INNER-CITY NEWS

Food Rescue Effort Fuels Democracy

By Lucy Gellman

Lorrice Grant was on a mission. She popped open the trunk of her car, and lifted two boxes of espresso brownies into the sun-dappled parking lot. Beneath them, carrot cake muffins waited eagerly for their moment to shine. With no time to lose, she and Inez Alvarez made a beeline for Wilbur Cross High School, bursting through the heavy front doors with a cry of “Hello!”

Grant is the director of operations at Ha ven’s Harvest, a food rescue organization based in Fair Haven. Tuesday, she and a 10-car fleet of volunteers ensured that poll workers across New Haven would have some sweet treats to get them through the day as they braved a 16-hour shift. For her, it’s part of the Democratic process. They included Alvarez, an intern with the orga nization who is also a student at Albertus Magnus College.

“Food is a connector,” Grant said Tues day morning, as she slipped into the driv er’s seat and cranked up the heat in her car. “I’ve seen people feed their friends, their neighbors. It’s beautiful. We’re building community.”

Born almost four years ago as an out growth of Food Rescue U.S., Haven’s Harvest works to eliminate food waste by helping feed New Haven. From a ware house on Peck Street, the organization co ordinates with local sites—grocery stores, restaurants and delis, university catering services—where excess food is waiting to be “rescued.” A mix of staff, interns and volunteers for the organization pick that food up, and redistribute it to community centers, food pantries, houses of worship and schools that are waiting to take it.

In other words, “we’re like the UberEats of food rescue,” Alvarez said.

The food varies, but it often includes fresh produce, prepared food and perish able products that are a lifeline to people struggling with food insecurity. For in stance, Grant said, Yale or Albertus Mag nus College might suddenly have fresh orange and grapefruit juice from an event with an open bar, or extra trays of warm, perishable food left over after a special catered dinner. The organization currently works with over 170 partners; in October, it passed the million pound mark for the amount of food distributed this year.

The tradition to drop off baked goods to voting locations started during the city’s mayoral election last year—and it stuck. Tuesday morning, Grant scrolled through polling locations, a map materializing in her mind. Already, she had been up for hours: first to vote with her daughter shortly after polls opened, and then to get baked goods rolling out across the city. As she and Alvarez checked locations from the car, it was easy to see them navigating mentally, searching the city’s 18.7 square miles for what location might come next. Just a little after 9 a.m., it found them in the parking lot of Wilbur Cross, unload

ing two aluminum containers of brownies from the trunk of Grant’s car. As Grant made her way across the lot, her energy became contagious. A few people swiv eled to say hello. She lowered the contain er nearly to her waist, to show a blue-andred “I Voted” sticker on the left side of her shirt. Then she and Alvarez sailed through the school’s doors, setting the brownies down on a table with boxes of coffee.

Around them, poll workers looked up as they shuffled by; a few mouthed “thank you” to the two as they made room for the containers, and started planning their next pickup. At a table set up by the vend ing machines, Ward 10 Moderator Ryan Murden said he and other poll workers are grateful for such small, sweet kindnesses. For 15 years—or maybe 16, he can’t re member anymore— Murden has served as a moderator in New Haven. Raised in Florida, he moved to New Haven decades ago, to attend Yale for a doctorate in ap plied physics. While he and his family now live in Trumbull, he sees it as giving back to the place where he spent some of his most formative years.

“It’s really nice!” he said as Grant and Alvarez headed for the door. “It’s a long day.”

Back outside, the two were just getting started. No sooner had they started plan ning to hit The Shack, the Valley Street community center that West Hills Alder Honda Smith has breathed life back into, than a call came in from Yale’s catering services arm in Science Park. There was extra food—trays and trays of it—that needed to be rescued. As she buckled in, Grant headed for a quick stop at Peck Street, and then on to Science Park.

As she drove, she reflected on her own path to voting. Born in West Haven, Grant moved to New Haven when she was 12, and grew up close to Dover Street in Fair

Haven. As a young adult she lived on Henry Street, between Dixwell Avenue and Orchard Street. But when she became a mom, she said, she began to worry for the safety of her children. She left New Haven for Hamden, where she still lives, before her son was born in 1992.

As a voter and a mom of four, she de scribed herself as “extremely engaged,” anchored by issues that range from food and housing security to taxes. Before coming to Haven’s Harvest, she worked for the Food Bank of New York City for almost three years, commuting several hours each day “trying to make a differ ence.” Prior to that, she was a nutritionist and educator at multiple organizations in the state. As a Black woman working in food justice and a parent, she doesn’t ever sit an election out.

“Too many people died for me to have the right to vote to not do it,” she said as she drove from Wilbur Cross to Fair Haven,

Fair Haven to Science Park. “A lot of deci sions are made during the midterms.”

This week, for instance, her daughter’s boss told her that she couldn’t take time off from her job in West Hartford to go vote (that’s illegal by the way). Grant pointed to how early voting, which was on the ballot and later passed handily, would have helped her and thousands of other voters out.

Her love for Democracy, like her love for food justice, is never far from her mind. At Science Park, she and Alvarez chatted about voting as staff wheeled out a cart stacked with blondies, cinnamon-spiced carrot muffins, and trays of collard greens, mushrooms and meat. When Grant heard that Alvarez might not go to the polls, she pushed back. There was still time to learn the candidates, she said—polls were open until 8 p.m., and it was still before 10 in the morning. “I vote for the people that I really like,” she said

In every direction, employees waved at them to say hello. One who identified herself only as Beloved said she was glad to hear about the Election Day drop offs, just a tiny part of the work the organiza tion does each day. “It’s so important,” she said.

As they loaded the car, it filled with the smell of warm food, as if Thanksgiving had come suddenly, and early, to a single parking space on Winchester Avenue. Back in the front seat, Grant calculated her next moves, making a list that included Lincoln Bassett, Celentano, and East Rock Magnet Schools. As the car hummed back to life and headed down Winchester, she went over the number of boxes of treats, thinking of where each would find a home.

Outside Lincoln Bassett, she greeted Ward 20 Co-Chair Oscar Havyarimana with boxes of blondies, setting them down as Lisa Bergmann and Manny Camacho came by to take a look. Stressing the im portance of voting—especially in local elections—Havyarimana added that small gestures like food and coffee go a long way. He had already been there for hours, with hours still to go.

“It’s really nice to have support and snacks for a long day of campaigning!” Bergmann said, a portrait of the late Art Perlo peeking out from a pin on her shirt. “The first thing that stood out to me was the smiling faces,” added Camacho, who had started his day in Fair Haven and then made the trip to Newhallville. “Bringing baked goods to support neighbors—it’s a really beautiful thing to see. It cultivates community—”

“And keeps unity on election day!” Bergman jumped back in.

“It’s amazing,” said Hart.

Those words echoed up Prospect Hill, as poll workers at Celentano School got an infusion of carrot cake muffins with a sweet, buttery brown sugar crumble on top. As she checked voters in, food justice advocate Kimberly Hart waved excitedly to Grant, beaming as she came through the door and headed toward a table stacked with boxes of coffee that was already hours old.

“It’s so amazing!” said Hart. For over two decades, she’s been volunteering at the polls with a strong belief in the power of voting. When she worked the primary election earlier this year, volunteers were told to bring their own food, because they didn’t get a lunch break and food wasn’t provided as part of the job. The muffins would go a long way, she said.

“In order to affect change, you gotta affect policy,” she said before turning back to another voter, and finding his address and name. “You gotta answer the questions on the ballot.”

As Grant got back in her car, she stopped to greet Mayor Justin Elicker, who was

Inez Alvarez and Lorrice Grant on Tuesday morning. Lucy Gellman Photos.

Lisa Bergmann, Manuel (Manny) Camacho, and Ward 20 Co-Chair Oscar Havyarimana.

Strong School’s Future Comes Into Focus

by ALLAN APPEL

The more you leave an old historic building empty, the more bad things hap pen which is why the recently selected affordable housing re-developers of Fair Haven’s Strong School want to move as quickly as possible.

“We are really ready to roll up our sleeves,” Pennrose Developer Karmen Cheung told the attendees at the latest regular meeting of the Fair Haven Com munity Management Team.

She also stressed during that meeting that the national affordable housing rede veloper wants to keep soliciting commu nity input on the project over the course of the project’s three-year timeline. “And one area we are particularly looking for feedback on is on the uses for the large community space” that will face Grand Avenue, she said.

That discussion emerged at Thursday night’s hybrid gathering. The meeting drew 31 people in person and another dozen attending via the Zoom screen that illuminated the subterranean community room of the Fair Haven branch library.

Following on last week’s official an nouncement that the city had chosen Phil adelphia-based Pennrose as the preferred developer of the Strong School, Cheung came for a kind of friendly victory lap and update.

Several stalwarts of the management team, including long-time chair/cochairs Diane Ecton and Lee Cruz and Fair Ha ven Alder Sarah Miller, also served on the city’s selection panel that ultimately gave the thumbs up for the $25 million project to Pennrose. That project would see Pen nrose convert the historic long-vacant school building into 58 new affordable apartments, an artists’ community, and a public gathering space.

Ecton confirmed on Thursday night that Pennrose’s specific experience in restora tion/adaptation of historic schools build ings into affordable housing was among the main reasons for her preference for Pennrose over the local, Housing Authori ty-affiliated Glendower Group.

An aspect of the winning proposal also was the commitment that the developer stay close to the community. To that end, Cheung said, “Our goal is to come back on a quarterly basis for updates.”

She said she had met with Mayor Elicker earlier in the day, he is excited about the project and had assured her, she reported, that the city will provide Pennrose with its “A Team” to move the project forward through the many steps and approvals required even before a shovel is put in the ground.

He was concerned with the timeline, she said.

That is: for a building vacant for 10 years, and now requiring many approv als not only from the usual city planning,

zoning, and aldermanic officials, but also the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), time is of the essence.

“So our goal is to move as fast as pos sible,” she said.

Yet, what with “needing to make sure we stay to state and federal [preservation] standards,” Cheung estimated a shovel enters the ground only in 2024. And then given a ballpark 16-month actual con struction schedule, the ceremonial ribbon cutting would occur no earlier, she esti mated, than 2026.

The next step of many is a land disposi tion agreement, or LDA, turning the prop erty over to Pennrose, and that requires an aldermanic vote, which, Cheung said, has

not yet been scheduled.

In the meantime, Cheung is meeting with community groups and anchoring organi zations such as the Fair Haven Commu nity Health Center to see how they might utilize the proposed community space and she asked for more ideas as the proj ect proceeds.

In an email exchange after the meeting, Cheung responded to the Independent’s questions on how specifically community input on uses desired would influence the physical design and construction of the space; and what specifically Pennrose means by creating a development that is “LGBTQ friendly.”

Here are some highlights from her an

Independent: What’s an example of a community use and how that might af fect the configuration of the space? Stuff like that, and what form will the ongoing feedback take?

Cheung: An example of a community use would be having the Fairhaven Com munity Management Team meetings at the completed Strong School, or maybe even hosting the Thanksgiving dinner that was mentioned at the meeting last night. Or if there is a performance/arts group that is looking for space to meet/perform, we would love those connections. We’re looking for the space to be utilized! Any feedback and thoughts on programming

can obviously go through Alder Miller but I will also be attending these Management Team meetings every quarter so I’ll be around also!

Independent: Would community input re ally specifically affect design?

Cheung: Yes, if we collectively have a strong case for a specific use that would have construction implications we would explore ways to include that in our design. But keep in mind that what we can do is limited by what SHPO and NPS consider compatible with historic standards. We have to comply with their guidance.

Independent: What makes a building LG BTQ friendly? This is cited in your RFP and you have consulted with the Pride Center in the development of the proposal. Can you elaborate?

Cheung: An LGBTQ-friendly building is exactly how it sounds. We make sure that through our messaging, design, and prac tice we make sure to communicate that this is a place where all people, including LGBTQ identifying individuals are wel come. That should be true at every place but yet in reality we’ve heard many stories where LGBTQ individuals have felt un safe at housing developments. We would also look to create connections with orga nizations like the Fairhaven Community Health Center, which provides services to all populations but also has particular ser vices for the LGBTQ population.

Independent: But are units for LGBTQ people different from those for any body else?

Cheung: The units will all be constructed to the same standards. There may be some small interior design elements that reflect that it is LGBTQ friendly. We have not de veloped this in detail for the Strong School yet but over time I am sure opportunities will present to create small design moves to signify we are LGBTQ friendly. At the Pryde in Boston, an example of a small el ement is that there will be a marked path on the floor in the former school audito rium that will be painted rainbow colors.

On Monday, the Independent also reached out to New Haven Pride Center Acting Director Juancarlos Soto for his thoughts on Pennrose’s plans to build an apart ment complex that is LGBTQ friendly at the Strong School, especially given that a Pennrose representative said during this September community meeting that the nonprofit developer had been working closely with the local Pride Center.

“We’re very excited that this is happening. We’re very excited about being a part of this space and showing up even more for our community,” Soto said.

He stressed that a LGBTQ friendly apart ment complex at the former Strong School can and must be about much more than just “design choices.” Such a plan should also include “tangible actions” like creat ing spaces for organizations like the Pride Center to host programming and expand their advocacy in the Fair Haven neigh borhood.

swers:

ALLAN APPEL PHOTO

Fair Haveners Diane Ecton and Sarah Miller with Pennrose's Karmen Cheung at Thursday management team meeting.

PENNROSE RENDERING

Pennrose's design for 58 new Strong School apartments.

New Haven Independent

Evictee Finds Her COMPASS

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Dr. Anthony Fauci, who quickly became the face — and, for many, the voice of reason — of the federal government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, announced earlier this year that he would leave government service in December.

Fauci, who has served as chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden and seven other presidents, as well as the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for the past 38 years, said he is ready to “pursue the next chapter” of his career.

“While I am moving on from my current positions, I am not retiring. After more than 50 years of government service, I plan to pursue the next phase of my career while I still have so much energy and passion for my field,” he said in a statement.

“I want to use what I have learned as NIAID Director to continue to advance science and public health and to inspire and mentor the next generation of scientific leaders as they help prepare the world to face future infectious disease threats.

Fauci’s career at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases began in the 1980s under the administration

of Ronald Reagan. In 2008, President George W. Bush presented him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Fauci helped America navigate the coronavirus pandemic despite public clashes with President Donald Trump. He also proved instrumental in several other health crises, including HIV/AIDS.

“During my time as Vice President, I worked closely with Dr. Anthony Fauci on the United States’ response to Zika and Ebola,” Biden said in a statement. “I came to know him as a dedicated public servant, and a steady hand with wisdom and insight honed over decades at the forefront of some of our most dangerous and challenging public health crises.

“When it came time to build a team to lead our COVID-19 response – in fact, in one of my first calls as president-elect –I immediately asked Dr. Fauci to extend his service as my chief medical advisor to deal with the COVID-19 crisis our nation faced,” Biden said. “In that role, I’ve been able to call him at any hour of the day for his advice as we’ve tackled this once-ina-generation pandemic. His commitment to the work is unwavering, and he does it with an unparalleled spirit, energy, and scientific integrity.”

Safe-Driving Crackdown Yields Guns, Too

by PAUL BASS

Jamie Francheschi planned to stop a speeder. He ended up arresting a man on probation who was speeding around town with an illegal semi-automatic handgun. Top cops cited that incident as an example of how recent stepped-up efforts to address unsafe driving have also succeeded in taking deadly weapons off the street. They cited the incident during a crime round-up press briefing held Wednesday afternoon at 1 Union Ave.

Francheschi and three other officers — Eric Pesino, Richard Burgos, and Chris Cacela — have been assigned to a “motor unit” augmenting the work of other officers also focusing on dangerous driving.

On Oct. 25 Francheschi was “conducting speed enforcement” with a laser on Whitney Avenue by East Rock Road when he clocked a man driving 46 miles per hour in a 25 mile-per-hour zone.

He “signed for the driver to pull over,” said Assistant Police Chief David Zannelli. The driver sped away instead.

“Francheschi turned off his lights and sirens, pulled to the side of the road and notified dispatch of the situation,” Zannelli said. The fleeing driver, meanwhile, plowed into the back of a passing vehicle a block away, causing minor injuries for the people inside. The fleeing driver was

then stuck in traffic, and Francheschi took “him into custody without further incident or use of force.”

It turns out the driver is a convicted felon who was on probation, and he had a semi-automatic .380 caliber handgun in the car, according to Zannelli. He was charged with numerous firearms and motor vehicle offenses.

“We’re working on the dangerousness of driving in this city. Along with that come motor vehicle arrests that lead to gun arrests” and cut down on violence, said Police Chief Karl Jacobson.

Police spokesperson Officer Scott Shumway offered year-to-date statistics that overall reflect progress from 2021.

The city has had 10 homicides so far

this year compared to 24 at this time last year, Shumway said. Officers have so far seized 217 “crime guns” including 42 ghost guns, along with 188 firearmsrelated arrests, compared to 172, 11 and 175 respectively to date in 2021. Nonfatal shootings have increased from 97 to 102 while overall confirmed shots fired have dropped 15 percent.

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PAUL BASS PHOTO Police Chief Karl Jacobson at Wednesday's briefing along with Asst. Chief David Zannelli, Asst. Chief Bertram Ettienne, department spokesperson Officer Scott Shumway.

New Haven Independent

Rescue

chatting outside the school. For months now, Haven’s Harvest has been thinking about how to secure kitchen space, she said. As soon as she had Elicker’s ear, she was describing the organization’s mission. He pointed her to Mehul Dalal, commu nity services administrator for the city. By the time she was back in the front seat, she was drafting an email to him.

Then the group was on to Nash Street, where Assistant Registrar Stephanie Ranks and Moderator Naomi Campbell were just hours in, and preparing for a very long day.

After 30 years working the polls in her city—she lives in Wooster Square, but has volunteered in Wards 9 and 10—Camp bell joked that she was hungry enough to eat the greens, mushrooms and meat that the team had picked up—but was grateful for muffins too.

“We appreciate it so much,” added Ranks, a doctoral student in 17th-century English literature at Yale, and resident of the East Rock neighborhood. “It’s very heartening.”

Student-Athlete Pleas Power Field Repairs

by LAURA GLESBY

Broken ankles. Used syringes. Mudinduced match cancellations. Low morale.

Those were just a few of the high school sports-related obstacles that Wilbur Cross coaches and students spoke out about hav ing to surmount time and again, as they successfully urged alders to move forward with long-awaited upgrades to the East Rock Athletic Complex.

The Board of Alders City Services and Environmental Policy (CSEP) Committee heard those concerns and took that vote –Thursday in the Aldermanic Chamber on the second floor of City Hall.

The aldermanic committee held the meeting in part to consider the city’s plan to use state and federal funding to improve Blake Field, Rice Field, and the Wilbur Cross Athletic Complex in upper East Rock. Committee Chair Anna Festa, whose ward includes the three fields in question, convinced her aldermanic col leagues to not take a vote on the matter Thursday night meaning that it can be discharged from committee at the next full Board of Alders meeting, thereby fast-tracking a potential final vote by

the board.

According City Engineer Giovanni Zinn’s presentation to the aldermanic committee on Thursday, the city is asking the alders for permission to accept $1.1 million from the state Department of Edu cation, $1.5 million approved by the State Bond Commission over the summer, and an anticipated $750,000 from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Devel

opment (which still needs to be approved by Congress.)

The planned renovations will involve upgrading lighting and fencing, building new soccer equipment at Blake Field, and replacing the Wilbur Cross Athletic Fields’ grass with synthetic turf.

“So many of our young people and peo ple of all ages enjoy these fields,” Zinn told the committee alders on Thursday.

Alders heard a flood of testimony from Wilbur Cross High School students and staff, who said the fields’ current con ditions have led to injuries, called-off games, and embarrassment.

Some Wilbur Cross community members spoke of the fields as hazardous, as a clus ter of students and teachers listened and clapped in support.

According to Harold Haughton, a special education teacher and athletic facilita tor, the fields are “very embarrassing and dangerous. At Rice Field, we find needles, glass. The surface is uneven. … I’ve seen students get injured just because of the way the fields are.”

Student-athlete Elias Theodore said that when he plays sports on Rice Field, “I check the grass to see what’s there. If I have to dive, I want to make sure I’m not gonna get caught” on something.

History teacher and soccer coach Brian Grindrod said the uneven fields have led to “broken ankles and sprains” among ath letes.

Angel Ramos, who coaches baseball at Wilbur Cross, noted a need for bathrooms, or at least a regularly cleaned port-a-potty, where the athletes play. “The kids gotta

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LAURA GLESBY PHOTOS

A contingent of Wilbur Cross community members, including Board of Ed Student Representative Dave John Cruz-Bustamante, art teacher Melody Gallagher, and soccer captain Matteo Festa.

New Haven Independent

On Election Day, A First-Time Voter Turns 18, & Finds Her Voice

By Lucy Gellman

Abiba Biao slipped her ballot into the voting tabulator at Mauro Sheridan In terdistrict Magnet School—and became a first time New Haven voter just hours after turning 18.

As she did, she got a snapshot into some of the hurdles that stand between young, progressive voters and voting itself, from registration and voter literacy to the candidates.

“I wasn’t even gonna vote today,” said Biao, a freshman at Southern Connecti cut State University (SCSU) who has written for the Arts Paper and the New Haven Independent, and is leaning to wards a major in public health. “I just don’t feel represented. I don’t feel like I have options. Since Connecticut’s really Democratic, I didn’t feel like my vote would really count. It would still stay the same.”

Her journey to the polls has been a long and sometimes tenuous one, where the world that exists is sometimes at odds with the world she wants to see. The el dest child of Togolese immigrants living in New Haven, she’s never thought of herself as especially political, she said.

As a kid, her studies at Barnard Envi ronmental Magnet School instilled in her an early love for the environment—but nothing seemed divisive about the horse shoe crabs she watched scuttling through the Long Island Sound. At home, she was a doting sister to her two younger brothers. At school, she excelled in her classes. When she headed to Achieve ment First Amistad High School, she became a member of the New Haven Climate Movement, but didn’t think of the work as explicitly tied to voting.

Meanwhile, she was watching as the country drifted toward two political poles, a trend that she still finds dis turbing. Biao was a sophomore in high school when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, sending classes online overnight. Then that May, George Floyd was mur dered by Minneapolis Police, catalyzing a summer of protest across the country and in New Haven. Biao, whose parents forbade her from marching because of Covid-19, began thinking about how she could use her skill sets to fight for what she considered basic human rights.

Last year, she became the communica tions director for Students for Educa tional Justice. She watched as Amistad students protested sexual harassment with a walkout at the school, and started thinking about journalism as a way to amplify young voices. Then this March, during her senior year of high school, Biao began working on graphics for Kate Farrar, a democratic state represen tative who is up for reelection in West Hartford.

Watching Farrar door knock, Biao saw

firsthand what it meant for a state leg islator to care about their constituents, she said—but she didn’t feel like she had ever received that kind of attention in New Haven.

“I feel like the Democrats are similar to the Republicans in the sense that they are not advocating for change as well as

they should be. It’s very complacent. It’s very slow,” she said.

“The argument now is like, human rights are debatable. I just don’t think that’s the case.”

Still, she wasn’t sure she would vote, she said. For months, she’s known that her 18th birthday falls on Election

Day—but she didn’t register until the af ternoon of Nov. 1, the deadline with the Secretary of State’s Office. She was dis appointed by the lack of “alternative par ties” that she saw on the ballot, she said. Even as she covered campaign events for Gov. Ned Lamont in New Haven, she remained lukewarm on the candidates. She didn’t like the vitriol she saw during campaign season, she added—and often felt that it came without substance.

But as Tuesday inched closer, she decided to come out. At SCSU, she is already interested in public health as a path to racial justice, including the rec ognition of racism as a public health cri sis. She understands that who sits in the state legislature—and represents her in Congress—is part of that.

“You don’t vote, then technically, you’re getting these bad officials elect ed by your absence of voting,” she said. “Which isn’t what we want to do, but at the same time, I don’t think that Democrats are doing a good enough job. Which is why I was like, meh.”

At first, Tuesday reaffirmed that skepti cism, she said. Following a sign on Mau ro Sheridan’s front doors, Biao headed to a driveway on the left side of the school, where red and blue painted stars sat scat tered across the pavement. But when she reached a side door, it was locked. In side, the lights were off. So she headed to the driveway on the right side of the school, puzzled until she spotted the fa miliar blue-and-red sign to vote.

As she rounded the corner into the park ing lot, something changed. Beneath a small tent, Ward 27 Co-Chair An drea Downer raised her arms in a kind of greeting. Walking over to Biao with lifelong New Havener Tawana Galberth, Downer greeted her eagerly, asking where in Upper Westville and Amity Biao lived. “We’re neighbors!” she ex claimed when Biao gave her street and address.

“This is your first time coming out voting?” Galberth said as Biao nodded along. “It’s important that we feel that we make a conscious decision to who we are electing.”

She lifted a flier outlining the Demo cratic- endorsed candidates across the state, going one by one (“We got Gary! We gonna win with him!”) until she had reached the end of Row A. She talked Biao through question one, an amend ment to the state constitution that would allow for early voting. She chatted with Board of Alders Majority Leader and Amity/Westville Alder Richard Furlow, who urged her to head into the polls. It was just after 1 p.m., and she was ready.

Inside, poll workers Kassandra Rowe and Cynthia Williams had good news for her as she fished around for her ID: her SCSU badge, which hung on a lanyard around her neck, would do. Holding her hand out, she received her first-ever bal lot. Less than two minutes later, she was feeding it into the tabulator.

In an interview afterward. Biao said she’s still warming to the process. As a young Black woman and an activist, she’s seen how white supremacy—and white people—work to undercut and disenfranchise Black people, and nonBlack people of color in and beyond the U.S. She was excited to see people who looked like her, whose lived experience overlapped with her own.

“I thought it was just gonna be a bunch of white people, honestly,” she said. “When it comes to being politically active, you don’t always see BIPOC [Black, Indigenous, People of Color] people. So it was nice—the rundown, how she was explaining everything to me. It felt familiar and it felt more com fortable.”

“I feel like voting should be much more accessible than this,” she added. “I mean, would I vote two years from now? We’re gonna see about that.”

Alder Welcomes Election Day Baby

by LAURA GLESBY

As politicians across the state cheered at the end of an often-bitter campaign season, Westville Alder Darryl Brackeen Jr. and his wife Chaz celebrated the be ginning of something sweeter this Elec tion Day: a new life born into his family.

Baby Nailah was born to the Brackeens shortly after midnight on Nov. 8.

“Here Ye! Here Ye! Announcing the ar rival of our 3rd Princess, Nailah Brack een,” Brackeen wrote on his personal Facebook page Tuesday morning. “Our ELECTION DAY baby! November 8th, at 12:33am. Her name means a success ful beautiful woman who is an attainer

and a go-getter. She literally came out ready to go take on the world. #mille nialdaddydiaries #teambrackeen #baby brackeenx3 (sounds like ny-la)”

While the data pool is too small to yield definite conclusions, New Haven alders’ newborns seem disproportionately likely to arrive in the world amid a flurry of last minute get-out-the-vote efforts, “I voted” stickers, and nail-biting ballot counts.

Nailah is the second child of a New Ha ven alder in just three years to be born on Election Day. In 2019, Wooster Square/ Mill River Alder Ellen Cupo was elected to office on the same day that she gave birth to her son, Hunter.

Tawana Galberth explaining the voting process to Biao. Lucy Gellman Photos.

FACEBOOK PHOTO Nailah and Chaz Brackeen.

New Haven Independent

$4.5M Fire Truck, Hydrant Plan Submitted

by THOMAS BREEN

The Elicker Administration is looking to spend $4.5 million in federal pandemicrelief aid on new fire trucks, new police department SUVs, and comprehensive repairs to the city’s aging fire hydrants.

That latest American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) spending pitch is detailed in a Nov. 2 proposal submitted by City Budget Director Michael Gormany to the Board of Alders. That legislative spending plan is included as a communication on the agenda for Thursday’s full Board of Alders meeting.

If approved by the city legislature, the proposal would see the Elicker Administration spend $3.7 million on two new fire engines and one new fire truck, $400,000 on fire hydrant replacements and repairs, and $400,000 on new police department vehicles for district managers, patrol sergeants, and specialized units like the Bureau of Identification.

“The funds from the American Rescue Plan Act will allow the City to repair/replace fire hydrants and help replace the Fire and Police department’s aging fleet,”

Gormany wrote in a Nov. 2 letter to the Board of Alders in support of the proposal. “The planned purchase of the public safety vehicles qualifies as a public health emergency response expenditure under ARPA guidelines.”

This $4.5 million ARPA pitch marks just

the latest proposal by the mayor on how to spend a chunk of the one-time $115 million in federal pandemic-relief funds coming to the city.

The alders have already signed off on spending $53 million in ARPA aid on a mix of housing, vocational technical

education, youth engagement, business support, and climate resiliency initiatives, and an additional $43 million on everything from police department surveillance cameras to expanded youth employment programs to a new Department of Community Resilience to budget mitigation efforts for funds lost during the height of the pandemic.

According to the city’s latest monthly financial report, as of Oct. 28, more than $80 million out of that $96 million in alder-approved and allocated ARPA funds remain unspent so far.

This latest $4.5 million spending proposal, meanwhile, now advances to an aldermanic committee for a public hearing and review before returning to the full Board of Alders for a final debate and vote.

$3.7M For Fire Engine, Trucks; $400K For Hyrdants; $400K

For SUVs

In his Nov. 2 letter to the alders, Gormany wrote that the police department is requesting the purchase of new SUVs “to replace the aging fleet. The New Haven Police Department has dozens of SUVs that are older and/or with 100,000+ miles. The 24/7/365 operation places a heavy

demand on all police vehicles and it’s imperative for officer and public safety that officers respond to calls, incidents, and assignments in safe vehicles.”

Gormany wrote that $400,000 out of this $4.5 million tranche “may be used to purchase SUVs to fill various vehicle needs at the police department, including but not limited to, district manager vehicles, patrol sergeant shift supervisors, and specialized units such as the Bureau of Identification. As these new vehicles are added to the fleet, the Police Department will assess the entire needs of the fleet to see which vehicles need to be removed completely and which can be re-purposed for other assignments. The Police Department prioritizes vehicles purchases for Patrol where they are driven through the community 24 hours a day.”

Roughly $3.7 million of this latest ARPA tranche would be spent on buying two new fire engines and one new fire truck, Gormany wrote.

“As the Fire services has seen with all things in production and purchase, there

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THOMAS BREEN PHOTO

City Budget Director Gormany with Mayor Elicker in March.

New Haven Independent

Downtown Corner Renamed For City’s First Black Resident

by LAURA GLESBY

Four centuries after New Haven’s first recorded Black resident left her mark as an activist and enslaved domestic worker, the corner of Elm and Orange is slated to bear her name.

The Board of Alders voted unanimously on Thursday to honor Lucretia, whose last name is unknown, by naming that inter section “Lucretia’s Corner.”

While details about Lucretia’s life are sparse, it’s been documented that Lucre tia was enslaved by Theophilus Eaton, the governor of New Haven Colony at the time, in the mid-17th century. Eaton had a household of at least 30 people, located in the vicinity of what’s now Orange and Elm Streets, which Lucretia kept running. Later in her life, she was freed from slav ery and became an advocate for the rights of elderly enslaved people.

Local psychology professor and writer Ann Garrett Robinson has spent 25 years researching Lucretia. In recent months, she enlisted her alder, Newhallville/Pros pect Hill/Dixwell’s Steve Winter, in cham pioning the corner naming.

The team gathered a required 250 sig natures, at least two-thirds of which came from the corner’s neighborhood, before bringing the matter before the Board of Alders.

“We seek to honor her place in New Haven’s history,” Winter said to his col leagues on Thursday evening. Lucretia’s labor “likely included much clothes wash

ing and caring for the governor’s house hold.” Lucretia “increasingly agitated for the better treatment of the enslaved elder ly,” he added.

“We are so happy to be a part of history,” reflected Garrett Robinson after the meet ing’s conclusion. “I love New Haven even more, because it broadens its perspective and widens its circle. Lucretia is finally in the circle.”

Having successfully garnered recogni

tion for Lucretia’s contributions to New Haven, Garrett Robinson made sure to recognize the group of people who helped advocate and collect signatures for the corner: Alders Winter, Eli Sabin, and Alex Guzhnay, as well as George Robinson, R.J. Robinson Thomas, Alberta Wither spoon, Alan Gales, Joy Flynn, Dorthula Green, Amy Smedley, Quinn Melton, Deacon Prince Davis, Sharon Davis, and Trina Bostic-Greene.

Alders Honor Shot Cop’s Courage

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Attorneys for Griner said they don’t expect to know her exact location for a couple of weeks.

Russian authorities have transferred Brittney Griner to the country’s dreaded penal colony, a move that, while expected, she and her family had hoped could be avoided.

Attorneys for Griner said they don’t expect to know her exact location for a couple of weeks.

Russian officials jailed Griner in Febru ary when authorities arrested her at a Mos cow airport after finding a small amount of cannabis oil in her luggage.

A court convicted Griner in August of trying to smuggle narcotics. She received a nine-year sentence, which an appeals court upheld last month.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said President Biden had di rected all in the administration to prevail on her “Russian captors” to improve Gri ner’s treatment and the conditions many must endure in the country’s penal colony.

Individuals who’ve spent time at one of Russia’s infamous penal colonies reported that prisoners aren’t allowed outside con tact for weeks.

The colonies are notorious for correc tions officers’ repeated abuse of prisoners, violence among inmates, lack of food, and inadequate sanitation.

Confirmed reports said the United States government had offered to swap the socalled “Merchant of Death” Viktor Bout for Griner and another imprisoned Ameri can, Paul Whelan.

Bout, who’s serving a 25-year federal prison sentence and notorious for his de

sire to kill Americans, reportedly has been at the top of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s wish list.

“We communicated a substantial offer that we believe could be successful based on a history of conversations with the Russians,” a senior administration official said earlier this year. “We communicated that many weeks ago, in June.”

The families of Whelan, who Russia has held for alleged espionage since 2018, and WNBA star Griner, jailed in Moscow for drug possession since February, have urged the White House to secure their re lease, including via a prisoner exchange, if necessary, the report stated.

During her court testimony, Griner said she’s still unsure how cannabis oil ended up in her luggage.

She said a doctor recommended cannabis oil for her injuries on the basketball court.

“I still don’t understand to this day how they ended up in my bags,” Griner said, adding that she was aware of the Russian law outlawing cannabis oil and that she had not intended to break it.

“I didn’t have any intention to use or keep in my possession any substance that is prohibited in Russia,” Griner said.

U.S. officials continue to wait for word from the Russian government on whether they will accept the swap.

IN MEMORIAM: The Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts II,

Venerable

Pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church, Passes at 73

By Herb Boyd | New York Amsterdam News

An announcement that Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III had died on Friday morning, Oct. 28, resonated with sorrow across the social media and news networks. For more than a generation, the venerable Rev. Butts was the pastor at Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, and was totally involved in the community’s social, po litical and economic welfare. He was 73 and had been battling cancer, according to close associates.

His passing has evoked a number of encomiums and among the first came from the Rev. Al Sharpton, founder and president of the National Action Network. “Rev. Butts was a major pillar in the Har lem community and is irreplaceable. He was a dominant faith and academic leader for decades. We knew each other for more than 40 years, and while we did not always agree we always came back together. Over the last three years, he and I worked close ly as co-chairs of the Choose Healthy Life national campaign to help the Black com munity fight COVID. We spoke as late as a couple of weeks ago about this work, as he was still fighting cancer. He will be tre mendously missed.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul expressed her sen timents in a statement, saluting Dr. Butts as a “tremendous leader who served our state, our city and our nation with grace, dignity and passion,” and noting his lead ership in other capacities. “Dr. Butts was a force for moral clarity, a voice for his Har lem community, a counselor to so many of us in public service and I was proud to call him a friend,” she continued. “Bill and I are praying for his wife, Patricia Butts, children, and grandchildren and for all New Yorkers who have felt the impact of Dr. Butts’ visionary leadership. We will miss him greatly.”

During his remarkable tenure as the church’s leader, Rev. Butts was a tireless advocate for affordable housing through the Abyssinian Development Corporation, a non-profit organization he established in 1989. Under his guidance the corpora tion raised $2.8 million to purchase and renovate property to be used as a home less shelter. Also, he oversaw the building of a large apartment complex for senior citizens and apartments for moderate in come households. Much of this was done with the Partnership of New York City program.

Though he was born on July 19, 1949 in Bridgeport, Conn., Rev. Butts spent most of his lifetime in New York, begin ning in early childhood and it is where he received his primary education, including graduation from Flushing High School in 1967. At the high school he was a prom ising athlete and scholar as a member of the track team and president of his senior class.

In 2005, he was interviewed by “Histo ryMakers,” and said that in 1972 he re ceived his B.A. degree from Morehouse College. While a student there, he pledged

to the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and was active in civil rights. After the assassina tion of Martin Luther King Jr., Rev. Butts and several other Morehouse students took to the streets in anger. After gradu ation, Butts returned to New York where he earned his Master of Divinity degree in church history in 1975 from Union Theo logical Seminary and later his Doctor of Ministry in church and public policy from Drew University. He was still in gradu ate school when he was hired to work at Abyssinian Baptist Church, starting as an office assistant and worked his way up to assistant pastor, eventually being named head pastor in 1989.

Following in the enormous footprints of the Rev. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Rev. Samuel Proctor was a formidable task, but one Rev. Butts soon accomplished with sterling results, however not without a few political hiccups. Most memorable for some community activists and members of his congregation was his endorsement of the Republican Party’s George Pataki in his re-election campaign in 1998. Current Councilman Charles Barron was among the protesters, charging that Pataki failed to stop Mayor Rudy Giuliani from turning Harlem “into a police state.” Rev. Butts incurred the wrath of many Harlemites again when he endorsed Michael Bloom berg over Bill Thompson in 2008.

Despite the rancor from dissenters, Rev. Butts forged ahead with a sundry of com munity developments and put his leader ship stamp on such institutions as the State University of New York at Old Westbury, where he served as president from 1999 to 2020. Among his achievements at the col lege was its investment of approximately $150 million in capital projects, techno logical advances, residence halls, and a major academic building.

A good portion of his impressive resume relates to academic and religious affairs, most notably as an adjunct professor in the African Studies Department at City Col lege, New York, and Black Church Histo ry at Fordham University. He was widely sought after for appearances on the lecture circuit where his expertise on education and ethical issues earned him a national reputation.

LAURA GLESBY PHOTO

Steve Winter and Ann Garrett Robinson celebrate Lucretia's Corner renaming Thursday.

Dr. Calvin O. Butts III

Walter Lincoln Hawkins, A Modern-Day Inventor

By Tamara Shiloh

During his early years, Walter Lincoln Hawkins (1911–1992) would disassemble and then reassemble several toys to create new ones. He built spring-driven toy boats to sail in the reflecting pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial and a radio so he could listen to the Washington Senators baseball games.

No one knew then that young Walter’s fascination with how things worked would catapult this grandson of a slave into a notable career in chemical engineering.

Born in Wash., D.C., Hawkins’ father was a lawyer for the U.S. Census Bureau and his mother was a science teacher in the District of Columbia school system. According to sources, Hawkins was orphaned as a young child and then raised by his sister.

Not much is known about this timeline of these events, only that his upbringing was “in a world where it was difficult for African Americans to find adequate encouragement in education and at work.”

A physics teacher in Hawkins’ Wash., D.C. high school purchased a new car every year. Hawkins being curious, found out that the teacher had invented a self-starter mechanism to replace automobile hand cranks, and the new cars were partial payment from the company that purchased the mechanism.

Discovering that a person could make a living tinkering with mechanics was all he needed to know. He’d already

shown promise in math and science and developed a sense of self-confidence. Confirming that his passion could be a career ignited his dreams.

Hawkins went on to earn his degree in chemical engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y., a master’s in chemistry at Howard University and a doctoral at McGill University in Montreal. His specialization was cellulose chemistry. After a postdoctoral fellowship at Columbia University, he would become the first African American scientist on staff at AT&T’s Bell Laboratories in Murray Hill, N.J. (1942). His career there spanned 34 years.

At Bell Labs, Hawkins developed a reputation for adding years to the life of plastics, enabling universal telephone service, making it economical to service providers. He conducted research on polymers, specifically thermal and oxidative stabilization of polymers for telecommunications.

Telephone cables, until 1950, were coated with a costly and toxic leadbased material. This was replaced with polyethylene, which quickly became brittle and breakable in sunlight. Hawkins, along with a partner, invented a polymer (1956) as a replacement. The new material, today known as plastic cable sheath, went into production in the 1960s. It was widely used as an inexpensive, durable, and safe coating for telecommunications wire. It remains in use today, protecting fiber optic cable.

In addition to his numerous achievements at Bell Labs, Hawkins contributed to the development of techniques for recycling and reusing plastics. After retiring from Bell Labs (1976), he remained active as a mentor, educator, and industrial visionary for many years. Before his death in 1992, Hawkins was honored with a National Medal of Technology.

Read and discuss with the youth ways Black American inventors have impacted our everyday lives in Doresa A. Jennings “The STEAM Chasers.”

The post Walter Lincoln Hawkins, A Modern-Day Inventor first appeared on Post News Group. This article originally appeared in Post News Group.

Walter Lincoln Hawkins

United Travel Credits Giving HBCU Golf Programs Wings

Expanding the range of traditionally underfunded teams

By Helen Ross, PGA Tour Special to The Inner-City News, members, NNPA Newswire

James Levister thought it would be a phase. Sure, he was an avid golfer. A 4 handicap at his best, in fact.

But when he started his 3-year-old daugh ter, Mesha, playing golf, he figured she would eventually get tired of the game.

He was wrong, though. His daughter loved playing with her dad on weekends –she finally beat him when she was 16 and never lost again – and she thrived on the challenge of the game.

“It was our thing,” Mesha said. “I liked that it was hard, and I continued to play because it was hard. But for me, when I was small, it was about being with him and doing something different.”

She played four years of varsity golf and basketball at her Florida high school, got scholarship offers in both sports, and wanted to turn pro. Eventually, she had to choose between the two.

“I told my dad I would rather play golf because there are fewer people that look like me playing golf,” said Levister, who is African American. “I wanted to be a trendsetter. … I felt like I had something to give in the game. I didn’t realize what it was back then as a little 17-year-old.”

On Wednesday, some 23 years later, and on her 41st birthday, no less, Levister was at Memorial Park Golf Course to watch three of the players she coaches at Prairie View A&M University play in the pro-am at the Cadence Bank Houston Open.

Christian Latham, who is working on his master’s degree in architecture, and seniors Rondarius Walters and Taylor Harvey, a member of the women’s team, would play with Phil Griffith, who is a vice president of operations for United Airlines’ Houston hub, and PGA TOUR pros Stewart Cink and Matthew NeSmith.

“I hope that they get an out-of-this-world experience that they may not have ever gotten – ever,” Levister said. “Or that it opens up their eyes to the maximum po tential and drives them to be whatever they want to be.”

The pairing with Griffith is no accident. United Airlines, in partnership with the PGA TOUR, has earmarked more than $500,000 in grants to 55 golf teams at HB CUs like Prairie View.

Each school gets $10,000 in travel cred its to bolster travel and recruiting budgets and potentially help more than 250 stu dent-athletes compete in places that may have been out of reach.

United and the TOUR recently an nounced a multi-year extension of their official marketing relationship, extend ing the annual commitment to HBCUs through 2025.

Griffith also attended a clinic earlier this week in which golfers from another Hous ton-area HBCU, Texas Southern, worked with youngsters from the First Tee. He’s

excited about the impact the grants are having.

“I’m very impressed with these kids and when I look at where I was back then, if you don’t know that something exists, yeah, it’s kind of hard for you to aspire for,” Griffith said. “And a lot of the things that these kids are doing today, I had no aspirations for because I just didn’t know.

“I think as we continue this program,” he added, “just opening their eyes and show ing them valuable and effective ways of getting there, it’s going to be a lot of fun over the years. That’s what I’m hoping.”

All in it together

Levister coaches the men’s and women’s teams at Prairie View A&M, which is the second oldest public university in Texas.

She’s also done double duty at North Carolina Central University, as well as at Lincoln University in Jefferson, Missouri.

“It’s interesting to see the dynamic and be able to create a culture here of togeth erness and make sure that everybody roots for everybody because we’re all one team,” Levister said.

Forging something of a non-traditional path is second nature to Levister. When the women’s team at her college in Florida disbanded, she was recruited by NCCU to play on its men’s team.

She played No. 1 and was the team’s most valuable player as a freshman, also earning Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Rookie of the Year honors.

After 9/11, Levister left school and went

home to Washington, D.C. She was the first African American to win the 2004 Virginia Women’s Amateur and was named the state’s female golfer of the year. She turned pro in 2006 and joined the Symetra Tour in 2010.

Life on the road could be lonely, though, particularly for a young woman who was often the only African American entered in an event.

“I’m still a golfer, regardless,” Levister said firmly. And she can’t shake the mem ory of being pulled over by a policeman in New York.

“The cop came over and asked the other tour player that was in the car, who was a white female, instead of asking the normal stuff, he asked the young lady that was in the passenger seat, ‘Are you OK?’” Lev ister said.

“So, for me that was a little bit of a trau matic experience. … But he let me go. So, he really pulled me over just to check on the person in the car.”

After Levister’s father died in 2014, she decided to quit the tour.

She still competed, winning the 2015 EP Pro Women’s Championship, but be gan to focus on teaching. She joined the staff at NCCU in 2020 and helped start the women’s program before heading to Prai rie View A&M.

She’s only been there about a month, but she already feels accepted by her players, who share her goal of returning the Pan

And she wants to make it easier for others to follow her path.

“I am definitely all about how I take on life now,” Levister said.

“I just want to be a good person, do the right thing and break glass ceilings for the next people behind me so they don’t have it as hard as I did.”

Keeping the program alive

When Prairie View A&M lost its golf coach last fall, Latham had just graduated magna cum laude, finishing his architec ture degree in three years, and started working on his masters.

But the team needed a coach, and Latham stepped up in a big way.

“He really held the fort down last year for both of the teams,” Levister said.

Like Levister, Latham was a multi-sport athlete who started playing golf because of his dad. But his favorite sport was baseball – his grandfather Cliff Johnson played 20 years in the major leagues, including two World Series with the New York Yankees.

By the time Latham got to high school, though, he had become disillusioned with baseball. He endured racist taunts, many times from the adults, and coaches who

flat-out lied to him.

“I lost my passion for baseball,” he said.

“I didn’t even want to play anymore. So that’s what really got me stuck into golf because it’s like at the end of the day, no one can else say anything about me as long as I’m shooting a score I need to shoot.

“So that’s how I really got into it. And I just focus on golf only now. That’s what brought me.”

The summer before he entered high school in Katy, Texas, a Houston suburb, Latham spent every day at the golf course.

He shot 111 in his first tournament, but by the end of the summer, he broke 80 for the first time.

With continued improvement, he began to think about playing in college and ver bally committed to Prairie View A&M af ter his sophomore year.

In addition to studying for his masters, where he’s designing a practice facility for the golf team as a class project, and hit ting balls on the range, Latham is getting hands-on experience by working at an ar chitecture firm several days a week.

He also has a 14-month-old son named Kai – who is full of “joy and happiness,” Latham said – half the week.

“He’s like my little twin,” Latham said. “So now I got him a plastic set of golf clubs and seeing him wanting to play with that is pretty cool.”

Just because he’s working on his mas ter’s degree doesn’t mean Latham is giv ing up on his dream to play golf profes sionally, though.

He’s already played in one APGA event and hopes to play well enough this year to finish in the top five of its collegiate rankings, which would give him scholar ship access to the tour’s events through the remainder of the 2023 season.

“I’m not going to just stop that goal and stop that dream,” he said.

“I’m going to still work hard this semes ter to try to get to that level or continue to just add on to where I should be.”

Giving players wings

With the travel credits provided by Unit ed, schools like Prairie View A&M will be able to compete in higher profile events that might otherwise seem out-of-reach –quite literally.

Levister, who once rode 11 hours from Durham, North Carolina to Port St. Lucie, Florida, for a college tournament, has al ready started putting those credits to work.

“Even in the short time that I’ve been here, it’s saved us a tremendous amount of time and money just to be able to have access to go over to Houston Airport and to fly,” she said.

“Just to reduce costs of travel helps tre mendously because now we can use those

thers to dominance in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

AASPA Announces Election of New Board Leadership

OVERLANDPARK,Kan. –Novem ber1,2022—The American Association of School Personnel Administrators an nounced the election of five new members to their Executive Board. Kevin E. Wal ton, Sr., Director of Equity & Inclusion at Area Cooperative Educational Services in North Haven, CT., has been elected to serve as 2023-2024 President at AASPA’s Annual Business Meeting, October 12, 2022. Dale Fisher, Ed.D., Assistant Super intendent for Human Resources at Deer field Public Schools in Deerfield, IL., was announced as President for 2022-2023. Tanisha Holland, Equity and Employee Relations Administrator at Prince William County Public Schools in Manassas,VA., was announced as Secretary. Vincent Citarelli,Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent at Garnet Valley School District in Glen Mills,PA., will serve as Region 3 Repre sentative and Brian Baca, Deputy Super

intendent at Los Lunas Schools in Los Lunas,NM., will serve as Region 4 Rep resentative.

Walton, a 12-year member of AASPA, has served on various AASPA committees and presented at several AASPA National Conferences. Walton also served on the AASPA Executive Board as Region 3 Representative from 2019–2022.

”AASPA’s strength lies in its network and community of educators who volun teer their talents and resources to better the mission of providing every member with services, resources, and information vital to successful school HR practices in the interest of students. I am excited to work along side our newest AASPA lead ers and board members to make the kind of innovative changes that will allow us to serve our members now and into the future.”said AASPA Executive Director, Kelly Coash-Johnson.

OPINION

The AASPA Executive Board isa 10-member governance body comprising elected members. Board candidates are selected by the AASPA Nominating Com mittee and voted on by members during a general election. Find out more about the AASPA Executive Board and gover nance by visiting www.aaspa.org/aaspaleadership.

The American Association of School Per sonnel Administrators is an international organization that provides leadership in promoting effective human resource prac tices with in education. Headquartered in OverlandPark,Kan.,AASPA holds an annual conference in October and vari ous regional professional development opportunities throughout the year in ad dition to providing other valuable benefits to its3,000+members.More information about AASPA can be found at www.aaspa. org.

Tell the Supreme Court: we still need affirmative action

all of us. Bringing together students with different lived experiences forces students to think critically about their assumptions, which is an essential goal of a university education.

by Benjamin Todd Jealous

One of the great joys of my life is teach ing. I’m fortunate to teach classes on so cial justice at the University of Pennsylva nia, one of the most respected schools in the country. Penn has a longstanding com mitment to affirmative action, and I have seen first-hand how diversity in the class room benefits all my students. There’s just no question that diversity is a core piece of a vibrant academic community and a criti cal part of the learning experience – for

That’s why I, like so many of us, am deeply concerned about two affirmative action cases argued at the Supreme Court just a few days ago. Opponents of affirma tive action have been trying to destroy it for years. And now it looks like they just might get their chance.

Two universities, Harvard and the Uni versity of North Carolina (UNC), are de fending their admissions programs against opponents who want them declared un constitutional. (The university where I teach, Penn, and the organization I lead, People For the American Way, have both

joined briefs supporting the universities’ positions). Considering race as one of many factors in admissions has been up held by the Supreme Court for decades. The Court has said repeatedly that diver sity in higher education is a “compelling interest.”

But today’s Supreme Court is different. It’s dominated by far-right justices who have made it clear they don’t share this view. Chief Justice John Roberts’s famous quote, “The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race,” sums it up: conserva tives believe affirmative action is at best unnecessary and at worst just another type of discrimination. Some conservatives would like to retire affirmative action because they claim it’s accomplished ev erything it set out to do. But it hasn’t. Not even close.

In Texas and Michigan, applications and enrollments of Black and Latino students plunged after state politicians banned the consideration of race in admission to their public universities. That’s a huge red flag. Nationally, there’s a big gap between the percentage of White and Black students who earn a bachelor’s degree. And that perpetuates all kinds of harm and inequi ties in income, health, family wealth, and more. We still have a long way to go in building a fair society in which all our children can thrive.

And here’s an important point that often gets lost. All students—no matter their race or color or creed—benefit from affir mative action. Having diverse classmates promotes a stimulating exchange of ideas and viewpoints. It prepares all students for living and working in our increasingly diverse society. The Supreme Court as a whole used to understand that. Today, I worry that only a minority of the justices do.

One of those justices is Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on the Court and a person of profound insight and wisdom. Her questions in oral argu ments got to the heart of the matter. Imag ine two qualified students applying to UNC, Justice Jackson suggested: a White North Carolinian student whose fam ily members had attended the school for generations, and a Black North Carolinian whose family had historically been shut out. The White applicant might make the case that attending UNC is deeply mean ingful to her because it is a family tradi tion. The Black applicant might make the case that it is deeply meaningful because her family was so long denied.

Jackson’s question made it clear what would happen if the Court adopts the Far Right’s position: the White student’s ap peal to family history would be allowed to help their chance of acceptance, while the Black student’s would not. It would fur ther institutionalize discrimination and the harm it has caused generations of Black Americans.

I am so grateful for Justice Jackson’s voice on the Court. I also know that the six right-wing justices expressed skepti cism of affirmative action at oral argu ments. Many reporters are already writ ing its obituary. I hope for the sake of our education system and our next generation, that they will be wrong. The “compelling interest” that led the Court to uphold af firmative action in the past still exists – in fact, it may be stronger than ever.

Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way and Professor of the Practice at the University of Penn sylvania. A New York Times best-selling author, his next book “Never Forget Our People Were Always Free” will be pub lished by Harper Collins in January 2023.

funds to give them a better experience as a student athlete and a college golfer.”

Latham remembers a 15-hour bus ride from Houston to Ponte Vedra Beach, Flor ida, where the Panthers played in – and won – the 2021 PGA Works Champion ship at TPC Sawgrass.

With two travel days each way and the tournament itself, the Black Panthers were gone nine days.

That’s why on Wednesday Latham planned to thank Griffith for United’s sup port. That United and organizations like the PGA TOUR are seeing value in HBCU golf has been a big help.

“I want to say it makes us feel more comfortable when we’re not having to travel,” Latham said, “cramped up for 14 hours, 16 hours, when we could just make a two-hour plane ride. And it makes an im pact on the team.

“I mean, we’ve had times to where peo ple didn’t even have enough seats on the bus,” he continued, “and we’re just kind of all locked up or having to make mul tiple trips to get somewhere because we don’t have enough room to bring every body.

“So, it means a lot. Gives us the op portunity to try to feel more like a sports program because we see other sports pro grams get to travel like that. And we never necessarily got to.”

Hydrant Plan Submitted

is a need to order equipment early,” he wrote. “Firstly, due to the fact suppliers have delays in parts and manufacturing which have now created a production time of 24 months for Fire Engines and 30+ months on fire trucks.”

He said that this “national situation” has caused many departments to place “so many orders there is now a waiting list in production.”

And, Gormany continued, “the longer the City waits to place orders the costs in crease, and larger departments are given preference due to the size and scope of their orders.”

Gormany wrote that the city has spo ken with the three largest manufactur ers of these types of vehicles, and has determined that fire engines cost around $850,000 each and trucks cost around $2 million each.

Finally, the city is asking for $400,000 in ARPA aid to spend on fire hydrant repairs. “In the area of fire hydrants, the Fire Ser vice currently has just over 100 of our approximately 2,134 hydrants out of ser vice,” Gormany wrote. “Fire Services has the need to purchase complete hydrants and parts to make replacements and re pairs. In addition, there are some our shop cannot repair or replace and must request this service from the Regional Water Au thority. These costs range from $3,000.00 to $7,000.00. The City is requesting $400,000.00 to start short term project of repairing and replacing hydrants in our critical areas.”

Kevin Walton, far right.

Smartwatch Heart Data Has Lower Accuracy For Black Users

by Dominique Lambright, BlackDoctor.org

A new study suggests that the accuracy of smartwatches and other fitness trackers may be lacking for individuals of color, despite the fact that millions of Americans use these devices to monitor their heart rates.

Studies & Tests

The review of 10 previous studies revealed that, in four of them, wearable sensors were obviously inaccurate when it came to measuring the heart rates of people with darker skin tones. As was discovered in those two earlier investigations, this was the case for some of the devices they tested, but not all.

In light of the fact that Apple Watches, Fitbits, and other “wearables” are used for more than just monitoring physical activity, the researchers find the disparity to be cause for worry. For instance, if a user’s heart rate is excessively high or low or shows symptoms of atrial fibrillation (a common cardiac rhythm disorder), the Apple Watch may alert them.

“Now these gadgets are being advertised as a means to monitor your health,” says Dr. Daniel Koerber, the study’s principal researcher and a resident physician at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. Thus, inaccurate readings may

prompt unneeded trips to the doctor when a person’s perceived heart rate is either too high or too low.

Limitations

People with alarming findings should see a doctor, although those with darker skin tones should be mindful of the test’s

lower accuracy. It’s important to “take these readings with a grain of salt,” Koerber adds.

In Washington, DC, Koerber presents his results to the American College of Cardiology (ACC). Preliminary studies presented at conferences are often not taken seriously until they have been published

in a reputable publication.

Wearable fitness devices are commonplace. Twenty-one percent of Americans, including 26% of Hispanics and 23% of Blacks, reported daily usage of a wristwatch or fitness tracker in a poll conducted by Pew Research in 2021.

The gadgets’ inaccuracy on darker skin tones is not a new problem. The problem starts with the fundamental technology that underpins most wearables. Light transmitted through the skin is analyzed for changes in blood volume to calculate the heart rate. Typically, the signal in question will be green.

Melanin, the skin’s pigment, absorbs green light more easily due to its shorter wavelength. Further, green light is distinct from the infrared light used in high-tech medical screens. Darker skin filters more green light, reducing the precision of the device’s readings.

If It’s Not A Help, It’s A Hindrance Devices like this are employed in employee wellness programs, so any discrepancies might have serious consequences. Many businesses provide financial incentives to workers who use fitness trackers, such as paid time off or even reduced health insurance prices.

Manufacturers of affected devices are aware of the problem and, according to their statements, are working to fix it

(such as adjusting algorithms). Apple has acknowledged that green light and “intermittent” infrared light are used in their technologies.

At this time, it’s not obvious whether improvements to the devices’ technology have truly improved their accuracy for people with a darker complexion. It’s becoming frustrating that they can’t guarantee that all customers will have the same experience with the products they buy.

It is hoped that if these gadgets continue to improve, one day, they will be able to effectively and accurately calculate data across all ethnicities. For the time being, users should be advised that the device’s accuracy may not be optimal for their skin tone. You may bring the gadget with you to your next doctor’s visit to compare the results.

RELATED: Can Fitness Trackers Track the Severity of COVID Symptoms?

Clinical Trials

In all, 469 people participated in 10 investigations that formed the basis for the present results. There was a discrepancy in heart rate readings depending on skin tone, although not for everyone. According to Koerber, these results highlight the need for more studies to guarantee that digital technologies are inclusive of all individuals.

needs may change over time but one thing that doesn’t have to change is the comfort of being at home. The Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders, or CHCPE, helps people 65+ get the care they need right at home. Services can include housekeeping, personal care, home-delivered meals, and more.

Black Panther’s Ryan Coogler: From Doctor To Hollywood Director

by Christian Carter, BDO Assignment Reporter

He’s Marvel Studios’ youngest film maker and with the success of “Black Panther,” his third film, which brought in a record-breaking $235 million during its opening weekend, and hit over $1 Bil lion worldwide, writer and director Ryan Coogler has quickly become a fixture in Hollywood.

In 2013, he gained attention and ac claim at the Sundance Film Festival with the release of his debut film “Fruitvale Station.” In 2018, he was hailed by In dieWire as a next-generation Steven Spielberg.

The 36-year-old has also directed and written for “Creed”, “Judas and the Black Messiah”, and “Space Jam: A New Legacy. Now he’s set to garner atten tion from the highly anticipated sequel to “Black Panther”, which is appropri ately titled “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”. The sequel will pay tribute to Chadwick Boseman, who passed away in 2020 from colon cancer.

Although this talented filmmaker has garnered success in the movie industry, he almost went down another path. The story dates back to his childhood in Oak land, California. At the time, Coogler had no idea that filmmaking would one day be his calling. He explains to Filmmaker Magazine that up until college he had aspirations to play football and become a doctor.

That’s right, a doctor. He wanted to go play football and become a doctor to be an inspiration to others. But God had a different plan.

The school he was going to, Saint Mary’s canceled its football program af ter he was there only a year, so the young wide receiver got another scholarship,

this time to Sacramento State. There he changed his major to finance while tak ing every film class he could because of a conversation he had with his English professor, Rosemary Graham, who en couraged him to become a screenwriter.

“She looked at my essays and told me I had a creative eye, that I should go to Hollywood and write screenplays,” he said. “I thought, ‘Where is she getting this?’ Then I thought ‘Why not?’ I went on the Internet, learned how to write a screenplay, and fell in love with it.”

By graduation, he was “all-in” with filmmaking. Another one of his profes sors had told him about USC film school. “It was either go there or play wide re ceiver. I was short, and my prospects weren’t the highest, so I jumped off that cliff and drove to L.A.”

Getting into USC’s film school was very difficult. Ryan said 45 students are ac cepted each semester from a list of 400 to 700 applicants, who are judged solely on writing samples.

Living out of a car for his first semester, Coogler made a series of short films.

“This story has to be told,” said Ira Coogler, Ryan’s father to the East Bay Times right before Ryan was about to go to grad school. “People in the neigh borhood have to see it — the parents, the kids. Just hang in there and believe. There’s delayed gratification.”

“The reason I’m here now, standing proud, is my mom and dad,” explains Ryan. “Take them away and my story could be one you hear all the time.”

Ira, a San Francisco probation officer, introduced his three boys to sports, driv ing them to events around the Bay Area so they could play in safe conditions, and also coached them.

His mother, Joselyn, was a community organizer in Oakland, and introduced Ryan to the movies, thereby planting a seed. They watched movies together all the time.

ra also brought the strict discipline so needed in the inner city, with its senseless violence and mounting homicide figures. Dad made certain his three sons knew that the word “home” didn’t mean the Richmond streets.

“He was and still is (a disciplinarian),” Ryan said. “It was difficult to accept at first, but I did. I thought I knew every thing. As I got older, I started realizing what was going on more, and I saw what my father was talking about come to light, and it was the right thing.”

The father knew from years of experi ence.

“I’ve been in corrections 25 years and I still believe it’s (about) choices,” Ira said. “At some point, there’s ‘the call of the wild.’ I had friends who were notorious drug dealers in the area. But my father always told me I had two choices: The right way and the wrong way.”

“My parents went to college, so I went to college,” he said. “But if my dad was a drug dealer, I would have been a drug dealer.”

Panther’s

Ryan Coogler Black

The article made a prediction 14 years ago: “Some day, Richmond residents will be watching the Academy Awards and there might be Ryan Coogler, handsome and resplendent in a tuxedo, and smiling into the television camera as he hears his name called as an Oscar winner.”

Well, I think he’s well on his way.

Russia Transfers Brittney Griner to Dreaded Penal Colony

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Attorneys for Griner said they don’t expect to know her exact location for a couple of weeks.

Russian authorities have transferred Brittney Griner to the country’s dread ed penal colony, a move that, while ex pected, she and her family had hoped could be avoided.

Attorneys for Griner said they don’t expect to know her exact location for a couple of weeks.

Russian officials jailed Griner in Feb ruary when authorities arrested her at a Moscow airport after finding a small amount of cannabis oil in her luggage.

A court convicted Griner in August of trying to smuggle narcotics. She re

ceived a nine-year sentence, which an appeals court upheld last month.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said President Biden had directed all in the administration to prevail on her “Russian captors” to im prove Griner’s treatment and the con ditions many must endure in the coun try’s penal colony.

Individuals who’ve spent time at one of Russia’s infamous penal colonies reported that prisoners aren’t allowed outside contact for weeks.

The colonies are notorious for correc tions officers’ repeated abuse of prison ers, violence among inmates, lack of food, and inadequate sanitation.

Confirmed reports said the United States government had offered to swap the so-called “Merchant of Death” Vik

tor Bout for Griner and another impris oned American, Paul Whelan.

Bout, who’s serving a 25-year fed eral prison sentence and notorious for his desire to kill Americans, reportedly has been at the top of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s wish list.

“We communicated a substantial of fer that we believe could be success ful based on a history of conversations with the Russians,” a senior admin istration official said earlier this year.

“We communicated that many weeks ago, in June.”

The families of Whelan, who Rus sia has held for alleged espionage since 2018, and WNBA star Griner, jailed in Moscow for drug possession since February, have urged the White House to secure their release, including via a

prisoner exchange, if necessary, the re port stated.

During her court testimony, Griner said she’s still unsure how cannabis oil ended up in her luggage.

She said a doctor recommended can nabis oil for her injuries on the basket ball court.

“I still don’t understand to this day how they ended up in my bags,” Griner said, adding that she was aware of the Russian law outlawing cannabis oil and that she had not intended to break it.

“I didn’t have any intention to use or keep in my possession any substance that is prohibited in Russia,” Griner said.

U.S. officials continue to wait for word from the Russian government on whether they will accept the swap.

Tiffany Cross Show “Cross Connection” on MSNBC Unexpectedly Ends

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Correspondent

Without detailed explanation and days before one of the most consequential mid term elections in recent memory, MSNBC decided to end its contract with MSNBC host Tiffany Cross. The staff who work on her show was informed of the change on Oct. 4.

Cross was host of The Cross Connec tion, which aired on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. The show was the highest rated weekend show on MSNBC, whose slogan is “this is who we are.”

The sudden end to Cross’ time at MS NBC is another moment in a string of examples of MSNBC parting ways with Black women who were either hosts or commentators at the network. The list of Black women who have departed over the last several years includes Tamron Hall, April Ryan, Melissa Harris Perry, Karen Finney and Zerlina Maxwell.

In a statement posted on social media on the evening of Nov. 4, Cross reacted say ing, “I am disheartened to learn of MS NBC’s decision to cancel The Cross Con nection, at such a crucial time — four days before the midterm elections.”

“Fresh off the heels of ‘a racial reckon ing,’ as so many have called it, we see that with progress there is always backlash. Now is not the time to retreat to politics or journalism as usual,” Cross observed.

There has been a rise in political vio lence and white supremacy in the wake of former President Donald Trump’s rise to

political prominence. Trump’s announce ment he’d run for the presidency included a racist attack on Mexican immigrants, blaming them for crime in the U.S.

“When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best. They’re not send ing you. They’re not sending you. They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems with us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bring ing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I as sume, are good people,” Trump said dur ing the June 16, 2015 campaign kickoff announcement in New York.

Prior to that statement, Trump had spent years attempting to falsely claim that President Barack Obama was born in Ke nya and somehow elected illegitimately though President Obama was born in the U.S.

On June 17, 2015 a white supremacist, Dylann Roof, murdered nine Black people by shooting them to death at point blank range during a bible study at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Those mur dered by Roof including the church’s senior pastor: State Senator Clementa Pinckney.

During his time in office, Trump hired two white supremacist who often plat formed and pushed policies and messag ing that has been used by racists: Steve Bannon and Stephen Miller.

The FBI has reported a notable uptick in political threats and violence and named the number one threat in the U.S: as politi cally driven domestic terrorism.

On Aug. 4, FBI Director Christopher Wray told Congress that, “the greatest ter rorism threat to our homeland is posed by lone actors or small cells who typically radicalize to violence online and look to attack soft targets with easily accessible weapons. We see these threats manifested within both domestic violent extremists and homegrown violent extremists… In dividuals who commit violent criminal acts in furtherance of social or political goals stemming from domestic influ ences—some of which include racial or ethnic bias, or anti-government or antiauthority sentiments.”

In 2017, a hate filled white supremacists riot broke out in Charlottesville, Va. and a counter-protester was murdered after a

white supremacist deliberately drove his car into a crowd of counter-protesters. President Trump did little to push back against the racist Charlottesville rioters and instead said “there are very good peo ple on both sides.”

In Jan. 2021, the U.S. Capitol was vio lently attacked by Trump supporters short ly after he incited them in a a speech to go to the Capitol on the day President Biden’s 8 million vote victory over Trump was to be certified.

Last week, House Speaker Nancy Pe losi’s husband Paul Pelosi, 82, was vio lently attacked in his home by an intruder who struck him with a hammer. The indi vidual trafficked in false online conspiracy theories around election fraud and QAnon

driven paranoia.

At a time of rising political division and deliberate misinformation and disinforma tion, MSNBC is removing an on-air pres ence pushing back against growing racist and fascist trends in politics. Cross was recently a target of Fox News host Tucker Carlson. The silence of MSNBC on Carl son’s attack was noted by many on social media.

“So just right before a crucial election cycle the plug is pulled on @tiffanyd cross? What’s going on @msnbc?! First @mharrisperry & now this….I know the numbers were right….what’s goin on?” Wrote music artist and producer Quest love on twitter on Nov. 4.

“WTH?! First @ZerlinaMaxwell now suddenly @TiffanyDCross is out @ms nbc? Pro Tip: Reversing 2020’s equality by ruthlessly purging people of color or taking hints on how to treat your hosts from Tucker & Fox News won’t appease Trump & the armed insurrectionists. They hate you,” wrote Malcolm Nance, a MS NBC contributor.

MSNBC announced Cross Connection’s debut in December 2020 along with a Sunday show hosted by Jonathan Cape hart. Moving forward, MSNBC will have different hosts in the Saturday 10 a.m. slot to replace Cross.

Lauren Victoria Burke is an indepen dent journalist and the host of the podcast BURKEFILE. She is a political analyst who appears regularly on #RolandMarti nUnfiltered.

Chuck D on Death of Takeoff: ‘When Corporations Show Up God Leaves the Room’

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

As family, friends, and fans, continue to mourn the death of Migos member Takeoff, the demand for hip-hop to take a stand against gun violence has grown.

While many have expressed disbelief and anger that the shooting death of the 28-year-old, whose real name is Kirshnik Khari Ball, took place allegedly because of an argument over a dice game.

Fans on social media and the mainstream press have quickly tossed blame at everyone from Takeoff’s bandmate Quavo to clothing boss J. Prince Jr. and even to the slain rap star himself.

And as always, hip-hop has come under fire

That’s no surprise to legendary Public Enemy frontman Chuck D, whom most recognize as hip-hop’s voice of reason.

In putting in a perspective as perhaps only the “Fight the Power” artist can, Chuck noted that any other industry that has seen as many fatalities as hip-hop would have addressed that issue long ago.

And Chuck doesn’t put the blame entirely on the artists.

“This curiosity of what is this hip-hop thing, what is this Black thing. The world always seems to want to know and mimic our greatness,” Chuck asserted in a 30-minute interview with the Black Press of America’s live morning news program, “Let It Be Known.

“And if they can find a way to finance and have our people mimic us at our worst – the stereotype that generalizes us as a bunch of murderous thugs and metastasize that over a 10-15-20-year period as being normal, then we got a problem.”

He continued:

“I don’t blame the youth. You’ve got to blame some adults hiding behind the scenes, pied piping and pied papering all of this madness and making this kind of thing seem normal. Was there a shootout at a dice game? Yes. Were Black men involved in that circle? Yes. But it’s somebody pushing buttons and pulling levers and not only doing so but they have been greatly enriched financially by these incidents.”

Takeoff’s death counts among a string of murders in the hip-hop community over the past several years.

Other high-profile murders include PnB Rock, Pop Smoke, XXXTentacion, Nipsey Hustle, King Von, and Young Dolph.

“I was in college when Biggie and ‘Pac was killed and thought there was no way we’d ever experience anything remotely close to that again,” media personality Jemele Hill tweeted following Takeoff’s death.

“Now,” Hill continued. “It’s happening so frequently that you barely have time to recover before someone else is killed.”

Chuck noted that a large part of the argument about hip-hop deaths and violence comes from many who don’t consider all available facts.

“There are hundreds of thousands of artists out there,” he said when asked whether the younger artists pay attention to the old heads.

“Who do you count? Do you count the more successful ones because more people like them? When we start getting into followers and likes, those algorithms don’t add up to who we are as a people,” Chuck insisted.

He explained:

“I have ten stations on Rap Station (Radio). We play artists from the underground and under-found. We play artists with a 10-15-year career, women worldwide

and in more abundance than in the United States.”

Chuck continued: “If you only pay attention to what’s being washed up on your shores, you’re going to get a limited view of what it really is. There is really no kind of educational forum that people can go to like in other aspects of life. Our arts and culture should be taught to us. If we don’t control our educational curriculum, we’re going to let corporations teach us. And, whenever corporations show up, God walks out the door.”

In a recent podcast, Takeoff spoke about receiving his flowers before he died.

“It’s time to pop it,” Takeoff said on “Drink Champs.”

“It’s time to give me my flowers. I don’t

want them later when I’m not here. I want them right now.”

Chuck said the life artists today lead today, compared to earlier hip-hop stars, is different.

“At the beginning of hip-hop, especially in the real beginning, cats wanted to get away from that,” Chuck recounted.

“They didn’t want to be in the Bronx. New York City had been deemphasized and abandoned by the U.S.A. during a tough fiscal time post-Nixon. Cats saw the emergence of hard drugs coming in out of nowhere. Guns coming out of nowhere, and cats wanted to get away from that, and they didn’t want to [rhyme] about that in the 1980s.

He concluded:

“You had MCs and rappers who adhered to those values and qualities. We could have “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five that talked about what’s going on, but they also made party records to not talk about things people saw every day.

“There was a balance to at least try to bring good times into the picture. People often said Public Enemy bought a political message, but we came from the 1960s, so we remember a time of being broke but not broken.

“Many cats came from the 1970s doing hip hop in the 1980s and 1990s.

“We came from the Black Panther Party doing lunch programs, the Nation of Islam doing things in the neighborhood. We remember Dr. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X being assassinated when they were living people to us.

“On my birth certificate, it says ‘Negro.’ I remember being ‘Colored’ and ‘Black is Beautiful.’ That’s a different period that has been kind of pushed under the rug in Americana.”

Fauci to step down in December

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Dr. Anthony Fauci, who quickly became the face — and, for many, the voice of reason — of the federal government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, announced earlier this year that he would leave government service in December.

Fauci, who has served as chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden and seven other presidents, as well as the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for the past 38 years, said he is ready to “pursue the next chapter” of his career.

“While I am moving on from my current positions, I am not retiring. After more than 50 years of government service, I plan to pursue the next phase of my career while I still have so much energy and passion for my field,” he said in a statement.

“I want to use what I have learned as NIAID Director to continue to advance science and public health and to inspire and mentor the next generation of scientific leaders as they help prepare the world to face future infectious disease threats.

Fauci’s career at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases began in the 1980s under the administration

of Ronald Reagan. In 2008, President George W. Bush presented him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Fauci helped America navigate the coronavirus pandemic despite public clashes with President Donald Trump. He also proved instrumental in several other health crises, including HIV/AIDS.

“During my time as Vice President, I worked closely with Dr. Anthony Fauci on the United States’ response to Zika and Ebola,” Biden said in a statement. “I came to know him as a dedicated public servant, and a steady hand with wisdom and insight honed over decades at the forefront of some of our most dangerous and challenging public health crises.

“When it came time to build a team to lead our COVID-19 response – in fact, in one of my first calls as president-elect –I immediately asked Dr. Fauci to extend his service as my chief medical advisor to deal with the COVID-19 crisis our nation faced,” Biden said. “In that role, I’ve been able to call him at any hour of the day for his advice as we’ve tackled this once-ina-generation pandemic. His commitment to the work is unwavering, and he does it with an unparalleled spirit, energy, and scientific integrity.”

Laura Hut c hinson

Jackson State clinches SWAC East in hard-fought win over Alabama A&M

by HBCU Sports

Despite playing its sloppiest game of the season and losing Shedeur Sanders to an injury, the Tigers are on top again.

The first step in Deion Sanders’ mission to dominate the 2022 season is complete after Jackson State overcame let another slow start and second-half injury to start ing quarterback Shedeur Sanders to grind out a 27-13 win over Alabama A&M and clinch the SWAC East championship Sat urday night at the Gulf Coast Classic.

The sophomore quarterback took a hard hit in the third quarter following a scram ble and remained on the field for several minutes before walking to the sideline un der his own power after being examined.

Sanders went 12-for-20 passing for 164 yards and three touchdowns prior to the injury, which is undisclosed. Backup QB

“Impossible for Her to Sing”

by Tarshua Carter Williamson, BlackDoctor.org

Grammy-winning singer and musician

Roberta Flack has been left unable to sing after being diagnosed with ALS, a form of motor neurone disease.

On Sunday, a representative for R&B singer Roberta Flack announced that she had been diagnosed with ALS, which has “made it impossible to sing.”

Flack had three hits top the Billboard Hot 100 chart during the 1970s. Her first was “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in 1972, then “Killing Me Softly With His Song” the next year, according to Bill board. “Feel Like Makin’ Love” in 1974 capped that run. “Killing Me Softly With His Song” charged back into the music scene when the Fugees covered the song. Their version won the Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocal in 1997. Flack has won four Grammy awards herself. The Recording Academy’s National Trustees awarded Flack with its lifetime achievement award in 2020.

A documentary about her life is set to have its premiere next week in New York. She also has plans to publish a children’s book in January.

In addition to Killing Me Softly, Flack is known for songs including The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, which launched her to stardom after it was used in Clint East wood film Play Misty for Me.

Her condition – Amyotrophic lateral scle rosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease – “has made it impossible to sing and not easy to speak,” her management said in a statement.

“But it will take a lot more than ALS to silence this icon,” they said, adding that she “plans to stay active in her musical and creative pursuits”.

of Flack’s film and book re lease next year coincides with the 50th an niversary of her fourth album Killing Me Softly With His Song, which was released in 1973.

There is no known cure for ALS, which is caused by the death of the nerves that carry messages from the brain to people’s muscles. According to the National Insti tutes of Health, ALS is a rare neurologi cal disease that primarily affects the nerve cells (neurons) responsible for control ling voluntary muscle movement (those muscles we choose to move). Voluntary muscles produce movements like chew ing, walking, and talking. The disease is progressive, meaning the symptoms get worse over time. Currently, there is no cure for ALS and no effective treatment

to halt or reverse the progression of the disease.

ALS belongs to a wider group of dis orders known as motor neuron diseases, which are caused by gradual deteriora tion (degeneration) and death of motor neurons. Motor neurons are nerve cells that extend from the brain to the spinal cord and to muscles throughout the body. As motor neurons degenerate, they stop sending messages to the muscles and the muscles gradually weaken, start to twitch, and waste away (atrophy). Eventually, the brain loses its ability to initiate and control voluntary movements.

ALS Symptoms

Early symptoms of ALS include:

• Muscle twitches in the arm, leg, shoul der, or tongue

• Muscle cramps

• Tight and stiff muscles (spasticity)

• Muscle weakness affecting an arm, a leg, the neck, or diaphragm

• Slurred and nasal speech

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing

The first sign of ALS usually appears in the hand or arm and can show as dif ficulty with simple tasks such as buttoning a shirt, writing, or turning a key in a lock. In other cases, symptoms initially affect one leg. People experience awkwardness when walking or running, or they may trip or stumble more often.

After the singer suffered a stroke in 2016, she told the Associated Press news agency that wants her songs to be remembered as “classics” and and not just an “old hit”.

“I could sing any number of songs that I’ve recorded through the years, easily, I could sing them, but I’m going to pick those songs that move me,” Flack said.

“Now that’s hard to do. To be moved, to be moved constantly by your own songs.”

backup J.P. Andrade replaced Sanders the rest of the way. The Ohio State transfer finished 3-for-8 passing for 19 yards over the final quarter.

True freshman Travis Hunter scored his first collegiate TD in the first quarter on a 20-yard catch and run to open the scoring for JSU. The five-star recruit — playing defensive back — then later intercepted a Quincy Casey pass, also his first as a col lege player.

Jackson State is 10-0 for the first time in program history. They are seeking to become the first SWAC school to go un beaten in conference play in consecutive seasons since Grambling State accom plished the feat in 2016 and 2017.

Jackson State will host the SWAC Championship Game at Mississippi Vet erans Memorial Stadium in Jackson on Dec. 3.

Dallas Wings Name New Head Coach

By Dorothy Gentry Sports Editor Texas Metro News

The Dallas Wings are hoping the fifth time is the charm. The WNBA team on Monday announced the hiring of Latricia Trammell to serve as the organization’s next head coach. It will be the Wings’ fifth head coach in five seasons. She will be for mally introduced at a press conference on Friday, Nov. 11 at 12 p.m. CST at Troy’s at Texas Live! in Irving. The press confer ence will also be available for fans via live stream on the Wings’ Facebook Page.

Trammell joins the Wings after spending the previous four seasons with the Los An geles Sparks. She was part of a staff that led a top-three defensive net rating for three consecutive years from 2019 to 2021. Over the past four seasons, Los Angeles also saw four players named to the WNBA All-De fensive teams, including the 2020 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year in Candace Parker. Prior to her time in LA, Trammell spent one season as an assistant coach with the San Antonio Stars in 2017.

She replaces Vickie Johnson who was fired in September after two seasons de spite the team finishing this past season with their best record since the Wings moved to Dallas in 2016 from Tulsa. “I’m thrilled to be joining the Dallas Wings and I am honored and excited to lead this talent ed roster,” Trammell said. “I’d like to thank Greg Bibb and Bill Cameron for their belief in me. The investment by this ownership group in the success of the Wings, both on and off the court, is incredibly impressive. I believe my coaching experiences at every level have prepared me for this opportunity and I can’t wait to get to work on behalf of this team, these loyal fans and the entire North Texas community.”

Trammell has almost 30 years of coach ing experience. She spent three seasons at the helm of Oklahoma City University where the team won back-to-back NAIA National Championships in 2014 and 2015. Trammell was named NAIA Coach of the Year in both seasons. Trammell recorded a

record of 85-10 over the course of her time at OKCU. Prior to her time at Oklahoma City, she spent five seasons at Western State (Colo.) University and ranks third alltime in wins in the history of the program. Overall, she totaled a 150-86 (.664) colle giate coaching record. Prior to joining the collegiate ranks, Trammel spent six years coaching high school girls’ basketball in Texas and Oklahoma, tallying a 105-45 (.700) record.

“We are pleased to welcome Latricia Trammell as the head coach of the Dal las Wings,” President & CEO Greg Bibb stated. “Coach Trammell has proven to be a winner at every level of basketball she has coached, including the WNBA. I have long admired the approach Latricia takes with coaching, which includes exhaustive preparation, an emphasis on communica tion and relationships, and a continual de sire to learn and grow her craft. I’m excited to watch Latricia lead our talented roster as we continue our on court growth in pursuit of a WNBA Championship.”

Legendary Singer, Roberta Flack, Diagnosed with ALS

American singer Roberta Flack performs live on stage at the Newport Jazz Festival in Newport, Rhode Island on 2nd July 1971. (Photo by David Redfern/Redferns) The timing

Listing: Technician Apprentice

NOTICE

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

thee most high, am the living man :shardel, heir, to the kingdom of our creator and where yeshua hamasia is lord and savior and thee ragin estate. i reserve all my rights. i am not and nor have i ever been a corporate fiction. an indigenous-aboriginal on the land constitutionally doing business in the public as north american, connecticut national without the u.s corporation. for inquires sending notices to the ragin estate executor: el, ragin shardel in care of: vitagus wamble society trust 3961 floyd road suite 395 austell, country: georgia [30106] by: el-ragin :shardel, trust enforcer. in care of: trustee, el-mcclain-ragin, sheneane, attorney-in-fact.

Housing Authority the City of Bridgeport Request for Proposal (RFP) Project-Based Voucher Solicitation Number: 221-HCV-22-S

HOME INC, on behalf of Columbus House and the New Haven Housing Authority, is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this development located at 108 Frank Street, New Haven. Maximum income limitations apply. Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon request by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed preapplications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, Third Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.

Petroleum Company has an immediate opening for a full time HVAC/ Oil/Heating Technician Apprentice. Candidate must possess a technical school certificate in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, oil, propane and natural gas. Send resume to: HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guil ford, CT 06437 or email HRDept@eastriverenergy.com

**An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer**

Dawn@rothacontracting.com.

NOTICIA

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport (HACB) d/b/a Park City Communities (PCC) is seeking proposals from developers and owners of New Construction, substan tial rehabilitation projects, or existing units that desire to enter into an Agreement for a Housing Assistance Payment (AHAP) Contract for Project Base Vouchers (PBVs) for Contract Units under PCC’s Project Based Voucher Program. Under this Request for Proposals, PCC will make available PBVs for units that will house extremely low and very low income households. A complete set of RFP documents can be obtained on October 24, 2022, by emailing your request to bids@parkcitycommunities.org, please reference solicitation number and title on the subject line. Additional questions should be emailed only to bids@parkcitycommunities.org. Proposals shall be mailed, or hand delivered to Ms. Caroline Sanchez, Director of Procurement,150 Highland Ave, Bridge port, CT 06604. This RFP will remain Open until Completion of PBV.

HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo ubicado en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 julio, 2016 hasta cuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100) en las oficinas de HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas por correo a petición llamando a HOME INC al 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse a las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510

The Town of Wallingford is seeking responsible candidates to perform 911, police, fire and EMS emergency dispatching duties. Must be able to work under stressful conditions and be able to type information with a high rate of speed and accuracy. Must be able to work all three shifts including weekends and holidays and be able to work additional shifts beyond the regular shift schedule. Requires a H.S. or business school diploma with courses in typing and 2 years of responsible office work experience. Wages: $ 23.72 ~ $28.28 hourly plus shift differential and excellent fringe benefits. Closing date is No vember 18, 2022, or the date of receipt of the 50th application, whichever occurs first. Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main St., Wall ingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. Phone: 203-294-2080, Fax: 203-294-2084. EOE.

The Guilford Housing Authority is currently accepting applica tions for single person and two person households for apartment waitlist at Guilford Court and Boston Terrace in Guilford, CT. Applicants must be age 62 and over or on 100% social security or federal disability and over the age of 18. Applications may be obtained by call the application line at 203-453-6262 EXT 107. Applications will be accepted until November 23, 2022 at 4PM. Credit, police, landlord checks are procured by the Authority. Smoking is prohibited in the units.

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Sealed bids are invited by the Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour until 3:00 pm on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at its office at 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk Repairs and Replacement at the Smithfield Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour.

A pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith Street Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016.

Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority Office, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579.

The Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to reduce the scope of the project to reflect available funding, and to waive any informalities in the bidding, if such actions are in the best interest of the

Listing: HVAC Technician

Fast paced Petroleum Company is hiring for a full time, CT HVAC Technician. License required – S-10,S-2, B2, D2 and G2. Applicant must have experience in oil, propane, natural gas and A/C. Competi tive wage, 401(k), sign on bonus and benefits. Send resume to: HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437 or email HRDept@east riverenergy.com

**An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer**

THE

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE

CITY

OF NORWALK,

CT IS REQUESTING

PROPOSALS

FROM QUALIFIED FIRMS FOR INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SERVICE. TO OBTAIN A COMPLETE COPY OF THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS, CONTACT GUILLERMO BENDANA, PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST AT GBENDA@NORWALKHA. ORG PROPOSALS ARE DUE AT 2:00 P.M. ON 11/29/2022 NORWALK HOUSING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOY ER. ADAM BOVILSKY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.

Project Engineer job opening available for a growing / established Heavy Highway Construction Con tractor based out of Avon, CT. Tasks include takeoffs, CAD drafting, computations, surveying, office engi neering, submittals, other miscellaneous engineering tasks. Competitive compensation package based on experience. Many opportunities for growth for the right individual. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Please email your resume to

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

Construction

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE

Construction Equipment Mechanic preferably experienced in Reclaiming and Road Milling Equipment. We offer factory training on equipment we operate. Location: Bloomfield CT We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits

Contact: Tom Dunay Phone: 860- 243-2300

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Seeking to employ experienced individuals in the labor, foreman, operator and teamster trades for a heavy outside work statewide. Reliable personal transportation and a valid drivers license required. To apply please call (860) 6211720 or send resume to: Personnel Department, P.O. Box 368, Cheshire, CT06410.

Request for Proposals (RFP) for Services

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management, is seeking proposals to provide certain services related to a Community Engage ment Training Program.

Email: tom.dunay@garrityasphalt.com Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc seeks:

Reclaimer Operators and Milling Operators with current licensing and clean driving record, be willing to travel throughout the Northeast & NY. We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits

HOME INC, on behalf of Columbus House and the New Haven Housing Authority, is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this development located at 108 Frank Street, New Haven. Maximum income limitations apply. Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon request by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed preapplications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, Third Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V Drug Free Workforce

0

PVC FENCE PRODUCTION

The intent of the request is to identify individuals or firms with the neces sary expertise to provide administration of the Community Engagement Training Program within a stated timeframe.

The RFP is available online at: https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/ BidBoard and https://portal.ct.gov/OPM/Root/RFP/Request-ForProposals or from Emily Burnett, Office of Policy and Management, Criminal Justice Policy and Planning Division, 450 Capitol Ave., MS#52C JP, Hartford, Connecticut 06106-1379. E-mail: Emily.Burnett@ct.gov Telephone (860) 418-6365. Deadline for response submission is 5:00 P.M., December 1, 2022.

NOTICIA

Contact: Rick Tousignant Phone: 860- 243-2300

Email: rick.tousignant@garrityasphalt.com

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

Large CT Fence Company looking for an individual for our PVC Fence Production Shop. Experience preferred but will train the right person. Must be familiar with carpentry hand & power tools and be able to read a CAD drawing and tape measure. Use of CNC Router machine a plus but not required, will train the right person. This is an in-shop production position. Duties include building fence panels, posts, gates and more. Must have a valid CT driver’s license & be able to obtain a Drivers Medical Card. Must be able to pass a physical and drug test. Please email resume to pboucher@atlasoutdoor.com. AA/EOE-MF

Commercial Driver CLASS A

Union Company seeks:

Tractor Trailer Driver for Heavy & Highway Construction Equipment. Must have a CDL License, clean driving record, capable of operating heavy equipment; be willing to travel throughout the Northeast & NY. We offer excellent hourly rate & excellent benefits

HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo ubicado en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 julio, 2016 hasta cuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100) en las oficinas de HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas por correo a petición llamando a HOME INC al 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse a las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510

Contact Dana at 860-243-2300

Email: dana.briere@garrityasphalt.com

Women & Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer

Construction

Seeking to employ experienced individuals in the labor, foreman, operator and teamster trades for a heavy outside work statewide. Reliable personal transportation and a valid drivers license required. To apply please call (860) 621-1720 or send resume to: Personnel Department, P.O. Box 368, Cheshire, CT06410.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V Drug Free Workforce

Immediate opening for a Class A full time driver for petroleum/like products deliveries for nights and weekends. Previous experience required. Send resume to: HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437 or email: hrdept@eastriverenergy.com

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer**********

Project Engineer

job opening available for a growing / established Heavy Highway Construction Contractor based out of Avon, CT. Tasks include takeoffs, CAD drafting, computations, surveying, office engineering, submittals, other miscellaneous engineering tasks. Competitive compensation package based on experience. Many opportunities for growth for the right individual. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Please email your resume to Dawn@rothacontracting.com.

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Labor Relations Specialist. Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions for this position are available at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/ CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?R1= 220815&R2=5256MP&R3=001

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

LAROSA GROUPS IS GROWING

LaRosa Earth Group LLC, a Site/Excavation Company is currently looking to add the following full-time positions to our Team:

Site Work Foreman:

Invitation to Bid: 2nd Notice SAYEBROOKE VILLAGE Old Saybrook, CT (4 Buildings, 17 Units) Tax Exempt & Not Prevailing Wage Rate Project New Construction, Wood Framed, Housing, Selective Demolition, Site-work, Castin-place Concrete, Asphalt Shingles, Vinyl Siding, Flooring, Painting, Division 10 Specialties, Appliances, Residential Casework, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection. This contract is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements.

Immediate opening for an experienced foreman for site work company. Good communication and organization skills a must. Must be able to read blueprints, perform site layout, operate equipment, schedule and supervise construction crews. CDL and P6 or P7 License preferred.

Equipment Operators:

Immediate

Bid Extended, Due Date: August 5, 2016 Anticipated Start: August 15, 2016 Project documents available via ftp link below: http://ftp.cbtghosting.com/loginok.html?username=sayebrookevillage Fax or Email Questions & Bids to: Dawn Lang @ 203-881-8372 dawnlang@haynesconstruction.com HCC encourages the participation of all Veteran, S/W/MBE & Section 3

Construction Laborers:

Laborers needed for immediate start for winter work for local site work company. Responsible for movement of earth materials, cleaning and removal of job site debris. Must be able to lift, carry and use hand tools.

For all positions listed above please fax resume to 203-630-1998, email to HR@LaRosaBG.com or apply in person at LaRosa Earth Group, 163 Research Parkway, Meriden, CT. AA/EOE.

PUBLIC WORKS

NOTICE

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport Invitation for Bid (IFB)

PT Barnum Windows Replacement

Solicitation Number: 226-MD-22-S

VALENTINA MACRI RENTAL HOUSING PRE- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

HOME INC, on behalf of Columbus House and the New Haven Housing Authority, is accepting pre-applications for studio and one-bedroom apartments at this development located at 108 Frank Street, New Haven. Maximum income limitations apply. Pre-applications will be available from 9AM TO 5PM beginning Monday Ju;y 25, 2016 and ending when sufficient pre-applications (approximately 100) have been received at the offices of HOME INC. Applications will be mailied upon request by calling HOME INC at 203-562-4663 during those hours. Completed preapplications must be returned to HOME INC’s offices at 171 Orange Street, Third Floor, New Haven, CT 06510.

MAINTAINER II - Performs a variety of semi-skilled tasks in road and grounds maintenance. Must possess 2 years’ experience as laborer in construction work involving operation and care of trucks and other mechanical equipment used in construction OR two (2) years training in one of the skilled trades and one (1) year of experience in construction operations OR an equivalent combination of experience and training. Must possess and maintain a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) Class B to operate equipment. (Provide a copy of your CDL license with your application) $23.73 - $27.82 Hourly. Applications may be obtained at the Department of Human Resources, 45 S. Main Street, Room 301, Wallingford CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. Fax (203)-294-2084 Phone: (203)-294-2080. The closing date will be the date the 50th application or resume is received or November 18, 2022, whichever occurs first. EOE

NOTICIA

Commercial Driver CLASS B

VALENTINA MACRI VIVIENDAS DE ALQUILER PRE-SOLICITUDES DISPONIBLES

Full Time Class B driver for a fast paced petroleum company for days and weekends. Previous experience required. Competitive wage, 401(k) and benefits. Send resume to: HR Manager, P. O. Box 388, Guilford, CT 06437 or email HRDept@eastriverenergy.com

HOME INC, en nombre de la Columbus House y de la New Haven Housing Authority, está aceptando pre-solicitudes para estudios y apartamentos de un dormitorio en este desarrollo ubicado en la calle 109 Frank Street, New Haven. Se aplican limitaciones de ingresos máximos. Las pre-solicitudes estarán disponibles 09 a.m.-5 p.m. comenzando Martes 25 julio, 2016 hasta cuando se han recibido suficientes pre-solicitudes (aproximadamente 100) en las oficinas de HOME INC. Las pre-solicitudes serán enviadas por correo a petición llamando a HOME INC al 203-562-4663 durante esas horas.Pre-solicitudes deberán remitirse a las oficinas de HOME INC en 171 Orange Street, tercer piso, New Haven , CT 06510

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN

(EMT)

State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

The State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management is recruiting for a Budget Specialist.

Further information regarding the duties, eligibility requirements and application instructions for this position are available at: https://www.jobapscloud.com/ CT/sup/bulpreview.asp?R1= 221014&R2=0944MP&R3=001

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport d/b/a Park City Communities (PCC) is requesting sealed bids for Windows Replacement at PT Barnum Apartments. Solicitation package will be available on November 14, 2022. To obtain a copy of the solicitation you must send your request to bids@parkcitycommunities.org, please reference solicitation number and title on the subject line. A pre-bid conference will be held at 96 Bird Street, Bridgeport, CT 06605 on December 1, 2022 @ 11:00 a.m. Attendance is mandatory, submitting a bid for the project without attending conference will be REJECTED. Additional questions should be emailed only to bids@ parkcitycommunities.org no later than December 8, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. Answers to all the questions will be posted on PCC’s Website: www.parkcitycommunities.org. Seal bids will be received until December 20, 2022 @ 2:00 p.m. at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

MINORITY CONTRACTOR OPPORTUNITY

– UCHC4 Main Building Laboratory Renovation, Farmington, CT SOLICITATION OF SBE/MBE CONTRACTORS: Enterprise Builders, Inc., an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, seeks certified SBE/MBE Subcontractors and/or suppliers and local business enterprises to bid applicable sections of work/equipment/supplies for the following construction project: UCHC4 Main Building Laboratory Renovation. This project consists of an interior renovation of a 9,500 sf which will be renovated to create a new state of the art laboratory space for research use. The renovation will require working within an occupied building, floors above and below the 2nd floor will be occupied during construction Bid Date and Time: 11/14/2022 @ 2:00pm. Electronic Plans and specifications can be obtained at no charge by contacting the Estimating Department at Enterprise Builders at (860) 466-5188 or by email to bids@enterbuilders.com. Project is Tax Exempt and will require prevailing wage rates. This project is subject to state set-aside and contract compliance requirements. EBI encourages the participation of certified SBE/MBE contractors. EBI is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

HAVEN 242-258 Fairmont Ave 2BR Townhouse, 1.5 BA, 3BR, 1 level , 1BA All new apartments, new appliances, new carpet, close to I-91 & I-95 highways, near bus stop & shopping center Pet under 40lb allowed. Interested parties contact Maria @ 860-985-8258

The Town of Wallingford is accepting applications for EMT. Must possess a H.S. diploma or G.E.D., plus one (1) year of recent experience as an EMT. Must be 18 years old and be a Connecticut or National Registry Certified EMT with CPR Certification and a valid State of Connecticut motor vehicle operator’s license. Starting wage $632.56 (weekly), plus an excellent fringe benefits package. Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. Phone (203) 294-2080. The closing date will be the date of the 50th application or resume is received or November 28, 2022, whichever occurs first.

of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

SEYMOUR HOUSING AUTHORITY

Sealed bids are invited by the Housing Authority of the Town of Seymour until 3:00 pm on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at its office at 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 for Concrete Sidewalk Repairs and Replacement at the Smithfield Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 26 Smith Street Seymour.

A pre-bid conference will be held at the Housing Authority Office 28 Smith Street Seymour, CT at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 20, 2016.

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport Invitation for Bid (IFB)

PT Barnum Roofs

Replacement

Solicitation Number: 225-MD-22-S

The Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport d/b/a Park City Communities (PCC) is requesting sealed bids for Roofs Replacement at PT Barnum Apartments. Solicitation package will be available on November 14, 2022. To obtain a copy of the solicitation you must send your request to bids@parkcitycommunities.org, please reference solicitation number and title on the subject line. A prebid conference will be held at 96 Bird Street, Bridgeport, CT 06605 on December 1, 2022 @ 10:00 a.m. Attendance is mandatory, submitting a bid for the project without attending conference will be REJECTED. Additional questions should be emailed only to bids@parkcitycommunities.org no later than December 8, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. Answers to all the questions will be posted on PCC’s Website: www.parkcitycommunities.org. Seal bids will be received until December 19, 2022 @ 2:00 p.m. at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Bidding documents are available from the Seymour Housing Authority Office, 28 Smith Street, Seymour, CT 06483 (203) 888-4579.

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

The Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to reduce the scope of the project to reflect available funding, and to waive any informalities in the bidding, if such actions are in the best interest of the

State

No Red Wave but Election Night Results Could Still Leave Democrats Feeling Blue

By Stacy M. Brown | NNPA News wire Senior National Correspondent

As Election Night turned slowly into Wednesday morning, the U.S. House and Senate balance of power remained a tossup after tens of mil lions of votes were counted nation wide.

And while crucial races like the Georgia Senate race between Repub lican Herschel Walker and Demo cratic Incumbent Sen. Raphael War nock remained too close to call, the red wave many political watchers and several mainstream media out lets predicted hadn’t developed.

In the House, where power is likely to change hands, one Democrat, Vir ginia Rep. Elaine Luria, lost her seat. However, Ohio GOP Rep. Steve Chabot also lost his House seat.

Some House seats that most pre dicted as easy Republican prey like Democratic Reps. Abigail Spanberg er of Virginia, and Chris Pappas in New Hampshire, were retained.

On Wednesday morning, Repub licans were assured of 207 House seats to 188 for Democrats. A party needs 218 seats to control the cham

ber.

No Red Wave

With Democratic Lt. Gov. John Fet terman defeating Republican Mehm et Oz for the Pennsylvania Senate seat, Democrats currently hold a 4847 seat advantage in their efforts to retain control.

As it’s been the past two years, Democrats need 50 seats to control that chamber because Vice President Kamala Harris acts as the tiebreaker.

However, the race to represent Georgia in the Senate remains sur prisingly close. Warnock awakened on Wednesday in a statistical dead heat with Walker, each at 49% of the vote with 96% of precincts counted.

Approximately 18,000 votes sepa rate the candidates. If neither candi date wins 50% of the vote, they will square off on Dec. 6 in a runoff.

The Wisconsin Senate race be tween Republican Incumbent Ron Johnson and Democrat Mandela Barnes, a Black man, was too close to call. Johnson held a slight ad vantage Wednesday morning with about 32,000 more votes or 50.6% to 49.4%.

However, most of the remaining ballots are GOP strongholds.

Meanwhile, Senate races in Ari

zona and Nevada will determine the Senate majority, and both outcomes aren’t expected for several days.

Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat, held a 52% to 45.8% lead over Blake Masters, a Republican, Wednes day morning with 66% of the votes counted.

Republican Adam Laxalt holds a 49.9% to 47.2% lead over Demo cratic Incumbent Catherine Cortez Masto in the Nevada Senate race.

Wes Moore counted among the 21 Democrats to win gubernatorial elections, making history as the first African American to win election to governor in Maryland.

Stacey Abrams conceded the Geor gia governor’s race to incumbent Re publican Brian Kemp in a rematch of their controversial and bitter 2018 contest.

“Tonight, I am doing clearly what is the responsible thing. I am sus pending my campaign for governor,” Abrams said following her loss. “I may no longer be seeking the office of governor, but I will never stop do ing everything in my power to make sure the people in Georgia have a voice.

“While I may not have crossed the

finish line, that doesn’t mean I won’t stop running for a better Georgia,” she added. “Even though my fight –our fight – for the governor’s man sion came up short, I’m pretty tall.”

Two of the nation’s most controver sial governors, Greg Abbot (R-Tex as), and Ron DeSantis (R-Florida), easily won re-election. Abbot defeat ed Beto O’Rourke, while DeSantis beat Charlie Crist.

Democratic Rep. Val Demings lost her bid for the U.S. Senate against GOP Incumbent Marco Rubio.

However, Florida voters made his tory by electing Maxwell Frost in the race to represent Florida’s 10th Con gressional District.

The 25-year-old Afro-Cuban be comes the first member of Genera tion Z elected to serve in the U.S. House.

“History was made tonight,” Frost tweeted. “We made history for Flo ridians, Gen Z, and everyone who believes we deserve a better future.”

In Pennsylvania, Austin Davis, a 32-year-old state lawyer, became the first African American elected to lieutenant governor in the Keystone State. It’s the highest position any African American has held in Penn

sylvania.

“I am deeply mindful that this is my opportunity, but it’s not an op portunity I paid for,” Davis said. “It was paid by the sweat equity and work of people who came before me. It is my responsibility to view it as while I may be the first, I’m not the last and that I blaze a trail for other minority candidates to follow in my footsteps.”

Also, Summer Lee won the race in the 12th Congressional district, becoming the first African American woman elected to Congress from Pennsylvania.

In Los Angeles, former Congres sional Black Caucus Chair Karen Bass remains hopeful in her quest for mayor.

At press time, Bass trailed bil lionaire developer Rick Caruso by less than 1,500 votes – a 50.19% to 49.81% margin.

Bass hopes to become the first Black woman to hold that job.

Voters in California, Michigan, and Vermont codified abortion rights in those states. A ballot measure to do the same in Kentucky proved too close to call as of Wednesday morn ing.

Lee Rubin, MD

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