DATE: Friday, August 1, 1997                TAG: 9708010087

SECTION: DAILY BREAK             PAGE: E1   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: MYNETTE EADY, HIGH SCHOOL CORRESPONDENT 

                                            LENGTH:   59 lines

FLAVOR GIRLS GROUP ADDS CHARACTER TO PORTSMOUTH RECREATION

FLA VOR (fla ver) n: 1. a distinctive taste or odor 2. a distinguishing characteristic 3. a group of young ladies doing positive things.

OK, so maybe you won't find the last definition in Webster's New American Dictionary, but FLAVOR is defining new roles for young women in Portsmouth.

FLAVOR, or Females Leisurely Active in a Variety Of Recreation, started in the summer of 1996 as a way to get young women more actively involved in Portsmouth recreation centers. It provides an alternative to sports-centered recreation.

``We give them things to do other than sitting at home watching TV or getting into trouble,'' said Kim Mack, recreation activity leader. ``We want to reach out to as many girls as possible.

The young women of FLAVOR meet regularly at recreation centers throughout Portsmouth. There, they learn about careers, goal-setting and effective decision making. They're taught how to balance a checkbook, how to interview for a job, and how to make to a bed or bake a cake. It's a mix of things young women need to know.

FLAVOR also hosts Girls Night Out, where young ladies may go bowling or spend the night talking about issues like violence or racism. Sports, a recreation center staple, is a small part of the program.

``It helps me learn things,'' said Tiffany Mack, 14, who was crowned Miss Flavor 1997 earlier this year. ``It gives girls something to do other than standing around and watching the boys play basketball. You learn how to be a better person.''

FLAVOR didn't come to be under Harry Thompson's leadership, but the new recreation manager said the program is here to stay.

``It's too good not to do,'' said Thompson. ``We don't do a lot when you talk about young females. This is a speciality program that gets them involved in life skills. It deserves an opportunity to continue.''

FLAVOR took a break this summer, but Tiffany said girls already want to know when it will begin again.

``They'll come and say, `I have an idea for this or that the next time we do FLAVOR,''' Tiffany said with a chuckle. ``It's good when they do their own programs.''

Along with Tiffany and others in the recreation department, several community members and stars support the program. Boxer Pernell ``Sweetpea'' Whitaker is a regular FLAVOR sponsor. He and his wife helped the girls put on a fashion show and host other activities.

Sandra Byrum, a professional model, worked on the show, too. Byrum taught the girls etiquette, hair and skin techniques, and more.

``It gave them a chance to be someone different for a night,'' said Tiffany. ``Being together created a bond that I hope will last for a long time.''

Tiffany hopes FLAVOR will last for a long time, too.

``It's just a good program,'' she said. ILLUSTRATION: MARTIN SMITH-RODDEN color photos/The Virginian-Pilot

Kim Mack...

Chandra Taylor, 10...

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