Daytona resident heads state criminal justice organization SEE PAGE 3
East Central Florida’s Black Voice
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HOW TO AVOID A HOLIDAY FINANCE HANGOVER THIS YEAR PAGE 5
DELTAS DONATE PURSES, PERSONAL CARE ITEMS TO LOCAL WOMEN’S SHELTERS SEE PAGE 8
DECEMBER 15 - DECEMBER 21, 2016
YEAR 41 NO. 50
www.daytonatimes.com
Giving away food, toys and Christmas cheer Daytona businesses and organizations are offering free meals and support during the holidays BY ANDREA BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
With Christmas quickly approaching, many people still may need help to make through the holiday. Local businesses and organizations are stepping in and giving back to help spread holiday cheer. There are free holiday dinners available as well as free toys, clothing and boxes of food. The Rose Marie Bryon Chil-
dren’s Center, located at 625 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., will have its Christmas party on Dec. 20 from 3:30 until 5 p.m. Following the party, a toy and food giveaway will take place. The event is free and open to all youth in the community. “We do it each year. As a child, people gave us a happy Christmas. We want to make sure that the children feel that same sense of happiness. Ho-Ho-Ho Incorporated donates the toys each year,” said Janet Bryant, executive director of the center. The center will be open during the holiday break on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. for both its participants and others in the community. “We aren’t at capacity at this time so anyone wishing to have
their children participate should call us,” added Bryant.
Free dinner at church Here are other giveaways that are happening in the Daytona Beach community. Master’s Domain Church of God in Christ and the Daytona Outreach Center will host a free Christmas dinner on Dec. 22 beginning at 5 p.m. “We partner with Daytona Outreach every year. We actually do a dinner for the homeless every Thursday. During this dinner, we will give out backpacks with socks and underwear to the homeless and those in need. We do a lot but we need to do more,” commented Pastor Derrick Harris of Master’s Domain.
DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Seniors at the Alonzo “Babe’’ James Community Center in New Smyrna Beach enjoy a holiday luncheon on Dec. 8. A number of free community dinners will be available for Volusia County residents during the holidays. The dinner will take place at Master’s Domain’s 211 Bay St. church, not its 511 Fremont St. sanctuary.
Bikes from Crab Stop
locations, will be giving away bicycles. The restaurants’ locations are 240 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and 933 West International Speedway Blvd. “This is our fourth year doing See CHEER, Page 2
The Crab Stop, which has two
A healthy start to the holidays
Daytona exploring metal detectors for City Hall BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
PHOTOS BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
The Praise Dancers from New Life Church Ministries perform at the Light Up Midtown health fair at Daisy Stocking Park in Daytona Beach.
Park event included health information, food and music The annual Light Up Midtown health fair was held on Saturday at Daisy Stocking Park. The event was geared toward resident of all ages. The event included free health screenings, giveaways, plenty of information relating to health and nutrition, children’s activities, along with free food and music. Farm Share Feeds Families also provided bags of food for those who attended. The event is hosted by the City of Daytona Beach in partnership with the Midtown Health Equity Action Team.
Time running out to file for FEMA, SBA assistance SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES
The deadline for residents to register for FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) assistance due to damages or losses sustained from Hurricane Matthew is Dec. 16. The Disaster Recovery Center in Daytona Beach, located at the Florida Department of Health – 1845 Holsonback Drive – was scheduled to close at 6 p.m. Dec. 16. However, representatives from the U.S. Small Business
ALSO INSIDE
Administration (SBA) will continue to be available at this location from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19, through Thursday, Dec. 22. Although the registration deadline for Hurricane Matthew ends Dec. 16, residents are reminded that FEMA and the SBA will still be available to answer questions and provide assistance to applicants with unmet needs or needs not met by insurance settlements.
Above: Food from Farm Share was available to area residents. Left: Residents line up to partake of the snacks and other items given away at Saturday’s event.
Determination letter While not everyone who applies for federal disaster assistance will qualify for aid, the appeals process will ensure you receive all the federal disaster aid for which you are legally eligible. An applicant has 60 days from the date on FEMA’s determination letter to file an appeal. The determination letter describes the amount and type of assistance being offered. A determination letter may state the application is missing information such as verification of occupancy of the damaged property, documentation of disaster damage, proof of identity, and what is covered under an insurance policy. If addresses or phone num-
bers change, they should be updated with FEMA as soon as possible. Missing or erroneous information could result in delays in getting a home inspection or receiving assistance. If you disagree with FEMA’s decision or have questions about the appeals process, call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (voice/711/VRS-Video Relay Service) (TTY: 800-462-7585). Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish). The tollfree lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. For more Hurricane Matthew recovery information, call Volusia County Emergency Management at 386-258-4088 or visit www.volusia.org/pin.
The City of Daytona Beach is exploring installing metal detectors at City Hall. People going to pay water bills, register their kids for sports and pay the sports fees, get building and vending permits as well as attend commission and committee meetings soon could be stopped. City officials site safety as the main concern. “Given the current climate in our nation, it is prudent whenever possible to put appropriate safety measures in place. While I did not personally advocate for metal detectors, I am not opposed to them,” Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry told the Daytona Times. The metal detectors aren’t a done deal. “We haven’t installed anything yet. It’s all in a planning phrase. We plan to come back and look into it at the beginning of the year. We just want to make sure City Hall is safe for everyone,” said Daytona Beach’s interim Police Chief Craig Capri.
Public safety issue Capri said local law enforcement is always looking at enhancing public safety. “You always want to be safety conscious. We have to secure our buildings. Just look at what is happening around the world and in this country,” he explained. “We now live in a world of terrorist threats. We haven’t had any credible threats here. You have to be prepared for anything. You want to make City Hall safe and protect the citizens, workers and everyone who comes in.’’
‘Don’t need them’ Some residents don’t want the hassle. “I don’t think they should do it. It is going to hold up progress, said resident Richard Nixon, “What if you had a 15-minute break at work and want to just run in and out to pay your water bill? What if your bill is about to get cut off? You’ll be held up goSee CITY HALL, Page 2
COMMUNITY NEWS: PALM COAST ACCEPTIING APPLICATIONS FOR PAID SUMMER INTERNSHIPS | PAGE 3 ENTERTAINMENT: KIA SOTO: JUDGE IN BILL COSBY TRIAL MUST RECUSE HIMSELF | PAGE 4
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DECEMBER 15 – DECEMBER 21, 2016
Seminar prepares First Church group for evangelism After the Rev. G. Vincent Lewis preached “A Season of Expectation” (Luke 1:5-12) on Sunday at First Church, and following the “Invitation to Christian Discipleship,” his marvelous work over the past 12 weeks was applauded for teaching the importance and significance of evangelism. “The main objective of the evangelism seminar was centered around New Testament teaching,” Rev. Lewis said later, “concerning the primary responsibility of the Christian Church, or ‘The Great Commission’ (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV). “Moreover, the successful participants completed a 12-week series of teachings, designed to equip them with strategies to elevate their capacity and proficiency in the ministry of evangelism at First Church” (Ephesians 4:1116), Rev. Lewis responded.
Large turnout Rev. Lewis’ class learned that evangelism is continuous, contagious and compelling, in which the teacher was excited about instructing. A written exam was one of the requirements that led to certification as evangelism counselors. “Finally,” added Rev. Lewis, “a guiding principle, or motto learned and internalized by each participant, was: ‘To share our faith in the power of the Ho-
PALM COAST COMMUNITY NEWS JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY
ly Spirit, but leave the results to God.”’ “I think it’s a class that maybe many more people should take. It’s supportive in our religious walk because God has given us this Great Commission,” said seminar participant Leona Fowlkes, “and it has to go out into the world and touch people’s lives – that is, being God’s completeness towards man.” The consecration service drew a large turnout of worshipers to First Church. “And now, we want to consecrate these people for the office of evangelism counselors,” said Pastor Glover, “and to take part in the celebrational blessing and commissioning.’’
Effective witnesses The counselors are reliving a practice of the early new Testament church, established in the Book of Acts, where the Holy Spirit set apart Saul and Barnabas, who were commissioned in the Church of Antioch, and after fasting and praying, hands were
PHOTO COURTESY OF LOUIS P. MCCARTHY
While the Rev. Gillard S. Glover remains in the pulpit, the Rev. G. Vincent Lewis is shown near Mark C. Green. The Rev. Charles Able and Carolyn Able are shown in the second row with Murna Hanson, A. Renaye Linton, Ken Patton, Loretta Pete and David Fowlkes. On the first row are Robert Brown; Audrey Thorpe; yours truly, Jeroline D. McCarthy; Leona Fowlkes; and Nellie Davis. First Lady Sachiko Glover is in the foreground. laid upon them, and Saul and Barnabas were sent out. “Today, we also send out our sisters and brothers from this place to convert unbelievers,” affirmed Rev. Glover, “to bring them into active membership in the Church of Jesus Christ. And, to seek those out of fellowship with Christ and His Church, to bring them back into active membership into the Church of Christ.” Sent into the highways of life from First Church, the First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Palm Coast, for the conference year 2016-2017 are: Carolyn Able, the Rev. Charles Able, Robert Brown, Nellie Davis, David Fowlkes, Leona Fowlkes, Mark C. Green, Murna Hanson, A. Renaye Linton, yours truly, Jeroline D. McCarthy; Ken Patton, Loretta Pete, and Audrey Thorpe.
An Old Tyme Christmas
No Votran service on Christmas, New Year’s Day Votran will not operate bus service Christmas and New Year’s days.
PHOTOS BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./ HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
from Page 1
ing through a metal detector. Most people wouldn’t even know that it was City Hall if the water bill wasn’t there.” Rose Irons added, “No, they don’t need them. They need to stop messing with people’s money, then they won’t have to be scared.’’ A frustrated Irons continued, “They give you the run-around in everything that you do, whether it’s paying your bills or paying youth athletic fees. They always tell you to go pay online. They often overcharge you on bills. They make you fill out forms, then send you to different offices, etc. When you do get to talk to a person, they tell you that they don’t handle that situation or that the person is on vacation. Finally, you end up having to talk with the city manager.”
Pros and cons Michelle Stokes isn’t against metal detectors but doesn’t see why they are needed. “I don’t think it’s a bad idea to have, but I don’t see the need for them,” she told the Times. “The money they are wasting could go towards something else. I understand metal detectors at airports and courthouses where violent offenders visit frequently. I don’t think any real criminals are going to
Candlelight remembrance service planned in South Daytona Cardwell, Baggett and Summers Community Outreach will host its annual Light of Hope Community Candlelight Remembrance on Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. at Cardwell, Baggett and Summers Funeral Home. The event is free and open to the public. Cardwell, Baggett and Summers Community Outreach is a program of Cardwell, Baggett and Summers Funeral Home, located at 301 Big Tree Road, South Daytona. The remembrance is designed to promote comfort, hope and healing as well as an opportunity for the South Daytona community to come together to honor the memory of their departed loved ones. The event will include music by local musician and firefighter Adam Sarwi; a message by the Rev. Wylie Lowe; a candle-lighting ceremony and a dessert and appetizer reception. Each guest will receive a special gift to honor the memory of their loved one. For more information, call the Community Outreach Coordinator Leslie Fisk at 386-767-0120.
“A December to Remember’’ is the theme of activities this month at the Daytona Beach Bandshell. On Dec. 10, an Old Tyme Christmas Celebration was held at the bandshell featuring local groups. Dr. Victor Gooden and New Life Church Ministries participated in the Dec. 10 event. Bandshell activities continue on Dec. 17 with a Michael Bublé and Barry Manilow Tribute Band and fireworks. A day of events for the entire family will take place. The concert starts at 6 p.m.
CITY HALL
“I think our class was just outstanding,” said Audrey Thorpe. “Our teacher was great. He instilled all of the values of all the things we are supposed to do...I really appreciated this class. All of the participants became closer than before,” Thorpe added, “and I just loved learning more about our Christ, knowing what we are supposed to do, (and) all we have to do is go out and do it.” “The evangelistic seminar that I personally received was enormous,” added Mark C. Green. “The camaraderie that occurred...was phenomenal. Our teacher, Rev. G. Vincent Lewis, is an awesome teacher, backed up by Ms. Wanamaker (Rev. Lewis’ inspiring grade school teacher). “Our pastor, Rev. Gillard S. Glover, had a vision, which we are the pilot of a group that I think will grow contagiously
City Hall. Most people go there to pay water bills.” Others seem not to be bothered about the thought of metal detectors. “I think it’s a good thing. You have to keep people safe. You never know what anyone has on their possession nowadays,’’ said Destiny Jeffrey, who attends Spruce Creek High School. Jeffrey is the vice president of the Daytona Beach Teen Leadership Council.
Nationwide initiative The city already has already put certain security measures in the building. There is a secure glass booth and locked door limiting access to the offices of key Daytona Beach personnel, including the offices of the mayor, commissioners, city manager and city clerk. Other cities also have installed such booths as well as metal detectors at their City Halls and other municipal buildings. Florida cities that have installed the metal detectors include Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Jacksonville. Major cities nationwide with the detectors are New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Boston, San Francisco, Dallas and Phoenix, Arizona. Even many smaller municipalities across the nation have installed them. Many major cities around the country began stalling the detectors after terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
CHEER from Page 1
this. I do it because when I was young, I never had a brand-new bike. I always had hand-me-down bikes. Many people need help. You have to give back,” said Oliver Ross, owner. The Crab Stop restaurants donated 10 of the bikes while Sky Blieu Technologies, LLC donated the other two. “It’s impossible to experience the true meaning of Christmas without giving. Everyone, including givers, receivers and witnesses are impacted in the best way possible. Everyone wins,” commented Cycily Thomas, president/CEO of Sky Blieu Technologies. The Crab Stop restaurants have been signing up customers via a ticket raffle during the month. The drawing will take place on Dec. 19 from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard location. Residents with the winning tickets will be able to pick up their bikes on Dec. 20 from 5 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.
throughout the A.M.E. Church first, and then will grow through other churches,” Green added, “... To be the first is really special and exceptional, and we thank God for every opportunity...” ••• As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted and bereaved.
Celebrations Birthday wishes to Trevor Brown, Dr. Rayna K. Henderson, Dec. 15; Christine Robinson, Linda Matthews, Dec. 16; Loida Dehaney, Dec. 18; and Bert Hinds, Dec. 21. Happy anniversary to Bert and Shirley Hinds, Dec. 19; Cliff and the Rev. Cheryl Daniels, Dec. 20; and Floyd and Audrey Thorpe, Dec. 21.
The night bus service will end two hours early Christmas Eve, at approximately 10 p.m. Votran night service will operate on New Year’s Eve, according to the published hours in the regular night schedule. Riders may learn more by visiting votran.org.
Islamic Center to host day camp The Islamic Center of Daytona Beach is holding its annual day camp during the holiday break. The Islamic Center is located at 347 South Keech St. The event runs from Dec. 20 until Jan. 3 Mondays through Fridays from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. The camp is for children ages 4 to 15 years old. Those who participate will be provided with free meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For additional information, call 386-589-3347 or 386-252-3501.
Lecture to focus on Black jockeys Historian Michael Brown will be the guest speaker of the Know Thyself Lecture at 1 p.m. Dec. 17 at the African American Museum of the Arts, 325 S. Clara Ave., DeLand. The topic is “Black Jockeys in the Kentucky Derby.’’ The event is free and open to the public.
Dinner at St. Demetrios St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, at 125 North Halifax Ave., Daytona Beach, will hold its annual Christmas dinner on Christmas Day. The dinner is for anyone who doesn’t have a meal or anyone who is alone during the holiday. Contact the church for the time at 386-252-6023.
Salvation Army meal The Salvation Army will hold its annual Christmas Day dinner on Dec. 25 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at its Ballough Road location for the homeless and anyone in the community. The “Pick an Angel’’ toy giveaway will take place at its LPGA location on Dec. 22 in its chapel beginning at 9 a.m. All those participants were pre-registered earlier. It’s not open to the public.
Blue Christmas Mass Our Lady of Lourdes, located at 1014 North Halifax Ave., will hold a Blue Christmas Mass on Dec. 24 at 8 p.m. Refreshments will be served afterward.
“We’re doing something new this year. A lot of people don’t feel a whole lot of joy in life at this moment. Many are dealing with a recent death, divorce, illness diagnosis or just depressed. This is a safe place for them to come and worship with us,” said Father Phil Egitto. On Dec. 21, a Blue Christmas service also will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, 306 W, Wisconsin Ave., Deland, at 6 p.m. Christmas Eve services are at 5:30 p.m., 7 and 9 p.m. A Christmas Day brunch is at 9 a.m. with a service at 10 a.m.
No HUM on holiday Halifax Urban Ministries (HUM) will not be open on Christmas. This includes their locations at Bay Street and the STAR Center at North Street where they feed the homeless and needy daily from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. “So many other programs have food on the holiday. We want people to remember while shopping for themselves and loved ones to think about those less fortunate,” said Ginny Kent, HUM’s director of Development and Community Relations.
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M A YNEWS OR
DECEMBER 15 – DECEMBER 21, 2016 COMMUNITY DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006
Daytona resident leading state criminal justice organization
Palm Coast taking applications for 14 college internships
SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES
The City of Palm Coast is now accepting applications from college students for summer 2017 internships in environmental science, landscape architecture, GIS, public administration, capital projects management, CAD, information technology, utility, public relations, parks and recreation, video production and human resources. These paid, competitive internships are full time and are open to all current college students and, if required, may qualify for college credit. “Our internships give students the opportunity to network with professionals, get hands-on experience in their career field, and make a difference in the community,” said Palm Coast Director of Human Resources Wendy Cullen. Students can get more information about the 14 internship positions and apply online at www.palmcoastgov. com/internships.
Daytona Beach resident Linda A. Brooks began serving her term as state president of the Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency (FCCD) in November. During the organization’s first quarterly board meeting, Brooks discussed the theme for her presidency, which is “Transforming Race and Crime in our Communities through Education, Empathy and Engagement.” Each year, the organization also adopts a community project and Brooks announced that this year’s effort would focus on homeless children. “There are more than 70,000 homeless children in Florida, in the situation through no fault of their own,” Linda Brooks said. “FCCD Brooks can and will do something to assist these youngsters,” she said. The first initiative was a successful backpack and school supplies drive for homeless kids.
Orange County manager Brooks currently serves as manager of the Community Corrections Division for the Orange County Corrections Department and has more than 37 years of experience in the field of Corrections with extensive expertise in community corrections. She retired from the Florida Department of Corrections in 2013 after serving more than three decades there in multiple leadership roles. In 2010, Brooks was recognized with FCCD’s Louie L. Wainwright Award for outstanding leadership and innovative practices in the field of Corrections. The Louie L. Wainwright Award is presented to a Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency member who has maintained a long term commitment to the organization and exemplified the innovative and progressive practices emphasized by the organizational mission. “It’s like Ms. Brooks is truly coming full circle,” said Orange County Corrections Chief Cornita A. Riley. “She’s been honored with FCCD’s top award and is now she is leading the organization at the state level.”
Feb. 10 deadline The City of Palm Coast is expanding its internship program this year to allow more college students who grew up in Palm Coast and the surrounding community to get professional experience while at home during summer break. The internships are not limited to Palm Coast residents, but the city encourages graduates of Matanzas High School and Flagler Palm Coast High School to apply. Interns will work on special projects designed to meet current needs within city departments and will have the opportunity to learn and practice skills within their field of study. They will be supervised by professionals who will guide and mentor them. “We are a growing community, and our program emphasizes collaboration with community members and organizations and networking with businesses to give young adults an opportunity to build a professional network in Palm Coast,” Cullen said. “We ask all residents to spread the word to their friends and neighbors who are in college. We’d love to have them join our summer internship team.’’ Applications must be submitted by Feb. 10, 2017, at www.palmcoastgov. com/internships.
PHOTOS BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
A Christmas play with present-day issues The Christmas play, “16 to Life,’’ was presented last weekend at Daytona Christian Center in South Daytona. The drama was written by Sharonda Faison, a facilitator of the Leadership Institute at EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University. Robust with action, comedy and a foundation of faith, this production was anything but a traditional Christmas play. After Kameron Townsend, a retired Air Force veteran, loses his wife to cancer, he moves his son and daughter across state lines in hopes of healing, bonding, and starting anew. Soon after, he realizes he underestimated the challenges they would encounter, particularly his son Khalil. Facing issues within the criminal justice system that young Black males deal with on a daily basis, Faison told their story from a different perspective while outlining the power of faith, hope and love during the process.
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7 EDITORIAL
DECEMBER 15 – DECEMBER 21, 2016
Judge in Bill Cosby trial must recuse himself Montgomery County Judge Steven T. O’Neill, who is presiding over Bill Cosby’s sexual assault trial, has a glaring conflict of interest that has received very little, if any, mainstream media coverage. If justice is going to be served in this case, Judge O’Neill needs to step down immediately. In 2002, Judge Steven T. O’Neill was appointed to the Montgomery County, Pa., bench and swore on a Bible, held by his wife, Deborah V. O’Neill, to uphold the United States and Pennsylvania constitutions.
Thanked for contributions Deborah O’Neill has an extensive background in sexual assault research and has even acknowledged her husband and thanked him for his contributions to her research and work. Mrs. O’Neill holds a doctoral degree in social work and works closely with victims of sexual assault and acquaintance rape. In 2012, as a doctoral student at the University of Pennsylvania, she wrote a 183-page dissertation on acquaintance rape: “Responding to College Campus Acquaintance Rape: Contextual Issues and the Challenge of Inter-Organizational Collaboration.” She spent countless weeks and hours interviewing rape victims and did a study of her findings.
KIA SOTO NNPA GUEST COLUMNIST
When she received her doctoral degree she wrote, “To Steve, I share this achievement with you. You are my best friend and the love of my life. Thank you for being gentle with my insecurities and robust with encouragement. I could not have done this without you.”
Active in the field Mrs. O’Neill, is a counselor at the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), a counseling center for the University of Pennsylvania and she’s also the coordinator of the Sexual Trauma Treatment Outreach and Prevention (STTOP) at the same university. She is listed as a possible affiliate at the Sexual Trauma And Recovery Inc. (S.T.A.R.), a private practice that, “…provides support, education and advocacy to empower all individuals and families affected by sexual trauma.” Mrs. O’Neill is obviously very passionate and active in her field. Mrs. O’Neill should be able
Envisioning the beginning of the end of AIDS On June 5, 1981, the Centers for Disease Control published its weekly Morbidity and Mortality Report. The report – which described five cases of previously healthy, young gay men in Los Angeles infected with a rare lung infection – would eventually become recognized as the first official report on HIV/AIDS in the United States. Since the start of the epidemic 35 years ago, an estimated 35 million people have died from AIDS-related illnesses around the globe. In the United States alone, more than 700,000 people have died an AIDS death since the beginning of the epidemic.
A chronic disease Thirty-five years ago, testing HIV positive was an automatic death sentence, but today, because of targeted HIV prevention efforts, rapid testing, advances in treatment and increased ac-
MARC H. MORIAL TRICE EDNEY WIRE
cess to life-saving health care, what was once a death sentence is now, in many cases, a chronic disease that can be lived with and managed. Today, more than 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV, according to the CDC. New infections are down from their peaks in the 1980s and ‘90s, with the CDC estimating that new HIV diagnoses have fallen by 19 percent from 2005 to 2014. The death rate from AIDSrelated illnesses has dropped by 30 percent, approaching our nation’s 2020 target rate. As we celebrate those num-
Brown’s bill seeks financial justice for Wells Fargo victims A series of developments following the Wells Fargo scandal has now led to the introduction of legislation designed to bring financial justice to the millions of consumers affected by fees and fraudulent accounts they never authorized, nor opened. On December 1, Ohio U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, introduced a bill that would grant Wells Fargo victims their own day in court – even if they signed contracts that included arbitration for legitimately-opened accounts with the bank. Entitled the “Justice for Victims of Fraud Act of 2016,” the bill would work hand-in-hand with provisions of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s proposed oversight rule.
Targeting fraud While CFPB’s rule would apply to credit contracts signed after the rule took effect, Brown’s legislation would apply only to cases
CHARLENE CROWELL NNPA FINANCIAL WRITER
of fraud like those affected by the Wells Fargo scandal that preceded the record $185 million CFPB fine. A companion bill was also filed in the House of Representatives by California Congressman Brad Sherman. “I want to thank Senate Banking Committee Ranking Member Sherrod Brown for working with me to introduce the Justice for Victims of Fraud Act of 2016. This bill will give defrauded Wells Fargo customers the opportunity for their day in court,” said Sherman. “If customers never authorized the opening of a phony credit card or checking account, there is no reason they should be
to pursue her own career path independently of her husband, but judges and attorneys know that both real and perceived conflict of interests in the courtroom must be avoided at all cost. According to Pennsylvania Code of Judicial Conduct Canon 2 section B, “Judges should not allow their family, social, or other relationships to influence their judicial conduct or judgment. They should not lend the prestige of their office to advance the private interests of others; nor should they convey or knowingly permit others to convey the impression that they are in a special position to influence the judge. Judges should not testify voluntarily as a character witness.”
High-profile case Can a judge rise above the personal and professional influence of a spouse in a matter like this? Of course one can, but with one of the highest profile cases in decades, it is incumbent on Judge O’Neill to abide by not only the letter, but also by the spirit of the Pennsylvania code of Judicial Conduct. On the surface, Mrs. O’Neill’s work would not appear to be a problem. However, due to Judge O’Neill’s support of his wife’s career passion and doctoral research about acquaintance rape and sexual trauma, one can legit-
bers, we must keep in mind that the epidemic is far from over and that our progress in combating this disease has been uneven and remains riddled with all-toofamiliar racial and socioeconomic disparities. African-Americans and Latinos continue to bear the disproportionate burden of HIV infection in our nation.
Higher rates In 2015, African-Americans, who represent 12 percent of the U.S. population, accounted for 45 percent of HIV diagnoses. Latinos, who represent 18 percent of the U.S. population, accounted for 24 percent of H IV diagnoses. Regionally, the South is experiencing the highest infection rates, illness and deaths than any other U.S. region, with the Southern states accounting for close to half – an estimated 44 percent – of all people living with an HIV diagnosis in the United States. For those of us on the front lines of the battle versus this epidemic, these numbers are a call to action to put an end to HIV with leadership and commitment that amplifies our impact
bound by the arbitration agreement they were forced to sign when they set up their legitimate account.” “Forced arbitration is shielding Wells Fargo from being held accountable for tanking customers’ credit scores and charging them fraudulent fines,” said Sen. Brown. “Wells Fargo’s customers never intended to sign away their right to fight back against fraud and deceit. We need to give customers back their ability to seek justice in court so they can be made whole again.”
Bank uncooperative The legislative initiative follows earlier congressional testimony by John Stumpf, the former CEO of Wells Fargo who said that the bank would continue its practice of forced arbitration, despite Sen. Brown pressing for clear answers as to how cheated customers with damaged credit scores would be treated. The nation’s third largest bank by assets, Wells Fargo fraudulently created an estimated two million credit card and deposit accounts.
VISUAL VIEWPOINT: VLADIMIR PUTIN AND DONALD TRUMP
BILL DAY, CAGLE CARTOONS
imately question his impartiality. It’s unconfirmed if Mrs. O’Neill’s associations, contact or connections with rape organizations and or rape support groups are influencing the judge’s decisions, nor has it been determined, if any of her cases were assigned from Montgomery County Courts or by her husband, but it is a possibility. That alone seems like a huge conflict of interest, not just for Cosby’s case, but any sexual assault case Judge O’Neill may preside over.
Should remove himself Judges are subject to certain ethical standards and have a duty
in all communities ravaged by this disease. It is also a vivid reminder that health, health care, disease and its dissemination and eradication do not exist in a cultural or social vacuum. The link between health, social and economic equity and our vision of an AIDS-free generation is real and borne out by the shocking rate of HIV/AIDS in communities of color and vulnerable populations. Given the disproportionate impact of the epidemic in communities of color, effectively addressing HIV/ AIDS in the United States also means addressing poverty and a lack of access to health care.
In the fight The National Urban League and its affiliates continue to partner with organizations and groups working to decrease and defeat HIV/AIDS in the hardest hit populations. League affiliates have joined the Act Against AIDS Leadership Alliance. As a part of AAALI, more than 500 HIV related events and trainings have taken place. As a member of PACT (Part-
Forced arbitration authorizes an arbitrator selected and paid by the bank to settle customer disputes. It is also an approach that is usually hidden in the fine printed details of consumer credit agreements. If a consumer is dissatisfied with the decision of the arbitrator, he/she is denied the right to sue or further question the decision. Already, Brown’s bill has support of 14 Senate co-sponsors representing Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia. Additionally, the measure is supported by a growing list of organizations that include the NAACP, California Reinvestment Coalition, Public Justice, the Franciscan Action Network, the Economic Policy Institute, National Consumer Law Center, and Americans for Financial Reform.
Seeking justice Speaking on behalf of the Center for Responsible Lending, an-
Charles W. Cherry II, Esq., Publisher
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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to be impartial. The one and only person whose avowed primary duty is to uphold justice and treat Cosby fairly is failing to meet his ethical and legal obligations. Thus, Judge O’Neill should recuse himself to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest in the Commonwealth v. William Henry Cosby, Jr. case.
Kia Soto is a freelance writer, blogger, and self-proclaimed social activist and founder of TattleTailzz.com, a celebrity entertainment website. Jen Vickers also contributed to this column.
nering and Communicating Together to Act Against AIDS), we work on achieving the goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) by reducing HIV infections, improving health outcomes for people living with HIV and reducing HIV-related disparities. Here is a final sobering statistic: 1 in 8 people living with HIV in the United States are unaware of their status. We cannot fight what we don’t know. We need leadership from service providers, advocates, doctors and government officials, but all of us, have a role to play on the journey towards an AIDS-free generation. Protect yourself and reduce the risk of spreading HIV, or any STD, by getting tested and knowing your status. We must all commit to keeping our communities healthy.
Marc Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League.
other organizational supporter, Melissa Stegman, a senior policy counsel said, “This legislation gives these defrauded customers the opportunity to seek justice in court and is a step in the right direction in bringing fairness to consumer finance… Opening fraudulent accounts is not the only abusive tactic Wells Fargo has committed – they are also notorious for manipulating transactions in order to charge excessive overdraft fees to their customers.” Defrauded consumers do not deserve to be financially victimized a second time. Instead of trying to minimize the costs Wells Fargo will accrue, both the bank’s long-term interests and its customers would be better served by fully acknowledging its actions, providing fair restitution, and enacting reforms to ensure that these kinds of illegal actions will not happen again.
Charlene Crowell is the deputy communications director at the Center for Responsible Lending. Contact her at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.
Central Florida Communicators Group, LLC, P.O. Box 48857 Tampa, FL 33646, publishes the Florida Courier on Fridays. Phone: 877-352-4455, toll-free. For all sales inquiries, call 877-352-4455; e-mail sales@flcourier.com. Subscriptions to the print version are $69 per year. Mail check to P.O. Box 48857 Tampa, Fl 33646, or log on to www.daytona.com; click on ‘Subscribe’.
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DECEMBER 15 – DECEMBER 21, 2016
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PERSONAL MFINANCE AYOR
DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006
How to avoid a holiday finance hangover light just how easy it is to overspend on the smaller items that many don’t initially factor in to their holiday gift budgets like gift wrap and boxes,” said Capolongo. “Those purchases can really add up — and when consumers use credit cards for those type of unplanned expenses they can often overspend on them when you add on interest charges.” To eliminate these unnecessary expenses, a key task is for you to create and follow a detailed budget plan, breaking down presents by category. “Think about giving only four gifts to each child for Christmas and set a budget amount,” said Greutman. “The categories could be: Something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read. Then set a budget for everyone and shop within the budget.”
BY ANDREW DEPIETRO GOBANKINGRATES.COM/ TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
The amount of money Americans spend during the holidays is pretty incredible. In 2015, holiday retail sales totaled more than $630 billion, according to Statista. With so much money being spent, it makes sense that so many people find themselves in post-holiday debt. Indeed, according to the TD Bank Merry Money Survey, 78 percent of Americans have overspent on holiday purchases in the past. Luckily for you, there are ways to save during the holidays without incurring serious damage. When it comes to recovering from your holiday spending hangover, “The magic is in the budget,” said Lauren Greutman, frugal-living expert and author of the book “The Recovering Spender.” But a budget is just one piece of a smart holiday spending plan, so here are eight steps to help you fully recover from your year-end shopping spree.
Get pre-emptive with spending plan Not enough Americans make holiday budgets. Only 52 percent of Americans create a holiday budget, according to the TD Bank survey. Planning is almost always essential to maintaining good financial standing. With holiday shopping and spending, this rule absolutely applies. “Set a budget and stick to it,” said Howard Schaffer of Offers.com. “After every shopping trip, log into your accounts to check your balances. Set up account alerts so you’re always reminded of your purchases.” Make sure your plan is pre-emptive, so you have a good idea of how your shopping will affect your budget. Schaffer suggested setting a spending limit for each person that you’re buying presents for. On top of a spending limit, plan out your holiday shopping as early as possible. “You should consider budgeting for Christmas starting in January,” said Barry Choi, personal finance and budget travel expert at Money We Have, a budget travel advice website. “Like anything else in your budget, set aside a set amount oevery month so you’ll have the funds available for the holidays next year.”
Be honest and know where you stand You can’t begin address-
CARL JUSTE/MIAMI HERALD/TNS
Jean Waugh, left, shops for clothes with her cousin Ramona Spalding, 21, on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 24, at Old Navy inside Dolphins Mall. Shoppers headed to the mall for their holiday shopping and savings. ing your holiday spending issues without having a realistic picture of your finances. Realism requires honesty and for you to thoroughly evaluate your money. “Print out the last three months of (your) spending,” said Greutman. “Separate everything into categories. Take an average of the past three months spending in each category. This is the number they will start within their budget.” In order to set your money on sure footing, you need to take into account financial factors beyond spending during the holiday season. “It’s expected that we’ll spend more money during the holidays, but is there a way to cut back on expenses during this time?” said Choi. “Maybe that means you eat out less or stop buying coffee. Beyond that, how about your regular expenses? Maybe it’s time to renegotiate your cell phone and cable bills. Make some sacrifices.”
Make a plan to pay off debt “The most effective way to mitigate the damage done by holiday overspending is to develop a strict plan for saving, paying off credit card purchases and reducing disposable spending in the post-holiday months,” said James Capolongo, head of con-
sumer deposit products for TD Bank. But what are some techniques you can use to address debt incurred over the holidays? Make a list of your holiday spending and categorize purchases on a scale from the most important expenses down to the least important expense, said Greutman. “When (people) start to allocate their money, they should start with the most important category and then go down until they run out of money — if they do,” she said. If you run out of money to allocate to certain categories, these expenses are the ones you need to focus on most to help you recover from the holidays.
Beware of sales after the holidays Temptations are difficult to keep at bay, and one of the most enticing is to keep on shopping, even after the holidays have passed. And with so much momentum going, it can be hard to rein in your spending, especially if you’re surrounded by after-holiday sales — even after you’ve already spent so much. Post-holiday sales prey on Americans’ shopping behavior. In fact, according to TD Bank’s survey, the biggest reason people spend over their budget is because of impulse purchases.
So stay vigilant and avoid impulse buys when you go shopping. But you don’t have to totally ditch after-holiday sales entirely. As many personal finance experts have suggested, making a shopping list and sticking to it can do wonders.
Track where money is spent In order to properly track your spending during the holidays, you need to know where the money is going. “Right after the holidays (people) need to assess the damage done to their pocketbook by going through and figuring out how much they spent versus what they planned on spending,” said Greutman. “Then start by decluttering their finances. To do this they need to figure out where they spend money and where they need to cut back.” Another useful strategy to keep a close eye on your money is to create a “countdown fund,” said Deacon Hayes, financial coach and founder of WellKeptWallet.com. “This is where you put a specific amount of money aside each month for the holidays. For example, if you get paid every two weeks, put $150 aside each check into a savings account or an envelope. Then after four paychecks you have $600.” So, by the time the holi-
days get here, you have the cash to pay for things instead of relying on credit cards, Hayes added. When the holidays are over, you’re good — because everything is already paid for. Better yet, load that onto a prepaid card so you can still take advantage of online shopping.
Cut unnecessary expenses As you track where you spend your money, you can get a better idea which costs are necessary. Start by getting rid of things you don’t need to spend money on, said Greutman. “(Then) get back to the basics,” she added. “After the holidays, when things start to settle down (it’s) the perfect time to get their finances in order and figure out how to start 2017 off with a bang.” Gifts are “necessary” expenses during the holidays, but the extra things you often buy while shopping are not. For instance, 49 percent of respondents in the TD Bank survey said they make unplanned purchases for themselves during holiday shopping; 52 percent said they buy themselves treats such as coffee or food; and 57 percent make impulse buys on stocking stuffers and holiday extras, pushing them over their budget in the process. “The survey results high-
Consider giving money, time, food, items to help needy FAMILY FEATURES
give this holiday season.
With the season of giving in full swing, try turning your attention away from gift giving in the traditional sense and instead focus on a whole different kind of giving. Charitable giving comes in many forms, and there are numerous causes in nearly every community that accept donations of more than just money. In addition to giving back to those in need during one of the most critical times of the year, by donating time, money or material items you may reap positive benefits of your own such as feeling better about yourself, instilling generosity and a sense of giving in your children or family members, or finding a cause that truly inspires you. These tips can help you find a meaningful way to
Give money Vivid red kettles and the tinkling of jingle bells are icons of the holiday season. The kettles, which are found outside retail locations throughout communities nationwide and are staffed by both volunteer and paid bell ringers, are part of The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign, one of the country’s oldest and largest charitable campaigns. Donations to The Salvation Army stay in the local community where the donation is made, and you can feel extra good about how your money is used within the organization. Eighty-two cents of every dollar is used to support social services that fight hunger, provide shelter and ensure Christmas assistance for families in
Put credit card in time-out Credit cards are quick and convenient, but they can easily become a liability. Using credit cards for holiday shopping can become dangerous, said Greutman, because you can lose track of how much money you’ve already spent. Even if you are banking on harvesting credit card rewards during holiday spending, using your debit card or having a separate reloadable, prepaid card specifically for holiday shopping is a good plan, she added. “Throughout the year, it is wise to put $10 to $50 into this account and let it sit there until Christmas,” said Greutman. “Once Christmas comes, you now have cash set aside and use for presents.”
Post-holiday financial planning Planning ahead was already mentioned, but postholiday financial planning is just as important to help you recover from your holiday hangover. Set yourself up for success the next year, too, said Greutman. “Think about setting up a separate savings account just for Christmas next year,” she said. Then, figure out how to make an extra $10 to $50 per month — with a side hustle or parttime gig — and put that money aside for the 2017 holiday season.
A hearty holiday meal is a special blessing for families of all sizes and circumstances, and a relatively meager donation can make a big difference for numerous families in need.
Give items
COURTESY OF FAMILY FEATURES
The Salvation Army’s red kettles are placed at retail locations throughout communities nationwide. 5,000 communities nationwide.
Give time During the holiday season and all year long, nonprofit organizations thrive on the contributions of volunteers. If you have a special skill or service, check to see if the organization you favor could benefit from your expertise.
Many other agencies offer ongoing training so you can easily learn what you need to know to contribute. Remember that the holiday season brings a spike in volunteering each year, so making a pledge to continue giving your time after the holidays have passed (and your schedule is less hectic) is truly the gift that keeps on giving.
Give food Hunger is a problem that numerous non-profit groups work to answer year-round, but the holiday season is a time when that need is pronounced. Giving non-perishable food items or donating money toward an organization that supplies food to those in need are important gestures.
You may not realize it, but there is actually value to the unwanted items you have laying around. Items like automobiles, furniture, household goods and clothing can be donated and converted into cash to benefit charities. Larger items can be picked up at the curb and are often sold at auction with the proceeds going back to the charitable organization. Smaller items may go directly to retail facilities, such as thrift stores, where sales also go to benefit the charity. Some organizations also allow you to provide new toys and gifts for kids in need specifically during the holidays like The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. Find more ways to give back this holiday season and throughout the year at redkettlereason.org.
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7 CLASSIFIEDS
DECEMBER 15 – DECEMBER 21, 2016
IWantToBeRecycled.org
This is personal.
Colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cancer killer in the U.S., but screening helps prevent this disease. Terrence Howard, actor/musician
Photo: Andrew Macpherson
She was the cornerstone of our family. But my mother died of colon cancer when she was only 56. Let my heartbreak be your wake-up call.
If you’re 50 or older, please get screened. Screening saves lives. 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) • www.cdc.gov/screenforlife
B:7.875” U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
T:7.875” S:7.375”
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7
M ASPORTS YOR
DECEMBERDECEMBER 15 – DECEMBER 21, 2016 14 - 20, 2006
New Smyrna team has experience, talent for playoff run HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP
BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
The New Smyrna Beach Barracudas ON FIRST REFERNCE girls basketball team has jumped out to a 10-2 start to open the season. The team already has signature wins over perennial playoff contenders Atlantic and Father Lopez. They also defeated Mainland who won 20 games last year. Their losses came from Spruce Creek and Orlando Lake Highland Prep. The Cudas have high expectations for this year. New Smyrna Beach returns their entire starting five from a year ago where the team went 254 and reached the Class 6A Region 2 semifinals (second round
of the playoffs) and won a district title.
Star players Senior guard Carmella Walker is a bonafide star player. “It is different being a go-to or star player, but I can’t do it without my teammates. I feel no pressure to play well,” Walker told the Daytona Times. Junior point guard Sha’ Kawanza Brown is the team’s other star player. Both players are confident in their team’s chances this season. “We have been playing togeth-
er for so long. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We are able to help each other stay focus and we’re able to push each other,” Brown responded. Walker added, “We have talent. We also do a good job of staying focused and determined.”
New coach Cal Cochran takes over as coach this year. Last season, he coached the women’s basketball team at Daytona State College where he led the Falcons to a 283 record and the second round of the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I tournament. New Smyrna’s previous coach, James Henry, left following last season to become an assistant coach at Winston-Salem State University, a Division II historically Black college and university. Henry had led the Cudas to the state playoffs for five consecutive seasons. Cochrane is accustomed to inheriting talented teams. “I am accustomed to taking
over talented teams. I think that the transition from Coach Henry to me is that we are just playing at a faster place. We also play more full court defensive to set the tempo,” Cochrane remarked. Jermera McCrae, Lizbeth Cadena, Letrell Wilbon, Lizzie Schwartz, Treyonna Coates, Alexis Merrick, Anika Lewis and Princess Thomas round out the squad.
Stronger team The transition between coaches has been smooth thus far. “It’s different, but this year we are just playing at a faster pace than we did in the past few years,” stated Walker. Brown and Walker have been a part of the team’s success from a young surprising team in 201415 to a veteran seasoned contender now. “I’ve played on varsity since I was a freshman. We have grown as a team each and every year. We have gotten stronger and more disciplined. We have become a better team. We still must be patient and take it one game at
a time,” Brown said.
‘One goal’ Cochrane likes what he sees in his team. “This team has a willingness to sacrifice for each other. They really put the team first. We are still a work in progress. Every player is valuable. We are connected as a basketball family and as a unit with one goal,’’ he noted. A lot must happen for New Smyrna to ascend from contender to a state champion. “Like with any championship team, there is a transition. Coach Henry did a good job making them into winners and then contenders,’’ Cochrane explained. “Now we have to become champions. Like with any championship team, the ball has to bounce your way. “If that had happened last year, they would have been champions from what I’ve seen on film. We just have to keep doing things the way that we do and, hopefully, the ball will bounce our way,’’ he added.
How Obama and Trump differ on concussion policy BY ELIZABETH BLOOM PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
Barack Obama and Donald Trump disagree on pretty much everything. Climate change. The Iran nuclear deal. Russia. Curiously enough, you can add concussions to the list of areas that divide the current president and president-elect. Both Obama and, to a lesser extent, Trump have made public statements on concussions in sports, especially when it comes to whether athletes should come out of a game or shake off the injury and re-
turn to play. During the eight years of the Obama administration, the attention paid to concussions has grown exponentially, although that’s not exactly the president’s doing. Under heightened scrutiny from fans and the media, the NFL and NHL established and revised their concussion protocols. With a growing number of high-profile cases of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), not to mention the dramatization of the issue in the Pittsburgh-filmed movie “Concussion,” it was inevitable that Obama would have occasion to weigh in on the issue.
Obama’s stance Perhaps his most telling statement: “I’m a big football fan, but I have to tell you if I had a son, I’d have to think long and hard before I let him play football,” Obama told The New Republic in early 2013. He stated that sentiment even more strongly in a profile in The New Yorker, in 2014: “I would not let my son play pro football,” he said. Even still, Obama does not curb his own NFL-fandom because of the concussion issue. “These guys, they know what they’re doing,” Obama said in The New Yorker piece. “They know what they’re buying into. It is LAURA A. ODA/BAY AREA NEWS GROUP/TNS
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE FOR BLACK STUDENTS. NO EXCUSES. The classic guide from Florida Courier publisher, lawyer and broadcaster CHARLES W. CHERRY II PRAISE FOR ‘EXCELLENCE WITHOUT EXCUSE’: “This guide for African-American college-bound students is packed with practical and insightful information for achieving academic success...The primary focus here is to equip students with the savvy and networking skills to maneuver themselves through the academic maze of higher education.” – Book review, School Library Journal • How low expectations of Black students’ achievements can get them higher grades; • Want a great grade? Prepare to cheat! • How Black students can program their minds for success; • Setting goals – When to tell everybody, and when to keep your mouth shut; • Black English, and why Black students must be ‘bilingual.’ …AND MUCH MORE!
www.excellencewithoutexcuse.com Download immediately as an eBook or a pdf Order softcover online, from Amazon, or your local bookstore ISBN#978-1-56385-500-9 Published by International Scholastic Press, LLC Contact Charles at ccherry2@gmail.com
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Retired NFL player Jarrod Cooper was forced to retire after eight years in the NFL, which included a Super Bowl appearance with the Carolina Panthers, after suffering from migraine headaches. Doctors diagnosed his condition as frontal lobe dementia, degenerative brain disease and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), all the direct result from multiple concussions. no longer a secret. It’s sort of the feeling I have about smokers, you know?”
On college players He expressed more concern for college players: “I tend to be more worried about college players than NFL players in the sense that the NFL players have a union, they’re grown men, they can make some of these decisions on their own, and most of them are well-compensated for the violence they do to their bodies,” he said in The New Republic interview. “You read some of these stories about college players who undergo some of these same problems with concussions and so forth and then have nothing to fall back on. That’s something that I’d like to see the NCAA think about.”
Toll on players Obama knew Dave Duerson, the former NFL safety who committed suicide in 2011. Duerson shot himself in the chest, preserving his brain for research, and was later found to have CTE. “And when you think about the toll that NFL players are taking, it’s tough,” Obama told Bill Simmons. “Now, the problem is, if you talk to NFL players, they’re going to tell you that that’s the risk I take; this is the game I play. And I don’t know whether you can make football, football if there’s not some pretty significant risk factors.” Obama’s most extensive remarks on concussions were in May 2014, when the White House played host to the Healthy Kids and Safe Sports Concussion Summit. At that meeting, he confessed that he likely had experienced concussions as a young football player. “Before the awareness was out there, when I was young and played football briefly, there were a couple of times where I’m sure
that that ringing sensation in my head and the need to sit down for a while might have been a mild concussion, and at the time you didn’t think anything of it,” he said. “The awareness is improved today, but not by much. So the total number of young people who are impacted by this early on is probably bigger than we know.”
Culture change needed Still, he emphasized that concussions are not just a football problem, and said it is critical for kids to keep playing sports even as he advocated for heightened awareness around brain injuries. “We have to change a culture that says you suck it up,” he said. “Identifying a concussion and being able to self-diagnose that this is something that I need to take care of doesn’t make you weak — it means you’re strong.” It is on that latter point that Obama and Trump most disagree. In October, a woman at a Trump campaign rally in Lakeland, Fla., fainted. But she soon returned to the event, prompting Trump to compare her response, rather favorably, with the NFL’s concussion protocol. “That woman was out cold, and now she’s coming back,” Trump said, per The Washington Post. “See, we don’t go by these new, and very much softer, NFL rules. Concussions — ‘Uh oh, got a little ding on the head? No, no, you can’t play for the rest of the season’ — our people are tough.”
Trump’s stance Though concussion symptoms can lead to longterm issues, most concussion symptoms resolve themselves on their own within weeks. And conventional wis-
dom, along with recent research, suggests that being removed from play is not a matter of being tough, but rather getting better health outcomes. In September, researchers at UPMC and three universities published a study finding that young athletes who continued to play immediately after a concussion took longer to recuperate from the injury and had a more problematic recovery. Trump’s statement does not appear to be an off-thecuff comment. During a rally in Reno, Nev., in January, Trump lamented the state of professional football, arguing it had become “soft.” “Now they tackle. ‘Oh, head-on-head collision, 15 yards,’” Trump said, according to The Post. “The whole game is all screwed up. You say, ‘Wow, what a tackle.’ Bing. Flag. Football has become soft. Football has become soft. Now, I’ll be criticized for that. They’ll say, ‘Oh, isn’t that terrible.’ But football has become soft like our country has become soft.”
Florida connection And in 2013, before he was a presidential candidate, Trump took his complaints about the league to Twitter: “Referees are destroying the enjoyment of NFL games. Slowing down the fun. Big shots. Jets game is ridiculous!” But it gets weirder than that, and of course there’s a Pittsburgh connection. One of Trump’s attorneys in Florida, Herman J. Russomanno II, also has sued the NFL, representing players who thought the league deliberately misled them about the dangers of concussions. Russomanno worked with Pittsburgh lawyer Jason Luckasevic on those lawsuits, which were later merged with others part of a class-action settlement.
R8
7COMMUNITY NEWS
DECEMBER 15 – DECEMBER 21, 2016
Museum moving Kwanzaa celebration to James center The Mary S Harrell Black Heritage Museum in New Smyrna Beach has presented a Kwanzaa celebration at its site on Duss Street for many years. Due to greater participation, the venue will be moved this year to the Alonzo “Babe” James Community Center, 201 N Myrtle Ave., New Smyrna Beach. The event will take place at 5 p.m. on Dec. 28. The Kwanzaa celebration is to promote
understanding and inspire appreciation for the seven principles of Kwanzaa and to stress the importance of togetherness for the family and the community. The free celebration will feature Mary Allen, executive director of the African American Museum of the Arts in DeLand and contemporary choreography and traditional storytelling. A feature will be the mural titled “Unite”
located on a wall in the courtyard adjacent to the meeting room where the Kwanzaa celebration will be held. The mural was created and designed by Shyriaka Morris, a New Smyrna Beach native and a community artist in partnership with the Atlantic Center for the Arts. The mural features the seven principles of Kwanzaa along with community leaders. For more information, call 386-295-0676.
Ormond Beach schedules MLK breakfast The City of Ormond Beach will present a free Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday observance breakfast program on Monday, Jan. 16. The breakfast begins at 8 a.m. at the South Ormond Neighborhood Recreation Center, 176 Division Ave., Ormond Beach. For more information, call 386527-5918.
Halifax Health seeks volunteers for Daytona, Port Orange
COURTESY OF DAYTONA BEACH ALUMNAE CHAPTER/DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY
Members of the Daytona Beach Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority are shown with representatives from area women shelters.
Deltas donate purses, personal care items to local shelters
Delta Purses is a community service project of the Daytona Beach Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. The project provides purses filled with personal care items, snacks and small gifts to women in domestic abuse shelters and transitional housing programs. Members of the Daytona Beach Alumnae Chapter collected and filled more than 75 name-brand purses with personal care items to donate this month.
On hand at a recent sorority event to accept the donations were representatives from the Domestic Abuse Council, Brandie Johnson, along with Minister Inez Stafford and Evangelist Brenda Courtney from WITNEST, Inc. According to Juanita Collins, president of the local sorority chapter, the Delta Purse project is the beginning of an advocacy to help “Bring Awareness to Domestic Abuse and Women in Transition.”
Halifax Health - Auxiliary is seeking volunteers for Halifax Health Medical Center locations in Daytona Beach and Port Orange. It is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to serve the community through partnership with Halifax Health. The auxiliary has been operating since 1932 and serves over 400 volunteer members contributing more than 80,000 hours annually. Halifax Health – Auxiliary members provide support to the hospitals and their patients; assist in relaying Halifax Health accomplishments and goals to the community and help with fundraising activities. Membership in Halifax Health - Auxiliary offers many volunteer opportunities for both adults and teenagers (ages 16-18). Volunteers can choose from a variety of service assignments, including the gift shop, information desks, courtesy cart drivers, patient transport and patient service rounds. Members are asked to volunteer a minimum of 60 hours per year. Halifax Health – Auxiliary offers its members special recognition programs, educational and social events, and associated service benefits. For more information on volunteer opportunities at Halifax Health, call 386-425-4036 or visit halifaxhealth.org/volunteering.
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