TCB Dec. 23, 2021 — My Abortion Story

DEC. 23-29, 2021 TRIAD-CITY-BEAT.COM

Five North Carolinians share their stories

BY NICOLE ZELNIKER

20 2 1 HO LID AY

G IF

T

G

D UI

E! NSID I E

DEC. 23-29, 2021

Coronavirus in the Triad

(as of Wednesday, Dec. 22) Documented COVID-19 diagnoses NC 1,607,378 (+26,469) Forsyth 56,881 (+911) Guilford 72,967 (+1,243) NC 19,233 (+163) Forsyth 607 (+12) Guilford 932 (+5)

COVID-19 deaths

Documented recoveries NC 1,538,231 (+22,991) Forsyth *no data* Guilford 69,809 (+993) NC 49,914 (+3,125) Forsyth *no data* Guilford 2,225(+245)

Current cases

Hospitalizations (right now) NC 1,680 (+119) Forsyth *no data* Guilford 109 (+32) Vaccinations NC Partially vaccinated 6,085,054 (+33,395) Fully vaccinated 6,128,433 (58%, +21,896) Forsyth Partially vaccinated 241,137 (+1,208) Fully vaccinated 224,859 (59%, +723) Guilford Partially vaccinated 333,115 (+1,808) Fully vaccinated 313,123 (58%, +1,397)

BUSINESS PUBLISHER/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Brian Clarey brian@triad-city-beat.com

PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Allen Broach allen@triad-city-beat.com

OF COUNSEL

Jonathan Jones

Michaela Ratliff michaela@triad-city-beat.com

Chris Rudd chris@triad-city-beat.com

SPECIAL SECTION EDITOR

CONTRIBUTORS

Nikki Miller-Ka niksnacksblog@gmail.com

EDITORIAL ADVISOR

Jordan Green jordan@triad-city-beat.com

EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR

ART ART DIRECTOR

STAFF WRITER

SALES SALES EXECUTIVE

Sayaka Matsuoka sayaka@triad-city-beat.com Nicole Zelniker nicole@triad-city-beat.com

2

1451 S. Elm-Eugene St. Box 24, Greensboro, NC 27406 Office: 336.681.0704 CHIEF CONTRIBUTOR KEY ACCOUNTS

Charlie Marion charlie@triad-city-beat.com

EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK

The Hot Toy: Squishmallow Edition

I

left the braved icy parking lots and zombihouse fied cashiers, worked the phones this and then spent miles in my car. I’ve mornfollowed hunches by wheeling into ing random parking lots and scouring on a mission the aisles. That’s how I go the last to find the Xbox at the Kmart on Bridford

by Brian Clarey season’s most Parkway in 2007. coveted toy: the Squishmallow, I stopped by my local Walmart which I had never even heard of on the way to the office this mornprior to a couple weeks ago, when ing, where I encountered exactly Nicole Zelniker one Squishmallow — unfortunately, for the paper. the exact same one that came in And I don’t even have kids! I the mail last week. mean, I do, but none of them are Then I hunkered down at my of an age where desk to flex some a Squishmallow research muscle, would do them I went in seek of the willing to drive as far any good. The as one county in any Squishmallow, as oldest wants direction. I typed it cash. The middle many as I could get in and hit the “shopwants gadgetry. ping” tag. My blood my hands on.

The youngest was racing. The hunt wants more black was on! clothing.

But a lot has changed since But there are some tiny ones I tracked down that last, lonely in my life, and for them I went Xbox. I sourced a Squishmallow in seek of the Squishmallow, as almost immediately, at a Target many as I could get my hands on. across town, then paid for it with a I ordered a few online last week, couple clicks. It’s sitting there waitbut only two of them have made ing for me now. It was only a bit it to the house thus far, which is more exciting as pulling a gallon of not enough. I picked a stray one milk from the cooler at the grocery up at Target over the weekend, store. the only one they had. But it’s way I take some satisfaction in knowlarger than the others, which is not ing it’s one of the last ones in the ideal. That’s what I’m telling myself store. But my toy-hunting skills are anyway. wasted in this new age. And I’m Really, though, I miss the hunt. pretty sure I’ve got one too many I’ve chased down hot toys in the Squishmallows. waning days of December before,

Carolyn de Berry, James Douglas, Matt Jones, Jordan Howse, Jen Sorensen, Clay Jones

COVER Design by Charlie Marion

Drew Dix drew@triad-city-beat.com

TCB IN A FLASH @ triad-city-beat.com First copy is free, all additional copies are $1. ©2021 Beat Media Inc.

triad-city-beat.com/tcb-first-amendment-society

NEWS On Monday, the Greensboro Planning and Zoning Commission rezoned approximately seven acres south of East Market Street and west of US 29 for the $60 million mixeduse, multi-phase development called the Resurgent, which is being developed by the North Carolina A&T Real Estate Foundation.

The area, which is located at 1600 E. Market St., will feature 71 apartments with 20 percent reserved for affordable housing, as well as local retail shops and restaurants, office space and a parking deck. The office building’s third floor will feature a business innovation center that will act as an incubator for local new businesses and startups.

Construction is slated to begin summer 2022, with phase I scheduled to open at the end of 2023.

UP FRONT | DEC. 23-29, 2021

EAST GREENSBORO REZONING EARMARKS LAND FOR THE RESURGENT, A MIXED-USED DEVELOPMENT BY NC A&T

3

UP FRONT | DEC. 23-29, 2021

CITY LIFE DEC. 23 - DEC. 29

by Sayaka Matsuoka and Michaela Ratliff

THURSDAY Dec. 23

AM rOdeO: Eve of Christmas Eve Party @ Little Brother Brewing (GSO) 8 p.m.

It’s a Wonderful Life @ Carolina Theatre (GSO) 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Get into the holiday spirit with a viewing of one of the most beloved Christmas films of all time, It’s a Wonderful Life. The historic theatre in downtown Greensboro will be showing the film twice on Thursday, once in the afternoon and another in the evening. Visit carolinatheatre.com for tickets.

The Brewer’s Kettle Festivus Miracle @ Brewer’s Kettle (HP) 5 p.m.

SATURDAY Dec. 25 Christmas Dinner @ Ole Watering Hole Wallburg (W-S) 5 p.m.

Get the holiday festivities started a day early at Little Brother Brewing in downtown Greensboro.

Pack into the cozy brewery to hear tunes sung and played by the local acoustic pop duo, AM rOdeO consisting of Evan Olson and Jessica Mashburn. They’ll play some original music with some classic favorites thrown in. Learn more at amrodeo.com.

Greener Side Comedy Hour @ Green Bean (GSO) 9 p.m.

If going home for the holidays isn’t really your style, stop by this dive bar in Winston-Salem to spend Christmas evening with other barflies. It’s kind of a potluck style so feel free to bring your own dish or dessert and the bar will provide a ham.

SUNDAY Dec. 26 Christmas Yogammunity @ Foothills Brewing (W-S) 11 a.m.

Join the quirky bar in High Point for an evening of merriment. These might include feats of strength or possibly pole dancing if the poster is anything to go by. Only one way to find out.

Open Mic and Ugly Sweater Contest @ Radar Brewing (W-S) 7 p.m.

If you missed all of the ugly sweater parties from last week, fret not! Head on down to Radar Brewing for a chance to win the prize with your horrible wool get up. The brewery will also be hosting an open mic for anyone who wants to share their poetry, their music or anything else! If you’re interested in performing, send an email to clint.cedillo@gmail.com

4

Check out this late-night stand-up comedy show at the Green Bean in downtown Greensboro. The show is free and showcases great local comedians. Doors open at 9 p.m.

FRIDAY Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Yoga @ High Point Yoga School (HP) 10 a.m.

This all-levels flow yoga class is open to anyone seeking relaxation and unwinding during the busy holiday season. Visit highpointys.com to register.

Warmth for the Youth @ the Comic Dimension (GSO) The Comic Dimension has partnered with Triad Math & Science academy to collect winter donations for youth in need. Consider donating new or gently used blankets, coats and other items and drop them off at the store by Jan. 15. Visit the event page on Facebook for more info.

If you need a chance to detox after stuffing yourself with ham and turkey the night before, drop into this yoga session at Foothills Brewing the day after Christmas. Classes cost $10 for the hour and includes a drink. Best to bring your own mat if you’ve got one but extra mats are provided if needed. Check out the Yogammunity Facebook page for more info.

If you read

then you know...

•The newest vegan spot in the Triad.

•How Winston-Salem’s newest mural came about •Why victims’ families can’t see police body-camera footage in NC

Triad City Beat — If you know, you know

Get in front of the best readers in the triad, contact Chris.

chris@triad-city-beat.com

NOW LEASING THE STEELHOUSE CENTER FOR URBAN MANUFACTURING AND INNOVATION

1451 S Elm Eugene Street #BusinessisBuiltHere

NEWS | DEC. 23-29, 2021

NEWS

‘The right choice for me’: North Carolinians share their abortion stories

by Nicole Zelniker

COURTESY IMAGES

From L-R: Myra Dancy Doyle, Natasha Smith, Abby Catoe and Autumn M.

In Mississippi, people wait impatiently for the Supreme Court to decide a case that could limit abortions to the first 15 weeks of pregnancy. In Texas, lawmakers have already instilled a six-week abortion ban.

Now, in North Carolina, people watch the news and their social media feeds as state lawmakers introduce copycat legislation with similar abortion restrictions. The bills are what are known as “trigger laws,” meaning if the Supreme Court decides to change the precedent on abortion access, they will almost certainly become law. One example of this is HB 31, which bans abortion of any fetus with a heartbeat.

TCB spoke with five North Carolinians who shared stories about their own abortions. Each of their experiences were different, but all five explained how they did not regret their decision, and that it was their choice to make.

Some of the individuals have only been identified by their first name for privacy’s sake.

6

Myra Dancy Doyle, 55, she/her

O

n Dec. 3, Myra Dancy Doyle was angry. She was angry reading the news; she was angry listening to conversations about who deserves to have an abortion and who doesn’t; and she was angry about the nine judges on the Supreme Court debating whether or not to reverse Roe v. Wade.

Thus, Doyle took to Facebook.

“I am one of those women who had to have my labor induced early to save my life,” she wrote. “My baby girls, yes that is plural, had all died in utero and were poisoning me. This happened in four different pregnancies. In some states I would have been made to carry to term, even though I had developed sepsis.” Sepsis, or blood poisoning, can develop with some miscarriages.

Her Facebook status garnered overwhelmingly positive responses, but Doyle says she did not care either way.

“People need to know,” she said. “Women have been having abortions since time in memorial. And if we don’t have the medical procedure, we’ll go back to the coat hangers in the back alleys. More women will die.”

As long as her rights are being debated by the federal government, Doyle will remain angry. As both a sociologist and a Christian, she says that those who call themselves pro-life do not consider the life of the mother.

As a mother to two sons age 30 and 23, Doyle noted how important it was for her to have an open dialogue with her kids early on. Her sons learned about safe sex at the age of eight, and they know about Doyle’s abortions, all of which took place between their births.

“For me, I had to reconcile that my life as a mom to my living child was what took precedence,” she said.

choice, I can’t imagine how horrible it would be. I can’t imagine going into childbirth if you didn’t want to. That isn’t anything I would put on anyone.”

‘I was raised by a mom who didn’t want me, and I know what that’s like.’

NEWS | DEC. 23-29, 2021

NEWS

— Autumn M.

‘There was no mental gymnastics that I could come up with that made it make sense.’

— Natasha Smith

Natasha Smith, 43, she/her

N

atasha Smith counts herself lucky. When she needed an abortion, she was able to get one at the Planned Parenthood in Greensboro. She was in law school at the time and caring for a mom with a terminal autoimmune disease. Having a child then was not an option, she said.

Seven years later, she had her son. Now, she says, she feels rage whenever she sees anyone threatening abortion rights.

“When Trump got elected and we knew he was going to do whatever he could to pack the court, I went and got an IUD,” she said. “Having had childbirth, the IUD was still ridiculously painful that after three tries to insert it, I had to stop because I was in so much pain.”

If abortion had not been legal in North Carolina when she needed one, Smith said, “I probably would have been willing to drive as far as I had to. There was part of me that was trying to figure out a way to see if it was possible to have that child, and there was no way. There was no mental gymnastics that I could come up with that made it make sense.

“I enjoyed being pregnant when I wanted to be pregnant,” she added. “All that comes along with being pregnant, if that’s not a

Autumn M., 30, she/her

F

or Autumn M., being a mother has only reenforced how important it is that people have the right to terminate their pregnancies.

“Being a mom is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and I would not wish this upon anyone who didn’t want it,” she said.

“I was raised by a mom who didn’t want me, and I know what that’s like. The only reason I’m able to be a capable and loving mom now is because I had my abortions.”

Autumn became a mother almost three years ago. She wants abortion to be accessible in case her daughter ever needs one in the future.

Autumn has had three abortions — one each in Alabama, North Carolina and Maryland. Each time, she says, she was in a bad place with her mental health and unable to protect herself against unwanted pregnancies.

That second abortion, which she had in Charlotte, occurred after she ran away from a relationship in which she had been abused since the age of 18. She was 22 or 23 at the time and found herself in another abusive relationship. She was pregnant within the first six months.

“It was like a snap back to reality,” she said. “It was an, Oh, fuck, I gotta get out of here. I made the decision to terminate about eight or nine weeks along. I went to the clinic in Charlotte. I don’t remember how I paid for it. I do remember that there weren’t clinic escorts at the time.”

If she got pregnant now, Autumn said, she would absolutely have another abortion.

“I’m remembering before my second one, I was Googling athome abortion methods,’ and I remember reading overdosing on calcium was one,” she said. “I can’t say I wouldn’t try a very unsafe method if I were unable to access one. I also know you can get the abortion pill online, and that would probably be my first choice.

“It’s like any medical decision,” she continued. “You don’t have to take it lightly. I didn’t take any of mine lightly. I made the right choice for me, not for anyone else.”

7

NEWS | DEC. 23-29, 2021

NEWS Jess, 32, they/them

‘I was much too young to have a baby.’

— Abby Catoe

Abby Catoe, 62, she/her

A

8

bby Catoe was 15 years old during her first abortion and 16 for her second.

“Both times it was unplanned, and I was much too young to have a baby,” she said. “I elected to end the pregnancies and made the decision on my own.”

Catoe was able to get both abortions in Winston-Salem in the 1970s. It was a decision she did not take lightly, but ultimately decided she needed to do for herself.

Today, Catoe has two daughters and grandchildren by both. One of her daughters also got an abortion at the age of 18 or 19.

“I remember going to the clinic with her and I kept crying and crying at the thought of losing my grandchild,” she said. “But I understood why she needed to do that. She now has a son who she loves dearly, and I can’t imagine how her life would have been different.”

Catoe says she would have had plenty of love and support had she had a child so young, but her life would have looked very different.

“My family was not a family who valued education,” she said. “We were very poor. I think I would have been stuck in that cycle of impoverished single mothers who don’t get an education and it just would have kept on going.”

Today, Catoe is a Christian pastor at First Christian Church of Walnut Cove as well as a supporter of Planned Parenthood and of prochoice movements. She has been tuning into the Supreme Court hearings when she can and struggles to understand the opposition.

“They kept dodging the questions posed to them by the Supreme Court justices,” she said.

“I understand how people feel the way they do about taking a life in that stage. It is a life. I do believe that. But I know God wants the best for every person who does come into the world.”

A

s someone who is queer and nonbinary, Jess said they are used to people saying nasty things about them. Still, seeing the abortion debate over social media over the last few weeks has been difficult for them.

“I never planned on having kids and never wanted to give birth, even though I work with kids and I love them,” Jess said. When they found out they were pregnant, Jess said, “I immediately went and looked up places you can get an abortion. It was never even a question.”

Asheville’s Planned Parenthood was their only local option, but there was a long wait.

They checked in Charlotte and Greensboro and found a quicker appointment at the Greensboro clinic.

“I feel very privileged I was able to drive somewhere, and also that I was able to afford it,” they said. “I went the day after paycheck. I was living paycheck to paycheck at the time. I had just gotten a new car a few months before.

What if I still had my old car that couldn’t drive that far?”

Jess met all sorts of people in the waiting room, some of whom had gotten abortions before and others who already had kids. Inside, an apologetic nurse told Jess all about their other options, including adoption. Then, they offered to show Jess the ultrasound photos.

In North Carolina, it is not required to show people getting an abortion their ultrasound photos, but it used to be. It is in law in several other states.

“It wasn’t difficult for me,” they said. “It wasn’t something I dwelled on, but I know it is for other people.”

If abortion had not been an option for Jess, they say they would have traveled somewhere else.

“I was not going to give birth,” they said.

“That was not an option for me. I’m originally from Illinois, so I probably could have gone there, but I don’t know that I could have swung it financially back then. I had just enough because I had just got paid, but to drive or fly, I don’t know that it would have been possible. I couldn’t afford to take off work.”

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Local

Gift Guide 2021

Scuppernong Books Independent Bookseller

Clemmons Florist

scuppernongbooks.com 336.763.1919 In downtown Greensboro

clemmonsfloristinc.com 336.282.1701 In Greensboro

Scuppernong Books is a general interest/literary bookstore featuring fiction and poetry along with a remarkable children’s section and a broad range of general interest titles. It opened in December 2013 and has been an essential part of downtown Greensboro’s rebirth ever since.

Established in 1954, we are Greensboro’s oldest family-owned florist and are a fourth generation florist offering the finest flowers and plants available anywhere. We offer prompt delivery service to all of Greensboro and most of Guilford County.

Because our customers are important, our professional staff is dedicated to providing you with the most prompt service and quality products obtainable.

Within the store is a café serving organic coffee and espresso, wine, and beer, sourced primarily from local small businesses. They partner with Jerusalem Market for sandwiches, salads and more substantial fare.

Hundreds of arrangements available for delivery or pick up at clemmonsfloristinc.com - or call us for that extra special touch!

Oscar Oglethorpe oscaroglethorpe.com 336.333.2993 In downtown Greensboro

Recycles Bike Shop recyclesbikeshop.com 336.370.9099 In Greensboro’s College Hill neighborhood Recycles bike shop began in 2005, when owner Merritt White decided to create a rider-owned shop that would help every type of rider, catering to their individual needs — and would live up to high-sustainability standards. After all, one person’s trash (1975 Schwinn) is another person’s treasure (1975 Schwinn)!

Recycles puts elbow grease into old parts and frames to bring bikes back to life.

The Recycles crew swaps out parts on bikes and builds up new ones, dialing in to the specific needs of each client. Customers get high quality, full-service work and custom builds of complete bikes and wheels. And everyone really is welcome, from beginners to seasoned cyclists.

Recycles just expanded its original location to double the space. Come see their latest creations or just pop in to get your bike tuned up.

Open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday (although we’re usually there till 6).

Appointments are accepted after hours and on weekends.

10

Shop small this holiday season with Oscar Oglethorpe Eyewear. Voted Best Place to Buy Glasses in Guilford County 5 years in a row and Best Optometrist in the Triad in 2020 by Triad’s Best. Make sure to use up your HSA and FSA money before the end of the year — Oscar Oglethorpe has an amazing optometrist on staff for your annual eye exam. Then add to your stunning eyeglass wardrobe, scoop up those polarized sunnies you’ve been eyeballing since this Summer, or stock up on your contact lens supply.

Our eyeglasses start at just $150, including a unique frame from an independent eyewear company, light and thin lenses, anti-glare, UV protection and a one-year warranty. Come in anytime to shop for specs — no appointment needed.

Give back to your loved ones with the gift of sight. Gift cards of all amounts for any occasion are available for purchase year-round.

Open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Oscar Oglethorpe looks forward to SEEING you soon!

11

Havana Phil’s Cigar Co. havanaphils.com 336.288.4484 In Greensboro Founded in Greensboro in 2010 by longtime cigar enthusiast Phil Segal, Havana Phil’s features the complimentary Rocky Patel Lounge and the private Davidoff Lounge, available with a membership. A wide selection of the world’s finest cigars, housed in a beautiful and spacious walk-in humidor, offers something for every cigar enthusiast on your list.

Havana Phil’s can create personalized gift packs for the cigar smokers in your life, curated exactly to their tastes, or find a pre-packaged gift set put together by Philip IV and his knowledgeable staff. Other wares include wines, cutters, humidors, lighters and other necessities of the cigar life.

Gift cards, suggestions and gift memberships are available at the shop on Battleground Avenue.

Restoration MedSpa restorationmedspa.com 336.999.8295 Offices in Greensboro and Winston-Salem Restoration MedSpa offers two full-service medical spas in Winston-Salem and Greensboro, dedicated to results-oriented, corrective medical procedures for treating fine lines, wrinkles, sunspots, skin laxity, loss of facial volume and other unwanted consequences of aging or traumatized skin. The practice also offers wellness and body sculpting services.

November marks our sixth anniversary in business. To celebrate, we’re offering amazing specials on all services for the entire month.

Additionally, as our thanks to you, we’re giving you a gift with the purchase of any gift card during the month of December!

Whether it’s for yourself, a friend, or a relative, nothing says “I care” more than a gift card or a pampering Salt Therapy Suite Session from Restoration MedSpa.

Sutler’s Spirits Sutlersspiritco.com 336.565.6006 In Winston-Salem’s West End Lavender and coriander lay the firm foundation for this Sutler’s Gin, warmed by the spice of juniper, and ornamented with notes of lemon and bitter orange. Sutler’s Gin isn’t just from Winston-Salem — it’s made of it. Inspired by time-tested heritage recipes and hand-made by North Carolina natives, Sutler’s Gin gin is an homage to its hometown.

Sutler’s Gin is available by the bottle right at the distillery, at the West End Mill Works. The distillery is available for events and limited holiday tours in December. They invite the rebellious to gather there, and to raise a glass for the cause.

12

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

NEWS | DEC. 23-29, 2021

NEWS

Greensboro’s co-response police program answered more than 3,200 calls for service in 2021

by Sayaka Matsuoka

ADOBE STOCK

I

14

n the aftermath of the George Floyd murder, cities around the country have been considering what alternative models of policing may look like. Greensboro is no exception.

The city initially started a co-response program in 2019 in which they partnered with the nonprofit SEL Group, short for Social Emotional Learning. Greensboro’s model is a co-response one in which mental-health professionals respond in tandem with police to calls involving persons undergoing mental health crises. Towards the end of 2020, the city developed its own behavioral response team, or BHRT, and ended its relationship with SEL. The department now has six counselors as part of the program. The city of Winston-Salem is considering a similar program.

Since the new version of the program began earlier this year, BHRT has answered 3,274 calls for service according to Trey Davis, one of the city’s assistant managers. The city is also slated to receive $330,000 from the recently passed state budget to

expand the program. If the funds are approved, Davis said, they would be used for paying salaries, purchasing equipment and adding a medical component to the program.

“In a co-response model, behavioral health specialists, also called clinicians, respond in partnership with law enforcement on mental health-related calls that would otherwise be handled solely by law enforcement,” Davis explained via email. “This allows for better and more comprehensive service delivery for our citizens in a mental health crisis.”

According to Davis, the kinds of calls that the counselors assist on include ones where persons may be suicidal or to help serve involuntary commitment papers. Data for persons served by the program show that a majority are people of color, with a most of those being Black. According to data provided by Davis, 59 percent of those served were Black, 36 identified as white while Hispanics made up 3 percent and Asian and bi-racial just 1 percent.

And this points to part of the reason why the program was communicator during the call and available resources.” started in the first place. In September 2018, Greensboro poDavis also noted that “all GPD officers are trained and prelice hogtied and killed Marcus Deon Smith, a homeless Black pared to respond to any call type. All officers receive specific man who was experiencing a mental health crisis in downtown training related to de-escalation, communication skills, proGreensboro. After Smith’s killing, hogtying was banned by the cedural justice, implicit bias and dealing with individuals with department and alternative policing models were researched by mental illness or developmental disabilities.” the city.

However, it seems that some mental health-related calls do fall A Oct. 2020 report by TCB also found that the through the cracks. majority of police killings in the Triad in the One such instance involved Joseph Lopez who last decade have involved Black victims, many was shot and killed by Greensboro police officer of whom were also undergoing mental health ME Hamilton on Nov. 19. According to Lopez’s crises. father, the 29-year-old was diagnosed with bipo“The Greensboro Police Department and the lar disease as a child. Lopez also had a previous city of Greensboro are continually evaluating run-in with the police just days before he was the best way to address the ever-changing and shot and killed, in which he barricaded himself constantly evolving landscape related to mental in a room in the house where he was allegedly health and our residents,” Davis said. “We bestaying. During that incident, Lopez was safely lieve a co-response model allows us to best serve coaxed out of the room and was arrested, then the needs of our community as well as maintain released with a promise to appear in court. the safety of those calling for assistance. The This is why some activists in the community most important thing is the safety and well-beare pushing for an alternative response model ing of our residents and providing services that in which only behavioral health professionals — Jess St. Louis of best meet their needs and we believe our current respond to certain kinds of calls. Popularized in Guilford For All co-response model allows us to accomplish that Eugene, Ore., the CAHOOTS model is one such goal.” example.

Kay Brown, a local activist and a member of According to a January article in the Psychiatry the city’s criminal justice advisory committee, Times, the CAHOOTS model involves the disnoted that she supports the co-response model for now and sees patch of teams of two people — one crisis intervention worker it as a good first step. who is trained in de-escalation and one medical professional.

“I originally felt that a model without police would be best, but The way the program works is that 911 dispatchers send the I think that there is still some work that needs to be done with CAHOOTS team rather than calling the police which the article mental health professionals to get more consensus around the states “can also be costly and intimidating for the patient.” implementation of those models,” Brown said in a statement to Data collected by the White Bird Clinic, the organization that TCB. “The number of calls that the team has been able to take partners with the city of Eugene to operate CAHOOTS, notes and resolve has far surpassed expectations and there has been that in 2019, the program responded to approximately 24,000 good feedback from the community with the model’s implecalls with police backup requested only 250 times. The program mentation. My hope is that one day we, as a community, can do has also saved an estimated average of $8 million on public safemore preventative work that allows for the removal of police ty and $14 million for ambulance/emergency room treatment from models like this and make mental healthcare more widely annually. available. But with that being said, the model is a great start and In an emailed statement, Jess St. Louis with Guilford For All, it will take more from local officials prioritizing economic devela collective of organizers based in Greensboro, noted that they opment, proper wages for all residents and funding education to want the city to move to models like CAHOOTS where police make true long-term impact.” aren’t involved.

“We want real solutions that expand community safety,” Louis How does the program work? wrote. “The co-response model that Chief Brian James and the GPD are doing doesn’t solve the problem that armed police s part of the reporting for this story, TCB requested to officers may not only escalate the situation, but harm our neighspeak to some of the officers and counselors involved bors, like they did with Marcus Smith. Instead, Guilford For All to answer logistical questions of how the program members overwhelmingly voted for a platform that calls for our works. Despite multiple requests, GPD Public Inforcity and county leaders to invest in real solutions that provide an mation Officer Ron Glenn denied TCB’s requests, stating: “We alternative to the police department and expand our options…. are not going to make anyone available for an interview at this We look forward to working with city leaders to win real solutime.” Glenn did not give a reason for his response. Davis antions that expand our options and make our communities safer.” swered the question with the same response.

According to Davis, BHRT officers are dispatched through Guilford Metro 911 “based on information provided to the tele-

NEWS | DEC. 23-29, 2021

NEWS

‘We want real solutions that expand community safety.’

A

15

OPINION | DEC. 23-29, 2021

EDITORIAL

OPINION

Anti-Semitism for Christmas

jensorensen.com/subscribe

M

aybe it’s because we’re so medical organizations. These are close to Christmas, and not public figures. Most of them are they resent celebrating doctors. the world’s most famous The fliers are too stupid to be Jew. Maybe it’s because reproduced here; in broad strokes, the they want media coverage — for message implies a COVID conspiraevery thousand people disgusted by cy involving — you guessed it! — the what they stand for, there are 10 or Jews, who have installed members of 12 who are eager to learn more. Or the tribe at strategic posts in governmaybe it’s because in our slow, inexment and medicine, and…. orable march to AmerDo we really need ican fascism, these to list the dirty deThe anti-Semitic folks are relying on the tails here? It’s just so most recent tactic from fliers were more mind-numbingly stupid the despot’s playbook from top to bottom. an act of terror and its suggestions for But it’s also dangerthan recruitment, ous. useful idiots. Probably designed to strike it’s a combination of all Here at Triad City three.

Beat, we must make a fear.

But really, it was just decision every time the ignorance and hate that right-wing shit machine led an anonymous, white-supremadrops another turd in the form of a cist group to drop a bunch of anti-Seflier, a protest, an event: Do we cover mitic fliers in some of Greensboro’s it, unleashing the collective disgust of priciest neighborhoods on Sunday our readership but also helping them morning. recruit from that loathsome 0.01 perThat these fliers were dropped cent that likes their message? Or do primarily in Old Irving Park and its enwe not cover it, denying a platform to virons — where a lot of Jewish folks the hate, sure, but also enabling the live — suggests more an act of terror roots of fascism to fester and grow than recruitment, designed to strike just beneath the public eye? fear. It names names, specifically The answer: It depends. Today we people who work at the CDC, the US landed on the side of sunlight, which Dept. of Health & Human Services, we believe to be the best disinfectant.

Pfizer and a few other governmental/

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “I enjoyed being pregnant when I wanted to be pregnant. All that comes along with being pregnant, if that’s not a choice, I can’t imagine how horrible it would be. I can’t imagine going into childbirth if you didn’t want to. That isn’t anything I would put on anyone.”

16

Jen Sorensen

–Natasha Smith, pg. 7

John Cole provided by NC Policy Watch

W

March of the Santas ell put together, smooth, almost dapper, they sporadically arrive at

the bar.

This night was planned,

by James Douglas thought out. Shots are distributed. The crew continues to trickle in, which means more shots. God have mercy on the first few to come through the doors. They were supposed to pace; by God. Now that’s out the window. Punctuality has no place here.

The plan has already failed.

More arrive, dressed for the occasion. There’s already 20 or so, all milling around the town’s oddest mixer. This crew, this assortment, they’re not focused on who’s the best looking or the tallest or oldest, or who has the best smile. No dwelling on height, sex, race, or age. Tonight, they’re all equals. It’s a marathon of sorts, full of toil. One night a year, they gather and move from bar to bar, spreading goodwill and holiday cheer.

It’s the March of the Santas.

For the uninitiated, the March of the Santas is a holiday phenomenon that involves dressing up as Santa Claus and bar hopping, preferably with a crew of similarly dressed compatriots.

Bartenders consider themselves lucky if their bar is one of the early stops.

No. 6 finally arrives. He built a sled. HaphazJAMES DOUGLAS ardly assembled, it doesn’t even have a seat.

Just a pidge-podge green and white cart with Parts of costumes, parts of a sled and abandoned beards get strewn down the sidewalk, marking the trail like breadcrumbs. a broken wheel and tinsel stapled around the sides. It doesn’t matter though; planning has no hits on a random woman sitting with her family The sled begins to disintegrate between the part in tonight’s adventure. and doesn’t see anything wrong with that. No. fourth or fifth bar. Parts of costumes, parts Assembled, the various Santas all agree that 8 still wants to be saucy and orders an old of the sled and abandoned beards are strewn it’s the time to start moving along. fashioned, forgetting a loose directive down the sidewalk, marking the trail like breadThey gather, order and offer tribute of the night: Keep It Simple. One mixed crumbs. before setting off on their crusade.

One night drink, and the others realize the other One woman sports a white beard, the doorguy The early arrivals are already buzzed, a year, they rule of the night: There are no rules. at the bar dons a discarded Santa hat. A ranbut raring to go. They make it a block They order a round of the same. dom Santa lingers in an alleyway and contemgather and before realizing the dilemma of 25 They move on, heading towards plates her “second breakfast.” She’ll catch up. A move from Fourth Street. The group spaces out, people dressed the same trying to group of right jolly old elves from Wake Forest show IDs. The bartenders see the bar to bar, some are at the last bar finishing their University encounter the remaining Santas a crowd and the flurry of texts begin spreading drinks, others might be two stops block over and casualties ensue, taking numto spread: They’re coming, God help ahead.

One Santa bailed when he bers and TikTok handles. goodwill you. Some bartenders suddenly find saw his ex canoodling with a glittery The final bar is in sight; the welcoming neon religion and cross themselves as they and holiday reindeer. gleam should be a triumph. It’s Endsville though, hear the “HO-HO-HO” echoing up the cheer.

It’s early yet. Four decide to drop out, water and bar snacks the only respite while street, sounding more menacing all sticking around to hit on the singles waiting for an Uber. The two that remain are the while. Bedlam is the aim of the who might have a thing for older dudes with traumatized and nearly broken, the only consoevening. bushy white beards. Much like the Appalachian lation being the tinsel and wood scraps that the Another round or two. Glitter begins to amass Trail credo: Hike your own hike. The sea of red street sweeper may miss. in the streets, on the bars and the surface of evand white march on.

Happy Holidays. ery person hugged. Unprompted, Santa No. 16

CULTURE | DEC. 23 - 29, 2021

IN THE WEEDS

17

SHOT IN THE TRIAD | DEC. 23 - 29, 2021

SHOT IN THE TRIAD Shady Lawn Drive, Greensboro

Homeowner Gene Oliver started working on his Christmas display on November 1st. He estimates the set up takes about 40-50 hours every year. Everyone coming by to take a look is encouraged to bring canned good donations for the Out of the Garden Project.

19

PUZZLES | DEC. 23 - 29, 2021

CROSSWORD

by Matt Jones

Across

1 “The Lord of the Rings” army members 5 Hosp. employee 8 “First Blood” figure 13 Spring’s opposite, in tides 14 “I’m onto your scheme, forwards and backwards!”

15 “The Miracle Worker” subject 16 Vesuvius’s Sicilian counterpart 17 Mix-and-match 19 City where the Demon Deacons play home games 21 Wine bouquet 22 “SNL” cast member who plays Dionne Warwick 26 Strong longing 27 Okra unit 29 Grammy winner Erykah 30 Prepare eggs, in a way 32 Title words preceding “Cooking,” “Painting,” and “Missing Out” 33 Prokofiev orchestral work often played at children’s concerts 38 Angelic instruments 39 Slander counterpart 40 Fabric or liquid finisher?

41 Acronym for a drone-like robotic unit used for underwater research 42 Far from outgoing 45 Reason for optimism 50 Lauder of cosmetics fame 52 Movie (with a 2021 sequel) that features the characters in the circles 54 Burpee item that may yield a bunch 57 Can’t pay up 58 Perfect examples 59 Bollywood actress Aishwarya ___ 60 Get higher 61 “The Silence of the Lambs” director Jonathan 62 Causes of some EMT calls 63 Piano layout

Down

20

“Something Strange”--it’s their calling.

1 Like many downtown streets, directionally 2 Leave some work?

3 “1812 Overture” sound effect 4 Hiccup, for example 5 Totally unhinged 6 Did with minimal effort, so to speak 7 Disclaimer for some seasoning blends 8 Get more InStyle, e.g.

9 Game scheduled for December 29, 2021 (Ducks vs.

Sooners) 10 Orioles’ org.

11 Actress Powley of “The King of Staten Island” 12 ___-Ida (Tater Tots maker) 15 Potter’s appliance 18 Chinese dumpling, or a 2018 Pixar short named for one 20 Becomes narrower 23 “Banana Boat Song” shout 24 Object of devotion 25 Hand-warming tube 28 Plant gametes

© 2021 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@jonesincrosswords.com)

30 Restore from brainwashing 31 The “bad” cholesterol, for short 32 Valet in P.G. Wodehouse novels 33 “___ Lap” (1983 racehorse film set in Australia) 34 “I’m hungry enough to ___ horse!”

35 Hall of Fame QB Aikman 36 Edge that sits on a car wheel 37 “And Just Like That ...” network 42 Cartoon kid who says “What the deuce?”

43 Doctrinal rejection 44 Affirmative votes 46 Violin aperture shaped like a curvy letter 47 Red-___ (cinnamon candies) 48 CIA forerunner during WWII 49 Prefix with dactyl 51 Long-legged bird 53 Big name in gluten-free bread 54 El ___ (Spanish national hero) 55 Suffix with lime 56 “Orange Crush” band

SUDOKU

©2021 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@jonesincrosswords.com)

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

DEC. 9 ANSWERS