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Warm up your winter with sizzling style
Three tips for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving ......pg. 2
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Romney attacked for Obama ‘gifts’ gaffe Nick Chiles
feel better after Romney raised $900 million in the election In a continuing display of the and had nothing to show for it cluelessness that led to his re- — though he did offer them the sounding campaign defeat, Mitt possibility of publishing a reguRomney last week told some lar “newsletter.” of his wealthy donors that he But his remarks immediately lost because President Obama reminded observers of the segave “gifts” to key constituen- cretly recorded comments he cies like blacks, Hispanics and made at a May fundraiser, where young people. he told a small group of donors In effect, Romney was accus- that 47 percent of the electorate ing the president of buying their was unlikely to vote for him bevotes, in a stunningly off-base cause they paid no income taxes, and factually incorrect post-elec- were dependent on government tion analysis that he provided on and took no personal responsia private conbility for their ference phone lives. “The Obama call. R o m n e y ’s It was yet campaign was “gifts” analysis another camcame after his paign blunder following the old running mate for Romney’s Paul Ryan team, which playbook of giving a claimed that had been so won lot of stuff to groups Obama sure of vicbecause of the t o r y b e f o r e that they hoped they turnout among the presi“urban” voters dential elec- could get to vote for — clearly a tion that they code word for were actually them...” black. shocked by po— Mitt Romney l i t While the breadth of ical puntheir defeat. dits and angry “The Obama campaign was Democrats jumped all over following the old playbook of Romney for his analysis, what giving a lot of stuff to groups was remarkable was how incorthat they hoped they could get rect it was. In beating Romney to vote for them and be mo- by 2.5 million votes for a margin tivated to go out to the polls, of 51 to 48 percent, which specifically the African Ameri- wasn’t nearly as close as most of can community, the Hispanic the polls predicted, Obama decommunity and young people,” stroyed Romney in many states Romney told hundreds of donors with tiny black and Hispanic during a telephone town hall last populations — such as MinneWednesday. “In each case they sota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Maine, were very generous in what they Vermont, New Hampshire, gave to those groups.” Rhode Island and Oregon. Some pundits have suggested Many of those states don’t that Romney was just giving his have much in the way of an donors something to make them “urban” population. Romney, continued to page 6
Last Sunday, Gov. Deval Patrick joined volunteers and staff to serve a complete Thanksgiving dinner to hundreds of men, women and children at the Boston Rescue Mission for their annual Day of Thanks. “As the holiday season draws near, it is important that we come together as a community to help those in need,” said Gov. Patrick. “I am proud to join the Boston Rescue Mission in their efforts to ensure that no one goes hungry this Thanksgiving holiday.” (Photo courtesy of Eric Haynes/ Governor’s Office)
‘Fiscal cliff’ triggering fear, anxiety, ire among seniors Paul Kleyman SAN FRANCISCO—Since last week’s win by President Barack Obama, the issues of aging and retirement have loomed just beneath the headlines. Women, youth and a record Latino vote were credited with the president’s victory in key swing states. But it’s Americans over the age of 50, especially those from immigrant and minority communities, who could have the most to gain — and lose. That’s because as the budget crisis looms, these seniors could be the first and hardest hit. The so-called “fiscal cliff” that the White House and Congress are now racing toward is the com-
bination of across-the-board federal budget cuts and tax increases — over $600 billion worth — that will kick in on Jan. 2. The automatic government cuts that will swing — unless the President and Congress can hone a more surgical approach to needed budget cuts and tax increases — would whack at everything from military spending to meals on wheels for homebound seniors. (The automatic cuts, though, would not touch Social Security or most of Medicare.)
Seniors’ advocates worry about “grand bargain” Advocates for elders, though, worry that political agendas in Washington will cut a fiscal
“grand bargain” that might trade off modest revenue increases with cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits that vulnerable Americans need to get by in hard times. Immediately following the election, House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, signaled that any deal generating new government revenue — not, mind you, “new taxes,” but maybe some closed tax loopholes — must include reforms to entitlement programs. Despite Obama’s win and Democratic gains in the Senate, Boehner is overseeing a House that remains under Republican control, with a strong Tea Partysupported contingent. Cliff, continued to page 9
Film shows cost of America’s drug war in dollars and lives Kendra Graves
This shot from “The House I Live In” depicts inmates in a correctional facility. The film chronicles the failed war on drugs and its cost to the United States both in terms of dollars and lives. (Photo courtesy of Derek Hallquist)
Whatʼs INSIDE
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT . . . 10-12
When filmmaker Eugene Jarecki decided to delve into the murky waters of America’s drug war in 2008, he started close to home. He interviewed Nanny Jenner, a black woman his family had employed as a housekeeper for most of Jarecki’s young life. While it’s clear that Jarecki has a deep appreciation for how Jenner helped to raise him, he also acknowledges that Jenner’s need to work for his family ultimately led to the disintegration her own.
Sadness stretches across Jenner’s face as she reflects on how her decision to move to New York with Jarecki’s family — a move made to earn more money to support her children — ultimately drove her son James to begin using drugs; he died in the late ‘80s after contracting AIDS following years spent injecting heroin. Jenner’s story is just one of several searing accounts in Jarecki’s film, “The House I Live,” a Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize winner that takes both a critical and compassionate look Drugs, continued to page 8
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2 • Thursday, November 22, 2012 • BAY STATE BANNER
Three tips for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving
calorie count both quickly and unapologetically. “During the holidays people enjoy lots of drinks: mixed drinks, beer, juice, eggnog and so on,” adds Dylewski. “I think people forget that these sweets also have a ton of calories. Say you have a daiquiri or margarita, those easily have up to 500 calories.” When it comes to desserts pumpkin pie, pecan and cheesecake pack the most punch. “I think everyone wants to have some of their favorite desserts, and as long as you have a small sliver, that’s fine.” The emphasis, here, is on the word “small.”
3. Slow your roll
(Photo courtesy of fragrantvanillacake.blogspot.com) Shanice Maxwell For many, Thanksgiving is a time for reconnecting with family and reminiscing with friends and loved ones. It’s also a time many will indulge in their favorite dishes. But unfortunately, this is also the day when most Americans pile on extra pounds. Thankfully, this year can be different. The Centers for Disease Control has reported that blacks develop high blood pressure more often and at an earlier age than other ethnic groups — thus increasing the risk for heart disease and stroke. When it comes to diabetes, the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services Office of Minority Health reports blacks are twice as likely to be diagnosed and suffer complications from the disease. So please your palette this Thanksgiving without being detrimental to your health. Avoid the guilt and the weight gain that come from eating with your eyes, not your stomach. Fight the urge to taste everything on the table. And when the temptation gets too daunting, let these three tips guide you down the path to a healthier holiday:
“Limit your intake by filling half your plate with fruits and vegetables, a quarter with proteins or turkey in this case, and a quarter of starch, so bread, pasta or rice,” says Maggie Dylewski, Ph.D. and owner of MD Nutrition Consultants. “Go easy on creamy and cheesy casseroles.” Fried turkey would be a nono, she adds. Get just enough so you can taste your favorite foods but save some for those coming behind you. Don’t eat your fill, especially if you plan on having dessert.
1. Practice portion control
2. Skip the sugars
When fixing your first plate, don’t try to fit everything on it. Remember, servings should be no bigger than the palm of your hand.
When satisfying your sweet tooth don’t forget that sugary treats and starches do more harm than good. They also boost your
Eat slowly when enjoying your holiday feast. Its about savoring, not racing to see who can finish first. Slowing down also prevents overeating. “It takes about 10-15 minutes for our bellies to tell our brains we’re eating,” Dylewski explains. “In that lapse of time is where overindulging happens so easily.” Give your food time to digest before making a second round. If you really want to be healthy, skip seconds altogether and make a plate to take home. If you’re looking for ways to be active, here is one suggestion — actively place your utensils down and enjoy a nice family walk after dinner (weather permitting) or play a Wii game, Dylewski says. Complete your healthy holiday by reducing the amount of stuffing and mashed potatoes you have, as these are two of the most deadly sides. Opt for skinless, white meat over dark meat with skin as these foods have the most calories, according to Dylewski. Above all, in those moments of weakness, remember that different results don’t come from doing things the same way. In just one day you can make a monumental difference in your overall well-being.
A delish, dietfriendly dessert recipe German Chocolate Pecan Tart Yield: One 10-inch tart Active Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients: Crust 1 3/4 cups whole wheat pastry flour 1/3 cup powdered sugar 3/4 tsp salt 10 Tbsp organic butter seeds of one vanilla bean 2 tsp pure vanilla extract 4-5 Tbsp water plus more if needed Filling 1 cup organic heavy cream 3/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup honey 2 tsp vanilla extract 2 cups toasted pecans 1 cup toasted large flake coconut 2 cups chopped dark chocolate
Preparation: 1. Combine flour, powdered sugar, salt and vanilla beans in a mixing bowl. 2. Cut in butter with pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal. 3. Add extract, water and mix together with hands until dough comes together, adding more water if necessary to form a cohesive dough ball. 4. Lightly flour a surface and roll dough out to fit a 10-inch tart pan with removable bottom. 5. Press dough into pan and place in the freezer. 6. Freeze 30 minutes. 7. Meanwhile, heat oven to 350°. 8. In a medium saucepan, place cream, brown sugar, honey and heat on medium high until sugar dissolves and mixture comes to a boil. 9. Let boil for four minutes while stirring, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla, pecans and coconut. 10. Scatter half the chocolate chunks into the crust then pour pecan mixture over. 11. Scatter remaining chocolate over the filling and bake on the middle rack of the oven on a sheet pan lined with foil (to catch any overflow) for about 35-38 minutes until browned and bubbling. 12. Cool on rack.
Avoid all involvements. Don't waste your time in idle gossip courtesy or in Recipe lecturing others. of Amy, blogger atlose http://fragrantvanillacake. Never your temper and fly into a rage. blogspot.com. Hold fast to your goal; remain vigilant. — Swami Muktananda
For more diet-friendly dessert recipes, visit baystatebanner.com.
Thursday, November 22, 2012 • BAY STATE BANNER • 3
Five types of fall foods that Baked Apple Slices fight cancer Dana-Farber expert offers tips to fight cancer with your fork this season Stacy Kennedy, MPH, RD, CSO, LDN, a senior nutritionist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, says many fruits and vegetables are at their nutritional peak in the fall, so it’s a great time to incorporate them into a healthy diet. The key is to know what to look for. Kennedy shares the ABCs of fall foods along with some nutritious and easy to prepare recipes.
1.“A” is for apple There may be something to the old adage, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Studies suggest that eating at least one apple a day can help prevent throat, mouth, colon, lung and possibly breast cancer. Besides being crisp, sweet and juicy, apples contain quercitin, a nutrient that protects the cell’s DNA from damage that could lead to the development of cancer. “The key is to eat them raw and with the skin on,” says Kennedy. “That’s where many of the nutrients are found.” She suggests skipping traditional apple pie, which is loaded with sugar and fat.
2.“B” is for berries...
cranberries, that is. Kennedy encourages her patients at Dana-Farber to eat cranberries all year round. Cranberries contain benzoic acid, which has been shown to inhibit the growth of lung cancer, colon cancer and some forms of leukemia. She recommends buying bags of fresh cranberries now, while they are in season and at their nutritional peak, and popping them in the freezer for later use. This will help ensure that the berries will provide the highest level of cancer protection whenever they’re used.
3.“C” is for color Just like the leaves on the trees, fall is a time for colorful vegetables like beets, carrots and parsnips. They add a burst of color and taste. “The brighter and richer the pigment, the higher the level of cancer fighting nutrients,” says Kennedy. Load dinner plates with as much colorful, plant-based foods as you can.
4.“D” is for dark leafy vegetables “Kale is a top choice because it’s rich in phytonutrients called
indoles, which stimulate liver detoxification and help fight cancer,” says Kennedy. Other members of the cruciferous family include broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts. Kennedy points out that people who have diets rich in these vegetables have been found to have lower incidences of lung, prostate and stomach cancer.
5. “E” is for everything orange Pumpkins, squash, carrots and sweet potatoes are all packed with a cancer-fighting nutrient called carotenoid. Kennedy says carotenoids have been linked to the prevention of colon, prostate, breast and lung cancer. Kennedy stresses that pumpkin isn’t just for pies. She suggests eating it year round by adding it to soup, smoothies, pancake batter and even raviolis. Kennedy says no matter what season, the overall key to finding cancer-fighting foods is to look for a lot of color. “Eating a plant-based diet is the best way to help lower your risk of cancer all year long,” she says. For more information, visit http:// www.dana-farber.org/nutrition.
These apple slices are low in added sugar but high in kid-friendly taste! Toss dry ingredients together, add apples and lemon juice and bake in a non-stick shallow baking dish (or spray pan with cooking spray) for 30 minutes at 375°F until soft and golden. 4-5 Medium to large baking apples (such as Cortland), peeled, cored and sliced 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon) ½ Teaspoon cinnamon ¼ Teaspoon nutmeg 1 Teaspoon sugar 1 Teaspoon brown sugar ½ Teaspoon cornstarch ¼ Cup dried cranberries (optional) Recipe courtesy of Catherine Cooper, the Meal Maven, an advocate of children learning to cook who holds two master’s degrees in education.
4 • Thursday, November 22, 2012 • BAY STATE BANNER
Established 1965
An abundance of thanks At the first Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims were undoubtedly grateful to have sailed safely across the Atlantic and to have survived the less than hospitable reception by the Native Americans. However, as time went by, a supplicant expression of gratitude developed into a more confident thanks for prosperity in commerce and agriculture. As yet, most African Americans have been unable to offer effusive thanks for prosperity. The customary prayer is gratitude to have endured another year of racial discrimination with minimal damage. Affluence is still elusive. Yet regardless of the travails and challenges of the preceding year, African Americans continue to remain optimistic. Researchers have been surprised by the resilience and optimism of black families when compared with whites who have had to endure far less. In October, unemployment for whites was only 6.6 percent compared with 13.8 percent for blacks, a rate twice as high. The average income for a white family in 2009 was $86,276 compared with $53,228 for blacks. And the recession caused
a substantial decline in black net worth. In 2010, the median household net worth for whites was 22 times higher than that of blacks. One might expect that blacks would be discouraged. Not so. Last December the Pew Economic Mobility Project did a study to determine if the American Dream was still alive and well despite the struggling economy. They found that 68 percent of blacks believe their economic circumstances will be better in 10 years, compared with only 48 percent of whites. Another study by Demos, a national public policy group, affirmed black optimism. They found that only 12 percent of whites (ages 18 to 34) believe they will be better off financially than their parents. A similar group of blacks was three times more confident. Despite the adverse economic conditions, the election of Barack Obama as president, twice, has had an uplifting impact. It changed the psychological trajectory of many African Americans. One can now see that there is a great day coming. And for that we give thanks.
Preparation is key Since 1978, minorities have been challenging how police officers are hired and promoted in Boston. Early charges of racial discrimination were originally settled with consent decrees. But now, since large numbers of blacks and Latinos do not succeed on the sergeant and lieutenant promotion exams, a new case has been filed and has been decided recently in the Supreme Judicial Court in favor of minority police officers. The officers have sued the state’s Human Resources Division that designed the contested exams. There is no allegation that there is any intention to discriminate. According to the law, it is enough if the exams produce a racially discriminatory result. A proposed solution is to develop a procedure that
does not depend entirely on a multiple choice exam. The Massachusetts Association of Minority Law Enforcement Officers (MAMLEO) would do well to establish a program to train minority officers in the skill of taking tests. Otherwise they will still lose points on the multiple choice section of a new exam and fall behind others competing for promotions. That is what happened with the recently revised New Haven Fire Department Promotion Exam. In order to have a real advantage from their courtroom victory, MAMLEO will have to establish an intensive program to train minority officers to be expert test takers. Otherwise their members could still lose out on the new tests that may be established and found to be non-discriminatory.
I find this a very unsafe time of year.
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LETTERSto the Editor Hurricane politics Hurricane Sandy is a tragic, but profound, refutation of Gov. Romney’s contention that major emergency disaster relief should be moved from the federal government to the states or to the private sector. I don’t think any of the states seriously affected by Hurricane Sandy have the fiscal reserves or personnel to handle the multi-billion dollar damages they have suffered. Moreover, all of the Super PAC financiers combined would find it most difficult to cover the $50 or $60 billion dollar costs of the combined damages and furnish the necessary expertise and workers. In light of this we should better understand why Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey seems to have broken ranks with his party’s presidential candidate, Mitt Romney. The states and the private sector can’t do it by themselves and to advocate such is either disingenuousness or naïveté. David Via email
A family that eats together… With Thanksgiving less than a week away, thoughts turn towards the family
meal. Holidays aside, how often do you and your children eat dinner together as a family? After-school, sports and work schedules can make gathering for family meals tough to organize on a regular basis. But researchers at the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University have identified a significant number of advantages to making time for family dinners. Their studies, released in 2005 after almost a decade of study, show that the more often families eat together, the less likely kids are to smoke, drink, do drugs, get depressed, develop eating disorders and consider suicide. The study also showed that the kids were more likely to do well in school,
delay having sex, eat their vegetables, learn big words and know which fork to use. Seems like we should all work a bit harder to make these family meals happen more often. When researchers looked at ethnic and racial breakdowns, they found that more than half of Hispanic teens ate with a parent at least six times a week, in contrast to 40 percent of black teens and 39 percent of whites. Thanksgiving is the family meal on steroids: major food production, major family togetherness. After Thanksgiving, we all should try to make an effort to gather together at the table as a family more often. Groundcontrol Via email
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Thursday, Thursday, January November 3, 2008 22 • BAY • BOSTON STATE BANNER • 5
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OPINION How President Obama can now govern Earl Ofari Hutchinson President Obama was a good and a bad prognosticator about his future in 2009. In the first two weeks after he was sworn in for his first term, he told an NBC journalist that if he didn’t deliver, he’d be “a one-term proposition.” Obama knew better than anyone else that as the first African American president, a moderate to liberal Democrat, and a relatively inexperienced, untested Oval Office occupant, he would have to deliver—and deliver fast — on his reform promises. He knew that he’d have to deliver with a hostile, unyielding GOP that would do everything it could to make his words about a one-term president a reality. Despite the GOP’s bad intentions for him and his worry about making headway on getting the economy moving and health care off the drawing board, he far exceeded expectations on both counts. And along the way he managed to deliver on his promise to wind down the Iraq war, track down Osama bin Laden, patch up relations with European allies, keep a civil dialogue with Russia and soften relations with the Muslim world. This was more than enough to keep his neo-FDR coalition of youth, African Americans, Latinos, labor unions and middle class professional women who powered him to a smash victory in 2008 intact to win re-election. This coalition reflects the fast-changing, multi-ethnic reality of America that the GOP still doesn’t grasp. They are stuck in a time warp thinking that they can win elections solely with white, male conservative and rural votes. The 2012 win rendered Obama’s public musing about being a oneterm president a false fear. His strong and diverse coalition gives him some breathing space to do what incumbents that win re-election want and hope to do, and that’s to sail back into office on the crest of both voter hopes and euphoria about the prospect of more change and reform. There’s both promise and challenge here. In the first go-round, Obama — as many new presidents do — promised not to do political business in the old ways. It was the fabled man on the white horse coming to the rescue. This is, of course, just that Obama’s re-election — a fable. Real politics and an im- has eliminated the patient public knock that storybook need to appease notion for a loop. This happened the first time and conciliate the around when Obama’s approval rat- avowed enemies of ings seesawed up and down on the wave of impatience, obstructionism social and political and inflated expectations about his progress and promise of making instant reforms. reform. He won’t make that mistake again. He has a Democrat-controlled Senate that will make it much easier for him to reach across the aisle and get things done. Those things are the obvious: deficit reduction and tax, education and energy policy reform. The crucial job that the voters in 2008 believed he could do best and still want done in 2012 is to make the economy right, rein in the Wall Street greed merchants, save jobs and homes, and open the credit pipeline for businesses. He must also continue to be the firewall against all efforts to gut Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid. His ability to accomplish these things didn’t fully happen during his first four years. The modest proposals that he put forward to attack these towering problems only gave ammunition to the GOP to rally millions to harangue, hector and obstruct Obama’s efforts. The GOP still has a firm lock on the House, and Obama’s popular vote victory over Romney was just close enough to tempt some in the GOP to try to continue to subvert Obama’s agenda. But Obama’s win gives him enough latitude to forcefully blend tact and political diplomacy with a strong-willed determination to get his stalled legislation and initiatives moving. He also has the added luxury of being able to expand his vision and agenda for the country. This should include tackling the chronically high black unemployment rate, the widening income gap, drug and criminal justice reforms, comprehensive immigration reform and pouring more resources into the nation’s crumbling urban infrastructure. Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington and the following year, 2014, will mark the 50th year of the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. This gives the president a golden opportunity to open a long-neglected and much-needed dialogue on two daunting issues that have been glaringly absent from the nation’s public policy plate for decades — how to combat poverty and further strengthen Civil Rights. Obama’s re-election has eliminated the need to appease and conciliate the avowed enemies of social and political progress and reform. His re-election won’t make them totally go away, but he’s firmly in the command seat now and can now fully govern the way he vowed to millions he would. Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst.
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How do you plan to celebrate Thanksgiving?
I’m headed to my mom’s and we’ll do a big spread and say what we’re thankful for like on TV.
Surrounded by the people I care about and [the people that] care about me, enjoying each other’s company.
My kids come home from school for a three-day celebration with lots of food and lots of love.
Jerrell Cox
Sho Ndukwe
Josephine Tavares
Director of Camp Hale & Out of School Time Dorchester
Educator Allston
Teacher Roxbury
[Be] with my loved ones and relax.
At my sister’s house with my mother, father and over 40 nieces and nephews.
I’ll be here with my wife, kids, aunts and uncles.
Tomiqua Williams
Maria Pontes
Hodari Cail
Tutor South End
Community/Parent Coordinator Roxbury
Director of Community Relations Dorchester
INthe news Christina Cutting The Elizabeth Stone House of Roxbury (ESH) recently announced the appointment of Cambridge resident Christina Cutting to the position of Parent Child Center Coordinator. Cutting will lead the team of child care facilitators to create and maintain a safe and nurturing environment for parents and children. She is responsible for implementing daily and weekly lesson plans and activities for both individual and group child care. She will work directly with children that have survived multiple traumas, including homelessness, domestic violence, abuse and community violence. Prior to joining the Elizabeth Stone House, Cutting worked as a Children’s Advocate for My Sisters’ Place Inc. in New York, where she was responsible for providing direct services to children of parents who were victims of domestic violence. Prior to this role, she served as a teacher for
Bright Horizons, where she managed and directed age-appropriate activities to encourage growth and development. Cutting earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Franklin Pierce College and has
participated in numerous training programs and workshops. ESH is a family shelter and community support center for families who are survivors of domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health issues and homelessness.
6 • Thursday, November 22, 2012 • BAY STATE BANNER
Romney
continued from page 1
Romney got beat soundly in predominantly white New England, which should have been his stronghold as the former governor of Massachusetts. The hometown beatings
didn’t stop with Romney. Ryan got crushed even in his decidedly non-urban and extremely white hometown of Janesville, Wis., which Obama/Biden won by 25 points. (And just in case Ryan might try to analyze the Janesville loss as a vote against Romney and not him, he also lost his congressional race — he
ran for re-election as an insurance policy — in Janesville by 10 points, though he was able to squeak out the win with support from other places.) Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, who has become much more critical of the Republican Party post-election, expressed displeasure at Romney’s “gifts” analysis. Jindal is seen as a possible 2016 presidential candidate and is the new chairman of the Republican Governors Association. “We’ve got to stop dividing American voters [and] go after every single vote,” Jindal said. “Show that our policies affect every voter out there.” Jindal also said though the party needs to modernize, he emphasized that it can reach an increasingly diverse electorate without becoming “a second Democratic party.” He said he believes the U.S. is still a centerright nation. Jindal also told Politico on Monday that the GOP needs to
“stop being the stupid party.” During the telephone conversation, Romney explained that young voters were motivated by the administration’s
The extended insurance coverage, in particular, was “a big gift to young people,” Romney said, noting that they turned out as a “larger share in this election even than in 2008.” plan for partial forgiveness of college loan interest, the extension of health coverage for students up to age 26 on their parents’ insurance plans and free contraception coverage under Obama’s healthcare plan. Romney further suggested
WASHINGTON D.C. WEEKEND BUS EXCURSION TO THE
PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION
that the free contraception coverage explained in part the greater numbers of college-age women in Obama’s coalition. The extended insurance cov-
Michelle Alexander (seated), author of the book “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness,” was a special guest at the Center for Church and Prison’s 2012 Strategic National Conference on Mass Incarceration, held Oct. 18 at Boston University School of Law. She is seen here with Leontyne Muhammad, Patricia Muhammad and Queen Phyllis Muhammad, sisters of the Nation of Islam. (Tony Irving photo)
erage, in particular, was “a big gift to young people,” he said, noting that they turned out as a “larger share in this election even than in 2008.” Romney said Obama healthcare plan’s promise of coverage “in perpetuity” was behind the intensity of support for the president among African American voters making $25,000 to $35,000, as well as Hispanic voters. “With regards to African American voters, ‘Obamacare’ was a huge plus — and was highly motivational to African American voters,” he said. “You can imagine for somebody making $25 — , or $30 — , or $35,000 a year, being told you’re now going to get free healthcare — particularly if you don’t have it, getting free healthcare worth, what, $10,000 a family, in perpetuity, I mean this is huge. Likewise with Hispanic voters, free healthcare was a big plus.” “With regards to Hispanic voters, the amnesty for the children of illegals — the so-called Dream Act kids — was a huge plus for that voting group,” he said. “On the negative side, of course, they always characterized us as being anti-immigrant, being tough on illegal immigration, and so forth, so that was very effective with that group.” This article first appeared on BlackPoliticsontheWeb.com.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2013 – MONDAY, JANUARY 21, 2013 DEPARTURE FROM: PLEASANT HILL BAPTIST CHURCH 155 HUMBOLDT AVE, DORCH ON FRIDAY 1/18/2013 AT 7AM PROMPTLY enjoy a 3 night stay in the new accommodations AT THE HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES LAUREL Enjoy the Preinaugural festivities, Historical Washington DC, shopping mall across from hotel, or relax in hot tub or indoor pool at hotel (hotel provides shuttle to Metrorail public transportation)
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Thursday, November 22, 2012 • BAY STATE BANNER • 7
8 • Thursday, November 22, 2012 • BAY STATE BANNER
Drugs
continued from page 1
at how the war on drugs has impacted everyday Americans. Through brutally honest and heartfelt portraits of people involved in and impacted by the drug war, Jarecki makes a strong case that the war on drugs has never really been about drugs, but is, in fact, a war on all Americans, a capitalist chess game benefiting a small group of the powerful elite. Expert interviews from the likes of “The New Jim Crow” author Michelle Alexander; David Simon, author, journalist and creator of the critically acclaimed HBO series “The Wire,” and Harvard Law professor Charles Ogletree offer important context for why and how America’s drug war has been sustained. But it’s the personal narratives by convicted drug dealers,
former drug abusers and their loved ones, and law enforcement and criminal justice officials that give the film its color, painting a more vivid picture of how socio-economic conditions push people to seek drugs as a form of refuge or revenue. As Anthony Johnson’s girlfriend, Alicia Alcindor, sits stoically in a New York City apartment, their infant daughter sleeping soundly on her chest, tears suddenly spring from her eyes as she realizes that it could be years — decades even — before she and her daughter see Johnson again. Johnson is in jail pending trial on drug possession charges after being arrested in Vermont allegedly brokering a drug deal, and sees clearly the pattern that’s emerging: He grew up without his father, who spent years imprisoned on drug charges, and the chances that his younger daughter will do the same are extremely high. Meanwhile, Johnson’s father, Dennis Whidbee, a convicted drug
dealer and former drug abuser who now lives in Florida, is driven to tears as he comes to terms with the fact that his son has followed in his footsteps. Whidbee recalls the sense of desperation he felt when he discovered he would be a father. How would he provide for his sons? Drug dealing was the easy answer, but the pressure and risks of a life spent serving on corners eventually drove Whidbee to start using himself. Since its inception, America’s drug war has proven to be a neverending battle that has cost the country millions — in both dollars and lives. Since President Richard Nixon set off the war on drugs more than 30 years ago by declaring drugs America’s “public enemy number one,” the United States has spent at least $1 trillion on the drug war, with more than 45 million Americans imprisoned for drug-related crimes. And yet, the rate of drug abuse and drug sales has yet to decrease. “The House I Live In” pinpoints several reasons why the war on drugs has failed: Demand for drugs remains high because people still look to substances to numb the pain of living in poverty and oppression; communities
all crack users are black, 90% of defendants in criminal cases involving crack are black. What’s worse, the propaganda of prejudice and discrimination at the root of the drug war has manifested in bad policing and unjust court proceedings that have created an irreparable rift between law enforcement and criminal justice officials and the communities they are sworn to protect and serve. In the film, a Providence, R.I. police officer laughs as his partner proposes that poor women of color be sterilized so they don’t give birth to children that cops will eventually end up arresting. On the other side of the country, the sheriff of a small town miles from the Mexican border shrugs as he admits that in his hunt for drug traffickers, he profiles — probably unfairly — the people driving to and from Mexico, and goes so far as to suggest that all law enforcement officials do the same. Add to these attitudes the fact that drug arrests are often highly incentivized in many police departments, and it becomes clear why many law enforcement officials pursue drug crimes more aggressively than they do other crime and
Drug policy became a form of racial control, a way to target immigrant groups that were threatening the white economy and criminalize their behavior. of color have for centuries been disenfranchised from economic opportunities and driven to “underground economies” like drug dealing just to survive; and the war on drugs is simply big business — with everyone from local police departments and elected officials to owners of privatized, for-profit prisons making money from the arrest and imprisonment of those caught using or dealing drugs. As the film points out, every war starts with propaganda, and the war on drugs has been no different. Decadesold clips from PSAs and sound bites of politicians promising to scrub away the scourge of drugs show America’s long history of shaping citizens’ perceptions about who uses and sells drugs. Particularly elucidating is Jarecki’s interview with investigative reporter Charles Bowden, who pointed out that historically, America’s drug laws materialized out of a need to alleviate fear among whites that people of color had too much access to economic opportunities like jobs and housing. Drug policy became a form of racial control, a way to target immigrant groups that were threatening the white economy and criminalize their behavior. Those arrested and imprisoned as a result of discriminatory drug laws are, as one expert put it, “paying for our fear, not for their crimes.” Unfortunately, it’s not just everyday Americans who have come to believe the hype about people of color being the primary culprits in the drug war. Jarecki also reveals the ways racial myths and stereotypes often lead law enforcement and criminal justice officials to arrest, detain and imprison people of color — particularly black people — at higher rates than whites, who abuse drugs at higher rates than people of color: While a mere 13% of
public safety issues. Especially interesting is the film’s look at how the drug war has fueled the race to build and fill more privatized, for-profit prisons throughout America, and more specifically, the way mandatory minimum sentencing has made it easy to incarcerate millions of men and women for years on end, often the majority of their lives. Maurice Haltiwanger, whose story is highlighted in the documentary, is a prime example. Arrested for drug possession, Haltiwanger goes before Judge Mark Bennett to receive his sentence. Though Bennett is known for delivering lighter sentences, his hands are tied when it comes to Haltiwanger’s case — even though Haltiwanger has taken a plea bargain, mandatory minimum sentencing laws state that he still must serve a minimum of 20 years in prison. Michelle Alexander reveals that there are now more Black people imprisoned in American correctional facilities than there were Africans enslaved in the 1800s, a clear indication that the war on drugs is increasing the bottom line for those with a financial stake in the criminal justice system. And yet, the increase in imprisonment has only led to more poverty and crime, as those released from prison typically find themselves homeless, jobless and lacking the education, skills or support system to access resources or opportunities. The “House I Live In” doesn’t go so far as to offer viable solutions to ending the drug war, decreasing the prison population, or restoring the lives and communities destroyed by the war on drugs. It does, however, make a compelling case that a pointless and ineffective campaign has fattened the pockets of a few, but has ultimately led America into a moral bankruptcy from which it won’t easily rebound.
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Ogletree: We must find another way Kendra Graves Harvard Law School professor and Civil Rights attorney Charles Ogletree, who’s featured in “The House I Live In,” has been a steady and staunch opponent of the war on drugs for more than 20 years. Here, he talks with the Banner about why the drug war has failed, why he continues to advocate for drug law reform, and how the film can help transform how we think about and deal with drugs in America.
When did the war on drugs first appear on your radar, and why have you strongly opposed drug war policy? It really hit me in the ‘80s when I left Harvard Law School and went to Washington, D.C., to work as a public defender. There we had a lot of individuals who were charged with drug offenses, and there were mandatory minimums, there were people being punished for things that, to me, were incredibly unreasonable and unjust. Congress, which was led by Republicans and President Ronald Reagan was in the office, started pushing for more penalties — they wanted to punish crack cocaine 100 times more severely as an offense than powder cocaine, and that meant they were punishing blacks who were using crack cocaine as opposed to whites, the majority of whom used powder cocaine. They were punishing a race, not just a crime. And it struck me in a big way when I helped [write] a report, “The Sentencing Project”; what we publicized was that in the year 1989, there were, for the first time in the history of America, 1 million people in prison. [By 2000], a little more than a decade [later], the prison population had doubled. That to me became the stark evidence of the challenge we had to face. It was those experiences as a lawyer, as a public defender, as a law professor, as a community activist, as a Civil Rights lawyer that made me realize that what we were doing was wrongheaded and we had to find another way to do it.
Now that President Obama has been reelected, what role do you see his administration playing in ending the war on drugs? [The Obama Administration] understands it’s a problem, and they understand that the approaches and tactics used 20 years ago, five years ago just haven’t worked — they’ve been abysmal failures. And as a result of that, they are the ones that convinced Congress to reduce the penalty for the disparity between crack cocaine and powder cocaine from 100 to 1 to 18 to 1. That’s a major change in the right direction. I’m hoping that with the restraints removed as far as politics, the president can do some positive things. And I suspect if they haven’t seen it, that the drug czar and the president and the attorney general will watch “The House I Live In” as a reminder of how things got out of hand, out of control, and that the goal now is to try to find a way to resolve it.
Thursday, November 22, 2012 • BAY STATE BANNER • 9
Cliff
continued from page 1
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., stated the day after the election, “We are not going to mess with Social Security,” in cutting a bipartisan deficit-reduction deal. Other prominent Democrats, though, reiterated recommendations to place everything on the negotiating table, including entitlements. Larry Polivka, executive director of the Claude Pepper Center at Florida State University, stressed, “Despite the immediate feel-good results of the election, Democrats could hand over the huge advantage they have on Social Security and Medicare, if they agree to cost reductions as part of a grand bargain. For Democrats, those programs are the family jewels.”
Record minority vote A record number of Latino voters gave 71 percent of their votes to President Obama on Nov. 6 — including a record 47 percent of Florida’s Cuban vote. An even higher percentage of AsianAmerican voters (74 percent) cast votes for Obama. But some advocates for immigrant and minority families worry that Democratic leaders could continue to embrace the idea of making bipartisan history with Republicans by lowering the national debt through tax increases and entitlement cuts. “Latinos want a balanced budget, but they want government to be fiscally responsible, not cut programs that are so important to their families,” said Jeff Cruz, executive director of Latinos for a Secure Retirement (LSR), a coalition of 10 national Latino organizations. “They shouldn’t balance the budget on the backs of the poor.” From the Latino perspective, Cruz asserted, “There are two roads President Obama can take in his second term. If he picks up on comprehensive immigration reform, the Republicans, even in the House, will be hard pressed to block it. That would damage them even more with Latino voters.” “But if he goes ahead with his grand bargain and focuses on cuts to Social Security and Medicare,” Cruz continued, “those programs are very important to us. That’s not what we want. The American public rejected that approach in the election.” In fact, nearly every candidate in the election who was endorsed by the co-chairs of the 2010 federal debt-reduction commission lost. Even though the commission failed to agree on a federal budget plan, the two chairmen, former GOP Sen. Alan Simp-
son and Democratic investment banker Erskine Bowles, came up with their own unofficial proposal. Widely promoted in Washington as a blueprint for change, the Simpson-Bowles plan called for $4 trillion in reduced federal spending — including on social safetynet programs — over 10 years. Most of the candidates that Simpson and Bowles endorsed this year, from former Sen. Bob Kerrey, D-Neb., to Rep. Charlie Bass, R-N.H., were defeated.
Near-retirees will need programs Observers say those most at risk of losing retirement benefits are not seniors who have already retired, but near-retirees — those over the age of 50 who will need these programs once they retire. “Many minorities — especially those over 50 who are near retirement — are realizing they will be more dependent on Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid,” said Florida State University’s Polivka, a former director of the Florida Agency for Aging and Disabled Services. “Minority pre-retirees are in worse shape than ever,” Polivka said, hit hard by the mortgage and foreclosure crisis; falling interest rates; the increasing Social Security full-retirement age; and, for the relative few with 401(k) or similar pensions, their financial losses from the recession. The question now is whether Democrats will protect these programs, or put them on the chopping block in an attempt to reach a compromise with Republicans. In the long term, Polivka said, there are several factors pointing in the Democrats’ favor. Polivka said not only do Democrats have a significant diversity edge over Republicans, but “Democrats can reach out to working whites, who are worried to death about their retirement. They could get to parity with the GOP with those voters by 2016, even with working white males who don’t have a college education. Along with women and minorities, they could lock in the party’s majority status for the long term.” But in the short term, Democrats may be forced to compromise. Even a seemingly modest compromise on Social Security, such as changing the formula for calculating the annual cost of living adjustment (COLA), would have a troubling impact on seniors struggling to make ends meet. “For minorities, the change in the COLA would mean major reductions in Social Security over time for the vast majority of them,” said Polivka, who has been a consultant to federal and state agencies. An analysis by the Congressio-
nal Budget Office has shown that under the proposed change, by age 75, the average Social Security recipient, who now receives a modest $14,000 pension per year, would lose the equivalent of $560. By age 85, when elders need the income the most, they would receive almost $1,000 less. Polivka noted a new analysis of retirement savings by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. The study found that from 2007 to 2010, the percentage of those at risk of having a financially insecure retirement jumped significantly. “As of 2010,” says the Boston College study, “more than half of today’s households will not have enough retirement income to maintain their pre-retirement standard of living.”
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10 • Thursday, November 22, 2012 • BAY STATE BANNER
Warm up your winter with
sizzling
style Shanice Maxwell (Bryan Trench photos)
We all know the trials and tribulations of Boston winter, but there’s no reason not to look fresh as you brave the New England chill. Check out these must-have winter looks for the fashion-forward Bostonian.
Model: Cled Sully
Stay current with a vintage cardigan Spice up your winter wear with a vintage varsity cardigan — they’re all the rave this season. Just ask local designer Claude Michelle Sanon, 29, creator of the sports luxury brand Rowing by Claude Michelle. “Everyday sweaters are making a comeback,” he says. “From cardigans to the Cosby kind with patterns, sweaters are a timeless winter look.” Pair them with a crisp button-up shirt — a solid or subtle print will do — to make a style statement in class or at work. Add a bow tie for flare and fun or try a skinny tie to give this look an extra ounce of professionalism. Choose between khakis, earth tone-colored corduroys or dark denim depending on where you’re headed. Sperrys, Oxfords or moc toe boots are great for giving this look a sleek finish.
Stand out in a high-waisted skirt
Model: Sophia Thomas
What better way to start your winter day than with a “nice long wool or tweed skirt,” says Boston’s Rico Laing, 25, co-founder and designer of The Finals Club lifestyle brand. Head to work, church, a date or school in a high-waisted skirt in a subtle color. Feeling risky? Try raspberry, burnt red, cheetah print or black-and-white ‘jailbird’ stripes. Tuck in a sheer or charmeuse solid top for contrast. Long sleeve shirts with buttons work well — keep it buttoned for a more professional look or unfasten the first few before heading out for some post-work fun. Steal the show with heels that serve a pop of color and passion. Strappy heels, “round toe [shoes] and thicker heels especially,” and wedges all work for fabulous footwear, Rico says. You’ll kick the competition out of the running with this sophisticated urban wear.
Thursday, November 22, 2012 • BAY STATE BANNER • 11
Turn heads in a tennis sweater Make your fashion mark with a vintage tennis sweater after you peel away your pea coat. Cable cord or plain knitted or woven sweaters will do the trick. Add a splash of color to your outfit with a scarf, “a good accent piece, [especially] when used with patterns,” Sanon says. “Color makes a different contrast.” Eggplant, pumpkin or burnt orange, cranberry, forest green, glen plaid and herringbone are great places to start. Strap on a pair of high ankle boots for a more casual look, especially if you plan to wear corduroys. Take it up a notch with a pair of wingtips or penny loafers – now you’re really dressed to impress. Lastly, throw on a tailored jacket or colored blazer if you really want to turn heads on the streets or in the office.
Rock the layered rugby look Layering clothes won’t just keep you warm this winter, it’ll have you standing out in the crowd. Make the rugby look your own this season by placing striped long sleeve shirts over button-ups and casual crew neck shirts. Shawl collars are a great choice as well: “[They’re] very hot and popular right now,” Sanon says. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and colors you wouldn’t normally put together, he adds. Trying new things to achieve a dapper look is what it’s all about in men’s winter fashion this year. Do pay attention to the size of stripes and other geometric shapes when styling things, however. For fly finishing touches, add a newsboy cap, wool/knitted beanie or warm cowhide with cashmere, tweed or two-toned gloves for those chilly Boston mornings says Sanon.
Pair faux fur with denim Whirl your way into a winter wonderland with faux fur accessories. Accent your everyday or professional look with a faux fur scarf, vest, hat or coat. Remember, less is more when it comes to the fur look: “Keep it simple, but have accents to bring them out,” Rico says. When it comes to trendy tops, denim utility shirts are an item every fashionista should own. They’re easy to spruce up and pair nicely with a variety of bottoms. Whether you’re going on a date or to class, high-waisted horseback riding pants are a quick fix that are comfortable and classy. Complete your couture look with high-heeled lace up, combat or leather boots in the color of your choice.
Slip into a loose, mesh dress Trade in your snow gear for some trendy threads this winter. Start with a loosely fitted long sleeve dress with mesh detail for school, quick errands or casual Fridays at your job. The small but intricate mesh design brings an extra feminine touch to this style. Black is always fitting, but “leather and floral are hot options” to consider, Rico says. Layer with free-flowing knitted sweaters with fringe for a rugged but sassy appeal — already you’re looking more audacious. Accentuate your legs with printed tights or leggings that match your dress. Pair these with calf-length wool socks for fun or warmth. Gold accessories are a win when it comes to this look, Rico says. Go for bracelets of various sizes, a chunky ring, and traditional hoops for a pinch of glam. Lace up dark-colored combat boots to complete this cozy but cute outfit.
12 • Thursday, November 22, 2012 • BAY STATE BANNER
Berklee alum Joy Daniels shines on lush debut With production partner Levelsoundz, she’s crafted an updated version of the classic R&B aesthetic popularized between the mid-‘80s and late-‘90s by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Teddy Riley and Timbaland, but they’ve added a new dimension by incorporating atmospheric
Elliott collaboration while feeling fresh and original. “After The Rain” is an uptempo selection reminiscent of a mid-‘80s Janet Jackson track, and the gorgeous “Oceans” combines excellent lyrics and well-delivered vocals, paired with production that lets both elements shine. “Lesson Learned” is another wonderful song of self-discovery, perseverance and triumph, and “By Any Means” continues the running theme of overcoming personal and professional adversity and growth. This song contains the only feature on the album, as Real P of hip hop collective Famous Nobodies adds a
Thankfully, there is no filler on “Joy After The Rain”— no throwaway tracks, no obvious attempts at gaining radio airplay or reaches that take away from the overall aesthetic of the project.
Dart Adams Former Berklee College Of Music student and renowned live performer Joy Daniels has created quite a dedicated following here in Boston, and her debut project “Joy After The Rain” is an excellent indicator as to why. The album’s opener, “Live Good (The Intro),” in-
stantly grabs listeners, inviting them to suspend belief and buy into the nine-song, 37-minute sonic experience. Joy has a beautiful and powerful voice, but she knows when to reel it in and work with her soundscapes rather than sing against them, much like Minnie Riperton and Whitney Houston did throughout their careers.
arrangements, lush strings and well-placed guitar accompaniment throughout the album. The next two selections, “Mourning For Mine” and “Heavy,” go from mid-tempo head-nodder to slow song that showcases smooth vocals. The project’s lead single, “Cruel Summer,” (not to be confused with the Kanye West-led GOOD Music album by the same name), has the aesthetic of a late-‘90s Timbaland and Missy
powerful new dimension to the track. The album closes with the atmospheric and inspirational “Higher Self,” yet another example of how lyrics, vocals and production can come together into a song you want to put on repeat. The middle of the track contains a rhyme that exhibits just how talented Ms. Daniels truly is. Much like Groove Theory’s Bryce Wilson and Amel Larrieux were able to make great music together, Levelsoundz
and Daniels exhibit potential to do the same. The amount of growth from last year’s prequel mixtape, “The Storm,” is mindboggling. “Joy After The Rain” is an almost perfectly executed project in terms of vocal performance, content and overall sonic effect. Daniels and Levelsoundz have managed to create an album that gets listeners emotionally invested and immerses them in their world. Thankfully, there is no filler on “Joy After The Rain”— no throwaway tracks, no obvious attempts at gaining radio airplay or reaches that take away from the overall aesthetic of the project. In the end, it simply does what all great art is supposed to do: Entertain the audience and establish an authentic emotional connection with them. I’d be willing to put “Joy After The Rain” in a Pepsi challenge against any major label R&B album today. Lyricism: AProduction: AThemes/Content: B+ Originality: B+ Overall rating: ATo get a free copy of “Joy After The Rain,” visit joyforthepeople.com
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Thursday, November 22, 2012 • BAY STATE BANNER • 13
14 • Thursday, November 22, 2012 • BAY STATE BANNER
2013
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PEST CONTROL DUDLEY EXTERMINATING COMPANY • Established in 1939 • Locally owned • Lic/insured • VA/FHA Home Inspections • Roaches, mice, rats, ants, bedbugs (617) 427-3552, Jill E. Bowen, dedlydudley@yahoo.com
FOX PEST CONTROL Call us last for the best price Roaches • Rodents • Ants • Fleas • Bees 24 Hour Service • Licensed Serving the Boston area and beyond (617) 818-5697
BUSINESS DIRECTORY $250/six months for a 30 word listing in print and online. Email: ads@bannerpub.com
Thursday, November 22, 2012 • BAY STATE BANNER • 15
NEWSNotes “Our veterans risked their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy today,” Mayor Menino said. “Now, it’s our turn to ensure these heroes have roofs over their heads and access to the assistance they need.” In late 2011, the Mayor launched the Boston Continuum of Care Homeless and At-risk Advisory Group to mitigate homelessness among returning veterans. The advisory group involved nearly 15 governmental and nonprofit entities that serve veterans, including the City of Boston’s Office of Veterans Affairs, the State Office of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Neighborhood Development, the Boston Public Health Commission, the Boston Housing Authority, Veterans Administration Health Care Services, the New England Center for Homeless Veterans, Pine Street Inn, St. Francis
Mayor Menino announces grant for homeless veterans Mayor Thomas M. Menino on Veterans Day announced a $97,000 grant to the New England Center for Homeless Veterans and called on property owners to rent an apartment to a hero looking for a place to call home. The grant, funded by the City’s Department of Neighborhood Development, will enable the New England Center for Homeless Veterans to find affordable apartments for veterans, especially those who have been issued a VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) voucher, which they can use to obtain rental assistance, case management and clinical services. Since 2009, Boston has successfully housed 292 formerly homeless veterans with VASH vouchers.
House, the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance, Project Place and HomeStart. For more information about the city’s services for veterans, visit www. cityofboston.gov/veterans.
$141M in federal heating assistance for Massachusetts Massachusetts will receive $141 million in federal funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Gov. Deval Patrick announced recently, an increase of $8.2 million more than last year’s funding. The fuel assistance funds provide eligible households with help in paying a portion of their winter heating bills. Eligibility for the program is based on household size and the gross annual income of every
LEGALS
Docket No. SU12D2022DR
Divorce Summons by Publication and Mailing Andrew Edwards
vs.
Gladys Edwards
To the Defendant: The Plaintiff has filed a Complaint for Divorce requesting that the Court grant a divorce for irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. The Complaint is on file at the Court. An Automatic Restraining Order has been entered in this matter preventing you from taking any action which would negatively impact the current financial status of either party. SEE Supplemental Probate Court Rule 411. You are hereby summoned and required to serve upon: Andrew Edwards, 1990 Columbus Ave, Apt 120, Boston, MA 02119-0720 your answer, if any, on or before 12/24/2012. If you fail to do so, the court will proceed to the hearing and adjudication of this action. You are also required to file a copy of your answer, if any, in the office of the Register of this Court. Witness, Hon. Joan P. Armstrong, First Justice of this Court. Date: August 30, 2012 Sandra Giovannucci Register of Probate
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS CLASSIFIED LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS EXECUTIVE OFFICE FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE DIVISION OF CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT & MAINTENANCE (DCAMM) Sealed proposals submitted on a form furnished by the Division of Capital Asset Management & Maintenance (DCAMM) and clearly identified as a bid, endorsed with the name and address of the bidder, the project and contract number, will be received at the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, One Ashburton Place, 16th Floor, Room 1610, Boston, MA 02108, no later than the date and time specified and will forthwith be publicly opened and read aloud. General Bids before 2:00 PM:
December 13, 2012
Every General Bidder must be certified by the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance for the category of work and for no less than the bid price plus all add alternates of this project. The Category of Work is:
ELEVATORS
Mass. State Project No.
DCP1322 Contract No. OM6
Elevator Service Contract for Eight State Buildings Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea and Lawrence, Massachusetts
Parker Hill Apartments The Style, Comfort and Convenience you Deserve! Heat and Hot Water Always Included Modern Laundry Facilities Private Balconies / Some with City Views Plush wall to wall carpet Adjacent to New England Baptist Hospital Secured Entry, Elevator Convenience Private Parking Near Public Transportation and much more ...
WOLLASTON MANOR 91 Clay Street Quincy, MA 02170
Senior Living At It’s Best
A senior/disabled/ handicapped community 0 BR units = $1,027/mo 1 BR units = $1,101/mo All utilities included.
1 bedroom $1058 – $1250 income must not exceed $41,100
Call Sandy Miller,
Call Today for more details and to schedule a visit...
#888-691-4301
888-842-7945
Property Manager Program Restrictions Apply.
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@BayStateBanner Renounce the pride of wrong identification, which is also company. Follow the example of the saints: root out anger, desire, and greed. Respect authentic scriptures, and always meditate on the Lord. Expect nothing from others.
LEGALS
Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department SUFFOLK Division
household member 18 years of age or older. The maximum income eligibility for LIHEAP is 60 percent of the estimated state median income. Benefit levels vary depending on household income. Nationwide, LIHEAP assists more than 4.6 million lowincome Americans in paying their heating bills. Funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, LIHEAP is managed by The Department of Housing and Community Development in conjunction with 22 regional nonprofit and local government organizations that will distribute benefits to over 200,000 Massachusetts households in need.
This contract is for operations, maintenance & repair of the systems and equipment for approximately 72 elevators, 5 escalators and 6 wheel chair lifts in eight buildings managed by DCAMM. SCOPE: The contractor shall furnish all tools, labor and materials and do all work required for safe and efficient operation of all elevators, escalators and chair lifts. These activities include: weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual & annual preventative maintenance; trouble shooting; repair and replacement. Work is to be done by onsite mechanic and/or visiting mechanics in the eight buildings managed by DCAMM, Office of Facilities Management and Maintenance: The State House, Lindemann, Hurley & State Transportation Building, Boston; E.J. Sullivan Courthouse, Cambridge; Mass Info Tech Center, Chelsea and The Wall Building, Lawrence, Massachusetts. Pre-Bid Conference: Monday, November 26 @ 9:00 AM at One Ashburton Place, Room 107, Boston, MA 02108. Site/ Building tours are required for all bidders (November 26-28, 9 AM-4 PM). Tours must be scheduled 24 hours in advance, contact: Liam Slein 617-7274100 X24132, HYPERLINK "mailto:Liam.J.Slein@MassMail.state.ma" Liam. J.Slein@MassMail.state.ma. Written questions due by 5 PM, December 4, 2012 to: B.J. Mohammadipour, P.E., DCAMM, tel. 617-727-4100 x24121, fax 617-727-2576, BJ.Mohammadipour@MassMail.State.MA. Minimum rates of wages to be paid on the project have been determined by the Commissioner of the Division of Occupational Safety under the provisions of Sections 26 and 27, Chapter 149 of the General Laws. Wage rates are listed in the contract form portion of specification book.
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LEGALS NOTICE Keith Construction acting as General Contractor for the Washington Park, Boston, MA project seeks subcontractor bids for all phases of work. Washington Park is an existing residential apartment community undergoing renovation and new construction. Work includes sitework, demo, landscape, paving, concrete, masonry, misc. metals, carpentry, insulation, rubber roofing, doors & hardware, windows, GWB, flooring, painting, tub surrounds, appliances, accessories, kitchens, bathrooms, window treatments, signage, fire protection, mechanical, plumbing and electrical. Minority and women’s business enterprises and local Boston enterprises are encouraged to participate. All subcontractors will be expected to make an affirmative effort to hire Boston residents. Interested bidders should contact Keith Construction, Inc. at 781-828-8474. Estimating bid documents are available on-line at our dropbox website by request. Keith Construction is also accepting resumes from local residents of Boston for all construction trades. Persons interested in employment on the Washington Park project should visit the Washington Park Apartments Community Center located at 200 Columbia Road on Wednesday, December 5th and Thursday, December 6th between 9AM and 3PM for further information. NOTE WELL:
Each general bid must be secured by an accompanying deposit of 5% of the total bid amount, including all alternates, in the form of a bid bond, in cash, a certified, treasurer's, or cashier's check issued by a responsible bank or trust company made payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The bidding documents may be examined at the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, Bid Room, One Ashburton Place, 16th Floor, Room 1610, Boston, MA 02108 Tel (617) 727-4003. Copies may be obtained by depositing a company check, treasurer's check, cashier's check, bank check or money order in the sum of $50.00 payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. No personal checks or cash will be accepted as deposits. Refunds will be made to those returning the documents in satisfactory condition on or before DECEMBER 28, 2012 (ten business days after the opening of General Bids) otherwise the deposit shall be the property of the Commonwealth. WE DO NOT MAIL PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS. Messenger and other type of pick-up and delivery services are the agents of the bidders and the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance assumes no responsibility for delivery or receipt of the documents. Bidders are encouraged to take advantage of a rotating credit plans and specifications deposit program initiated by the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to encourage the easy accessibility of documents to contractors. Designer:
1.
Applicants must be 18yrs. of age and have a reliable means of transportation.
2.
Please specify construction work experience and list any applicable construction licenses and/or certifications you may have.
3.
Filling out an application does not guarantee employment. Keith Construction will provide all applications to our subcontractors performing the work on this project.
4.
Applicants must be willing to submit to a background check.
5.
Local resident are encouraged to apply.
6.
Final job application review and selection will be by our individual subcontractors and not Keith Construction.
Thank you for your interest!
Division of Capital Asset Management & Maintenance One Ashburton Place Boston, MA 02108
Carole Cornelison COMMISSIONER
Join a dynamic group of civil/transportation professionals at a 100-person multi-state consulting engineering firm.The following position is currently open in our Boston office:
Survey Technician/ Instrument Operator with knowledge of field survey techniques using total station, GPS and leveling equipment. Responsibilities include conducting land title surveys, performing existing condition/topographic surveys, boundary surveys, subdivision surveys and construction staking. Candidates must have high school diploma, 1–3 years of experience, valid driver’s license with clean driving record, and excellent math skills. Associate’s degree a plus. BSC offers competitive salary and benefits (medical, dental, 401(k), life and disability insurance). Please submit resume with cover letter to: Human Resources Department BSC Group, Inc. 15 Elkins Street, Boston, MA 02127 e-mail: info@bscgroup.com fax: 617-896-4301 No telephone calls, no recruiters, please. BSC is an AA/EEO employer.
Codman Square NDC Systems And Database Manager Senior level, experienced, organized and methodical person capable of working collaboratively, across multiple lines of business/departments, to coordinate the development, implementation and maintenance of policies and procedures and to develop appropriate systems, protocols and forms in support of achieving of organizational goals and objectives sought. Position is key to providing parameters for decision making, meeting regulatory, legal, contractual and other requirements and increasing efficacy and efficiency at the departmental and programmatic goal level. This position provides all staff and the Board with an understanding of the “ways of doing things” within CSNDC. Systems, policies and procedures developed may be agency-wide or departmentally specific. Also support the development of databases, at the departmental and agency-wide levels, that will facilitate staff and Board understanding of who CSNDC serves and the outcomes and impact these services have on clientele. Bachelors or Masters degree in Business, Management, Information Technology or related field, with at least 5 years of relevant experience, including demonstrated experience developing policies, procedures, systems and databases required. Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Excel, Access, or other spreadsheet and database management programs or software required. Proven experience in achieving results, working in tandem with a diverse senior management team also required. Must have excellent organizational skills, keen listening skills as well as excellent verbal and written communication skills. Send cover letter and resumes, with salary requirements to Executive Director, Codman Square NDC, 587 Washington St, Dorchester, MA 02124 by November 26, 2012. No phone calls please.