Daytona Times 06-06-2013 by Central Florida Communicators Group, LLC

Dr. Celeste Philip appointed to state health department post See page 3

Flagler students receive scholarships from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

Daytona

U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit #189 Daytona Beach, FL

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CHARLENE CROWELL: Don’t let bank payday PRESORTED STANDARD exploit seniors and Social Security See page 4

See page 5

East Central Florida’s Black Voice www.daytonatimes.com www.daytonatimes.com

JUNE 6 - JUNE 12, 2013

YEAR 38 NO. 23

Is Daytona misusing CRA funds?

PEOPLE SPEAK

Volusia Property Appraiser Morgan Gilreath gives data to council members to help them identify blighted areas BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com

Grass growing through the cracked pavement of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and other arterial roads. Many streets with no sidewalks. No major grocery stores. No hotels. Two gas stations. High crime. No pay phones. Streets that haven’t been paved in years. Abandoned buildings. Parks with outdated or no playground equipment for children. The Morgan flooding of homes and streets afGilreath ter a heavy prolonged rainfall. This is a description of Midtown in Daytona

Midtown residents continue to complain about cracks in roads like these on Martin Luther King Boulevard.

Beach and other predominantly Black inhabited areas in the city that could easily be described as blighted areas neglected by elected officials for decades, according to local Black activists. There are no major department stores, attractions or businesses to pump tax revenues into the Midtown Community Redevelopment Area Trust Fund that could be used to make a difference in the area. Some residents are accusing Daytona Beach officials of misusing Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) funds.

Economic development tool Volusia County Property Appraiser Morgan Gilreath said some cities in the county have used the CRA designation more as an economic development tool than as a fix for blighted areas. Gilreath told the Daytona Times exclusively this week that CRA funds used as an economic development tool creates an instance where non-CRA cities and those living in unincorp-

LARRY STEELE/ DAYTONA TIMES

Please see FUNDS, Page 2

Mom starts cheerleading program for local girls BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com

CHARLES W. CHERRY II/DAYTONA TIMES

A long time coming: The center, to honor Daytona Beach’s first Black mayor, will officially open on Saturday.

Local artist’s work to grace walls of Yvonne Scarlett-Golden center Grand opening set for Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

‘It takes a village’

BY JAMES HARPER DAYTONA TIMES harperjames59@yahoo.com

Anthony Armstrong of DeLand will be the first of many artists to be featured at the new Yvonne Scarlett-Golden Cultural and Educational Center. Armstrong’s artwork will be on display at the center for the next month. The center will officially open Saturday, June 8, at 9 a.m. with a special grand-opening ceremony. It is located at 1000 Vine St. The local artist has established himself as one of the foremost contemporary abstract painters on the art scene.

A dream come true According to his website, Armstrong was encouraged to “make pictures” by his mother.

Britney Parks calls them her “Life’s Jewels.’’ She is referring to 97 little girls she has taken under her wings to make a difference in their lives. But she says she can’t do it alone. “We need programs for the kids. Someone to believe in them, someone to expose them to different things,” said Parks, who recently organized a cheerleading clinic for girls. The clinic took place at the John H. Dickerson Center in Daytona Beach. The girls will be showing off what they learned this Saturday at the grand opening of the Yvonne Scarlett-Golden Cultural and Educational Center. Britney Parks said they also have Parks been booked to perform at the Juneteenth Festival in Daytona Beach as well.

The artwork of Anthony Armstrong, left, will be on display at the Yvonne ScarlettGolden Cultural and Educational Center until July 17. He grew up in segregated DeLand, the son of a migrant worker and a maid. “The prospect of using my God-given talents in a professional artistic capacity seemed bleak. It has always been my desire to share those talents with others. Through hard work, academic training and painterly ambition, I have been blessed to achieve my life’s dream,” Armstrong said. He noted that his artwork

is dedicated to conveying the concerns, sentiments and beauty of African-Americans. In the tradition of artists such as Aaron Douglas, Romare Bearden, and Pablo Picasso, Armstrong interprets realism, cubism and Afrocentric iconography, according to the website. His works are scheduled to be on display at the center until July 17.

Morning of activities Daytona Beach Leisure Services Director Percy Williamson said the center, named after the city’s first Black mayor, will be open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be tours of the building, refreshments, activities and live entertainment. Please see CENTER, Page 5

“The children are my jewels. Mentoring makes a difference,” said Parks, explaining that most of the kids want to spend time with adults who care instead of just receiving from them money or material things. “What happened to the village. It takes a village to raise a child. We have to catch them now and make a difference,” she continued. “There wasn’t all this violence back in the day. We weren’t stealing cars. Kids weren’t getting pregnant,” she noted. Parks said it is her eventual goal to give the kids a stable place to go. “Get the kids off the street. I want to provide them with a program. Cheerleading is easy. I was in sports and youth activities growing up,” Parks said, noting that many of the programs she participated in growing up don’t exist anymore. “Now they don’t have a lot of sports for kids on this side of town. There is no gymnastics, no cheerleading,” she said, explaining why she started “Life’s Jewels.’

Equipment, uniforms needed Parks said she hopes to do something year-round for the kids and eventually hopes to form a not-for-profit organizPlease see JEWELS, Page 5

7FOCUS

Juneteenth event takes place June 15 in Palm Coast

JUNE 6 – JUNE 12, 2013

Getting fit in Midtown Monica Adolphe leads Zumba fitness classes at the Midtown Cultural and Education Center every Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m. The classes are one of many activities taking place at the center this summer. There are also lyrical dance classes for ages 8 to adult free every Tuesday 6 to 7 p.m. The center’s summer program will run from June 5 through Aug. 2. For more information, call the center at 386-671-5542

The African American Cultural Society Inc., will again host an observance of Juneteenth at the AACS Cultural Center, 4422 US 1 North, Palm Coast. Juneteenth is the only national holiday celebrating the end of slavery in the United States. All are welcome to join this free cultural event. The Palm Coast program is June 15. While the day’s program begins at 1 p.m., vendors will be available at 10 am. The program will honor African and AfricanAmerican ancestors in song, dance and dramatic performance. Parents are encouraged to take children for an educational and entertaining experience. Donations will be accepted to help defray costs. For details, contact Sybil Dodson-Lucas at bookie36w@aol.com.

Votran to increase bus service on U.S. 1

Bus service on the U.S. 1/Ridgewood Avenue corridor in the Greater Daytona Beach Area, the busiest routes in Votran’s system, is about to be improved with enhanced frequency. According to Steve Sherrer, Votran’s general manager, upcoming route and schedule changes that begin June 10 have the buses running every 30 minutes instead of hourly. “Increasing the frequency on U.S. 1 core service routes 3 and 4 has been a long-standing priority,” said Sherrer. “The Volusia County Council voted unanimously last October to accept Florida Department of Transportation grant funding that will pay for the additional cost of op-

FUNDS from Page 1 rated areas of the county are paying for improvements in areas that are not blighted. Gilreath said that right now in Volusia County about 57 percent of CRA money coming from outside of the cities with CRAs is going into CRAS. If it’s a blighted area that the funds are going to, he noted, “it is a good thing.’’ However, he remarked that if the funds are being used outside of the blighted areas, city officials with CRAs are “creating an illusion.’’

Just the facts Gilreath said CRAs were not created to give county money to cities. “City and county monies should be separated. Are they (city leaders) making an argument for consolidation,” asked Gilreath? “I’m trying to provide data to decision makers so they can make better decisions,” Gilreath said. He was to officially present his analysis on Thursday to the County Council. “I provided decision makers with factual information that isn’t biased to help identify and help blighted areas,” he said. County Council Chair Jason Davis sent a letter to Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry to clarify their positions on CRAs.

‘Thoughtful exchange’ Earlier this year, the County Council opened community dialogue on the future of CRAs. “Proposed changes prompted a thoughtful exchange and evoked many diverse opinions,” wrote Davis. “There will be no changes made by the county to existing CRA authorizations,” he said. “The County Council values well conceived, carefully managed CRAs as an important tool to revitalize blighted urban neighborhoods,” Davis concluded. The taxes generated from Community Redevelopment Areas are supposed to be used to generate growth within blighted areas, according to a Florida Statue that allows cities to create CRAs.

‘Two-sided coin’ In an editorial written by Daytona Beach City Manager Jim Chisholm for the Daytona Beach News-Journal published on April 28, he wrote: “In Daytona Beach we used CRA funds to incentivize development with the Ocean Walk Shoppes and Hilton Hotel, which are among the top taxpayers in our community. Over 800 new jobs were created with this initiative and it would not have been feasible without our CRA financial support through a public/ private partnership.” More CRA funds are earmarked by city officials to lock down the construction of at least two major hotels along A1A. Gilreath said he is not a critic of CRAs and believes they offer cities an opportunity to perform noble assistance to blighted areas within their boundaries. “It is a government example of people helping people who need help. But it’s a two-sided coin,” Gilreath said. Gilreath said the property appraisal data he gave to the County Council to help them determine if areas qualify as blighted includes: if the median sale prices of land is increasing; the quality and price of construction materials used; and the depreciation or deterioration of the building is also a factor to determine if a “blighted area” deserves CRA funds.

Other uses Daytona Beach Public Works Director Ron McLemore confirmed to the Daytona Times this week that CRA funds have been used by city for both economic development and blighted areas. CRA funds are being used to put in water, sewer to entice developers, said McLemore. Former Midtown Area Redevelopment Board Member Hemis Ivey is upset that almost $1 million of the Midtown CRA funds are on hold for the Orange Avenue Streetscape project. He said the funds are needed now to be invested back in the community to take care of immediate needs. As of May 7, $982,430.37 in Midtown CRA funds had not been used to make a difference in the predominantly Black Midtown section of the city.

erating these routes every 30 minutes. We have people standing on these routes.” Time points along west Volusia routes 20, 21 and 23 and east Volusia routes 3, 4, 18 and 19 have been adjusted. Routes 1 and 60 are no longer interlined, which means passengers will need to transfer buses at the Transfer Plaza to travel to DeLand. The most significant changes are the increased frequency of the Routes 3A/B and 4. These daytime routes were identified for improvement to 30-minute frequency in the 2012-21 Transit Development Plan. This finding was reinforced by an east side transit study. Route 3 serves U.S. 1 north of International Speedway Boulevard almost as far as I-95 - roughly 10 miles. Route 4 serves U.S. 1 south of International Speedway Boulevard to Nova Road - roughly 10 miles. Weekday and Saturday service operates between approximately 6 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. These routes are operating at capacity in the most recent years, frequently requiring

Growing controversy? According to Daytona Beach Redevelopment Director Reed Berger, for the past three years, the almost $1 million has been set aside to be used for the Orange Avenue project if enough funds are not available from other sources to complete the project estimated to cost $20 million. Volusia County Councilman Josh Wagner weighed in what is looking more and more like a growing controversy. “The city of Daytona Beach is apparently manipulating you and the community . . . They should not make the Midtown CRA fund items that the city general fund should pay for. The question should be...What part of the Orange Avenue project is being funded by the CRA and did they make the other CRAs do the same thing. Utilities should not be used,” asked Wagner? Bids for the Orange Avenue Streetscape project are expected to go out to marketplace July 1. McLemore said construction is expected to begin on the project around the first of the year.

Midtown input Orange Avenue also runs through the Downtown CRA. Berger said there is no line item from the Downtown CRA to use their funds for Orange Avenue, but if it becomes necessary it’s possible that money could come from their trust fund if directed by the CRA board. That board is made up of city commissioners and the mayor. Ivey said the Midtown board should have input in the budget process because he says the board is the voice of the community. “The board is told you’re only an advisory board and you have nothing to do with the budget, you are not part of the process. The people are part of the government. We are being shut out of the process,” he said. Ivey said commissioners are not speaking up or budgeting funds for problems disproportionately affecting the city’s blighted areas that qualify for CRA funds. “If you are doing a budget and you know the projected revenue, they can fund A, B, C. They can look at what the priorities are. If commissioners are

not speaking up on problems, items that need to be on budget, then we don’t have a voice,” Ivey continued, boasting that he was proudest that the Midtown board was able to produce a master plan during his watch. “If the city manager don’t want it, it will not happen. If nobody makes Jim Chisholm do something, it don’t happen,” added Ivey, who has been vocal in the past calling for the removal of Chisholm as city manager.

No budget authority Redevelopment Director Reed said the Midtown board doesn’t have any budget authority or money to spend. “They are there specifically to approve site plans, if there is a development order, special use permits, input on that process and they have other powers. They are able to advise city commission on matters of legislation,” Reed explained.

No ‘endless pot of money’ He said elected officials are responsible for budget expenditures. The funds that come from each CRA must stay in that same geographic area. Berger said the city does not have “an endless pot of money” to fix up the Midtown area in addition to other areas that need major infrastructure work as well as investments to attract businesses to the area. For the 2012 budget year, the Midtown CRA was allocated $263,247. Of the money, $216,000 was used to pay down on a debt owed involving the repaving of streets and construction of sidewalks and other infrastructure needs, Berger said. That left less them approximately $50,000 of the CRA fund to do “extra things” to improve blight in the area, he continued. The 2012 budgets for other CRAs in Daytona Beach are: Downtown, $776,260; Main Street, $3,337,083; Ballough Road, $151,319; South Atlantic, $0; and Downtown Development, $216,882.

Six areas in city Like many cities across the state, Daytona Beach created a Community Redevelopment Agency, which oversees six community redevelopment ar-

unscheduled additional vehicles in busy tourism months between September and May. “We try very hard to make sure we serve as many people as efficiently as possible,” said Sherrer. “We don’t take making changes lightly since so many of our riders don’t have other transportation alternatives.” For the fifth consecutive year, Votran’s ridership continued to increase, with fixed route ridership reaching nearly 3.6 million, 6 percent higher than the previous year. During this time, the U.S.1 core service routes 3 and 4 have operated at capacity, requiring additional buses. For more information, call Votran Customer Service 386-761-7700 in Daytona Beach, 386-943-7033 in West Volusia, or 386-424-6800 in Southeast Volusia or to stop by Votran Headquarters, 950 Big Tree Road, South Daytona, for a detailed review. Information on the changes can be viewed at Votran’s website at www.votran.org, – Special to The TImes

eas, one of those areas being Midtown. A Florida statue allows a CRA to annually capture and spend a portion of the incremental increase in ad valorem tax revenues resulting from redevelopment. The tax increment — the increase in real property taxes from the difference between the taxes generated before and after the investment in real property — is used to fund a portion of the costs for improvements. Florida law defines a “blighted area” as one in which there are deteriorated and deteriorating structures where economic distress or endangerment to life or property exists. CRAs’ goals focus on eliminating the physical, social, and economic problems related to slum and blight by improvement of the physical environment (buildings, streets, utilities, parks) by rehabilitation, conservation, clearance, and redevelopment.

More goals Additional goals include acquiring blighted property, enhancing tax bases with private reinvestment, eliminating poor housing conditions, and providing affordable housing to residents of low and moderate income. Daytona Beach’s CRA board is made up of the city’s six commissioners and mayor and they ultimately decide what to do with funds generated for CRAs. A redevelopment trust fund is the depository for tax increment revenues. Funds allocated to this trust fund can only be used by the CRA to finance community redevelopment activity undertaken pursuant to an approved redevelopment plan. Redevelopment Director Berger said city officials are hoping bids come under the $20 million they expect the Orange Avenue Streetscape project will cost so they don’t have to touch the almost $1 million in CRA funds. Berger said if the $1 million is not used for Orange Avenue, it will go toward streetscaping a portion of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, from International Speedway Boulevard to Orange Avenue. The rest of the arterial road from Orange Avenue to Fremont will likely be repaved, said McLemore.

“It is not our intent to use CRA funds (for Orange Avenue),” Berger said.

Number of issues Ivey said since the city is borrowing money to complete the Orange Avenue Streetscape project it should borrow enough guaranteeing it does not have to touch the million dollars on hold, which he says should be used now for improvements. The city has applied for a $13,143,000 loan from Florida’s Revolving Funds to do the project. In addition, a $4,697,000 Florida Department of Transportation grant and a $1,660,000 Volusia County grant will go toward the project. McLemore said it is yet to be determined which end the city will be starting constructions due to a number of issues that will have to be addressed by engineers and designers of the project. He said reconstruction of the road is scheduled to start in December and is projected to last two years. “It is a very complex project. That is why it will take two years,” said McLemore, noting that all the utilities underneath the street are aged and collapsing, and have to be addressed. He added that the roadway surface will be improved, guaranteeing a smoother ride for residents and no potholes or flooding.

Other improvements Amenities that will be improved include enhanced walk ability, wider sidewalks, replacement of underground utilities, elimination of pole conflicts in sidewalks, decorative lighting poles and fixtures along with decorative crosswalks and decorative traffic signal masts. McLemore said street and sidewalk lighting will be enhanced along with improved signalization with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant sidewalks and crosswalks, audible signal controls for visually impaired, and touch signal controls for the hearing impaired. Thomas Huger, Daytona Beach’s Facilities Construction and Maintenance Manager, is the citizen liaison and contact person for community. He can be reached by calling the Public Works Department at 386-671-8600.

COMMUNITY M ANEWS YOR

JUNE 6 – JUNE 12, 2013

Former Volusia health department administrator appointed to state post FROM STAFF REPORTS

Dr. Celeste Philip has been named the Interim Deputy Secretary for Health and Deputy State Health Officer for Children’s Medical Services (CMS). She is assumDr. Celeste ing the role from Philip Dr. Dennis Cookro, who is retiring. Philip previously served the Flori-

da Department of Health as medical director in Volusia County and Interim Bureau Chief for the Bureau of Communicable Diseases. “Dr. Philip brings extensive academic and professional experience in public health,” said Dr. John Armstrong, State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health. “I am delighted that she has accepted the call to serve in this way and know that she will add to our Department’s collaborative outreach. I also want to thank Dr. Dennis Cookro for a job well done.”

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DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006

ber of the Early Learning Coalition of Flagler and Volusia and a steering committee member of the Department of Juvenile Justice Circuit 7 Disproportionate Minority Contact Initiative.

Vast experience

Former CDC officer

Philip has served as interim director for the Department of Health in Volusia, Calhoun and Liberty counties. In addition, she was medical director for Polk County’s health department. While in Lakeland, she chaired the Polk Health Care Alliance Infrastructure Committee and served on the board of the Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine, through which she provided primary care to uninsured patients. She is currently a board mem-

Philip’s contributions to public health are not just limited to Florida. She is also a board member of the American Heart Association’s six-state Greater Southeast Affiliate (GSA) and the Chair of GSA’s Health Equities Committee. She served at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an Epidemic Intelligence Service officer where her research focused on sugar-sweetened beverages in schools, national breastfeeding and obesity trends

and infant mortality in Mississippi. Philip also dedicated herself to maternal and child anemia projects in the Philippines and Niger, as well as a nutrition surveillance system in the Dominican Republic. She graduated from Howard University magna cum laude, with a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Spanish. She later received a Master of Public Health in maternal and child health and a Doctor of Medicine from Loma Linda University in California. Philip completed her residency at Florida Hospital in Orlando and has remained committed to improving health in Florida throughout her career.

Flagler students receive scholarships from Alpha Kappa Alpha Scholarship winners have scored big according to a news flash that reverberates the Ivy Community Foundation, Inc., in partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The Chi Delta Omega Chapter recently awarded eight scholarships to students from both Flagler Palm Coast High School and Matanzas High School. The Chi Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority has granted more than $50,000 in college scholarships to deserving high school graduates in the Flagler/Palm Coast area. The recipients will begin the next phase of the journey in higher learning and embark on majors from nursing to nuclear engineering. Three scholarship recipients participated and successfully completed the Early College Program while simultaneously earning their associates degrees and graduating from high school. Daniel Spearman, a 2009 scholarship recipient and a recent University of Florida graduate, will begin graduate studies in the fall to

become a doctor. Spearman provided profound advisement to the recipients with regard to overcoming distractions and remaining focused. Former scholarship recipient Kayon Jones delivered a beautiful musical rendition of “One Moment in Time.” This year’s recipients are: Giovanni Gonzalez, Mikayla Preston, Stania Paul, Kayla Campbell, Andrew Nguyen, Deshawn Myles, Nina Eustaquio, and Adriana Laforest.

Church to host former FSU players New Found Favor Ministries will not have the usual greeting by their pastor. Bishop Phillip King announced that his former football teammates from Florida State University (FSU) will be welcomed. Invited with that lineup are former and current student athletes, other alumni, fans, and the Flagler County community to worship the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on Seminole Sunday. Bishop King, a former

Scholarship recipients were Giovanni Gonzalez, Mikayla Preston, Stania Paul accompanied by scholarship chairman Marva Jones and Vice President Karen Wells. Receiving awards were Kayla Campbell, Andrew Nguyen and Deshawn Myles. linebacker at FSU and the University of Louisiana at Monroe, walked away from a multi-million dollar NFL offer. He walked away because of his call to the ministry. A native of Daytona Beach, the bishop is married, a father, and a preacher’s kid. He has been a head coach, recording producer/composer as well, having worked with a four-

Palm Coast

Community news

By Jeroline D. Mccarthy | Daytona Times time Grammy-award winner and other gospel artists. He served 11 years under his dad’s pastoral ministry as minister of music and assistant pastor. The service will be held June 9, 11:30 a.m., at New Found Favor Ministries, 801 North State Street, Bunnell. For further details, call the church at 386-586-7777.

Cothran to be installed at Zion Baptist

I AM POSITIVE.

Monitoring a story from the Zion Baptist Church of Palm Coast, the congregation, ministry supporters and community stakeholders will gather to witness the official Pastoral Installation Service and Ceremony of the Rev. Charlene E. Cothran as pastor/ teacher. Established earlier this year by faithful Bible students led by Rev. Cothran, the church is a growing congregation, having established community outreach programs, including an emergency food pantry, and a Christian counseling program. The June 9, 11 a.m., service takes place at Zion with guest preacher Minister Linda Hill York of Hamilton, N.J. The church is located at 1 Enterprise Drive, Unit 1, Bunnell, near Whiteview Parkway. The 5 p.m. official installation convenes at the Hil-

BRIEFS

Educating. inspiring. changing pErcEption. People with HIV are fathers, grandmothers, friends and neighbors. They are people you pass on the street and people you meet. And they have one important characteristic in common with us all: they are human beings. The Faces of HIV project offers an intimate look at Florida residents living with HIV and AIDS through captivating portraits, insightful interviews and poignant journal writing. To watch their stories, read their journals and to view the mobile art exhibit schedule, visit wemakethechange.com/faces.

Embry-Riddle professor to demonstrate ‘crazy paper airplanes’ Teens and ‘tweens can take their paper-airplane skills to the next level during a free program at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 27, at the Daytona Beach Regional Library, 105 E. Magnolia Ave. Dr. Leo F. Murphy, associate professor of aeronautical science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, will show the group how to make “crazy paper airplanes” with radical scissor cuts, tape, glue and creativity. The event is part of “Beneath the surface,” a weekly teen summer program

ton Garden Inn, 55 Town Center Blvd., Palm Coast, off Route 100 near I-95. The guest preacher will be Dr. Joseph E. Woods, pastor of St. Phillips Baptist Church in Hamilton, N.J. Dr. Woods is founding director of Christ Covenant Interdenominational Assembly (CCIA), the covering and training organization of Zion Baptist Church. Gospel recording artist Elder Fanesca Myers & Company of Orlando will minister at both services. Trombonist/Pastor Ivan Ray of Jacksonville will minister at the 5 p.m. ceremony, along with liturgical dance from Atlantic Vibe Performance Academy of Palm Coast and Mrs. O. Geni LeVant of Hamilton, N.J. Pastor Cothran is an ordained minister who attended the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta and currently is enrolled in a Christian counseling degree program at Newburgh Theological Seminary and serving well the activities in her community. For further details, call the church at 386-2834905.

Academy classes begin June 10 Palm Harbor Academy is one of the schools that fulfills the quest for early that is open to youth ages 11 to 18. Reservations are not required for this program, which is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. For more information, contact Kim Dolce at kdolce@volusia.org or 386-257-6036, ext. 16315. •••

County’s Community Assistance Division plans public meetings Volusia County’s Community Assistance Division will hold three public meetings to provide information about the Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships and Emergency Solutions Grant programs. The meetings will be: • 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June

learning. The charter school will have its doors open for classes on June 10 at 95 Old Kings Road North. The school provides free tuition, free academic assessment, free prescriptive tutoring, and small class sizes for enrollment in the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) Program over the summer. Included in the package are free transportation and a free uniform shirt. All Florida residents’ children turning four years old by Sept. 1 are eligible to participate in the program. For particulars and/or to schedule a tour, call the Community Liaison at 386PHA-1499 or 386-447-9692, or to reach by email, log on to www.palmharboracademy.net.

Food giveaway is June 8 The Women’s Missionary Society of First Church - the Rev. Gillard S. Glover, Pastor - has scheduled the monthly food giveaway for June 8, 1-3 p.m., at 91 Old Kings Road North, Palm Coast. For more information, call 386-446-5759. ••• As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted and bereaved.

Happy Birthday to You! Birthday wishes to: Birthday wishes to The Rev. Lannie Thomas, June 10; my niece, Kelli Coaxum, of Manhattan, June 12. 18, at the Chisholm Community Center, 520 S. Clara Ave., DeLand • 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, at the Babe James Community Center, 201 N. Myrtle Ave., New Smyrna Beach • 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20, at the South Ormond Neighborhood Center, 176 Division St., Ormond Beach Staff members will provide information on the programs’ status and discuss current funding levels and proposed activities for the 2013/2014 program year. Residents are encouraged to attend and provide input on housing and community development needs. For more information, call Grants Coordinator Donna King at 386-736-5955.

7 EDITORIAL

JUNE 6 – JUNE 12, 2013

Don’t let bank payday exploit seniors and Social Security The term “payday loans” often evokes images of stores with garish neon signs; but these products have moved into the banking sector that is supposed to be more respectable. About half a dozen banks now push payday loans, though they give them more enticing names such as “Ready Advance” or “Easy Advance.” Yet there is nothing easy about a loan with a tripledigit interest rate and terms designed to entrap. Responding to public concerns and new research, federal banking regulators recently issued proposed rules and called for public comment on reining in bank payday lending. Thus far, consumer advocates and lawmakers at both the state and federal levels have spoken up. The issue is generating even more notice because bank payday loans hurt senior citizens disproportionately. According to research by the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL), more than one in four bank payday borrowers are Social Security recipients.

Protect consumer Florida’s U.S. Senator Bill Nelson and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts together called for regulation that would specifically protect America’s older consumers. In a joint letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the Senators cited their committee work as well as recent research by CRL. “As Chairman and member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, we take very seriously our responsibilities

Charlene Crowell NNPA FINANCIAL WRITER

to seniors and elderly consumers who expect and deserve fair and transparent financial services,” said the Senators. They added, “Social Security was created to provide seniors with financial support to help them cover basic living expenses not for banks seeking new sources of revenue by exploiting retirees with limited means. Therefore it is critical that banks be discouraged from using government benefits as proof of income, and we would hope such a provisions would be included in the final guidance.”

Marginal risks? Earlier this year, CRL released new research that refuted the claim by participating banks that their payday loan products are only for short-term emergencies and carry marginal risks. Actual borrower experiences revealed a far different experience. Instead, the typical bank payday borrower is charged an annual percentage rate (APR) that averages 225-300 percent; took out 19 loans in 2011, spending at least part of six months a year in bank payday debt; and is twice more likely to incur overdraft fees than bank customers as a whole. At that time, CRL advised, “More than 13 million older adults are considered economi-

cally insecure, living on $21,800 a year or less. Senior women in particular face diminished incomes because of lower lifetime earnings and therefore lower Social Security and pension benefits.”

Clear signals In its comments to OCC, CRL advised, “Though the number of banks making payday loans remains small, there are clear signals that bank payday lending will grow rapidly without strong action by all the banking regulators. . . . At a time when older Americans have already experienced severe declines in wealth resulting from the Great Recession, banks take these borrowers’ benefits for repayment before they can use those funds for health care, prescription medicines or other critical expenses.” It appears that Senators Nelson and Warren would agree. “Left unchecked, deposit advances pose a significant credit risk to the banking system, particularly if offered by an increasing number of banks,” concluded the senators. “In the aftermath of a debilitating financial crisis and the ensuing economic recession, it is critical that banks maintain high quality underwriting standards for all types of loans, including deposit advances.”

Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene. crowell@responsiblelending. org. Click on this story at www. daytonatimes.com to write your own response.

A closer reading of Obama’s terrorism speech I read the speech. I read it carefully. Again, an excellent speech; as a result, you have to read it closely to see what it is actually saying and what it is not saying. The Obama administration is saying that the formal war against terrorism will come to an end…eventually. It is saying that the war was justified. It is also saying that the war against Iraq was misplaced, a point that the administration has been saying for a while. Yet it is also saying that the U.S.A. went to war with a network. Let’s be clear that Al Qaeda is a very loose international network of terrorists. Are they deadly? Of course, but so is the Mafia. The notion of going to war with a network has always been problematic, particularly when that war justified targeted assassinations, bombings and invasions of various countries. It also became problematic when there was such a loose definition as to what constituted terrorism and, therefore, who actually is a terrorist and who supports terrorism.

BILL FLETCHER, JR. NNPA COLUMNIST

War against Al Qaeda This goes to a point that the president did not cover. The “war against terrorism” was never clearly defined as a war against Al Qaeda, though most people thought that that was the essence of it. Under the rubric of “terrorism,” all sorts of organizations were grouped, including groups that are engaged in military insurgencies but not terrorism, such as the Communist Party of the Philippines and their military wing, the New People’s Army. Also included in that list of terrorists has now been former Black Panther, Assata Shakur. In other words, the war against terrorism has been used as a means of targeting a wide spectrum of individuals and organizations that have crossed paths with the U.S.A., irrespective of whether

they have ever engaged in the targeted killings of civilians in order to advance a political agenda. The president never renounced this.

Blow back Like many people, I would like to believe that a new day is upon us. I would not hold my breath. This administration has been very hawkish on certain key international matters, including targeted assassinations. The long-term consequences of such hawkishness will probably be additional “blow back,” that is, actions taken against people in the U.S. as retribution. We in the U.S.A. must speak up and demand clear and alternative policy rather than eloquent speeches. It will also necessitate that we stop cowering every time we hear the “T” word — terrorism.

Bill Fletcher, Jr. is a Senior Scholar with the Institute for Policy Studies. Follow him on Facebook and www.billfletcherjr.com. Click on this story at www.daytonatimes.com to write your own response.

Susan Rice’s discredited story Do you still believe what U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice was saying during her infamous five Sunday show appearances? By now, we all know that these appearances contained “inaccurate information.” Clearly, President Obama and Congressional Democrats went to great lengths to defend Rice’s role in the aftermath of the 9-11 attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya. Over the past months, Rice’s defenders claimed that her initial public assessment regarding the attack on the Consulate in Benghazi was a “spontaneous protest” in reaction to an anti-Islamic film that had aired on YouTube.

WILLIAM REED BUSINESS EXCHANGE

“Racism and sexism” have been alleged toward those who oppose Rice. Rep. Marcia Fudge, a Democrat from Ohio and chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) said, “It is a shame that anytime something goes wrong, they pick on women and minorities.” Does that equate to racism if you criticize Rice for promulgating false information?

Following orders

Conveyors of deceit

The question now is about Blacks and their ethics. Is it acceptable that Black officials leave concepts of truth and honesty at the office door? Some say that the statements that Rice made were “just her following orders.” In the latest iteration about what happened in Benghazi, Gregory Hicks, a foreign service officer and former deputy chief of mission in Libya, testified before Congress that “I was stunned, my jaw dropped and I was embarrassed” in response to Rice’s series of television appearances last Sept. 16.

Be you a Black Democrat or Republican, it must be something in the water at the State Department that causes Blacks associated with the position to become conveyors of deceit and subterfuge. The lure of holding the office of secretary of state has caused Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice and would-be Secretary of State Susan Rice to willingly step to the microphone, and subsequently be caught reciting and reading inaccurate information to go along with the wishes of their boss. Is it possible that we have en-

VISUAL VIEWPOINT: JEAN STAPLETON

gaged in another political farce with high-ranking Blacks at the core of the conflict? It would appear that Rice was part of a coordinated White House effort to downplay the terrorist aspect of the Benghazi attack, which happened on the 11th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks. While Congressional Democrats have sought to portray the investigation into Rice’s role in the Benghazi cover-up as a “witch hunt” based on racism and sexism, some of these same Democrats harbor their own concerns about Rice. Let’s not follow Obama off on a “racial and sexual discrimination” tangent to support the Party in which Rice and politics that have gone astray. Surely, there are Blacks who would not let the title “Secretary of State” lure them into accepting the tales such as Susan Rice, Condoleezza Rice and Powell justified as “the price you have to pay” in that position.

William Reed is head of the Business Exchange Network and available for speaking/seminar projects through the Bailey Group.org. Click on this story at www.daytonatimes.com to write your own response.

DAVID FITZSIMMONS, THE ARIZONA STAR

Raise the minimum wage now “Despite working a full-time job, many low-wage workers still live in poverty. This isn’t right.” - Rep. George Miller In recent years, there has been a renewed focus on income inequality in America, most notably with the Occupy Wall Street movement, which has lost much of its momentum. But what might have been lost in that principled attempt to point out the excesses of Wall Street and the growing power of the 1 percent, is the importance of raising the living standards of the working poor through a long overdue raise in the minimum wage. Now those voices are rising, too. The current minimum wage is $7.25. The last increase was in 2009. If it had kept up with inflation since 1968, it would be $10.59 today. As reported in the New York Times, “In the United States, the average income of the richest 10 percent of the population has risen to 14 times that of the poorest 10 percent.” Considering that the majority of jobs created since the recession have been in low wage occupations, it is clear that raising the minimum wage is essential to slowing the trend of growing wage inequality. During his State of the Union Address, President Obama put a face on the growing chasm between the “haves” and “have nots” with a modest proposal to raise the minimum wage to $9 an hour by 2015, and index it to inflation thereafter. He said, “Let’s declare that in the wealthiest nation on Earth, no one who works full time should have to live in poverty… This single step would raise the incomes of millions of working families. It could mean the difference between groceries or the food bank; rent or eviction; scraping by or finally getting ahead. For businesses across the country, it would mean customers with more money in their pockets.”

MARC H. MORIAL TRICE EDNEY WIRE

George Miller upped the ante by introducing the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2013, which would take the Federal minimum wage to $10.10, index it to inflation, and also gradually elevate the minimum wage for tipped workers – which currently stands at just $2.13 an hour – for the first time in more than 20 years, to 70 percent of the regular minimum wage. The National Urban League wholeheartedly supports the Harkin-Miller bill. It would result in 30 million people receiving a raise, nearly half of whom would be people of color. We are pleased that a growing group of supporters stands with us, including U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce CEO Margot Dorfman. As Rep. Miller noted, “Raising the minimum wage is especially critical for working women who make up a disproportionate share of minimum wage workers today.”

Dollars in pockets Margot Dorfman echoed that view, adding, “Raising the minimum wage puts dollars in the pockets of people who are by necessity most likely to spend them immediately at the grocery store, the childcare provider, the auto-repair shop and other local businesses. Raising the minimum wage boosts the economy from the bottom up, which is exactly what we need to repower our economy and create lasting jobs.” We agree. It’s time to put partisan politics aside and do what’s right for the working poor and for our economy. Raise the minimum wage now.

Marc H. Morial, former mayor of New Orleans, is president and CEO of the National UrFair wage ban League. Click on this story In March, Iowa Senator Tom at www.daytonatimes.com to Harkin and California Rep. write your own response. Opinions expressed on this editorial page are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance of the newspaper or the publisher.

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JUNE 6 – JUNE 12, 2013

JEWELS from Page 1 ation so she can accept tax-exempt donations. To raise money for the kids, Parks said they will be selling raffle tickets during the Juneteenth Festival as well as accepting donations. The money will go toward equipment, uniforms for the youngsters and other necessities many of them can’t afford. “There are so many young kids running the streets. When the police come, the kids know to scatter. It’s a negative. They should not be worrying about crime. They have no time to be kids,” she continued. “Kids are raising them-

M ANEWS YOR COMMUNITY

selves. If programs are provided for them, I know they will come,” said Parks, who at 27 is married with four kids. They range in age from 8 months old to 5 years old.

Community Calendar To list your community event FREE, e-mail us at news@daytonatimes.com. No phone calls or faxes, please. Events are listed on a space-available basis, and in the sole discretion of the Daytona Times staff. Effective immediately, paid events will no longer be listed in the Daytona Times Community Calendar. You can advertise local events for as little as $35 per week. Call 813-319-0961 or email sales@daytonatimes for more information.

Started Daytona Tigers squad “People in the community know me. I care for children. I believe in kids. There has to be someone else out there to help me,” an emotional Parks responded. Parks’ full-time job is raising her family. She volunteers at the Midtown Cultural and Educational Center. She started a cheerleading squad known as the Daytona Tigers three years ago, which cheers during the basketball season at the center. “If you give them an op-

Compiled by the Daytona Times

The “Life Jewels,’’ shown above, will perform at the grand opening of the Yvonne Scarlett-Golden Cultural and Educational Center this Saturday and the Juneteenth Festival next weekend. portunity and voice it to them, they will come. It’s cheaper to sponsor kids than get them out of jail. Our kids need help,” she

concluded. For more information on how to help Parks make a difference, contact her at 386-675-9339.

center from Page 1 The first Black mayor’s family members have been invited, including her brothers – Carlton and Donald Scarlett – both who still live in Daytona Beach. Wanda Only, one of ScarlettGolden’s granddaughters, who was named executor of the estate, is scheduled to participate in the program.

CHARLES W. CHERRY II/FLORIDA COURIER

The center is tentatively scheduled to be open Mondays through Saturdays.

More to come Williamson said that after the program, the community will have an opportunity to tour the new facility and meet some of the people who will oversee programs in the building. The center is tentatively scheduled to be open Monday through Saturday.

He said the city purposely scheduled the grand opening on a Saturday so more people in the community can attend the celebration. The one-story building includes a courtyard in the center showcasing an open-air amphitheater. There are plans for a library; a gym; small theater; reading center;

studios for photography, computer animation and painting; spaces for art and dance classes; rooms to learn about ecology, zoology and biology; after-school programs and homework assistance; and a permanent historic exhibit featuring memorabilia celebrating Scarlett-Golden and the neighborhood.

City to host Juneteenth banquet Daytona Beach’s Juneteenth banquet is scheduld for 7 p.m. June 13 at the Midtown Cultural and Educational Center. Hometown Heroes will be honored. More information: Linda McGee at 386-671-8337 or via email at mcgeel@codb.us. Market plans Watermelon Day The Volusia County Watermelon Day is 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. June 12 at the Volusia County Farmers Market, 3050 E. New York Ave., DeLand. Local growers will offer free samples of watermelon salsa and fresh vegetables. Call Karen Stauderman at 386-822-5778 Girls conference at church The Women’s Ministry of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Palm Coast is hosting its annual girls conference June 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Church, 75 Pine Lakes Parkway South in Palm Coast. Registration

BRIEFS Library to start ‘Dig into Reading’ program Children ages 6 to 12 can find a cure for the summer-

T E EN T H

DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA

The Thirteenth Annual!

Sankofa African-American Museum Over 500 historical artifacts Barbecue Pound Cake Contest Shrimp, Fried Fish & Conch

Saturday, June 15th, 2013 11:00 a.m.—7:00 p.m. 925 George W. Engram Blvd.

Arts & Crafts, Music and Dance Choo Choo Train Ride Live Entertainment Children’s Area—Large Inflatables 25’ Rock Climb Wall Pony Rides & Petting Zoo Teen Pool Splash

5 7

DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006

Featuring

SANKOFA AFRICAN-AMERICAN MUSEUM ON WHEELS Over 500 Historical Artifacts

For more information, contact Linda McGee at 386-671-8337 mcgeel@codb.us

Native American Peoples Society of FL Community Service Health Fair Water Balls Vendors, Displays & More!!!

LOURDES ACADEMY

Commissioner Zone 1 Carl Lentz IV

Commissioner Zone 2 Pamela Woods

Commissioner Zone 3 Kelly White

Commissioner Zone 4 Robert A. Gilliland

Commissioner Zone 5 Patrick Henry

Commissioner Zone 6 Paula Reed

James Chisholm Daytona Beach City Manager

Hon. Mayor Derrick Henry

required and can be done at www.mtcalvarypc.org. Human Services board to meet The Human Services Advisory Board will meet at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, at the United Way office, 3747 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach. The board will discuss the Community Services Block Grant quarterly reports and modification for fiscal year 2012-2013. Members also will approve a recommendation for the appointment of new board members. Ore information: Call Pat James at 386-736-5956, ext.12980. Port Orange sets next history lesson The next Port Orange history lecture is scheduled for June 21 at the Adult Center Annex, 3738 Halifax Drive. The lecture begins at 1 p.m. and will focus on outlaws and gangsters in the Halifax area. Call 386-5065522. time blues with a reading and entertainment program at the Daytona Beach Regional Library at City Island. “Dig into Reading” begins at 2 p.m. Monday, June 17, with ventriloquist Jacki Manna and continues through July 29 with additional shows, movies and crafts. Program highlights include live bats, cup stacking, pirates and big rigs. Children also may earn prizes for turning in a reading log. Brochures listing programs, times and dates are available at the children’s desk. The Daytona Beach Regional Library is open seven days a week at 105 E. Magnolia Ave. Learn about other upcoming programs at www.volusialibrary.org. For more information, call the library at 386-2576038.

Dickerson library plans summer programs Children in grades 1 to 5 can learn and laugh this summer at the John H. Dickerson Heritage Library, 411 S. Keech St., Daytona Beach. Reading logs are available for the popular summer reading program. Children can enter a prize drawing every time they finish a book. Special programs, offered at 3:30 p.m. Thursdays, include: • Magic show: June 13. Cesar Domico has some tricks up his sleeve to entertain children and parents. • Storyteller: June 20. Windell Campbell, a schoolteacher and professional storyteller, will share some tall tales. • Craft: June 27. Children can make a test-tube terrarium. • Crazy balloon show: July 11. Karen Clymer will make some wild balloon creations, which the kids can take home. • Ponce de Leon sails on and on: July 18. Julian Maldonado will perform a oneman play about the famed explorer’s visit to Florida 500 year ago. • Sports stacking: July 25. Children will learn how to stack and un-stack specially designed cups. Reservations are not required for these free activities. For more information, call 386-239-6478. The library is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. Learn about other upcoming programs at www. volusialibrary.org.

7 CLASSIFIEDS

JUNE 6 – JUNE 12, 2013

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These homeowners were helped by the program. To hear their story, go to MakingHomeAffordable.gov

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Make sure your family has a plan in case of an emergency. Fill out these cards, and give one to each member of your family to make sure they know who to call and where to meet in case of an emergency. For more information on how to make a family emergency plan, go to ready.gov

✁

Family Emergency Plan

EMERGENCY CONTACT NAME: TELEPHONE:

OUT-OF-TOWN CONTACT NAME: TELEPHONE:

NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING PLACE: TELEPHONE:

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

DIAL 911 FOR EMERGENCIES

✁

Family Emergency Plan

EMERGENCY CONTACT NAME: TELEPHONE:

OUT-OF-TOWN CONTACT NAME: TELEPHONE:

NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING PLACE: TELEPHONE:

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

DIAL 911 FOR EMERGENCIES

✁

Family Emergency Plan

EMERGENCY CONTACT NAME: TELEPHONE:

OUT-OF-TOWN CONTACT NAME: TELEPHONE:

NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING PLACE: TELEPHONE:

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

DIAL 911 FOR EMERGENCIES

JUNE 6 – JUNE DECEMBER 14 -12, 20,2013 2006

Tennis pros attend ribbon cutting of new court at Westside Elementary COMPILED FROM STAFF REPORTS

Five hundred excited elementary school students, Volusia County school dignitaries along with tennis Grand Slam finalists Todd Martin and MaliVai Washington celebrated the first school in Florida to feature permanent 36-foot and lined 60-foot kid-sized courts. The celebration took place on May 24 at Westside Elementary School in Daytona Beach. Introductory remarks were followed by a ribbon cutting at the entrance of the courts, and Martin and Washington rallying with oversized racquets and oversized tennis ball. The rallying represented what small children feel like playing tennis with adultsized racquets, and highbouncing regular balls on a regulation 78-foot court.

Perfect for kids “You don’t put small kids on a regular basketball court with a 10-foot basket,” said Martin, who uses the kid-sized USTA 10 and Under Tennis equipment and court sizes at his Todd Martin Tennis (TMT) academy. “The 36-foot courts with the smaller racquets and low-bouncing balls are perfect for elementary school kids.” Funding from the USTA (United States Tennis Association) Florida Section Foundation provided for one of the school’s two fullsize courts to be converted into four 36-foot courts, and the other court to be lined for 60-foot court play for older children age 10 and under. “The USTA Florida Section Foundation provided the final $3,000 that was necessary to become a reality with the four permanent 36-foot courts,” said

MSPORTS AYOR

7 “My word is ‘phenomenal,’” Winch said. “We had more than 500 students today in grades K-5, and more that came to visit for the event. It all started when one of our teachers was working with kids on the adult courts and told me, ‘This isn’t going to take us far enough.’ “Now we can work with lots of children at one time, and we had teachers attend the [USTA Florida] workshop and they were blown away by what they could do with the kids. Our P.E. coaches learned new techniques, all age-appropriate on the age-appropriate courts.”

Westside Elementary Principal Judi Winch, left, and Volusia Superintendent Margaret Smith (right, with scissors) were among the adults enjoying the ribbon-cutting celebration on May 24 with the kids and tennis pros. Foundation Executive Director Linda Curtis. “We are looking to work with more elementary schools and facilities to establish more kid-friendly courts and really blow this thing out of the water.”

Helping Florida communities USTA Florida and USTA Florida Section Foundation grants have totaled more than $650,000 over the last three years, helping fund tennis programs and projects throughout Florida communities during challenging economic times. “Projects like this are the result of USTA Florida membership dollars,” said USTA Florida Executive Director Doug Booth. “More than 90 percent of membership dollars are put back into the Florida

MaliVai “Mal’’ Washington, a pro tennis Grand Slams finalist, plays with children. Washington is surrounded by children at Westside. community to build and repair courts, and fund other projects that grow tennis in communities. Thanks to our members statewide who support our mission and make these projects possible.”

‘Phenomenal’ event Other dignitaries at the ceremony included Superintendent Dr. Margaret Smith, School Board Chairman Diane Smith and Westside Elementary Principal Judi Winch.

‘All about the children’ The school’s annual Field of Dreams Award was presented to Doug Booth and USTA Florida by 201112 recipient Tom Brown. “It’s all about the children - the Volusia County school system has never disappointed us as a partner and we appreciate that,” Booth said. “I got a call from Judi [Winch], and at the time I didn’t know who she was, but her enthusiasm shone through, and her passion for this project and achieving this for the children of Westside has been wonderful. Our USTA Florida staff, and people like Judy, excite me when I go to work. These courts will be used for a long time, forever I hope.” The children of Westside Elementary agreed. “These courts will make us play a lot more,” said second-grader Zachary Urban after bounding off the court. “It makes tennis a lot easier and fun.”

Drivers say NASCAR did right thing to allow repairs during Coca-Cola 600 BY RICK BONNELL CHARLOTTE OBSERVER/MCT

DOVER, Del. — NASCAR was widely applauded by its drivers for stopping the Coca-Cola 600 to allow race teams to repair damage caused by a fallen camera rope. But several of those drivers – prominently Jeff Gordon and Denny Hamlin – said this sets a precedent, and NASCAR needs to stick to that in the future. Back in 2004 a large chunk of concrete came loose at the track in Martinsville, Va. It hit Gordon’s car, causing considerable body damage. But NASCAR didn’t stop that race in a way similar to what it chose to do Sunday. “I think they just set the new precedent, in my opinion, which I think is the correct thing to do,” Gordon said. “(It was) the same thing at Martinsville, where the track comes apart. They should throw the red flag and fix the problem, and then let teams make repairs. “It’s not fair to take out a competitor who could have finished the race…I’m not sure 15 minutes would have fixed that problem, but we would have liked the chance to try.”

Wasn’t ‘imagining things’ A rope used to guide a camera suspended over Charlotte Motor Speedway snapped, falling onto the track and into the grandstands 121 laps into the May 26 race. The incident injured at least 10 fans (none seriously) and stopped the race about 26 minutes. Nineteen of the cars on the track reported damage because of the falling rope, so NASCAR took the rare step of allowing race teams to pit and take 15 minutes to fix what they could. NASCAR deploys spotters all around the tracks at

races, looking for debris on the driving surface. It took NASCAR about two laps after the rope fell to throw the yellow flag, a confusing time for the drivers. Some said they thought they were “imagining things” the first time they ran over the rope. “In NASCAR’s defense, I couldn’t see what it was, and I went by it twice,” said driver Jimmie Johnson. “It was thin, black cable. It was dark out and (the rope) had a black surface. “I was going down the front straightaway, and I flipped my visor to clean it. I just happened to see the cable hanging about 10 foot off the ground. I said, ‘That’s from the camera above!’’’

Used at Daytona 500 These overhead cameras are commonly used for NFL telecasts, but are newer to motorsports. Fox used it at the Daytona 500 and ABC/ESPN installed one at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Fox is investigating what happened and NASCAR has suspended use of the overhead camera at its tracks at least until that investigation is completed. After a few laps under yellow flag, NASCAR stopped the race and had cars return to their pits for inspection. That’s when NASCAR decided teams would get 15 minutes to make repairs, essentially making a new rule on the fly. Teams were allowed to refuel and change tires, according to NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp. While the intent of the break was to address damage from the rope, some teams went well beyond that narrow focus. “They said people could work on their cars. I quickjumped into the whole mindset of an All-Star race when you get a 10-minute break (to) work on any aspect of your car,” said Kurt

PHOTOS BY JEFF SINER/CHARLOTTE OBSERVER/MCT

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series field in the Coca Cola 600 sit on the front stretch after the race was red flagged following an accident in Turn 1 on Sunday, May 26, at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. Busch. “If you don’t take advantage of that situation, then other teams are going to pass you while you’re sitting still. You could work on your car, so let her rip.”

Minor cuts, abrasions Added driver Danica Patrick, “It was pretty much open game: You could do anything you wanted.” Most of the injuries to fans in the grandstands near Turn 4 were minor cuts and abrasions; the three who were hospitalized were released that same night. However, this was the second time this season debris has flown into the stands, hurting fans. A crash late in the Nationwide race at Daytona sent car parts, including a tire, into the stands. NASCAR’s investigation of that accident has focused on the gate area, which took the brunt of the collision. Based on recommendations from outside engineering firms, additional cables were installed at the crossover gates at Daytona and Talladega. Additional tethering between the gate frames and posts were also added.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick performs a burnout after winning the Coca Cola 600 on May 26 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C.

7 HEALTH

JUNE 6 – JUNE 12, 2013

More patients using social media for medical updates medical institutions as well as Pages, websites families. It also may draw commaking it easier to ments that spread misinformation or question health-care dekeep families, cisions. friends updated about Do research first care and condition BY JOHNNY DIAZ SUN SENTINEL/MCT

FORT LAUDERDALE — Medical updates are no longer hushed discussions held behind closed doors. They’re going viral. And they’re increasingly being shared with family, friends and, sometimes, digital strangers “Prayer warriors we ask that you keep our little Angel in prayer for her heart catheterization tomorrow,” reads one recent update on “Layla’s Miracle Heart” Facebook page. That’s where Amena Kahn shares the latest news about her daughter’s heart transplant journey, which began at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood, Fla. Such social media pages and websites make it easier for caregivers and their families to keep concerned friends and relatives updated during a time of illness. “I could do one update at the end of the day vs. re-explaining everything over and over because your mind is not there, your mind is on your kid,” said Kahn, of Lauderhill, whose page has swelled to more than 18,000 followers. People fill her inbox with prayers and good wishes. (Layla currently has a feeding tube and is doing well with her new heart.) But having such a public exchange online, where people discuss and comment on health issues, raises privacy concerns for

One commenter questioned whether Kahn’s daughter was really her baby. Another messaged her that someone had used Layla’s photo on another page and said she had died. “It’s a concern sometimes. But overall, it’s been positive,” said Kahn, whose daughter was born in July 2011 with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a congenital heart defect. Kahn advises developing expertise before sharing information online. “If they are going to create a page, be educated about their child’s condition,” cautions Kahn. “If you are going to allow people into your journey, you should know about it so you can really share with them.” Kahn had help from another mom at the hospital in setting up the page last year. With her smartphone, she updates frequently.

Customized websites Some hospitals also refer people to professional sites such as CaringBridge.org and Mylifeline. org, which provide free customized websites that help foster online communities of support. CaringBridge.org has a partnership with Cleveland Clinic Weston’s corporate headquarters in Ohio to help families disseminate medical news. So far, the nonprofit web service has helped 227 people in Fort Lauderdale and 102 in Boca Raton build their own websites.

SUSAN STOCKER/SUN SENTINEL/MCT

Occupational therapist Anneke Meyer, left, works with heart transplant recipient Layla Kahn, 2, center, as her mother, Amena, updates Layla’s Facebook page on May 23 in Fort Lauderdale. “The landscape and the environment of people being online has changed … People are much more online sharing information,” said Sona Mehring, founder of CaringBridge.org, based in Minneapolis. “They are also realizing that they need to have a more protected, trusted environment. Facebook is more around small talk, but CaringBridge is for when a real conversation is needed.” Typical users of CaringBridge are women with cancer. But other top conditions are premature births, injuries and heart-related conditions. “It’s important that if something flares up or comes up, they are able to bring together that community,” Mehring added.

County. Baldwin based her doctoral dissertation on whether newly diagnosed breast cancer patients would be open to sharing their stories for online support. She found that they would. “The challenge is: How do you protect patient privacy and patient confidentiality in a forum which is very open, and how do you provide sound medical information that helps correct anything that may be erroneous in the conversation?” Baldwin said. “That is probably one of the reasons why the hospitals don’t recommend it. There is the danger or threat to patient privacy.” Users can control privacy settings. CaringBridge.org gives the option of providing a login and pass code for select visitors.

Patient confidentiality

Encouragement, awareness

While many hospitals don’t discourage patients and their families from creating pages, they generally don’t provide hands-on assistance because of health privacy laws. The intersection of online support and patient care has been a topic of interest for Kerting Baldwin, director of corporate communications for Memorial Healthcare System in Broward

Pembroke Pines mother Trace Jones carefully picks and chooses what to post about her daughter’s medical journey on her Facebook page, “Hearts for Kylee.” Two months after being born in 2011, Kylee went into heart failure. She had a heart transplant last summer. “Got some much needed great news today, after lowering Kylee’s

meds her white blood count is higher than it’s ever been and she is no longer anemic, best of all her angel heart is liking the new dose as well,” reads a recent post. At first, the page was a place to inform and connect. “It helps get emotions out. If I was having a rough day, I can write something and people would give me words of encouragement,” said Jones, an elementary school teacher. “A few words of kindness pep you up to make you feel better.” Since launching the page, it has grown to more than 400 likes — and not just from friends and family. “One of the reasons I keep the page now is hoping to bring awareness of organ donation,” said Jones. “It’s an outlet for me to express gratitude to our donor family as we have not been able to meet them. We gained lots of friends, people I don’t even know who gave words of encouragement.” On the page, photos capture a smiling healthy girl who loves the color pink and Disney princesses. “It does give parents hope to see how healthy she is,” said Jones.