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Gun violence, mayhem destroying young lives Kelly Goff Shortly after the Jovan Belcher tragedy, I was asked on a television program whether or not the NFL player’s high-profile murder-suicide would have any impact on gun control in America. I answered that it would not. Historically, our country has only addressed the issue of gun violence when it touches the lives of those with whom our leaders are most likely to identify. Rarely are those likely to be incidents involving people of color suffering domestic violence or teens of color from low-income communities who are victims of urban gun violence. Instead, the gun tragedies that have actually moved our elected officials to significant action on gun control have been those incidents in which victims are most likely to remind our leaders of their own friends, families and communities, incidents like the 1993 shooting on a Long Island Rail Road train, which killed commuters from New York’s professional class, or the 1999 Columbine High School shooting, which made gun control the cause célèbre of white suburban moms, culminating in the Million Mom March in 2000. Now it appears another incident is poised to finally move our leaders to action once again, 13 years after Columbine. The murder of
20 children and six adults in the quiet and normally safe enclave of Newtown, Conn., on Dec. 14 is forcing a conversation about gun control that the shooting of 26 residents in one night in Chicago this ummer — resulting in the deaths of two teens and injury of 24 others — could not. As previously noted in an analysis by the now-defunct Daily, more Chicago residents, many of them urban youth, were killed by gun violence in the first half of 2012 than American soldiers were killed in Afghanistan during the same period. Just think about those numbers for a moment. Yet I don’t recall elected officials of either party making the rounds of the Sunday morning news shows, explicitly to urge action in honor of those kids. But that has happened in the wake of the Newtown tragedy, just as it happened briefly in the wake of the Aurora, Colo., movie theater tragedy. But the difference between the incident in Aurora and the latest one in Newtown is that Aurora took place months before an election, a time in which very few politicians, including the president, feel their most politically courageous, particularly when it comes to provoking the ire of the political giant that is the National Rifle Association.
C O MME N TAR Y
A little boy gets a hug from Santa Claus during a recent Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Dudley Town Common in Roxbury. (Keiko Hiromi photo)
New book explores Obama’s use of Black Language Caitlin Yoshiko Kandil Days before his inauguration as President of the United States in 2009, Barack Obama visited Ben’s Chili Bowl, the famous blackowned restaurant in the U Street Corridor of Washington, D.C. He ordered a chili half smoke, Ben’s signature dish, and gave the cashier a $20 bill. When she handed him the change for his $12 meal, Obama declined, saying, “Nah, we straight.” While Obama’s one-liner was making headlines around the country, linguists H. Samy Alim and Geneva Smitherman were busy deconstructing it. “For us linguists, ‘Nah, we straight’ had particular signifi-
cance because in these three simple words, we have three different features of Black Language,” they say in an email interview. As they explain, pronouncing “nah” instead of “no,” using “straight” to mean “okay” and omitting “are” in the sentence are all distinctive features of Black Language. For Alim and Smitherman, this shows that not only is Barack Obama the country’s first black president — he is also the first Black Language-speaking president. In their new book, “Articulate While Black,” Alim, director of the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Language at Stanford University, and Smitherman, director of the African American Language and Literacy Program
at Michigan State University, explore the many instances Barack Obama employed Black Language during his 2008 presidential bid — a tactic they argue was key to his success. From his “fist bump” with Michelle after clinching the Democratic nomination, to his celebrated speech on race, Alim and Smitherman say that Obama used Black Language as a way to communicate directly with African Americans, proving that he is one of them and gaining their political support. Without this show of cultural authenticity, black voters may not have rallied behind the president in the high numbers that they did. Obama, continued to page 8
Historically, our country has only addressed the issue of gun violence when it touches the lives of those with whom our leaders are most likely to identify.
Violence, continued to page 12
UMass President Caret warns of ‘fiscal cliff’ danger for research Banner staff AMHERST — The University of Massachusetts stands to lose nearly $32 million in federal research funding next year if President Obama and Congress are unable to reach a deal to advert automatic cuts to defense and domestic discretionary programs, UMass President Robert L. Caret told members of the University’s Board of Trustees last week. Federal agencies that finance
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the University’s research, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), would be subject to an estimated 8.2 percent reduction in funding, hampering their ability to fund critical scientific research. “The innovations and discoveries happening on our campuses that improve and save lives and nurture industries that keep the state competitive in the global UMass, continued to page 14
“The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Signs of Freedom” is a new exhibit celebrating heroes of the Civil Rights Movement through poignant scenes, like Dr. King and Rev. Ralph Abernathy, pictured above, on one of the first desegregated buses after the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1956). The exhibit is on display at the Museum of African American History through February 2013. There will be an exhibit talk with Executive Director Beverly Morgan-Welch on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 5 p.m., with holiday refreshments from noon to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.afroammuseum.org or call 617-725-0022. (Photo courtesy of Ernest C. Withers Family Trust and Decaneas Archive)
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2 • Thursday, December 20, 2012 • BAY STATE BANNER
Thursday, December 20, 2012 • BAY STATE BANNER • 3
Minority career women gather to build and bond
Tyese Levon, 25, of Dorchester shares a heartfelt embrace with (L) Tahina Barlatier, 29, of Everett after she claims her second prize of the evening at the Professional Women of Color Network holiday event last Friday at the Sons of Italy in Quincy. (Daniel Irvin photo) Shanice Maxwell Media and entertainment often portray females as being caustic and
catty towards one another. But contrary to popular stereotypes, many women work tirelessly to create a collaborative, nurturing atmosphere
for other females. One of those women is Alisa Hunter, founder of Boston’s own Professional Women of Color Network. The group seeks to unite minority females and help them achieve their personal and professional goals. “I wanted to decrease some of the isolation women of color may feel in their careers and give them a safe place to talk, share and express some of these concerns and issues while also getting support and feedback from [others like them],” Hunter said. “The resources for [us] in particular aren’t that bountiful in the community. Providing women with a place to really explore their passions and how they can best live out their dreams has always been important,” she said. The network’s growth is a testament to the fact that Hunter isn’t alone in these sentiments. Since its inception in April of 2012, the group has gained over 80 members. Bonded by a commitment to professional excellence and a desire to cultivate long-lasting connections and collective growth amongst minority women, the network hosted a “Girls Night Out Holiday Affair” last Friday. Twenty-five vendors catered to over 60 females of all ages and career paths as laughter, positivity and candid stories filled the Quincy Sons
of Italy. Vendors shared their secrets to success and gave advice to budding business owners. Business cards weren’t the only thing exchanged — affection and hospitality were, too. New relationships were formed over hors d’oeuvres and attendees cheered for raffle gift winners. The holiday event proved that contrary to popular belief, women can and do enjoy each other’s company, free of the name-calling and drama so often depicted on reality TV. “[This] inspired me to do something of my own,” said Kelly CoronaWell of Cambridge. “When you find yourself being surrounded by women who are motivated to do something, you want to be a part of that.” “Working with other women, especially women of color, trying to pursue their own dreams and their own businesses makes me feel good even though I’m brand new to this,” said Aishah Lambert, 24, a Dorchester resident and HAIRmeout natural hair care stylist. There was an overwhelming desire among participants for more opportunities that uplift and fortify females. Many agreed the evening’s event was the start of something great. “There are so many gems in Boston, however, folks don’t always connect with each other,” said Keyona Aviles, 30, a Dorchester resident and licensed mental health clinician. “So we have a lot of really powerful, professional ladies out there, particularly ladies of color, who are doing great work, but kind of on their own. Through the network we can slowly build a place and space for women to connect and share each other’s wisdom.”
9 Networking Tips Networking simply means connecting with others and building relationships. Use these tips to help you acquire new professional contacts:
Before the event • Research the speaker(s) of the hour. • Prepare three to five insightful and openended questions. • Pack your business cards and prepare or tweak your elevator pitch .
During the event • Take good notes you can refer back to. • Introduce yourself to at least five people and listen attentively when conversing. • Exchange contact information and ask to connect at a later date.
After the event (within 48 hours) • Write a thank you note or email the speaker. • Send tailored emails to contacts you made; follow-up on things you discussed and ask genuine questions. • Connect on social media with new contacts and keep in touch!
Hip hop producer AraabMuzik (L) peers at an especially hyped crowd (C) during his show at the Middle East in Cambridge on Dec. 13. The Providence native, known for his live beatmaking skills, has produced for rappers including Cam’ron, Fabolous, Jadakiss and Busta Rhymes. Busta (R) was in town to perform some of his greatest hits at Club Centro in Lawrence on Saturday, Dec. 8. (Isaac Remsen photos)
4 • Thursday, December 20, 2012 • BAY STATE BANNER
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Christmas spirit exhorts higher character standards “Peace on Earth, good will to man” is a universally recognized Christmas prayer. It induces everyone to respond to their higher instincts and be compassionate and generous to others. That is not the usual state of mind. There is so much cruelty and violence in the world, we take that conduct to be commonplace; but during the grace of yuletide, stories of inhumanity seem to be deviant. Recently, scholars and historians have been debating the character of Thomas Jefferson, the nation’s third president. He was an intellectually imposing figure whose language in the Declaration of Independence inspired the colonists. The Declaration states: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Analysts are unable to fathom the incongruity between this language and Jefferson’s hostility to blacks. According to Paul Finkelman, author of “Slavery and the Founders: Race and Liberty in the Age of Jefferson,” he was in fact the “Monster of Monticello.” Finkelman stated in a New York Times op-ed article that Jefferson owned about 175 slaves when he wrote the Declaration. Since slavery was a common practice in the nation in those days, some historians are willing to excuse Jefferson because of his great contributions as one of America’s founding fathers. If he were a benign plantation owner that would be possible to do. However, according to reports, Jefferson was upon occasion so brutal that he made Simon Legree, the character from Uncle Tom’s Cabin, seem like a veritable coddler of slaves. According to Finkelman, Jefferson would sell troublesome slaves and separate them from their
families. He once sold off some slaves to acquire the funds to replenish his wine cellar and buy art. His racist writings against slaves were equally antagonistic to emancipated blacks. At his death, George Washington freed the slaves he owned. Jefferson had no intention of following that practice. In fact, he did not even plan to free the children he had fathered with his mistress Sally Hemmings. When his wife died, Jefferson took up with her half sister, Sally Hemmings, whose mother was a slave. In response to Hemmings’ entreaties, Jefferson finally freed only his last two children in his will, but he left some 200 slaves to be sold at auction. Even Sally Hemmings remained a slave. It is clear from his conduct that Jefferson did not consider blacks to be human, or at least the same exalted category of human being as whites. Historians and his contemporaries have been willing to ignore this infamous deviancy because of Jefferson’s contributions to the new nation. Apparently, they do not view this as an unforgivable character flaw. One wonders whether a more humane view on race by someone as powerful as Jefferson would have ameliorated the nation’s awful history of racial discrimination. While it is unlikely for society to sustain the spirit of concern for others that exists at Christmas time, we should learn a lesson from the Jefferson experience. Whatever talents a political leader may have, good character is most important. A man who would keep his children and his lover enslaved has none. Do not believe that as a mere citizen you count at all if those closest to the leader do not. It is worth every effort to elevate the concern for humanity that the Christmas spirit brings, but do not be beguiled by charismatic leaders who have no real human compassion.
Man, if we could learn how to love one another a little better, we would have Christmas every day. USPS 045-780
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LETTERSto the Editor Suspensions harm students, regardless of race Our complaint does not assert a claim of intentional discrimination on the part of Fall River Public Schools. (“Suspensions in Fall River under federal investigation,” Bay State Banner, Dec. 13, 2012). Instead it challenges the highfrequency use of suspensions as an unsound educational response to student misbehavior. Extensive research shows that even one suspension is associated with a much higher risk for course failure, grade retention, dropping out and juvenile justice involvement. Frequent use of suspensions as a response to a wide range of minor misbehavior is not good for students, regardless of race. Further, research has established that frequently suspending students is not associated with better test scores. The federal data show that this counter-productive approach is harming students with disabilities and black and Latino students in Fall River far more than white students. But the unsound policies are also harmful to the white students in Fall River. The Civil Rights argument used in this complaint is based on a sound principle, that when a school’s disci-
pline policies or practices result in huge disparities in harm to children, by race, or disability status, they should replace them with more effective methods of creating safe and productive school environments. There are better ways to improve student behavior, ones that involve more attention from adults, more support and training for teachers, and these alternatives do not entail so many days of lost instruction. The remedy is to address misbehavior more effectively, so that behavior improves, not to ignore it. There are also many ways to instill
order that also keep communities safer because they reduce the number of unsupervised youth out on the streets during school hours. Therefore the remedy — replacing unsound discipline policies and practices with more effective ones, ones that are effective for all subgroups — will help reduce the disparities, but also produce better academic outcomes and safer schools and communities for all. Dan Losen Director, The Center for Civil Rights Remedies — The Civil Rights Project at UCLA
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OPINION Sandy Hook school massacre presents fresh challenge to Obama Earl Ofari Hutchinson A compassionate and tearful President Obama minced no words following the Newtown, Conn., school massacre and demanded action. Though Obama did not specify what action he had in mind, the action that will again spark colossal debate is how to crack down on the senseless gun violence that has caused indescribable pain and suffering for so many innocent victims. The usual suspects were quick to pounce with their silly “guns don’t kill, people kill” line. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who has loudly called for Obama and Congress to enact new and tougher gun control laws, quickly jumped back into the gun control fray and made the same call again. As the names and faces of the children and the others gunned down in the horrific school massacre become known, a legion of voices will also demand that gun control be shoved back on the White House and congressional table. This is where things again will get thorny. The assumption is that the NRA and the gun lobby is so all-powerful and financially well-heeled that it can beat back any congressional move to impose tougher restrictions on gun As the names and access. It’s certainly done a masterful faces of the children job at that. The NRA did not issue and the others gunned an official statement on the massacre, other than a terse one-liner down in the horrific it would wait until all the facts school massacre become that are in. But that didn’t stop other gun known, a legion of control opponents from denouncing calls for tougher gun laws and voices will demand gearing up for a round of talk show that gun control be appearances to tout their view. shoved back on the But the NRA’s money and political clout, and the saber rattle of gun White House table. control opponents is only part of the reason that tougher gun control laws, no matter how many heartbreaking massacres occur, face an uphill climb. The tipoff came during the recent presidential election. Obama and Romney were briefly challenged by Bloomberg and gun control advocates to propose new gun curbs. This was prompted by the Aurora, Colo. theater massacre. They demurred. The issue quickly dropped off the political radar. The reason for the dodge had nothing to do with Romney’s well-known NRA membership and opposition to tougher gun control laws. Nor did it have anything to do with Obama’s reluctance to take a stand on the issue in front of millions of gun owners in what was a close re-election battle. Both simply recognized that gun ownership is a fact of American life and a rigidly protected constitutional right. During his stint in the Illinois legislature, Obama’s major concern was cracking down on illegal gun sales, and the spread of and access to semi-automatic weapons. This does little to keep guns out of the hands of loose screws such as alleged Aurora shooter James Holmes and alleged Sandy Hook school shooter Adam Lanza. In the White House, Obama has simply followed the precedent of nearly all presidents, and that’s to leave tougher restrictions on gun sales and trafficking to the states. Some states have passed laws that ban assault guns and high-capacity ammunition magazines, limit the number of gun sales, require child safety locks on new guns and outlaw the sale of cheap handguns. The huge drawback to the state-by-state gun action is that it does not significantly limit the massive trafficking in guns across state lines. It also doesn’t begin to address the question of how to identify and then prevent the legions of human ticking time bombs that do not have a criminal record and appear to be normal functioning individuals from legally purchasing and even stockpiling weapons, and that includes weapons of mass destruction. Ultimately, only Congress can pass a uniform federal standard to restrict the manufacture, sale and transport of guns. This is where the fight begins and unfortunately has quickly ended. The first ending was Congress’s failure to reauthorize the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban that expired in 2004. Congress has been virtually mute on any gun restrictions in the years since then. This did not mean that gun control bills weren’t written and introduced. They were in every Congress session. But not one piece of gun control legislation made it to the House floor. The 112th Congress was no different. None of the proposed gun control laws even made it out of a House committee. This in no way means that such laws are dead in the water in perpetuity in Congress. Obama has called tougher gun control laws “common sense.” This signals that if there is enough public outcry and push, one or more of the gun control measures could finally make it out of a House or Senate committee. Obama is not running for re-election and does not have to worry about enraged gun owners raking him over the coals for putting his White House muscle behind one of the bills. That and the eventual passage of fresh gun restrictions would at least send the right signal that the gun lobby is not invincible and that millions of Americans want and demand anything that will potentially head off the next rampage. Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst.
The Banner welcomes your opinion. Email Op-Ed submissions to:
hmanly@bannerpub.com Letters must be signed. Names may be withheld upon request.
What is your Christmas wish?
The same purpose Christ was born [with]: Peace on earth and goodwill among all people.
In light of the incident in Connecticut, that we learn to really see, hear and love one another.
For everyone to be at peace and have good health, in light of everything going on.
Lucilda Dassardo-Cooper
Chalaun Lomax
Michelle Evans
Artist Dorchester
Jeweler/Metalsmith Dorchester
Nurse/Artist South End
Inner peace and strength for my loved ones.
For every child to feel loved and celebrated.
For my friends and family to be happy.
Jackie Harris
Helen Schroeder
Monica Hasan
Handbag Designer Dorchester
Teacher/Artist Roxbury
Artist Randolph
INthe news Bob Hildreth Encore.org has announced that Families United in Educational Leadership (FUEL) Founder and Executive Director Bob Hildreth, from Boston, is a 2012 Purpose Prize fellow. The Purpose Prize honors Americans 60 and older and is the nation’s only large-scale investment in social entrepreneurs and other creative problem solvers in the second half of life. Hildreth was named a fellow because of his work launching the nonprofit FUEL, which provides education, resources, connections and financial incentives to lowincome families to help them get their children to college. “Purpose Prize fellows are using their passion and experience to help solve some of society’s steepest challenges,” said Marc Freedman, founder and CEO of Encore.org and author of The Big Shift. “They represent a growing wave of people in their 60s and beyond who are
using their know-how to change the world…” The Purpose Prize program is funded by the John Templeton Foundation and The Atlantic Philanthropies. The Prize is awarded by Encore.org (the new name for Civic Ventures), a
nonprofit that promotes encore careers — work that is both personally meaningful and serves the greater good. Founded in January 2009, FUEL is now running successfully in Boston, Chelsea and Lynn.
6 • Thursday, December 20, 2012 • BAY STATE BANNER
FCC must promote diversity in media ownership Wade Henderson and Michael Copps The media keep telling us how changing demographics are profoundly reshaping our nation, and that businesses, political parties and government must diversify to remain relevant. So why are the bearers of these truths — the same media — fighting tooth and nail to stay as homogenous as possible? The media-dubbed “coalition of the ascendant” of women and minorities has made historic gains in our nation, yet according to the Federal Communications
A N A LY S I S Commission (FCC), these communities own only a pittance of the mainstream media. Apparently not satisfied with their grip on the market, media conglomerates are lobbying the FCC to allow even more consolidation in the industry, effectively shutting the door to the development of a media that’s more reflective of our nation. The numbers speak for themselves. Women — more than half of the population — own fewer than 7 percent of broadcast TV stations. And rapidly growing minority communities are even further behind. Hispanics hold only 2.5 percent of these licenses, and American Indians, African Ameri-
cans, and Asian Americans all have less than 1 percent. Contrast these numbers with those used in the myriad of postelection stories urging the Republican Party to diversify. But imagine if only 7 percent of women voted for Mitt Romney instead of 44 percent, or if he received only 2.5 percent of the Latino vote instead of 27 percent. Instead
This media landscape has led to a distorted view of our nation that reinforces stereotypes over facts. of suggestions for how the party could be more inclusive over the next four years, the stories would read more like obituaries. The disparities in media ownership originate in our segregated past. Most broadcast licenses were originally awarded in an era when many minorities could not vote and women could not even obtain department store credit cards, let
alone full-power broadcast-station licenses. Over the years, the few megamedia companies that received these publicly subsidized licenses created huge empires by gobbling up local, independent outlets so they could homogenize and recycle programming, slash news budgets, and virtually stamp out local input. Now that they’ve maxed out the legal limit, they want these limits raised so they can continue to keep licenses out of the hands of a new, more diverse, ownership. This media landscape has led to a distorted view of our nation that reinforces stereotypes over facts. The same media that trumpet demographic gains of minorities in the most recent election struggle to paint accurate depictions of them. Studies have shown that, through the eyes of the media, African Americans are less likely to be doctors; Latinos are more likely to be gardeners; and Asian American men are either nerds or Kung Fu masters. Correcting this historic disparity is squarely within the powers and responsibilities of the FCC, which began talking about the problem 35 years ago but has consistently failed to do anything about it. Since 2004, the commission has knowingly ignored court orders to conduct a thorough census on ownership rates and craft rules that take these awful disparities into consideration. When the commission fi-
nally released some base statistics last month, it failed to meet its obligation to measure the impact that more consolidation would have on minority and female ownership. Instead of promoting diversity in media ownership, the FCC is now preparing to vote for an order that would increase consolidation, allowing big media to own even more TV and radio stations and permitting TV stations and newspapers in more cities to combine under a single masthead. The very predictable result will be more shuttered newsrooms and even less diverse ownership. This is a far cry from the original broadcaster commitment to serve the public interest in return for free use of the people’s airwaves. If the FCC decides to cave to big media consolidation again
and allow fewer companies to own our public airwaves, we will all be subject to lower quality local programming, a less competitive market environment, glitzy infotainment passed off as news, public airwaves that don’t really serve the public, and ultimately, a more distorted view of our country. The demographic shifts are real for the country; they’re real for business; they’re real for politics. It’s time for the FCC to recognize that they’re also real for the media. Wade Henderson is the president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition of more than 200 national Civil Rights groups. Former FCC Commissioner Michael Copps leads the Media and Democracy Reform Initiative at Common Cause.
Boston Parks Commissioner Antonia Pollak welcomes a group of sixth-graders from the Clarence R. Edwards Middle School in Charlestown to the Boston Parks and Recreation Department offices in Roxbury for a presentation on Dec. 11. Pictured (L to R): Juan Rubio of East Boston, Pitt Dantes of Roxbury, David Mai of Chinatown, Commissioner Pollak, Jasmine Deleon of East Boston, Camila Muneton of East Boston and Jenny Zeng of Chinatown. (Jon Seamans photo)
Religious Worship Guide
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Wishing you a Joyous Holiday Season and a New Year filled with Peace and Happiness
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Thursday, December 20, 2012 • BAY STATE BANNER • 7
NEWSBriefs Physicians target youth violence with free brochures Physicians of the Massachusetts Medical Society have produced a series of 10 brochures to help par-
ents identify and deal with a range of topics on youth violence, including bullying, dating and street violence, violence in the media, and child sexual abuse. They are available free to parents, educators, youth counselors or others who work with children and youth. Originated by Robert D. Sege, M.D., Ph.D., and developed by the Medical Society’s Committee on Violence Intervention and Pre-
vention, the current publications contain information from a variety of sources, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and Massachusetts Citizens for Children. They are written by experts in the field of youth violence. Elliot Pittel, M.D., M.P.H., chair of the Society’s Committee on Violence Intervention and Prevention and a psychiatrist at The Home for Little Wanderers
in Boston, called attention to the severity of the problem. “The aim of these publications,” said Dr. Sege, who is director of the Division of Family and Child Advocacy at Boston Medical Center and Professor of Pediatrics at Boston University School of Medicine, “is to reach beyond the physician’s office, to educate parents and those who care for children with expert, practical information, first to pre-
vent violence, and then, when and if it does occur, to intervene appropriately. Parents and their children’s health care providers must be allies in trying to keep children safe.” The brochures may be downloaded free at www.massmed.org/ violence. Printed copies may be ordered individually or in sets from the Medical Society by writing to dph@mms.org or calling 1-800322-2303, Ext. 7373.
8 • Thursday, December 20, 2012 • BAY STATE BANNER
Obama
continued from page 1
Obama’s use of Black Language wasn’t limited to 2008. Alim and Smitherman say the best example of
ting his old positions. “What we and other linguists noted was the way Obama builds his argument, uses repetition, and especially his use of the black preacher’s ‘stutter,’ to draw attention to important points,” they
In this generation and even more so for future generations to come, it is a decided benefit for American citizens to be able to speak more than one tongue. — H. Samy Alim and Geneva Smitherman Obama borrowing from black oral tradition on the 2012 campaign trail was his “Romnesia” quip, when he criticized Mitt Romney for forget-
say. “Before it’s all over, Obama has his mostly white audience participating in call-response, that interactional, back-and-forth mode
of talk that characterizes communication in black contexts.” In addition to his employment of Black Language, Alim and Smitherman show in their book how Obama would also slip seamlessly into “standard” English when speaking to white audiences — which was crucial to his gaining the trust of the white mainstream. Obama’s mastery of both Black Language and “standard” English — and at times, fusing them together — is an example of what the authors call style-shifting, the ability to move in and out of different modes of speech depending on the audience — a skill imperative not just for the first black president of the United States, but for anyone who aspires to the White House. In contrast to Obama’s masterful style-shifting, Alim and Smitherman say that Romney’s way of speaking was a political liability. “Romney’s manner of speaking is essentially the verbal equivalent of his public persona: flat, onedimensional, unable to connect,” they say. “Strikingly, he sounds almost the same in every speech, regardless of audience … Romney’s linguistic inflexibility negatively influenced many Americans’ perceptions of him and lowered his likability rating.” And this has nothing to do with party or race, they point out: “Our last three presidents have all been able to shift their speaking styles. Both Clinton and Bush were known for shifting into a ‘folksy’ manner: Clinton with black and Southern audiences, and Bush with Southern and Latino audiences.” With the nation growing ever more diverse, the authors say that the ability to speak to multiple audiences is becoming an increas-
Attendees of the Boston GreenFest Motown Holiday Cruise, a fundraiser organized by the Foundation for a Green Future, Inc., cruised Boston Harbor to the sounds of original Motown singers Linwood Peel of The Drifters and Tony Funches of The Platters on Saturday, Dec. 8. Pictured (L to R) First row: Mel and Joyce King. Second row: Linwood Peel, Pamela St. Aimee, Vinieta Lawrence, Dr. Karen Weber (executive director), James Fahey, esq., Tony Funches, Sheree Holmes and Rep. Russell Holmes. (Photo courtesy of Foundation for a Green Future, Inc.) ingly important political tool. “In a multiethnic, multicultural America, where Hispanics are the largest minority, Asians are the fastest-growing minority, and women comprise over half of the voters, national politicians will have to be fluent in multiple ways of speaking,” they say. “For too long, sounding presidential meant sounding like a white, middleor upper-class straight man. In 2012 and beyond, it has taken a lot more than that to win over the hearts and minds — and ears — of the American people.” More than just an exploration of language in the 2008 presidential campaign, “Articulate While Black” also argues that Black Language is no less intelligent
or proper a way of speaking than “standard” English — and that blacks should not be forced to adopt white, middle-class speech patterns to be deemed articulate or well-educated. To make this point, Alim and Smitherman write their entire book in black vernacular, showing that even scholarly works can be written in this style of speech. “If all languages are equal — and they are, in linguistic terms — why must we conform to some dominant so-called ‘standard’ in order to express our deepest intellectual thoughts?” they say. “We are our language, and our language is us; so why not bring our whole selves up into the text?” Plus, if the president does it, anyone can. Alim and Smitherman say: “[Barack Obama], like us, regularly switches between multiple ways of speaking — without devaluing any of them. That is the crucial point. In this generation and even more so for future generations to come, it is a decided benefit for American citizens to be able to speak more than one tongue. In this sense, we argue that Barack Obama serves as a linguistic role model, not just for Black Americans but for all Americans.”
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Thursday, December 20, 2012 • BAY STATE BANNER • 9
Jamie Unchained Jamie Foxx talks about playing the title role of slave-turned-bounty hunter in Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained”
Kam Williams Academy Award-winning actor, Grammy Award-winning musical artist and comedian Jamie Foxx is one of Hollywood’s elite, multi-faceted performers. He was last seen in “Horrible Bosses” and recently lent his vocal talents to the popular animated adventure “Rio” as a canary named Nico. Meanwhile, Jamie recently executive produced a sketch comedy series called “In the Flow with Affion Crockett” as well as “Thunder Soul,” a documentary chronicling the achievements of Houston’s Kashmere High School Stage Band. Foxx demonstrated his affinity and respect for fictional portrayals with “The Soloist,” in which he played Nathaniel Anthony Ayer, a real-life musical prodigy who developed schizophrenia and dropped out of Julliard, becoming a homeless musician who wanders the streets of Los Angeles. In December 2006, Foxx was seen in the critically acclaimed screen adaptation of the Broadway musical, “Dreamgirls.” That came on the heels of his Best Actor Academy Award-winning performance as the legendary Ray Charles in “Ray.” His big-screen break came back in 1999, when Oliver Stone cast him as star quarterback Willie Beamen in “Any Given Sunday.”
The versatile thespian’s additional film credits include “Ali,” “Miami Vice,” “Jarhead,” “ Booty Call” and an Oscar-nominated supporting role in “Collateral.” In addition to his work in film, Foxx has enjoyed a thriving career in music. In December 2010, he released his fourth album, “Best Night of My Life,” featuring Drake, Justin Timberlake, Rick Ross, T.I., and other artists. In January 2010, Foxx and T-Pain’s record-breaking No. 1 song “Blame It” off of his previous album, “Intuition,” won a Grammy for Best R&B performance by a duo/group with vocals. Foxx first rose to fame as a comedian, from which he initiated a potent career trajectory of ambitious projects. After spending time on the comedy circuit, he joined Keenan Ivory Wayans, Jim Carrey, Damon Wayans and Tommy Davidson in the landmark Fox sketch comedy series, “In Living Color,” creating some of the show’s funniest and most memorable moments. In 1996, he launched his own series, “The Jamie Foxx Show,” on the WB Network.
I suppose I should start by asking if you’d like to comment on the recent shootings in Connecticut. I got two daughters, man, and all I want people to do is to mourn the loss of these precious kids and their teachers and to pray that their
families heal.
What interested you in “Django Unchained”?
head. You also portray the enduring love of a black man for his woman.
Quentin Tarantino… Leonardo DiCaprio… Samuel L. Jackson… Christoph Waltz… Kerry Washington… Oh, man! It was like an all-star team. What’s funny is that I didn’t know anything about Django, and I was hearing all this buzz and then I saw online how the biggest actor in the world, Will Smith, was going to work with Quentin Tarantino. And I was like, “Damn! There’s another project I didn’t know nothing about.” But luckily, I somehow got a chance to meet Quentin and read the script, which I thought was brilliant. Next thing you know, I was in a room talking with him about trying to make it happen.
Most definitely! When you see the slave who’s been chained and whipped with no way out, and he finally catches up to this, some people call that revenge. But I say, “No, it’s righting a wrong at that time.” Ordinarily, when the slave gets a chance to hold the whip or the gun, they start singing a hymn or doing the speech about “If I do this, I’ll be as bad as you.” We come out with a mixtape, and that’s it. But with Quentin Tarantino, it’s just like a regular Western. The bad guy has to pay, and the good guy gets his woman.
Did you have any reservations?
Yeah, they were yelling like crazy.
I didn’t have a knee-jerk reaction like some people did to the language and the violence. My stepfather was a history teacher at Lincoln High School in Dallas. So, I was already familiar with the N-word and the brutality of slavery. What I was drawn to was the love story between Django and Broomhilda and how he defends and gets the girl in the end. I thought it was just an amazing and courageous project.
In this film you turn the docile stupid black man myth on its
Have you seen the film with a black audience? Were people talking back at the screen? In both your stage name and your career choices you’ve paid homage to great black artists who have come before you. Is this film another acknowledgement of that legacy? Absolutely! I know this might sound strange, but some of the people I actually studied for this film were a little more contemporary. Of course, I started with the original film “Django” and Clint Eastwood’s “The Good, the Bad
and the Ugly,” but I also watched Wesley Snipes in “New Jack City,” and Denzel Washington in “Glory” and “A Soldier’s Story.” Those performances moved me in a way that I cannot explain. So, you’re seeing me tip my hat to those guys in this film.
How did your first big heartbreak impact who you are as a person? Guys don’t adapt as well as women do to getting their heart broken for the first time. It’s tragic. I really wanted to be in love, get married, have kids and buy a wood-paneled station wagon for the family. But it didn’t work out.
You have so much fun singing. What would be your dream band, if you could select the members from any group? My dream band? Jesus Christ! I would start with Prince, and then Questlove and Buddy Rich on the drums, Rick James on the bass and Herbie Hancock on the piano. The horn section would be Miles Davis on lead trumpet, with Wynton and Branford Marsalis. I’d have Santana on lead guitar and Sheila E. doing percussion. My hype man would be Jerome [Benton] from The Time, and my singing group would be New Edition. There it is!
10 • Thursday, December 20, 2012 • BAY STATE BANNER
Public Enemy gains Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honors Donna Summer and Quincy Jones also in 2013 class Frederick H. Lowe Public Enemy, whose anthem is “Fight the Power,” is now part of the Rock and Roll establishment.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced last week that Public Enemy, Albert King and Donna Summer would be inducted into the Hall of Fame in the performer cat-
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egory for 2013. Joining the three as performer inductees are Heart, Randy Newman and Rush. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame also will induct Quincy Jones and Lou Adler in the non-performer category for the Ahmet Ertegun Award. Ertegun was founder and president of Atlantic Records. He is credited with discovering Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will hold its 28th induction ceremony Thursday, April 18, 2013, at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. This is the first time since 1993 the event is being held on the West Coast. The ceremony will be open to the public, and ticketts go on sale on Friday, Jan. 25. The 2013 Rock and Roll performer inductees were chosen by more than 500 voters of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. To be eligible for nomination, an individual artist or a band must have released its first single at least 25 years prior to nomination year. The 2013 nominees had to release their first recording no later than 1987. Public Enemy, led by Chuck D and Flavor Flav, released rap music with a strong political message. The group’s seminal 1990 album “Fear of a Black Planet” included the hit “Fight the Power,” which appeared on the
Public Enemy is among the 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees. soundtrack for director Spike Lee’s 1989 movie “Do The Right Thing.” Donna Summer, who was known as the “Queen of Disco,” recorded chart-topping songs including “Bad Girls,” “She Works Hard For The Money” and “On the Radio.” Summer died in May after losing a battle with lung cancer. Albert King, a king of the blues guitar, influenced a generation of musicians, including Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughn. King died in 1992. Quincy Jones, who is now 79 yearsold, recorded Frank Sinatra, Billy Eckstine, Brook Benton, Johnny Mathis and Ray Charles. Jones, who grew up in Bremerton, Wash., near Tacoma, has also written more than 40 major motion-picture scores, including the “Pawnbroker” in 1965 and “In Cold Blood” in 1967. All of the inductees will be represented in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, which is in Cleveland. New America Media
Donna Summer holds up her honorary high school diploma presented to her after 17 years of working in the music business. (Don West photo)
Thursday, December 20, 2012 • BAY STATE BANNER • 11
in[OLMix with Colette Greenstein
with me and I was confused about who the characters were and who they were singing to. Now, after seeing the movie version, I totally get Les Mis. The movie version stars Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean; Anne Hathaway as Fantine; Russell Crowe as Javert, and Amanda Seyfreid as Cosette, and they are absolutely wonderful! They brought the characters to life for me in a way that the play didn’t and couldn’t. The acting and singing were superb and, of course, the heartbreaking storyline of Fantine and Cosette made me cry. Anne Hathaway has got chops — what a pure delight! It’s a good movie to see with the family on Christmas Day and it’s a reminder to us all to be thankful during this holiday season.
Coming Up…
Felicia Boswell (Felicia) & Bryan Fenkart (Huey) tear up the stage during a performance of “Memphis.” (Paul Kolnik photo)
A bit of Southern Soul… It was a night of music and love at the press night for the musical “Memphis.” If you’re not familiar with “Memphis,” it’s inspired by the life of real-life Memphis DJ Dewey Phillips, who is thought by many musical historians to be the person most responsible for integrating American radio from 1948-1958. The musical takes place in the smoky halls and underground clubs of the segregated 1950s, where a young white DJ named Huey Calhoun falls in love with rock and roll and an electrifying black singer. The music was “stomp your feet” good, and the dancing was sassy and fun. All I have to say is, if you’re looking for a fun night go see “Memphis” while you can! “Memphis” runs through this Sunday, Dec. 23 at the Citi Emerson Colonial Theatre.
The ‘80s Revisited…. The Institute of Contemporary Art is now showcasing an exhibit called “This Will Have Been: Art, Love & Politics in the 1980s.” As someone who grew up in the ‘80s, I was looking forward to remembering those experiences. However, the exhibit didn’t really move me. The only connection I felt was brief, and it was through the faint sounds of what I thought was Run DMC, but was actually music from “Wild Style,” the first hip hop movie for all those in the know. Various rooms displayed impactful moments in time, from a huge painting of former President Ronald Reagan to images highlighting the AIDS epidemic and the beginning of corporatization in America to the issue of gender. The exhibit seemed cold and clinical. It felt disjointed to me and there was no warmth to it. Or at least, it didn’t warm me. Maybe that was the point. What did catch my eye was this massive and colorful image of an African American woman with
blond hair and colorful clothes. The piece of art is called “I’ll Still Be True” and it’s by Mickalene Thomas, a New York-based artist. She creates these dazzling pieces of art featuring African American women that are bold, colorful and striking. This exhibit is worth visiting and it’s on display at the ICA until March 3, 2013.
A Taste of Venezuela… I finally made my way over to Orinoco restaurant in Brookline Village for my long overdue indulgence of Venezuelan food. The restaurant is really warm and inviting and draws you in with glass-blown ceiling lamps that cast a warm glow. My evening began with an Arepa, which is a traditional Venezuelan grilled corn pocket sandwich. It’s approximately the size of an English muffin and it can be filled with beef, chicken, cheese or pork. Of course, I opted for the pork version that included slices of tomato and cheese coupled
with the restaurant’s highly addictive mojo sauce. Next up was the entrée of Pabellón Criollo, which is a dish of shredded beef, white rice, black beans and plantains — such a simple and hearty meal. And of course, I couldn’t resist the side dish of crispy Yuca stick with another side portion of the most amazing mojo sauce, ever!! Dinner wouldn’t be complete without dessert of their yummy flan topped in caramel. It was absolutely divine and the meal wouldn’t be complete without a shot of Venezuelan espresso.
Movie magic….. As the year winds down, all the big box-office movies are being released for the Oscars. It so happened I did see one of the most-anticipated movies of the year, “Les Misérables.” I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. I was quite surprised because I saw the stage production when it was in town last year and I couldn’t understand why people loved the show. It didn’t resonate
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If you’re a fan of photography, the Multicultural Arts Center in Cambridge hosts an exhibition by artist Lucy Cobos titled “Impressions of the Voyageur” beginning this Friday, Dec. 21 and running through April 5, 2013. “Impressions of the Voyageur” is a collection of photographs taken by Cobos of her travels throughout Massachusetts photographing hulls of boats over a two-year period. The exhibit is free and open to the public. On Monday, Dec. 31, 2012 from noon to midnight, First Night presents its annual day-
long festival of art, music, film, dance, ice sculpture and more. First Night will showcase 1,000 artists in 200 exhibitions and performances in locations all over downtown Boston, from the Waterfront to the Fenway. For more information, check out www. firstnight.org. The Huntington Theatre Company presents Ralph Ellison’s epic “Invisible Man” from Jan. 4 to Feb. 3, 2013 at the BU Theatre located at 264 Huntington Avenue. Tickets can be purchased online at huntingtontheatre.org; by phone at 617-266-0800; or in person at the BU Theatre Box Office, 264 Huntington Ave. Celebrity Series of Boston and World Music/CRASHarts presents Savion Glover performing the Boston premiere of “SoLe Sanctuary” on Saturday, Jan. 12 at The Boston Opera House at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $40 and are available online at www.ticketmaster.com, by calling The Boston Opera House at (800) 982-2787, or at The Boston Opera House box office, 539 Washington St., Boston. The Wilbur presents legendary artist and songwriter, Smokey Robinson in “The Up Close and Personal Tour” on Wednesday, Jan. 16 for one show at 7:30 p.m. If you would like me to cover or write about your event, email me at inthemixwithcolette@gmail.com.
12 • Thursday, December 20, 2012 • BAY STATE BANNER
Violence
continued from page 1
Apparently there are four branches of government: the executive, the legislative, the judicial and the NRA. Perhaps it would have been more accurate to write that the NRA was the most influential undeclared candidate in the presidential race, not to mention every Senate and House race, too. Now, with the election safely in the rearview mirror, here’s hoping our leaders will drum up a bit more courage before another tragedy unfolds. Some already have begun to.
After Columbine, some newly inspired gun control activists, many of them upper-middle-class mothers from predominantly white communities, expressed regret to mothers of color for not being involved in the fight for gun control earlier, when gun violence claimed the lives of kids who didn’t grow up in leafy suburbs and whose deaths were not likely to garner extensive coverage on the nightly news. The activism ignited by Columbine resulted in more stringent gun control laws and more diligent enforcement of existing laws, particularly on the state level. Now, more than a decade later,
the cycle appears to be repeating itself. Here’s hoping that this time around, the activism the Newtown tragedy sparks will have longterm impact on communities like Newtown nationwide, and as a result, also impact urban communities that appear on the outside to have little in common with the tony Connecticut suburb, but are now united in the shared tragedy and heartbreak of young lives cut short by gun violence. New America Media Avoid jealousy; it can only harm you. Don’t burn in anger, lust, or greed. Conquer your mind and senses. Always protect your health. — Swami Muktananda
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President Obama: ‘…our hearts are broken’ Barack Obama We’ve endured too many of these tragedies in the past few years. And each time I learn the news I react not as a President, but as anybody else would — as a parent. And that was especially true today. I know there’s not a parent in America who doesn’t feel the same overwhelming grief that I do.
The majority of those who died today were children — beautiful little kids between the ages of 5 and 10 years old. They had their entire lives ahead of them — birthdays, graduations, weddings, kids of their own. Among the fallen were also teachers — men and women who devoted their lives to helping our children fulfill their dreams. So our hearts are broken today
— for the parents and grandparents, sisters and brothers of these little children, and for the families of the adults who were lost. Our hearts are broken for the parents of the survivors as well, for as blessed as they are to have their children home tonight, they know that their children’s innocence has been torn away from them too early, and there are no words that will ease their pain.
Soldiers salute during the nightly Retreat ceremony on Nov. 9, 2009, at III Corps Headquarters at Fort Hood, Texas, where a memorial service was held for the soldiers killed in the Nov. 5 mass shootings at Fort Hood. (AP Photo/Austin American-Statesman, Jay Janner)
As a country, we have been through this too many times. Whether it’s an elementary school in Newtown, or a shopping mall in Oregon, or a temple in Wisconsin, or a movie theater in Aurora, or a street corner in Chicago — these neighborhoods are our neighborhoods, and these children are our children. And we’re going to have to come together and take meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this, regardless of the politics. This evening, Michelle and I will do what I know every parent in America will do, which is hug our children a little tighter and we’ll tell them that we love them, and we’ll remind each other how deeply we love one another. But there are families in Connecticut who cannot do that tonight. And they need all of us right now. In
the hard days to come, that community needs us to be at our best as Americans. And I will do everything in my power as President to help. Because while nothing can fill the space of a lost child or loved one, all of us can extend a hand to those in need — to remind them that we are there for them, that we are praying for them, that the love they felt for those they lost endures not just in their memories but also in ours. May God bless the memory of the victims and, in the words of Scripture, heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds. President Obama made this statement on the school shooting in Newtown, Conn., on Dec. 14, 2012 from the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room.
14 • Thursday, December 20, 2012 • BAY STATE BANNER
Ironworkers Local #7 Joint Apprentice Committee is prepared to accept applicants interested in our
IRONWORKERS APPRENTICE
TRAINING PROGRAM In order to be eligible as an applicant these basic qualifications must be met at the time the application is assigned: 1. be 18 years of age or older; 2. have a high school diploma or GED; (GED will only be accepted if you completed and passed the 10th grade) 3. must meet the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 and any other applicable immigration law; 4. have a Driver’s License/Photo ID and Social Security card in your possession; 5. capable of performing essential function of the work.
Application fee is $20.00 payable at time of application and you must apply in person at: 195 Old Colony Avenue, South Boston, MA 02127. Monday thru Friday, January 7th thru 11th, 2013 9:00AM - 12:00PM Monday and Tuesday January 14th and 15th, 2013 9:00AM - 12:00PM Also, Monday January 7th and Monday January 14th 4:00PM - 6:00PM There will be no registration after the above dates. The Ironworkers Training Center is an Equal Opportunity Training Recruiting Program. For further information call 617-268-0707.
UMass
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economy would be put at risk if these cuts were to take place,’’ President Caret said. “The clock is ticking on negotiations,’’ he said, referring to the Jan. 1 deadline for a budget agreement to avoid the cuts. “This is a make or break moment. All we can hope for is that a balanced and fair deal can be reached.’’ President Caret spoke about the impact on UMass on the same
of nearly $10 million in research dollars in FY 2013, while UMass Medical School stands to lose more than $17 million, officials there said. In addition to the impact on research, Caret said sequestration — or the so-called “fiscal cliff” when combined with the expiration of the Bush tax cuts — would also affect financial aid. While Pell Grants are not subject to the automatic spending cuts in 2013, Caret warned that federal financial aid programs would be cut by 8.2 percent across-the-
“We understand that the country’s deficit must be reduced. But an unprecedented reduction in discretionary spending will have unimaginable consequences for our University in ways large and small.’’ — UMass President Robert L. Caret day the Board of Trustees approved a $480 million state funding request for the fiscal year that begins next July 1. The budget request now goes to the Legislature and Governor’s Office for consideration. Most research on UMass campuses is externally funded, with the federal government providing a majority of the funding through the NIH and the NSF, the Department of Defense, and other sources. In Fiscal Year 2011, the federal government provided 65 percent of the $586.7 million in UMass research spending, or $384.5 million. Officials on the Amherst campus estimate that the “fiscal cliff” could result in a funding loss
board, including the Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant and federal work-study. There would also be cuts to college-access programs such as Gear Up. Origination fees on federally guaranteed Stafford Loans would rise from 1 percent to 7.6 percent, a $9,400 difference at UMass Medical School. The cuts could mean mid-year reductions to students’ financial aid packages. And although Pell grants are not directly impacted by sequestration, Caret noted that another deadline for Pell Grant financing looms next year when significant mandatory funding disappears, which may propel consideration of additional changes to eligibility.
Last year, Congress just barely beat a deadline to extend the 3.4 percent interest rate on federally subsidized student loans for another year, rather than doubling it. Now the question is whether it will act to keep that rate from expiring. “It’s not out of the question that other ill-advised changes could be made next year to these federal student financial assistance programs,’’ Caret said. Last month, Caret and 15 other Massachusetts university presidents and hospital executives sent letters to the Massachusetts congressional delegation asking that they adopt deficit reduction strategies that preserve federal funding for scientific research. He also was a signatory of a letter from the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities urging President Obama and the House and Senate leadership to forge a balanced, long-term deficit-reduction approach that does not include sequestration. “We understand that the country’s deficit must be reduced,’’ President Caret said. “But an unprecedented reduction in discretionary spending will have unimaginable consequences for our University in ways large and small.’’ Material from UMass contributed to this report.
Disease abides in sense pleasures; never become attached to them. Forget others, and love only the Lord. Without Him, there is no joy in the world. All happiness comes from Him. If you harbor expectations, sorrow awaits. — Swami Muktananda
LEGALS INVITATION TO BID The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority is seeking bids for the following: BID NO.
DESCRIPTION
DATE
TIME
*WRA-3565
Purchase and Delivery of K12 Security Gates
12/27/12
11:00 a.m.
*WRA-3566
Purchase of Two (2) New Diesel GM K3500HD Ext Cab DRW 4WD Cab & Chassis (or Equal)
01/04/13
11:00 a.m.
*6539
RFQ Weston Aqueduct Supply Main 3 (Weston to Medford)
01/18/13
11:00 a.m.
Sealed bids will be received at the offices of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, Charlestown Navy Yard, Document Distribution Office, 100 First Avenue, First Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02129, up to the time and date listed above at which time they will be publicly opened and read. *(indicates) Bid Documents available on the Comm-PASS Website (www. comm-pass.com).
Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Department SUFFOLK Division
Docket No. SU12P2346EA
Citation on Petition for Formal Adjudication Estate of Elise G Daniel Also known as Elsie Daniel Date of Death: 11/06/2012 To all interested persons: A petition has been filed by Bertha Hilton of Schenectady, NY requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order of testacy and for such other relief as requested in the Petition. And also requesting that Bertha Hilton of Schenectady, NY be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond. 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 01/10/2013. 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 estate is being administered under formal 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 recipients 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. WITNESS, HON. Joan P. Armstrong, First Justice of this Court. Date: December 06, 2012 Sandra Giovannucci Register of Probate
For Rent Spacious three bedroom home, 2 bath, open kitchen, off street parking in Randolph available Jan 15, 2013. Call Margaret for appointment 781-575-2521. $1800.00 no utilities, $2200.00 including heat and lights.
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Thursday, December 20, 2012 • BAY STATE BANNER • 15
DOVER SHERBORN PUBLIC SCHOOLS K-12
Attractive and Affordable This beautiful privately owned apartment complex with subsidized units for elderly and disabled individuals is just minutes from downtown Melrose. Close to Public Transportation • Elevator Access to All Floors • On Site Laundry Facilities Heat Included • 24 Hour Closed Circuit Television • On Site Parking Excellent Closet and Storage Space • 24 Hour Maintenance Availability On site Management Office • Monthly Newsletter • Weekly Videos on Big Screen T.V. Resident Computer Room • Bus Trips • Resident Garden Plots
Call for current income guidelines
METCO COORDINATOR The Dover-Sherborn Public Schools, serving approximately 2,100 students from the Towns of Dover and Sherborn, welcomes applications for the position of METCO Coordinator. This is a 10 month position. Salary Range: $58,000-$62,000
Start Date: January 28, 2013
A comprehensive job description can be downloaded from our district website at www.doversherborn.org Please send your current resume, certification, transcripts and three letters of recommendation to: Mr. Steven Bliss, Assistant Superintendent Dover-Sherborn Public Schools 157 Farm Street, Dover, MA 02030 EOE. The Dover-Sherborn Public Schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex/gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or homelessness
Senior Wraparound Case Manager Provide intensive wraparound intervention to struggling Greater Boston high school students and their families. Required: BA in social work or related ďŹ eld; knowledge of community resources; 2 years supervisory experience; 5 years ďŹ eld experience with high-risk youth, including group facilitation; Boston residency; uency in Spanish.
Joseph T. Cefalo Memorial Complex 245 West Wyoming Avenue, Melrose, MA 02176
Wraparound Case Manager
Call our Office at (781) 662-0223 or TDD: (800) 545-1833, ext. 131 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for an application
Provide intensive wraparound intervention to struggling Greater Boston high school students and their families. Required: BA in social work or related ďŹ eld; knowledge of community resources; 3 years of ďŹ eld experience with high-risk youth, including group facilitation; Boston residency; uency in Spanish.
Send resume by December 28: Arlene Ayala, Director of Youth Services aayala@northstarlc.org
visit us on the web at www.cefalomemorial.com
AA/EOE
TOWN OF BURLINGTON
WOLLASTON MANOR
PUBLIC NOTICE
91 Clay Street Quincy, MA 02170
HOME OWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Senior Living At It’s Best
FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS
A senior/disabled/ handicapped community
The Town of Burlington is seeking income qualiďŹ ed, ďŹ rst-time home buyers for the purchase of one aordable, two-bedroom condominium style unit located at 28 Richardson Road in Burlington, MA. A ďŹ rst time homebuyer is deďŹ ned as any income eligible household in which no member has owned a home in the previous three years with the exception of displaced homemakers and elderly households (where at least one household member is ďŹ fty-ďŹ ve (55) or over). Minority households are encouraged to apply.
SALE PRICE: $190,950 MAXIMUM INCOME LIMITS: Eighty percent (80%) of the area median income One Person Household.........$45,500 Two Person Household.........$52,000 Three Person Household.......$58,500 Four Person Household........$65,000 ASSET LIMIT: Cannot own assets of more than $75,000, other than furniture and automobiles and as permitted by regulations. Please note that there is an additional exemption for persons over age 55. Applicants shall obtain mortgage pre-qualiďŹ cation and obtain a formal commitment letter prior to selection. Use and resale restrictions shall apply.
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.
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Applications and additional information are available December 13, 2012 through December 28, 2013 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at: Burlington Town Hall, Selectmen’s OďŹƒce 29 Center Street, Burlington, MA 01803 (781) 270-1600 Contact: Vanessa Ranieri THE APPLICATION DEADLINE IS December 28, 2012 at 4:30 p.m. at the Burlington Town Hall. PLEASE NOTE THAT ELIGIBLE APPLICATIONS WILL BE CHOSEN ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS. Complete applications, including supporting documentation, must be submitted as soon as possible and will not be accepted after this deadline. Applicants are advised that in some instances it may require several days to obtain the required documentation.
YMCA Training, Inc. is recruiting training candidates now! Job placement assistance provided. We will help you apply for free training. No prior experience necessary, but must have HS diploma or GED. Free YMCA membership for you and your family while enrolled in Training, Inc.
Call Today! Leigh Hewlett, YMCA Training, Inc. (617) 542-1800 ext. 128
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BeneďŹ t from on-the-job internships Tuition funding may be available
Come to a Tuesday @ 3 p.m. brieďŹ ng Call 617-542-4180 to pre-register Operation A.B.L.E. of Greater Boston
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