Wpress07 24 14 by Derek Payne

BATON

THURSDAY, JULY 24, 2014

State Audit Of OFI Shows Need For Regulatory Overhaul On Payday Lending An audit released this week by the State Legislative Auditor found major compliance failures in regulating the payday lending industry on the part of the agency charged by the state legislature to oversee payday lending, the Office of Financial Institutions (OFI). These failures are very troubling and show that an agency tasked to protect the public has been failing in its job. The failures of OFI’s oversight identified by the audit are systematic and widespread. It is a scathing review, and it shows the need for a complete overhaul of payday lending oversight, both at the regulatory and legislative level. At the same time, the very fact that this audit exists is itself an important development. It shows that some state officials finally are starting to pay attention to what citizens have been saying about payday lending abuses for years. Together Louisiana commends Daryl Purpera and his staff for taking a serious look at an important issue. Among other problems, the audit found that: • OFI’s examination procedures do not detect whether payday lenders renew or “rollover” loans without the borrower paying down 25% of the loan amount as required by state law. (The audit identified 318,489 instances of borrowers being charged approximately $7.3 million in fees during fiscal year 2013 for closing and opening a loan on the same day.) • OFI’s examination procedures do not detect whether payday lenders are using their multiple locations to avoid OFI scrutiny and issue borrowers multiple payday loans on the same day instead of one consumer loan which has a lesser fee. • OFI’s examination procedures do not detect whether payday lenders are reducing loan fees when borrowers pay off their loans within the first five days as required by state law. • OFI did not assess any penalties on payday lenders for violating state law from January 1, 2010 through June 30, 2013, despite citing 8,315 violations, including 8,082 major violations. Major violations involve lenders overcharging borrowers.

ROUGE,

LOUISIANA

VOL. 39 • NO. 45 • FREE

A PEOPLE’S PUBLICATION

World Changers Make Their Mark On Baton Rouge

No Vote on ‘Fairness Ordinance’ Due to Time Limits BATON ROUGE, LA After hearing more than three hours of opinions both for and against, the East Baton Rouge Metro Council adjourned its meeting without voting on the “fairness ordinance’ due to time limits. The council voted to extend the meeting past 8 p.m. to give residents opposed to the ordinance a chance to voice their opinions just like those in support of the ordinance had done. But by law the meetings cannot go past 8:30 p.m. so the meeting was adjourned. “We had the votes. It would have been defeated,” said Council Member Buddy Amoroso. “It was a filibuster on their attempt to postpone until August 13. You saw how many people were here tonight. I thought it was an injustice to the public not having a vote.” Councilman John Delgado

countered the vote delay will allow council members two weeks to discuss the issue and come back prepared when the it meets again. “I think it will give them time, two weeks, to think about this,” said Delgado. “Think about the impact it will have on the citizens of Baton Rouge. Think about all the testimony we heard from tonight. All the business leaders and 62 percent of public that supports this ordinance.” The ordinance was proposed by Councilwoman C. Denise Marcelle. Marcelle’s proposal would make it illegal in Baton Rouge to discriminate against veterans, seniors and members of the gay and lesbian community, when it comes to housing, employment and public accommodations. Opponents of the ordinance See NO VOTE, on page 2

Alpha Center for Education Dedicated in Memory of Brother Donald C. Wade

One hundred and eighty student volunteers from the faithbased World Changers program are doing their best to make a difference in Baton Rouge during the week of July 14-18.

The high school and college students are painting and making minor repairs to 35 homes of disadvantaged and elderly Baton Rouge in the area bounded by North 72nd Avenue/Monarch Ave to Mohican-

Prescott, and North Foster Drive/ Lacey Street to Scenic Highway. The group is part of the 15,000 World Changers that are See WORLD CHANGERS, on page 2

BATON ROUGE, LA — The Beta Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., will dedicate the Alpha Center for Education in memory of the late Brother Donald C. Wade on Saturday, July 19, 2014. The late Bro. Donald C. Wade was one of the founding members who developed the Alpha Center for Education. Over the years the Alpha Center for Education has hosted a number of enrichment and education programs for children like tutorial programs, programs with The Big Buddy Program, Pinky’s Dance Academy, the Young Emerging Leaders of Louisiana Program and many others. The

Brother Donald C. Wade Alpha Center for Education has also served as a focal point for community outreach for senior See WADE, on page 2

Louisiana Consumers Getting Nearly $5 Million in Refunds

WASHINGTON -- This summer 119,720 Louisiana health insurance customers are due to receive $4.94 million in refunds due to a requirement under the Affordable Care Act that insurers spend at least 80 percent of premiums on patient care and other health related activities. The refunds average $71 per family, according to a report being released Thursday by the Department of Health and Human Services.

The biggest refunds are going to customers in the individual market, with $1.1 million going to 5,986 consumers, or $230 per family. The smallest refunds are going to consumer in large group markets, $56 per family. The 80-20 rule is designed to cut the amount consumers pay for profits and red tape. “The 80-20 rule is bringing transparency and competition to the insurance market, ensuring

that consumers are continuing to receive value for their premium dollars,” said HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell. “Standards like these created under the health care law are providing Louisianians with immediate savings and are helping to keep costs down over the long-term.” Nationally, insurers are issuing $330 million in refunds this summer to 6.8 million consumers. The refunds average $80 per family.

The Affordable Care signed up over 8 million people via the law’s exchanges and marketplaces for 2014, including over 100,000 in Louisiana. On Tuesday, two appellate courts reached total opposite conclusions on legal challenges over whether federally operated exchanges in 36 states, including Louisiana, could offer subsidies to consumers who meet income standards. A Washington D.C. court said that the law, as written,

doesn’t allow it, while a Richmond, VA. Appellate court said it was clear the intent of Congress was to allow subsidies -- whether through state operated, or federally operated exchanges. The Justice Department has promised to appeal the ruling in Washington D.C. to the full D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. If that appeal is successful, it’s likely the issue of subsidies will be See REFUNDS, on page 3

See LENDING, on page 3

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LOCAL NEWS

BUSINESS NEWS

RELIGION

Greater Mt. Carmel B.C. will sponsor its Annual Back to School Program on August 1 & 2. The program has been expanded this year to include two components...See Page 4

INDEX

ENGINEERING INSTITUTE The Engineering Summer Institute The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank is in dire need of donations this summer. During the summer, officials say donations typically drop, but it is also time when they see more people in need. ..See Page 2

(ESI) celebrated 40 years of existence in the College of Engineering at Southern University and A&M College at its Annual Closing Ceremony...See Page 3

BR NAMED PLAYFUL CITY USA

BASF WELCOMES 22 STUDENTS BASF is providing 22 chemical and

mechanical engineering students the opportunity to spend this summer working as interns at its Geismar, Louisiana site - the global company’s largest manufacturing facility in North America...See Page 5

Local News...............................2 State News...............................3 Religion....................................4 Business....................................5 Classifieds.................................5

CLASSIFIED

Buying or selling a service, looking for for a good job? Check out the classifeds .

THEWEEKLYPRESS.COM Celebrating 39 Years Of Service To The Baton Rouge Community 225.775.2002

Page 2 • The

Weekly Press • Thursday, July 24, 2014

READER INFORMATION How to Reach Us General Information225-775-2002 Fax . . . . . . . . . . . 225-775-4216 Email Address . . theweeklypress@yahoo.com . . . . . . thewpres@bellsouth.net The office is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday and located at 1283 Rosenwald Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Correction Policy The Baton Rouge Weekly Press strives to be fair and accurate. The newspaper corrects any significant errors of fact brought to the attention of the editor. If you think an error has been made, call 225-775-2002

The Weekly Press Newspaper is a published weekly in Baton Rouge and distributed every Thursday with a circulation of 7,500. Subscription rates are $65.00 per year for Louisiana residents; $72.00 for one year for out-of-state residents; half price for six months subscription: and $1.00 per single copy. All money orders or checks should be made payable to The Weekly Press, P.O. Box 74485, Baton Rouge, La. 70874

1283 Rosenwald Road Baton Rouge, La. 70807-41 Phone: (225) 775-2002 Fax: (225) 775-4216 E-MAIL theweeklypress@yahoo.com thewpres@bellsouth.net Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Closed Saturday, Sunday and all Major Holidays

STATE & LOCAL

Greater BR Food Bank Needs Your Help Baton Rouge Named Playful City USA Community For Second Consecutive Year

BR one of 212 Communities Recognized for Prioritizing Play for Children.

BATON ROUGE, LA - The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank is in dire need of donations this summer.

During the summer, officials say donations typically drop, but it is also time when they see more people in need.

If you want to help out, the food bank is located at 10600 South Choctaw Drive near Sherwood Forest.

Loan Reduction Funds Available SULC Announces August 15 Application Deadline for Loan Reduction Assistance Program August 15 is the deadline to submit applications for the Southern University Law Center Loan Reduction Assistance Program (LRAP). The program is open to SULC graduates who desire to enter and remain in public service/interest employment. The Law Center’s LRAP is open to full-time attorneys who work 35 or more hours per week at qualifying public service organizations and earn no more

than $60,000 a year. Benefits are disbursed in the form of one-year loans, which will be forgiven annually provided the applicant satisfies set criteria. All participants are required to reapply annually, up to a total period of three years. The update deadline, to submit any change in information, is February 15. A goal of the program is to enable interested graduates, who are often burdened with debt from their law school education, to accept public interest law positions, despite the traditionally low pay. Continued benefits are subject to the availability and allocation of future funding by

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program donors. Participants are subject to bar admission, eligible employment, and salary limitations. Applicants must be actively paying their law school student loans to be eligible for assistance. Those who are in deferment are not eligible. The application and program guidelines may be obtained at www.sulc.edu; Departments; Financial Aid; LRAP. For more information, contact Ruth Bailey Wesley, LRAP Program Coordinator, Southern University Law Center Post Office Box 9294, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70813, Telephone: (225) 771-2552; E-mail: RBW@ sulc.edu.

Wade from page 1 citizens, and voter registration and voter education drives hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The late Donald C. Wade served at President of the Beta Iota Lambda Chapter, as well as the Beta Iota Lambda Foundation. Professionally Wade had a long career in education, and spent many years as Southern University Alumni Director. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is the oldest AfricanAmerican Greek letter organization, founded on December 4, 1906. Each year the Beta Iota Lambda Chapter provides the senior citizen dinner, along with a Scholarship Golf Tournament that benefits 3-5 area youth with scholarship stipends, a Go to High School Go to College initiative that is aimed at getting young, high school aged boys to go to college. Also, Project Alpha, which targets middle school and high school, aged boys to discuss male sexuality issues.

Baton Rouge is one of 212 cities and towns to earn recognition from the national nonprofit KaBOOM! as a 2014 Playful City USA community for providing children with ample opportunities for play. BATON ROUGE, LA — Baton Rouge is one of 212 cities and towns to earn recognition from the national nonprofit KaBOOM! as a 2014 Playful City USA community for providing children with ample opportunities for play. Today’s generation of children play less than any previous generation despite the vast benefits of play. The Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics reports that play is essential to the social, emotional, cognitive and physical well-being of children. Sponsored by the Humana Foundation, Playful City USA is a national program from KaBOOM! that celebrates and promotes local policies that increase play opportunities for children and is a key platform in combating the lack of play among children. Mayor-President Melvin L. “Kip” Holden said it’s no accident that Baton Rouge was named a “Playful City USA” community for the second consecutive year. “This designation fits perfectly with our city’s Healthy City Initiative, which targets childhood obesity by encouraging kids to eat healthier and exercise

more,” Mayor Holden said. “It’s also a testimony to the efforts of BREC, which is one of the top parks and recreation programs in the country, and to the local school system for recognizing the value of physical education.” KaBOOM!, the national non-profit organization which is dedicated to giving kids the childhood they deserve by bringing play to those who need it most, created Playful City USA in 2007 to help local governments address the lack of play and it is through mayors, city council members, parks and recreation departments, school districts and community leaders that the program succeeds in benefiting children. “By doing its part to make it easy for all kids to get the play they need to thrive – what we call Playability – Baton Rouge is moving the needle on the numerous challenges that play can help to solve,” said Darell Hammond, Founder and CEO of KaBOOM! “Play is a powerful part of the solution to pressing local challenges, from building the 21st century skills of problemsolving, collaboration, creativSee PLAYFUL CITY, on page 3

World Changers from page 1 paying money out of their pockets to improve living conditions of people across the United States and Canada this summer. The students who worked in Baton Rouge this week stayed at the Florida Boulevard Baptist Church. Now in its 23rd summer of operations, World Changers assists cities across North America alleviate substandard housing. Mayor-President Melvin L. “Kip” Holden welcomed the World Changers to Baton Rouge Tuesday, July 15, during a brief press conference at Star of

Bethlehem Baptist Church, 6274 Scenic Highway. A few minutes later, he rolled up his sleeves and helped the World Changers paint the home of Robert and Audrey Williams at 2317 Mason Avenue. With the Mayor’s support, the City-Parish helped to provide funding for the paint and other supplies through grant money. The 180 World Changers who are working in Baton Rouge this week are from 12 different churches in Oklahoma, Texas, Florida, Missouri Tennessee, Louisiana, Georgia and Mississippi.

No Vote from page 1 say it singles out select groups of people and they would prefer the city create a statement or resolution supporting anti-discrimination. However, supporters say this is a no-brainer and they hope to push that message at the meeting. Many business and community leaders spoke in favor of the ordinance including Former LSU Coach Dale Brown. “Passing this ordinance will make Baton Rouge a much better city. No doubt about it,” Coach

Brown said. Those opposed cited religious views and other reasons. “This is divisive to our community,” says one man opposed to the ordinance. “What’s wrong with someone who has biblical values?” said one man who opposed the ordinance. Another man said “I believe this ordinance is unfair and unjust.”

2009, we hope every Member of Congress will insist on covering every child and pregnant mother now by enacting and adequately funding the provisions of the All healthy Children Act. Specious claims that we could not find the money—$70 billion over five years—to cover all children is belied by that amount spent in eleven months for tax cuts for the top one percent of richest Americans and in seven months for the iraq War. We do not have a money problem in America: We have a priorities and political will deficit. it is time for all adults to protect the health of our children.

dissatisfied with their performance. And please convey that same message to each presidential candidate. We must demand that our leaders commit to children as a condition of our vote.

of those with the disease--more than 6 weight, lifestyle and family history-million--do not know they have it. all potential risk factors for diabetes. For many, diagnosis may come People scoring 10 points or more are seven to 10 years Thursday, after the onset at a high riskWeekly for typePress 2 diabetes and3 Julyof24, 2014 • The • Page type 2 diabetes. early diagnosis is are encouraged to talk with a health critical for successful treatment and care professional. can delay or prevent some of the An estimated 54 million Americomplications such as heart diseases, cans have pre-diabetes. those with WEhave ARE blindness, kidney disease, stroke and pre-diabetes bloodJUST glucose levamputation. els higher than normal but not high A CLICK AWAY! that’s one reason the ADA holds enough to be diagnosed with type Visit Us Online @ the American Diabetes Alert® Day, 2 diabetes. a one-day wake-up call to inform the early intervention via lifestyle American public about the serious- changes such as weight loss and

Marian Wright Edelman is President of the Children’s Defense Fund and its Action Council whose Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.

Engineering Summer Institute Celebrates 40 Years By Janifer Peters The Engineering Summer Institute (ESI) celebrated 40 years of existence in the College of Engineering at Southern University and A&M College at its Annual Closing Ceremony on Thursday, July 3, 2014. ESI since inception in the summer of 1974 has a deep and profound history of promoting academic excellence and achievement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Theme for this year’s institute was “Celebrating 40 years of Excellence in STEM!” The Closing Ceremony featured the ESI Scholars in a “show and tell production” that was well received by parents, guardians, guests, former faculty and staff, and former ESI Scholars. Guest speaker for the event was one of the first ESI Scholars (1974) and College of Engineering Graduate, Mr. Ken Dawson, and Chief Administrative Officer for Ascension Parish. Twenty-nine students in grades 9-12, representing fifteen schools in East Baton Rouge Parish and surrounding areas and Georgia participated in the four-week institute. Course offerings in the institute centered on enrichment and advancement in mathematics, engineering, science, computer applications and programming, communications, critical thinking, ACT preparation, engineering projects and designs, and laboratory/technical skills. Students also traveled on weekly field trips to industrial sites to include: Chevron Oronite Plant in Belle Chase, LA; Exxon Refinery in Baton Rouge; the Aquarium of Americas I MAX Theatre, and the Riverwalk Shopping Center in New Orleans. Raytheon Company of Dallas, TX visited ESI and brought their national Program “Math Moves U” which was a great experience for students as they participated in team projects, brain teasers, and academic jeopardy. Several administrators, faculty, staff, and students were responsible for the success of this year’s program. They include, but are not limited to the following: Dr. Habib Mohamadian, College of Engineering Dean; Mrs. Janifer Peters, ESI Director; ESI Instructors were Mr. Troy Bryant, Dr. Nigel Gwee, Professor Louis Poche’, Dr. Rose Thompson, Professor Lauri Patterson and Ms. Carla Buckner. Barrington Moses, Gerald Russell, Britney Douzier, and Michael Louis, Jr. were the Student Counselors.

talk Radio from page 4

BATON ROUGE, LA – On Saturday at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church located at 1134 Julia Street from 9am until supplies last on July 26, 2014 with the weather permitting fresh produce will be giving away to

the public. Bring a chair & food carrier for the produces you will be given. The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank and Together Baton Rouge provide food.

Playful City from page 2 ity, and resilience to addressing childhood obesity to revitalizing communities into kid-friendly environments that give communities a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining residents and businesses.” For more information on the KaBOOM! Playful City USA program, visit www.playfulcityusa.org. The Humana Foundation was established in 1981 as the philanthropic arm of Humana Inc., one of the nation’s leading

health care companies. Located in Louisville, Ky., the site of Humana’s corporate headquarters, the Foundation’s mission is to promote healthy lives and healthy communities. The Foundation’s key funding priorities are childhood health, intergenerational health, and active lifestyles. For more information, visit www.humanafoundation.org. Please contact Scott Dyer with the Mayor’s Office at (225) 389-7957 for additional information.

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Lending from page 1 • OFI did not follow-up on 6,612 (82%) of the 8,082 major violations identified during its examinations from January 1, 2010 through June 30, 2013, that required a refund to the borrower. As a result, OFI cannot ensure the payday lender issued the refund. • OFI does not have a comprehensive process in place to address verbal complaints against payday lenders. We found that OFI did not follow-up on almost half (48%) of borrower complaints it received from January 1, 2010 through June 30, 2013, because they were not submitted in writing

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Refunds from page 1 resolved in favor of the Obama administration. If that appeal fails, then the issue is likely to be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court, which will be asked to resolve conflicting rulings from appellate courts in Washington and Virginia.

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all funny or remotely appropri- we forget o’reilly’s less-thanate about the use of a lynching informed comments regarding a reference about Michelle obama,’’ dinner he shared last year with he said. ‘’it’s - i’m speechless.’’ Sharpton at Sylvia’s in harlem? As President Bush pointed out o’reilly expressed surprise over so eloquently during the Black how similarSylvia’s was to other history Month event, the noose restaurants in New York restaurepresents ‘’more than a tool of rants. murder but a tool of intimidation’’ ‘’there wasn’t one person in to generations of African-Ameri- Sylvia’s who was screaming, cans. Nooses not only robbed some ‘M-Fer, i want more iced tea,’’’ of their lives but many of their he said. peace of mind. As the Washington Post’s rob‘’As a civil society, we must inson sadly observed on MSNBC Corey Beasley is pictured with Janifer Peters, ESI Director and KeninDawson, Chief Executive understand that noose displays February, ‘’All you canOfficer go by for Ascension Parish and first Scholar.jokes are deeply is his words and his actions. And andESI lynching offensive. they are wrong. And he keeps saying these things that ESI Scholars competed forplace top in America “Soul Plane”: Coreydarn Beasley they have no sound pretty racist(Greento me.’’ awards in content areas, technology, Louis Russell today,’’ he said.and briar High, Augusta, has talkGA), radio learned anything projects and designs in individual as wellnor III (Southern Lab), Keegan Neither o’reilly ingraham from imus’ decline Thompson and fall? of as team awards: The results were as fol(Southern Lab), Destiny Selders (Scothas been reprimanded by their re- course not, because it didn’t take lows: landville Kionte’ Hickham spective employers even though Magnet), imus tooand terribly long to get a the Fox News personality(Zachary did offer High). new gig. • Most Outstanding ESI Scholar: • Most Outstanding a half-hearted apology. our nation’s ExxonMobil media outlets Corey Beasley, Junior at Greenbriar Presentation: At least ingraham didn’t drop should not provide a platform for High, Augusta, GA the l-word but her suggestionCierra (Scotlandville Magnet), that Oliver racialhostility and hateful speech • Most Outstanding in Calculus: Keegan Thompson Sharpton, a former presidential now or in(Southern the future.Lab), WhatDejah kind of Corey Beasley, Augusta, Hamilton Magnet), candidateGA and respected member of (Scotlandville messageare we sending to ourand chil• Most Outstanding in Advanced Nneka Nwabueze (West Feliciana High) the African-American community dren, our nation and our world? Algebra: • Most Outstanding Robotics Team: and beyond, is a petty thief reeks in such an historic election year, Kionte’ Hickham, sophomore at Zach(Baton Rouge of race-baiting and negativeObuchi ste- weAdikema cannot stand aside and allow ary High Magnet), Kyrin Lewis to IIIuse (Baton Rouge reotyping of African-Americans individuals the airwaves • Most Outstanding Web Page DeMagnet), Javian Pierson (Scotlandville and black men in particular. as an outlet for insensitive and sign Magnet), Baker (ScotlandBut it’s hardly the first time ei- Ralphalecia misguidedcommentary. if you Corey Beasley, Augusta, GA ville Magnet), and Kasey Williams (Baton ther has ventured into questionable hear something that offends you, • Most Outstanding inoffensive CommunicaMagnet). and territory.Rouge how can speak up. tions/Critical Thinking 9-10 Level Kasey Williams, freshCorporate Sponsors who supported man at Baton Rouge Magnet High ESI this year includes Shell Oil Company, from page 4 11-12 Level CierrayStem Oliver, Junior ExxonMobil, ExxonMobil’s BEST, Rayat Scotlandville Magnet High theon Company, Chevron Oronite, HSEP, • Most Improved cally in ACT-English: Xerox. concerned with the conditions pointed out thatand changes Christon Williams, sophomore at St. Applications for the Engineering which occur in a human being is at Jetson. it is happening there. Amant High, Gonzales Summer Institute next year will be ready redirected to pull from the core What i do know is that most of * Most Improved in ACT- Mathemat- for distribution early in January with a of his own humanity to reaffirm these youth can be changed, from ics mid-March 2015 deadline. Also, informaself worth and purpose. he will contrition in a prepatory school Obuchi Adikema, sophomore at Baton tion on ESI is available on the College of then by nature acquire the will to for Angola to rehabilitation for Rouge Magnet High Engineering website at www.engr.subr. do for himself and others. a positive life that may lead to a • Most Outstanding Engineering edu. Space is not available to cover life of meritorious glory. That is Project/Design Team Award: concerns of so many people the Way I See It!

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Weekly Press • Thursday, July 24, 2014

RELIGION Domestic Violence Awareness is Key in Stopping Abuse Article courtesy of Donald Lee and Bre Eaton The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, a Denver, Colo.-based nonprofit organization working to combat domestic abuse, offers alarming statistics. One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime; 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year; an intimate partner kills almost one-third of female homicide victims that are reported in police reports. In 70 percent to 80 percent of intimate partner homicides, no matter which partner was killed, the man physically abused the woman before the slaying; and less than one-fifth of victims reporting an injury from intimate partner violence sought medical treatment. Know, too, that witnessing violence between one’s parents or caretakers is the greatest risk factor of transmitting violent behavior from one generation to the next; boys who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults; and 30 percent to 60 percent of perpetrators of intimate partner violence also abuse children in the household. For this reason, singles, you should be careful who you consider having an intimate relationship with. The best way to safeguard yourself (and your children) from entering into an abusive relationship is to have an intimate relationship with the Lord. God will connect you with spiritually mature friends. He will especially direct you to a church home where the pastor has wisdom and will cover you in prayer and wise counsel. To those who are already in abusive relationships, know that it is not God’s will for you to stay in any relationship --- marriage included --- in which your physical or mental health or your life is at risk. Somebody might say: “God can change the other person.” That may be true. But Jesus already died for that person that he might get it straight, which means you don’t have to. And if you’re in an abusive relationship, and you have children, know that that sweet little, innocent boy who grows up saying he’ll never hit a woman is the most likely to do (as an adult) what he swore (as a child) he’d never do. See ABUSE, on page 5

Childhood Dream Comes True By Paul Irons When I was growing up, I always dreamed of being a football player. Some snickered at my ambition, but in high school, those dreams were encouraged by my coaches, and after a lot of work I was offered a scholarship to Florida State University. Upon graduation, the Cleveland Browns drafted me. You might think my pursuit of football was based on a foundation of exercise and physical discipline. But more important was the space I made for God and prayer. Through prayer, reading the Bible, and being mentored by other prayerful men who had gone before me, God gave me a discerning attitude about where to put my priorities and how to plan for the future. After all, football is NOT everything, though it is hard to tell a youngster that! As an adult, now retired from the NFL and with children of my own, I can testify to that balance between physical and spiritual discipline as extremely important, and it is the reason why I mentor young men. In God’s plan to nourish our lives, we have to find that “back door” to the space we need to focus on his plan for us. Growing up in an urban setting can make that “back door” harder and harder to find. Where can we go to reflect, pray, celebrate God and ponder the crossroads we reach in life? In my opinion, outside of church, there is no better place than “Nature.” We’re lucky in Louisiana that New Orleans’ “back door” leads to great natural preserves like the

Kisatchie Wilderness Area outside Alexandria. I was lucky enough to take a group of young men there recently. A federal law, passed 50 years ago, called the Wilderness Act, protects these places. Natural areas, like Kisatchie, are to me sacred places. Protecting this country’s public lands and waters – especially in Louisiana where natural and manmade disasters threaten us—is a responsibility that comes with understanding that we are simply “leasing” this gift from God. We must protect the parts of Creation that have been least affected by development as a gift to future generations. We are called to be good stewards of the land and water that have been gifted to us, a concept not new to people of faith. In fact, many Americans find spiritual renewal in the wilderness. In doing so, they follow the same path walked by Moses who spoke with God in the wilderness of the Sinai and Jesus who was baptized in the wilderness of the Jordan River. Our young people need to find their “wilderness” moments, those precious experiences where this beautiful creation reveals to them the existence and the Glory of the Creator. In those moments, life has greater meaning and that wilderness environment, where this becomes evident, is sacred and worth protecting. Then one looks forward to those times of getting away from the busyness of life in the 21st century…getting away from emails, text messages, television, social media…and spending time in nature reflecting, listen-

ing and, praying to the God of all creation. Safeguarding these special places isn’t just a benefit to our nation and state, it is a benefit to our communities and our souls. Our children learn humility in the face of this creation experience; we sense we are all God’s creatures and we have a responsibility to this planet and each other. We can see that there are things greater than our needs and problems. I want to say “thank you” to those who shared this sacredness with me, who took the time to mentor me as a young man and to those who mentor others like me, growing up with big dreams and little in the way of “open spaces” to express them. Thank you to Members of Congress who five decades ago put party affiliations aside to work together to protect some of our public land – our common ground. I hope that spirit carries on this year and we can add additional wild landscapes to our “bank” of protected wilderness. I encourage Louisiana’s congressional delegation to join in celebrating the Wilderness Act’s 50th birthday. Somehow, we always do find a way, and that “back door” is opened to us through nature and prayer. Sacred spaces celebrate life, and call us to be the wonderful creation God intends us to be. To make that possible for each American is a goal worthy of celebration. For more information, please contact the office (504) 324-7157, fax (504) 324-7158 or by e-mail at www.eliteconstructionservices.org.

Greater Mount Carmel Sponsors Back to School Give Away

BATON ROUGE, La - Greater Mt. Carmel Baptist Church will sponsor its Annual Back to School Program on August 1 & 2, 2014. The program has been expanded this year to include two components. On Friday, August 1, 2014, a workshop will be held for parents only at 10:00 a.m. Special guests for the parents only workshop will be Mr. Marlon Cousin, EBR Parental Involvement Coordinator and Dr. Bernard Taylor, Jr. Superintendent EBR Parish Schools. The primary focus of the Parents Only Workshop is to initiate a program towards increased involvement of parents in their child’s education. As follow-up to the initial session, a Greater Mt. Carmel based Support and Outreach Team has been established to facilitate ongoing communication throughout the year with parents. Participants are parents from Greater Mt. Carmel Baptist Church and parents from targeted elementary schools in the community- at- large. On Saturday August 2, 2014, the traditional Annual Back-toSchool Supplies Give Away will be held for both parents and students from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. The Saturday program will be held with presentations on topics relevant to both parents and students for the school year. School supplies will be distributed for Elementary - High School students. Please contact the church office at 775-7372 if you have any questions, or require additional information.

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 Email your church event or religious organization news to The Weekly Press @ thewpress@yahoo.com or call 225-775-2002 WEDNESDAY 12:00

Let the community know whats happing at your place of worship. Email your church event or religious organization news to The Weekly Press @ theweeklypress@yahoo.com or call 225-775-2002

5013 WINDFALL COURT BATON ROUGE, LA. 70812 FOR DIRECTIONS CALL 225-355-8194 We are seeking Prayer Warrors Remember Acts 16: 25-26 Pastor Rev. Dr. Roosevelt Florida, Jr. Co-Pastor Rose J. Florida

VISION CHRISTIAN CENTER, INTERNATIONAL 1047 Rosenwald Road Baton Rouge, LA 70807 Telephone: (225) 774-8125 • E-Mail - visionchristianc@bellsouth.net Sunday Worship.........................................................................10:00 a.m. Holy Communion2nd Sunday.................................................... 10:00 a.m. Intercessory Prayer Wednesday................................................. 6:00 p.m. Mid-Week ServiceWednesday.................................................... 7:00 p.m.

Divine Light Church of Evangelist

JOSEPHINE JONES

ON EVERY SATURDAY AT 2:30PM.

NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH

ALL ARE WELCOMED. No Dress Code-Come as you areCasual Wear

5856 Greenwell Springs Road • Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806 Telephone: (225) 926-0246 • Facsimille: (225) 925-8022 Toll Free: 888-700-6174 Websites: www.newhopebr.com

Come enjoy the Sweet atmosphere of love with us. Please bring you children for the children are the future to tomorrow’s World. You will experience blessings of Healing, Deliverance, Freedom of Bandages, and so much more of what the Lord has for you, your family and your love ones!!! Direction to Hope Christian Center is located at 5013 Windfalls Coutts If you are coming from Airline Highway north or south come to Hank Drive. Once on Hank Drive go through two (2) STOP SIGNS and to you left will be 5013 Windfalls Court to your immediate left Hope Christian Center is located at 5013 Windfalls Courts, Baton Rouge 70812 For more information, please contact either of these numbers (225) 355-8194 or 225-673-1633.

Rev. Leo Cyrus Sr., Pastor Order Of Services Sunday Worship...................................................... 11:00 A.M. Holy Communion.................................. 3rd Sunday 6:00 P.M. Sunday School..........................................................9:00 A.M. Bible Study................................................Thrusday 7:00 P.M.

Thursday, July 24, 2014 • The Weekly Press • Page 5

BUSINESS

BASF Welcomes 22 Engineering Students to Geismar for Summer Internship Program

Suggested Caption: Taurean Antoine, an engineering student at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and summer intern at BASF, leads a tour of one of the production units at the Geismar site. BASF offered 22 chemical and mechanical engineering students the opportunity to spend a summer through its internship program at the Geismar site - the global company’s largest manufacturing facility in North America. GEISMAR, LA – BASF is providing 22 chemical and mechanical engineering students the opportunity to spend this summer working as interns at its Geismar, Louisiana site - the global company’s largest manufacturing facility in North America. The interns, selected from universities around the nation, are participating in engineering projects

that allow them to apply technical and professional skills and knowledge to real-world situations. “Because of BASF’s growth and investment in North America, specifically the Gulf Coast region, we have a strong need to retain and grow our highly-skilled, technical workforce,” Tom Yura, Senior Vice President and Manager of the BASF site in Geismar, Louisiana. “Since

Abuse from page 4 That sweet, little girl who grows up watching Mama get beaten is more likely to gravitate to an abusive man when she becomes

an adult. Understand that domestic violence is inexcusable. If you’re abused, seek help. You don’t have

Front row, from left: John Boudreaux, University of Texas; Lucas Ortiz (New York Institute of Technology), Kristen Pearson (University of Texas), Olivia McGahan (Georgia Tech), Aubrey Kress (University of Michigan), Taurean Antoine (Louisiana State University), Blaine Leger (Louisiana State University), and Ryan Kinler (Louisiana State University). Middle row, from left: Ian Howard (Louisiana State University), Laura Iverson (Louisiana State University), Tiffany Robinson (Louisiana State University), London Hayes (University of Texas), Brian Gates (Iowa State University), Timothy Patterson (Louisiana State University), and Jonathan Sellers (Louisiana State University). Back row, from left: Alexander Russell (Louisiana State University), Brandon Travis (Louisiana State University), Mack Todd (Southern University), Tyler Chamblin (Georgia Tech), Michael Pinder (Georgia Tech), and Joseph Hollier (Louisiana State University).

2009, BASF has invested more than $350 million in Louisiana, translating into almost 100 new jobs. Our internship program helps us attract potential employees and give them the opportunity to grow their skills while learning more about BASF in the process.” In addition to assigned responsibilities at the manufacturing facility in Geismar, the interns also

have the opportunity to participate in BASF’s community activities through volunteering. The BASF interns recently completed a project with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge where they spent an entire Saturday repairing a home for a family in the Baton Rouge area. “I really love working at BASF because I get to meet different people and work on a variety of projects, while also giving back to the community,” said Laura Iverson, senior

civil engineering student at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and summer intern at BASF in Geismar. “The group of us came together for a day with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge. It was great to see how we can make a difference in so many ways through BASF.” BASF offered 22 chemical and mechanical engineering students the opportunity to spend a summer through its internship program at the Geismar site - the global com-

pany’s largest manufacturing facility in North America. BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has nearly 17,000 employees in North America, and had sales of $19.3 billion in 2013. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www. basf.us

to live in fear. For more information regarding safety, please call the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence statewide hotline at (888) 411-1333. Someone is available to answer your call 24 hours a day.

For prayer, call my Dallasbased church, Kingdom Living Christian Center’s, teleconference line from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. The number is (218) 862-4590 (conference code: 279498#). To connect with a church

locally, call Word of Faith Christian Church at (225) 279-9240. Donald Lee and Bre Eaton are the authors of “Married to Commitment,” a book catering to the needs of married couples and singles alike. To order the book,

visit http://www.xulonpress.com or call toll-free (866) 909-2665. E-mail Lee at pastordonjlee@yahoo.com; e-mail Eaton at kingdomprayers4am@yahoo. com. If you have an emergency, dial 911.

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“Teaming with Louisiana for progress” W.T.South Winfield, Manager 225-383-0822 Baton Rouge Civil Engineers NeededOffice 318-222-0639 Shreveport Office 1-866-324-WTAA Toll Free 1-866-324-WTAA Toll Free W.T. Winfield, Manager

CLASSIFIEDS

PUBLIC NOTICE Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Overall Goal FY 2015 - 2017 Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport announces its proposed overall Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goal of 9.19% for Federal Fiscal Years 2015-2017. The proposed goals and related methodology are available for inspection during normal business hours through August 8, 2014. The Airport and U.S. Department of Transportation will accept comments on the goal through August 21, 2014 at the following addresses: Mr. Jason Wilson Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport 9430 Jackie Cochran Drive, Suite 300 Baton Rouge, LA 70807-8020 jwilson@brgov.com Tel: 225-355-0333 Fax: 225-355-2334 U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization (S-40) 400 7th Street, S.W., Room 9410 Washington, D.C. 20590 Tel: 800-532-1169 Fax: 202-366-7538

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HELP WANTED WORK FOR the best as a warehouse operative! Full/Part time positions available. Work with special needs population. No experience required. Training provided. . Legal background is helpful. Interested candidate should contact clarkesteven1@ aol.com.

The Capital Area Transit System (CATS) 5700 Florida Blvd, Suite #509 Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806 CATS is a regional transit authority and a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana who operates the public transit system in the City of Baton Rouge. This ITB announcement invites vendors to submit proposals for a Bus Stop Shelter Installations with CATS.

CDL-A Owner Operators

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CORE-MARK INTERNATIONAL: CDL A Drivers - Route Delivery Driver: PAID RELOCATION UP TO $2500 & potential $4000 Bonus! Core-Mark has an ideal opportunity for you. Position is Full Time with a full benefits package and requires a Class A CDL, doubles are optional. Responsibilities: The timely and safe delivery of grocery products, 8-12 stops per day to our customers and the pickup of returns via ramp and hand truck, keeping tractor / trailers clean, maintain DOT & DVR logs. Qualified applicants may apply at Careerbuilder.com job site, or request an application to be emailed to you at FTWjobs@core-mark. com Work week is Monday - Saturday. Working 4 - 5 days a week! Position reports to the office in Fort Worth, Texas. Must be able to relocate and work in one of the following cities: Baton Rouge, LA, Oklahoma City, Fort Worth & Houston TX: 800-348-9991

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Page 6 • The

Weekly Press • Thursday, July 24, 2014

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