Summer 2014 - Clayton County Parks and Recreation

Transcription

4 Super Amazing
Dads Who Rock
Manhunters That Meet Forest Park’s
Mean Business Mayor, David Lockhart
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June | July 2014
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We Are Clayton Magazine • www.weareclayton.com • APR | MAY 2014
EDUCATION 2014 We Are Clayton Magazine
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CONTENTS
Publisher’s Note
CORPORATE & BUSINESS
3 Private Meetings Rooms
State Of The Art Audio Visuals
Private Dining Lounge
Business Center
Complimentary Wi-Fi
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HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME
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The Beach at International Park is Back
Act like a Tourist
Arts Clayton Juried Competition Winners
PROFILES
Made In (Forest Park) USA: David Lockhart
A Taste of Clayton, 3 Chefs, 9 Dishes!
Café Good Spot: Where a Taste of Heaven is Blue
Wings on Wheat: A True Southern Delicacy
Tropical Cuisine, Coming Up
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FOUR SUPER AMAZING DADS
Jeffrey E. Turner Shares His Love for 32
Community with His Sons
Teion R. Fieldsis Always There for His Family 33
Joshua Byrd, the Family Man 34
For Salyer Keeney, Fatherhood is Triple the Fun 35
WEDDING
& SOCIAL
Separate Stage
Preferred Caterers And Professional Vendors
Culinary Catering Kitchen
Private Bar Options
Complimentary Parking
1180 Southlake Circle - Ste 100 Morrow, Georgia 30260
678.489.5161 tel 678.489.5182 fax
www.MorrowCenter.com
EDUCATION
Our Magnet Middle School, M.D. Roberts 39
For the Love of Language: Cassie Harris Inspires Students 40
Wade Hampton Mentors to Bring Change 41
Jeff Corso is in Harmony with Students 42
Shaquila Boyd Uncovers History with Her Students 43
In The Spotlight: Michael Nangle Brings Theater to Life 44
Soaring on the Music: Crystial Hudson in the Classroom 45
Exciting Labs in the World of Science with Erica Beard 46
Bridget Donaldson Spreads Music Throughout Clayton 47
RECIPE ROOM
Cooking Cards
Out & About
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SUMMER 2014 We Are Clayton Magazine
U
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4 Super Amazing
Dads Who Rock
Manhunters That Meet Forest Park’s
Mean Business Mayor, David Lockhart
we
are
HEART of our COMMUNITY
June | July 2014
PUBLISHER/EDITOR -IN- CHIEF
GERRIAN HAWES
Phone: 678.479.3040
[email protected]
PRODUCTION MANAGER
NaTasha Fields
[email protected]
By now everyone should be in full “Summer”
mode. The children are out of school for summer
vaction, barbeque season officially started Memorial Day and The Beach is open for business.
Oh, how I love the long lazy days and the
beautiful evening sunsets. Yes, I love the summertime. For me it is almost like Christmas, the
happiest time of the year.
While composing this note, I think of plans for
amazing men who take fatherhood to an
entirely new level.
The picture above gives clear evidence
that we are interviewing a group of elite
investigators. Manhunting is the only way to
describe what they do.
We also introduce you to the new kid on the
block, Forest Park’s newly elected mayor.
We didn’t forget to let you in on places to go
the Fourth of July which lead to thoughts of the
and things to do in Clayton for the summer.
sacrifices men and women who serve our coun-
You can’t imagine the treasure of tourist “hot
try in the armed services make. Suddenly, I feel
spots” we host right here.
grateful because if not for them, I could not enjoy
Family, I hope that you enjoy this issue. It
simple liberties. Our service men and women are
was so much fun putting it together for you.
our modern day heroes. I hate to think about the
Don’t forget to do business with our adver-
condition our country would be in if not for them.
tisers, they are the ones who help keep ‘em
I am proud to be a veteran, however, I am more
coming.
proud of the men and women who serve today.
Please keep them in your prayers.
Please shoot me an email or give me a call
to let me know what you think of this issue.
Happy Summer,
IN THIS ISSUE
As you all know we’ve started a tradition of
selecting fathers to profile in honor of Father’s
Publisher/Editor In Chief
Day. I am pleased as punch to present four super
[email protected]
MANAGING EDITOR
Kimberly Allen
[email protected]
CONTRIBUTORS/WRITERS
Kelley Walker - Copy Editor/Sr. Writer
Michael Booth - Features Writer
C
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DESIGN
Oliver Imprints, LLC.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Michie Turpin Photography
GENERAL INQUIRIES
7179 Jonesboro Road, Ste. 200,
Morrow, GA 30260
Phone: 678.479.3040
Fax: 678.489.7129
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.weareclayton.com
COPYRIGHT
All material appearing in We Are Clayton is
copyright unless otherwise stated, or it may rest
with the provider of the supplied material. We
Are Clayton takes all care to ensure information
is correct at time of printing, but the publisher
accepts no responsibility or liability for the
accuracy of any information contained in the
text or advertisements. Views expressed are not
necessarily endorsed by the publisher, editor, or
Oliver Imprints, LLC.
HEART
of our
COMMUNITY
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Hot
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In
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Summertime
Clayton County Style!
TOP TOURIST HOT SPOTS IN OUR BACKYARD
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We Are Clayton Magazine • www.weareclayton.com • June | July
15
This one is strictly for beach lovers
over 10,000 tons of sand was brought
in to help revitalize “The Beach”.
“The Beach” at
International Park
is Back
WORDS KIMBERLY ALLEN
IMAGES MICHIE TURPIN
Fresh off of a multi-million dollar face-lift
that began last summer, the Beach finally reopened this year during Memorial Day
weekend. It now features several water
slides, a new, yet familiar food vendor, heaps
of sand, and thankfully, still no jellyfish!
“We have four brand new 40-foot wa-
ture kiddie pool for children who are
ter slides consisting of two tube slides
48 inches and below. “This way they
and two body slides. The Iceberg is a new
have their own area to be able to slide
feature we have out in the middle of the
down apparatus’ on, play in the wa-
lake with an apparatus that you climb up
ter, and enjoy the interactive features
on and then slide down the back of it,” ex-
that we have available in the kiddie
plains Troy Stubbs, the Deputy Adminis-
pool,” adds Stubbs.
trator at International Park. “We will also
This one is strictly for the beach
have a trampoline set up in the middle
lovers: over 10,000 tons of sand was
edly be setting in after all that activity! So head on over to The Beach’s new
of this summer season it’s out of here! “We are looking at tearing down
food concessionaire, Sonny’s BBQ, and get your eat on!
the Nassau building, kiddie pool area, and the putt area in order to build an
Additionally, if you’re looking for a local spot to host your family reunion,
indoor waterpark that will be open year round,” confirms Troy. “Of course
church picnic, or corporate outing, all of The Beach’s pavilions have been
you can always come to the park and go fishing. We also have a bike trail
renovated as well. “We also have an indoor facility that can be used for
and it is an all-around park. Hopefully everyone will come out to enjoy
of the beach. The Iceberg and the water
bought in to help revitalize The Beach’s atmo-
wedding receptions and as a meeting space,” adds Amy Keeney, the Mar-
themselves and all of the renovations knowing that there is still more to
trampoline will be offered on an alternat-
sphere. Structural changes were also made which
keting and Communications Officer for Clayton County Parks & Recreation.
come.”
ing basis, although we have not set dates
included installing a catch basin to help the water
And of course many of the activities residents love have returned such
The July 4th weekend is set to include live entertainment on the beach
for exactly when each feature is going to
maintain a constant depth of 48 inches so that
as Movies Under the Stars (which rotates between all of our county parks),
featuring the band Contagious. As always, there will also be a fireworks
be out. That will be an operational deci-
the sand doesn’t wash away as people enter and
the fishing derby (for youths and adults), and the onsite Tennis Center
display. Park entry for this event is $10 per person.
sion, but we will probably be switching
exit the water.
which offers lessons.
them around every weekend.”
While patrons can expect to see and hear live
Anyone who is over 48 inches tall can
music periodically throughout the summer, DJ
ride on the slides, but not to worry be-
Superman will be on hand every Saturday to help
cause The Beach still offers its adven-
keep the party going. Hunger pangs will undoubt-
But wait! There’s more! Unfortunately we won’t get to experience any of this stuff until at least 2016, though.
Take the kids and enjoy that kiddie pool while you can because by the end
The Beach is open Wednesday through Sunday, through and including
Labor Day. Visit http://claytonparks.com/ to see their summer schedule
and get more information.
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WORDS KIMBERLY ALLEN
IMAGES MICHIE TURPIN
Act Like a Tourist
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Did you know? $1.2 billion is spent by visitors traveling through
the county, with about 25,000 tourists stopping to seek information from the Clayton County Convention and Visitor’s
Bureau (CCC&VB).
Wrong! Believe it or not, there are many places tourists frequent
people were using those trails to get some exercise. Everything is on a
here that were created specifically with residents in mind, so take
boardwalk or a well maintained path, so it’s easily walkable. It’s also an
Do you also know how popular our rec centers are? People from
advantage of them!
excellent location to see some wildlife. So, if people are interested in
neighboring counties travel here and pay to use facilities that are at
“As far as outdoor activities, Reynolds Nature Preserve is right in
going to see different types of birds, turtles, or other kinds of animals,
our disposal. Aside from state of the art weight rooms and pools,
According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development
Morrow. There’s over three miles of hiking trails, which are great
it’s a fun place to visit. Little kids definitely love it too because they can
many of them offer all types of activities such as free game nights,
Tourism Division, Clayton County supports 30,810 tourism related
for anybody really, but for smaller kids too because they’re shorter
get pretty close to the animals.”
dance classes, and opportunities to socialize.
jobs.
hikes. So, families with younger children can do one hike and see
A wonderfully inexpensive yet cultural option is the Summer World
In honor of July 4th, practically every city presents a fireworks
how the kids are doing before deciding whether to do another one.
Music Festival at Spivey Hall, with dates set for June and July. For a
display for its residents, and countywide there are always street
This is a great local option to get out and do something active,”
nominal fee of $2.00 per person, each week you get to see an instru-
festivals popping up.
Those are some pretty impressive numbers! But when is the last
explains Danielle Conroy, Director of Marketing and Communica-
mental or vocal performance from an artist or ensemble representing
Go to www.visitscarlett.com to get information on these events
time you visited our local attractions unless it was part of a school
tions at the CCC&VB. “The Newman Wetlands Center in Hampton
a different region and culture from around the world. Countries repre-
and discover what else will be happening this summer countywide!
field trip? After all, that kind of stuff is only for tourists, right?
is also great for residents and visitors alike. When I’ve gone to visit,
sented will include music from Africa, India, Ireland, Japan, Spain, and
$1,942.84 is the amount of tax relief Clayton County residents
receive per household from tourism economic activity.
of course the United States.
18
Arts Clayton’s 2014
Art Show & Competition
Novum Principium
by La Mont Sudduth
1st
PLACE
WINNER
19
Arts Clayton’s 2014
Art Show & Competition
Getting Hitched
by Pat Burns
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YOU ARE
PROFOUND
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R E C R E A T I O N
O F
F O R E S T
&
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P A R K ’ S
S E R V I C E S
Feel Free to
Summer with the
City of Forest Park.
s
swimming
recreation
special events
sport camps
For more information about our services please visit our website at www.forestparkga.org. Or give us a call at 404.363.2908.
You can also drop by our office located at 803 Forest Parkway Community Recreation Building), Forest Park, Georgia 30297.
Promoting and meeting the needs and interest of the community through recreation and leisure activities that are affordable. And ensuring
fun and enjoyment in organized recreational activities that encourage positive community values.
22
Made in (Forest Park)
USA:
Mayor
David Lockhart
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WHEN DRIVING INTO CLAYTON COUNTY
from the north, the city of Forest Park is one
of a traveler’s first experiences, displaying its
charm along main thoroughfares and distinctive curb appeal on residential side streets. The
State Farmers Market here boasts a rich history alongside Fort Gillem, whose impending revitalization ensures its bright future. And with
some of the county’s most devoted leaders
working tirelessly to polish this gem, it seems
only fitting that Forest Park is being managed
by a true southern gentlemen who also happens to be one of its native sons.
“Geographically, Forest Park is easily accessible. Whether it is big city life in downtown or
small fishing holes in Jonesboro or Hampton,
we’ve got everything – we’ve even got The
Beach,” says Mayor David Lockhart through
laughter.
Jumping in with both feet, Lockhart was initially elected last summer to complete the term
of then-mayor Corine Deyton, who resigned
her office for personal reasons. “[She] was a
dear lady. Spent a lot of hours with my children
in the nursery at the First Baptist Church of
Forest Park and I knew her friend Doyle who
passed away. It was a great tragedy and sad,”
he expresses. “When I decided to run for mayor, it wasn’t so much that I wanted to take her
place, but an opportunity that I saw for me to
serve.” After winning a tough primary race, the
following November David was re-elected to
his first full term.
Believe it or not, the hardest part of this transition hasn’t been taking over the job mid-term
or overseeing a redevelopment project already
years in the making. It has been helping constituents understand what he can and cannot
do. “My greatest challenge is communicating
the limits of my role as mayor without sounding like I don’t want to deal with your problem.
The fact is, it is our employees who actually
get the jobs done. For example, if you need a
pothole fixed the mayor and city council might
set the policy that says yes, we would like our
streets to be in good shape. But none of us are
actually going to be pouring the asphalt,” he
explains. “Those details are beyond our role
as elected officials, and it takes time to imple-
ment policy. So when a constituent calls me
with a specific concern I take ownership of the
issue, get it into the right hands, and make it
happen whenever possible. But no, I cannot fix
your ticket (laughs).”
Despite the temporary learning curve on all
sides, David personifies the hometown kid
who is working to make good in the community where he used to play kick the can.
“When I was growing up here it was such that
I got up on Saturday morning, got on my bicycle, was gone until it was dusk, and my parents didn’t have to be concerned,” reminisces
Lockhart about his childhood while living off of
Holiday Boulevard. “And dusk was when I had
to get near the house. I didn’t have to come in
because as long as it was close to home, that’s
when we’d play hide and go seek. I had good
friends here and we just got to be kids.” And as
the youngest of nine children, Lockhart credits his mother’s strong commitment to family
for inspiring him. “My mother taught me Jesus
Christ is that universal, unchanging truth. And
because I have something to measure life’s
choices by, I don’t have to feel lost.”
Can’t We All Just Get Along?
Fast forward to David’s high school days,
which began at Lake City Christian School and
concluded at Forest Park High School (FPHS).
His political career was launched at the latter,
where he founded its first multicultural club.
“In 1992, the officers involved in the Rodney
King incident were tried. At that time Forest
Park’s demographics were rapidly changing,
and racial tensions at [FPHS] quickly intensified with news of the acquittals. I felt that
there was room for healthy discussion, and
perhaps even debate, concerning racial issues.
But the rhetoric suggested that we were at a
tipping point, and it seemed that violence was
near,” the Mayor notes. “I had close friends of
every stripe and thought that if we as students
could address racial issues with logic rather than hatred, we would all be better for it.
With the support and encouragement of then
Principal Margaret Manos, I secured a faculty
sponsor and shortly thereafter we chartered
the [FPHS] Multicultural Club. I was elected
as president, and my close friend, Roosevelt
Loveless, whose father pastored a church in
Forest Park, was elected as vice president. In
its first year the club had no traditions or expectations, which allowed it to be both free
and a bit unguided. Nevertheless, I believe that
it helped to serve as a relief valve, and I am
better for having the chance to participate with
a diverse group of fellow students.”
Somewhere between leading this club, playing football and basketball, and singing in the
chorus, Lockhart found his soul mate, Grace.
“We attended the senior prom on our first
date,” he recalls. They continued dating after graduating FPHS together and eventually
married. Knowing exactly where they wanted
to raise their family, the duo purchased a home
in Forest Park and settled in as David went on
to attend Georgia State and subsequently John
Marshall Law School. After graduating in 2010,
he immediately began building what is now
a thriving civil litigation law practice. This allowed Lockhart to effortlessly attain a healthy
work/life balance with Grace and their four
children: Abigail, Mark, Sarah, and Benjamin.
“It doesn’t matter what we’re doing, as long
as we’re doing something together. Life’s too
short,” he concedes.
Moving Forest Park Forward
David readily admits that he cannot take credit for some projects that were already in place
when he took office – such as the Fort Gillem
redevelopment – but is proud of the progress
made during his tenure, and “to be a part of
getting it across the finish line.” And while that
deal is hopefully close to entering its final stages, the Mayor is already strategizing on other
ways to continue strengthening Forest Park.
“We have to see economic development . . .
and that means different things to different
people. But what I mean is, we have to bring
in new businesses. In the past years, the city
purchased properties on which there were existing businesses, razed those buildings, and
those properties have sat empty and unused.
We have to get that commercial property into
the hands of businesses that will make productive use of it for a number of reasons --
to bring jobs here and to bring the income
here that will support the existing businesses as well. When Fort Gillem closed of
course, we lost a lot of the traffic that had
supported the local businesses, and a lot of
the Main Street businesses that still remain
are struggling. But ultimately, it’s businesses that will make the residents’ lives better
since they provide most of the city’s resources. We’ve had several new businesses come
to Forest Park already; Roses most recently.
We also have the newly constructed Forest
Speed Mart and have had new businesses move into some renovated buildings. So
we’re already on the right track,” he confirms.
Taking his own advice, one building that will
soon be reoccupied is the old Forest Park
Library which is being converted into a firstclass community center. “It has been more or
less sitting vacant, unused, and empty since
the new library was built and the system
gave us their old building,” he says. “We hope
that it will serve multiple purposes, including
as a museum/Forest Park archives location,
but also for community events. I am very excited about being able to make some good
use of this space.”
Crediting Forest Park’s employees with
keeping the city running smoothly, David acknowledges that things have “turned around
drastically” since he took office. “More than
once I have been stopped by a city employee who shares that they were thinking about
finding new employment but not anymore
because we’re doing such a great job.” He
also praises the city council for hiring Frank
Brandon as its new city manager. “Frank has
been very instrumental in bringing about
some positive differences. The atmosphere
has changed in City Hall among not only our
employees, but also our businesses and residents to become more community-minded.”
“I ran to make a positive impact on the people, and so the best times are when I can see
and affect that actual, positive impact. It’s
not the grandiose, political achievements, if
you will. I really didn’t even have aspirations
to be the mayor. It was happenstance – the
right time and the right place. This is my
home and my children’s home, and I want
to make it the best place possible. I love my
job!” the Mayor declares.
25
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27
Café Good Spot: Where a Taste of Heaven is Blue
W O R D S K E L L E Y WA L K E R
Known for her Blue Velvet Cake at Café Good Spot, Christina Cummings, a native of Atlanta and now a resident of Clayton County,
says her “business is all about relationships.” Whether you’re already a customer or are walking in for the first time, Christina will
welcome you with a smile and may already know your “usual”.
Cummings says, “I spent over thirteen years in restaurant management for several corporate chains and decided to change career paths in 2009. I worked at Georgia State University in Student
Affairs . . . and a layoff led to my opening my business. It was one
of the best things that ever happened to me! I not only gained the
confidence and skills . . . I now have a chance to follow my passion
for serving people, and my restaurant is the perfect place to share
my gifts with the community.” Christina says her passion for people led her to this industry: “I love people, and the social nature of
I M AG E M I C H I E T U R P I N
food has allowed me to literally meet people from all walks of life.
From political leaders to county employees, food touches everyone’s life. Being able to offer a superior product at an attractive
price point gives me the opportunity to build great relationships.”
But supporting her community through food is not Cummings’ only
passion; she also volunteers regularly for several charitable causes:
“I volunteer regularly with my daughter’s school . . . I also volunteer
with the Alzheimer’s Association . . . Later this year, I am looking to
start a program aimed at helping students nurture their ideas about
becoming entrepreneurs.” She insists that her “best skills have been
gained through volunteer service to the community.” So, come taste
“a little slice of heaven” – Blue Velvet Cake! – and meet Christina at
Café Good Spot off of Southlake Parkway in Jonesboro.
28
29
Wings on Wheat: A True Southern Delicacy
I M AG E S M I C H I E T U R P I N
Aaron Weldon, owner of Wings on Wheat off Mount Zion Pkwy
in Jonesboro, offers his thoughts on his family friendly restaurant. A
Clayton resident for twelve years, a father of two, and a loving husband, Weldon “decided to go into the restaurant business when [he]
got tired of the customer service from some of the other neighborhood wing restaurants.” He explains, “I got tired of complaining about
pricing, quality, [and] portions. One Saturday evening, my wife asked
me, ‘What was I going to do about it?’ I felt like she challenged me
because I really didn’t have an answer. I thought on it awhile and decided to go into business for myself. The following Monday, I found
a building!”
It’s obvious that Aaron chose the right path. In his first year of opening Wings on Wheat, Weldon’s proudest accomplishments are “being
a producer in my community and [being] told that I have some of
the tastiest food on the south side of Atlanta. It’s so surreal!” Aaron
says. And what is his specialty dish? Weldon describes what Wings
on Wheat is known for: “fried whole wings, soaked in brine for 48
hours, then tossed in blend of herbs and spices, served on a bed of
wheat bread!”
But the restaurant business means more than just delicious food;
Aaron says it is also about the community family. He explains, “One
of the most rewarding aspects of being a small business owner for
me is to see families sitting down eating a meal in my establishment
or just stopping by for an Italian ice or a funnel cake. Where else can
you do that? Our goal is to be known as a family style wing restaurant! For me, that’s everything! It’s all about family!”
Tropical Cuisine, Coming Up
WORDS GEORGE PERKINS
Moving to a new city and starting a new business in that city is can
be a very daunting experience, especially if that new business is in the
food industry and English is not your first language!
No matter how scary the thought, Pat Padole, did just that and has
not looked back.
The Tropical Cuisine in College Park, Georgia is an unassuming Jamaican joint doling out island standards, such as jerk chicken, curry &
oxtail. Pat Padole, owner and chef is just as unassuming as his restaurant.
“We are open from 11:30 am until 10:00 pm everyday and during
the week we mostly service the airport community. I am very grateful
for the reception that I have experienced the 16 years I have been in
business here,” says Pat as he sets the table and serves up the most
delicious oxtails that I have ever tasted.
Every morning Pat can be found in the restaurant’s kitchen making
his special seasoning, using only organic herbs and spices, which create a true Caribbean taste. “We only serve our dishes with seasonings
that are hand made here in the restaurant”, he boasts. “Only the best
of the best for our customers. They have been so loyal to us, the very
least I can do is ensure that every person has the best experience possible when they eat with us”.
“When my wife and I moved here from New York, we knew that we
wanted to try the food industry but I would have never guessed that
I would fall in love with creating Jamaican dishes. If I had one guess,
it would have been Southern Style dishes because after all we are in
the South”. Once Pat figured out that there was a market for tropical
dishes, he purchased The Tropical Cuisine.
In retrospect, Pat seems to have a clear understanding that a combination of his native taste palette, coupled with his then newfound love
was a match made in food heaven.
Take time to
be a dad today.
Call 877-4DAD411 or visit www.fatherhood.gov
32
County Board Chairman,
Jeffrey E. Turner Shares His Love for
Community with His Sons
Chairman Jeffrey E. Turner of the Clayton County Board of Commissioners grew up as a child of the military, traveling over the nation
and across the world. But during his teenage years, his father was stationed at Fort McPherson and Turner fell in love with Georgia – especially Clayton County. He says, “My time in Georgia has been the most
memorable for me.” A graduate of Morrow High, Jeffrey says, “I have
seen a lot of changes in our county over the years, good and bad, but
I’m very encouraged about our future and the great things yet to come.”
And Jeffrey shares his Clayton pride and community involvement with
his family. He has become a leader here and also a leader of his family, setting an example for his children and raising them with love and
support.
Turner comments on what being a father means to him: “Being a
part of helping to create a life and bringing them into this world, and
then watching them as they grow into men, sharing in their accomplishments and being there to support them through their failures” are
the essential aspects of fatherhood. But parenting can be challenging
when managing time between work and family. Turner says this harmonizing act is “extremely hard. Being a father takes a lot of time and
effort, especially with four kids. And when you have a demanding job, it
makes it that much more difficult. Luckily, I have a wonderful wife, who
is a fantastic mother, who helps me to manage our family time.”
The Turner family, which includes Jeff’s four sons – Christopher (27),
Bradley (24), Brandon (23), and Ryan (20) – is a pack of sports fans.
Jeffrey says, “All of my kids played sports in school and in recreational leagues, and I always served as an assistant coach on their teams
when my job afforded me the opportunity to do so.” And Turner not
only cheers his sons on, but also serves as a role model. Jeffrey believes in serving the community, and he shows his children how: “I am
involved in a number of community initiatives that are geared toward
children and the elderly . . . and I often partner with our faith based
community.” Jeffrey Turner is an inspiring father to both his family and
the community.
Thoughts from Christopher, Bradley, Brandon, and Riley:
What makes your father special or unique?
Our father is unique due to his struggle throughout his years. A dad is
someone that provides and tries his best to be as successful as he can
for his family’s sake. But a great dad understands that there will be
hurdles from time to time that he will have to overcome. It’s through
these times of resilience that makes a dad unique. By never giving up,
our father has shown us that we must do the same to be successful
in life.
He encourages us and reassures us that anything we put our mind to,
we can accomplish.
Teion R. Fields
is Always
There for His
Family
If you ask his children, Teion R. Fields is
the best father in the world because “he is
our daddy,” and “no matter [what] life has
thrown at him, he has been there for us.”
Tamarion Fields enjoys playing basketball
with his father; Teion Jr. (Tj) loves “going
to car shows to see all the muscle cars,” and Taneya Fields
likes watching scary movies with her father on Saturday
nights, which is a weekly tradition. Originally from Oakland,
California, Teion R. Fields moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where
he met his wife Natasha. The married couple moved to
Clayton County (College Park) in 2008, and they have “been
in Clayton County ever since.”
Teion feels happy when he is able to “wake up to [his] children every morning.” He says, “Having the opportunity to be
called ‘Daddy’ is one of the best feelings in the world.” As a
crane operator and assistant operations manager for Clear
Channel Outdoor, finding time for both his work and family
is “extremely difficult, mostly because as a parent you want
to be involved in every aspect of your children’s lives. You
want to attend every recital, every award ceremony, [and]
even take a day or two and have lunch with you daughter,
but working a full time job sometimes doesn’t permit that.
But between my wife and me, one of us, if not both of us, is
always there front and center.”
Fields enjoys every moment he shares with his two sons
and daughter. When asked about his favorite activities with
his children, Teion says, “We have scary movie Saturdays;
they love scary movies. I enjoy taking the boys to practice
whether it’s basketball, football, or whatever that have going on.” Teion says that no matter what he and his family are
doing, he loves most “just [spending] every day laughing and
[having] fun together.” Most parents want their children’s
lives to exceed their own. Teion Fields wants the best for
his children, and the crucial part of his sons’ and daughter’s
future is education. He desires to “make sure that college is
paid for. I don’t want them to have to take out any student
loans.” What better way to prepare his children for a bright
future! But making sure his children are educated without
excessive debt is not Teion’s only goal. He also wants to become more involved in our community. He explains, “I am
looking into starting an AAU basketball team in Jonesboro”
to support and mentor not only his own children but also
those of our community. Teion R. Fields knows what it takes
to be a great father, and his children say he is the best.
33
34
35
FATHER OF TWO AND A CLAYTON COUNTY NATIVE, Joshua
Bryd remembers his childhood: “I enjoyed my childhood in
Clayton County . . . [which was] was a great place to live,
and many families moved here for better jobs . . . the Atlanta airport, the Forest Park Farmers Market, and Clayton
State University were some of the most popular and exciting things going on in the county during my childhood.
Since then, numerous attractions, including the State and
National archives, Atlanta Beach, the International Terminal to Atlanta’s airport, and a host of other new venues
exist, which make Clayton County an even more exciting
place to live.” Clayton has not only held Joshua’s cherished
childhood memories but now also his children’s.
Joshua Edward Byrd makes sure that he is always available to his family at home since he “didn’t grow up with my
father in the home.” He says his pleasurable moments of
being a family man with his children – Naomi Christina (5)
and Joshua Edward, Jr. (3) – are “having the opportunity to
be there for my wife and kids every day . . . spending quality
time, reading books, playing with my children in the yard,
planting gardens, going to ballet recitals, basketball practice, and going to the Clayton County Headquarters Library
for story time every Wednesday night.” Furthermore, for
Byrd, “family has always come first, and I consider my job
as being a father the most important job I’ll ever have.” In
fact, Joshua is so committed to his role as a father that he
even “had to forgo some job opportunities that promised
lucrative financial rewards.” But these opportunities would
have taken him away from his family for extended periods
of time, so he “was able to turn them down because I remembered how I longed for my father as a child and didn’t
want my children to feel the same pain that I felt as a when
my father wasn’t around,” says Joshua. “It’s tough manag-
Joshua Edward Byrd,
Family Man
ing it all. On one hand, you want to do everything you can to
ensure that food, shelter, and all the other necessities are
taken care of even if it means being away from the family
sometimes, but on the other hand, you want to spend as
much time as possible with your family. It’s all about balance. I don’t always know what to do, but I thank God that
my wife is here to help manage things and balance things
out.” A true pillar in his family, Joshua cherishes his role as a
father and a husband above all else.
For Salyer Keeney, Fatherhood
is Triple the Fun!
Salyer Keeney is no ordinary father. Three years ago, he and his wife, Amy,
were blessed with triplets – three daughters named Kourtney Rebecca,
Kasey Rose, and Katelyn Reece. “It’s no accident that each has the same
initials – KRK; each middle name is a reflection of their grandmother’s full
name Rebecca Rose Reece,” explains Keeney. He jokes, “Obviously, three
kids at one time with no previous training is not recommended, but what
an adventure, and the opportunities to learn are endless.”
Keeney loves his girls unconditionally. He enjoys “watching my girls grow
and learn new things, but mostly the satisfaction on their faces when
they accomplish new tasks.” With his family, Salyer says, “We really enjoy
spending time in the yard playing on their playground and trampoline that
their Papaw gave them recently . . . [and] of course, vacations to Disney
World are really top of the line for them when they meet and greet with
Minnie and Mickey, and the endless smiles on their faces” are treasures
he cherishes.
For the future, he has one main goal for his children: “The opportunity to
continue their education and/or professional training without the worry of
financial obligations when they are done. I think we all seek a more fulfilling future for our kids . . . I think great education is the best opportunity a
parent can provide to a child.”
Keeney learned to be a great dad from his father. Remembering his own
childhood in Alabama, Salyer says, “My father was a tremendous person
who I deeply admired for his hard work, integrity, and commitment to our
family. I learned more from him than any professor ever taught me in graduate school, and I had some outstanding teachers. He was extremely active and always had a project or two going on around the house. Every year
we would plant a large garden, which was a lot of continuous work usually
in the hot sun. We have a Lake home on Lake Martin in Alabama . . . so I
grew up fishing off our dock for crappie and catfish or whatever decided to
eat a minnow or worm on our hooks. We spent most of our vacations going there working and maintaining our little piece of paradise, but that was
just fine for a young boy with a BB gun and woods and shoreline to roam.”
SaIyer cherishes his memories of his father, and says, “I hope my girls will
someday reflect and smile on their days growing up. I hope their childhood
memories of me will always be special and with them forever.” After listening to how Keeney speaks about his family, there is no doubt that his
daughters will always remember their loving, fun, and committed father.
36
• Empowering
• Inclusive
• Engaged
• Supportive
YOU
ARE
BRIGHT
e
www.clayton.edu
d
u
c
a
t
i
o
n
Our Magnet Middle School,
M.D. Roberts
Meet the 6th Grade Team of Educators
40
NOW
ENROLLING
STUDENTS AGES 16-24
FOR HIGH SCHOOL
DIPLOMA OR GED PROGRAMS
CALL
770-961-5421
Wade
Hampton
Mentors to Bring
Change
For the Love of
Language:
Cassie Harris Inspires Students
Cassie Harris describes this school year as “an exemplary,
enthusiastic year of phenomenal leadership and student
successes!” Teaching has been a way of life for Cassie since
childhood; she explains, “I was raised in a learning environment surrounded by teachers. My parents, grandparents,
and extended family members were my first teachers, and
I wanted to emulate them. My love for teaching began while
gathering friends in our neighborhood so that I would have
my moment to teach others.”
As a professional, Harris says, “My years of teaching have
allowed me to mentor and supervise other teachers. In addition, I have received honors from my peers as Teacher of the
Year at T.G. Terry Elementary School, Teacher of the Year at
Cesar Chavez Learning Center, Teacher of the Year at Lovejoy
Middle School, and Clayton County Teacher of the Year.” However, these incredible awards are not what she attributes as
her proudest moments; in fact, Cassie opines, “My greatest
accomplishments have been made by my students in language arts. Each year as I commit to making a difference in
my classroom, I feel that it is important for my students to
have a love for reading and writing. A proud moment is when
you begin writing with your students and their words begin to
emulate your voice. That is a gratifying moment of teaching!
As a result, my students have become authors, playwrights,
and avid readers while connecting to real life experiences.”
In addition, Cassie “would like to pay tribute to my family
and colleagues: Alberta Daniel, William and Juanita Harris,
Cora Daniel, Mary Perry, Thomas Daniel, Helen Wilson, Valeria Barksdale, Vernell Stribling, Martha Lee, and Anita Thomaston. While following their guidance, I continue to serve as a
role model for many students and fellow teachers by sharing
their knowledge and talent.”
Wade Hampton knows the difficulties of
not having a “positive male role model” to
learn from. That absence leaves a hole in
a child’s heart, and Hampton wanted to
do something about it. Wade says, “I became interested in teaching while working
at a nonprofit summer camp in downtown
Atlanta. There was an absence of positive
male role models influencing the youth. I felt
I could make a difference by providing mentorship and encouragement to misguided
youth,” so he began teaching. After twelve
years, Hampton has been able to change the
lives of many students. He relates because
“I struggled many years in school because I
needed a mentor myself.” So “being a mentor
for many years, allowed [Wade] to connect
with students.” This mentorship is crucial
to our community; Hampton explains, “to
give back or help a community is the main
foundation in making it strong. The absence
of community leaders and individuals giving
back . . . is a major problem in today’s society,” so Wade strengthens our community by
helping our children.
He loves “to see a student later in their
life as a successful established adult.” But if
Wade was not teaching, he would still give
back to students. After receiving a full scholarship to college as a student athlete, Wade
wants to mentor other student athletes.
Without teaching, Hampton has an array of
other career options to help students, such
as: a) running a nonprofit geared towards
mentoring student athletes; b) running an
afterschool program or charter school; or
c) promoting my business (a weight management company) full time, helping people
accomplish their goals.” So no matter where
he is in life, Wade Hampton will always be a
great mentor to those he encounters, making Clayton County a stronger community.
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42
Jeff Corso is in
Harmony with
Students
Shaquila Boyd
Uncovers
History with
Her Students
At M.D. Roberts Middle, history comes to
life in Shaquila Boyd’s classroom. Along with
instructing this year’s Dancing Ramettes,
Boyd enjoys the rewarding aspect of teaching, which she describes as “knowing that you
have young adults who respect you and want
to do their best to please you. My students
that I have taught in the past still come to me
letting me know how well they did on their
tests and thanking me for helping them.” Remembering past student achievements, this
year her students’ abilities have shined again:
“My proudest accomplishment happened this
year when I learned that I had a 99% pass rate
43
on the CRCT and found out that 83% of those
students exceeded [above average]!”
At the close of her third year teaching, Shaquila recalls her initial drive to pursue this career:
“I became interested in teaching right before I
entered college . . . sitting through orientation
and hearing the teacher education department
discuss their learning and how they felt they
were truly working to make a difference. I always wanted to have an impact on our society,
so after listening to the presentation it hit me
. . . I want to teach!” Specifically, “I have always
had an understanding of kids, and I feel like I
know how to get them to understand what
is going on in the world around them. I think
their outlook on the world is also very funny.
I believe I laugh every day! Couple this with
my passion of social studies, and you have me
wanting to be a social studies teacher!”
So after burgeoning young minds all year,
Boyd sums up her feelings in less than ten
words; she says this was a “great year, but I am
happy to see the summer!” And any teacher
reading this article most likely agrees with that
statement.
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For Jeff Corso, this school year “has been a lesson . . . in flexibility!” For fifteen years, Jeff has taught
band to students in middle school. Inspired in his ninth grade year, Jeff says “I was impressed with
how high school band worked but found myself oftentimes thinking, ‘If I was in charge of this band, I
would do it this way.’” So when he went to college, it was vital for him to find both a talented clarinet
instructor and a music education program.
He emphasizes, “It is so important that kids learn how to share their talents. As musicians, we
provide a valuable connection between education and community through performance. If kids can
learn to give their time and talents within the community, they will then transfer those experiences
as an adult to how they can better understand, relate to, and ultimately improve the community in
which they live.” Music is a way for life for Corso and many of his students; according to Jeff, “When
I talk with former students whom I taught, I feel proud when I hear them tell me what a positive
effect middle school band had on them. Band teaches more than music. The students who I teach
learn how to be a part of a team, the importance of individual responsibility, how to honor their
commitments, and prioritize their time. I know they will be successful no matter what walk in life
they choose.”
For aspiring teachers, Corso advises, “Make sure you are serious about teaching and make sure
you like kids. Kids can tell instantly whether you are sincere as a teacher or not. Once you begin
teaching, observe teachers in your content area with more experience than you.” Though teaching
may not be the easiest job, it is extremely rewarding to Jeff Corso.
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44
In The Spotlight:
Michael Nangle
Brings Theater to Life
“Challenging, Amazing, Creative, Busy, Chaotic, Inspiring,
Growing, Fun”: these are the words that Michael Nangle
uses to describe his eleventh year of teaching.
He is an actor, a director, and a teacher. Michael describes his artistic journey to fulfill both his passion for
the performing arts and also for giving back to his community by teaching others his gifts. For Nangle, giving
back to the community “is a must.” He believes that everyone “should help out in some way,” and teaching is
his way. Nangle says his interest in teaching came “while
in college as I began coaching and directing actors. I liked
the idea of collaborating with actors to create a theatrical production . . . Then while working on my M.F.A. in
graduate school, I taught my first class in a lecture hall
of 100 students, and I was hooked.” He now teaches to
middle, high, and international collegiate level students.
Watching his students work and perform at excelled levels in theater brings Michael pure joy. “I’m proud with
every production I work on as I see my students serve as
actors and technicians, and I realize I’m responsible for
that.” Thus, although teaching “is the toughest job,” [it is]
also the most rewarding that you’ll ever have,” according
to Nangle. Inspired by “all the teachers [he] ever had,”
Michael says, “I love empowering students and seeing
them grow.”
So, although he is no longer with M.D. Roberts Middle
School, his dreaming and creative ambitions never end.
He knows he has options: “I’ll either go teach somewhere or maybe I’ll go act and direct at a theater. Or try
being a film actor and shoot for Hollywood.” But whatever he does, know that Michael Nangle will always shine
under the theater lights.
Soaring on
the Music:
Crystial Hudson
in the Classroom
45
Chrystial Hudson always wanted to inspire the lives of others with
music; originally, she thought about becoming an opera singer;
however, after student teaching, she learned “how [she] could help
students in the classroom. It was a done deal, and I knew that I
could touch lives.”
After six years of teaching, the most gratifying aspect for Chrystial
is “when a student comes back to visit you and tells you how you
have helped them or inspired them. I love knowing what is going on
in my former students’ lives and keeping in touch with them. It is
always great to still get to . . . keep them encouraged in their current
endeavors.”
However, lessons don’t always pan out the way she plans. Hudson
explains, “That every day is not going to come up roses, but being a
teacher is one of the greatest careers in the world. No other career
would have its start if the person had not been taught. There are
going to be days when you have to fight to educate your students.
You will have to fight through you not being motivated, them not
being motivated, things not going the way you planned. On these
days, the art of being flexible and being able to adjust will be your
best friend. Let’s face it, most days are up in the air . . . you will still
need and have to pull out the excellence that is in them. Then, there
are the days that I call ‘dark days’ when you will not feel like doing
your job, when your personal world is crashing down on you, and
you feel like you can’t breathe. On these days, a student will say or
do something that reminds you why you CHOOSE this career path
and will make it all worthwhile again.”
46
Bridget Donaldson
Spreads Music
Throughout Clayton
Exciting Labs in the
World of Science
with Erica Beard
With a bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences and two master’s
degrees in business and education, Erica Beard traded a career in finance for teaching through the GATAPP program, where she was
rewarded as an Outstanding GATAPP Candidate. After six years of
teaching as a sixth grade magnet science educator in Clayton County,
she knows she chose the right path. Describing herself as a “lifelong
learner,” she sees the best way to continue her pursuit of knowledge is
“by educating our children.” Because as every teacher knows, learning
is a two-way path between teacher and students as everyone learns
from each other in the classroom.
“Every school year, I look forward to shaping young minds. I enjoy
watching my students learn. It is so rewarding to see students performing labs, engaging in academic discourse, using tiered vocabulary
words, and studying. I specifically love the ‘Ah-Ha’ moments when the
students come up to me and say: ‘Oh, Ms. Beard, I got it, or I understand it!’ They prove their knowledge by showing me what they’ve
learned, and they are able to teach it to others in the classroom,” Erica
says.
To Beard, “this school year has been exciting, challenging, and rewarding.” Erica explains that to be the best teacher, you must “always
try to be the best at whatever you do. But remember we are human,
and we do make mistakes. Be flexible and utilize your mentors to the
fullest. Always plan ahead, and don’t be afraid to ask for help . . . Be
patient and understand that every child can learn; however, they learn
at different levels. So, as a teacher, you must meet the child at their
learning capability and help bring them to desired learning expectations. You should [also] develop good classroom management skills
and create a safe and warm environment conducive to learning.”
Music is a way of life for Bridget Donaldson, who has
taught magnet orchestra throughout Clayton County
for twelve years now. She remembers, “All through
school I was involved with music. I began piano in first
grade, joined orchestra in fourth grade, and chorus in
fifth grade. I continued with orchestra and chorus all
through middle and high school. Until my senior year
of high school, I was going to be a nurse, but one night
in December changed my mind. My friends and I sang
one of our chorus pieces at a coffee house. As we were
singing, I thought, ‘I can’t imagine my life without music!’ . . . My first year of college I declared music as my
major and began taking education classes my sophomore year. I started teaching private violin lessons to
five year olds. I loved it! My student teaching experience was phenomenal, and I knew teaching orchestra
was where I belonged!”
This year, Bridget was recognized as Teacher of the
Year at her school and was a finalist for Teacher of the
Year for the whole county. She says, “The experience
has been a wonderful way to reflect on my teaching.”
Although this year has been busy for Donaldson, it has
also been rewarding, as with every year she teaches.
She explains, “The most rewarding aspect of teaching
is watching my students grow and succeed on their
chosen instrument. I love watching them get excited about a piece of music or when they finally learn
a difficult technique.” She is a stellar teacher because
her accomplishments are shared with her students;
“When you work hard and the students know you want
them to succeed, you will be amazed at what you can
accomplish together!”
47
Thank you to all who
serve and have served
in the Armed Forces.
50
51
TheIf YouManhunters!
are Wanted For a Crime in
CLAYTON COUNTY
. . . these 7 Fugitive Investigators
will FIND you!
52
53
armed robbers, and any person whose felonious act begins with “aggravated.” One of the
most violent was Victoriano Javier Perez, who
coolly shot a 21-year old Forest Park man in
the head and walked away as if nothing had
happened. The fugitive unit spent 36 hours
tracking Perez down … the first time.
Officers thought they had him surrounded once but Perez slipped down beneath the
dashboard of a car, whipped the car into gear,
and tore out, later abandoning the automobile and fleeing into the woods on foot. The
fugitive unit followed but could not locate
the killer. About a week later, after another
36 straight hours of trying to find him, taking
the officers to at least nine metro counties,
they discovered him holed up in a Southwest
Atlanta house. Officers from the US Marshal’s task force exchanged gunfire with the
suspect as he attempted to escape through
a window. After an hour-long standoff Perez
finally gave himself up.
If you met any of the fugitive unit officers
in public you would never know they were
cops. Their work outfit is usually jeans, t-shirt
and tennis shoes. They do carry automatic weapons, hiding under their loose t-shirts, and their badges are normally tucked into
fugitive unit has apprehended outlaws their t-shirt on a chain.
“We need to blend in. Police officers can be more intimidating
from a wacky list of places: a refrigerator, a dryer,
the attic, a hole in the sheetrock, the air conditioning in uniform. And if someone we’re looking for sees officers in uniforms, they are not going to stick around,” said Lt. Clair.
vent, behind the water heater, under the sink, inside “We don’t know what we’re walking into, no guns drawn, no
a hollowed out couch, inside a hollowed out otto- shields,” said Lt. Hensley. “But being in plain clothes gives us the
man, inside a hollowed out dresser with fake draw- freedom to serve warrants the way they need to be serviced. We
ers, and, recently, in a laundry chute covered with don’t want to put anyone at risk.”
Just that morning the unit had descended on a local house where
dirty laundry.
a
grandmother sat on her couch. When the officers walked in she
But the most bizarre hiding place had to belong to
said her grandson was not there and, besides, he didn’t do any of
the man trying to hide in a bed.
the bad stuff he was being accused of. The fugitive unit found the
“He was under a 400 pound naked lady,” said Lt. Kelly Clair, who
retired after 33 years of service in law enforcement at the end of suspect in a back bedroom under a bed with his feet sticking out.
The grandmother was screaming that the officers were pointing
May. “All I could see was a little piece of his head. When we pulled
guns at her grandson, but it was only Tasers that were never fired.
him out he was almost dead.”
More often than not, family members want their loved ones to
The Clayton County Fugitive Unit always gets their man, well,
be
caught safely. One favorite ploy is for the family member to
almost always. About five years ago the unit was pursuing a mursay, “He’s not here,” while
derer, thought to be a member of a Mexican drug
pointing towards the hidcartel. The officers followed up dozens of leads and
“We affect someone’s life every day,”
ing place with their finger.
finally tracked him down to Florida, where he dissaid Lt. Clair. “That makes you feel
“A lot of them say it is a
good at the end of the day.”
appeared.
relief being caught,” said Lt.
“We think he’s dead,” said Lt. Mike Hensley, the
Hensley. “They say they’re
new head of the fugitive unit. “Everybody eventualtired
of
running.
”
ly gets caught, unless they die.”
The fugitive unit apprehends two to three criminals each shift,
Don’t expect to have one of the unit knocking on your front
which
works out to nearly 60 violent offenders being brought in
door just because you haven’t paid that overdue speeding ticket.
Their specialty is capturing violent offenders: murderers, rapist, each month. That’s a lot of exposure to possible injury or death.
T
THE CLAYTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S
“Some people say we’re crazy for wanting to work here,” said Jimmy Skeen, throw at each other over the breakfast table. “They don’t hold anything
back,” she said. “It keeps me going. It keeps me tough.”
one of the longest serving officers in the unit. But like many of the other
“She doesn’t blush,” said Lt. Clair. “There are no egos in here.”
officers in the unit he thinks the work is fun and challenging. He pulled
On this particular day Darrell Harris is smirking. While Lt. Hensley
out the Ernest Hemingway quote at the head of this article to prove his
spent hours riding the back roads of Clayton County looking for a fupoint. “There is no hunting like the hunting of man, and those who have hunted
gitive, Harris and another officer went to lunch. Driving back on Tara
armed men long enough and liked it, never care for anything else thereafter”.
Boulevard in midday, Harris spotted the wanted guy, pulled over, and
“I call it hide and seek with hand guns,” said Lt. Hensley.
placed him under arrest.
“We do it because it is fun,” said Lt. Clair.
“He’s a facial recogni“It’s fun when its over with,” chimed in Lt. Hensley.
tion machine,” said Lt.
Since Clayton Officer Rick Daly was shot and killed in an atThere is no hunting like the hunting of man,
Hensley with a laugh.
tempt to arrest an armed robber in 2011, the fugitive squad
and those who have hunted armed men
The whole unit seems to
never sends just one or two officers to take down a bad guy.
long enough and liked it, never care for anything
else
thereafter.
be a family of daredevThey all go.
— Ernest Hemingway
ils, tempting grave injury
“No warrant is worth anyone’s life,” said Lt. Hensley.
almost every time they
“We overwhelm people. When seven or eight guys pour into
go out. “They care about
a house, you know you’ve lost. Having a group lets us not have
each other. I know each one of them and they’d come for me if anything
to hurt people or get hurt ourselves,” said Lt. Clair. “If we have to call for
every happened. That’s just the way we are,” said Lt. Hensley.
backup, we’re in trouble.”
Jasmine Sistrunk is the newest member of the unit, personally recruit- “We affect someone’s life every day,” said Lt. Clair. “That makes you feel
ed by Lt. Clair. As the only female, Sistrunk gets her fair share of ribbing good at the end of the day.”
from her fellow officers, but it is the kind of ribbing brothers and sisters
Recipe
Room
11 UPPER RIVERDALE ROAD, S.W.
RIVERDALE, GA 30274
Long Term Acute Care
SPECIALIZED NURSING SERVICES
Spiritual Care , Wound Care, Case Management, Nutritional Counseling, and
Occupational, Physical, Speech, and Respiratory Therapy
managed by:
6TH FLOOR, SOUTHERN REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER, 770-897-7600
57
58
We Are Clayton Magazine • www.weareclayton.com • JUN | JUL 2014
cookingcards
59
UmUmGood!
Have fun with the recipes and email us with your creative spin
on them at [email protected]
Brown Sugar
and Pecan
Sticky Buns
Melt-InYour-Mouth
Barbecued Ribs
Pi n
Abso eappl
e
lutely
perfe Coole
Imag
ct fo
e how
r th e r
refre
hot s
sshin
umm
g th e
er nig
coole
ht o n
r is.
th e p
a
tio or
ba lco
Pineapple
Cooler
ny.
Melt-in-yourmo
uth-ribs
Need we say mo
re. We wa nt yo
u to experienc
when you try it.
e this one
Ingredients
and shoot us an
2 sides pork spareribs (about 6 pounds),
email
separated
1 (28-ounce) can chunky tomato sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Melt in Your Mouth
Barbeque, Frozen Fun,
and Sticky Buns!
Three recipes for hot fun
in the summertime.
Enjoy!
2
1
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne peppers
or
un ill be well w
B
y
ick
t it w
n St arduous, bue.
a
c
a
n
n
d Pe feel like a t with this o
y
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is h m
n Su that this dill love helpi
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o
Br we know ildren w
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Ok, s ort. The
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th
Directions
Place the spareribs in the bottom of a
slow cooker. In a medium bowl, whisk
together the remaining ingredients. Reserve 6 tablespoons for BBQ Pizza.
Ingredients
1 large (about 4 pounds) fresh pineapple
1.25 cup(s) sugar
11 sprig(s) fresh lavender, rosemary, or lemon
verbena
.25 cup(s) fresh lemon juice
Directions
1.Cut the peel from the pineapple, remove the
core, and cut the fruit into 1-inch pieces.
2. Place the fruit in a food processor fitted
with a metal blade and pulse until the pineapple is crushed but not pureed. Transfer to a
large nonreactive pot, add the sugar, 4 cups
water, and 3 herb sprigs.
3. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 15
minutes. Strain the mixture through a fine
mesh sieve.
4. Gently press the solids to extract the juice.
Pour the mixture over the spareribs.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours
or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
Cool and stir in the lemon juice. Serve over ice
Reserve 1/2 of the ribs and pull the meat
from the bones for the BBQ Pizza recipe.
For a Pineapple-Rum Cooler, stir in 1 cup of
garnished with the remaining herb sprigs.
Tips & Techniques
dark rum.
3
Ingredients
All-purpose flour, for work surface
1 recipe Quick Basic Pizza Dough, or 2 pounds
store-bought pizza dough, thawed if frozen
1 cup plus 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (2
3/4 sticks), room temperature
1 cup packed dark-brown sugar
1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
COOK’S NOTE
Folding butter into the dough creates a
flaky, rich result. This recipe works well with
store-bought dough, but it’s exceptional with
homemade.
Directions
On a floured work surface, roll dough to a
10-by-18-inch rectangle. Dot upper twothirds of dough with 1 cup butter and fold
dough like a letter. Roll dough to a 10-by-18inch rectangle. Refrigerate on a baking sheet
until firm, 1 hour (or up to 1 day).
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl,
combine sugar, pecans, and salt. Leaving a
1/2-inch border, dot dough with 6 tablespoons
butter and sprinkle with sugar mixture. Starting at a long end, roll up dough like a jelly roll.
Cut crosswise into 12 pieces. Place each piece,
cut side down, into two jumbo muffin pans or
a 9-by-13-inch baking pan.
Bake until golden brown and cooked through,
30 to 40 minutes, rotating pans halfway
through. Immediately invert buns onto a serving platter or baking sheet. Serve warm.
Out & About
EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE
2014 Cadillac CTS Coupe
2014 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
2014 Cadillac Escalade
expect the best
with Rep. Glanton’s Spring Festival
and Clayton Proud
Shopping Like you’ve never seen before.
Over 120 exciting retailers including:
American Eagle • Aeropostale • New York & Co. • Hot Topic • Victoria’s Secret • Things Remembered
rue21 • Bath & Body Works • The Children’s Place
1000 Southlake Mall | Morrow, Georgia 30260
770.961.1050 | www.southlakemall.com

Summer 2014 - Clayton County Parks and Recreation

Transcription

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