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Angie’sTable: BecauseI’mCulturedIBy Angie Bridgesreceived the moniker “Cultured B” (forBridges & the double entendre) fromsome friends many years ago after I would drag them to yet another restaurant that served food that was foreign to them and then being surprised that they loved it. The question would inevitably be “Angie how do you know about all these different foods?” My first reaction was, “Because I’m cultured!” and we would have a good laugh. Thanks to my parents and my wonderful teachers who encouraged my thirst for knowledge, I have always been extremely interested in diverse cultures and their people, customs, and cuisines.Something I’m often asked is whetherTrafficking - continued from page 12such as common interests between the trafficker and the victim. They observe potential victims through their social media presence. Posts suggesting low self-esteem, problems at home, or loneliness signal that a person may be easily victimized.2. Isolate: Abusers physically or emotionally separate victims from those protecting them. They often seek out positions where they have contact or control with minors.3. Trust Development: Abusers gain trust through gifts, attention, sharing “secrets,” and other means. They train victims toI have a favorite culture and while I could never choose one as I find all of them pretty fascinating, I suppose I could say that I lean heavily towards the vast array of the Mediterranean cultures which include Spanish (my ethnicity), Turkish, Egyptian, Greek, Provencal, North Africa and the Levant to name a few.It is no secret that I love to throw a good dinner party as well and my favorite part is browsing through my cookbooks to decide what theme we’re going with. Our last dinner party was a Korean hot pot dinner, and we had a wonderful time. I encourage you all to explore other cuisines and if you ever want to chat about them, I am your girl. This monthkeep the relationship secret. Once trust is achieved, the trafficker encourages the victim to meet or send a compromising picture, which is then used to extort the victim. Through this extortion a trafficker might threaten to release the picture to the victim’s family and friends if demands are not followed.4. Desensitization: Abusers start with harmless touch (like hugging or tickling) and escalate to more sexual contact. They may also show pornography or discuss sexual topics.5. Behavior: Abusers try to avoid raisingI’m sharing with you an easy to prepare and serve bread dipper that combines a lot of my favorite Mediterranean flavors. Hope you enjoy it as much as my guests and I do. Ciao for Now, AngieMediterranean Bread DipperYou’ll Need: 1⁄2 cup excellent quality olive oil, 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh basil, two tbs balsamic vinegar, pinch chili flakes (optional), 1⁄4 cup chopped green olives, 1⁄4 cup chopped kalamata olives, and soft French bread for dipping.Directions: In a shallow dish, combine all the ingredients and mix well. Let stand for about 15 minutes for flavors to meld. Dip bread in it and enjoy!suspicions by making their actions appear natural.6. For teens, recognizing grooming can be particularly challenging, especially if the abuser is closer in age. Online grooming often involves adults creating fake profiles and posing as children or teens to befriend and gain trust.7. Parents, be cautious and mindful about who your child interacts with online and encourage open communication about their online experiences. Be alert for signs of secrecy, undue influence, or personal boundary pushing when evaluating a child’s relationship with adults. However, remember that not everyone who is kind to your child has ill intentions, but it is essential to educate your child about risks and boundaries. Let them know they can come to you if anyone crosses a line.If you suspect grooming or have concerns about someone’s behavior, seek professional advice, or report it to proper authorities; call 911 or if it is not life- threatening call Non-Emergency SAPD at 210-207-7273.In summary, social media plays a significant role in facilitating human trafficking by providing a platform to connect with vulnerable individuals and manipulate them into dangerous situations.Your Neighborhood Barber Specialists20711 Wilderness Oak, Suite 110 • SA, TX 78258 (210) 255-8482Hours: Mon 10am -7pm • weds-Fri 10am-7pm Sat 10am-5pm • Sun 10am–3pm (closed on TUES)Scan For AppointmentsAngie Bridges is ownerof Copa Wine Bar inStone Oak along withher husband, Jeff Bridges. Angie is also the founder of the Taste of the Northside Fiesta event and is the original Queen of the Vine.Special thanks to Meant to Soar Foundation, Goya Cares Foundation, Ransomed Life, Law Corner, ICE Homeland Security Investigations, Save the Children, Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign, University of Texas School of Social Work, and Jack Staton of INS Consulting LLC. Contributions to this series were obtained from these organizations. In future articles prevention, protection, prosecution, and avenues for help will be featured. These articles may protect your child.Next Month: Traffickers Targeting School ChildrenIt’s time to choose a Medicare planDear Medicare Beneficiary,You want a Medicare Advantage plan that will meet your needs. And since things can change from year to year, it’s a good time to review your needsand think about what kind of benefits you want in 2024. For example, areyou taking any new prescription drugs? Do you have new health goals or challenges? Medicare plans can change from year to year, just like your needs.You don’t have to figure it out all by yourself. Contact me today to:Remove the confusion from MedicareGet help comparing plansReceive one-on-one sales supportSwitch plans with confidenceAs a licensed sales agent, I can answer your questions and help you get ready for the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, which starts on October 15. I can also help you find out if you qualify to enroll now. Call me today — I look forward to hearing from you.Call me today!Licensed Sales Agent 210-612-5777, TTY 711 calpenab@gmail.com medicaretexasplans.com Sí, hablo su idioma.Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a Medicare- approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in these plans depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. ©2023 United HealthCare Services, Inc. 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