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Nourish America Honored by Texas State House of Representatives
From:Michael Morton

Dear Friends:

Last week I attended a session of the Texas State House of Representatives where Nourish America was honored with a resolution for helping to provide critical nutritional foods and beverages to over 10,500 families in the Northwest Houston area after Hurricane Ike’s winds devastated the area and knocked out power for 2 million people. During the effort, Nourish America partnered with Robin Read, CEO of the National Foundation for Women Legislators, Mary Wong, President of the Office Depot Foundation and Representative Debbie Riddle (R-TX) to help organize and supply food, beverages and sanitary items for 4 pods, one of which had a line of cars six miles long filled with families waiting for provisions. The effort was fueled by 700 local volunteers. Except for some ice supplied by the County and by FEMA, all the supplies were provided without federal help and at no cost to the taxpayers.

The National Foundation for Women Legislators and the Office Depot Foundation were also honored with resolutions during the session. Present during the event was Michael Morton, Executive Director of Nourish America, Mary Wong, President of Office Depot Foundation and Kevin Robertson, CEO of the Chance to Give Foundation. Representative Debbie Riddle spoke for several minutes about the important contribution Nourish America made during the crisis. It was quite a humbling moment for me and a proud moment for Nourish America.

After the ceremony, the resolution honoring our charity was signed by the Speaker of the House. Please find below an exerpt of the resolution. Click here to read the entire resolution.

“….Whereas, Times of great crisis often inspire noble actions, and Hurricane Ike proved to be no exception, as evidenced by the generous support offered by Nourish America; now, therefore, be it resolved that the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby honors Nourish America for the important role it played in the Hurricane Ike relief and recovery effort and extend to all those associated with the organization sincere gratitude for their hard work and dedication; and, be it further resolved that an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Nourish America as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives…”

We at Nourish America wish to deeply thank all of our supporters who made our Hurricane Ike Relief effort such a success and who made this honor possible, particularly: Connie and Dr. Julian Whitaker of Whitaker Wellness Institute, Raj Chopra of Tishcon Corp, Stephanie Rudat of the Alliance of Youth Movements, Tammy Faridi, Diana Blankman of Wyeth Healthcare Consumer, Thao Pham of Clif Bar Family Foundation, Joseph Salzone of Natural Organics, Sara Newmark of New Chapter, Bruce Sweyd of Alacer Corp, Anne Kazemzadeh of Kay’s Naturals, Maria Emmer-Aanes of Nature’s Path, Mary Wong of Office Depot Foundation, Robin Read of National Foundation for Women Legislators, Representative Debbie Riddle, Representative Patricia Harless, Carole Little of Northwest Assistance Ministry, Bobby Hanna of Univera, Susan MacGlaughlin of The Vitamin Shoppe, Dr. David Maccallan of Ideal Health, Mary Waldner of Mary’s Gone Crackers, Sarah Keck of American Nutriceuticals, Doug Jon es of Pharmavite, Al Powers of NOW Foods, Len Monheit and Jason Butterfield of NPIcenter, Dean Pipher of Muscle Tech, Joe Gilliams of BodyBuilding.com, Keane Tsu of Au’Some, Inc and Marsha Koehler of Protos, Inc.

You all helped relieve the suffering of thousands during a historic crisis. Thank you.

As this is the first day of 2009’s hurricane season, it reminds us at Nourish America to stand ready to provide assistance again to individuals or regions that may be affected by any future disasters. Nourish America is prepared and has continued to succeed with rapid disaster response time and time again.

With Best Regards,

Michael Morton

Executive Director

Nourish America
P.O. Box 567
Ojai, CA 93024
(805) 715-693

"The One Stop Fit Shop" is now open!

Barbie Barbell has opened her own personal training studio, “The One Stop Fit Shop”, and will be offering personal training packages, nutritional programs, weight loss/fat loss programs and strength conditioning for athletes.

There will also be a medical doctor on board after the first year and will offering life extension and longevity packages along with medically supervised diets and natural bio-identical hormone replacement therapy for those clients 35 and older that are hormone deficient.

See press release from the Arnold Classic 2009:

1212THE 2009 ARNOLD AMATEUR IFBB INTERNATIONAL BODYBUILDING (2)(2).pdf

Pose Down Magazine had the chance to cover the NPC Las Vegas Classic promoted by Steve Karr and Lee Millard. Even though we live and work in the great state of Texas we are not a stranger to the city of Las Vegas. Owners Bob and Laura Johnson lived in Las Vegas before moving to Texas. In fact our Co-Owner went to the original Las Vegas High School however we are writing about the NPC Classic. We had a great time and we are grateful to all that welcomed Pose Down. We presented The Most Muscular award and will continue to promote these individual awards in the future.

Congrats to all of the winners at the Classic. Be sure to pick up an issue to see full results and pics of the show or go to www.posedownmag.com or www.npclasvegasclassic.com
Mark your calendar for Nov 2009 for the NPC Las Vegas Classic

We would also like to announce that Pose Down will be featuring all news, athletes and updates on the Arnold Amateur IFBB International Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure 2009 in our monthly issues and on our website www.posedownmag.com.  Look for all updated information leading up to this event. We are also awarding all overall winners of the Arnold Amateur IFBB International Show.  

Hello from Texas,

We would like to recognize two people:

First we would like to congratulate Gus Carter on his win at Masters Nationals in the 40+ Heavyweight. Gus won his Pro Card at this show. Our own Brian Dobson from Metroflex Gym had written an article in our Aug 2008 publication. His story is worth taking the time to read. Gus had been tested throughout his life however his faith pulled him through giving him the strength to push ahead.
A look at the article:

See article below written by Brian Dobson of MetroFlex Gym:

This months Metroflex news and views will focus on Texas’ newest pro Big Augustus “Gus “ Carter also known as Gus the Bus aka Gus Haney.
I remember when I first opened Metroflex Gym in 1987, I immediately started entering bodybuilding and powerlifting contests to help promote the gym. The first few shows I did were powerlifting but in the fall of 87 I decided to enter a bodybuilding show called The Texas Gran Prix in Dallas Texas. It had been a few years since I had competed in bodybuilding but was well prepared for this comeback. It became obvious after prejudging that the show was between me and  a short thick dude out of East Texas. Back then shows had height classes and this show had a short and a tall class. I took the tall and Big Gus took the short. I also was fortunate to take the overall. Only because of my conditioning and charisma LOL. This was the beginning of a life time friendship between Gus and I.
Shortly afterwards Gus moved from East Texas to Arlington to train with us at Metroflex gym and he put in many legendary battles with 8 time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman.
Metroflex and Pose Down magazine want to congratulate Gus on his great victory and on winning a pro card and showing that God blesses pursuit . He never gave up and hopefully will do well as an IFBB pro.
PD: How long have you been training Gus?
GC: 23 years
PD: How old are you?
GC: 44
PD: Where were you born and raised?
GC: Longview Texas
PD: How many children do you have?
GC: I have 4 kids ,Quavette, Demontria, Chris and Al
PD: What was your weight at the masters?
GC: 215 lbs
PD: When do you plan on competing again?
GC: At next years Houston Pro   I am burned out after 18 weeks of dieting!
PD: What was this years diet plan?
GC: I ate 5-6 meals of fish, chicken and turkey breast with 100-150 grams of complex carbs daily mainly from rice, potatoes and oatmeal. Nothing new just what works.
PD: What are your favorite body parts to train?
GC: Back and legs heavy favorite exercises bent over row, bar row, incline bar row for back strict but heavy
for legs leg extensions, lunges and hack squats
PD: What is your favorite diet food?
GC: Fish, tilapia is my favorite
least favorite is boiled chicken breast
PD: What is your general training philosophy?
GC: I always train heavy even when dieting 10-12 reps of multiple sets
PD: What is your best bench?
GC: 555 raw 725 squat belt only deadlift 725 belt only
PD: How has your faith in God helped you attain this great victory?
GC: My faith in God has brought me through a lot of trials. In this journey to become a pro we all face hardships. I lost my wife in a tragic car accident. I also had what everyone thought would be a career ending heart attack. By keeping Jesus first and close I was able to overcome many tests.
God blesses pursuit, never give up.

Once again congratulations to a great champion Gus Carter.

Second we would like to congratulate Jay Moore for signing on as a Muscle Tech Athlete. Jay also competed in Masters Nationals placing 8th in 40+ Heavyweight.  We hear Jay is contemplating on the Europa…You go Jay and we wish you the very best of Luck…..

Pose Down just returned from the John Sherman/Houston Pro Show….Great event with great athletes.  Pose Down had the pleasure of having Tricky Jackson at our booth and with this event Tricky took second place in the 202  and under class. Your winners in the Pro event were:

Silvio Samuel - Mens Bodybuilding
Felicia Romero - Figure
Tracey Greenwood - Fitness
Ray Arde - 202 and under

Your overall winners in the John Sherman Classic were:
David Goodin - Mens Bodybuilding
Pamela Franklin - Womens Bodybuilding
Monique Minton - Figure
Renel Charles - Novice Overall

We will have photos at a later date - Congrats to all of the winners of this event.

A special congrats to our Trish Warren who writes a column for Pose Down - "Classy" fied Fitness. Trish came in 10th at the Houston Pro show in the fitness category. Her cover was introduced at this show and Pose Down was present to cheer Trish on! Congrats Trish!!!!
We look forward to seeing Trish this year at the Olympia.

We are off to the Branch Warren Classic on July 12th in Conroe TX. We will bring the latest information following this show of all of your overall winners. Pose Down will be giving out a special award of “Most Muscular” for this show. Please make note of awards Pose Down will be presenting this year. One of which is the “Athlete Of The Year” presented at Texas State. We look forward to all of these shows and especially look forward to giving back the the Athletes!
Don’t forget to support your NPC by attending or competing in a show.

www.posedownmag.com - COMING TO A STAGE NEAR YOU!

Pose Down Muscle and Figure would like to thank Prince and Debbie Fontenot for a great show this past weekend. With Trish Warren, Beni Lopez as guest posers, the sold out audience were clapping on their feet. Saturday night brought over 50 competitors all of which won free subscriptions to Pose Down Muscle and Figure; for just being in the show. The event had emcee’s from FOX 29 TV and if that was not the enough, Sunday morning had a special seminar given by Kevin Levrone. We thank you Kevin and EST for being part of this!   We look forward to next year Prince and Debbie.  Make sure you visit Prince who is a competitor, judge and all around great guy!!! AT: www.princefontenot.com

A special thank you to Millard Baker from Muscle Time (courtesy photos shown). To see videos go to www.posedownmag.com Coming To A Stage Near You!

The Lone Star Classic held in Plano Texas, show cased athletes who were ready to take their trophies home on June 7, 2008.  Your guest posers were Victor Martinez and Stephen Frazier.

Overall winners:
Novice Men HW - Ali Taktak
Open Men HW - Jamie Davilla
Figure Class B - Jessica Brichta
Novice Women LW - Barbara Rabon
Open Women  MW - Holly Chambliss

Pose Down was proud to present our first trophy this year to our Best Posers:

Lorenzo Jones and Stephanie Irick

Remember go to www.posedownmag.com - Coming To A Stage Near You!

Hello from Texas Connection:

With the NPC season well underway, we would like to thank Robert "Supermann" Blount and his wife Rochelle, Prince Harrison and Lee Haney for a very warm welcome to the Lee Haney Challenge in Shreveport LA. The show was a success and with the added Fit For Life events helped in promoting health awareness.
Some key individuals at the Lee Haney Classic were, Ronnie Coleman and his wife, Victor Martinez and Stephen Frazier. Look for Victor to guest pose at the Lone Star Classic on June 7, 2008.

We would also like to remind you about the Pose Down Challenge at the South Texas Classic in San Antonio TX….Your guest posers are Beni Lopez, Trish Warren and a special seminar given on the Sunday after the show by Kevin Levrone.

Pose Down is also giving away several trophies and awards this year!!!

Other important events are as follows:

Branch Warren Classic

Capital Of Texas Roundup

Europa Super Show

Fitness Texas and Model Expo

Remember for all updated information please visit
www.posedownmag.com “Coming To A Stage Near You”

On a sad note, we would like to say goodbye to a dear friend within the industry. Below is a memorial written by Sheilae Brown in memory of Deborah Louise Moore.

Hello again from Texas!

I want to share with you a very inspirational story by Brian Dobson of Metroflex Gym in Arlington Texas. Brian is the author of Raw Power for Pose Down and always brings some very unique individuals to us. (See below):

This months article will be on one of the toughest, hardest working athletes I’ve ever had the privilege to train. I’m not talking about Ronnie Coleman, or Branch Warren but a young sweet looking little girl named Tiffany Mckinney.

Tiffany was first brought to the gym 4 years ago by her Dad Craig who is one of the original Metroflex gym members. Craig is a big, tough dude with monstrous forearms who would train like an animal after putting in a 12 hour day hanging drywall. He now mainly works with granite doing quality work through his company Stonemasters of DFW.

When he brought Tiffany here knowing my history of making champions he told me not to try and make her into a bodybuilder as she was an all star guard in basketball and was here to get better at that sport not be a bodybuilder. She trained on her own for 6-8 months or with her Dad. It was very obvious she was something special when I saw her pumping 45# dumbells on the incline bench. Shortly after that Craig hired me to start training her and her progress has been exceptional ever since.

She was an excellent bench press lifter from the start getting 185 without a bench shirt her first meet at 148# weight class. After several years of winning every power meet she ever entered she decided to do a bodybuilding meet winning the teen and novice hw at the Branch Warren event last year.

What has always impressed me about this young lady is her tremendous work ethic and the fact she NEVER has one time complained to me about anything. The leg workouts at Metyroflex are legendary and while she may not be doing the weight of some of the pros the effort is just as great. I remember after one leg workout where I had her do 8 sets of full squats starting with 25 reps and ending with 5  with all sets near max effort. Followed with drop sets on leg press started at 1000 pounds dropped it 100 pounds at a time all the way down to 300. Followed by parking lot lunges and sled drags than hamstrings both standing and seated. I trained with her that day and was thinking how hard it was going to be to  walk that night and next day. We were on to do calves when she told me she had to leave in 5 minutes to make it to her game that night . Her team was in the playoffs. Not only did the team win, she was the leading rebounder. If only all my trainees had heart like that.

She went away to Texas A&M this year for college choosing not to play basketball but to put all her efforts into becoming a world class powerlifter. It was a very sad day when she left Metroflex after her last session to go bless the A&M powerlifting team. Her winning ways have continued there as well  winning the collegiate nationals this past April. I look for her to be a future world champion very soon.

Hello from Big D!!!

I would like to update you on some information on contests and athletes.

Pose Down had the pleasure of covering the following shows recently.:

The West Texas Classic held in Lubbock TX held on March 29, 2008, promoted by Andrew and Kat Zamora. A fun event featuring a different spin from the start of the show with emcee Rex Gabriel announcing each NPC judge onto the stage. Nice touch in getting to know your NPC staff! Your overall winners: Novice Bryan Lindemann, Open Men James Savage Jr,  Figure Rachel Gichert, Fitness Mimi Zumwalt, Open Women  Mary Hobbs.

The Ronnie Coleman Classic proved to be successful in their new venue home of Mesquite Texas. With more than 140 competitors and a full house of patrons, this was truly the event for all to witness your overall winners of Lorenzo Jones, Tracy Winters, Lori Simms and Jodie Minear. Brian and Brandi Dobson promoters of this event and Pose Down’s one and only Raw Power columnist. Great Show!!!

A big Congrats to Pose Down’s Classy Fied Fitness columnist Trish Warren on her second place win at the New York Pro Fitness. Trish with a well deserved placing, showed an amazing physique and a great performance bringing entertainment with her military 2 minute routine. We look forward to seeing Trish in upcoming shows (More information to follow).

Calling out all Texans and patrons!  This is a Pose Down challenge. Come to San Antonio on June 14, 2008 and either compete or watch a fantastic event in a beautiful picturesque city.

Event:  The South Texas Classic
Place: San Antonio Texas
When: June 14,  2008
Your promoters are Prince and Debbie Fontenot
Guest Posers:
IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Beni Lopez
IFBB Pro Fitness Trish Warren

All competitors will receive a year subscription to Pose Down Magazine amongst other prizes. See full contest details below or go to www.princefontenot.com.

Remember we are challenging you to compete in this years South Texas Classic

To check out other events please visit www.posedownmag.com under SHOWS
Pose Down Magazine- Coming To A Stage Near You!!!!

I would like to talk about two different subjects this month. First and most importantly I would like to talk about the NPC organizations. Pose Down Magazine will proudly cover Texas shows this year. The Texas NPC organization is lead by Chairman Lee Thompson. Lee has done a wonderful job in representing this great state.

We have seen Texas grow in the past few years bringing amazing physiques with each and every show. Some important shows coming within the next few weeks in Texas are shown below. Visit Texas at: www.npctexas.org for updated contest information.

Pose Down Magazine will also cover shows in Oklahoma. Another great state with Eileen Luis as Chairperson. There have been some additions to Oklahoma this year. NPC Battle of the Bodies coming to you on May 3rd. in Tulsa. and ending a spectacular year for Oklahoma will be Red River in Norman OK. Pose Down is proud to cover these events and bring you the latest news and information on contest results. For complete information on NPC Oklahoma go to: www.npcoklahoma.org. See upcoming poster on Battle of the Bodies below:

Last but not least Pose Down will cover Louisiana. Last year Pose Down was fortunate enough to cover the Southern Cup USA. The athletes and the NPC judges representing Louisiana were nothing short of gracious and hospitable to Pose Down Magazine. Luke Tesvich, Chairman for Louisiana has also shown how great talent can evolve from within Louisiana. For latest information for NPC Louisiana go to www.labodybuilding.com.

See contest poster below for the Lee Haney Classic coming to you in May, 2008:

Second topic for April will be Pose Down’s very own author of “Classy” Fied Fitness Trish Warren. Trish has done an amazing job writing each month for our publication.

Trish Warren IFBB Pro Fitness competitor has the same beliefs and passion for this sport. I have seen Trish juggle a deadline for Pose Down while simontaniously running a full time business, training athletes and getting ready herself for upcoming competitions one of which is The New York Pro Fitness on April 12, 2008. Trish Warren is an amazing woman and athlete. For questions, ask at trishfit@yahoo.com, Trish is more than willing to help with all of your fitness needs.

For all of your latest information on NPC events and athletes remember to go to: www.posedownmag.com

Pose Down Magazine, Coming To A Stage Near You!!

Pose Down Magazine is very excited about bringing updated information of who is doing what, where and when in the South.

We just returned from the Arnold Classic. We are now focusing on coverage of as many shows as possible. Texas alone will host 15 shows in 2008 with the first show beginning on March 29th promoted by Andrew and Kat Zamora (The West Texas Classic).

We will also travel to Oklahoma and Louisiana this year concentrating on coverage of these NPC events as well.

Our March highlights are:

Bryan Barth- Featuring a Leg Workout in this issue. Bryan also writes a column within the publication called “Wheels Of Steel“.  
Bryan began his competitive career about 8 years ago and has steadily moved up the ranks. From his first 1999 Novice show to the ‘07 Nationals, he has added 80 pounds of solid muscle to his frame. Standing 5’7" Bryan steps on stage at 230lbs. That is a long way from 162 pounds back in 1999.

As with most top level amateurs, Bryan is looking for his pro card.  He took 7th in the Super Heavy weight class this year at the ‘07 Nationals in Dallas. Currently in full off season mode, Bryan is making the improvements it will take to win the ‘08 Super Heavy class and that pro card.

Courtney Dion “Our Future Of Fitness” - Featuring an article hosted by Trish Warren and written by Mike Norris. Meet our future of Fitness- Courtney Dion. She is only 14 years of age however her talent supersedes her age.

In a world filled with too many people making too many excuses for their poor state of condition and general health, it was most rewarding to hear of an upcoming young athlete willing to make the sacrifices necessary to live a healthy lifestyle and achieve her goals.

And last but certainly not least featuring Brian Dobson who also writes for Pose Down Magazine (Raw Power). We had the opportunity last Dec 2007 of covering Raw Power and Wild Game Feast! Proceeds went to the Open Door Ministry and Food Bank. Some highlighted features were Rendy Delacruz pulling an impressive 745 lb winning the 308 pound class and Best Lifter.

Brian also promotes the “Ronnie Coleman Classic” and along side Branch Warren “The Warren Classic”. Brian certainly stays busy with several promoted competitions and running MetroFlex Gym in Arlington TX.

For all of the latest information go to:
www.posedownmag.com