Weekly Press Week of Jan 31, 2013

baton

THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2013

rouge,

louisiana

Vol. 37 • No. 30 • FREE

a people’s publication

Louisiana Health Care Services Budget Cuts Begin This Week Louisiana Will Eliminate Health Benefits For HIV Patients, Poor Children, And First Time Moms

their newborns.

The Medicaid program will no longer cover physical therapy and speech therapy rehabilitation services for nursing home residents. Dental benefits to pregnant women through Medicaid will be cut off. Hospitals and doctors will be paid less when they care for Medicaid patients.

The cuts begin Friday, part of a series of Jindal administration reductions announced in mid-December to close a nearly $166 midyear budget deficit for the fiscal year that ends June 30.

The Medicaid hospice program that provides at-home care for terminally ill patients who can’t afford private insurance won a last-minute reprieve after

BATON ROUGE—Cuts to health care services begin this week for at-risk children, lowincome moms and HIV patients, part of Gov. Bobby Jindal’s rebalancing of the budget to close a midyear deficit.

Slated for elimination are programs that provide behav-

ioral health services for at-risk children, offer case management visits for low-income HIV pa-

President Obama’s Favorability Best Since 2009

Bill Maher Receives Standing Ovation, Honorary Title From Mayor Holden In Baton Rouge

Gov. Bobby Jinda

tients and pay for at-home visits by nurses who teach poor, firsttime mothers how to care for

See HEALTH CUTS, on page 2

To Celebrate Super Bowl, Warrick Dunn Charities Expands to New Orleans

Warrick Dunn

NEW ORLEANS, LA - Warrick Dunn Charities, Aarons’ Inc., and New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity, Former NFL Running Back Warrick Dunn and a very surprised New Orleans native single father and his children on Friday, February 1, 2013 with a new home.

Homes for the Holidays will surprise a single father and his three daughters with a fully stocked home filled with linens, furnishings, food, home décor, toys and everything needed to create a home atmosphere. Aaron’s, Inc. will also provide a house full of furniture for the family. In honor of the Super Bowl, Homes for the Holidays will assist the single-parent family by setting them up for long-term stability and equipping them

with everything needed in a new home, from furniture and linens to new toothbrushes for everyone so the children can thrive academically, socially and economically.

On behalf of the family, Warrick Dunn Charities will also give New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity a $5,000 down payment for the new home. The Homes for the Holidays program has assisted 122 single parents and 331 dependents in Atlanta, Baltimore, Baton Rouge, Dallas, Jacksonville, New Orleans, Tallahassee and Tampa.

Amanda Hamman, Communications/Marketing Coordinator can be reached at 404.632.2825 or 404.367.2230 or by e-mail at hamman@wdc.org for any additional information regarding this program.

Lynn Whitfield To Receive Paff’s Lifetime Achievement Award After 30 years in the biz, the award-winning Lynn Whitfield will receive PAFF’s highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award

President Barack Obama

Barack Obama has advanced to his highest personal popularity since his first year in office, and Americans who’ve formed an opinion of his second inaugural address last week broadly approve of it, the latest ABC News/Washington Post poll finds.

At the same time, Obama’s favorability rating is lower than that of two of the last three re-elected presidents as they started their second terms, Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan. He’s in better shape compared with the third, George W. Bush.

Sixty percent of Americans now express a favorable opinion of Obama overall, up 10 points since last summer, in the heat of the presidential race. His popularity peaked at a remarkable 79 percent days before he took office four years See best, on page 2

Bill Maher and Baton Rouge Mayor-President Kip Holden pose for a picture following Maner’s show at the Baton Rouge River Center on Jan 28, 2013.

By Lauren McGaughy BATON ROUGE, LA Bill Maher is not one to mince words. Like him or leave him, he’s unapologetic in his distaste for the conservative political machine, organized religion and the fear-mongering mass media. He also doesn’t soften his routine depending on location.

“It’s great to be in the liberal South,” Maher said as he took the stage Sunday night at The River Center in Baton Rouge.

He echoed remarks made in an

United Way Participates in MLK Holiday

interview last week that “no matter how conservative an area is, there’s a lot of progressive, freethinking people marbled into the population. And the problem is, of course, they’re surrounded by a bunch of rednecks.”

In his hour-long show, which mixed comedy with political commentary, Maher touched on many of the issues on American minds today including gun control, climate change, racism and intolerance and religion.

The biggest applause Maher received was probably

for a jibe he made at Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, who he lumped into what he called a group of lackluster emerging Republican leaders, including Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio.

But Maher also had good words for the future of the country, pointing out the legalization of recreational marijuana use in Washington and Colorado and the passage of same-sex marriage legislation in Maryland See maher, on page 2

LOS ANGELES - The Pan African Film Festival will honor award-winning actress Lynn Whitfield with its highest honor, a Lifetime Achievement Award for her work in television and film.

The award will be presented at the annual Night of Tribute, which will be part of the preshow festivities for the awards ceremony of the African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA). The event will be held on Friday, February 8, 2013, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Taglyan Complex, located at 1201 Vine Street in Hollywood, Calif. The Night of Tribute honors world-renowned actors, filmmakers, community

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state & local News

Business News

Religion News

Lynn Whitfield

leaders and fine artists for their contributions on stage, television, film, the arts and the community.

With more than 30 years in the entertainment industry, Whitfield vaulted to international fame in the HBO biopic, “The Josephine Baker Story,” portraying the legendary international icon.

Her performance - after all, who can forget the Banana Dance -- nabbed her a Golden Globe nomination and an See whitfield, on page 2

health News Flu vaccineHealth officials are urging everyone especially people over the age of 65 years to get the influenza (FLU) vaccine..See Page 7

INDEX

Black History Quiz Bowl Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s more persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’” Each year, Americans across the country answer that question by coming together on the King Holiday to serve their neighbors and communities...See Page 3

The SU Ag Center will hold the 19th Annual Black History Quiz Bowl on Thursday, Feb. 21, 3:00 pm at Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center Studio (Auditorium). Click here for study guide....See Page 2

Tax Refund Identity Fraud

Many people file their income tax returns as early in the year as possible. Some are eager to claim their tax refund right away, while others are simply following their New Year’s resolution not to procrastinate....See Page 5

Hymns Like You Haven’t Heard

Carolyn Shield is back with her 2nd highly anticipated instrumental release, Hymns Like You Haven’t Heard. Her appreciation for hymns began in her childhood, as she played the organ during the worship services....See Page 7

Local & State............................2 Commentary.............................4 Business....................................5 Religion....................................6 Health.......................................7 Sports.......................................8

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Weekly Press • Thursday, January 31, 2013

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Annual Black History Quiz Bowl is Slated for February 21 BATON ROUGE, LA – The SU Ag Center will hold the 19th Annual Black History Quiz Bowl on Thursday, Feb. 21, 3:00 pm at Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center Studio (Auditorium). Click here for study guide.

The Black History Quiz Bowl is an exciting educational event that stimulates our students.

All divisions, clubs and other organizations and individual students within the College of Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences form teams including students from other colleges for this event with encouragement from faculty members. Each team consists of four players, one of whom serves as captain. The competition covers a variety of topics, including current events, politics, history, sports and entertainment.

Each team will consist of four players, one of whom should serve as captain. Divisions and organizations can form more than one team if they so choose, and are encouraged to do so.

Teams must sign the roster in the Dean’s complex by Wednes-

The Weekly Press Newspaper is a published weekly in Baton Rouge and distributed every Thursday with a circulation of 7,500.

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New Orleans’ Challenge: Policing 2 Huge Parties

National Guardsmen patrol the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. It’s an unprecedented security challenge for New Orleans: the city’s increasingly raucous buildup to Mardi Gras gets suspended for a week as 150,000 visitors flood the town for Super Bowl. Joining the police department’s 1,200-plus officers for Super Bowl week are more than 200 state troopers and about 100 officers from surrounding local jurisdictions.

Teams vying for 2012 top prize sports and entertaninment.

day, February 13, 2013 in order to participate.

The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center and College of Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences jointly support the Black

History Quiz Bowl under the leadership of Owusu Bandele, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Horticulture, SU Ag Center.

For a copy of the study guide and further details, please contact Dr. Bandele at obandele@

HEALTH CUTS the Department of Health and Hospitals identified grant dollars to continue the service and state senators voiced loud complaints about the planned closure.

The rest of the programs slated for elimination this week won’t be spared, however.

Health and Hospitals Secretary Bruce Greenstein said he targeted programs that were duplicative, costly and optional under the state’s participation in the state-federal Medicaid program.

Greenstein said in many instances, people can get the care they’re losing through other government-funded programs.

But he acknowledged that won’t happen in every case, meaning some people will simply lose the services or receive reduced services.

For the 250 HIV patients whose case management program is being eliminated, Greenstein said the private managed care networks that cover Louisiana’s Medicaid patients offer similar services.

He said many of the 400 people in the rehabilitation services program will be able to get their care through Medicare, which is federally-funded.

Jan Moller heads the Louisiana Budget Project, which advocates for low- to moderate-

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income families. Moller said he’s most distressed by the cut to the Nurse-Family Partnership Program.

DHH is eliminating the portion of the program that offers at-home visits to low-income women who are pregnant with their first child. Registered nurses visit the women early in their pregnancy and until their children’s second birthday, offering advice on preventive health care, diet and nutrition, smoking cessation and other child developmental issues.

Greenstein said pregnant women can receive case management and a focus on healthy births and early childhood care through Medicaid’s private managed care networks and health providers.

“What the Nurse-Family Partnership does goes above and beyond what a good obstetrician does,” Moller said. “It’s really about teaching life-skills to atrisk moms to make them better parents and make them better able to care for their children, and it’s been proven to work.”

Janet Ketcham, executive director of McMains Children’s Developmental Center in Baton Rouge, wrote to Jindal asking him to spare the Early Childhood Supports and Services program, which provides com-

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cox.net or 225-771-2242. Study guide can also be obtained by contacting Ms. Sheila Smith in the Dean’s Complex at J. W. Fisher Hall, Room 102; calling (225) 7713660 or emailing sheila_smith@ subr.edu.

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8520 Scotland Ave, Suite C • Baton Rouge, La. 225-774-5771

charlesmcmanus@ mcmanuslawoffice.brcoxmail.com www.charlesmcmanus.com

munity-based services to children from low-income families who are considered at risk for mental health conditions.

“We have first-hand knowledge of the essential services they provide because they refer children to us for speech and occupational therapies, and we refer children to them who are in need of behavioral/mental health intervention,” Ketcham wrote.

Her request was unsuccessful.

Greenstein said DHH is reviewing the cases of 540 children in the program to determine whether they can receive services through nonprofit groups or, for more intensive treatment, the state’s behavioral health program.

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ago, and last saw the 60s in November 2009.

Obama’s approval rating for his inaugural address last week is lower - 51 percent approve in this poll, produced for ABC by Langer Research Associates, but just 24 percent disapprove, a 2-1 ratio in favor of the speech. A quarter of Americans have no opinion of it either way.

Favorability - which differs from job approval - is the most basic rating of a public figure’s personal popularity. Obama’s exceeds Bush’s at the start of his second term by 5 percentage points, but trails Clinton’s by 5 and Reagan’s by 12.

Intensity of sentiment is a plus for Obama: More have a “strongly” favorable opinion of him than a strongly unfavorable one, 39 vs. 26 percent, and twice as many strongly approve of his inaugural speech as disapprove.

It’s the first time he’s been significantly more strongly popular than unpopular since early 2010.

GROUPS - The president continues to be highly popular within his own party, with 92 percent favorability. Notably, 60 percent of independents see him favorably vs. 36 percent unfavorably, his best since his first year in office. He remains unpopular, however, with 80 percent of Republicans.

Similarly, 87 percent of liberals and 68 percent of moderates view the president posiSee best, on page 3

NEW ORLEANS — A New Orleans police force famed for its crowd control prowess is getting help from state and federal authorities as the city hosts an estimated 150,000 Super Bowl fans while preparing for the raucous buildup to Mardi Gras, which also draws thousands to the historic French Quarter and its restaurants, bars and strip clubs.

The security challenges began in earnest Friday night with the first of the city’s major float-filled Mardi Gras season parades. This week, the parade schedule is on hold while the Super Bowl takes center stage.

Mardi Gras preparations resume once Sunday’s game is over, and the parades roll again starting Wednesday.

The city’s police force of 1,200 officers is bolstered this week by more than 200 Louisiana State Police troopers and hundreds of federal authorities from several agencies.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano was in town for a Wednesday news conference outlining security precautions, including Immigrations and Customs Enforce-

Whitfiels

See parties, on page 3

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Emmy Award for “Outstanding Lead Actress in a Special or Miniseries,” giving Whitfield “the greatest sense of accomplishment and realization of my vision,” she says.

A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Whitfield has won five NAACP Image Awards and received four nominations for her work in television and film, including “Redemption: The Stan Tookie Williams Story,” co-starring Jamie Foxx and “The Josephine Baker Story.” Other TV credits include roles in the Oprah Winfrey-produced miniseries, “The Women of Brewster Place” and “The Wedding,” respectively. She’s also attracted a new generation of fans in two of the Disney Channel’s highest-rated movies, “The

Maher

ment scans of cargo shipped to the game site and Coast Guard work to assure maritime safety and security along the Mississippi River. Game-day plans will include flight restrictions in the airspace near the Superdome, pat-down searches of ticket holders and the use of dogs to sniff out contraband.

Michael Anderson, head of the FBI’s New Orleans office, said no credible terrorism threats have arisen.

“This week, there is no safer place to be than the city of New Orleans,” added Raymond Parmer, a special agent with ICE. Even with all the help, the combination of Super Bowl and Mardi Gras season means New Orleans Police Department officers are working more than three weeks’ worth of 12-hour days, on the lookout for everything from petty crime and public drunkenness to random gunfire and the threat of terrorism.

It will be an exhausting stretch that city officials say will cost the city several million dollars in police overtime.

Cheetah Girls” and its sequel, “The Cheetah Girls 2.”

On the big screen, Whitfield portrayed the unforgettable character, Brandi, in Martin Lawrence’s popular urban revenge saga, “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate.” She went on to score critical success as the beleaguered wife of Samuel L. Jackson in “Eve’s Bayou,” which is a story of a prominent black Louisiana family. Other film credits include the Chris Rock vehicle, “Head of State,” Tyler Perry’s “Madea’s Family Reunion,” and “Mama I Want To Sing,” a remake of the popular off-Broadway musical, as well as “Things Fall Apart,” produced by and co-starring rapper 50 Cent. And the list continues.

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and Maine.

As the theater erupted into applause over the comment, Maher told the assembled Louisianans not to get ahead of themselves.

“Well, it wasn’t this one.

This is a city named after a stick. I mean, come on,” he said to laughter.

After the show, Maher received a special proclamation from Baton Rouge Mayor-President Kip Holden declaring Jan. 27, 2013 “Bill Maher Day.” Holden thanked Maher for appearing in town and welcomed him to return, also making him honorary Mayor-President.

But not everyone was overjoyed by Maher’s visit. A group of about 20 people from the Consuming Fire Fellowship in Gloster, Miss., parked themselves outside of the venue, chanting sermons and telling passersby to “repent!”

Maher also encountered a rather interactive audience, which interrupted him at multiple points during the show. One woman continuously shouted to thank him for his “contribution,” while one man shouted his refusal to ap-

plaud gun control and another asked him why he hasn’t run for president himself.

Maher said “the pot” would be a problem, making reference to his life-long love affair with marijuana. “That and every public statement I’ve ever made,” Maher added.

When the positive audience contributions continued unabated, other audience members began chiming in, telling the yellers to “shut up.”

“The only thing that can stop a bad heckler is a good one,” Maher said at one point, parodying the statement made by the NRA that “the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.”

Around 1,400 people attended the event on Sunday.

Although the theater’s capacity stands at 1,900, a Maher public relations representative said he was pleased with the turnout.

Maher will appear in Tulsa, Okla. on Feb. 9 and El Paso, Texas on Feb. 10. “Real Time with Bill Maher” is on HBO on Fridays at 9:00 p.m.

CST.

Thursday, January 31, 2013 • The Weekly Press • Page 3

Deadline for Women of Excellence Awards, Scholarships Set for February 8 Baton Rouge, Louisiana - The deadline for accepting nominations for the 2013 Women of Excellence Awards and the applications for the Educational Advancement Opportunity Scholarships is fast approaching. The Louisiana Legislative Women’s Caucus Foundation is accepting nominations and applications until February 8, 2013.

The categories for the awards and the links to the nomination forms for the awards and the scholarship applications are below listed. Please click on the links below to access the forms and applications.

• Business • College Woman of Excellence (ages 18 to 25) -- A $1,000 Louisiana Legislative Women’s Caucus Foundation Scholarship will be awarded to the recipient of this award.

• Education & Research • Louisiana Hero of Excellence (new this year) • M i l i t a r y ( n e w t h i s year) • High School Woman of Excellence (for graduating seniors) -- A $1,000 Louisiana Legislative Women’s Caucus

Parties

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“If we can, we’d like to give them some time down,” said police chief Ronal Serpas. “But if we can’t, they know it and they’ll stand up for it.”

It’s also a unique chance for Serpas to show off one of the strengths of a department beset by scandals involving brutality and mismanagement. City officials have carried out numerous reforms aimed at cleaning up the department, which has seen five officers convicted of civil rights violations stemming from deadly shootings of unarmed residents after Hurricane Katrina.

For years, though, crowd control has been the department’s bright spot, especially during Mardi Gras revelry on the narrow streets of the nearly 300-year-old French Quarter, home to fancy restaurants and art galleries as well as sleazy bars and strip joints.

“I think the NOPD does take a particular pride in its

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Foundation Scholarship will be awarded to the recipient of this award.

• S cience, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) • Educational Advancement Opportunity Scholarship -- Each EAO Scholarship is for $500 and is to be used for tuition, room & board and/ or books. The Foundation will award numerous EAO Scholarships depending upon monies raised.

Since 2010, the women legislators through their foundation have awarded $13,000 in scholarships to deserving young women in Louisiana.

Forms for the Women of Excellence Awards and Scholarships can be downloaded from the Women’s Caucus website at http://llwc.louisiana.gov, then click on the Nominations and Scholarship Forms’ link. The awards and scholarships will be given at the 6th Annual Women of Excellence Awards & Scholarship Gala in May 2013 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at a time and location to be announced.

long-standing history and long-standing demonstration that managing large crowds is something we do very well,” said Serpas, who is in his third year running the department.

Shoulder-to-shoulder, alcohol-fueled crowds often spill over into the neighboring Faubourg Marigny, an increasingly popular area of music clubs and restaurants. A 15-blocklong stretch of Poydras Street, linking the Superdome to the Mississippi River and the massive Harrah’s Casino, is seeing increased foot traffic during sports events with the opening of more bars and restaurants in recent years. And, outside the Quarter, lavish Carnival season parades draw tens of thousands to the miles-long routes. During the final weekend of Mardi Gras, streets of the metro area can be packed with more than a million people, and more than a few will be overdoing it.

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tively, dropping to 34 percent of conservatives overall and just a quarter of strong conservatives.

In other groups, Obama’s more popular among women than men by 9 points. And he’s rated favorably by 87 percent of nonwhites, two-thirds of young adults and two-thirds of those in the lower- to middleincome brackets. By contrast, his favorability drops to 45 percent among whites - a group he lost to Mitt Romney by 20 points - and 47 percent of those with household incomes more than $100,000 a year.

The president’s inaugural speech - peppered with messages appealing to his core supporters - hit home with broad majorities of Democrats, liberals and nonwhites, as well as majorities of young adults, women, moderates and lower-

to middle-income Americans.

Though not majorities, significantly more approve than disapprove of Obama’s address among a variety of other groups, including political independents. Whites and “somewhat” conservatives split more evenly, while “very” conservatives and Republicans disapprove by wide margins.

METHODOLOGY - This ABC News/Washington Post poll was conducted by landline and cell phone Jan. 23-27, 2013, among a random national sample of 1,022 adults. Results have a margin of sampling error of 3.5 points. The survey was produced for ABC News by Langer Research Associates of New York, N.Y., with sampling, data collection and tabulation by SSRS/Social Science Research Solutions of Media, Pa.

Capital Area United Way Participates in MLK Holiday Day of Service

The staff of Capital Area United Way join in on the MLK Day of Service efforts on Monday, January 21st.

BATON ROUGE, LA - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s more persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’” Each year, Americans across the country answer that question by coming together on the King Holiday to serve their neighbors and communities.

On Monday, January 21st, Capital Area United Way staff joined several of its partner agencies to celebrate MLK Day of Service, celebrating the anniversary of the holiday recognizing one of America’s greatest heroes, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. CAUW staff teamed up with the American Red Cross to canvas areas of Baton Rouge to place fire prevention materials on the doors of homes in several neighborhoods. In another part of the city, remaining staff worked to paint a home and clean the yard of an elderly resident.

“Martin Luther King devoted his life to advancing equality, social justice, and opportunity for all, and taught us that everyone has a role to play in making America what it ought to be,” said Richard Williams, Interim President/ CEO of Capital Area United Way. “By serving on Monday and throughout the year, we honor Dr. King and help realize his dream of equality and opportunity for all.”

The project is one of thousands taking place across the nation as part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.

For other volunteer projects through Capital Area United Way/Volunteer! United, visit www.CAUW.org/volunteer.

Please contact Kendall C.

Back, Lauren Cathey, and front, Judy Mitchell, both staff members at Capital Area United Way, paint the home of an elderly resident as part of the MLK Day of Service project on Monday, January 21st.

Hebert at 225-346-5817 for any additional information.

Capital Area United Way works to advance the common good and create opportunities for a better life for all. This is done through our focus on education, income, and health. With your support, over 120 programs

that have measurable results in these three focus areas are currently being funded. These programs touch the lives of thousands in our 10-parish Capital Area and are making a positive impact on a daily basis. To give, advocate, or volunteer please visit CAUW.org.

FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Louisiana Praised as National Leader in Charter School Law Louisiana marked National School Choice Week with a top spot on the foremost national charter school advocacy group’s annual ratings, jumping from 13th place in 2011 to to sixth place last year. The rankings, issued by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, measure how closely a state adheres to the group’s influential model law, which emphasizes giving schools the freedom and funding to innovate while holding them to high standards.

Louisiana earned 151 points, up from 119 in 2011.

Minnesota topped the list with a score of 172 points on a scale of 228. Mississippi was the lowest with a 39. Eight states do not have laws allowing charter schools.

“Our top 10 states ... have created the right policy conditions for charter schools to thrive,” said study author Todd Ziebarth.

Louisiana earned points for a controversial law passed by the Legislature last year that gives nonprofits the power to charter a school. At its January meeting, the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education set up a process for nonprofits to apply to become chartering authorities.

The ratings examine the laws on the books, not the conditions on the ground.

“We are firm believers that in order to get quality right you first have to start with a strong law,” said NAPCS CEO Nina Rees.

However, the 2013 rankings will factor in graduation, dropout, attendance and academic performance for charter versus traditional schools.

Louisiana stood out for its strong quality control policies, for the transparency of its charter application and review process, and for providing “adequate” funding to its charter authorizers. The state also gives charters freedom by automatically exempting them from laws that traditional schools must follow.

The report noted that 10 charters closed in 2011-12, more than in the three previous academic years combined.

Caroline Roemer Shirley, executive director of the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools, said the ranking was good news. “I do think the governor and others have utilized the model law to set policy here,” she said.

Overall, the report found charters in Louisiana had nearly twice as many black students than traditional schools -- 82 percent vs. 43 percent. That’s largely because New Orleans public schools, which serve predominately African American students, continue to lead the charter charge in Louisiana and nationwide. The city has more of its public school students in charters than anywhere else in the country -- 84 percent as of October 2012, according to analysis by the group Educate Now. Statewide, 7 percent of the state’s public schools are charters, according to recent state education department data.

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Commentary Thursday, January 31, 2013 • The Weekly Press • Page 4

The Residents Are Please, But Not Satisfied The Fight Has Just Begun For Justice and Environmental Justice For All Submitted By Greg Mitchell Citizens Right To Know Congratulations to President Barack Obama And Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. No community in America or anywhere else should be forced to live in human waste. Residents in University Place Subdivision are forced daily to live in human waste. You may post to facebook, our community is suffering. For Immediate Release. Mr. Michael Baisden Radio show, Tom Joyner and others. Please feel free to contact us and bring awareness to this horrible situation.

We, The Concerned Citizens Of University Place Subdivision continue to live and suffer this horrible nightmare of injustice(s).

Our community continues to be forced to live in human waste on a daily basis because of the negative impacts the North Baton Rouge Sewage Treatment Plant has on our community for more than twenty years. The facts are there are health and safety concerns and we are not living in decent, safe and sanitary conditions for years, the city changed a recreational (BREC) playground into a huge sewage plant not a Beverly Hills resort, you changed it to a sewer plant, more health problems, more sewer flies, more stinky odors, more civil rights violations, more environmental justice violations, decreased property values and more negative impacts (Read Mayor Kip

Holden’s Court Testimony case #432169 Judge Kay Bates). This is more traumatic stress for some residence that will be uprooted from their homes and community, which they have lived for many years.

This is an environmental disaster caused by these three governments, but, thanks to a fair and fighting for justice for all council, has requested this administration to come up with a community buyout because no matter what some judges opinions may be the facts are and reality is, people are living in human waste and this should not be happening to any community and tax paying citizens which we are tax paying citizens also.

The city/administration has tried to deceive our community on numerous occasions and this seems to be another trap. Lets straighten all details out before the vote. We have a right to know.

Don’t you think we all have a right to know before hand? Now, after 20+ years, residents of the University Place Subdivision have a deal in place to allow them to move away from the nearby sewer treatment plant.

The East Baton Rouge Metro Council voted 8-4 in favor of a long-debated buyout plan, at a cost of roughly $6 million, plus. It would pay for dozens of people to move out the neighborhood and what they call substandard living conditions.

“Very excited,” said Vallery Thierry. “About time.”

“We’re ready to get out of this horrible situation,” agreed Greg Mitchell.

But the deal is not everything we were looking for.

There is not an exact numSee residents, on page 7

FUNdraising Good Times Mission, Vision and Plan Successful fundraising begins long before a fundraising plan is ever created. It starts with your organization’s vision and mission. These two items are at the core of non-profit operations.

It is the vision and mission that drive your strategic direction and goals. And it is the strategic direction that influences fundraising and the use of funds.

The chief executive for your organization is the person responsible for the vision and mission. Depending upon the structure of your organization this person could be the director, executive director, the chief executive officer, the president or chancellor. He or she is the person responsible for ensuring board members, employees, and volunteers understand the mission and vision and are in agreement with these. He is also responsible for ensuring the organization’s strategic direction — as documented in the strategic plan — is rooted in the mission and vision.

The work of defining your nonprofit’s mission and vision may have been done years ago.

Or, these may be still evolving.

Sometimes the process of defining these can appear to be complicated and too time consuming. But clearly defining these is critically important – they are the bedrock from which you will create your strategic, business, and/or operating plans. They are what will ultimately drive your fundraising.

Here’s how it works. Your mission and vision inform the creation of your strategic plan.

Your strategic plan sets the path for your operations and activities. Knowing your current and projected future operations and activities informs your fundraising. While you can always

raise some money, meeting your fundraising goal will require that you know how much you are seeking to raise and for what current and projected purposes.

It all ties back to your mission and vision.

Here are our simple definitions. Your vision statement communicates your vision for the future — what you are seeking to achieve. Your mission statement communicates the purpose of your organization. Your strategic plan communicates how you will bring your vision and mission to life.

Your vision and mission statements should be short and concise — one or two sentences at most, if possible. Your strategic plan can be as simple or as complex as your organization requires. We are partial to short, clearly written plans that include easy-to-understand and easy-tomeasure goals and objectives.

Once the vision and mission are established, it is the chief executive’s responsibility to ensure they are understood and that the board and employees are in agreement with them.

All parties need to know these statements – and what they mean – inside and out. All need to be able to discuss the vision and mission when talking about the organization. Each needs to know the goals and objectives contained in the strategic plan and the progress being made toward these. These are some of the first steps in building towards fundraising success. © Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw are the authors of “Prerequisites for Fundraising Success.” They provide fundraising counsel to nonprofits. Visit them at www. saadandshaw.com.

Commissioner Donelon Denies State Farm Regional Deductible Plan Proposal Commissioner of Insurance Jim Donelon announced today his decision to decline a recent request made by State Farm Fire & Casualty Company (State Farm) to propose the introduction of a regional deductible plan for its Louisiana homeowner’s program.

The requirements for regional deductible plans are provided for in L.S.A. 22:1333 (D) and Regulation 93 (Named Storm and Hurricane Deductibles). Prior to legislation enacted in 2008, an insurance company was prohibited from increasing the deductible on a policy that had been in effect for more than three years, unless the company increased the deductible on all of its policies statewide. However,

in 2008, legislation was enacted that gave insurance companies the option of submitting a plan to the Commissioner of Insurance that proposed a mandatory minimum storm deductible in an individual parish.

If approved, a proposed deductible plan would allow a company to implement an increase to the storm deductible in a parish up to a maximum of four percent of the insured value of the property with an appropriate reduction to the homeowner’s premium. The company’s request must include a business plan that meets ten criteria, including a plan to write new business in the parish where the regional deductible would be implemented. State Farm is the

first company to file a request for approval of a regional deductible plan with the Commissioner since the law was enacted.

“The proposal submitted

by State Farm failed to meet the requirements set forth by law,” said Donelon. “The regional deductible plan submitted by State Farm neither illustrates the company’s intent to write new business nor denotes how the plan is in the best interest of policyholders.”

Storm deductibles are triggered when damage is caused by wind and hail, a named tropical storm or hurricane. The 2008 legislation that authorizes the regional deductible plan also prohibits a homeowner’s policy from containing any provision

that would apply more than one deductible to a loss resulting from any single incident.

Since a storm deductible is based on the value of a home, for a home insured for $200,000 with a storm deductible of four percent, the amount required to be paid out of pocket by the homeowner for damages incurred by a storm would be $8,000. The benefit of higher deductibles for the consumer is that lower premiums must be charged by the insurer as the consumer is taking on more of the risk and is given a premium discount for doing so. Most insurers use storm deductibles as a means of allowing them to reduce their catastrophe exposure and write more coverage in high-risk areas.

Obama Races Away from the Issue of Race

By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist When Barack Obama accepted his party’s presidential nomination in Denver on August 28, 2008 – the 45th anniversary of the March on Washington where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream Speech” – excitement filled the air.

Amid that jubilance, however, it struck me as odd that Obama failed to mention Dr. King by name. “.. And it is that promise that, 45 years ago today, brought Americans from every corner of this land to stand together on a Mall in Washington, before Lincoln’s Memorial, and hear a young preacher from Georgia speak of his dream,” Obama said at the time.

Seconds later, he would add: “’We cannot walk alone,’” the preacher cried. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back.”

When Obama was inaugurated for the second time on January 21, 2013, the day we officially celebrated as the King federal holiday, I knew – or thought I knew – that President Obama would not make that same omission again.

I listened carefully as he said: “We the people declare today that the most evident of truth that all of us are created equal – is the star that guides us still; just as it guided our forebears through Seneca Falls and Selma and Stonewall; just

as it guided all those men and women, sung and unsung, who left footprints along this great mall, to hear a preacher say that we cannot walk alone; to hear a King proclaim that our individual freedom is inextricably bound to the freedom of every soul on Earth.”

Why couldn’t President Obama utter Dr. King’s name on the day he used the slain civil rights leader ’s Bible to be sworn in? On King’s birthday, why couldn’t he be called more than just a preacher?

Even though Beyoncé lipsynced the National Anthem on Inauguration Day, she hasn’t been accused of faking it when she sings another song – “Say My Name.”

If you ain’t running a game Say my name, say my name The problem is larger than the failure to say Dr. King’s name. The problem, according to Michael Eric Dyson, is that, “This president runs from race like a Black man runs from a cop.”

When candidate Obama was forced to address the issue of race in the wake of controversial remarks by Rev. Jeremiah Wright, his former pastor, he said in Philadelphia: “But race is an issue that I believe this nation cannot afford to ignore right now.”

However, that’s exactly what he has been doing.

Frederick C. Harris, director of the Institute for Research in African-American Studies at Columbia University, noted, “… as president, Mr. Obama

has had little to say on concerns specific to blacks. His State of the Union address in 2011 was the first by any president since 1948 to not mention poverty or the poor.

The political scientist Daniel Q. Gillion found that Mr. Obama, in his first two years in office, talked about race less than any Democratic president had since 1961. From racial profiling to mass incarceration to affirmative action, his comments have been sparse and halting.”

Sure, he had a beer summit at the White House with Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and the White police officer who arrested him in his own home. Obama said the officer had “acted stupidly,” but later softened his criticism. The president also said, “If I had a son, he’d look like Trayvon [Martin].”

Of course, the issue is not whether Obama has a son who looks like Trayvon Martin.

What is he going to do about people who are treated like Trayvon?

To discuss race less than Ly n d o n J o h n s o n , J i m m y Carter and Bill Clinton, all White southerners who grew up under segregation, should be embarrassing to President Obama. It should be even more of an embarrassment that Obama hasn’t taken leadership on the issue as Bill Clinton did when he launched his “One America Initiative” on race. Putting aside the merits of the initiative, it demonstrated Clinton was willing to confront the

issue of race.

As my friend Courtland Milloy wrote in the Washington Post, it’s time to stop making excuses for Obama.

He said, “Obama should not be allowed to get away with thinking that when it comes to making his mark on the issue of race, all he had to do was become the first black president.”

Unfortunately, some of the most vocal Black leaders have either been co-opted by the White House or fear a backlash from adoring Black voters.

The usually outspoken Rep. Maxine Waters [D-Calif.] told a crowd in Detroit, “If we go after the president too hard, you’re going after us.”

And former Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Emanuel Cleaver, II of Missouri admitted, “With 14 percent [black] unemployment if we had a white president we’d be marching around the White House.”

If we don’t get some true leadership on this issue, perhaps it will be time to march around the White House, Congress and the headquarters of some of our civil rights organizations.

George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA.) He is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach. Curry can be reached through his Web site, www.georgecurry. com. You can also follow him at www.twitter.com/currygeorge.

The views expressed in the editiorial columns are not necessarily the veiws of The Weekly Press or its staff. Address all opinions and comments to: Letters to the Editior, P.O. Box 74485 Baton Rouge, La. 70874 or E-mail them to: theweeklypress@yahoo.com

Thursday, January 31, 2013 • The Weekly Press • Page 5

business

Avoiding Tax Refund Identity Fraud

By Jason Alderman Many people file their income tax returns as early in the year as possible. Some are eager to claim their tax refund right away, while others are simply following their New Year’s resolution not to procrastinate until midnight, April 15.

Let me add another good reason to file your taxes right away: tax refund identity fraud.

That’s where someone uses your Social Security number (SSN), birth date and other private information to file a fraudulent income tax return in your name and then pockets the resulting tax refund. Often, a victim’s first clue is a letter from the IRS contesting their legitimate tax return, saying one has already been processed under that name. It can take months – and mounds of paperwork – to unravel the mess.

This scam has proliferated in recent years thanks to a confluence of events: There’s a thriving black market in personal information stolen from healthcare facilities, nursing homes, schools, insurance companies and other institutions that require an SSN as identification.

The IRS is pressured to begin issuing refunds shortly after taxpayers start filing returns in mid-January, even though employers and financial institutions aren’t required to submit withholding and in-

come documentation until the end of March. Thus, disparities often aren’t caught until months later.

The growing popularity of electronic filing, where hard-copy documentation (like W-2 and 1099 forms) isn’t required.

Many people receive refunds via direct deposit and prepaid debit cards. Criminals open and close accounts using bogus addresses long before the theft has been detected.

Thanks to severe budget cuts and chronic understaffing – not to mention constantly playing whack-a-mole with thieves who dream up new schemes – the IRS is hard-pressed to keep up. In one extreme example, the agency issued more than $3.3 million in refunds for 2,137 tax returns filed to a single address.

But all is not lost. The IRS has significantly beefed up its fraud-prevention efforts. In 2011, they intercepted nearly 262,000 fraudulent tax returns seeking almost $1.5 billion in refunds related to identity theft.

And they now issue special personal identification numbers (PINs) to impacted taxpayers to protect their future tax filings.

So what should you do if you’ve been victimized? Typically, the IRS will send you a notice that: More than one tax return See fraud, on page 7

On EITC Awareness Day, IRS and Partners Alert Low- and Moderate-Income Workers of Significant Tax Benefit WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and partners nationwide launched the Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day outreach campaign today, aimed at helping millions of Americans who earned $50,270 or less take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

Local officials and community organizations across the country are sponsoring over 250 news conferences and other outreach events highlighting the benefits of this key work incentive for low-and moderateincome workers and working families.

The annual campaign is necessary because one-third of the eligible population changes each year as their financial, mari-

tal and parental statuses change.

Although an estimated four out of five eligible workers and families get the credit, one in five still miss out on it, either because they don’t claim it when filing, or don’t file a tax return at all.

“A large part of the nation sees major changes every year with their tax situation,” said IRS Acting Commissioner Steven T. Miller. “This year, millions of workers could qualify for EITC for the first time, and the IRS urges them not to overlook this valuable credit.”

The EITC varies by income, family size and filing status. The average EITC amount last year was around $2,200.

People can see if they qualify by

BASF Joins Habitat For Humanity And The New Orleans Super Bowl XLVII Host Committee To Build Homes For Baton Rouge Families In Need GEISMAR, LA -- BASF employee volunteers will join Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge and other New Orleans Super Bowl XLVII Host Committee sponsors on Feb. 2 to build and renovate houses for several Baton Rouge families in need. BASF is helping to extend the “Super Saturday of Service Legacy Program” to the Baton Rouge region on the eve of the big game.

BASF is a Host Committee sponsor for the New Orleans Super Bowl XLVII – an event that will generate more than $400 million in local revenue, create thousands of jobs in the region, and provide community support.

“We are pleased to be part of the New Orleans Super Bowl and to lead the Baton Rouge event in

the Super Saturday of Service efforts,” said Tom Yura, Senior Vice President and General Manager of BASF’s Geismar site. “Our employees are enthusiastic supporters of the community and are happy to volunteer their time to this worthwhile cause.”

“We are excited that BASF has become a sponsor of the Super Bowl Host Committee and a partner for our Super Saturday of Service Legacy Program,” said Jay Cicero, Executive Director of the Super Bowl XLVII Host Committee. “Hosting the Super Bowl is about providing a lasting impact in our communities long after the game is over. BASF and the Super Saturday of Service will do just that.”

The Super Saturday of Service volunteer efforts will focus on the Rosewood neigh-

borhood, a Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge housing site. The project will include raising the walls on one home and pre-building two homes, in addition to landscaping and providing finishing touches to several other homes in the neighborhood.

“We are so grateful to be a part of the Super Bowl Day of Service,” said Lynn Clark, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge. “When the BASF volunteers donate their service on Feb. 2, they will be helping several families achieve their dream of homeownership.”

She added, “While the volunteers will spend the day cutting boards and nailing them together, they will really be building a lifetime of hope for

our homeowner-partners and their children. When we raise the walls and see the houses take shape, it will be due to the generous and collaborative efforts of the sponsors and volunteers who have chosen to make decent, affordable housing a priority in our community.”

Clark explained that family selection for housing is based on need, ability to repay the cost of the home, and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity. An important aspect of the Habitat partnership is the requirement that all partner families put in 255 hours of “sweat equity” helping to build their homes.

For more information on events surrounding Super Bowl XLVII, visit www.nolasuperbowl. com.

Seminar For Farmers, Ag Businesses To Be Held In Baton Rouge Several state and federal agencies partner to offer information BATON ROUGE – A seminar to assist farmers and agricultural service businesses understand labor law and farmworkers rights will take place Wednesday, Jan. 30.

The seminar, called Farmworker Employment Rights: Helping Farmers Comply with State and Federal Laws, will be held at the American Red Cross, 4655 Sherwood Common, Baton Rouge. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m., with the seminar from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

There is no cost to attend

the seminar. Topics will include workplace safety and health, reducing certification delays and denials, work hours and pay, education of youth workers, unions, preventing discrimination and harassment, along with managing seasonal, temporary and migrant worker programs plus many other topics.

This event is designed especially for farmers, small business owners, agents, advocates, attorneys and other agricultural stakeholders. Farmers will have the opportunity to address

specific concerns with representatives from several agencies present. Farmers are also encouraged to bring questions and comments for discussion.

Anyone interested should preregister as seating is limited.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission, Louisiana, sponsors the event Department of Education along with several divisions of the U.S. Department of Labor, which includes Wage and Hour, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, National Labor Relations

Board and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Attendees will have the option to purchase lunch. For more information about the seminar or to pre-register, contact Merrill Hess by email, mhess@lwc.la.gov or call 225342-7632, or 225-588-9302.

LWC services are offered at no cost to employers and participating job seekers. To learn more, visit Louisiana’s employment homepage, www.laworks. net.

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Buying or Selling a service?

Call the Weekly Press to place your advertisment.

225-775-2002

HELP WANTED

Buying or Selling a service?

Call the Weekly Press to place your advertisment.

URS Corporation seeks the following position in their Baton Rouge, LA location: Civil Geotechnical Engineer.

Site investigation/site assessment, geotechnical analysis & design.

EOE. Submit resume at www.urs.com. Response must reference requisition # IE75883. No phone calls.

Let us place your ad before thousands of readers each week.

HELP WANTED

We are experts when it comes to putting your business in the streets Call one of our sales reps and find out how you can reach your target group 225-775-2002

URS Corporation seeks the following position in their Baton Rouge, LA location:

Sales Persons The Weekly Press, Baton Rouges’ oldest muti-cultural community newspaper is building a diverse sales team. We are seeking sales personnel to service the Baton Rouge, Baker and surrounding areas who are looking to earn an above average income. The right person must be a team player, professional, aggressive, creative, earnest, able to think outside of the box, have reliable insured transportation, committed to working and great communication skills. Contact Mr. Ivory Payne at (225) 775-2002 for appointment and interviews.

The Weekly Press An Equal Opportunity Employer

Industrial Water/Wastewater Engineer. Perform engineering duties in the planning, designing and overseeing of water and wastewater systems.

EOE. Submit resume at www.urs. com. Response must reference requisition # IE76085.

No phone calls.

Sales Position Utility Technology Services, an authorized dealer of Sensus water and electric smart meters is looking for an experienced sale professional to cover the Southern part of LA. Experience in the waterworks industry or working within a Municipality or Parrish would be helpful.

Applicants should upload their resume and salary requirements to www.utilitytechnologyservices.com.

Excellent benefits, including company car.

DRIVER WANTED Core-Mark Mid Continent is hiring for a Transportation Supervisor in Baton Rouge. Requires Class A CDL with doubles endorsement. Supervisor is responsible, for hiring, scheduling, maintaining DOT vehicle condition reports and other managerial duties, and filling in for delivery and shuttle routes as needed. Ways to apply: Qualified applicants may send their resume To ftwjobs@core-mark.com or Edward.Cutting@core-mark.com See our add on CareerBuilder.com. To request an application call 800-348-9991 or 817-293-5558 or email your request to the above address.

Page 6 • The

Weekly Press • Thursday, January 31, 2013

Religion

As Things Now Stand, I Think I’ll Sit Down Dr. James L. Snyder One thing about me that has not changed all these years is that I refuse to waste my time on anything not important. There is too much to do in this world to waste time on unimportant things.

This, however, sometimes gets me in trouble with the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage.

Do not let this get back to her, but I sometimes refer to it as the GMP syndrome. She is standing up about something and I am sitting in my easy chair not knowing what she’s talking about.

My wife’s idea of what is important sometimes does not jive with my sense of importance.

The real problem is that I do not understand what she thinks is important and she, on the other

hand, does not understand that I do not think it is important. On those rare occasions when our sense of what is important collides, we celebrate. That is what is important.

She thinks she won, and I know I won. Does it really matter? Very few times in life do we both get what we want.

When that happens she stands up and gloats, while I sit down and grin.

I am not sure what the difference is between a gloat and a grin, but then, does it really matter?

I must confess we are on a different wavelength at times.

The only time our waves are synchronized is when I am driving out of the driveway and waving goodbye and her

returning the jester.

Do not get me wrong, we have been a marvelous working team for more years than I can remember. Of course, that does not mean anything because I cannot remember yesterday. However, we have worked together most marvelously for many years and I look forward to many more years of such marital shenanigans.

In spite of that, we have our differences. One of the great differences we have is in the definition of importance. It is a rare day in June when our definitions are united in holy macaroni and cheese. It does happen though and we both revel in those moments.

It is wonderful when we can stand together on some project or some issue. Now that I think of it, I believe we stand together more often than I have given credit.

The thing that makes our relationship so marvelous and wonderful is that we allow the other person to have their differences. She is a broccoli [yuck] kind of a person and I on the other hand am an Apple Fritter kind of person.

It just goes to show there are certain things that a person should stand for and then there are things that really do not matter.

Looking out at the world, I notice a few things I just cannot stand for. Some do not make any difference one way or the other, while others really makes a difference. The problem is by the time we understand the significance of something we are too old to do anything about it.

The Pennsylvania Dutch has a wonderful saying, “We grow too soon old and too late smart.” By the time we have grown enough to become smart about something that something is no longer in vogue. At my age, of course, I am learning that I cannot stand too long for anything.

Out in the world of politics and religion, people are always coming up with solutions to nonexistent problems.

It takes a good politician and religious person to spend a lot of time working on a solution of which there is no problem.

Our world is full of problems, to be sure. It would be a rare day when people would get their heads together and work on problems. All we have today are solutions. The trouble is finding the right solution for the right problem.

Only in politics and in religion can we spend all our time working on a solution that does not address any particular problem. As this stands today, I think I am just going to sit down and let it go by, because it will.

My father taught me the most important thing in life was never to try to fix something that ain’t broken… or ain’t broken too bad. It is amazing what a little duck tape can do to put off fixing something that is not broken too bad. Not every crack needs fixing.

Silence is golden and noise can be expensive especially when somebody else is talking. I like surrounding myself with the wonderful sounds of silence. I do not even like talking to myself. I do not listen anyway so what is the use.

Often in my life, I have regretted saying something, but never, to my knowledge, have I regretted keeping my mouth shut. Yes, I will stand up for some things, but many things I will just sit down and take it. No reason to get all riled up when what people are talking about is like a breeze on a summer afternoon. It comes for a moment and then it has gone, and where it goes, nobody knows.

The apostle Paul knew what to stand for. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1).

If you do not stand for something good, you will fall for anything, usually bad.

Rev. James L. Snyder is pastor of the Family of God Fellowship, PO Box 831313 , Ocala , FL 34483 . He lives with his wife, Martha , in Silver Springs Shores . Call him at 1-866552-2543 or e-mail jamessnyder2@ att.net. His web site is www.jamessnyderministries.com.

Jesuit Installed as President of the National Black Catholic Seminarians Association Lorenzo Herman’s Latest Honor Caps a Lifetime of Diverse Experiences Washington, D.C. – This week, Cleveland native Lorenzo Herman, 39, currently studying to become a Jesuit priest, was installed as president of the National Black Catholic Seminarians Association (NBCSA). For the former Air Force in-flight refueling specialist, community activist and actor, it was just the latest in a series of diverse accomplishments. And a surprising twist for a boy raised Baptist.

Herman first encountered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), the largest community of priests and brothers in the Roman Catholic Church, at Cleveland’s St. Ignatius High School, the school chosen by his parents for its outstanding academic reputation. There, Herman encountered the Jesuits for the first time, a meeting that would ultimately pave the way for his conversion to Catholicism and his decision to enter the Society of Jesus in 2007.

Prior to entering the Jesuit novitiate, though, Herman spent years traveling the globe as an in-flight refueling specialist aboard a KC135 Stratotanker, a flying gas station, based in Spokane, Wash., at Fairchild Air Force Base. After his time in the service, Herman switched gears and immersed himself in nonprofit work, spending the better part of a decade helping African-American and Latino HIV and AIDS patients navigate the healthcare system. He collaborated with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to pass HIV/ AIDS legislation through the California State Legislature.

As incoming president of the NBCSA, Herman takes the reins from outgoing president Rev. Mr. Dwayne Davis, who

Lorenzo Herman

attests to Herman’s strengths: “It’s no surprise to me that Lorenzo Herman was chosen as our new president. I believe that Lorenzo is the next stepping stone to make our group a success.” The NBCSA, founded in 1968, is committed to building brotherly fraternity and spiritual bonds among black Catholic seminarians across the United States.

Rev. Mr. Davis adds, “To be able to be a part of an organization where you know that you have brothers all over the country, and to be able to know that they’re praying for you on a daily basis – that is a miracle within itself. What a great gift and grace to know that your brothers are there to support you and are there for you.”

In addition to his upcoming tenure as president of the NBCSA, Herman is currently studying transformational leadership at Seattle University, one of 28 colleges and universities founded by the Society of Jesus.

The formation process to become a Jesuit priest involves upwards of 10 years of study; Lorenzo Herman expects to be ordained in 2017.

“As a Jesuit, I’ve been able to revisit all the things that I’ve done. I continue to do the HIV/AIDS work; I conSee Jesuit, on page 7

Church Directory

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. - Hebrews 10:25

vistit us online @

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Thursday, January 31, 2013 • The Weekly Press • Page 7

Carolyn Shield Releases Highly Anticipated tantRum Instrumental Project, Hymns Like You Haven’t Heard from page 6

apart. You must continue to hold therefore, humble yourselves on to your faith and stay before under the mighty hands of God, the Lord.

But, it may be that the that he may exalt you in due time, Carolyn Shield is back with time hashighly comeanticipated when you may “casting all your cares upon him, her 2nd inneed to take some quality time for he cares for you,”(1st Peter strumental release, Hymns Like for yourself spendHer some You Haven’tand Heard. ap-of 5:6-7). that time with God. began in After you finished having your preciation for hymns Get on your knees before God tantrum.

You may have a stopped her childhood, as she played the and tell him ofthe how you areserfeel- up nose and swollen eyes and organ during worship ing inside. maybe thebroad words mucus running down your lip vices at herAnd church.

Her wont come out exactly as you and dried tears on your face, but musical background, which inwish but you can have a good you’ll feel better after emptying cludes jazz and classical music weeping, wailing crying falling, yourself of those things which studies, enables her to express out tantrum and give all those had been heavy on your heart. herself in variety problemsa to him. of styles. The Performing Sometimes we hymns go for instruweeks beloved cherished hymns on While you are included praying, you or months trying to take matters in a variety of musical this project showcase her mentally might forget some of both the things into our hands and try to solve our styles on the same project, is just musical excellence and unique that vexed you but God knows own problems. We are not super way Carolyn Shield believes style artistry. whatof you are going through. he one humans; we can’t handle everycanalone. continue embrace In the a culture whereflows the we can read pain, which thing Wetoneed God’sthem, help. well as pass them the next challenge of tears. preserving our as through your even though We have to let go on of to those situsacred hymns is greater he knows what’s troublingthan you, generation. ations and let God handle them. ever, this wants is a trans-generational he still to tell him about there are some things we can’t collection ofyour titles.problems From the it and bring and you humanly anything about. back todofamiliar sounds you churchy sounds burdens to him. of the organ love, others carry you forward on Look What The Lord Has to hymns played in a delightDone to the toe-tapping rendi- fully fresh way. tions of Walk With Me, to the Finally, the amazing and gospel jazz arrangements of I powerful vocals included on AmhildRen On The Battlefield, this from page 4 five of the twelve tracks are an album is designed to appeal added treat. The perfect blend toering everyone in the household. ofthe light lyrics,of remind us ofmust the all children. citizens the nation Forthe worshipers young buildand themes and add CDF Action Council, demandwe thathold our dear, leaders free our old, thethe tender piano ballads of inspiration to ing on best practices in states another children level from the false ideological “Savior More Than Life Me” this instrumental recording. and lessons learned about children and political tugs of war among and He’sthrough Sweet the I Know set the It’s available now!profits Listen to falling bureaucratic those who put excess ahead tone for adoration and at www.cdbaby.com/ cracks of Medicaid and reflecSChiP, or ofbuy children’s lives. tion.

While some trackstotake strongly urged Congress enact cd/carolynshield2. how well did Congress protect the All healthy Children Act, children in 2007? Not well enough: S. 1564/h.r.

1688, introduced enefits from page 5276 Members of Congress had by representative Bobby Scott good CDF Action Council Con(D-VA) in the house and Senator gressional Scorecard scores of 80 Bernie Sanders in the Sen- they percent or no higher, visiting IRS.gov(i-Vt) and answering owe tax.and 198 of those measure would had stellar 100 percent. aate. fewthe questions using theprovide EITC The scores EITC of provides a comprehensive including But 231 members 60 percent Assistant.

In taxbenefits year 2011, over financial boostscored for millions dental andeligible mental workers health, simplilower—a failing grade from our 27 million and oforhard-working Americans. fied bureaucracy, and a national school days. families received nearly $62 bil- However, the IRS reminds taxeligibility for families up to payers Whether of Congress lion total inplan EITC. thatMembers even though most 300 percent of the federal poverty federal are liberal, conservative or modWorkers, self-employed tax refunds are issued level. We the who 62 house co- inerate; Democrat, republican people andthank farmers earned less than 21 days, many fac-or sponsors for their support. howindependent, children need all of $50,270 or less last year could tors can affect how long it may ever, welarger regret that neitherifa they single take themfor to vote, lobby, to speak and receive refunds taxpayers getfor their house republican nor any other protect them.

Adults need to listen qualify for the EITC. That could refunds. It is also possible that Senator them pushfor for acarefully to what say mean upjoined to $475 in to EITC tax return couldcandidates require adcoverage for all children. they will do for children and famipeople without children, and a ditional review and therefore the CDF Action Council strongly lies and, once they are in office, maximum credit of up to $5,891 take longer to process. Taxpaysupports long overdue health cov- we need to hold them accountable. for those with three or more ers can track the status of their erage for everyone in America as Please thank your Members of Conqualifying children. Unlike with the “Where’s Myor soon as possible—because children refund gress with scores of 80 percent most deductions and comes credits, available for useof cannot wait. As SChiP up Refund?” above andtool let those with scores the EITC refundable. Ininother IRS.gov website after again forisreauthorization early on 60 the percent or below know you are words, those eligible may get the IRS starts processing tax 2009, we hope every Member of dissatisfied with their performance. aCongress refund from the IRS even if returns on Jan. 30.that same meswill insist on covering And please convey every child and pregnant mother sage to each presidential candidate. now by enacting and adequately We must demand that our leaders esidents 4 funding the provisions of from the Allpagecommit to children as a condition healthy Children Act. of our vote. claims that we could berSpecious on the settlement because it But Mitchell was disapnot find the money—$70 billion Marian Wright Edelman is Presihad to be passed by the council pointed that only a few blocks of over five years—to cover all dent of the Children’s Defense Fund before appraisers look University Place were included children is belied bycould that amount and its Action Council whose Leave atspent the dozens of properties inin the buyout, and not the entire in eleven months for tax cuts No Child Behind® mission is to volved. for the top one percent of richest neighborhood. ensure every child a Healthy Start, That is part of the “The Americans andthe in seven months a Head Start,plant a Fairaffects Start, a the Safe agreement that made homwhole community, for the iraq War. We do not have Start and a Moral Start ineverylife and eowners the mostinnervous. he said.

“Astothe mayor a money problem America: We one,” successful passage adulthood wondering, will they in his that have a“I’m priorities and political will has withstated the help of testimony caring families give me the value to buy me this sewage treatment facility. deficit. it is time for all adults to and communities. another house this one” The smell doesn’t stop at the protect the healthlike of our children.

Thierry said. “Same size and stop sign it covers the whole everything.” community.” alk adio fromsaid page 4 The Metro Council Not only do the residents yes, that would be the case. there not know how much Because way the settle- they’ll get for their homes, they all funnyoforthe remotely appropriwe forget o’reilly’s less-thanment was written, laws have no idea when theregarding appraisala ate about the use federal of a lynching informed comments protect homeowners, so process will start, last or how referencethe about Michelle obama,’’ dinner he shared yearlong with the is forced to pay fair itSharpton will take. he parish said. ‘’it’s - i’m speechless.’’ at Sylvia’s in harlem? value, ignoringBush the impact of “Weexpressed really can’t see a over finAs President pointed out o’reilly surprise so plant. eloquently during the Black ish how similarSylvia’s was to “beother the line,” Mitchell stated, history Month event, theus noose restaurants in New “Hopefully it gives se- cause actually, this York is justrestaua berepresents ‘’more thanMitchell a tool of ginning rants. step.” The residents are curity as residents,” murder a tool of the intimidation’’ wasn’t one person said, “tobut know that govern- still‘’there requesting a meeting within to generations of African-AmeriSylvia’s who was screaming, ment just wouldn’t step over Mayor Melvin “Kip” Holden, cans.

Noosesthis notcommunity only robbed some ‘M-Fer, we i want iced tea,’’’ and misuse any because aremore still suffering of their lives but many of their he said. more.” daily. peace of mind.

As the Washington Post’s rob‘’As a civil society, we must inson sadly observed on MSNBC understand that from noosepage displays in February, ‘’All you can go by esuit 6 and lynching jokes are deeply is his words and his actions. And offensive. they are wrong. And he keeps saying these things that tinue to dono theater. thing Contact Doris Yutowith they have place The in America sound pretty darn racist me.’’ that makes it different for me thehas Jesuit 202today,’’ he said. talkConference radio learned at anything is now Godo’reilly is working or by e-mail atfall? dyu@ Neither nor through ingraham 629-5935 from imus’ decline and of me allreprimanded these things,” says any additional hasin been by their re- jesuit.org course not,for because it didn’t take spective employers even though information. imus too terribly long to get a Herman. the Fox News personality did offer new gig. a half-hearted apology. our nation’s media outlets At least ingraham should not provide a platform for ruad fromdidn’t page drop 5 the l-word but her suggestion that racialhostility and hateful speech Sharpton, a former presidential now or in the future. What kind of for you was The IRS’s Identity Theft candidate andfiled: respected member of messageare we sending to our chilYou have a balance due, Protection website the African-American community dren, our nation and (www.irs. our world? refund offsetisora petty have thief had reeks col- gov/uac/Identity-Protection) and beyond, in such an historic election year, lection actionsand taken against tons of helpful of race-baiting negative ste- includes we cannot stand aside andinforallow you for a year in which you mation, including to tell reotyping of African-Americans individuals to use ways the airwaves didn’t file men a return; or whether your may and black in particular. as an outlet for identity insensitive and But hardlyindicate the firstyou timereei- have misguidedcommentary. if reyou IRSit’s records been stolen, how to ther haswages ventured into hearasomething that offends you, ceived from anquestionable employer port breach and tips to avoid anddon’t offensive territory. how can identity speak up. you recognize.

This could theft. indicate that someone has used And finally, file your tax your personal information to return as early as possible to get yStem a job. beat potential scammers to the from page 4 If you receive such a notice, punch. If you owe money, you don’t ignore it. Complete an can always file your return now cally pointed that changes concerned the conditions Identity Theftout Affidavit (IRS and mail thewith payment by the which14039 occur in human being is April at Jetson. it is happening there.

Form at awww.irs.gov) 15 deadline. redirected pull afrom core What i do know is thatdirects most of and return ittowith copythe of the Jason Alderman of his own humanity to reaffirm these youth can be changed, from notice to the address provided Visa’s financial education proself worth and purpose. he will contrition in a prepatory school on the notice. If you did not grams. To Follow Jason Alderthen by nature acquire the will to for Angola to rehabilitation for receive a notice but believe man on Twitter: www.twitter. do for himself and others. a positive life that may lead to a youSpace mayisbe at risk, the form com/PracticalMoney. not available to cover life of meritorious glory. That is contains submission concernsseparate of so many people the Way I See It! instructions.

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Health The Health-Care Lawhealth and Retirement Savings Health Officials Thursday, March 6, 2008 • The Weekly Press • Page 7

Recommend What’s Good For Your Heart Is Good For Your Brain the Influenza Vaccine

By CASEY B. MULLIGAN

Casey B. Mulligan is an economics professor at the University of Chicago. He is the(NAPSM)-A author ofsurvey “Thecommissioned Redistriby two leading healthHow organizations bution Recession: Labor found that although two out of three Market Distortions Contracted African Americans (61 percent) exthe Economy.” pressed concern about developing Because of its definition of heart disease and two outnext of five (40 affordability, beginning year percent) expressed concern about the Affordable Care Act may afdeveloping Alzheimer’s, only about fect retirement savings. one in 20 are aware that heart health Employer contributions is linked to brain health. to employee pension plans areis the Alzheimer’s Association exempt from payroll perjoining forces with theand American sonal income taxes at the time heart Association to educate African that they arethat made, because the Americans by managing their employer contributions are not cardiovascular risk, they may also officially parthealth. of the strengthenconsidered their cognitive employee’s wages or salary “What’s good for your heart is (employer good for yourhealth brain,” insurance says Jennifer contributions are treatedAssociamuch Manly, Ph.D., Alzheimer’s the way). The contributionsame spokesperson. “every healthy tions are taxed when withdrawn heartbeat pumps about one-fifth of (typically worker hason your bloodwhen to yourthe brain to carry retired), at a rate determined by the daily processes of thinking, probthe income tax lemretiree’s solving personal and remembering.”

“By the year 2030, the number of situation.

African Americansare agesometimes 65 or older is Employees expected to to more double to 6.9 advised save than for retirement million,” saidinemil in this way partMatarese, becauseM.D., the Americandividends heart Association spokesinterest, and capital person.

“Although Alzheimer’s gains accrue without repeatedis not part of normal aging, is the taxation. In addition, age people greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s sometimes expect their tax disease. So important thatreAfbrackets toitbeis lower when rican Americans take steps now tired than they are when theyto decrease their risk of heart disease, which research has shown could also decrease the risk of cognitive decline.”

are working.

These well-understood tax benefits of pension plans will change a year from now if the act is implemented as planned.

Under the act, wages and salaries of people receiving health insurance in the law’s new “insurance exchanges” will be subject to an additional implicit tax, because wages and salaries will determine how much a person has to pay for health insurance.

While much about the Affordable Care Act is still being digested by economists, they have long recognized that high marginal tax rates lead to fringe benefit creation. And the Congressional Budget Office has concluded that the act will raise marginal tax rates.

Were an employer to reduce wages and salaries (or fail to increase them) and compensate employees by introducing an employer-matching pension plan, the employee is likely to benefit by receiving additional government assistance with his health-insurance costs. The pension contributions will add to the worker’s income during retirement, except that the income of elderly people does not determine health-insurance eligibility to the same degree, because the elderly participate

in Medicare, most of which is not means-tested.

Take, for example, a person whose four-member household would earn $95,000 a year if his employer were not making contributions to a pension plan or did not offer one. He would be ineligible for any premium assistance under the Affordable Care Act because his family income would be considered to be about 400 percent of the poverty line.

If instead the employer made a $4,000 contribution to a pension plan and reduced the employee’s salary so that household income was $91,000, the employee would save the personal income and payroll tax on the $4,000 and would become eligible for about $2,600 worth of health-insurance premium assistance under the act. (The employer would come out ahead here, too, by reducing its payroll tax obligations).

Even though the Affordable Care Act is known as a health-insurance law, in effect it could be paying for a large portion of employer contributions to pension plans. This has the potential of changing retirement savings and the relative living standards of older and working-age people.

Did You Know?

• Compared to the general public, African Americans have a higher risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and vascular dementia.

Flu vaccineHealth • More than 40 percent ofofficials African are urginghave everyone especially Americans high blood prespeople over the of 65 to sure (hBP) and areage at risk foryears stroke, get thecan influenza (FLU) vaccine. which lead to greater risk for It is reported by the Center of developing Alzheimer’s or other Disease cognitive Control and Prevention vascular dementias.

(CDC) that people age of • every year, moreover thanthe 100,000 65 are more susceptible getting African Americans have atostroke. the flu. It is more dangerous for • having high cholesterol increases a person 65 may years to get the risk for who strokeisand increase therisk flu because their immunity is the for Alzheimer’s. weak compared to the immunity of a 6 year Manage Your old.

RisksThe influenza season began in October and • Watch the numbers. remember ends in May.blood pressure is less that desirable It has mmhg. been reported the than 120/80 Keep yourby body CDC that 90 percent of deaths weight in the recommended range during occur and makea typical sure thatflu theseason total cholesin people older than 65.

It terol is less than 200mg/dL. was also reported that flu vaccination • healthy lifestyle choices include rates remained steady with that staying mentally and physically acof previous years, with about tive, staying socially involved, reduc128your million the ing intakepeople of fat andgetting cholesterol shotnot during last year’s flu seaand smoking. son, which consisted of about or 42 Visit www.alz.org/heartbrain percent of the U.S. population. call the American Stroke Associanotoftoo late to heart get a tion, a“It’s division the American flu shot,” said Katie Wichman, Association, at (888) 478-7653 or a community nurse the the Alzheimer’s health Association at at (800) Health Department.

“Although 272-3900 and you’ll receive a broreported influenza have withcases heartofand brain health Research shows a link between heart and brain health, which means impaired chure been reported infree thepedometer, U.S, it is information and a heart function could lead to impaired brain function. important while suppliesthat last.we get vaccinated”.

The Center of Disease Control and Prevention highlights that Americans often mistakenly believe that the influenza vaccine does not work. However, the influenza vaccine is 100 per(NAPSi)-here’s an alert worth ness of diabetes, particularly when increased physical activity can help able english and by callcentineffective, andSpanish is considered paying attention to: According to it is left undiagnosed and untreated. delay or prevent the onset of type 2 ing ADA at to 1-800-DiABeteS thethe best way maintain good the American Diabetes Association the day is held on the fourth tuesday diabetes.

(1-800-342-2383) or online at www. health. An article on the CDC (ADA), learning your risk for type 2 of every March.

Among the primary risk factors diabetes.org/alert. website notes that the influenza diabetes could save your life. on that day, people are encour- for type 2 diabetes are being over- vaccine though Alert according is a one-day is the effective to Diabetes is a serious disease that aged to take the Diabetes risk test, weight, sedentary, over the age of call to action, awareness about type the individual who is getting In nearly 2010, 21 health strikes millionexpenchildren either with paper and pencil or online. 45 and having a family history of 2vaccinated, diabetes is important anytime of the the viruses that are ditures ininthe and adults theUnited U.S. it isStates named the risk test requires users to answer diabetes. African Americans, Latinos, year, so free Diabetes risk tests are in the shot, and the viruses that the “silentnearly killer” because one-third seven simple questions about age, Native Americans, Asians and Pacific available online and reached $2.6 trillion, are circulating inby thecalling air. ADA of those withthan the disease--more and more 17 percentthan of 6 weight, lifestyle and family history-- islanders are at an increased risk, as all year “Itlong. takes about two weeks million--do notGross know they have it. all potential risk factors for diabetes. are women who have babies weighing after A free Diabetes risk test is availthe nation’s Domestic vaccination for your body to For many, diagnosis may come People scoring 10 points or more are more than 9 pounds at birth. able all year long to determine the risk Product (GDP) was accounted develop protection against influseven 10 years after the onset the Diabetes risk test is avail- for developing typesaid 2 diabetes. for bytohealth spending.

Eachof at a high risk for type 2 diabetes and enza infection,” Wichman, type 2 the diabetes. diagnosis is are encouraged to talk with a health year, cost early of healthcare “so go get vaccinated now if you criticalcreating for successful treatment and care professional. rises, a serious finanhaven’t done so already.” can delay or prevent some of the expensive, An estimated 54ifmillion Ameri- and pains and other simple cial burden for average citiThe influenza vaccine is even you have complications as are heartways diseases, cans have pre-diabetes. thosedo with issues. zens.

Luckily,such there to insurance. given to prevent infection. AnThese visits blindness, disease, stroke and pre-diabetes have blood glucose levspend lesskidney on healthcare.

Here tibodies are injected into the not actively treat your condiamputation. els higher than normal but not high are five of our favorites. body and work to fight against tion; they just monitor your Plan Dental Work in Advance that’s one reason the ADA holds enough to be diagnosed with type the virus that is circulating in symptoms and progress.

To If you are close to your the American Diabetes Alert® Day, 2 diabetes. the air. The shot protects against Buy Cheaper Drugs save money, monitor your annual maximum for dental a one-day wake-up call to inform the early intervention via lifestyle three viruses: Influenza B virus, statssuch withashome-testing Most public insurance use a own American aboutplans the seriouschanges weight loss and care but need a procedure Influenza A virus (H1N1) and tiered system for medications. kits. For example, you can get or restoration, talk to your Influenza A virus (H3N2).

The average price for brand- a glucose kit for as little as $10 dentist about waiting until No appointment required for The mostCenters screenings. for Disease name drugs is $50, while or a blood-pressure monitor for the next calendar year to save Control and Prevention (CDC) the average rate for generic under $50. These easy-to-use, money.

If you If you doneed not multiple have a doctorreports and have not been that influenza and pneudrugs is just $10. Switching accurate and inexpensive kits expensive procedures like monia these are thecancer eighth-leading screened in the last 12 months, to a generic brand saves you may even be reimbursed by bridges, crowns or braces, cause of death in the United available to you for free. money without sacrificing your insurer. Know the nor- take ascreenings medical tax are deduction States with about 28,000 flumal ranges for your condition, by doing them all in the same your health. associated deaths occurring each Presented as part of the comprehensive Cancer Program What if your medication then alert your doctor if you year. year. The number of flu-related experience any significant of Our Lady of the Lake and Marysicknesses Bird Perkins. has noLine generic Land (225)counterpart?

356-0703 in Screenings the U.S is increasMany large(225) employers byDoctor donor gifts. ing sharply.

Make amade Deal possible with Your Cell Phone 235-6955have changes. eliminated or restricted coverGSRASAC With the holiday season Talk to your doctor about E-mail: Goodshepherdbapt@bellsouth. age of brand-name drugs, so Avoid Unnecessary Tests (225) 215-1234 (888) 616-4687 closely approaching, the CDC money-saving measures.

You net Hours:your Mon-Thurs 8amplan – 8 pm compare insurance The cost of diagnostic and may get a discount for offering offered several tips to avoid getwith your spouse’s to see if preventive tests can put a seri- to pay ting the flu.Cancer They recommend Breast Cancer Screening Colorectal in cash or committing Shepherd Abuse Center you can find Good a better deal. IfSubstance the following tips: Screening ous dent in your bank account, to settling Tuesday, March your bill11within a / Inpatient that is not anIntensive option, Outpatient talk to even Thursday, March 13 & 1pm – 4pm if youTherapy have health insur- short10am time– 12pm period.

It never For Drugs, Alcohol, ance.

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Checkup See Vaccine, on page 8

Five Ways to Spend Less on Healthcare Each year, the cost Could You Be At Risk? of healthcare rises.

Don’t spend more than you have to.

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Page 8 • The

Weekly Press • Thursday, January 31, 2013

A Toned-Down Super Bowl Media Day Ravens seemed much more relaxed than the 49ers NEW ORLEANS — Former Baltimoreans Bob and Barbara Reese paid $25 each for the privilege of sitting in the lower bowl of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Tuesday. He wore a Joe Flacco jersey. She wore Ray Rice.

This was as close as they could get to the Super Bowl — an opportunity to watch the Ravens and San Francisco 49ers face a horde of international reporters and broadcasters that numbered in the thousands and listen in on the combination of serious journalism and fringe media foolishness that has become a very popular component of the tightly packed Super Bowl event schedule.

“We would love to go to the game,’’ Barbara said, “but it was just too much money, so we’re just going to have a party at home.”

Even living within driving distance — on the gulf coast of Mississippi — they could not justify the thousands of dollars it would have cost to buy two tickets on the bloated secondary ticket market. Factor in the airfare and the price of hotel rooms for Ravens fans who haven’t relocated to the deep South and it was no wonder the Reeses didn’t have a lot of purple-clad company so early in the week.

They seemed satisfied with their little slice of the big show, though Super Bowl Media Day isn’t what it used to be.

What once had devolved into an annual festival of foofery was surprisingly serious and subdued. Nobody appeared in a wedding dress to propose to Ravens receiver Torrey Smith the way a sexy TV Azteca reporter did to Tom Brady a few years ago, and only a few costumed characters showed up to compete for attention with the players and coaches.

There were plenty of stupid questions. There always are when you get so many celebrities and media types from so many different backgrounds together to share the glare of professional sport’s biggest spotlight, but they were largely drowned out by more serious subject matter.

Ray Lewis may have been left almost speechless when a guy dressed as a superhero asked him if he was afraid “a 49ers player might (pass gas) in his locker,” but he didn’t hold back when he was grilled about a Sports Illustrated report that accused him of using a possibly illegal substance contained in deer antlers to speed his recovery this year from a triceps injury.

Lewis, who already knew he was going to get questions about the Atlanta doublehomicide that was the hot topic of the 2001 Super Bowl leadup, called the report a “two-year-old story” and said he would not let it spoil “my moment.”

Meanwhile, quarterback Joe Flacco was busy making a case for the Hall of Fame candidacy of the late Ravens owner Art Modell, who is one of 17 finalists this year and could get his ticket to Canton punched on Saturday.

“The reason (the NFL) is as popular as it is today and guys are making the money is a lot because of what he’s done and the vision that he had,’’ Flacco said. “That’s my thing. He should be in it, but if he’s not in it, what’s that say about the Hall of Fame?”

There was also the daily dose of Har-Bowl hype. Jim Harbaugh spent a chunk of the 49ers media hour heaping praise on his older brother.

John Harbaugh played that for laughs, claiming that his hyper-competitive younger sibling was just engaging in some gamesmanship.

sports Southern’s 10-Game Win Streak Snapped At Alcorn Bowling finishes in 20th Place at KU Invitational Courtesy Southern U. Athletic Media Relations READING, PA -- Women’s bowling posted victories of Howard and Florida A&M before falling to North Carolina Central on the final day of the 2013 Kutztown University Invitational Sunday.

Southern concluded the

3-day bowling event finishing 20th. The Jaguars defeated Howard and FAMU 4-1 before losing to NCCU 4-2 in the best four-of-seven Baker matches position round bracket style.

Kaylene Adams led Southern with a total pin count of 1166. Stacy Tripp posted the next highest pin total with 906 pins.

The 15th Annual Gridiron Celebrity Hoops All-Star Basketball Game Courtesy Southern U. Athletic Media Relations LORMAN, MS -- Southern missed 16 free throws and Alcorn’s LeAntwan Luckett scored 27 points to propel the Braves to a 61-57 win Saturday night in the Davey L. Whitney Complex.

The four-point win

snapped Southern’s 10-game win streak and gave the Jaguars (14-7, 8-1) its first loss in SWAC play.

Southern connected on 19-of-35 free throws but still managed to keep the Braves within striking distance.

Malcolm Miller and Derick Beltran struggled from the field shooting a combine 7-25

on the night. Beltran led SU in scoring with 15 points while Miller added 10 points.

Luckett scored 19 of his career high 27 points in the second including shooting 4-for-6 from behind the arc. The Braves out rebounded the Jaguars 37-21.

Southern will host rival Grambling State Feb. 2 at 4:30 p.m.

Fuller, Rush Combine For 31 to Lead SU Past Alcorn

Courtesy Southern U. Athletic Media Relations LORMAN, MS -- Nursing a 22-20 halftime lead, Southern’s Yasmin Fuller and Lechell Rush combined for 26 second half points to lead the Jaguars to a 64-53 win over Alcorn State Saturday in the Davey L. Whitney Complex.

Fuller, who scored 14 second half points on 4-of-9 shooting, finished with team high

17 points. Rush added 14 total points, 12 in the second half, and fell one rebound shy of a double-double with 9 boards.

Southern shot 44 percent from the field and 66 percent from the foul line and received excellent contribution from its bench to outscore the Lady Braves bench 18-3.

Southern (8-11, 8-1) fell behind 16-9 with 7:31 remaining until intermission before using a 13-4 run to take a two-point

lead into the locker room. After Alcorn’s Anastasia Tuset jumper narrow SU margin to one at 2726, Rush and Fuller scored 18 of the Jaguars next 22 points.

Carolinsia Crumbly led Alcorn State (1-17, 1-8) with a game high 18 points.

Southern will begin the second half of the conference slate Saturday Feb. 2 when they host Grambling State at 2 p.m. in the F.G. Clark Activity Center.

FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Saturday, February 2nd, brace yourself, as Gridiron Celebrity Hoops XV slam dunks into the Big Easy. Next to the “Big Game” itself, Gridiron Celebrity Hoops XV will be the hottest game ticket in town! The star studded event, which features Six-Time Pro Bowler Terrell Owens, Dallas Cowboys’ Dez Bryant, Philadelphia Eagles’ Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Phoenix Cardinals’ Darnell Dockett, New Orleans Saints’ Lance Moore, Grammy-nominated music artist Tank, and retired NBA Hall of Famer, Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr., will be held at the Xavier University of Louisiana’s brand new Convocation Center.

This Gridiron XV game highlights the creator and executive producer, Juli Jordan’s, personal achievement as the very first African-American and first woman in the 93 year history of the National Football League and the 47 year history of Super Bowl to produce an event annually held during the Super Bowl weekend to reach the 15 year mark.

“I am extremely excited that Gridiron Celebrity Hoops has reached 15 seasons of production. There is a great joy in being a first. But this year’s anniversary is my opportunity to recognize those who have been so kind to me over the many highs and lows, struggles and triumphs of keeping this event alive for a decade and a half. I believe that dreams do come true; that long shots can become sure shots and that’s why we strive to benefit, enrich and inspire youths in foster care waiting to be adopted and dreaming of a brighter future,” expresses Jordan, CEO and President of Jam Sports Productions. The event production company is minority-owned and the first to reach this major milestone and outstanding achievement.

This unmatched competition remains one of the most anticipated events held annually the night before the Lombardi Trophy is won. It is also the first and only charity celebrity basketball game to have ever become officially sanctioned by the National Football League.

Now independently produced exclusively by Jam Sports Pro-

Vaccine

ductions, Gridiron XV is where pro football players and A-list celebrities play in a thrilling game of action packed basketball.

Gridiron XV is proud to take place at Xavier University of Louisiana, the nation’s only historically Black, Catholic University, during Black History Month as the game celebrates its own history making achievements.

“Xavier is pleased to host this noteworthy event, as it gives us the opportunity to actively participate in the city’s Super Bowl events and gives us the opportunity to showcase our new state-ofthe-art Convocation Center,” said Francis.

The game starts at 7pm.

Ticket holders will experience special presentations, an unparalleled slam dunk contest, interactive games, opportunities to meet celebrities, get their autographs and take pictures, as well as eat good food, and hear great jazz bands.

Philanthropically conscious, the event continues to be a fundraiser to raise awareness, and share information on protecting children and teens who have suffered from abuse, neglect, homelessness, violence, instability, and more. The game benefits the non-profit organization, Juli’s Kids Motivated to Succeed (Juli’s Kids). This year, youths cared for by the Department of Children and Family Services of Louisiana (New Orleans Division) (DCFS) and Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans will be able to come to the game as the event’s true MVP’s (Most Valuable People).

Gridiron Celebrity is produced by Jam Sports Productions, LLC and presented by my Oh! spot, a premium organic food and beverage company.

For more information on celebrities participating in the game and to purchase tickets, which range from $20 to $300 visit www.footballhoops.com or call 301-868-8856. Reserved VIP Floor Seats are $300 and include special backstage access to the celebrities. For media credentials and credential requests contact PRnews@jamsports247. com.

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3.

Cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing 4. If you are sick, stay home Finding a location to get vaccinated is not difficult.

Anyone can get vaccinated at

a local health clinic, doctor’s office, pharmacy, and for students, at a college health center.

The flu shot is free for those who have insurance. For those who do not have insurance, the cost of a flu shot can range from as low as $21 to $31.