Volume 4: Issue 2 - Hope House Foundation

Newsletter Date: July 31, 2012
Joke of the
Quarter:
If you’re a smoker
and visiting the
Empire State
building in New
York City be careful not to throw
the wrong butt
off!
By: Lori Shapiro
Issue # 2 Volume 4
Advocacy in Action: By Mr. James Burney
Inside this Issue
Advocacy in Action
1
Increase Independence
2
Salsa Dancing
My Trip to Sea World
3
What I Like Best about Myself 4
Relay 4 Life
Worker Bees
5
Join a New Advocacy Group
Weight Loss Success Story
6
This is What I Think
7
Hart to Heart
Why Peer Advocacy is
Important to Me
8
What I Learned from SAFE
9
What it Means to Me to
10
Have a House I Can Call Home
Places to Eat
11
Healthy Recipe of the Quarter
Events
The Buzz Cookoff
THE BUZZ
12
I, James Burney,
would like to invite the people
supported by Hope
House Foundation
and other people in
the general community, who might
want to get out of
their houses and
take different
kinds of fun and exciting classes, to read
this article! I feel that recreational classes
and activities are a great way to meet a lot
of different people and visit fun and exciting new places. Over the past few years, I
have been to different places by participating in classes at the Therapeutic Recreational Center in Norfolk, Virginia. I have
been to Busch Gardens, movie theaters,
restaurants and parties like the Hawaiian
Luau and the Fall Festival. I have also taken art classes like ceramics and exercise
classes like water aerobics. Participating
in these classes and outings is fun because
it gives you a chance to get out of the
house and meet new friends and visit new
places. You do not have to continue to sit
at home and be bored. Getting out and involved with different activities at the recreation center will make you want to get
out more!
If you are tired of sitting at home and being
bored and you want information about the
available classes that you may want to take,
you can find that information by calling
your city’s recreation center. When you call,
just ask the staff about the classes they offer. If you need help finding a recreation
center near you, visit http://
www.justhamptonroads.com/RecCenters/
RecCenters.htm for a listing of recreational
centers in the Hampton Roads area.
I recommend the Therapeutic Recreational
Center located at 180 Evans Street in Norfolk, Virginia for those who want a friendly
and fun place to go. I have been there many
times and they were very nice to me the first
time I went and each time I returned. They
talked to me about all of the different classes and outings and gave me a catalog with
all of the classes I could take. They offer
classes in the spring, summer and fall.
So, if you are tired of being bored, this is
your way to get out and do something fun
and exciting. Have the courage to try something new in your life!
Thank you for your time in reading my article. I would like to invite you to send me
any questions or stories regarding advocacy
or this article. Have you had a success that
would be good to share? Please feel free to
There will be people there, like staff, to
contact me via email at jamesburmake you feel welcome in such a way that [email protected] , or through the Hope
you will forget about being shy or nervHouse Foundation Administrative Office at
ous. Do not worry about knowing how to 625-6161.
do something because there will be teachers there to show you how it is done.
THE BUZZ
Page 2
Increased Independence: By Jeremy Norman
On May 23rd I moved from the Speedy Team of Hope House Foundation (HHF) in Chesapeake to the Redgate Team of HHF in Norfolk. Since I moved, I have been even more independent. For one thing, I am able to keep a cushion in my bank account after my bills are
paid. I am always excited when my benefits hit because I can pay my bills on my own
computer and after paying all of my bills I still get a little bit of spending money. But since
I am not working right now, I don’t have as much spending money, so I have to leave a
cushion in my account. I take half of what’s left over and use that as spending money and
leave the other half in the bank with the cushion money, and it adds up!
I’ll be even more independent when I purchase my own moped. I found another moped, a metal Honda, on
the internet. It’s one of the best models of mopeds that anyone could have. They have lay-a-way for two to
three years. They created a website to give you plenty of time to pay off your balance. Because of the economy the person I talked to at GS Motor Works said that they do this for people because a lot of people can’t
afford transportation. Mopeds are low maintenance and get really good gas mileage. You can fill up a moped
gas tank with only a dollar or two! To buy my moped I will let my cushion and spending money add up. I
will also get money back on my taxes and will be getting a power bill deposit soon to use to pay the rest of
the bike off by next Christmas! All I need is to save up is $107.90, which is 10% down.
Before I get the moped, I want to get two kittens. Since my buddy Mew-two recently passed away, I really
miss him and wish I could hold him and watch TV with him again! So I would like to adopt two kitties from
the Norfolk SPCA. They will already be neutered or spayed. I’ve already picked out names, Simba and Nala
from the Lion King.
I also plan on saving up for a trip to the Bahamas and then a cruise to the Caribbean. Check this out: my old
Wachovia account password was: Matthew McConaughey. And on my computer my screensaver was a picture of half my face and half of his!
Now, all of you can do this too! I pay my bills, save up for things that I want, get new pets, and save up for
dream vacations!
Salsa Dancing: By John Waff
My name is John Waff and I have been taking salsa dancing classes once a week
for the past few months. I attend classes through the Norfolk Therapeutic Recreation Center. So far, I have learned many different styles of dancing – cha cha,
salsa, merengue, and rumba. Rumba is my favorite! Sometimes our teacher goes
over the moves with us step-by-step. Other times, we get to salsa dance through
the center’s Xbox Kinect game. I like doing that because it shows me how many
calories I burned. I enjoy teaching the moves that I learned in class to my friends.
I also like picking up new moves from watching “Dancing with the Stars.” Going
to salsa dancing class makes me happy. I look forward to it every week. I would
recommend salsa dancing to everyone! It is a fun time, a great workout, and an
awesome way to make new friends. Best of all, I can show off my salsa dancing
skills on the dance floor.
Page : 3
THE BUZZ
My Trip to Sea World: By Jessie Smith
I’ve always wanted to go to SeaWorld and in January I had the chance to go with my friend,
Corey. We spent the weekend in Orlando, Florida and to get there we had to fly. This was
my first time flying and I was really nervous about it. I had the window seat and looked out
the window some. I was happy when we landed and felt better about flying on the trip back.
I really liked the hotel; it was nice. I especially liked sleeping. It was too cold to swim but
we did sit by the pool.
The first day we went to SeaWorld. I love SeaWorld. There were a lot of things I liked most of all eating! We did a lot while we were there, especially walking and shopping. We
saw baby dolphins, polar bears, beluga whales and a walrus. We watched the walrus for a
while and he even tried to kiss me! He was funny. We also saw a dog show and I loved it.
There were a lot of cats in the dog show, they walked around and did tricks. The dogs barked and played – they did
so much!
For lunch I had chicken tenders and fries. We sat outside. There were ducks and they liked me. I fed them the
french fries. After lunch I saw Ariel and even took a picture with her. She was nice. We looked for Ariel’s dad but
he wasn’t there. I also saw the Sea Witch on a t-shirt and she looked mad.
I got to feed the rays and seals. We stayed and watched the seals for a long time. The seals would yell and flap their
flippers for more food and wouldn’t shut up until you fed them. I fed them tiny fish and the seals really liked them.
We also fed the rays shrimp. They were so excited that they splashed me. The rays let you pet them and they were
soft.
At the end of the day we saw the Sinbad show. At first I was nervous about it because of the explosions but I ended
up liking it. I had fun and tried something new, but I didn’t like the Sinbad show as much as the dog show. We did
a lot of shopping and I got some nice shirts and things. I had fun at SeaWorld. I had pizza for dinner and was so
tired from walking all day that I fell asleep early.
The next day Corey treated me to Universal Studios Islands of Adventure. We did a lot there too. First we went to
Harry Potter Land, it was fun and I got a wand. We also went to Jurassic Park and I saw a T-Rex. I also saw Storm;
she is beautiful and I took a picture with her. I like Rogue too but I didn’t see her there. I also saw Wolverine and
Spiderman.
My favorite thing to see was Dr. Seuss. I liked him. He tells people nice things and he’s a cat. In Dr. Seuss’ land I
rode a whole bunch of rides. There was a carousel and I rode that four times. There was also a Dr. Seuss indoor ride
about the Cat in the Hat book. I also went on the One Fish, Two Fish water ride. That was my favorite; we went on
that a lot! I went on my first roller coaster and it wasn’t scary.
For lunch I had a hot dog and it was my favorite meal. After lunch there was a band, called
Spirit, I can’t remember their full name. They played tambourines and all kinds of instruments. I got to dance with them and play a tambourine; it was fun. They were really nice to
me. We had so much fun talking to them, listening to them and sitting outside.
We walked a lot and looked at a lot of stores. After Universal, we went to dinner at Margaritaville and I had a burger – it was good. We sat outside. There was a guy singing and
playing the guitar, he was good.
I had a good time and really liked my vacation. I can’t wait to go back again.
Page :4
THE BUZZ
What I Like the Best about Myself: By Tim Howard
Hi, my name is Tim Howard. I am a 32 year old adult. I live at
SSVA in Virginia Beach. The things I like the best about myself are
that I am kind and generous. I am friendly and have good manners.
I am a very, very polite young man and I always have been. I buy
people things like cards, gifts, and balloons for their birthdays. I
think of people for the holidays and I am just a kind gentleman. I
like to think of others, not just myself all the time.
I like that I am a smart and intelligent young man. I have a lot of sense and I am not stupid! I
passed all three parts of the Literacy Passport Test.
I also like that I am great at bowling. I have a great bowling average and I make a lot of
strikes, spares, and splits. Sometimes I come in first place when I bowl. I love to bowl. I
could be a professional bowler, I know that I could.
I also like that I have two jobs. I work for Cox Enclave, a part of Chesapeake Service Systems, three days a week: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I do different tasks at the jobs. I
earn a paycheck every two weeks on Fridays. I work really, really hard at my job.
Relay 4 Life: By Kevin Latham
Hello, it’s Kevin Latham again updating all the readers of The Buzz about my adventures. I recently participated in Chesapeake’s Relay 4 Life at the Greenbrier location and let me tell you how much fun I had helping support such a good cause. Two of the main reasons I participated
are because I love to help people and be involved in almost anything and the other reason is because I know people who have
struggled with cancer and how hard it is for them. I wanted to
show my support for them at the Relay by doing laps around the
field to help bring in money for cancer research. It made me feel
really good to help such a great cause and not to mention one of
my staff recently passed away from cancer and I miss her. My
participation in this event was in memory of her and for all the
other loved ones who have passed away due to cancer. All in all
I had a good time and can’t wait until next year.
THE BUZZ
Page 5
Worker Bees: By Reggie Cray
My name is Reggie Cray. I work at the
Eggleston Automotive Center. I work Monday through Friday
from 9AM to 3PM. That’s 30 hours a week! I detail cars.
There is more to it than you think! I use a cleaning solution
called Knucklebuster to clean the cars inside and out. Cleaning out the cars means I clean out the trash, vacuum and wash
them. I use the Safeway Cab Co. to get to and from work but,
I want to get my own car and drive myself to work.
I like almost everything about my job. I like to clean ‘em and vacuum ‘em and make the cars
spotless. I think that showing up everyday looking neat and clean and doing a good job is
what makes me a good employee.
Other jobs that I’ve had were with a laundry service in Portsmouth, at Chesapeake Fence Company building fences, and at Barnett Plaster hanging drywall. It has never been hard for me to
find work. I believe that my case manager helps me find jobs by talking to me about what I
want to do.
Though I love my job detailing cars, my dream job would be to work for a limo company
cleaning and detailing limos. My supervisor, Rick, keeps me motivated. He gives me pep talks
and helps me make sure I get to work all the time. My job is great. Some of the benefits of my
job are keeping my bills paid and being able to have more dates with my girlfriend Dana.
Here’s some valuable advice to give to anyone who is currently unemployed: call your case
manager and talk to them.
Join a New Advocacy Group! By Ivy Kennedy
Calling all disability advocates! I’d like to tell you about a disability advocacy group I just
joined. I'm super excited to be a part of this newly formed group of dynamic people working
for positive change in Virginia. The group is call VAULT which stands for Virginia Advocates
United Leading Together. The group works together to bridge gaps between disability groups.
We do outreach to different groups and try to link them together with information we have
gathered. VAULT protects, promotes and advances the civil and human rights of people with
disabilities. VAULT also promotes choice, self determination, self sufficiency and the right of
independence for people with disabilities. VAULT welcomes new members and is currently
looking for a Executive Director.
For more information, please visit our website: http://www.virginiavault.org/
If you have any comments, opinions, or just want to contribute contact the
Hope House Foundation Administrative Offices at 625-6161.
THE BUZZ
Page 6
Weight Loss Success Story:
An Interview with Heather Keane
How did you decide to do the Jenny Craig diet? It was my sister and
my mom’s idea.
Why did you want to do the diet? I want to stay trim. I lost 30 lbs. the
first time and quick! I want to get back in shape for my July vacation
to Rhode Island. I want to surprise my mom!
How does the diet work? You go to Jenny Craig and pick out your
food for the week and they help you fill out your menu for the week
based on the food you picked. Then you follow your menu. Each
week you go you get weighed to see how you’re doing.
Any other diets you’ve tried? No, only Jenny Craig… it works.
How much weight have you lost using the Jenny Craig diet? 30 lbs,
but it came right back when I stopped the diet.
What is your favorite thing to eat? The seafood salad, pancakes and syrup for breakfast, grilled
chicken salad, chicken pasta dinner, for snack: chocolate chip cookies, diet coke and lots of H2O.
I don’t miss all the bread I used to eat. Instead of two slices, I use one for a sandwich now.
What do you dislike about the diet if anything? I do not like the salmon, it tastes like paste.
Is the diet easy to follow? Yes. I’m full after the meals so I don’t snack. Once my menu is filled
out I cross the food off the menu to keep track of how much food I have left and so I know when I
need to go back to Jenny Craig. You can switch up your menus and the food you choose. If I do
get hungry, I can have one snack or dessert each day and one anytime bar each day. I can also
have unlimited fruit and vegetables of certain kinds too.
Anything else you do to stay fit? I do yoga at the recreational center every Monday night. It’s really good for my body. I try to get my husband into working out and yoga, but he’s shy. He chooses
to bowl and we take long walks. It’s really important to walk after eating so you can walk off the
calories.
Any advice you can give to folks trying to lose weight? It helps when you have someone to do the
diet with you. It helps you stay motivated.
“It works… the healthier you get… the happier you get!” – Heather
If you have any comments, opinions, or just want to contribute contact the
Hope House Foundation Administrative Offices at 625-6161.
Page : 7
THE BUZZ
This is What I Think…
A Critique Column: By Blake Thomas
Hi! My name is Blake Thomas and playing video games is what I do. I have a
huge collection of all sorts of video games. The game that I purchased most recently is called The Amazing Spiderman. I purchased this game for my XBOX
360, and it is rated T-for teens!
I purchased this game on my special day that I go out and buy games with my
staff. I got it from the new Game Stop at the Hilltop location in Virginia Beach.
When I first got the game I was so excited that I couldn’t wait to play it. It looked really good on
my new HDTV. It makes the game look real.
I give this game TWO thumbs up! Spiderman is so cool because he is a hero. He flies with his
web and he can crawl on the walls. I really like playing this game because it does not have any
blood in it. The villains are also cool in this game. There are different types of villains but my two
favorites to fight against are the criminals and the mechanical spiders.
When Spiderman fights the bad guys he does cool moves like wrap his legs around the bad guy’s
neck and flip them over. He does a lot of martial arts when he kicks the bad guy’s butt.
The part I don’t like about the game is that when he does a lot of fighting his costumes rip which
makes him look bad.
It’s a really cool game because like most of the games I like to play, it has movie scenes in it. The
graphics in this game are really good too. This is a game that everyone will enjoy, whether you
want to buy it to play yourself or to watch someone else play it.
Hart to Heart– How to Get Through a Breakup: By Dr. Hart
It’s never easy to go through a break-up with your partner. Here are a few tips for people who
have recently experienced a break-up with their girlfriend or boyfriend. First, you should try to
keep yourself occupied by maybe going to the movies with friends. You should spend time with
family and friends to keep from getting depressed. You can also talk to your staff when you feel
sad. Try not to be destructive because you are sad. Secondly, don’t rush into anything. You
don’t have to date until you are ready and find it in your heart to make a commitment. I hope this
advice is helpful!
THE BUZZ
Page 8
Why Peer Advocacy is Important to Me:
By Dorothy Clark
Peer advocacy fills a much needed void and I am proud to
be a peer advocate. I live in Virginia Beach and accept support from Hope House
Foundation. I serve on the Hope House Foundation Board of Directors and I am a
member of the Foundation’s advocacy group, Our Voices. I also work as an advocate through my membership with the Arc of Virginia, People 4 People, and Voices of Virginia.
I have always been an advocate. Although I sometimes have a hard time advocating for myself, I find it very easy and worthwhile to encourage others to advocate
for themselves. The difference between an advocate and a peer advocate is that an advocate speaks
up for him or herself and a peer advocate is someone who has a disability and who helps other people with disabilities to speak up for themselves. I believe that in order to make changes happen you
need others to support you.
The experiences I’ve had with peer advocacy have been great. I’ve helped people advocate about
guardianship, keeping their apartment, and where they wanted to live and work. When I advocate for
my peers, I have a series of questions I ask that help the person figure out what he or she wants and
how to go about making it happen.
The goal in one-on-one peer advocacy is to make people feel supported in figuring out how to make
the decision that will work best for them. It is also to help them make their decisions happen. What
makes peer advocacy hard is that the person often wants immediate results but it’s not always that
simple. Sometimes it’s difficult for staff and for the individual to tell when a situation could use a
peer advocate. At times, people can also be shy about saying what the problem is that they want resolved. However, peer advocacy is very effective because that individual’s voice is heard and he or
she has someone there who supports and respects his or her decision. Also, the problem-solving discussion goes very differently when there is another person with a disability in the room advocating
for the person with the problem. Staff, family members and case managers can all behave differently when a peer advocate is present for a meeting. This makes the solution to the problem and the services more about the person being supported rather than about the other people in the room.
A person needing extra support regarding getting married, wanting a new job, problems with roommates, rights violations, or any number of other situations can find a
Communication Tip
peer advocate who can help him or her by contacting Our Voices.
of the Quarter
Simply call 757-625-6161, ask for Angela Stevens, and let her know
that you’d like to arrange for a peer advocate.
During your communications with others always
Even if issues aren’t completely resolved, it feels great to know I’ve
give them time to comhelped someone speak up. The person I’m advocating for gets to say
municate their issues as
what he or she wants and knows that I’m there for him or her if need
well.
be.
If you have any comments, opinions, or just want to contribute contact the
Hope House Foundation Administrative Offices at 625-6161.
Page : 9
THE BUZZ
What I Learned from SAFE Class: By Kara Mengoulis
I recently completed a course called Sexuality, Abuse, and Friendship
Education, or SAFE for short. We talked about a lot of different things
but there were a couple of things in particular that really stood out for
my life. One thing that was important to me was how to help people
with different disabilities. We all have areas where we excel and can
help others when they are having a difficult time. We also learned that
it is important to call others nice names. When people use the word retarded to describe someone it upsets me. It is not a nice word to use.
We learned better words to call others; I prefer to be called by my
name.
One important thing that I learned in SAFE class that I use in my everyday life is how to control my anger and not lash out at others. Unfortunately it took both learning in class and learning the hard way for me to realize that if I kept lashing
out at others I would end up somewhere that I don’t want to be, so I stopped hurting people. I learned
that I am responsible for my own behavior and that there are better ways to communicate than hitting
people when I am upset. For example, if someone walks up to me and says, “Kara, I don’t like you,” I
can’t just lash out at that person. I have to be the bigger person and talk to him or her about how that
hurt my feelings. I don’t like when other people hurt me, so I’ve learned that I shouldn’t hurt other
people either. Learning this helped me to learn how to get along with other people and be nice to people. It is also helpful to be honest, even if something hurts my feelings, it is better to tell the other person than to lash out or to hold the anger or hurt inside of me. Nothing will change if I can’t effectively communicate the problem to the other person.
I’ve come a very long way from when I started taking SAFE class. I don’t just hit people when I am
frustrated anymore. I’ve learned that it doesn’t do any
good to hurt people. My needs aren’t communicated efSAFE Tip of the Quarter
fectively, the other person is hurt, and it can damage our
When you are asking for something you
relationship. Instead of hitting people, I talk to staff
want or saying no to something you don’t
about what is bothering me. I now know that it isn’t
want it is important to:
right to take your frustrations out on someone else; it’s
better to talk through them with someone who under-Look others in the eye
stands. Talking to staff about my frustrations helps me to
-Make sure your face matches what you
calm down and not be as frustrated.
want to say
-Face
the person you are talking to, but
SAFE class taught me to be safe around other people,
stay at least 2ft away
both strangers and people that I know, to be nice to my-Use an audible, steady, clear voice
self and to others, and to be considerate of other people.
tone
I am happier now than I was before I took the class. I
-Sit
or stand up straight and tall
have my freedom, I get along better with other people,
-Think first, so you say what you mean
and I can do things on my own without people telling me
and mean what you say
what to do.
Page 10
THE BUZZ
What it Means to Me to Have a House I Can Call Home:
By Danny Stroupe
I was adopted as a young child and moved into a house with my new
parents at age three. At that time, I had a lot of medical issues and was
frequently hospitalized. Thankfully, my dad was in the military and his
insurance was able to cover my expenses. Sadly, when I was 16 my
mother passed away and my father passed away when I was 33. While
these were very difficult times for me, I am able to hold onto memories
of the good times we spent together, many of which were in our home. I have many memories of going hunting and fishing with my dad. After our trips we would come home where
he would teach me to clean and cook the meat. The deer and the rabbit meat were my favorite to eat. We often had some of our friends over that we liked to hunt with and we spent time talking about
hunting and admiring the gun rack that hung on our living room wall. These memories are important, they
help me to hold onto my family and not feel lonely, which is why it was important to me to continue to live in
the home I grew up in.
When my dad passed away he left our home to me in his will. He also stated that my aunt would be responsible for my care. At the time I was 33 years old and knew that I could be responsible for myself. My aunt, and
many others, wanted me to sell the house and told me that I would never be able to take care of it on my own
because of my disability. I told them that I wanted to stay in the home, to hold onto those memories, and that I
could take care of the home. I knew that I would prove them wrong. I advocated for myself, for my home,
and for the money that was left to me and now, because of that, I’ve been able to live in my home for 51 years.
There are many things I enjoy about living in my own home aside from the memories and the connection to
my family. I’ve known my neighbors for years and we’ve built a community that looks after and supports one
another. I have neighbors who look after me and who check on me regularly to make sure I am doing okay. I
do the same for some of my elderly neighbors. I go to their homes and check to make sure they are okay and
offer to cut their grass or do yard work if they need it. We all support each other and feel safe in our homes
and connected to one another.
Living in my own home does take a lot of work and I’ve needed help from others along the way, but I always
say, with help, you can do anything you put your mind to; don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. With help,
I’ve renovated my kitchen, put in new hardwood floors, and now have central air and heating. While I need
help with some of the major projects, I am able to do minor home repairs on my own, keep my house clean,
and mow and edge my lawn.
Being in my own home allows me the time to work in my garage while reminiscing about old times when there was a clubhouse behind the house that my
dad built for me. I also get to play pool, work on my art, and have friends
and neighbors over whenever I want. I come and go as I please and enjoy
quiet time relaxing in my recliner. I know that I wouldn’t be happy if I wasn’t in my own home. I hope that my story serves as proof that with help, you
can do anything.
If you have any comments, opinions, or just want to contribute contact the
Hope House Foundation Administrative Offices at 625-6161.
Page 11
THE BUZZ
Places To Eat: D’egg: By Kristina Sherman
My staff recently told me about a diner called D’egg that isn’t far
from my apartment so I decided to go with a friend to check it out.
I ordered the biscuits and gravy and really liked what I got. I think
that it would’ve been a little better with veggie or turkey meat because I don’t eat red meat
very often, but if you like red meat you’d love it. They have plenty of food to choose from
as far as breakfast and lunch food goes. Their prices were very reasonable. My two biscuits and gravy were only $6, which in this day and age you can’t really beat, especially in
a diner or a restaurant like that.
The service was very good, very friendly and very quick. You could tell that a lot of the people who worked
there were college kids. The restaurant wasn’t what I think of when I think of a diner. I picture aluminum siding, a juke box and a 50’s or 60’s scene, but it was in a big brick building. My only complaint is that it wasn’t
very accessible. I use a walker and I had a hard time maneuvering outside because the brick walls were too
close together. I imagine anyone in a wheelchair or using a walker would have a hard time maneuvering outside. Thankfully, it was a lot easier to move around inside.
This is definitely a place that I would recommend that you go to every once in a while. If you want to check it
out the address is 1170 Lexan Ave, Norfolk, VA 23508. They are open from 7am to 7pm daily.
Healthy Recipe of the Quarter: Corn and Bean Fritters with Tomatoes
Ingredients
Directions
4 ears of fresh sweet corn or 2 cups of frozen whole
kernel corn, thawed
1. If using fresh corn, cut kernels from cobs, set
aside.
1 lb of grape or cherry tomatoes
2. Slice tomatoes.
1 tbsp vinegar
3. In a small sauce pan combine tomatoes, vinegar,
½ teaspoon salt and ¼ cup water. Cook, covered,
over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
1 tsp salt
1 15.5oz can of butter beans, rinsed and drained
1 6 oz package of Southern-style corn bread mix
1 egg
1 tsp ground ancho chili or chili powder
4. In a large bowl mash beans with a fork. Add
corn, corn bread mix, egg, ground chili, ½ tsp salt,
and ½ cup water; stir to combine.
5. Heat a large griddle or 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tsp olive oil. Drop four ½ cup
scoops of batter on the griddle at a time. Cook 4
minutes per side.
1 tsp olive oil
Parsley and/or cilantro leaves
6. Serve fritters with warm tomatoes and parsley
and/or cilantro
Page 12
THE BUZZ
EVENTS
Stockley Gardens Arts Festival
Enjoy the works of over 145 artists in a variety of mediums such as paintings, ceramics, sculptures, photography and jewelry at the 2012 Stockley Gardens Fall
Arts Festival on Saturday, October 20 from 10am to 5pm and Sunday, October 21
from 12pm to 5pm. On Saturday from 5pm to 7pm come dance with the artists at
the after hours party and reception. There will also be live music and kids’ activities all weekend
long. The event is free and open to the public.
The Buzz Cook-off
The Cook-off will
be on August 21,
2012 at Hope
House Foundation’s Admin Office* from 5:006:45 pm and is open to anyone
who has a passion for great food
and a creativity for cooking.
Theme: Hawaiian Luau
*Admin: 801 Boush St., Ste 302
Norfolk, VA 23510
To participate please provide the
following by August 16, 2012 to
Lorna Musni at [email protected] or (757) 622-8595:
What will you
make?
(Categories are
entrees, desserts,
and appetizers. )
Come and bring your prepared
dish to share and have fun with
fellow peers.
*All dishes will be judged by your peers
for a prize.
***Contact Lorna for any questions or
for more information.***
The Buzz is looking for contributors. If you are interested in writing a one time feature article or in
being a part of our regularly contributing staff writers please contact Erin Freeman at 625-6161 ext 519
or [email protected]. We look forward to reading new and exciting articles.