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404-445-2005 | www.balamslaw.com May 2024
INTRODUCING JAKSON VERMILLION
Turning Dreams Into Reality With The Balams Firm Scholarship
At The Balams Firm, we value talent and are dedicated to celebrating outstanding achievements. Our annual Balams Firm Scholarship offers deserving students the chance to fulfill their potential by alleviating the financial burdens of higher education. As a legal professional, I’m fully committed to excellence in my field. My ambition extends beyond the courtroom to positively impact our community. In 2018, fueled by a desire to make a difference, I embarked on a journey to support students in realizing their academic ambitions through a scholarship program. I believe in the transformative power of education, empowerment, and support. Our scholarship is more than financial aid — it’s a commitment to fostering the educational paths of students eager to explore their potential. I recognize that while talent is universal, access to resources is not. Many students have the drive and ambition but are hindered by the financial demands of higher education. I aim to ease this burden, allowing them to concentrate on their academic and personal development without the weight of financial stress.
Jakson tells us. “Movies, books, and comics at a young age fostered my imagination and let me see that stories could become something more tangible.” Jakson is motivated by these stories and aspires to study at Brigham Young University’s Center for Animation, focusing on Computer Science with an emphasis on animation. He dreams of working with the industry’s top creative minds to craft captivating narratives and is eager to work in a team that crafts storytelling masterpieces. His ambition is to create incredible tales with others who share the goal of mesmerizing the younger audience. We are thrilled to award Jakson this scholarship, fueling his educational journey and bringing his dreams closer to reality. This scholarship program is more than an extension of my legal work — it’s about creating a legacy that reflects my passions,
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values, and aspirations for a future enriched by the growth of educated and empowered individuals. I eagerly anticipate celebrating their successes and making a meaningful impact!
Through The Balams Firm Scholarship, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with students who are passionate about their education and growth. It’s a profound joy to see the direct impact of this support on their journey toward success. This year, our 2024 winner is an extraordinary young man. Jakson Vermillion attends North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia, and aspires to attend Brigham Young University. “As a young child, I would lay in my bed at night and imagine worlds and stories to go along with each world. I wanted to share these tales with others,”
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MARIE CURIE’S DEDICATION TO SCIENCE A Legacy of Resilience and Brilliance
couldn’t be real scientists. It was the first of many accomplishments to improve gender equality for the masses.
Marie Curie, born in 1867 in Warsaw, Poland, left an undeniable mark on the scientific world. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to receive Nobel Prizes in two scientific fields. Her groundbreaking work in physics and chemistry reshaped our understanding of the universe at large and paved the way for future generations of women in science. Born Marya Sklodowska, she was the daughter of teachers and was curious from a young age. She worked as a governess for her sister as she pursued her doctoral career in Paris. She
Madame Curie, unfortunately, lost her collaborator and husband in a road accident in 1906. She took her late husband’s position as chair of the physics department at the Sorbonne and continued as a single mother of two daughters. Just five years later, in 1911, Curie secured her second Nobel Prize, this time in chemistry. She discovered radium and polonium, two elements that significantly
advanced our understanding of radioactivity, further cementing that women could succeed in science.
was determined to channel her curiosity into higher education, though women were not encouraged to attend school, especially in science. But in 1891, she followed her sister and moved to Paris to attend school in Sorbonne, where she met and married Pierre Curie, a fellow scientist who became a lifelong collaborator. In 1903, she won her first Nobel Prize alongside her husband and Henri Becquerel for their research on radioactivity. The recognition became historic, not just for Curie but for all women. This win challenged the prevailing belief that women
Her extensive exposure to radiation throughout her career took a heavy toll on Curie’s health. She passed away from leukemia in 1934 after helping allied efforts in the First World War. Her pioneering spirit, dedication to research, unyielding perseverance, and intellect continue to inspire countless scientists today, especially women in STEM. Madame Curie will always be remembered as a symbol of scientific excellence and the relentless pursuit of knowledge for the greater good.
Wannabe Bank Robber Calls Ahead, Orders Cash to Go Dialing for Dollars
the bank when the managers initiated a lockdown. The accomplice passed the teller a note and collected about $900, but police stopped him as he left the bank. The fleeing accomplice was undoubtedly disappointed when the bag exploded
Any bank robber knows you have to hurry through a heist to escape. A crook in Connecticut tried a novel time-saving technique: calling ahead.
Taking a cue from the take-out food craze, the wannabe bank robber called a bank in Fairfield, Connecticut, and demanded that $100,000 in large bills be prepared for him with no dye packs in the bag. If the orders were not carried out, the caller told the employee, “there will be a bloodbath.” Fairfield cops, who thought they’d seen it all, were dumbfounded. “You can’t make this stuff up,” said a spokesman for the Fairfield Police Department. Robbers have tried many routes when attempting to rob a bank, including entering the drive-through lane and terrorizing tellers through the window. But, “I’ve never had somebody call ahead and say, ‘Get the money, we’re coming,’” said a detective in the Fairfield case. In taking advantage of the telephone warning, the police were already at the scene when the robbers arrived. “I would classify these individuals as ‘not too bright,’” the police spokesman said.
in dye after throwing it on the ground. (Bank employees had disregarded the robbers’ phone order that no dye packs be tucked in with the cash. You just can’t get good service these days.) The accomplice and the robber who placed the call, who had been sitting in a car nearby, were both arrested at the scene without incident. The
adult suspect, Albert Bailey, was on probation for a different bank hold-up several years earlier. Both were charged with first-degree robbery and threatening in the first degree.
The employee who answered the robber’s call immediately hung up and called 9-1-1. The thief’s accomplice, a minor, was already inside
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Parenthood is the greatest challenge many people will ever face, and raising children today is tougher than ever before in the technology-laden and constantly shifting state of the world. There are many parenting methods, and the latest viral one, gentle parenting, deserves a closer look. This parenting philosophy focuses on a strong parent-child relationship, offering a compassionate alternative to traditional physical disciplinary methods. Gentle parenting emphasizes building a deep, intentional understanding of a child’s needs and the emotions that stem from them. Rather than punishing a child for acting out, gentle parents encourage their children to voice their concerns so they can get to the root of challenging emotions. They view behavioral challenges as opportunities for connection and growth instead of corrections to be made. Active listening, open communication, and constructive problem-solving foster a positive environment where children feel valued and understood. This empathy doesn’t mean that children can mistreat parents, either. It’s still important to set boundaries. Instead of strict rules supported by physical punishment, gentle parenting invites parents to collaborate with their children on decision-making. Involving children in discussions about expectations and consequences will ensure they understand the reasoning behind your rules and what breaking them means. This can encourage children to feel empowered and respected in the discipline process. PARENTING WITH EMPATHY The Gentle Parenting Philosophy
TAKE A BREAK
Grilled Red Curry Beef Satay With Peanut Sauce
Inspired by StarTribune.com
Ingredients
At its core, the most important aspect of gentle parenting
• 1 1/2 lb flank steak • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk • 2 tbsp lime juice • 1–3 tbsp Thai red curry paste • 1 tbsp fish sauce
For sauce: • 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk • 1–2 tbsp Thai red curry paste • 1 tbsp brown sugar • 1 tbsp fish sauce • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter • 1 tbsp lime juice
is rejecting traditional punishments. Gentle parenting is about teaching children appropriate behaviors through positive reinforcement and
Directions 1. Freeze flank steak for 30 minutes. Cut crosswise, against the grain, into thin slices. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together coconut milk, lime juice, curry paste, and fish sauce. Add steak and toss to coat. Cover and chill for 8 hours. 3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine coconut milk, curry paste, brown sugar, and fish sauce. Bring to a gentle boil for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add peanut butter and stir until well blended. Remove from heat and add lime juice. 4. Thread the marinated meat onto 12 long skewers. Grill until beef is medium rare, 1–2 minutes per side. 5. Transfer satay to a platter and serve with peanut sauce.
intentional understanding of emotions — inspiring good behavior by acting as a positive example rather than by fear of punishment.
By prioritizing empathy, open communication, and nonviolent discipline, you can raise children who are able to recognize, inspect, and voice their emotions in a peaceful manner. As parents embrace these principles, they contribute to the development of emotionally secure, confident, and well-adjusted children who will grow into great global citizens.
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404-445-2005 www.balamslaw.com 310 Maxwell Road, Suite 500 Alpharetta, GA 30009 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Introducing Jakson, Our 2024 Scholarship Winner!
Marie Curie: A Pioneer’s Spirit
Dumb Crimes: Wannabe Bank Robber Places Phone Order for Cash
Grilled Red Curry Beef Satay With Peanut Sauce
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The Art of Gentle Parenting
Not Just a Crime of Passion
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PROMISING CAREER ALLEGEDLY UPENDED BY SECRET LOVE The Twisted Tale of Lawyer Turned Triple Murderer
another client to plant a bag of “methamphetamine” (it was sugar) at the home of the victim, Tiffany Eichor, 43, who lived with her parents, Jack and Evelynn Chandler. The Chandlers found the bag and called the police; then, they installed security cameras. On Sept. 6, 2019, Harroz and Titus allegedly drove to the Chandler home near Oklahoma City. They allegedly cut the electricity and phone lines and broke in. The couple then went on a rampage, shooting each member of the family as they ran. Just days after the murders, Harroz’s brother turned over an AR-15 rifle to police, stating that the gun was “involved in a triple homicide.” The gun was traced to an Oklahoma man who said he’d sold the gun to Harroz and Titus, according to police.
A chilling story unfolded in Oklahoma City in 2021, filled with passion, betrayal, and murder. Keegan Harroz and her client- turned-lover, Barry Titus II, were arrested and charged in a triple homicide that shocked the country. Harroz was a renowned criminal defense attorney who had a compassionate touch with clients of all types. She graduated from Oklahoma City University School of Law
and worked as an assistant public defender before starting her own firm in 2014. There were signs of something darker swirling under the surface, though. In May 2014, she was charged with the domestic assault of her then-husband, allegedly kicking him twice in the face.
She began to represent Titus in 2018 on drug, firearms, and domestic assault and battery charges. She began dating Titus shortly after. In October 2018, Titus was arrested for domestic assault. Two months later, according to the criminal complaint, Harroz used
Titus and Harroz are still in jail; their trials are expected to occur sometime in 2024.
The larger community is still grappling with the aftermath of such a crime, many missing the family who was senselessly gunned down. The tragic murder of Tiffany Eichor and Jack and Evelynn Chandler is a reminder of the potential darkness that can lurk beneath seemingly ordinary lives.
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