Insight News ::: 12.26.11

INSIGHT NEWS December 26, 2011 - January 1, 2012 • MN Metro Vol. 37 No. 52 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

Suluki Fardan

Speaking, Assistant Deputy Education Secretary Jim Shelton of the U.S. Department of Education; (standing) Minnesota Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius; Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak; Governor Mark Dayton; Minneapolis Public Schools Superintendent Bernadeia Johnson; and 5th District U.S. Representative Keith Ellison. Seated, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and U.S. Senator Al Franken.

Northside gets $28 million boost

By Ivan B. Phifer Staff Writer The Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ) is getting $28 million from the U.S. Department of Education’s

Promise Neighborhood Grant initiative. NAZ was one of 230 organizations nationwide that applied for the Promise Neighborhood Implementation Grant.

The U.S. Department of Education announced that NAZ

was one of only five programs to be awarded in this round of Promise Neighborhood funding.

The announcement was made in a press conference Monday at Elizabeth Hall International Elementary School 1601 Aldrich Ave. N.

Assistant Deputy Education Secretary Jim Shelton of the U.S. Department of Education delivered the news to a packed audience of education stakeholders and policymakers. U.S. Representative Keith Ellison, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Senator Al

Franken, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, Minnesota Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius and Minneapolis Public Schools Superintendent Bernadeia Johnson joined NAZ CEO, Sondra Samuels in accepting the award.

Grantees, comprised of nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education and an Indian tribe, will put school improvement at the center of local efforts to revitalize underserved neighborhoods.

More than 200 organizations from 45 states, as well as American Samoa and Puerto Rico, applied for 2011 Promise

Neighborhoods planning and implementation grants.

“I commend all communities that are putting education at the center of efforts to fight poverty in urban and rural areas,” said Melody Barnes, domestic policy advisor to President Obama. “The goal of Promise Neighborhoods is to provide the resources and support young

people need to succeed while transforming distressed neighborhoods into communities of opportunity.”

The five new implementation grants will be awarded a firstyear grant of up to $6 million, totaling up to $30 million across the life of

OBAMA TURN TO 13

President Barack Obama

Carter wins Minnesota counties post Ramsey County Commissioner Toni Carter has been elected 2nd Vice President of the Association of Minnesota Counties at AMC’s Annual Conference in Minneapolis.

First elected by the voters of District 4 in March 2005, Commissioner Carter is chair of Ramsey County’s Legislative, Human Services and Workforce, and Juvenile Detention Alternatives Stakeholder

Ramsey County Commissioner Toni Carter

Committee.

Commissioner Carter also serves on the leadership teams of Ramsey County’s Workforce Investment Board, the Saint Paul Children’s Collaborative and the Ramsey County Children’s Mental Health Collaborative.

Committed to the delivery of efficient and effective county services, eliminating disparities in county services and systems, and raising

grassroots awareness of county decision-making processes and systems, Commissioner Carter has recently led several Ramsey County system change initiatives including a three year evidence-based juvenile detention alternatives initiative that has resulted in a reduction in the number of youth detained at the Ramsey County Juvenile Detention Center and the development of system and

community alternatives to detention for lower risk youth.

Commissioner Carter has also been working to implement strategic school, community and intergovernmental partnerships for child safety and student achievement through the Saint Paul Children’s Collaborative. Prior to her election to the Ramsey County

CARTER TURN TO 13

McCollum: Credit Obama for Iraq War’s end Washington, DC – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) issued the following statement, regarding the official end to American military operations in Iraq.

“President Obama deserves tremendous credit for ending America’s war in Iraq, honoring his commitment to bring all U.S.

troops home. As commanderin-chief he has always set the appropriate course of action in Iraq while always honoring the service and sacrifice of our troops and our military families.

“The Iraq War has been a tragedy for far too many American and Iraqi families.

The human costs of this war – in

Education

Education’s STEAM in the 21st century

PAGE 4

deaths, suffering, and permanent loss – cannot be calculated. U.S. troops served and fought with a profound sense of duty to our country. For this, all Americans should be grateful. The family members and loved ones of our brave troops also endured tremendous sacrifices that can never be repaid. Those selfless

Aesthetics

Hot Chocolate: Relationship transitions

PAGE 5

GRANT TURN TO 14

February precinct caucuses start 2012 campaign

Minneapolis among Obama’s 2011 Promise Neighborhoods grant winners 20 communities secure funding to plan, implement cradle-to-career education model Senior officials from the Obama Administration announced today that five organizations will receive the first round of Promise Neighborhoods implementation grants, and another 15 organizations will receive a second round of planning grants.

“North Minneapolis is a renewed community today,” said Samuels. “The Promise Neighborhood program and NAZ share the same vision—that all

Americans who sacrificed their lives and bodies in service to our country, we must always remember them and always fulfill the promises we have made to our veterans and their families.

“At home we cannot ignore the war’s other costs. The Iraq War directly added $800 billion

to the nation’s debt – a bill that will be paid by our children and grandchildren.

Meeting the long-term health care needs of Iraq war veterans will require hundreds of billions more for decades to come and that’s an

IRAQ TURN TO 13

Business

Job search on a deadline

PAGE 7

February 7, 2012 is when thousands of Minnesotans will gather together to become actively involved with their local political unit and participate at the most grassroots level of democracy.

Things start off at 7 PM. When you attend your local caucus you have to opportunity to speak with city, county, and congressional district candidates, participate in a preferential straw ballot, and compose resolutions that have the potential to be forwarded to their local unit conventions and the state convention. This is where government begins!

Who can attend a caucus?

Any eligible voter who agrees with the principles of the party as stated in its constitution or who voted with the party in the last election or intends to in the next election can attend a caucus.

You cannot participate in more than one party’s caucus in any one year and you cannot be an officer of a different political party. Anyone can attend a precinct caucus to observe.

To be an eligible voter, you must: • be at least 18 years of age on Election Day • be a U. S. citizen • and have lived in Minnesota for at least 20 days.

Go to the Secretary of State’s website (http://pollfinder.sos. state.mn.us/) to find your local precinct number.

Full Circle

Ann Dillard celebrated for inspiration, leadership

PAGE 9

Page 2 • December 26, 2011 - January 1, 2012 • Insight News

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COMMENTARY

Clean air for everyone

By Karen Monahan, Sierra Club Environmental Justice Organizer Imagine being twenty years old having been pronounced dead for three minutes while in a coma and $50,000 in debt as result -- all due to asthma.

Imagine almost half the year being warned the pollution in the air you breathe puts you at risk of another asthma attack. This is the true story of a young man who went to school with my son and has struggled with asthma since he was seven years old. Asthma has affected every aspect of his life, including education, health, mental well-being, and finances.

Health care wasn’t a luxury this young man had throughout his life. He relied on state care when he was eligible and could afford it. He needs an inhaler once every two weeks.

The monthly cost for inhalers is about $200. That doesn’t include the nebulizer for the lung steroids that he has needed since he was in the sixth grade.

He wasn’t able to afford the steroids even on Medicaid;

therefore, he went without.

Asthma gets worse if not treated properly and with the right medication. This is the case for this young man.

Because he could not afford the proper medication it has gotten worse as he aged, leading to a coma. This is inhumane for any human being to have to endure.

His education has suffered as a result of asthma. He missed so much school throughout the years, falling so far behind, he dropped out. There were nights he suffered from insomnia because he had to sleep perched up in order to breath properly.

He would sit by friends in school who had an inhaler just in case he had an attack.

Because he didn’t have an inhaler, he would stress out and it would bring on an anxiety attack which led to an asthma attack. This is a horrible way for anyone to have to sit in school and learn.

Waiting for the bus and smelling the fumes from the diesel buses and traffic often would trigger attacks as well.

This was his only transportation to school, and his transportation was dangerous to his health.

This story is only one of many who suffer longing for

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clean air and a fighting chance to live a productive life as a contributing member of society.

One of many who want to start their adult life with a clean slate on their credit, not a mountain of debt they feel they cannot tackle in this lifetime.

Yet in 2010, there were

142 moderate air quality alert days and another 17 unhealthy for sensitive group days that warned him and other vulnerable populations that they were at increased risk of an asthma attack and should avoid being outdoors too long.

He and the over 300,000 other

Minnesotans with asthma should not bear the brunt of industries polluting our air, making billions, and leaving young 20 year olds with the debt and health impacts of that pollution. Everyone deserves clean air, clean water and a healthy environment to live in

and achieve his or her dreams.

What can we do to ensure we all have healthy air to breath?

We can start by encouraging our Senators to stand up for the Clean Air Act. Thankfully, both Senator Klobuchar and Senator Franken recently joined a bipartisan reject of Senator Paul’s attack on the Cross State Air Pollution Rule (SJ Res 27). It would have meant more smog which means more asthma and other health effects.

This bill was just one of the Congressional attacks on clean air. There are bills in the US Senate to stop proposed coal ash standards and to delay implementation of rules addressing mercury and other toxic air pollution.

We have an opportunity to invest in clean energy, a way to address pollution and poverty at the same time. We must stand together and be the voice for those who suffer in silence and our future generations. We must let Senator Klobuchar know our health is not for sale.

Author: Karen Monahan, Sierra Club Environmental Justice Organizer

2012 election more important than 2008

By Fred Easter NOBODY asked me, but the 2012 election will be more important than the one in 2008.

Important as it is that President Obama be reelected; it is even more important that Republican Congressional and gubernatorial candidates across the country are returned to private life.

I sat, alone, and watched the ’08 election returns on TV and was moved, nearly to tears, as Barack Obama and his family acknowledged the election result.

Since then, I have been infuriated by the arrogance, insensitivity and racism of Republican politicians.

They steadfastly refuse to discharge their responsibilities as legislators and address the country’s issues that they

created.

For years, in the name of “a global economy”, the corporate bosses, who own our political process, have been moving jobs out of the country. Now, their politician/lackeys are stepping up efforts to crush American unions and roll back rights gained over years of strikes and dedicated political activity.

The people in places like Pakistan, The Philippines and China who now make our

clothes, electronics and home furnishings work without health insurance, sick days, vacation and maternity leave.

The goal appears to be to reduce the American worker to that level. Already, large employers like Walgreen’s and Target make extensive use of part timers so that health insurance is not mandatory.

Spend enough time unemployed and you will accept any paid work. OR, you can “work”

outside the law until you get caught and become the cash cow for the towns where the major employer is the prison that’s being built to house you.

On a parallel track, efforts are underway to limit the right to vote for more and more citizens. Today, 1 in 9 black men between 18 and 24 are in the correction system and well on their way to never voting again. Election Day registration is under threat in a number of

States. Careful analysis of the Obama victory has been carried out. Not only is the redrawing of voting districts taking place; but Pennsylvania is trying to alter the relationship between the popular vote and the Electoral College.

Pay attention! The 1% has someone in every job they need done. Their lackeys in government need to be returned to private life for OUR health and safety.

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Insight News • December 26, 2011 - January 1, 2012 • Page 3

Nigeria’s federal republic of insecurity Second, amidst all the palaver, Nigerians continue to wonder if their federal state of insecurity would continue into 2012, despite the fact of a whopping federal government budget of N4.749 trillion (Naira) — the equivalent of $30.64 billion — with the security and defense allocation bagging the lion’s share of N921.21 billion (Naira) — the

usafricaonline.com

Chido Nwangwu

By Chido Nwangwu, Publisher of USAfrica & USAfricaonline.com USAfrica, December 20, 2011: As the year 2011 draws down and we embrace the promise of 2012, a recurring concern for Nigerians and the international communities remains: are we safe going about our every day lives or investing to do business in most parts of Nigeria?

First, is your quiet, unspoken prayer as you head to your village or run a small business in Maiduguri, Kano, Aba, Damataru, Yobe, Kaduna, Yenagoa, Bayelsa, Port Harcourt, Onitsha, Uyo, Jos one of the following: may the evil eyes and bazooka of kidnappers not see me; and, may the lethal bombs of the violent agitators of Boko Haram, MEND and others set their gps in the same zone I may go… Amen!

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equivalent of $5.9478 billion.

Third and sadly, the official allocation of security votes/ budget and the personal, discretionary set aside slush funds also called “security” votes have not given Nigerians reasonable “security” from kidnappers, common criminals, terror brigands, radical fundamentalists like the brazen Boko Haram and a rag-tag

ethnic armies, area boys and area girls, and so on and so forth.

Fourth, Nigerians, from all sections and faiths and economic status, have expressed their displeasure at the evident incapacity of the federal government led by President Jonathan and state governors to perform the most basic function of providing

Facilities Support / Assistant Producer, Conversations with Al McFarlane Bobby Rankin Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Staff Writer Ivan B. Phifer Contributing Writers Maya Beecham Brenda Colston Julie Desmond S. Himie Marcia Humphrey Alaina L. Lewis Lydia Schwartz Stacey Taylor Photography Suluki Fardan Tobechi Tobechukwu Contact Us: Insight News, Inc. Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis., MN 55411 Ph.: (612) 588-1313 Fax: (612) 588-2031 Member: Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium (MMMC), Midwest Black Publishers Coalition, Inc. (MBPCI), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)

millions of unemployed youths and investors in Africa’s most populated country of almost 110 million people.

Fifth, I believe and have made the political economy point that lawlessness and insecurity affect domestic production and international

NIGERIA TURN TO 13

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Page 4 • December 26, 2011 - January 1, 2012 • Insight News

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EDUCATION Education’s STEAM in the 21 century st

Education

By Aldo Sicoli, Superintendent, Robbinsdale Area Schools It’s a very exciting time to be in Robbinsdale Area Schools. On December 5, 2011, the School Board approved a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM)

magnet for K-5 elementary students, set to open fall of 2012. This STEAM magnet will have traditional components found in exemplary Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education; we added an arts focus as well because of the influence arts has on education, and also because Robbinsdale Area Schools has a long and successful history in arts education. District staff are working hard on the creation of this magnet, and other staff are working on enrollment policies that will help to ensure

that the students who attend this magnet are reflective of the beautiful diversity of the district. Infusing the arts into STEM education can enhance engagement and creativity, help to preserve and honor culture and tradition, and unlock creative thinking and the potential for partnerships.

Connecting the arts and sciences, however innovative it sounds, really is grounded in rich traditional and cultural history. For thousands of years, African, African American, American Indian, European, Asian, Hispanic and Latino men

and women have contributed their knowledge of innovative design and architecture to the world – through music, art, writing, along with government leadership and more.

Robbinsdale Area Schools is excited about the possibility that this new STEAM magnet has to emphasize that rich history of invention in our children’s everyday curriculum, and what the common methodologies were then and are now in observing and influencing the world around us.

This is the world of 21st century education.

Mathematicians and engineers need to be effective communicators, and writers need to understand the science and nature of understanding.

Students are encouraged to embrace independent innovation, and the learning allows for greater depth in many subjects. This school will influence learning at all other Robbinsdale Area Schools, through the professional development that teachers receive to the careful curriculum planning for the program. Teachers and staff across the district will learn

and grow from this quiet school nestled among trees and small hills in a lovely neighborhood in Golden Valley. I encourage you to take a look at this school, and to contact the district if you are interested in learning more.

It’s an exciting time to be a student in Robbinsdale Area Schools; a rich future awaits.

A parent informational night is scheduled for February 13, 2012. Visit us at www.rdale. org for more information, or like us at www.facebook.com/ RobbinsdaleAreaSchools to follow all the wonderful things happening!

Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center receives $15,000 grant from Boston Scientific Foundation

Courtesy of Wolf Ridge

ESIP students conduct a stream study along with scientists from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during last summer’s three-week science camp at the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center.

Boston Scientific Foundation has awarded the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland, MN with a $15,000 grant to support the center’s Environmental Science Immersion Program (ESIP).

The program works annually with 24 low-income high school students from both Patrick Henry and Roosevelt High Schools, giving participating students the chance to learn alongside science professionals as well as build leadership skills while helping to educate middle school students from Imhotep Science Academy through weekend programs.

“We are grateful to the Boston Scientific Foundation for their generous donation, providing more opportunities for Minneapolis underserved youth to become engaged in science,” said Peter Smerud for Wolf Ridge Environmental Center.

“Graduates of our Environmental Science Immersion Program experience a marked increase in their interest in science following participation in the program, and we look forward to working with more students in the year ahead.”

The grant from Boston Scientific Foundation will provide

direct funding for an after-school program and three annually scheduled field immersion trips, two at the Boys & Girls Club’s Voyageur Environmental Center (VEC) in Mound, MN and a final three-week overnight science course at the Wolf Ridge Center in the summer. The three-week course will pair participants along side professionals from the Department of Natural Resources, the Forest Service, and Environmental Engineers to conduct hands-on conservation research and daily assignments.

At the end of the course all students will present their findings and receive one elective high school science credit.

“Boston Scientific Foundation’s grant will continue our work encouraging underserved students to unlock their academic and leadership potential,” said Foundation Administrator Jacqueline Boas.

“By supporting the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center’s efforts to educate students on conservation and the environment, this grant will work to instill selfconfidence, and hopefully, a lifelong interest in the sciences.”

Bright Water students learn the sweetness of giving to UNICEF

Courtesy of Bright Water

Bright Water Elementary Students Maurice Wilson, Kya Phillips, Diana Rojas and James Young, assisted by local US Bank Branch Manager Mohammad Agoubi, consolidate coins they collected into a donation check totaling nearly $500 for UNICEF. November heard the jingle of coins as students counted and sorted UNICEF donations at Bright Water School. It is an annual tradition for Bright Water students to collect UNICEF donations when they go trick-or-treating each Halloween.

“This year’s donation is our highest amount ever!” notes Principal Ann

Luce. Bright Water’s 175 students collected nearly $500.

All students are encouraged to participate, and students who do not trick-or-treat still bring coins to school in their orange and black collection boxes.

Older students tabulate schoolwide results in their classrooms.

Then students accompany Luce to US Bank at 1035 W

Broadway Ave, help deposit the money, and obtain the check for UNICEF. Our school develops respectful world citizens who are committed to making a better and more peaceful world.” Broadway Bank manager Mohammad Agoubi meets with the students and helps them get the exact number for the heavy bags of coins. This UNICEF donation is one of several recent projects Bright Water students have undertaken to help improve the lives of others.

“My daughter has learned so much about the world and how to be a good global citizen at Bright Water,” says Nicole Messinger Post, mother of first grader Emma Joy Messinger Post.

Bright Water Elementary Charter School is an urbanbased Montessori program designed to inspire students to be passionate, life-long learners, respectful of the environment and all humanity and to lead North Minneapolis students in closing the achievement gap.

The Elementary School serves grades K-6.

For more information about Bright Water, contact Principal Ann Luce at (612) 302-3410 or info@brightwatermontessori.org

WE CARE helps children impacted

by North Minneapolis tornado On May 22, 2011 a tornado struck North Minneapolis, leaving many families homeless and children in need of basic living provisions, essential back-to-school supplies, and books. In response to this need, the WE CARE Community Reinvestment Initiative was created with the primary goal of ensuring that every child who was directly impacted by the North Minneapolis tornado (approximately 1,000 children), would start and complete the new 2011/2012 school year with the tools and resources needed for academic success.

Through the WE CARE Initiative, lead donors, Target Corporation and the African American Leadership Forum contributed a total of $22,000 to purchase and distribute 1,000 brand new backpacks filled with essential school supplies, along with new shoes and coats. In addition, $16,000 was donated to the Minneapolis Public Schools, Mary’s Place, and Harvest Preparatory School to purchase books to rebuild the home libraries of affected students.

WE CARE then partnered with World Vision and Operation Warm to fulfill

the order for backpacks, school supplies, coats and shoes, increasing the value of resources distributed to over $100,000* --a truly significant milestone for the North Minneapolis community.

WE CARE is now entering Phase II of its North Minneapolis recovery strategy, which will be focused on the ongoing development of community-based assets and resources for children and youth in North Minneapolis.

For further information contact Trista Haarris at 612 879-0602 x 13.

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Insight News • December 26, 2011 - January 1, 2012 • Page 5

AESTHETICS Hot Chocolate: Relationship transitions

By Alaina L. Lewis Contributing Writer Christmas comes but once a year, yet apart the dazzle of the holly and the ivy lies a challenge for new couples who are transitioning their relationship to the next tier. At some point, the winter coated holiday will require couples to divvy up their family visits between the celebrated traditions of two different households; whose family will they join for dinner, and which family will they celebrate the act of opening gifts? These challenges are the backdrop of the Park Square Theater’s production of Hot Chocolate, a play created by its star Thomasina Petrus and realized by writer/director Austene Van. Hot Chocolate drops in on new couple Taylor, played by Petrus, and Michael, played by local artist Julius Collins, while they are at the end of their Christmas shopping escapade— an epilogue to a beautiful day, which promises to reveal what these two lovebirds are really made of. Like a typical woman, Taylor’s got a deadly case of “ring finger.” After two years of making loving memories

Julius Collins III and Thomasina Petrus with Michael and yielding a biological clock that’s in need of a bit of polish, Taylor’s ready for him to pop the question.

Michael however, doesn’t see the writing on the wall, and

in what we see as his error, is relayed to Taylor that he is comfortable with their shuffling pace. While the two talk out their problems on a park bench, it becomes clear that moving

forward into holy matrimony is the least of their problems— Michael has lost the keys to their car, leaving them stranded out in the cold with only cups of hot chocolate to warm their

Petronella Ytsma

palette.

Musical director Sandford Moore provides the music for the production. Normally in a play the band is hidden in either

the orchestra pit or somewhere backstage. In this piece, they are placed on a street corner where they furnish a musical backdrop to every turn in Taylor and Michael’s night. In a sense, they double as the “witnesses” to Michael and Taylor’s every mood. From original songs written by Petrus to holiday favorites like “The Little Drummer Boy,” this piece has a song for everyone.

Since its Valentine’s Day inception several years ago when Petrus premiered, what at the time was merely a duets show, to audiences at the Golden Thymes coffee shop on Selby Avenue in St. Paul, the production has seen not only a holiday change but also evolved into a narrative. They’re hoping to keep pushing the story forward as the years go by. They intend to rewrite the production in a manor where audiences get to check in on Taylor and Michael at different stages in their relationship to see how they’ve evolved. They feel this will keep the production fresh and appealing to new audiences.

Hot Chocolate ran at Park Square Theater from November 30- December 18. If you missed the magic, prepare your appetite for a worthy treat next year.

Roberson no longer flying below the radar

By Harry Colbert, Jr. A couple of months ago, few in Minnesota were “hip to” Eric Roberson. Though he had two Grammy nominations to his credit and had written for some of the biggest names in R&B, here Roberson was still flying under the radar.

That all changed after Roberson – called Erro by many of his fans – made his

Twin Cities debut to a capacity audience at the Dakota Jazz Club. Roberson’s show was the talk of the town for days, in large part to an impromptu song he composed on stage with words given to him by audience members.

With the release of his new CD, “Mr. Nice Guy” Roberson is returning to the Dakota (1010 Nicollet Ave.) on Fri., Dec. 30.

“Mr. Nice Guy” is his first CD to receive mass distribution, selling at stores such as Target

Eric Roberson

Hallie Q. Brown Early Learning Center

Now Enrolling!

651 651--224 224--4607 www.hallieqbrown.org

Since 1929, the Lighthouse of the Community we se, u o h e your Com l! o t . n e r s a cia thou and le so spe h g i L r grow Cente the r! r For hildren s ou r a t o u c e k p l a o f m he hat l t o d a y w e i se ma or e l l a C

Courtesy of the artist

and Best Buy. Roberson, who is not signed to a major label, previous four CDs have sold more than 100,000 each – an almost unheard of feat for an independent artist. His CD, “Music Fan First” garnered two Grammy nominations.

Before breaking out as a singer, Roberson was known as one of the most sought-after writers in soul music, penning such hits as “Emotional Rollercoaster”

recorded by Vivian Green and “Previous Cats” performed by Musiq Soulchild. In addition, Roberson has written for or with Jill Scott, Dwele, 112, Carl Thomas and others.

Tickets for the Dec. 30 show are $25 in advance and $28 at the door. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Dakota box office at (612) 332-5299 or online at www. dakotacooks.com. Doors at the Dakota open at 10 p.m.

Page 6 • December 26, 2011 - January 1, 2012 • Insight News

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HEALTH AARP recognizes Delores Wade for commitment to community service Delores Wade of Minneapolis received the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association’s most prestigious volunteer award at a recognition luncheon last week at Sabathani Community Center in Minneapolis. The AARP Andrus Award for Community Service recognizes members and volunteers who, through volunteer service, are enhancing members’ lives in the areas of health and wellness, economic security and work, life transition issues, and personal enrichment.

Wade was selected by AARP Minnesota for her remarkable service and for the impact she’s had on the lives of others in her South Minneapolis community.

Wade helped form the AARP Sabathani Chapter and has

served in several leadership roles with the organization.

She is a District Coordinator for the AARP Drivers Safety Program and serves on AARP Minnesota’s State Volunteer Leadership Team as a Diversity Chair.

“The Andrus award acts as a symbol to members and the public that we can all work together for positive social change,” said AARP Minnesota State Director Michele Kimball.

“AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions AARP volunteers make to their communities, neighbors, and the programs they serve.

Delores Wade embodies all of these values and commitments and is an important leader in her community.”

Delores Wade

Suluki Fardan

American Cancer Society offers information and support during holidays The holidays are a time when we gather with friends and loved ones, celebrating the season and counting our blessings. For those dealing with cancer, this time of year can be filled with treatment sessions, doctor appointments and worry.

Throughout the holidays, in fact all year long, the American Cancer Society offers free information and support to help cancer patients, caregivers and the public stay well and get well.

Stay Well The American Cancer Society is available every day of the year

to help people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent cancer. People can reduce their risk of cancer by maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, eating a healthy diet and limiting alcohol intake – all of which can be challenging during the holiday season.

Here are a few simple tips to help cope with holiday temptations: • Snack smart: snack on healthy, filling foods to avoid the temptation of high-calorie options; use an appetizer or dessert-sized plate to control portion size; avoid standing by the buffet table where food and drinks are easily accessible.

• Limit alcohol consumption: alcoholic beverages are high in calories and drinking them tends to weaken our desire to eat better. When deciding to indulge, try to steer clear of heavy holiday drinks and curb your overall alcohol intake.

• Get moving: remember

to make time to exercise regularly. The flip side of indulging at parties is that you’ll need to move more to burn those extra calories.

lifesaving treatment during the holidays.

For more information about Hope Lodge, visit cancer.org/ hopelodge.

Also, a caregiver’s physical and emotional health is vital to the well-being of the person who is ill. Caregivers can take steps to stay well so they are able to continue supporting their loved one. For information on staying well, caregivers can visit cancer. org/caregivers.

• The Midwest Division has four Hope Lodge locations in: Rochester and Minneapolis, Minn.; Marshfield, Wis.; and Iowa City, Iowa.

• In fiscal year 2011, the Midwest Division’s Hope Lodges provided 43,273 nights of lodging, saving patients nearly $5.2 million.

Get Well Everyone knows the holidays can be stressful. For the more than 11 million Americans living with cancer, celebrating the holidays can also include the added challenge of dealing with a serious illness.

The American Cancer Society operates 31 Hope Lodge locations nationwide. Hope Lodge provides a home-away-from-home for those who must continue their

The American Cancer Society is also a trusted source of up-todate cancer information. Our new mobile-friendly site, m.cancer.org, literally puts cancer information in a consumer’s hands.

• m.cancer.org also allows Society supporters to make a donation, search for local programs/events, and register and log in to My ACS from their mobile device.

The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; by helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation’s largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing more than $3.5 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer. org.

insightnews.com

Insight News • December 26, 2011 - January 1, 2012 • Page 7

BUSINESS

Job search on a deadline help, either because they know his work, work in a company he could go to or just really care about his future (a spouse, for instance, would be a key connection). During his three weeks of discussion, the key connections will be Mike’s first appointments; his networking will expand from there. It’s almost mind-boggling how well this system works when someone is sincerely motivated

Plan Your Career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com My friend Mike put himself in a precarious position, just in time for the holidays. He writes, “I received the dreaded call that I didn’t get the job. I should’ve realized nothing is guaranteed.

The interview process was moving so smoothing that I ended up betting the family farm in the process.” Thinking he was close to an offer, Mike accepted a severance package, giving himself just sixty days to find new work. Unfortunately, the job offer went to someone else.

Overnight, Mike went from casual, passive candidate to active job seeker. That’s tough, but not insurmountable.

He has a new timeline and a new approach to his job search.

He will have to stay focused.

At its most dramatic, the timeline is a ticking time bomb.

In reality, the world will not end on day sixty. If a job offer isn’t imminent as the deadline approaches, Mike will become more flexible about the jobs he is willing to accept, and will think about other resources he can live on if necessary. That

PhotoXpress

said, hearing the tick tick in his subconscious can be a motivator.

Mike’s new timeline looks like this: One week to create a target list of contacts and companies.

Three weeks to reach as many people as

possible, in person, to conduct informational interviews and discuss his goals, and then 4 weeks for interviews, negotiations, and a new start.

When a job search has some urgency, creating a FRANK List can help. On paper, Mike

will make four lists of ten: ten friends, ten relatives, ten associates (current or former) and ten people acquainted through networking groups.

Then Mike will review the list, circling key connections –people truly in a position to

to find work.

Mike might not have a new position in sixty days, but if he follows this plan he will, by then, have some good ideas about when and where he will be working next.

Julie Desmond is Talent Manager for Lake Region Staffing.

Write to julie@ insightnews.com or julie@ lakeregionstaffing.com.

Page 8 • December 26, 2011 - January 1, 2012 • Insight News

insightnews.com

Mission: Getting to happy Man Talk

By Timothy Houston Merry Christmas and Happy New Year are familiar sayings that are known to all. It marks the season of giving followed by the beginning of a new year full of hope and promise.

Unfortunately, this is not true for all. For some, the word happy is a distant memory of times long ago, and for others it is a present reminder of sorrow and depression. According to some experts, more people suffer from depression during

the holidays than any other time of the year. Now more than ever, it is necessary for all of us to take deliberate actions to aid in our quest for happiness.

Everyone deserves to be happy. The pursuit of happiness is the sovereign right of every man and woman endowed to them by the Creator, and it should be exercised by all.

The word “pursue” implies that one must go after it.

Deliberate actions are required to battle the things that work against our happiness. We will all experiences life’s ups and down. For some, it may be as temporary as the lost of a job while for others; it may be as permanent as the loss of a loved one. Therefore, we must all take action to prepare our hearts for these unknowns. You can get to happy. Your pursuit

of happiness is a part of the American dream. It is your sovereign right given to you

by God. Here are a few steps to help you get there.

First, to get to happy, you must make room in your heart.

When I think of this I am reminded of the words of my favorite Christmas carol, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come, let earth receive her king. Let every heart prepare him room.”

Every heart must prepare room.

This requires you to get rid of unforgiveness, anger, bitterness and wrath. This will make room for joy and happiness, peace on earth, and good will towards men. The good of mankind is only made possible by the good of the individual. The world is better when the hearts of men and women become better.

Secondly, you must

simplify your life. Clean out the clutter from your physical and emotional closets. Say goodbye to friends, clothing, collectibles, and conversations that do not add value to you.

No more broken things in your life. For my physical closet, I have a personal rule that if I have not used it in a year, then I must dispose of it during my spring cleaning. This should be applied to your emotional closet as well. Get rid of old relationships and the emotional baggage that comes along with them. If you do this, your new year will be full of new possibilities!

Next, you must think happy thoughts. Your thoughts create your environment. They are the building blocks for your actions. Your thoughts are the greatest defense against life’s

adversity. When negative things happen that are beyond your control, remember, you still get to choose your response.

You can think the best or you can think the worst. Always think the best. A line for an anonymous poem says it like this, “If you think you are defeated you are, if you think you dare not, you don’t. If you like to win, but you think you can’t, it almost a cinch that you won’t. Life’s battle doesn’t always go to the stronger or faster man, but sooner or later the man who wins is the one who thinks he can.”

Finally, to get to happy, you must make peace with God. The pursuit of happiness as expressed in the constitution comes from the Creator. This is a spiritual necessity. The peace of God will bring peace

with others. Without internal peace, there can be no external contentment. War and warfare never bring about happiness.

Peace with God brings about peace with all. This is the greatest pursuit of all, and it is the reason why this country’s founding fathers wrote about it, and it is the reason why we sing about it today. The pursuit of happiness is the pursuit of peace. During this Christmas season, may you find peace on earth and good will toward men! Happy New Year!

Timothy Houston is an author, minister, and motivational speaker who is committed to guiding positive life changes in families and communities.

For questions, comments or more information, go to www. tlhouston.com.

Are the cops out of control?

By Ed Felien, Publisher & Editor, Southside Pride “If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face forever.”

George Orwell, “1984” The Minneapolis City Council agreed on Friday, Dec. 9, to pay out another $1 million to victims of police brutality.

On the night of Feb. 16, 2010, the MPD were executing a search warrant looking for David Conley whom they believed was selling drugs at a south Minneapolis address.

The 18 officers smashed down the door with a battering ram and then threw a flash grenade into the room. It landed under the legs of Rickia Russell who was sitting on the couch. The grenade exploded and caused

her permanent damage. The police could find no narcotics.

They could find no David Conley. Russell was visiting her friend Mario Bogan who

their mistake, the MPD charged Russell with running a disorderly house. They had to drop the charge later because there was no evidence to

“Flash grenades are meant to stun, frighten and temporarily blind someone.

They are, by anyone’s definition, a weapon of terror.

They are clearly unsafe...” was playing a video game with a friend Willy Barron.

In an attempt to cover

support it.

The use of a flash grenade in 1989 caused a fire that killed Lillian Weiss and Lloyd Smalley, an elderly couple, in a North Minneapolis botched narcotics raid at the wrong address.

In 2000 a flash grenade caused a fire in another raid on a North Minneapolis triplex.

Flash grenades are meant to

stun, frighten and temporarily blind someone.

They are, by anyone’s definition, a weapon of terror.

They are clearly unsafe, and they open the City to legal liability.

This award to Russell is the third largest. The biggest was $4.5 million in 2007 to Duy Ngo, an undercover Hmong police officer, who was shot and paralyzed by a fellow officer. The family of Dominic Felder, a mentally disturbed man, received $2.19 million.

Excluding the $4.5 million to Duy Ngo, this year will set a record for the largest amount of money paid out by the City to compensate for police misconduct. The total is $4.3 million so far. For the seven years prior to 2010, the City paid out an average of $1.5 million per year for police abuse. During the same period St. Paul paid out an average or $167,000.

There are only two possibilities that explain this difference: Either the City of Minneapolis is run by incompetents who cannot

discipline the police force, or, the City of Minneapolis is willing to pay more in property taxes and cut essential services in order to subsidize a reign of terror.

The terrorism and brutality have almost exclusively been directed at communities of color. Must we conclude, then, that this is the official policy of the City?

It was reported in the Los Angels Times that police in North Dakota used predator drones to spy on local citizens.

Should we assume the MPD will want to adopt this new technology as well. At that point we shall finally have arrived at the final revelation of 1984. Big Brother is Watching You!

insightnews.com

Insight News • December 26, 2011 - January 1, 2012 • Page 9

FULL CIRCLE Ann Dillard celebrated for inspiration, leadership

Ann Dillard

Ann Dillard was chosen as the Pandora Inspiring Woman of the Week for Channel 5 Twin Cities Live last week.

Nominated by her son Joseph Dillard, this is what he had to say about why he nominated his mother as an inspiring woman?

I am not only nominating this woman because she is the first woman I ever loved, but also because she is one of the strongest women I have ever known. My mother has been an incredible inspiration to me ever since she was PTA President at my Elementary School. With her passion for education, I got to witness the respect and admiration she received every day from the administration, and the hard work she put in to make positive

changes every day. She taught me manners, integrity, and most importantly, my mom taught me love. Along with love, I am proud to have learned from my mom, the importance of giving back. Examples of my mom’s tireless service include things like coordinating programs for young girls in the community in order to empower them to mature successfully as well as serving as an educational consultant to individuals and schools. She is currently the President-elect of the Plymouth Rotary Club, and runs her own non-profit organization that helps to save and improve many lives in Senegal, West Africa.

My mother is the picture of inspiration, love, and strength.

She continually inspires me and countless others as she

Suluki Fardan

Community elder Willie Daniels, goes all out for the holidays as a Salvation Army bell ringer keeping the spirit alive.

continues to be the heaven-sent angel that I was completely blessed to have come from.

Dillard comments, “I feel so honored and so blessed. To

God be the glory!”

The story is available for viewing at http://twincitieslive. com/article/stories/S2415482. shtml?cat=11215

Page 10 • December 26 - January 1, 2012 • Insight News

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C OM M U N IT Y COMMUNIT

North Minneapolis Neighborhood beat...

Hawthorne Huddle Again this year a theme schedule for the Hawthorne Huddle will be followed, starting the year off with a focus on the topic of health and wellness. We will hear from representatives of organizations whose goal is to help residents of the North Side become and stay healthy. Please come and learn more about these valuable community resources.

The Hawthorne Huddle will be held from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room at Farview Park, 621 29th Avenue North. A continental breakfast will be available at 7:15 a.m.

Interested in Joining or Leading a Block Club in Hawthorne?

Crime statistics go down drastically in the community when Hawthorne has active, responsible residents looking out for one another. There is training available to learn what

to look for when monitoring the neighborhood, tips for staying safe, etc. Please call the Hawthorne Neighborhood Council at 612-529-6033.

GED Classes Sumner Library, located at 611 Van White Memorial Blvd. is now accepting enrollment for GED classes. A ten-dollar registration fee is required for material expense. All classes however are free. The classes are held mornings from 10:00am-noon and evenings from 6:30-8:30pm Monday through Thursday. For more information: 612-377-5399.

Cleveland The Cleveland Neighborhood Organization will have a board meeting from 7-8pm Monday December 19 at the CAN office 3307 Penn Avenue North.

Webber Camden The Webber Camden Neighborhood Organization (WCNO) will host a Wirth New Year celebration 5-8pm Friday December 29th at the

Classifieds/Calendar The Family Life Centre Holiday Services - Jan 1 - Jan 28 The Family Life Centre, formerly known as Holding Forth the Word of Life Ministries, now moved forward with the same vision for “family restoration God’s way”. FLC expanded its capacity to serve families in the Metro Area with its new site while furthering outreach to the community through the AGAPE 24-hour Child Development Centers and the OASIS of Love Crisis Intervention programs and ongoing church-based ministries.

Holiday Services: • January 1, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. -- NEW YEARS SERVICE • Annual 21-day fasting commences from 6AM-6PM starting on Monday, January 2, 2012. See the church website for fasting instructions and prayer

President/CEO Twin Cities Community Land Bank seeks a dynamic, results-oriented President/ CEO. Contact Shana at 612-238-8212 or shana.wenger@tcclandbank.org for application information. Applications must be received by 1/20/12.

Wirth Winter Recreation Area 1301 Theodore Wirth Parkway, Golden Valley, MN. There will be free tubing, snowboarding, snacks and refreshments. For more information: Roberta Englund 612-521-2100 or info@ webbercamden.org

Loan Program Lind-Bohanon Neighborhood Association has partnered with the Center for Energy and Environment to administer home improvement programs. LBNA loans create opportunities for more home loans and other neighborhood activities. The loan has a 4% fixed rate financing, $15,000 maximum loan with no maximum income limit.

Eligible improvements include: most interior and exterior maintenance and remodeling.

For more information: Amy Lusenbrink 763-561-1616 or LindBohanonNA@aol.com Minneapolis Park Board The proposed 2012 Minneapolis Park Board budget focuses on neighborhood parks, parkways, financial sustainability and

PHONE: 612.588.1313

guidelines. Submit prayer requests online at www.hftwol.org • January 28th -- 2012 Women’s Prayer Brunch hosted by Dr. Diane Thibodeaux, invites women from all over to gather at FLC from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. RSVP by January 23rd. Women’s groups and/or individual reservations welcomed. Call FLC or RSVP online at www.hftwol.org Contact FLC for more details at 612-522-5807.

Donate Now to Arc’s Value Village Thrift Stores & Donation Centers for a 2011 Tax Deduction - Dec 26-31 Start the New Year with clean closets and cupboards and a charitable deduction for your 2011 itemized tax bill. Arc accepts clean clothing, accessories, housewares & small appliances, linens & crafts, kids clothing & toys, books, magazines, music & movies, home décor & accessories, art & collectibles, and vehicles too. Holiday decorations and seasonal items will be boxed up and saved for the 2012 Merry Thriftmas™ Holiday Shop. Check out the complete list of accepted donations, and find your nearest drop off location at: www. arcsvaluevillage.org.

MBE, WBE and DBEs Duininck, Inc.’s Design Build Team is requesting bids and material quotes from minority/disadvantaged business contractors, suppliers, trucking firms and design firms for Clearing, Sawing, Milling, Drainage Structures, Curb & Gutter, Electrical, Traffic Control, Striping, Signs, Guardrail, Erosion Control, Trucking, on the following MnDOT project:

TH 55 Rockford to Medina DESIGN BUILD PROJECT, S.P. 2722-81 Construction will take place in Wright & Hennepin Co., Rockford to Medina Quotes due by January 12, 2012 8:00am For information on the above job and any assistance you may need please contact: Duininck, Inc. PO Box 208 Prinsburg MN 56281 Phone (320) 978-6011; Fax (320) 978-4978; email to estimator@duininck.com Duininck, Inc. will consider any special bonding, credit, and insurance needs for DBE’s.

Duininck, Inc. is an EEO Employer

SUBSIDIZED APARTMENTS Spring Lake Park, Independent living, subsidized low income apt. for seniors (62+) or wheelchair accessible apt. (18+) Affordable, clean, spacious, safe. An Ebenezer managed community. Equal Housing Opportunity 763-780-2169.

Program Assistants The City of Brooklyn Park is seeking applicants for two parttime Program Assistants to provide customer service to the Brooklyn Park Recreation and Parks Department and Community Activity Center and to provide general administrative and clerical support/services to Program Supervisors and Facility Coordinator. Hiring wage: $18.45/hour; 20 hours week within the schedule of M-F 5:30-10:30 PM and 9-5 Sat/ Sun. Employment application and job posting with additional information and required qualifications available on city web site or address below. Application deadline: 5 p.m., Friday, January 6, 2012.

City of Brooklyn Park 5200 - 85th Avenue North Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 Phone: 763-424-8000 Fax: 763-493-8391 www.brooklynpark.org Equal Opportunity Employer

service delivery.

Public comment opportunities are scheduled for December 14.

For more information, Amy Lusenbrink 763-561-1616 or LindBohanonNA@aol.com

Get Paid Helping Northside Seniors & Disabled Adults The Community Emergency Assistance Program (CEAP) and the Neighborhood Involvement Program (NIP) serve North Minneapolis as two senior chore service agencies.

CEAP serves seniors north of 44th Ave. N. and NIP serves seniors south of 44th Avenue North. Both agencies have opportunities for individuals to earn $15 an hour doing snow removal and responsibilities as independent contractors. Both programs require individuals to be 18 or older and go through a criminal background check.

Participants must also have their own shovel, or snow blower and provide own transportation to job sites.

For more information: Jon Burkhow at 612-374-3322.

Camden North United Methodist Church (NUMC) has a Church Clothes Closet 9am-Noon the first Saturday of each month and 6-8 pm the first Monday of each month at 4350 Fremont Avenue North. Donations are accepted.

For further information: 612522-4497.

Weight loss classes Weight loss classes for Black men take place every Friday from 6:30-8:30pm at Kwanzaa Church 2200 Emerson Avenue North.

The class is a 12-week course for Black men who live with obesity, type II diabetes, high blood pressure and hypertension. The cost ranges from $100 to $300 depending on training materials.

Space is limited to the first 10 qualified participants. For more information: Kwasi Nate Russell 612-359-0077 or Kwasinate. russell009@gmail.com Volunteer opportunities The Target Meals for Minds program, in collaboration with Second Harvest Heartland will have volunteering opportunities

FAX: 612.588.2031

Project Sweetie Pie Urban Farm Movement Program Gathering - Dec. 28 The 2012 Project Goal: Create a year round hands-on experiential environmental education collaborative for the community of North Minneapolis. Wed. Dec. 28 6-7:30pm @ 2100 Plymouth Ave. N. More info: bradi.sweetiepie@gmail.com or 612568-3037 Free Health Fair - Dec. 30 On Sat., Dec. 30, The Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church located at 2600 East 38th St. in Mpls will host an Annual Health Fair from 9:30am1pm. FREE and open to the public.

FREE Flu Shots and Blood Pressure Screenings will be provided for families and children. Including a workshop on Diabetes facilitated by Chris Schaefer, ADA, MN Area Director and Colon Cancer Education and Information Session with Deaconess Ora Hokes.

Lunch will be provided. For further information contact the church at 612.827.7928.

Buck Hill New Year’s Eve Bash - Dec 31-Jan 1 Bring the whole family to Buck Hill’s New Years Eve Bash and enjoy the outdoor winter wonderland. Skiing, boarding and tubing runs will all be open until midnight when the sky will

**Farmington Family Townhomes** Newer 2 and 3BR townhomes available for immediate occupancy in the heart Farmington.

Townhomes feature attached garages, in-unit W/D, play area, and on-site staff.

Income guidelines apply. Please contact Teressa at (651)460-3686. Professionally managed

by Hornig Companies, Inc. www.hornigcompanies.com

Community Organizers Wanted!!

Working America / AFL-CIO is hiring full time staff to take our country back from the political forces that favor the wealthy and corporate special interests over your well-being! Diversity is highly valued at Working America: Women, people of color, and LGBT applicants strongly encouraged to apply. $457.60 week base pay - Entry Level. Fun work environment. EOE. Rapid advancement opportunities. - Apply Now: 612-331-5800

to end the fight of hunger in North Minneapolis. A mobile food pantry will open once per month at Nellie Stone Johnson Elementary 807 24th Avenue North. The distribution time & dates are 5-7:30pm Thursday January 26 and 5-7:30pm Wednesday February 15. For more information: Kris Jensen, Volunteer Coordinator 651-2162761 or visit www.2harvest.org/ volunteer

North Minneapolis Tornado Recovery Sites are available for mental and emotional recovery for victims traumatized by the May 22nd North Minneapolis tornado. To schedule an appointment with a health care provider, three sites are available; Northpoint Health & Wellness Center 1313 Penn Ave. N. 612543-2566, Hennepin County Mental Health Center 1801 Nicollet Avenue South - 612-5969438 or Hennepin County Medical Center Acute Psychiatric Services 701 Park Avenue South - 612-8733161. Crisis response teams are available 24/7. For adults, 612596-1223 or 612-348-2233.

EMAIL: andrew@insightnews.com

explode with a HUGE fireworks display.

Buck Hill Ski and Snowboard Area, 15400 Buck Hill Road - Burnsville, MN 55306 - buckhill.com UCare for Seniors Medicare Advantage plan - Jan UCare is holding informational meetings about its UCare for Seniors Medicare Advantage plan. Members of UCare’s sales staff will discuss the 2012 UCare for Seniors Classic, Value Plus, Standard D, and Value plans. For dates and times, to register for a meeting or for more information, call 1-877-5231518 (toll free).

WomenVenture - Jan 5 For further information and to register, visit womenventure.org or call 651646-3808. WomenVenture is located at 2324 University Avenue West, Suite 120, St. Paul, MN 55114.

• The Best Place to Start 11:30am–12:15pm or 6-6:45pm at WomenVenture, Free. Overview of WomenVenture services to help you determine your next step toward more fulfilling work.

• Career & Employment Transition Group for Women - 6–8pm at WomenVenture, Free. Walk-in group for women to make connections, get support and receive job-seeking advice.

The Blake School Admissions Information Meetings - Jan 9&12 Blake is a co-educational, independent, Pre-K–12 school enrolling nearly 1,400 students from about 56 Twin Cities-area communities. Blake provides a rigorous academic program with exceptional opportunities for each child in academics, the arts, athletics and more.

Administrators, faculty, current parents and students will be present to discuss school life, curriculum and activities.

Grades 9–12 Information Meeting for Parents and Students - Mon. Jan 0 7-9pm @ Upper School, Northrop Campus, 511 Kenwood Parkway. Prekindergarten–Grade 8 Information Meeting - Thur. Jan 12 6:45-9pm @ Blake Campus, 110 Blake Road South, Hopkins.

Find Bargains Galore Jan 14-16 For three days, beginning

Sat., Jan. 14, prices are cut in half at all four Arc’s Value Village stores. Find great deals on winter clothing and accessories for the whole family, plus household items, dishes, glassware, games and toys, collectibles, books, CDs, craft items and more. For locations and other info, visit: www.arcsvaluevillage.org 2012 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Statewide Holiday Celebration - Jan 16 • Rally: 9:30-10:30am @ Saint Paul Central High School Auditorium 275 N. Lexington Ave. St. Paul, MN 55104. The Rally kicks off the days festivities with Rally Keynote T. A. Watson.

• March: 10:35am From Central High School 275 N. Lexington Ave. St. Paul, MN 55104, to Concordia University, 235 Hamline on the corner of Hamline & Marshall Ave. • Main Program: 11am-1pm @ Concordia University Gangelhoff Arena - Keynote Speaker Bishop William Watson, III & St. John’s Boy Choir.

• Education/Cultural Fair: 1-3pm @ Concordia University Gangelhoff Arena (behind the stage). ASL Interpreted.

Contact mlkingholiday@gmail.com with any questions. Or go online at www. mnstatewidemlkingholiday.com to retrieve sponsorship form and/or Essay/ Poster/Spoken-word Contest form Dr. Wendy Mogel - Jan 26 The Blake School will be welcoming New York Times bestselling author and parenting expert Dr. Wendy Mogel to our school the evening of Thur., Jan. 26. An internationally acclaimed clinical psychologist, parenting expert and the author of the New York Times bestselling parenting book The Blessing of a Skinned Knee. Her new book, The Blessing of a B Minus, is about raising teenagers. Free and open to the public.

Books will be available for purchase and signing. 7-8pm. Juliet Nelson Auditorium, The Blake Upper School 511 Kenwood Pkwy, Mpls. MN 55403.

African Dance w/ Whitney Every Tuesday & Wednesday •Tue. 7:00pm - 8:30pm $12 Patricks Cabaret 3010 Minnehaha Ave. S. Mpls.

•Wed. 7:00pm - 8:30pm $13 Zenon School of Dance (4th Floor) Hennepin center for the Arts 528 Hennepin Ave. Mpls.

Any 35-60 Year Old Man Or Woman Who Is Serious About and Ready To Start Improving Your Health NOW . . .

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30044788mh

By Ivan B. Phifer Staff Writer

30044788mh

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Insight News • December 26, 2011 - January 1, 2012 • Page 11

Page 12 • December 26, 2011 - January 1, 2012 • Insight News

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Obama From 1 the grant, which will support implementing plans to provide cradle-to-career services that improve the educational achievement and healthy development of children. The second round of $500,000 planning grants will fund planning activities to transform 15 new communities into Promise Neighborhoods.

“Promise Neighborhoods recognizes that children need to be surrounded by systems of support inside and outside of the classroom to help them be successful in school and beyond,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “The 20 grantees announced today are spread out across the country, reflecting a broader nationwide movement to revitalize struggling communities by providing better access to health

Insight News • December 26, 2011 - January 1, 2012 • Page 13 care, social and safety services partnered by great schools.”

The Promise Neighborhoods program aims to address significant challenges faced by students and families living in high-poverty communities by providing resources to plan and implement a continuum of services from early learning to college and career. Plans include a range of services from improving a neighborhood’s health, safety, and stability to expanding access to learning technology and Internet connectivity, and boosting family engagement in student learning.

President Obama recently highlighted Promise Neighborhoods in the Creating Pathways to Opportunity report that describes steps the administration has taken to reverse the growing income gap and create opportunity for all Americans. The program is also at the center of the White House Neighborhood Revitalization

Initiative (NRI), which seeks to align federal housing, education, justice, and health programs with the overarching goal of transforming neighborhoods of concentrated poverty into neighborhoods of opportunity.

In an effort to integrate public service programs, Promise Neighborhoods applicants received competitive points for targeting neighborhoods participating in Choice Neighborhoods or Hope VI, affordable housing transformation programs supported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“We are pleased to continue our partnership with the U.S. Department of Education to align housing, neighborhood development, and education resources to expand opportunity in some of our most distressed communities,” said U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan.

Each of the five Promise Neighborhoods implementation grantees will also be eligible for funding from the Department of Justice to support and expand their public safety strategy.

“Students, families, teachers and principals need support to create safe environments in our nation’s schools,” Attorney General Eric Holder said. “The Department of Justice is committed to working with these grantees and their public safety partners to coordinate investments and initiatives that prevent and reduce crime throughout Promise Neighborhoods.”

Promise Neighborhoods, launched in 2010, made available a total of $10 million for one-year planning grants to 21 communities across the country. The 2011 grants announced today will reach an additional 16 communities.

Between both rounds, 18 states and D.C. will have plans in place to help revitalize disadvantaged

neighborhoods.

Congress recently passed a fiscal year 2012 budget, which will include an additional $60 million for Promise Neighborhoods.

To learn more, visit: http:// www2.ed.gov/programs/ promiseneighborhoods/index. html.

A complete list of 2011 Promise Neighborhoods grantees follows.

The five Promise Neighborhoods implementation grantees are: Westminster Foundation (Buffalo, N.Y.) Northside Achievement Zone (Minneapolis, Minn.)

Berea College (Clay, Jackson, and Owsley Counties, Ky.) United Way of San Antonio & Bexar County, Inc. (San Antonio, Texas) California State University – East Bay (Hayward, Calif.)

The 15 Promise Neighborhoods planning grantees are:

Mission Economic Development Agency (San Francisco) Reading and Beyond (Fresno, Calif.)

Mercer University (Macon, Ga.) Community Action Project of Tulsa (Tulsa, Okla.)

Elmezzi Foundation (New York) South Bay Community Services (Chula Vista, Calif.)

Black Family Development (Detroit, Mich.)

Children Youth and Family Services (Charlottesville, Va.) CAMBA (New York) SGA Youth and Family Services (Chicago) Ohio University (Glouster, Ohio) Meriden Children’s First (Meriden, Conn.)

Martha O’Bryan Center (Nashville, Tenn.)

Catholic Charities of Albany (Hudson, N.Y.) Campo Band of Mission Indians (Campo, Calif.)

Nigeria

whatever you decide as an elected official or political appointee as rising to the level of “security” interest. They are Not part of the accounting for Statutory security allocations to the Police and related security agencies. Nigeria’s President, the Governors and the key national parliamentary leaders (Senate President & Speaker of the House), from my sources, in that order — get the highest allocation of “security” votes/budget.

Note, too, that the President, Governors (and USAfrica learned a long time ago that local government officials and ministers and some legislators) have juicy budgets/allocations of several monthly millions for this famous and much sought after “security votes.”

Finally, if any of the President’s 100 advisers has the polite courage for the extraordinary task of reminding His Excellency of his foremost, sworn, constitutional obligation to the national interest about security and safety of Nigerians and all who sojourn in Nigeria, please whisper clearly to Mr. President that I said, respectfully: Nigerians, at

home and abroad, are still concerned and afraid for living in what I call Nigeria’s Federal Republic of Insecurity!

Nigeria, we hail thee

Carter

From 3

Representative Betty McCollum (MN-04)

Iraq From 1 obligation Congress must never balk at paying.

“Over the past nine years, my opposition to this war has been well known. This was a war of political choice, not strategic necessity. Iraq is no longer uled by a dictator, but the price he Iraqi people paid in death, destruction, violence, and misery

casts a very dark shadow over their country’s future.

“In the final analysis, America’s war in Iraq was a strategic and human tragedy that must not be repeated. Now, as armchair generals in their disgraced neo-conservative pinstripes plot their next misadventure, this time with Iran, the American people must not be fooled, not be driven by fear, and not yield to another expensive and painful war of choice.”

business worthiness of any country. The recent, very bold attacks on the Nigerian Police headquarters and the United Nations building in Abuja (Nigeria’s federal capital) on Friday August 26, 2011 by the radical Islamic group Boko Haram left a weak profile of the President Jonathan and his team — in the eyes of the local and international communities.

I wrote the USAfrica special report 10 years ago– on October 17, 2001 – warning that some radical Islamic groups in Nigeria have some level of inspiration and informal links to international terror organizations. Nigeria’s bin-Laden cheerleaders could ignite religious war, destabilize Africa.

Sixth, this special extraordinary budget item, in itself, a remarkable mockery and Orwellian twist called “security vote.” For the rookie and uninitiated in Nigeria’s political business, “security votes” are not accounted for; you spend and use it for

Dr. Chido Nwangwu, Founder & Publisher of Houston-based USAfrica multimedia networks, first African-owned, U.S-based newspaper published on the internet USAfricaonline. com; and recipient of several journalism and public policy awards, was recently profiled by the CNN International for his pioneering works on multimedia/news/public policy projects for Africans and Americans. He worked previously for the Nigerian Television Authority, Platform magazine, and the Daily Times of Nigeria; and has served as adviser on Africa business to Houston’s former Mayor Brown.

USAfrica, CLASSmagazine and USAfricaonline.com are assessed by the CNN and The New York Times as the largest and arguably the most influential African-owned, U.Sbased multimedia networks.

USAfrica established May 1992.

From 1 Board of Commissioners, Toni Carter served as a member and chair of the Saint Paul Board of Education.

AMC’s 2nd Vice President is a member of the group’s Board of Directors and serves on the Executive and Legislative Steering Committees. The 2nd Vice President also serves as Vice Chairperson of the Annual Conference Planning Committee.

The Association of Minnesota Counties is a voluntary, non-partisan statewide organization that has assisted the state’s 87 counties in providing effective county governance to the people of Minnesota since 1909. The association works closely with the legislative and administrative branches of government in seeing that legislation and policies favorable to counties are enacted. AMC also provides educational programs, training, research and communications for county officials.

Page 14 • December 26, 2011 - January 1, 2012 • Insight News

insightnews.com

Grant From 1 children and youth deserve access to great schools and strong systems of family and community support that will prepare them for college and a career starting at birth.”

The purpose of NAZ is to end multigenerational poverty by significantly improving achievement outcomes for all children and youth in the Zone.

To achieve this goal, NAZ has developed a comprehensive, multilevel change strategy that uses a “high-touch” approach to engage families and children, coordinate services and supports, and build the culture of achievement.

Samuels developed the Northside Achievement Zone in 2010. NAZ is a collaboration of service providers and schools, coordinating the support families need to create the expectations of success.

NAZ focuses on a geographic North Minneapolis target area, an 18 by 13 square block bounded

by West Broadway on the south, North 35th Avenue on the north, Penn Avenue on the west and Third Street on the east.

This area is experiencing high rates of violence, poverty, unemployment and poor performance public schools.

“The Promise Neighborhood funding will allow us to immediately scale up our services to reach many more families,” Samuels said. “It sets in motion our ability to grow from our current 150 pilot families to our five-year goal of reaching 1,200 families with 3,000 children – all successfully on a path to college.

We hold the belief that all of our families are going to succeed. This isn’t the end of our journey, but just the beginning,” she said.

“We will win in North Minneapolis; this is a great day,” said Mayor R.T. Rybak. “We got this award because a lot of people did a lot of incredible work. We also got this grant because we have one of the largest achievement gaps of any community in the country. What is clear is that this is a call to arms for a crisis that should not be tolerated. The mantle of responsibility is here,” he said.

NAZ seeks to support families and promote academic achievement by creating a culture of success.

“We are all here to

NAZ

Northside Achievement Zone Academic Case Manager Kenneth Scales

Suluki Fardan

Northside Achievement Zone CEO Sondra Samuels

NAZ

A Family Academy graduate testing the noisemakers at graduation Above: Family Academy graduates. NAZ Mothers Helena N. and LaTanya B. acknowledge the unique approach and effort that North Minneapolis has decided to take,” said Assistant Deputy Education Secretary Jim Shelton. “I think it is important that we all remember, that we are also here because the challenges this community faces are unfortunately not unique. It is not unique, that only a quarter of our children will start school prepared for kindergarten; that only a quarter will hit third grade on reading level, or that many high schools in this country have half their students

that know when they start they will not graduate. That makes this work all the more important,” he said.

“I am excited about the resources and investment the government is making on our city and state, but particularly in North Minneapolis,” said Mayor R.T. Rybak.

According to a press release, The Promise Neighborhood Implementation funding is estimated at $5million annually for 3-5 years. NAZ currently operates with an annual budget of just

over $1 million provided through the support of individual donors, foundations and corporations.

“Promise is the right word,” said Governor Mark Dayton.

“There is so much promise in those young faces. Now we will have a chance to show them their full potential, which in turn will help our society reach its full potential,” he said.

The grant will be used to build NAZ infrastructure.

NAZ will increase the numbers of engagement team “family

NAZ

coaches” from six to 40. Family coaches from North Minneapolis are trained neighbor-leaders who work one on one with families to build a culture of achievement within their homes.

“The thought, work and innovative ideas that went into this, is inspiring,” said U.S. Senator Al Franken. “The kids and families on the Northside will be the beneficiaries of this, as well as a model to the rest of the country,” he said.

The Zone is estimated to be

home to more than 5,500 children.

A variety of challenging family factors are experienced by these children—including physical and behavioral health, stability and safety of housing, and economic and financial well-being.

“The fact is, if you want to do something about a chronic problem, you have to invest in it,” said U.S. Representative Keith Ellison. “$28 million helps a lot. I am convinced our neighborhood can be a model neighborhood.

The goodness of the people will be matched by the success of our lives,” Ellison said.