NEW MARYLAND LAWS AGAINST DOMESTIC ABUSE KICK IN
Multi-generation family households making a comeback Page 2 October 9 - October 15, 2014
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Volume 14 Issue 8
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Multi-generational living becoming way of the future
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Several economic factors are contributing to a comeback of multi-generational family households.
By Tom Ehrich Religion News Service
SAN MATEO, Calif. -- For one year, my wife and I are living 2,700 miles apart. She lives in a one-bedroom apartment here, south of San Francisco. Each weekday she walks two blocks to the home of our middle son and his wife, where she cares for their 9-month-old son. “Granny nanny” is what they call this phenomenon. Once maternity and paternity leaves expire, grandparents across the country are moving close to their adult children, maybe into their homes, to provide child care so both parents can pursue their careers. A six-hour plane ride away, I am back in our Manhattan apartment, where our youngest son, age 23, is living at home until he lands a job in the worst job-finding environment since the Great Depression. Our oldest son, meanwhile, is adapting his country house to become a multigenerational household next year, when my wife returns east. I have already had a taste of caring for their 8-month-old daughter, and it is wonderful. It seems we have joined a growing trend toward sharing living space: three generations (grandparents, parents and children) or two generations (parents and adult children). Once common in America, and still common in most of the world, multigenerational households fell out of favor in the years after World
War II. Prosperity made it unnecessary on financial grounds, and new suburbs catered to “nuclear families,” not extended families. The financial picture has changed, as more young adults marry later and find it difficult to get launched in careers, and as older adults live longer on reduced retirement incomes. Child-rearing is changing, too. Soaring costs for housing and education make two incomes necessary. Day care can be expensive, often canceling out one partner’s paycheck, and difficult to find, such as the one-year waiting list that required my wife’s temporary move. This rediscovery of the multigenerational household isn’t exactly new. Pew Research reported in 2010 that, “Since bottoming out around 1980, the multi-generational family household has mounted a comeback.” What I see is that, in addition to hardship factors like job losses, many families are choosing the multigenerational household for social and personal benefits. They want a child reared by family, for example, rather than day care and after-school care. They want grandparents around to share the load of home duties, such as cooking and property maintenance, while young parents pursue careers. They want to provide an alternative to nursing homes when latein-life aging kicks in. Years before our children were married or siring, my wife and I built
the “house of our dreams” in Durham, N.C., with multi-generational living in mind: a master bedroom suite on the first floor, bedrooms and a living room on the second floor, multiple options for entertainment and home-office space. We weren’t alone. On our fourhouse cul-de-sac, a young couple was caring for her parents, one with Alzheimer’s, and an older couple bought a house for their adult daughter to share with them. Immigrant families, meanwhile, are maintaining the multigenerational expectation they brought with them, Pew reports. Based on my experience thus far, multi-generational living requires patience, never my strong suit, and clear boundaries in parenting and in space. It helps to have enough rooms to escape each other. As early Christians discovered in their bold experiment in communal living, multi-generational living requires putting the other first, not oneself; approaching decisions with humility; an attitude of gratitude; and paying special attention to the vulnerable. These, of course, are countercultural values, but God is in them. The good news? The benefits far outweigh the burdens. No one has to do it all. Young children are surrounded by love. So are we all. Tom Ehrich is a writer, church consultant and Episcopal priest based in New York. His website is www.morningwalkmedia.com. Follow Tom on Twitter @tomehrich.
Finance
Save early and save often for successful retirement By Harry C. Alford
P
lanning your retirement requires strong discipline, flexibility and constant awareness. Most of us African Americans do little thinking about it. Those that do have retirement accounts get it through their employers, not on their own. As Malcolm X once said, “The eagle flies on Friday and by Saturday noon it is one dead bird.” We are mass consumers with our money. We spend what we have as soon as we get it. Not all of us, but the vast majority appears to live like that. For those of you who do plan for the future and value retiring, let me share my thoughts on that. Arrive at a total dollar figure to retire on. This should be reviewed occasionally as the economic environment tends to go up and down. As an example, my wife and I had a portfolio of approximately $450,000.00 in 1982. The economy was in a terrible state of inflation which turned
the buying power of that figure to about $280,000.00 – without spending a cent. The inflation rate ate much of it up while it just sat in the bank. Things like that are bound to happen from time to time. Stay alert and make changes. If we would have converted it to gold we would have been protected or even improved our portfolio. When you set that total dollar figure divide it by the number of years left before your planned retirement. Let’s say that figure is $1 million and you have 20 years before retirement. You would need to save $50,000 per year. If you have 40 years before retirement that would be $25,000 per year. Any interest you make may be offset by occasional inflation. The later you start saving, the more you will have to save each year to hit your mark. Smart people diversify their savings. As in the above, keeping it in cash can be dangerous. Mix up your portfolio with metals, certificates of deposit, blue chip stock, land that can be quickly
sold when the time for retirement comes. Some of these items may drop in value and some will increase. Hopefully, the increased part will supersede the decreased part. Stay on top of this at least weekly. The richest person in the world, Carlos Slim of Mexico, counts his value on a daily basis. Every morning he gets on his computer and sees what is happening. He will make quick changes if necessary, but will hold if it appears to be a temporary dip. Many rely on a brokerage firm or a financial planner to invest their money. You should be very careful about this. No broker or planner is perfect. Also, the market can be volatile and do things the broker or planner is not expecting. Remember the recession of 2008. Many people lost most of their savings. There was an over dependence on home values. Home values that were propped up by shaky mortgage companies, bank and malfeasance of federal offices designed
to protect the public from such a thing. I am talking about Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Many people were destroyed or seriously damaged because of that. They had mortgages that remained while home values fell below the mortgage amount. Thus, if they sold the home they would cash out at a negative rate. Many homeowners are still “under water” and their retirement plans will have to change. Meanwhile, metals are skyrocketing in value. The stock market continues to be iffy. Watch out for “Ponzi” or “Pyramid” schemes. Some of the wealthiest persons in the world were damaged by Bernie Madoff who bilked them of millions of dollars. Recently, a person I know has been indicted for taking $2.5 million dollars from senior citizens and spending all on himself via a Ponzi scheme. Twenty three families showed up at his indictment hearing – they had been ruined. Many of you depend on the company you work for to manage
and help invest in your corporate retirement plan. I know too many families who relied on their General Motors plan, Delco plan, etc. The executives of General Motors lost their plans when the company went under and had to be bailed out by the federal government. A close friend of my wife lost her plan when Delco went under. Sadly, her father had the same thing happen to him when the company he worked for all his life went out of business and the owners fled to Brazil. The key is to be wise and attentive to your wealth. Do not totally rely on anyone or any firm to do the wise and right thing. It is a volatile world out here so be on the offensive at all times. Stay disciplined with your savings and recognize the difference between an appreciating asset and a depreciating asset. Alford is the co-founder, President/ CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce. Email him at halford@ nationalbcc.org.
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Neighborhood
Metro Briefs: Notable news in and around Washington Montgomery County New laws highlight the importance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month
O
ctober is national Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Montgomery County Sheriff Darren M. Popkin wants county residents to be informed about the programs and services provided by the Montgomery County Family Justice Center (FJC) to curtail domestic violence and remedy its personal damages. Located at 600 Jefferson Plaza in Rockville, Maryland, the Montgomery County Family Justice Center provides direct services for victims of domestic violence and their children. The mission of the FJC is to promote safety, well-being, and healing for victims of family violence. Under a program established with the Maryland Courts, FJC staff will assist in the filing of a Petition for Protection from Domestic Violence with the appropriate court and provide access to a closed circuit video court hearing from the Family Justice Center offices. New services available this year include collaborations with Montgomery College and Career Catchers to assist clients to selfsufficiency once immediate safety needs have been addressed. Sheriff Popkin announced that a number of new laws that enhance
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Have you ever considered serving your community by working at the polls on Election Day? Montgomery County’s Board of Elections is seeking registered voters to manage polling places and provide customer service as an Election Judge on Tuesday, November 4. To serve in this paid position, an election judge must be registered to vote in the State of Mary-
Sheriff Popkin announced new laws that strengthen domestic abuse protection.
protection from domestic violence passed the Maryland General Assembly this year and became effective on October 1, 2014. The new laws include: Senate Bill 333 (House Bill 307): Reduces the burden of proof required for final protective and peace orders from “clear and convincing evidence” to a “preponderance of the evidence.” SB 334 (HB 309): Expands the number of victims eligible for a final permanent protective order by adding second degree assault, the most common domestic violence crime, and enables them to get these orders if their abusers were sentenced to serve at least five years and have served at least 12 months of the sentence.
protective and peace orders will remain in effect when victims file for extensions. SB 337 (HB 306): Enhances the penalty for people who are convicted of committing a crime of violence in the presence of a minor. SB 272 (HB 31): Enhances victims’ rights in court by allowing a victim or a victim’s representative to address the court before sentencing or other disposition hearing.
SB 434 (HB647): Ensures that
SB 369 (HB 352): Makes violations for failing to comply with an interim, a temporary, or a final protective order a prior offense for the purpose of determining penalties for a second or subsequent offense for failing to comply with an interim, a temporary, or a final peace order.
land, must also be able to speak, read, and write the English language, and must not hold, or be a candidate for, public or party office. In addition, election judges may not serve as a campaign manager for a candidate or as treasurer for any campaign financial entity. The Montgomery County Board of Elections especially needs election judges who are bilingual in English and Spanish, and workers who are willing to travel to fill vacancies throughout the county. If you are interested, sign up early, as the application process requires both an online
quiz and hands-on training before being assigned to a polling place. Pay varies based on the position. To apply online, or for more information, visit www.777vote. org and select the Election Judges’ link. For other election information, call 240-777VOTE, visit www.777vote.org, or the mobile friendly website at m.montgomerycountymd.gov/ elections. Residents may also visit the Maryland State Board of Elections’ website at http://elections.maryland.gov , or follow the Montgomery County Board of Elections on Facebook or Twitter.
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Several religious leaders in Philadelphia open their doors to immigrants facing deportation.
By Shane Claiborne Religion News Service (RNS) – A nonviolent uprising around immigration is growing in Philadelphia. The city’s faith leaders announced last week that they would welcome immigrant families, even if it is against the law. They are building a movement of “sanctuary congregations” and have dreams that the U.S. will one day be a sanctuary nation. We at The Simple Way faith community join them in insisting that we must obey the laws of God over the laws of our government; that means, “welcoming the foreigner as if he or she were our own flesh and blood.” Jesus says that when we welcome the stranger, we welcome him. To God’s question, “When I was a stranger, did you welcome me?” we are not going to say: “Sorry, God. Congress wouldn’t let us.” We know that, sometimes, divine obedience can mean civil disobedience. As St. Augustine once said, “An unjust law is no law at all.” Some Christians will ask, “But what about Romans 13, where Paul
says we must submit to the authorities?” To that we say, as the early Christians, and later Martin Luther King, instructed: Submission does not always mean obedience. There are two ways to submit. One way is by obeying good laws. The other way is by respectfully disobeying bad laws. That’s how we put the bad laws on trial in public and change them. So on September 24, dozens of faith leaders announced that New
our church to bring hope to people in need.” Rabbi Linda Holtzman of Tikkun Olam Chavurah led 50 members in a Jewish Rosh Hashanah (New Year) ritual. “Rosh Hashanah starts the New Year with your eyes fully open, able to bring greater justice to your journey in life,” said Holtzman, who shared that many Jewish people in the U.S. are immigrants or children of immigrants, and survived because others were willing to take them in during the Holocaust. W e demand that Faith Community Obama use his executive power to end all deportations without exception and create a country of sanctuary where all are safe, respected and welcomed. and where economic, spiritual and emotional wholeness is realized. Join the New Sanctuary Movement and help create a country where economic, spiritual and emotional wholeness is realized. Welcome a stranger as God has welcomed all of us.
... divine obedience can mean civil disobedience. – Simple Way
Sanctuary Movement congregations would provide physical sanctuary to immigrant families with final deportation orders: “We defy President Obama’s inhumane immigration policies by moving families into three of our member congregations: the Philadelphia Praise Center, a Mennonite congregation in South Philadelphia, Tikkun Olam Chavurah, a Germantown-based Jewish community, and West Kensington Ministry in north Philadelphia.” Pastor Aldo Siahaan of the Philadelphia Praise Center said, “We answer God’s call by opening
Shane Claiborne is an activist and best-selling author, founder of The Simple Way in Philadelphia and popular speaker.
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Cover Ebola ruled out for patient at HU Hospital By Amylia Johnson Contributing writer
F
ear of catching Ebola on the campus of Howard University spread last Friday, but it was short lived. The campus had learned mainly through local and social media that a man with Ebolalike symptoms had been admitted to Howard Hospital next to the main campus. By Saturday, though, Howard University Hospital in conjunction with the District of Columbia Department of Health and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, had “ruled out” Ebola for the patient, Kerry-Ann Hamilton, assistant vice president for communication and marketing, said in a press release. DC government health and campus officials had spent most of Friday trying to calm students, staff and faculty that the campus hospital had the facilities and personnel to screen, treat and control the spread of Ebola, if the patient were found to have the disease. “The District of Columbia Department of Health has been working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and How-
ard University Hospital to monitor any patients displaying symptoms associated with the Ebola virus,” Dr. Joxel Garcia, director of the DC Department of Health, said in a press statement. “At this time, there are no confirmed cases of Ebola in the District of Columbia.” The Ebola outbreak in West Africa has killed more than 3,000 people. The World Health Organization has warned that without drastic efforts to stop the outbreak, the number of Ebola infections would rise to 20,000. President Obama has asked Congress to commit $88 million to fight Ebola, but Congressional observers predict that the Republicancontrolled Congress is likely to approve no more than $40 million to the effort. The patient is a man who recently traveled to Nigeria and was admitted at the hospital with Ebola like symptoms. Students, staff and faculty were alerted to the news throughout Friday. Sites like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook were alight with news and posts with reactions of concern from Howard students. At 1:55 p.m. Friday, Dr. Wayne Frederick, himself a surgeon and
president of the university, sent to students, staff and faculty a statement of assurance. “I am writing to address concerns you may have about the risk of coming in contact with the Ebola virus at Howard University and its hospital,” said President Frederick. “The D.C. Department of Health issued a statement this afternoon indicating that there are no confirmed cases of Ebola in the District of Columbia.” “The Washington, DC, Metro area is a major gateway for international travel, and Howard University Hospital is carefully monitoring all reports regarding suspected cases of Ebola and patients displaying symptoms associated with the virus.” “It’s kind of scary since it’s so close to home,” said Giselle Johnson, a 19-year-old film major. “I think we know that it’s Ebola. They have to say that it’s unconfirmed to keep everyone under control.” Admiria Cooper, a 19 year old Howard public relations student, first heard the news at 12:00 a.m. “I was really nervous about it,” said Cooper. “I have friends who have travelled to Africa over the summer. So just knowing that the person travelled to Nigeria that
Get the Facts What is Ebola? Ebola virus is “an infectious and generally fatal disease marked by fever and severe internal bleeding, spread through contact with infected body fluids by a filo virus (Ebola virus), whose normal host species is unknown.”* Where does Ebola come from? “Ebola viruses are found in several African countries. Ebola was first discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since then, outbreaks have appeared sporadically in Africa.”** makes me worry for my friends and also for the person that’s in this condition.” Carol Dudley, director of career placement center in the School of Communications, found out about the news at 10:25 a.m. “Three students were discussing it and acting hysterical,” she said. “When I found out that we were treating a patient [who might have] the Ebola virus, I felt proud of my University’s hos-
How can Ebola be contracted? < blood or body fluids of a person who is sick with Ebola < objects like needles and syringes contaminated with the virus infected person or animal < Ebola is not spread through the air or by water, or in general, by foods. There is no evidence that mosquitos or other insects can transmit Ebola virus. Only mammals (for example, humans,bats, monkeys, and apes) have shown the ability to become infected with and spread Ebola virus.**
* www.oxforddictionaries.com ** www.cdc.gov pital being capable, or staffed with competent professionals to handle infectious diseases.” According to the website of the Centers for Disease Control, early diagnoses of patients with Ebola is difficult, because the early symptoms, such as fever, are nonspecific to Ebola infection and are seen often in patients with more commonly occurring diseases, such as malaria and typhoid fever.
Mental illness rarely addressed by churches By Adelle M. Banks Religion News Service
4 percent mention it about once a month;
Protestant clergy rarely preach about mental illness to their congregations and only one-quarter of congregations have a plan in place to assist families of the mentally ill, a new LifeWay Research survey found. The findings, in a nation where one in four Americans have suffered with mental illness, demonstrate a need for greater communication, said Ed Stetzer, executive director of the evangelical research firm, a ministry of LifeWay Christian Resources, which is an agency of the Southern Baptist Convention. When it comes to mental illness, researchers found:
3 percent talk about it several times a month.
66 percent mention it rarely, once a year or never; 26 percent speak about it several times a year;
“When we look at what we know statistically -- the prevalence of mental illness and the lack of preaching on the subject -- I think that’s a disconnect,” said Stetzer. The survey taken among evangelical and mainline churches was funded by Colorado-based Focus on the Family, and an anonymous donor whose family member suffered from schizophrenia. It included the perspectives of pastors, churchgoers who have suffered from mental illness -- depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia -- and family members of the mentally ill. Author Kay Warren commended the survey’s findings and said she and her husband, megachurch pastor Rick Warren, have been vocal about the “terrible scourge.”
6 | Oct. 9 - Oct. 15, 2014 | District Chronicles
Their 27-year-old son, Matthew, suffered from mental illness and killed himself last year. “I would encourage any pastor or church leader, yes preach a message, but put in front of your people those who are living with mental illness so they can share their stories and become human in that process,” she said in a conference call late last month about the survey. In contrast to the findings about the relative scant attention the pastors give to the subject, almost seven in 10 mentally ill people said churches should help families discover local resources for support. While 68 percent of pastors said their church maintains a list of local mental health resources for church members, just 28 percent of families are aware of such resources. Jared Pingleton, director of counseling services at Focus on the Family, said pastors are often turned to for help but they may not have had any seminary or Bible
school training to help them meet parishioners’ mental health needs. The survey found that less than half of pastors -- 41 percent -- said they had taken seminary courses on caring for the mentally ill. Daniel Aleshire, executive director of the Association of Theological Schools, said about 35 of his association’s 270 member schools offer master’s degrees in counseling or in marriage and family therapy. A recent study by Baylor University scholars found that of 70 seminaries with Master of Divinity programs, a majority offer elective counseling courses but few students take them. Despite LifeWay’s finding overall reticence, almost a quarter of pastors surveyed -- 23 percent -said they had personally struggled with mental illness. “I think it helps us to understand why some pastors have a sense of empathy, not just sympathy,” said Stetzer. “It surprised me
in the sense that people were very forthright about it.” LifeWay found that slightly more than a quarter of pastors -- 27 percent -- said their church has a plan for supporting families with a mentally ill member. Focus on the Family has developed resources for pastors based on the research, including “practical tools and tips about how to make a referral to a trusted Christian colleague,” said Pingleton, a minister and clinical psychologist who was on the conference call with Kay Warren. He said shared worldviews are “vital” in the referral process “so that the pastor knows that they can refer a member of their flock, one of their sheep, to someone who will not, as it were, fleece them.” But Kay Warren disagreed. “If I’m going to get my heart worked on, I don’t really care if the cardiac surgeon is a believer or not,” she said. “I want the best.”
Fight voter suppression tactics
Politics
By Julianne Malveaux NNPA Columnist
T
he Supreme Court recently blocked an appeals court ruling that would have restored seven days of voting in Ohio. In just three sentences, the court reduced voting access for tens of thousands of Ohioans in yet another effort to suppress the vote. In North Carolina, the appeals court granted an injunction to restore same-day registration and out-of-precinct voting. It didn’t strike down early voting restrictions because of time constraints, but did acknowledge that reducing early voting is a way to suppress the vote. If the North Carolina case goes before the Supreme Court, the Supreme Court is likely to lift the injunction against North Carolina, again making voting more difficult. When the Voting Rights Act was attacked, too many tuned out and turned off from the details, though leaders such as Barbara Arnwine of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law warned that we would begin to feel the effects of this legal setback with various forms of voter suppression. The Lawyers’ Committee developed a “map of shame” to show the many states that had curtailed ballot access. Either more ID has been required, the days and times of voting have been changed, the number of polling places has been reduced, or other barriers have been introduced to curtail voter access. Those who would suppress the vote in 2014 have put those who advocate ballot fairness on notice. This year marks the first step toward a suppressed or stolen 2016 presidential election. The stakes are high, both now and in 2016. Presently, Democrats hold the Senate, and provide at least some help to President Obama on issues of political and economic fairness. It is very possible that Republicans will take the Senate; it is a foregone conclu-
The map of shame highlights states with voter restrictive laws.
sion if people don’t vote this year. Republicans now hold the House of Representatives; their presence is the House is likely to increase without a strong vote on November 4 (and in the weeks before, with early voting). President Obama’s effectiveness has been weakened by the John Boehner Congress that has thwarted the him at every turn. Although these last two years of the Obama presidency are lame duck years where little is likely to get done, the duck will be not lame, but paralyzed, if the Republicans hold both the House and the Senate. President Obama’s only pow-
mechanics of voting. They can decide to open more polling places, to have more (or fewer) voting machines available, and to manage the details of voter registration. In Ohio, where a week of early voting has now been eliminated, Nina Turner, a charismatic African-American state legislator with her efforts clearly focused on justice, is a candidate for Secretary of State. Her election would be an antidote to voter suppression efforts in Ohio, and an inspiration for those who cherish election fairness. Imagine how different voting conditions would be if in states like North Carolina, Florida, and other “stars” on the Map of Shame had progressive secretaries of state. Vo t e r suppression is not new. We’ve seen grandfather clauses, poll taxes, and literacy tests as historical barriers to the vote. Now, we see a reduction in voter flexibility, with more ID requirements, fewer early voting days, and stricter rules about voter registration. Still, those who would suppress the vote can do so only if we allow it by failing to vote. There are too many important elections to be decided, like Turner’s in Ohio, for voters to stay home.
The stakes are high both now and in 2016. ers, then, will be the executive order and the veto. It is unlikely that the minimum wage will be adjusted upward, or that other economic fairness matters will be addressed if Congress is a Republican stronghold. Lots of pro-democracy organizations are working to get out the vote for the 2014 elections, with local and state office as important as federal office. Secretaries of state, for example, are the chief elections officers for their state. As such, they have significant power around the
Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.-based economist and writer.
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Technology
Five ways to save big money on your cellphone bill
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No-contract providers that are sharing the same network as big name cell phone providers are gaining in popularity.
(BPT) - Cellphone plans these days can top $100 or even $200 a month, once you include the cost of data. That’s a lot of cash just to stay connected. Fortunately, consumers can take a few easy steps to slash their bills - without sacrificing quality. Switch to a no-contract provider You can cut your phone bill in half, or more, simply by switching to a no-contract provider. Consumer advocates point to no-contract plans as a smart option for consumers, offering competitive quality at substantial savings. What about the quality of service? Not to worry: Many nocontract providers use the same networks as the big carriers. Look for language like “uses the world’s largest GSM network.” That just means they route calls over the same towers as one of the big networks. No-contract plans are soaring in popularity. Nationwide, one in four cellphone owners has a nocontract plan. Consumer advocates are cheering the trend. “Many consumers don’t realize the savings that are available simply by switching carriers,” says Norman Klugman, chief operating officer of Pure TalkUSA, a leading no-contract
provider. “Some of our customers have saved hundreds of dollars a year - in at least one case, enough to go on a Caribbean cruise.” Rely on Wi-Fi for data usage The biggest reason cellphone bills are soaring is the cost of data. Everyone loves to stream music and video on the go and many people are paying big bucks for the privilege. Take a look at your cellphone bill and see how much data you’re using each month. Chances are you can cut down on that number by using Wi-Fi wherever it’s available, which won’t count against your monthly data allotment. Once your data usage levels off to a more reasonable level, make sure you aren’t paying for more than you need. You may be able to switch to a cheaper plan that includes less data. Ditch unlimited talk and text messaging plans Many cellphone users pay for unlimited talk and text, which is often necessary. Try limiting your monthly minutes and text message use and see if you can get by on a more slimmed-down, cheaper plan. How do you cut back on min-
utes? Many apps, such as Skype, offer free talk services over Wi-Fi that enable you to chat with friends without running up your bill. Texting apps such as WhatsApp and GroupMe allow you to send messages for free. Stop using 411 and other paid directories We’ve all been there. You’re in a tough spot and can’t find the number of the closest gas station or pharmacy, so you dial 411 on your cellphone. Using 411 and other paid directories can add up quickly, costing a couple of dollars for each call. Instead, try using your Wi-Fi connection to look up information on your phone’s Internet browser or maps application. Leading Web search engines like Google and Bing also offer free directory services. Consider a family plan It’s economics 101: buying in bulk saves money. This holds true for phone service, too. Most carriers offer some kind of family plan that offers meaningful discounts for getting the entire clan on the same calling plan. Some even offer shared data packages.
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Acorn Stairlifts. The AFFORDABLE solution to your stairs! **Limited time -$250 Off Your Stairlift Purchase!** Buy Direct & SAVE. Please call 1-800-4107127 for FREE DVD and brochure. All Things Basementy! Basement Systems Inc. Call us for all of your basement needs Waterproofing? Finishing? Structural Repairs? Humidity and Mold Control FREE ESTIMATES! Call 1-866-589-0174 HOTELS FOR HEROS — to find out more about how you can help our service members, veterans and their families in their time of need, visit the Fisher House website at www.fisherhouse.org [Advertising supported by this publication] Medical Guardian – Top-rated medical alarm and 24/7 medical alert monitoring. For a limited time, get free equipment, no activation fees, no commitment, a 2nd waterproof alert button for free and more – only $29.95 per month. 800-279-4103
Holding a Carnival! Fair! Festival! Jubilee! Promote it to over 1 Million readers for only $200!!! Visit www.midatlanticevents.net for more details or call 800-450-7227.
!!OLD GUITARS WANTED!! Gibson,Martin,Fender,Gretsch. 19301980. Top Dollar paid!! Call Toll Free 1-866-433-8277 Attention: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - $99 FREE Shipping! 100 Percent Guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-800-941-5574 DISH TV Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) SAVE! Regular Price $32.99 Ask About FREE SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 877-477-9659 Protect your family with term life insurance – free quote – Rates are at all time lows. Shop your current plan and save $$$. $250,000 Or more in coverage available. Smokers rates too. Call 866 519 8376
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Health
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Building Materials
Help Wanted
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Computer DELL LAPTOP Computer. Extremely fast, professional grade model. Excellent condition. Windows 7, Premium software bundle. Perfect for home, school or business. Six month warranty. $399. 717-653-6314 Buying classifeds just got easier. Log on to districtchronicles.com and click “Classifieds.” Earn FREE print classifieds when you purchase online. Call (202) 806-9401
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DC Photo Needs
Adoption Autos Business Education Jobs Real Estate
Buying classifeds just got easier. Log on to districtchronicles.com and click “Classifieds.” Earn FREE print classifieds when you purchase online. Call (202) 806-9401 Join the gold and silver rush. Invest in gold and silver coins. Free investors kit and dvd. 800 978 3903 Do you need advice? Got a relationship problem? Talk to a Psychic advisor. 10 Minutes of talk time is only $10. Call 24/7. 800 568 8299 Buried in debt? Now you can get out of high credit card debt And save thousands. Free consultation. 800 617 5145 Got water problems in your basement? Make it dry and a great Place to live in. Get your free dry basement science book now. Call for details. 800 515 4035 Are your student loan payments too high? You can lower your Payments and save money. Call now for a free student loan Reduction review. 800 291 2865 DISH TV Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) SAVE! Regular Price $32.99 Ask About FREE SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 877-451-6721 Call (202) 806-9401 today to receive a FREE rate quote on your next ad campaign.
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In the Neighborhood Crack houses transformed into safe homes
W
ashington Nationals’ Ian Desmond has designated an Anacostia after school safe house, The House DC, Inc., to share in his Roberto Clemente award during a pre-game ceremony Nationals Stadium. Desmond’s designation of The House DC, Inc. as his charity of choice kicks off the organization’s celebration of 15 years of transforming the lives of students in Wards 7 and 8. The 15thAnniversary celebration included a banquet featuring an incredibly inspiring “Where Are They Now” reunion of former students including Erica Edwards who is a graduate of Trinity University, and the wife of a fellow House DC alumna. “For 15 years, The House DC, Inc. has operated in the trenches, quietly and consistently empowering students in the Anacostia community to beat the odds,” said La Wonda Bornstein, President & CEO of The House DC, Inc. Driven by a passion to provide a safe place for Anacostia youth to “hang” after school, a group of concerned men led an effort which garnered the support of an impressive list of realtors, architects, construction contractors and others to transform three abandoned “crack houses” from sore spots into what is now the life source known as The House DC. The facility has since provided thousands of high school students from Wards 7 and 8 a safe place to “hang” after school while learning to prepare and enjoy a hot bal-
From top: Washington National’s Ian Desmond (left) poses with members of The House DC, and after school safe house for District kids. He dedicated his Robert Clemente award to the organization during a pre game show last month.
anced meal, in addition to providing them with academic/college entry support and strategic opportunities for healthy relationships and life-changing experiences. “The total transformation of our students’ outlook on life is beyond anything some thought possible,” explained Bornstein. “Because of The House, students who wanted to take their own lives or even someone else’s life now want to live-- and live well.” The House DC’s remarkable impact includes an estimated 97 percent high school graduation rate for students who attend their afterschool program, as well as first generation college enrollment or gainful employment for roughly the same percentage of attendees. The House DC’s numerous successes will be the focus of an upcom-
ing study at Baylor University led by Byron Johnson, Distinguished Professor of the Social Sciences, Director of the Institute for Studies of Religion, as well as director of Baylor’s Program on Prosocial Behavior. Johnson also authored “More God Less Crime.” Johnson will be a featured speaker at The House DC’s anniversary banquet. Other speakers include Tim Pierson, Chaplain of the Washington Nationals; House DC co-founders and former NFL players Rickey Bolden and Steve Fitzhugh. The anniversary celebration will conclude with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in November to celebrate the pro bono services of Turner Construction, MC Dean, Southland Industries, Architecture, Incorporated; Four Points LLC, and others.
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FOLLOW US TO UNITED MEDICAL CENTER...
Quality Healthcare. Close to Home. OUR HOSPITAL SERVICES » Cancer Screening » Cardiology » Diabetes » Emergency Medicine » Family Practice » GI
» Infectious Disease » Intensive Care » Internal Medicine » Interventional Radiology » Minimally Invasive Vascular Surgery » Neurology » ObstetricsGynecology » Orthopedics
» Pathology » Plastic Surgery » Psychiatric Services for Adults » Pulmonology » Radiology » Rehabilitation Services » Renal Dialysis » Rheumatology
» Skilled Nursing » Surgery » Telemetry » Urology » Wound Care
PRIMARY CARE CENTER At the UMC Primary Care Center, we want to be your first choice “your lifelong home” for all of your health care. Our staff of board-certified doctors, nurse practitioners, and nurses can take care of all of your medical, prevention, and wellness needs: General Hours of Operation Monday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Tuesday – Thursday: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Friday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Saturday: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Our Location United Medical Center Medical Office Building (next to the hospital) 1328 Southern Ave, SE, Suite 302 Washington, DC 20032
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT Our Emergency Department (or “ER”) is opened 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year and is continuously staffed by highly trained physicians who have extensive training and experience in emergency medicine. Our dedicated staff of providers cares for over 53,000 patients annually. Our ED is divided into two sections The Emergency Department Core and the Fast Track to care for patients with both major and minor medical conditions and emergencies. EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT CORE In UMC’s Emergency Department Core, our skillful physicians, nurses, and technicians are trained to care for patients with major medical conditions including cardiac diseases, stroke, respiratory distress, trauma, diabetes and other acute life-threatening illnesses. Should patients require higher levels of care or further trauma care, patients are stabilized first and then transferred to one of our affiliated major medical centers. Our staff will coordinate the transfer with the receiving hospital. FAST TRACK In Fast Track, emergency medicine providers will treat a patient’s minor illnesses and injuries. Our Fast Track, like our emergency department, is open 24 hours a day, 365 days yearly.
Not-For-Profit Hospital Corporation | 1310 Southern Avenue, SE, DC 20032
P 202.574.6000 | www.united-medicalcenter.com 12 | Oct. 9 - Oct. 15, 2014 | District Chronicles