he started a non-profit called “Soldier On”

to help veterans in need with home essentials. He currently holds his certification in

grant writing through the University of Georgia. In his free time, Pace enjoys golf, go

to the cinema, exercise, and spend time with his nieces and nephews. He is currently

employed at Morris Bank as an electronic banking specialist where he works with the

newest banking technology and amazing people.

C harlotte

LUTE

Food & Gourmet

Special Contributor

P ace

TYSON

Special Features

Contributor

Currently resides in Hapeville, Georgia with her husband of 29 years,

she is fortunate enough to have grown up in Italy and Belgium and has traveled

extensively. She has 25 years experience in the food service industry, including

teaching Culinary Arts in an Arts high school and technical college. She has two

main passions — travel and food.

R oyce

WATSON

Publisher &

Editor-in-Chief

A storyteller at heart, Royce owned a successful

cake and catering business for over fifteen years

and for four years he was a featured Guest Chef

on WMAZ, the local CBS television station located in

Macon, Georgia where he shared his love for cooking

and entertaining.

He enjoys writing, photography, traveling, and taking the road

less traveled to discover new places and new friends.

Royce has been married to his wife, Marina, for 28 years and together they

have raised three beautiful daughters.

Mark graduated in 2005 from Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia with

a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. He has worked as a Strategic

Sales Manager for a Fortune 500 company for the past ten years where he has

forged vital partnerships with his clients making it possible for them to grow their

business exponentially. Mark has an outstanding reputation for being a global

leader among sales professionals and is known for creating diverse, proven

marketing strategies that net results. In his free time, Mark enjoys spending time

with family and friends, likes to stay active and in shape by working out at his local

gym, cooking healthy dishes, relaxing on the beach, and enjoying as much time as

possible with his girlfriend, Susan, and their beloved dog, Maddie.

Mark

FARAH

Director of Sales

& Marketing

Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, Jamie served many years in the US Coast Guard as a

member of the Elite Special Forces. He now works an independent contractor continuing

to support our countries military interests overseas and is a fitness expert and personal

trainer who is passionate about eating healthy and taking care of your body. Jamie

is personally involved with Wishes for Warriors, a non profit organization that helps

combat soldiers who were injured reintegrate into outdoor activities they once enjoyed.

He is a competitive lifter, a motivational speaker, and personal life coach who enjoys

spending time with family, friends, and Hera, his loyal German Shepherd.

J o Ann

ALLEN

Director of

Community Relations

Chrissie has a Public Relations degree from the University of Southern Alabama where she

graduated cum laude. She is an affiliate of Atlanta Fine Homes, Sotheby’s International

Realty and an Associate Broker, member of the Atlanta Realtors ® Association, Graduate

of the Realtor Institute, EcoBroker Certified, Certified Distressed Property Expert and is

an EarthCraft Certified Real Estate Professional. She lives in town with her husband,

two sons and their dog Maggie Mae. Chrissie stays active running the roads and trails

of Georgia, listening to live music, and enjoying Atlanta’s neighborhood festivals and

restaurants with her family.

J amie

EVANS

Health & Fitness

Special Contributor

Jo Ann graduated from the prestigious Tuskegee University with a Bachelors Degree

in Art and Design. She worked as a Fashion Model, Designer, and as a Fashion

Merchandising Manager for several years before beginning her 28 year career in

Inflight Services with Delta Airlines. After retiring from Delta in 2007, Jo Ann went on

to work as the Board President for the South Fulton Affiliate of Habitat For Humanity

in Atlanta, GA and has since served on the Board of Directors for Sconiers Homeless

Prevention Organization, and as an Advisor to many other non profit groups. She

also serves as the General Manager and Director of Operations for Club E, a Business

Center for Entrepreneurs and is the Co-Founder of ONE TALENT, INC. a 501(c)(3) non

profit organization.

C hrissie

KALLIO

Home Matters

Special Contributor

Marina

WATSON

Creative

Director

After graduating with a Bachlor of Fine Arts degree from Sierra Nevada

College at Lake Tahoe, she continued with her Masters studies at Savannah

College of Art and Design which brought her to Savannah, Georgia

where she met and married her husband of twenty-eight years, Royce.

Her love for graphic design has served her well for over thrity years

bringing her here to Community Crossroads Magazine where

she has contributed her talents and heart to seeing her husband’s

dream manifest.

Roberto

CASTILLO

-NARVAEZ

Photo Journalist

Roberto is an aspiring photojournalist and contributing writer for Community

Crossroads Magazine. Prior to this, he worked as a sub-contractor for various

construction companies while studying for his General Equivalency Diploma, which

he completed in March of 2016. He enjoys playing soccer, photography, being in the

great outdoors and spending time in the company of family and friends.

See more of our staff on the next page.



8

Mariya works for the Kazakhstan Foundation for Cultural Social and Educational

Development (Almaty, Kazakhstan) where she works on different social initiatives for

women from rural areas. She believes that women can thrive and become positive role

models for their own communities. Mariya is a Community Solutions Program fellow

which is the program sponsored by The Department Of States Bureau of Education and

Cultural Affairs and implemented by IREX*.

Mariya

ASSINSKAYA

Executive Intern

Los Mariachis

MEXICAN RESTAURANT

G ugen

NAVAMANI

Executive Intern

CEO, ANB Agro Trainers

Gugen has a background in working on the blue chip with Intel and Agilent,

in 2010. He is the founder of ANB Agro Trainers, a social enterprise up

in the north Malaysia focusing on the creation of sustainable livelihood

through agriculture for youth, single mothers and their children along with

senior citizens.

We Desire

Inspire

to

Community CrossRoads Magazine is published on

a bi-monthly basis. For further inquiries or information

regarding advertising, submissions, or subscriptions,

please contact our offices at 404-907-8845 or send

correspondence to:

Community CrossRoads Magazine

632 South Central Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30354

To contact the Publisher,

Publisher@crossroads-magazine.com

For advertising inquiries contact

Mark Farah at

Advertising@crossroads-magazine.com

Photography requests and submissions

can be made at

Photography@crossroads-magazine.com

For subscriptions to our magazine

Subscriptions@crossroads-magazine.com

WEEKLY DRINK SPECIALS

Monday ~ Texas Margarita

Tuesday ~ Lunch Margarita

Wednesday ~ Bucket O’Beer

Thursday ~ Fruity Margaritas

Friday ~ Jumbo Texas Margarita

We are dedicated

to delivering an

authentic Mexican

dining experience.

LosMariachisGA.com

©2017 Community Crossroads Magazine. Reproduction of any content, whether in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited

by law. The publishers are not responsible for the comments by authors or for unsolicited manuscripts, photos, or drawings. Any comments or letters sent to

Community CrossRoads Magazine will be treated as unconditionally assigned for our publication and for copyright purposes and as such are subject to Community

CrossRoads Magazine’s unrestricted right to edit, comment editorially, and to publish on our website, www.CommunityCrossRoadsMagazine.com as we see fit.

POSTMASTER: PLEASE SEND CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO: COMMUNITY CROSSROADS MAGAZINE AT 632 SOUTH CENTRAL AVENUE., ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30354

PEACHTREE CITY

2860 GA-54

(770) 629-4218

FAIRBURN

7794 Ella Ln #A

(770) 703-8376

RIVERDALE

7056 Highway 85, Ste. C

(404) 549-7572

HAPEVILLE

1155 Virginia Ave

(404) 549-7572


near all Atlanta Airport Hotels

Soldier On

By Pace Tyson

I stood in the back of the room and listened intently.

It was hard to believe what I was hearing. It was a hot July

day in 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. I had accompanied

my Mom to a week-long VA training session where serving

homeless veterans was the topic of discussion. To my dismay, I

had just learned that many veterans, after serving our country

and being released from a VA program, very often have to

begin with nothing. Even those who are able to find a job

and secure a place to live often have very little in the way of

furnishings, appliances and other household goods. I was sure

this was not the case back hometown of Dublin, Georgia.My

heart was racing on the plane ride back. I couldn’t wait to get

home and get started on this idea. What were the numbers

like back home? Did we have a homeless problem with our

veterans in Dublin? My mind kept running with questions as

we traveled back home.



12

My heart was racing on the plane ride back. I

attics for items they no longer utilized. Soon the phone was

it to the small house where he lived. When the

couldn’t wait to get home and get started on an idea that

ringing, and the building began to fill with donated items.

volunteer returned, he pulled me aside. “Do you

kept racing through my mind. What were the numbers

After seeing one of the flyers, two veterans from our area

know what was in that man’s house?” he asked. I

like back home? Did we actually have a homeless problem

called and we met them at the storage building where they

had no idea. “What was in there?” I asked him. “A

among our veterans in Dublin— I was determined to find

were able to pick out some items. They were amazed that

blanket on the floor – that’s it,” he replied.

the answers.

After returning home, I made an appointment

with VA officials and talked with them about what I had

learned. They knew me as a volunteer at the VA, and

shared that, unfortunately, some veterans do in fact

‘fall through the cracks’ when they don’t have family

support or other assistance. While sitting in their

small office that day, I knew exactly what I had

to do.

Later that night, I called a family friend

who serves on the VA Secretary’s Advisory

Board for Homeless Veterans. I told him

how I wanted to help veterans in this area,

and he encouraged me to move forward

with my idea. “Soldier On”, a program

for veterans in need, was born. My

parents supported my project, and

my Mom approached her board of

directors at Georgia CHEP, Inc.

to inquire if the project could

become a component of their

non-profit corporation. They

readily agreed, and I was

excited. People who donated

would be able to get a tax

deduction. The next day

I went to the bank and

drew out some of my

savings in order to rent a

storage building.

it was free. “You served us, now people are donating

items to help you”, I explained. A cash donation

came in, and we were able to purchase a trailer

to better haul larger items. Several beds were

donated, along with appliances and a great

deal of clothing. We built clothing racks

and rented yet another building. One

day, a veteran brought his wife to the

storage facility; she had been living

with relatives while he was on

active duty. They were starting

over in the way of household

goods. When we rolled up

the storage facility doors,

she turned to me and

asked what she could

have. “Anything you need”, I

told her.

With tears streaming down her

face, she picked out a bed for herself

and her husband, twin beds for her

children, a dining room suite, a sofa, and

a few other odds and ends. I looked back

at my Mom and a volunteer and they were

also crying. I knew at that moment that

this would be a lifelong project for me. A bit

later, when we had our first official pick-up

day for veterans, I was nervous. We now had

four buildings full of items. What if

nobody came?

How could it be that a man or woman who

had served our country would only have a blanket

on the floor? As the day continued, we realized

that our veteran pick up day had been a success.

We had helped over 40 men, women, and families in

one single dayvall through the generous donations

of our local community.

While we celebrated the

success that night, I kept

thinking about the man with

nothing but a blanket on

the floor. My friends and

family had all participated

in this momentous day,

and everyone realized that

together we had solved

a problem that our local

veterans faced.

Shortly after, I began

to stay in contact with social workers

from the V.A. Medical System who help me understand

how their hands could easily be tied due to regulations set

by HUD, VASH, or by discharge rules. Our project could

work outside of those rules since we were an independent

non-profit group. The common issue that VA social workers

faced is that they while they could find a place for a veteran

to live, they often did not have the funding to provide living

essentials such as furniture, clothing and other

household items. Fortunately

we could and did.

In the time that the

project remained active (2009

– 2014), we were able to help

over 240 veterans. We raised

over $350,000 in donated

goods and monetary donations

and we had numerous sponsors

and local families who donated to our cause. I saw firsthand

how a community could come together for an ideal.

“Soldier On” eventually had to go on hiatus once I left

Dublin to further my education. I still receive phone calls,

however, from veterans asking if I can assist them. The

answer is always yes! Of course, my goal is to eventually

restart the project locally and also to partner up with the

We made flyers and

distributed them throughout

the area. My first donations

were heirloom quilts from

my Grandmother, and my

Mom donated a table, linens and

cookware. I also asked my friends to take a look in their

I needn’t have worried. We had advertised

that the event would last from 10:00 a.m. to

2:00 p.m. Veterans began to line up at 7:30 a.m.

The first in line was a disabled Vietnam Vet.

He picked out a refrigerator, a stove, a washing

machine, a bed, chest of drawers and some

blankets. One of our volunteers helped him haul



14

V.A. hospitals across our nation to assist even more

of our veterans. If you’re interested in starting a

Soldier On outreach to veterans in your area, please

don’t hesitate to contact me. I’d be happy to help in

any way possible.

So, what did I learn from all of this? First of all,

I realized just how much can get accomplished when

one person decides to do something about a need

in our community. Most everyone knows someone

who is a veteran and we owe them a great deal of

gratitiude. I also learned how, as citizens, we all need

to contribute to the world around us. We’re not just

meant to just pay taxes and die… We’re meant to

participate in this wonderful nation’s opportunities

and to help our fellow Americans. Not everyone has

the resources to get through the next chapter in life

— everyone needs a helping hand at times.

Last, but not least, I saw how a simple idea

can affect hundreds of lives. Some ideas change

millions of lives. An idea can become a revolution

with a simple push. You could easily have an idea

that could save the world or save someone’s life.

I’m reminded of a quote from author and public

speaker, John C. Maxwell. I was at a conference in

Charlotte, North Carolina when John said: “God’s

gift to us is our potential, and our gift to God is what

we do with that potential.”

You may be at a cross roads in your life with

your potential. I assure you, wherever your heart

leads you, is where you are meant to go. If you have

an idea that you feel might change the world, or

make a difference in the world where you live... act

on it or you may wake up one day with regret asking,

“What if?”

Would you like to make a difference

in the lives of Veterans where you live?

For more information about starting

your own chapter of SOLDIER ON,

please contact Pace via email at

pace@CommunityCrossRoadsMagazine.com.

Pace is also available for motivational

speaking engagements and as a consultant

for non-profit organizations worldwide.

Find even more opportunities to help Veterans

and their families by logging onto our website

www.CommunityCrossRoadsMagazine.com



16

One Talent

Spend at least one hour with Jo Ann Allen

and you’ll soon discover that she has far more than one talent.

by Royce Watson

Jo Ann’s vast array of experience comes to life

as she simultaneously takes a phone call to speak with

the head of a fortune 500 company, fields several other

questions regarding the day to day operations of Club E, an

entrepreneurs business and think tank office

complex in College Park, Georgia where

she serves as the Manager and Director of

Operations, and looks over her notes for

an upcoming meeting with the President

of an organization that is raising money to

help with pancreatic cancer research. To say

that Jo Ann is busy would certainly be an

understatement, yet she stays focused and

on task as she pushes through her day.

As I sat in her office

waiting for my turn to speak

with her, it didn’t take long

for me to realize that Jo Ann’s

real passion, what drives her

to get up in the wee hours of

the morning to take a group

of girls to visit Tuskegee

University in Alabama, is not

the many titles that follow

her name on the door, or

the number of organizations

where she serves as an advisor,

but the many young girls from

ONE TALENT, the non profit

organization that she, along

with her daughter, Kamilah Burrow, founded some ten years

ago, whose pictures and awards adorn the walls and desk of

her office. Most of these young girls, like Jo Ann, come from

humble beginnings. So many of them face the challenge of

living with a single parent, the lack of adequate

income to support the family, or have experienced

traumatic events in their early childhood. While

these girls do come from various backgrounds,

each one is searching for something similar; a

mentor— someone who will believe in them and

direct them, an opportunity to soar to

new heights, to rise above their current

circumstances, and to achieve their scholastic

dreams. In Jo Ann and Kamilia they have certainly

found what they so desperately needed.

Realizing that these young girls were falling through the cracks, Jo Ann and

Kamilah decided to do something about it ten years ago. The humble beginnings of

what would later become a fully operational non profit 501(c)3 organization began

with just a hand full of girls in the garage of her modest home and a whole lot of

passion. What began as an opportunity to pour into the lives of a few young ladies

with the hope of making a difference has grown into a worldwide organization

whose mission is to advance the gifts and talents of these young leaders of tomorrow

and to provide a platform for these young girls to showcase their skills and abilities

while also providing educational opportunities through workshops, specialized

course studies in technology, career development, sewing, financial literacy, health

and fitness, the art of music, and many, many more. “We were faithful to our

calling and to our mission” says Mrs. Allen who is quick to tell you that it

hasn’t always been easy to find resources to meet the needs of each one

who has come through their program. “Many times, as a matter of

fact, most all of the time in the beginning, the funds came

directly out of our own pockets which made things even

more precious when we saw the program, and our girls,

continue to grow and find success.”



18

Kamilah Burrow

An exceptionally gifted teacher,

song writer, recording artist,

performer, musician, and playwright

Perhaps Jo Ann’s greatest

achievement to date is her daughter,

and co-founder of One Talent, Kamilah

Burrow. Kamilah, affectionately known

to those who work with and love her

Over the years, through handwork and dedication, the

organization has seen a large measure of success in both

participation and in those willing to donate their time and

resources through leadership volunteer opportunities. “One

of the things we are most proud of,

other than our girls,” says Jo Ann,

“is the number of people who are

willing to take the time needed to

invest in these bright young leaders

of tomorrow.” And Jo Ann certainly

knows how valuable time is when you’re working. Having

spent twenty eight years as a flight crew member for Delta

Air Lines and as the community relations director for Habitat

for Humanity she knows just how much these working

professionals have to offer in the way of guidance, career

development advice, and loving support. “We’re always

looking for an opportunity to partner with those workforce

leaders and successful entrepreneurs who are setting the bar

high and are able to teach our young ladies how to reach for

and obtain their goals” says Mrs. Allen.

as Milah, has achieved quite a bit so

far on her own. An exceptionally gifted

teacher, song writer, recording artist, performer, musician,

and playwright, Kamiliah proudly followed in her mother’s

footsteps and attended the prestigious Tuskegee University

where she earned a degree in Sales and Marketing. To

continue pursing her dreams, Kamilah attended graduate

school at Georgia State University in Atlanta where she

graduated at the top of her class from the J. Mack Robinson

College of Business with a Master’s Of Professional

Accountancy Degree. After graduation, Milah passed all parts

of the Certified Public Accountant board exams on her very

first attempt. With all of these talents, it’s easy to see how

privileged the young girls at ONE TALENT are to have Ms.

of the songs and score, for her very first play which she hopes

to see produced in the very near future. One thing is certain

when you meet Kamilah… she’s sure of her purpose in life

and of where her talent came from. “I give credit to God…

the one who gave me this talent and I want to honor Him and

that gift with my life” says Ms. Burrows. And with a songbook

of over one hundred fifty songs to her credit, countless

scores, and other manuscripts she’s certainly doing just that.

Kamiliah’s Believe CDs, a project near and dear to her heart,

is available on iTunes as well as on the One Talent website.

Proceeds from the sale of the Believe album go directly to

support the Believe Movement—a national anti-bullying

prevention campaign.

Burrows as a mentor and life coach. Kamiliah’s passion for

music, writing, teaching, and acting come to life even more

now as she has just completed the manuscript, as well as all

Find out more about the Believe Movement on the next page.



20

What Is The

“BeLieve”

Movement?

The “BeLieve” Movement was established to bring awareness to bullying,

low self-esteem, and teenage suicide. The goal is to address community safety

issues in schools and neighborhoods. Through education advocacy, and servicelearning

projects, the “BeLieve” for Safer Communities Youth Council seeks to

increase awareness about the seriousness of bullying and violence and garner

community-wide support to address the issue.

The “BeLieve” Movement - National Bullying Prevention Campaign has a

goal of obtaining one-thousand (1,000) signed No Bullying pledges by the end

of 2017.

Moved by the stories of several young girls and having experienced bullying

herself, One Talent, Inc. Co-founder, Kamilah Burrow (aka Milah), wrote,

produced, and performed “Believe In Yourself” to encourage the youth and

adults to take a stand against bullying and violence.

Unbeatable Prices,

Fast & Friendly Service

We still believe in old fashioned values.

We treat you like family.


478-333-6652 • 4851 Russell Pkwy #100 • Warner Robins, GA 31088


22

Everyday

Gourmet

By

Charlotte Lute

PHOTOS BY ROYCE WATSON

While Fall has finally arrived, and it may be

Brining is the technique they use to infuse moisture and

cooler in other parts of the country where you are, it’s still

flavor throughout the entire piece of meat. The salt relaxes

hot here in Atlanta. In the south, we use our grills all year

the protein strands, creating space for the liquid to move into

round and with football and tailgating season here, I thought

the meat. The acid from the wine also flavors and tenderizes

you would enjoy these fabulous dishes which you can grill

the meat. In this case, we are using garlic and red pepper

up and heat up your taste buds, not your kitchen. They also

flakes as additional flavors, but you could add any fresh

make a great menu tailgating, or just to enjoy for an easy

herbs, dried spices or other flavors that you enjoy.

dinner party.

There’s not much that is as disappointing as being

Grilled Corn & Avocado Salad

©2017 Royce Watson

ready to serve a great steak dinner, but then, when it is ready,

you take a bite and although it is seasoned on the outside,

the inside is bland or stringy and dry. It is possible, however,

to produce a fabulous steak dinner with little effort, that is

packed with flavor. All we need to do is follow in the steps

of our South American neighbors — the Argentinians and

Brazilians — who are famous for their steakhouses. Their

techniques have been used for centuries to produce flavorful

grilled meats over an open fire.

Charlotte Lute currently resides in

Hapeville, Ga. with her husband of 29 years.

She is fortunate enough to have grown up in Italy

and Belgium and has traveled extensively. She has

25 years’ experience in the food service industry,

including teaching Culinary Arts in an Arts high

school and technical college. She has two main

passions — travel and food. She enjoys going

to new places, experiencing the food scene and

figuring out how to recreate what she has found.

Teaching others about food is one of her favorite

things to do.



24

Not much pairs with

Argentinian steak better

than a great Malbec

from the Mendoza

valley. Some my

favorites are from the

Catena Vineyards. For

this tasting, I selected

2 mid-range Malbecs,

both from the same

area, but the Alta Malbec

is planted at a higher

elevation.

The Malbec grape

varietal is originally from

France. Today, most of

the Malbec wines in

France are produced in

Cahors. It is a commonly

used grape for blending;

however it does have

poor resistance to pests

and weather. It was first

planted in the Mendoza

valley in 1868 by a French

botanist under the orders

of the mayor of that time.

The high elevations

provide hot days and

cold nights, which is

great for the grapes.

These Malbecs are

bold and rich, which

stands up well to the

flavors in our dishes.

They are fruity and

dry with notes of

blackberry, plum and

black cherry. The Alta

has hints of lavender

and violet, and is

slightly leathery. The

Classic also has hints

of blueberry and

sweet spices.

CHEERS!

Argentinian Flank or

Skirt Steak

For the brine:

1/2 Cup Kosher or sea salt

2+ cloves garlic (I like more!)

1 Cup hot water

1 tsp red pepper flakes

1 Cup dry red wine

Enough cold water to make 1 qt.

Dissolve the salt in the hot water. Add the rest

of the ingredients and allow to cool to room

temperature before adding your steak. Do not

marinate your steak in warm or hot liquid.

Be patient and plan ahead!

Prepare your steak:

TERM

EXTRA RARE

(BLUE)

RARE

DESCRIPTION

VERY RED

RED CENTER,

SOFT

TEMPERATURE

RANGE

115—120 F

125—130 F

MEDIUM RARE WARM, RED 130—140 F

MEDIUM

CENTER,

FIRMER

140—150 F

MEDIUM WELL PINK AND FIRM 150—155 F

WELL DONE

A BIT OF PINK

IN CENTER

2 1/2 pounds of flank or skirt steak

Remove from packaging, trip excess fat

and any silver skin.

30 minutes prior to grilling, remove the

steak from the brine, pat it dry with paper

towels that you can throw away, and let it

rest at room temperature while you heat

the grill to a medium high. This helps

the protein strands relax even more and


160 + F

when the steak hits the hot grill it will not seize up.

Because of the brine and the flavor in the sauce

below, you should season lightly, if desired, or wait

until after it is grilled to add additional salt. Spray

with vegetable oil and grill on both sides until

desired temperature is reached. See table below

for temperatures.

Do yourself a favor, purchase a decent digital

thermometer. Weber makes one for under $10 that

you can find in the grilling section.

I cooked this steak to a perfect 137 degrees. It was

about 1 ½ inches thick at the thickest end. I grilled

it on medium high for 6 minutes on one side and

5 on the other, keeping the lid closed when I was

not checking on it.

When the steak is at the proper temperature,

pull it off the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes or

so, this seals in the juices. Thinly slice it against

the grain and place on serving dish. Top with the

chimichurri sauce.

Chimichurri Sauce:

A staple in South American cuisine. Everyone has

their own take on it. Basically, you can change it up

any way you like, but this is a good, basic recipe:

In a blender or food processor combine:

½ Cup olive oil (please use a good one!)

¼ Cup lemon juice, lime juice, red wine vinegar

or any combination of these

½ Cup cilantro leaves packed

½ Cup parsley leaves packed

2 cloves of garlic

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp crushed red pepper

¼ tsp ground cumin

½ tsp salt

Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning!

Serve at room temperature.

Everyday Gourmet Tip:

Place your brine and steak in a gallon

size zip lock bag to marinate, and put

it in the refrigerator.

Grilled Corn &

Avocado Salad

2 ears of fresh, non GMO corn

1 Avocado, diced

1 ½ Cup cherry or grape tomatoes, cut in half

½ red onion, diced

¼ Cup chopped cilantro

Dressing:

Stir together

3 Tbs olive oil

2 Tbs lime juice

½ tsp cumin

½ tsp paprika

¼ tsp pepper

Sea salt to taste

To grill the corn:

Open husk, take off silk. Tie husk back

closed with butcher twine, place on grill and turn

occasionally for 15 minutes. Pull off and let sit until

it is cool enough to handle. Take husk all the way

off, brush with a little oil and put corn directly on

the grates of the grill. Turning frequently and allow

the corn to brown a bit, without burning it. When

it has some color (which equates to flavor) pull it

off and allow it to cool. When it is cool enough to

handle, use a knife to cut the kernels off of the cob.

Stir everything together. This is best served

right away.

Grilled Peaches

with Brandy &

Brown Sugar Glaze

One of my favorite things about Georgia is the

peaches! We are the Peach Capital. Peaches are a type

of “stone fruit”. Other stone fruits are nectarines,

plums and apricots. Any of which would work for this

recipe as well!

Peaches are classified as free stone, semi cling or

cling stone, based on how much the flesh of the fruit

attaches to the pit. Free stone peaches are easiest

for this recipe, as you do not have to work as hard to

remove the pit, so you reduce the chance of bruising

the peach.

4 peaches, cut in half pit removed

For the glaze:

¼ Cup brandy

2 Tbs brown sugar

2 Tbs melted butter

Stir together and coat

peaches, letting them sit

for at least 1 hour. Turn off

½ of your grill for indirect

grilling. You do not want to

put the fruit over a lit grill

as the brandy will catch on

fire. Grill 5 – 6 minutes, until

soft. While the peaches are

grilling, take the marinade

and reduce it on the stove

top until thickened, 4 – 5

minutes. Serve warm peaches

topped with good vanilla ice

cream and spoon some sauce

over it. Eat it immediately.

Everyday

Gourmet Tip:

If you have to hold

this salad for a little

while, keep the pit

of the avocado and

store it in the salad.

When you keep the

pit with it, it prevents

the fruit from

browning quickly.

Pre- grill your

peaches up to the

day before and

reduce the sauce.

When ready to serve,

heat them on the grill

and follow the rest of

the recipe.


26

The More You Know...

Oh, What

1 2

1. Pour Gallon of water into a

container that has a lid and

enough space to hold the meat

you’re going to marinate.

Typically this continuer should

be about to hold about twice the

amount of liquid you are placing

into it.

A Brine

RECIPE & PHOTOS

BY ROYCE WATSON

Brine for

8-10 Pork Chops

3

2. Place the kosher salt into the cup

of hot water and stir to dissolve.

After salt has dissolved add to the

cold water in your container.

3. Add the Apple Cider Vinegar along

with the Apple Juice or Cider to

your liquid mixture and stir well.

Brining, a technique used to tenderize meat, and

an easy way to infuse lots of tremendous flavor, has been

debated among some of the best chefs and home cooks in

America. I’ve often thought it was a lot of work for little

return, but our Everyday Gourmet Sections Chef Charlotte

Lute inspired me to give it a try once again after tasting

the delicious steak that she had prepared for a photo shoot

one Saturday afternoon. Though it was already a good cut

of meat, I was surprised at how tender and juicy the steak

was—no guarantee just because of the higher price tag at

the market; preparation and good culinary technique, I have

learned, can make even a less expensive cut of meat taste

remarkably better.

family is aware when I’m up to something, such as testing a

recipe, but this particular evening I had managed to avoid

detection. I didn’t want to influence their opinions so I

refrained from commenting and chose to just wait and see

if my experiment had worked. What I did get were several

comments about the juiciness, tenderness, and wonderful

flavor of the pork chops. Everyone commented that I had

done a particularly good job with grilling the chops and

asked what I did differently…so there’s your confirmation—

Brine your meat! The payoff in taste and texture are worth

the extra effort! I’m a big fan and you, and those you cook

for, will be too!

1 cup of Kosher Salt

1 Gallon of Cold Spring Water

1 cup of Hot Water

½ cup of Apple Cider Vinegar

2 to 3 cups of Pure Apple Juice

or Cider

Several Cloves of freshly

peeled Garlic

Fresh or Dried Thyme

¼ cup of Black Peppercorns

4

4. Add the garlic, thyme, and

peppercorns (I like to place the

peppercorns in a plastic bag and

give them a good smash with a

heavy skillet or a rolling pin and

I do the same for the garlic and

herbs which help to release their

flavor into the brining liquid) and

stir well before adding the pork

chops to the brining solution.

5. Cover the container and place

into refrigerator for at least one

hour, and up to four hours, before

cooking. Take pork chops out of

liquid and discard brining solution.

Brining can be used for a vast array

of meats…not just for steak. Since grilled

pork chops were on the menu for dinner,

5

Be sure to pat the pork chops dry

before placing on grill. Grill as you

normally would and enjoy!

I decided that it would be a perfect time

to have my own test group and see if

anyone noticed a difference. I prepared

the pork chops as I normally would to

grill them with one exception—they had

been allowed to marinate in the brine

solution for approximately four hours

before I grilled them.

I was curious to see if anyone

would make a comment about the pork

chops during meal time. Usually my



28

&

Health

Fitness

The Very

Best You . . .

Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, our fitness

expert and personal trainer, Jamie Evans, now makes his

home in San Antonio, Texas. Having served in the United

States Coast Guard for many years, and as a strategic

member of our military’s Elite Special Forces Team, Jamie

knows all too well the importance of eating well and staying

physically fit. Jamie’s body, as all those assigned to such a

dangerous detail, was one of his greatest assets. Often

pushed to the limits of physical and mental endurance,

members of the Elite Special Forces Team rely upon the

conditioning of their bodies to sustain them through

difficult missions and bring them safely home. Join us

now as we have a discussion with Jamie about his passion

for physical fitness, healthy eating, and learn how you, too, can

make the necessary changes in your own lifestyle to carry you

the distance.

By Royce Watson

in conversation with Jamie Evans



29

RRoyce: Some people say it’s

RRoyce: What initially prompted your interest in

physical fitness?

JJamie: “I was always physically active through

high school, and even more so when I entered the

military. From my days serving in the Coast Guard,

to my years in Special Forces, physical fitness was

an integral part of my routine. Much like

most people gather around the coffee

maker each day at work, physical

training was something I looked

forward to. Staying in shape

was somewhat easier during

that time as it was something

that was expected of me as a

soldier. I didn’t give it a second

thought because it was simply a

part of the job requirement and

something that I enjoyed.”

RRoyce: Was there ever a time

when that changed, or did you continue

with your same routine once you retired from

active Jservice?

Jamie: “Oh no, that definitely changed.

I retired after being injured while on duty;

tore my rotator cuff which made it virtually

impossible to stay in the gym, especially with

the routine to which I had become accustomed.

The pain and rehabilitation from the injury were

gruesome. I found myself both severely depressed

and frustrated because I was wasn’t able to do the

things I loved. No longer among the brotherhood

of my military family, I felt isolated and alone;

struggling to find my footing. Marry that with

the challenge of overcoming a life altering injury,

the frustration of trying to figure out how to maintain my

body without the ability to workout, and you have a recipe

for disaster.”


RRoyce: What do you mean exactly when you say

recipe for disaster?

J

Jamie: Most of us have challenges

that we have to deal with at some point

in our lives. For me personally, the

recipe for disaster I was referring

to was the fact that I felt isolated

and alone. Having transitioned

from a full-time career where I had

a support network of colleagues and friends to not

working at all while trying to cope with debilitating

pain was rather difficult. After some time of dealing

with, what seemed to be, never ending pain, I made

the mistake of mixing alcohol with prescription pain

medicine. As you can imagine, it wasn’t long before

I found myself spiraling down a very slippery slope.

Fortunately for me, I realized just how quickly

things could have taken a much different turn for

the worse.

RRoyce:

through

J

that difficult time in your life Jamie?

RRoyce: Were you able to see

immediate results?

J

What exactly helped you get

Jamie: I turned back to the one thing I loved

the most — the gym and exercise. You don’t

realize just how much you love something until

you can’t do it anymore, but I was determined to

push through the obstacles and reclaim my life.

Jamie: At first, I’ll be honest, it was

difficult, but I was motivated to get

my life back. I was tired of feeling

the way I had been since my injury

and I wanted more than the sedentary life that was trying to

claim my future. With each passing day, and workout, things

began to change — change for the better.

Rchanges J

you began to see?

R

Royce: What were some of the most noticeable

Jamie: First of all let me be absolutely clear about

something: while it was difficult to push my body to get back

into a routine of healthy eating and exercise, the benefits

were so worth the effort. Almost immediately I began to

physically feel better. When you’re exercising, you are

improving your circulation and getting necessary oxygen to

your muscles. The pain I was living with began to improve as

I pushed through to get my workouts in.

Royce: Other than the physical changes you saw,

what Jother benefits come from taking the time to eat healthy

and exercise?

Jamie: ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING!! Having more

energy, improved cardiovascular function, as well as an

increased metabolism. Also, endorphins are released when

you exercise which helps with your overall sense of happiness

and wellbeing and combats things like depression. Of course,

there were also the obvious improvements in my physical

appearance as I continued to follow a regular exercise

regimen as well which clearly makes anyone feel better

about themselves.

thoughts

J

on this, Jamie?

RRoyce: You make it sound so easy, Jamie. What

difference?

J

more expensive to eat healthier foods

or to pay for a gym membership or

personal trainer. What are your

Jamie: Think of it this way…The

fuel that you put into your body and

the time that you spend exercising

are an investment in you! You only

have one body to get through this

life with; taking care of yourself is an

investment in your future for many

years to come. Imagine if you were

going to buy one car knowing that the

one you select is going to have to last

you for 50 years; you would certainly

do everything you could to make sure

it would last you by changing the oil, keeping up with the

maintenance, and keeping it from being exposed to things

which could destroy the exterior and engine. Basically,

people treat their cars better than they do their own bodies

so often. We weren’t created to be dormant creatures so

it’s important to give your body the fuel it needs and to

stay active.

would you tell someone who hasn’t exercised or eaten very

health for years, but wants to start making better decisions?

What could they start doing right now that would make a

Jamie: “My very best advice would be to do what I

call “THE TRADE PROGRAM; trade something not good

for you for something that is good for you. Perhaps for you

it would be to trade out the soda you’re currently drinking

for water, give up that milkshake for a much healthier fruit

smoothie, or perhaps give up an hour of television watching

and trade that for an hour of exercise each day — a decision

you’ll never regret.” Just do the one thing and watch the

transformations begin.


31

RRoyce: You spoke about trading out unhealthy foods

for some that are much healthier. Can you give us some

good Jexamples of foods that would be beneficial for us?

Jamie: Certainly. Oats and other whole grains, egg

whites, quinoa, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts that grow

above ground (i.e. pecans, almonds, walnuts), as well

as berries of all kinds such as blueberries, blackberries,

and strawberries.

RRoyce: Are there foods that we should avoid?

JJamie: I certainly think so, especially if you are looking

for weight loss. Avoid a lot of dairy, pastas, breads, and

heavy carbohydrates. Timing is also very important. By that

I mean it’s important when you eat. You should always start

the day out with a healthy breakfast; it’s the fuel to start your

body and get it in revved up and ready for the day ahead.

You can’t run a car on an empty gas tank and you shouldn’t

try to run your body without putting some nutritional fuel

into it as well. A constant source of fuel is needed to get you

through the day and keep your mind and body functioning as

it should. The better nutritional fuel you put into your body,

the better your body is going to perform for you.


RRoyce: People often say that eating healthy is more

expensive.

J

Would you agree with that assessment?

Jamie: I would agree that up front it appears to be

more expensive, but what you have to factor in is not only

the amount of money that you are spending when you go to

the market, but how much money are you saving over the

course of your lifetime by eating healthier. It might seem

more costly to purchase the healthier fruits and vegetables

than the chips, sodas, and prepared foods loaded with all

kinds of preservatives, but in the end your body will thank

you for doing so. As you eat healthier, your body lasts longer

and performs better. Your whole quality of life is better when

you are able to be active doing what you love to do both in

work and play. This directly affects your overall physical and

mental health. Think of it this way, there’s only one you…

you’re the absolute best commodity you have, so do all you

can do to take care of YOU!

RRoyce: You mentioned when we first met that you

are a personal trainer. What are the benefits of having a

personal trainer and when should someone considering

hiring one?

JJamie:

I think it’s

especially important to

consult a trainer when you’re

serious about making a

lifestyle change. In the same

way you would take your car to

a mechanic for an automobile

repair, or hire a contractor to

build your house, you should

also consult with a personal

trainer to help you map out

the exercise plan that’s right

for you. Licensed personal

trainers are typically easy

to locate through various

sources such as your local

WISHES FOR WARRIORS

BECAUSE THEY GAVE IT ALL...WE ARE GIVING IT BACK.

THERE IS LIFE

AFTER WAR

Millions of citizens join the United States

Military, not just for the pride of our country,

but for the love of our country.

Many men and women return from war,

mentally or physically wounded only

to be judged by society.

Wishes For Warriors is here to

change that stigma.

It’s time to prove that there

is life after war.

wishesforwarriorscorp.org

GIVE BACK

To Those Who

Gave Their All...

Here at Wishes For Warriors, we are a veteran

run, volunteer operated non-profit 501(c)(3)

organization dedicated to returning hope

and passion back into the lives of our combat

wounded heroes, through therapeutic outdoor

adventures, after experiencing a life

altering injury.

It is our mission to show these heroes that

whether wounded of body and mind, they are

still able to live out their passions; whether it is

through the love of hunting, fishing, skydiving

or anything that makes them feel alive again!

855.949.4376

gym or by searching online for licensed personal trainers

in your area. These highly skilled professionals have

received lots of training in nutrition, exercise, and how the

body responds.

R

Royce: What should I look for when searching for a

personal trainer?

J

Jamie: I think that one of the most important things

you want to look for in a personal trainer is someone who

is interested in you. The last thing you want is a “drivethru”

trainer who just is there for the money or for their

own benefit. You should feel comfortable with his or her

approach to diet and exercise, skill level and experience, and

they should be genuinely interested in your overall health

and well being. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and arrange

to observe a session with the trainer and another one of

their clients. Most trainers worth their salt will be happy to

accommodate and welcome an opportunity to impress you.

R

Royce: What do you think about these lose weight

quick diets that are often seen advertised on television and

in Jother media sources?

Jamie: Personally I would never take part in them,

but perhaps some people need it as a jumping off place to

motivate them. I strongly suggest you do your own research

and consult a doctor or medical

professional before starting any kind

of fad diet. My only other thoughts

on those type of diets is that they

typically don’t give you any type of good

foundation or training about how to

eat or exercise properly and they often

promise results that are not normal for

most people. If what they are promising sounds

too good to be true, then it probably isn’t what you

can expect to achieve. Nothing beats the tried and true

method of healthy eating and daily exercise.


RRoyce: You’ve certainly overcome some obstacles in

your own life, Jamie and really seem to be doing well. What

kind of work are you doing now and tell us a bit about other

things you’re involved with outside of work since retiring

J

from active military service?

Jamie: Having served in the Deployable Specialized

Forces in the Coast Guard, most of my experience was with

counter terrorism and anti-piracy, so it just seemed logical

to me after my injury healed to the point where I could work

again to accept a position as a private security contractor in

Afghanistan. This position allows me to still play an active

roll in providing the help this country needs to combat

threats to our military interests abroad while also pursing

some of my other passions back here at home.

R

Royce: Tell us about some of those passions, Jamie.

J

Jamie: I spend a lot of my free time speaking to

veterans groups across the nation. What I have learned

is that veterans often feel that they have no purpose after

suffering from a debilitating injury. Most are released from

active duty and just don’t know where to go from there

or what to do; the life they once knew suddenly changes.

Not only do they have to deal with the physical changes

due to their injury, but there are the mental and emotional

challenges that accompany such a life alternating event.

Suicide rates are incredibly high among disabled veterans;

the statistics are staggering. Veterans from World War II and

from Vietnam often suffer in silence because of the social

stigma are often attached to these conflicts.

I am personally involved with WISHES FOR

WARRIORS, a non profit organization that works diligently

to help reintegrate combat soldiers into outdoor activities

that they once enjoyed. A lot of these guys are dealing with

PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), depression, anxiety,

and a struggle with a loss of self worth after a traumatic

injury while on active duty. Many of them are amputees

and are struggling to find their way back to a normal life.

Wishes For Warriors takes these guys on hunting and fishing

trips by making its possible for them to experience the great

outdoors in a way that wouldn’t be possible without their

assistance. From outfitting a power wheel chair to navigate

the rugged terrain to skeet shoots organized to build

these guys self-esteem, Wishes for Warriors is making a

difference. I am honored to be a part of such an outstanding

organization.

Other than that I enjoy competitive lifting, working

out in my local gym, traveling as a motivational speaker,

and spending time with my family and with Hera, my

German shepherd.

You can reach Jamie with questions and inquires at:

jamie@crossroads-magazine.com

One of Jamie’s favorite healthy dishes.

CROCK POT CHILI

1 tbsp. vegetable oil

2 tsp. minced garlic

1 lb. lean ground beef

1 large onion, chopped

1 large bell pepper, chopped

6 stalks celery, chopped

1 package McCormick’s Chili Seasoning

1 cup water

1 15 oz. can Pinto Beans

1 15 oz. can dark red kidney beans, drained

1 15 oz. can RoTel Original

1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes

1 15 oz. can tomato sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

Minimum 6qt. Crock Pot

Instructions

• In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil until sizzling then

add ground beef, chopped onion, bell pepper, garlic

and celery. Chop up beef as it cooks.

• When onion starts to look translucent, add

McCormick’s Chili Seasoning stirring it into beef

mixture to thoroughly combined.

• In your crock pot, water, pinto & kidney beans, RoTel,

diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, as much

as will fit, and stir. Then add salt and pepper to taste.

• Place lid on crock pot. Set temperature to medium

and let cook for at least 4 hours.


35

Roberto

Castillo...

Making the Goal

Making

BY ROYCE WATSON

The classroom was buzzing with excitement as seats were beginning

to fill up on the very first night of GED classes being offered at our local church.

My wife, Marina, and I had realized that there was a big need for someone

to teach classes for those who had not, for whatever reason, completed their

high school education, but who now wanted to earn their General Equivalence

the

Diploma. From young to old, our youngest was sixteen and our oldest was

74. Our 30 plus students all seemed excited to be there, but none were as

classroom doors just a few minutes before class began that cold winter evening.

It was in that classroom where we first met Roberto Castillo-Narvaez. From

the very first moment, he seemed different — perhaps he had taken a wrong

turn into our classroom while searching for one of the college classes being

passionate and determined as one young man who walked through those

Goal

offered down the hallway. He was well spoken, nicely dressed, and most sure

that he was in fact in the right place. I wondered, as we sat looking over our

new sea of students, what had brought each of them to this place. What had

happened in life that had made it difficult for them to finish high school. As

a way to get to know them better, and to assess their writing skills, I asked

the entire class to write a story explaining who they were, why they had

not finished high school, what made them decide to pursue their GED, and

anything else they wanted to share with us. Some students struggled greatly

with this assignment; especially those who had not been in a classroom or

written a paper for decades. Roberto, however, sat quietly in the back corner

of the classroom diligently writing. I thought that he, too, might be struggling

with what to write as so many others had, but when I collected his paper at

©2017 Royce Watson

the end of our first session, I learned that

the only struggle he had encountered was

that he almost didn’t have enough paper to

complete his story.

While the other students filed back

into the classroom after a short break, I

began to read Roberto’s paper. As I read

the account of what brought him to our

class that night, I had to step out into

the hallway — his transparency about

the mistakes he had made earlier in his

life, along with his determination to right

those wrongs and complete his education

moved me to tears. It was obvious he had

a great love for soccer — a passion that

had taught Roberto so much about hard

work, determination, and making goals. I

didn’t want Roberto, or the others in the

class that night, to see just how much his

paper had affected me. When class was

over later that evening, I assured Roberto

that he was in the right place and that we

would do all we could to help him with

his studies and preparation to take the

GED exams. Roberto’s eyes beckoned

me to look deeper. There was obviously

so much more to this young man than

what appeared at first glance — And that’s

where our journey together began…

Read more about Roberto, and our

journey together, in the next issue of

Community CrossRoads Magazine. You

can also connect with Roberto directly

by contacting him through email at

Roberto@CrossRoads-Magazine.com



37

Alpha

Source

MEDIA GROUP

We provide

services that assist

in all aspects of

your business.

chrissie kallio REAL ESTATE

Our Mission

Soccer in the Streets empowers youth through soccer, character development,

mentoring, and employability programs.

Our Vision

All children will have the opportunity to succeed.

Our Rationale

Our organization pursues leveling the playing field for all, affording access to

the sport regardless of race, gender, religion, or socio-economic status. We

strive to integrate our communities, intertwining efforts from corporations,

education system, government, non-profits, and community leaders to better

the lives of children through soccer. Our organization serves in a holistic and

comprehensive way, reaching kids on and off the field, through soccer training

and competition, in small-group classroom sessions, through hands-on

experiences and activities, and participation in youth leadership councils.

Our Philosophy

Soccer in the Streets’ philosophy is founded on four values that govern the

direction of the organization. The four values are respect, perseverance,

enjoyment, and empowerment. We create a fun and challenging environment

where youth have the opportunity to learn and succeed on and off of

the soccer field for a lifetime. This opportunity is offered through trusting

relationships between players and coaches, who serve as mentors.

FOR MORE

INFORMATION

130 Boulevard NE, Ste 4

Atlanta, Georgia 30312

EMAIL US

info@soccerstreets.org

PHONE

888-436-5833

COME JOIN

THE FUN

OR

JUST COME

SEE WHAT WE

ARE ALL ABOUT!

Christian business consultation to include:

• Artist management

• Representation, contract review

• Biblical conflict resolution

• Comprehensive media services designed

to broaden you market

reach from a fresh perspective

• Executive & administrative management

services provided virtually for a seamless

office operation.

Let us carry your message

to new realms as

Your Business

Ambassador

Promoting God as the

Source of All We Do!

859.227.7977

candi@alphasourcemedia.com

Food

We Work Hard to Earn Your Trust!

www.AlphaSourceMedia.com

BENEFIELD

AUTOMOTIVE

Engine, Transmission & Driveline,

Cooling & Heating

Fleet Services including

Heavy-Duty Truck Servicing & Repair

Electrical, Brake, Fuel,

Suspention & Exhaust Systems

New Vehicle Warranty

95 ERICSON STREET

4 BEDROOM 3 BATHROOM OFFERED FOR $459,000

AVAILABLE NOW IN THE EDGEWOOD COMMUNITY

chrissie kallio

c. 404.295.2068 o. 404.874.0300

chrissiekallio@atlantafinehomes.com

www.chrissiekallio.com

atlantafinehomes.com // sir.com

©MMXVII Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Each Office

Is Independently Owned And Operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

www.soccerstreetsatl.org


404-768-1401 • Mon - Fri • 7am-6pm

3460 Lang Avenue Hapeville, GA 30354


39

BUFFA LO

New York

BY ROYCE WATSON

It was a balmy thirty five

degrees in Buffalo, New York on a mid

spring day in March as I made my way out of

the airport and waited for my friend and tour guide

for the day, Don Hagner, to pick me up for my very first visit to this beautiful

city. Having left Atlanta, Georgia where the sun was brightly shining and the

temperatures were already in the upper seventies at 8:30am, I had not even

considered bringing anything more than a light sweater with me for the trip.

I’m a hot natured person anyway, so the cooler temperatures, so I thought,

would be a welcome change. The skies had a vaguely familiar grayish white

hue, only vaguely familiar to a boy raised in the south because we rarely see

enough snow clouds to even remember what they look like, but just familiar

enough to realize that something different than what I was accustomed to

was most certainly going on.

The Edward M. Cotter Fireboat

is considered to be the oldest active fireboat in the world

and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1996.


Thank you to Buffalo photographer Mike Shriver for the use of his photo. Want to see

more of his photography of Buffalo and surrounding areas? Log onto our website

www.CommunityCrossRoadsMagazine.com and let us connect you. Just click on the link

to Mike’s photo blog on our Photography page.


41

Buffalo City Hall

Buffalo Wings

originated at

Anchor Bar in

dowtown Buffalo

Niagra Falls

OR

MORE than SNOW! FUN, FRIENDLY

“It looks like it may snow

today” I tell Don as he quickly whisks

me away to begin showing me around this

city where he was born, and has called home

for many years. Like most Buffalonians, a name

Buffalo residents wear with great pride, anything

less than two feet of snow on the ground is considered

nothing more than a light flurry. Don is proud to tell me

just how much he is in love with this city, and why it must

simply be the best place on earth to live.

Nicknamed the “City of Good Neighbors,” Buffalo, a

major metropolitan city located in the western part of New

York state, and on the eastern shores of Lake Erie, sits at

the head of the Niagara River, and hails as the states second

most populated city. Having grown up in the Southern part

of the United States, I must admit that so often our views of

New York state, and the cities that make up this culturally

rich state, are often skewed. Many people, like myself, have

thought through the years that all of the major metropolitan

cities in the New York state area are somehow closely

connected and that they must all resemble the iconic New

York City. Surprisingly enough, we have been mistaken all

along. It was interesting to discover as I traveled throughout

the remarkable neighborhoods which are rich in history that

there are hardly any similarities between the Big Apple and

Buffalo, and that the two cities are, in fact, geographically

several hours away from each other with far more differences

than with things they share in common.

As we make our way along the canal side near

downtown, a familiar smell wafts through the air. Don rolls

down the windows of his car and invites me to close my

eyes and concentrate on the wonderful smell permeating

the entire area. “Smell familiar?” Don asks. With a bit

of hesitation, I commented that “It smells like toasted

Cherrios.” “EXACTLY!” Don exclaimed. The General Mills

plant bakes Cherrios, and at other times a couple other

breakfast cereals, at their plant location near downtown

and you can smell it throughout the city…something no one

complains about. At the turn of the 20th century, Buffalo

stood out as a leader in the industrial movement of the

United States due primarily because of the number of grain

mills, automotive builders, and other specialized industrial

goods manufacturers that were located in the region. These

local mills provided much needed jobs for the western part

of the state, and were the first to benefit from hydroelectric

power generated by the Niagara River many years ago.

This earned Buffalo the name “City of Lights” due to the

widespread usage of electrical lighting that was viewable for

miles around.

and RICH in HISTORY!

While the city owes

much of its initial prosperity to the success

of the industrial movement during the time, Buffalo has

many other things that have equally contributed to making this

opulent river city an absolute must visit destination for your

travel itinerary. From the regal skyscrapers that so gracefully

overlook this cities most eclectic neighborhoods, as well as offer

breathtaking views of both Lake Erie and the Buffalo River, this

city has much to offer anyone who is looking for an adventure

or who has a few days to explore the diverse architecture that

has framed the foundation for Buffalo for hundreds of years. The

city is full of beautiful parks, cemeteries, and historic buildings for those

who like to take their time and stroll through landmarks which are filled

with opportunities to glean even more facts about this culturally diverse

area. From the Darwin D. Martin National Historic Landmark, a house

designed by Frank Lloyd Wright which was built between 1903-1905 and

considered to be one of his greatest works, to the Buffalo History Museum—

the sole surviving building that once served as the New York State pavilion at the

Pan AM Exposition (1901 World’s Fair) that sits on the northeast corner of Delaware

Park, and is the location where President William McKinley, the 25th President of the

United States was assassinated, Buffalo has so much to offer those willing to spend a little

time there.

Holy Angels Church



43

Our Lady of Victory Basilica

Old Post Office

Peace Bridge

Theatre District

Any trip to

Buffalo simply would not be

complete without an opportunity to visit to one of the most

recognizable landmarks in the world — Niagara Falls! Not

realizing just how short of a drive it would be to get there

from our downtown Buffalo outing, Don almost laughed out

loud when I asked if there would be any possible way that

we might find the time to make our way to the falls…a place

that I had only ever seen on television morning shows or

in magazines, but had dreamed of visiting since I sat in Mr.

Willie Edmonds Social Studies classes as a young seventh

grader daydreaming of the moment I would one day get see

one of the worlds greatest wonders in person. Today would

be that day!

As we made our way closer to the falls, the skies seemed

to turn even more gray as if to offer a glimpse of what was

to come in the few hours ahead. Like a kid on Christmas

morning, I was bubbling with excitement and could hardly

wait to arrive and see what surprise awaited me only a short

drive from the Canadian border.

After parking the car, we began the short

trek to the riverfront walkway. I was amazed just how

close we were able to get to the edge of this powerful body

of water. I had already began to regret not having brought

a much heavier coat or gloves with me as the temperature

had dropped at least ten degrees. As we got even closer to

the actual falls, the mist that filled the air from the turbulent

waters below began to freeze and create what resembled

snow. Ice crystals covered the walkways and guard rails as

well as my hair and face. Most people, at least those who had

prepared well, had on fur lined hats, gloves, and an overcoat

that provided a warm haven from the bitter cold that seemed

to only get more intense as we approached the actual falls. A

few carefully decisive steps more and we had finally arrived

at the top of the Falls. Don, who grew up in the area and

had visited the falls countless times quickly made his way

to the lookout point much faster than I did. Not only was

he familiar with exactly where to go, but he was intimately

familiar with how to get there without falling on the slippery

ice covered walkways; a skill most Buffalonians seem to

have mastered over the years. I wasn’t taking any chances

so I carefully continued on past the white capped, turbulent

waters to the picturesque vantage point on the American

Side of the falls. As I looked up to see the rushing water

cascading over the top of the falls, I was overcome with raw

emotion. I burst into tears as I stood and took in the majesty,

splendor, and intensity of the raging water that was just a few

short yards from where I stood. I had never seen anything so

beautiful and yet so very powerful.

Niagara Falls is collectively made up of three separate

waterfalls that straddle the border between Canada and the

United States. The Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and

the Bridal Veil Falls. The American Falls are completely on

the United States side of the border, the Horseshoe Falls

lies on the border between the United States and Canada,

and the smaller Bridal Veil Falls is also on the American side

separated by Luna island from the American Falls. After

exploring the museum and information center at the Niagara

Falls State Park, the oldest continually operating state park

in the United States, we decided to stop on the way to the

airport before my return trip back to Atlanta, Georgia at

Anchor Bar—the birthplace of what have since taken the

nation, and perhaps the world, by storm…Buffalo Wings.

Many years ago Buffalo set its sites on becoming a city

whose food culture would be second to none. Just ask Don,

or anyone from Buffalo, and they will assure you it’s a fact.

Well, it seems

countless others apparently

agree. Buffalo has in fact become

all the rage in the world of foodies with its

extensively diverse culture and vast selection of

restaurants featuring everything from up and coming

gastro pubs to world class Italian cuisine. Buffalo also plays

host to “Taste of Buffalo”— one of the regions signature

events and the largest two day food festival in the United

States with over 450,000 guests in attendance this past July

sampling foods from five wineries and over 55 restaurants.

This is a must attend event for those who enjoy tasting

unbelievable foods and wines from various places all over

the world. And of course Don, who is quick to remind me

that there are a few other must haves when it comes to food

synonymous with Buffalo such as the Beef on Weck sandwich,

sponge candy, and according to Don, the only place to buy

pizza is in Buffalo. After having some, I may be inclined to

agree. Seems he might have something there too! To end our

day, we stopped by Paula’s Donuts, an iconic donut shop

and bakery, just a few block away. Read more about Paula and

those famous donuts in her story that follows, but just know

I left with several dozen to bring home and, after sharing

with others on the way, I arrived home with only two dozen.

They were clearly a big hit!



45

Interestingly enough, I have made several trips

back to Buffalo since my very first visit and have had

the opportunity to explore many other areas of this

majestic city. Along the way, I have fallen in love with

the people there — they are friendly, loyal, spirited,

and are truly a “City of Good Neighbors.” Buffalo is

one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited recently.

There’s lots to do and see, many opportunities for

recreational activities, there are national sports teams,

ice skating rinks, and of course, this little thing called

The Falls. Should you get a chance to go, tell them

Royce sent you! They’ll be glad to see you!

Buffalo Savings Bank

What does a dog, a rap,

the electoral college and

the Flag have in common??

They are topics in the first four

adventures in The Spirit of America

children’s book series.

In these first four books,

Author MaryTherese Grabowski with

Illustrator Michelle Graham Fricks

have created a movement that makes

testing your knowledge

of civics and history in the U.S.

fun and memorable.

America Johnson

takes young readers

on patriotic adventures!

They make great

stocking stuffers for Christmas!

To order your books now, go to

www.SpiritofAmericaBooks.com


STORY & PHOTOS BY

BY ROYCE WATSON

While visiting Buffalo, New York a

recreational activities, I decided

few months ago a friend who had graciously

that spending any time at all being

offered to pick me from the airport decided

concerned about what I would eat

that he would also pick up some breakfast for

for breakfast was simply not important.

us in order to save more time for sightseeing. I was

only planning to be in town for the day and I wanted to see

as much of Buffalo as possible in the short time I had there.

While I used to get up with the chickens, as Southerners say,

I haven’t been an early riser in quite a few years, so having

to arrive at the airport at 5:00am for a 7:00am flight requires

all the focus and energy I have just to make it to the airport

on time. Preparing breakfast simply isn’t ever a part of my

agenda when I have to be up before the sun is required to be.

Were it not for the love and compassion of my sweet wife

who has for the past fifteen years made my first cup of coffee

would make it. As my

plane landed just a few

minutes drive from

downtown Buffalo, I

looked out through

my window seat to

see reminders of the

snow storm that had

just blanketed the

area the week before.

“

As long as coffee would be available I knew I

There’s something uniquely

different about our donuts”

says Paula Huber,

the founder and

visionary for

Paula’s Donuts,

“our donuts are

and brought it to me in bed, I would rarely arrive anywhere

Southern folks rarely

that requires me to be out of the door pre-dawn on time. Yes,

everyone, I’m spoiled and I know it!!!

As I settled into my seat for my flight

to Buffalo, my only focus was

on my plans for the day

ahead. Visiting a city

like Buffalo, with

all of it’s culture,

opportunities

for historical

sightseeing,

fine dining, and

see snow, so I was

excited to find that it

looked as if someone had

carefully painted snow

on the trees, rooftops,

and pristine yards all

“

throughout the city. It would have made a picture perfect shot

for an old Saturday Evening Post magazine cover, I remember

thinking. Since the weather in Atlanta was a mild 74 degrees

when I departed earlier that morning, I had only brought

along a lightweight sweater with me. Besides, I thought, I’m

a hot natured southern boy who rarely needs anything more

©2017 Royce Watson


49

than a long sleeved shirt during the

typical Georgia winters. Why should I bring

anything warmer than that? Well, the moment I stepped out

of the airport and into the cold, brisk March winds of Buffalo,

I discovered why I should have rethought that decision. It

was cold — really cold!

Don, a friend who grew up in Buffalo, and is considered

to be an expert in all things Buffalo, at least by him, ( just

kidding, he’s very knowledgeable

about the area), arrived

at the pick-up area and

quickly ushered me into

his warm van. When I

told him how cold I was,

he laughed. “This isn’t

cold!” Don exclaimed,

with that infectious

laugh of his. “This is

just a mild day with a few

snow flurries!” he said as he

laughed on! As we drove away, Don

offered me a cup of freshly brewed coffee he had picked up

from a local bakery. It was still piping hot—a welcome sight

on this particularly frigid day. “Thanks!” I said to Don as we

continued towards our first stop on my Buffalo adventure.

Don had arrived just a few minutes later than expected to

pick me up from the airport, but since he had coffee waiting

for me I hardly saw reason to

complain, and I thanked him again for

being so thoughtful. “Well the coffee isn’t the best part” Don

remarked—I have something really special — I have some

Paula’s Donuts for you.

Absolutely the best donut

I’ve ever tasted!!!

Now, in case you were wondering, and I’m sure you

were, who is Paula and why are her donuts so special? My

exact question to my foodie friend Don as well. “They’re

only the best donuts in the world!”

Don remarked as he placed

a white paper bag with

Paula’s Donuts printed

on the outside. If you

know Don, everything

he likes is the best in the

world, especially if its

from Buffalo, NY so I’m

not always convinced

that everything Don likes

is going to be the best and

something I’m going to love. It’s

akin, on occasion, to those fish stories that we guys have

been known to tell, you know, the one that was so big he got

away! But it was 10:30am, and I was a bit hungry by then, so

I decided to be a gracious guest and enjoy one of the donuts

that Don had taken time to get for me. I am a “raised right

Southern Boy” after all; it would have been an insult to my

host not to at least try one. Thankfully

I have coffee I thought to myself as I

reached into the bag to pull out what I

was sure was going to be yet another

dry, blissfully horrible attempt to make

a donut that would be moist, delicious,

and tasty. At least my coffee would

wash it down, I though. Having grown

up in a family of fabulous bakers, and

having ran a successful bakery and

catering business for twenty years,

I am no stranger to what a great

cake, donut, or pasty item should

taste like. Needless to say, my expectations were not

very high that this experience would be any different than

countless others.

From the retro looking bag, I pulled out the first of my

two donuts — a red velvet. I almost chuckled as I thought to

myself, “Wow, someone NOT from the south attempting to

make a RED VELVET DONUT, that’s brave.” Having eaten

and baked hundreds and hundreds of Red Velvet Cakes in

my career, I was sure this was going to be something I’d

laugh out loud about and tease Don about for decades to

come. Don was deep in conversation telling me about all

the landmarks we were passing by as we drove on into the

city as I took my very first bite. My cup of coffee was in my

hand at the ready as my mouth filled with… wait for it…

ABSOLUTELY THE BEST DONUT I’ve ever tasted!!! I’m

sure I heard an angelic choir singing the Hallelujah Chorus

somewhere in the background as I consumed the entire

Red Velvet masterpiece and moved on to the Peanut Log,

a chocolate cake donut shaped like a log and coated with

chopped peanuts. These were not just any donuts… they

were ROCK STARS of the bakery world. I literally screamed

“Stop the car!” to Don as I savored my last bite of my Red

Velvet donut. Worried that something was truly wrong, Don

quickly stopped the car and frantically began to question me

about what was wrong. Was I in pain, was I chocking, should

he call he paramedics??? “No! I exclaimed to Don, “The only

thing wrong is that there are no more of these donuts and

we’ve got

to quickly

make our way

over to where they are

and get some more!” How had I lived 50 years and not had

one of these unbelievably delicious Paula’s Donuts was the

question. And the answer — I had not yet truly lived!

Don, always happy to be right, was excited that I, too,

had discovered what thousands of Buffalonians already are

privy to — there’s just nothing like a Paula’s Donut. They’ve

been waking up with Paula’s Donuts for over two decades

and the lines often wrapped around any one of her three

stores located in the quaint neighborhoods surrounding

Buffalo as a testament to their love and loyalty to a place

that has been making these, and a vast selection of other

delightful pastries, since 1996. “There’s something uniquely

different about our donuts,” says Paula Huber, the founder

and visionary for Paula’s Donuts. “Our donuts are made with

love!” And it’s easy to agree with Paula as I walked into the



51

“One of the things I’m most

happy about is that I get to do what

I love and do it with those I love the most

— my family!” says Paula.

like family. Several employees are manning

the counters and bustling about with boxes

in their hands as they go about their job

of filling them with everyones favorites.

I was surprised at how quickly they were

able to get everyone taken care of, and

even more surprised, that they already

knew what some customers wanted —

seems the regular customers aren’t known

just by name, but also by the donuts they are so

fond of.

Sheridan Drive store located in Tonawanda, New York, just a

Smiles abound as I tell a few in line that this is my

few minutes drive from downtown Buffalo. The cases are full

very first visit to Paula’s Donuts. “It won’t be your last!”

of every kind of donut imaginable. From traditional glazed

one exquisitely dressed young lady tells me as she quickly

donuts, to jelly filled, Bavarian cream filled, Angel Pastry

gathers up her three boxes of donuts to take back with her

Cream filled donuts, chocolate glazed, peanut logs in several

to the office as a treat for her fellow employees. Paula, who

variations, cinnamon rolls, apple fritters and my new favorite

once studied ballet in New York City, did not complete her

— the KEY LIME donut; a yeast donut filled with key lime

dreams of dancing with a professional ballet company, but

pie filling and topped with angel cream and toasted coconut!

instead got married and began to raise a family. Her most

There goes that heavenly choir singing again! There was a

important task was being a great Mom so she, like many

sea of people ahead of me in line, each one waiting eagerly to

others, put her dreams on the shelf to focus on raising her

select their favorites. As I made my way to the front, I asked

children and providing a stable home life. Paula worked as

a few people in line for recommendations. Each person had

Bakery Manager for a large retail grocery chain for years

their favorites and a story to go with them. One lady, a weekly

where she gained a lot of experience in doing things on a

regular patron, shared with me that she simply can’t visit her

large scale, but not always the way I thought they should

grandchildren on the weekends without taking a mixed dozen

have been done Paula is quick to point out. Paula’s husband,

of Paula’s Donuts with her and another

Chuck, along with his family owned and operated two

loyal customer shares with me

Duncan Donut stores in the area so Paula and her mother-inlaw

attended a donut university, a series of classes required

that he comes everyday to

have his favorite donut, a cup

to own and operate a Duncan Donuts franchise at the time.

of coffee, and a hug from

“I can just remember thinking,” says Paula, that I wanted

the employees there

to do so much more, to make the donuts taste better, to

who treat him

fill them with more tasty filling, not less.” Paula struggled

with the idea of some national chains idea of always cutting

costs, “which meant cutting quality and flavor,” said Paula, so

when the opportunity arose to purchase her own bakery, she

decided to take a leap of faith and go for it! Over twenty years

later, hundreds of thousands of donuts, countless satisfied

customers, and a reputation of being one of the most

generous people ever (Paula donuts provides to countless

organizations, special events, and families with loved ones in

the hospital each year), Paula’s decision has clearly paid off.

“One of the things I’m most happy about is that I get

to do what I love and do it with those I love the most… my

family!” says Paula. Her husband Chuck Huber, a graduate

of the prestigious Culinary Institute of New York at Hyde

Park, as well as her daughters Lisa Hoppel and Christy

Worthington, who both have Masters Degrees, all work in

the family business. “The 170 employees who have faithfully

come to work each day for many years to make the handcut

donuts and pastries are also our family,” says Paula, “as

are the thousands of customers we see each week.” From

Texas sized donuts to donut platters stacked several tiers

high for weddings, Paula’s Donuts are a staple of the Buffalo

landscape and it shows among the many people who may

have moved away, but always make time to stop by for a

donut and a memory when they are back in town.

As I prepare to leave, I’m perplexed about which donuts

I should take home. That sweet wife of mine who brings my

coffee to me in bed each morning most certainly deserves

to enjoy some, as do a few other family and friends. My list

started to add up, and, after adding a couple dozen to share

with new friends I always meet when I’m traveling, I left

the store with seven, that’s right, seven dozen of Paula’s

delightful treats. Several hours later, a trek through two

airports, a plane ride home where someone actually offered

2319 Sheridan Drive

Tonawanda, NY 14150

(716) 862-4246

Daily 5am - 9pm

me five dollars for one of Paula’s Donuts, (that would have

been a pretty good business deal as Paula’s Donuts were at

the time only $12.00 per dozen), and I arrived at the airport

in Atlanta with only two dozen. I could have made some

good money that day peddling off my newfound bounty, but

I opted instead to be an ambassador of good will to several

passengers on my plane trip home, to watch as they giggled

with delight while enjoying one of Paula’s Donuts. Finally, as

I made my way out of the airport, I stepped onto the elevator

with two very nice Delta Airlines flight attendants who had

just arrived from a long two day trip filled with bad weather.

The look in their eyes as I was telling them about my trip

to Buffalo, and the treasures I had brought back with me,

left me no choice but to bless them with one of the last two

remaining dozen donuts. They looked as if they had just won

the lottery, and they had — the donut lottery! As I walked

through the door at home, I handed my wife the

last dozen donuts and gave her a hug.

I’m surprised you didn’t bring more

home she said. “Me too!” I

chuckled as I made my way to

my favorite recliner. “I’ll

get more next time!”

Baked Fresh Daily

at these Three Buffalo Locations

Southgate Plaza

936 Union Road

West Seneca, NY 14224

(716) 771-1740

M - Sat 5am -9pm

Sun 5am - 5pm

www.PaulasDonuts.com

8560 Main Street

Clarence, NY 14221

(716) 580-3614

Sun - Tue 5am - 7pm

Wed - Sat 5am - 9pm



53

]

Chrissie Kallio

54 COMMUNITY CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

©2017 Royce Watson

TThere are few life events that put

you at more of a crossroads than

buying or selling a house. Figuring

out where you will lay down roots

for your family, starting over in a

new city, selling your family home

and looking to new beginnings.

It is a process, often fueled by

conflicting emotions, a financial

goal, a personal need. We as

Realtors have the privilege of

guiding you through this process.

And believe you me, it is a process.

This is an era of information

overload. Of millions of websites

dedicated to providing you, the

consumer, with information to

assist you in making one of the

most important financial decisions

of your life: what the interest rate

is today, what the status of a

particular house is today, what

you need to do to get your house

ready to sell, how to save money

by using an incentive-based or

no-fee broker, what your credit

score is.

Welcome

Home

]

The internet is absolutely the logical place to start this process. It

is where we start everything these days. And of course as a Realtor, I

am going to advocate that it is equally important to consult legitimate, local

professionals to help guide you through the process. Because there truly are

things only your Realtor can provide that you cannot get on the internet:

local market knowledge, what the contract that changes once

year actually says, the best recommendations for a lender,

a home inspector, a surveyor or local contractors.

These partner relationships are invaluable in

helping you get a full understanding of

what you are about to take on, or how

much you should really be repairing in a

sale negotiation.

]

BY CHRISSIE KALLIO

HERE

or twice a


55

I can’t tell you the number of times I

hear from a client: I’m interested in 123

Oak Lane – it’s perfect! And I go to search

it in the MLS only to find it sold 3 months ago,

but that popular consumer facing site is not

updated to give them the best information.

In most markets, it is a competitive time to

be a buyer. You want to see the house the day

it comes on the market, not 24-48 hours later

when it syndicates to the national sites. It

can be the difference between getting a shot

at it or not. Aligning with a professional who

is watching new listings like a hawk on your

behalf, will get you through the door that

much faster.

]

Or, I want to sell my house, and the

internet says it is worth $300,000. And

I run comparables only to find that there isn’t a true

comp that an appraiser can use to support that price,

and it is actually only worth $260,000. The internet

does not know that your house backs up to the train

tracks which may detract from the value, or is one block

from the Beltline, adding to the value. It runs a formula,

without factoring location, condition, true size, and

other criteria we utilize to arrive at a market value.

The value in its current condition may vary vastly from

what it would be worth with proper preparation for the

market. A Realtor, in your house, helping you make a list

to get it ready, is the very best way to know where to

spend your money and where to save it.

]

Consumers will check their credit

score online, and then speak to a

lender only to find that it is 30 points

less. Mortgage companies run your FICO

score, which is more sensitive to higher

credit card balances than online sites. So

you may be biding your time, waiting for

the perfect house to come along, and when

it does you are not qualified to move on it

because your credit score is not actually

where the internet told you it was. A good,

professional mortgage lender can help

you bridge that gap quickly, by making

recommendations to get your score up, so

that when the time comes you are ready

and can get approved for that perfect

house. Talk to a lender early in the process, even a year before you

are ready. Because they can give you a road map to make corrections

should you need it – and you will be ready when the time comes. I

always recommend a good local lender – they know the pulse of the

local market and often can make things happen on your behalf more

quickly than a larger national bank.

There are so many options available to you as a consumer

and without a doubt I recommend doing your research. But

consider the internet as one of your resources, not your only resource.

When looking for a professional, talk to your friends. If they loved their

Realtor, or their lender, they will rave about them, and tell you why. If

they hated them, you know you will hear that even more resoundingly.

And then talk to the professionals you are considering working with,

and make sure they listen to you, ask the right questions about your

needs, and focus on how they can help you achieve your goals.

Most of us live and breathe this adventure we call real estate and

relish the opportunity to help you meet your goals in

buying or selling, whatever that may be driven by.

Having passionate, dedicated professionals on your

side will make all the difference in your next real

estate crossroads.

]

]



57

Come, Meet Chrissie

]

Chrissie Kallio Real Estate ~

Community-driven Real Estate,

Intown & Beyond


Chrissie Kallio decided to transition her years of

experience in sales, marketing and negotiation in the corporate

world into a career in real estate after she bought her own Intown

Atlanta home in 2003. That singular experience sparked a true

love for the neighborhoods of Atlanta and the goal to assist people

with their real estate dreams with the respect and professionalism

she experienced.

Chrissie is passionate about the direction Atlanta is taking

developmentally, and how the real estate market aligns with

growing Atlanta into the world-class city it is absolutely poised

to be. Having the opportunity to work with people in finding

their real estate success stories in this great town, whether they

are buying, selling, or growing an investment portfolio, is truly an

honor.

With the formation of Chrissie Kallio Real Estate, Chrissie’s

team has grown to better serve her clients and consistently exceed

expectations with expert guidance and unsurpassable customer

service. She delivers million-dollar service with a down to earth

approach.

Chrissie is an affiliate of Atlanta Fine Homes, Sotheby’s

International Realty and is an Associate Broker, a member of the

Atlanta Realtors ® Association, a Graduate of the Realtor Institute,

EcoBroker Certified, a Certified Distressed Property Expert and is

an EarthCraft Certified Real Estate Professional. She stays up to

speed with the Intown market, current real estate contracts and is

also very familiar with conventional, FHA, short sale, foreclosure

and investment guidelines. Chrissie values continuing education

and considers it of high importance to continue expanding her

knowledge base as the market evolves in order to guide her clients

through the ever-changing Atlanta real estate market.

Chrissie has a public relations degree from the University of South

Alabama and graduated cum laude. She lives Intown with her husband, two

sons and their dog Maggie Mae. Chrissie stays active running the roads and

trails of Georgia, listening to live music, and enjoying Atlanta’s neighborhood

festivals and restaurants with her family.

Where the dream began . . .

Dwarf

Hapeville

House

BY ROYCE WATSON

PHOTOS BY ROYCE WATSON

& ROBERTO CASTILLO

Dwarf Grill - 1946

From humble beginnings, and a heart to serve others, Truett

Cathy, along with his brother Ben, opened their very first restaurant, The

Dwarf Grill, (which would later be renamed The Dwarf House) on May

23, 1946 in Hapeville, Georgia. Believing that great customer service was

as important, if not even more so, than the sumptuous food they served,

Truett and his brother set about the task of opening a restaurant that

would be open 24 hours a day, six days each week — a

small diner with only four tables

and ten stools at the counter.

The Ford Motor Company had

an assembly plant just across the

street from the restaurant at the

time. Truett saw this as a good

opportunity to open a small diner

that would hopefully be successful.

The employees needed a good place

to eat and the Cathy brothers needed

a steady flux of potential customers,

so it appeared to be a good

opportunity. With

hard work and determination, their business quickly grew

as those assembly workers, along with countless others who

either lived in or passed through Hapeville, discovered that

the Cathy brothers hadn’t simply built a restaurant… they

had built a place where everyone felt like they were family.

Truett and Ben worked tirelessly, each one taking a

12 hour shift to man the grill each of the six days that they


Truett Cathy

Renamed Dwarf House

in 1959

We’ll leave the lights on

for you 24 hours a day,

six days a week.

©2017 Royce Watson

And the legacy lives on . . .

were open. They were both already well acquainted with

the value of hard work —having grown up, along with their

other siblings, during the Great Depression, these two

brothers received the training they needed from their parents

to sustain them for years to come. Cathy’s mother ran a

boarding house and was responsible for cooking two meals

each day for her guests and the Cathy family all pitched in

to help with the daily operations. The bathrooms had to be

cleaned, the floors moped, the peas and butter beans had to

be shelled, and the dishes washed… Cathy and his siblings

all pitched in to help with what needed to be done. It was a

time of growth, sacrifice, and often hardships during those

lean times. Truett and his brother also worked and helped

contribute to the family’s needs by having a paper route.

Though their father was an insurance salesman, the

challenging times of those Great Depression years

soon led to the Cathy family moving into Techwood

Homes, the nations very first federally subsidized

housing project. Those particularly lean years,

along with the partnership formed with his

brother Ben, forged the foundation of

the business that they would later build

together. Neither realized at the time

just how much of an impact the values they

embraced would have on future generations.

Loyal customers returned time after time to this happy

little diner where the owner remembered their names and

they felt like everyone treated them like they were a part

of the family. Things were going great until one Saturday

afternoon in 1949, Truett’s brother Ben and his older

brother, Horace, both licensed pilots, flew a small plane to

Chattanooga, Tennessee. It was a moment Truett would

never forget. Tragically, he lost both brothers when their

plane crashed in Dalton, Georgia that day. Not only had he

lost both brothers, but he had also lost his business partner

as well. For some, this could have been a devastating blow

that could have crippled their business. While it wasn’t easy

pressing on without Ben, Truett felt that he could best honor

his brothers memory by pressing on and fulfilling his mission

to make a difference in the lives of those who patronized

their restaurant and worked so hard for to help them build

their business.


Olivia Brown, Marketing Director and the

famous Chick-Fil-A Cow out on the town

delivering much welcomed food to a group

of kids and volunteers who had driven down

from South Carolina for a summer outreach.

From the very beginning, Truett gained a reputation for

having an incredibly big heart for his employees. He treated

each one like they were a part of his family and felt that it

was important that each employee have time to spend with

their families. How could you do that if you were working

seven days every week? Not very easily Truett decided so

one of the greatest ways he thought he could show how

much he valued his employees, as well as his commitment

to his faith, would be close on Sundays. This would give each

employee, and himself, a day they knew they could rely on to

spend with family and friends, to rest, and to worship as they

desired. As business grew even stronger, the small restaurant,

that would one day be regarded as the birthplace of a highly

esteemed leader in the corporate world, became a place

where employees loved to work and where they built lifetime

friendships with other coworkers and the customers they

grew to love as well.

With Truett’s invention of the now famous Chick-Fil-A sandwich — a secret

recipe he developed using a fried chicken sandwich with two pickles on a toasted

butter in 1964 — his business and that of the Dwarf House continued to thrive.

Through the years there have been several additions to the structure that started

out as the small diner and they have served hundreds of thousands of meals over

the decades. What many first time visitors to the Hapeville Dwarf House may not

know is that, unlike the 2,000 other Chick-Fil-A restaurants located across 46

states, the original, the one that people drive hours to visit, or to be sure to stop by

on their way through Atlanta, Georgia is open 24 hours a day six days a week and

features a full service dining area, a full service counter complete with bar stools,

and a menu featuring their world famous chicken, one of the best steaks you’ll

get anywhere east of Texas, and breakfast is served all day long. It isn’t too hard

to find either… just look for the lines of cars wrapped around the building as they

place their orders in the drive through, the smiling faces as they

make a dash into the front door waiting to order their favorite

meal, or the many people taking pictures with the bronze

statue of Mr. Truett Cathy that sits on a bench just in front

of the Dwarf House welcoming each visitor as they pass him

by. Mr. Cathy passed away in 2014, but the dreams that he

had of building a place where people are important and the

food is great live on in the lives of each of the customers and

employees who grace the doors of the

Hapeville Dwarf House.

Charlene Purmort Burr says

her father and Truett were fishing

buddies, and though she now lives in

Texas, she always stops by the Dwarf

House, the place where she was hired

by Truett for her first job as

a waitress, when she’s in town.


63

Kevin Moss, the current General Manager

of the Hapeville Dwarf House, had the great

privilege of getting to work directly with Mr.

Cathy. “There have only been three managers

of this fine restaurant since it opened and I

have the great honor of being the third,” says

Kevin. Mr. Cathy set the bar high, but it’s so

easy to see that the employees, many who

have worked there for over twenty-five years,

are some of the most dedicated and loyal

employees anywhere. I am fortunate that I

live close enough to visit the Dwarf House

often and on the day my crew and I visited to

conduct some interviews and take photos with some of the

staff for a few features we are working on for later issues,

we met some folks who were stopping by for a meal on their

way to their vacation destination; not an unusual find on

your average day in the Dwarf house. Their laughter was

contagious, and their excitement to be there was obvious,

so I made my way over and introduced myself to them.

Kevin Moss

Current General Manager

One of Truett’s Classic Cars

Two hours, and countless laughs later, our staff had fallen

in love with this group of school teachers from Kingston,

Tennessee so much so that we offered them an opportunity

to work together on a project we’re currently developing for

our magazines YouTube channel. Keep your eyes posted for

this group as they will keep you laughing; something I think

would make Truett so very happy.

His legacy lives on and the smiles

are abundant in the little diner

where it all began…

the Hapeville Dwarf House.

Brian and Julie Stout &

Missy and Tad Newman

Our new friends from

Kingston Tennessee


.

The

While exploring downtown Hapeville, Georgia you can enjoy these

butterfly installations and many others as part of the revitilization project.

Arts

Tony

Smith

...What a Caricature!

STORY & PHOTOS BY

ROYCE WATSON

With just a few strokes of his marker,

the image on the pad of paper carefully attached to the

easel before him quickly comes to life. With a gleam in his

eye, Tony Smith engages in light hearted conversation

with the person sitting in front of him as they anxiously

await to see what this master of the arts has created.

It’s hard to imagine, especially for someone like me who

has absolutely no ability to draw anything remotely

recognizable, how anyone can put pen to paper and

create something that not only resembles the model

before him, but so keenly capture the essence of their

character— and Tony seems to do so with complete

and total ease. A session spent with him, which

typically takes no more than five to ten minutes

for his black and white drawings, is more akin

to a conversation with a best friend you haven’t

seen in a long while.



67

©2017 Royce Watson

To learn more about

Award Winning Artist

Tony Smith

and to view his online portfolio

let us connect you

by CLICKING on the link

in his feature article.

www.CommunityCrossRoadsMagazine.com

Tony’s ability to make you feel

that he’s known you for years and

help you relax as he crafts an original

masterpiece is only one of the many

skills he has developed in his tenure

as a gifted and highly respected

caricature artist.

The art of drawing individuals

as caricatures can be traced back

hundred of years. From monarchs

who were humorously depicted as

disconnected political figures with

extremely exaggerated features to

those that were simply drawn for

entertainment purposes, caricatures

have stood the test of time and have

continued to grace the covers of

countless magazines, newspapers, and

other well known periodicals. In some

we find humor…in others a political

statement, but in all we find a common

thread—talent flowing freely from the

artist who rendered them. This most

certainly rings true when speaking of

Tony Smith who realized early in his

childhood just how much he enjoyed

drawing. A standout among his peers

at a very early age, Tony pursued

his education in Visual Arts at the

prestigious Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

While attending school at the Art Institute Tony took classes in portrait

and caricature drawing…a decision which greatly impacted the rest of

his career as it was in those classes where Tony discovered his passion

for portrait artistry and caricature illustration.

Since those humble beginnings in school Tony has drawn literally

thousands of fine portraits and caricature illustrations. His work adorns

the offices and lobbies of famous hotels, fortune 500 companies, and

gracefully hangs in countless homes throughout the United States.

“I’ve literally made thousands of people smile” says Tony, “which really

makes me happier than anything”—and people smiling is certainly

what you will see when you attend an event where Tony is the

featured artist.

The art

of drawing individuals as

caricatures

can be traced back

hundreds

of years.


A bit about Tony Smith...


Born in 1963 in Chicago, Illinois, Tony has been drawing

as long as he can remember. His first commission was at the

tender age of five, which was a four foot tall Santa Claus for

his elementary school’s bulletin board! He’s come a long way

since then!

Tony first started drawing caricatures back in 1992

at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. He attended a caricature

workshop, where he was chosen by his professor to represent

the school at the Three Rivers Arts Festival. Tony and ten

other students drew for 17 days straight! Tony’s inspiration

from those 17 days — He took great joy in making

people smile.

In 2001, Tony entered his first major art competition

at the International Society of Caricature Artists (ISCA)

Convention and Competition in Atlanta, Georgia where he

competed internationally against hundreds of the world’s

best caricature artists. He placed second for Best Black and

White Technique. In the years since, he has won several firstplace

awards to include Caricature of the Year!

Well, here it is, years later, and over 500,000 BIG smiles

captured, Tony Smith couldn’t be a happier caricaturist. He

has met some amazing people along the way. His unique

realistic style of caricature sets him apart from other artists

along with his reputation for drawing FAST black and

whites in only three to four minutes, as well as fantastic

color renditions in only a couple more, is know throughout

Atlanta and beyond. He currently draws for some of Atlanta’s

premier restaurants, theaters, five star hotels, and leading

country clubs where his work adorns the walls of some of

these magnificent establishments as well as the homes of

their famous and not so famous patrons.

The father of five, three beautiful daughters of his own,

and a wonderful son and daughter from his former wife,

he now lives with his

treasured wife, Kinyahnah

in Atlanta, Georgia. He is

also an ordained minister

of the Gospel of Christ

and loves to travel. A

little know secret, Tony

is also a big comic book

fan, especially Marvel,

to includes

their movies!


71

Tatum Dance

BY ADRIENNE M. TATUM

PHOTOS BY ROYCE WATSON &

ROBERTO CASTILLO

Adrienne M. Tatum

Dancer, teacher, entrepreneur who has

been known for bursting into spontaneous

dancing anywhere and everywhere.

Q: Tell our readers about Tatum Dance…

Tatum Center for Dance Excellence is a new studio

located in historic, downtown Hapeville. It’s a beautiful,

newly renovated space. My favorite part of the renovation

was the flooring. Our sub-floor and orthopedic padding

pamper both dancer and teacher. Before I decided to

open the studio, I primarily operated as

an on-site or mobile dance instruction

company, Tatum Dance Collective. Going

on 13 years, the Collective brings the

arts working parents or schools where

dance programs don’t exist or have been

eliminated. I am humbled to see the studio

continue to grow in such a short amount of

time. In our first year, we have grown from

about 30 students to almost 100. Our onsite

locations serve about 160 children and

counting all over metro-Atlanta.

There are a few important

rules at Tatum Dance. The first is,

‘never say, “I can’t”.’ Equally important is rule

number two and three, ‘leave your worries outside

the studio doors and believe you are beautiful.’

Q: Tell us about these rules. What brought

you to them?

I have always thought these rules were important, but

didn’t realize the full impact they had until I overheard

two of my students talking while I had stepped out of

the room. One my seven-year old dancers was practicing

a pirouette and couldn’t quite get it. Frustrated,

I overhead her say, ‘I can’t do it.’ Her dance-mate

channeled our rules, and shouted, “You aren’t supposed

to say that. Say, you will try, try again!”

‘Try again.’ These words are

particularly poignant to me

right now. Operating business

hasn’t always been easy- even when

you’re doing something you love and feel

passionate about. I am grateful for all that time I spent

in the studio during my formative years trying again,

it gave me the discipline and tenacity to ride out two

recessions, a divorce, a business name change and a

plethora of other challenges that come along with being

in business for yourself. Dance has always been like a

compass for me. Life can get

messy. Without dance, I think

things could have been a lot

harder. I have veered off of my

path a few times, but dance

has always brought me

back. Giving up isn’t an

option. I also wanted to

instill a sense of peace,

positivity and focus

inside the studio and

each on-site classroom.

The world we live in now

is increasingly tumultuous.

Our youth are hearing and

seeing negative messages

all around them through

politics, terrorism,

bullying, depression

and poverty to name

a few. The dance

studio is safe

space



75

where body positivity is encouraged, modesty

Q: What do you notice change about the kids that you

how many dance, art and music programs were being

Are you going to offer classes for adults?

is still appreciated, diversity is necessary and

accepted and hard work and discipline

is expected.

Q: What do insiders know about dance?

teach from the first day of class to the last day of class?

My favorite age group to teach has always been preschool

(ages 2.5-4). It’s rewarding to see the many milestones

in coordination, confidence and memorization.

eliminated from public schools. Many of my colleagues

weren’t able to find full time dance teaching jobs and

some who did waited years

to find a position.

Adult dance classes are much needed in our area. I

am thrilled to kick off adult ballroom class on Friday

nights! You don’t need a partner but next time you go to

a wedding, party or want to impress your date, you can

Preschoolers are honest little creatures and you never

I decided to fully focus on my small business.

wow them with your fox trot and swing skills. Of course,

know what they are going to say. For many little ones,

It started small; two on site locations and about

wine and tapas will make this class even more fun. Visit

dance class is the first time they have socialized without

14 students. 13 years later, Tatum Dance Collective is

www.tatumdance.com for class schedules

a parent. I really like to see their independence grow

still thriving and in five years I am going to

and registration.

First and foremost,

dance is a useful tool. In almost

every stage of my life I have been

able to use my training.

From being intrinsically

motivated, to working in a group,

staying healthy, interviewing

for jobs or new accounts

with confidence to the way

I am aware of how I am

presenting myself in

social settings.

Most insiders also

from tears during parent drop off, to them to practically

shoving their parent out of the room exclaiming, “this is

my class mommy!”

Our preschool

classes are about fun,

whimsy and exploring

movement with imagination and creativity.

At the same time, we introduce the foundations of dance

technique preparing young dancers for a more formal

and focused class. The confidence our dancers gain is

clear to see at our end of year recital. It can be daunting

for anyone to get out in front of a large audience and

perform, but I am always amazed by how brave our little

ones become by the end of the year.

Q: How do you see yourself

in the dance world?

As a dancer, I always knew how rigorous and competitive

a performing career after college would have been. While

studying at University of Hawai’i at Monoa, I remember

the exact moment that I knew I wanted a lifetime career

of teaching. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Dance jobs,

especially well-paying ones with benefits are scarce.

start paving the way toward franchising my

on-site programs.

The dance world is a diverse place and there are

many places one could settle in. Most people have

seen or heard of the show, ‘Dance Moms’ and form

their opinions about dance based on that show. Tatum

Dance is a recreational studio for kids age 18 months

to 18 years, but we also have a Jr. and Sr. Performing

Arts Competition Team, ‘PACT.’ I am happy to say we

don’t have moms that start fights at the studio or at

competitions, lobby for their children and interrupt class

and we also don’t allow our young dancers to twerk and

gyrate or parade around in bra tops and tiny bottoms. I

don’t mean offense to those studios who engage in the

above, I just firmly believe that there is an appropriate

age and time for all of that. I stand for excellence in

technique and staying true to my craft and education. I

also believe that it’s crucial to have

a talented and knowledgeable team who have studied

dance in college and perform professionally. Having

individuals like this ensures you are relevant in your

industry and teaching proper technique to your students.

Once we have our ballroom classes established,

I want to offer adult dance fitness classes including,

ballet barre fitness, yoga swing classes, and dance

bungee (yes, like the cord attached to the ceiling allowing

you to leap high, get vertical, rebound and perform many

exercises with less impact on joints and bones) It’s taking

time to put together an adult program, but I promise,

when it does happen — it’s going to be fun, and of course,

done with excellence.

know that dancers

Nonetheless, I knew the value and rarity of making a

Q: What kind of dance do you

are graceful and have wonderful facility on the dance

career out of something you love.

offer at the studio?

floor but are often klutzes off the dance floor!

When I moved to Atlanta, I simultaneously began

Right now, I am excited about

I would like to also note that the dance world and even

working on my Dance Education degree and started

adding acrobatics for dance to the

the arts world as a whole, is small. That’s why it is so

Tatum Dance (formerly I Love Dance!) in 2005.

studio schedule. I will complete the

important to represent your art form with integrity and

I thought my place was in a public or private, middle-

certification this summer. We of

dignity. Don’t plagiarize, steal or imitate too closely.

school classroom. After a few semesters of student

course offer, ballet, tap, creative

teaching in both environments and shadowing some very

movement, jazz, hip-hop, an all-

talented and hard-working dancer/educators, I realized I

boys tap and hip-hop class and our

didn’t truly belong there. Around this time, I was noticing

competitive dance program, PACT.



77

FOR

UPCOMING

EVENTS

& CLASS

SCHEDULES

Adrienne prepares to teach in her studio.

Students perform at

Spring Recital.

A Young Adrienne

Mark and his girlfriend

Susan try their very first

ballroom dance.

VISIT OUR

WEBSITE AT

TATUMDANCE.COM

CALL OR EMAIL

ADRIENNE TATUM

AT 404-492-0136

adrienne@tatumdance.com



79

BeerGirl

Growlers A Bottleshop

587 N Central Ave

Hapeville· GA· 30354

Tuesday - Saturday: 11am to 8pm

Sunday: 1pm to 6pm

Mark Farah

Director of Marketing and Sales

NEWLY

RENOVATED

www.beergirlatl.com

404· 425· 9657

Craft Beer · Wine · Cider · Mead · Soda

Enjoy a glass of something from our 42 taps while browsing 6005 beers A 2005 wines.

Relax on the patio after work or before dinner in Historic Downtown Hapeville.

Explore the Hapeville Arts Alley Open Container District behind the shop.

Pick up something local and special on your way into or out of town.

See you soon. Prost!

Complimentary

Full Breakfast

Courtesy Shuttle to

and from Atlanta Airport

Conveniently located

minutes from many

popular Downtown

Atlanta Attractions.

Change. Ever present change. It is what we are born to do and is what we do every day of

our lives. We change. We change from parent to boss to co-worker to student to caretaker

and everything in between. Sometimes we have events in our lives that shift the compass to

a whole new direction. This is usually the case when one has had a near death experience,

lost someone special, or endured some sort of traumatizing situation or series of events.

At times, change is unknown. Moving to a new state or city, or gong to the first interview

of a new career. At other times, change is uncontrollable — involvement in an automobile

accident or an unexpected diagnosis. Whatever it is, change from our own personal “norm”

can usually make us feel frightened. I am here to tell you otherwise — do not be afraid.

Becoming a member of Community Crossroads Magazine in one of the

biggest changes of my life. Along with my business partner Royce, we took

a giant leap of faith to go out and create change in a positive manner. Many

folks today do not listen to the local news anymore due to the increasingly

negative stories — murders, robberies, hate in this area and that area. By

listening to these stories day in and day out, it is not surprising that we fear

any sort of change in our lives. But what if we could change for the better

and help others along the way? What if a simple hello to a passerby could

change their day to create a chain effect of compassion and understanding?

Royce and I are choosing to tell the positive stories of those individuals

and businesses that actually are making a difference in their community,

city, state, nation, and world. Positive stories that will empower and

inspire you to go out and help one another instead of focusing on the

differences that we may have; these stories that will motivate us to step

out of the “me” and into the “we”. That is one change of attitude that we

all cannot only control but also benefit from.

Wherever Life Takes You,

Best Western Is There. ®

Free parking for

duration of stay

301 N Central Ave, Hapeville

404-763-8777

For more information on

advertising with us, call me at

678.923.7212

mark@crossroads-magazine.com


Where the

dream began...

Hapeville Dwarf House

461 N. Central Avenue

Hapeville, GA 30354

(404) 762-1746

And the

legacy continues...

CCRM_Premier Issue

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?