Bay State Banner 7-3-14

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Surge in child immigrants tied to Central American violence................. pg. 3

Angie Swan pg. 9

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City to bus 7th graders over council objections Yawu Miller

(l-r): Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Tompkins, Police Superintendent-In-Chief William Gross, Mayor Martin Walsh, Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts President and CEO Darnell Williams, Deputy Fire Chief Andre Stallworth, Darryl’s Corner Bar Manager Mitch Mitchell, NAACP Boston Branch President Michael Curry and restaurateur Darryl Settles. (Ed Geary Jr. photo)

Community fetes new black leaders in police, fire depts. Yawu Miller When Superintendent-In-Chief William Gross joined the Boston Police Department in 1983 as a cadet, crack cocaine hit the city’s streets, guns proliferated and police switched from .38 revolvers to Glock 9-mm pistols to keep up with the arms race. The police needed better relations with the city’s black and Latino communities, where the guns and drugs were centered, but with few people of color in command positions, there was little to work with. “The relationship between the police department and communities of color was very tumultuous,” Gross recalls. Today, Gross is second-in-command in the police department, a

member of the most diverse command staff in the department’s history. Half of the 24 command staff members are women or people of color. And, as Police Commissioner William Evans points out, “There’s a wealth of wisdom and experience there. Everybody’s well respected.” Evans, Gross and much of the command staff were present Monday for a fete at Darryl’s Corner Bar and Kitchen celebrating the new diversity in Boston’s public safety agencies. Gross, Sheriff Steve Tompkins and Deputy Fire Chief Andre Stallworth spoke, as did Mayor Martin Walsh. Police Superintendents Randall Hallstead and Lisa Holmes, and Deputy Superintendents John Brown, Jeffrey Walcott and Michael

Cox were among those present. The shakeup that yielded the diverse command staff happened in the first week of Walsh’s term as mayor when he gave Gross and Evans free rein to build their own team. “What [Walsh] told us is, ‘You guys have a vast amount of experience in this city. Select your own command staff.’ In a very political town, he has not interfered at all,” said Gross. “In one week, we picked the most diverse and most experienced staff in the department’s history. The average number of years served on this command staff is 29.” Walsh, who also spoke during the event, underscored his commitment to diversifying city government. police, continued to page 12

icism from black community groups and civil rights organizations includDespite a bid by city councilors ing the NAACP Boston Branch, the to reject the mayor’s budget for the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Boston Public Schools, the school and Economic Justice, the Black Eddepartment’s plan to end bus service ucators Alliance of Massachusetts for 7th and 8th graders went forward (BEAM) and the Louis D. Brown last week with a 7-6 vote. Peace Initiative. The plan, which will save $8 milCritics of the plan complained lion in the department’s $1.2 billion that the plan puts children in harm’s budget, has elicited strident opposi- way by forcing them to travel through tion from parents and parent orga- violence-plagued neighborhoods unnizers in the city’s black community accompanied by adults. who complained that middle school “Our city’s budget should reflect students will not be safe riding the our values, and we should value nothMBTA without adult monitors. ing more than the safety, well-being “I received emails, phone calls, and education of our young people,” text messages said Michael and had faceCurry, president to-face conof the Boston versations with “This new plan will Branch of the h un dr ed s o f make some families N A A C P. “ I people who commend the were concerned choose between a city councilors about the safety school’s quality and who stood in of their chil- their child’s safety opposition to dren riding the this plan, and MBTA without traveling there. No I expect the anyone who is parent need make this mayor to deliver trained to ensure on his promise choice.” their safety,” said to address parDistrict 7 City — Johnny McInnis ents’ concerns.” Councilor Tito Critics also Jackson. “It is said the school unfair for adults department’s to disregard the issues, concerns and plan places an unfair burden on stuperspectives of young people.” dents of color, who they say have to Jackson and the other three coun- travel farther to attend highly-ranked cilors of color – Ayanna Pressley, schools. Charles Yancey and Michelle Wu – “This new plan will make some voted against the budget, along with families choose between a school’s councilors Josh Zakim and Matt quality and their child’s safety travO’Malley. eling there,” said BEAM President The vote was not Mayor Martin Johnny McInnis. “No parent need Walsh’s first schism with the council; make this choice.” earlier in June, Walsh withdrew his In the weeks leading up to the bid to exempt high-ranking city offi- city council vote, school officials cials from a requirement that they live told community residents that the in Boston after facing stiff resistance plan would provide bus service to from councilors. students who face long commutes The school department’s trans- to their schools or who have to busing, continued to page 8 portation proposal drew pointed crit-

Residents weigh in on Whittier redevelopment Nate Homan Representatives from the Boston Housing Authority, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, elected officials and other community members held forums and toured the neighborhood Saturday as they discussed the next steps in the $339 million development of the Whittier Neighborhood Transformation Plan. The project would reshape the landscape of the area, creating new housing units, commercial

development, health and human services. The Boston Housing Authority released a draft of the Whittier Neighborhood Transformation Plan, a HUD-funded project that would rebuild the current 200 affordable housing units and add 353 units of mixed-use housing in the one-square-mile neighborhood flanked by Tremont Street, Melnea Cass Boulevard and Hampton Street. The development now has an estimated 9,300 residents in less than 4,000 units. Whittier, continued to page 11

★★★★★★★★★

The Boston Housing Authority is competing for a federal grant to redevelop the Whittier Street public housing development. The grant would provide more than $300 million to tear down and rebuild public housing units in the area. (Banner photo)

Enjoy the 4th of July Holiday!

★★★★★★★★★


2 • Thursday, July 3, 2014 • BAY STATE BANNER

Burke graduate recalls life as b-ball player in Libya

Alex Owumi gives insight and answers questions during his book signing held at the Grove Hall Public Library on June 14, 2014. (Photo courtesy of Grove Hall Public Library) Shanice Maxwell He’s blessed, or lucky as some would say, to be alive to tell his

tale. It’s a vivid account of how playing basketball in Libya launched him into the middle of a civil war where instead of defend-

ing players on the court, he was left defending his life daily. That’s the premise from which Nigerian native and Dorchester’s own Alex Owumi, international professional basketball player and author, wrote “Qaddafi’s Point Guard.” What started as a book signing and time of camaraderie in Grove Hall’s Public Library quickly snowballed into an outpouring of heartfelt sentiments and tears from a moved Owumi, who immigrated to the Dorchester as an adolescent, graduated from the Jeremiah E Burke High School and played basketball for Alcorn State College. As he shared details of the experiences in Libya’s war zone that inspired his first book, the triumphant 30-yearold author shed tears before a crowd of more than 50 fans, friends and family members. Owumi’s desire to be drafted to the NBA after college didn’t pan out quite as he had hoped. Taking a different route to achieve his allstar ambitions, Owumi signed with a French team and then joined teams in Macedonia and finally Libya. There he played for an athletic club privately funded by the family of then-president Muammar Qaddafi. Owumi’s time with the club was cut short by the civil war that wreaked havoc in the land and toppled the Qaddafi regime. Trapped in his Benghazi apartment for well over two weeks without food and

water and with no means of communication or escape, the dangers of the bloodstained streets just beneath his home were infinite. But, from a hopeless place, Owumi was eventually able to escape and was smuggled to a refugee camp in Egypt, where he would later play for a team in Alexandria. “I grew up in a Third World country, raised by these two wonderful people. I came to America and kind of lost touch with what was going on in the other parts of the world, to be honest with you,” said Owumi. “So when I did get back there I was living in Libya, which is a Third World county, but I was getting paid well to play the sport I love, I did that because I had to get back in touch with my roots.” He spoke of how survival became the name of the game in

older members to pursue their dreams passionately and never give up. Citing his renewed faith in God and family support system, he charged them to draw on the things that can give them strength when faced with difficulties in that pursuit. “Whatever you envision in your heart and in your mind is possible,” said Owumi, wiping tears from his eyes. Speaking with no prewritten script, Owumi’s words were filled with hope, inspiration, courage, leadership, fortitude, tenacity and opportunity. Owumi went on to answer questions from the audience about how the experience changed him, his future plans, how he transitioned from his life in Libya, what playing basketball overseas is like, if he plans to continue giving moti-

“I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, I got real bad anxiety and sleepless nights, but God helped me get back to where I am today.” — Alex Owumi which he was now a player and how unlike basketball, there were no breaks, no halftimes, no substitutes. It was his will and family, he said, especially his nieces back home, that made him give it his all. “Even with all that transpired, my life has changed for the better,” he told the audience. “I was 26 when this happened, and I came out a new man. I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, I got real bad anxiety and sleepless nights, but God helped me get back to where I am today.” Watching and listening intently, kids as young as 10, along with adults who watched Owumi grow up, clung to every word he spoke in the Grove Hall Library. For the young people in the crowd, many of whom were aspiring pro athletes, his message was to never give up and to study and work hard because education is key — and to never let others deter you from your dreams. “I never let anyone tell me I couldn’t do anything,” he said. “I’m not playing ball for myself. I want these kids to be better than me.” Owumi also challenged the

vational talks to groups, and so on. He answered each question candidly, adding touches of humor in just the right places. Afterward, some of the young listeners shared their impressions. “Now that I’ve heard Alex speak I’m going to pay attention and try harder in every class, especially math because like he said, every subject is important,” said K’Danse McGee, 10, who dreams of being a fashion designer. “When he was in Libya, that was insane!” said Joel Ortiz, 16, of Allston. “He was stranded there for a few weeks and he didn’t eat or anything. It made me feel bad, but he made it. He loves his family and they basically inspired him to live and that’s amazing. I can’t wait to read this book and learn about his life.” Now playing for the Worcester Wolves in England, and with hopes to build a school in his family’s hometown in Nigeria and start a film and production company, the multitalented Owumi’s days of paying it forward are far from over. In fact, he’s just getting warmed up.

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Thursday, July 3, 2014 • BAY STATE BANNER • 3

Surge in child immigrants tied to Central American violence Caitlin Yoshiko Kandil Jose Luis Zelaya was 13 years old when he fled his home in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, for the United States. Zelaya faced extraordinary violence and poverty as a child—he was shot twice by gang members and watched his younger brother die of an asthma attack because his family couldn’t afford treatment—and decided to escape. So in 2000, he set off alone on the dangerous journey to the U.S. border in hopes of reuniting with his mother and sister, who had made the same trek two years earlier. When Zelaya left Honduras, he was one of about 6,000 unac-

would push a mattress up against the door because there were so many stray bullets from drive-by shootings.” As he approached his teen years, gangs started encroaching on Zelaya’s life. “When you’re 13 in Honduras, it’s your time to join a gang,” he explains. “And if you don’t join a gang, they either abuse you, kill you or threaten you. I promised my mom that I would never join a gang, but those things started chasing me.” In addition, Zelaya’s abusive father frequently beat him with the side of machetes and guns, and forced his son to work at a young age in order to sustain his drug and alcohol habits. When

“I wasn’t thinking, ‘I’m going to break the law, I want to be a criminal,’” he says of his migration to the United States. “I was forced to leave.” — Jose Luis Zelaya companied child migrants who arrived at the U.S. border that year. Since then, those numbers have skyrocketed—Border Patrol has already picked up 48,000 this year, on pace for a record 60,000 in 2014. While many in politics and the media are framing this surge of unaccompanied child migrants in the context of “illegal immigration,” activists and experts are encouraging Americans to view it instead as an urgent humanitarian crisis, and the children as refugees. Like Zelaya, many of the children originate from Honduras. The Central American nation lies at the center of the illegal drug pipeline from Latin America to the United States, so the country is dominated by gang activity and violence—Honduras and the city of San Pedro Sula, Zelaya’s hometown, are consistently ranked as having the highest murder rates in the world. “You see dead people very often,” says Zelaya, who spoke by phone from Texas A&M, where he is pursuing a doctorate in urban education. “At night we

Hurricane Mitch, a Category 5 storm, hit the country in 1998, Zelaya’s family lost everything and was left homeless. T h i s p r o m p t e d Z e l a y a ’s mother to flee for the United States. Although she tried to bring both Zelaya and his younger sister with her, Zelaya’s father made sure his son stayed behind. After a drive-by shooting at a pick-up soccer game put two bullets in his arm, Zelaya decided it was time for him to get away as well. “I wasn’t thinking, ‘I’m going to break the law, I want to be a criminal,’” he says of his migration to the United States. “I was forced to leave.” “My story is very normal,” he adds. “It happens to a lot of children, and that’s why we’re seeing such a big migration of children right now.” Earlier this year, the United Nations Children’s Fund issued a statement saying it was “alarmed by the increasing generalized violence against children in Honduras.” According to the relief agency, 24 children were mur-

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dered in the month of April alone. In a report released in March, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees revealed that, like Zelaya, the majority of unaccompanied minors who came to the United States this year had been forcibly displaced as a result of danger in their home countries. “Given the high rate of children who expressed actual or potential needs for protection,” the study concludes, “all unaccompanied and separated children from these four countries”—Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico—“must be screened for international protection needs.” “These are kids who want to be reunited with their parents, and they’re fighting for their lives,” says Damaris Lopez, director of programs for Agencia ALPHA in Boston. “They don’t want to be involved in gangs. They don’t want to be involved in drugs. They are trying to survive.” It took Zelaya 45 days to reach the U.S. border. Along the way, he rode in the trunk of a car with two other people, was stuffed into a trailer with hundreds of others, saw another migrant crushed to death by a moving train, and walked so far that all of his toenails fell out. “The journey was very, very, painful,” he says, “but then again, it didn’t seem as painful because

I had already suffered so much.” Once he reached the United States, Zelaya was immediately arrested by a border agent and taken to a detention center. Although he insists it was much nicer than the facilities children are being held in today, he could only drink water three times a day and go outside in the sun for one hour each week. After two months, he was reunited with his mother and sister; a judge, seeing the bullet holes in his arm, allowed him to stay in the country on asylum. Lopez says she is “a little surprised” by how the United States is reacting, given the clear humanitarian implications of the crisis. “Immigration reform has become such a political point for so many Congressmen,” she says, “that they’re listening to their political agenda instead of seeing these children as refugees.” Many Republicans blame the surge on President Obama’s attempts at immigration reform, in particular the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which allows undocumented youth who were brought to the United States by their parents as children to stay in the country. However, as Eva Millona, executive director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition explains, DACA is a “totally separate issue,” since the unaccompanied children who crossed the border this year would not qualify for the program. “It’s very unfortunate that the Republican Party, instead of taking responsibility to work with the president to deal with this crisis, is putting politics first

to try to attack the administration,” she says. Still, the Obama administration has allocated $100 million in aid to Central American governments and $2 million for lawyers to represent the youth in courts, and announced a plan to open new detention facilities—moves that Lopez says are “like putting a Band-Aid on a huge infection.” Millona’s organization, meanwhile, is making recommendations to the Obama administration on how to resolve the situation, from addressing the root causes of violence and poverty in Central America, to expanding parole so that children won’t have to be warehoused in detention facilities, improving the conditions of the processing centers and increasing opportunities for the children to be granted asylum. For Zelaya, the solution is simple: “Treat these children as refugees and not criminals,” the same way he was in 2000, he says. Zelaya, now 27, graduated from Texas A&M University and was even invited to give the invocation address at commencement. “It’s crazy, because I was homeless, sleeping on the streets, and 12 years later I’m graduating from the seventh largest university in the nation,” he says. He then went on to earn his master’s degree, before pursuing a doctorate in Urban Education. “I think it’s important to talk about what these children can become,” he says. “I’m grateful for the opportunities this country has given me, and if you give those children an opportunity to do the same, the nation can definitely benefit.”


4 • Thursday, July 3, 2014 • BAY STATE BANNER

Established 1965

Mississippi blacks show greater sophistication at the ballot box The significance of U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran’s primary runoff victory extends beyond the Mississippi Delta. The strategies of Democrats, Republicans, Tea Party members and African American politicians have been affected by the result. In the process, black voters in Mississippi demonstrated a higher degree of sophistication. After the defeat of Rep. Eric Cantor in Virginia, the Tea Party gained strength by being able to vanquish the House Majority Leader. The ability to add to their trophy case Thad Cochran, a six-term Mississippi U.S. senator, would have greatly enhanced the Tea Party’s political status. In a June 3 primary race, Cochran lost by 1,386 votes to Chris McDaniel, a state senator and Tea Party candidate. Fortunately, McDaniel had accrued only 49.5 percent of the vote in a three candidate race. Something greater than 50 percent was necessary to win outright. A runoff election was scheduled for June 24. This time Cochran won by 6,373 votes out of 374,893 cast —190,633 to 184,260 — a 51 percent to 49 percent victory. Everyone conceded that the black vote for Cochran was the margin of victory. In fact, Rush Limbaugh, the ultra-conservative talk show host, called black voters for Cochran “Uncle Toms” for voting for a Republican senator. Black citizens of Mississippi are accustomed to their U.S. senators being Republicans. Usually, they vote overwhelmingly for the Democratic candidate who is customarily white. In his 2008 re-election race Thad Cochran won 61.44 percent of the vote against Erick Fleming, a black opponent who lost with 38.56 percent of the votes. However, astute blacks believed that McDaniel was so opposed to their political interests that he had to be stopped even if it meant voting Republican. Mississippi has open primaries. There are no restrictions based on party affiliation. However, you cannot vote in the Democratic primary and

also vote in the Republican runoff. According to sources in Mississippi, some black Democrats voted for Cochran in the primary. Without those votes for Cochran, McDaniel might have tallied 50 percent of the vote at that time and been nominated. Other blacks who did not vote in the Democratic primary election were able to vote for Cochran in the runoff. The vote in the runoff election was 55,991 higher than in the primary. For example, the vote in Hinds County, the site of the state capitol in Jackson, climbed from 17,406 on June 3 to 24,889 in the runoff. Cochran’s vote increased from 11,479 to 17,927, 72 percent of the total. Much of the vote was attributed to the African American turnout. While Cochran is a conservative, he supports federal subsidies for education and government spending that brings jobs and federal programs to Mississippi. As an ultra-conservative, McDaniel staunchly opposes big government spending for education and programs like food stamps that benefit the people. He was also viewed as supporting organizations to establish the policies of the days of the Confederacy. Some Democrats wanted McDaniel to win because his views are so extreme that they believed Travis Childers, the Democratic nominee, would be able to beat him in the November election. The model for this is the 2012 race in Indiana in which Republican Sen. Richard Lugar was defeated by Richard Murdock in the primary. The Democrat Joe Donnelly was then able to win the race against an opponent who was too radical. Democratic political strategists and Tea Party members are disappointed by the outcome, but politically sophisticated blacks in Mississippi believe McDaniel in the U.S. Senate would be dangerously counterproductive. Blacks demonstrated their political power as a minority and they can build upon that achievement.

LETTERSto the Editor

Lauds Roxbury homecoming

I was happy to see the Banner’s coverage of the Roxbury Pride Day/Juneteenth celebration. It says a lot about our community that we come back to Roxbury from all over America to catch up with old friends. Roxbury is a small neighborhood that has always had an outsized sense of community. Those of us who were fortunate enough to grow up here have fond memories of our childhoods in the ‘Bury. The music, the dancing, cookouts and camaraderie are a testament to the strength of our neighborhood. Dee Jackson

MBTA youth pass It was refreshing to hear that the MBTA will finally pilot a youth pass program. It’s simply the right thing to do. I think many of us remember the ‘70s when youths paid just $.10 for a ride on the MBTA, less than half of the full $.25 fare. It seems absurd

WHAT’S INSIDE

USPS 045-780 Publisher/Editor Assoc. Publisher/Treasurer Senior Editor

Melvin B. Miller John E. Miller Yawu Miller

ADVERTISING Marketing-Sales Director Advertising Coordinator

Sandra L. Casagrand Rachel Reardon

NEWS REPORTING Health Editor Staff Writer

Karen Miller Martin Desmarais

Contributing Writers

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Staff Photographers

Ernesto Arroyo John Brewer Tony Irving Don West

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Contributing Writers

Robin Hamilton Susan Saccoccia Lloyd Kam Williams

that riders 12 and older must pay the full $2 fare. For a mother with three middle or high school-age children contemplating an outing, $16 in car fare could easily be a deal breaker. And parents with children enrolled in afterschool activities, sports and even summer jobs, paying $20 a week in carfare places a heavy burden on their modest budgets. Although the MBTA does offer schools five and seven-day passes, the number of youth who are exempted is huge: middle school students who live less than 2 miles from their schools (even if it’s 1.9 miles),

students not enrolled in high schools, students enrolled in GED programs, etcetera. Whatever the fiscal arguments for charging youths the same as adults, the moral argument against is more compelling. The moral argument centers around the question of what kind of society do we want to create. Do we want one where those least able to pay are excluded from public space because of their inability to pay? Ed Johnson Dorchester

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Thursday, July 3, 2014 • BAY STATE BANNER • 5

ROVINGCamera

OPINION Voting rights are in peril, and democracy hangs in the balance Jotaka Eaddy The 2014 fall midterm elections are gearing up to be among the most significant in decades, since they have the power to determine the balance of U.S. political power. Yet new laws and election changes across the country — from photo-ID requirements and early-voting cutbacks to the removal of polling places and changes in election procedures — may block many from accessing the ballot box this November. From coast to coast, millions of Americans’ right to vote is at risk. Protections that were once instituted to guarantee the franchise now hang in the balance following the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Shelby v. Holder that dismantled key provisions of the Voting Rights Act. For the first time this year, voters in 15 states are facing an array of strict voting rules in major elections, according to a report released by the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law. And unless these laws are blocked by the courts — and there are court challenges to measures in six of those states — the votes of nearly half the country could go uncast in the 2014 midterm elections. Shortly after the Shelby decision, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott announced that the state’s voter-identification law, previously rejected by a federal court as the most discriminatory measure of its kind in the country, would “immediately” go into effect. And immediately, people encountered new barriers. One such person was Judge Sandra Watts, who was stopped while trying to vote because the name on her photo ID — the same one she had used for voter registration and identification for 52 years — did not exactly match her name on the official voter rolls. Watts was eventually allowed to vote after she signed an affidavit attesting that she was who she said she was. There is no guarantee, however, that the next voter without the “proper ID” will be as fortunate. In addition to statewide election changes like those in Texas, local election boards in jurisdictions previously covered by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act now have the ability to make Our democracy is in election changes with little to no jeopardy. And it is up oversight. This means that com- to us — all of us — munities with a history of voting to fight to preserve it. discrimination face even greater threats, such as the removal of polling places, changes in district lines and even changes to the dates of local elections. We are already witnessing numerous election changes in communities across the nation, and we expect this dangerous trend to increase. In Athens, Ga., shortly after the Shelby decision, local government officials considered eliminating nearly half of its 24 polling places and replacing them with only two early-voting centers — both of which would be located inside police stations, according to a recent report by the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Community members raised concerns that the location of the new centers would intimidate some voters of color and that the proposed closures would be harmful to voters of color and/or students, many of whom would need to travel on three-hour bus rides just to reach the new polling places. Now is the time to act. On June 25 the NAACP will recognize the one-year mark of the Shelby v. Holder decision by urging Congress to pass a Voting Rights Amendment Act that protects voters and fixes the Voting Rights Act. We applaud the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary for scheduling a hearing on the VRAA. But we implore the U.S. House of Representatives, particularly the House Judiciary Committee, to follow suit and quickly schedule a hearing on this necessary legislation. Already garnering bipartisan support, the legislation provides common-sense solutions to prevent discrimination against all voters regardless of race, including remedies to address current discrimination as it occurs, the ability to review voting changes in places that have engaged in discrimination in the present and recent past, and better public notification of potential voting changes to enhance accountability. Inaction cannot be an option. Every day that Congress fails to act, local municipalities and state legislatures across the United States have the ability to pass election changes that could discourage, diminish or eliminate the voting power of whole communities — all with no checks and balances. Our democracy is in jeopardy. And it is up to us — all of us — to fight to preserve it. The future of our democracy depends on it. Jotaka Eaddy is the senior adviser to the president and CEO, and senior director of voting rights, at the NAACP.

The Banner welcomes your opinion. Email Op-Ed submissions to:

yawu@bannerpub.com ­Letters must be signed. Names may be withheld upon request.

How significant is the black vote in Massachusetts?

I think we have more power than we utilize. Our voting percentages are going up, but we don’t use the vote enough to effect the real power that we have.

It’s important that we vote. They notice when we vote. Many people would be glad if we didn’t vote.

Anthony Barnes

Mary Harris Retired Roxbury

Administrative Assistant Roxbury

I think we have power, but we don’t use it as much as we should.

It’s powerful, but we’re not using it right.

I think it’s significant. It’s a very important voting block

Lourdes Petit-Jean

Paul Ross

Virginia Ingraham

Accounts Payable Specialist Dorchester

Cosmetologist Dorchester

Retired Roxbury

It’s absolutely significant. There are a lot more black voters since Obama ran for president. Everybody I know votes now.

Michael Elliott

Cashier Dorchester

INthe news

Roxann C. Cooke

Eastern Bank, a full-service commercial bank headquartered in Boston, announced today that Roxann C. Cooke has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Regional Manager of 17 retail banking locations in the Boston, Cambridge and MetroWest markets. “Roxann is a talented banker who has demonstrated outstanding leadership within Eastern Bank and in the community through her service to our customers and various not-forprofit organizations,” Eastern Bank’s Robert DiGiovanni, Senior Vice President, Director of Retail Banking said. “Roxann is a great addition to our senior leadership team.” In 2012, Eastern Bank appointed Cooke as Vice President and Branch Manager of the bank’s “Ashmont Station” office located at 1906 Dorchester Avenue in Dorchester. Prior to that, Cooke, who joined Eastern in 2009, served as Branch Manager of the bank’s Lynn office at 112 Market Street. Cooke serves on the board of several organizations including: The

South Middlesex County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Girls Inc. of Lynn, the Dorchester YMCA and Ashmont Hill Chamber Music. Cooke, who also received the Greater Boston YMCA Young Black Achievers award for her professional accomplishments and her commitment to community service, earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. She completed a post graduate pro-

gram at the Harvard University Extension School where she received a graduate certificate in Business Administration and Management. Cooke further developed her leadership skills through the Emerging Leaders Program at the University of Massachusetts in Boston. Cooke lives in Mattapan with her two daughters, Imani and Jada. Founded in 1818 and based in Boston, Eastern Bank is the largest and oldest mutual bank in the country, with $8.8 billion in assets and more than 90 branches.


6 • Thursday, July 3, 2014 • BAY STATE BANNER

NEWSBriefs

Worcester State University receives grant to study Latino male education outcomes

Worcester State University’s Latino Education Institute, in partnership with its Department of Urban Studies, was awarded a $200,000 grant from The Boston Foundation and The Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation to examine post-secondary outcomes for Latino males in five Massachusetts communities – Worcester, Lawrence, Boston, Springfield and Holyoke. Called “Pathways to Higher Education: Opportunities and Outcomes for Latino Young Men in Five Massachusetts Communities,” the project’s directors will use qualitative and quantitative approaches to improve understanding of the many circumstances that affect the decision-making of young Latino males relative to career and educational opportunities. The researchers will collect and analyze data, which is expected to inform the state’s policies on how best to close the “achievement gap” ­— the persistent and well-documented disparity in educational outcomes between people who

come from low-opportunity environments versus those who do not. Closing the achievement gap was a central goal of the state’s 2010 education reform act, and the Patrick Administration’s Executive Office of Education is implementing strategies to address the problem, especially in Gateway Cities such as those targeted by the LEI grant. The Departments of Elementary and Secondary Education and of Higher Education assisted in the development of this initiative and are expected to review the findings. The Boston Foundation and The Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation chose Worcester State University as their sole awardee from an invitation-only pool that included some of the state’s world-renowned institutions. The project is led by Mary Jo Marion, executive director of the Latino Education Institute, and Dr. Thomas Conroy, chair and assistant professor of Urban Studies. “This study represents a unique opportunity to identify strategies that could be used across the state to improve career and college outcomes for Latino boys. We intend to lift Latino youths’ voices in the public discourse about opportunity and achievement gaps,” says Marion. One of the innovative features of the plan is the involvement of college students co-facilitating focus groups and interviews with experienced WSU faculty mentoring, coaching and co-facilitating them. The students, who come from Worcester State University, Clark University and Springfield Technical Community College,

will be in the field with seasoned researchers helping, participating, and, at the same time, learning. The team plans to complete the research by the end of 2014, and release a report by March 2015.

Public Health Commission encourages Bostonians to become “Sugar Smart”

The Boston Public Health Commission this week will launch the next phase of ongoing efforts to raise public awareness about the negative health impacts of sugary drinks. Through social messaging and education, the Sugar Smarts/ Azúcar Sabia initiative utilizes an innovative combination of traditional and digital approaches geared toward both English and Spanish speakers in Boston to promote healthier beverage choices. Strong scientific evidence shows that consuming high amounts of added sugars, also known as sugar-sweetened beverages or SSBs, are a major contributor to increased obesity and diabetes rates, and also put many Americans at risk for cardiovascular disease. For most people, the largest single source of sugar in their diet comes from sugar sweetened beverages,

including regular sodas, sport drinks, sweetened tea, coffee drinks, and energy drinks. The recommended maximum daily consumption of added sugar is 6-9 teaspoons for adults and 3-4 teaspoons for children, yet just one 16-ounce bottle of soda can contain 15 or more teaspoons of sugar and 240 calories. In Boston, approximately 50 percent of all residents are overweight or obese. These rates of obesity are disproportionately high in Black and Latino communities where approximately 62 percent of Latino and 69 percent of black Bostonians are either overweight or obese. Through this campaign, BPHC aims to reach all Boston residents, particularly those that are disproportionately affected by obesity. Transit ads, billboards, and social messaging will focus their attention on parents of young children. “Parents do so much to prevent childhood accidents and injuries. They buckle their children into car seats, vaccinate them against disease, lock up medicine cabinets, and prevent falls from windows. They are the primary advocates for the health of their children,” said Barbara Ferrer, executive director of the Boston Public Health Commission. “However, the harm of sugary drinks is often overlooked.”

Mayor announces results of youth participatory budgeting initiative

Last week, Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced the winning projects of the ‘Youth Lead the Change’, participatory budget initiative. Young people from across the City were instructed, by the Mayor’s Youth Council and other supportive partners, how to create guidelines from the voting pro-

cess, and develop a ballot, which included 14 projects. Voting polls were stationed at local train stations, youth centers, and school buildings slated for a city-wide vote, and youth determined how to spend $1 million of Boston’s capital budget. Over 1,500 eligible votes came in from Boston residents between the ages of 12 and 25. “The winning projects will make positive and meaningful change in the lives of Boston residents throughout the City,” Walsh said. “The City budget is not taken lightly, and these young people were dedicated and passionate, becoming a driving force in the way our community process is run.” Voters were able to select up to four projects on the ballot. Projects were divided into the following categories: • Streets and Safety • Parks/Environment/Health • Community and Culture • Education “This process engaged youth throughout the City to develop proposals that will offer great benefits to communities across Boston,” said Chief of Health and Human Services, Felix Arroyo. “The voices of our youth were heard, and I am really excited to see more change agents get involved with Youth Lead the Change.” The winning projects included: • Franklin Park playground and picnic area upgrade • Boston art walls • Chromebooks for high schools in East Boston, South Boston, and Charlestown • Skate park feasibility study • Security cameras for Dr. Loesch Family Park • P aris Street Playground extreme makeover • New sidewalks for new parks Youth Lead the Change will launch its second year in September with a call for steering committee members. To learn more about Youth Lead the Change, visit www.bostonyouthzone. com or contact the Department of Youth Engagement and Employment at 617-635-4202. To see a full listing of all the proposed projects, visit boston.citiz investor.com.

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Gone But Not Forgotten Edith MablE brown EldEr 10/15/1931 - 6/25/2009

October 15, 1931, A date that’s gone but not forgotten. A jewel for certain whose light still shimmers brightly was born. Brought into existence as one of Gods Special Children Her gift to the world was to invoke a spirit of Love, Faith, and Hope. Her unselfishness and undying loyalty were only surpassed By her ability to see the Good in others. A loving, patient and understanding mother, grandmother, sister, wife, aunt, educator, Patriot, Humanitarian, and friend, who was called by her maker on June 25th 2009. Thank you for all of the wonderful memories. Mommy thank you for being you. Love, Marie and Renee


Thursday, July 3, 2014 • BAY STATE BANNER • 7

Documentary dissects the rising costs of higher ed. Colette Greenstein In the documentary “Ivory Tower,” director Andrew Rossi explores two issues: The first is how education has been sold as part of the American Dream for a better and brighter future. The second is how tuition rates at Ivy League and state colleges and universities around the country have spiraled out of control since 1978, as they embraced a business model that promoted expansion over quality learning. Rossi, who graduated from Yale University and Harvard Law School, switched careers to become a filmmaker 13 years ago and says he is “drawn to stories that deal with disruption.” His

been aggressive in its expansion of new buildings and borrowed more money than it could afford, and as a result has mismanaged its endowment. For the first time in its 155-year history, the school will charge an annual tuition rate of $20,000 to students beginning in Fall 2014. Rossi, who feels “invested in this topic as a parent and as an educator,” also explores the high cost of student debt, and shows how some students are rejecting the notion of attending a traditional college. The documentary features entrepreneur Peter Thiel and his “20 Under 20” fellowship program. The fellowship encourages potentially college-bound youth

speak about how important their college experience has been for them. David Boone, an African American student who hails from Cleveland, was homeless during his high school years and was awarded a four-year “full-need” scholarship to Harvard. (Harvard is one of the 1.25 percent of colleges in America that provide

“full-need” financial aid to students.) Boone says he believes an education will provide him and his family with more opportunities and a better and brighter future. Amirah Mitchell, a sophomore who left a mostly white high school to go to Spelman College in Atlanta, states that she was able to find an identity as “more than just the black girl” during her time at the all-girl school. Spelman has given her the tools for personal growth, empowerment, and success, she says. Clayton Christensen, the Kim B. Clark Professor of Business Administration at the Harvard

Business School, regarded as one of the world’s top experts on innovation and growth, states that “Harvard is the source of DNA for almost all of higher education in America” and, intentionally or not, has spurred and fostered competition among colleges and universities to expand their campuses with construction of new buildings and luxurious residences for students in order to attract out-of-state students who will pay a higher tuition rate. The ultimate goal of the documentary, Rossi says, is “for parents and prospective parents to start a conversation for themselves.”

Rossi’s goal for the documentary is to “look at certain examples of higher education, how it works, and boil down to its most crystallized version of what’s working and what doesn’t work.” last film, “Page One: Inside the New York Times,” looked at the crisis in the newspaper industry. In this documentary, out in theaters now, Rossi asks, “Is college worth the cost?” The 90-minute documentary moves quickly but covers a lot of ground, from the dramatic rise of student debt (which hit the $1 trillion mark in the U.S. as of 2012), to how state-funded colleges and universities have increased their administrative staffs 240 percent since 1975 versus 51 percent for faculty, to how colleges and universities are expanding construction to keep up with elite and Ivy League universities. Cooper Union in New York, one of the last colleges in America to provide a free education to all of its undergraduates, has recently been dealt a mighty blow. Under the leadership of President Jamshed Bharucha and its board of trustees, the school has

to forego college. Rather, they are given a “no-strings-attached” grant of $100,000 to focus on their work, their research, and their self-education. The hope is that such unconventional education will hatch a whole new crop of start-up and hi-tech entrepreneurs, and maybe even billionaires like Mark Zuckerburg. Rossi also captures the UnCollege movement taking place in San Francisco which advises young people to “unbundle the college experience” and create their own course of learning that is much less expensive than a traditional four-year college. Despite the numerous issues covered, Rossi’s goal for the documentary is to “look at certain examples of higher education, how it works, and boil down to its most crystallized version of what’s working and what doesn’t work.” On the flipside of the high cost of education, two students

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(l-r)WGBH-TV General Manager Liz Cheng, Partnership Chairman Ralph Martin, Partnership board member David Giunta, First Lady Diane Patrick, Partnership CEO Carol Fulp and Governor Deval Patrick celebrate the launch of the organization’s C-Suite program, which is designed to bring together the regions highest level of executives of color to work on community issues. (Don West photo)


8 • Thursday, July 3, 2014 • BAY STATE BANNER

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make multiple transfers between buses and/or trains, but did not specify what the threshold would be. School officials also pointed out that some middle schools have already ended bus service.

The move would place as many as 4,500 additional young riders on the MBTA. MBTA officials have said they do not plan on increasing service to accommodate the additional riders. The school department began meeting with parents and parent organizations in May to talk about the plan, but Pressley said that by then,

it was a done deal. “My frustration all along is that this was never a proposal,” she said. “A proposal implies that there is a process. This was a plan.” In community meetings and a city council hearing on the plan, parents and councilors asked school department officials to table the plan, to no avail.

Pressley points to the Ashmont Red Line station, which abuts her apartment building, to illustrate the potential drawbacks of putting 12- and 13-year-olds on public transportation. “We have seen conflicts in the station, just like we see conflicts with teens at Ruggles, just like we’ve seen conflicts at Dudley,” she said.

“People complain about Ashmont all the time.” In community meetings, school department officials said they would deploy school officials to transit hubs and stations were teens are known to congregate to help diffuse conflicts, but acknowledged that the department does not have sufficient personnel to cover every station.


Thursday, July 3, 2014 • BAY STATE BANNER • 9

Angie Swan Berklee alum

is living her dream!

Colette Greenstein “I’ve been living my dream since the day I picked up a guitar” says Angie Swan, one of two female lead guitarists in Cirque du Soleil’s 30th Anniversary show, Amaluna, now running in Boston. The Milwaukee native grew up in a household filled with music. Her father was a guitarist and her mother was an avid music lover. Growing up, the young Swan always knew she wanted to perform, and attended performing arts schools in her hometown. In 1992, at the age of 10, she received her first guitar for Christmas, and a year later she took her first structured guitar lesson. Swan took to

the guitar like a duck to water. In 2001, the burgeoning guitarist headed to Berklee College of Music to follow her passion. During her time in Boston, she explored the city and even dabbled in politics, working for City Councilor Charles Yancey, but she never got sidetracked from her true calling — music. After “finishing” Berklee in 2005, (Swan says, “you don’t graduate from Berklee; it’s ‘finishing’ Berklee”), she headed to Los Angeles to kick off her professional music career. There she found out firsthand one of the benefits of attending the highly regarded college. It gave her a much-needed support system. “The Berklee network and

connection helped a lot. It consisted of a web of people from all areas of the music and entertainment industry,” she says. Swan found work performing on the FOX TV show “Glee” along with performing in-studio on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “The Late Show with David Letterman,” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” She also performed with such well-known singers and musicians as Courtney Love, Lauryn Hill, Macy Gray and Will.I.Am. Swan even performed with fellow Berklee alumni Esperanza Spalding in Europe “before she was Esperanza Spalding.” In 2012, a new opportunity presented itself. Cirque du Soleil

was in the process of forming its first ever all-female band for Amaluna. Word got back to them on several fronts that they should call Swan in for an audition, and after sending in videos of herself playing various styles, she was flown to Montreal to join the creation process of Amaluna, and became part of “The Goddesses of Sound.” Now, two years later, Swan is back in Boston where it all came together. She’s been able to visit some of her old musical and food haunts like Wally’s in the South End and Mr. and Mrs. Bartley’s in Harvard Square. She’s even hoping to head out to East Boston to eat at Santarpio’s Pizza.

When asked what advice she would give to young girls and teens who want to pursue their dreams like she did, Swan passionately advises them to “be courageous, believe in yourself and never give up. You can achieve anything!” As the final weekend (Sunday, July 6 is the last performance date), approaches for Cirque du Soleil’s Amaluna, this is your last chance to see Angie Swan and The Goddesses of Sound playing under the iconic blue and yellow big top at the Boston Marine Industrial Park on the Waterfront. Tickets to the final shows of Amaluna can be purchased at www.cirquedu soleil.com/amaluna.


10 • Thursday, July 3, 2014 • BAY STATE BANNER

Donna Summer mural unveiled at Burke H.S.

co-founder of the Dream Builders Youth Project. “Her nephew is someone I grew up with in the music industry, so when she passed away I called him because I felt like it was just another story in Boston, and the conversation led to us to starting Dream Builders [in May].” The Dream Builders project has turned into life coaching, Springer said, teaching local youth to follow their passions but to attach a purpose to it. “I’m glad we could do that in her name,” he said. “As a Bostonian, it makes a difference for kids to learn about someone who came from where they did and excelled.” With Jelani Lynch as the MC,

agreement as the evening progressed. Bittersweet expressions washed over her family members’ faces as clips of Summer were shown, leaving the crowd in total silence. But before long, Summer tribute singer Rainere Martin took center stage, performing some of her greatest hits, and the atmosphere in the room became jovial again. “I wanted people to take away from the event that anyone can accomplish anything,” said Robert Grant, co-founder of the Dream Builders Youth Project and nephew of Donna Summer. “Also, Boston has to acknowledge

“As a Bostonian, it makes a difference for kids to learn about someone who came from where they did and excelled.” — Justin Springer

The Donna Summer mural, located in the Jeremiah E. Burke High School, was created by the students of the Dream Builders Youth project and unveiled on June 13, 2014. (Bryan Trench photo) Shanice Maxwell More than 75 community members and Donna Summer fans gathered at the Jeremiah E.

Burke High School recently to celebrate the launch of a mural tribute to the famed disco queen who died in 2012. City officials joined in with a

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diverse crowd of locals and a live disc jockey as the youths of the Dream Builders Youth Project spearheaded an evening showcasing arts and entertainment to honor Donna Summer’s legacy. The Dream Builders Youth Project is a Boston empowerment initiative designed to motivate and equip kids to pursue their passions and desired careers. The group devised the mural project as a way to honor Summer, who was raised in Boston and attended Burke High School. “The program was really started when Donna Summer passed away; it started off as a conversation of how can we preserve her legacy, how can we do programming under her name to inspire the next Donna Summer?” said Justin Springer,

the audience at the mural tribute was encouraged to help teach students to take ownership of their lives. Sharing pieces of his own story, he stressed the need for adults to support youth in making those initial steps and assisting them along their journey. “We’re always taught that someone else has control and as young people we don’t really have control — so the message is ownership,” said Lynch, who was also head facilitator of the project. “We teach them to take what they have, their natural gifts and abilities, and seek out resources to become a productive citizen and take their dreams to the next level.” After the unveiling, students from the Dream Builders Project shared poetry, performed a dance routine and showed a video featuring the Burke’s principal, students and faculty as well as inspirational words by poet Maya Angelou. Audience members gave standing ovations and nodded in

their own. There are a lot of great artists and great people who come out of this city but we gotta start recognizing it and making sure that we preserve legacies; and not just celebrities either, anybody could leave a legacy, you just have to apply yourself and make it happen. “Overall it was a big event and I think it went well,” Grant added. “I went to the Jeremiah E. Burke, class of 2003,” said Alex Owumi, community member, international pro basketball player and author. “I came to support the movement, donate; I just see a lot of good things coming out of the Burke.” Community member Rufus Faulk said, “I wanted to support and encourage our young people and this has been a great opportunity to do that. This was about reclaiming their history and legacy, because Donna Summer is from this community, and they have the potential to be that and to achieve even more. I think this is a great first step.”

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Whittier

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Seventy-five percent of the residents receive housing or other public subsidies and 47 percent are below the federal poverty level. Fifty-nine percent of the Whittier neighborhood residents are black or African American and 34 percent Hispanic or Latino. The majority of the housing is low-income with an unemployment rate of 19 percent, almost double the citywide rate. City officials said that the 61-year-old Whittier Street Apartments are due for replacement. The rehabilitation would cost an estimated $40 million. Boston received a 2012 Choice Neighborhood Planning Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to tear down the old housing and change the map near Ruggles Station. According to a BHA press pamphlet called Whittier Choice,

crime, poor street lighting, a lack of police presence, crime and the fear of being squeezed out. While walking on a tour of perimeter of the neighborhood, Linda Thomas, a 36-year resident, described finding a wounded person who had been mugged and stabbed outside of her building this passed September. “These streets aren’t lit at night,” Thomas said. “That kid was lucky my neighbors found him. I came home and saw him with a towel on his head, nursing a knife wound. He’d just been beaten, stabbed and mugged.” Thomas went on to say that drug-related issues are one of the biggest concerns she and other residents have when discussing the Whittier neighborhood issues. “The residents of this neighborhood are honest and hardworking people, but it’s a laid back climate and people come in here to cause trouble,” she said. While touring the neighbor-

of the Whittier Street redevelopment program. Members of the BRA handed out cards for residents’ comments and concerns, which needed to be submitted by August in order for the city to address them. “We are in a planning process in order to submit our final plan to HUD in October,” Kate Bennett, Deputy Administrator from Planning and Sustainability at BHA said. “ They will send us a notice of

funding for implementation funding in the fall or early 2015. Our plans will move forward after that.” Bennett said that the BHA is competing with other HUD-assisted property owners for the application for grants. “Under the Choice program, these grants are wide open to HUD distressed property owners,” she said. Bennett said that there are no more community meetings planned at the moment, but residents can

expect more in the near future. “I want to make sure that it’s clear that folks that need to be relocated have the right to come back to this neighborhood,” Bennett said. “Whether or not they do, they will be given temporary housing no matter what. They’ll have a guaranteed unit during and after the reconstruction. That’s the biggest source of people’s anxiety. But they will not be squeezed out or left behind.”

“I want to make sure that it’s clear that folks that need to be relocated have the right to come back to this neighborhood.” — Kate Bennett

the neighborhood stands to gain an estimated $2 billion in investments over the next decade. The program has reached a tentative agreement with HUD, The Boston Foundation, Northeastern University, Wentworth, Roxbury Community College, The Whittier Street Health Center, Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative, the American City Coalition and the City of Boston. Boston City Councilor Tito Jackson said that finding temporary housing for the tenants of the demolished buildings is a major priority that is in the works heading towards the finalized plan coming this October. Residents of the neighborhood voiced concerns about parking,

hood, one resident pointed out a building on Ruggles Street where gangs allegedly ran criminal activities. Another resident pointed out a patch of overgrown bushes near Madison Park where drug users went to shoot up. Both the building and the bushes are located in the shadow of the Boston Police Department headquarters at 1 Schroeder Plaza. When asked about the poorly-lit corner of Cabot and Ruggles streets, residents replied, “I don’t know what activity goes on on this street. I never walk down it at night. Ever. The streetlights are never on. It isn’t safe.” Resident Lorena Backas and Thomas both said that they shared optimism for the future

The Prostate Health and Education Network held its 11th annual Tee Off to Fight Prostate Cancer Golf Tournament at the Franklin Park golf course. (l-r) volunteer Thelma Burns, founder/director Tom Farrington, state Rep. Russell Holmes and Juarez Farrington. (Don West photo)


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police

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“I made commitments during the campaign that I intend to keep,” he said. “I’m going to continue to work to diversify the Police Department. My commitment with the Fire Department is the same.” Walsh said the new leadership in the Police Department has yielded good results so far, with shootings down over last year and more guns taken off the streets in the last six months than in all of last year. The gathering was put together by Tompkins, Urban League President Darnell Williams, NAACP Boston Branch President Michael Curry and real estate developer and restaurateur Darryl Settles. At the event, Police and Fire department brass mingled with other community members. “Men like this, they paved the way for me,” Gross said, gesturing toward Darnell Williams and former U.S. Attorney Wayne Budd. Williams, a former fire commissioner in Springfield, noted that Budd’s father, a WWII veteran, was the first black officer in that city. “He had a way of talking to you,” Williams said. “He straightened out a lot of us. He really did.” Gross cites another WWII veteran, the late Police Superintendent Willis Saunders, among his mentors. Gross and Hallstead recalled visiting Saunders shortly before he died in 2012. “He asked Randy and me if we remembered what he said,” Gross recalled. “‘People don’t work for you; they work with you,’” Hallstead repeated. Deputy Fire Chief Stallworth, a Roxbury native who joined the Fire Department in 1991, and the firstever black deputy fire chief, echoed the sentiment.

“You really do have to work in service of the people who work for you,” he said. Stallworth, 44, rose rapidly through the ranks in the department, often having to supervise firefighters with more experience than he had. He said the city has changed noticeably in the last 20 years. “I think the city of Boston is finally starting to feel like a community,” he said. “We’ve come a long way.” Gross said he saw gains in the 1980s under the leadership of thenchief Francis “Mickey” Roache, who developed a close working relationship with Nation of Islam Minister Don Muhammad and others in the black community. “It was a tough sell for both sides — law enforcement and the community,” Gross said. But through dialogue and commitment, the era of community policing was ushered into Boston. Gross credited Nation of Islam Minister Don Muhammad with helping forge better community relations with the police. “He was definitely instrumental in creating dialogue,” Gross said. “We needed buy-in from the community. There were decades of distrust.” The progress in the upper ranks of the police and fire departments has been a long time coming. Even under Roche’s command in the ’80s and ’90s, it would have been difficult to imagine the gathering at Darryl’s Corner Bar and Kitchen, with high ranking black public safety officials filling the room. “This is very significant,” Tompkins said. “It shows the upward mobility for folks of color in two very significant public safety departments. It’s apropos, given that this city has a majority population of color, that you have upper management reflect the city they serve.”

(top) Boston Police Superintendent-in-Chief William Gross speaks while (l-r) Darryl Settles, Darnell Williams, Steve Tompkins and state Rep. Gloria Fox listen. (lower) Michael Curry, Ayoka Drake, and Steve Tompkins enjoy a moment. (Ed Geary photos)

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Video, photography and audio services for weddings, graduations, private parties, performances, recitals and other celebrations. Contact Stephen: (818) 519-1399 www.evenkeelproductions.com Authorized vendor for CPCS

BUSINESS DIRECTORY $250/six months for a 30 word listing in print. Email: ads@bannerpub.com


Thursday, July July 3, 3, 2014 2014 •• BAY BAY STATE STATE BANNER BANNER •• 13 13 Thursday,

Media miss the mark on U.S. withdrawal from Iraq MB Miller Americans tend to blame the president for anything that goes wrong in the country. Then it is up to the press to separate fact from fiction. When President Barack Obama is the target of public dismay, there seems to be some journalistic reluctance to resolve the matter with dispatch.

International turmoil can often provide fodder for the press for days or even longer. Iraq once again has major media attention. Disciplined Sunni forces have overrun the paltry resistance of the Iraqi army. Critics assert that Obama is to blame for withdrawing American forces from the country. Too little attention is given

MASSACHUSETTS PORT AUTHORITY NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Sealed General Bids for MPA Contract No. AP1502-C1, FY15-17 FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM TESTING, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS, ALL MASSPORT FACILITIES, BOSTON, BEDFORD AND WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS will be received by the Massachusetts Port Authority at the Capital Programs Department Office, Suite 209S, Logan Office Center, One Harborside Drive, East Boston, Massachusetts 02128-2909, until 11:00 A.M. local time on WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 2014 immediately after which, in a designated room, the bids will be opened and read publicly. NOTE:

PRE BID CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT THE CAPITAL PROGRAMS DEPARTMENT (ABOVE ADDRESS) AT 10:00 AM LOCAL TIME ON TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014.

The work includes THE PROVISION OF LABOR, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, SERVICES AND MATERIALS TO INSPECT, TEST, MAINTAIN, AND REPAIR FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS AND FIRE PUMPS OF VARIOUS EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS FOR ALL MASSPORT FACILITIES IN BOSTON, BEDFORD AND WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS.

agreement with the host government that will exonerate their military forces from local law. Despite considerable effort by the U.S., the Iraqi government was unwilling to sign an agreement to guarantee such immunity for U.S. forces.

to the fact that Prime Minister Nouri Kamal al-Maliki and his government were essentially responsible for the evacuation of the U.S. military. Whenever a military force occupies a foreign land, it does so by invasion or by invitation. Invaders will superimpose their own laws on the vanquished. Invitees will always negotiate an

COM ME N TAR Y The American assault on Iraq began on March 19, 2003 during the administration of President George W. Bush, and the last U.S. soldiers were not withdrawn until Dec. 18, 2011. Despite

JULY 23, 2014 immediately after which, in a designated room, the bids will be opened and read publicly. NOTE:

PRE BID CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT THE CAPITAL PROGRAMS DEPARTMENT (ABOVE ADDRESS) AT 11:00 AM LOCAL TIME ON THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2014.

The work includes REMOVAL OF VEGETATION BY VARIOUS METHODS AND HERBICIDE APPLICATION ON AIRPORT PROPERTY. THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF REMOVAL ARE ANTICIPATED: MECHANIZED FELLING, MOWING, CUT AND CHIP, GRUB, GRADE AND SEED, AND TOPPING AND GIRDLING IN ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS. ALL WORK SHALL INCLUDE CAREFUL AND COMPLETE COMPLIANCE WITH ORDERS OF CONDITIONS FOR THE PROJECT BY THE RESPECTIVE CONSERVATION COMMISSIONS OF BEDFORD, CONCORD, LEXINGTON, LINCOLN, WORCESTER, AND LEICESTER.

Bid documents will be made available beginning THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2014.

The estimated contract cost is $600,000.00.

Bid Documents in electronic format may be obtained free of charge at the Authority’s Capital Programs Department Office, together with any addenda or amendments, which the Authority may issue and a printed copy of the Proposal form.

A proposal guaranty shall be submitted with each General Bid consisting of a bid deposit for five (5) percent of the value of the bid; when sub bids are required, each must be accompanied by a deposit equal to five (5) percent of the sub bid amount, in the form of a bid bond, or cash, or a certified check, or a treasurer’s or a cashier’s check issued by a responsible bank or trust company, payable to the Massachusetts Port Authority in the name of which the Contract for the work is to be executed. The bid deposit shall be (a) in a form satisfactory to the Authority, (b) with a surety company qualified to do business in the Commonwealth and satisfactory to the Authority, and (c) conditioned upon the faithful performance by the principal of the agreements contained in the bid.

In order to be eligible and responsible to bid on this contract General Bidders must submit with their bid a current Certificate of Eligibility issued by the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance and an Update Statement. The General Bidder must be certified in the category of FIRE PROTECTION SPRINKLER SYSTEMS. The estimated contract cost is TWO MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($2,500,000.00.) Bidding procedures and award of the contract and sub contracts shall be in accordance with the provisions of Sections 44A through 44J inclusive, Chapter 149 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A proposal guaranty shall be submitted with each General Bid consisting of a bid deposit for five (5) percent of the value of the bid; when sub bids are required, each must be accompanied by a deposit equal to five (5) percent of the sub bid amount, in the form of a bid bond, or cash, or a certified check, or a treasurer’s or a cashier’s check issued by a responsible bank or trust company, payable to the Massachusetts Port Authority in the name of which the Contract for the work is to be executed. The bid deposit shall be (a) in a form satisfactory to the Authority, (b) with a surety company qualified to do business in the Commonwealth and satisfactory to the Authority, and (c) conditioned upon the faithful performance by the principal of the agreements contained in the bid. The successful Bidder will be required to furnish a performance bond and a labor and materials payment bond, each in an amount equal to 100% of the Contract price. The surety shall be a surety company or securities satisfactory to the Authority. Attention is called to the minimum rate of wages to be paid on the work as determined under the provisions of Chapter 149, Massachusetts General Laws, Section 26 to 27G, inclusive, as amended. The Contractor will be required to pay minimum wages in accordance with the schedules listed in Division II, Special Provisions of the Specifications, which wage rates have been predetermined by the U. S. Secretary of Labor and / or the Commissioner of Labor and Industries of Massachusetts, whichever is greater. The successful Bidder will be required to purchase and maintain Bodily Injury Liability Insurance and Property Damage Liability Insurance for a combined single limit of $10,000,000. Said policy shall be on an occurrence basis and the Authority shall be included as an Additional Insured. See the insurance sections of Division I, General Requirements and Division II, Special Provisions for complete details. No filed sub bids will be required for this contract. This Contract is also subject to Affirmative Action requirements of the Massachusetts Port Authority contained in the Non Discrimination and Affirmative Action article of Division I, General Requirements and Covenants, and to the Secretary of Labor’s Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Opportunity and the Standard Federal Equal Opportunity Construction Contract Specifications (Executive Order 11246). The General Contractor is required to submit a Certification of Non Segregated Facilities prior to award of the Contract, and to notify prospective subcontractors of the requirement for such certification where the subcontract exceeds $10,000. Complete information and authorization to view the site may be obtained from the Capital Programs Department Office at the Massachusetts Port Authority. The right is reserved to waive any informality in or reject any or all proposals. MASSACHUSETTS PORT AUTHORITY THOMAS P. GLYNN CEO & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MASSACHUSETTS PORT AUTHORITY NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Sealed General Bids for MPA Contract No. AP1508-C1, FY15-FY17 TERM AIRPORT VEGETATION MANAGEMENT, L.G. HANSCOM FIELD, BEDFORD, MA & WORCESTER REGIONAL AIRPORT, WORCESTER, MA, will be received by the Massachusetts Port Authority at the Capital Programs Department Office, Suite 209S, Logan Office Center, One Harborside Drive, East Boston, Massachusetts 02128-2909, until 11:00 A.M. local time on WEDNESDAY,

The MBTA and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) will accept comments on the goal for 45 days from the date of this notice, and comments for the MBTA should be sent to the MBTA’s Office of Diversity and Civil Rights (ODCR). Comments to be submitted to the USDOT should be sent to the Civil Rights Officer, U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, 55 Broadway, Suite 920, and Cambridge, MA 02142-1093. Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department SUFFOLK Division

The successful Bidder will be required to furnish a performance bond and a labor and materials payment bond, each in an amount equal to 100% of the Contract price. The surety shall be a surety company or securities satisfactory to the Authority. Attention is called to the minimum rate of wages to be paid on the work as determined under the provisions of Chapter 149, Massachusetts General Laws, Section 26 to 27G, inclusive, as amended. The Contractor will be required to pay minimum wages in accordance with the schedules listed in Division II, Special Provisions of the Specifications, which wage rates have been predetermined by the U. S. Secretary of Labor and / or the Commissioner of Labor and Industries of Massachusetts, whichever is greater.

Docket No. SU14C0227CA In the matter of Kayla Nicole Daye of Mattapan, MA

Bid documents will be made available beginning WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2014. Bid Documents in electronic format may be obtained free of charge at the Authority’s Capital Programs Department Office, together with any addenda or amendments, which the Authority may issue and a printed copy of the Proposal form.

whatever good the American military occupancy might have done for the country, the war over so many years cost an estimated 100,000-500,000 Iraqi lives. Iraqis understandably blame Americans for the loss of civilian lives. Occupying U.S. troops would have to be protected from the anticipated hostility. Regardless of the military successes of the terrorists of the Islamic state of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), Obama will never send a substantial military force into Iraq and have them subjected to Sharia Law or its equivalent. And thinking Americans would not want him to create such a hazard for our soldiers.

NOTICE OF PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME To all persons interested in a petition described: A petition has been presented by Kayla N Daye requesting that Kayla Nicole Daye be allowed to change her name as follows: Kayla Nicole Burroughs IF YOU DESIRE TO OBJECT THERETO, YOU OR YOUR ATTORNEY MUST FILE A WRITTEN APPEARANCE IN SAID COURT AT BOSTON ON OR BEFORE TEN O’CLOCK IN THE MORNING (10:00 AM) ON 07/24/2014. WITNESS, HON. Joan P. Armstrong, First Justice of this Court. Date: June 23, 2014 Ann Marie Passanisi Register of Probate Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department SUFFOLK Division

Docket No. SU12P1704EA

Citation on General Probate Petition to Vacate Decree Estate of: Mack William Caffey, Jr. Date of Death: 07/27/2012

The successful Bidder will be required to purchase and maintain Bodily Injury Liability Insurance and Property Damage Liability Insurance for a combined single limit of $5,000,000. Said policy shall be on an occurrence basis and the Authority shall be included as an Additional Insured. See the insurance sections of Division I, General Requirements and Division II, Special Provisions for complete details.

To all interested persons:

This Contract is also subject to Affirmative Action requirements of the Massachusetts Port Authority contained in the Non Discrimination and Affirmative Action article of Division I, General Requirements and Covenants, and to the Secretary of Labor’s Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Opportunity and the Standard Federal Equal Opportunity Construction Contract Specifications (Executive Order 11246).

You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before 10:00 a.m. on 07/24/2014. This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an Affidavit of Objections within thirty (30) days of the return date, action may be taken without further notice to you.

The General Contractor is required to submit a Certification of Non Segregated Facilities prior to award of the Contract, and to notify prospective subcontractors of the requirement for such certification where the subcontract exceeds $10,000. Complete information and authorization to view the site may be obtained from the Capital Programs Department Office at the Massachusetts Port Authority. The right is reserved to waive any informality in or reject any or all proposals. MASSACHUSETTS PORT AUTHORITY THOMAS P. GLYNN CEO & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

A petition has been filed by Tashara Hairston-Caffey of Dorchester, MA requesting to order all 3 interested parties assent to a DNA test or other genetic testing to determine heirship/kinship by an independent testing center paid out for out of estate funds.

WITNESS, HON. Joan P Armstrong, First Justice of this Court. Date: June 24, 2014 Ann Marie Passanisi Register of Probate Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department SUFFOLK Division

Docket No. SU14P0362EA Citation on General Probate Petition

INVITATION TO BID The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority is seeking bids for the following: BID NO.

DESCRIPTION

DATE

TIME

WRA-3884

Purchase of Twenty Five (25) 6” Plug Valves; NBR, EPDM, NT Grooved Ends (or Equal)

07/14/14

10:00 a.m.

To access and bid please go to the MWRA Supplier Portal at www.mwra.com.

PUBLIC NOTICE MASSACHUSETTS BAY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (DBE) GOAL FY15 – FY17 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has established a proposed Overall Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Goal of 14% for its contracts that are financed in whole or part with funds from the Federal Department of Transportation, for the period of October 1, 2014 – September 30, 2017. This goal is in accordance with the regulations of U.S. DOT 49CFR Part 26. A description of the goal and the process for establishing the goal are available for inspection during regular business hours, for 30 days following the date of this notice at the MBTA’s Office of Diversity and Civil Rights (ODCR), 10 Park Plaza, Room 3170, Boston, MA 02116.

Estate of: Daniel Jorge DeAbreu Also known as: Daniel Abreu Date of Death: 07/16/2012 To all interested persons: A petition has been filed by Auriza R. Abreu Mett of Quincy, MA requesting the reasons set forth in the Memorandum in Support of Motion to Dismiss - or in the Alternative - to Vacate Appointment of Personal Representative, filed herewith, the Petition to appoint Admilson Abreu as personal representative should be dismissed and the appointment of Admilson Abreu as personal representative should be Vacated. You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before 10:00 a.m. on 07/31/2014. This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an Affidavit of Objections within thirty (30) days of the return date, action may be taken without further notice to you. WITNESS, HON. Joan P Armstrong, First Justice of this Court. Date: June 25, 2014 Ann Marie Passanisi Register of Probate


14 • Thursday, July 3, 2014 • BAY STATE BANNER

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department SUFFOLK Division

Docket No. SU14P1465GD

WITNESS, Hon. Joan P. Armstrong, First Justice of this Court. Date: June 18, 2014 Ann Marie Passanisi Register of Probate

above-named person’s right to make decisions about personal affairs or financial affairs or both. The above-named person has the right to ask for a lawyer. Anyone may make this request on behalf of the above-named person. If the above-named person cannot afford a lawyer, one may be appointed at State expense.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department

WITNESS, Hon. Joan P. Armstrong, First Justice of this Court. Date: June 19, 2014 Ann Marie Passanisi Register of Probate

Citation Giving Notice of Petition for Appointment of Guardian for Incapacitated Person Pursuant to G.L. c. 190B, §5-304 In the Matter of Michael R Paton Of Roxbury, MA RESPONDENT Alleged Incapacitated Person To the named Respondent and all other interested persons, a petition has been filed by Barbara G Reyes of Chelsea, MA in the above captioned matter alleging that Michael R Paton is in need of a Guardian and requesting that Barbara G Reyes of Chelsea, MA (or some other suitable person) be appointed as Guardian to serve Without Surety on the bond. The petition asks the court to determine that the Respondant is incapacitated, that the appointment of a Guardian is necessary, that the proposed Guardian is appropriate. The petition is on file with this court and may contain a request for certain specific authority. You have the right to object to this proceeding. If you wish to do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance at this court on or before 10:00 A.M. on the return date of 07/24/2014. This day is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline date by which you have to file the written appearance if you object to the petition. If you fail to file the written appearance by the return date, action may be taken in this matter without further notice to you. In addition to filing the written appearance, you or your attorney must file a written affidavit stating the specific facts and grounds of your objection within 30 days after the return date. IMPORTANT NOTICE The outcome of this proceeding may limit or completely take away the above-named person’s right to make decisions about personal affairs or financial affairs or both. The above-named person has the right to ask for a lawyer. Anyone may make this request on behalf of the above-named person. If the above-named person cannot afford a lawyer, one may be appointed at State expense.

SUFFOLK Division

Docket No. SU14P1491GD

In the matter of Richard Thomas Of Dorchester, MA RESPONDENT Alleged Incapacitated Person To the named Respondent and all other interested persons, a petition has been filed by DMH of Westborough, MA in the above captioned matter alleging that Richard Thomas is in need of a Guardian and requesting that Alan I Levine, Esq. of Andover, MA (or some other suitable person) be appointed as Guardian to serve on the bond. The petition asks the court to determine that the Respondant is incapacitated, that the appointment of a Guardian is necessary, that the proposed Guardian is appropriate. The petition is on file with this court and may contain a request for certain specific authority. You have the right to object to this proceeding. If you wish to do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance at this court on or before 10:00 A.M. on the return date of 07/24/2014. This day is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline date by which you have to file the written appearance if you object to the petition. If you fail to file the written appearance by the return date, action may be taken in this matter without further notice to you. In addition to filing the written appearance, you or your attorney must file a written affidavit stating the specific facts and grounds of your objection within 30 days after the return date. IMPORTANT NOTICE The outcome of this proceeding may limit or completely take away the

Sec 8 OK

617-283-2081

SUFFOLK Division

Docket No. SU14P1408 Estate of Kathleen Marie Curry Date of Death May 14, 2014

INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner Sean P. Curry of Reading, MA and Brian M. Curry of Charlestown, MA, a will has been admitted to informal probate. Sean P. Curry of Reading, MA and Brian M. Curry of Charlestown, MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond. The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner.

HOMEOWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY 11 AFFORDABLE CONDOMINIUMS

CHELSEA APARTMENT

4+ bdrms Newly renovated, 2000+ sq ft apt in 3 fam, no smkng/pets, hrdwd flrs, eat-in kit, pantry, lg master bedroom, din and lv rm, laundry rm, enclosed frnt/bck prchs, off street prkng, T access, min to Bost.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department

Citation Giving Notice of Petition for Appointment of Guardian for Incapacitated Person Pursuant to G.L. c. 190B, §5-304

Pond View Village, Brewster Road Stoughton, MA TO BE SOLD BY LOTTERY TO ELIGIBLE HOMEBUYERS FOLLOW US ON

TWITTER @baystatebanner

91 Clay Street Quincy, MA 02170

Senior Living At It’s Best

A senior/disabled/ handicapped community

(11) 2-Bed, 1 Bath Detached Houses $172,700; 950 Sq Ft Apprx. Max income: 1 Person - $47,450 3 Persons - $61,000 2 Persons - $54,200 4 Persons - $67,750 Other Restrictions Apply

OPEN HOUSE: Sat 8/16, 1PM-3PM, 62 Brewster Rd., Stoughton INFO MTG: Mon, 8/18, 6PM, Stoughton Town Hall, Great Hall Applications available at: Stoughton Town Hall, Town Clerk’s Office Stoughton Public Library Or write to: JTE Realty Associates, P. O. Box 955, North Andover, MA 01845 Or e-mail: pondview@jterealtyassociates.com MAILING ADDRESS MUST BE PROVIDED 978-258-3492 Application Deadline Received by 8/28/2014

Barnstable Affordable Housing

Wollaston Manor

0 BR units = $1,027/mo 1 BR units = $1,101/mo All utilities included.

Call Sandy Miller, Property Manager

#888-691-4301

Program Restrictions Apply.

SUBSCRIBE

to the banner call:

617-261-4600

Settler’s Landing I & II

3BR and 4BR single-family homes starting at $207,800 This is a lottery for nine affordable single-family homes being built. These nine units will be sold at affordable prices to households with incomes at or below 80% of the area median income. The homes at Settler’s Landing I are being built under the NEF/MassHousing program and the homes at Settler’s Landing II are being built under the DHCD/LIP Local Action Unit program. Maximum Household Income Limits: $44,750 (1 person), $51,150 (2 people), $57,550 (3 people), $63,900 (4 people), $69,050 (5 people), $74,150 (6 people), $79,250 (7 people), $84,350 (8 people). Households cannot have more than $75,000 in assets. For more information on the Development, the Units or the Lottery and Application Process, please visit: www.s-e-b.com/ lottery or call 617.782.6900 (press 1 for homeownership and then press 5 for Settler’s Landing). For more information on the development please visit www.BayberryBuilding.com Applications and Required Income Documentation must be delivered, not postmarked, by 2 pm on August 19th, 2014. A Public Information Session will be held at 6 pm on July 1st , 2014 in Barnstable Town Hall (367 Main St, Hyannis) The lottery will be on August 27th, 2014 in Barnstable Town Hall. Applications and Info Packets also available at: Sturgis Library located at 3090 Main Street (Hours: M, W, Th, F 10-5, Tu 1 pm-8 pm, Sa 10-4) and Hyannis Public Library located at 401 Main Street (M+Th+F 11-5, Tu+W 11-8, Sa 10-2) and The Growth Management Dept on the 3rd Floor of Barnstable Town Hall.

Settler’s Landing I # of Units

Type

Sales Price

2

1-story, 3BR, 2 Bathroom, 1,248 sq. ft. (Vineyard), 1 car attached garage, unfinished basement

$207,800

3

2-story, 3BR, 2 Bathroom, 1,668 sq. ft (Nantucket 1), 1 car attached garage, unfinished basement

$207,800

Settler’s Landing II 2

1-story, 3BR, 2 Bathroom, 1,248 sq. ft. (Vineyard), 1 car attached garage, unfinished basement

$207,800

1

2-story, 3BR, 2 Bathroom, 1,668 sq. ft (Nantucket 1), 1 car attached garage, unfinished basement

$225,900

1

2-story, 4BR, 2 Bathroom, 1,668 sq. ft (Nantucket 1), 1 car attached garage, unfinished basement

$225,900

ADVERTISE YOUR CLASSIFIEDS (617) 261-4600 x 7799 • ads@bannerpub.com Find rate information at www.baystatebanner.com/advertise


Thursday, July 3, 2014 • BAY STATE BANNER • 15

Parker Hill Apartments Brand New Renovated Apartment Homes

PART TIME SERVICE COORDINATOR

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The Medford Housing Authority (MHA), through a oneyear grant funded by Medford Family Health Matters/ Mt. Auburn Hospital, seeks qualified candidates, bilingual in Haitian Creole/English, for approximately six hrs/wk (2 hr 3 day/eve) to serve residents of a state elderly/disabled housing site. College level training in social work and/or prior experience in social service delivery systems and public housing background helpful. AA/EOE. Resumes by July 17, 2014 to: Medford Housing Authority/SC 121 Riverside Avenue Medford, MA 02155

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Stainless Steel Appliances New Kitchen Cabinets Hardwood Floors Updated Bathroom Custom Accent Wall Painting Free Parking Free Wi-Fi in lobby Modern Laundry Facilities

Two Bedrooms Starting at $2200 888-842-7945

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Work in hospitals, colleges, insurance agencies, banks, businesses, government offices, health insurance call centers, and more! YMCA Training, Inc. is recruiting training candidates now! We will help you apply for free training. Job placement assistance provided. No prior experience necessary, but must have HS diploma or GED. Free YMCA membership for you and your family while enrolled in YMCA Training, Inc.

otice is hereby given that as of August 1, 2014, the Newburyport Housing Authority’s waiting list for two bedroom units at Kelleher Park will be closed for all standard and emergency priorities. However, applications with emergency priorities number 1-3, which are explained on the application, will be accepted.

Call today to schedule an Information Session: 617-542-1800

Any applications received after the above date for two bedrooms will not be accepted. The three bedroom and elderly/ disabled waiting lists will remain open. Applicants living or working in Newburyport will receive a local preference, which will place them at or near the top of the list. Veterans will receive an additional preference. Applications are at the office located at 25 Temple St, Newburyport, MA or call 978-465-7216 ext.15 to obtain an application by mail. Applications may be downloaded from our web site www.nhahousing.com, which has additional information about Kelleher Park. NET INCOME GUIDELINE LIMITS Number of Persons in Household 2 3 4

Income Limit $ 52, 000.00 $ 58, 500.00 $ 65, 000.00

AFFORDABLE HOUSING LOTTERY

Alta Stone Place 2000+4000 Stone Place, Melrose, MA Six 1BRs @ $1,253, Six 2BRs @ $1,396, One 3BR @ $1,535 Utilities not included Alta Stone Place is a 212 unit rental apartment community located at 1000-4000 Stone Place in Melrose. The 13 affordable apartments being built in 2000+4000 Stone Place will be made available through this application process and rented to households with incomes at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. The 8 affordable units in the mill building (2000 Stone Place) feature 1-foot plus ceiling heights with exposed wood beams, exposed brick exterior walls, and oversized mill windows. The 5 affordable units in 4000 Stone Place feature 9-foot ceilings. Units in both buildings feature faux wood flooring in kitchens and baths, carpet in living and bedroom areas, stainless front appliances, granite countertops, plentiful closets, oversized tubs and full size washers and dryers. Please see www.AltaStonePlace.com for more details on the development and the units. Household Size

80% AMI (Area Median Income)

1

$47,450

2

$54,200

3

$61,000

4

$67,750

5

$73,200

6

$78,600

Wanted: An experienced Personal Care Attendant

to help care for an elderly woman in Malden Massachusetts on the weekends. The ideal candidate will be a mature woman who is drug free, trustworthy, very patient, diplomatic, punctual and dependable. All candidates will be screened carefully and excellent references are required.

SUBSCRIBE

to the banner call:

617-261-4600 baystatebanner.com

Serious candidates should call 201-745-8266.

REGIONAL MANAGER

ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING Hoyle, Tanner & Associates, Inc. is seeking a dynamic Senior Level Manager to lead and direct our environmental engineering services which include municipal drinking water, wastewater and stormwater engineering for our Manchester, NH office. Successful candidate will have 20 years consulting or municipal engineering experience with progressive responsibility including personnel & budgetary management and business development. BS in Civil or Environmental Engineering, P.E. & strong technical, written & verbal communications skills a must. This position requires senior level project management and significant client contact. Please send resume citing career code DFE10614 to HOYLE, TANNER & ASSOCIATES, INC., 150 Dow Street, Manchester, NH 03101 or via email to: jhann@hoyletanner.com. HOYLE, TANNER IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Transportation Planner The Central Transportation Planning Staff of the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) seeks a transportation planner for its Certification Activities group. The planner will provide professional services to the MPO, with particular focus on the Transportation Improvement Program and the Public Participation Program, and on other 3C planning activities as called for.

A Public Information Session will be held at 6 pm on July 15th 2014 in the Aldermanic Chamber of Melrose City Hall, 562 Main Street, Melrose, MA.

Excellent technical-analysis capabilities and communication skills are required. A master’s degree in planning is required and experience is preferred.

Completed Applications and Required Income Documentation must be received, not postmarked, by 2:00 PM on August 12th 2014.

For more details about this position, please visit www.bostonmpo.org. Submit a resume and cover letter to Executive Director, CTPS, 10 Park Plaza, Ste. 2150, Boston, MA 02116, or recruitment@ctps.org. AA/EOE

The Lottery will be held on August 19th 2014 at 6 PM in same location as the info session above. For Details on Applications, the Lottery, and the Apartments or for reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, call 617.782.6900 or go to: www.s-e-b.com/lottery Applications and Information also available at the Melrose Public Library on 69 West Emerson Street (Hours: M-Th 10-9, F-Sa 10-5, Su 2-5).

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Child Care Choices of Boston

Work with the Director to create, implement and maintain appropriate systems to ensure proper program operations. Supervise all voucher-related staff to ensure accurate and timely voucher, billing and contract issuance. Coordinate professional development trainings and retreats for CCCB staff. Supervise and coordinate work for interns and volunteers. Respond to requests from the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) regarding Request for Review/Appeal cases. Process recoupment and payment plans for families/providers as required. Work closely with the ITS department and EEC to maintain all databases related to subsidy management. Conduct research to assist with developing policies regarding child care issues. Attend meetings and serve as a liaison to internal departments and outside agencies when needed. Maintain a high level of service in the absence of the Director. Perform other related duties as required. Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Early Education, Human Services, Business Administration, or related field required. Must have at least one to three years of related experience. Ability to interpret and implement federal, state and locally-funded program regulations and guidelines required. Familiarity with Massachusetts child care subsidy policies and procedures a plus. Must have excellent verbal, written and organizational skills. Attention to detail with the ability to handle large volumes of paperwork and meet deadlines required. Must be able to work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

All applications and inquiries should be directed to the Human Resources Department, 178 Tremont St. Boston, MA 02111, Fax: (617) 423-7693, or email hr@bostonabcd.org Please visit our website at www.bostonabcd.org for additional employment listings. ABCD Inc. is an equal opportunity employer actively seeking applications under its affirmative action program.

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