Not everyone wants company for the holidays SEE PAGE 5
EE FR
COMMENTARY: WHY DO WE HIDE BEHIND OUR SMARTPHONES? PAGE 4
East Central Florida’s Black Voice
ATLANTIC HIGH COACH AND TEAM READY TO TAKE ON CHALLENGERS SEE PAGE 7
DECEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 28, 2016
YEAR 41 NO. 51
www.daytonatimes.com
Orange Avenue construction lingers Merchants remain frustrated about delays and lack of access to their businesses. BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
The long-awaited Orange Avenue construction project is just about complete. City and residents will be glad when it’s complete but for different reasons. The City of Daytona Beach estimates that the final pavement will be placed by the end of the first week in January. The project
began in June 2014 and was originally scheduled to be completed in July 2016. The completion timetable for the $13.4 million project was pushed back to September, then November. The roadwork was done to improve roads, storm drainage, replace old water pipes, widen sidewalks, increase lighting, signage and parking.
Reasons for delay “We recently did a TV ad and mentioned the Orange Avenue project. For years, the county owned the road and did nothing with it. The city got it and fixed it. It is an important interest to the
city. It is an important gateway to Midtown, City Hall, downtown and our beaches,” said Frank Van Pelt, the city’s technical director. Van Pelt told the Times, “Most of the delays with this project have been unknown underground problems that you don’t know exists until you start digging.” Construction is still ongoing around the areas of Marion Street and Seagrave as well as areas around City Hall and downtown. “It’s just a matter of underground power lines with Florida Power & Light (FPL). They had a setback with the hurricane (Matthew). We’re working on options See DELAYS, Page 2
DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Roadwork continued this week on Orange Avenue. The project deadline has experienced delays this year.
Dance team has plenty of energy but low on funds BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
PHOTOS BY DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Attending the senior prom were Daytona Beach’s Midtown Redevelopment Project Manager Charles Bryant, Assistant City Manager Betty Goodman and Commissioner Paula Reed..
An evening of fun just for seniors Hundreds attend annual prom at Midtown center for residents 55 and up.
This year’s king and queen of the prom are Thomas Hymes Jr. and Queenie Crawford.
About 350 area seniors were treated to an evening of dinner and dancing on Dec. 16 at the Midtown Cultural and Educational Center in Daytona Beach. The occasion was the second annual Light Up Midtown Senior Prom presented by the City of Daytona Beach. The prom was open to residents 55 and older. The evening included a jazz performance and awards. The seniors all received gift baskets from sponsors. A highlight was the crowning of the prom queen. This year’s queen is Queenie Crawford, who is 99. The king is Thomas Hymes Jr., age 91. Charles Bryant, the city’s Midtown Redevelopment project manager, came up with the idea. Prior to the prom, he told the Daytona Times,
“Many elderly don’t have a lot of family left or family don’t really spend as much time with them during the holidays. Also, a lot of elderly have never been to a prom. It’s a good chance for them to get out and mingle as well as have a good time. It’s also a way for us to thank the elderly and for us to show them our appreciation.’’ A free meal was provided to seniors who attended. Free clothing, haircuts and hairdos also were available prior to the event by local barbers and beauticians. Light Up Midtown this year included a health fair held on Dec. 10 at Daisy Stocking Park. The primary sponsor of Light Up Midtown was VITAS Healthcare. Some of the other sponsors were Island Doctors, Bethune-Cookman University, PEPSICO, Supreme Roofing & Construction, Inc.; Midtown Heat Health Equity Action Team, Adventist Health System and Salvation Army.
The Dancing Lady Cats (DLC) of Daytona Beach is made up of 30 students ages 6 to 19, which includes two boys. The dance team performs at local events – mainly sporting events. The DLC also travels competes, having won a few firstplace and second-place prizes. While DLC provides an outlet for local kids to get some exercise, it also provides mentoring and tutoring. DLC wants to add a college prep component. The team is preparing to audition for the popular NBC television show “America’s Got Talent’’ in Jacksonville on Jan. 7.
$20,000 goal Lavonne Lassiter, director and founder, says doesn’t charge a fee but still needs funding to help with transportation, uniforms, traveling expenses, rental space for practices, tumbling mats, shoes and more. Their goal is to raise $20,000. “We need financial help. In the past, we did a registration fee. We raise money mainly by going to the street corners. The parents and I often pay the difference out of our pockets. I have paid out of my pocket over the years. Sponsorships have been difficult to obtain. We are working on becoming a non-profit organization but that costs money too,” she told the Daytona Times. The team currently practices in front of Lassiter’s home because she can’t afford the $85 per fee to See DANCE, Page 2
Sorority celebrates 75 years of service to Daytona Beach community The Gamma Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority marked its 75th anniversary during a gala on Dec. 17. On hand for the sold-out event at the Palmetto Club were a number of dignitaries, including Daytona Beach City Commissioner Paula Reed and outgoing State Rep. Dwayne Taylor. Also in attendance were Sharon Brown Harriott, regional director for the sorority and Rose Dean Andrews, coordinator of the sorority cluster that includes the Daytona Beach chapter. The Daytona Beach chapter was chartered on Dec. 13, 1941. The charter members, all of
ALSO INSIDE
whom are now deceased, were Mildred Peterson, Joyce Engram, Phannye Huger, Angie Douglas, Marion Lancaster and Nadine Ferrell. “We are so proud of our charter members, who saw it befitting to bring the sorority to our community,” said Jennifer Thomas, president-elect for the chapter.
‘Momentous occasion’ Calling it a “momentous occasion,” Harriott noted that the Daytona Beach chapter was one of only seven in the South Atlantic region to have reached a 75th or diamond anniversary.
“I am indeed delighted to congratulate you on the occasion,” she said, “…a historic milestone which exemplifies your chapter’s dedication to serving mankind in the utmost manner. “ Andrews noted that Gamma Mu Omega was the first chapter chartered in her cluster, which includes 10 graduate chapters and five undergraduate chapters.
Lifetime achievement awards The Daytona Beach chapter, which has presented more than $55,000 in scholarships in See SERVICE, Page 2
Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority celebrate the Daytona Beach chapter’s 75th anniversary during a gala at the Palmetto Club.
COMMENTARY: REV. JESSE JACKSON: VOTER SUPPRESSION SURELY TAINTED OUR ELECTION | PAGE 4 NATION: HOW TO KEEP PETS SAFE AND HEALTHY DURING THE HOLIDAYS | PAGE 5
7 FOCUS
R2 Principal to speak at MLK service A Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday service will take place at 11 a.m. Jan. 16 at United Methodist Church, Palm Coast. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Earl Johnson, principal of Matanzas High School, Palm Coast.
DECEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 28, 2016
Jan. 7 is sign-up day at Daytona State College SPECIAL TO THE DAYTONA TIMES
With the spring semester around the corner, it’s time for students returning and new to college to lock in their schedule. Daytona State College offers an easy-access, no-cost session next month to make registration a simple one-stop process. Enrollment Day on Saturday,
Jan. 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the college’s Daytona Beach Campus provides an opportunity for students to complete everything from admission to registration. How it works: Students start by completing a Daytona State application, then meet with an Admissions Advisor and Financial Aid Counselor, take an assessment test (if applicable), meet with an Academic Advisor, and then lock in their schedule. The address is the Wetherell Center (Building 100), 1200 W.
International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach. The Daytona State Financial Aid Office will be open to assist with college education financing and will provide assistance to complete the financial aid applications (FAFSA). Academic advisers will be available to talk about unique academic programs such as Quanta-Honors College, which offers an alternative to regular college classes for highly motivated students.
Daytona State offers programs that link to today’s jobs and careers in the region and the state. Featuring numerous certificates leading to two-year associate of science degrees, the Career Pathway Research Guide is designed to assist with finding the pathway that matches career interests and goals. For more information about the Enrollment Saturday event, email Admissions@DaytonaState. edu or call 386- 506-4471.
SERVICE from Page 1
DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
The construction project on Orange Avenue began in 2014. Are businesses are still upset that the road repair project has dragged on so long.
DELAYS from Page 1
to get back on track. We can’t finish this until FPL is done. There is also an underground pipe that needs to be replaced around Palmetto Avenue and City Hall,” Van Pelt said.
Old complaints Just last week, the road was repaved between Nova Road and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., rekindling old frustrations. Local businesses are still upset with the pace of the project. “The entire construction period was terrible. When they first started, I had two customers who are retired construction workers come in here and told me that they weren’t done. They point-
ed out the concrete around the manholes and the small sizes of the storm drains,” said Danielle Kaeufer, owner of Daytona People’s Medical Supply & Uniforms. “They didn’t do it right the first time. Last week, they fixed it but it was terrible. Both Keech Street and Caroline Street were blocked off,’’ Kaeufer added. Many businesses felt an economic squeeze throughout construction. “I’m happy that they’re almost done, but it has been tough. It really threatened our businesses and livelihoods. Last week, when they repaved the road, I would have appreciated if someone would have notified us before they started,” said Patricia Cadette, owner of Styles 101 Beauty & Barber Shop. “Mr. (Tommy) Huger did come tell us but they were already starting. There is one way entrance to get in here and they had it closed.
They could do a better job of putting up signs and emails,” Cadette added. George Mikhei, who owns Family Technical Group, noted, “They keep promising us. We did lose money. My tech guy had to relocate because he wasn’t making enough money to cover rent. I will be closing this location. I am happy with the lighting. The second pavement is so far so good.”
Lawsuit filed Even those who seem to be doing the best has suffered like Orange Avenue Mini Market. “Of course I am glad that it’s almost done. We actually have lost a lot of money going back to the beginning, especially groceries and meats. I’ve never seen any road construction take so long. It looks like we’re making money because a lot of people are coming in, but they are mostly
Other endeavors
buying beer and tobacco products,” owner Juan Garcia told the Times. The city is aware of both frustrations with businesses and residents. “We understand that any time you build and have any kind of construction, especially with delays that it will inconvenience some folks,” said Van Pelt. Several businesses filed a lawsuit against the city citing lost income as the main factor. These businesses include Styles 101, Cut Masters Barber Shop, The Medicine Shoppe, Boost Mobile, Churches Chicken, Daytona People’s Medical Supply & Uniforms as well as The Liquor Store. In August, the case went before a judge but continues in January. The City of Daytona Beach will not comment on a pending lawsuit.
DANCE from Page 1
use City of Daytona Beach facilities. The dance team was created in 2014 by Lassiter, her daughter Ke’aira Floyd (now the team caption), her son Kevin Floyd (now the assistant director) and former Atlantic High School dance coach Varnesha Williams. Lassiter is a former disease prevention specialist with the Volusia County Department of Health.
2014 debut DLC debuted in the 2014 Bethune-Cookman University homecoming parade. Coach Reina Raymat is a college student and former 14 Karat Gold dancer at Bethune-Cookman University. “It’s very important that the girls have an outlet like this. It keeps them out of trouble and it keeps them out of the streets. It is constructive and positive,” Raymat said. The dancers are delighted about the program. “I like dancing. It gives me another way to express myself other than talking about how I feel,” said Emani Hayes, a fifth-grader at Warner Christian Academy. Hayes is a junior captain of the dance team.
DUANE C. FERNANDEZ SR./HARDNOTTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
The Dancing Lady Cats have been rehearsing in front of the team founder’s home. The dance team performs at local events.
‘A positive outlet’ Ke’aira Floyd, a senior at Mainland High School, noted, “The team is very important to us, especially me. This provides a positive outlet for many. For me, it brought me out of my shell. This is also a way for us to have good influences on other girls.” Yandie Mulero is a senior at Richard Milburn Academy who
COURTESY OF DANCING LADY CATS
The dance team has won trophies for their performances. The team plans to try out next month for ABC’s “America’s Got Talent.’’ just joined the team. She said, “I am excited about this team. I am looking forward to
competing. I have a lot of free time and when teens have a lot of free time we often get caught up in the
wrong activities.” Atlantic High senior Avantae Bouie is one of two boys in the program. Bouie told the Times, “It’s different. This is a female-dominated activity and as a male you often get mixed views on how you spend your free time.” Coach Marcus Folkes noted that “the kids need more activities, especially the adolescent ones because many aren’t doing anything.” Folkes has a master’s degree from Bethune-Cookman in psychotherapy. He added, “I love dancing. I’ve been dancing since I was a child. One day I saw the team flier when I was out getting some Jamaican food. I contacted Vonne (Lassiter). We had lunch, then I started coaching.”
An alternative Some
local
school
the last seven years to area high school students, presented lifetime achievement awards in the arts, community development, economics, education, health and politics during the event. Recipients in order of recognition were the Bethune-Cookman University Concert Chorale; community activist Linda McGee; Gerald Chester, president and chief executive officer for Central Florida Community Development; Ida Wright, dean of the business school at BethuneCookman University; Dr. Andrea Thorpe, director of the Halifax Keech Street Clinic; and Derrick Henry, mayor of the City of Daytona Beach. Chapter members also bestowed a lifetime achievement award on sorority member Ann Taylor Green, a retired educator and past president of the chapter, among other things.
dance
Besides scholarships, the chapter has a long history of community service through such programs as Men of Tomorrow, the IVY Reading Academy, Junior Artist Recitals and the Debutante Cotillion. The sorority also participates in campaigns that provide baskets to families at Thanksgiving, donations of backpacks to students heading back to school, toys at Christmas, seminars on health issues, homeownership workshops, and recognition of area business women. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. was founded on Jan. 15, 1908 on the campus of Howard University. It was the first Greek-letter sorority founded by college-educated African-American women. Since then, the sorority has grown to more than 285,000 members in 997 chapters around the world. The group is headquartered in Chicago.
coaches have questioned the program. “I had one school dance coach send me a letter asking if I made the kids choose between the school team and ours. I don’t. Some kids did both. Now many just dance with us,” said Lassiter. Lassiter’s daughter, Ke’Aira Floyd, was a member of a dance team at Atlantic, a squad of six girls who performed during halftime at football games and pep rallies. The team splintered after differences between parents, students and the band director. Lassiter and company thought that a dance team would be good for the community. Lassiter added, “I paid for my daughter and helped raise money for three other girls on that high school team. … We decided to create something affordable. Many can’t afford to be on the high school dance teams, which could run a few thousand dollars. Every kid has different needs. They are all here for different reasons.’’ Even the dancers know how critical financial support is for the program. “We have a good team and we could use the help to make us even better,” said Jahyla Robinson, who attends the Richard Milburn Academy. Mainland High School freshman Kiara Cross agrees. “We need support to motivate us and to help provide this motivating and positive and constructive activity.” For more information about the Dancing Lady Cats, call 386299-0950. The team is also on Facebook at LadyCats of Daytona Beach and Instagram at dancingladycats386. Ke’Aira Floyd, a senior at Mainland High School and an aspiring journalist, contributed to this report.
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M A YNEWS OR
DECEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 28, 2016 COMMUNITY DECEMBER 14 - 20, 2006
Choral friends reunite for ‘The Messiah’ at First Church The First Church Choir continued a tradition in a timeless, classic choral works – the point relating to the prophesy, birth, death and resurrection of the Messiah. Soloists and members of the chorus made their way articulating the expressive notes of George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah.” Born in Germany in 1685, and back in the day, Handel was known as the Broadway hitmaker to whatever served the audiences. “The Messiah,” premiering in Dublin in 1742, was conducted at First Church by Dr. Samuel Shingles, former Music and Fine Arts director of the phenomenal Edward Waters Concert Choir. It served an immense audience for picking up on the professionallevel competence as one of the best choirs in the region. Shingles is currently director of the Paxon Concert Choir and the Women’s Chorus at the Paxon School for Advanced Studies in Jacksonville. Both choirs are Triple Superior Choirs awarded by the Florida State MPA Competition. Organist Heasuk Che was the accompanist, in addition to performing the “Overture” and “Pastoral Symphony.” Che has both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Chongshin University in Seoul, Korea, and she serves as church organist at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Palm Coast.
‘Awesome’ and ‘difficult’ The one-day engagement unfolding in the sanctuary of First Church took place Dec. 10. The admission was free, but a freewill offering was requested. It brought tenor Drickus L. Horne to sing “Comfort Ye My People” and “Every Valley.” “The experience was great. Any time I do music of that nature, it tends to bring out a different person,” recalled Horne. “It brings out a character that’s kind of high emotionally...so the impact of doing Handel’s ‘Messiah’ as a solo-
PALM COAST COMMUNITY NEWS JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY
ist is one who creates an environment to which I am challenged more. It gives me a feeling inside that I don’t get from any other genre of music that I sing.” Horne referred to the two songs that he sang as being both “awesome’’ and “difficult.’’ He expressed that “it gives me a sense of achievement when I do them the correct way.” In addition to singing in the First Church Choir, Horne is currently a music and drama teacher at Dimensions Three Academy in Jacksonville.
‘Amazing memories’ “The Messiah” harkened to a timeless era as bass Nathaniel Shropshire III performed “Thus Saith the Lord,” “For Behold Darkness Shall Cover the Earth’’ and “The People that Walked in Darkness.” Making reference to Handel’s masterpiece, Shropshire said, “We did ‘The Messiah’ in college so to do it with our friends, who I went to school with, just brought back a lot of pleasant memories... To have Dr. Shingles conduct us – that was my voice teacher, my music theory (teacher). Everything I learned about music came from him,” Shropshire shared. “So, having him stand in front of me, directing me, just brought about some amazing memories. “He (Shingles) spoke of professional growth, global growth (in touring),” Shropshire affirmed. “...He gave us pointers. It was amazing...I was impressed at us because he brought out some things that we hadn’t been working on for awhile.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID FOWLKES
Taking part in “The Messiah” were Brittany Laramore, Francesca Scott, Michael Jackson, Dr. Samuel Shingles, Kajuan Allen, Drickus Horne, Jessica Rogers and Irma Marria Adams. In the back is Nathaniel Shropshire III.
Collaboration of colleagues Shropshire is a former chorus teacher out of Jacksonville from Jean Ribault Middle School. He currently is on staff as the director of Music at First Church. He also is the choral director for Palm Harbor Academy, founded by the Rev. Dr. Gillard S. Glover. And, believing that music is the universal language of the heart, alto Francesca Scott performed “Behold a Virgin Shall Conceive.” Collaborating with the chorus, Scott performed “Oh Though That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion.’’ She and soprano Irma Marria Adams sang “He Shall Feed His Flock Like a Shepherd.” “It’s always a joy to sing with your colleagues,” cited Scott. “Having Dr. Shingles here...gave us that experience that we once had in college.” Scott explained that Shingles presented his annual Christmas production with the Paxon School on that Friday and directed “The Messiah” that Saturday. The First Church audience also enjoyed soprano Irma Marria Adams’ singing “And Suddenly There Was with the Angel,’’ and “Rejoice Greatly O Daughter of Zion,” where both renditions were presented prior to singing Handel’s esteemed “Hallelujah Chorus.” Adams is finishing her senior
year as an undergraduate student at Edward Waters College. She looks forward to one day earning both her master’s and doctorate degrees in music.
Accolades for choir Jessica Rogers, a teacher and gospel/jazz musician, sang with the chorus. Rogers said, “It’s always a joy to sing with your colleagues. And, having Dr. Shingles here ...gave us that experience that we once had in college.” “Now keep your eyes and ears open,” Pastor Gillard S. Glover said, “because we will be doing an Easter cantata, “and so, we are excited about that. All of these young people are graduates of our college, the Edward Waters College in Jacksonville. “Some of them are going on to get their master’s in other places,” affirmed Pastor Glover, “but they got their foundation at an A.M.E. college in Jacksonville. We are so proud of their director, Dr. Samuel Shingles. We thank you again for the work that you are doing.’’
Kwanzaa celebration set for Dec. 30
Recommitting to the highest cultural ideals of thought and practice, the African American Cultural Society will celebrate
“Kwanzaa,” Dec. 30, 2-4 p.m., at the cultural center, 4422 North U.S. Highway 1, Palm Coast. The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa - Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba, and Imani - were created for us, by one of us, and specifically objectifies improving the quality of life in our communities. The annual festivity is free to the public. For further details, contact the African American Cultural Society at 386-447-7030.
Watch Night service at First Church
Welcome in the New Year, bringing cheers to a new way of life! Attend the Watch Night Service, Dec. 31, 10:30 p.m., at First Church, 91 Old Kings Road North, Palm Coast. Under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Gillard S. Glover, First Church can be reached at 386-446-5759. ••• As always, remember our prayers for the sick, afflicted and bereaved.
Celebrations
Birthday wishes to John Williams, Dec. 24; Mark Green, Dec. 25; and Henry “Smitty” Smith, Dec. 28.
R4
7 EDITORIAL
DECEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 28, 2016
Voter suppression surely tainted our election The CIA conclusion that the Russians intervened in our elections in order to help elect Donald Trump has sent Washington into one of its fabled tizzies. President Obama has ordered an intelligence agency report before he leaves office. Democrats and responsible Republicans are calling for congressional investigations. Pundits are arguing the Russians – combined with FBI Director James Comey’s outrageous interventions – cost Hillary Clinton the election. In response, President-elect Trump is tweeting furiously about voter fraud, peddling lies about millions of illegal immigrants voting and many other things to distract from the escalating scandal.
The real crime Left out of this brouhaha is the systematic and purposeful voter suppression that certainly cost Clinton the election. The Russians didn’t do it. It was done by right-wing partisan state officials eager to suppress the vote of people of color, the young and the working poor. These efforts were open, systematic and widespread. And this domestic hacking at our elections was far more destructive than the hacking Russia is said to have done. This was the first presidential election since the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act. According to the Brennan Center, 14 states passed voter suppression laws that were in effect for the first time in November, including swing states like Ohio and Wisconsin.
Not secret The steps taken to suppress the vote aren’t secret: new re-
REV. JESSE L. JACKSON, SR. TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM
We didn’t win the right to vote from politicians. Citizens had to march and protest, bleed and die to win that right. We can’t count on politicians to defend the right to vote – they, after all, are elected under the distorted rules we have. quirements of voter ID that discriminate against the poor, the elderly and disproportionately people of color; restrictions on use of college ID to impede student voting; closing registration weeks before Election Day; limiting early voting days, closing on Sundays; holding Election Day on a workday with limited hours for voting, making it difficult for those with inflexible hours to get to the polls; shutting down or moving polling places to confuse voters and force them to wait in long lines; purging voters from the polling lists, leaving them to cast provisional ballots at best; prohibiting felons who have paid
Put an asterisk on it! I’m not a baseball fan. I’ll only watch a game under special circumstances. I rarely visit the ballpark. I am not glued in front of the television watching the endless stream of games broadcast during the summer. I am, however, a student of history. Milestone achievements capture my attention, especially when accomplished by Black Americans who are pre-eminent in their fields. Such was the case when the great Hank Aaron surpassed Babe Ruth’s record of 714 homeruns in April 1974. Remarkable was his focus on playing the game in the midst of numerous death threats designed to protect Ruth’s record and to thwart his ascendance to the title of Home Run King. He overcame, and retired with 755 home runs.
DR. E. FAYE WILLIAMS, ESQ. TRICE EDNEY WIRE
Illegitimate record? In the summer of 2007, I was also captured by the career achievement of Barry Bonds as he was poised to surpass the 755-home run record set by Hank Aaron. Many remember that Bonds was enmeshed in a steroid-use scandal which threatened to taint any recordbreaking achievement he might realize. In all of the excitement of his approaching milestone, I can remember one baseball announcer stating that “his (Bonds) record will always be marked with an
Why do we hide behind our smartphones? There is a new protocol involved in walking down the street. I realized that people who text while walking expect that those of us not texting while walking will simply get out of their way. Forgive my naiveté, but I grew up with the strong instruction that when you walk, you look where you are going. When you cross the street, you look both ways to ensure that you are not run over. You know, little things like that. But something has happened and these rules are being thrown up in the air.
Two examples There are two related, though
BILL FLETCHER, JR. NNPA COLUMNIST
different, examples of this new protocol. One involves texting and the other involves, being oblivious. In the case of texting, I have actually tested out my theory. Individuals will be walking towards me texting, completely ignoring their surroundings or that they are approaching me. I will then say, fairly loudly, “Watch yourself!” The re-
their debt to society from ever recovering the right to vote, disproportionately impacting AfricanAmerican men. There is little doubt that these measures worked, and cost Clinton the election. In Wisconsin, for example, Trump’s margin of victory was 27,000. A record 300,000 registered voters lacked the newly required ID, contributing to the lowest turnout in 20 years. Turnout was down by more than 50,000 in Milwaukee, where 70 percent of the state’s African-American population lives. In North Carolina, Black turnout was down 16 percent in the first week of early voting, in part because there were 158 fewer polling places in the 40 counties with large numbers of Black voters. The targeting was intentional, with Republican officials celebrating the effects. The decision by the right-wing gang of five on the Supreme Court in the Shelby case effectively subverted the victory of the civil rights movement at Selma. If Russians hacked the Democratic National Committee’s and the Clinton campaign’s emails to influence the election, it should be investigated. In an election decided by 80,000 votes in three states, it might have made a difference (as almost anything could in an election that close). But what is clear is that Russian hacking was not nearly as effective as the partisan systematic suppression of the vote. And that effort is continuing. Republicans in Missouri took control and moved to institute new voting ID restrictions for the next election. In Wisconsin, Republicans announced plans for new restrictions on early voting.
asterisk.” That was the announcer’s way of saying that Bonds’ achievement would never be “clean.” His “asterisk” comment allowed for those so inclined to view Bonds’ record critically, in a negative light, and as illegitimate. Nine years later, another milestone has been reached with far greater consequences than the number of balls hit out of a baseball field. For millions of Americans, this milestone threatens their livelihoods, quality of life, and, maybe, signals their personal death-knell. This milestone threatens to tear the fabric of our nation, however dry-rotted it may already be.
No experience For the first time in American history, a president has been elected without having previously been elected to public office. The principal focus of this president-elect appears to be personal enrichment and self-aggrandizement. For a majority of Ameri-
sponse that I have received is intriguing. The individual tends to look completely discombobulated and act as if it was somehow inappropriate for me to notify them that they were on a collision course. This absent-minded unconsciousness seems to be very widespread. People walking down the street are either talking on their cellphones, texting on their cellphones or listening to music with their ear buds, completely out of touch with their surroundings. Such individuals cross the street in the face of oncoming traffic, apparently making the assumption that the traffic will avoid them. While they may get out of the way of oncoming pedestrian traffic, they also seem to take their time walking, ignoring that there might be a line of people behind them a
VISUAL VIEWPOINT: CHRISTMAS TERROR
RICK MCKEE, THE AUGUSTA CHRONICLE
No outrage Why aren’t Democrats railing about voter suppression and demanding congressional investigation and action? Why haven’t university presidents and civil rights lawyers joined in a national commission to detail the suppression and demand a strengthening of the Voting Rights Act? Why aren’t pundits pounding on this, outing the state officials and legislators who did it and exposing the right-wing apparatus that orchestrated it? Is it because Russian interference is more exotic? Is it because neither party thinks suppression of the votes of people of color and the young is an unacceptable outrage? I urge President Obama to launch an investigation and report on voter suppression to be released before he leaves office. President-elect Donald Trump says he wants to be the president of all Americans. If so, he should lead an effort to end voter suppression and to revive the Voting Rights Act. Democratic leaders
cans, he is unacceptable to hold this office and, for many, he never will be acceptable. As of this writing, his opponent, Hillary Clinton, has polled 2.8 million more popular votes than he did. His win is only attributable to an archaic, outdated element of the national founding: the Electoral College. If ever there was an illegitimate officeholder, Donald Trump is it!
Scandal and treason Trump’s shortfall in popular votes is matched only by the international scandal attached to his campaign. Seventeen agencies responsible for America’s national security have reached consensus that a foreign government, Russia, hacked computer files to manipulate a Trump victory. Some will even remember Trump’s treasonous encouragement of Russia to intensify its illegal scrutiny of his opponent’s computer files. In October, this Russian hack-
half-block in length. The easy part is that it is a form of self-centeredness. Individuals are acting as if the world exists to serve them and, frankly, the hell with the rest of us. Yet, the deeper problem seems to reflect the way that increasing numbers of us are retreating into various selfgenerated bubbles. These are the same bubbles that lead us to narrow what we read to only things with which we agree; and to believe that our “friends” on Facebook and Twitter are an actual sampling of global opinion. These bubbles lead us to not wanting to be bothered with social interaction with many others, including our actual friends; and, for some, to live
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W W W. DAY T O N AT I M E S .C O M
Dr. Valerie Rawls-Cherry, Human Resources
Charles W. Cherry, Sr. (1928-2004), Founder Julia T. Cherry, Senior Managing Member, Central Florida Communicators Group, LLC Dr. Glenn W. Cherry, Cassandra CherryKittles, Charles W. Cherry II, Managing Members
Jenise Morgan, Senior Editor Angela van Emmerik, Creative Director Cassandra Cherry Kittles, Willie R. Kittles, Circulation Andreas Butler, Staff Writer Duane Fernandez Sr., Kim Gibson, Photojournalists
MEMBER
Florida Press Association
National Newspaper Publishers Association
Society of Professional Journalists
National Newspaper Association
Associated Press
The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. is president and CEO of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition.
ing and its purpose were known, but dissemination of this information was reportedly suppressed by partisan machinations of Senate Majority Leader. Mitch McConnell. This the same McConnell who, rather than promoting national growth and progress, declared in 2009 that the greatest imperative of the Republican Party was to make President Obama a one-term president. McConnell and his House of Representatives counterparts, John Boehner and Paul Ryan, enthusiastically worked to obstruct President Obama and subvert the national interest. Today, like my predecessor of nine years ago, I say with full confidence that regarding the Trump presidency, we may not immediately end it, but WE CAN PUT AN ASTERISK ON IT!!!
Dr. E. Faye Williams is national chair of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. Contact her via www.nationalcongressbw.org.
in guarded and gated communities cut off from much of the rest of the world.
What’s going on?
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.
say they want the party to build a broad majority coalition across lines of race. If so, they should be demanding an investigation of voter suppression and filibustering to force revival of the Voting Rights Act. Inside the Beltway, voter suppression isn’t hot. Republicans peddle the myth of voter fraud. Democrats cry foul on Russian interference. Neither party will focus on the biggest scandal of all: the fact that partisans in states across the country acted purposefully to suppress the right to vote of targeted groups of citizens. We didn’t win the right to vote from politicians. Citizens had to march and protest, bleed and die to win that right. We can’t count on politicians to defend the right to vote – they, after all, are elected under the distorted rules we have. Citizens of conscience must move to end voter suppression and clean up our elections.
Deeper problem Yes, texting while walking and thinking that the rest of us will get out of the way is rude. Being oblivious to your surroundings while walking is stupid. But the problem is deeper, and seems to reflect the retreat of so many of us from the reality of a thriving global village.
Bill Fletcher, Jr. is the host of “The Global African” on Telesur-English. He is a racial justice, labor and global justice activist and writer. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and at www.billfletcherjr.com.
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’.
SUBMISSIONS POLICY SEND ALL SUBMISSIONS TONEWS@DAYTONATIMES.COM Deadline for submitting news and pictures is 5 p.m. the Monday before the Thursday publication date. You may submit articles at any time. However, current events received prior to deadline will be considered before any information that is submitted, without the Publisher’s prior approval, after the deadline. Press releases, letters to the editor, and guest commentaries must be e-mailed to be considered for publication. The Daytona Times reserves the right to edit any submission, and crop any photograph, for style and clarity. Materials will not be returned.
DECEMBER 22 –DECEMBER DECEMBER 14 -28, 20,2016 2006
5 7
HOLIDAYS M AYOR
Alone for the holidays – and loving it ‘Pity invites’
A growing number of people are talking about, and owning, their decision to withdraw from the holiday frenzy.
For Dena Landon, an accountant and writer from Seattle who now lives in St. Paul, Minn., it was a few “pity invites” she endured while attending college in Massachusetts that led her to her tradition of solo holidays. In an essay published in The Washington Post, Landon described being at the house of a school friend during her first Thanksgiving away from home and finding herself in the middle of battling strangers after her friend declared she was changing her major. The second year, she was seated next to a young man who made an awkward play for her while explaining that a would-be pastor needed a wife to land a job. “I found myself thinking, “Man, I would rather be eating stale pizza.”
BY CHRISTINE CLARRIDGE SEATTLE TIMES/TNS
SEATTLE – Ishea Brown grew up in a huge family that celebrated Christmas like nobody’s business. Her mother, who is one of 15 siblings, and her father, who is one of 12, love having their home be their clan’s social center during the holidays, spending untold hours from Thanksgiving on running around, decorating, cooking, shopping and getting ready for the festive climax. “Growing up, I had no choice but to be surrounded by all the people who were always at our house,” Brown said. But when the 32-year-old Capitol Hill resident moved out of her parents’ home about 10 years ago, she realized she could opt out and spend Thanksgiving and Christmas alone. “It’s honestly so awesome,” said the Meredith Corp. senior campaign manager. “I could cook what I wanted when I wanted. I could stay in my pajamas all day. I could nap on the couch with my dog. I didn’t feel obligated to go anywhere or do anything. It was so freeing.”
Avoiding the frenzy Brown is among a growing number of people who are talking about, and owning, their decision to withdraw from the holiday frenzy. In addition to avoiding the anxiety,
‘You get me’
LOGAN RIELY/SEATTLE TIMES/TNS
Ishea Brown comes from a huge extended family, but has found she enjoys quiet holidays. “I didn’t feel obligated to go anywhere or do anything. It was so freeing,’’ she said. stress and financial strain of Christmas, some people find the pressure to “be merry and happy” difficult. Others find that spending holidays alone, with pets or select friends, is a healthy alternative to time with dysfunctional, abusive or alcoholic family members, said Nancy Goldov, public education coordinator for the Washington State Psychological Association. Goldov said another possible trigger
for some people this year is the highly fraught political situation that’s polarized some families. “Some people may choose to set aside the same days to stay home alone that others set aside to be with others as a way to circumvent experiences of conflict during the holidays,” Goldov said. “It’s important to recognize that taking care of yourself is your first priority and not taking care of yourself isn’t an option.”
‘A great luxury’ That annual reprieve is something that Jim Thomsen looks forward to all year long. As a freelance editor who also cares for disabled relatives, Thomsen is used to being on call the rest of the time. “I love being a part of a community and a society,” he said. “But this is my day to pull the curtains on the rest of the world and be
How to keep pets safe, healthy during the holidays house, travel and commotion can leave pets feeling anxious. “Before company arrives, try putting your dog or cat in a Thundershirt, which is designed to provide a calming effect when they experience fear or discomfort,” Darling said. “Many pet parents also find that supplements can work by promoting calmness and behavior which may help stabilize pets’ moods.”
FAMILY FEATURES
The holiday season is synonymous with family gatherings, dinner parties, gift openings and plenty of festive food, all of which can pose challenges for pets. Lisa Darling, PetSmart’s resident veterinarian and pet care expert, offers this advice for keeping pets safe, healthy and happy this holiday season and throughout the cold winter months.
Create a safe home This time of year, holiday decor can include seasonal plants, ornaments and candles, which means plenty of intriguing and dangerous new sights and smells for pets. For example, extra electrical cords can be tempting new “chew toys” for pets. Darling recommends taking special care to ensure extra electrical cords for festive indoor lighting are not accessible to pets by taping down or covering to help prevent injuries. Christmas trees also can pique the interest of curious cats and playful pups. Darling urges pet parents to firmly anchor trees so they can take any potential playful swatting and to keep breakable glass ornaments higher up on the tree, out of pets’ reach, along with temptations like tinsel and ribbons. Candles can also be
Kwanzaa celebration in New Smyrna set for Dec. 28 The Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum in New Smyrna Beach’s Kwanzaa celebration will be held
COURTESY OF PETSMART
The holidays can be a hectic time for people and pets. Extra visitors to the
During especially cold winter days and nights, look to your pet to gauge comfort levels and plan time to dress them accordingly. Generally, if your pet is small and short-haired, it’s likely he or she is sensitive to the cold. The same goes for older pets and those that may be frail or ill. Darling says that sweaters, coats and booties to protect their paws are all smart (and comfortable) solutions. Booties are particularly important for icy areas that may be salted and can help guard paws from the harmful solution. A safe home is a happy and festive home this holiday season. Keeping these tips in mind can help avoid emergency trips to the vet, which means the whole family can celebrate a joyful holiday season.
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 cele-
bration 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.
It can be dangerous to feed human food to pets. This holiday season, look for human-inspired treats specially formulated for pets – like this turkey legshaped rawhide chew. problematic, so it’s best to avoid burning them or put them far out of pets’ reach. Seasonal plants like holly, mistletoe and poinsettia plants are poisonous to dogs and cats, so if you decorate your home with them, place them in an area your pet cannot reach.
Savor the season The holidays are filled with festive food, treats and candy, and although it can be tempting to share human foods with your beloved pets, resist the urge. “Table scraps such as turkey, gravy and stuffing may look harmless, but even small amounts can lead to serious health is-
this year at 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
Keep them cozy, warm
sues,” Darling said. Instead, include pets in your festive feasting by offering them pet-friendly treats that look and taste like the real thing. An option like Simply Nourish Merry Meals, in flavors like Turkey, Sweet Potato and Cranberry, are healthy alternatives to the human food on the holiday table. Additionally, PetSmart’s meat and cheese tray, pie slice and turkey leg made of rawhide are fun takes on holiday feasting specifically formulated for pets.
Keep them calm
good to myself.” Thomsen, who is selfemployed, says Christmas is the lone day he gives himself permission to do nothing. “If I want to read three books, I’m going to do that. If I want to go for a five-hour walk, I’m going to do that. If I want to do nothing but heat up spaghetti, that’s what I’m going to do. I give myself permission not to be part of society for one day, and it’s a great luxury.”
Holiday safety tips from Volusia County Fire Services Along with the holiday cheer and gift giving, fire safety should be at the top of everyone’s list. According to the National Fire Protection Association, candles are responsible for 38 percent of home decoration structure fires. In fact, the top three days for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Day and Christmas Eve. “The holiday season is a difficult time of the year to lose everything you have in a fire,” said Volusia County Fire Services Chief Jeff Smith. “We encourage everyone to pay attention to fire safety tips for a safe and happy holiday.” Holiday fire safety lifesaving tips: • Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. Consider installing a 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened. • Do not place your Christmas tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree and cause it to ignite more easily by the heat, flame or sparks. • Never put Christmas tree branches or needles in a fireplace or woodburning stove. • Regularly check your tree for fresh, green needles. Trees that have dried out over several weeks burn faster than fresh, well-watered trees. Remember to keep trees watered at all times. • When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. Trees that have been put up right after
The third year, she said no to a well-intentioned friend’s overture and her “introvert’s tradition was born,” she said in a recent telephone interview. “I spent three or four days by myself and it was really nice. I went for walks, sat on Newbury Street (in Boston) and watched people, drank cider and read books for fun which I never got to do during school.” After Landon’s piece appeared last month, a number of people contacted her to thank her. “A lot of people retweeted it and said ‘Oh my God, you get me,’ ” she said. “Others said, ‘I wish I could do this but I told someone I would do this thing and now I have three different things to do and I have to bake cookies.’ They’re called social obligations for a reason.”
Thanksgiving should be taken down the week after Christmas. After New Year’s Eve, even the most well-watered tree can become a fire hazard. • Only use UL-listed lighting. Look for the hologaraphic UL on light strings and electrical decorations. The UL means that UL engineers have tested samples of the product for safety hazards. The green holographic UL denotes indoor-use only. The red holographic UL denotes indoor and outdoor-use only. • Inspect all electrical decorations, new or old, before plugging them in. Cracked sockets, frayed, bare or loose wires can cause a serious electrical shock or start a fire. Replace damaged items with new, UL-listed decorations. • Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wire, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear. • Do not overload outlets. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. • Do not leave lit holiday lights unattended. • Take down holiday lights after 90 days to prevent damage from weather conditions and neighborhood animals. • Always keep candles, matches and lighters out of the reach of children. Do not leave children unattended in a room with lit candles. • Make sure lit candles are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be knocked over easily. • Never leave the house with candles burning. For more information about fire prevention, call 386-736-5940 or visit Volusia.org/fire-rescue.
Source: U.S. Fire Administration and National Fire Protection Association.
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7
M ASPORTS YOR
DECEMBERDECEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 28, 2016 14 - 20, 2006
Sharks hope to come together at the right time BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
The girls basketball team for Atlantic High School is one of the best local teams. Atlantic is playing well thus far, having jumped off to a 7-2 start as of Dec. 21. The team has only lost to potential state title contender New Smyrna Beach and traditional small-school power Father Lopez. “We’ve dong a great job with our pressure defense. I think that we are maturing as a team and getting better each game,’’ said Coach George Butts. Butts has a long tenure of success at Atlantic. He has more wins than any active local coaches and is closing in on 450 career wins (437 early this week). Butts has coached players like Ronni Williams, Destiny Woodard, Monique Dungeon and Santanzia Howard. “I didn’t even know until the local papers put it out there. We’ve had a run of some 20 win seasons. We’ve also had some talented girls come in here and play for us. We’ve also made a few Final Fours,” he remarked.
Young team The Sharks feature a young squad with just two seniors and one junior. “We have a lot of youth. I’m excited about our freshman who will have a chance to play together for the next four years like some of the great teams we’ve had in the past,” Butts said. Junior forward Shania Pope is the team’s leading scorer. Senior center La’Chrie Postell is the area’s leading rebounder. She also held that distinction last season. “It’s a personal goal that I set last year. Now that I’ve accomplished it, I am setting more goals,” responded Postell. Postell doesn’t mind leading the team. She said, “When I got here, I didn’t know much about basketball. The players before me didn’t want to teach me. I want to make the transition easier for them. I do what I can to help the new players get better. I’ll stay after practice with them. I want them to be better than me.”
COURTESY OF ATLANTIC HIGH SCHOOL
Coach George Butts, Atlantic High School girls basketball coach, poses with seniors La’Cherie Postell, left, and CeCe Bankhead.
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP
“I’ve been with him for four years now. You can definitely tell that he wants was best for you. He makes sure that you are good in the classroom, on the court and outside of basketball. He is really caring and encouraging for all of his players,” stated Postell. Bankhead added, “It’ just awesome. Coach Butts pushes us more than any other coach that I have ever had. He is also like a father figure to many of us.”
‘Like family’ Senior forward CeCe Bankhead is another key member and team leader. Atlantic also relies heavily on three sophomores in point guard Da’Jhai White, guard Symara Moore and forward/guard Jon’Keria Patterson. They love being a part of this team. “We are just like family on and off the court. They are more like my sisters than my teammates,” Bankhead said. The players said they also enjoy playing for Coach Butts.
Big games ahead Junior Shania Pope leads a young and talented Atlantic Sharks team in scoring.
Despite their youth and inexperience, the Sharks can contend. Butts expressed, “We haven’t
peaked yet. We have the talent. We lost to the two favorite teams in our district. I still like our chances for a district title and a playoff run. We just have to come together at the right time. We are looking for it to happen next month.” Bankhead agrees. “We just have to stay together and play together. We have to work hard on both ends of the floor. We are playing for the same goal.’’ Atlantic is hosting the Execute to Impact Pre-Christmas tournament from Dec. 21-24. The Sharks also will host the Sunshine Classic tournament from Dec. 27-30 against schools from Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee.
Gospel artist performs at service for Sager EURWEB.COM
Grammy winner Yolanda Adams sang two songs at the memorial service of Craig Sager on Tuesday. The beloved TNT broadcaster, 65, died Dec. 15 following a twoyear fight with acute myeloid leukemia. Many of the mourners at Mount Bethel United Methodist Church in Marietta, Georgia granted one of Sager’s final wishes and wore bright colors, in honor of his own habit of wearing loud, colorful suits for his NBA sideline reports. The church’s former senior pastor, Rev. Randy Mickler, said he decided against wearing his normal black robe and instead wore a purple shirt and colorful jacket he said would have Yolanda made Sager “exAdams tremely proud and pleased.” In remarks to the packed audience, Adams said that when she first met Sager, she was blown
Reporter Craig Sager is shown on the court before the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Golden State Warriors in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on June 26 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Sager died on Dec. 15.
away by his style of dress. “Those colors,” she said as the crowd laughed. “He made an indelible mark on the world.” Adams sang “Never Give Up,” and “I Believe I Can Fly” during the service. “This is one of those things we know we have to deal with as finite beings,” she told the gatherers.
‘He was Sager-vision’ NBA commissioner Adam Silver sat in one of the first pews, close to Sager’s TNT mates Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson. “He was his own television show,” said Smith told the mourners. “He was different. He wasn’t just TNT. He was Sager-vision.’’ Reggie Miller and Isiah Thomas shared another pew. Deeper in the crowd were Kevin McHale, Steve Smith, Marv Albert, and so many more. Gregg Popovich, so long Sager’s chief foil, was there too, in Atlanta just hours before his Spurs tipped off in Houston.
PHIL MASTURZO/ AKRON BEACON JOURNAL/TNS
NASCAR reveals new name and logo of premier series BY KATHERINE PERALTA CHARLOTTE OBSERVER/TNS
The new name of NASCAR’s premier series is the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, a name that takes effect Jan. 1. The first race in the newly named series will be the 59th Daytona 500 on Feb. 26, NASCAR said. The new series name and brand mark, which features the neon green Monster logo, were shared Monday
across NASCAR’s social and digital media platforms. NASCAR’s new logo features all capitalized, white bold letters with yellow, red and blue stripes before them. The previous logo was white bold lettering overlaid on stripes of yellow, red, magenta and blue. “Our new NASCAR mark is modern, timeless, and embraces the heritage of our sport,” said Jill Grego-
ry, NASCAR’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer. “It was important for us to recognize our history and implement a piece of each previous mark in the new design.”
Controversy over energy drinks NASCAR announced its new deal with the energy drink giant earlier this month. NASCAR executives say the sponsorship is another way it is seeking to
connect with younger fans, though experts say the deal carries risks for both sides. NASCAR’s attendance has been dwindling in re-
cent years for a host of reasons — from stagnant wage growth among the middle class to fans’ distaste for the Chase format and
NASCAR’s rule changes. And while the energy drink industry has been growing, the drinks’ safety, especially among young consumers, has come into question. Winston-Salem-based tobacco company R.J. Reynolds ended its nearly 30-year sponsorship of NASCAR in 2003. Under RJR, NASCAR’s premier series was the Winston Cup Series, a nod to RJR-branded cigarettes.
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7DECEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 28, 2016
Whether it’s your first or your fiftieth Kwanzaa, Publix wishes you the happiest of holidays. For fifty years, the celebration of Kwanzaa has brought family and friends together to rejoice and reflect on the principles of Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. Publix wishes you and yours a Joyous Kwanzaa.