Tbsb 12 7 17 web by Bay State Banner

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A&E

business news

Senators call for investment in rebuilding of Puerto Rico pg 7

‘BLACK NATIVITY’ 47TH SEASON RUNS THROUGH DEC.17 pg 12

Entrepreneur harnesses coffee to help Ethiopian farmers pg 10

plus Architectural exhibit highlights black neighborhood pg 13 Q&A: Actor Ray Fisher stars as Cyborg in ‘Justice League’ pg 14 Thursday, December 7, 2017 • FREE • GREATER BOSTON’S URBAN NEWS SOURCE SINCE 1965 • CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

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A misplaced focus on school audit? Media zeroes in on Chang as IRS audit finds funds misappropriated By YAWU MILLER

When news broke that the city had been audited by the Internal Revenue Service last Monday, the focus of news coverage was on Boston Public Schools Superintendent Tommy Chang and his apparent failure to notify School Committee members and the mayor of the audit’s findings: that BPS principals had paid employees and contractors off the books using student activities funds. Last Thursday Walsh told reporters he hadn’t received findings of the audit until the previous week. “The superintendent had the findings,” Walsh was quoted as saying in the Boston Globe. “The School Department had the findings. I didn’t have them.” Yet the Walsh administration paid a total of $944,000 on Nov. 7 — Election Day — when an unnamed city official handed off a check to an IRS representative in City Hall. The school department’s share of that — $32,000 for paying employees off the books from student activity funds — represented a tiny share of the total payoff. Most of the fees and penalties came from the city’s failure to deduct Medicaid withholdings from some employees paychecks. The seeming improbability that the Walsh administration could a) receive the findings of a major IRS audit; b) negotiate a nearly million dollar settlement and c) cut a check for that

settlement without the knowledge or imprimatur of the city’s chief executive had some critics questioning Walsh’s version of events. “Burning #bospoli questions of the day: Who physically gave $1MILLION check at City Hall on Election Day to IRS employee for tax evasion that Walsh swears he knew nothing about?” wrote Jamaica Plain resident Heshan Berents-Weeramuni, director of communications and external affairs and education policy advisor for City Councilor Tito Jackson, Walsh’s challenger in the mayoral election. “Sure as hell wasn’t Supt. Chang.” Adding his voice to the chorus of doubters, former Education Secretary Paul Reville told WGBH that the school department could not have been solely responsible for failing to disclose audit findings. “It’s clear the city knew about this a long time ago,” he said. “It’s not just the school department and the school department didn’t inform the mayor. The city knew about it a long time and, in fact, the city office has been negotiating with the IRS over the penalties, not the school department, and that negotiation was wrapped up Nov. 2.” In addition to Chang, Walsh also pointed to previous mayoral administrations — those of Raymond Flynn and the late Thomas Menino, under whose watch school principals had paid employees off the books. But

See CITY AUDIT, page 16

PHOTO: MAYOR’S OFFICE PHOTO BY DON HARNEY

Mayor Martin J. Walsh joins the Asian Community Development Corporation and Chinatown residents to celebrate the grand opening of 88 Hudson Street, 51 affordable new condominiums for working families in Chinatown.

Buyers struggle with housing affordability

Sales prices beyond the reach of most residents By KAREN MORALES

While the administration of Mayor Marty Walsh has reported 40 percent of all new housing stock as affordable to low- and middle-income residents, statistics on Bsoton income and real estate values point to a disconnect between what the city considers affordable and what federal officials consider to be a cost burden. The federal Department of

Housing and Urban Development definition of affordability, used by many cities across the country, including Boston, is “housing for which the occupant(s) is/are paying no more than 30 percent of his or her income for gross housing costs, including utilities.” In the Boston 2030 Housing Plan however, the city uses 35 percent of income as a measurement of housing cost burden for family households with children and 50 percent of a non-family household

income as a housing cost burden. By these standards, Boston’s housing costs and its adverse impact on residents may be more serious than previously reported. According to data provided by the Massachusetts Association of Realtors and MLS Property Information Network, single-family median home prices for Boston city-wide jumped from $359,900 in 2011 to $530,000 in 2016. In

See HOUSING, page 9

UMass Boston staff protest layoffs Demand relief for cash-strapped campus By KAREN MORALES

BANNER PHOTO

Picket line in front of trustees meeting

Staff union members and students at UMass Boston continue to push back on budget cuts that have affected employees, academic programs and support services and are urging the Board of Trustees to follow an alternative plan. To close a $30 million structural budget deficit linked to campus construction projects, UMass Boston laid-off 36 staff

employees from various departments, and cut back work hours for seven others. Some of the employees let go had been with the school for more than 30 years. According to a statement released by UMass Boston, these budget-cutting steps totaled a savings of $3 million. At a Nov. 29 Board of Trustees meeting at One Beacon Street, student leaders and members of the Professional Staff Union, the

Classified Staff Union and the Faculty Staff Union asked the board to take $5 million of the $96 million unrestricted UMass central reserve funds to keep programs staffed. They also implored that the board contest persistent state underfunding and publicly support the Fair Share Amendment. Passage of the Fair Share Amendment, which will appear on the 2018 ballot, would place a four percent tax on income above $1 million and generate $2 billion annually for public education and

See UMASS, page 8

2 • Thursday, December 7, 2017 • BAY STATE BANNER

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Thursday, December 7, 2017 • BAY STATE BANNER • 3

Activists demand greater say in BPDA Dorchester plan Demonstrators interrupt planning meeting, call for 6-month moratorium By YAWU MILLER

For much of 2017, the city’s planning process for the Glover’s Corner section of Dorchester has followed a familiar playbook: city officials, civic leaders, developers and neighborhood residents gather in a series of meetings designed to elicit opinions on possible land uses. Participants gather around tables and place color-coded Legos on maps, apply sticky notes to poster boards and use other prescribed means to voice support for land uses and transportation priorities or raise concerns about issues such as housing affordability and displacement. The participant feedback so far for PLAN: Glover’s Corner is summed up on a two-page document on the Boston Planning and Development Agency website. During a BPDA-hosted public meeting last week, that familiar playbook was upended as activists from a coalition of community groups and neighborhood associations interrupted the meeting, grabbing the cordless microphone and demanding a six-month moratorium on the city’s planning process. “We don’t want to just come to meetings so that you have our names and information on a sign-in sheet. We want a real process,” said Mimi Ramos, executive director of the Fields Corner-based New England United for Justice. “We deserve a seat at the table. We want a real, authentic dialogue.” The intervention mirrored similar tactics used by Jamaica Plain activists during the BPDA’s Plan: JP/Rox process. And like Jamaica Plain, the Glover’s Corner section of Dorchester is facing development pressure, fueling fears of rising housing prices and displacement. The BPDA has already greenlighted a planned 300-unit market-rate development called DotBlock, which area residents say could exacerbate already rising rents in the area.

Jamaica plain

In the Jamaica Plain process, activists interrupted meetings, sought and secured a monthslong delay in the process, pressed for better translation services and eventually pressured the BPDA to agree that 40 percent of the units developed in that area – between Jackson Square, Egleston Square and Forest Hills – would be affordable. But in its plan for South Boston’s Dorchester Avenue area, barely a mile from Glover’s Corner, the BPDA baked only 13 percent affordability into its plan. The Glover’s Corner area runs along Dorchester Avenue from Freeport Street to Savin Hill Avenue and includes Pleasant Street between Hancock Street and Savin Hill Avenue. Currently, just 25 percent of the area contains housing, with commercial uses occupying 41 percent and industrial 17 percent of the land. As is the case in South Boston, real estate developers are eyeing the industrial parcels for residential development. With market rate rents in Boston averaging $2,800 a month and the median sales prices for

ON THE WEB BPDA data, map for Glover’s Corner planning: http://www.bostonplans.org/ getattachment/0ac53300-95a3-4b9d-9f47bc51e6c60c38 homes at $571,000, areas like Glover’s Corner have become more attractive to developers. But the residents who demonstrated at last week’s meeting said they fear the city’s planning process could fuel more speculation in the area. “We’re already seeing some of the impact of development in the Bowdoin, Geneva and Meeting House Hill areas,” said Dorchester resident Davida Andelman. “Rents are now $2,300 and up. We’re concerned about people who’ve lived here a long time not being able to stay.”

A call for community input, translation

Andelman and other residents say the BPDA planning process so far has had too little input from the businesses and residents who would be affected by the plan. The majority of the businesses along Dorchester Avenue are owned by Vietnamese and Cape Verdeans, yet the BPDA has done little to provide translation services or distribute flyers translated into their languages, Andelman told the Banner. Then there’s the nature of the planning process itself. With presentations delivered by BPDA and city officials, most of the community input happens in small tables, a planning strategy BPDA critic Shirley Kressell says doesn’t allow for a free-flowing exchange of ideas. “It’s all just a bunch of individual comments, briefly scribbled on a big sheet of paper and quickly blurted out going around the room, by one of the group members as s/he decides to represent the group,” she said in a recent comment on the PLAN: Dudley Square process posted on the Banner’s website. “Lots of ‘public participation’ — in nothing.” Dorchester resident Carolyn Chu, who has participated in the BPDA’s Glover’s Corner planning process, said many residents she has met with feel similarly. “They feel that their opinions are being dismissed,” she said. “The way they do this process forces you to pick between their options instead of sharing your own opinion. If people asked a question outside of the activity, it was dismissed.” Things came to a head in October after Chu, Ramos, Andelman and other activists in their coalition met with the BPDA and asked for data on the demographics of the planning area in addition to the six-month moratorium on the process. After the activists in November sent a letter asking for a response to their requests, they say they received no reply. Following the disruption at last week’s meeting by the activists, Lara Mérida, BPDA’s deputy director for community planning, told reporters that much of the data the activists are asking for is currently posted on the BPDA website. The

BANNER PHOTOS

Demonstrators took over the floor during a BPDA Glover’s Corner planning meeting, voicing concerns over rising rents in the Dorchester neighborhoods around the planning area. activists’ demand for the data to be broken down further has not been completed yet, she added. “It’s just a lot of information to try to compile,” she said. “We are going to continue working with them.” But Mérida said the BPDA is not open to the six-month moratorium the activists requested.

“I think a moratorium is tricky, because we’re all trying to learn from each other,” she said. “The planning exercise, making sure that we’re reaching out to people — there needs to be a constant conversation. So, I wouldn’t want to have a moratorium on conversations.” But Chu said without more

comprehensive information, the Lego planning exercises, small group conversation and sticky note comments won’t constitute a meaningful process. “People can make informed decisions if they’re given all the information,” she said. “It’s doesn’t feel like that’s happening in these meetings.”

4 • Thursday, December 7, 2017 • BAY STATE BANNER

EDITORIAL

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INSIDE: BUSINESS, 10 • ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, 12 • CLASSIFIEDS, 16

Established 1965

Facilitating consumer fraud Many Americans have the highest regard for those at the helm of major multibillion dollar corporations. Business success is the realization of the American Dream. There is a general appreciation that the efforts of those taking advantage of the free market system have caused America to become the world’s leading industrial giant. However, too little attention is given to the impact and rights of the American consumer. While big business no doubt motivates the development of the economy, there is broad agreement among economists that consumer spending generates about 70 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). The output of American business is to provide products or services for sale to the public or to the federal and state governments. Companies can increase their sales only by attracting new customers or by inducing existing customers to spend more. Competition for sales is fierce. As technology and financial services have become more complicated, the average consumer has found it more difficult to traverse the complexities and make prudent consumption decisions. In some areas, government regulations provide some protection. For example, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has regulations to assure that pharmaceuticals are safe and are putatively beneficial, and that food products such as fresh meat have been approved for consumption. Beyond the institutional regulations for financial institutions, there were few protections for consumers involved in financial transactions. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with the sole purpose of protecting consumers

in transactions with banks and other financial institutions. As might be expected, like other industries, Wall Street and banks have vigorously opposed any regulation. Even the law’s Regulation Z that requires lenders to establish the borrower’s capacity to repay a mortgage has encountered great criticism. Some of the subjects covered by the Bureau are auto loans, bank accounts and services, credit cards, mortgages, payday loans, prepaid cards, student loans and debt collection. The CFPB receives about 22,000 calls for assistance each month and CFPB rulings have required lenders to reimburse borrowers many millions of dollars. Because of its success, Trump plans to render the bureau ineffective. Richard Cordray who has led the CFPB since its inception left before the expiration of his contract and has named his assistant Leandra English as acting director until the expiration of his term. However, Trump has replaced her with Mick Mulvaney who is an avowed critic of the CFPB. But Mulvaney, who is also director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, will continue to hold that post until Trump’s permanent appointment is approved by the Senate. Working-class Americans should be concerned that Trump and his cronies are unwilling to support an organization to protect consumers against being cheated in financial transactions. There are numerous traps to ensnare the unwary. How can sensible Americans side with Trump’s opposition to a program designed to keep consumers safe in the financial marketplace? Those who still believe that Trump is the champion of the working class, despite the growing evidence to the contrary, are indeed gullible.

“Man, I feel like Wall Street’s already in my pocket!”

USPS 045-780 Melvin B. Miller Sandra L. Casagrand John E. Miller Yawu Miller

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The Boston Banner is published every Thursday. Offices are located at 1100 Washington St., Dorchester, MA 02124. Telephone: 617-261-4600, Fax 617-261-2346 Web site: www.baystatebanner.com Periodicals postage paid at Boston, MA. All rights reserved. Copyright 2017. The Banner is certified by the NMSDC, 2016. Circulation of The Bay State and Boston Banner 27,400. Audited by CAC, June 2016. The Banner is printed by: TC Transcontinental Printing 10807, Mirabeau, Anjou (Québec) H1J 1T7 Printed in Canada

INDEX BUSINESS NEWS ………………………………...................... 10 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT …………………...................... 12 FOOD …………………....................................................... 15 CLASSIFIEDS ……………………………………....................... 16

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Thursday, December 7, 2017 • BAY STATE BANNER • 5

OPINION THE BANNER WELCOMES YOUR OPINION: EMAIL OP-ED SUBMISSIONS TO YAWU@BANNERPUB.COM • Letters must be signed. Names may be withheld upon request.

OPINION

Denzel Washington is dead wrong about the “bad” black father

ROVING CAMERA

What effect do you think the first year of the Trump administration has had on the United States?

By EARL OFARI HUTCHINSON Can’t get a job or a promotion? Blame the bad black father, not legions of corporations, government and public agencies that countless studies thoroughly document have a storehouse of ploys and tactics to deny black men jobs and promotions. Can’t afford or find affordable health care? Blame the bad black father, not the insurance companies and health care providers that have erected iron barriers of cost and access to exclude blacks from coverage and care. Can’t get a home or business loan, or find an apartment in a safe and affordable neighborhood? Blame the bad black father, not lenders, realtors, and apartment owners who have erected a mountain of dodges to deny blacks desirable housing and business loans. Now we come to Denzel Washington and his contention that black families (read: black fathers) must shoulder much of the blame for mass incarceration. So, can’t stay out of America’s jails and prisons? Blame the bad, black father and not the fact — which endless studies document — that blacks are more likely to be arrested, prosecuted, imprisoned for drugs, detained for petty crimes (or no offenses, at all) and serve far longer stretches than whites. Then they are slapped back into prison at far greater rates than whites for any violation. Even more studies show that a white felon is more likely to get hired than a black with a college degree. Then, top it off by ignoring the countless instances where caring, concerned, black fathers that are businessmen and professionals, are more likely to be stopped searched, spread eagle on a sidewalk, arrested, or even shot by police than white felons. The list includes one very prominent black father, former President Obama, who told of his experiences with racial profiling. The vicious and self-serving stereotype of the bad black father has been around a long time and has been thoroughly debunked. In 2008, Boston University researchers released a wide ranging, comprehensive study on the black family. It found that black fathers who aren’t in the home are much more likely to sustain regular contact with their children than absentee white fathers, or, for that matter, fathers of any other ethnic group. Numerous studies, surveys, and articles since then have confirmed this finding. Here’s something else: The big finger point at blacks is that more than half of black children live in fatherless homes. But that’s only a paper figure. When income, education, individual background, and middle-class status are factored in, the gap between black and white children who live in intact, two-parent households is much narrower. This points to the single greatest reason for the higher number of black children who live in one parent households. That reason is poverty. Every study ever done on the American family has found that a father’s ability to financially contribute the major support in the home is the major determinant of whether he remains in the home. A man who falls short of that standard is considered a failure and loser. This includes millions of white, Hispanic and Asian men, but their single parent households are not routinely finger-pointed as the sole cause of their poverty, and economic deprivation. There is certainly no intimation that if their children are imprisoned it’s because of their laggardness as fathers. Washington, in his rap against black men as fathers, says nothing about the economic devastation that drives many black men from the home or prevents them from being in the home in the first place. These facts have long been out there for all to see. Denzel committed the cardinal error that every critic from the packs of sociologists, family experts, politicians and moral crusaders have made for decades. They conveniently omit the words “some,” “those,” or “the offenders” before black fathers. Instead, they make the assumption, or at least give the impression, that all or most black men aren’t in the home, and are irresponsible. This condemns black men for the crime-drugs-violence-gross underachievement syndrome that young black males are supposedly eternally locked into. This neatly deflects blame from the gaping racial disparities in employment, health care, education, the criminal justice system, and housing. Meanwhile, elected officials, business leaders and public officials skip away scot-free from responsibility by simply blaming the victim with a vengeance. Denzel undoubtedly is well intentioned in his criticism of black family problems and certainly doesn’t mean to slander all, or even most black men, as derelict, laggards and slackers as fathers. But the brutal reality is that he’s a famed, lionized actor and his words make instant news. Worse they are taken as fact by hordes of his supporters and admirers. This makes them even more painful because he’s dead wrong.

Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst.

I really think racism is more noticeable now. People feel more comfortable being more discriminatory toward people who they don’t think are traditional Americans.

Zahirah Truth

Preschool Teacher South End

It’s been very disappointing. The morale and the spirit of the American people are low. Trump’s not what America is about.

It’s been a double-edged sword. Nationally, it’s a mess. His policies have been horrible. But people are coming together at the local level. There’s been a surge in arts and community projects run by people of color.

Cagen & Coleman Luse Graphic Designer, Son Roxbury

I think it’s had a particularly positive effect on black businesses. It’s caused us to wake up to racism nationally and our own power within our communities. We know where we stand and we’re able to move forward and strengthen our communities.

Kaidi Grant Entrepreneur Roxbury

It’s been so demoralizing, so embarrassing. I don’t want to say I’m American when I travel abroad.

It’s been awful. Trump is not the president who should be leading this country right now.

Lynae Brayboy

Laurence Crayton

Warren Chase

Gynecologist Narragansett

Maintenance Supervisor Roxbury

advantaged, minority, veteran, and woman-owned trade partner firms to foster relationships with Suffolk. It is offered exclusively to both union and non-union trade partners that are certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Minority Business Enterprise, Women Owned Business Enterprise, and Veteran Business Enterprise and have been in business for a minimum of two years. TPS is structured in an interactive format with a focus on providing an overview of Suffolk’s construction management procedures and processes, enabling trade partners to obtain a better understanding of how to successfully work on projects with Suffolk. Woodson previously served as director of the City of Boston’s Small & Local Business Enterprise Office, and director of the Boston Employment Commission. He has served as a member of the UMass Boston

Access & Opportunity Committee, board of managers for the Hyde Park YMCA, and board member on the Initiative for a New Economy. Woodson graduated cum laude from Northeastern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and from Boston University with a Master’s degree in Urban Affairs.

Project Supervisor Roxbury

IN THE NEWS

BROOKE WOODSON Brooke Woodson is the new director of trade partner diversity for Suffolk Construction, one of the largest construction firms operating in Boston. Woodson has nearly 25 years of industry experience and has played a vital role in seeing that Suffolk projects offer benefits to the local community. As director of trade partner diversity at Suffolk, Woodson spends 100 percent of his time working with project teams and trade partners to ensure established compliance plans are implemented on the company’s projects. Woodson has built strong relationships with countless local MBE, WBE, and DBE firms, providing mentoring, coaching, and introducing them and their work to Suffolk’s project management teams. He currently provides overall leadership of Suffolk’s Trades Partnership Series— a program designed for dis-

6 • Thursday, December 7, 2017 • BAY STATE BANNER

Thousands of drug cases to be dismissed by state DAs Attorney General’s Office hid tainted evidence by drug lab chemist, said ACLU By KAREN MORALES

Massachusetts district attorneys said last week that they would dismiss more than 6,000 drug convictions in counties across the state because of misconduct by former drug lab chemist Sonja Farak and two former state prosecutors who withheld evidence of Farak’s misdeeds. Farak, who worked at the Amherst drug lab, pleaded guilty in 2014 to charges of stealing from the evidence locker to satisfy her own addiction, and the two state prosecutors, Anne Kaczmarek and Kris Foster, left their positions after a Springfield judge ruled in June that they had committed fraud. The decision to dismiss the wrongful drug convictions occurred after the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts and the Committee for Public Counsel Services, with law firm Fick & Marx LLP, filed a petition urging the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court to dismiss every single case tainted by Farak. “The attorney general’s office in any state should be a law firm for all the people,” said Matt Segal, legal director of the ACLU of Massachusetts in a morning press conference last Thursday. “It hid exculpatory evidence

from people, it deceived courts and DAs in their cases, and despite that, it has not agreed to dismiss a single case. That is shameful.” He continued, “Although I’m proud of the advocacy that made today possible, it should not have been necessary. Prosecutors should always dismiss wrongful convictions, and not just when they get sued by CPCS, the ACLU, and Fick & Marx.” This action follows a similar decision in April, when the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court issued an order to dismiss 21,839 drug convictions that had been tainted by former state chemist Annie Dookhan, an order the ACLU and CPCS also had a hand in petitioning.

Accountability

Two of the Farak lawsuit plaintiffs, Herschelle Reaves and Nicole Westcott, provided statements at last week’s press conference, expressing the need for accountability in the mishandling of their cases. “I turned my life around, despite — not because of — the way the state punished me for suffering from an addiction,” said Reaves in a written statement read at the press event by Carl Williams, staff attorney for ACLU of Massachusetts. “In 2014, at the very same time I was trying to turn my life

BANNER PHOTO

Carl Williams, staff attorney for ACLU, gives a statement at Nov. 30 press conference. around, the state was withholding evidence that could have helped me.” Westcott, who was present at the press conference, said, “I just want them to be held accountable just as I was held accountable,” referring to Farak and the two former prosecutors who withheld evidence. Westcott has been sober for four years and is currently working to find housing and go back to school but is often

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Dec. 14, 2017 • 4:30-7:30 PM Rejoice, Regale, Revel! Enjoy refreshments, meet neighbors and colleagues and groove to live music. Let’s also celebrate the contributions of our dedicated team of volunteers at the first annual Volunteer Appreciation event.

impeded by her criminal record. Williams told reporters, “If the Attorney General’s Office had disclosed that evidence in 2013, then people would have had a chance to challenge their convictions sooner.” According to Williams, many of the convictions tainted by Farak were low-level, district court drug cases, including possession cases.

An equitable justice system

We will keep fighting until we have three things,” said Segal. “A justice system that does not tolerate wrongful convictions ... a justice system that delivers clear, swift and tough consequences for neglecting to tell people they have been wrongfully convicted … and a justice system that reserves its harshest judgement not for poor people who have struggled with addiction like our clients, but instead for powerful people who commit misconduct.” The Hampden County District Attorney’s Office agreed to dismiss nearly 4,000 convictions affected by Farak’s misconduct. Middlesex County will dismiss 245 cases, The Northwestern District Attorney’s Office will dismiss around 1,500 cases, Suffolk County will dismiss 134 cases and Worcester County will dismiss 241 cases, according to numbers provided at last week’s press conference.

In addition, according to a Boston Globe report, Essex County will dismiss all juvenile and district court cases, Plymouth County will dismiss approximately 100 cases, Bristol County will dismiss 203 cases and Norfolk County will dismiss 76 convictions. Last week, Segal said that the ACLU was not aware of any point at which the Attorney General’s Office admitted that its employees committed misconduct, and his organization believes that the AGO will agree to dismiss zero cases. However, in a statement emailed to the Boston Globe, a spokeswoman for current Attorney General Maura Healey said, “Staff in the AG’s office have been working hard for months to review databases, identify the Farak defendants, and secure their speedy relief. For the ACLU to suggest otherwise is false and irresponsible.” Plaintiff Reaves said, in her written statement, “In my experience, persecution and punishment fix nothing. The war on drugs fixes nothing.” Williams expressed a similar view. “Putting people in prison for addiction does more harm than good in our society,” he said. “It is a waste of money and law enforcement resources.”

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Thursday, December 7, 2017 • BAY STATE BANNER • 7

Senators call for investment in rebuilding of Puerto Rico

Call for debt relief, funding to rebuild island’s power grid and infrastructure By KAREN MORALES

U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, along with five other senators, introduced an ambitious $146 billion plan for infrastructure repair and widespread hurricane relief for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands last Tuesday. The Equitable Rebuild Act would grant $62 billion to both islands’ governments, $27 billion to renovate infrastructure, and $13 billion to rebuild the electric grid with more sustainable and resilient technologies instead of the Stafford Act’s requirements that the grid simply be restored to its prior condition. The act would also make Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands eligible for the same Medicare and Medicaid benefits as the rest of the United States. “This bill is far reaching, it recognizes just how widespread the devastation has been,” said Warren in a Senate press conference last week. “It send a message. It tells tens of millions of U.S. citizens, ‘we have not forgotten you.’” It’s been 11 weeks since category 4 Hurricane Maria ripped through Puerto Rico, where today 32 percent of the island still is without power, 7 percent is without access to water, 24 percent of cell sites are down, and 909 people remain in shelters, according to the government metric tracking website, status.pr. The bill’s co-sponsors include Sens. Ed Markey, (D-MA) Richard Blumenthal, (D-CT) Kirsten Gillibrand, (D-NY) and Kamala Harris (D-CA). The Virgin Islands’ delegate to Congress, Democratic Rep. Stacey Plaskett, Rep. Nydia Velázquez, (D-NY) and Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL) are introducing the House version. Warren said she will be working on details for a Puerto Rican debt relief plan that “will fit the sentiment of today’s bill,” she said at last week’s press conference. “I look forward to working with Sen. Sanders and our colleagues to introduce the debt relief bill in the weeks ahead.” Before the hurricane, the island’s government was carrying a debt load of $73 billion when it filed for bankruptcy in May. “Puerto Rico needs full debt relief. This is critical,” said Warren. “The vulture funds that snapped up Puerto Rican debt should not get one cent from the island.” Warren said that President Trump’s response to the destruction and devastation of the U.S. territory islands has been “too little, too late.” “[In passing the bill] This is his

opportunity to step up and do his job,” she said. In late October, the president signed a $36.5 billion emergency aid measure, including up to $4.9 billion in loans, to refill disaster accounts and bail out the federal flood insurance program. So far, FEMA has given more than $230 million in assistance to Puerto Ricans and has set aside more than $464 million in reimbursement for local authorities to rebuild public buildings and infrastructure. Puerto Rican allies on the mainland have voiced support for the Equitable Rebuild Act, seen as a long-term solution for the island’s economic future. Otoniel Figueroa-Duran, cofounder of Alliance for Puerto Rico, a Massachusetts-based grassroots organization, said the bill addresses both the immediate and long-term needs of Puerto Rico. “We need to rebuild the economy for the working families who are the most vulnerable and were hit the hardest during the catastrophe,” he said. Figueroa-Duran said members of Alliance for Puerto Rico plan to apply pressure on Congress before the Dec. 8 budget vote deadline. “We’re going to rally in the streets and contact our representatives,” he said. For David Ortiz, program director for El Puente Enlace Latino de Accion Climatica, an organization based out of Brooklyn, New York, the bill’s funding for sustainable energy is the right move for an island that is currently only powered by over 1 percent of renewable energy. “We’re trying to push Puerto Rico towards more renewable energy,” said Ortiz, who is currently located in San Juan. Puerto Rico is lagging behind on its clean energy goals, outlined in a 2010 legislation called “Green Energy Incentives Act of Puerto Rico.” “We were supposed to be at 12 percent clean energy by 2015,” said Ortiz. Through his work with El Puente, he and other volunteers went door-to-door handing out about 6,000 rechargeable solar lanterns for those without power throughout the whole island, including a full church choir in San Juan who had been practicing their songs in the near-darkness. “It was 5 p.m. and they couldn’t really see the music sheets in front of them,” recalled Ortiz. “They all started to applaud and invited me to sing with them when I told them they would each get a new lantern.” El Puente also donated over 4,000 pounds of food, water and

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PHOTO COURTESY DAVID ORTIZ

Roxbury native David Ortiz (2nd from left) has distributed 6,000 solar lanterns to Puerto Rican families lacking power. supplies, according to Ortiz. Due to conditions in the U.S. territory, Ortiz said that many professionals have left the island. “How do we replace those

professionals? Teachers, doctors, and lawyers?” he asked. “It is not only a natural disaster situation but a political disaster too,” said Figueroa-Duran

of Puerto Rico’s long-standing economic state. “What happened before Hurricane Maria laid the ground for the unfortunate situation right now.”

8 • Thursday, December 7, 2017 • BAY STATE BANNER

UMass

continued from page 1 transportation. UMass Boston students Madeline Walker and Juan Blanco presented their personal testimonies on how the school’s actions have weakened academic programs and diminished student services. Walker, a sophomore and student organizer for the UMass Boston chapter of the Public Higher Education Network of Massachusetts, said that despite her near-perfect grades, she lost her financial aid for the current school year and found herself working two jobs in an attempt to pay substantially more for her education. She added, “Class sizes are growing but we’re expected to make the same connections and receive the same attention from our professors.” Blanco, a graduate student and UMass Boston undergrad alumnus, said that although he had a high GPA, glowing recommendations, and awards, “My decision to continue my education came down to whether or not I would be able to afford it.”

Student stories

As a first-generation college student and former undocumented immigrant, Blanco said his background embodies the school’s urban mission. “My story is reflected by a large number of students, so I’m definitely not an anomaly. Our stories make the university,” he said. Anneta Argyres, director of the Labor Extension Program at

UMass Boston’s Labor Resource Center said that the UMass Boston Early Learning Center, where many students were able to receive childcare while they were in school, issued layoff notices this past summer. “All workers are being laid off on Dec.29 and the center will be closed,” she said. In addition, “Advisors are now taking on more students than before in the College of Science and Math,” said Argyres. “Now there are 1,200 students per advisor, when the industry standard is 300 students per advisor.” In a Nov. 17 message to the community, UMass Boston interim Chancellor Barry Mills said, “I believe we were required to take this week’s step in order to gain the financial strength and stability needed to serve our students, faculty and staff — and to move forward in the years ahead with confidence.” According to Argyres, the root of UMass Boston’s financial standing is “brushed under the rug,” by the administration. “The school has a unique situation with the original foundation of the school campus,” she said. “That is, the entire foundation of the campus needs to be rebuilt.” The reconstruction was expected to cost $1 billion. UMass Boston invested $500 million for the project but the State only stepped in for $125 million. “It’s a form of privatization because the state is not bearing the burden of the unique capital investment that needs to happen at UMass Boston,” said Argyres. “It goes beyond modernizing buildings or adding a new dorm.” According to UMass President

Raising Funds for Dana Farber

PHOTO: T.M. GALLERY PHOTOGRAPHY

Tia Myers, CEO of T.M. Gallery Photography created “The Pink” fashion show to raise money for Breast Cancer and the proceeds were donated to Dana – Farber/Jimmy Fund. Myers presented the check to Megan Ingram, the representative of Dana-Farber/Jimmy Fund. (left-right) Donna Jules, Ayanna O’Brien, Ingram, Myers and Steve Lissaint.

Marty Meehan, the school took money from its own reserve fund to offset a negative $3 million balance in the budget during fiscal year 2017. “We look to the campuses to build their own reserves and balance their budgets,” he said at the Board of Trustees meeting. But the fundamental disagreement between the board and activists is that although UMass Boston has dipped into its own campus reserve fund, there is still the untouched $96 million central reserve fund controlled by the President’s Office. The board did not respond to the question of utilizing the UMass central reserve fund

during the staff union and student demonstration at the Board of Trustees meeting last Wednesday, nor was it mentioned in a statement from UMass Boston sent later on that day.

Past mistakes

Instead the statement read, “Projections released today indicate that the steps that have been taken over the past year will result in the campus achieving its goal, with UMB’s operating margin trending positive over the next five years and reaching two percent in FY 2023.” “Why is the president’s office sitting on these central reserves?” said Argyres. “Why are we operating like a private organization that needs to amass wealth?” “My peers and I are being forced to pay for the mistakes and shortcomings of those that

came before us,” said Blanco in a prepared statement at the Board of Trustees meeting. “We cannot blame the current state of our institution merely on mismanagement while ignoring the historical issues that have gotten us here.” “From shoddy and illegal construction practices, all the way to the treatment of our institution, as if we have the same barriers as other schools, given the unique demographics and socioeconomic makeup of our student body,” he said. Walker, in her statement, said, “UMass Boston is unique in the UMass system in terms of race and class dynamics as well as its status as a commuter school. Please recognize that UMB is not a private institution, it doesn’t serve the demographics that private institutions serve and it cannot be run like one.”

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Thursday, December 7, 2017 • BAY STATE BANNER • 9

Housing

continued from page 1 Roxbury, median home prices for a single-family dwelling went from $230,000 in 2011 to $476,250 in 2016. Barry Bluestone, Professor of Political Economy at Northeastern University’s School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, calculated what the cost for a homebuyer would be with an average credit score (680–699) and a 10 percent down payment for a $400,000 home. “[They] would need to spend $2,088 a month in principal, interest, and Boston property taxes, or about $25,000 a year for their home,” he said in an email to the Banner. “If this homebuyer were not to spend more than 30 percent of their gross income to cover this cost, they would need an annual income of $83,528,” he added. As of 2015, only 40 percent of families in Boston have this income or higher, thus the majority of Boston families could not afford a $400,000 home without paying more than 30 percent of their income, he said.

Real estate trends

The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2016 American Community Survey shows the median family income for Boston is $71,103. According to a March 2016 city report titled “Boston’s workforce,” the median annual income for an individual in Boston was $35,273 in 2014. Local real estate agent Terrance Moreau shared similar insights on the current market. He said, “If we examined the statistics on median-income across Boston’s neighborhoods and compared this to the idea that renting or buying is becoming too expensive for majority of Bostonians — I must agree.” Looking at Roxbury in particular he said, “Renting and buying in Roxbury is becoming too expensive for those who have been living in the neighborhood for several generations,” said Moreau. “However, when considering the overall scenario, buying is still more affordable than renting if — and this is a big if — the person has the ability to purchase.” Moreau said that for some new projects, developers try to price units at similar prices seen in neighborhoods like Jamaica Plain, Mission Hill, or the South End. But, “Roxbury is still not fetching as high a dollar per square-foot as we are seeing in

other neighborhoods within a one-mile radius,” he said. When thinking about possible solutions to creating reasonably affordable housing in an inflated market, it may be worthwhile to rethink the longstanding HUD definition of housing cost burden. In an article published for Bloomberg, David Bieri of the University of Michigan states that the 30-percent rule is “essentially an arbitrary number.” One of the arguments against the rule is that different households earning the same annual income spend considerably different amounts of money on basic necessities, not to mention the ratio is relative to the income range. Frank Nothaft, chief economist at Freddie Mac, told Bloomberg “If your income is $500,000 a year, you can pay 40 percent and still have money left. But if your income is $20,000 a year, it will be hard to make ends meet if you’re paying 30 percent of your income on rent.” The 30 percent standard also does not take into account when a family chooses to live in a smaller or poor-quality home, a dangerous neighborhood, or a long commute from work to reduce their housing costs. Percy Stallworth, home purchase advisor for Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance works to educate clients on how to buy their first home. He said one way to navigate the high prices of homes in Boston is to simply look outside of Boston. “People might have to expand their desire of location and look at housing in places like Randolph, Brockton, Lawrence, or Framingham,” said Stallworth.

We Are Boston

PHOTO: MAYOR’S OFFICE PHOTO BY DON HARNEY

Boston Red Sox Pitching legend Pedro Martinez received that Boston Pride Award during the We Are Boston Awards Gala at the Seaport Westin in South Boston.

accommodate both young individuals and seniors who need smaller housing units. “In doing so, we open up more of the older housing stock of larger duplexes and triple deckers for working families,” Bluestone said. Each building or “village” would have a range of units from “micro” apartments and studios to a few multi-bedroom units. “Individual units would vary not only in size but in fit and finish so that rents could range from something in the $900–$1,100 range to something above $3,000 per month, to fit the pocketbooks of a

range of tenants,” reads the housing report card. Stallworth said the abolishment of rent control back in 1994 paved a “slippery slope to where we are now.” As far as price trends, the October 2017 residential market report from the Greater Boston Association of Realtors found that the median sales price for single-family homes reached a new record high price in October at $568,000, an 8.2 percent increase over the median sales price of $525,000 from October 2016. Similarly, the condo market also reached a new

record high median sales price for the month, as that figure rose 6.6 percent to $511,525 up from the October 2016 median sales price of $480,000. How long will these record high prices last? “There is talk that although we may not see a traditional peak and decline in the market, we may see more of a stabilization of prices with a long plateau,” said Moreau. “Nonetheless, Roxbury still has quite a bit of value-appreciation to experience before sale and rental values start to mimic that of its surrounding neighborhoods.”

Finding solutions

Bluestone helped author “The Greater Boston Housing Report Card 2017” with the Boston Foundation, Northeastern University, and The Warren Group, a public data collection and media company. “It is nearly impossible to build new housing in Boston today that working families can afford,” Bluestone told the Banner. “Some housing can be produced for low-income families using an array of tax subsidies but working families have incomes that are too high to qualify for subsidized housing.” The new report suggests a completely innovative approach to affordable housing with a “21st Century Village” plan, which calls for building housing that could

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BIZ BITS TIP OF THE WEEK Tips to find the best smartphone for you There are so many choices when shopping for a smartphone these days, and the differences can be very subtle. Here are some of the key things you’ll want to look at to make sure you find the one that works best for your needs. Screen size: Get the right-size screen for the things you’ll want to do. Buy a phone with a screen smaller than 5.5 inches if one-hand use is important to you or if you have smaller hands. Get a bigger-screen phone if you like to watch a lot of videos or play games, or simply want to have an easier time navigating on your touchscreen. Display: For a phone’s display, color quality and brightness matter more than resolution. Pay attention to how bright the display is, if it will be easy to see outdoors, and how colorful the panel is. The very latest phones even offer high dynamic range (HDR) for displaying even more colors. Battery: Many factors, including the screen size, processor and operating system, determine how long a smartphone lasts on a charge. A decent benchmark is to look for a smartphone with a battery capacity of at least 3,000 mAh. Any phone that lasts longer than 9 hours of straight 4G LTE use is considered very good. Storage: Given that some apps and games can easily take up more than 1GB of storage, not to mention how many high-res photos and videos smartphone owners are capturing, go for as much internal storage as possible. Some models offer just 8Gb or 16Gb; however, the minimum on premium handsets these days is usually 32GB. Adding a micro SD card can also help expand your storage. This option’s available on many Android phones. Design: Determining good smartphone design is purely subjective. Many people prefer a metal or glass design; others, plastic. If you’re concerned about durability, look for a phone that is water-resistant. A handful of phones also now feature a shatterproof glass display. — Brandpoint

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TECH TALK Cyber Monday sales near $7 billion According to Adobe Insights, Cyber Monday sales for the 2017 holiday season topped $6.5 billion, which was a 16.8 percent increase from last year’s sales. Black Friday was also record breaking for online shopping as shoppers spent $5.03 billion — a 17 percent increase from 2016. Small Business Saturday and Sunday also had a combined $5.12 billion presence among American spenders. — More Content Now

PHOTOS: SANDRA LARSON

(above) Farmer’s House Coffee owner Kassegn Sirmollo uses beans from Ethiopia in the coffee he serves in his Boston cafe. (below) Sirmollo says he has painted his coffee shop three or four times in order to create a welcoming ambience.

Brew with a purpose

Entrepreneur harnesses coffee to help Ethiopian farmers IF YOU GO

By SANDRA LARSON

“The only thing I know is coffee,” says Kassegn Sirmollo, owner of Farmer’s Horse Coffee, where the brew is made with beans grown in his native Ethiopia. Sirmollo grew up on a southern Ethiopian farm. As a child, at harvest time he loved to sample the coffee trees’ sugar-sweet red “cherry beans” before the green coffee beans were extracted, dried and sorted in preparation for roasting. His family roasted beans at home, he says. Serving coffee to visitors was an important ritual, with his mother presiding and the children helping. “If you were a guest in my house, the first thing my mom would do is prepare the ceremony of coffee,” he explains, speaking over the bustle of conversation and music in the cafe on a recent afternoon. “Every kid who grows up in Ethiopia does one of these things to help — you roast, or you grind, or wash the beans, or serve coffee to the guests.” With Farmer’s Horse, he aims to share Ethiopian coffee and to offer a welcoming vibe for his customers, many of whom are students and faculty at nearby New England Conservatory and Northeastern

What: Farmer’s Horse Coffee Where: 374 Massachusetts Ave., Boston Hours: Open daily 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Phone: (617 ) 982-7183 On the Web: http://farmerhorse.com

“

There are things we take for granted here, but people in Ethiopia don’t have shoes.” — Kassegn Sirmollo

University or T riders who get on and off at the Mass Ave Station of the Orange Line. The coffee Farmer’s Horse serves includes Ethiopian regional origins such as Sidamo, Harrar, Limu and Yirgacheffe. The streaming music in the vividly-hued cafe reflects Sirmollo’s preference for oldies — heavy on Motown, blues and R&B — but interspersed with Ethiopian music and, recently, Christmas selections. Each morning, he or one of his two part-time employees serve up a steady stream of coffee and espresso drinks along with baked goods and bagel-and-egg sandwiches. As the day goes on, lunch specialties include a sweet potato and tomato sandwich with goat cheese, red onion, avocado and spinach. On weekends and evenings, the cafe, which seats 20 to 25 people, is often filled to capacity with students studying and tables of friends chatting or working on group projects.

See FARMER’S HORSE, page 11

Thursday, December 7, 2017 • BAY STATE BANNER • 11

BUSINESSNEWS CHECK OUT MORE BUSINESS NEWS ONLINE: BAYSTATEBANNER.COM/NEWS/NEWS/BUSINESS

JOBS

Improve your instructional skills By KAILA KEA, ZIPRECRUITER.COM

A job candidate who can follow instructions well is valued in the workplace. However, a job candidate who can give instructions well possesses a standout skill that employers quickly notice on a resume or during an interview. Instructing is a highly regarded skill in the workforce because it speaks to a candidate’s ability to clearly convey information, possess expert-level literacy on a specific topic, and help others learn. When it comes to improving your instructing skills, practice truly makes perfect.

Improve your public speaking

When giving instructions, you have the opportunity to use your voice to help people better understand a topic and get their questions answered. Whether instructing a large audience, a small

Farmer’s Horse continued from page 10

Education — and a mission

In truth, Sirmollo, who turns 33 this month, knows a lot more than coffee. After arriving in the U.S. as a teenager with his family, he earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s in applied mathematics, taught math for a time, and learned-by-doing while launching and growing his business. A self-described handyperson, he built out much of the cafe space himself, he says. Between college and graduate school, Sirmollo needed a break and wanted to follow a yearning to somehow help Ethiopia, where rapid population growth has worsened problems from hunger to clean water shortages to lack of basics such as shoes. In 2011, he flew to California and proceeded to bicycle across the U.S. back to Boston. During the 63-day journey, he spoke to people everywhere to raise awareness of poverty in Ethiopia. “There are things we take for granted here, but people in Ethiopia don’t have shoes,” he says. Later, as he applied his education in teaching jobs, he continued to think about a larger mission. “I taught in community college for a while and that was fun, but I wondered, ‘How do I help people back home?’ I wanted to have an impact on more than just a few people,” he says. “So that’s where the idea came to start a business or a venture that would create awareness and raise money, and build something.” A portion of sales from every cup of coffee Farmer’s Horse sells goes toward aid to Ethiopian farmers in the form of building clean water wells. It takes $4,500 to $5,500 to dig a well that will serve 300 people, and his goal is to be able to provide two or three new wells a year.

Building a business

When he first thought about

plainly. Speak with a clear, even pace. Work on demonstrating work-appropriate body language throughout your interactions — this includes consistently making eye contact, facing the person (or people) you are interacting with and maintaining good posture.

Improve your knowledge

group or one-on-one, proficiency in public speaking can greatly aid in giving instruction. Improve your public speaking by incorporating practice into your daily routine. Start by practicing in front of the mirror, during car rides to work, or in front of a phone or video camera. Then, increase your audience by practicing in front of family or friends. You can also seek opportunities at work that require presenting, training or pitching, as all of these functions require a coffee business, Sirmollo envisioned a mobile coffee truck, but he joined up with some partners, one of whom had secured the space at 374 Massachusetts Ave. They opened Farmer’s Horse in 2014, managing the startup costs with savings and a do-it-yourself approach. Today, he operates the business with his cousin, Abinet Kassa. The doors opened at Farmer’s Horse (originally named “Farmer Horse”) without much publicity or fanfare. The primary marketing tactic was a chalkboard sign on the sidewalk out front, along with the coffee, food and welcome they could offer inside. “It was a grassroots approach,” Sirmollo says. “I wanted to let people discover it, experience it and tell their friends.” Over time, growth has come slowly but steadily, he says, and now they can count on the 120 to 150 customers they need each day to stay afloat. The menu has seen some adjustments — for instance, the chai and ginger tea are house-made now instead of from concentrate and they began offering fruit and vegetable smoothies in August. The decor has been transformed several times, from an early “modern and sleek” look to the final rustic feel with customer-written graffiti decorating nearly every inch of the rich red, green and yellow painted walls. “ W h e n s o m e t h i n g ’s n o t working, I take it apart and try

speaking in front of sizeable groups. Harvard’s Division of Continuing Education and Professional Development offers tried and true public speaking tips at bit.ly/2opZlt0.

Improve your interpersonal communication

In 2016, the National Soft Skills Association reported that interpersonal skills not only help people to “communicate and collaborate effectively,” but also play an integral role in helping companies be productive

and competitive. They also reflect the level of proficiency with which you communicate, relate and collaborate at work. Warehouse workers, for example, must possess keen interpersonal skills to instruct their team members on how to safely operate equipment, process client orders and prepare shipments. You can improve your interpersonal communication by refining your verbal and body languages. Use positive, professional language that conveys your message

Before you can give instructions on a topic, you must be knowledgeable about it. Increase your knowledge about topics specific to your industry or position through professional or vocational certificate programs, workshops and classes, or self-study. You can subscribe to and read journals that are geared specifically toward professionals in your field. You can also consider selfpaced courses. Network within your industry to seek knowledge from well-informed colleagues via informational interviews. You can also consider joining a professional or social organization that is centered on the topic you want to learn more about.

something else,” Sirmollo says. “I’ve painted this place three or four times. Now I like it, and other people like it. The goal for me was to create that ambience where people feel welcome, they can relax, they can do their work.”

Next steps

Sirmollo’s goals include being able to import, roast and sell beans himself rather than buying from a supplier and bringing the beans to a roaster in Medford, as he does now. He’s working on a new e-commerce website that will enable Farmer’s Horse to sell its coffee beans online. The packaging and labels are designed and ready, and a Kickstarter campaign will launch soon to raise funds toward buying the roaster. From the coffee bean sales, Sirmollo plans to donate 50 cents per pound toward clean water projects. Reflecting on his path so far, he has no regrets. “The best thing is to be able to do something you’re passionate about,” he says. “I get up at 5:30 every morning — that never happened when I was working for other companies! And I’m here until 10 p.m. And it’s fun.” He adds, “I’ve made mistakes, but each time I learned from it. Regret comes only when you don’t go back and correct something. I’ve learned a lot of things in a short time. Now, everything I’ll do going forward will be less risky.”

PHOTO: SANDRA LARSON

Pastries and bagel-and-egg sandwiches are offered along with Ethiopian coffee.

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The Children of Black Persuasion perform the song “Mary, Mary, What You Gonna’ Name Your Baby” around Kaleisha Chance as Mary and Derrick Louizia as Joseph. PHOTO: MUNGO CREATIVE GROUP

message of peace

or the 47th year, the National Center of Afro-American Artists presents “Black Nativity,” a powerful retelling of the nativity story with a blend of the Gospel of Saint Luke and Langston Hughes’ poetry. Running at the Paramount Theatre through Dec. 17, the performance is a crucial celebration of community and hope during the holidays. The cast comprises primarily local community members, not professional performers. Two performers have been with the show all 47 runs, and one family has three generations performing together. Others have moved as far away as California, but come back each year to participate in the show. Executive Producer

‘BLACK NATIVITY’ LAUNCHES 47 TH SEASON By CELINA COLBY Voncille Ross says “Black Nativity” has been a bonding force for the cast. “We’ve been committed for so long, we’ve become a family,” she says. Elma Lewis, founder of the National Center of Afro-American Artists, introduced the tradition to Boston. This year, Lewis’ great-great-niece is one of 30 children performing with the 72-member cast. “Black Nativity” has bounced around the city from Roxbury, Northeastern University and the Opera House,

to its current home at Emerson’s Paramount Theatre. Ross hopes the show has found a permanent home at Emerson. The performance is unlike Boston’s other holiday traditions. Though it follows the narrative of the birth of Jesus, the plot is almost secondary to the music and spirit of the production. Cast members walk through the audience holding candles and singing rapturous gospel tunes, they dance with wild abandon and shout call-and-response praises

ON THE WEB

For more information about “Black Nativity” and to purchase tickets, visit: http://blacknativity.org to each other and the audience. “Black Nativity” is imbued with a quality of rampant joy, at the season, at the community and at life, a joy that Bostonians need now more than ever. Boston’s “Black Nativity” is the nation’s longest running production of the show. After almost a half-century with the same script, songs, and in some cases, costumes, Ross is turning her attention to keeping the show contemporary. “One of the challenges now is finding ways to liven the production so it doesn’t feel routine,” she says. This year, changes include bringing color to the traditionally white costumes and updating some of the choreography. These seemingly small changes make a big impact. The color costumes, especially, bring a visceral strength to the talented soloists. Ross hopes the production brings good feelings to the community, regardless of race or religion. “There’s so much turmoil and bickering now,” she says. “We bring an hour and 20 minutes of hope to people. This is a message of peace.”

Thursday, December 7, 2017 • BAY STATE BANNER • 13

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT CHECK OUT MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS ONLINE: BAYSTATEBANNER.COM/NEWS/ENTERTAINMENT

‘BLACK SPACES MATTER’ Architecture exhibit highlights New Bedford black neighborhood By CELINA COLBY

The McCormick Gallery at the Boston Architectural College celebrated the opening of the show “Black Spaces Matter” on Friday, Dec. 1. Running through Jan. 29, 2018, the multimedia installation examines the abolitionist neighborhood near the New Bedford Whaling Historical Park, which was home to a diverse mix of African American and white abolitionists in the 18th century. This lens fosters a broader discussion of racial politics in architecture and urban planning. The exhibit includes artifacts from the New Bedford Historical Society, interviews with local residents and a virtual reality station

ON THE WEB For more information about “Black Spaces Matter” at Boston Architectural College, visit: https://the-bac.edu/experience-the-bac/

news-and-events/events/black-spaces-matter to view the neighborhood in 3-D, among many other features. The opening reception included a panel discussion with the exhibition contributors, moderated by curator Pamela Karimi, and lectures by Lee Blake, president of the New Bedford Historical Society and Jana Cephas, assistant professor of architecture at the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. “New Bedford was a sanctuary city before we knew what that was,” said Blake. “The focus is always on white abolitionists,

PHOTOS: CELINA COLBY

(above) Black Spaces Matter is on display at the Boston Architectural College through Jan. 29. (below) Jana Cephas speaks during a panel discussion. but New Bedford was full of black abolitionists, West Indian abolitionists and Native American abolitionists.” The New Bedford Historical Society works actively to highlight the city’s black residents and history. Blake notes that as early as 1840, black politicians were running in local elections. The lectures and panel raised

See BLACK SPACES, page 14

14 • Thursday, December 7, 2017 • BAY STATE BANNER

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Q&A

Superhero Cyborg: Body by Fisher Ray Fisher stars in ‘Justice League’ ON THE WEB To see a trailer for “Justice League,” visit:

By KAM WILLIAMS

Ray Fisher was born in Baltimore on Sept. 8, 1987, but raised in Lawnside, New Jersey, where he developed an interest in acting while still in high school. After graduating, he attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy before launching his career. Fisher received critical acclaim for his work on the stage for performing Shakespeare and for playing Tom Robinson in “To Kill a Mockingbird” and Muhammad Ali in an off-Broadway production of “Fetch Clay, Make Man.” On TV, he’s played Captain Edward Dwight on the adaptation of the best-selling novel, “The Astronaut Wives Club,” into a dramatic series. In 2016, he made his screen debut as Victor Stone, aka Cyborg in “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.” Here, he talks about reprising the role in “Justice League” as well as in a planned 2020 spinoff for the DC Comics superhero tentatively entitled “Cyborg.”

Congrats on landing the role of Cyborg for your feature film debut on the strength of your stage and TV work. Ray Fisher: Thank you. Yeah,

I’ve been doing theater since I was 15, and I’ve been pursuing it professionally for about a dozen years now. There were a lot of days of grinding, a lot of days of trying to make something happen in New York City. I appreciate the opportunity to portray Cyborg in this way, and to have it be such an auspicious start, but it’s not something I could have predicted, at all. If it weren’t for [director] Zack Snyder and our crew on the creative side, I would not be here with you today.

How did you prepare to play Cyborg and his alter ego, Victor Stone? RF: When they told me about the role, they sent me just about every comic book that Cyborg was ever in, starting with his original iteration from back in the ’80s by Marv Wolfman and George Perez in the “New Teen Titans.” I would literally read myself to sleep going through all those old comics. Luckily, there was a lot of material to study about the character, so I didn’t feel like I needed to create him out of thin air. There were already established parameters for me to work within. On the physical side, before we started shooting the film, they put me

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in the gym with Jason Momoa [Aquaman], Ezra Miller [Flash], the whole crew and an army of Amazon women who would be in our film. We worked out about two hours a day, five days a week, on top of the five meals a day they would provide. It was a pretty intense experience.

What’s it like being a part of such an accomplished cast and a film series with such iconic characters? RF: It was fantastic! Everybody was really down to earth. And that’s a testament to Zack Snyder in terms of how he runs his set. I felt super welcome right from the outset. This is a team film, and everybody was there to play their part. There was very little ego involved. Luckily, I had two and a half years before we started shooting to get myself prepared. So, I managed to meet everyone way before the cameras even started rolling for “Justice League.” It was nice to get those introductions prior to stepping onto the set. That enabled us to develop some chemistry ahead of time instead of having to generate it on the spot the first time the director said, “action!”

What I find most impressive is the confidence the studio is showing in you by already planning for your character, Cyborg, to have his own standalone film in a few years. RF: Yeah, it’s great to be thought of in that way. Things are in development right now. Knock on wood, things go according to

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many questions from the audience about gentrification. Both Blake and Cephas maintained that preservation and celebration of black spaces were steps towards preventing erasure. Many of the artists and architects involved in the exhibition said they had trouble finding records of the buildings and the history of their former occupants. The

PHOTO: GAGE SKIDMORE

Ray Fisher plan and that comes to fruition.

Were you already a fan of Zack Snyder, who has made hit after hit, from his spectacular debut in 2004 with “Dawn of the Dead” clear through “Wonder Woman,” earlier this year? RF: Definitely! In fact, “Dawn of the Dead” was the first DVD I ever bought. I remember that very distinctly, as well as watching it a lot. And he and his wife/producing partner, Debbie, produced “Wonder Woman.” You’re talking about a man who is so passionate about these characters and his craft that being directed by him never felt like work. I felt like a big kid playing pretend with my friends. It was kinda surreal.

every single superhero movie that came out and every superhero series on TV during the ’90s, which I consider the golden age of superhero animation. And Batman and Blade resonated with me the most.

Is there a message you want people to take away from “Justice League?”

RF: Growing up, I didn’t collect comic books, but I did watch

RF: I think so, particularly from Cyborg, because each of these characters is going through their own healing process and becoming part of a team for the greater good in order to stop this threat. The message I’d love for people to take away from Cyborg is that no matter how difficult your circumstances may be, whether physically or mentally, there’s always a process by which you can heal. It might not happen all at once, but as long as you take those little steps forward, things can change for the better.

hope is that the work of Cephas and Blake will prevent these kinds of gaps for future researchers. Cephas is part of a growing group of researchers and writers on race and architecture. Inspired by W.E.B. Du Bois’ census of black populations, she’s compiling a digital resource of black buildings and architects in cities all over the United States, including Boston. “The attempt here is to create a database of stories, both social and spatial, that’s accessible to all,” she said.

The exhibit at BAC functions in the same way. Though there are models and details pertaining specifically to the architecturally significant elements of the buildings, visitors also hear stories from the residents and can see the change in the neighborhood over the years. “Black Spaces Matter” brings to light the safe haven New Bedford was for freedom seekers, while also underscoring the importance of preserving contemporary black spaces.

Are you a comic book fan? Who’s your favorite superhero?

Thursday, December 7, 2017 • BAY STATE BANNER • 15

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Setting the perfect holiday table A beautifully set table can elevate your holiday dinner from just great to simply perfect. Tablecloths, placemats, table runners and chargers not only help protect your table from spills and scrapes, but they also create a lovely backdrop for dishes, glasses, stemware and — of course — the food.

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Georgia’s on my mind

HOLIDAY RECIPE Try this candy cane dip Give your traditional holiday cookies a festive makeover with this quick, delicious dip. Ingredients n 1 (3-oz) package cream cheese, softened n 2 (6-oz) containers French vanilla yogurt n ¼ cup crushed red and white peppermint candies n 28 chocolate fudge creme-filled tubular-shaped wafer cookies or chocolate sugar wafer cookies In medium bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Beat in yogurt until blended. Stir in candies. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until serving time. Serve with wafer cookies. For a fun and festive presentation, Betty Crocker recommends moistening the rim of a large martini glass with a small amount of the dip. Place rim in a shallow dish of crushed peppermint candies before filling the glass with the dip.

GROCERY AISLE What are ancient grains? Unlike wheat, barley or rice, which have been cultivated and modified to produce larger yields for thousands of years, ancient grains have not been changed by agricultural practices, according to howstuffworks.com. Some of the most popular of these ancient grains include quinoa, sorghum, amaranth, teff, freekeh and chia seeds. These are all generally loaded with protein, fiber, essential vitamins and are gluten free. — Brandpoint

FOOD TECH Study: People eat healthier when options are cheaper A recent study found that Americans are more likely to eat a healthy diet if the price of healthier options is closer to non-healthy ones. Drexel University researchers found that healthier perishable foods are, on average, twice as expensive as unhealthy foods. — More Content Now

PHOTOS: CHARLENE PETERS

Whip up Ritz-Carlton restaurant specialty BY CHARLENE PETERS, MORE CONTENT NOW

An orchestra of cicadas provides a symphony of sound along the path that leads from my suite at the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds to the beach at man-made Lake Oconee in Georgia. I arrived to clean air and a forest whose warmth defies autumn, as does the resort’s nightly ritual of campfires and s’mores. Like New Yorkers who flee to the Hamptons on summer weekends, Atlantans take the hour-plus drive east to recuperate and rejuvenate here from city life, with family in tow. Unlike its glitzy sister properties, this Ritz is focused on family fun and memory-making in luxurious comfort. The goal of my weekend in Lake Oconee was to slow my frenetic pace, breathe deeply and,

of course, sink my teeth into the local food culture. Of the resort’s three restaurants, I chose my first Georgia dinner at the Linger Longer Steakhouse, whose name admirably described my mindset. After a meal of scallops with Georgia peaches and hickory-smoked filet mignon, the resort’s family-oriented nature surfaced when a colorful cone of cotton candy was placed in the center of the table. To proclaim my own adultness, I washed the pink sugary fluff down with a vodka-and-sweet-tea cocktail. The South’s well-known culinary pride was showcased the following day during lunch at the resort’s casual Gaby’s by the Lake, with memorably delicious nachos topped with housesmoked pulled pork. I contemplated eating that same dish again as I sunned by the pool on my last day at the resort, but

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I was too filled up with Georgia peach anything/everything. Peaches aside, my tastiest discovery occurred one evening at the on-resort Georgia’s, where I was introduced to the most scrumptious plate of fried green tomatoes topped with lobster. As at all of its properties, the option to purchase “inside access” via a Ritz-Carlton Club membership is a benefit for those who’d like to dine, snack or grab a glass of bubbly in between regular restaurant meals. As an honorary member for the weekend, I enjoyed breakfast in the club every morning, and lunch one day was a delightful smoked trout sandwich accompanied by barbecue potato chips that were house-made. A harvest dinner served on a table set within the forest at the resort was my farewell meal, and it was magical.

Georgia’s Fried Green Tomatoes For the marinade: n 3 to 4 medium green tomatoes n 1 quart buttermilk n ¼ cup Georgia’s Southern Spice (or your own) Whisk spices into buttermilk and let the sliced tomatoes sit in the mix for at least 2 hours. For the breading: n 1 cup all-purpose flour n 1 cup panko breadcrumbs n 1 cup cornmeal n ¼ cup Georgia’s Southern Spice (or your own) Blend the panko a bit for a finer texture, but not too much or you will lose some crunch. Pull tomatoes out of the buttermilk and cover in breading, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks well. Let the tomatoes sit for 5 minutes in the breading. Bread them again and fry at 375 degrees until golden brown and starting to float, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove from fryer and drain on a metal rack. Finish with some nice sea salt and top with pieces of lobster and (optional) dollops of Lemon Herb Mayo. — Courtesy Chef Shaun Thomas of Georgia’s

COMING TO HALEY HOUSE BAKERY CAFÉ: Thu Dec 7 - Opening Reception: STILL, LIFE: HAITI (Original Art Quilts), 5:30 - 7pm Thu Dec 7 - Fulani Haynes’ Jazz Collaborative presents Jazz By Any Means Necessary, 7pm Fri Dec 8 - The House Slam ft. Janae Johnson, 6:30pm Fri Dec 15 - Dinner and a Movie ft. “On the Line: Where Sacrifice Begins” (A documentary about METCO), 6:30pm — Ticket link: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3185750

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Haley House Bakery Cafe - 12 Dade Street - Roxbury 617-445-0900 - www.haleyhouse.org/bakery-cafe

16 • Thursday, December 7, 2017 • BAY STATE BANNER

City Audit continued from page 1

yesterday, Walsh appeared to back off that criticism. “I’m not blaming any of our predecessors here,” Walsh was quoted in the Boston Herald. “Somebody should have caught this a long time ago. We should have caught it three years ago.” At the same press conference, Chang took responsibility for not informing the School Committee

of the audit findings sooner.

Misappropriated funds

T he $32,000 por tion of the fine BPS paid to the IRS stemmed from principals’ misuse of student ac tivity funds — monies raised for extracurricular activities such as arts, music or sports through bake sales, from foundations or parent contributions. Principals in approximately three-quarters of the 26 schools audited approved payments from student activity funds for work

or contracts that had nothing to do with student activities. In some cases, principals used the funds for proctoring exams — paying teachers or administrators to monitor students during examinations. Boston Municipal Research Bureau President Samuel Tyler said the principals’ errors may have been attributable to lack of adequate training. “There’s a lack of understanding of how those funds should be used,” he said. “It’s a simple matter of making sure there

are written directions as to how those funds are used and accounted for.” A portion of the fine incurred by BPS was attributed “bad accounting practices.” The department came under fire last year for not keeping track of payments to outside vendors. The $32,000 fine represents a thousandth of a percentage point of the BPS $1.08 billion budget. But the principals’ misuse of the funds underscores the effects of budget cuts to schools that have often left

administrators scrambling to pay for needed services. The bulk of the $944,000 fine the city paid the IRS came from other city departments, including a $700,000 whack for the city’s failure to properly deduct Medicare and other payroll taxes from city employees’ pay checks. Tyler said the city’s Human Resources Department had the capability to be sure the proper amounts were withheld, but that employees were not properly trained in the use of the payroll software.

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ZONING HEARING The Zoning Commission of the City of Boston hereby gives notice, in accordance with Chapter 665 of the Acts of 1956, as amended, that a public hearing will be held on December 20, 2017, at 9:30 AM, in Room 900, Boston City Hall, in connection with Text Amendment Application No. 475 and Map Amendment Application No. 704, filed by the Boston Redevelopment Authority d/b/a Boston Planning & Development Agency. Said applications would amend Article 50 and Map 6A/6B/6C, Roxbury Neighborhood District, to establish a new area where Planned Development Areas (PDAs”) are allowed, to be named Rio Grande, located within the Roxbury Neighborhood District as well as establishing a maximum allowed Floor Area Ratio of 9 and an allowed maximum Building height of 300 feet for a proposed PDA on this site. A copy of the petitions and a map of the area involved may be viewed at the office of the Zoning Commission, Room 952, Boston City Hall, between 9 AM and 5 PM any day except Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. For the Commission, Jeffrey M. Hampton Executive Secretary

Thursday, December 7, 2017 • BAY STATE BANNER • 17

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PUBLIC NOTICE BOSTON REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY D/B/A BOSTON PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT AGENCY PROPOSED MODIFICATION TO SOUTH END URBAN RENEWAL PLAN, PROJECT NO. MASS. R-56 FOR PARCEL 22a

Action Employer. Please contact David Bousquin, Facilities Manager, for a copy of the RFP and with any questions, at office@ufpc.org or call 617773-1290. United First Parish Church reserves the right to reject any and all proposals.

account(s). If you fail to file the written appearance and objection by the return date, action may be taken in this matter without further notice to you, including the allowance of the account(s).

Public Notice is hereby given that the Boston Redevelopment Authority d/b/a the Boston Planning & Development Agency (“BRA”) will consider at its scheduled meeting on Thursday, December 14, 2017, starting at 3:30 P.M. in the Board Room – Room 900, 9th Floor, Boston City Hall, One City Hall Square a proposed modification to the South End Urban Renewal Plan regarding Parcel 22a. Said modification will add the proposed land use(s) of Parcel 22A “Community Center: Accessory Parking for Permitted Uses”, sets the Maximum Height at 60 feet and the FAR at 4.0. This Public Notice is being provided in accordance with a certain “Conciliation Agreement” by and among the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the BRA and others, dated as of January 16, 2001.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department

Brian P. Golden, Director MASSACHUSETTS PORT AUTHORITY NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

SUFFOLK Division

Docket No. SU17A0114AD

In the matter of Victoria Delores Cook-Sisson CITATION G.L. c. 210, § 6 To Keyetta Cook Of Parts Unknown and Carl Sisson Of Parts Unknown any unnamed or unknown parent and persons interested in a petition for the adoption of said child and to the Department of Children and Families of said Commonwealth. A petition has been presented to said court by Barlinda Annette Cook of Boston, MA requesting for leave to adopt said child and that the name of the child be changed to Victoria Delores Goodwin-Cook.

Sealed General Bids for MPA Contract No. AP1812-C1, FY19 AUTHORITY WIDE TERM INTERIOR BUILDING REPAIRS, BOSTON, BEDFORD, AND WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS, will be received by the Massachusetts Port Authority at the Capital Programs Department Office, Suite 209S, Logan Office Center, One Harborside Drive, East Boston, Massachusetts 021282909, until 11:00 A.M. local time on WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2017, immediately after which, in a designated room, the bids will be opened and read publicly.

If you object to this adoption you are entitled to the appointment of an attorney if you are an indigent person.

NOTE: PRE BID CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT THE CAPITAL PROGRAMS DEPARTMENT (ABOVE ADDRESS) AT 10:00 A.M. LOCAL TIME ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017.

IF YOU DESIRE TO OBJECT THERETO, YOU OR YOUR ATTORNEY MUST FILE A WRITTEN APPEARANCE IN SAID COURT AT BOSTON ON OR BEFORE TEN O’CLOCK IN THE MORNING (10:00 AM) ON 01/18/2018.

The work includes PROVISION OF ALL EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS, LABOR, AND SUPERVISION NECESSARY FOR GENERAL CARPENTRY TO PROVIDE SUCH SERVICES AS REMOVE AND/OR INSTALL INTERIOR PARTITIONS, HUNG CEILINGS, AND CABINETS AT LOGAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, WORCESTER REGIONAL AIRPORT, AND HANSCOM CIVIL AIRFIELD ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS OVER A ONE (1) YEAR PERIOD.

WITNESS, Hon. Brian J. Dunn, First Justice of this Court. Date: November 14, 2017

An indigent person is defined by SJC Rule 3:10. The definition includes but is not limited to persons receiving TAFDC, EACDC, poverty related veteran’s benefits, Medicaid, and SSI. The Court will determine if you are indigent. Contact an Assistant Judicial Case Manager or Adoption Clerk of the Court on or before the date listed below to obtain the necessary forms.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department

Bid documents will be made available beginning WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2017. Bid Documents in electronic format may be obtained free of charge at the Authority’s Capital Programs Department Office, together with any addenda or amendments, which the Authority may issue and a printed copy of the Proposal form. The estimated contract cost is ONE HUNDRED FORTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($145,000.00). Bidding procedures and award of the contract and sub contracts shall be in accordance with the provisions of Sections 44A through 44J inclusive, Chapter 149 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A proposal guaranty shall be submitted with each General Bid consisting of a bid deposit for five (5) percent of the value of the bid; when sub bids are required, each must be accompanied by a deposit equal to five (5) percent of the sub bid amount, in the form of a bid bond, or cash, or a certified check, or a treasurer’s or a cashier’s check issued by a responsible bank or trust company, payable to the Massachusetts Port Authority in the name of which the Contract for the work is to be executed. The bid deposit shall be (a) in a form satisfactory to the Authority, (b) with a surety company qualified to do business in the Commonwealth and satisfactory to the Authority, and (c) conditioned upon the faithful performance by the principal of the agreements contained in the bid. The successful Bidder will be required to furnish a performance bond and a labor and materials payment bond, each in an amount equal to 100% of the Contract price. The surety shall be a surety company or securities satisfactory to the Authority. Attention is called to the minimum rate of wages to be paid on the work as determined under the provisions of Chapter 149, Massachusetts General Laws, Section 26 to 27G, inclusive, as amended. The Contractor will be required to pay minimum wages in accordance with the schedules listed in Division II, Special Provisions of the Specifications, which wage rates have been predetermined by the U. S. Secretary of Labor and / or the Commissioner of Labor and Industries of Massachusetts, whichever is greater. The successful Bidder will be required to purchase and maintain Bodily Injury Liability Insurance and Property Damage Liability Insurance for a combined single limit of $1,000,000.00. Said policy shall be on an occurrence basis and the Authority shall be included as an Additional Insured. See the insurance sections of Division I, General Requirements and Division II, Special Provisions for complete details. No filed sub bids will be required for this contract. This Contract is also subject to Affirmative Action requirements of the Massachusetts Port Authority contained in the Non Discrimination and Affirmative Action article of Division I, General Requirements and Covenants, and to the Secretary of Labor’s Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Opportunity and the Standard Federal Equal Opportunity Construction Contract Specifications (Executive Order 11246). The General Contractor is required to submit a Certification of Non Segregated Facilities prior to award of the Contract, and to notify prospective subcontractors of the requirement for such certification where the subcontract exceeds $10,000. Complete information and authorization to view the site may be obtained from the Capital Programs Department Office at the Massachusetts Port Authority. The right is reserved to waive any informality in or reject any or all proposals. MASSACHUSETTS PORT AUTHORITY THOMAS P. GLYNN CEO & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Felix D. Arroyo Register of Probate

SUFFOLK Division

Docket No. SU17A0115AD In the matter of Terrance Isiah Cook CITATION G.L. c. 210, § 6

To Keyetta Cook Of Parts Unknown and The Unknown Father Of Parts Unknown any unnamed or unknown parent and persons interested in a petition for the adoption of said child and to the Department of Children and Families of said Commonwealth. A petition has been presented to said court by Barlinda Annette Cook of Boston, MA requesting for leave to adopt said child and that the name of the child be changed to Terrance Isiah Goodwin-Cook. If you object to this adoption you are entitled to the appointment of an attorney if you are an indigent person. An indigent person is defined by SJC Rule 3:10. The definition includes but is not limited to persons receiving TAFDC, EACDC, poverty related veteran’s benefits, Medicaid, and SSI. The Court will determine if you are indigent. Contact an Assistant Judicial Case Manager or Adoption Clerk of the Court on or before the date listed below to obtain the necessary forms. IF YOU DESIRE TO OBJECT THERETO, YOU OR YOUR ATTORNEY MUST FILE A WRITTEN APPEARANCE IN SAID COURT AT BOSTON ON OR BEFORE TEN O’CLOCK IN THE MORNING (10:00 AM) ON 01/18/2018. WITNESS, Hon. Brian J. Dunn, First Justice of this Court. Date: November 14, 2017

Felix D. Arroyo Register of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department SUFFOLK Division

Docket No. SU17A0049AD

In the matter of Emily Venice McFarlane CITATION G.L. c. 210, § 6 To any unnamed or unknown parent and persons interested in a petition for the adoption of said child and to the Department of Children and Families of said Commonwealth. A petition has been presented to said court by Dawn Cecile Moore of Mattapan, MA requesting for leave to adopt said child and that the name of the child be changed to If you object to this adoption you are entitled to the appointment of an attorney if you are an indigent person. An indigent person is defined by SJC Rule 3:10. The definition includes but is not limited to persons receiving TAFDC, EACDC, poverty related veteran’s benefits, Medicaid, and SSI. The Court will determine if you are indigent. Contact an Assistant Judicial Case Manager or Adoption Clerk of the Court on or before the date listed below to obtain the necessary forms.

Applicants must a) have demonstrated experience in master planning, condition assessments and preservation plans for historic structures, and b) a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in historic preservation, architecture, architectural history, history, planning, or a closely related field with at least two years full-time experience. In addition, the applicant shall include a Registered Professional Engineer, with demonstrated experience in the evaluation of historic structures. All Consultant Team members shall be listed in the proposal. Consultant’s fee is fixed at $70,000. A site visit will be held on Friday, December 8 at 8:30 am. Bids will be due electronically on December 29 by 5:00 PM. United First Parish Church is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative

You have the right to send to the Conservator, by registered or certified mail, written request to receive a copy of the Petition and account(s) at no cost to you. IMPORTANT NOTICE The outcome of this proceeding may limit or completely take away the above-named person’s right to make decisions about personal affairs or financial affairs or both. The above-named person has the right to ask for a lawyer. Anyone may make this request on behalf of the above-named person. If the above-named person cannot afford a lawyer, one may be appointed at State expense. Witness, Hon. Brian J. Dunn, First Justice of this Court. Date: November 13, 2017

WITNESS, Hon. Brian J. Dunn, First Justice of this Court. Date: November 6, 2017

SUFFOLK Division

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department SUFFOLK Division

Docket No. SU17P1691GD

Citation Giving Notice of Petition for Appointment of Guardian for Incapacitated Person Pursuant to G.L. c. 190B, §5-304 In the matter of Justin Cruz Of Boston, MA RESPONDENT Alleged Incapacitated Person To the named Respondent and all other interested persons, a petition has been filed by Evis Cruz of Boston, MA, Crystal De La Cruz of Waltham, MA in the above captioned matter alleging that Justin Cruz is in need of a Guardian and requesting that (or some other suitable person) be appointed as Guardian to serve Without Surety on the bond. The petition asks the court to determine that the Respondent is incapacitated, that the appointment of a Guardian is necessary, that the proposed Guardian is appropriate. The petition is on file with this court and may contain a request for certain specific authority. You have the right to object to this proceeding. If you wish to do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance at this court on or before 10:00 A.M. on the return date of 01/16/2017. This day is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline date by which you have to file the written appearance if you object to the petition. If you fail to file the written appearance by the return date, action may be taken in this matter without further notice to you. In addition to filing the written appearance, you or your attorney must file a written affidavit stating the specific facts and grounds of your objection within 30 days after the return date. IMPORTANT NOTICE The outcome of this proceeding may limit or completely take away the above-named person’s right to make decisions about personal affairs or financial affairs or both. The above-named person has the right to ask for a lawyer. Anyone may make this request on behalf of the above-named person. If the above-named person cannot afford a lawyer, one may be appointed at State expense. WITNESS, Hon. Brian J. Dunn, First Justice of this Court. Date: November 21, 2017

DOCKET NO. SU17P0184PM

In the matter of: Jean Valeus Protected Person/Disabled Person/Respondent Of: Mattapan, MA CITATION GIVING NOTICE OF CONSERVATOR’S ACCOUNT To the named Respondent and all other interested persons, you are hereby notified pursuant to Rule 72 of the Supplemental Rules of the Probate & Family Court, that the Conservator’s 1st & final account(s) of Bryan Woodford of Abington, MA as Conservator of the property of said Respondent has or have been presented to the Court for allowance. You have the right to object to the account(s). If you wish to do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this court on or before 10:00 A.M. on the return date of 12/21/2017. This day is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline date by which you have to object to the

Felix D. Arroyo Register of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department SUFFOLK Division

Docket No. SU17D2339DR

Divorce Summons by Publication and Mailing Sugey Martinez-Peguero

vs.

Victor Enrique Peguero-Montas

To the Defendant: The Plaintiff has filed a Complaint for Divorce requesting that the Court grant a divorce for irretrievable breakdown The Complaint is on file at the Court. An Automatic Restraining Order has been entered in this matter preventing you from taking any action which would negatively impact the current financial status of either party. SEE Supplemental Probate Court Rule 411. You are hereby summoned and required to serve upon: Sugey MartinezPeguero, 1439 Blue Hill Ave, Apt 1, Mattapan, MA 02126 your answer, if any, on or before 01/18/2018. If you fail to do so, the court will proceed to the hearing and adjudication of this action. You are also required to file a copy of your answer, if any, in the office of the Register of this Court. Witness, Hon. Brian J. Dunn, First Justice of this Court. Date: November 17, 2017

Felix D. Arroyo Register of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department SUFFOLK Division

Felix D. Arroyo Register of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department

IF YOU DESIRE TO OBJECT THERETO, YOU OR YOUR ATTORNEY MUST FILE A WRITTEN APPEARANCE IN SAID COURT AT BOSTON ON OR BEFORE TEN O’CLOCK IN THE MORNING (10:00 AM) ON 01/11/2018.

December 1, 2017 United First Parish Church, located at 1306 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA, seeks proposals from qualified consultant to prepare a Master Plan. The Church, built in 1828 and designed by architect Alexander Parris, is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a main attraction for the City of Quincy, and a linchpin in its plans for downtown development. Also known as the Church of the Presidents, the building holds the tombs of former Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams and their wives, First Ladies Abigail Adams and Louisa Catherine Adams.

Additionally, within thirty days after said return day (or within such other time as the Court upon motion may order), you must file a written affidavit of objections stating the specific facts and grounds upon which each objection is based and a copy shall be served upon the Conservator pursuant to Rule 3 of the Supplemental Rules of the Probate & Family Court.

Docket No. SU17D2457DR

Divorce Summons by Publication and Mailing Anel N. Martinez

vs.

Benjamin Danilo Urena Brea

To the Defendant: The Plaintiff has filed a Complaint for Divorce requesting that the Court grant a divorce for irretrievable breakdown of the marriage Under MGL 208 Section 1 B. The Complaint is on file at the Court. An Automatic Restraining Order has been entered in this matter preventing you from taking any action which would negatively impact the current financial status of either party. SEE Supplemental Probate Court Rule 411. You are hereby summoned and required to serve upon: Jenny Harleen Guirado, Esq., Law Offices of Jenny H Guirado, 112 South St. Jamaica plain, MA 02130 your answer, if any, on or before 01/25/2018. If you fail to do so, the court will proceed to the hearing and adjudication of this action. You are also required to file a copy of your answer, if any, in the office of the Register of this Court. Witness, Hon. Brian J, Dunn, First Justice of this Court. Date: November 21, 2017

Felix D. Arroyo Register of Probate

18 • Thursday, December 7, 2017 • BAY STATE BANNER

BANNER CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

WILDFLOWER MEADOW CONDOMINIUM PHASE III

Elderly and Young Disabled Subsidized Housing

Silsbee Tower Apartments 15 Great Road Littleton, Massachusetts 01460 One two-bedroom, one-and-one-half bath cape style home 1,338 living area : $192,900 Two three-bedroom, two-and-one-half bath colonial style homes 1,394 living area : $216,400 New construction of ENERGY STAR certified homes offering garage, deck or patio, gas forced hot air and central air-conditioning. Community club house and pool Commuter rail to Boston Buyers will be selected by lottery.

Silsbee Tower’s ELDERLY waitlist CLOSING effective December 18, 2017, at the close of business day ALL Silsbee Tower waitlists are now CLOSED indefinitely 67 Silsbee Street, Lynn, Ma 01901 Please contact us with any questions P: (781) 593-6515 E: silsbeetowers@simoncompanies.com

Affordable Rental Housing Opportunity/ Selection By Lottery

1, 2 & 3 BEDROOM APARTMENTS

In order to qualify, total household income cannot exceed the following maximum income limits per household size: One person household: $54,750 Two person household: $62,550 Three person household: $70,350 Seven-person household: $96,950

Four person household: $87,150 Five person household: $84,450 Six person household: $90,700 Eight-person household: $103,200

Household Asset Limit of $75,000 To request an application and information packet, please contact: Housing Resource Group, LLC at Voice or text: 781.820.8797, or hrgllc.alwan@yahoo.com or visit the Reuben Hoar Library, 41 Shattuck St., Littleton, MA 01460 Completed applications must be received by the Housing Resource Group, LLC Four Raymond Street, Lexington, MA 02421 by January 26, 2018. An information meeting will be held in the Couper Room at the Reuben Hoar Library, 41 Shattuck Street, Littleton at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 6, 2018. To encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds to apply for housing at Wildflower Meadow, the owner will utilize a Language Line Service, which provides translation services in a multitude of languages for those with Limited English Proficiency.

369 Washington Street Hanover, MA 02339

Rents: Type # of Apts. 1BR 3 1BR 1 1BR 4 2BR 6 2BR 3 2BR 16 3BR 1 3BR 1 3BR 2

Applications available beginning 11/21/17 thru 1/19/18 at ∙ Hanover Library, 534 Hanover St. ∙ Hanover Town Hall, 550 Hanover St. ∙ Barstow Village, 60 Legion Drive, Hanover or by phone 781.794.1046 (TTY 711) or online at BethanyApts.com Mail completed application to: Peabody Properties, Inc. c/o Bethany Lottery, 536 Granite Street, Braintree, MA 02184 or email to bethany@peabodyproperties.com Deadline: Postmark by January 19, 2018 Income Limits (as of 4/14/17): #HH 30% AMI 50% AMI 60% AMI 100% AMI 1 $21,700 $36,200 $43,440 $72,400 2 $24,800 $41,400 $49,680 $82,800 3 $27,900 $46,550 $55,860 $93,100 4 $31,000 $51,700 $62,040 $103,400 5 $33,500 $55,850 $67,020 $111,700 6 $36,000 $60,000 $72,000 $120,000

Gross Rent Program Type $1,364 100% $970* 50% 30% PBV Rent** 100% $1,580 60% $1,396* 50% $1,163* 100% $1,872 60% $1,613* 50% $1,344*

* Utility allowance to be determined & deducted from gross rent allowable ** Rent share determined by PHA based on income of applicant

Info Session: Thurs., January 4th | 3 & 6 P.M. Lottery Drawing: Tues., January 30th | 11 A.M. Both events held at Barstow Village 60 Legion Drive, Hanover, MA Rents, utility allowances & income limits based on HUD guidelines & subject to change. Please inquire in advance for reasonable accommodation. Info contained herein subject to change w/o notice.

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TENNEY PLACE APARTMENTS PHASE II 505 West Lowell Ave., #2204, Haverhill, MA Anticipated Move-in Date – Spring 2018 BRAND NEW MODERN COMMUNITY

56 Affordable One, Two & Three Bedroom Apartments Heat & Hot Water Included Smoke Free Community | Fitness Center Resident Lounge | Central Laundry Business Center | Planned Resident Activities | On-Site Management 24 Hour Emergency Maintenance

Tenney Place Apts Phase I

Select apartments sensory and mobility adapted.

MONTHLY RENTS: 1 Bedroom $938 | 2 Bedroom $1,124 | 3 Bedroom $1,278

Subject to change annually. Residents are responsible for electric cooking and other electricity

Maximum Gross Annual Income Limits Based on Household Size: 1p: $36,840 | 2p: $42,060 | 3p: $47,340 | 4p: $52,560 | 5p: $56,820 | 6p: $61,020 HUD published effective 4/14/2017. Subject to change annually.

Minimum Gross Annual Income Limits Based on Bedroom Size: 1 Bedroom $27,540 | 2 Bedroom $32,760 | 3 Bedroom $37,620 Section 8 Voucher Holders Encouraged to Apply.

Subject to adequate payment standard. Participants in project based subsidy program and mobile voucher holders are exempt from minimum income requirement.

There are 8 units set aside for incomes that are at or below 30% of area median income. These units will be covered under a Project-Based Section 8 contract. Rents for these units will be 30% of household adjusted gross annual income. Preference will be given to homeless applicants.

30% INCOME LIMITS BY HOUSEHOLD SIZE 1p: $18,450 | 2p: $21,050 | 3p: $23,700 | 4p: $26,300 | 5p: $28,780 | 6p: $32,960 Applicants (for all 56 units) will be chosen through a lottery which will be held

1/10/18 at the Haverhill Public Library at 1:00 PM. All applicants must meet the property’s Resident Selection Plan criteria.

APPLICATIONS FOR THE LOTTERY MUST BE FULLY COMPLETED AND RECEIVED BY 12/31/2017. Applications will still be accepted after the lottery and will be placed on the waiting list.

To receive an application by mail: CALL: (978) 872-1100 | TDD: CALL 7-1-1 or email TenneyPlace@Hallkeen.com Visit www.TenneyPlace.com to download an application. Applications are available at Haverhill Public Library, 99 Main St., Haverhill, MA. Este documento es importante, por favor tradúzcalo | Este documento é importante, por favor, tê-lo traduzido Questo documento é importante, si prega di farlo tradurre Translation Services Available | EHO/ADA

Thursday, December 7, 2017 • BAY STATE BANNER • 19

BANNER CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING LOTTERY 1 AND 2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS

CUSHMAN HOUSE 67 NORTH STREET, MEDFIELD

Applications are now available for two affordable rental units in this new eight unit development in Medfield. ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES, RENTS AND APPLICATION PROCESS To be included in the lottery, applicants must be income eligible and must submit a complete, signed application with all required documentation prior to the application deadline. Maximum Income includes gross annual income from all sources for all adult (18 years or older) members of the household. Rents listed do not include utilities, which will be paid by the tenants. Maximum Income (80% AMI) Household Size

Maximum Income

$54,760

$62,550

$70,350

$78,150

UNIT DESCRIPTIONS 1 Bedroom 1 Bath, 700 Sq. Feet - $1,452 2 Bedroom 1 Bath, Accessible, 740 Sq. Feet - $1,611 Both units feature in-unit washers and dryers and free on-site parking Cushman House is a smoke-free building Pets are not permitted

Information Session:

Monday December 4, 2017, 6:00 PM

Lottery Drawing:

Thursday, January 11, 2018, 6:00 PM Both events to be held at Medfield Town Hall 2nd Floor Meeting Room 459 Main Street, Medfield Applications are available at Medfield Public Library and Medfield Town Hall and may be requested by phoning at 617-388-1331 or emailing housinglottery@cogincorp.com APPLICATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 3, 2018 AT 12:00 NOON Developed by Medfield Holdings, LLC Translation Assistance is available at no cost upon request

Attractive and Affordable This beautiful privately owned apartment complex with subsidized units for elderly and disabled individuals is just minutes from downtown Melrose. Close to Public Transportation • Elevator Access to All Floors • On Site Laundry Facilities Heat Included • 24 Hour Closed Circuit Television • On Site Parking Excellent Closet and Storage Space • 24 Hour Maintenance Availability On site Management Office • Monthly Newsletter • Weekly Videos on Big Screen T.V. Resident Computer Room • Bus Trips • Resident Garden Plots

Call for current income guidelines Joseph T. Cefalo Memorial Complex

245 West Wyoming Avenue, Melrose, MA 02176 Call our Office at (781) 662-0223 or TDD: (800) 545-1833, ext. 131 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for an application

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Lead Artist

Community Arts Initiative Artist Project (2018-2019) The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston serves a wide variety of people—from school children to adults—through direct encounters with works of art. In addition to housing renowned collections, the Museum also offers numerous exhibitions and opportunities for learning and community engagement. The Artist Project is a collaboration between the MFA and ten after-school community organizations in the Boston area. Each year a new experienced artist with a passion for community arts is selected to plan and lead a project with children between the ages of six and twelve. The lead artist guides the children and helps them create a collaborative work of art inspired by the Museum’s encyclopedic collection. The completed project is exhibited in the Edward H. Linde Gallery in the Linde Family Wing for Contemporary Art at the MFA. A stipend of $22,000 and a materials budget is provided. Please visit www.mfa.org/cai for more information and to apply. Applications for the 2018-2019 Artist Project accepted through January 19, 2018.

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE MANAGER Please see our website to learn about On The Rise’s work with homeless and formerly-homeless women, and to see a detailed job description and required qualifications: http://ontherise.org/. The Administration and Finance Manager role is a tremendous opportunity for an administrative professional to advance professionally and gain exposure to all aspects of nonprofit management, maximizing and strengthening the internal capacity of a well-respected, high-impact organization. The Administration and Finance Manager will play a key role as On The Rise, Inc. builds capacity and enhances its quality programming. The successful candidate will be a resourceful, creative, self-disciplined contributor, supporting organizational strategy in the following areas: Financial and accounting – Office and facility management - Human resources - Contracts, insurance, and risk management - Information technology. To apply: Please email resume and cover letter to martha. sandler@ontherise.org with “Admin and Finance Manager” in the subject header.

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