Helping People Help Themselves August 10 - August 23, 2012 $1 Spare Change News Celebrating Our 20th Year as Boston’s Street Newspaper TesTing, TesTing...HiV Taking the Stigma Out of AIDS Screening - page 3

The Once and FuTure King Fan Boy and Photo-Essayist: Who Knew? - page 16

extreme Weather: Expect More of It - page 4

Your vendor buys this paper for 25¢ and keeps all the proceeds. Please purchase from vendors with blue badges only. 2 Spare Change News editorial August 10 - August 23, 2012 Spare Change News

is published by the HOMELESS EMPOWERMENT PROJECT (HEP)

Spare Change News Editor in Chief 1151 Massachusetts Ave. Tom Benner Cambridge, MA 02138 Poetry Editor Phone: 617-497-1595 Marc D. Goldfinger Fax: 617-868-0767 Graphic Designer E-mail: Brendan Bernard [email protected] [email protected] Puzzle Editor Samuel Weems Website: www.sparechangenews.net Cartoonist Michael Ripple HEP ADMINISTRATION Editorial Assistants Executive Director Bryant Antoine Vincent Flanagan Ashlee Avery Alison Clark Board President Chalkey Horenstein James Shearer Leanne O’Brian Adam Sennott Treasurer Noelle Swan Chris McKnett Samuel Weems Secretary Arianna Zhang Cheryl Jordan Contributing Writers Beatrice Bell Co-Clerks Bob”Bikerwolf” Bryant Michael Doore Jacques Fleury Kathrine Waite Sarah Ferris Marc D. Goldfinger Board Members Laura Kiesel Andrea Costello Caroline McHeffey Cheryl Jordon James Shearer José Mateo Elliot Strassman Michael Morisy Christopher Swan Samuel Weems Noelle Swan Bob Woodbury

Bookkeeper Distribution Managers Lisa Adams Barbara Johnson

Vendor Supervisors Mike Valasunas Reggie Wynn

Editorial: Get Smart On Crime “Tough on crime” talk might sounds good to Massachusetts habitual offender law. Last January, legislators who like surefire-sounding answers that in his State of the State address, the governor said sell well to a crime-weary public. Three strikes and 84 people had been convicted and sentenced under you’re out. Lock ‘em up and throw away the key. the state’s habitual offender law over the past 10 Build more jails. years for committing three felonies -- not neces- But even some of the nation’s more conserva- sarily adequate proof of a demonstrated threat to tive states are learning that being “smart on crime” society. Vision & Mission means more than just locking up anyone who runs The point was lost on lawmakers, who sent afoul of the law. Patrick a bill that lacked judicial discretion in Spare Change News was founded in 1992 by a group of homeless Our prisons are overcrowded in part because of sentencing habitual offenders. Patrick urged the people and a member of Boston Jobs with Peace. Spare Change mandatory sentencing laws for nonviolent crimes Legislature to add a “safety valve” so that habitual is published by the nonprofit organization The Homeless – strike three and you’re out, even for a minor offenders in certain cases might be able to avoid Empowerment Project (HEP). offense. The approach casts too wide a net, catch- serving the maximum sentence without parole. SPARE CHANGE’S Goal: ing little fishes that don’t belong with killer sharks. Patrick also called for a comprehensive reentry “To present, by our own example, that homeless and In addition, we treat substance abuse and mental strategy to provide more education, job training economically disadvantaged people, with the proper resources, illness as a crime, instead of an illness that needs and drug treatment to better prepare inmates to re- empowerment, opportunity, and encouragement are capable of creating change for ourselves in society.” treatment, not jail. enter society. Right now, only a tiny percentage of A growing reform movement in states including our state corrections budget is spent on job training HEP’s OBJECTIVES: Texas, Ohio and South Carolina is helping to cut and rehabilitation. To empower the economically disadvantaged in Greater Boston both crime and prison costs. By doing away with In the end, however, emotion won over reason. through self-employment, skill development and self-expression. To create forums, including those of independent media in order to or adding flexibility to mandatory sentencing laws Cheered on by police associations and victims’ reshape public perception of poverty and homelessness. for non-violent crimes, and offering treatment as an rights groups, the Legislature refused to go along alternative to jail to substance abusers and the men- with Patrick’s proposed changes to the bill. tally ill, these states are moving beyond the costly So three strikes and you’re out it is – for now. COVER PHOTOS: policy failure of warehousing non-violent offend- Patrick wants to return in the next legislative ses- LEFT: REUTERS/Ali Jarekji: A Jordanian citizen living with HIV covers his face to avoid being identified through a photograph as he fears discrimination at a Voluntary Counselling and ers. Such reforms are making for a smarter criminal sion to continue working on what he calls “the bal- Testing Centre in Amman, November 1, 2005. justice system. ance between strict sentences for the worst offend- Gov. Deval Patrick tried to make this point ers and more common-sense approaches for those RIGHT: REUTERS/Albert Ferreira: Author Stephen King to state lawmakers in the recent debate over the who pose little threat to public safety.” August 10 - August 23, 2012 state Spare Change News 3 Legislation Seeks to Streamline/Normalize HIV Testing

Noelle Swan Spare Change News

“College-educated black women who live in the suburbs and date law- yers don’t get HIV and AIDS. This just doesn’t apply to you,” Kimberly Wilson remembers her doctor saying back in 2004. That was the first time she asked her physician for an HIV-test. Four years, seven bouts of shingles and five requests for an HIV-test later, Wilson was admitted to Boston Medical Center. She had stopped in hoping to get some prescription cough syrup. Emergency room doctors ordered a chest X-ray. “The technician who took the X-ray of my lungs thought the machine was broken, because the lung was so black, ” Wilson recalls. The machine had not malfunctioned; Wilson’s lungs were coated with thrush, a yeast infection common among patients with compromised immune systems. Soon, she was diagnosed with S e gar Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), an opportunistic infection commonly associated with HIV. R E UT S /M i ke Four years after she first requested

an HIV-test, Wilson learned that she / P hoto was HIV-positive. Today, she man- A staff member at the AIDS Service Center of New York City holds an OraQuick Advance Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody test kit at ASC/NYC’s lower Manhattan headquarters ages her condition through a myriad of medications and describes her health ment and care of HIV, calling on states be more and more of an impediment ing information without first obtaining as excellent. But she believes that an to streamline the testing process. to people’s willingness to be tested,” the written informed consent from the earlier diagnosis could have eliminated Many physicians and advocacy Boswell says. “Not only did it continue patient who might be unconscious,” he years of pain and suffering. organizations in Massachusetts, such as to stigmatize the patients but made the explains. Since her diagnosis, she has become the AIDS Action Committee, have peti- testing process more complicated.” Boswell says that while he and his a self-described poster child for HIV- tioned the state Legislature to remove By removing the formality of written colleagues are celebrating the removal testing, routinely sharing her story with the requirement for written informed informed consent, legislators and physi- of one impediment to care, they are the media and serving as a delegate at a consent, which they consider to be an cians hope that HIV-testing can become left struggling to understand what is recent international conference on AIDS unnecessary hurdle for testing. part of routine conversation between required of them in terms of sharing and HIV in Washington, D.C. “Many states early on had this patients and their doctors. information in the age of electronic “I think everybody should get an [requirement for written consent] “Patients will still be informed of records. HIV-test,” she says. “It should be part because of the discrimination and stig- what the test means, they will not be “Most of the institutions are strug- of your physical. It should be a part of ma surrounding HIV, but also because tested without their knowledge and gling to figure out how to comply. If we your whole entire care.” in early years it was a death sentence,” they have the right to opt out or opt have to get written informed consent Recent Massachusetts legislation explains Rebecca Haag, President and in of getting tested, but it won’t add every time we ask another clinician for targeting consent requirements for HIV- CEO of AIDS Action Committee in paperwork to that process,” says Rep. assistance, it would dramatically com- testing aims to normalize the process Massachusetts. Carl Sciortino (D) of Medford. plicate the process of providing care to and potentially improve testing rates. In recent years, HIV treatment proto- Once an HIV-positive diagnosis has patients who are HIV-positive.” Until last month, state law required cols have improved dramatically. Many been confirmed, strict laws govern how In the final days of the 2012 legislative that patients interested in receiving patients with an HIV-positive diagnosis that information can be shared with session, Sciortino sought to address this an HIV-test had to sign a form giving are able to successfully control their other providers. issue by adding language into the health written informed consent. The new law condition with medication and do not “If a patient has an HIV-positive care payment reform law that allows allows patients to provide consent ver- develop AIDS. Wilson’s story illustrates result, their test results cannot be shared patients to extend overall consent to bally in a move that doctors, advocates how effective treatment can be, once the with anybody else without their written information sharing. The health care pay- and policymakers hope will normalize diagnosis has been confirmed. informed consent; and I think that’s for ment reform law placed heavy emphasis the process. “HIV testing has been encumbered good reasons,” explains Sciortino. on the use of electronic medial records According to the Centers for Disease for about 25 years, since we first devel- Boswell recognizes the need to to streamline healthcare. However, Control, over 1 million Americans are oped the tests in 1984,” says Stephen protect patients’ privacy. However, he Sciortino’s language did not make it into living with an HIV-positive status. Boswell, President and CEO of Fenway worries those strict requirements for the final wording of the bill signed by However, as of 2006, one in five of those Health in Boston and former HIV policy sharing information could compromise Governor Patrick earlier this week. patients were unaware of their condi- advisor to the Clinton Administration. patient care. tion. In response to this data, the CDC “Over the years, [written consent] “For example, if my patient is seen NOELLE SWAN is a Spare Change News issued new guidelines for the manage- has been felt by many clinicians to at an ER, I could not relay any HIV test- writer and editor. 4 Spare Change News local August 10 - August 23, 2012 Extreme Weather: Expect More of It Arlington microburst is evidence of global climate change

Laura Kiesel resilient communities,” adds Spare Change News Ekwurzel. Since tornadoes and hur- On July 17th, the town of ricanes are often the result Arlington was besieged by of extended periods of hot, a series of intense thunder- humid weather and intense storms. rainstorms, many of those That day, I was alone in my in the conservation commu- apartment in East Arlington nity claim that these unusual when suddenly the wind weather events are at least picked up outside and began partially a byproduct of glob- blowing hard through my s al warming. It therefore is cracked living room win- t important to become better dows. A wall of water blasted prepared for such weather against the windows with Sci e nti s events as the warming world such strength that in mere sec- makes them more common. onds my floor and couch were F o r t u n a t e l y , t h e drenched. I heard the sound onc e rn d Massachusetts Legislature

of shattering glass in the bed- C of recently passed a bill that room and ran in to find that would hold public utility com- one of my windows had been panies accountable for emer- blown out by the force of the gency response services and wind. Then, it was over.

G raph /U nion notifications during power Though I thought it was a outages due to storm events. tornado passing through, it past couple of years; the last one took nadoes swept through the Connecticut The bill also requires utility was something else entirely. Turns place in early June 2010. River Valley of Massachusetts. The companies to establish well-staffed out, East Arlington had experienced a Coincidentally, the same week city of Springfield was hit the hardest; call centers during major storms and “microburst.” of this most recent microburst, the an estimated 300 were injured and 500 to coordinate with the Massachusetts A microburst, according to Boston-based conservation group left homeless. Hurricane Irene also Emergency Management Agency the National Oceanographic and Environment America released a blew into New England last year just (MEMA). It is currently awaiting Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), report that revealed that extreme grazing Massachusetts, but hitting Governor Deval Patrick’s signature. describes the phenomenon that results weather events have increased sub- Vermont particularly hard. Meanwhile, here in Arlington, the from periods of high humidity and stantially in the New England region. The connection between extreme Arlington Tree Committee is currently heavy thunderstorms: storm winds Based on analysis of 80 million daily weather events and global warming seeking donations to replace many of are pushed down from above and precipitation records from the con- has always been controversial in the the trees that were taken out by the shear across the ground at breakneck tiguous U.S., the report revealed that scientific community. Recently, how- microburst, and Town officials are speeds. They often occur in a con- storms with significant amounts of ever, more and more scientists have continuing to work with state and fed- centrated area of 2.5 miles or less for precipitation had increased by 85 per- gone on record to suggest the likeli- eral officials on the recovery effort. a period of five to 15 minutes. Wind cent in New England since 1948, while hood of a causal link between the two. “We’re going to use our response speeds can reach upwards of 100 miles the rest of the nation had seen a 30 “Extreme [weather] events are by to this storm to inform our future per hour, causing massive damage. percent increase. definition rare, so it is hard to get planning for [storm] responses,” says In addition to the damage it did to “As the old saying goes, when it enough statistics to prove trends with Chapdelain. my bedroom window, this particular rains, it pours – especially in recent some of them,” explains climate sci- Charlotte Milan, the co-chair of microburst was responsible for dam- years as bigger storms have hit us entist Brenda Ekwurzel, Assistant Sustainable Arlington, also hopes aging or destroying approximately 90 more often,” said Nathan Willcox, Director of Climate Research and that this microburst will help move trees in Arlington, as well as taking Federal Global Warming Program Analysis for the Climate and Energy the topic of climate change and adap- down multiple traffic signals, street Director with Environment America Program of the non-profit, the Union tation to the forefront of the Town’s lamps, fences and power lines--leav- in a press release. of Concerned Scientists. agenda. ing 200 people without power for the The East Arlington microburst that According to Ekwurzel, there is “There’s a master planning process night. The total cost of the damage hit earlier this summer is only one of very strong evidence that extreme getting underway in the Town begin- done to the town has been estimated a series of unusual weather events to heat, intense precipitation, and severe ning October, and climate change to be between $325,000 and $350,000. appear in the New England (and espe- droughts are connected to climate must be part of that conversation,” “We’re still working with state cially, Massachusetts) area in recent change. Conversely, there is less says Milan. “Sustainable Arlington officials to determine if state funds years. evidence connecting more singular looks forward to collaborating with will be made available to defray the Amidst last year’s largest ever out- events like tornadoes and hurricanes other groups concerned about the cost of the damages,” says Adam break of tornadoes throughout coun- to climate change. environment and our local economy W. Chapdelaine, Arlington’s Town try—a staggering 1,200 touching down “Of course it is important to share to add focus on climate adaptation Manager. in the U.S., according to NOAA-- New what the science is most clear about strategies.” It turns out that this is actually England experienced a huge tornado since that confidence can help in Arlington’s second microburst in the outbreak, in which seven reported tor- planning for building more climate- LAURA KIESEL is a freelance writer.

Comments, Questions, Story Ideas? Send a letter to: [email protected] August 10 - August 23, 2012 local Spare Change News 5 Congressman Michael Capuano and the Campaign for Our Communities

Beatrice Bell Spare Change News

On July 30th and July 31st, Congressman Michael Capuano and Boston City Councilor Tito Jackson came to Rosie’s Place to answer some questions and have a discussion with the ladies. Tito let us ladies know a very interesting characteristic of Capuano’s -- he’s among the most accessible members of Congress, and can be found strolling through the streets of Boston. A woman in the crowd even said that she’s seen and talked to Capuano in Roxbury before. Jackson went on even further to draw a contrast between Capuano and former Gov. Mitt Romney in his story about Mitt Romney’s visit to Roxbury last month. Jackson asked the Republican presidential candi- date, “What did you do, use your GPS to get here? When you were governor, nobody ever saw you here in Roxbury. Why now?” When asked his opinion on some of the issues that the Campaign for Our Communities movement focuses on, Capuano’s responses showed that his political stance was often aligned. Both Capuano and the Campaign for Our Communities are for human rights, gun control, and affordable housing. Both were appalled by the shooting in Aurora, Colorado, and call for even stronger laws to prevent such trag- edies from happening in the future. In addition, both believe we should have a better education system and afford- able housing in Massachusetts and throughout the country. Next, I asked Capuano whether he was for or against the Human Rights Law that Boston City Councilor k

Charles Yancey fought so hard to get atric signed two years ago, making Boston one of a small number of cities around the world considered a human rights city. His response was, “Human rights P e rnor G ov of are a gift from God that’s given to us from the time we are born until we die.” He said (paraphrased): I am in support of everyone’s human rights /O ffic e P hoto because they are necessities which Congressman Capuano’s response sure that 96-year-old man back in 1974 then your voice doesn’t get heard. we were given to us from God. The was: It all comes down to money again could’ve used that dollar for a whole You want to make a real change, then right to air, water, sunshine, food and and who’s controlling the money. The lot better reasons than giving it to me, don’t do like Occupy -- do better. housing are all necessities, but a big only way I know to fix the problem is but he did because that’s all he could They didn’t want to get into the politi- problem with achieving clean air and to raise taxes or cut the budget. The afford to contribute to my campaign. cal arena in order to make any real water and affordable food, housing only other solution is you raise the I’ll never forget him. It would be nice change. You need to learn about the and transportation is the fact that we money yourself or you vote into office if lots of people could contribute large government and then take part in it. lack the necessary money to invest somebody like me who’ll help to try to amounts of money to fix up old aban- If that means in order to make change towards these necessities. raise the money. I’m not a good fund- doned dilapidated buildings and use that you have to run for office, then do One woman asked Capuano raiser but I do okay. My first time run- them for low-income affordable hous- it. how we could address the prob- ning for office I had a 96-year-old man ing. But people don’t do it, because lem of abandoned homes -- homes give me a dollar because that’s all he either they don’t want to or they can’t. BEATRICE BELL is a Spare Change that could potentially be turned into could afford, and I had only one poli- He added: I know you’ve probably News writer and vendor. affordable and low-income housing. tician in my area to support me. I’m heard it before but if you don’t vote, 6 Spare Change News local August 10 - August 23, 2012 Mass. Farms Fight Food Insecurity

Robert Sondak lies. This produce was harvested locally in Canton and Brookwood Community “We get community garden veg- Spare Change News from July through late October and dis- Farm in Canton — have also joined the etable surplus from several commu- pensed to 1,200 households. Ten com- initiative by providing donations on a nity gardens in Jamaica Plains and The Produce to Pantries program munity gardens across the city donat- regular basis. Dorchester,” Chaffee said. “We get pro- at the Boston Natural Area Network ed the surplus of their harvest to the “In 2011 we served a total population duce from the Nightingale and St. Rose (BNAN) was founded two-and-a-half Boston Haitian community. Volunteers consisting of 1,200 households,” said community gardens.” years ago as a way to connect commu- traveled once a week to pick up bins of Karen Chaffee, BNAN Stewardship According to the BNAN, the commu- nity gardens and people with limited produce and brought it to the BNAN Manager. nity gardens set aside a garden space means who were also facing food inse- City Natives Learning Garden for pro- Borgeson pointed out that the to grow produce specifically for the curity. Since the summer of 2010, this cessing. Three state-owned farms, Produce for Pantries program repre- Produce for Pantries program. program has been providing local New the Brookwood Community Farm in sents an initiative that helps families Chafee highlighted that produce dis- England-grown produce gathered from Milton, The Trustees of Reservations’ with limited income access high qual- tribution started off very positively in farms and community gardens to the Powisset Farm in Dover, and Weir ity food that is not always available Dorchester. During the first three weeks under-served Boston communities of River Farm in Hingham also donated through the Greater Boston Food Bank. of July they distributed 1,000 pounds of Dorchester and Mattapan. fresh produce on a steady basis for the The Greater Boston Food Bank produce at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. Founded in the summer of 2010, the Haitian community. released data in 2010 demonstrating that Chaffee elaborated that the program program grew out of the “Plant a Row Last year was a year of growth and approximately 90,000 greater Boston forecast for Dorchester is 6,000 pounds for Haiti” partnership between the change for the program, which includ- residents received food assistance each for 2012. Boston Garden Council (BGO) and the ed a name change from “Plant A Row week. The majority of the food these “We may break the forecast for BNAN. This initiative provided fresh for Haiti” to “Produce to Pantries.” The people received did not include any Dorchester,” Chaffee said. “We may produce to families affected by the year also marked expansion with the fresh produce. The Produce to Pantries also break the forecast for both loca- earthquake in Haiti. BNAN engaged addition of Dorchester House and St program represents one of the few ways tions: Dorchester and Mattapan which in local relief efforts by supplying fresh Mary’s Episcopal Church as new par- that people who frequent food pantries was 11,000 pounds for 2010 and 2011.” produce to Haitian families through ticipating food pantries. can access nutritious, fresh vegetables For more information access: http:// its connection with two local food pro- “Fifty percent of the people that come on a regular basis. bostonnatural.org/cgCouncil.htm grams: the Haitian American Public to St. Mary’s for BNAN produce are on Mary Bracken, a community garden- Health Initiative (HAPHI) and the foods stamps,” said Sarah Borgeson, er and program volunteer from Jamaica Voice of the Gospel Tabernacle Church Food Pantry Director at St. Mary’s Plains, said, “All community gardens in ROBERT SONDAK is a Spare in Mattapan. The program distributed Episcopal Church. “Twenty-five percent Boston donate their produce surplus.” Change vendor/writer. Robert has a fresh food to supplement families’ food more haven’t been in the United States She continued, “The community gar- Bachelor’s Degree from the University of budgets, allowing Haitian families to long enough to apply for food stamps.” den people let the BNAN and Karen Massachusetts Boston, College of Public send funds back to Haiti, and assist- The organization has continued to Chaffee, the manager, know what pro- and Community Service (CPCS). Robert ed Haitian-American families facing expand; this year they have supplied duce they have and it is then picked up also minored in urban planning and advo- enlarged households after family and produce to two additional food pantries: to be delivered to the food pantries.” cacy. Currently, Robert is the Executive friends fled the earthquake-ravaged HAPHI in Mattapan and St. Mary’s Bracken highlighted that she is a reg- Director for the Nutrition Education country. Episcopal Church in Uplands Corner, ular garden contributor to the program Outreach Project, http://neopneopt.blog- From 2010 to 2011, BNAN gave 11,000 Dorchester. Three farms — TTOR’s and is currently growing lettuce, kale, spot.com. pounds of surplus produce to area fami- Powisset Farm in Dover, Bradley Farm tomatoes and garlic. Vendor Profile: JFK came from Brookline, Joe McElroy came from Cambridge

homelessness. He worked for the City and other expenses. Caroline McHeffey of Cambridge in the ‘70s just as his Joe filled with excitement when he Spare Change News grandfather had (and as his nephew shared a story from his years work- would go on to do), but the city quickly ing at a restaurant in Brookline. He Joe McElroy vividly remembers saw Joe’s drinking problem. was only a teenager when the three being six years old. “Like it was yester- They said once the alcohol abuse Kennedy brothers stopped by Coolidge day,” he tells me. At the time his mother stopped he would be able to reclaim Corner on a campaign tour; it was when had seven kids of her own to look after. his job. At the time, Joe was in denial, John F. Kennedy was running for presi- In addition to Joe and his six siblings, “‘No, you got a problem,’” he said to dent. Apparently JFK, too, didn’t for- Joe’s mother took in another child his employer. “I didn’t look at myself,” get where he came from, as he and his whose mother suffered from drinking he tells me, and, finally, in the ‘80s Joe brothers are natives of Brookline. Joe problems. was able to realize his denial and reach asked the three brothers if they would Joe can remember his mother walk- out for help. grab a bite to eat at his restaurant but ing the eight kids over the Longfellow He found refuge through AA and they declined because they were on a Bridge in hopes of a place to stay. prayer. “I went down on my knees and campaign schedule. Nevertheless, Joe Unfortunately, most of the shelters said, asked God to get me away from that got to shake John’s, Robert’s, and Ted’s “‘Sorry! No kids!,’” leaving Joe and his drink.” Joe can remember the moment hands, and described them as “down family out of luck. But his family got cut a friend offered him a six-pack and, to earth” people who weren’t conceited a break when they were able to move to proudly, he was able to turn it down. As about fame and truly cared about help- the housing projects due to his father Joe regained sobriety he also regained ing people, especially poor people. working with the city and staying on his being in the service. his job with the city, “They knew I did Strangely enough, Joe met Joe feet, Joe retired. Since then Joe has been McElroy currently resides in something for myself.” And, after a Kennedy years later, the son of Robert a vendor with Spare Change News, Cambridge, where he has spent most year of AA, Joe sponsored someone else Kennedy, as well as former Speaker of with this August as his three-year anni- of his life, but there were many years in the program struggling with alco- the House, Tip O’Neill, after Joe decid- versary. Joe’s sister is similarly a vendor before where Joe wasn’t able to benefit hol abuse, “I don’t forget where I come ed to walk into a barber shop upon see- who introduced him to the job. As a from permanent housing. In the ‘70s from,” he says. ing Tip in the window getting a haircut. vendor, Joe is able to keep up with bills and ‘80s Joe battled on and off with Three years ago, after 21 years of VENDOR continued on next page August 10 - August 23, 2012 local spare Change News 7 Poor Planning Mars State’s Homeless Fight sarah Ferris Up until October, when the rental “We housed nearly all families who situation. We can’t just house people Spare Change News subsidy pool drained, about 50 families were in motels or hotels in our region,” and say that’s enough. We have to ask, per month were leaving motels with the organization’s executive director ‘Who is the shelter system meant to The state’s $65.3 million HomeBase about 58 families entering motels each Chris Norris said. serve?’” program could have prevented thou- month, Pensak said. She believed even- But when the rental subsidy program A primarily preventive, rather than sands of families from entering emer- tually, demand would cease with the capped off in October, the motels began reactive, housing strategy could mean gency shelter last year, if funds had not availability of rental assistance. Families to fill again. drastic cuts to the state’s housing spend- been drained months into the effort, received an average of $11,000 per year After October, families had to chose ing. Norris said it costs an average of one of Massachusetts’ nonprofit hous- under this program, and were required between a household assistance grant $5,600 to prevent a family from losing ing partners said this month. to pay about 35 percent of their income of $4,000 per year or entering a shelter. their residency, compared to an average The housing-first effort - spear- toward rent. With high rent prices looming over their of $11,000 to re-house a family. headed by Governor Deval Patrick as “We believe that if we had been able heads, the majority of applicants chose “The fact that it’s more expensive part of his campaign to end homeless- to continue this program as it was origi- state shelters, with many flooding back to house a family once they become ness by 2013 - gave housing grants to nally conceived and implemented … into motels, Pensak said. homeless is something that is known low-income families looking to avoid eventually, we would have reached a This trend is likely to continue in fis- all around in the housing field,” Norris state shelters, including motels. But tipping point and motels would not cal year 2013; even with an $18.1 million said. “Unfortunately, what we ran up three months into its budget, a flood of have filled up again,” Pensak said. increase in funding to HomeBase, the against was the reality that what the demand sapped HomeBase funds and MCHP, one of six state groups that program is not offering rental subsidies. state had to spend was limited.” cut off the program’s signature rental work directly with individuals and fam- So MCHP is taking a new direction “We’re concerned for fiscal year 2013, subsidy program. ilies, helped more than 400 families out this year, intensifying its homeless- but we’re going to do our best with the Maura Pensak, director of client of motels between August and October ness prevention work. Norris said the $4,000 of household assistance,” Pensak services for the Metropolitan Boston 2011, when rental subsidies were still organization plans to look at individu- said. Housing Partnership, said HomeBase available. als and families’ point of entry into the would have closed emergency motels This left only about two-dozen fami- shelter system to see who is coming in SARAH FERRIS is a Spare Change News by this winter if families had continued lies in motels across the state, keeping and why. writer and editor. to receive the rental assistance. MCHP optimistic about the program. “We can’t just address one part of the

VENDOR continued from previous page vendor at Davis Square. He believes that its mission. Joe enjoys quite a large cus- more they’ll be generous with you.” Spare Change does a good job helping tomer base at Davis, with about 50 or 60 Other than his knack for meeting poli- people to stabilize their lives and is con- regulars to buy his paper. “The more you CAROLINE McHEFFEY is a Spare ticians, Joe leads a fairly quiet life as a fident that the organization stays true to be generous with people,” he says, “the Change News writer and editor. 8 Spare Change News feature August 10 - August 23, 2012 Homeless in Heaven and Hell

Photos and words by Christopher Swan Almost invisible, we people the city Living in the shadows, we shine out, Moving, breathing heart of life We may be forgotten, ignored, But we stand in your midst, Questions to be answered, Lives to be affirmed. August 10 - August 23, 2012 feature 9

Spare Change News decided to search out the faces of the home- less in the city to make sure their humanity, humor, grit, and indi- viduality don’t remain invisible. Photographer Christopher Swan asked the permission of his sub- jects and found willing subjects who projected their inner selves before the camera. 10 arts August 10 - August 23, 2012 Music Review: Debo, Ethiopian Pop Revival

Elliot Strassman Spare Change News

Debo, a self-described “Ethiopian pop” group, played the Brighton Music Hall last month to promote the release of its first full-length LP. The group, based in Jamaica Plain and led by tenor saxophonist Danny Mekkonen, draws from Ethiopian pop and folk music of the late ’60s and ’70s to create a unique, fierce and current sound that is infectiously danceable without being watered down. The 11-piece group held together for nearly two hours, and though the show was longer than much of the weekday night crowd could handle, those who stayed became more loose and pas- sionate as the night went on, much to the elation of Mekkonen and Bruck Tesfaye, the front man and vocalist, who was constantly pushing the crowd members to dance. Powerful and eclectic, the group moved seamlessly between hard funk, free and exploratory jazz-rock fusion, k r lic spiritual folk driven by Tesfaye, and

pure party music. At the same time, F l ee_ at however, they never lost touch with Les their Ethiopian influences, as the unique tribal scales and rhythms rang PHOTO: true throughout their lengthy jams. But, more importantly, the band Ethiopian music. Many of the record- and place with the varied and eccentric Highlights of the show included the blended together. The horns and ings from this period were presumed tastes of the current Debo musicians. two wedding songs that bookended rhythm hardly ever overpowered the to be lost during the political turmoil Debo released its self-titled LP the the show and the break about an hour well-miked violins and accordion; only that the country had undergone since night of this concert on the Seattle- in, where the entire band left the stage the sousaphone, a large, tuba-like brass then, but in the late ’90s collections of based Sub Pop label, produced by except Mekkonen, the electric violinist instrument, seemed to get drowned out records, for example the “Ethiopiques,” Tommy T of the “gypsy-punk” band and Tesfaye. Tesfaye belted out a mys- at times, though the rest of the rhythm were compiled, which reintroduced Gogol Bordello. They recently have tical, moving spiritual song accom- section more than compensated for this. Ethiopian pop music to the rest of the toured the country and played at fes- panied by trills on the saxophone and The stamina of the group was perhaps world. While The Debo Band claims tivals such as SXSW, globalFEST and melody lines on the violin that took the most impressive, as they eagerly per- a great deal of influence from these the 2011 Montreal Jazz Festival. The crowd to another level. formed their entire repertoire, includ- recordings, they have managed cre- Debo Band will next perform at the This was the only instance where the ing a “fake encore” which pushed the ated an entirely new sound; they are Philadelphia Folk Festival before con- band played without some of its mem- show to well past midnight. not merely an Ethiopian spin-off on tinuing on to the West Coast for shows bers and yet they successfully gave Debo originated six years ago as Fela Kuti style Afrobeat, nor are they in Portland and Seattle. each instrument its due. The accordion, an Ethiopian pop revival band inspired focused on recreating exactly the lost the two saxophones, the trumpeter by Ethiopian music from the late six- relics of the past. Rather they are reviv- ELLIOT STRASSMAN is a Spare who doubled on bongos and especially ties and seventies - a golden age in alists, infusing music of another time Change News volunteer. the guitar all had memorable solo.

KING continued from page 16 forget the awful performance of Molly Based on the cast, I’m cautiously opti- are making us crave the episode like Ringwald as Frannie in the miniseries, mistic for its chances, although no one zombies crave fresh brains. YOW. My Entertainment Weekly as a some- “The Stand” (1994) or an anemic Rob can beat Piper Laurie for sheer scary DVR is poised and all the doors in the time music-columnist. His taste is a Lowe as Nick? As Bill the Cat would psycho, Julianne Moore will try (wit- house are already locked. It may seem bit too Georgia Satellites for me, but say: GACK. The big deal rumor in 2011 ness her turn as Sarah Palin in HBO’s like overkill, but I mean, seriously, his use of lyrics from Bruuuuuuuuce was that Warner Brothers was remak- “Game Change,” now that’s a scary people, have you seen the stuff I read Springsteen, Blue Oyster Cult and Bob ing “The Stand” but an IMDB search of broad). The final film rumor I’ll float and watch? Dylan, among others, has created an this writing doesn’t even come up with is a cheat—it’s about TV. For those of extra layer of metaphoric magic for the ghost-town words, “pre-produc- us addicted to the AMC series, “The -- PATTY TOMSKY those of us into the rock n’ roll genre. tion.” On the other hand, the “Carrie” Walking Dead,” rumors that Uncle Finally, there are films. Who can remake will be out by spring 2013. Stevie will be writing an installment August 10 - August 23, 2012 poetry 11

FINAL THOUGHTS By: Bob”Bikerwolf” Bryant

We watched as he listened to the wind Told us it beckoned his name His heart as always was still ready But his body was riddled by pain

FEELIN’ ALONE His mind drifted as he closed his eyes His mind reversed cruel time By Bob”Bikerwolf” Bryant He saw his hair a little longer He saw a young lady so fine

His face as weathered He remembered the feel of the cool summer nights As his old leather vest He could feel the winding roads Now days not belonging He tasted the lips of his young lover Older than the rest Miles Passed By He remembered the biker code By: Bob “Bikerwolf” Bryant Memories of Brothers He relived the nights underneath the stars Gone on to pave the way The feeling of brotherhood in the air Roads traveled, Lessons learned Down the highway to heaven He had longed for that feeling again Righteous Runs, Crash and Burns He knows he’ll travel one day In the days when there were no cares Scarred body, Wounded Soul Miles passed by as two wheels rolled He’s still a tough one He felt a feeling come over his body You can see it in his eyes As he saw her sweet face once again Friends enter, Friends leave If the young ones try to take him The night the angel of death told him Sometimes happy, Sometimes peeved They’re in for a big surprise “She’s been waiting for you my friend” Yesterdays passed, Feeling old Miles passed by as two wheels rolled He’ll never give a damn You could hear the thunder in the sky that night About todays modern world You could feel the wind blow free Hopefully destined, To always roam He’d once again just like to find You could tell he was riding beside the reaper Ride with Brothers, Ride Alone A good old fashioned girl His free arm resting on her knee Always proud, Sometimes to bold Miles passed by as two wheels rolled Sometimes he sits and wishes Copyright 2004 All Rights Reserved He had died long ago Back when he was younger Partied Hard, Worked hard too Back, when felt like a Bro’ Did my time, Paid my dues Always broke, Never struck gold But he’ll keep on riding Miles passed by as two wheels rolled Grey hair flying in the wind Bob “Bikerwolf” Bryant has been riding bikes for about Till the day he goes to heaven Winds blow, Feeling the breeze 35 years now, and writing for about 13 years. He first Ridin’ that thundering “V” twin Arms stretched, bended knees Scarred body, Wounded soul started sharing his work over Internet sites about 5 years ago. In early 2012 became Co-Founder of Road Scribes of Copyright 2003 All Rights Reserved Miles passed by as two wheels rolled America. His current ride is a Yamaha Roadstar. Copyright 2009/ All rights reserved

Poems may be submitted to: Marc D. Goldfinger, or email: [email protected]. SCN cannot return poetry 76 Unity Ave. Belmont MA, 02478 submissions, and authors will be contacted only if their poems are published.

Every Thursday Every Monday Second Tuesday of every Month Third Saturday of Every Month Squawk Coffeehouse, 9 pm Out of the Blue Gallery, 8 pm Tapestry of Voices 7 to 9pm, Boston Haiku Society meeting, 1555 Mass Ave., Cambridge 106 Prospect St., Cambridge $4 admission 2-6 pm Open mike for poets and musicians. $4 suggested donation. First & Last Word Poetry Series Kaji Aso Studio, Every Saturday 617-354-5287 Somerville Armory For The Arts 40 St. Stephen St., Boston Out of the Blue Gallery, 8 pm 191 Highland Avenue $3. 617-247-1719 106 Prospect St., Cambridge Every Wednesday Somerville MA $3-5 suggested donation. Boston Poetry Slam, 8 pm info--617-306-9484 Newton Public Library 671- 354-5287 Cantab Lounge, 738 Mass. Ave., Second Tuesday of Sept., Oct. Nov. Cambridge Second Tuesday of Every Month Then Second Tuesday of Feb., $3. 21+. 617-354-2685 Newton Free Library, 7 pm March, April Every Sunday 330 Homer St. 617-796-1360 Seasonal—Host-Doug Holder Lizard Lounge Poetry Slam, 7 pm First Friday Night of Every Month 330 Homer Street, Newton 1667 Mass. Ave., Cambridge Dire Literary Sries at 617-796-1360 $5. 671- 547-0759 Out of The Blue Gallery 106 Prospect Street, Cambridge Begins 8pm 617-354-5287

Poetry event listings may be submitted to [email protected] 12 Spare Change News August 10 - August 23, 2012 Voices From The Streets Voices from the Streets — a forum for those whose voices are too often ignored. From narratives to opinion to advice, these writ- ers portray a unique perspective on life that might otherwise go unnoticed. Below, find that turning an ear towards those normally silenced opens the door to understanding and relating to those who have faced life on the street.

Just Don’t Go A Controlled Dangerous Substance Act (Part Two)

James Shearer Marc D. Goldfinger and the two dicks were looking at him and Dominic, Spare Change News Spare Change News who was cooking his own dope instead of watching, and the guns in the police hands. There was only one Not that anybody asked me … but all this (Dean, Brenda, Billie & Chrissie have thing to do and he squeezed the bulb on the pacifier noise about the Chick-Fil-A controversy is, in just been set up by Mickey & Viola, who hard and the rush hit him just as the cop kicked him a word, just noise. they thought were drug buying friends. in the side of his head and he spun into the sand face The owner of this fast food chain, one Mr. Dan Cathy, Detectives Irish & D’azeo, two of Orange, down. There was a ringing in his ears and the sand in made some remarks several weeks ago that his company New Jersey’s most corrupt dicks busted his mouth was mixed with blood. Billie thanked God is all about “family values” and that he himself is all for Mickey & Viola and had them call Dean to that he had been able to get the shot into his vein and the traditional definition of marriage, which is between bring over two hundred Quaaludes. Promised a little the last thing he saw before the darkness spit into his a man and a woman. He then went on doing the same extra money, Dean complied and Brenda, Dean’s wife, eyes was the two cops kicking Dominic as he lay on the thing that all homophobic idiots do, by bashing gays and and their friends Billie & Chrissie came along for the sand. invoking God and the Bible to justify their ignorance. ride. They have just been surrounded by police on When Billie woke up it was night and for a minute So why am I saying that it’s just a lot of noise, you Mickey’s street.) he thought he was blind. Three weeks later they let ask? Well, look at it from where I’m sitting. Suddenly the pills in the pants of Brenda were a lot him out on bail that his father had put up and he and First of all, until this whole thing started, I really bigger than they were before and it was the hole in her his father drank beer together the entire drive home. hadn’t heard of Chick-Fil-A (what a stupid name) and stomach opening wider than the space it was in that Dominic’s parents took him to the Synanon thera- neither have most people in the circles I travel in. But made her chest pull together and the shouting and peutic community in California after the arrest. After my girlfriend, who is from the South, says it’s kind of lights caused her to shut her eyes. two years in Synanon Dominic had come home and like a southern version of McDonald’s. “All right, all right, who’s got the pills?” said the talked about being “cured” of his addiction there. One Well, I’m not totally uniformed. I do know that a few man with a t-shirt on him that said, “Beep Beep your week later he was shot into death by overdose in the years ago this company allegedly stuck religious CDs ass.” doorway of a condemned tenement in Newark, New into their version of happy meals. Still, they were never “What pills? What are you talking about?” squeaked Jersey. The needle hung, filled with dark red clotting really on my radar screen. Dean who was so frightened that he actually felt like blood, from Dominic’s arm. Mr. Cathy is entitled to his opinion even if it’s a he was going to vomit but he knew he could pull this Billie knew it was going to be one hell of a show moronic one, the First Amendment says so. And he and off because they didn’t have a warrant to search them. in front of that Jersey shore hanging judge with pill his company are allowed to donate money to whatever He was wondering how there were so many cops all at charges added to his head too. If he ever got out of that cause he wants, even if the American Family Association once on the street and how they knew to ask for pills. court. is nothing more than the KKK in business suits. There Suddenly it was all quite clear but it was much too late The swarthy dark-haired cop leaned into Dean’s isn’t a whole hellava lot we can do about it, no matter for revelation to be of any good. face and said, “well, Mr. What Pills, how the fuck do how many kiss-ins or boycotts you assemble. “Listen to this,” said a big swarthy dark-haired cop you like this, huh asshole? You are going to jail and The best way to handle Dan Cathy and his ilk is with a black leather vest over a white dress shirt with- whoever has the pills better hand them over right now just not respond to it, the media frenzy, and mayoral out a tie, as he waved his gun in the air, “what pills, he or that person will take the heavyweight even though attempts to ban Chick-Fil-A from their cities only adds says, har har har” and he pulled out a bag of marijuana we know the pills belong to fuckface here,” pointing to to the controversy and to Cathy’s over-inflated ego. and threw it onto the dashboard of the car and shined a Dean. And lastly, folks, the whole protesting gay marriage flashlight that was in his other hand right on the green Dean turned to Brenda. “Pull ‘em out and give ‘em and gay bashing in general has grown tiresome, like herb in a plastic bag. to me and I’ll take the weight,” and he loved her more civil rights for blacks 50 years ago. Gay marriage and “Look here,” the dark-haired cop yelled. “Possession than his freedom in that moment. She reached into her the rights of gay people are here to stay. Yes we will get of marijuana. Let’s take ‘em out, book ‘em and search spot dry with fright now and pulled them out and Irish idiots like Cathy and others who will no doubt get their ‘em.” grabbed them and turned to the dark-haired cop and message on the airwaves through some right-wing sym- A big black cop jerked open the door of the car and said, “Well D’azeo, it looks like paydirt for us and pris- pathizer, but we can choose to pay little or no attention grabbed Dean by the neck and yanked him out with on for these assholes.” to them. Dean’s mind stuttering like his mouth wanted to do D’azeo turned to them all and said, “Well I guess As for me I don’t plan on ever eating at Chic-Fil-A. but he couldn’t make a sound with his tight throat and you all go down for possession with intent to distrib- Nothing to do with the controversy, I’m a KFC man Brenda started crying and Billie was yelling as they ute and that’s that. Bring ‘em all in and process them myself, and let it never be said that the founder of that cuffed him and Chrissie saying, “Jesus Christ, we just for Newark Street Jail.” popular chain, Col. Harland Sanders, never had an opin- went along for the ride. That’s all, just along for the Irish turned around and said, “Well, you know, I ion or two. Also don’t mind eating at Church’s here and ride.” hate to send these sweet girls to that jail. Now if we there, but most importantly folks, if you’re really offend- The thought of the charges of possession of heroin could get a little co-operation from Dean here, well ed by an owner of a fast food chain who says something down at Seaside Heights kept chasing the bravado then, things could be easier on his friends.” you don’t agree with or has a clown for a mascot or the from Billie’s mind. As the police pulled him to the They put each of them in separate police cars and food doesn’t do anything for your taste buds, then just Judas car he remembered the scene on the beach like they scattered into the night. Four cars, two cops and don’t go there. Besides, fast food isn’t good for you any- it was yesterday. The wind had kept blowing out the one culprit in each car. Alone in their heads with the way. matches as he tried to cook the heroin in the spoon and mystery of the darkness pissing fear into the wild mon- Dominic was supposed to be keeping the peek and key terrain of their minds. JAMES SHEARER is a co-founder and board president of finally he had gotten it cooked, drew it up and stuck At the station they lined them up at a desk with Spare Change News. The views expressed in his column are the spike in his vein. His life in the dropper as the red cardboard and ink in front of them, unsnapped one his own and not necessarily reflective of editorial board posi- blood sprayed up the glass tube was the only thing that cuff and pulled their hands to the front of their bod- tions. mattered and he looked up when he heard a sound GOLDFINGER continued on next page August 10 - August 23, 2012 voices 13

The Spiritual Life An Alternative Way of Healing Mind, Body, Spirit (Part III)

cinated by how fast it heals wounds.” sit down and keep your eyes closed, Has someone ever touched you while Jacques Fleury How did I come to Reiki? Well, I and palms touching each other facing speaking to you? Did it seem to open Spare Change News met this individual and we started dat- your chest. You must focus your whole you up a bit, your ears, your eyes, and ing. We ended up living on a lake in attention at the point where two mid- your heart? I have worked in a hospice, Lakeville, Massachusetts. Then I found dle fingers come together. Attempt to and touch was as elementary as break- The right road out that this person was a level I Reiki eliminate any thought that might get in fast in the morning. At the hospice, we disappears practitioner and started performing the way. Should you start to fantasize always seemed to have the Reiki ener- beneath our feet. Reiki on me. At one point I think I start- about, say, lunch, or your favorite celeb- gy, whether we knew it or not, to cast - Alice Walker ed to cry. The sessions usually lasted rity, acknowledge it and let it go. some light on the darkness of death and 45 minutes to one hour. At that point, According to Dr. Usui, the second decay. I had no prior knowledge of the field of pillar: “Reiji,” quite literally means A medical professional informed So far, I have discussed how I came Reiki, but it touched me all the same. “indication of Reiki power” and “Ho” me that insurance will not pay for a to Reiki, my initial skepticism and nag- The experience reminds me of a short means “methods.” “Fold your hands Reiki session. He qualified this by stat- ging curiosity about the practice, and poem from the book A Poem Travelled in front of your chest in the Gassho pos- ing that although insurance won’t pay the disputed founder Dr. Mikao Usui’s Down My Arm by Alice Walker, it goes: ture, close your eyes, and now connect for Reiki directly, it might be covered Reiki principles of “do not worry, do “Because you stroke my shoulders last with the Reiki power. Pray for recov- if it is masked as a more accepted form not anger, honor your parent, teacher night / a poem travelled down my ery and health. Now hold your folded of therapy such as psychotherapy. But and elders and show gratitude to every- arm.” You see, I’m a poet, and when hands in front of your third eye and ask whether I end up paying for it myself thing.” Now I will explore Dr. Usui’s my companion stroked my shoulders the Reiki power to guide your hands to or not, is irrelevant. I already know that background and how he is said to have by performing Reiki on me, my tears of where the energy is needed,” instructs it will be worth my energy, since Reiki founded Reiki. Dr. Usui was not wholly creativity started flowing. And I almost Dr. Usui. has already has proven its worth in my satisfied with just book knowledge of always seem to find myself near a body The third pillar: “Chiryo,” means prior sessions. I hope that you, too, are Reiki; he had a desire to heal using the of water. So how did I come to Reiki? I “treatment” when translated literally finding light, love and joy in your life, laying of the hand method. He went to saw the letters on the wall, the light on into English. During “treatment,” the either with Reiki, or some other form of the holy mountain of Kurayama for 21 the lake, so to speak. It was like Reiki patient lies on a table with the prac- spiritual or religious practice. days where he was struck by light on came to me, because my heart, unbe- titioner standing next to the patient. the last day and became enlightened. knownst to me, was open to it. The practitioner then places his or her In his book, “Reiki, Way of the Petter and Usui wrote about the dominant hand on top of the patient’s JACQUES FLEURY’S book: “Sparks in Heart,” Walter Lubeck discusses why three pillars of Reiki, the first pillar head or “crown” (located at the center the Dark: A Lighter Shade of Blue, A Poetic people come to the Reiki path. He being “Gassho,” which means “two of the skull) and waits for the impulse Memoir” about life in Haiti & America asserts that people are intrigued by why hands coming together.” Dr. Usui or inspiration that will surely come was featured in the Boston Globe & avail- so many practitioners are inspired by taught “Gassho meditation.” This through. At the time of the treatment, able at www.lulu.com. His CD “A Lighter Reiki and ache to “know” Reiki them- meditation is often used at the start of the practitioner allows his or her hands Shade of Blue” with the folk group “Sweet selves. He also states that, “Some peo- a Reiki workshop or meeting. It’s sup- to move about the body, hitting all the Wednesday” to benefit Haiti charity St. ple come to Reiki because they experi- posed to be done for 20-30 minutes each areas that hurt until they hurt no more. Boniface is available on iTunes. Contact ence firsthand its healing powers often session, once in the morning, and again We all have the power of touch, as Jacques at: [email protected] and being treated for an injury and were fas- before bed. To perform this meditation, Alice Walker demonstrates in her poem. visit him at: www.facebook.com/thehaitian-

GOLDFINGER continued from previous page hands. Eh. You can keep your mouth had come out with the bottle of pills and the drugs. shut and Billie goes for a long time for showed him a picture of a big fishing “Maybe we should let these assholes ies and re-snapped them again and then your drugs and his girl and your wife boat. alone so they can think, huh?” said Irish. fingerprinted each of them making sure go to. Or else you can give us your man “What do you think of this boat?” “You give these guys a lot of credit,” to twist each finger to the maximum and we’ll let Billie, Chrissie, and Brenda Sam had croaked at him in that familiar D’azeo turned to Dean. “See you in five, expression of the joint. go with a slap on the wrist. Just a get out frog voice as he stood there behind the fuckface.” Snap off cuffs. Wash hands. Lock free card from us to them. And you’ll be counter with his little gun and holster And they left the cell area slamming up. Men in one cell, women in the other. the only one charged with possession strapped to his belt. another barred door that double-locked Cells facing each other. with intent and then we’ll be sur and let “Nice boat, Sam,” Dean had said. the cell space. Dean, Billie, Brenda & “We got the records on Billie here.” the judge know you helped us.” “Ya know how I got it?” Sam growled Chrissie began to discuss their dire situa- The big Irish cop stood in front of the cell Dean felt the snakes turning in his with a big grin on his gnarly face. “From tion. (Continued In Part Three) with D’azeo, who smiled with big teeth head. He did not want to be a rat, but he you guys. You bought it for me. I’m stained by tobacco. “I guess you’ll be felt the world was tilted off its axis and gonna retire early on the money I make Marc D. Goldfinger is a formerly going away, eh boy? Unless you can talk they were offering the best he could get. from you junkies.” And he laughed and homeless vendor who is now housed. He can your boy Dean into turning a trick for us He didn’t know what to think. He felt laughed and the empty spot in Dean’s be reached at [email protected] and via and giving us his connection.” his honor was on the line. stomach pushed at his ribs and made his his web page Marc D. Goldfinger. Marc The cops looked at Dean. “See. You He thought back to a week ago at lungs small. Dean pushed them money also has books on www.smashwords.net that got the fate of your friend Billie in your the pharmacy. Old Sam the pharmacist over the counter and walked out with can be downloaded for $2.99. Comments, Questions, Story Ideas? Send a letter to: [email protected] 14 Spare Change News games August 10 - August 23, 2012 Cambridge and Boston are teeming with organizations ready to provide food and services to the homeless and the Helping Hands needy. If you’re in need, they’re there for you. If you can volunteer or donate, most of them could use your help.

Food Not Bombs Food pantry: Mon. -- Fri. 9 a.m. -- 5 p.m. Medical Walk-in Unit at Mass General Hospital Food Boston Common (near Park Street T station), 617-787-3463 Fair Foods $2 a bag 617-726-2707 DAILY MEALS: 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. St. Paul’s Church 29 Mt. Auburn St, Cambridge Provides minor medical care for adults. Patients are seen in Bread & Jams Self Advocacy Center 50 Quincy St. Mass. Ave. Baptist Church Harvard Sq. Red Line, 617-491-8400 order of arrival. MGH accepts most insurances but requires Cambridge 617-441-3831 146 Hampshire St., Cambridge, 617-868-4853 Saturdays 11:00- 11:30 a.m. copayments. Located in the basement of the Swedenborg Church at the 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. SOMERVILLE, Cobble Hill Apts Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., Sun., Holidays 9:30 corner of Kirkland and Quincy. Serves adults only, no chil- Saturday: 84 Washington St. Back parking lot (near Sullivan Sq.) a.m.-4 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving & Christmas dren. Hope Fellowship Church Every other Wed. 11:30-1 Boston Rescue Mission 39 Kingston St., Boston Breakfast 9:30 to 10 a.m; lunch at 12:00 noon. Other services 16 Beech Street, Cambridge, MA Mt. Pleasant Apts. 70 Perkins St. (off Broadway) Safe & healthy men’s overnight shelter program. include case management, housing assistance, clinical Hope Café – 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. last Saturday of the Every other Wed. 1:30 - 2:30 Rosie’s Place 889 Harrison Ave., Boston, 617-442-9322 assessment, and referrals for substance abuse and medical month Hearty meals for all Women and children only (no boys over age 11) treatment. Loaves and Fishes, First Korean Church, 35 Magazine Somerville Community Baptist Church Open 7 days a week; provides help with housing, medical Boston Rescue Mission 39 Kingston St., Boston Street, Cambridge 31 College Ave. Somerville, MA 02144, 617-625-6523 care, job training, financial aid and education, legal servic- Community meals: 3:00 p.m. weekdays, and 5:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. buffet dinner, music, food pantry Free community meals the second Friday of every month es, rape crisis counselors, health specialists, and more. Sundays. Pilgrim Trinitarian Congregational Church at 6:30pm St. Francis House 39 Boylston Street, Boston, 617-542-4211 Pine Street Inn 444 Harrison Ave., Boston, 617-482-4944 540 Columbia Rd, Dorchester, 617-282-0456 Homeless Concerns Meals offered 365 days/yr.; food pantry open weekdays. Breakfast: 6:00 a.m.; brown bag lunches during the day; 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. community lunch, cafe style, and Offers a mailroom, open art studio, clothing lottery, com- The Womenís Center Dinner: 5:00 p.m.; Chicken truck: 11:30 a.m. (Saturdays only) we serve the guests, no standing in line. puter library, support groups such as AA, showers, tele- 46 Pleasant St., Cambridge, 617-354-8807 Must be registered receive food. Sunday: phones, toothbrushes & razors, medical clinic, counseling Computers, kitchen, space, childrenís room, and more. Rosie’s Place 889 Harrison Ave., Boston, 617-442-9322 Boston Rescue Mission 39 Kingston St., Boston and mental health services, housing counseling and stabili- Walk-ins welcome. Women & children only, no boys over age 11 5:00 p.m. Sundays. zation services, and a womenís center. For more details on Women & children only (no boys over age 12) Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; Dinner: 4:30 to– 7:00 p.m. Food Not Bombs these services and for their specific times visit www.stfran- Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-3pm. St. Francis House 39 Boylston St., Boston, 617-542-4211 955 Mass Ave (617) 787-3436 cishouse.org Cambridge Multi-Service Center Breakfast: 7:30 to 9:00 a.m.; Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Central Square in Cambridge on Sundays from 3-5pm. Starlight Ministries 617-262-4567 19 Brookline St., Cambridge, 617-349-6340 Emergency sandwiches: Weekdays 2:45 to 3:00 p.m. Outreach Wed. 7 p.m. by Park Street T station City-run agency with additional community non-profit Salvation Army 402 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, 617-547-3400 Streetlight Outreach Wednesdays at 8:00 PM Food Assistance partners. Works with Cambridge families in shelters, Lunch: 12:00 noon Harvard T-Station (The Pit); Porter Square T-Station. Greater Boston Food Bank, 617-427-5200 provides shelter referrals and other housing assistance. Women’s Lunch Place 67 Newbury St., Boston., 617-267-0200 Volunteers work weekly to serve the homeless who live in Serves non-profit organizations such as agencies, shelters, Employs housing specialists for elderly and disabled. Women & children only, no boys over 14 Harvard and Porter Squares. Volunteer teams give away etc. Office hours: 8 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m. Office hours: Mon. 8:30 a.m. -- 8 p.m.; Tue., Wed., Thu. 8:30 Open Mon. through Sat., 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. warm food and beverages, clothing and counsel to those in Project Bread 617-723-5000; Hotline 1-800-645-8333 a.m. -- 5 p.m.; Fri. 8:30 a.m. -- 12 p.m. Walk-ins accepted. Buffet breakfast 7:00 to 11:00am, restaurant-style lunch need. Streetlight volunteers also lead an outdoor worship Referrals to food pantries throughout the city Cardinal Medeiros Center 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. service for the entire community. Somerville Food Pantry 617-776-7687 27 Isabella St., Boston, 617-619-6960 The Women’s Center Food pantry: Mon, Tue, Fri 10 a.m. -- 2 p.m.; Wed 12 p.m. Day center for homeless adults (50 years & older); mental WEEKLY MEALS 46 Pleasant St., Cambridge, 617-354-8807 -- 4 p.m.; Thu 1 p.m. -- 4 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.-- 12 p.m. health & nursing staff; help with housing searches. Monday: Computers, kitchen and rooms. Walk-ins welcome. Somerville residents only. Those unable to use other pan- Lunch served at 11:45 a.m. Boston Rescue Mission 39 Kingston St., Boston Women & children only (no boys over age 16). tries due to disability may call and ask for the Project Soup Office hours: Mon.-Thu. 9a.m.- 4p.m.; Fri. 9a.m.-3 p.m. Food pantry: 9:00 to11:00 a.m. (except holidays). Bring Hours: Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-- 8 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. -- 3 p.m. Delivery Coordinator. Caspar 240 Albany St., Cambridge, 617-661-0600 proof of address. On The Rise Brookline Food Pantry Open 24 hrs/day; emergency shelter open 4:30 p.m. -- 8 Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church 62 Harvard Ave., 341 Broadway, Cambridge, 617-497-7968 15 St. Paul St., Brookline, 617-566-4953 a.m.; Clients who leave in the morning may not return Allston, 617-787-7625 Women only. Home-base during the day and advocacy ser- Tues. & Thurs. 10 a.m. -- 2 p.m., Wed 3 p.m. -- 6 p.m.; Sat. until 3 p.m.; Clients staying multiple nights must prove 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. dinner and take-out from Open Door Soup vices. Open six days/week. First-time visitors, call ahead 1 p.m. -- 4 p.m. recent local residency. Kitchen/St. Bridget’s Food Pantry or stop by Mon-Fri, 8-2pm. Brookline residents only. Second-time visitors must present CLASP (Community Legal Assistance Services Project) Mass. Ave. Baptist Church 146 Hampshire St., Cambridge, The Outdoor Church of Cambridge a letter from an advocate confirming that they are in need 19 Brookline St., Cambridge, 617-552-0623 617-868-4853. The Outdoor Church of Cambridge is an outdoor ministry of food services. Free legal clinic for Cambridge homeless at the Multi- Dinner 6 :00 to 7:30 p.m. to homeless men and women in Cambridge. Prayer ser- CEOC (Cambridge Economic Opportunity Commission) Service Center every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday: vices and pastoral assistance outdoors in all seasons and all 11 Inman St. (basement), Cambridge, 617-868-2900 Ecclesia Ministries 67 Newbury Street, Boston., Church of the Advent 30 Brimmer St., Boston, 617-523-2377 weather. Short prayer services in Porter Square, under the Food pantry: Mon, Wed 4 p.m. -- 6 p.m.; Tue 12 p.m. -- 2 617-552-0623 Dinner 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. mobile sculpture near the T station, at 9:00 a.m. and on the p.m.; Thu 11 a.m. -- 1 p.m.; Closed Fri. Weekly Schedule for the Common Cathedral: First Parish Unitarian Church 3 Church St., Cambridge, Cambridge Common, near the tall Civil War monument East End House Sunday: Worship at Brewer’s Fountain on Boston 617-876-7772 and directly across from Christ Church Cambridge on 105 Spring St., Cambridge, 617-876-4444 Common, 1 pm Dinner 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 5:30) Garden Street, at 1:00 p.m. every Sunday, throughout the Food pantry: Tue 12 p.m. -- 2 p.m.; Fri 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Gospel Reflection at St. Paul’s Cathedral, 138 Tremont St., Faith Lutheran Church 311 Broadway, Cambridge, 617- year. Sandwiches, pastry, juice and clean white socks avail- Offers assistance in filling out food stamp applications (call 2:30 p.m. -- 4 p.m. 354-0414 able in Harvard Square and Central Square. (978)456-0047, for appointment). Monday: Lunch at Sproat Hall (St. Paul’s Cathedral) 11:30 Faith Kitchen, second & last Tuesday of every month, 6:30 p.m. 39 Brown Road, Harvard, Massachusetts 01451 jedman- Margaret Fuller House a.m. --1 p.m. Wednesday: [email protected]; www.theoutdoorchurch.net. 71 Cherry St., Cambridge, 617-547-4680 -Eucharist & Healing (St. Paul’s Cathedral) 1 p.m. MIT/St. Barts Victory Programs, Inc. Food pantry: Wed. 5 :00 to 7:30 p.m.; Thurs. 1:00 to 4:00 - Common Fellowship in Sproat Hall (St. Paul’s Cathedral) 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, www.vpi.org. Short and long-term residential substance p.m.; Fri & Sat 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon 2 p.m. --3 p.m. Central Square, Cambridge use disorder treatment programs for individuals and fami- Salvation Army Wednesday: Common Art at the Emmanuel Church, 15 Hope Fellowship Church 16 Beech Street, Cambridge, MA lies; affordable housing opportunities for eligible individu- 402 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-547-3400 Newbury Street, 10 a.m. -- 3 p.m. Streetlight Outreach Team - Wednesday nights at Harvard als; HIV/AIDS case management. Sites throughout Boston Cambridge and Somerville residents only. Friday: Common Cinema in Sproat Hall (St. Paul’s Square in the pit 8:15 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Please call for more information. (617) 541-0222 ext. 626 Food pantry: 9 a.m. -- 3 p.m. & by appointment Cathedral) 2:30 p.m. -- 5 p.m. Salvation Army 402 Mass. Ave., Cambridge 617-547-3400 St. Francis House Horizons for Homeless Children Dinner 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. 39 Boylston St., Boston, 617-542-4211 617-445-1480; www.horizonsforhomelesschildren.org Legal Aid St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church Food pantry: Mon. through Wed. 10 a.m. -- 11 a.m. Horizons for Homeless Children is seeking volunteers to Lawyers Clearinghouse, 617-723-0885 239 Harvard Street, Central Square, Cambridge Sign up at the Counseling Desk in the St. Francis House interact and play with children living in family, teen par- Shelter Legal Services (Newton), 617-965-0449 Dinner 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Day Center ent, and domestic violence shelters in Greater Boston. We Thursday: St. James Episcopal Church offer daytime and evening shifts, so there is likely to be one The Homeless Eyecare Network of Boston (HEN-Boston) Christ Church Zero Garden St. Cambridge 617-876-0200 Helping Hand Food Pantry, Fresh Pond Apartments, 362 that fits your schedule. A commitment of 2 hours a week is a nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining a con- Dinner 6 :00 p.m. Ringe Ave, Cambridge, 617-547-4070 for 6 months is required. The next training session will be stantly undated network of affordable and free eyecare ser- The Women’s Meal (Women and children welcome) Tues., 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Thurs. 11 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.; Sat. 10:00 Sat., Sept. 27, 9:30 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m. vices for the homeless. If you need an eye exam or glasses, St. James’s Episcopal Church a.m. to 12:00 noon 1991 Mass Ave, Cambridge, 617-547-4070

St. Paul’s AME Church 85 Bishop Allen Drive, Cambridge, 5:00 to 7 p.m. 617-661-1110 Name ______Union Baptist Church Food pantry: Wed. 12p.m.--2 p.m.; Sat. 10a.m.--12 p.m. 874 Main St., Cambridge, 617-864-6885 Street ______

Western Ave Baptist Church 299 Western Ave., Cambridge, 5:00 p.m. ______617-661-0433 Friday: to Food pantry: Every second Wed., 10 a.m. City ______state ______Zip _____ Arlington St. Church Zinberg Clinic Pantry Cambridge Hospital 617-665-1606 S CN My check or money order for $60 made payable to Spare Change News is enclosed. 351 Boylston St., Boston, 617-536-7050 • For clinic patients with HIV/AIDS only. S ubscribe 5:00 p.m. Mail to: Spare Change News1151 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138 16 Spare Change News entertainment August 10 - August 23, 2012 The Once and Future King Catching up with our behemoth of modern horror

Stories by Patty Tomsky Most of the story, Spare Change News however, is about man vs. machine. Throw The first Kindle single from Stephen in King and his kid’s King was about a Kindle with a time- fascinating character- travel feature and it was boss. The sec- izations of the gang ond Kindle single was about a car with and add a dollop of a Lovecraftian monster inside that kept high-octane tension eating people with its tentacles. It was, and you’ve got a brew 1988 ks boo my friends, also pretty boss. The current as combustible as the

Kindle single, “Throttle,” is a tribute to stuff in the tank of that Studio Stephen Spielberg’s first B-movie, based demon truck. on Richard Matheson’s story, “Duel.” It I a l s o re a d t h i s V i k ing chronicles what happens when a biker summer’s “The Wind PHOTO: PHOTO: gang takes on a satanic tanker truck. It’s Through the Keyhole,” a true-crime kinda story and as such, the prequel to King’s ness of all living things. In that book, as is missing many of the King quirks I fantasy series “The well as in several others, most notably, have come to love in my 30-plus years Dark Tower,” starring “IT” and “The Dead Zone,” no one does of reading him (I know, I know-- I look Roland the Gunslinger gorgeous, mushy epiphanies like King. good for my age). But it’s also full of the and his fate. Never a When they’re great they’re great and fabulous detail that makes a King story fan of the series, I must when they’re not…well, they’re wince- resonate with his readers far past the say, the book left me worthy deluxe. time when other fiction fades. with a distinct, feh, Thankfully, the Kindle singles all King wrote the story with his son, Joe although “Tower” fans hold up in this area, which is no mean Hill, who is a talented dude in his own will like it. It’s got that feat considering they are so short. right and whose “Heart-Shaped Box” famous Roland Mojo S e gar That’s why I’m super psyched for a lon- was a haunting and bloody medita- in spades. So what’s ger work in “Joyland” and super happy tion on the nature of evil. Like all of his next? that the announcement of King’s retire- father’s works, Hill’s novels, and short I just heard that ment several years back has been great- stories in particular, retain an allegori- K i n g ’ s n e w b o o k , ly exaggerated. cal flavor – it’s as if the people acting “Joyland,” is coming Some of his middle books (“Gerald’s /R E UT R S /M i ke P hoto and reacting within them are doing so out in June of next year Game,” “Needful Things”) were a little for all of us. In this new Kindle single, and that it is a crime the bathroom floor in the middle of the lame, true. But before you write off our the characters are also marching to the novel (boo) with ghosts (yay!). I am also night (I shared a room with my twin sis- behemoth of modern horror yet one tune of the archetype: We meet Doc, the looking forward to rereading his last ter) and my butt went numb because I more time, read these Kindle singles bookworm; Peaches, the idiot; Lemmy, novel, the JFK assassination, time-travel couldn’t put it down. “Insomnia” is and “11/22/63.” Join me, my sistahs the conscience keeper; and a father-son tome, “11/22/63,” that was a real page- dear to me because it retains the free- and brothahs: “Long live the King, resentment-arama rife with ring-true turner and meticulously researched, wheeling verbosity and apocalyptic glee Mah-stah of Hah-rah!” emotion. Race, the prototypical rebel- but not as great as my favorites, “The of “The Stand” while tackling issues like lious son, has elements of both James Stand” or “Insomnia.” I read “The domestic violence and (yes I’m going to PATTY TOMSKY is a freelance writer. Dean and – god help me - Hamlet. Stand” the summer I was seventeen on say it, sans irony) the interconnected- Vince, Race’s father, and his old Army buddy from ‘Nam, Lemmy, are grizzled vets and leaders of the gang, one of whom who has accidentally-on-purpose Fan Boy and Photo-Essayist: Who Knew? murdered a teenage meth-head and is on the way to somehow recoup the 60 Okay you Sox fans, you probably Studio Books) deserves a place on werewolf genre out into uncharted ter- grand that an ex cellmate of Race’s used know Stephen King is one of the Boston Goth coffee tables worldwide. It’s only ritory. Seeing King’s stories set against to start up a lab. Red Sox biggest fans out there, but did $12.99 on Amazon: I think you can these other cool writers makes his tal- I don’t know if it’s because I have you know he and Stewart O’Nan wrote forego your next, new MAC black eye- ent stand out. And you gotta think read every single word that this man has a book called, “Faithful” (Scribner) liner pencil to own this evocative med- when the master reads Simmons and ever written or because the mood of the about the historic 2004 season? It start- itation on spooky statuary. Martin, it keeps him on his toes. piece is so comic-book like (it has great ed off as a series of emails between the Before George R.R. Martin became This past June, “The Rock Bottom illustrations by Nelson Daniel and Phil uber-deadpan novelist Stewart O’Nan a fantasy sensation with his “Game Remainders,” a rock band King played Noto and once was included in a tribute and blockbuster author and grew into of Thrones” HBO series, he and hor- in for two decades with Dave Barry, to Richard Matheson by IDW Comics) an entire tome dedicated to Sox mania. ror writer Dan Simmons joined King Mitch Albom, Amy Tan and other but I knew the minute that this plotline Worth the trip to the stadium. in a book of short stories called, “Dark authors, retired from its twice-yearly, was set that it wouldn’t be resolved Next up, a photography book essay Visions” (Indigo). All of the stories charity-gigging existence. A quick swiftly. It would circle back and have about gargoyles commenting on some in here are top shelf, even if the ones YouTube search yields some fuzzy an enhanced, end-of-the-world mean- awesome avant-garde photos from King contributed are available else- video that says it wasn’t that big of a ing. Many critics of King decry this very F-stop Fitzgerald. Not a dash-off by where in his catalogue. The purchase loss. But King’s affinity for rock and quality: He makes everything seem so, any means, “Nightmares in the Sky: price is more than worth it for Martin’s roll music also had him gigging with well, bloody resonant. Gargoyles and Grotesques” (Viking “Skin Trade” novella, which takes the KING continued on page 10