AfAm Your VOICE Your COMMUNITY POINT OF VIEW Your POINT OF VIEW www.afampov.com Our Community News Magazine december 1, 2015 A DELIGHTFUL SALUTE TO UNITY “Dr. Wise shared facts about the history of gospel music. He spoke about its origins. Its differences The Gift of Presence: from European music, and its importance in the lives of slaves who used song to communicate, tell their stories, and honor their God.” PSALM AGAINST DESPAIR By Willette Y. Johnson – 5 By Magdalena Gómez WHO DO YOU LISTEN TO? “Listening to people that always agree with you Winter comes too late isn’t wise. Rarely are they able to help. They resurrected roses sing think like you. Growth occurs when we’re forced a Mother’s Day refrain to look at things from different perspectives.” doors brag pudgy holly wreaths By Patricia Spradley – 6 that have no need of rain …TRANSFORMING YOUTH children dream of snowflakes “They learn that they don’t need to belong to a as resting Nature wakes gang to be a member of a family or a group of weary of endless giving close friends. They learn they can work for what she hides, she hoards, she takes they need and solve problems without resorting the balance out of living; to violence. They come to recognize people they lessons for the indolent can trust to help them transform their lives.” who’ve taken her for granted By John Roberson – 17 gluttonous years of gathering …SHEDDING POUNDS when we should have planted. “While staying on track is never easy for any weight loss plan, Nathan and Dawnelle believe a As it was and is. healthier lifestyle is within reach for every fam- One prepares for battle, ily. ‘If we can do it, anyone can…’” the other for surrender. By Azell Cavaan – 19 To those who say “No more!” CO-FOUNDER OF who by mindful will and work #BLACKLIVESMATTER… change the course “It’s about organizing and exercising collective of a wild and headless wind power. Everyone in this room is an agent of so- to them I give my gratitude cial change. We need to re-inject this country to them I sing this hymn. with the humanity that it claims.” I am because they are Alicia Garza – 23 as the will to live within me dies ...VIOLENCE IN THE INNER CITY Photo taken by Magdalena Gómez; detail from my essence recovers fortitude “The operative word in news is “new.” Unfor- Harriet Tubman monument in Harlem, NYC as courageous voices rise: tunately, there is nothing new about six thousand continues to page 16 murders of young men annually in the inner cities of our country.” THE CHANGING FACE MY WHITE MAILMAN By E. W. Jackson – 25 With the Beard and Bad Attitude TRAVELING OF HEROIN USE: PAINS AND PLEASURES How Hampden County Sheriff By Frederick A. Hurst “Apparently that toothpaste posed a threat to the Candidate Nick Cocchi ail service is so bad. And getting worse. The safety of all passengers. I never saw her dispose Put it All in Perspective cost of a stamp keeps creeping up. Regular of it so I assume she took it home. She stole my Movernight delivery that we had become so toothpaste!” By Bishop Talbert W. Swan, II comfortable with no longer exists. And it is disconcerting By Willette Y. Johnson – 28 assachusetts Governor Charlie Baker’s pro- to get a letter postmarked out of Hartford instead of “HEROS AND LEGENDS EXHIBIT” posed bill that will expand the state’s involun- Springfield especially when mail arrives one, two or three “…features (Ed) Cohen’s photography of indi- Mtary commitment law to allow doctors to days later than in the past. And at any time of the day! viduals who have made significant contributions continues to page 14 continues to page 24 in the areas of the arts and politics whom he has Please visit, follow, subscribe, comment, like, tweet, read or explore on our website at: www.afampointofview.com or www.afampov.com photographed throughout his career.” www.facebook.com/AfAmPointofView https://plus.google.com/+PointofViewSpringfield www.twitter.com/AfAmPointofView Press Release – 29 afam point of view page two december 1, 2015
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Lydia Sanchez Enrollment Expert Caring Health Center afam point of view page three december 1, 2015 BUSINESS & FINANCE AN AFRICAN AMERICAN Point of View Celebrating Entrepreneurs ...... 10 688 Boston Road, Springfield, MA 01119 CLASSIFIED...... 36 Phone: (413) 796-1500 ● Fax: (413) 796-6100 CO E-mail: [email protected] ● Website: www.afampointofview.com COMMUNITY www.facebook.com/ https://plus.google.com/ www.twitter.com/ Community Focus ...... 15, 22, 38 AfAmPointofView +PointofViewSpringfield AfAmPointofView Community Focus - CT...... 23 Point of View is a monthly news journal with an African American orientation. It is distributed Community Information...... 34, 36 free to select locations in Hampden and Hampshire counties and in Connecticut. Letters, Community Perspectives (continues from cover) ...... 14 articles and comments appearing in the newspaper reflect the opinions of the contributors Events...... 37 and do not constitute an endorsement by POV and are subject to editing. POV assumes no responsibility for photos, articles, letters, press releases or unsolicited materials. Decisions Food for Thought ...... 18 as to the editing and publishing of material are based on space availability and the discretion Good News...... 34 of the publisher and editor. Distribution locations are listed on our web site. POV assumes Latin@ Groove (continues from cover)...... 16 no financial responsibility for failure to publish an advertisement, incorrect placement or ty- Leadership Pioneer Valley...... 17 pographical errors in its publication. Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of Our Love ...... 19 their advertising and claims and offers contained within their advertising. POV reserves the Political Happenings ...... 15, 39 right to refuse advertising for any reason. No portion of this publication may be reproduced N without written permission. Positively Life Changing...... 17 PUBLISHER: Frederick A. Hurst EDITOR: Marjorie J. Hurst EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: THIS ISSUE AF-AM Newsbits ...... 4 Art for the Soul Rosemary Tracy Woods Op-Ed E. W. Jackson From the Publisher’s Desk (continues from cover) ...... 24 Artist in Residence Renée Flowers Our Love Azell Cavaan Op Ed by E. W. Jackson...... 25 Children’s Book Corner Terri Schlichenmeyer Parents & Community Patricia Spradley EDUCATION Community Perspectives Bishop Talbert W. Swan II T Pen & Ink Juanita Torrence-Thompson Early Education & Care ...... 9 Early Education & Care Nicole Blais & John Tranghese Whitney T. Fritze Education & Hope...... 8 Education & Hope Gianna Allentuck Crystal Senter-Brown Features Willette Y. Johnson Political Happenings Sen. Eric P. Lesser Parents & Community...... 6 Dr. Alonzo D. Sheffield Positively Life Changing John Roberson Reading to Succeed...... 7 Moyah Smith Reading to Succeed Sally Fuller School Committee Happenings...... 6 Food for Thought Zaida Govan Religious Point of View Rev. Dr. Atu White, Editor Good News Jay Griffin FEATURES Dr. Kirk Byron Jones EN Health Matters Doris Harris, Editor School Comm. Happenings Denise M. Hurst Springfield Unity Festival...... 5 Mandi Summers The Urban Cook Rhonda Jones Targeted Health Challenges of Minorities...... 13 Latin@ Groove Magdalena Gómez Leadership Pioneer Valley Lora Wondolowski Youth Premier Soccer David Kelley Education: Our Foundation (New Release) ...... 37 Life’s Challenges Sweets H. Wilson, PhD Artistic/Multimedia Director - Marie Zanazanian Stevie Wonder at the XL Center in Hartford...... 32 Mama’s Boyz Jerry Craft Distribution Manager - Shawn Merriman FOOD TALK Musings. . . Willette Y. Johnson Photographer - Ed Cohen The Urban Cook...... 29 HEALTH LOCATE OUR ADVERTISERS Health Matters ...... 11 Alden Baptist Church ------27 Mount Calvary Baptist Church------27 American Heart Association ...... 12 Antonio’s Catering------12 Mt. Zion Baptist Church ------26 LIVING Baystate Medical Center ------40 New Life Calvary Baptist Church ------27 Life’s Challenges...... 28 Bethel AME Church------27 Optical Expressions------12 Branford Hall Career Institute ------3 Overflowing Love Church of the Living God ------27 Musings...... 28 Canaan Baptist Church of Christ ------27 Progressive Community Baptist Church------27 PHOTO GALLERY ...... 20-21 City Councilor Orlando Ramos ------11 Roberta B. Johnson/Real Living Real Estate------14 RELIGION T Ed Cohen Photography------19 Shiloh Seventh-Day Adventist Church------27 Religious Point of View by Dr. Kirk Byron Jones ...... 26 Family Church------27 Solid Rock Community Baptist Church ------27 Freedom Credit Union ------9 Religious Directory...... 26-27 Springfield Dept. of Health & Human Services ------13 Freedom House of God Inc. ------27 Springfield Neighborhood Housing Services ------18 SPRINGFIELD SPORTS Gentle Smiles Family Dentistry------12 Youth Premier Soccer...... 35 Griffin Staffing Network------10 Springfield Technical Community College ------36 Hall & Hall Siding------29 St. John’s Congregational Church------27 THE ARTS
Holyoke Community College------8 State Senator Jim Welch ------11 Art for the Soul...... 31 S Home Inspections by Marco, Inc. ------14 Third Baptist Church ------27 Artist in Residence ...... 31 Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation ------7 Wesley United Methodist Church ------27 Mason Wright Senior Living------17 Westfield State University ------8 Children’s Book Corner ...... 30 Massachusetts Health Connector------2 WTCC FM 90.7------35 Mama’s Boyz ...... 37 MBC Realtors, LLC ------14 X-Bankers Check Cashing------35 Pen & Ink ...... 30, 33 Photography Exhibit...... 29
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afam point of view page four december 1, 2015 view of the fact that more changes licensed casinos? Or is it also about may come. This is not the behavior accommodating powerful local inter- AF-AM NEWS bits that we were led to believe that we est? I bet there’s some of both.” (No- By Frederick A. Hurst could expect from MGM. I was im- vember 15, 2015) Or maybe it’s just BRIDGEPORT PUZZLE? response to the crack crisis, which pressed with the CityStage presenta- Massachusetts politics as usual. began in the late ‘80s and which pri- have no idea what the election of tion. But I was also impressed with marily affected folks in the Black former Bridgeport Mayor Joseph what top MGM officials had to say TRUMP I community, was imprisonment under Ganim to replace the avant garde before they went silent immediately he first time I’ve really shivered much harsher terms than given to Mayor Bill Finch means. Ganim after their plan was accepted. I don’t Tat the Republican’s Donald served seven years of a nine-year sen- White folks on cocaine and other know what to think about the future. I Trump phenomenon was when he tence after being convicted of 16 drugs during the same period. One know CityStage was packed with failed to chastise White folks in a felony charges including extortion, would like to think that the measured union members (the vast majority crowd he was speaking to who were racketeering and bribery while in the and compassionate response to the White) who cheered because they pummeling a Black protester. Instead last year of his five terms as Bridge- opioid crisis is a result of lessons want jobs at any cost. And I know Trump suggested in pretty graphic port’s mayor. He beat Mayor Finch in learned from the hard-line response to Mayor Sarno had to support MGM re- terms that the Black protester de- the primary and University of Bridge- the crack epidemic and not because of gardless of the changes in its plan be- served the beating. My first thought port Vice President, Mary-Jane Foster, race considerations. cause of the $25 million the city will was Oh, Oh! Donald Trump is becom- in the general election. What his elec- receive each year. But what I don’t ing dangerous. It has been obvious tion means for the City of Bridgeport, MY BET know is who is looking out for the rest from the beginning that he is appeal- which was on an upward trajectory o Republican candidate will gain of us who are beginning to suspect ing to the “Bubba” element in the Re- under Mayor Finch, is a puzzle to Na majority of convention dele- that we may not get what we voted for publican Party, although few of us many. gates through the primaries and the and will be left out of the MGM eco- knew that the Bubba element was so Republican race for a candidate to op- nomic boom. MGM’s CityStage pres- large a part of the Republican voter CAUTION IN THE NAME pose the Democratic presidential can- entation was impressive and glitzy. base as it now appears to be. And al- though it is embarrassing to the Re- OF SAFETY IS JUST didate for 2016 will be decided on the But many of us remain worried. And floor of the Republican convention in MGM’s challenge for the immediate publican “establishment” that remains FINE Cleveland, Ohio next July. future will be to convince a lot of folks puzzled by Trump’s dominance in the he outcry over Governor Charlie that its commitment to a genuine part- polls and apparently helpless to do TBaker’s stance on admitting Syr- CASINO POLITICS nership with the citizens of Spring- anything about it, it’s Trump’s right ian refugees into the United States is he faint taste of crow in my field is less “sizzle” and more “beef.” and his business to appeal to whatever a bit misplaced. Many governors in Tmouth was not erased by MGM’s element he chooses. And that he is many states have refused to admit CityStage public explanation of the FANTASY SPORTS giving the Republicans a candid view them with no qualifications. Gover- unexpected changes in its Springfield t’s amazing how 58 million Ameri- of their creation that was born out of nor Baker has called for a cautious ap- casino design. I supported the MGM cans have drifted to the fantasy its cynical “Southern Strategy” that I moved it so far to the right so as to proach. He wants more information plan in the face of opposition from sports “gambling” phenomenon at the make it unwieldy is good. But it is on the vetting process first so that he some pretty close friends and col- same time as so many of us had hardly time to rein him in when his rhetoric can be assured that Massachusetts cit- leagues. And I based my support on heard of it until New York’s attorney incites racial violence that he ap- izens will not be exposed to avoidable what MGM had to say before its plan general declared it illegal gambling, proves of. It’s time for the adults to risks. That’s not unreasonable. was approved. But I was nonplused Nevada outright banned it, and Mas- take over. by the months of silence thereafter as sachusetts Attorney General Maura THE ONLY were many folks who, like me, were Healey declared it legal gambling in CARSON DISTINCTION also absolutely stunned by the abrupt need of responsible regulation even and callous way that we were all in- though it is arguably a criminal of- en Carson, go back to the operat- ing room. BETWEEN THE formed of “significant” changes in the fense under current Massachusetts B RESPONSE TO THE plan. It is unsettling. And it left us all law. Boston Sunday Globe columnist SPOILED BRATS OR OPIOID CRISIS AND wary of the final outcome over which Joan Vennochi attributes Healey’s we will soon be helpless to influence. moderate approach to the fact that NEW WAVE? THE CRACK CRISIS We moved forward on faith. And now New England Patriots’ owner Robert must admit to mixed emotions over SEEMS TO BE RACE our faith is shaken by behavior of Kraft is an investor in one of the major Ithe Black student protest erupting overnor Baker’s passionate re- MGM that most of us had been fantasy sports groups and a $500,000 on campuses all over America. Some Gsponse to the “opioid” crisis, warned about but chose to ignore. The contributor to one of Healey’s causes, of it seems to be devoid of substance which seems to be shared by local of- idea that MGM representatives did and her former boss and candidate for and more like the tantrums of spoiled ficials across the state, is in some not even feel a need to communicate governor, Martha Coakley, represents kids. But some of it seems legitimate ways disturbing. The response has with significant elements of the the same fantasy group. Vennochi and a sign of a new wave of student been to provide funding and programs Springfield community after their plan wrote, “Does (Healy’s position) rep- activism. Although sorting the one to help those affected by the wide pro- was approved is frightening, espe- resent a pro-innovation mindset in a from the other is proving to be quite liferation of opioids short of impris- cially in view of the changes that we state that has already sanctioned gam- an intellectual task, I, for one, am anx- onment while the dispassionate are being asked to endorse…and in bling via a state-run lottery and state- ious to see where it leads. ■ afam point of view page five december 1, 2015 FEATURE: SPRINGFIELD UNITY FESTIVAL A Delightful Salute to Unity By Willette Y. Johnson n Saturday, November Jordan, Paul Robbins, Unity Festival 14, 2015, some friends Co-Chair, and the family and friends and I attended the of York Mayo. While speaking, Mayor Willette Y. Johnson O Springfield Unity Festival at Sarno made reference to his brief Symphony Hall. Thanks to the generosity of POV’s singing career as a student under the Rick and Marjorie Hurst, media sponsors of the direction of the late Josephine event, our festival tickets allowed us easy entrance Fullilove, a beloved spiritual leader to an event that had been highly anticipated for and gifted musician. I believe we all many weeks. After meeting and greeting so many felt privileged to be present at such a eager attendees in the lobby, we were given event history-making event. programs and ushered into the auditorium of open Dr. Raymond Wise ignited the seating. We eagerly awaited the start of “We Raise stage. This phenomenal musical direc- Our Voices: A Springfield Unity Concert.” tor, hailing from Baltimore, Maryland,
The audience was welcomed by the Mistress began with an enthusiastic greeting of Ceremonies, Shakala Alvaranga from Western and welcoming of the two hundred Mass News. She spoke briefly about the mission plus racially, generationally, and cul- and goals of the event, highlighting the signifi- turally diverse choir members to their cance of a vision of peace and unity held by the late places. It was an amazing sight! Once York Mayo which ignited the idea of this concert. the singing began, we were immersed A businessman and dedicated volunteer in the area, in musical contributions for the re- Mr. Mayo was a former executive with American mainder of the evening. The choir was Saw & Manufacturing Co. and helped re-start accompanied by combined sounds of Habitat for Humanity in Springfield. Three years drums, piano, keyboard, and bass gui- ago he and Lee Hagon-Kerr, former choral director tar played by former students of Dr. of Minnechaug Regional High School and choir di- Wise who are renown musicians in rector at Christ The King Lutheran Church, spoke their own right. Everyone knew what with key leaders in Springfield from whom they re- they were expected to do, and exe- Accompanying Dr. Wise seated from L to R were former students ceived a positive response, and thus they began cuted their performance with close to David Powell, (Dr. Wise) and Marlon Webb and standing from working towards making his vision a reality. Vol- perfection. It was incredulous to learn L to R: Harry Hunt and Dr. Mark Lomax, along with Frank Lane, unteers were invited to join a leadership-planning that they had all only met that same Dr. Wise’s business partner of 30 years. team, and the Springfield Unity Festival was born. day. It was clear that Dr. Wise knows Mayor Domenic J. Sarno addressed the audi- something about creating, organizing, Dr. Wise shared facts about the history of ence with his special, trademark remarks sparking leading, and showmanship. One great surprise for gospel music. He spoke about its origins, its differ- everyone to feel the infectious pride of something the audience was the participation of members of ences from European music, and its importance in this remarkable taking root and thriving in the City the now renowned High School of Science and the lives of slaves who used song to communicate, of Homes. Of course he thanked everyone for their Technology Band along with their band leader and tell their stories, and honor their God. He talked participation, including his Chief of Staff, Denise teacher, Mr. Gary Bernice. continues to page 33 afam point of view page six december 1, 2015 EDUCATION SCHOOL COMMITTEE HAPPENINGS PARENTS & COMMUNITY MASC Creates Who Do You Listen To? Minority Caucus By Patricia Spradley By Denise M. Hurst listening to the right person? I tend to was to know about education and pol- Patricia Spradley is Chief be a person who waits for “a sign.” icy. The first important takeaway for Denise M. Hurst, Administrator for But He doesn’t always show up in Springfield School me was that this was my training; this Parent and signs and ways that we think He Committee Member was my opportunity to learn how to be Community Engagement, Springfield Public Schools should. So if you’re like me, how do [email protected] the most effective school committee (413) 787-6597 you know when He’s doing the talk- (413) 330-1030 member I could be. If you think about it, there is no specific training for ing and, therefore, you need to listen? being an elected official: a School ecember is my reflection I had become so accustomed to hen I first decided to run Committee member, City Councilor, month. I concentrate on how seeking His clarity only when things for school committee, I at- Mayor, State Representative or Sena- Dto be better. Moving for- were out of order. But spending more Wtended school committee tor. However, Massachusetts General ward, my focus is on WHO I listen to. time listening is teaching me that meetings to learn about what was oc- Laws does mandate newly elected I now know it is critically important sometimes what looks like a move by curring in our district and the role of school committee members partici- to my personal growth. Him, is simply Him trying to get my I understand the significance of attention. listening to those “who have demon- Sometimes opportunities are strated they have what I want.” It presented and we are uncertain if we matters not if it’s physical, mental or spiritual. It does matter that you are need to take advantage of them. Then careful about WHO you decide to lis- there are times when we look at an ten to. Too often we ask advice from open door and believe that it is an ob- people because we like them, we’ve vious indication we need to walk known them for a long time, or they through it while it’s still open. Not say they know how to help. necessarily. We simply need to LIS- Betty Crocker has experience TEN! baking cakes. Michael Jordan is a fa- It’s not always what you see, it’s mous basketball player with excep- not always what you feel and it’s usu- tional skills. What they have in ally not what you think. Your answer common is “demonstrated evidence” will most likely come in what you of knowing and showing their expert- hear. Who are you listening to? Members of newly created MASC Minority Caucus ise. Who do you listen to? Listening to people that always There is a difference between this governing body. My mother-in- pate in an eight-hour training upon agree with you isn’t wise. Rarely are the voices that speak to your fear and law, Marjorie Hurst, suggested I also being elected. Any commitment to they able to help. They think like you. the voice that speaks to your heart! attend a Massachusetts Association of learning from that point forward is de- Growth occurs when we’re forced to We habitually listen to those things School Committees (MASC) meeting. pendent upon the elected official ex- look at things from different perspec- and people who speak loudest in our She explained that it was a great way ercising the dedication to seek out the tives. It challenges us to let go of our life. It is that reason we often can’t to learn about what was happening on resources, i.e. workshops, trainings or assumptions and beliefs that are fre- hear who we really should be listen- a statewide level and in other commu- seminars that are available, to orient quently not grounded by facts. Who ing to. The loudest voices are rarely them to their new role. nities across the Commonwealth with do you listen to? the voice of wisdom; that’s why they respect to education. Over the years, MASC has been Being open-minded to all possi- are fighting to be heard. So when you I attended my first MASC con- a beneficial source of information re- bilities expands our opportunities! I think it looks like Him, just pause and ference the year I was elected into of- garding educational policies and hap- didn’t realize how much I limited listen... make sure it also sounds like fice. I traveled to Hyannis, MA, for penings, not only locally and myself, thinking that I had a fool- the four-day conference and quickly statewide, but on a federal level as proof plan. He has so much more for Him! realized that this conference was well. I have had the opportunity to me than I ever imagined! And all I If you believe that you are in a about Business! Many of the atten- serve as the Massachusetts Minority had to do was stop putting parameters season where He is passing by and dees were long-serving school com- Delegate to the National School on what I thought was for me. So you don’t want to miss what He is mittee members and individuals who Boards Association on four occasions. who was I listening to? about to do.... be quiet and know who appeared to know everything there continues to page 9 How do we really know if we’re you are listening to! ■ afam point of view page seven december 1, 2015 EDUCATION READING TO SUCCEED Sally Fuller heads the Read- ing Success by 4th Grade (RS4G) initiative for the Gifts for Children That Keep on Giving Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, to build com- By Sally Fuller munity support and align efforts for all Springfield’s s the holidays approach, it’s For Babies 6-12 Months children to read proficiently my hope that there will be lots ● Board books with photos of other babies. on the 3rd grade MCAS. and lots of books given to ● Brightly colored “chunky” board books to touch and taste! www.readby4thgrade.com A children during this season. And for ● Books with photos of familiar objects like balls and bottles. those who are thinking about making holiday donations to community toy- ● Plastic/vinyl books for bath time. giving programs, here’s to you!!! Think about one less plastic toy that will ● Small plastic photo albums of family and friends. break upon opening. Think about the books that you have treasured and still own…those are the gifts that keep on giving…to your child or someone else’s. For Young Toddlers 12-24 Months ● Sturdy board books that they can carry. My three favorite books recently purchased for my grandchildren are: ● Books with photos of children doing familiar things like sleeping or play- The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt ing. The Day the Crayons Came Home by Drew Daywalt ● Goodnight books for bed time. The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak ● Books about saying good-bye and hello. ● Books with only a few words on each page. ● Books with brightly colored, engaging illustrations. ● Books with simple rhymes or predictable text. ● Animal books of all sizes and shapes. For Older Toddlers 24-36 Months ● Books that tell simple stories. ● Simple rhyming books that they can memorize. ● Bed time books. ● Books about counting, the alphabet, shapes or sizes. ● Animal books, vehicle books, books about playtime. I have read them to grandkids ages 2 – 5 literally dozens of times. And ● Books with humorous pictures and words. even read them to third grade classes at Samuel Bowles School in Springfield For Preschoolers 3-5 Years and they loved them! ● Books about children that look and live like them, as well as about children Here are some guidelines for selecting books from an amazing child de- living very different lives. velopment resource, Zero to Three. (For the complete list go to www.zero- ● Counting books or other “concept” books about things like size or time. tothree.org) ● Simple “science” books about things and how they work—like garbage For Babies 0-6 Months trucks, flowers or tools. ● Books with simple, large pictures or designs with bright colors. ● Books about things in which they have a special interest such as trains, ● Stiff cardboard, “chunky” books, or fold out books that can be propped up animals or cooking. in the crib. ● Books about making friends. (Also books about dealing with the chal- ● Cloth and soft vinyl books with simple pictures of people or familiar ob- lenges of friendships—making up after an argument, dealing with a bossy jects that can go in the bath or get washed. friend, etc.) ● Books about going to school or to the doctor. ● Books about having brothers or sisters. Learn to Read, Read to Learn! ● Books with simple text that they can memorize or read! For our children to succeed in school and beyond, it is crucial they enter kindergarten ready to learn… so it is never too Here’s to a wonderful holiday season filled with books and words and early to start cultivating a love of words with our children. conversations! ■ Let your child see you reading. Give your child words. The larger a young child’s vocabulary, the more they will be prepared for success in school. Make books a part of a child’s life. Good school attendance—showing up every day—starting with Happy Holidays preschool is important… a child’s learning accelerates in the classroom. The staff of POV thanks all of our advertisers, writers and readers for a successful 2015 and wishes all of you and www.readby4thgrade.com Reading Success by 4th Grade An Initiative of Cherish Every Child, Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation your families a joyous holiday season. afam point of view page eight december 1, 2015 EDUCATION EDUCATION & HOPE What path will you take? Trust and believe… By Gianna Allentuck
breathe deep with faith filling our Gianna Allentuck is an Not only do nurses Adjustment Counselor at lungs with the breath and gift of life care for a person’s Elias Brookings School, bestowed upon us by the mystical and Volunteer, Wife and spiritual figure at whose feet we offer outside, we also Mother. For questions or comments on our prayers of appreciation. We open promote healing on uniting in hope, call our hands to the food of faith that the inside. (703) 930-0243 nourishes and sustains our souls dur- aith works. Faith. Works. Each ing the poverty of hope. And we re- alone, a simple word. But to- ceive the anointing of faith as the NOELANI gether they form a profound salve to our woes or the oil that glows CLASS OF ’17 F NURSING message of inspiration. Of from the embers of our happiness. purpose. Of hope. Whether in God, St. Jude, Bud- My father was a man of deep dha, the Earth, ourselves, family, or faith, gentle strength, and genuine hu- each other, the faith we hold steadfast Start exploring the possibilities. mility; and as the touchstone for our and high is the sun that illuminates family, he inspired my mother, broth- our blessings on each new day, and ers, and me to believe in a higher the moon that glows – warming and westfi eld.ma.edu power. A force – like air – that sur- filling the shadows of our despair rounds and fortifies. That feeds and with the belief that this too shall pass. fuels a beating heart. A force – he marveled – as faith. But faith is not simply a belief in From Saturday School to Sun- one God or a God, but more so an day Mass to christenings, confes- embracing of the supports proffered sions, communions, and by relationships and love. Faith is the confirmations, I was born into faith; cornerstone of the community built in but as I grew older, my formalized our hearts and lives on a foundation experiences with the invisible force of unity, compassion, honor, courage, graced my life less and less. The ab- fidelity, comfort, strength, and reso- sence of institutionalized religion, lution. however, was not accompanied by an Faith works. Trust and believe… absence of faith. Rather, as I found myself blessed with gifts and chal- lenged with trials, I began to appreci- Author’s note: ate the power and purpose of faith in This article was inspired by the serving as a guide to our hearts in book Faith Works written by Su- navigating the journeys of our lives. perintendent Charles Pratt, Jr., As we travel and endure times of who with his wife, First Lady loss, we look to faith for the strength Evelyn Judy Pratt, has devoted his HCC ONLINE. – the will – to continue on; and on life to the teachings of the Lord, those same paths, when our steps are the prophets of love, and most es- COLLEGE ON light and our mountains small, we un- pecially, the tenets of faith. And derstand faith to be the buoy that up- though my pieces usually focus on YYOOUR SCHEDULE. lifts us. We celebrate faith as the beauty in the human spirit. As the education and hope, I believe that Financial aid available. Classes start Januaryy 25. water that flows beneath the bridge of faith is the foundation for our despair – ebbing and flowing to both. And no matter your religious REGISTERREGISTER NOWNOW!! faith this December, may you carry us to shore. We feel faith as the hcc.edu/onlinehcc.edu//oonline pulse of our blood pumping from a enjoy peace and fulfillment – al- heart filled with divinity and love. We ways. afam point of view page nine december 1, 2015 EDUCATION EARLY EDUCATION & CARE
Nicole Blais is Director The Holiday Blues of Community By Nicole Blais, Director of Community Engagement and Engagement HCS Whitney T. Fritze, LMHC, Mental Health Coordinator for HCS Head Start Head Start, Inc. [email protected] Whitney T. Fritze, LMHC, Men- Since everyone responds to dis- foundations of confidence and self- tal Health Coordinator for HCS Head tress in different ways, it can be dif- esteem. For parents who find lack of Start helped me out with this article ficult to know when the “blues” has connections in their support network, he holiday season is a joyous and she says that for many families, become a more long-term type of dis- or who may be struggling with confi- and happy occasion for many the holidays can trigger a variety of tress needing attention. Even more dence in their parenting style, Head but this time of year can be feelings of loneliness, anxiety, regret difficult is the impact stress can have T Start offers parenting groups that very difficult for some. HCS Head and instability. But for the most vul- on young children, which only ampli- Start is fortunate to be able to provide nerable families, like those living in fies the problem as children will act focus on discussing stress manage- internal mental health services to poverty or who struggle with mental out if they sense there is something ment and learning life-skills and par- both children and their families en- illness, these feelings can be even wrong. For these reasons, it is vital enting techniques. rolled in the program. Throughout the more intensified. A variety of reasons for someone struggling to feel there During difficult times, like the school year the mental health team may contribute to these “holiday is a sense of connection or commu- holiday season, being around others provides classroom support, facili- blues,” such as the financial stress, nity with others, to have coping who share similar struggles and hav- tates play groups, and conducts memories or events associated with strategies for times of intense stress ing access to resources and informa- screenings for children that are in- the holiday season and regrets over and to learn and practice self-care tion can be just what parents need to tended to detect social or emotional goals that may not have been met. In strategies that will assist in maintain- stay motivated and feel hopeful. This challenges and depression screenings addition, anxiety over obstacles that ing a healthy lifestyle. These skills in turn will improve the likelihood targeted for adults. The team also may lie ahead combined with the will assist parents in tolerating these consults with parents and refers fam- physical symptoms that can come difficult times so that they in turn can children will flourish in school and at ilies to a variety of community re- with feeling depressed or anxious can feel capable of overcoming the obsta- home. From all of us here at HCS sources to meet their mental wellness make it easy to feel hopeless around cles that may feel impossible, and as- Head Start, have a Happy and needs. the holidays. sist children in building the same Healthy Holiday Season. ■ SCHOOL COMMITTEE HAPPENINGS sues facing the students in their dis- At this year’s conference, at the MASC Creates Minority Caucus tricts. The caucus would provide a delegate assembly, I am pleased to re- cultural perspective/voice on the ex- port that the MASC membership Holyoke, Worcester, Boston, Chelsea continued from page 6 ecutive board with respect to educa- voted to create a Minority Caucus, and Lawrence to name a few, who Each time I attend the Massachusetts tional policies that are culturally and change its bylaws to add the conference and the National confer- also have high populations of stu- proficient, as well as provide recom- Chair of the Caucus to the Executive ence I am in awe about how much I dents of color and/or diverse back- mendations on how to make certain Board. This was indeed history and a don’t know, and how much is occur- grounds including religion and the services offered by the MASC step in the right direction for Massa- ring to change education for the better socioeconomic status. I wondered and the workshops and guest speak- chusetts School Committee members for our students across the country. how could we replicate these cau- ers at the conference were of diverse and students across the Common- My experience on the school cuses and ensure that the voices of backgrounds. wealth in ensuring equity! ■ committee and with the MASC has underrepresented groups are being been enriching, eye-opening and heard and taken in to account when more valuable than I could have ever policies are being made locally and imagined. After attending the Na- on the statewide level. tional Conference in New Orleans, The Executive Board of Direc- where I was able to attend workshops tors of the MASC were all ears when held by both the Black and Hispanic I suggested we think about creating a Caucuses, I couldn’t help but to think Minority Caucus as part of the about the diversity and cultural com- MASC. This body would convene petency being exhibited at the Na- school committee members from tional level. I also thought about my across the state that represent and/or own school district, Springfield, identify as individuals from under- which has a population of nearly 60% represented populations and create a Latino students, and many other dis- network for school committee mem- tricts across the state such as bers to discuss various educational is- afam point of view page ten december 1, 2015 BUSINESS & FINANCE CELEBRATING LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS
Traci displayed her culinary talents at the recent “Blues in Our Blood” reception.
India welcomes all to her new restaurant, “Erica’s Hall of Fame Kitchen.” afam point of view page eleven december 1, 2015 HEALTH HEALTH MATTERS
Doris Harris, Editor Safe Kids Western Massachusetts Prevention Specialist Caring Health Center, Inc. Reminds Parents of Top Toy Safety Doris can be contacted at [email protected] Tips This Holiday Season By Mandi Summers, Safe Kids Co-Coordinator Mandi Summers about fun as well as safety by making While these kinds of games are aids, thermometers, children’s sure toys are appropriate for a child’s great for older kids, they can pose toys, calculators, key fobs, tea age and maturity level. The first step a potential danger for younger, cu- light candles, flashing holiday is to read the warning label to make rious siblings. jewelry or decorations. sure your child will be safe while playing with the new toy.” 3. After play time is over, use a bin 5. Stay informed about harmful If secondhand toys are pur- or container to store toys for products in the marketplace. chased, or received from friends or next time. Make sure there are no Safe Kids will make it easy for 700 Children a Day Treated relatives, Safe Kids Western Massa- holes or hinges that could catch you by sending an e-mail alert in Emergency Rooms for chusetts advises parents to visit little fingers. twice a month. Parents can sign Toy-Related Injury www.cpsc.gov and make sure the toy up at www.safekids.org/prod- 4. Keep button battery-controlled uct-recalls. hasn’t been recalled for safety rea- devices out of sight and reach of afe Kids of Western MA, sons. Used toys should also be in children. These include remote For more information about toy Springfield – The holiday sea- good condition with all original parts controls, singing greeting cards, safety call 413-794-6510 or visit Sson is here and for many kids and packaging, if possible. If a new digital scales, watches, hearing www.safekids.org. ■ that means one thing: toys. Approxi- toy comes with a product registration mately 50 percent of all toy purchases card, it is helpful for parents to mail in the United States occur between it in so the manufacturer can contact the Friday after Thanksgiving and you if the item is ever recalled. Christmas. While parents are on a In addition, Safe Kids Western mad-dash to scoop up the hottest Massachusetts recommends the fol- toys, Safe Kids Western MA advises lowing 5 toy safety tips. that safety should be at the top of 1. Consider your child’s age when their wish lists. purchasing a toy or game. It’s To learn more toy safety tips, visit: worth a second to read the instruc- http://bit.ly/1851YAC tions and warning labels to make sure it’s just right for your child. An estimated 262,300 children were treated in emergency rooms for 2. Keep a special eye on small toy-related injuries in 2011, and more game pieces that may be a chok- than a third of toy-related injuries are ing hazard for young children. in children ages 4 and under. “Seven hundred children a day are treated in emergency rooms for toy-related injuries,” said Mandi Summers, coordinator of Safe Kids Western Massachusetts. “Right now parents and care- givers are in the middle of the country’s busiest toy-buying season. It’s a great time to think afam point of view page twelve december 1, 2015 HEALTH How Much Salt Are You Eating? Beware the Sodium in “Salty Six” Foods Deli or pre-packaged turkey can contain as much as 1,050 milligrams of sodium. It’s added to most cooked meats so they don’t spoil after a few days. ● Pizza. OK, everybody knows pizza’s not SPRINGFIELD, MA – Eating too many exactly a health food, because of choles- salty foods can create all sorts of health prob- terol, fat and calories. But pizza’s plenty lems, including high blood pressure. But did salty, too. One slice can contain up to 760 you know a lot of common foods are packed milligrams of sodium, so two can send with excess sodium? It’s not just the French you over the daily recommendation. fries and potato chips you need to limit. The American Heart Association/Amer- ● Poultry. Surely chicken can’t be bad for ican Stroke Association is increasing aware- you, right? Well, it depends on how you ness of sodium and the “Salty Six” – prepare it. Reasonable portions of lean, common foods that may be loaded with ex- skinless, grilled chicken are ok but may cess sodium that can increase your risk for still contain an added sodium solution. heart disease and stroke. But the American And when you start serving up the Heart Association is making it easy to find chicken nuggets, the sodium also adds up. better options when grocery shopping and Just 3 ounces of frozen and breaded when eating away from home. Simply look nuggets can add nearly 600 milligrams of for the Heart-Check — when you see it, sodium. you’ll know right away that the food or meal ● Soup. This is another one of those foods has been certified to meet our nutritional that seems perfectly healthy. It can’t be standards, including sodium. bad if Mom gave it to you for the sniffles, Sodium overload is a major health prob- right? But when you take a look at the nu- lem in the United States. The average Amer- trition label it’s easy to see how too much ican consumes about 3,400 milligrams of soup can quickly turn into a sodium over- sodium a day – more than twice the 1,500 load. One cup of canned chicken noodle milligrams recommended by the American soup can have up to 940 milligrams of Heart Association/American Stroke Associa- sodium. And remember that soup cans tion. That’s in large part because of our food typically contain more than one serving. supply; more than 75 percent of our sodium consumption comes from processed and ● Sandwiches. This covers everything from restaurant foods. grilled cheese to hamburgers. We already Here’s a quick look at the Salty Six, the know that breads and cured meats may be top sources for sodium in today’s diet: heavy on the sodium. Add them together, ● Breads and rolls. We all know breads and then add a little ketchup or mustard and rolls add carbohydrates and calories, but you can easily surpass 1,500 milligrams salt, too? It can be deceiving because a lot of sodium in one sitting. of bread doesn’t even taste salty, but one Be sure to keep in mind that different piece can have as much as 230 milligrams 1514 Allen Street, Springfield, MA 01118 brands and restaurant preparation of the same of sodium. That’s about 15 percent of the (413) 783-8800 ● Fax (413) 783-8888 foods may have different sodium levels. The Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. recommended amount from only one American Heart Association Heart-Check Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. slice, and it adds up quickly. Have two Sunday - Closed mark—whether in the grocery store or restau- sandwiches in one day? The bread alone rant—helps shoppers see through the clutter 548 Page Boulevard, Springfield, MA 01036 could put you close to 1,000 milligrams (413) 306-5915 ● Fax (413) 342 4871 on grocery store shelves to find foods that of sodium. Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. help them build a heart-healthy diet. Saturday & Sunday - Closed ● Cold cuts and cured meats. Even foods For more information on sodium and Shelia Gibbs, Email: [email protected] that would otherwise be considered nutrition, visit www.heart.org/sodium or Licensed Optician Website: www.opticalexpressionsmass.com healthy may have high levels of sodium. www.heart.org/nutrition. ■ afam point of view page thirteen december 1, 2015 HEALTH HEALTH MATTERS Targeted Health Challenges of Minorities By Alonzo D. Sheffield, M.D. (Retired) I. THE MAJOR CAUSES OF DEATH Why?? Complex…Thought to be driven largely by rising OBESITY rates ● Heart Disease (including Intracranial vascular accidents) among African American women ● Lung Cancer - major cause of death, excluding skin cancer ● Delayed childbirth and fewer children ● Prostate Cancer – one of five African-Americans, and reportedly 14% of ● Linked to an increased risk of estrogen-receptor positive breast cancers all new cancer cases. Greater than breast cancer in women. The level of among black women…called triple negative breast cancers, which has a awareness, yearly prostate exam and follow up unfortunately is not com- poorer prognosis… mensurate with the diagnosis…morbidity and fatally about 30,000 will die ● ABSENCE of Targeted therapies available yearly ● Racial divide in breast cancer: Quality of care available to black women, ● Female Breast Cancer (**) for screening and treatment. ● Colorectal Cancer Absence of Insurance Coverage ● Lupus - Afro American women are alleged to suffer 2-4 times more likely than their white counter parts CHALLENGES: ● Early and Periodic Exams, i.e., heart, breast, prostate during a complete II. METABOLIC DISEASES yearly exam. ● Adult Obesity And Childhood Obesity!! ● Participation in Clinical Trials ● Diabetes Mellitus ● Renal Failure commonly preceded by Hypertension References (numerous articles not listed) in addition to: ─Tara Parker-Pope – October 29, 2015, New York Times III. DISEASES OF LIFE STYLES & BEHAVIOR ─Gorelick et al New Eng J. of Med 348:4 , Jan 23, 2003 www.NEJM A. Alcoholism – with or without smoking ─The American Lupus Society [805]339-0043 B. Chemical Dependency – Substance Abuse or Illicit Drugs and ─Internet currently prescribed medicines for relief of pain ● Heroin, currently a national problem ● Marijuana, Cocaine And Hallucinogens C. Domestic Violence – Regular newspaper listings, not only on weekends!
IV. SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (only 3 listed) A. Chlamidia – Infections – Most common in teen girls B. HPV for Cervical Cancer – Vaccine available C. HIV/AIDS Syndrome ● Higher incidence of HIV+ in promiscuous homosexuals ● Men engaging in sex with men i.e., sodomy ● Male Homosexuals – accounts for 60% of infected HIV’s (“bare backing”) D. Lesbians – Women who are sexually attracted to other women and practice emotional intimacy and nurturance in contrast to male homo sexuals. No incidence available data reference to STD’s… **Grim Breast Cancer Milestone for Black Women (Extracts from an article by Tara Parker-Pope – October 29, 2015, New York Times) Historically it has been more deadly in black women. Data suggests it will continue to extract a far greater toll and the “trend shows no sign of abat- ing.” “It is a crisis.” Marc Hurlbert, mission officer for the Breast Cancer Re- search Foundation. The increasing incidence…if more women are getting breast cancer…the more women dying… will go up” “Advances in diagnosis that have sharply improved survival…Have largely bypassed African American women. By age of diagnosis, death inci- dence and stage of diagnosis.” afam point of view page fourteen december 1, 2015 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVES
Bishop The Changing Face of Heroin Use: Talbert W. Swan, II is Pastor of The Spring Of How Hampden County Sheriff Candidate Nick Cocchi Hope Church Of God In Christ Put it All in Perspective As one who has lost a very close drugs. However, today’s heroin crisis filing led to mass incarceration, relative to a heroin overdose and one is somewhat different. Heroin use has which has had a devastating impact continued from page 1 who’s family and friends continue to skyrocketed among whites, as nearly on entire communities. Now, accord- hospitalize drug addicts involuntarily be touched by the unfortunate reality 90 percent of those trying the drug for ing to Cocchi, that the opioid addicts for 72 hours if they pose a danger to of drug addiction in general and opi- first time in the last decade are white. have “become brother, sister, mom, themselves or others and limits doc- oid addiction in particular, it is impor- The growing number of white dad, son, daughter,” there is a much tors prescribing an opioid painkiller tant to me that Mr. Cocchi, state people lost to heroin — many of them broader conversation about preven- to a patient for the first time for acute lawmakers and people everywhere in the suburbs — has changed the pain to a 72-hour supply demon- tion, treatment, and trying to be con- understand that the “heroin junkie in face of opioid addiction and cush- strates his commitment to addressing structive in responding to the the dark inner city back alley” hasn’t ioned the nation’s response to drug the growing opioid addiction problem problem. While many continue to “become brother, sister, mom, dad, use. The very language used to de- sweeping the Commonwealth and deny it, the varying responses to the son and daughter.” He or she always scribe drug addiction has changed other parts of the nation. drug epidemic is further proof of was, even before opioid addiction be- and governmental authorities have The Legislature’s Joint Commit- America’s deep racial divide. came prevalent among whites in the moved from treating drug use as a tee on Mental Health and Substance It is glaringly obvious that poli- suburbs. One need only to speak to crime to regarding it as a disease. Abuse held a hearing on the matter, cymakers are going easier on today’s the thousands of families that have Even some police departments have and Hampden County Sheriff heroin users because many are white lost loved ones to heroin addiction to stopped punishing heroin users. In Michael Ashe and one of the men and often affluent, than in previous see how many mothers, daughters, fa- Gloucester, MA, anyone seeking help vying to replace him as sheriff in the years when the addicts were identi- thers, sons, brother, sisters, cousins from police, regardless of whether 2016 election, Nick Cocchi, attended fied as largely black, disenfranchised, and friends used to be the “heroin they possess drugs or drug parapher- the hearing to lend their support. and economically bereft. As long as junkie in the dark inner city back nalia, are no longer arrested, but di- Some of Cocchi’s remarks were dis- drug addicts were viewed with a turbing and contained racially coded alley.” verted to treatment. While in many Cocchi’s remarks remind us of ways this is a welcomed shift in the black face, its use and violent crime language that, while offensive, rang were commingled in the public con- true regarding the mindset of many the racial nature of how drug addic- law enforcement response to drug sciousness. Now that the face of ad- policy makers and citizens across the tion has been viewed through the use, it begs the question as to why diction has changed, its use is nation. Noting that he was present to years. When the nation’s long-run- earlier calls by African-Americans considered a disease to be treated or “support the opiod bill 100 percent,” ning war against drugs was defined for this more empathetic approach Cocchi, the deputy superintendent of by the crack epidemic and based in was largely ignored when those need- cured. When the perception of the security at the Hampden County poor, predominantly black urban ing help with addiction were people user population is primarily people of House of Correction, was also quoted areas, or as Cocchi put it, “the dark of color. color, the response is to demonize and as saying: “What was once the heroin inner city,” the public response was No such compassion existed for punish. When it’s white, we search junkie in the dark inner city back defined by zero tolerance and stiff African-Americans caught up in ad- for answers to a growing public alley has now become brother, sister, prison sentences. As long as those af- diction or the behaviors it produced. health problem. It is obvious that mom, dad, son and daughter, It’s hit fected by drug addiction were non- As a result, mandatory sentencing, politicians are paying attention to the suburbia, USA.” white, there was a need for a war on zero tolerance policies and racial pro- “changing face of heroin use.” ■ afam point of view page fifteen december 1, 2015 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY FOCUS POLITICAL HAPPENINGS - SPRINGFIELD Local Organizations and Elected Fighting Hunger in Western Officials Walk to Raise Awareness Massachusetts for Victims of Domestic Violence By Sen. Eric P. Lesser his Thanksgiving season, I’m other living costs, grateful to live in a vibrant, including utilities, Tprosperous state and nation. gas, rent, mort- Yet despite the abundance all around gage or medical us, there are still too many children in care. our community who are going to bed This problem without dinner. This is a vital chal- is entirely pre- lenge we must work together to ventable. Through Eric P. Lesser solve. smart policies, we can ensure that all families have access to adequate meals during hard times, SPRINGFIELD, MA ― Several or- According to statistics for Mas- while supporting our ganizations, lead by Greater Spring- sachusetts, there were 20 total homi- local agricultural field Campaign Nonviolence and the cides due to domestic violence in economy in the Maggie Sky Foundation, organized a 2014, with 11 being the victims of the process. A strong first step walk and Rally in October in recogni- domestic violence and perpetrators ac- is to continue support- tion of Domestic Violence Awareness counting for 9 deaths due to suicide or ing our local food Month. Many organizations and other means. In 2015 to date, there elected officials took part in the event, banks, which play a have been 19 total deaths due to do- vital role in providing which began with marchers meeting Sen. Eric P. Lesser helps prepare meals mestic violence, with 13 being the readily accessible re- at Court Square in Springfield and for the East Longmeadow Council on victims, 6 deaths were suicide or other sources during hard featured many community activists, Aging’s Meals on Wheels program in March. elected officials and candidates for of- for the perpetrators of domestic vio- times. In the Senate, I fice. lence. Unfortunately, there is particular co-sponsored a successful funding in- Rep. Jose Tosado asserted that need in Western Massachusetts, crease for the Massachusetts Emer- Sexual & Domestic the Massachusetts Legislature takes where the hunger rate is higher than gency Food Assistance Program, the state average. More than 210,000 which provides vital support to the Violence in Massachusetts domestic violence seriously, “We as people in Western Massachusetts Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Legislators need to recognize the cri- ● Nearly 1 in 2 women and 1 in 4 struggle to have an adequate food and similar organizations. I also co- sis, its impact on individuals and fam- men have experienced sexual vio- supply, according to the Food Bank sponsored a measure funding the lence (other than rape) (NISVS ilies and appropriately fund programs of Western Massachusetts, which Massachusetts Food Trust Program, 2010). for prevention, intervention, treat- provides food assistance to 15,000 which ensures that citizens have ac- ● Nearly 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 ment, and supports for victims of do- local residents each week. One out of cess to quality food in urgent circum- men experience rape, physical vi- mestic violence. I believe that, we on every five children in Hampden stances. olence and/or stalking by an inti- the Democratic side of the aisle get County has uncertain access to the Fostering partnerships between mate partner (NISVS 2010). that.” food they need to live a healthy local food growers and nearby resi- ● 81% of women who experienced The State Budget has provided lifestyle. dents also helps fight hunger, while rape, stalking or physical violence an increase in funding for services that Hunger is not easy to see even promoting local agriculture in the among our neighbors and friends. process. For this reason, I co-spon- by an intimate partner reported sig- support victims of domestic violence nificant short- or long-term im- Many families are only one illness, sored funding for Massachusetts in many different ways. “In 2014 we pacts related to the violence accident or lost job away from having “Buy Local” groups, which generate appropriated, in rounded figures, (NISVS 2010). enough healthy food. One-third of new customers for our local farmers ● 94% of survivors surveyed in MA $32.4 Million for services, then in households needing help, for exam- and also provide communities with said they were more hopeful about 2015 $34 Million, and in the budget I ple, have at least one working adult, fresh local food options. Many local the future after the services they had the honor of participating in we but still do not earn enough to make farms in Hampden and Hampshire received at a domestic violence increased funding for 2016 to $37 ends meet. More than half must Counties participate in this program. program (Lyon 2011). Million,” said Tosado. ■ choose between paying for food and continues to page 25 afam point of view page sixteen december 1, 2015 COMMUNITY LATIN@ GROOVE Magdalena Gómez is the Co-founder and Artistic Director of Springfield’s The Gift of Presence: first and only Latin@theater, Teatro V!da. Psalm Against Despair Ms. Gómez has been a teaching artist for over 35 years. By Magdalena Gómez continued from page 1 Every face of humankind. sing the J-Block walls, Every gender. those buried alive Every race. in front of our eyes Every language spoken, beg ghosts to be their shawls. in defiance of injustice BLACK LIVES MATTER take your place! sing the innocent and just; this hymn belongs to us all BLACK LIVES MATTER promised in marriage to dust. sings the baby in the manger BLACK LIVES MATTER BLACK LIVES MATTER do not make the matter small; sing the Kings of every race BLACK LIVES MATTER BLACK LIVES MATTER these words belong to all. sings the mother from the stable What child is this? BLACK LIVES MATTER Our child, crucified writes the moon upon her face shot, beaten, blamed BLACK LIVES MATTER BLACK LIVES MATTER choked, punched, dragged in these days of restless despair sing the stars that seek their place left for dead days of fear, and hate BLACK LIVES MATTER by hatred’s refrain. when evil ones stake claims sings the oil that fills the lamps Take it down! on what was never theirs BLACK LIVES MATTER Sing it down! cordoning regal balconies sing the reverent from their mats Be the thunderous refrain! from where they judge life’s theatre BLACK LIVES MATTER Dig up the bones of justice devoid of wisdom or love sings the desert to the rain put her back together again. those who in all eras BLACK LIVES MATTER Roar and awaken the dream live the best of the belle époque sing the exiles to each other who with their blaring descants of executed Kings and the deploy perversions into sacred songs BLACK LIVES MATTER Fearless Women Warriors theirs is the kingdom of their own disgrace sing the mountains to the plains who still remain unseen. living in bodies where they don’t belong. BLACK LIVES MATTER BLACK LIVES MATTER To be asked why one might care sing the Masters from their graves this hymn belongs to all. the most ignorant of inquiries perfection’s hell has taught them Do not, I beg, do not perennial root of humanity’s despair what it means to be a slave make the matter small. I beg immortals quell my rage BLACK LIVES MATTER Despair in America. We are experiencing what the compassion for the vicious sings the keeper of the latch 16th-century Spanish poet and Roman Catholic a charisma of the sacred sage time has worn his roofs and doors mystic, Saint John of the Cross, referred to as “the no saint, no angel here; raging earth his hearth erased. dark night of the soul”; the soul’s desire for a uni- I’ve grown less tolerant with age. Among bodies left forgotten tive experience with the Divine. Arduous work, to the remorseful seek their grace. Thanks to God in whom I don’t believe live in truth. Believer or not, all long for the liber- ated life. who loves me just the same, BLACK LIVES MATTER binds me to her sleeve sing four little girls U.S.A.: highest rate of incarceration in the world. to battle for the bits of faith from embers still burning Prisons, the new slave mills. Corporate privatiza- that in each of us remain; BLACK LIVES MATTER tion: cheap, forced labor. Do you know where the action, despair’s opponent Sing the scars from Emmett’s face clothes you wear and the things you buy are made? stubborn love, the elixir BLACK LIVES MATTER Mass murder, suicides, schools to prisons pipeline, for the weariest of souls. Sing Malcolm and Ali bigotry, poverty, hunger, homelessness, feeble pro- Each to their corners? their words in this dark night tection of children’s rights; it’s easier for them to No! a thunderous refrain get heroin than a hug. What child is this? Our All to the center square! BLACK LIVES MATTER Child. Our People. Our Earth. Rise. Read. Act. ■ afam point of view page seventeen december 1, 2015 COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PIONEER VALLEY POSITIVELY LIFE CHANGING Inspired By Boredom Not Just Reforming Youth… By Lora Wondolowski Transforming Youth The winter season can be a time Lora Wondolowski, By John Roberson, VP of Children and Family Services for CHD Director of Leadership for slowing down a little and paying Pioneer Valley, she is attention to the things around us. The lmost daily there are stories CHD’s role to pass passionate about strengthening the longer, colder days can be a catalyst from our community about judgment. Our role Pioneer Valley. for mindfulness and innovation. Yet, Aviolence perpetrated by is to refocus these Contact her at there are distractions all around us youth. It’s real. We all see it. I’ve seen kids on a future 413-737-3876 or www.leadershippv.org that demand our attention and zap our it reflected in the face of a teenager where they are creativity (holiday music, traditions, who committed a criminal act and contributing mem- am fascinated by books like the family, shopping, etc). Increasingly now is committed to secure treatment. bers of the com- “Tipping Point” by Malcolm most people when faced with waiting Let me explain that term “secure munity, John Roberson Gladwell that chronicle public I or unstructured time, turn to that little treatment.” CHD operates the Secure employable in meaningful work, and change and how ideas reach a tipping device in our purses and pockets. We Residential Treatment program at the economically self-sustaining. point that creates the momentum that can check e-mail, be social, or look Massachusetts Department of Youth For some kids, being committed drives change. Is the problem so great something up. Sixty-seven percent of Services Western Regional Office, lo- to Secure Residential Treatment is ac- that action is inevitable? Were people tually something of an opportunity, as the time, people turn to their phones cated on Tinkham Road in Spring- inspired by a charismatic leader? It is each young person receives an indi- without any ring or vibration. Re- field. Let’s be clear: the youth in easy to point to instances with the vidual treatment program that helps search finds that idle minds lead to re- secure treatment are here because they leader, but there are many others that identify and address underlying flective, often creative thoughts. made bad choices. The court system are seemingly leaderless. This is good causes that contributed to that bad Inspiration strikes in the shower be- determined that these young men, news for the multitudes of leaders out choice. Depending on the resident’s ranging from 14 to 19 years old, need there who aren’t commanding crowds cause it’s a moment when we’re not to be committed here, so it’s not continues to page 18 of thousands with their charisma. really looking at or focusing on any- Much of it has to do with the network thing else. Last year I tried an exper- and influencers, according to Glad- iment to reduce my impulse to pick well, but what about the idea? up my smart phone whenever I had a free moment for a month. It was hard; Seniors! Inspiration is what happens when a person feels stimulated to I even downloaded an app to help me bring some new idea to life after be- with the task. coming spontaneously aware of new I don’t know if my month of # & " & " "! &! & #&# possibilities. Researchers Proulx and forced boredom led to any truly in- Medicaid and MassHealth based programs spired new ideas, but it did help me Heine discovered that small disrup- are available for those who qualify! tions can inspire people to find new focus more. Inspiration doesn’t al- possibilities. When missing a puzzle ways take the form of speeches and piece, our brains are motivated to find bold new ideas. According to the re- new possibilities. In many cases, search it only takes a small moment when someone became aware of of doing something in an unexpected someone else’s unexpected decision way to inspire others. So add bore- An Affordable Senior Community to do something differently it inspired dom to your resolutions this holiday 74 Walnut Street &%$#"! &&&&&& !#" # them to try something new them- season and give yourself permission selves. This can lead to a chain reac- try something new. Who knows, it tion from the initial inspiration and may be the spark that is the tipping # &! &# decision to act. point for a much larger change. ■ Medicaid and MassHealth based programs Please follow, subscribe, comment, like, tweet, read or are available for those who qualify! explore our website at: www.afampointofview.com or www.afampov.com Affordable Care for Seniors www.facebook.com/ AfAmPointofView 74 Walnut Street &%$#"! &&& && colonycareathome.com Always hiring CNAs and Licensed Aides! afam point of view page eighteen december 1, 2015 COMMUNITY FOOD FOR THOUGHT Wake Up!!! By Zaida Govan onated for me. He talked about the so- Zaida Govan is a native called leaders in our community who of Springfield via Puerto Rico with a passion for are only involved in our communities improving the community for themselves. They take advantage she serves. She can be of every photo op they can with poor reached at 413.301.2533 people they are “helping” and when or [email protected] the cameras disappear so do they. It is no wonder that only 20% of cannot believe that it is already the population goes out to vote. The December. Elections have come system is set up so that 80% of the Iand gone and in two years we will people are living in or near the be voting in a new POTUS. The hol- poverty level so that there is no real iday season is always a time for re- time to allow them to get out and do flection for me and I have been their research to make informed deci- thinking a lot about the families out sions about who they will choose to there that are just trying to make it. In be their representative. They have to fact if you believe the numbers, most work two full time jobs at the mini- of the families out here are living mum wage to make one living wage. paycheck to paycheck and with the This has been leaning heavy on my holiday season upon them I imagine heart because the people who are in the pressure to perform and conform the middle income range are probably to the capitalistic society we have one paycheck away from being in the come to know must be overwhelm- same position. because a very small percentage of Wake UP! Like my friend ing. Someone said the other day they our tax dollars go to social welfare Kyreem says, we have to wake up During the year their focus is on couldn’t vote for Bernie Sanders be- like food stamps. The majority of our and make some serious changes to keeping a roof over their heads and cause he is a socialist and they didn’t tax money goes to fund tax breaks for this system. Putting our dollars in our food on the table for their children. want their money going to pay for major corporations like Walmart and own communities is one way to do They don’t have time to figure out other people to live. What they don’t big banks. These companies are that. Justice or else 2015 was about which politician is going to be look- understand is that our tax dollars pay owned by people who don’t think that. The power that our money has is ing out for their best interest; all they for Congress to work part time and do their workers should get a living dangerous which is why the 1% fights can do is survive and this is done by nothing; they pay for corporate wel- wage of at least $15 an hour while so hard to prevent the middle income design. Mr. Hurst wrote an article a fare that no one wants to talk about. they earn thousands of dollars an class from growing. Wake UP!!! Oh, couple of months ago that truly res- It amazes me when people say this hour. and Merry Christmas!! Stay woke!!! POSITIVELY LIFE CHANGING want them to feel like inmates. We violence. They come to recognize Transforming Youth want them to understand that they’re people they can trust to help them continued from page 17 as a savings account for money here to be rehabilitated. transform their lives. needs, an individual program could they make working onsite Teaching, learning and building Yes, the youth in secure residen- include: skills for a successful life are what Is there a security aspect? Ab- tial treatment made some bad choices, matter at CHD’s Secure Residential but we think they can change. We ● Mental health treatment, such as solutely yes; we operate a secure fa- Treatment program. With structure, know they can be rehabilitated. We’ve anger management provided by cility. Youth offenders have been patience and professional treatment, seen their lives transformed. our onsite clinicians committed to a highly structured en- we channel the residents’ energy, In this column, I wanted to intro- ● Practical work experience, such as vironment and cannot come and go as which too often has had a negative they please. While here they are building maintenance, horticul- focus, toward positive ways to be- duce you to one way CHD helps some taught—and can learn—how to make ture, silk screening and soon, car- come successful in their lives. They seriously troubled kids. In my next smart choices. Though regimented, pentry learn that they don’t need to belong to column, I’ll introduce you to some the facility has something of a campus ● Career counseling, such as identi- a gang to be a member of a family or kids who moved on from secure treat- feel. Residents wear a school uniform fying work interests and practicing a group of close friends. They learn ment and are building success in the like many kids in public school. job interviews they can work for what they need and community. It can happen, and CHD That’s important because we don’t ● Guidance managing money, such solve problems without resorting to helps it happen. ■ afam point of view page nineteen december 1, 2015 COMMUNITY OUR LOVE Azell Cavaan is a journal- delicious recipes that are healthy and ist who has written for Couple Honors Family Love fun for her young children. “I had to newspapers and magazines throughout the US and replace fast food and chips with good abroad. If you have an in- by Shedding Pounds food they’d actually like to eat.” teresting love story or know And with Christmas right of someone who does, con- By Azell Cavaan tact Azell at Azell@honey- around the corner, Dawnelle and beepublicrelations.com. Nathan plan to make sure family and friends who visit with them enjoy arried for 13 years, soulful food that is scrumptious, fill- Dawnelle sometimes has ing and healthy. Mto do a double-take to rec- Nathan “We’ve made it our family ognize her own husband. But Nathan and lifestyle and there’s no turning back,” doesn’t mind. He admits the same said Nathan. happens when he catches a quick Dawnelle glimpse of her. That’s because before Tools for the Journey Dawnelle and Nathan Davis are half shedding the couple they used to be after losing pounds While staying on track is never 150 pounds together. easy for any weight loss plan, Nathan Their journey to lighter, health- and Dawnelle believe a healthier ier bodies began about 18 months lifestyle is within reach for every ago, after a sobering day at Six Flags. family. “If we can do it, anyone can,” “On the rides, I could barely get the they say. seat belt around my waist,” recalled Here are some tools the Davises Nathan. “It made me realize how used along their journey, which they overweight I was and that made me hope may be useful for others: question the example I was setting for our sons.” ● Exercise: Certified Personal With Nathan’s acceptance of a Trainer Horace Smikle (in the weight loss challenge, Dawnelle’s gym) and Shaun T Insanity Work- own efforts to lose weight were out Videos (at home) buoyed. “I was trying for a while but ● Healthy Foods: Bumpy’s Corner when you’re the only one in the Store in Springfield house trying to eat right, it’s hard. ● Natural Body Products: Moor When we did it as a family, it became Natural You (online) part of our lifestyle,” said Dawnelle. ● Healthy Recipes: Dawnelle gets They started with small changes. plenty of ideas for meals and Soda and fruit drinks were the first to snacks by searching under go. Then, Dawnelle began experi- At 5 and 7 years old, “healthy recipes” on Pinterest menting with herbs and spices to re- Robert and Christo- ● Staying Positive: The Davises place salt in her recipes. A visit to a pher seem to have search the internet, books and health fair at the Dunbar Community been onboard from the posters for affirmations about get- Center netted a “Healthy Soul Food” beginning. They love ting and staying healthy and fit. cook book that offered tasty alterna- exercising with their They then post those positive re- tives to fatty favorites. On the coun- parents and minders at home and work. ■ tertop, a bottle of honey replaced the their taste Advertising, Brochures, Construction, sugar bowl. buds Weddings, Portraits, Products, Those changes were enough to adapted Digital Photography, etc... start the pounds melting. Encouraged quickly. by the early results, the Davises Nathan and Dawnelle after shedding pounds “The Ed Cohen charged on. Eventually, they began a “We feel so much better,” said other night regular exercise routine, cut out Dawnelle. “But the best part is that I made edamame Photography bread, pasta and processed foods and our sons have experienced the jour- spaghetti and they cleaned became avid label readers. The result ney with us. We hope they have their plates,” said 413-244-1344 has been an 85-pound weight loss for learned healthy habits that they will Dawnelle, adding that she [email protected] Nathan and 65 pounds for Dawnelle. keep forever.” makes it a priority to find afam point of view page twenty december 1, 2015 Around Town & . . .
Kamari Collins, Interim VP Student & Multicultural Affairs, and Admissions Op- Janet Disco (front center), owner of Masters Hair Salon, and her team participated erations Manager Vonetta Lightfoot welcome attendees to the “Scholarsip” pre- in the annual Rays of Hope Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. sented by the STCC Black Professionals Group to benefit the Myra D. Smith scholarship fund and 10 years of diversity at the college.
Keynote speaker at CHD’s 11th Annual Through Her Eyes conference Tonier MotherWoman took part in the “OnBoard” event geared toward connecting the “Neen” Cain led a standing room only workshop at the conference. community with local businesses and non-profit organizations.
TD Bank employees in partnership with ReGreen Springfield celebrated after Members of the Western Mass Black Nurses took part in the 2015 New England planting trees in the Mason Square area during their TD Tree Days. Minority Nurses Leadership Conference. afam point of view page twenty-one december 1, 2015 . . .In The Community
The Springfield Urban League recognized longtime hair stylists during their Camp The MLK, Jr. Family Services held a Black College Tour workshop at UMass Atwater Salute. From L to R: Janet Disco, Vanessa Hall, Gary Corbett, Mary Springfield. Beta Sigma Boulé was a sponsor and presenter. Tillery, Essie Ware and Lucille Kennedy.
A new art gallery, “Artists’ Pop Up Shop,” recently opened in Tower Square. Dunbar YMCA Family & Community Center honored the late, long-time Spring- From L to R: Gallery Director Ashley Pereira and artists Gina Restaino, field youth sports icon, George “Big Will” Williams, with the naming of the gym in Destiny Santiago and Erik Kaplan. (See article on page 31.) his honor for his contributions and mentorship to generations of young men and women at the Dunbar. From L to R: Janice Watson, Tracey Thomas, Alysia Cut- ting, Andre’a Lee and Lavar Click.
White Lion Brewing Company and The Student Prince celebrated Suit Up Springfield’s first year anniversary with a Bowties and Beers fundraiser from which the Student Prince donated 10% of food and beverage proceeds to the organization whose mission is to promote self-sustainability to men seeking employment through the provision of interview attire and professional mentorship. (Suit Up Springfield Board Members pictured at left) afam point of view page twenty-two december 1, 2015 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY FOCUS An Investment Worthwhile – The 2015 JA Stock Market Competition
First place winners Duggan Middle School Second place winners “Team Platanos” Putnam Vocational Technical Academy SPRINGFIELD, MA ― On October Country Bank, Easthampton Savings 29th, Wall Street came to Main Street Bank, Chicopee Savings Bank Chari- Springfield for the 10th Annual JA table Foundation, Maybury Material Stock Market Competition held at the Handling, Raymond James, Comcast, MassMutual Center. Excel Dryer, United Industrial Serv- Nearly 600 students from 20 area ices, The Collins Companies, Paragus schools (middle and high school) came Strategic IT, Quabbin Wire & Cable, together to test their skills by investing Northwestern Mutual, Dave’s Soda & and trading stocks as if they were on Pet City, Florence Savings Bank, the trading floor of the New York Stock OMG, Inc., Shatz, Schwartz & Fentin; Exchange. Later in the evening, corpo- MMWEC, Wolf & Co. PC, Consoli- rate and college teams took on their dated Health Plans, and Paul Valickus. own challenge! This was the 10th An- Many thanks to JAWM Board niversary of the event! Member, Nicole Denette, for leading Taking first place was Duggan the Stock Market Competition Com- Middle School from Springfield with a mittee. The event raised over $75,000, portfolio over $5.4 million. This was Third place winners “Team Golden” which will provide 2,272 local students only Duggan’s second year competing St. Thomas the Apostle School in West Springfield with JA programs this year. ■ in the event. Mary Kay Brown from Duggan noted every year,” noted Amanda Garcia, their Prep coach that “Our students are just over the moon with their from Elms College. “I knew the students were About Junior Achievement victory! Thank you so much for proving them with going to be outstanding this year.” Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organiza- the prep lessons and for holding this great event.” The students participated through the generos- tion dedicated to educating young people about busi- Second place was Team Platanos from Mr. La- ity of local business, individuals and college spon- ness, economics and free enterprise. Through a mondia’s Retailing and Marketing Class at Putnam sors. The Title Sponsor was St. Germain dedicated volunteer network, JA provides in-school Vocational Technical Academy. One of the students Investment Management and MassMutual Finan- and after-school programs for students in grades K- 12. JA offers educational programs that focus on from Team Platanos said, “I can’t believe it! We cial Group was the High School Event Sponsor. seven key content areas: business, citizenship, eco- worked so hard for this! It’s amazing! We really had Savage Arms and Balise were Platinum Sponsors. nomics, entrepreneurship, ethics/character, financial great teamwork.” TD Bank was the Trader Sponsor and Webster Bank literacy, and career development. Today more than Third place was Team Golden from St. sponsored the Print Stations. Elms College was a Junior Achievement Worldwide reaches almost seven Thomas the Apostle School in West Springfield. Gold College Sponsor and Springfield College, Bay million students in 98 countries. For more informa- “The students from St. Thomas are the youngest stu- Path University and Westfield State University were tion, visit www.jawm.org. dents in the competition but they play well each and Bronze College Sponsors. Other sponsors included afam point of view page twenty-three december 1, 2015 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY FOCUS - CONNECTICUT Co-Founder of #BlackLivesMatter Comes to Eastern tions of society that are discriminated against, regardless of skin color. It in- cludes immigrants, the incarcerated, those with disabilities, the queer com- munity and others. “This is not just about talking,” she concluded. “It’s about organizing and exercising collective power. Every- one in this room is an agent of social change. We need to re-inject this country with the humanity that it claims.” The event was sponsored by Eastern’s Intercultural Center, Women’s Center and Campus Activ- ity Board. Hundreds of students and members of the Eastern community Students and members of the Eastern community attended, creating a maximum attended, creating a maximum capac- Alicia Garza, co-founder of capacity crowd in the Student Center Theatre. ity crowd in the Student Center The- #BlackLivesMatter atre. ■ “Black Lives Matter emerges WILLIMANTIC, CONN. – Alicia from the context of the anti-black Larson on the Safe Refugee Garza, co-founder of #BlackLives- racism that is a part of the DNA of Matter, visited Eastern Connecticut this nation,” she said, reflecting on Process Act State University on Nov. 12 to dis- slavery. “We live in a country that cuss the nationwide movement with suffers from extreme amnesia.” ashington – Today (No- with a bill that could effectively put students. She went on to describe other vember 19th), Rep. John a pause on any Syrian refugees com- “Black Lives Matter” started in acts of racism that the movement is WB. Larson (CT-01) re- ing to the U.S. July 2013 when George Zimmerman born out of, such as Hurricane Kat- leased the following statement after “I commend Governor Malloy was declared not guilty for the killing rina, “when black people were left voting against the American Security for his courageous stance in welcom- of Trayvon Martin in Sanford, FL. behind when the flood waters rose”; Against Foreign Enemies Act of ing the family of three—including Shortly thereafter, Garza took to so- the murder of Sean Bell, who was 2015 (H.R. 4038): their five year-old-child—in Con- cial media and the #BlackLivesMat- shot down by police in New York “Today I voted for the Demo- necticut when Indiana turned them ter hashtag/campaign was created. City the morning of his wedding; cratic alternative – the Safe Refugee away. That is the real American Like so many black Americans, CeCe McDonald, an activist from Process Act– that in addition to the spirit. Barring innocent people— Garza was ashamed of the verdict. Minneapolis, who was jailed for pro- current rigorous screening process, many of whom are women and chil- “Someone could kill me for walking tecting herself; and other acts of prej- would require the identity verifica- dren—from entering the country down the street and get away with it. udice and police brutality that have tion of all refugee applicants (not just does not help us defeat ISIL. In fact, The verdict said that ‘black lives received media attention in recent those from Syria). Any application it could help with their recruitment. don’t matter.’” She added, “Every years. containing insufficient or unreliable Our primary objective right now time I look at my brother, I think that Garza asked the crowd of stu- information would be denied,” said needs to be building a coalition with could’ve been you.” dents to consider the narratives the Larson. “In addition, it requires con- our allies, including countries in the Much of Garza’s talk was fo- media portrays. Back to Martin, she firmation from five different federal Middle East, many of whom have cused on the backlash the movement mentioned headlines that read “… the agencies that an individual is not a felt the horror of ISIL’s attacks first- receives, in particular from those who Trayvon Martin Trial,” instead of “… threat to national security, and addi- hand. We cannot defeat ISIL alone, say “all lives matter,” not just black the George Zimmerman Trial.” A tional Inspector General and Con- nor should we try. We cannot allow lives. “In theory, all lives matter — simple rewording like that frames gressional oversight. The safety and fear to eclipse our longstanding tra- this is true — but in practice, they Martin as the villain. “Martin wasn’t security of the American people is dition of sheltering those in need. don’t,” she said, remarking on the on trial, he was dead.” paramount. We should be working in When we overreact, we play into the constitutional promise “that all men To appease resisters of the a bipartisan manner to identify and hands of cowards whose only aim is are created equal.” “In this country, movement, Garza emphasized that address any risks that pose a threat to to terrorize and slay innocent peo- some lives matter more than others.” #BlackLivesMatter represents all fac- national security, not rush to the floor ple.” ■ afam point of view page twenty-four december 1, 2015 EDITORIAL FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK MY WHITE MAILMAN With the Beard and Bad Attitude By Frederick A. Hurst years. And we have always had a con- next morning expecting the mail. Tor- we had a White mailman and a White OF VIEW Frederick A. Hurst MY POINT genial relationship with the different nados? Hurricanes? Nothing could mailwoman without beards and with mail carriers who would park their stop my mailman or deter my absolute wonderful personalities. And we even continued from page 1 truck in our lot and bring the mail into faith in him/her. have had a Black mailman with no And if you run a small business, the office and take the outgoing mail If, perchance, a day of mail was beard and a wonderful personality. this absence of predictability causes from our counter. It seemed like such missed, the rarity of it instantly shifted And for most days of the week our problems. You don’t know if the mail a direct and safe approach. Even more the blame in my mind from the mail- current mail person is a White woman is coming at 12:00 in the afternoon or so than putting man to whatever with no beard and a wonderful person- 4:00 or if it’s coming at all, especially our mail in a unanticipated ality. And we have never had any on Saturdays. drop box. So and unusual and problems with any mail deliverer until We know the United States what happened absolutely un- relatively recently when this White Postal Service has financial problems. to my outgoing avoidable catas- mailman with a beard and an attitude And we know that the United States mail with this trophe that started delivering our mail one day out Congress has contributed to the prob- White mail car- caused it. And of the week. And on one particular day lem. But it can be problematic. Espe- rier with a beard if there was the White mailman with a beard and cially when money-grubbing bill and an attitude none that was an attitude shattered my heretofore un- collectors give you only a few days to shook my confi- obvious, I wavering confidence in the United pay without a penalty that they all but dence in the en- would search States Postal Service. verbally encourage you to accrue. I’m tire United the deepest re- Now, to get to the point, on this talking about large insurance compa- States Post Of- cesses of my particular day this White mailman nies, banks and credit card companies. fice system. mind to find one with a beard and an attitude entered Some give you ten days to pay and the I’ve been a that would pro- the Point of View office through the post office takes up three. And if it’s mental endorsee of the United States tect my mailman from shouldering the door that leads to the front desk, before a weekend you lose two more Post Office since reading in my youth blame. That’s what was drilled into which is down the far end from where days and add one day for holidays and about the Pony Express riders who me as a kid and what I just naturally my office is located. I knew when he you pay a penalty for not paying a bill rode through Indian country to deliver expected through adulthood until my arrived because I was watching for within four or five days that you the mail at the risk of life and limb. White mailman with a beard and an him in anticipation of a reciprocal would have been more than happy to And of course the inspirational movie attitude shattered my confidence be- mail delivery from my debtors, who pay on time. And if you are on vaca- “The Postman” starring that great yond reprise. presumably were writing checks to tion when the bill comes in, you can’t actor Kevin Costner added to my ado- I guess I should tell you the de- me. Which is a normal thing for a win. You will contribute to the profits ration. And even my prior use of the tails. Every month I go through that small business like ours. You carefully of the money grubbers whether you now mostly obsolete telegraph and the horrible, despicable and painful monitor what goes out and what like it or not. What happened to “Net land-line telephone did not deter my process of paying bills. On this partic- comes in. It’s all part of what is called 30”!? superior confidence in an institution ular day, I wrote more than a dozen cash flow management. It is a very se- It’s criminal! that has never faltered in my mind and checks out – probably a dozen and one rious part of running a small business. But you don’t want to blame the consciousness, e-mail and twitter and half – and meticulously placed them And if you don’t take it seriously and mail carriers who are simply doing the other social media in general notwith- in clearly addressed and stamped en- fail to do it right, you will soon be out best they can under strained circum- standing. In my mind, the United velopes and placed them on the front of business. stances. Unless the mail carrier is my States Postal Service was sacrosanct counter in anticipation of the normal And this particular day was the White mailman with a beard and an as were its mail carriers whom I office mail pickup. This particular day end of the month when a lot of serious attitude and sloppy work habits. And viewed as trustworthy to the bone! just happened to be the one and only bills come due. So when I left my mail probably a level of union protection As far as I was concerned, if day of the week that my White mail- with company checks enclosed on the every other institution in America man with a beard and an attitude is front counter to be picked up by the that makes him not give a damn. failed, the mail would be delivered. scheduled to deliver and pick up our White mailman with a beard and an My beef is not speculative. I had Russia could deliver ten dozen atomic office mail. attitude, I had no reason in this entire spent the morning at work writing warhead missiles on my hometown It has been the same routine since world to not believe that my mail with checks for about a dozen and one half with one landing directly on my house we opened our office twelve years all my checks was leaving my office bills. I left them at the front desk of and if I somehow survived the holo- ago. The only difference is that our in the hands-on care of a responsible my office where the mail carrier has caust, I still would have awakened the mail person has changed. In the past picked them up for the last twelve continues to page 38 afam point of view page twenty-five december 1, 2015 OP-ED Over The Next Month We Will Lose 500 Young People To Violence In The Inner City By E. W. Jackson ike every American, I too am national attention. We have accepted businesses and corporations. It will whole country needs one, but espe- deeply disturbed by the attack this as the norm. Similar to the re- mean implementing school choice to cially our urban areas. Lon France, both out of sympa- sponse of the President to the Paris at- expand academic options for parents If we put the same level of en- thy for the French people, and the im- tack, we’re not going to change our and students. The children must be set ergy into transforming these commu- plications for a potential attack on our approach. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, free from the oppressive grip of nities and stopping the inner city country. Yet as horrific as is the loss “Foolish consistency is the hobgoblin school unions. terror as we put into stopping Islamic of 129 people and the wounding of of little minds.” Einstein said that Finally, and perhaps most impor- terror, places of blight and murder can another 180, over the next month we doing the same thing and expecting tantly, there is a need for a spiritual become communities of economic will lose 500 young people to vio- different results is the definition of in- shift, and only the churches can bring and educational excellence. That may lence in the inner city. It won’t happen sanity. And yet when it comes to the this about. There is a darkness that seem far-fetched, but where there is all at once, but 2 here, 5 there, and on carnage that is taking place in cities all pervades the inner cities – drugs, no vision, the people perish. It’s time some weekends there will be murders over our country, we keep doing the gangs, violence, abandoned children. to stop watching citizens perish in our in the double digits. The victims will same thing. The churches are oases of light. The inner cities and start helping them live primarily be black men. To be sure, the last thing we need light needs to shine more brightly and the American dream. If we had the same concern for is another government program. We be spread more widely. People need a the lives of these young people and need a paradigm shift, a new way of vision for their lives and to be shown About the author/contributor: E.W. Jackson was born in Chester, the thousands who lose their lives tackling the problem, with short term a pathway for fulfilling their dreams. PA, near Philadelphia. After graduat- every year, we could solve the prob- and long term goals. Short term we A person’s thought life can change the ing from high school, he joined the lem. Alas, the deaths of young black have to make the inner cities safe outward circumstances just as effi- Maine Corps, and was honorably dis- men is such a common occurrence places to live. That will mean a lot ciently as circumstances change the charged after three years of service. that it isn’t unusual enough to be news more police presence, stop and frisk way a person thinks. Restoring the He went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. from the University worthy. The operative word in news is and in the most violent neighbor- value of education, the importance of of Massachusetts and from Harvard “new.” Unfortunately, there is nothing hoods, temporarily deploying the na- fatherhood and family, honesty, hard Law School. new about six thousand murders of tional guard until police have the work and faith has tangible benefits While in law school, he studied at young men annually in the inner cities resources and a plan to stop the mur- for the entire community. Govern- Harvard Divinity School, was or- of our country. der epidemic. ment cannot address the vacuum of dained in 1979 and consecrated a The first black President is as Long term we have to attack the values because this is a spiritual mat- Bishop in 1998. He practiced small cool about inner city terror as he is cultural pathologies that have taken ter. Pastors and churches working business, criminal and civil law for about Islamic terror. The number of root in the inner city. Hatred and fear with other elements of the community fifteen years in Boston. In 1997 Bishop Jackson retired from the prac- black deaths is 3 times that of Hispan- of police have spread like cancer. can transform the community by tice of law to devote full time to min- ics in America, 10 times that of whites While there are certainly incidents changing people within. In some cir- istry. and three times that of Lithuania, which justify scrutiny and punishment cles it is called an awakening. The which has the second worst murder of some officers and departments, the POLITICAL HAPPENINGS - SPRINGFIELD rate in the world next to that of blacks data shows that the vast majority of in America. Imagine what our country police officers do their jobs with Fighting Hunger would look like if we lost 6,000 honor, respect for citizens and good cue Mission, Project Bread, Friends Americans to Islamic terror in one judgment. continued from page 15 of the Homeless, the Food Bank of year here on the homeland. There The mindset that all cops are I also support our local farmers’ would probably be no action by this racist – even the black ones – sets up markets, as well as our community Western Massachusetts, the administration, but state and local young black men to have bad things supported agriculture programs, Mayflower Marathon and many other hunger-fighting efforts further governments would take action, citi- happen in their interactions with po- where people can get help buying help those among us struggling to zens would arm themselves, plans lice. A change of attitude will require shares of a local farm harvest. In ad- keep food on the table. would be implemented. That kind of systematic, continuing education for dition, innovative programs like the Together, we can and must en- loss is unthinkable, if it’s Islamic ter- law enforcement and citizens in the School Sprouts Educational Gardens ror. Yet we accept it year in and year black community. sure that one of the most basic ne- help show our children that it’s pos- out in the cities of our country. There is also a need for educa- cessities of life is accessible to all sible to make healthy food choices Not even the death of nine year tional and economic opportunities. families, both during the holiday old Tyshawn Lee, brutally murdered The inner city is a wasteland. Chang- even when resources are scarce. season and at all other times of the as a vendetta against his gangster fa- ing these horrid conditions will re- Rachel’s Table, Loaves and year. I’m proud to champion those ther, was a juicy enough story to get quire long term partnerships with Fishes Kitchen, the Springfield Res- efforts at the Statehouse. ■ afam point of view page twenty-six december 1, 2015 RELIGION RELIGIOUS POINT OF VIEW Dr. Atu White, Editor, Pastors, Ministers, Professors and Theologians, please submit your serves as Pastor of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, articles for this page to Rev. Dr. Atu White at: [email protected] 368 Bay Street, Springfield, MA and as Second Vice President of the United The Dead Can’t Call Baptist Convention of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. [email protected] Forth New Life By Dr. Kirk Byron Jones ne morning, I sat feeling imagining receiving God’s love in Deadened spirits cannot call drained and tired. I felt as if such a way as to actually feel beloved forth new life. It will take enlivened OI had given all I had to became an integral part of my daily spirits to enliven our world. church and community, and I had devotional times. My favorite spiri- Jesus rested two days before nothing left to give. Indeed, it was tual visualization is to see myself raising Lazarus from the dead. He worse than that. My skin seemed to floating on the soothing waters of Dr. Kirk Byron Jones ache from all the pulls and tugs from God’s unconditional love. paused. The pause is what made the Rest Leads to Peace. persons, needs, and obligations for The undoing of much of our power possible. Wayne Muller ex- Peace Leads to Clarity. my time and attention. I was sick work, whether it be ministry, commu- presses it this way: Our most creative Clarity Leads to Creativity. from giving. That’s when I made the nity organizing, or something else, is inspirations and epiphanies often greatest discovery of all during my laboring from a space of chronic arise when we finally stop looking for (Excerpted from Calling Forth New pastoral career: My first job is not to emptiness. As a result we are unable them, when we let go of our pushing, Life: Becoming Your Freshest, give anything to anybody. My first job to generate the fresh critical analysis seeking, and striving. Finest, and Fullest Self by Dr. Kirk is to receive the soul restorative and and creative ideas our world longs Byron Jones. For daily inspiration, replenishing grace of God’s precious for. We are simply too stressed to be One way I remember to pause visit “Yes to Grace” on Facebook. love each day, several times a day. fresh and too deadened to be dy- regularly for life renewal is to keep Visit www.kirkbjones.com for From that new life moment on, namic. the following words in mind. more life renewal guidance.)
CANAAN BAPTIST From L to R: Bishop Robert G. Brown and First Lady Evangelist Marcia CHURCH OF CHRIST Brown of Zion Church Ministries, Everett MA; Canaan’s First Lady and Associate Minister, Dr. Annie B. Watson, and Rev. Dr. W.C. Watson, Jr., Senior Pastor; and First Lady Carol Shaird and Bishop Curtis L. Shaird, Pastor of Solid Rock Community Baptist Church. RELIGIOUS DIRECTORY
Inspirational Saints of Canaan
Host their annual Holiday Fun Bazaar afam point of view page twenty-seven december 1, 2015 RELIGIOUS DIRECTORY ÂT W|äxÜáx cxÉÑÄx ã{É tÜx New Life Calvary Alden Baptist Church BETHEL AFRICAN bÇx ÉÇ fÉÄÉÅÉÇËá cÉÜà|vÉÊ 649 State Street METHODIST EPISCOPAL Baptist Church Springfield, MA 01109 CHURCH 413-788-9910 27 Pendleton Avenue A NEW “We believe God has called us to be a vital sign of faith Springfield, MA 01109 at work in the community. This vision is actualized (413) 734-7611 BEGINNING through our Ministries.” Rev. Angelo S. Dawson, Sunday School Pastor Acts 5:12b 9:00 AM Rev. Donald A. Thomas, Sunday Worship— 10:45 AM Associate Minister Sunday School— 9:00 AM Morning Worship Tuesday— Book Club — 7:00PM Service Rev. Amelia Eddy, Associate Minister Wednesday—“Noonday Hour of Power” 10:00 AM Rev. Jesse E. With Lunch Prayer/Bible Study Sunday School Wednesdays James D. Bullock, Williams Sr., Thursday— Live Bible Study — 7:00PM Wednesday 9:00 a.m. Noon & 6:00 p.m. Minister of Music Ordinance of the Lord’s Supper Pastor/Teacher Bible Study 6:00 & 7:00 PM Sunday Morning Pastor’s Bible Study Sunday Morning First Sunday— 4:00PM Mondays & Worship Service Sunday Divine Worship Wednesdays 17 John Street, Springfield, MA 01104 981 Wilbraham Road Spring- 10:00 a.m. 9:00am to 9:50am 10:00am (413) 737-9583 field, MA 01109 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service Youth Ministry Church School Bible Study/Prayer Dr. Mark E. Flowers, Senior Pastor (413) 796-1600 Mondays Fridays Saturday & Class Meeting Mountcalvarybaptistchurchspringfield.org 6:00 p.m. 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. 11:00am Wednesday – 6:00pm PROGRESSIVE Shiloh Seventh-Day COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH Adventist Church 599 State Street 797 State St., Springfield, MA 413-734-0103 Springfield, Massachusetts [email protected] (413) 736-8844 Sabbath School 9:00a.m. Sabbath Services: “A Church Determined To Follow Christ” (Saturdays) Divine Worship 11:00a.m. Rev. Joe C. Adventist Youth Services — 6:00pm Long Jr., Adventist Pastor Community Service Dr. Walton H. Mondays & Tuesdays Rose, Pastor 10:00a.m. — 1:00p.m. Prayer Meeting Sunday Worship - 10:00 a.m. The Church Wednesdays Sunday Bible School - 9:00 a.m. In The Heart 7:00p.m. Bible Study - Wednesday - 6:30 p.m. of The City Church School (SSAJA) Monday — Friday Canaan Baptist Wesley United Methodist Church Solid Rock Community Baptist Church Church of Christ “Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.” 821 Liberty Street, Springfield, MA 01104 1430 Carew Street 741 State Street Telephone (413) 734-5441 Springfield, MA 01104 Springfield, MA 01109 Fax (413) 734-5438 413-734-3233 413-739-5053 Office & Fax Transportation (413) 575-4035 : WesleyUMCSpringfield Rev. Dr. W. C. Sundays Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 am Sunday School (all ages) ------9:15a.m. Email: [email protected] Watson, Jr., Pastor Weekly Bible Study/Prayer Service Tuesday 7:00 pm Morning Worship Service ----10:45a.m. Sundays Church Life Wednesdays Bishop Curtis L. Shaird, Pastor Worship, Prayer, Mid-day Prayer & Praise--12:00-1:00p.m. Rev. Catharine A. Sunday School (all ages) 9:30 a.m. Cummings, Pastor Reverend Harold P. Dixson, Assistant Pastor Praise & Study Bible Study ------7:00 p.m. Morning Worship Service 11:00 a.m. Overflowing Love Church of the Living God g{|Üw UtÑà|áà V{âÜv{ 22 King Street, Springfield, MA 149 Walnut Street (413) 739-0164 P.O. Box 91166 [email protected] Springfield, MA 01139 Weekly Service Schedule 413-734-4143 Sunday School 10:00 am Join us for our Worship Services Sunday Morning Worship 11:30 am Sunday School Sunday Worship Service 9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Morning Bible Study Reverend Nathaniel Smith, Sr., Pastor Prayer Meeting & Bible Study Wednesday Morning 10:00 am Thursday 6:00 p.m. Adult & Youth Bible Study Âg{x YÜ|xÇwÄç V{âÜv{Ê f|Çvx DKIL Wednesday Evening 7:30 pm Bishop Naomi Barber Where all who enter may be blessed afam point of view page twenty-eight april 1, 2015 LIVING LIFE’S CHALLENGES MUSINGS. . . Moving Towards Your Destiny Traveling Pains and Pleasures By Sweets H. Wilson, PhD By Willette Y. Johnson ● Use the ability you have. Do gate. I watched her thoroughly check Dr. Sweets S. Wilson is a what you can, with what you Willette Y. Johnson a three passengers—I mean thor- Christian life purpose Retired Springfield Pub- coach, motivational have, where you are. What you lic Schools Educator and oughly—before she picked up my speaker and CEO of have at this moment is what you an Educational Consult- carry on and moseyed over to a table. Inspire ME, LLC. can handle ant and Entrepreneur. wilson.sweets@ She literally took every single item ● Cultivate positive work atti- CEO of gmail.com or WhyJsJava, Inc. out of my bag, even the cosmetics 860-869-8067 tudes. How many employees go to work every day and do the ab- and medication I had in a see-through t does my heart good to reminisce FROM HARTFORD, solute minimum? Yet you wonder container. She x-rayed the bag again. about the days of summer even as CONNECTICUT why you never receive a promo- She ran her fingers along the sides. fall is ending and winter weather ave you ever felt like you tion and then attribute your lack of I She x-rayed the bag again. This lady is anxious to make its appearance have been trapped in your advancement to the prejudice of turns and says to me, “I know some- comfort zone? Does it feel here in New England. Although my H your employer. thing’s in this bag!” After a very long summer days were well spent— like you are spinning your wheels but ● Learn to recognize opportuni- building my Coffee Business, learn- time and what was beginning to ap- moving no closer to your goals? Do ties. There are defining moments ing more about Facebook, playing pear like harassment, she pulled out the barriers seem so high, you cannot in our careers and lives where we with my three-year old grandson, and get around, under, over or through are given the ability to take or to my Pronamel toothpaste (the travel them? Destiny is the hidden power still watching Maury—I felt com- size) and told me it was too big to be seize an opportunity to change our pelled to share a few traveling pains believed to control what will happen in my carry-on. I informed her it was destiny. What opportunities are and pleasures that keep me saying in the future: fate. If we are really in- you maximizing today? the smallest size Walmart sold, but terested in entering into all that Des- “oh no, they didn’t” and realizing that ● Pursue every opportunity with she took it anyway. I was so happy to tiny has for us, we have to find a way we’re never too old to have new ex- excellence. Excellence is one of to remove the barriers. periences. get away from this loony-bird that I the character traits that we are to Whenever we try to make any Have you ever been assigned to kept silent, grabbed my suitcase, put vigorously to pursue. Excellence type of positive change that leads to the last seat of an airplane, heretofore all my possessions back, and headed is not a skill, it is an attitude. Give our destiny, we will encounter barri- called the bathroom seat? Well, I was. for my gate. Apparently that tooth- attention to the details and excel- ers. Barriers make change, even if we I never knew so many people used lence will come. paste posed a threat to the safety of say we really want it, incredibly dif- the bathroom on an airplane during a ● Never compare your situation all passengers. I never saw her dis- ficult. At times we turn and walk two-hour flight. Not only do these or opportunity with that of oth- pose of it so I assume she took it away because it is just too difficult. people bump into you while waiting We decide we will just stay where we ers. Do not compare yourself with in the aisle for the vacant toilet, they home. She stole my toothpaste! are. Destiny might be too difficult. others, rather do your due dili- lean on your seat, they talk and con- A most pleasant travel memory Change, however, is the first step to gence to be the best. You are ac- tinue playing their mobile games is that of my grandson making friends move toward all that is destined for countable for your actions, what while hovering over your head, and with a slightly older boy named you do and do not do. our lives. for some, getting into the bathroom Manuel at a children’s water park in ● Strive to get the promotion with was truly an emergency (if you know You do not need to look down Cancun. The youngster spoke Span- on yourself because you do not think benefits. The only limitations you what I mean.) I was careful not to ish; my grandson speaks English. For you have enough faith, or go around face in life are those that are self- take a deep breath as I endured the stressed out because change is not inflicted, self-induced, self-main- torture of the bathroom seat. I was two days, despite a language barrier, happening on your timetable. All you tained, self-sustaining and truly grateful for a safe flight and these little boys met up at the park, have to do is decide to be open to this self-defeating. happy to deplane. It will be a personal played, laughed, and communicated. area of your life, and be willing to flying goal to make sure I NEVER It was amazing to watch them simply take whatever steps inspiration calls All things are possible; any- get that seat again! have fun. On the third day, my grand- thing, no matter how illogical to the you take. I’m convinced that if you Traveling again, I encountered son was sad that his “friend” wasn’t do that, you can’t go wrong, and you natural mind, can happen in our lives an over-zealous TSA agent who at the park. I assume his family had will not miss it. Be curious. Enjoy the if we exercise our faith and believe. seemed determined to catch me being left the resort. I don’t know if these process. Marvel at life and its rich- “For with God nothing is ever impos- bad. She pulled my carry on and told ness as you go along. Here are some sible and no word from God shall be me to wait until she could “inspect” boys will ever meet again, but the practical ways to move towards your without power or impossible to ful- it. Thank God I had gotten to the air- memory of their camaraderie will last destiny: fill.” Luke 1:37 Amp. ■ port early and wasn’t rushing to the for me for a very long time. ■ afam point of view page twenty-nine december 1, 2015 FOOD TALK THE ARTS THE URBAN COOK PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT ‘Tis the Season “Heroes and Legends” Exhibit By Rhonda Jones Photography of Ed Cohen on Display this is what I do. This month I’m going to share a aystate Medical Center’s Arts sachusetts, Wash- Rhonda Jones is a cake recipe and picture with it since Alive Gallery located on ington, DC and Personal Caterer and it’s the holiday. Merry Christmas and BDaly 3 at the Medical Center elsewhere and a Food Consultant a Blessed and prosperous New Year on 759 Chestnut St in Springfield Ma have been curated [email protected] to you all! is currently showcasing the photogra- by museum spe- phy of local Springfield photographer cialist Waleska Edward Cohen in an exhibit entitled Santiago-Centeno. “Heroes and Legends.” Cohen is a fter having such a lavish and The exhibit was produced with Springfield-based Ed Cohen grand Thanksgiving feast the financial support of the Spring- freelance photographer and a gradu- this year, I don’t know what A field Cultural Council, Baystate ate of the University of Massachu- I’m going to cook for Christmas. Yes, Health, and Dr. Frederick Tillis, and setts Amherst and Springfield I usually cook the traditional dishes― had previously been on display in Technical Community College. somewhat the same dishes as Thanks- Cohen has worked as giving, with some added favorites a freelance photogra- and maybe a Gumbo or seafood dish pher for the past 30 alongside all the other rich dishes. years for a number We are invited to my husband’s of businesses and Aunt’s house for Christmas, which is agencies including a good thing because I love breaking the Greater Spring- bread with family and friends. It’s just 7-UP field YMCA, that this one aunt can’t cook but she African American loves to entertain. The funny thing is Pound Cake Point of View com- that she will admit that she’s not the munity newspaper, best cook. 1½ cups butter The Affiliated When I told my daughter that we Chambers of Com- were invited over her house for 3 cups sugar 5 eggs merce of Greater Christmas, she screamed and said she Springfield, the 3 cups flour didn’t want to go over anybody’s Puerto Rican Cul- house for Christmas. My adult child 2 tsp lemon extract tural Center, knows that regardless of whose house ¾ cup 7-UP Baystate Health, we go to, I always make dinner at Spring of Hope home. Cream together butter and COGIC, Partners for Have you ever had something to sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, Community, the eat at someone’s house and it did not beating well after each one. Springfield Muse- taste as it should and you go back Add flour, extract and 7-UP. ums, United Way of home and make the same thing just to Pour into Bundt pan. Bake at Pioneer Valley and get that taste out of your head? Then 325 for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 Freedom Credit you’re like, “Now this is what it Union, among oth- minutes. ■ should taste like!” Sounds crazy but ers. several locations in the MassLive Waleska Santiago-Centeno has building on Main St. in Springfield. curated many exhibits throughout the 413-273-4022 The exhibit features Cohen’s area, and is currently a museum edu- photography of individuals who have cator at the University of St. Joseph made significant contributions in the Art Gallery in West Hartford, Ct. and areas of the arts and politics whom he is pursuing a Masters degree at Har- has photographed throughout his ca- vard University. reer. The photographs have been The work will be on display Specializing in Siding, Repairs on siding, Insulation, Windows, taken in many different locations through January 7, 2016, and is free Roofing, Drywall, Flooring, Painting and much more! throughout the Pioneer Valley, Mas- and open to the public. ■ afam point of view page thirty december 1, 2015 THE ARTS PEN & INK JUANITA TORRENCE-THOMPSON: Pushcart nominee. Playwrite. Published fiction, children’s stories, feature articles, hundreds of her award-winning poems Nothing is Impossible in dozens of U.S. and international journals, 12 anthologies, 7 books including her Talking With Stanley Kunitz (2012). Writes print & online newspaper poetry columns; produces poetry salons and reads internationally. Former Editor-in-Chief if You Believe in You and Publisher of award winning Mobius, The Poetry Magazine. Her poetry is trans- lated into 15 foreign languages. Talking With Stanley Kunitz and New York and By John Tranghese African Tapestries were best pick by Small Press Review. Mobius, The Poetry Mag- azine, best pick 2007 thru 2012 www.poetrytown.com Nothing is impossible if you believe in you All you need is the will to succeed And a positive point of view The Day I Met Anything is possible with dreams you dare pursue With desire, some grit and fire Denzel Washington You can make your dreams come true By Juanita Torrence-Thompson Take a look in a history book The stories that they tell Life without harmless, starstruck fantasies Speak of heroes through the ages Would be bland as blanched beans minus oregano. Who learned this lesson well Women have swooned over men since There was David in the bible Cro-Magnon man, Valentino, Paul Newman, Who went on to be king Robert Redford, Harry Belafonte, Brad Pitt, He got this mighty message Tom Cruise and George Clooney. Dropped the giant with a sling Denzel strode on stage in Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar.” The world was flat they told Columbus Not the military Denzel of “Glory” nor phenomenal emoting of “Hurricane As he sailed out with the tide Carter,” for which he should have snared the Oscar. But, self-assured, he found new worlds This Denzel was a lithe, catlike modern day Cassius. Across the ocean wide I waited by the Stage Door, glowing as I spoke to my hero who And Jackie of the Dodgers with this message understood Autographed my Playbill. This Denzel . . . icon . . . Hollywood star He bravely showed the world that he was every bit as good — Oblivious to screams of women lining the sidewalks for a glimpse of Yes, nothing is impossible if you believe in you Denzel, the ebony Cary Grant, who posed for a photo with ME. You can see that history tells a thing or two Try believing in yourself, from history take the cue Copyright 2015 by Juanita Torrence-Thompson That nothing is impossible if you believe in you!
Written for the 1995 Special Olympics World Games, New Haven, Connecticut CHILDREN’S BOOK CORNER
The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has “M is for Money: been reading since she was 3 years old and she never goes anywhere with- An Economics Alphabet” out a book. She lives on a By Debbie and Michael Shoulders, Illustrated by Marty Kelley hill in Wisconsin with two c.2015, Sleeping Bear Press $16.99 / $17.99 Canada 32 pages dogs and 11,000 books. Reviewed by Terri Schlichenmeyer here’s a little jingle in your The answer starts with farmers… how we get things we want pocket, and you can’t wait to About 10,000 years ago, when and need,” how barter works, Tspend it. humans decided to stay in one place and how businesses operate. So what will you buy? Will you and grow crops, someone eventually It’s “the way people obtain purchase candy or a toy? Is there had an (A for) Abundance. In their lit- items that may be scarce or in- you won’t want to sell too cheaply. enough for a present for Mom or tle (C for) Civilization, then, they demand.” On the other hand, you can raise Grandma? Or, after you read “M is were able to trade crops for food and Let’s say you have (G for) prices if it’s a hot day and people are for Money” An Economics Alpha- other items. Because it’s kind of hard Goods and Services, like lemonade hungry. The kid next door can do the and brownies to sell. The kid next bet” by Debbie & Michael Shoul- to carry a bushel of grain in your same, if she wants – which is a basic door is selling milk and cookies. You ders, illustrated by Marty Kelley pocket, money was created as a definition of a (F for) Free Market. can lower your price to attract cus- and learn a little more, will you put stand-in. So what do you do if you want tomers but you’ll want (I for) Income more (M for) Money? the jingle in your bank? This all has to do with (E for) from your lemonade and brownies, so Why do we even have money? Economics, which is “the study of continues to page 31 afam point of view page thirty-one december 1, 2015 THE ARTS ART FOR THE SOUL ARTIST IN RESIDENCE Renée Flowers is Point of View’s Artist in Ashley Zurc Pereira Opens Residence. You can contact her directly at Every month (413) 209-9882 to arrange a private view- different paintings The Artists’ Pop Up Shop ing of her work. (See May 1, 2014 POV created by Renée Flowers Community Focus article on Renée by By Rosemary “Tracy” Woods are displayed at Rosemary Tracy Woods, Path’s nonprofit management gradu- Emurriel Holloway for more information on Point of View Exececutiv Director, Art for ate program, Ashley had a lot to offer the artist @ www.afampointofview.com.) the Soul Gallery, Tower Square & 235 State St., and I could use the help. She helped Springfield. Showcasing the me organize exhibits and brought a talent of diverse artists. new energy to the gallery. What is so Gallery hours: Tues.–Fri 11am-5pm, significant about her is that she did all Sat. 11am-3pm. of this despite having End Stage 413-301-6314. Renal Disease. Ashley’s kidneys fter decades of supporting, failed two years ago and she does advocating and fighting for dialysis every night for ten hours yet Athe arts, I have begun to she comes to the gallery ready to think about the legacy I want to leave work and with a smile on her face. behind. In this process, I decided I She is truly committed to the arts and I’m proud to say that I have been able to mentor her on what it really takes to run a gallery. After suc- cessfully organizing her own exhibit, she decided she was ready to open her own store called the Artists’ Pop Up Shop. The shop will feature many local artists and repre- CHILDREN’S BOOK CORNER sents the diversity of our community. M is for Money Gallery Director Ashley Zurc Pereira, Artists Pop Up Shop POV’s very own continued from page 30 inside “M is for Money.” wanted to share my knowledge and Artist in Residence, Renee Flowers, You can ask your family, friends Starting at the earliest possible began taking on interns and young will be participating as well as other and neighbors to pay you for special point, authors Debbie and Michael volunteers so that I can share with diverse artists such as Tameika An- chores, which makes you a (P for) Shoulders give kids thorough lessons derson, Raymond Escribano, Priya them my passion for the arts so that Producer. You can cut your (S for) on supply and demand, housing mar- Nadkarni and Andrae Green. Fine art, kets, quotas, taxes, and other facets of they can continue the work I love so Spending, and put your money away prints, photography and pottery will economics in a way they’ll under- much. For this article, I would like to for interest, which you get when your focus on one volunteer, Ashley Zurc be available for sale at affordable stand – particularly if you’re around bank makes a (L for) Loan to some- Pereira, who, despite many obstacles, prices. to help fill in the blanks they may still one. You could try making something has continued to persevere and I am The Artists’ Pop Up Shop will have. It might fill in the blanks that at home out of the (R for) Resources proud to announce…opened her own be open from Friday, November 13 you have, too. art store for the holidays. to Wednesday, December 23 from you already have, and you’ll have (Z Though this book may seem like Ashley came to me almost a 10am to 4pm but the hours will for) Zero Profit Condition. it’s meant for small children (and the year ago and was eager to help and change after Black Friday. She will Or you could just ask for a big- illustrations by Marty Kelley support volunteer her time. She had left her also be hosting events so that visitors ger allowance. How easy is that? that), the concepts here could be quite position at a local Museum and was can meet the artists. Please show your As a parent, that’s a question advanced for them. No, “M is for struggling with what she wanted to support for this young woman who is you have: how easy should it be to Money” is best for 8-to-11-year-olds. do with the rest of her life. A graduate making a positive contribution to the explain economics to a child who Those are the kids who’ll want to of Smith College and a student in Bay arts and our community. ■ knows what money is? The answer is spend time with it. ■ afam point of view page thirty-two december 1, 2015 THE ARTS ENTERTAINMENT Stevie Wonder at the XL Center in Hartford: Worth a Passport and a Flight! By Moyah Smith t was a cool Moyah Smith Sunday after- Inoon. A per- fect day to “totally veg.” Movies, popcorn and a glass of red wine was the most excitement I had planned. I receive a call at about two in the af- ternoon from a friend. “So I have an extra ticket to go to the Stevie Won- der concert tonight. Are you busy?” I think to myself, “Is that a real ques- tion?” Even if I was busy, I would have changed my plans without a sec- ond thought to see the legend himself. When we arrived at the XL Cen- ter in Hartford that evening, we were Stevie Wonder performing at the XL Center in Hartford greeted by a saxophone player on the Photos taken by Ed Cohen street playing his rendition of Stevie’s remaining proud and pro-black, prov- sure if you ask anyone who had the “My Cherie Amor.” It was a perfect ing that the two beliefs can co-exist honor of attending this or any other way to start the night. I am a huge fan in one human being. stop on his tour, they have highlights of Stevie Wonder, and well aware of harpist Dorothy Ashby, who passed The performance included songs of their own. his repertoire of songs. However, in away of Cancer shortly after the song such as “Saturn,” “Ngiculela/Es Una If you have a chance, I suggest my opinion, his “Songs in the Key of was recorded. He paid homage to her Historia,” “Love’s In Need of Love you try to catch the show before he Life” album was his greatest work. by using the actual recording of her Today,” “Pastime Paradise,” “Knocks leaves North America and takes the The 1976 album which inspired his playing the harp. “We are given these Me Off My Feet,” “I Wish” and “Joy tour across the water…. even though current tour was marked as the best- gifts, we are given these discoveries Inside My Tears,” just to name a few. it would be worth a passport and a selling and most critically acclaimed and we have a choice of using them Although I listed my highlights, I am flight! ■ album of his career. for good or for bad and I am tired of There were so many perform- “Blues In Our Blood” ance highlights to the evening. Cou- hearing about all of this craziness on pled with Stevie’s silly wit and television, the internet and news… charm, the show was nothing less I’m glad I don’t have to see it.” In a than phenomenal. His silliness in- serious moment, that comment drew cluded moments as if he suddenly a few chuckles and grand applause had vision enough to flirt with his from the audience. back-up singers, commenting on their “Isn’t She Lovely”.... When he hot black dresses and how fine they surprised the audience by bringing look. His constant use of urban lingo his back-up singer Aisha to the front that would be unexpected from some- of the stage. Aisha is also his daugh- one of his age and caliber. His per- ter who inspired the song. formance as his alter ego, DJ Tick “Black Man”…. When he spoke Tick Boom, where he mixed and about how he truly believes all lives scratched a few songs to get the party do matter, but he unapologetically rocking, including songs from Slick stands by the Black Lives Matter Rick’s “Children’s Story” to The mantra due to the historical impor- Weeknd’s “I Can’t Feel My Face.” tance of the Black man who is the In Springfield for the presentation of “Blues In Our Blood,” an exploration of the “If It’s Magic”… He gave a original man, without whom the career accomplishments of the late Carole Fredericks and Taj Mahal, were Dr. brief history lesson on the song’s jazz world would not exist. Stevie has al- Willie Hill and Beverly Hill, and Connie Fredericks-Malone, Director of the ways demonstrated agape love while Carole D. Fredericks Foundation, and Dr. James F. Malone. afam point of view page thirty-three december 1, 2015 THE ARTS SPRINGFIELD UNITY FESTIVAL - NOVEMBER 2015 PEN & INK A Delightful Salute to Unity continued from page 5 about its evolution through the years, becoming a favorite music genre for singers and churchgoers around the world. Dr. Wise also made a conscious effort to get the audience further involved in the festivities. He had us standing, moving to rhythms, chanting, and singing. In those moments, we were indeed united! Crystal Senter-Brown The program continued with the Unity Choir singing original pieces by Dr. Wise along with old Loving Out Loud familiar songs, a special presentation of song by The “Una Voz” Choir (a group of select singers By Crystal Senter-Brown from the Pioneer Valley), an inspiring slideshow tribute to York Mayo, introduced by his wife, for all people in attendance to engage in a unifying He hates opera. daughter, and grandson, and the singing of an in- event of song and fellowship. I believe we all left says hip hop is the future! credible song entitled “We Raise Our Voices” to uplifted, grateful to the organizers and sponsors, I nod - say nothing. commemorate the occasion. appreciative of Dr. Wise’s talents, overjoyed by the Members of the Greater Springfield commu- participation of the singers and musicians, and es- Turn it down!! I beg. nity were brought together for such a time as this pecially thankful for the vision of the late York he’s happy when his music to help further a vision of racial and cultural peace Mayo. It was yet another reminder that we can do harasses the birds. and understanding. It was definitely an opportunity all things through Christ who strengthens us. ■ While driving, we’re more like strangers than man and wife, one-third of our lives
have been spent this way: in his car, fighting about which station to play.
As the steam rises from my ears, he calls me “dear”, turning the channel to
NPR, where we listen to other people fight about nothing.
He knows my strange ways- he has helped write my story. Seeing me at my very best, and worst, he wipes my tears, calming me with just a glance.
He is my Sunday revival, my sonnet, when I can’t find the words-
he taps his fingers along my spine, pulling the poems out of me.
He sails my spirit to the clouds…who needs music when love’s this loud? afam point of view page thirty-four december 1, 2015 COMMUNITY INFORMATION GOOD NEWS
Jay Griffin, FYI: 41 Colton St. is available for Stone Soul Festival birthday parties, repasts, baby show- Program Chairman ers and other events. [email protected] New Plans for Old Hill Congratulations to Marilyn “Mert” Tel: 413-636-3881 th n a cold rainy night last De- that is fencing vacant lots to curtail il- or Thomas on her 80 birthday: a good cember a large group of res- legal dumping and is collaborating 413-739-2947 time had by all! Oidents from Old Hill and with the City to prioritize the vacant other Mason Square neighborhoods properties that need to be addressed. tone Soul, Inc. had its first ac- Join us as we salute the 2015 met to discuss goals and plans for Old Plans also include creating a commu- tivity at the Cultural Resource William H. Carney award recipients Hill. The Old Hill Neighborhood Ac- nity gathering space, and enhancing SCenter – 41 Colton St. The at Vibra in the fabulous Garden tion Plan 2015-2020 has been community spirit through an active Safe Sane Halloween Celebration Room, 1400 State St., Springfield, st adopted by the neighborhood council community garden, community cele- took place, October 31 with over MA on Thursday, December 3, and is actively being implemented. brations and a contest to design a 100 ghouls/goblins and their parents 2015 at 6:00 p.m. The Old Hill Neighborhood Council neighborhood flag to be hung attending. We want to thank several groups Free Event was guided through the planning throughout the neighborhood. Refreshment will be served. process by the Pioneer Valley Plan- As the Action Plan was being and individuals for their effort and ning Commission and HAPHousing. completed, the neighborhood re- support: The recipients are: The plan started with an update ceived the good news that a planning ● Second to none world class coor- ● Richard Johnson Program Direc- of the 2004 Old Hill Master Plan and grant had been awarded for the dinator, Desi Jackson tor – New North Citizen’s Council an assessment of the accomplish- Healthy Hill Initiative from a national ● Sam Bolden of the Waterfront for Community service for Mason ments of the last 10 years. Collabora- awards program, the BUILD Health establishing the Halloween cele- Square and the Greater Springfield tive efforts over that period really Challenge. Awarded to HAPHousing, bration tradition area paid off by cutting the number of va- the initiative is also being led by Part- ● Tony Malone conducted the cos- ● Janis Santos, Executive Director cant and abandoned properties in half ners for a Healthier Community, the tume and dance contest – HCS Head Start ▬ Outstanding and developing or refurbishing 150 Springfield Department of Health and ● Women in Recovery, Wilhamenia service to preschool children homes. The neighborhood also saw Human Services, Baystate Health, Allen, Hershell Reaves, & Brid- ● Karon Tyler, Human Service Co- development of the new Brookings Sisters of Providence Health System, gett Dennis provided musical ordinator – Dept. of Mental Health School, significant improvements at Revitalize CDC, DevelopSpringfield, chairs, wrapped the mummy and 35 years of dedicated service in the DeBerry School and complete the Old Hill Neighborhood Council, balloon contest the field of mental health renovation of the Square One center Gardening the Community and sev- ● Trinity Kegler won the dance ● Patricia Moore, Founder of on King St. Key streets including eral others to develop a plan to im- contest Women in Recovery ▬ 35 years Walnut and State Streets were rede- prove the health of neighborhood ● Community Policing, Sgt. in support of those in need veloped and all of the neighborhood’s residents. Williams passed out badges and ● Karen Kennedy, Center Director parks were improved. Many partners The initiative will accelerate candy at Westover Job Corps ▬ Dedi- worked with the Neighborhood several existing efforts to improve ● Thank you to Nick Cocchi for his cated to the development of young Council to achieve these improve- public safety, housing and access to contribution of nutritious apples adults in the trade industry ments including: the City, Greater fresh food while spurring economic ● Daniel Warwick – Superintendent Springfield Habitat for Humanity, development in the Old Hill Neigh- Announcements of Springfield Public Schools ▬ Springfield Neighborhood Housing borhood. Partners for a Healthier Baby shower for Vanessa Scott, De- Dedicated service to the Greater Services, Revitalize CDC, Home City Community will help lead this plan- cember 5, 2015 – 41 Colton St., Springfield community for youth Housing, HAPHousing and Spring- ning effort and analyze public health Springfield, MA. and staff development ■ field College and many public, foun- data while HAPHousing and Revital- end us your good news (birthdays, births, weddings, anniversaries, etc.) dation and corporate funders. ize CDC will use their expertise in Sby December 15th for the January 1st 2016 edition of the Point of View. Building on these positive de- neighborhood revitalization and We will acknowledge the Good News each month. The maximum submis- sion is 15 words. There is a $5.00 cost that must accompany your Good velopments, the new Action Plan in- housing as part of the Healthy Hill News information. Send to: cludes goals for the remaining vacant Initiative. properties and for enhancing public The Healthy Hill Initiative was Stone Soul, Inc., P. O. Box 90031, Springfield, MA 01109 safety. It includes 12 primary goals one of 18 groundbreaking projects Let’s get the Good News rolling! which cover Capacity Building, throughout the country to receive prove health and wellbeing in the The Initiative will expand upon Physical Improvements, Culture and planning and implementation grants. community through improving access several efforts currently underway in Community Building, and Public All grant recipients aim to improve to high quality fresh food, improved Old Hill: housing remediation to ad- Safety. To implement the plan the health in low-income communities; housing, youth engagement and edu- dress asthma, re-purposing vacant Council has appointed committees in- in the Old Hill neighborhood, the cation, workforce and job training, parcels as community green space, cluding a Vacant Property Committee Healthy Hill Initiative’s goal is to im- and public safety. continues to page 36 afam point of view page thirty-five december 1, 2015 SPRINGFIELD SPORTS YOUTH PREMIER SOCCER David Kelley is the co-founder and Vice Fall Season Finale President of SFC. He serves as current Head By David Kelley Coach of BU15 Premier team and BU14 District Select Team. truly was the match of the season by He can be contacted at: two great teams. Sportsmanship and [email protected] passion were displayed as both teams hampionship game day. The shook hands and accepted their day that defines what a team medals. Chas worked hard for all season Winter Soccer School will be long. It was Division Champions starting in January. If you wish to join ready to defend their League Champi- us for these fun training sessions, onship against #2 rivals JBO. The please contact Kenrick Whitely @ sidelines were packed with fans [email protected]. chanting Passion and Pride. As the For more information about join- starting XI took to the field, you could ing SFC for league play contact Juan feel the intensity sweep over Tree Top Hernandez @ [email protected]. Park. The whistle blew for kickoff and For volunteering as a coach or it was now up to the players to decide other area of interest please contact who would rise to the occasion. the attacking third, Derran “bobby” equalize. JBO was now in panic mode David Kelley @ dkelley@spring- The first 20 minutes was hard Brown gave a great pass and Jakelys trying to keep the SFC players from fieldfc.net. All other information fought as SFC’s defense interrupted takes a hit and the crowd erupts in scoring. Opportunity after opportunity SFC is a 501 (c) (3) company, if you an onslought of JBO attacks. Last 10 cheer. The refs point to a goal kick. came but to no avail. What a game!! wish to donate or sponsor the efforts minutes of the first half, SFC looked JBO’s goalkeeper came up with a Applauds erupted for both sides. It of SFC please contact David Kelley. to counter and apply pressure on monster save, pushing the ball over JBO’s goalkeeper. The first half went the net. No goal. The game kept going scoreless led by SFC goalkeeper back and forth. The strikers were Austin “the wall” Le and the back doing their best to find the back of the four, Ethan “lil E” Ireland, Teohn “T” net. Gonzalez, Leala “fruit loops” Samuel, Avyan “kick the ball the other and Kevin “put me in D” Mendoza way” Reyes, Anthony “goooooal” covering for Ashley “not getting by Bouquet, Maynor “fancyfeet” Perez me” Palm who was on the bench sick. were all working to score. JBO took Both teams went to opposite the ball and were coming down in ends of the field to discuss their strat- force. They shot and Austin came up egy for the second half. This contest with a magnificent save. There was was going to come down to who panic in the box. The defense trying wanted it more. The midfield needed to clear it. Goal JBO with six minutes to step up and they did as SFC came left in the half. out with great ball movement led by SFC was now working hard to Denilson “buy a WTCC is your source for music - from jazz to R&R oldies, watch” Morales find- gospel to salsa, R&B to blues, Motown and more, ing combination plays as well as Caribbean, Portuguese, Latino, Polish, Greek, with Gabriel “set my Native American and Italian programming - alarm” Rivera, plus talk shows with local hosts discussing local issues. Christopher “it’s my brother Gabriel’s fault” Rivera, and Jaykelis “twinkle Your all-volunteer community radio station toes” Algarin. X-BANKERS, Inc. broadcasting 24/7 from the campus of STCC As the pressure Bridgeport, CT Locations Other CT Locations was on the midfield 875 East Main Street 31 Church Street, New Haven moving the ball up 966 Main Street 60 S Main Street Waterbury www.wtccfm.org and pressuring JBO in 1245 Main Street 135 Connecticut Ave., Norwalk 1358 Boston Avenue afam point of view page thirty-six december 1, 2015 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY INFORMATION STCC hosts Instant Accept Days for prospective students Planning on Applying to STCC for SPRINGFIELD, MASS. — Plan- Davis-Freeman. “The cost savings at the Spring Semester? ning on applying to Springfield Tech- STCC are tremendous. Our career nical Community College (STCC) for programs quickly prepare students for the spring semester? The college will the workforce and our transfer pro- instantly accept prospective students grams allow students to seamlessly Get transfer to four-year colleges and uni- for the spring semester who bring versities for a bachelor’s degree and their official high school transcript(s), beyond.” Instantly GED, or HiSet Certification to the Spring semester classes begin Admissions Office. No appointment Monday, Jan. 25. The STCC Admis- Accepted is necessary. sions office is open Monday, Tuesday, “We see many students transfer- and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 No appointment necessary. Come visit us & bring your: ring into STCC in January as they re- p.m.; Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 7 Official High School Transcript or GED or HiSET alize the economic sense of a p.m.; and Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For Classes begin community college education,” said more information, call (413) 755- STCC Admissions Office STCC Dean of Admissions Louisa 3333 or visit www.stcc.edu. ■ Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 8am–4:30pm January 25. 7EDNESDAY AMnPM s &RIDAY AMnPM STCC to offer new Winter Session www.stcc.edu (413) 755-3333 classes starting December 21st SPRINGFIELD, MASS. — Spring- Gravel. “The online format reduces Springfield Technical field Technical Community College the need to cancel classes for weather conditions and allows students the Take a virtual (STCC) will begin offering four-week campus tour! Community College online Winter Session classes starting flexibility to study on their own Monday, Dec. 21 through Friday, schedule.” Jan. 15, 2016. This is the first time Winter session class offerings in- the college has offered classes during clude: Business Ethics; Computer Ba- the winter recess. Online Winter Ses- sics; Economics 1; Electronic Health CLASSIFIEDS sion classes are the perfect opportu- Records; General Psychology; Intro- BUY NEW ENGLAND CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK nity for area college students to earn duction to Sociology; Nutrition; Prin- ROMOTE YOUR PRODUCT, SERVICE OR BUSINESS TO 1.8 MILLION HOUSEHOLDS college credit during the traditional ciples of Management; and World THROUGHOUT NEW ENGLAND. REACH 4 MILLION POTENTIAL READERS QUICKLY winter break period. Religions. Students can register for PAND INEXPENSIVELY WITH GREAT RESULTS. USE THE BUY NEW ENGLAND CLAS- SIFIED AD NETWORK BY CALLING 413-796-1500. DO THEY WORK? YOU ARE READING “The majority of classes avail- one or more classes beginning Tues- ONE OF OUR ADS NOW!! VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SEE WHERE YOUR ADS RUN FREE COM- able during winter session can be used day, Nov. 24. Registration is available MUNITY PAPERS OF NEW ENGLAND WWW.FCPNE.COM as electives both at community col- online at www.stcc.edu/ winter; via MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE leges and four year colleges and uni- phone at (413) 755-4321; or in the KILL BED BUGS! Buy Harris Bed Bug versities,” said STCC Dean of Registrar’s Office/Garvey Hall Killers/KIT Complete Treatment System. Enrollment Management Matthew South/First Floor. ■ Available: Hardware Stores, The Home Depot, homedepot.com HEALTH & FITNESS New Plans for Old Hill VIAGRA!! 52 Pills for Only $99.00. Your continued from page 34 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to #1 trusted provider for 10 years. Insured community gardens to engage youth encourage community partnerships to and Guaranteed Delivery. Call today 1- leaders and provide fresh food, and address the social and environmental 877-560-0675. determinants of health across the na- substance abuse prevention. FOR RENT tion. FOR SALE The BUILD Health Challenge Warm Weather Is Year Round In Aruba. The Neighborhood Action Plan The water is safe, and the dining is fan- SELLING AFTER 10 YEARS Busy country was founded by The Advisory Board together with the Healthy Hill initia- tastic. Walk out to the beach. 3-Bed- store on VT southern tip of Champlain. Company, the de Beaumont Founda- tive offer promise for a healthier and room weeks available. Sleeps 8. $3500. 3 bedroom living above, see it and be- tion, the Colorado Health Founda- more vibrant future for the residents Email: [email protected] for more lieve. Benson Village Store 802-537- tion, the Kresge Foundation and the of Old Hill. ■ information. 2041 afam point of view page thirty-seven december 1, 2015 DECEMBER 2015 EVENTS For more events, go to: www.afampov.com ONGOING THRU DECEMBER 9 Springfield Science Museum’s “Stars Over SCORE & Hartford Public Library host 5- Springfield” Observatory Series: “Astron- Week Workshop Series on “I Want to Start omy Gifts: All I Want For Christmas or a Business, What Do I Need to Do?”, “How Chanukah is...” Can I Market My Business,” etc. When: 7:30pm When: Nov. 4, 18, Dec. 2, 9 Where: Springfield Science Museum from 6―7:30pm 21 Edwards St., Springfield, MA SUNDAY―13 21 Edwards St., Springfield, MA Where: Hartford Public Library Info: $3 adults; $2 children 17 and Antonio’s Catering presents A Christmas Info: $4 nonmembers; $2 members; 500 Main St., Hartford, CT under (recommended children 8 Extravaganza honoring Local Individuals Bring bag lunch/cookies & coffee Info: FREE; Registration required; and older); 413.263.6800, x318 When: 2―3pm Social Hour; 3:30pm provided; 413.263.6800, x488 860.695.6337; [email protected]. Dinner “Christmas Buffet” SATURDAY―5 Where: American Legion, Post 452 SATURDAY―19 ONGOING THRU JANUARY 3 Northampton Lions Club will hold its 55th 43 Exchange St., Chicopee, MA The Caribbean American African Athletic Bright Nights at Forest Park: Annual Ski & Skate Sale of New and Used Info: $40 per person; RSVP to Social Club/Springfield Carnival Christmas Closed November 30 & December 1 Winter Sports Items for the Entire Family 413.887.9041 or 413.330.9492; Dinner When: Sun.-Thurs.: 5―9pm; When: 9am―2pm Payment is due by 12/11; When: 6pm Social Hour; 7pm Dinner Fri., Sat., Holidays: 5―11pm Where: Smith Vocational and Agricultural See Ad on page 12 Where: Country Club of Wilbraham Where: Forest Park, 300 Sumner Ave. H.S., 80 Locust St., Northampton, 859 Stony Hill Road Springfield, MA MA (next to Cooley Dickinson THURSDAY―17 Wilbraham, MA (Just off I-91 on Rte. 83) Hospital) Springfield Museums à la Carte Lecture Se- Info: $45 per person; 413.693.3343 or Info: $18/car Mon.―Thurs.; $21/car Info: Proceeds will provide ries presents The Star of Bethlehem: Inves- 413.726.9006 Fri.―Sun. & Holidays; tigating an Ancient Mystery scholarships and help fund other FRIDAY―25 brightnights.org; 413.733.3800 charities; 413.527.5917 When: 12:15pm Where: D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts MERRY CHRISTMAS C3 POLICING WEEKLY Author Patricia Ann Boozer, PhD, launches COMMUNITY MEETINGS her new book, “I’m Prinkie” NEW BOOK RELEASE Mason Square C3 Meeting When: 1―3pm When: Tuesdays 11am―12noon Where: Bregamos Community Theater Where: Mason Square Library (in time for holiday gift giving) 491 Blatchley Ave. 756 State St., Springfield, MA New Haven, CT South End C3 Meeting Education: Our Foundation Info: FREE and Open to the Public; By Gianna Allentuck When: Wednesdays 11am―12noon 222.prinkie.com; 203.691.6221 Where: Former Store 24 Heroes often are born from adversity and tragedy. 806 Main St., Springfield, MA SATURDAY―5 & SUNDAY―6 Whispers of courage that blow through the black cloud of that despair. (next to Honey Land Farms) Storrowton Village Museum presents Yule- Educators are heroes despite that adversity. Forest Park C3 Meeting tide at Storrowton When: 11am―4pm When: Thursdays 10―11am Winds of hope that swirl stronger than any storm… Where: 37 Alderman St., Springfield, MA Where: Eastern States Exposition Memorial Ave., W. Springfield, MA North End C3 Meeting Info: FREE and Open to the Public; When: Thursdays 11am―12noon 413.205.5051 Where: 101 Lowell St., Springfield, MA THURSDAY―3 WEDNESDAY―9 Springfield Museums à la Carte Lecture Se- Storrowton Village Museum’s Yuletide by ries presents Secrets of Leonardo da Vinci’s Lantern Light, Lantern Light Tours Virgin of the Rocks Revealed When: 6―8pm When: 12:15pm Where: Eastern States Exposition Where: D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts Memorial Ave., W. Springfield, MA 21 Edwards St., Springfield, MA Info: $5; Children under 6, FREE Info: $4 nonmembers; $2 members; THURSDAY―10 Bring bag lunch/cookies & coffee Education: Our Foundation by Gianna Allentuck is a collection of essays provided; 413.263.6800, x488 Springfield Museums à la Carte Lecture Se- ries presents Cabinets of Curiosity: Histor- published in the Point of View and photographs that capture and celebrate FRIDAY―4 ical and Contemporary Interpretations the beauty and essence of Education, Community, and Hope and is being Neighborhood Playgroup, Birth-5 years: When: 12:15pm distributed in exchange for a $25.00 donation as a fundraiser for local Stories, Fingerplays, Craft & Playtime Where: D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts schools. It will make a cherished gift and is the perfect coffee table book When: 10:30am―12:30pm 21 Edwards St., Springfield, MA for everyone who cares about education. Copies are available by contacting Where: Sixteen Acres Branch Library Info: $4 nonmembers; $2 members; 1187 Parker St., Springfield, MA Bring bag lunch/cookies & coffee the author at 703.930.0243, Point of View at 413.796.1500 and Olive Tree Info: FREE and Open to the Public provided; 413.263.6800, x488 Books-n-Voices at 413.737.6400. Please visit, follow, subscribe, comment, like, tweet, read or explore on our website at: www.afampointofview.com or www.afampov.com www.facebook.com/AfAmPointofView https://plus.google.com/+PointofViewSpringfield www.twitter.com/AfAmPointofView afam point of view page thirty-eight december 1, 2015 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY FOCUS Berkshire Bank Foundation Invests in Project Lead The Way for Baystate Academy erkshire Bank Foundation is in- chemistry, research processes, and be exposed vesting in Baystate Academy to immunology, genetics and other medical ca- BCharter Public School’s (BACPS) reers through hands-on projects and intensive new program, Project Lead The Way, a na- learning expeditions. tionally award-winning high school bio- Research has shown that PLTW students medical science curriculum. score higher on state math tests, are more pre- “Berkshire Bank Foundation is com- pared for college, attend at higher rates and earn mitted to education in Hampden County wages 13.6% higher than non-PLTW students. and the region. This $20,000 grant to In addition, many colleges actively recruit Baystate Academy helps deliver on the PLTW students and offer preferred admissions, school’s promise of world-class biomed- scholarships and course credit. The intensive ical science education for Springfield high program includes teacher training, classroom school students,” said Lori Gazzillo, Di- learning and rigorous evaluation standards. rector of the Berkshire Bank Foundation. The grant helps fulfill Berkshire Bank’s The 3-year old college preparatory goal to help create healthy, vibrant, sustainable public charter school in Springfield for communities where educational and economic grades 6 – 12 is focused on science, math opportunities are available to everyone. In 2015 and health careers. By integrating the na- Baystate Academy 8th grade science class studies the transitions of water Berkshire Bank acquired Hampden Bank to tion’s leading provider of STEM educa- molecules from solid to liquid to gas. In physics, the state of matter more fully serve the Pioneer Valley, and Ham- tion, Project Lead The Way (PLTW), into is one of the distinct observable forms that matter takes on. pden County. their academic program BACPS will cre- (Photo by Paul Schnaittacher) Through key partnerships with Baystate ate a path to high achievement in science, ital tools, and empowers students to creatively solve Health, Springfield Technical Community Col- technology, math, and particularly the biomedical real world problems. The 4-year program builds un- lege and Expeditionary Learning, Baystate Acad- sciences, for all students in grades 9 – 12. derstanding of the principles of biomedical science, emy is preparing students for success in college and To prepare students for the global economy, the human body systems, medical interventions and careers by building strong math, English, and sci- PLTW biomedical sciences curriculum inspires in- biomedical innovation. Baystate Academy high ence skills, and emphasizing character development novative thinking, collaborative learning using dig- school students will study physiology, biology, and ethics. ■ FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK had walked from our office to a next made a hasty retreat. Of course I had seriousness of what I was saying. And MY WHITE door residence with my mail in his to check the contents of each envelope I was quite civil until he put on his MAILMAN hand to deliver their mail before re- against what was recorded on my union veil and made some nasty com- turning to his mail truck. And I ob- computer before re-sealing the en- ments and told me, “You can’t prove continued from page 24 served him as he walked back to his velopes and re-mailing them a day it was me.” employee of the United States Post mail truck. What I didn’t know at the late. Well, I wasn’t out to prove any- Office – I’m talking about the United time is that he had delivered the mail But I was left with a real bad thing. I just wanted to make certain he States of America Post Office! But I next door and left all of my outgoing feeling about the reliability of the grasped the gravity of the situation. couldn’t have been more wrong. business mail with all my checks ex- services of the United States Post Of- When he made it clear to me he could On this particular day, the White cept one piece with the next door res- fice that wasn’t assuaged when I in- care less, I enjoyed watching his mailman with a beard and an attitude ident’s kids who soon began opening formed the White mailman with a pained reaction when I referred to him delivered my mail to the front desk; my outgoing mail along with their beard and a bad attitude a week later. (in the vernacular of course) as the picked up my outgoing mail with own incoming mail. He made it clear that he didn’t think it rear orifice of a donkey. checks enclosed (some substantial) I feel blessed because an adult in was a big deal. “You got it back, didn’t It was not a gracious reference. and walked out as usual. And on this the house stopped them and made you?” was his casual and callous com- But I felt much better, although my particular day, I happened to be at my them return the mail to my office that ment. confidence in the United States Postal glass door at the opposite end of the evening. We didn’t know they had I was stunned speechless as he System has been dramatically dimin- building looking out at the mail truck surreptitiously returned it until the walked out of the door and proceeded ished. and wondering why my White mail- next morning when we found it on our to deliver mail to my next door neigh- (In all fairness, I don’t think it was man with the beard and an attitude counter and on the floor. We eventu- bor again. I recovered as he walked to- about race. My White mailman with a was not in it. I knew he had left my ally determined that they entered the ward his truck and I went out to talk beard and a bad attitude was simply a front office. office while nobody was at the front to him again. And I said to him that I bore and a drag on a postal system that Before long, I had the answer. He desk and left the altered mail and didn’t think he quite understood the is faltering with folks like him on board.) afam point of view page thirty-nine december 1, 2015 POLITICAL HAPPENINGS - SPRINGFIELD City Councilor Justin Hurst Re-Elected! afam point of view page forty december 1, 2015
Cindi’s Breast Cancer Treatment Plan
BREAST SURGERY RADIATION THERAPY KEEPING UP WITH HER DANCE STUDENTS
Cindi M. from Springfield shares her cancer journey at baystatecancerexperts.org
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