Insight News ::: 11.8.10

INSIGHT NEWS November 8 - November 14, 2010 • MN Metro Vol. 36 No. 45 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

Elections 2010: A powerful dilemma

By Al McFarlane and B.P. Ford The Editors

John Harrington

Rena Moran

Jeff Hayden

Bobby Joe Champion

2010 elections should be cause of alarm for Black Americans, but also present a unique window of opportunity for power building and power sharing.

Randolph Staten

First the good news: Former St. Paul Police Chief John Harrington will become the second African American elected to the Minnesota Senate in history, and the first to be elected by a district with a sizable population of people of color.

The first Black State Senator, Dr. Robert Lewis, represented St. Louis Park,

a Minneapolis suburb, winning election in a district that had virtually no people of color. Lewis ably represented his district and people of color throughout the state also looked to him for leadership and support. He delivered.

ELECTION TURN TO 4

Alaina Lewis focusing on filmmaking career Rod Sterling, the creator of The Twilight Zone, because I make movies that are mind benders.”

Lewis said she plans to start shooting the first of her short films The Projection Room soon. The drama thriller is centered around a couple, in which the boyfriend begins to see the reflection of his relationship through an apartment directly across the way. Lewis will be shooting this film at the Cray Mansion in Mankato, MN. Along with having films in the works, and writing entertainment news for various publications such as Yo! Raps Magazine and Clutch, Lewis has also been interning. She is currently interning with NBC affiliate Kare 11 on the television series “Showcase Minnesota,” and has recently had the chance to produce a pilot episode of “TH3M,” a LGBT television series created by award-winning screen writer, Tye Green.

As an African American artist when Lewis writes a piece of work, she tries not to write from a Black prospective, but from her heart. She wants people to be able to look at her work and say: “Alaina L. Lewis wrote that or produced that.”

“Like Sidney Portier said in Guess

By Chris Garner Contributing Writer Alaina L. Lewis, one of Insight’s most prolific Aesthetics writers, is proving that her works are more than what you see on paper. After interviewing everyone from the cast of Twilight to 50 Cent, Lewis is now ready to show Minnesota and the world her first love: screenwriting. With four short films in the works, she plans to give the world a look inside her window.

“I want to create works that you’ve never heard of before. I’ve set out to tell the greatest story I can in the world,” said Lewis.

The Minneapolis Community and Technical College film student hopes to use her compilation of shorts as a calling card to highlight her talents as a film writer, director and producer. Under the title The Flipside of My Window Pane, Lewis plans to give viewers an in depth look into social issues using a multiracial cast, humor, horror, drama, and romance.

“The point and purpose of the film is to discuss the world outside one;s window that we don’t always see,” said Lewis. “My Mom believes that my film maker style is like paying homage to

LEWIS TURN TO 12

Alaina L. Lewis

Courtesy of Alaina L. Lewis

New recommendation could mean win-win for Northside schools

By Al McFarlane and B.P. Ford, The Editors Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) Superintendent Bernadeia Johnson at a meeting of the Board of Education on November 9 will present a modified recommendation regarding North High School.

The new recommendation proposes closing, then reinventing North High School, and, adding a new MPS charter high school as

Bernadeia Johnson education options for Northside residents and students.

Johnson’s initial

recommendation to phase out the existing North High program remains unchanged. If the recommendation is approved, the school would not enroll a ninth grade class next school year.

In a Thursday morning press conference on the status of North High, Johnson said, “I still plan to bring a recommendation to the Board of Education on November 9th that phases out the existing North High program. This means that if the recommendation is approved, the school would not

By Philip Emeagwali Part 4 of 5

By Lydia Schwartz Contributing Writer Courtesy CPPP

Juan Linares, Gretchen Nicholls, Terry Donovan, Barbara Raye together represent a broad range of management and governance expertise and experience in the nonprofit, public, and governmental sectors.

Gretchen Nicholls, who has worked with The Center for six years, was awarded with their First Annual Change Agent Award at the celebration.

Individual Change Agents must use their power ethically from

Aesthetics

Brilliant debut by Damien Chazelle deconstructs failed romance

PAGE 5

other high schools in Minneapolis, offerings that I believe are essential to produce students who are college and work-ready. I can no longer accept the fact that some Minneapolis students are receiving less preparation and less education than others.”

“When I accepted this job, I promised that I would work to lead change and dramatically narrow the achievement gap between white students and students of color. The current program does not deliver on that

promise,” Johnson said.

Johnson said she will present a plan for her administration to work in partnership with school and community stakeholders to create a new North High School program that would launch in the fall of 2012.

A design team consisting of a cross section of stakeholders including alumni, teachers, city and county officials, businesses and students will be asked to

SCHOOLS TURN TO 11

0il tanks exhausted, think tanks needed

Gretchen Nicholls honored On Sunday, October 24, The Center for Policy, Planning, and Performance celebrated its ten year anniversary at the Loring Park Community Arts Center.

The Center is a taxexempt nonprofit organization which provides consulting and management services to progressive nonprofit and governmental organizations.

Their team consists of a network of consultants and trainers who

enroll a ninth grade class next school year. Students who are currently attending North High would be allowed to complete their high school years at North High unless enrollment in those grades dips to an unacceptable level.”

“I want to be clear,” Johnson said, “I stand firm on my recommendation to phase out the current North program. The current program does not provide the full breadth of courses and activities that are available in

their own place of influence. They must master and use processes of change within the context and culture of the organizations and communities they serve.

Change Agents must also engage others in a shared vision and must share power equitably to create a movement of those most

NICHOLLS TURN TO 8

Full Circle

The Second Pastor’s Anniversary of Robert P. McKenzie

PAGE 6

Excerpt from Nigeria’s 50th anniversary lecture at the Embassy of Nigeria, Paris. .

Lecture video and audio are posted at http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=d1mClXleezY and emeagwali.com.

The man with wisdom is a shining torch that sheds light in our darkness and guides us out of our ignorance. I am often asked: “How do we build a stronger Nigeria through technological innovation?”

I came across the answer in 1963 sitting on the verandah of our house along Gbenoba Road,

Agbor, Midwest Region. I was silently reciting a quotation on the masthead of the newspaper called the West African Pilot. It read: “Show the light and the people will find the way.”

Because I was nine years old, I did not understand the deep meaning of those wise words. I now understand “the light” as a metaphor for knowledge, and “showing the light” to mean increasing the intellectual capital, the sum of human knowledge possessed by 6.6 billion men, women, and children. We find “the way” when we’ve brought to fruition our dream of eradicating poverty, discovering the cure for AIDS, and inventing the internet for email communication.

Lifestyle

Time to winterize: Proper care for winter wear

PAGE 8

emeagwali.com

Philip Emeagwali

A long time ago, a man asked his children, “If you had a choice between the clay of wisdom or a bag of gold, which would you choose?”

NIGERIA TURN TO 3

Technology

Broadband Access Project: Hmong American Parntership

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Page 2 • November 8 - November 14, 2010 • Insight News

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BUSINESS Wages have dropped, what is my work worth now?

Plan Your Career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com Job seeker Mary asks: Off the top of your head, is there a web site where one can see today’s wages for positions? I know I won’t make my previous income, but I’m not sure how much incomes have dropped.

She also wonders: What do you think will happen with the employees that never were laid off, still making their great pay while the workers who were let

go and came back are earning 20 percent less?

Do you think those income gaps will eventually close?

I scoured my sources to find answers to Mary’s concerns. I learned, first of all, that she is right. When she goes back to work, in the same job, she can expect to earn less money for her efforts. According to one employer survey, Applications Development Managers will earn 2.4 percent less than last year; the going rate for entrylevel Administrative Assistants is projected to be 2.3 percent less.

Workers in education, transportation or agriculture will take a significant cut in wages this year. Those in health

care, manufacturing or retail will stay about even. Those lucky enough to be working in a technical or professional role should find salaries are up over last year, although not by much.

The misconception is that those who did not lose their jobs are still making that “great pay.”

Across every industry, the road has been a bumpy one.

Those who worked continuously through the recession experienced pay cuts or freezes, reduced hours, increased health care costs and elimination of benefits, along with increased workloads. This means the wage and benefit gap between those who continued working and those heading back to work not only closed

up, it essentially caved in on itself, leaving everyone a little short this year.

As she begins to interview and plan her return to the working world, Mary can obtain current salary information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Indeed.com or Salary.com as well as by calling professional groups, recruiters and employers and simply asking what an average wage for her

target position would be. The Internet makes this research easy, and any neighborhood librarian can walk assist with the computer work if needed.

The first order of business has to be getting back to work, at any price. The next step will be to prove oneself indispensible, highly valuable and contributing to the bottom line success of the employer company. It could take two or

more years to see prosperity again; meanwhile, develop your network, improve your skills and make yourself useful. Wages will catch up – eventually.

Julie Desmond is an experienced recruiter and career advisor.

She currently leads Job Search and Career Planning workshops in Minneapolis, MN. Write to julie@insightnews.com.

Warners’ Stellian honored with ‘Emerging Award’ Warners’ Stellian Appliance Co. Inc. was recently named as the winner of its 2010 Emerging Award during the Minnesota Family Business Awards ceremony held last Tuesday in Minneapolis.

The Minnesota Family Business Awards are dedicated to recognizing outstanding Minnesota-based family businesses and promoting the considerable value family businesses bring to the state’s economy and quality of life.

Nearly 50 of Minnesota’s premier family businesses applied for the recognition.

The Minnesota Family Business Awards selection committee evaluated applications based on areas of business success, family involvement and governance, community participation and succession planning. The Emerging Award recognizes a family business beginning the process of developing a solid foundation and infrastructure with the goal of becoming a legacy business that has thrived and transitioned through two or more generations of active family participation and governance.

The management team

From left to right – Warners’ Stellian VP/Director of Operations Robert Warner, President/Director of Marketing Jeff Warner, VP/Director of Sales Carla Warner, and VP/Director of Merchandising and Customer Service Bill Warner and staff at Warners’ Stellian are extremely honored to be recognized as outstanding among the state’s family businesses, which bring so much value to our economy and communities.

“We want to perpetuate the family values our father, Jim Warner, has taught us through his own life: humility, integrity, gratitude and compassion,” said Jeff Warner, president.

“Our dad’s values have brought us success both as a family and as a business.”

Gov. Tim Pawlenty earlier this month declared October

to be “Family Business Awareness Month.” In the proclamation, he recognized family businesses as “critical to the success of our state and national economy” and noted their ability to “enhance our communities by providing stable, trustworthy services.”

Warners’ Stellian is Minnesota’s retail appliance specialist. Family-owned and operated for more than 50 years, Warners’ Stellian provides an unmatched shopping experience with incomparable services. For more information, visit www.warnersstellian.com.

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Insight News • November 8 - November 14, 2010 • Page 3

Nigeria From 1

Photo courtesy of the family

Rev. Major Topps Jr.

Drum Major for education

“The bag of gold, the bag of gold,” the naïve children cried, not realizing that wisdom had the potential to earn them many more bags of gold in the future.

The wealth of the future will be derived from developing the intellectual capital—the clay of wisdom—and the innovations of the younger generation to make Nigeria stronger.

Should Nigeria migrate from

oil to soil, as is often suggested. I think not. It should leapfrog into the Information Age. Nigeria cannot return to an agricultural age because the West is being urbanized, the East is being eroded, and the North is being decertified.

A Nigeria without oil must make the transition to a knowledge-based economy. Nollywood can redefine 21st century Africa as the continent of arts and innovation.

If Nigerians have an average of three children per couple, it will become the world’s third most populous nation in 50 years. It will lag behind China and India,

but will have a greater population density.

Where will we find farmland?

My grandfather’s farmland was located where Onitsha market now lies. For countless centuries, my Igbo ancestors were farmers. Sons walked in their father’s footsteps, ploughing the same land. Their life expectancy was about 37 years.

Daughters married early, had as many children as they could, and became young widows. My mother married days after her 14th birthday and gave birth to me six days after her 15th birthday. She was born in colonial Africa, where

she counted her age on her fingers and toes and by her age-grade affiliation.

Yet she had a son who could count the ages of humanity on his supercomputer, which occupies the space of four tennis courts. Her son’s supercomputer computes and communicates as an internet and sends and receives answers via e-mails to and from 65,000 subcomputers.

My father and I, followed by my son, broke the tradition of walking in our ancestors’ footsteps.

My father was a nurse, and my son and I are computer scientists.

All three of us abandoned the soil to work in knowledge-based industries.

Philip Emeagwali has been called “a father of the Internet” by CNN and TIME, and extolled as a “Digital Giant” by BBC and as “one of the great minds of the Information Age” by former U.S. President Bill Clinton. He won the 1989 Gordon Bell Prize, the Nobel Prize of supercomputing, for reprogramming 65,000 subcomputers as an internet that helps recover more oil.

By Al McFarlane Editor-in-Chief Major Topps Jr., 61, of Minneapolis, died Tuesday at North Memorial Medical Center, in Robbinsdale, MN. He was a drum major for education.

Born on Sep. 11, 1949 in Detroit, Michigan Topps was one of four children of Delores and Major Topps Sr. Topps founded the organization Education is our Goal, which focused on the betterment of youth and Black youths get high school diplomas and pursue college degrees.

He created and led several youth drum and dance corps, commanding the attention of children and their families with precision drumming and drills.

He commanded the attention of the entire neighborhood on warm pre-dusk summer evenings. The joyous cacophony of Africa centric drum lines spoke distantly to all corners of the community.

Even if you didn’t know exactly where they were holding practice, their rhythms infused the air with purposeful vitality, letting the elders know that the youth were ok.

Topps is survived by one sister, Sharon Pierson, one brother Aaron Kellum, four children, Quantrell Fields, Kortne Morrow, Major Topps III, and Kyra Topps, five grandchildren along with legions of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The wake will be held 5-8 pm Tuesday Nov. 9, 2010 at Estes Funeral Home, 2210 Plymouth Ave N., in North Minneapolis.

The homecoming funerary celebration will be at 11 am Wednesday, Nov. 10, at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, 2519 Lyndale Ave. N. Burial is at Crystal Lake Cemetery, 3816 Penn Ave N., Minneapolis.

Here’s how friends are remembering Topps in Facebook posts: Terra B. Cole via Northside Arts Collective Anyone remember growing up in North Minneapolis in the late 80’s and 90’s and hearing the drum core and later the step team walking up and down the street or in some parking lot practicing? That was Major Topps. For all of his colorfulness, craziness and love for youth and this community he will be sorely missed. Rest in peace Major...

Zachary L. Metoyer Sr. RIP Major Topps. I got the news this morning that Major Topps has passed away. I knew that he was sick and we talked for a while whenever I saw him.

People never gave him credit for the positive things that he did in the community. I will miss Major every time I see a parade, thanks for the memories!

Aki Jaheed Abdul-Malik R.I.P Major Topps a real northside leader. May Allah show his grace on you on judgment day. If I had to tell it, I’d say you were a great man and beautiful father. PEACE Menia Formey Buckner One, of many things, you could say about Major Topps is he always tried to do something positive.

Chrisita ‘MS Chris’ Green To All past and present members of First Step, Unity an U.N.L., this is a sad time for the Drill Team community. We have lost a great leader: Mr. Major Topps. There will be a mass Grand March in honor of Major Topps. If you would like to participate please contact Stephan Graham, myself or Jelisa Burns.

Asia Ford RIP TO MY OLD DANCE INSTRUCTOR MAJOR TOPPS, IMMA MISS YOU MAJOR, DANCIN FOR YOU WAS SO HARD BUT IT WAS WORTH IT THE OFFICIAL 1ST STEP DANCE CREW PAGE Funeral arrangement for Major Topps Jr. will be as followed: This Saturday 11/6/10 a benefit for him at the Luxe Club 3836 4th Ave S. 8-until.

There will be a $10 donation at the door, all the proceeds will go to the Memorial Trust of Rev. Major Topps at Wells Fargo Bank. 11/9/10 the Wake at Estes

a million reasons to

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Tune into the CBS Early Show at 7am for letter count updates to Santa throughout the Holidays.

TOPPS TURN TO 6 6100051B.indd 1

11/4/10 6:23:41 PM

Page 4 • November 8 - November 14, 2010 • Insight News

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EDUCATION Department of Education establishes new student aid rules The Obama administration recently released a broad set of rules to strengthen federal student aid programs at forprofit, nonprofit and public institutions by protecting students from aggressive or misleading recruiting practices, providing consumers with better information about the effectiveness of career college and training programs, and ensuring that only eligible students or programs receive aid.

“These new rules will help ensure that students are getting from schools what they pay for: solid preparation for a good job,” Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said.

Students at for-profit institutions represent 11 percent of all higher education students, 26 percent of all student loans and 43 percent of all loan defaulters. The median federal

student loan debt carried by students earning associate degrees at for-profit institutions was $14,000, while the majority of students at community colleges do not borrow. More than a quarter of for-profit institutions receive 80 percent of their revenues from taxpayer financed federal student aid.

This rapid growth of enrollment, debt load, and default rates at for-profit institutions in recent years prompted the Obama administration to embark on an 18-month negotiation with the higher education community over new regulations, which was required by Congress.

During the negotiation, the Education Department worked with stakeholders to develop a set of proposals around 14 specific issues (outlined below) that strengthen the integrity of the federal student aid program and ensure that taxpayer funds

are used appropriately. The regulations, published today in two parts, follow that year-long process and will go into effect on July 1, 2011. They address 13 of the 14 issues in their entirety, and partially address the 14th issue, which involves the definition of “gainful employment.”

The Department received over 1,200 comments on the proposed regulations published today. The comments were carefully considered and led to 82 thoughtful revisions in the proposal including: giving institutions additional time to put in place systems required by the regulations; clarifying institutions’ flexibility in the way they define a credit hour; and clarifying exemptions for religious institutions.

“I’d like to thank everyone who worked with the Department during the public comment period. We made

thoughtful changes based on the comments we received. These changes help us fashion the best regulation possible to protect the interests of students and taxpayers,” Secretary Duncan said.

After receiving over 90,000 comments during the public comment period on the Department’s gainful employment proposals dealing with a program’s eligibility to receive federal student aid, the Department announced plans in September (see h t t p : / / w w w. e d . g o v / n e w s / press-releases/departmenttrack-implement-gainfulemployment-regulations-newschedule-provides-) to change the publication date of these final regulations from Nov. 1 to early 2011. This will still allow the Department to publish final regulations in time for them to go into effect on or around

July 1, 2012, as originally planned. The Department is taking additional time to hold several meetings with interested parties (see http://www2. ed.gov/policy/highered/reg/ hearulemaking/2009/integrity. html) over the coming weeks, as well as public hearings on Nov. 4 and Nov. 5. These meetings will give people the opportunity to clarify the comments they’ve submitted and respond to questions from Department officials.

“We continue to be thoughtful as we move forward with finalizing new gainful employment eligibility rules,” said Secretary Duncan said.

“We’re taking additional time to analyze all the feedback we’ve received to help us strike the right balance between holding these programs accountable to protect students and taxpayers from abuse and making sure we

keep whole those programs that are doing a good job,” Duncan continued.

For a summary of the new final regulations on program integrity, read the full article at http://www. insightnews.com Additional information on the Department’s negotiated rulemaking efforts may be found on the web at: http://www2.ed.gov/ policy/highered/reg/ hearulemaking/2009/negregsummerfall.html.

A list of groups that have met or plan to meet with Department staff to further explain their written comments regarding the NPRM on gainful employment is available. See “Meetings on Gainful Employment” at h t t p : / / w w w. e d . g o v / policy/highered/reg/ hearulemaking/2009/integrity. html.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Election discrimination: Ballot or the bullet Tuesday morning I went to my neighborhood polling site to vote. Upon arriving at the Christ Lutheran Church in Eagan, I took my respective spot in line.

As I waited in line I heard the normal questions being asked of my voting peers, “Does your I.D. match your address of record?”

“Are you over the age of 18?” As I approached the voting official I was asked the exact same questions as those that preceded me, with one additional caveat…..

“Do you have any felonies?”

As an African American male, I was offended. Why was I being asked a question that my caucasian

peers were not being asked? After I responded to the election official telling her that I had no felonies, her colleague (seated beside her) began to laugh. The election official continued on with her talking points/instructions which were as follows: “Go to the next table and grab a bullet, I mean

“ballot.” A Freudian slip, perhaps, but offensive none the less. As I continued on and began to vote, I paid particular attention to the instructions that this official gave to the voters after me. Not once did the election official ask any other person of European descent about felonies nor did she reference

picking up “bullets”, or any other projectile that may be used to harm another human being.

As I recall the Voting Rights Act of 1965 states; “voting qualification or prerequisite to voting, or standard, practice, or procedure … to deny or abridge the right of any citizen of the

United States to vote on account of race or color.”

On this Election Day I am again reminded that the myth of equality/sameness in America remains to be just that …a myth.

Corey Yeager, M.A., LAMFT November 2, 2010

Elections

and service to the people who elected him and all residents and businesses in his Legislative District 67.

And like Lewis, he is also aware of the companion responsibility to advance the common good for the entire state, and invest his unique personal and cultural sensibility in creating policy and legislation that people of color will see as advancing

their interests.

Joining Harrington in the legislature is trailblazer community organizer, Rena Moran, who handily prevailed in her bid for Minnesota House of Representatives in District 65A. Moran and Harrington actually grew up in the same neighborhood on Chicago’s Southside. They didn’t know each other there, but they did know something about Black people being in power, wielding power in their own interests and without apology, and without seeking white approval.

“I grew up in a neighborhood where the schools, principals, teachers, and janitors were Black, the business owners and workers were Black, the church congregations and their pastors were Black, the policemen and social workers in my neighborhood…all Black,” Moran said recently in an interview on KFAI’s “Conversations with Al McFarlane” Broadcast.

Moran said that universe of Black people in charge of our community provided a sense that anything and everything is possible, and that sense, she said, directed her confident march to victory at the polls last week.

Moran and Harrington now join Minneapolis legislators, State Reps. Jeffrey Hayden, 61B, and Bobby Joe Champion, 58B, creating a Black Caucus of 4 – a 100% increase over the present term.

“That increase is significant,” said Hayden in an interview following the election. “It is the sweet part of a bittersweet situation, considering the drubbing the DFL took in Minnesota’s House and Senate.

Tuesday’s election routed DFL’ers from power in the House of Representatives and in the Minnesota Senate. Republican majorities will set the agenda and control committees that determine which issues will even see the light of day in the legislative

process.

“Bobby Joe Champion and I have always had to argue for the interests of the minority, even when our party was in power. Now that this election has downsized DFLers in the legislature, the doubling of our ranks, with the election of two additional African Americans, Rena Moran and John Harrington in St. Paul, the African American legislative caucus is actually experiencing a significant power boost,” he said.

“And with our party being

the party out of power, our voices and influence and contributions will be even more important to Minnesota democrats as we try to take back power in 2012 elections,” said Hayden.

Analyzing the situation through the long lens of history, former state representative, Randolph Staten, said rough times could lie ahead for people who believe in equality and justice.

Reconstruction, that period

From 1 Harrington, a native of Chicago, IL, who followed his father in a career of law enforcement, will likely build on and expand the Lewis legacy.

Harrington will seek to provide exceptional representation

Sign up online: www.breckschool.org/expectations Meet us at the following events: Preschool/Kindergarten Information Session Monday, November 15, 2010, 6:30–8:30 PM Grade 5 Information Session Tuesday, November 16, 2010, 6:30–8:30 PM Grades P-12 Information Session Monday, December 6, 2010, 7:00–9:00 PM Grades P-12 Open House Sunday, January 9, 2011, 1:30–3:30 PM

Learn more.

Register online or call Admissions Director Scott Wade at 763-381-8200.

Breck School 123 Ottawa Ave N Minneapolis, MN 55422-5189

ELECTIONS TURN TO 7

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Insight News • November 8 - November 14, 2010 • Page 5

AESTHETICS Brilliant debut by Damien Chazelle deconstructs failed romance Harvard grad Damien Chazelle, a gifted wunderkind to be reckoned with. With an effortlessness that’s nothing short of amazing, he exhibits an encyclopedic knowledge of cinematic history here, interweaving a dizzying number of allusions to the work of his idols behind the camera, legends like John Cassavetes, Jean-Luc Godard and Busby Berkeley.

As engaging as the picture’s premise are its original score by Justin Hurwitz and its shadowy cinematography coming

W.A.W. Parker

Guy (Jason Palmer) and Madeline (Desiree Garcia)

Film Review

By Kam Williams kam@insightnews.com Melancholy Madeline (Desiree Garcia) sits alone freezing on a park bench in Boston contemplating what just happened after being dumped by her boyfriend on a chilly, wintry day. Meanwhile, her equally-wistful ex (Jason Palmer) trudges home through the snow with his trumpet slung lazily over his shoulder. Upon arriving at his apartment, in utter resignation Guy removes a picture from the wall taken of the two of them during much happier times.

This is the poignant point of departure of Guy and Madeline

on a Park Bench, an intriguing flashback flick deconstructing the demise of a young couple’s troubled relationship. The picture is finally finding its way into theaters after receiving rave reviews a year ago on the festival circuit. The delay might be explained by the colorblind casting featuring an African-American opposite a Latina in the title roles, both of whom by the way display an enviable versatility while turning in a pair of powerful performances.

Guy is played by Jason Palmer, an accomplished jazz trumpeter recognized as an up-and-comer by Downbeat Magazine. Triple threat Desiree Garcia proves formidable in her own right as Madeline, handling her acting, singing and dancing duties with perfect aplomb.

The movie marks the remarkable writing and directorial debut of recent

courtesy of seductivelygrainy, black & white 16mm film. The movie’s magical musical renditions, a delightful blend of jazz and show tunes, range from impromptu improvisations to catchy, carefully-choreographed song and dance numbers.

If all of the above isn’t enough to whet your curiosity, consider the plot which complicates into a compelling love triangle when Guy’s head is turned by flaky temptress Elena (Sandha Khin) while riding the subway. Like a Black

version of Woody Allen, Guy develops existential angst over his ensuing girl troubles, the difference being that he finds solace playing his instrument instead of kvetching about his feelings to a shrink.

Overall, the vaguelyfamiliar production has the retro look and feel of a casually-staged, New Wave classic from the Fifties, except that no French is spoken, unless the evocative lyrics of a haunting ballad count. Ultimately, there’s no mistaking this impossible to

pigeonhole adventure for an unearthed relic from a bygone era, given such unmistakablymodern moments as when Elena responds to a solicitous stranger’s pickup line with a resolutely-salty expletive.

A tribute befitting Boston readily comparable to Woody Allen’s bittersweet homage to his own beloved Manhattan!

Excellent (4 stars) Unrated Running time: 82 minutes Studio: Variance Films

Page 6 • November 8 - November 14, 2010 • Insight News

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The Second Pastor’s Anniversary of Robert P. McKenzie

By Norma Chappell Pastor Robert P. McKenzie, 39, celebrated his second pastoral anniversary on November 7, 2010. He is the founder and senior pastor of Word of Faith Church in North Minneapolis.

The Word of Faith Church stemmed from a Bible study of seven people that met once a week at Pastor McKenzie’s home to learn the Word of God. The weekly meeting grew in membership and was moved to the Pastor’s barbershop on Broadway Avenue in Minneapolis. Now after a few short months, the membership is quickly outgrowing their new space.

As mandated by God, McKenzie’s vision is to help people win battles through insight and wisdom of the Word; bringing change to people’s lives, growing strong and getting results.

The foundation of his ministry is taken from

First Lady Tayonna McKenzie and Pastor Robert P. McKenzie of Word of Faith Church

Ephesians 4:11-16, where it says, “And He gave some apostles, and some prophets and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive...” (KJV).

McKenzie received his ministerial calling in 1999 and studied under Pastor Mac Hammond of Living Word Christian Center in Brooklyn Park, MN for nine years and attended Living Word Bible Institute for two years. He was ordained November 5, 2009, by his spiritual father, Bishop

Charles Messenger of St. Paul, MN. “I am so very grateful to Bishop Messenger for taking me under his wing and teaching me how to be a pastor,” said McKenzie. “He has been extremely instrumental in my Christian growth and development, and I am ever so grateful.”

Since accepting the call of the Lord Jesus Christ, McKenzie has gone through a tremendous transformation in his life. That transformation is a promise from God, where He says: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new, and all things are of God...” II Corinthians 5:17,18.

McKenzie is from Gary, IN and has been in Minnesota since 1999. He is married to Tayonna McKenzie, 32, and they have six children: Tiana, 18; Robert, 16; Omani, 9; Adelia, 7; Charis, 3; and Amara, 2.

Topps From 3 at 5-8pm. The funeral will be held at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church on 26th & Lyndale at 11am 11/10/10 Bryson Ciolkosz To my uncle: you can never be replaced, you were a man with many words and wisdom, and was willing to share with anybody, there will never be another like you unc, we all love you and you will be missed be all. RIP Pete Rhodes, WRNB Radio Major was genuine a person.

He will be missed by many. Rest in peace Major.

Mark Stenglein, Hennepin County Commissioner This is very sad news, Major Topps had a HEART! Louis King, CEO Summit Academy OIC All of us knew major.

Regardless of what some may have thought of him, he was always there. I watched his kids grow up.

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Insight News • November 8 - November 14, 2010 • Page 7

Historic Old Highland identifies 67 significant properties “The Old Highland Project is a fantastic example of community members coming together to take stock in their shared past, dig deep to learn more about the distant past of the places where they live, and then tie it all together in a meaningful package that serves the future needs of their neighborhood. They are a model of initiative, resourcefulness, and citizen-based preservation,” staid Jack Byers, Manager of Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development Department, Preservation and Design Section.

Historic Old Highland is a three-part project to update and expand the Old Highland Walking Tour. The Old Highland Neighborhood, just minutes northwest of downtown Minneapolis, is a portion of the original northern section of the Fort Snelling Military Reservation, which was claimed for the United States in 1809 by Lt. Zebulon Pike. Today Old Highland is a charismatic and progressive neighborhood in transition, home to a growing population of middleclass professionals who have discovered and rehabilitated the area’s century-old Victorians and working-class bungalows. Within the neighborhood there are many rich layers of history and a strong sense of community.

Historic Old Highland Project, Phase II. In an effort to preserve and promote the qualities that make Old Highland unique and attractive to those that live and work here, the Old Highland Neighborhood Association contracted with

Elections From 4 following the Civil War, was a time of phenomenal progressive movement and achievement.

Not unlike the feeling inspired

by Barack Obama phenomenal victory in the 2008 election.

What followed Reconstruction, however, was one of the most brutal chapters of American history, with regressive forces prevailing and the rollback of civil and human rights, and the imposition of Jim Crow law and

Tammy Lindberg to work with residents to collect neighborhood history and to document 96 neighborhood properties selected for architectural detailing or their contribution to some part of the Old Highland story. The ultimate goal of this project is to use the social history and architectural documentation to update and expand the existing self-guided Walking Tour Guide of significant properties in the Old Highland neighborhood.

The late Charles W. Nelson, Historical Architect for the State of Minnesota, who was a founder and long-time resident of Old Highland, developed the original Guide in the 1980s. The update was deemed necessary to 1) increase public awareness of the historic and architectural quality of the homes in Old Highland; 2) encourage and support neighborhood interest and efforts in maintaining, enhancing and restoring the architectural integrity of individual homes and streetscapes, and 3) promote and market the neighborhood to potential new home owners (or renters) who value and appreciate great housing and the strong sense of community among people who live here.

“Increasing awareness and pride in the neighborhood’s history will help to engage the City of Minneapolis and residents in housing preservation and rehabilitation that will help to further conserve the historic qualities of neighborhood properties,” stated Angie Nelson, Project Manager and Old Highland co-founder.

Working closely with Old Highland residents, Lindberg

researched 96 properties from June through September 2010.

These properties were surveyed and photographed for their architectural, historical, and cultural significance. With homeowner approval, there are now 67 significant properties posted to the Old Highland page on Placeography.org at http:// www.placeography.org/index.php/ Old_Highland,_Minneapolis,_ Minnesota.

Throughout the summer, 65 residents of the Old Highland Neighborhood came together at 10 separate Historic Old Highland workshops and research parties to educate themselves on how to explore their house history, learn how to use available research resources, and ultimately learn how to post findings and photos to Placeography.org. (a free online encyclopedia administered by the Minnesota Historical Society where everyone can share the

history of and stories about a house, building, land, etc.).

In Phase III a self-guided Walking Tour Guide will be created in both electronic and print versions. It is anticipated that individual property owners will continue to post stories, additional photographs and historical information to Placeography.org and that more properties will be added to the Old Highland page on Placeography following the completion of this Phase II.

policy, relegating our people to a new form of bondage and second class citizenship, Staten said.

“So when President Obama passes sweeping progressive reform in health care, banking and insurance, small business support, and tax relief for working class people, the right wing conservatives manufacture this movement they call the ‘Tea Party.’ They invent it. They create it, with the sole objective of destroying progressive gains and rolling back the clock,” Staten said.

“I blame democrats for not developing the language tools to

defend all the right things we were doing, and for shrinking in the face of manufactured shrill…..that, at the end of the day, prevailed in Minnesota and across the nation,” he said.

“In Minnesota, it is extraordinary when you lose control of one or both legislative houses. That is where the power is. That is where decisions get made. The majority chooses the committees and makes sure the DFL is outnumbered. Plus, proposed legislation cannot be heard without the consent of committee chairs,” he said.

“When the democrats had

control of both houses, they failed to use their power. The power is divided between the Legislature and the Governor. They have the same amount of power. But in Minnesota’s political policy arena, Governor Pawlenty got everything he wanted in negotiations, while the democrats in the legislature settled for very little. Negotiation means I give up a little and you give up a little. It’s a compromise.

That didn’t happen here or nationally because democrats were fearful,” Staten said.

“It’s a powerful dilemma that now affects the state and the country. Anything having to do with equality and justice will be shot down,” he said.

Courtesy The Old Highland Project

1624 Emerson Ave. N.

Project Feedback.

At the conclusion of Historic Old Highland Phase II, neighbors and officials alike reflected on the project’s success.

“I was impressed with the depth of history in these few square blocks. I am very grateful that Angie, Tammy, and the rest of the steering committee worked so hard to gather this information so my children understand the community

[in which] they will grow up.”

-Anne Morris, 6-year resident of Old Highland.

“I loved working on the project.

It becomes living history of the neighborhood for me. The project makes a significant impact on the neighborhood and the city itself.”

– Al Bertke, 8-year resident of Old Highland “It’s exciting to see the great work made possible by the fast track grant awarded to Old Highland Association. The project is a successful example of what can be accomplished by a small nonprofit organization and dedicated volunteers with a small grant from the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Grants Program funded by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. The fast track grants are designed to be accessible with their rolling monthly application deadlines – and Old Highland’s

project has done a fabulous job at leveraging these funds to conduct research on historic properties in the neighborhood and to put the information gathered in a form that is understandable and accessible to all. Congratulations!”

-Britta Bloomberg, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer.

“The Old Highland Neighborhood has a great mix of “veterans” and ambitious young homeowners. There is a great exchange of information and energy between the two.”

-Logan Lauritsen, 8-year Old Highland Resident.

Funding.

This project was made possible by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the vote of Minnesotans on November 4, 2008. Administered by the Minnesota Historical Society.

Page 8 • November 8 - November 14, 2010 • Insight News

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LIFESTYLE Time to winterize: Proper care for winter wear Style on a Dime

By Marcia Humphrey marcia@insightnews.com I’ll never forget a conversation I had with one of my closet childhood girlfriends. Having just had a baby, she was lamenting about how her visiting Jamaican mother-in-law was stressing her out. When I pressed for details, I learned that my girlfriend had a problem with the fact that her mother-in-law did not wash her own pants after every single wear.

It drove my girlfriend crazy, so her solution, between frequent nursing sessions, was to wash

Nicholls

From 1 affected by the change to make it their own. They must celebrate

grandma’s clothes every night for her. Really?! I had to keep it real, “Girl, I don’t wash my pants after every wear either-you better leave grandma alone and let her help you with that baby!”

Based on that conversation, I started taking an informal poll among friends and researched “rules” on frequency of washing and wearing clothing. Of course, we all must use our common sense-if it stinks or it’s dirty, wash it-but I thought it might be helpful to consider a few helpful guidelines for caring for clothing, especially winter wear. These tips are sure to save you time and money, which you should never wash.

Down coats and vests should be washed about two times per season. If it’s your young child’s coat, expect more washing. The important thing is to first read

and follow the garment’s care and cleaning instructions. Use a mild non-detergent product, since detergents and dry cleaning can flatten the feathers. To dry, let the coat tumble on low with a couple of clean tennis balls; it will help to redistribute the feathers.

Wash your hats, gloves, and scarves three to five times a season, or as needed. Remember that facial and hair oils, makeup and perfume buildup on these items. In addition, gloves pick up loads of germs throughout the season. For best results, hand wash knits and dry-clean leather gloves and structured hats.

While hosiery should be washed after each wear, if you are in a pinch and have no time for a wash, pop them in the dryer for ten minutes with a dryer sheet (note: use caution with other clothing, as dryer sheets have been known to

and consciously attend to the inculcation of the change into the culture and traditions of the organization.

According to The Center founder and executive director, Barbara Raye, “we are all about

relationships…Change Agents are people with the skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively in the community and are able to obtain the change that they want in their community.”

Founding Contributor Terry Donovan, who also serves on the Board of Directors, said, “Gretchen Nicholls has a vision that neighborhoods should be partners with government and private developers. She believes that residents should be able to influence their own communities and have a say in how redevelopment impacts their lives. She and Barbara [Raye] designed a process that engages regular people—in advance of a development project to express the values and goals that would

http://cdn.sheknows.com/articles/winter-coats-1.jpg

leave stains).

Pants and skirts should be washed after about five wears.

Winter fabrics like tweed, wool, and velvet are probably best drycleaned, which can be done at home to save money. Woolite’s Dry Cleaners Secret, works like a charm, and I highly recommend it.

Steaming is another way to refresh clothing between washings.

Clean your sweaters after

two to five wears. More delicate items-cotton, silk, or cashmere should be washed more often.

Wool naturally repels dirt, and dust, so you can get a few more wears out of it, before cleaning.

In addition, to extend the life of most items, hand wash and skip the dryer.

Wool coats can be cleaned one to two times a season. To keep odors under control, hang

make their communities safer, healthier, and more inclusive.”

Nicholls said that her perception of community work changed when she met Raye—to value everyone and try to bring all different voices together. “This is one of the most phenomenal resources to our region, and our world,” she said.

The Center provides consulting and training services as a way to help nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies make a positive difference in the lives of people and their communities. The organization serves nonprofit and governmental organizations engaged in the areas of social justice, human service, advocacy and nonviolence,

citizen engagement, local and national government, education, environmental protection, religion, and other progressive services and missions.

The Center’s overarching interest is in social justice and working to achieve a society that has no disparity of access, opportunity, or outcome as a result of gender, race, economic status, or other classifications of people who have historically been marginalized. The organization also works to improve the ability of its clients to fulfill their mission in a way that is measurable and demonstrable.

The Center believes in the fundamental relationship between the elements of policy,

your coat so it can “air out” before putting it back into the crowded closet. Spot cleaning of the collar and cuffs can be done with a damp cloth and mild soap.

Keeping your winter gear in top shape, doesn’t have to be difficult. My advice to you, dear friends, is to keep it clean-just not too clean. You don’t have time to be a prisoner of your washer and dryer. After all, there’ll soon be driveways and sidewalks to shovel. By following these helpful guidelines, and using the common sense that your mama taught, you should be winter ready in no time-Let it snow! Enjoy!

Marcia Humphrey is an interior decorator and home stager who specializes in achieving high style at low costs.

A native of Michigan, she and her husband, Lonnie, have three children.

planning, and performance. This belief is reflected in the cohesion of their programs and consulting and training services in the areas of public policy, organization mission, or the desired outcome for a program or initiative; processes of engagement, inclusion, and planning used to translate that policy into practice; and accountability and measures of effectiveness for individuals, organizations and systems. The organization provides capacity building and organization development services in a variety of focus areas and competencies.

One of The Center’s founding principles is that all

NICHOLLS TURN TO 12

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Insight News • November 8 - November 14, 2010 • Page 9

TECHNOLOGY Broadband Access Project: Hmong American Partnership

By Ivan B. Phifer MMMC Technology Reporter Founded in 1990, Hmong American Partnership (HAP) is one of the largest Hmong organizations in Minnesota.

Its mission is to empower the community to embrace the strengths of our cultures while achieving our potential.

HAP’s three centers—two in St Paul and one in Minneapolis— provide programs and services through five departments: Education & Training, Elderly Services, Employment Services, Housing & Economic Development, and Youth & Family Services. HAP’s East Saint Paul and North Minneapolis offices are participating in the Broadband Access Project (BAP).

The BAP, envisioned as a service to bridge the digital divide in underserved areas of TwinCities, has computer centers

Ying Kong, Technology Apprentice located inside the Twin Cities’ four federally-designated poverty zones: North Minneapolis, South Minneapolis, Frogtown and East St Paul.

Residents in these areas comprise the highest concentrations of African American, Somali, Hispanic, Native American, Vietnamese and Hmong people.

BAP is a $3.6M initiative of the University of Minnesota’s Urban Research and Outreach/

Suluki Fardan

Engagement Center (UROC) in partnership with the University of Minnesota’s, Office of Business Community and Economic Development, and the Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium.

The Broadband Access Project supports the development and enhancement of 11 Non-Profit and Community based partners to provide community-based public computer centers for underserved populations, including African and African Americans, Latino, Asian/ Pacific Islander immigrants, and American Indians.

The project established two new computer centers and upgraded nine existing ones. In total, the computers provided will be used to support computer classes at 14 locations. The BAP centers will provide increased data transfer speeds of up to 22 megabytes per second (Mbps).

BAP, through its communitybased public computer centers, provides broadband awareness training, promotes education, workforce preparation, health care information and community revitalization.

The project hired and trained technology apprentices or technicians, who in turn are providing training and assistance in computer literacy, technology solutions, job search, and resume building.

HAP serves over 1,000 job seekers annually out of its St. Paul location on the East Side, providing them with assistance necessary for them to find and maintain jobs.

In addition, the Employment Services

HAP TURN TO 12

Page 10 •November 8, 2010 - November 14, 2010 • Insight News

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Velma Warder: River Hills United Methodist Church organist retires After 26 years as the organist for River Hills United Methodist Church in Burnsville, Velma Warder has retired as of September 26, 2010. The Rev. Duane V. Sarazin is pastor.

Previous to this position, she was organist for 23 years at Temple Baptist Church, Minneapolis.

Temple has since merged with another church. Positions at the former Sabathani Baptist Church and Zion Baptist Church (when it was on Lyndale Avenue North) rounded out a total of 67 years as a church musician.

Longtime Minneapolis folk will remember the years of D.J. Wade and Willie B. Hale at Zion and the Rev. Stanley King at Sabathani as music directors.

Warder (then Velma Williams) began as accompanist for the Junior Choir at Zion, then went on to play for the Senior Choir. She was organist for most

Calendar Send Community Calendar information to us by: email, andrew@insightnews.com, by fax: 612-588-2031, by phone: (612) 588-1313 or by mail: 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411, Attn: Andrew Notsch. Free or low cost events preferred.

Events From My Altitude - Thru Nov. 30 — A showing of the prison paintings of Antonio Guerrero, one of the Cuban Five. The gallery is open Tues. 5-9pm; Wed & Fri 1-6pm; Sat 1-4pm @ Homewood Studios, 2400 Plymouth Ave. N. Mpls. 612587-0230.

Tish Jones curates “The Truth Wants More” - Nov 8 — The Saint Paul Almanac continues its year-round literary celebration of Minnesota s capital city with the acclaimed Lowertown Reading Jams. The second season of the eclectic series, curated by Tish Jones, will be presented on Mon., Nov. 8, 7-8:30pm at the Black Dog Café, 308 Prince St. in St. Paul.

The Jams will continue on the second Monday of each month through July 2011.

Christian Meditation: Saturday Morning Meditation - Nov 13 & 20 — These one and a half hour meditation sessions include a short reading or teaching from The Cloud of Unknowing, a book about the quest for God, as well as two 25 minute sitting meditations and a walking meditation.

FREE 1890 Randolph Ave., St. Paul. For more information or to register for a class: www. wisdomwayscenter.org Food and Clothing Drive - Nov 8-19 — Bring nonperishable food, new or gently used winter clothing and personal hygiene items to help students in need. Raise money to purchase grocery gift cards to distribute to students to purchase Thanksgiving perishable food items. Donation collection boxes will be located at registers in the bookstore and the cafeteria.

MCTC 1501 Hennepin Ave. Mpls, MN 55403.

Attend City Meeting to Have Your Voice Heard - Nov 9 — Do you want your voice to be heard? Attend one of the city meetings on Tue., Nov. 9, at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the Village Creek Community Police Station. The meeting will give members of the Brooklyn Park community the chance to provide input on the redesign of street banners and also about opportunities to enhance public spaces. At Village Creek Community Police Station; 7608 Brooklyn Blvd.

Camden Lions host a fundraiser spaghetti dinner - Nov 10 — Sojourner Truth Academy at 3820 Emerson.

6-8p. $6 in advance. $7 at the door. http://www.camdenlions.org/ A Taste of Golden Valley - Nov 10 — Join us for an evening filled with music, conversation, and great food from a variety of Golden Valley restaurants.

A silent auction will feature theme baskets donated by local businesses. Wed. Nov. 10, 5:308pm. @ Metropolitan Ballroom 5418 Wayzata Blvd.

Masterclass with UofM Dance Cowles Makeda Thomas - Nov 10 — Wed., Nov. 10 7-8:30pm at Barbara Barker Center for Dance - Studio 100; 500 21st Avenue South, Minneapolis,

of the years that the combined choirs presented Handel’s “Messiah” under Hale’s direction. She studied organ and piano at the MacPhail Center, and piano and music theory at the University of Minnesota.

Her teachers included, the late Marion Hutchinson, the late Bernhard Weiser and Harvey Gustafson.

A retired Minneapolis district elementary school teacher where she taught 25 years, Warder has degrees in journalism (B.A, and in education (B.S.) from the University of Minnesota. She has published articles on church music, conducted workshops on music in Christian Education at the Green Lake, Wisconsin Baptist Music Conferences, and is a member of AGO (American Guild of Organists).

She has performed recitals at MacPhail Center, Minneapolis;

River Hills UMC, Burnsville; Peace Reformed Church, Eagan; St. James A.M.E. Church, Dayton Avenue Presbyterian Church, both in St. Paul; Temple Baptist and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, both in Minneapolis.

In recognition of her years of service and retirement River Hills on her final Sunday as organist hosted a reception between the services and then in the evening a dinner and program. The Fellowship Hall was filled with family, friends, church members and other guests. At worship service and dinner, Jubilate Bell Choir, Chancel Choir and congregation sang and played some Warder’s favorite hymns and a favorite anthem.

Married to the Rev. W. Warder for 58 years, they have three adult children, an adult grandson and granddaughter-inlaw and two great grandsons.

PHONE: 612.588.1313 55455.

FREE - Limited space; please RSVP with Nora Jenneman: jenne011@umn.edu or 612.624.4008.

Literacy is Freedom - Nov 11 — A dialogue with Jimmy Santiago Baca on the power of literacy to transform young lives.

Thur., Nov. 11 1-3pm Stadium View School 510 Park Ave. S., Mpls, MN 55415; RSVP: 612348-7740 or rebecca.branch@ mpls.k12.mn.us Indoor Farmers Market - Nov 13 — Local vendors with local wares. Sat., Nov. 13 9am 1pm at Eastside Food Co-op. FREE Serenade of the Heart - Nov 13 & 14 — Singers in Accord choral ensemble announces the first concert series of their 2010-2011 season, as they perform, “Serenade of the Heart: Psalms, Songs and Dances of the Romantic Era,” with internationally renowned choral conductor Kathy Saltzman Romey. Two performances of this concert series will be held in Mpls, the first at 7:30pm on Sat., Nov. 13 at the MacPhail Center for Music (Antonello Hall), 501 S. 2nd St., Mpls, MN. and at 4pm, Sun., Nov. 14 at the University Lutheran Church of Hope. 601 13th Ave., SE, Mpls, MN. Come One Come All!!!! Nov 14 — Mighty Fortress International Ministries of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota will be celebrating the 17th Pastoral Anniversary of Dr. Tom R. Williams & Lady Sabrina R. Williams on Sun. Nov. 14, 2010

@ 11am and 5pm. Special Guest Bishop Iona Locke, International Speaker and Pastor of Abyssinia Christ Centered Ministries of Detroit, Michigan. For more information call 763-515-4800.

Registration begins for winter classes at Camden Music School - Nov 15 — Various offerings for all ages. Family discounts & scholarships available. h t t p : / / w w w . camdenmusicschool.com/ NRRC Board of Directors Elections - Nov 16 — 8am9pm at UROC - 2001 Plymouth Ave. N. NRRC is comprised of 13 districts that represent the residents of Willard-Hay and Near North Neighborhoods.

This year’s elections will be for odd numbered districts - 2 representatives for each district. NRRC board positions are volunteer and require a minimum time commitment of 4-6 hours per month.

Nominations are open until Nov. 9. If interested or for more info, contact: aramadan@nrrc.org or call 612-335-5924.

Photo courtesy of Velma Warde

Velma Warder at the organ, River Hills United Methodist Church

FAX: 612.588.2031 Center 451 Lexington Pkwy. N. St. Paul, MN Beyond the Bricks Film Premiere - Nov 16 — Film project and national community engagement campaign created with the goal of promoting solutions for one of America’s critical problems in education: the consistently low performance of black males in school. Tue, Nov. 16th 9:30AM-12PM Metro State University, Founders Hall Auditorium 700 E. 7th St, St. Paul, MN 55106.

Give to the Max Day - Nov 16 — If you donate to MCTC on Give to the Max Day on Nov. 16, your contribution will be matched by the MCTC Foundation.

Give through GiveMN.org and maximize your money towards scholarships to help our students in need.

Visit our Give to the Max Day page at http://givemn.razoo. com/story/The-MinneapolisCommunity-And-TechnicalCollege-Foundation.

MCTC 1501 Hennepin Ave. Mpls, MN 55403.

Film series presents awardChildren’s Mental Health winning film Dreamkeeper Resource Fair - Nov 16 — Nov 17 — Dreamkeeper follows Help may be closer than you think when your State Guardian ad Litem Program child is challenged with Administrator emotional or behavioral State Guardian ad Litem Board issues. Many people in many agencies and Seeking a Program Administrator to work closely services are here to with the MN GAL Board Chair to establish the startfunctions for efficient and effective operations help. Come explore the up of the Board and newly independent GAL Program resources available in consisting of approximately 200+ staff and 450 volRamsey County. Tue., unteers. Masters Degree or Law Degree preferred.

Nov. 16, 6:30-8PM ($82,079-$127,222 annually). To apply, visit www. mncourts.gov. Deadline 11/16/2010. EOE Wilder

Customer Service Representative The City of Brooklyn Park is seeking applicants for a part-time Customer Service Representative to provide front line customer service in motor vehicle licensing area to include deputy registrar, DNR transactions and pet licensing. May also include providing general customer service at City Hall reception desk and phone assistance to utility billing customers.

Flexible schedule: 20-30 hours/week to include Saturday hours; $18.45/hour. City and supplemental application forms and job posting with additional information and required qualifications available on city web site or address below. Closing date: 5 p.m., Monday, November 29, 2010.

City of Brooklyn Park 200 8th Avenue North Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 Phone: 763-424-8000 Fax: 763-493-8391 www.brooklynpakr.org Equal Opportunity Employer

Townhomes Available Fieldcrest in Moorhead, MN Rent based on 30% of income 2 & 3 bdroms open MetroPlains Management 701-232-1887 www.metroplainsmanagement.com

EMAIL: andrew@insightnews.com a century-old storyteller and his grandson, a troubled 17-yearold, as they embark on a crosscountry journey toward selfdiscovery. Just like Old Pete’s own wise tales, this film is an important and illuminating story for the entire family. Wed, Nov. 17, at 5:30pm in Metropolitan State University s Founders Hall Auditorium, St. Paul Campus, 700 E. 7th St. Stories of Celebration Nov 17 — Storytelling event highlighting diversity and acceptance with nationally recognized storyteller Danielle Daniel. Childcare centers and families with pre-school children are encouraged to attend. The event will be free and open to the public at 10:30 a.m. on Wed.,

Nov. 17 at SFCS, 4500 Clinton Ave. Mpls.

2011 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Breakfast Award Nominations - Due Nov. 19 — Each year during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Breakfast, the committee honors three people who are actively involved in their communities, demonstrating Dr. King’s dedication to nonviolent social change. The Local Legend award honors those with a legacy of service. The Emerging Legend award honors youth who are serving with distinction in their communities. Both nomination forms due Nov. 19 are available online at www.mlkbreakfast. com/LocalLegends/Default. aspx.

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Insight News • November 8 - November 14, 2010 • Page 11

SPORTS Management 101 for Coach Childress Mr. T’s Sports Report

By Ryan T. Scott ryan@insightnews.com First of all, let’s teach the kids that if you don’t like somebody’s food, you just say, “No thank you.”

Randy Moss apparently made a “Chappelle Show” episode out of expressing his dislike for the food from a local restaurant. Apparently this episode, along with a few other potential attitude incidents, led to the abrupt dismissal of Moss from the Vikings after only four games. Vikings head coach Brad Childress responded simply to the situation by suggesting that trading for Moss was a “poor decision”. I disagree, and I’m guessing that the proof will bear out through Moss showing pleasant success with his new team, the Tennessee Titans.

Randy Moss is an honest dude. Two quotes of his stick out in my mind over the years:

Schools From 1 advise the design process and serve as liaisons between MPS and the broader North Minneapolis community.

The design process will incorporate a series of discussions with the North Side community that brings together diverse perspectives in the creation of the new North. Mark Bonine, Associate Superintendent for Zone1/Area A in North Minneapolis will serve as the MPS lead on the design team.

Under Johnson’s recommendation, next year’s rising ninth graders who live in

“I play when I want to play,” and “Straight cash homie!” Those two quotes translate to: “I want to feel like a valued employee,” and, “It’s all about the Benjamin’s baby.”

Management of talented people can be a difficult proposition, but it can be done effectively by simply listening.

No matter what the industry or area of life, people want to have their voice heard for the value that they think they can provide to others. People like to help. People like to be involved. People don’t like feeling like pawns. That’s Management 101.

The NFL is an industry predicated on the athletic talent of its players. Thus, when you have especially talented players, you want to make for dang sure that you listen to them for whatever input they may have. Included in Moss’ complaints after the Vikings loss to his former team, the New England Patriots, was mention that he tried to provide insight into the tendencies of the Patriots’ game planning. Moss mentioned that players on the Vikings team suggested that the things he said proved true during the game. Athletic Competition

101 will tell a coaching leader that players love to perform against their former teams. It’s no different than ex-lovers parading around with their new lady or beau in front of their ex. It’s human nature.

Though Tom Brady may have been stroking Randy Moss’ ego when he said that Moss was one of the smartest players that he has ever played with, the fact of the matter is that Brady has won three Super Bowls, and he said it. Thus, if Brad Childress didn’t go out of his way to nurture some information from Randy Moss with regard to beating the Patriots, then that’s just plain not smart.

That’s like being unemployed and having a friend that is a headhunter and not giving them a call.

Now beyond the nuts and bolts use of Moss and his possible wisdom against opponents, Childress obviously did not properly plan for the dynamic personality that is Randy Moss.

Moss speaks his mind and acts out when he is upset. This much has been proven for more than a decade now, and the only reason the Vikings were able to

draft Moss in the first place was because he “got to trippin’” while he was in college. Thus, if you are bringing Moss onto your team, you need to know that there is a unique “country boy” sense of respect that you need to extend to him so that he constantly feels welcome and appreciated, and subsequently doesn’t “get to trippin’.” Childress, apparently, didn’t do this, and a familiar movie unfolded. So it is not that Childress made a “poor decision” it is that he poorly managed an extremely valuable asset. Part of me thinks that Childress thought he would use Moss as a pawn, while waiting for receiver Sidney Rice to get back from injury.

Country boys smell the pawn treatment a mile away, and I think that is why you heard Moss say, “I don’t know how long I will be here” as soon as he got here only a month ago. And with Moss being “All about the Benjamins”, he didn’t mind trippin’ because he knew he was gonna get paid anyway… “Straight cash homie.”

Now I often try and blow sunshine in people’s ears and eye’s, but occasionally you gotta call ‘em like you see ‘em.

North Minneapolis would have the opportunity to enroll in Patrick Henry or Edison High Schools.

In addition, they could also enroll in the new Minneapolis College Preparatory School (MCP) which is scheduled to open for the 2011 school year next fall.

The MCP school model, which closely follows the Chicago-based Nobel Network, has a strong national reputation for effectively preparing students for college.

Johnson said almost 90 percent of Noble students graduate and are accepted to college.

“I want to acknowledge the passion and commitment that families and community members have expressed over the past few weeks concerning my recommendation,” said Johnson. “I have listened to

their thoughts for and against my recommendation and will continue to respect and accept the feedback.”

“This will not be easy. We will need people to maintain their current passion for North. The most difficult work begins now. I count on the ongoing enthusiasm, dedication and intellectual engagement of many individuals to help us open a new North for our students in 2012,” she said.

“I believe it is important for everyone to understand the context of this complicated issue. This is not about whether the superintendent, school board, alumni or community members support schools in north Minneapolis. I can say without hesitation that we all do,” Johnson said.

“This issue is much deeper than a debate over charter schools or enrollment numbers. This is about guaranteeing Minneapolis families that no matter where you live or what your income is or what your background is, your child will get the same educational opportunities as other students.

Being able to get into a high quality school should not be like winning the lottery. This is about delivering excellence in education regardless of geography,” she said.

“We must build a new school based on research and best practices. We must also recruit a strong, proven principal and equip that leader with a talented and dedicated instructional staff,” she said.

In 2007 Childress docked Troy Williamson’s pay for missing a Sunday game due to attending his Grandmother’s funeral on the Monday immediately following.

A lot of players, and people, including myself, didn’t dig on that too tough. Williamson’s Grandmother basically served as his Mother in childhood, and most folks would probably miss work the day before their Mother’s funeral. Childress called it a “business principle.”

Many employees of the world

are familiar with “business decisions”, and it doesn’t bring up good feelings.

As the song lyrics go, “Mindblowing decisions, cause head-on collisions.” Childress and Moss seem to need an etiquette class to explain the proper usage of a butter knife, steak knife, and meat cleaver; they all serve a purpose. Management 101. My bet is that Vikings owner Zygi Wilf already took that class…if you know what I mean.

Page 12 • November 8 - November 14, 2010 • Insight News

HAP

From 9 Manager, Sheng Lee, who is also the Director of Economic Development & Housing at HAP in North Minneapolis, is

responsible for serving 200–500 clients annually.

The goal of HAP’s Employment Services programs is to improve economic selfsufficiency among adult Hmong, Karen, Bhutanese and other refugees and immigrants by helping them access training and

resources that lead to economic self-sufficiency through securing and maintaining employment.

Lee, explaining the role of HAP’s Employment Services, said, “We help them with job searching and find job leads for our clients. We work to help participants keep their jobs

insightnews.com once they become employed.

We also work with people in the neighborhood looking for assistance. They receive training with updating resumes, or use computers to look for jobs online and submit applications. All the people we serve are low income. A lot of times their education levels are low, too. When you throw in people who speak another language, that doubles the amount of time it takes for us to work with one person.”

The Economic Development & Housing program provides three types of services; prepurchase counseling, foreclosure counseling and rental counseling.

Pre-purchase counseling is for first time homebuyers.

“We do one-on-one counseling and hold a home buyers training workshop. This educates the buyer of the process of buying a home and lets them know if they are ready for this step,” Lee explained.

Regarding foreclosure counseling, she said, “We see that in North Minneapolis there is a large number of foreclosures.

We provide free one-on-one foreclosure counseling and workshops for the community when the need arises.

“We work with people who need help finding another apartment and assisting in apartment and housing searches,”

she said.

“There is a rent subsidy, so we have case management for those cases. The program helps those either who are homeless, or are at risk of being homeless.

They get enrolled in the program, look for housing. They also qualify for rent subsidy, based on their income,” Lee said, noting there are specific program s for refugees.

HAP’s Economic Development & Housing program serves 100 people, is year round, and based on income qualification.

HAP’s other community programs include Education and Training, which provides English language and civics education to community members; Elderly Services, which provide adult daycare services and independent living skills support for refugee elders age 60 or older. These services help elders meet their daily living needs: making and keeping medical and other appointments; translation; housing and benefits assistance; and home visits.

HAP also provides a wide variety of youth after-school programming that helps Hmong youth achieve academic excellence and maximize their leadership potential.

This helps build strong, supportive relationships in their new

community, Lee says.

The Broadband Access Project is a significant addition to HAP’s programming. BAP allows HAP to work with all Eastside and North Minneapolis residents by offering open computer lab time and additional Internet based trainings.

BAP HAP centers location and contact: Arcade Office (Main): 1075 Arcade Street, Saint Paul, MN 55106 Tel: 651-495-9160. Fax: 651-495-1699 Arcade Office Broadband Access Project Open Lab Hours Wednesday - 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday - 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM Friday - 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM University Office: 379 University Ave W. #204, Saint Paul, MN 55103 Tel: 651-291-1811. Fax: 651291-8139 North Minneapolis Office: 1206 42nd Ave N., Minneapolis, MN 55412 Tel: 612-377-6482. Fax: 612377-4633 North Minneapolis Broadband Access Project Open Lab Hours Monday – Wednesday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Or visit http://www.hmong. org/contact_us.aspx

Lewis

Lewis.

Lewis believes that everything that has happened in her career thus far is because of her drive and passion to be the best she can be at whatever she puts here mind to. “I want kids out here to follow their dreams and not make excuses,” Lewis said. “You have to create opportunities for yourself.

Each bit of time that you waste is a second that you’re taking away from you accomplishing

your goals and dreams in life.”

Look forward to the next three shorts from her film series The Flipside of My Pane: “As Far As “I” Can See,” “String’s of Vengeance,” and “The Interrogation Chamber.” Next year, Lewis plans to have a feature film in the works entitled “X (10).”

For more information on Alaina L. Lewis and her films, go to www.WillWriteForFilm. com

and training in a wide variety of topics and formats.

The Center’s first order of business is to listen to the client in order to determine the nature and context of the need they are asked to meet. They do not believe in one-size-fitsall solutions. The organization custom designs their services to meet the special requirements of the client.

Tina Sweeten, a Board Member for The Center, said that “this organization would not exist without Barbara [Raye]…

What’s unique about her is that she works at the government, nonprofit, and corporate levels.”

Visit www.Effective.org for more information on The Center for Policy, Planning, and Performance.

From 1 Who’s Coming to Dinner, ‘you think of yourself as a Black man, I think of myself as a man.’

I think of myself as a woman, an African American woman.

But when I pen something I don’t necessarily think about race, as I’m writing that piece I think about a good story,” said

Nicholls From 8 communities are rich in hardworking and creative nonprofit and public organizations that provide valuable services to their constituencies. They seek to strengthen and enhance this value by providing consulting