Deltas honor seniors at Hats Off Luncheon SEE PAGE 3
EE FR
BENJAMIN CHAVIS: Let’s lift up those fathers who are doing what’s right for their kids SEE PAGE 4
NECK-STRENGTHENING DEVICE AIMS TO PREVENT CONCUSSIONS SEE PAGE 7
East Central Florida’s Black Voice JUNE 12 - JUNE 18, 2014
YEAR 39 NO. 24
www.daytonatimes.com
Road to Midtown is getting smoother Paving starting soon on MLK Boulevard; board seeking parks and recreation board to help area kids BY ASHLEY D. THOMAS DAYTONA TIMES Aysheldarcel@gmail.com
Commissioner Paula Reed announced that the paving of Martin Luther King Boulevard from Orange Avenue to Shady Place soon will be a reality during the Midtown Redevelopment Area Board’s June 10 meeting. Al-
though she couldn’t give an exact date, Reed says officials have told her it will take place within the next 90 days. One board member confirmed that she saw signs of the work in progress when a public works employee was doing some work outside of her home. “I actually saw a water man putting the hose down into my water meter and he said they were paving Martin Luther King. I couldn’t believe it,” board member Dr. Irma Jamison said following Reed’s announcement. I told him “I didn’t believe him, and I asked him ‘In what year?’ I was the first one here tonight (at the meeting) because I wanted to
hear it. So thank you!” “I’m glad you are here to be a part of it.” Reed responded. “If we all ask, something has got to be done.”
Recreation for youth In addition to the favorable news about MLK Boulevard, board members said recreational activities needed to be made available for Daytona Beach’s teens. Board member and former Daytona Beach Commissioner Steven Miller says the city needs to form a board to create recreational activity for the youth. “I’d like to talk about juvenile Please see MIDTOWN, Page 2
GOOGLE MAPS
Martin Luther King Boulevard will get a much needed face lift within the next three months. The road will be paved from Shady Place (above) to Orange Avenue.
MAINLAND AND SEABREEZE SR. HIGHS
Back together again after 40 years
CHARLES W. CHERRY II/DAYTONA TIMES
The African-American graduates of the Classes of 1974 of Mainland Senior and Seabreeze Senior High Schools (as they were then known) had a weekend of activities celebrating the 40th anniversary of their respective graduations. See a page of pictures on Page 6.
Counseling ministry hosting free family life conference BY ASHLEY D. THOMAS DAYTONA TIMES aysheldarcel@gmail.com
One to One Family Christian Counseling will be celebrating 17 years of nurturing and ministering to families by hosting a Family Life Conference this week. The conference is June 12-13 at 6:30 p.m. nightly at Greater Friendship Baptist Church, 539 George W. Engram Blvd. The Rev. Anthony P. Church, Sr. and Willie Mae Church are the ministry’s co-founders. There is no fee for counseling and the mission is to reach out to individuals and families and provide counseling to help guide them in
ALSO INSIDE
Bishop Derek Dr. Willie J. T. Triplett Kimmons
Judge Hubert Karen Y. L. Grimes Peoples
their relationships and lives.
Major concerns “We are concerned about divorce, children being left alone, being abused. Those things that you see in the paper, we are con-
Dr. L. Ronald Durham
cerned. We are dedicated to recognizing, rejuvenating and restoring relationships. We want to nurture families,” Church explained. There is no conference fee and the theme is “Nurturing the Fam-
ily: A Mission of Redemption.” Thursday night’s presenters will be Judge Hubert L. Grimes, “How To Keep Your Child From Going To Jail;” Dr. Willie J. Kimmons, “A Strong Voice For Our Children, Parents and Teachers;” and Evangelist Karen Y. Peoples: “Surviving Physical and Emotional Abuse in the Family.” On Friday night, Bishop Derek T. Triplett will talk about “Overcoming Strongholds On The Family;” and Dr. L. Ronald Durham will speak about “Building A Family Ministry.” Bishop Samuel L. Butts will provide music each night. For more information, call 386-761-7943.
COMMENTARY: ARE REPUBLICANS SERIOUS ABOUT COURTING BLACKS? | PAGE 2 PERSONAL FINANCE: SOME EASY WAYS FOR FAMILIES TO SAVE MONEY | PAGE 5
Secret shoppers fall for scam BY ASHLEY D. THOMAS DAYTONA TIMES aysheldarcel@gmail.com
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office issued an alert after two local residents recently discovered they had been scammed with offers to complete mystery shopping jobs. Between them, the victims were taken by a variation of the fake check scam for more than $2,000. It seemed like a great job – to get paid to go around to various stores as an undercover or mystery shopper, making purchases and then reporting on the experience by secretly evaluating the businesses and their employees and services based on the transactions. Unfortunately, everything wasn’t what it seemed. Both victims, a 36-year-old DeBary woman and a 52-yearold Ormond Beach man, said they responded to job ads through the Internet looking for people who wanted to make money by being a secret shopper. The victims were then sent employment packets that included checks along with instructions on what to do next. Following the instructions, the victims deposited the checks in their banks. They were told to withdraw most of the money – one victim was told to keep $300 as payment and the other $100 – and then go to various stores making inexpensive purchases. They were then instructed to put the rest of the money on prepaid, or Green Dot debit cards and send the PIN information from the cards to someone they thought was their employer. One of the victims put $500 apiece on three pre-paid debit cards and the other one put $200 apiece on three cards. Later, when the victims tried to use the cards for more secret shopping, they learned that the money already had been spent and the checks they deposited into their banks were fakes. Both incidents were reported to the Sheriff’s Office in the past month.
Advertise for us Emilio Suarez, an Embry Riddle Aeronautical University student, says he is all too familiar with the scam. The Please see SCAM, Page 2
7 FOCUS
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JUNE 12 – JUNE 18, 2014
Deltas honor longtime member Loretta Wright at Hats Off luncheon FROM STAFF REPORTS
The ladies of the Daytona Beach Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., held their annual Hats on luncheon June 7 honoring senior citizens for their contributions to the community. Hats were on for Delta Dear Loretta Osgood Wright, who served for many years as chairperson of the luncheon following former chair Josephine Kennedy. The event included memorable moments by some of Wright’s sisters and a hat show entitled “Crowns on Parade.” Women attending the event modeled the crowns provided by FiFi’s Beauty Salon and Day Spa.
Hats Off winners This year the sorority highlighted Dr. Shirley B. Lee and Bertran Wallace for being the “most seasoned” individuals in attendance. In addition, Mr. and Mrs. Hats Off were crowned. They are
PHOTOS COURTESY MAUREEN E. TAYLOR
Mr. Bertran Wallace and Dr. Shirley B. Lee were awarded Mr. and Ms. Senior at the Hats Off program. Right: Ms. Teresa Santoro, Ms. Hats Off and Mr. Aloyd Hurley, Mr. Hats Off, were crowned at the annual event. Aloyd Hurley and Teresa Santoro. The sorority made a financial contribution to the Rose Marie Bryon Children’s Center, which
has been a cornerstone in the community for over 60 years. Janice Wright Walton, daughter of the honoree and mistress
of ceremony for the event, said to the guests, “it’s so amazing that you have come out to remember my mother and for this I wish to
say, “I thank you for everything.” This was something her mother would always say to anyone that would do anything for her.
Fatal crash at Daytona International Airport BY ASHLEY D. THOMAS DAYTONA TIMES aysheldarcel@gmail.com
DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTS PHOTOGRAPHY
The cause of the fatal accident is still under investigation. Preliminary reports suggest engine failure.
Community to recognize Campbell Elementary staff
Ormond residents running for House District 25 seat
Former students and supporters of Campbell Elementary School will hold a program on August 26 celebrating the school and its administration, faculty and staff. Dr. Pamela JacksonSmith is the lead organizer. The program committee asks for community help in locating Campbell Elementary pictures and memorabilia to be featured at the event. Anyone who is a former administrator, teacher, or staff member is asked to contact Dr. Jackson-Smith as soon as possible.
The program, free to the public, will be held at the John H. Dickerson Center in Daytona Beach. The site is where Campbell Elementary was located from 1962 until 1969, when the Volusia County School Board shut it down in an effort to comply with legally required school desegregation. John H. Dickerson was school’s last principal. Contact Dr. Jackson-Smith via email at jacksmith01@bellsouth. net, or via phone at 386-4478997.
spots, which is known as CompStat, an abbreviation of Computer Statistics. “Some of it (programs for youth) the police can deal with, but most of that comes through the Department of Recreation doesn’t it? Leisure Services?” board member Joseph Pozzuoli asked. “We have a lot of police here in the City of Daytona Beach and the biggest part of our budget is the police department. I hear the chief talk about we have gangs and that type of thing. But I notice we have no recreation for that age group. What do we expect these kids to do? If we don’t give them a team to be on, they will go be a part of a gang,” added Miller.
“I agree with you 150 percent,” Pozzuoli offered. Miller suggested the city create a parks and recreation board. “Most municipal and counties have a parks and recreation board. We are the only city of our size that doesn’t have it. That means the Leisure Services director and the city manager are making the decisions and they like golf and tennis and stuff our kids don’t do. We don’t have little league baseball. Port Orange just sent seven kids to major colleges playing baseball,” said Miller, adding, “Daytona doesn’t have any programs, and I think that’s a tragedy.” The board agreed with Miller and the idea of a parks and recreation board will be presented
to the city commission. “We really need to look at our young people, our teenagers, especially during the summer.”
have to send some money over here and send some over there and then you keep the remainder. Then we’ll have you cover your car in logos,’’ he explained. Suarez said something seemed fishy about the messages so he decided to do a quick Internet search on the company. “It sounded absolutely ridiculous. I looked it up online and the exact same wording was all over the net. They were scammers.” Suarez says he doesn’t know where the scam originated from but that the scammers were persistent, sending him up to six more emails pleading for his help.
these incidents were a variation on the fake check scam. Sometimes the secret shopper ad is the ruse. Other times, scammers pose as buyers and respond to ads from people selling items online. They send the seller a check in an amount that exceeds the sales price and then instruct the seller to deposit the check and send the extra money back to them. After the excess money is sent back to the scammer, the seller learns that the deposited check was a fake. In order to work, all of these scams take advantage of the delay between the time when the victim deposits the check and when the bank discovers that it’s a fake. To avoid becoming a vic-
tim, the Sheriff’s Office recommends the following: • Don’t respond to unsolicited offers to become a mystery or secret shopper. • Never deposit a check you receive in the mail from a mystery shopping company. • If you do deposit a check from an unknown source, wait until the bank confirms that the check is legitimate and the funds clear before spending or withdrawing any of the money. • Fully investigate any job ad or business offering before deciding whether to respond. • Be sure to report any scam to your local law enforcement agency.
NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Oviedo Republican Kathryn Townsend filed paperwork Monday to challenge incumbent Rep. Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford, in House District 28, according to the state Division of Elections website. Brodeur had raised nearly $180,000 through May as he seeks a third term in the Seminole County district. Also running in House District 28 is Oviedo Libertarian Franklin Perez. Meanwhile, Ormond Beach Democrat Noel Bickford has opened a campaign account to run in House District 25, which is being vacated by Rep. Dave Hood, a Daytona Beach Shores Republican who is running for a circuit-judge seat. Bickford joins former state Rep. Fred Costello, ROrmond Beach, in seeking to succeed Hood in the Volusia County district. Also in that region of the state, St. Augustine Republican Derek Hankerson has filed paperwork to run in Senate District 6, which includes St. Johns, Flagler and Putnam counties and part of Volusia County. Sen. John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine, also has opened a campaign account to run for re-election in the district, though questions have emerged in recent weeks about whether Thrasher will be chosen to become president of Florida State University. A third person indicating he will run for the seat is no-party candidate Greg Feldman of Palm Coast.
A student and pilot instructor died in a plane crash at the Daytona Beach International Airport on Tuesday night less than two hours after another small plane crashed in Merritt Island in an unrelated incident, killing two people on board that aircraft. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office identified the two people in the Daytona Beach crash as Marlene Mork, 22 and Gabriel De Souza Marinho Falcao, 22, Sources indicate Mork as a flight instructor from Norway and Falcao a student pilot from Brazil.
Information from the National Transportation Safety Board said the student and instructor were inside the Cessna 172S aircraft when it crashed shortly after takeoff. Preliminary reports suggest the plane suffered some type of engine failure but a full report isn’t expected for several months. The student and instructor were part of Phoenix East Aviation, a flight school located on the airport’s property. The Merritt Island crash claimed the lives of John Kish and Kenneth Marks who were on a test flight when the single engine aircraft crashed into a backyard.
The John H. Dickerson Center is the former home of Campbell Elementary School.
MIDTOWN from Page 1
issues for those age 13-17/18. There is little for these kids to do in our neighborhood. I wonder if we were more proactive on the front end we wouldn’t have to spend so much money on the back end.”
Parks and Recreation board The question came up during a discussion of CompStat. The Daytona Beach Police Department uses a computerized database to map criminal activity, detect patterns and identify hot
SCAM
from Page 1 Daytona Beach resident says he received and responded to an email to his personal email account for quick cash. “I responded one time, but I stopped before I lost any money. There was an ad that said they would pay you $300 a week to cover your car in logos. I thought sure, that’s awesome, and I replied back to them that I was interested. So they sent me another email but it was really weird. They said that we will send you a check and you cash it, but due to the way our company works, you
Fake check scam The Sheriff’s Office warns that
Juneteenth on June 19 Updates were given on the Juneteenth festival at the meeting. A banquet will be held June 19 at the 500 Club on International Speedway and the festival will be held June 21 at Cypress Park from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. “We have a lot of entertainment lined up. We will have a lot of vendors selling both merchandise and food and we look to have a lot of people as we have in the past,” Charles Bryant added.
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JUNE 12 – JUNE 18, 2014 COMMUNITY DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006
M A YNEWS OR
‘Resurrection of Alice’ focuses on arranged marriages Melinda Morais cranks up the volume involving a play about young, Black girls ending up in arranged marriages to older men, a once-common practice through the mid-1900s, which is still continuing in America today. Morais, corresponding secretary of the African American Cultural Society, brings performances to the stage in her own right, as well as for the African American Cultural Society. She’s provided production assistance for “The Resurrection of Alice” in a special presentation for Juneteenth at the African American Cultural Society. She writes: “Palm Coast welcomes New York City author/playwright/actor Perri Gaffney to perform her tour de force, one-woman play, “The Resurrection of Alice,” on June 16, 6 p.m., to close the AACS Juneteenth festivities. “Inspired by a true story, this 2014 Helen Hayes Award-nominated play was adapted from Ms. Gaffney’s debut novel of the same title. It spans 30 of the most tumultuous years in American history (1939-1969), and explores the little-known African-American tradition of arranged marriages prevalent from the 1950s and before, and which continue today. “In 1948, 15-year-old Alice eagerly looks forward to attending college on the full scholarship she’s been awarded. Her hopes and plans are instead devastated when she is forced to honor her parents’ secret marriage arrangements for her to a lonesome,
PALM COAST COMMUNITY NEWS JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY
grandfatherly, family benefactor, who had been eyeing her since she was seven years old. “Gaffney portrays a multitude of characters - Rev. Pritchard, Isaac, Miss Johnson, Mrs. Petty, Mr. Tucker, Alice, and 21 others, who play, fight, love, and live together. Alice, overcoming 20 years of trials and struggles, is a tribute to the power of nurturing and healing that can cause a broken spirit to be reborn.” Gaffney has gained acclaim from Kelly McCorkendale in her District of Columbia review, and from dueling critics Kelly Kleinman and Jonathan Abarbanel in a Chicago review. Ticket prices are $5 for students; $10, AACS members, and $12, non-members. Copies of the book can be purchased at the play. The African American Cultural Society is located at 4422 U.S. 1 North, Palm Coast. For contact information, call 386-446-2270. •••
‘Maximizing Manhood’ seminar at First Church Join the Men’s Ministry of First Church for the Pre-Father’s Day Breakfast & Seminar, featuring the Rev. G. Vincent Lewis, pastor of Social Justice at the Greater
Daytona Beach chosen for new women’s empowerment conference SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Othal Partners, LLC has announced a multicultural conference and expo for women, the Opal Network Alliance (ONA). It is slated for Friday, Sept. 19 at the Ocean Center. With a growing board of advisors, which comprises multiple
cultural experts with international experience, ONA is poised to become the preeminent resource for women of all backgrounds. From categories that are most common, yet not always easily understood, ONA will offer presentations on various aspects of life for the total woman, including business development and
Travelers Rest Baptist Church of Decatur, Ga. The seminar titled “Maximizing Manhood” will be held June 14, 9 a.m., at First Church, 91 Old Kings Road North, Palm Coast. The donation is $15 for males ages 12 and older. First Church can be reached at 386-446-5759, and is pastored by the Rev. Gillard S. Glover. •••
Churchwomen plan Leisure/Spa Day Join the Women’s Ministry of First Church for a Leisure/Spa Day, one of the activities honoring Women’s Day, and to be held June 21, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., at the church. Enjoy light exercise with personal trainer Artie G, in addition to a cosmetics demo/sales, health information, and a boutique provided by Chez Jacqueline of Palm Coast. Moreover, enjoy a tea and a trivia contest surrounding the women of the Bible. The donation is $5 to enjoy the Leisure/Spa Day. ••• As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted and bereaved.
Celebrations Birthday wishes to: my niece, Kelli Coaxum, June 12; Ray C. Henderson, June 14; my dad, Rufus S. Coaxum, the Rev. Pat Coley Ford, June 15; Danielle Delaney, and Lamar Wilkerson, June 16. growth, health, achievement, interpersonal enrichment, and careers. Under these headings will take place multiple seminars on such topics as money management, diet and nutrition, entrepreneurship, relationships, leadership, overcoming gender inequities, public speaking, time management, reinvention and networking.
Student Ambassador Program ONA’s presenters include a se-
COURTESY OF MELINDA MORAIS
Don’t miss this one-time performance of Perri Gaffney’s tribute to young, Black girls ending up in arranged marriages to older men. lect group of noteworthy thought and industry leaders. Hailing from diverse cultures and many walks of life, each of these prime movers is ready to assist ONA attendees in their personal and professional growth. The Opal Network Alliance is also delighted to announce its community reinvestment initiative, the ONA Student Ambassador Program. This prestigious scholarship, once awarded, will be paid directly to a student’s college or university for the pur-
pose of offsetting that student’s expenses. In addition to offering phenomenal presentations, ONA includes panel discussions, a continental breakfast, an empowerment luncheon, and a networking ice cream social, held at the end of the day. For more information about Opal Network Alliance, visit www.onatoday.com. For sponsorship information, send an email to info@onatoday.com.
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7 EDITORIAL
JUNE 12 – JUNE 18, 2014
Are Republicans serious about courting Blacks? The biggest complaint I get from Black journalists when it comes to Republican officeholders and Party leaders is that they can’t get their calls returned. I used to think this was because of the reporters’ race or that some represented small, Black media outlets. Over the years, I have spent many hours reflecting on this dilemma and have concluded two things. First, the problem has nothing to do with race or racism; it has more to do with the lack of relationships with Black journalists. People return calls of people they know or have a relationship with first; then and only then will they return calls of those they don’t know. Second, there is no bridge between Republican members of Congress and other party leaders to the Black media. Over the years, I have tried to bridge that gap, so to speak, but with limited success.
Invitation to the press Continuing on that path, I organized a meeting two weeks ago between Congressman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, the vice presidential running mate with Mitt Romney, and five Black journalists whose politics ranged from conservative to liberal. One thing I like about Congressman Ryan is that he will listen to reasoned arguments, even if he disagrees. And my experience has been that when you make a persuasive argument that requires a change in his thinking, he is not hesitant to make the nec-
RAYNARD JACKSON NNPA COLUMNIST
essary change. I wish more Republicans were equally as open. To his credit, he undertook a listening tour in underserved communities with Bob Woodson, a Black Republican and founder of the Center for Neighborhood Enterprise. Ryan discovered what Bob and I had learned years ago – major civil rights organizations do not reflect the thinking of all Blacks. But that’s something he had to hear for himself. And it didn’t hurt that he went into the Black community with someone who had longstanding relationships and credibility. Ryan found that he had more in common with people he met on his tour than he had thought.
Republican leadership, listen up To other Republicans on the Hill in leadership, Paul Ryan has given you a blueprint for engagement with the Black community and Black media. The question is: Are you going to continue ignoring the Black community and the Black media? Or, will you surround yourself with staffers, as Congressman Ryan has done, who are willing to take a fresh approach in courting Black voters? The modern Republican Party has tried other approaches and they haven’t worked. With Whites
becoming a minority in less than 50 years, do we still want to be seen as exclusively the party of old, bitter, White men stuck in the 1930s? That’s a recipe for certain defeat. Even when Republicans do the right thing, in most cases they do it the wrong way. I have a few questions for Eric Cantor (House Majority Leader), Kevin McCarthy (House Majority Whip), John Boehner (Speaker of the House), Mitch McConnell (Senate Minority Leader), John Cornyn (Minority Whip), John Thune (Conference Chair), John Barrasso (Policy Committee Chair), and Roy Blunt (Conference Vice-Chair): Do you have any Blacks on your staff? Do you have any Blacks who are part of your inner circle? Have you ever had a media sit-down with Black journalists? Have you ever advertised in the Black media in this era of targeted advertising? It’s sad to say, but the truth is the truth — there is absolutely no leadership on these issues coming from our Republican congressional leaders. Our GOP congressional leadership cannot continue to ignore the Black community and the Black media while expecting to receive a larger share of the Black vote.
Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a Washington, D.C.-based public relations/government affairs firm. Write your own response at www.daytonatimes.com.
Celebrating Black fathers As we approach Fathers’ Day across the United States and in some other nations throughout the world, it is important to lift up those Black American fathers who are doing what is right and good for their children, families and communities. Too often when the issue of Black men is raised, it is done from a negative or pathological perspective. The truth is that today there are millions of Black American fathers who are strong providers, nurturers, and loving fathers who are working diligently to contribute to improving the quality of life of their families. It is unfortunate that most of the media attention in America appears to be predisposed only to focus on reporting the tragic dysfunctions of Black men and fathers. The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) offers more than just a counterbalance to the distorted and negative coverage by the so-called mainstream media in America. The NNPA’s member papers and Black Press USA is the consistent and balanced voice of Black America for news and analysis.
DR. BENJAMIN F. CHAVIS, JR. NNPA COLUMNIST
man rights for all people is the right to self-determination. Black American-owned newspapers and other media companies are dedicated to give voice and visibility to support and encourage the overall progress our communities across the nation and throughout the African diaspora. Thank you President Barack Obama for being both an effective president of the United States and a very good father to your children and extended family. President Obama’s example as a strong father is another significant antidote to the overplayed stereotype concerning the “absent” father figure in Black American family life. It is important to remember that earlier this year the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Center for Health Statistics issued a new national research study on the vital role Voice and visibility that fathers play in the parentOne of the fundamental hu- ing of their children. This study
rebuked the misguided notion that Black American fathers were more delinquent than other fathers in the U.S. In fact, the CDC and the National Center for Health Statistics have now reported that Black American fathers were in many instances “more involved with their kids on a daily basis than fathers from other racial groups.” Next year will mark the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March in Washington, D.C. For the last two decades, the trend of more responsible and accountable Black American fathers has been steadily growing. We should, therefore, salute and celebrate all fathers, but in particular, let’s stand to say “Thank you” to all our fathers, grandfathers and great grandfathers who have given so much toward the advancement and empowerment of Black America.
Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. is president of the Education Online Services Corporation and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network. Write your own response at www.daytonatimes. com.
Climate change: The ‘distant future’ is here One of the classic commercials of the 1970s, when technological advances in food processing made it possible to enhance the flavor of margarine, posed an actress as Mother Nature about to ecstatically praise the taste of what she thought was her creation: “My delicious butter.” But then she’s informed by the voice-over that it’s actually margarine she’s tasting – “so delicious it fooled even you, Mother Nature.” Mother Nature rises from her seat with a look of fury, spreads her arms amid a peal of thunder and a flash of lightning and angrily declares, “It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature!” Nowadays, every new scientific study about the effects of global warming is telling us it’s not nice to fool with Mother Nature, either. Seawater flooding the world’s low-lying coastal regions and cities. More frequent torrential rainstorms overwhelming the drainage systems of some urban areas and washing away nutrientrich topsoil in some farm regions, while intense longer-lasting heat waves extend the desert or bake the profitability out of farming in other regions. The displacement of huge numbers of people fleeing severe climatic changes – leading to wrenching economic and polit-
LEE A. DANIELS NNPA COLUMNIST
ical crises in some countries and a greater worldwide instability.
No longer fiction Two recent reports by large groups of scientists – one discussing the global effects of climate change released last fall by the United Nations; the second, focusing on the United States – have made it clear that all this and more are no longer fictional doomsday scenarios of humankind’s distant future. “Climate change, once considered an issue for the distant future, has moved firmly into the present.” That declaration, from the National Climate Assessment study, which comprehensively examined the situation in the U.S., is part of the backdrop for the new initiative on climate change the Obama administration announced last week to reduce the nation’s output of carbon dioxide and other emissions that contribute to global warming.
The new draft rule unveiled by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled would reduce carbon pollution from the nation’s 600-plus power plants by 30 percent by 2030 from 2005 levels – the equivalent, agency officials said, of taking two-thirds of all cars and trucks in America off the roads. That accomplishment would reduce energy coming from coal – a major contributor to the greenhouse gases that produce global warming – to 30 percent from the present 40 percent. The federal agency said the effort would cost the economy from $7- to $9-billion a year but lead to benefits over the long term of $55 to 93 billion and lead to lower electricity bills for businesses and individual consumers when the plan is fully implemented in 2030. EPA officials acknowledge the new rules by themselves won’t end the threat of the long-term catastrophic effects of climate change. In fact, only concerted global action can do that.
Lee A. Daniels is a longtime journalist in New York. His most recent book is Last Chance: The Political Threat to Black America. Write your own response at www.daytonatimes.com.
VISUAL VIEWPOINT: DANGEROUS PRESIDENT
RICK MCKEE, THE AUGUSTA CHRONICLE
San Antonio mayor nominated to become next HUD secretary A Texas mayor could soon move from City Hall to the nation’s capital. On May 23, San Antonio native and Mayor Julian Castro was nominated by President Obama to become the next Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Commenting on his selection for the 16th HUD Secretary, President Obama said, “As mayor, Julian has been focused on revitalizing one of our most wonderful cities – planning thousands of housing units downtown, attracting hundreds of millions of dollars of investment. He’s built relationships with mayors all across the country. He’s become a leader in housing and economic development.” Mike Calhoun, president of the Center for Responsible Lending concurred, saying “The mayor has a long record of focusing on affordable housing opportunities as the leader of the seventh largest metropolitan region in the country – and his emphasis on urban revitalization, workforce development, and job growth has led to an increase in housing units in downtown San Antonio, a growth of jobs in the city, and national recognition as a vibrant and growing city.” By approving a series of incentives to encourage inner city investment, Mayor Castro initiated an effort known as the “Decade of Downtown” that has spurred plans for the construction of more than 2,400 housing units in the center city by the end of 2014.
Brings valuable relationships Those qualities would wellserve the next HUD Secretary and its broad menu of programs that stretch across Community Development Block Grants, brownfield economic development, competitive economic development initiative grants, affordable, public and Indian housing programs, multi-family housing, and housing counseling programs. Additionally,
CHARLENE CROWELL NNPA FINANCIAL WRITER
HUD oversees programs providing specialized supportive services such as Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS and both emergency and transitional shelter funding. If confirmed, Mayor Castro would bring to his new post valuable relationships with mayors and first-hand insights on current housing challenges. Today, nearly one in 10 Americans – 28.7 million – live in one of the nation’s hardest hit cities from the housing crisis, according to “Underwater America,” a recent report from the Haas Institute for Diversity and Inclusion. Another report released in April 2014 by CoreLogic, a global provider of property information and analysis, found that approximately 694,000 homes across the country were in some stage of foreclosure. Further, according to CoreLogic, although the rate of seriously delinquent mortgages is at its lowest rate since September 2008, 18 states and the District of Columbia had rates higher than that of the national average of 4.5 percent. As a third-term mayor, Julian Castro knows how uneven the nation’s housing recovery has been. And he also knows that millions of Americans still want for their own American Dream. Responding to the president’s appointment announcement, he said, “My brother, Joaquin, and I grew up on the West Side of San Antonio, taking public transportation and living in rental homes as we grew up.”
Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. Write your own response at www.daytonatimes. com.
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.
THE CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS The Black Press believes that Americans can best lead the world away from racism and national antagonism when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person. The Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief...that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back.
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Dr. Glenn W. Cherry, Cassandra CherryKittles, Charles W. Cherry II, Managing Members
Charles W. Cherry II, Esq., Publisher Dr. Valerie Rawls-Cherry, Human Resources Jenise Morgan, Senior Editor Deborah Ford, Marketing Consultants/Sales Linda Fructuoso, Marketing Consultant/Sales, Circulation Angela van Emmerik, Creative Director Larry Steele, Circulation Andreas Butler, Ashley Thomas, Staff Writers Delroy Cole, Kim Gibson, Photojournalists MEMBER National Newspaper Publishers Association Society of Professional Journalists Florida Press Association Associated Press National Newspaper Association
JUNE 12 – JUNE 18, 2014
5 7
PERSONALMFINANCE AYOR
DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006
PHOTO COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES
Easy ways for families to
SAVE FROM FAMILY FEATURES
The average family is always looking for ways to save a little bit of cash. While some efforts to save money may seem small and insignificant, it’s beneficial to look at the big picture. By saving here and there where you can, the amount can really start to add up. From eating out less often to selling unwanted items in a garage sale, there are many ways to keep more of your hard earned money in your pocket. Here are several ideas for families who wish to be wiser with their dollars: Cut back on entertainment Do you have a cable package with all the bells and whistles? Is your entire family on a first-name basis at the local movie theater? Consider reducing your entertainment expenses and opt instead for less expensive, family-friendly activities, such as camping trips, hiking adventures or visiting a free art gallery. These activities are typically more enriching on a physical, intellectual and emotional level and increase family bonding — which is always a great thing.
Reap the rewards From grocery store chains that offer gasoline discounts to clothing retailers who offer special member incentives, rewards programs provide truly great perks for families trying to save some dough. Even popular search engines are joining in on the fun of rewarding members for their loyalty. For example, when people sign in to their Microsoft Account to search for anything on Bing. com, they can earn Bing Rewards credits. These credits can be redeemed for everything from airline miles, gas points, summer blockbuster entertainment and gift cards to major retailers and restaurants. On average, people can earn credits worth the equivalent of more than one coffee per month with Bing Rewards.
TECH-SAVVY SAVING The Internet is a great resource for many things — especially when it comes to searching for good deals. Check out these ideas to put your time online to good use: Used Goods Shop online for auction or list sites to find the best deal for the goods your family needs. Some of the best finds for used goods online include cars, lawnmowers, musical instruments and appliances. Save by Searching Did you know you can earn credits towards free goods just by searching online? Visit www.bing.com/rewards to sign up, and start earning credits to put to use at your favorite retailers. Amazing Apps There are numerous apps that work hard to save you cash. Look for those that locate the cheapest prices on gas, coupons from local grocery chains and even those that help you to easily budget your finances.
games for the little ones. Or, if you’re in the market for furniture or unique gifts, the local antique dealer or flea market is a great place to check out.
Get rid of unused items Encourage every family member to clean out their drawers, closets and spaces to get rid of things they no longer use. Start a yard sale or take the items to a consignment shop to earn extra cash. You can also donate the items to a local charity for a tax deduction. If you find that sentimental attachment keeps you holding on to too many items, ask yourself if the item has been used within the last six months. If it hasn’t, that usually means it’s time to let it go.
Travel smart Adjusting to a budget doesn’t mean you have to cut out the many joys of traveling. For a fun weekend getaway, look for camping sites at the local state park. If roughing it isn’t your thing, there are many websites that showcase rooms or homes you can rent for vacation. These options are usually run by the homeowner and offer an affordable and unique alternative to a mundane and often overpriced hotel room.
Buy used
Give homemade gifts
From clothing to cars, you can typically find a gently used version of something you need at a much better price. Look for specialty stores who sell used video
Family life comes with its many gift-giving opportunities — from birthdays to holidays to special life milestones. Because these occasions happen often, all of the
purchases can add up. Put your creative juices to work and visit your local craft or hobby store for homemade gifts your family and friends will treasure. Whether it’s a bauble-adorned picture frame, a dozen fresh-baked cookies or a dip mix in a jar, gifts made by hand show that you put time and thought into creating them. For a finishing touch, include a special hand-written note along with the gift. You can also give the gift of your service or time through acts such as babysitting, housesitting or taking care of a pet while a loved one is out of town.
Purchase hand-me-down items For growing families, clothing purchases can add up fast, especially with multiple kids. While shopping, choose clothing in colors suitable for boys and girls, such as green, yellow and orange. You can then pass down this wardrobe to the next child in line, limiting the amount of money you spend on clothing they will quickly outgrow.
Be smart with utilities Encouraging your family members to adopt small, money-saving practices can save you big on monthly expenses. Simply turning off lights when they aren’t in use, reducing shower times and using a clothesline are just a few ways to reduce overall household consumption. These activities also offer an important lesson to children about conservation and sustainable practices. By adopting a few of these money-saving activities, you can see the savings pour in. To search for more great tips, visit www.Bing.com.
7 COMMUNITY NEWS
R6
JUNE 12 – JUNE 18, 2014
Class of 1974 members attend church. Bottom row, L-R: Carmen Williamson, Glenda Blackman, Posie Elliot, Tommy Roland, Cynthia Slater, Lenita Shervington, Vanessa Lloyd. Top row: Linda Streeter, Laverne Bell, Jenny Salami, Lutheria Rooke, Ronester Reed, Charline Gooden.
Black students ‘reunited again’ after 40 years The men of the Class of 1974 at the meet-and-greet.
FROM STAFF REPORTS
The Mainland and Seabreeze Senior High Schools’ Class of 1974 held reunion activities in Daytona Beach last weekend, with 85 alumni traveling from as far away as Minnesota to attend. Events included a meet-andgreet on Friday, June 6, at the Hilton Daytona Beach Resort; a Saturday picnic at Cypress Street Park, followed by a gala/prom with dinner and dancing at the Hilton, then a stop at the Ocean Deck late Saturday night. The weekend ended with a Sunday morning church service at New Life Church Ministries, where class member Charline Gooden serves as first lady. Public school desegregation efforts began in earnest in 1968 in Volusia County. For almost two decades, the Volusia County School Board refused to implement the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court’s Brown vs. Board of Education decision which outlawed racially “separate but equal” schools in America. When the School Board decided to finally comply with Brown, it did so by closing down Campbell High School in 1969, which had served as Daytona Beach’s only Black high school for 40 years. Black high school-aged students were bussed out of their neighborhoods to Mainland or Seabreeze, the only public “senior” high schools (grades 10-12) in the Daytona Beach area at the time. The Class of 1974 was among that group. It was one of the first groups of Black high schoolers to graduate from racially desegregated high schools in Volusia County.
See more pictures at www. daytonatimes.com
K’netha Jones, Charles W. Cherry II, Atawa Rollins.
Patrice Butler, Robert C. Williams, Jenny Salami.
Cedric Argrett and Bruce Kendrick.
The Williams brothers, Derek and Andre.
CABLE CONNECTIONS PROFESSIONAL CABLE INSTALLERS NEEDED IMMEDIATELY! Seeking motivated technicians with a strong work ethic and excellent customer service skills. Must have a truck and basic hand tools. Potential to earn $1,000 plus per week!! www.applycfl.com or phone: 386-252-2707 x103
Stanley Harris, Derrick Fagins, Vivian Hall.
Sharon Lee Thomas and James Washington.
7
M ASPORTS YOR
JUNE 12 –14JUNE 18, 2014 DECEMBER - 20, 2006
fering migraines or hoping to avoid a repeat concussion, said Dr. Jeffrey Steinberg, a neurologist who helped Philipson and his company, Anatomical Architects, fine tune the Cervifit. Biomechanics experts have long zeroed in on the neck’s implication in head injuries, theorizing that girl soccer and lacrosse players suffer more concussions than boys because of inferior neck strength. Last year, a Colorado School of Public Health study bolstered that idea, finding that of 6,704 young athletes followed during the 2010-11 and 2011-12 academic years, those who suffered concussions were more likely to have a smaller neck circumference, less overall neck strength and a smaller neck-to-head ratio.
More research planned
CARLINE JEAN/SUN SENTINEL/MCT
Cervifit creator Alan Philipson, left, demonstrates how the device is used on football player Rodney Lamar on May 23 in Weston.
Neck-strengthening device aims to help prevent concussions Cervifit created by former FSU football player BY NICOLE BROCHU SUN SENTINEL/MCT
WESTON — Alan Philipson is tackling the problem of head injuries from a different angle — by working out the neck. Influenced by studies showing a link between concussions and neck strength, the entrepreneur has created the Cervifit, a portable device that uses small weights to build up neck muscles. Made of tough ABS plastic, the Cervifit works as a fulcrum, with a set of small, 4- and 5-pound iron
weights stacked at the top. Strapped to the head, it creates up to 40 pounds of resistance when the wearer performs a series of neck lifts and other exercises. Among its first clients: Fort Lauderdale race car driver Ryan Hunter-Reay, who won his first Indianapolis 500 this May. “I think it definitely has a lot of potential. With Gforces up to four times (normal weight) in an Indy car on turns, it definitely helped strengthen my neck,” said Hunter-Reay, adding that he used the Cervifit to prepare for this spring’s Indy season.
Available to public NFL
agent
Jonathan
Kline, based in South Florida, said he saw such potential in the Cervifit that he ordered eight devices to give to player clients, including Willie Snead, who just signed with the Cleveland Browns, and Derrick Strozier, who joined the New Orleans Saints last week. A local high school football coach ordered six for his football team after seeing one of his players — the son of Philipson’s girlfriend — using a prototype during workouts, Philipson said. “The concussion issue is a huge issue in the NFL … and at all levels of football,” Kline said, adding that “if my guys like it, a couple use it and achieve some
level of success with it,” it could catch on with “everyone who worries about concussions.” Philipson created the Cervifit — now available to the general public for $129.99 at a2fit.com — out of a longtime fascination with medical devices. A walk-on fullback for Florida State University in 1989, he suffered two concussions during his youth, he said.
School marketing project He began playing with the Cervifit concept as a marketing project while pursuing his master’s in business administration. A fitness buff who worked as a personal trainer while making his way through school, Philipson said he realized there was no portable, affordable equipment to help those wanting to strengthen their neck muscles, outside of weight machines found in gyms. With a $75,000 investment from Philipson’s mother, the Cervifit was
patented and went into production in November, he said. Though he has no medical training, Philipson’s first flirtation with innovation came when he designed a double-cuff exercise device that worked out the injured and dominant limbs simultaneously, to reduce overcompensation. Called the Aztec, the device was patented but never went to market. “I’ve always had an inventive side of me,” said Philipson, whose father holds a number of product patents. “I think it’s just in my DNA.”
Endorsed by doctors The device is not just for football players or racecar drivers negotiating G-force turns. Two Florida doctors who advised Philipson on the Cervifit are also recommending it to patients to improve balance, prevent falls and treat head and neck pain. “For me, it’s a nice, nonmedicinal way to help patients with chronic neck pain,” as well as those suf-
The theory goes that the neck acts as a shock absorber of sorts for the head. The stronger the neck, the better it can control the head in abrupt movements and prevent the brain from sloshing around in the skull, a violent force that causes concussions. One independent expert agrees the concept “makes sense,” given the body of research on concussions and neck strength. He noted, however, that there are no empirical studies that take the theory a step further to show neckstrengthening devices — or even helmets, for that matter — reduce concussions. “Strengthening the neck in contact sports is a great idea,” said Dr. Evan Peck, a sports medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic Florida, declining to comment specifically on the Cervifit because he was unfamiliar with the device. “But I don’t know if we can make the leap yet that it prevents concussions.” Because the device is still new, extensive research has not yet been conducted on its effectiveness. One is planned in the next six months. In the meantime, it is advised that anyone using the device should be trained on its proper, safe use by an experienced professional such as a doctor or personal trainer.
Earnhardt Jr. revved for more success at Michigan speedway BY MIKE BRUDENELL DETROIT FREE PRESS/MCT
DETROIT — June at Michigan International Speedway (MIS) has been kind to Dale Earnhardt Jr. Earnhardt, nicknamed “June bug” as a youngster by his legendary racing father, has snapped long losing streaks at MIS in June twice during his career and left each time with renewed hope of winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship that has so far eluded him. At 39, Earnhardt heads on this occasion to the super-fast 2-mile oval in the Irish Hills coming off a victory at Pocono Raceway. On Sunday, he passed Brad Keselowski (Team Penske) with five laps remaining in the Pocono 400 to take the lead and seal the deal while BK was attempting to clean debris from the front grille of his No. 2 Miller Lite Ford — a gamble he and his crew chief, Paul Wolfe, might now regret. Earnhardt drove to his second victory of the season in his No. 88 National Guard Chevrolet and assured himself a place in the Chase for the Championship.
List of victories Considering this is the first time since 2004 that Junior has notched multiple wins in a Cup season, Pocono was an important victory for him and his Hendrick Motorsports team. “He (Keselowksi) didn’t want to let me by, but I don’t know if his mo-
new No.48 — six-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson’s car. “They’re the 48 and we’re the 88, and I don’t want to be the new 48,” Earnhardt said. “I want to be the new 88. We’ll definitely continue to work hard and try to win some more races and try to leave our own mark and not a similar mark to anyone else.”
tor was going to make it,” Earnhardt told reporters after the race. “That is unfortunate for him. He had me beat — I couldn’t get to him. But I have lost some in some strange ways, so it feels good to win one like that.” In June 2008 at MIS, Earnhardt broke a 76-race victory drought. He snapped a 143-race winless streak in June 2012 at Michigan — his first victory since that MIS win four years earlier.
Reflecting on race
‘Very good car’ Junior is third in Cup points behind leader Jeff Gordon (Hendrick) and itching to start in Sunday’s Quicken Loans 400 at MIS and attempt to make it three wins for 2014. “It’s elusive, man,” Earnhardt said at the Pocono postrace news conference of being competitive each week and stringing victories together in the series. “For any team it’s hard to get that competitive to where you can win races . . . our group has been working together for quite some years now, and each year we saw progress in performance and we’ve seen ourselves get better each year.” Earnhardt has a very good car this year. One that might be capable of winning the Cup championship — a feat his father, Dale Earnhardt, accomplished seven times before his death in the Daytona 500 in 2001. “We’ve been fast every week,” said Earnhardt, whose Pocono victory was his 21st in Cup races. “We kind of started that around
JEFF SINER/CHARLOTTE OBSERVER/MCT
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88) prepares to run qualifying laps for the Coca-Cola 600 on May 22 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. the middle of last year. But I think we have not (yet) peaked as a team€¦”
Tricky Triangle win Earnhardt’s win at Pocono in Long Pond, Pa., was his first at the Tricky Triangle. “I really enjoy racing
here (at Pocono),” Earnhardt said. “I used to come here as a kid because it was a summer race; just always wanted to win at this place, so it feels good to finally do that. “I told (team owner) Rick (Hendrick) this morning — he texted me and said he wasn’t going to
make it and that he’d see me in Michigan — that I’ll drink one for you after it is over with, so we were able to hold up our deal. Hopefully he makes it to Michigan and we can try to get a win there.” Earnhardt was asked after his success at Pocono whether his No.88 was the
Winning back-to-back Cup races, and doing it at Michigan, where June Bug has struck in previous summers — what does Earnhardt think? “That would be awesome,” he said. “I haven’t done that since the Nationwide days back in ’98 or ’99. We won a couple there back to back, I think. That’s a really good feeling. It puts you right on top of the world.” Junior’s elation at winning at Pocono couldn’t stop him from understanding how disappointed Keselowski must have felt at giving up the lead with just a few laps left in the race in an effort to clear off a wrapper that had lodged on the grille of his racecar and was causing his motor to run hot. “You know, we are good friends, and you hate for a guy to have to lose a race in a manner like that, but I am excited that we won,” Earnhardt said. “I know that he would have definitely rather lost it to me than a few other guys out there that he is not best buddies with.”
R8
7 HEALTH
JUNE 12 – JUNE 18, 2014
‘Gray market’ for diabetes strips raises concern issues very seriously,” Lias said. “If we hear of illegal activity in this area, we investigate, and if there is evidence of illegal activity, we will enforce our laws.”
BY ANDREA K. WALKER BALTIMORE SUN/MCT
BALTIMORE — On Charles Street, inside the Belvedere Galleria, a company run from a small office offers cash for people’s leftover diabetes strips, the tiny tabs used to test glucose levels, which are crucial to managing the disease. An Internet search for “sell diabetes strips” turns up numerous websites offering to buy the strips via mail. The demand for more affordable strips — some brands cost $1 each and the typical testing regimen runs three times a day — has created what some call a “gray” market for reselling them. Buying and selling the strips is legal, but the practice has raised concerns from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the American Diabetes Association and some doctors who say it poses a public health risk and advise people to use extra caution when buying strips from resellers — or not buy them at all. The companies say they provide diabetics with cheaper medical supplies, but health officials warn that there is no clear way to know if the people who previously owned the strips stored them correctly or never opened them. They also worry that diabetics strapped for cash will sell the strips when they should be using them to monitor their condition.
Infection risk “There is no guarantee of the quality because these strips are sensitive to temperature and expiration,” said Katherine Rogers, executive director of the American Diabe-
Growing market
BARBARA HADDOCK TAYLOR/BALTIMORE SUN/MCT
A sign in Baltimore advertisers a company that buys leftover blood sugar test strips and resales them. The strips are key in monitoring levels for people with diabetes. tes Association’s Maryland chapter. “We don’t know if the person selling the strips didn’t have them in the back of their car for two weeks overheating, which ruins their efficacy.” If the vials that hold the strips have been opened by a previous owner who has pricked a finger, they may have trace amounts of blood, which pose a risk of infection, according to the FDA. “The bottom line is that we think this is a public health concern,” said Courtney Lias, an official with the FDA’s Center for
Devices and Radiological Health. The FDA can take enforcement action against companies if there is evidence that the test strips are misbranded, stored incorrectly or adulterated in some other way. It is illegal to resell expired test strips, for instance, and the FDA has initiated criminal proceedings for this practice.
Alerts by FDA Companies that resell packaged strips don’t need to register with the FDA, but they do if they relabel
or alter the packaging, Lias said. The FDA has issued alerts and taken action against companies that have sold counterfeit strips or strips that weren’t stored correctly. In 2011, the agency issued a warning to H&H Wholesales Services Inc. in Michigan for, among other things, using a broker that didn’t properly store test strips. In 2006, the agency issued a warning about counterfeit strips sold under the name One Touch Basic and One Touch Ultra. “The FDA takes these
She recommended consumers use their judgment on whether they are buying test strips from a medical facility or pharmacy. Consumers should be cautious about online outlets, and purchasing strips out of a car, truck or home might be questionable, she added. “People should be careful about where they are buying these test strips, and people should buy them from a reputable organization,” Lias said. The resale market is growing mostly on the Internet on websites such as quickcash4teststrips.com, traderjackproducts.com and sellyourteststrips.com. Many promise quick cash, and some even offer pickup services. Several resellers contacted by The Baltimore Sun declined to comment. It could not be determined if any were registered with the FDA or needed to be.
‘Above-board process’ According to Susan Livingstone, who said she is the owner of sellyourteststrips.com, companies like hers unjustly get a bad name. She said she makes a good living reselling strips, while helping diabetics who can’t afford to buy the strips at the regular price. The strips come from people whose diabetic relatives died, leaving unused strips, or from people who don’t need them anymore, such as a mother who had gestational diabetes while pregnant but whose condi-
tion improved after delivery, Livingstone said. While acknowledging there is no way of knowing how people have stored strips, she said she takes as many precautions as possible. She doesn’t resell strips that are expired or purchased by Medicaid or Medicare. She suggested buyers compare readings on the strips to make sure they are good. “I do the best I can to get a decent quality,” Livingstone said, adding that she offers refunds if there are problems with the product. “I do everything I can to make this an above-board process. I wouldn’t do anything to cause anybody any harm or distress.”
25.8 million diabetics The medical costs for patients trying to control diabetes have long been a concern among health advocates. The number of people with the disease has grown to 25.8 million children and adults, or 8.3 percent of the population. Worldwide, the number of people using glucose machines to self-monitor blood sugar levels grew more than 50 percent from 2007 to 2013, according to Renub Research. This demand is likely driving the diabetes resale business and raising potential for fraud, Lias said. “My best guess is that these test strips are expensive and people don’t have enough money for the number of strips that they need,” Lias said. “People are trying to save money, and other people are trying to take advantage of that.”
Baltimore Sun researcher Paul McCardell contributed to this report.