Helping People Help Themselves November 4 - November 17, 2011 $1 pare hange S C News Dewey Square DiSpatcheS • Editorial: Occupy The Next Step, page 2 • Tea for Occupiers, page 7 • OccuPoetry, page 10 HA CRAIG HA s PHOTO: TRI PHOTO:

Food Stamps Higher Ed For Fast Food Budget Cuts in Rhode Island Take Toll - page 6 - page 8

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is published by the HOMELESS EMPOWERMENT PROJECT (HEP)

Spare Change News Editor in Chief 1151 Massachusetts Ave. Tom Benner Cambridge, MA 02138 Poetry Editor Phone: 617-497-1595 Marc D. Goldfinger Fax: 617-868-0767 Graphic Designer E-mail: Brendan Bernard [email protected] [email protected] Puzzle Editor Samuel Weems Website: www.sparechangenews.net Editorial Assistants Alison Clark HEP ADMINISTRATION Chalkey Horenstein Mark Addesa Board President Lara Butrimowicz James Shearer Colleen Gorman Zachary Montalto Vice President Contributing Writers Michelle Ronayne Beatrice Bell Treasurer Jacques Fleury Chris McKnett Joel Foster Marc D. Goldfinger Co-Clerks Sarah Hannah Erik Paulson Aaron James Kathrine Waite Julie Monrad Alexander Moore Board Members Jeremy “Jay Jay” Parks Cheryl Jordan Adam Sennott Samuel Weems James Shearer Kristen Caretta Robert Sondak Michael Morisy Bob Woodbury Vendor Supervisors Joseph MacDonald Gary Gilreath Christopher Mesfin Bookkeeper Charles Stallings Lisa Adams Reggie Wynn

Contributing Photographer Adam Sennott Trisha Craig Editorial: Occupy The Next Step

Vision & Mission

Spare Change News was founded in 1992 by a group of homeless people and a member of Boston Jobs with Peace. Spare Change is published by the nonprofit organization The Homeless Empowerment Project (HEP). S n y der REUTERS/B rian / P hoto Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick visits the Occupy Boston encampment in Boston on October 15, 2011.

SPARE CHANGE’S Goal: A hand-made sign at the Occupy Boston nomic concerns and anxieties of average voters. “To present, by our own example, that homeless encampment in Dewey Square asks: “Cardinal The Occupy movement is remarkable by many and economically disadvantaged people, with the proper resources, empowerment, opportunity, and O’Malley, Where Are You?” measures, including the racial and social diver- encouragement are capable of creating change for The same might be asked of our leaders on sity of its open and expanding membership, and ourselves in society.” Beacon Hill and Capitol Hill, whose timidity has prompts obvious comparisons to the Tea Party so far led them to keep a safe distance between movement that has dominated American political HEP’s OBJECTIVES: their carefully manicured political images and the discourse in variously loud, simplistic and mis- To empower the economically disadvantaged grungy, Woodstock-era look of Occupy Boston, leading ways. in Greater Boston through self-employment, which embraces a populism, spontaneity and The long list of injustices wrought by a govern- skill development and self-expression. To create political theater they likely fear will not play well ment beholden to corporate and special interests. forums, including those of independent media in with middle America. The ever- increasing inequality gap between the order to reshape public perception of poverty and But those same elected representatives cannot rich and the poor, the haves and the have nots. homelessness. afford to be indifferent about the movement’s Growing unemployment, poverty and economic message, which very much has to do with the eco- continued on next page November 4 - November 17, 2011 op / ed Spare Change News 3 Editorial: Marjorie Decker, A Record of Helping Others

Last spring, the Homeless by a sense of social and economic justice and then led the Equal Justice Coalition, Empowerment Project held a silent auc- strongly influenced by her upbringing. a statewide advocacy program for civil tion to raise money for Spare Change Her mother worked with the elderly, legal aid for low-income people. News. We had invited Cambridge City and now works with homeless families Marjorie served on the board of Councilor Marjorie Decker as our speak- and helps substance abusers find detox the Cambridge Anti-Poverty Agency er for the evening, but we were still look- programs. Marjorie was the first in her (CEOC) just before winning a Cambridge ing for someone to auction off a few family to graduate from high school, City Council seat. The Boston YWCA has valuable lots. Marjorie came through for Cambridge Rindge and Latin, and she recognized Marjorie for her work on us, as a speaker, MC and auctioneer. She went on to earn Bachelor and Masters affordable housing and her advocacy for entertained us all and got top dollar for degrees. racial and economic justice. Marjorie is the auction items with her enthusiasm After college, Marjorie taught first now in her sixth term on the Cambridge and easy rapport with those in atten- grade and special education for Teach City Council and running for re-elec- dance. For America in Shreveport, Louisiana. tion. The Spare Change News community Marjorie grew up in public housing Returning home to Cambridge, she wishes her many more years of service in Cambridgeport, and she’s motivated worked in state and local government, to Cambridge and Massachusetts.

Letter: Smokers Have No Say and No Political Power

To the Editor: pect a neighbor of smoking to report the ments, but there is little evidence such ondhand smoke, but in reality it is part infraction to authorities. slight exposure poses any risk, especially of the overall program to alienate and While I wish James Shearer was cor- Although the majority of tenants, compared to the problems of mold, pest ostracize smokers. rect when he wrote that Boston had who spoke at public hearings the BHA droppings, and chemical contamination Government and private reformers, decided not to prohibit smoking in pub- held last year, expressed anger that which have plagued Boston public hous- in their effort to achieve a society where lic housing, such is not the case (James the authority was forbidding them to ing for decades. tobacco is outlawed and smokers are Shearer, “Observations,” Oct. 21-Nov. set the smoking policy in their own In order to pressure private landlords designated criminals, see no tactic as too 3). The Boston Housing Authority is, homes, officials celebrated the measure to ban smoking, the Boston Public Health coercive or intrusive. Reformers use the in fact, currently notifying its 25,000 as a way of “incentivizing” smokers to Commission is using federal stimulus power and money of federal and state public housing residents that as of next quit. Interestingly, most of the tenants money to reward those landlords who government, as well as that of wealthy September, they will be forbidden to who expressed opposition were non- do, and is giving them free advertising organizations like the Robert Wood smoke in their apartments and violators smokers. on a health commission website. Health Johnson Foundation, to promote hous- will be evicted. Residents also voiced concern that officials are also running frightening TV ing, workplace, and social discrimina- This no-smoking policy was prompt- women going out to smoke at night in ads, again using federal money, depict- tion against those 20 percent of American ed by Obama appointee, Sean Donovan, high crime areas would be in danger of ing tobacco smoke sinisterly seeping in adults who smoke, the majority of whom secretary of the Department of Housing assault or rape. Officials dismissed such from a neighbor’s apartment and envel- are poor or lower middle-class and have and Urban Development, having sent a danger as inconsequential compared to oping a sleeping infant. little political power. a memo to public housing authorities the effect the ban would have on reduc- City councilors in both Boston and nationwide “strongly encouraging” ing smoking rates. Officials also say Cambridge, have proposed banning Stephen Helfer them to prohibit smoking. The BHA is they want to reduce exposure to second- smoking in public parks. As always the 3 Crawford St. #8 also encouraging residents who sus- hand smoke drifting from other apart- justification is to protect people from sec- Cambridge, MA

continued from previous page for liberal lion Teddy Kennedy, and to see the Occupy encampment for encouraging the kind of social divi- himself. That was brave compared to insecurity. The class warfare being siveness that demonizes the afflicted other Democratic leaders who have waged in our political discourse. and comforts the comfortable. stayed away and kept silent about a These are among the reasons so many Compared to the agenda-driven remarkably organized, articulate and are camping out in tents in Boston Tea Party, the Occupy movement so growing political force to be reckoned and so many other cities around the far has no political program, no clear with. With the “Make Out Not War” world. political aspirations. There is no mod- signs and anti-Wall Street rhetoric, the Give the Occupy movement credit ern-day equivalent of a Port Huron Occupy backdrop may seem an incon- for helping to steer American politi- statement, no Student Non-Violent venient photo-op to the John Kerry- cal discourse back toward the mid- Coordinating Committee. No inter- style status quo Democrats, who pre- dle. For too long, angry voices on the est in engaging in the electoral pro- fer the safe and the predictable. right have been setting an agenda that cess, no agenda for affecting public But however unappealing the seeks to rip the social safety net into policy or electing effective leaders. images of disheveled tent dwellers tatters while it props up tax cuts for camping out across from the Federal the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans, Nor is there the equivalent of right- Reserve building, the Occupy demon- corporate personhood and financial wing politicians pandering to the Tea strators have a message that matters to elitism. ott Party faithful and leveraging that and resonates with average, working- The challenge for the left is that the movement for political gain. class Americans. That message needs Tea Party took an immediate inter- Se nn a m Kudos: Credit to Gov. Deval Patrick to be heard and picked up and carried est in political empowerment, help- for strolling over to Dewey Square at into the political arena by those who ing to elect people like Scott Brown

one point without his handlers in tow aspire to be our leaders. Ad / Photo as the miscast and unjust replacement 4 Spare Change News local November 4 - November 17, 2011 Phillips Brooks House Volunteers Work for Intangible Rewards

Julie Monrad gram without concrete rewards? The Spare Change News only answer to such illogical decisions must be as abstract as the rewards: it is When students enter college they the human element. often have the mindset that life is full Examine the numbers: 1,400 Harvard of possibilities, especially in reference students volunteer for 86 community to saving the great big world. They service organizations. Twenty student have a fresh start and a future ahead of officers give vast chunks of their week to them, as well as four years to grow into organizing PBHA as a broad organiza- who they wish to be for the rest of their tion needing all the accoutrements such lives. With an abundance of knowledge as fundraising, book keeping, weekly behind them and an unlimited amount meetings, publicity and, of course, work- ahead, the world is their oyster, all those ers. Each PBHA program also requires wonderful graduation speeches ringing one or two people to organize volun- in their ears. teers and co-workers. Not to forget the Then the daily routine begins. In a life 12 summer programs that are, as the of waking up, rushing to get dressed, student officer Diana Barnstein said, “all running to daily commitments, mak- student run.” All this energy goes to help ing time for friends and family, indulg- 10,000 people in the greater Boston area. ing in a little “you” time, eating at some To keep all 86 programs and 1,400 point, working out, showering (prefer- volunteers straight, PBHA breaks itself ably), finishing any work from the day down into six subcategories: mentoring and somehow making it to bed at a rea- programs, advocacy, organizing, hous- sonable time, it seems overwhelming to ing and health programs, after-school merely consider devoting another hour and interschool programs, adult servic- or two of a precious 24 to figuring out es programs, summer urban programs how to save the world. How can any- (SUP) and other summer programs. one even momentarily ponder how to Student officers Carolyn Chou and feed all the hungry and heal all illnesses Nadia Farjood oversee the after-school when just finishing economics home- and mentoring programs, respectively. work seems impossible? Both programs focus on helping chil- Think again about that economics dren in the Boston area develop some class. Didn’t it teach you that the “invisi- aspect of themselves beyond the school ble hand” was the best way for the world curriculum. As PBHA’s president and to function anyways? If everyone works Keylatch Afterschool Program volun- toward whatever benefits them, the teer Ekene Obi-Okoye said, “For the world markets - and therefore the world

youth that I work with it’s a lot about M umanachit arah - will turn unhindered. So why muck up empowerment, to know that they the natural state of affairs by spending can do what anyone else can do. They your limited time helping others? don’t have to listen to anyone tell them S / P hoto Harvard students volunteering with the Chinatown Big Siblings program. At that moment, at 1:16 AM when a they can’t.” Obi-Okoye went on to student sits, elbows propped on a desk, describe the support system they cre- the elderly in the hopes of raising their donations, PBHA volunteers plan annu- head in hands, brow furrowed, desper- ate for young children in the various spirits while others, such as the Youth al plant sales and bike sales. “It’s been ately trying to finish their economics programs, one in which students learn Prison Tutoring Program, help ris- fun,” said fundraising officer Winshen problem set for their 9 AM section, the how to try, maybe even fail, and yet ing adults in the community find their Liu, “and I think what’s frustrating is student wonders, for what reason are they have the reassurance that someone is place. As for those in between, PBHA the money’s a very small percentage of so dedicated to this class? Only to realize, in fact there for them. Programs such volunteers build homes with Habitat for PBHA’s budget. Three thousand dollars it in fact is not dedication but motivation as Leaders! mentors children to grow Humanity, partake in legal transactions and a budget of I don’t know how many driving them. They are motivated by the in confidence while programs such as and even run their very own home- hundreds of thousands is nothing. It’s looming semester end grade. the Franklin Afterschool Enrichment less shelter from November into April. better than nothing, but that has been a Dedication is something beyond Program (FASE) tutor children in their The Harvard Square Homeless Shelter little difficult.” the obvious reward of marks or pay. academics. truly exhibits the student community’s To help fill in this financial gap, Dedication means giving oneself to a During the summer months, with 12 desire to make a difference, whether in PBHA also holds an annual auction at project or belief because of your pas- summer programs on three different the early preparation stages in the fall The Queen’s Head, Harvard’s student sion. It is a concept to which 1,400 stu- sites and an average of two volunteers months or during the night shift of the pub. Mostly though, PBHA subsists off dents at Harvard subscribe. per group of eight children, the focus winter months, as they struggle to find grants and personal donations. Regardless of their heavy workloads, on Boston’s children only grows. The extra cots in the hopes of admitting one Accounting for those who donate to art projects, newspaper articles to write, camps run for seven weeks and include or two more people into the refuge of PBHA, the number of people dedicated sports schedules and everything else, not only Harvard volunteers as coun- University Lutheran Church. to community service far exceeds 1,400. they dedicate hours of their week to selors, but also former campers now old To run all of these various pro- More importantly, the demographic the Phillips Brooks House Association enough to act as Junior Counselors. grams, PBHA requires generous mon- extends beyond that of the ever bushy- (PBHA), Harvard’s community service During the school-year months, pro- etary donations and people’s time and tailed, bright-eyed, hopeful college organization. grams under the Adult Services and effort to keep community service proj- student still figuring out how to save If so busy, if so pressed for time, for Advocacy, Organizing, Housing and ects, especially the summer programs, the world. It involves the adults of the what reason do these college students Health Programs lend a hand to Boston’s affordable for the targeted communi- Boston community, those who have give up hours of their week to a pro- adult community. Pets as Therapy visits ties. Besides writing letters asking for continued on next page November 4 - November 17, 2011 local Spare Change News 5 Fight Addiction Your Own Way

Aaron James which it can for some people. You may is getting your girl back. You will fail with much of its philosophy, it is just not Spare Change News want to stay away from it. For too long to notice that an old friend called you the only way. And I will often stop in on I looked at the problem as being alcohol. or that you are sleeping soundly and a meeting here and there and get a great Fourteen months Nothing could be farther from the truth. wake up in the mornings. None of this deal out of it. I strongly recommend since a lick of alco- The problem is me. We can debate if I will matter because the one call you are reading the literature of A.A. and giving hol has touched my have a disease or not forever on in. If I waiting for never happened, she truly is the steps an honest attempt (which obvi- lips! There have have a problem with alcohol and drugs done with you. Or whatever the main ously includes sponsorship and meet- been many close is not a question. I do. and only purpose was to your getting ings). Just do not buy into the folks who calls. I have actually The question is what I do to tame sober, it will cloud all of the other ben- say, “You will fail without A.A.”. That is opened a can, only to my problem? There really is no right or efits and lead you to a relapse. misleading to say the least. That is say- end up flushing it down a thirsty toilet. wrong and only I can answer the ques- Given that our challenges with addic- ing you are not an individual and they I have had many nights of hell bringing tion for myself. There are billions of tions are unique, so are our struggles. know what is right for everyone. myself to the breaking point, nights I answers as there are billions of addicts Everything along the way needs to be I do not fight my urges by relying on truly believe I can have just one or two. around the globe and we all deal with individualized. We live in a society that meetings or making a phone call to a The urges to pick up again can only be the issue differently. My answer of tries to group us together, I strongly feel, sponsor. A snow storm could prevent mastered, never truly put to rest. marijuana may not be the best solution for myself, breaking away from groups making it to a meeting. A phone call I wrote for a while about my experi- for you. You need to be creative with and making this personal is necessary. could go unanswered for any number ences getting sober. I reflected on my your sobriety, individualize it, and at One basic struggle I have is keep- of reasons. I find relying on anything or continued usage of marijuana. I want to 14 months clean that really is all I can or ing that balance between talking about anyone to deal with an urge as nonsense follow up with one last reflective piece. should offer you for advice. That, and, challenges amongst peers and saying and doomed to failure, but that is just me. I feel I hit all the points but I just failed how should I put it… nothing. I deserve to be on no pedestal. I fight the urge by sitting with it, in to put it all together. I pat my own back Time and time again I hear this talk I am no better in any way than some- more than one sense. If I have access and do not expect one from you … I of “rewards”. The idea being that get- one still drinking and drugging. I still and time I may actually grab a beer, offer these thoughts to share with you ting sober will bring about “rewards” in have friends that drink. I have chosen hold it to my lips, stare the thing down my journey. your life. This is not true, at least, I do not to run from alcohol. I have chosen and let my thoughts race through my I mentioned a while back about the not take a liking to the term. The idea to hold on to my drinking friends, there head. I may say the Lord’s prayer, miracles that took place last August of a reward is that it is something being is still indeed a friendship. However, at read the big book, listen to music, sit in while in post detox. I entered the 10-day given in response to a good action you times, I want to partake in bar runs and silence, smoke a bowl, or put my head program convinced I was going to leave have taken. Look, I got sober for myself. football beers. And that leads to a much in a pillow and scream as loud as I can before I completed it. I walked out with I got sober so I can have bills paid with broader struggle I have. into it. Eventually, the miracle happens, a certificate in hand. Most valuable was food on the table and cigarettes in my The world is filled with alcoholics, the urge passes, and I go on my way. It what I had learned. pocket. Let us rather call these ben- functioning alcoholics. I walk by bars may take hours for it to pass, I just need I cannot say enough about my coun- efits to having the right solution to my everyday and fight that urge. They to be mindful that it will pass, no matter selor. First, she took the burden of con- addiction. There are no rewards. No all look so happy inside. Alcohol was where I may be. It is all in my head, it is stant A.A. meetings off my back. I dedi- one is going to come running after you once the center of my life. Unlike an all thoughts, my thoughts, that form my cated an article about this in a previous saying, ‘Congratulations on making it old friend you can choose to ignore, this perceptions. As my counselor said, it is Spare Change issue. Next, while she to your year mark, here is 500 dollars.’ friendship is unavoidable. You have about tuning out that addictive voice in made clear she could not condone it, That would be a reward and this does to face it head on every day. At some my head and tuning up the sober one. she failed to see an issue with marijua- not happen. My counselor explained point, I question why I fight the urge? It is that simple. na, if in fact, it did not lead me back to this to me. I need to make things hap- Is it worth all the headache? A couple Let me thank my readers, Spare other addictions. For once a counselor pen and nothing and no one is going to of beers seem to make so much sense. I Change, my girlfriend, family and close saw where I was coming from. Without hand me my success. know I can be a functioning drinker. I friends who have stuck by me. I thank this affirmation, I may not have lasted A blunt lady, I recall her saying to me write these words in sound mind. My the Lord for you. Life is a blessing. My this long clean and sober. something along the lines of, “Aaron, if urge is under control, however, at cer- struggles pale too many others out there, Had it not been for her, I would have you are doing this for your girl, or mom tain times these questions make perfect my heart goes out to all of us throughout left detox feeling like I had to constantly and dad, or whoever, you will fail.” The sense. I want to live life to the fullest the world. Addiction is surly Satan’s gift attend meetings and marijuana should key was to do this for myself. I did not degree, I want to get drunk again. to man. It can be conquered, your own be considered a relapse. What my coun- get it then, however, I kind of do now. Many of you may suggest I should way. You heard me out, I would very selor successfully did for me, was change If you are not fully into it, then eventu- get to a meeting. I challenge this solu- much enjoy to hear how you did it, so my thinking. She put it completely ally when you walk by a bar, alone, with tion, for myself. Truth be told, relapse long as you respect how I have. on me, no excuses allowed. For some only you around, you will cave. Not is pretty common for “meeting makers”. folks, marijuana should be considered a only that, you will not be able to notice A slight jab there, to a great cause. I sup- AARON JAMES is a Spare Change News relapse, if it makes you less productive, any of the benefits, if the only benefit port A.A., in a broad sense, and agree writer and vendor. continued from previous page Okoye pointed out, “I had to learn how résumé with. So why do they help? and volunteers and also working in this to interview people. I learned how to The only answer comes from the community of people that I found to be seen the real world and know that help- work with directors, how to train, how Advocacy and Housing Program group gracious and generous and just good ing even one person without receiving a to teach other people and develop officer, Jacob Cederbaum. “I stayed with people down on their luck.” The best tangible reward is a great gift. other students. I learned what a budget all these programs because there is this guess may be that at the end of the day, Back then to the question: why? Why looked like, how to run a meeting – lit- really great feeling to doing this work. I the reason so many people dedicate their do all these people so selflessly give tle skills that mean a lot. Not just philo- would always leave in the morning after time to helping others is because of a to others? Did they not listen to the sophical thinking but practical skills.” my shift with this kind of warm fuzzy vague, inexplicable human connection. words of Adam Smith? PBHA teaches So in a sense students do get a reward, feeling. It’s super difficult to describe … students so many life skills if they pay but still not rewards they can hold in I loved helping out but also working just JULIE MONRAD is a freshman at attention. As the President Ekene Obi- their hands or necessarily polish their alongside other great Harvard students Harvard University. 6 Spare Change News region November 4 - November 17, 2011 Food Stamps For Fast Food In Rhode Island

Robert Sondak expansion of current programs. sandwiches offer reduced sodium and Spare Change News “A group of activists and myself saturated fat, and consumers can per- went to work to get Subway to partici- sonalize meal combinations to include Some 30,000 low-income households pate in this program,” said Kathleen yogurt, fresh vegetables, water, milk on food stamps in Rhode Island may Gorman, director of the Feinstein Center and diet soda. now buy prepared restaurant meals at for a Hunger Free America. “Our State “We want to provide healthier food Subway fast food restaurants. Department of Human Services was not options for people who cannot cook,” The Rhode Island Food Access Project a fan of the original program, but we Gorman said. “We want it to be more will provide healthy food options for got them to sign on.” than Subway, in the future, and include the homeless, disabled and elderly who Gorman pointed out that the pro- other local diners and restaurants.” cannot cook for themselves or store food gram is small, with only five restaurants Pat Baker, senior advocate from the rants did not catch on until states began where they live. Rhode Island is the first that have signed on. One weakness of Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, converting the stamps to electronic New England state to allow food stamp the program is the fact that people liv- pointed out that the Rhode Island food benefit transfer (EBT) cards. So far, use at restaurants. ing outside of Providence will have to stamp meals program is controversial. California, Arizona, Michigan, Florida Beginning in the 1970s, the federal travel to use their EBT cards for restau- “Massachusetts officials are con- and Kentucky allow EBT meal purchas- government gave the states the option rant food. cerned about food cost,” Baker said. es at state-approved restaurants. of allowing the elderly and disabled “Half of these households live with- “Officials have expressed concern over This Rhode Island pilot started in to spend their food stamp allocation in in greater Providence,” Gorman said. how much can be charged per meal.” September at five Subway restaurants restaurants rather than solely at grocery “Even though the program is small, we Aaron Lavallee, from the USDA located in Providence. The small size of stores. In 1990, the government also have a good population base to work Office of Communications, was inter- this program allows for quick statisti- extended the same privilege to home- with.” viewed by the Pew Center on the States’ cal gathering and can help to serve as a less people with no access to kitchen. Subway was selected because of Stateline news service. He highlighted role model for new programs or for the But the use of food stamps in restau- its healthier food options. Subway’s SONDAK continued on page 13

Candidates for Council-at-Large speak at Rosie’s Place Forum

Beatrice Bell people from the neighborhoods of at one point. Big banks got bailed out I don’t know. I’ll have to look into it. Spare Change News Boston; so many women and so many and then they paid themselves bonuses I think there should be more than just people of color. Right now, it’s on the with the public funds. It’s the little guy two shelters. They should all be open On October 6th, books but it never gets enforced. So that always takes it on the chin all the to LGBT and I’m not sure why they are 2011 the ladies at you drive by a pretty big construc- time, whether it’s Wall Street playing not. As for Occupy Boston, I am sym- Rosie’s Place met tion site, as I do regularly, and you see games to manipulate the economy or pathetic 1000 percent to the idea that the candidates for license plates from Rhode Island, New the oil companies raising the price of those of us in the working class have city council. Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut and gas to $4.00 a gallon. They almost put no opportunity to experience what the Will Dorcena Maine. I have nothing against those Chrysler and General Motors out of smaller percentage of the world has. is running to be people, but those are jobs that should business because of doing that. That’s not the America I grew up in a Council-at- be going to people from Roxbury, “I think there’s a lot to be said for when I was in school and that’s not the Large member and he hopes to work Dorchester, South Boston, Charlestown a system that allows that; and not con- America that I want to live in. I love my at Boston City Hall to help people in and all the neighborhoods of Boston.” tinuing in its present form. Because country but I want to live in a country the different Boston communities. He On October 12th, the forum contin- of that, I’m very sympathetic to the that’s fairer.” wants his daughter to have a better life ued. I asked all the candidates the same people who are down there on the Last to appear after Felix was than he did when he was a kid. question, so that I could gage whether Greenway, expressing their dismay at Sheneal Parker. She gave her normal A guest at the forum asked Will, or not I want to vote for any of them on corporate greed and corruption at the speech about why she wants to be a “What is the job situation really like?” November 8th when the City Council highest levels of finance.” city councilor and she talked about her Will replied to her, “You see all these elections happen. I wanted to hear the Candidate Felix Arroyo was next family. What surprised us, though, was construction jobs all over the city and candidates’ views on Occupy Boston. and he mainly talked about LGBT the level of Sheneal’s knowledge about you look to see if anybody from the These are their responses. issues, because that’s what people things which she hadn’t spoken of the neighborhoods are working there and While candidate Steven J. Murphy wanted to talk about, even though it first time that we’d met her. When I all you see is license plates from New was speaking, I kept thinking that he started a mini war in Rosie’s Place. asked her, “What do you think about Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, was Michael Flaherty, because they Because he spoke a lot about LGBT what Occupy Boston is doing?” she Connecticut and New Jersey. You don’t sound so much alike on the issues. issues, I said, “I want to know two responded with, “I’m in full support see anybody from Massachusetts. When I asked him, “What’s your things; 1. What is your viewpoint on of what they are doing and what they Why? Because they can’t get the job viewpoint about what’s going on Occupy Boston and, 2. Why don’t we are trying to do. I went down there due to construction jobs being union with Occupy Boston?” Steven replied, have any transgender specific shelters yesterday (10/11/2011) to learn about jobs. If you’re not part of a union then “I’m very sympathetic to the cause. set in Boston to meet their needs?” them and for a few photo opportuni- you’re not going to get the job.” My viewpoint is this; I’m the kind of Felix’s response was, “I just don’t ties with some of the people. I think it’s After Will was Michael Flaherty. A person who grew up on the streets of know the answer to [question] num- a good cause that they are fighting for. guest asked Michael about jobs and Boston and nobody ever handed me ber two; I’m going to say hopefully she I am behind them 100 percent. I think Michael responded, “We have the anything. I’ve scraped for everything knows the answer to that rather than I that it’s a good idea to fight against the Boston Residency Job Policy; it’s for I got and I’ve lived paycheck to pay- do [he was referring to a transgender greedy corporations and to tell them construction projects. So for construc- check. I’ve seen big oil, Exxon Mobile person in the back of the room]. My that we don’t like what you are doing tion projects, there’s a requirement and these other companies, really rape understanding is there are at least two and we’re going to call you on your [that] you have to put to work so many our economy and they got bailed out shelters that are open to LGBT groups. BELL continued on next page November 4 - November 17, 2011 cover story Spare Change News 7 A Cup of Tea For Occupy

Joel Foster Spare Change News

On the first night of Occupy Boston, when protesters flooded Dewey Square and set up a makeshift tent village, I overheard a conversation. It was spo- ken between a young kid watching the action unfold and an older guy, who identified himself as a former Democratic activist. The gist of the conversation was that these protests were the left’s response to the Tea Party and, any day now, the democrats would cling on and make this all about Obama’s reelection. Even then, I felt that this guy was completely off the mark. At least I’d hoped he was. Because on that first night, there was no shortage of folks with Ron Paul shirts, libertarians who were just as sick as the rest of the 99% of seeing the rotten political machine carrying on as usual. I figured, rather than make this the antithesis of the Tea Party protests, the Occupy movement should invite the Tea Party into the fold. I know it

sounds crazy, especially with the imag- SNyDER REUTERS/BRIAN / PHOTO es of ignorant and sometimes racist A member of the Occupy Boston movement holds a sign outside their encampment in Boston on October 12, 2011. views of Tea Partiers that we’ve seen on TV. But we all need to remember that both movements as enemies of each think of them, the Tea Party is part into categories and setting us loose the media helps shape how we view other, it’s interesting to notice that, at of the 99% and, as a result, should be on each other. What we often forget, specific groups and those people had heart, both Occupy and the Tea Party included. as humans, is that we often want the nothing to do with the original Tea were spurred to action by the same Even more convincing is the seem- same things. Justice and peace come to Party. Rather, the group was eventually event: the bank bailouts. ing endorsement from Tea Party co- mind. co-opted by the hard-line Republican In essence, both groups are incensed founder Karl Denninger, who said: Strength comes in numbers. If the Party and steered away from their at the level of corruption that exists ”Back in 2008, I wrote that we will Occupy movement really wants to make original goals, which had more to do between big corporations and the gov- actually see change when the people a lasting statement, they need to recruit with fighting the Fed and government ernment. While they disagree on the come, they set up camp, and they a more diverse crowd. What would be corruption than it did with reducing minutiae, the underlying goal is com- refuse to go home. That appears to be more diverse, and powerful, than two corporate regulations, as it is now. mon. Besides, do you ever expect a happening now.” supposed enemies joining together? So here we find the Occupy move- mass of people to agree on everything? The mainstream media continues Rather than focus on the divisive issues, ment at a crossroads. Do they accept Here’s a venn diagram that was to pedal the Tea Party versus Occupy they should stick to the underlying mes- people who may not share all of their drawn up by Slate’s Jacob Weisberg: narrative, even though it never would sage: namely, that government and cor- views in order create an overwhelming So you see, not so different after all have existed were it not for the media porations have been in bed for too long response to the abuses that both groups Harvard Professor Lawrence Lessig to fan its flames. But remember, con- and it is time to wake up. oppose? also weighed in on the subject, speak- flict sells. Good guys versus bad guys, I feel that it would be unwise not to. ing to the crowd at Occupy Wall Street. Republicans versus Democrats. It sells JOEL FOSTER is a freelance writer and While we’re seeing the media portray He said that, no matter what you might papers to start a fight by fitting us all founder of www.mindwafers.com.

greedy ways until you change your tunities. America was not built on the fighting to end homelessness, and they cil. So get out there and make your ways. premise of the 1 percent being rich and are fighting for fairness and equality voice heard in your community. Vote “It’s not right that 99 percent of the 99 percent being poor. Our forefa- amongst that 99 percent of the people for somebody that you like. You get everybody in the USA is poor or close thers fought for fairness and equality who have nothing or close to noth- four choices for Council-at-Large. Your to it and 1 percent of everybody else amongst all classes of people. Occupy ing. They don’t have equal opportuni- voice is important. is rich and they are controlling every- Boston has a good idea in fighting to ties for education, jobs, food, housing, thing. They control food, housing, gas, get what is rightfully ours. They’re medical care or anything else which we BEATRICE BELL is a Spare Change New electricity, jobs, money, Social Security, not just fighting corporate greed and all need. I fully support Occupy Boston writer and vendor. She recently found the banks, the schools and the govern- they’re not just fighting to end ruthless and their efforts.” housing. ment, while the 99 percent of the pop- financial institutional tactics which lead Remember, people, November 8, ulation have none of the same oppor- to foreclosures on our homes. They are 2011 is the day you vote for city coun- 8 Spare Change News state November 4 - November 17, 2011

More Students, Less Money for Public Higher Ed

Adam Sennott BHCC is receiving $17.9 million in across the state due to various demo- Massachusetts at nearly 8 percent, Spare Change News state support for the current fiscal year. graphic changes. the demand for public higher educa- That’s down from the $22.1 million it Across the public higher educa- tion has exploded. According to the Enrollment at publicly funded col- received in fiscal year 2009. tion system, the report says, the rate Massachusetts Department of Higher leges is up, driven by a demand for an Meanwhile, enrollment over that of undergraduate enrollment growth Education’s website, more than 260,000 affordable college education and, for same time period has shot up at BHCC, - 18 percent - was more than double students enroll into one of the states 29 many students, a focus on workforce from 11,009 in 2009 to approximately the rate of enrollment growth at pri- campuses annually. development with the real-life connec- 13,000 this school year. vate colleges and universities in the “I think it’s already too expensive tions to regional employers that are Similarly, state support for all Commonwealth (7 percent) between as it is, but that’s really the educa- found at community colleges. state and community colleges in fall 2006 and fall 2010. Massachusetts’ tional system around here,” said Colin At the same time, state support for Massachusetts is down. State funding 18 percent enrollment growth from fall Boisvert, a double major in sociology those state and community colleges is amounts to $948 million in the current 2006 to fall 2010 also outpaced that of and French at UMass-Boston. “It’s def- down sharply. So is student financial academic year, down from $1.13 bil- peer institutions in other New England initely not easy [paying for college]. aid. lion in FY 2009. Meanwhile, a recent states, where enrollment grew by an I got help from my parents, which is The results? Higher mandatory stu- state Department of Higher Education overall 12 percent during the same probably the only reason I can afford it dent fees. Steep cutbacks on the state’s report shows a 23 percent increase in period. right now.” campuses. Increased class sizes. No undergraduate enrollment at the state’s Massachusetts is comprised of 15 Tyler Murphy, an English major at money for faculty and staff pay raises, community colleges, state universities community colleges, nine state univer- UMass-Boston, said: “It’s definitely early retirement incentives for veteran and University of Massachusetts cam- sities, and the five-campus University been a struggle having to work full- faculty and staff and an increased reli- puses between fall 2001 and fall 2011. of Massachusetts system. Although time just to get in here and get my edu- ance on adjunct faculty. Cuts to every- The report also shows that selected demand for public higher education cation. I get loans, so that covers about thing from library budgets to sports colleges and universities have wit- is at an all-time high, state funding for half, and then the other half, I will have programs. nessed dramatic fall-to-fall enrollment public higher education has been cut to work like 50 to 60 hours during the Overall, the result is an increased increases in the past year. Framingham by $164,227,471, or 16.4 percent of the summer just to pay for rent and then pressure on publicly funded colleges State University’s enrollment increased entire budget for public higher educa- pay somewhere around $2,400 once the to do more with less, one of the driving 15 percent, while Worcester State tion, since the FY 2009 budget, accord- semester starts.” forces in the state’s economic growth. University’s enrollment grew by 9 per- ing to the Massachusetts Budget and While it’s a struggle for students Take, for example, Bunker Hill cent. These increases occurred despite Policy Center. to pay for classes, they also have to Community College. a smaller pool of high school graduates With unemployment in continued on next page November 4 - November 17, 2011 state 9 afford books. “That was why spending so much time working was tough; knowing that on top of the tuition I’d have to cover like $300 worth of books,” Murphy said. “I know that if my computer crashes at any point I don’t have a chance, so I’ve got my fingers crossed there.” While student enrollment isn’t a problem, state and federal funding is. However, according to Katy Abel, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, while students are paying more, Massachusetts is doing better than most states and even leads the nation in the number of people with associate degrees. “Across the United States, obvious- ly we are in a situation where we have cutbacks that are occurring on the fed- eral level and on a state level because we’re in an economic crisis,” said Abel. “So, in some states public higher edu- cation budgets have experienced dou- ble-digit cutbacks. In Massachusetts, we are lucky, luckier than most, in that PHOTO / REUTERS FILE PHOTOS FILE REUTERS / PHOTO we have a governor who is very com- Professor Christian Agunwamba writes on the board mitted to education, period, and edu- while teaching his “Fundamentals of Algebra” class at cation through college.” Bunker Hill Community College in Boston However, over the past three years, the budgets for higher education have of the decline in the state appropria- been cut drastically. Since FY 2009, the tions. We could do so much more, but budget for the five-campus UMass sys- it just means it’s a limit as to how much tem has been cut $86.2 million, while we can continue to grow.” community colleges have been cut MASS. BUDGET According to the Massachusetts another $42.6 million, and other state Community Colleges website, com- universities have lost $35.4 million expenses,” said Abel. “So that means Community College, which unveiled munity colleges are a key to work- from their budgets, MassBudget fig- that, you know, 14 percent of the aver- its new state-of-the-art Health and force development in Massachusetts. ures show. age college cost, down from 80 percent Wellness Center last year. Although BHCC even offers programs with, Unlike most private colleges and in 1988.” BHCC has set enrollment records in among other companies, NSTAR and universities, where the majority of In addition to the MASSGrant pro- each of the last 12 semesters, they have Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. charges come from tuition, at state uni- gram, the FY 2012 budget provides also experienced cuts in their state However, these programs receive little versities and community colleges most $87.6 million for the state scholarship funding. state funding and it’s up to the colleges of a student’s cost is incurred in fees. program, a cut of $12.7 million when In FY 2012 BHCC received to collaborate with outside industry. “Tuition at Massachusetts colleges compared to the FY 2009 appropria- $17,496,631 in state appropriations, “[The state] gives us workforce and universities has not risen in over a tion of $96.9 million, or $100.3 million down from the $20,897,000 it received incentive dollars, that might be like decade,” said Abel. “Fees, on the other in inflation-adjusted dollars, according in FY 2009, according to Mass.gov, and $50,000 dollars a year to a $100,000 hand, which are set by local boards to MassBudget. less than 30 percent of their $59,307,382 dollars a year, but that’s it,” said at community colleges and state uni- Although state funding and finan- projected revenue for FY 2012. Thompson. “The rest of it comes from versities and the UMass board, have cial aid is down, Abel notes that Gov. However, because BHCC has seen companies that we work with.” risen because these institutions don’t Deval Patrick has been investing and such a dramatic explosion in its enroll- Although many schools might find have any choice. The overall picture improving infrastructure at existing ment, the college has been able off- ways to offset their losses in state for Massachusetts is that we’re doing college campuses. Abel also pointed set some of the cuts in state funding appropriations this year, filling holes better than a lot of other states, but that out that the state only pays a portion of through tuition and fees. According in their budget might be something doesn’t mean that students aren’t pay- the cost to construct these new build- to Jesse M. Thompson, Executive they have to get used to, if they haven’t ing more. They are.” ings, while individual colleges work to Vice President and Chief Financial already. Another area that has seen raise the remaining balance of the cost. Officer for Bunker Hill Community “I think the honest answer is no one decreased funding is student financial “There was a bond authorization College, every percentage point enroll- really knows,” said Abel. “No one is aid. According to Abel, in the 1980s, that was approved by the adminis- ment increases will amount to nearly expecting a helicopter to rain dollars the MASSGrant program paid for a tration and funding from that bond $330,000. At the time of our interview on the public colleges and universities large portion of the cost for a student authorization has resulted in a build- BHCC’s enrollment was up 6 percent of Massachusetts. We know that all the to attend college. Today it covers sig- ing boom across the campuses,” said from the same time last year. indications are that over the next few nificantly less. Abel. “At UMass-Boston, for example, “Basically what that allows us to do years, things are going to be difficult. “The MASSGrant program in the they have broken ground on a new sci- is to continue to provide support ser- So no one has a crystal ball.” 1980s covered 80 percent of a student’s ence complex. UMass-Boston hadn’t vices to students, continue to hire full- cost, and that has fallen dramatically, had a single new building in decades.” time faculty and do things like that,” ADAM SENNOTT is former editor of to the point where now the MASSGrant One school that recently added said Thompson. “With the increased Spare Change News. program covers a small fraction of total a new building is Bunker Hill enrollment, that’s helped offset some 10 November 4 - November 17, 2011 Voices From The Streets Voices from the Streets — a forum for those whose voices are too often ignored. From narratives to opinion to advice, these writ- ers portray a unique perspective on life that might otherwise go unnoticed. Below, find that turning an ear towards those normally silenced opens the door to understanding and relating to those who have faced life on the street.

Poetry at Occupy Boston tales from the curb Marc D. Goldfinger A Sad Story Spare Change News James Shearer Spare Change News Following this short piece is a poem I read at Once in a while I have one of those moments Occupy Boston Poetry. when I get depressed and wonder in this big As I walked into the camping area world of ours if I make a difference, or if I even I was impressed at the organization of really matter. You know the feeling. You work the occupation. The people had a logis- hard, you provide for others, but sometimes it tics tent, a media tent and a staging area doesn’t seem like enough. where they would hold meetings and When I get like that I look up in the sky and ask a God entertainment. of my understanding for some help. Most times I get no It was truly an honor to be part of the entertain- answers, the big guy or girl (sorry ladies) would rather I ment for such a worthy cause. The crowd of occupi- dig my own way out. But sometimes the good Lord throws ers was polite, good listeners and actually made up me a bone. of all ages. decline Take this past weekend. I have been patiently awaiting After I read this poem an older woman in a While bees, hummingbirds, and bats pollinate the arrival of my next godchild. I’m already a godfather wheelchair asked where she could get a copy of it. plants several times over, but all of my godchildren are boys. So I was so impressed with the fact that a woman her While the oceans are fished out by factory ships I’m pretty excited about having a goddaughter. Anyway age in a wheel chair and on oxygen was there, I was While Halloween disappears the mother and father are currently homeless, and recently happy to give her my reading copy of the poem that While some countries train children to kill they went missing. I was worried. Having an expecting will follow this short piece. While some countries train children to kill mom who is also homeless can be a tad concerning. I find it ironic that as I watch the television net- While some countries train children to kill Finding them became a priority. I had no clue where to work news the biggest piece I heard last night was While my hair turns grey as I heal look first. I tried old friends, neighborhoods – you know about a tobacco store that had been robbed 4 times, While my refrigerator is humming the drill. Finally, by the end of the week I had just about once before the occupation took place and three times While someone is hunting for a scrap of food given up. But then an old friend, Norman, called me. To since and the sound bite was wondering if it were the While I lay warm in my bed make a long story short, he just happened to know them occupiers that were robbing the store. Considering While my friends die in the shelters and they were at Occupy Boston. I went down and found that I hardly saw any smokers in the crowd, I sincere- While the president of the United States makes them and so I got my bone, trying to get them off the street. ly doubt that. decisions So I sat about trying to accomplish that task. And you I encourage everyone who lives in this area to drop While the death count in Iraq is still growing would not believe the resistance I was met with. The moth- in to this gentle peace-loving community. As you exit While I remember the same thing happened in er has a criminal history, but actually hasn’t been in trou- the South Station near Dewey Square, the tent com- Viet Nam ble in quite some time, and what did that matter anyway? munity is visible and easy to access. I walked in; no While I sit at my computer to write poetry She’s with child. one challenged my right to be there and everyone I While my wife is hard at work What about the government’s grand master plan to met was friendly. While 56% of state prisoners show symptoms of get everyone of the street? What about that new program During the Depression they called the tent cities mental illness HomeBase? Wasn’t this the answer or the alternative to Hoovervilles. Maybe the tent cities of the occupiers While we spend so much money to kill putting families up in hotels? Why don’t the parents of my can be called Bushvilles because George W. Bush sent While we spend so little to heal godchild qualify? Of course no one had a clear-cut answer our economy rocketing into the hole with his corpo- While I wonder why China’s Yellow River turned to this. Sadly this story doesn’t have a happy ending – as rate support and never-ending wars. red of right now those parents are still on the street. And I still Stop in and occupy for a little while. After all, While I notice that so many factories are on river have to help them, so in the long run I do matter – to them YOU are one of the 99 percent. Thank you for sup- banks and to other homeless people who need my help. Thank porting Spare Change News. We are 99 per-centers While I go to the bank to get money to buy comic you, God. also. books On another matter, I have been hit with all kinds of What I wanted to say was While 24% of jail inmates are psychotic questions about my leaving Spare Change. First I need to While my motorcycle sits in a shed surrounded by say I am simply leaving my position as board president in 6 billion people counting down dead leaves September of next year. I’m not resigning, quitting or retir- While dead zones grow in the oceans I think about all the plans I had when I was young ing from anything, and I am not leaving Spare Change, I While people wrap Christmas presents They were good plans and I had high hopes will continue as a mentor or coach. I fully intend to be While people plant car bombs Well I am registered to vote and I do that around, and, speaking of that, there needs to be an organi- While children learn to be good citizens I read quite a bit and write a little more zation for me to be around. With that in mind, the holiday While some parents choose which child dies I love my wife and say my prayers appeal is out and we need your support. So please give While Bob Dylan writes ads for Victoria’s Secret Sometimes I just sit and think and check out our website www.sparechagenews.net and While Madonna adopts a child from Africa Sometimes I try to sit and not think find out all about the great things we are doing and help us While HIV spreads like an ink stain on a paper Why do we always have money to kill people celebrate our 20th year. towel Why is there never enough money to feed every- While children play video games shooting grey- one JAMES SHEAR is a co-founder and board president of Spare heads As I read this poem there are machines running all Change News. While bees, hummingbirds, and bat populations GOLDFINGER continued on next page November 4 - November 17, 2011 voices 11 As the Sun Sets Over Port-au-Prince

Jacques Fleury ished by European powers for its natu- so come take a spoonful of my flavor, I their own in, should they speak unfa- Spare Change News ral resources, including cocoa, cotton am more than just a Caribbean brother. vorably of the government. and sugar cane. The French shipped in My forefathers were more than fugitive You see, in Haiti, dialect was in hand- In honor of my mother thousands of slaves mainly from West slaves, they were purple tropical birds cuffs. Fear tore souls to pieces and left Marie-Evelyne, an icono- Africa to harvest the crops. In 1804, after adorned in the mythical, waiting to go them scattered along the scorching pave- clast in her own right a slave rebellion led by a man named on sabbatical, while our Haitian land ment and dark dirt roads for hungry Bookman in 1791, Haiti became the first remained fallow, praying, and begging dogs to feed on. Imagine a place where a In Haiti I grew up free Black nation in the world under for something sacramental. They treat- teacher is without students, and his only taking blood baths, General Jean-Jacques Dessalines, who ed us like debris, even after we facili- freedom is to be ignorant. His voice is basking in the epoch of declared himself Emperor. America tated their safari. Sometimes I feel like I but a squeak in the fading forests, while oppression. My nation feared that the slave rebellion in Haiti want to be magical, so that I can live life the tongue of dissension lies entombed was occupied by the French, and despite would ignite anti-slavery insurgencies invisible to the hatred, hypocrisy, rac- at the bottom of an empty well, waiting my French influence, I consider myself in the U.S. southern states, and as we all ism, sexism and classism that permeates for a subversive echo to give its voice a a Creole poet and not a French Creole now know, eventually it did. Perhaps my existence. To insolent interchanges chance at change. Even though dialect of poet. My Caribbean spice rack is stocked this is one the many of multifarious rea- of ignorance, to an overflow of content dissension in Haiti is gagged, its voice is full of flavored stories, which I will sons why America’s relationship with and arrogance, I surrender. I linger like a an intricacy of words, loaded to snap its gladly tell you just enough of to satisfy Haiti is strained to this day. disturbed dissenter. I want to be a para- constraint and recoup its power! your hunger for the knowledge of the The Uses of Haiti, a book by Harvard digm; I want to be a prolific producer. The guts of the Haitian nation have courage of my people; since my blood University professor Dr. Paul Farmer, I don’t want to live my life like a silent exploded since the devastating earth- was once the color of slavery. But now, chronicles America’s long and perplex- singer and I hope you don’t either. quake back on January 12th, 2010. Its since I left Haiti for America, I dream the ing history with Haiti. Tourism flour- Growing up partly in Haiti with long, dirty yet valiant and pioneering dream that every American dreams: to ished in Haiti from the 1950s to 1986, mostly marred memories of mango trees history sprawled, snarling and unsym- sleep on the pillows of justice, freedom practically ending with the Jean-Claude and my macabre childhood swaying in pathetic, in discordant bliss all over the and opportunity. After all, aren’t we all “Baby Doc” Duvalier mutiny. Haiti’s the lazy wind, was no walk in the park, ubiquitous dirt roads. All the humani- entitled to happiness? So now, watch me main tourist attraction is La Citadelle more like a walk in the woods. As we tarians who rushed over to help the run from the lasso of the unjust, just to Laferierre built on mountains overlook- know, the woods are much less mani- aggrieved people could almost hear the make it under the wire of justice. ing Port-au-Prince. It has walls 130 feet cured than the park. In the woods, it is debris hiss, as the apathetic summer The great Cuban poet, Joseito high and is the largest fortress in the not always clear what lies ahead. One air suffocated Creole fireflies. Sounds Fernandez, who penned the lyrics to the Americas, and was designated by the minute you may be leaping with gaiety of volatile youths banging their heads popular song “Guantanamera” wrote, United Nations Educational, Scientific downhill, and the next minute you may against scarcities echoed like gun shots “...with the poor people of this earth, I and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) find yourself straining and striving to in the empty fear-filled streets, while the want to share my faith.” Like him, my as a world history site in 1982. It was reach a summit. Don’t get me wrong, savage beat cops known as “ton ton heart has been oppressed and wired, my built to keep the newly independent on Haitian terrains, there were certainly macoutes” strutted around town. Baby vocal cords tapped. But like the great nation from French incursions, which moments of triumph (fabulous cuisine Doc, rueful that he couldn’t fly, fell prey Rhythm and Blues singer Marvin Gaye never materialized. and a colorful culture), but unfortunate- to domestic maladies and was exiled to so eloquently said, “True artists suffer Yet still, sometimes I wonder, “Why ly they were equally matched, and often France. “Garcon!” mama used to call for the people”, and so I am going to can’t I easily co-exist with my inner surpassed, by moments of failure (living me. “Yes, ma ma!” With fear fighting continue to say what I need to say, even tropical child?” Maybe it’s because in under the constant weather of fear and to hold back her valiant voice she said, if it means some suffering along the your eyes I am nothing but a stereotype, intimidation). “Never walk bare foot on cold concrete way. a risk that most in power would rather The government was an archetype and never EVER talk too quick!” Then In 1492, Christopher Columbus not take. I am nothing if not the product for this ideology. As the tyrannical gov- I was forcing sleep, was stifled by what landed on the island of Hispaniola and of Neo-Freudian philosophy, so don’t ernment oppressed the people, the was supple. One day mama woke me up gave it its name. Taino Arawak Indians, criticize my personality. An honorable people then reciprocated by oppressing and said, “Time to go America!” Then I who referred to their homeland as part of me knows that I’m more than each other. To my chagrin, I realized that tried smiling, but my big parched patois “Hayti” or “Mountainous Land”, origi- just an island “bro” without the afro. the mentality of the Haitian people was lips felt raw. nally inhabited the island. In 1697 slaves What I am is a Caribbean soup stock full “Every man and woman for himself or were sent to Haiti. The island was cher- of vegetables with circumscribed roots; herself,” and trust was actually non- Jacques Fleury’s book: “Sparks in the existent. In Haiti, we were all subjected Dark: A Lighter Shade of Blue, A Poetic to living within a conspiracy of silence. Memoir” about life in Haiti & America was GOLDFINGER continued from previous page “See no evil, speak no evil,” because featured in the Boston Globe. Contact him That will stop all the greed, killing, “evil” had the people under panop- at: [email protected] and visit his over the world and cruelty tic surveillance. This could have been website at: Once upon a time there was a man I hope you say them soon a family member hired as a spy to turn www.thehaitianfireflyproductions.com. who became a poet Words are powerful things Words are powerful things Say them already, say them say them A bullet or a bomb can only explode say them Please be sure sure that you purchase copies of Spare one time I’ve got my ear to the ground It’s true that many will die And the way the ground is humming Change News only fromauthorized vendors who But words can be used over and over It feels like we’re running out of time. Maybe one day we will stop killing wear Fuchsia 2011 badges. Anyone else may each other MARC D. GOLDFINGER is a formerly Because of something someone said homeless vendor who is now housed. He can be running a scam. I would like to be the person who be reached at [email protected] Marc Vendors are also not allowed to solicit donations for says the magic words also has books on www.smashwords.net that But if it’s you who have the magic can be downloaded for $2.99. Spare Change News or any outside organization. words 12 Spare Change News poetry November 4 - November 17, 2011

Westwood Lodge, 1980–1990 By Sarah Hannah

And then again, you go west, to that perennial Beams: Jay and the Americans’ “This Magic Moment,” Resort at the end of the bending street, row of pines, With some irony, but not quite as much Where Sexton strolled through noon, made mocassins, As one might think, considering the lawn’s gone thatch, And danced in a circle: the Summer Hotel. Burned brown, you’re in lock up, and my paycheck’s spent. Speaking of lawns, ours was once all sun and dapple. Why every tumid season, cicadas burning blue, Childhood. A man mowed, a woman watered. Beetles mounting one another, chewing all the flowers, Something had to rot, go sour; someone ate the apple. Do your pupils pinpoint, your breath sours? God died in the yard, à la Søren Kierkegaard— I call the police, who’ve nothing else to do In the doom of the downward slash: Existentialism (“Safest city in America” or so our town’s ordained); One-Oh-One, for frosh. I lie out and rub They arrive in flashing squadrons: at least eleven Baby oil on my legs, hope to burn. God’s a white grub. Armed, sturdy men, five cars, for one uneven, He ate the lawn, but we can’t afford to exterminate him. Overly-sedated woman past sixty. You’ve downed Upside: you can’t yell at me for wasting time lying Some sedatives with wine. How many? Your swoon In the sun (to please a man?). Downside: the docs Gives none away; the Xanax bottle lies beneath the bed Tell me each time you come back in, they’ll lock With cigarettes and nylon socklets, so your stomach’s pumped You up for longer. If this crazy summer torquing Just in case. You always make it known to someone Doesn’t stop, they’ll put you somewhere else Swiftly after it’s been done: you will be saved. Inside, For good (when we’ve run through the insurance)— Double-locked, you wait in line to use the phone. (Twenty-five An institution of the state. No moondance, Years later, I still dream you’re calling; you’re alive, Cakewalk. Or maybe dancing all the time in circles. Away someplace, but a vast conspiracy of bureaucrats hides But for now, the asylum grass we walk on’s trimmed, You from me. I wake, cried out. Does it mean, and where?) Thick, and green. We watch the sky from Adirondack Back then you reached me, asked for cigarettes, Chairs. I bring flowers—cosmos, phlox, and hollyhock, Stockings, underwear, and the small two-volume set Your favorite—from our garden. Then, on a whim Of Redon (ed. Rosaline Bacou). It doesn’t matter One day, I arrive early, to your delight; I’m the only one, That the text’s in French—it’s got color plates. After all, who comes. I’ve packed your acid-free While you’re gone, I have the house to myself, Paper and watercolors, though you didn’t ask. Forgive me, Turn the radio up, sing to the bookshelves, You say, I’ll paint planets. Best thing I could have done. Across the stucco arches, to the ceiling’s walnut

I met Sarah Hannah when we read together for Tapestry of Voices at the Boston Public Library and she said she would send me poetry for Spare Change News. She sent three poems. Sarah Hannah died suddenly in 2007. She received her Doctorate and MFA in Poetry from Columbia University and was a well-loved faculty member at Emerson College where she taught graduate and undergraduate poetry. -Marc Goldfinger

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

Every Thursday Every Sunday Every Wednesday Second Tuesday of Every Month Squawk Coffeehouse, 9 pm Lizard Lounge Poetry Slam, 7 pm Boston Poetry Slam, 8 pm Newton Free Library, 7 pm 1555 Mass Ave., Cambridge 1667 Mass. Ave., Cambridge Cantab Lounge, 738 Mass. Ave., 330 Homer St. 617-796-1360 Open mike for poets and musicians. $5. 671- 547-0759 Cambridge Every Saturday $3. 21+. 617-354-2685 Third Saturday of Every Month Out of the Blue Gallery, 8 pm Every Monday Boston Haiku Society meeting, 106 Prospect St., Cambridge Out of the Blue Gallery, 8 pm Second Thursday of Every Month 2-6 pm $3-5 suggested donation. 106 Prospect St., Cambridge Tapestry of Voices, 6:30 pm Kaji Aso Studio, 671- 354-5287 $4 suggested donation. Borders, 10 School St., Boston 40 St. Stephen St., Boston 617-354-5287 Free. 617-557-7188 $3. 617-247-1719

Poetry event listings may be submitted to [email protected] November 4 - November 17, 2011 voices 13 ‘The homeless need a place to go’

JEREMY “JAY JAY” PARKS The Army told my family I was Fla. where they fed me every day and out of a shelter in Cambridge for no Spare Change News dead and they went to a funeral, but it gave me a place to stay if it was cold reason, and it makes me mad that shel- was not I in the coffin. I showed up six outside. I made a friend named Paul, ters can do this. They should have their I was homeless for nine years in months later and my parents thought I who works at the Salvation Army and money and fancy stuff taken away Florida. was a ghost. he helped me so much. Paul made sure and be homeless for two months. That My story begins on a cold night After I settled down at my parents’ all the homeless people were safe and should show them how us homeless when my mom decided that I could not house, and my wounds healed, I began were not put down as drunks and bad people live. live with her any more, so she packed fixing my mom and dad’s car. My sister people. We need more soup kitchens, so we my stuff and put it outside the door. bought her first car, so I fixed that too. He had news people come and chose can get a warm meal and a place where I went to my friend’s house, because I went to get a job; I got one at a me to speak on the news about being we can get a shower. I was only 17 at the time. His mother garage where I worked for four years. I homeless. He is a good man and God We need more shelters that care for took me in; I went to school like nor- was forced to leave that job because of will bless him as he continues to do the homeless and don’t treat us like a mal and got into fixing cars and ATVs. my suspended Florida license. I tried to God’s work. piece of garbage, but like a person. The When we graduated high school, my get another job, but I couldn’t because I moved to Massachusetts to bet- homeless also need a place to go where friend and I joined the Army. He went the economy was so bad. ter my life and to restart the Boston the police won’t bother or make things in as a tank driver and I went on to the I lost my home, my car, and my Guardian Angels. My chapter leader more difficult for us. Army Rangers. respect for the government. I was moved up here to be with his kids and Five years passed and I was wound- homeless for the first time in my life I tagged along. I came up here and JEREMY PARKS is formerly homeless ed in Iraq when my motorcade explod- and didn’t know what to do; I didn’t found out that the shelters up here and a member of the Guardian Angels. ed. Another gentleman and I were the let that keep me down. don’t help you out. only two survivors that day. I went to Salvation Army in Formers, My friend and his friend got kicked

SONDAK continued from page 7 the strengths and weaknesses of the food stamp restaurant meals program. Lavallee pointed out that the pro- gram’s overall goal is to help improve the level of nutrition for low-income people. This restaurant meals program will help those who may not be able to cook for themselves or don’t have a and more recently, McDonald’s, now place to cook. Otherwise, these people offer healthy choices. would have few means for using food Bartholow stated that the recent con- stamps. So far, the overall number of troversy about the California program people participating in such programs has changed because of the focus on is small. In other words, not everyone healthy meal choices. California’s pro- who has food stamps may choose to gram is the nation’s largest, and now participate in the food stamp restaurant some 53 counties in California that were meals program. Lavallee mentioned not participating are reconsidering join- that the Rhode Island program is limit- ing. ed to 33,000 households. This represents Frederick Sneesby, communica- only 20 percent of the nearly 165,000 tions officer for the R.I. Department of SNAP (food stamp) program clients. Human Services, was also interviewed Lavallee stated that the USDA has by Stateline. He thinks that there is more clear food regulations. Food stamps can of an upside than a downside to the be used only for foods for households Rhode Island meals program. Sneebsy to eat. These foods include bread, fruit, stated that the homeless, elderly and meat and dairy products. Alcohol, ciga- disabled with limited cooking facilities rettes and household supplies do not need help to improve their health. The qualify. One reason that the program most important thing about this pro- has raised controversy is because it will gram is that it gives people access to allow SNAP clients, many of whom col- restaurants with healthy food. lect welfare, to buy fast food with their food stamps. Robert Sondak is a Spare Change Jessica Bartholow, an advocate with News vendor and writer. Robert has a the Western Center for Law and Poverty Bachelor’s Degree from the University in Sacramento, was interviewed by the of Massachusetts Boston, College of Stateline news service. In her opinion, Public and Community Service (CPCS). the food stamp restaurant meals pro- Robert also minored in Urban Planning gram concerns are overblown, and a and Advocacy. Currently Robert is the meal at a fast food restaurant is better Executive Director of the Nutrition than no meal. She also noted that many Education Outreach Project, www.neo- fast food restaurants such as Subway, pneopt.blogspot.com. 14 Spare Change News games November 4 - November 17, 2011 Cambridge and Boston are teeming with organizations ready to provide food and services to the homeless and the Helping Hands needy. If you’re in need, they’re there for you. If you can volunteer or donate, most of them could use your help.

Cambridge, with the basement entrance on Orchard St. Sat. 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. 617-726-2707 Food (Women and children welcome) St. Paulís Ame Church Provides minor medical care for adults. Patients are seen in DAILY MEALS: 4 p.m.-6:30 p.m. 85 Bishop Allen Drive, Cambridge, 617-661-1110 order of arrival. MGH accepts most insurances but requires Bread & Jams Self Advocacy Center Food pantry: Wed. 12p.m.--2 p.m.; Sat. 10a.m.--12 p.m. copayments. Serves adults only, no children. The Women’s Meal (Women and children welcome) Western Ave. Baptist Church Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., Sun., Holidays 9:30 50 Quincy St. Cambridge, MA 02138 Ph. 617-441-3831 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. (food pantry 3 days/week) 299 Western Ave.,Cambridge, 617-661-0433 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Located in the basement of the Swedenborg Church at the Union Baptist Church Food pantry: Every second Wed., 10 a.m. Boston Rescue Mission 39 Kingston St., Boston corner of Kirkland and Quincy. Breakfast 9:30am to 10am; 874 Main St., Cambridge, 617-864-6885 5 p.m. Zinberg Clinic Pantry at Cambridge Hospital 617-665-1606 Safe & healthy men’s overnight shelter program. lunch at 12 noon. Other services include case management, Friday: For clinic patients with HIV/AIDS only. Rosie’s Place 889 Harrison Ave., Boston, 617-442-9322 Food pantry: Mon. -- Fri. 9 a.m. -- 5 p.m. Women and children only (no boys over age 11) housing assistance, clinical assesssment, and referrals for Arlington St. Church Fair Foods $2 a bag; Open 7 days a week; provides help with housing, medical substance abuse and medical treatment. 351 Boylston St., Boston, 617-536-7050 5 p.m. CAMBRIDGE, St. Paulís Church 29 Mt. Auburn St care, job training, financial aid and education, legal servic- Boston Rescue Mission 39 Kingston St., Boston Food Not Bombs Harvard Sq. Red Line es, rape crisis counselors, health specialists, and more. Community meals: 3pm weekdays, and 5pm Sundays. Boston Common (near Park St. T station), 617-522-8277 Saturdays 10-11 St. Francis House 39 Boylston Street, Boston, 617-542-4211 Pine Street Inn 444 Harrison Ave., Boston, 617-482-4944 3 p.m. -- 5 p.m. SOMERVILLE, Cobble Hill Apts Meals offered 365 days/yr.; food pantry open weekdays. Breakfast: 6 a.m.; brown bag lunches during the day; Mass. Ave. Baptist Church 84 Washington St. Back parking lot (near Sullivan Sq.) Offers a mailroom, open art studio, clothing lottery, com- Dinner: 5 p.m.; Chicken truck: 11:30 a.m. 146 Hampshire St., Cambridge, 617-868-4853 Every other Wed. 11:30-1 puter library, support groups such as AA, showers, tele- Rosie’s Place Women & children only, no boys over age 11 6 p.m. -- 7:30 p.m. 889 Harrison Ave., Boston, 617-442-9322 Mt. Pleasant Apts. 70 Perkins St. (off Broadway) phones, toothbrushes & razors, medical clinic, counseling Lunch: 11:30 a.m. ñ 1 p.m.; Dinner: 4:30 p.m. -- 7 p.m. Saturday: Every other Wed. 1:30 - 2:30 and mental health services, housing counseling and stabili- St. Francis House 39 Boylston St., Boston, 617-542-4211 Pilgrim Church Hearty meals for all zation services, and a womenís center. For more details on Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. ñ 9 a.m.; Lunch: 11:30 a.m. ñ 1 p.m. 540 Columbia Rd, Dorchester Somerville Community Baptist Church these services and for their specific times visit www.stfran- Emergency sandwiches: Weekdays 2:45 p.m. ñ 3 p.m. Approx 8:45 (Boston Commons, near fountain) 31 College Ave. Somerville, MA 02144 cishouse.org Salvation Army 402 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, 617-547-3400 We serve soup, pasta, coffee, juice, pastries, sandwiches, Free community meals the second Friday of every month Starlight Ministries 617-262-4567 Lunch: 12 p.m. and clothing once a month. at 6:30pm Outreach van with food, clothing, blankets and worship. Womenís Lunch Place Women & children only, 12-1:30 pm Homeless Concerns Hours: Wed. 8 p.m. by Park Street T station on the Boston no boys over age 14, male presence discouraged We offer a free community lunch, cafe style, and we serve Common. The Womenís Center 67 Newbury St., Boston., 617-267-0200 the guests, no standing in line. The meals are hot and made Streetlight Outreach Wednesdays at 8:00 PM 46 Pleasant St., Cambridge, 617-354-8807 Open Mon. ñ Fri, 8 a.m. -- 2p.m. with love by our very talented chef. Harvard T-Station (The Pit); Porter Square T-Station. Computers, kitchen, space, childrenís room, and more. Until September, they will be at the Old South Church at Sunday: Volunteers work weekly to serve the homeless who live in Walk-ins welcome. Harvard and Porter Squares. Volunteer teams give away 645 Boylston St. • www.womenslunchplace.org Food Not Bombs Women & children only (no boys over age 12) warm food and beverages, clothing and counsel to those in 955 Mass Ave (617) 787-3436 Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-3pm. need. Streetlight volunteers also lead an outdoor worship WEEKLY MEALS Central Square in Cambridge on Sundays from 3-5pm. Monday: service for the entire community. Cambridge Multi-Service Center Boston Rescue Mission 39 Kingston St., Boston FOOD ASSISTANCE The Womenís Center 19 Brookline St., Cambridge, 617-349-6340 46 Pleasant St., Cambridge, 617-354-8807 Food pantry: 9-11am (except holidays). Bring proof Greater Boston Food Bank, 617-427-5200 City-run agency with additional community non-profit Computers, kitchen and rooms. Walk-ins welcome. of address. Serves non-profit organizations such as agencies, shelters, partners. Works with Cambridge families in shelters, Women & children only (no boys over age 16). (Church of the Holy Resurrection) new name and address etc. Office hours: 8 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m. provides shelter referrals and other housing assistance. Hours: Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-- 8 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. -- 3 p.m. Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church 62 Harvard Ave., Project Bread ï 617-723-5000; Hotline 1-800-645-8333 Employs housing specialists for elderly and disabled. On The Rise 341 Broadway, Cambridge, 617-497-7968 Allston, 617-787-7625 Referrals to food pantries throughout the city Office hours: Mon. 8:30 a.m. -- 8 p.m.; Tue., Wed., Thu. 8:30 Women only. Home-base during the day and advocacy ser- Mondays open door Somerville Food Pantry ï 617-776-7687 a.m. -- 5 p.m.; Fri. 8:30 a.m. -- 12 p.m. Walk-ins accepted. vices. Open six days/week. First-time visitors, call ahead 6 p.m. ñ 7 p.m. and take-out. Food pantry: Mon, Tue, Fri 10 a.m. -- 2 p.m.; Wed 12 p.m. Cardinal Medeiros Center or stop by Mon-Sat, 8-2pm. Also, food pantry on Monday -- if needed on other days, -- 4 p.m.; Thu 1 p.m. -- 4 p.m. 25 Isabella St., Boston, 617-619-6960 The Outdoor Church of Cambridge contact the church. Somerville residents only. Those unable to use other pan- Day center for homeless adults (50 years & older); mental The Outdoor Church of Cambridge is an outdoor ministry Mass. Ave. Baptist Church tries due to disability may call and ask for the Project Soup health & nursing staff; help with housing searches. to homeless men and women in Cambridge. Prayer ser- 146 Hampshire St., Cambridge, 617-868-4853. Delivery Coordinator. Lunch served at 11:45 a.m. vices and pastoral assistance outdoors in all seasons and all 6 p.m. ñ 7:30 p.m. Brookline Food Pantry Office hours: Mon.-Thu. 9a.m.- 4p.m.; Fri. 9a.m.-3 p.m. weather. Short prayer services in Porter Square, under the Tuesday: 15 St. Paul St., Brookline, 617-566-4953 Caspar 240 Albany St., Cambridge, 617-661-0600 mobile sculpture near the T station, at 9:00 a.m. and on the Church of the Advent Tues. & Thurs. 10 a.m. -- 2 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. -- 4 p.m. Open 24 hrs/day; emergency shelter open 4:30 p.m. -- 8 Cambridge Common, near the tall Civil War monument 30 Brimmer St., Boston, 617-523-2377 6 p.m. to 7pm Brookline residents only. Second-time visitors must present a.m.; Clients who leave in the morning may not return until and directly across from Christ Church Cambridge on First Parish Unitarian Church a letter from an advocate confirming that they are in need 3 p.m.; Clients staying multiple nights must prove recent Garden Street, at 1:00 p.m. every Sunday, throughout the 3 Church St., Cambridge, 617-876-7772 of food services. local residency. year. Sandwiches, pastry, juice and clean white socks avail- 6 p.m. ñ 7 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) CEOC (Cambridge Economic Opportunity Commission) CLASP (Community Legal Assistance Services Project) able in Harvard Square and Central Square. (978)456-0047, Faith Kitchen, Faith Lutheran Church 11 Inman St. (basement), Cambridge, 617-868-2900 19 Brookline St., Cambridge, 617-552-0623 39 Brown Road, Harvard, Massachusetts 01451 jedman- 311 Broadway, Cambridge, 617-354-0414 Food pantry: Mon, Wed 4 p.m. -- 6 p.m.; Tue 12 p.m. -- 2 Free legal clinic for Cambridge homeless at the Multi- [email protected]; www.theoutdoorchurch.net. 6:30 p.m. (second & last Tuesday of every month) p.m.; Thu 11 a.m. -- 1 p.m.; Closed Fri. Service Center every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. Victory Programs, Inc. Wednesday: East End House Ecclesia Ministries 67 Newbury Street, Boston., www.vpi.org. Short and long-term residential substance Hope Fellowship Church 105 Spring St., Cambridge, 617-876-4444 617-552-0623 use disorder treatment programs for individuals and fami- 16 Beech Street, Cambridge, MA 02140 Food pantry: Tue 9 a.m. -- 2 p.m.; Fri 9 a.m. -- 12 p.m. Weekly Schedule for the Common Cathedral: lies; affordable housing opportunities for eligible individu- Streetlight Outreach Team - Wednesday nights at Harvard Offers assistance in filling out food stamp applications (call Sunday: Worship at Brewerís Fountain on Boston Common, als; HIV/AIDS case management. Sites throughout Boston Square in the pit 8:15pm to 9:45pm for appointment). 1 pm Please call for more information. (617) 541-0222 ext. 626 Providing fellowship, food, basic clothing needs and of Margaret Fuller Houses - Gospel Reflection at St. Paulís Cathedral, 138 Tremont St., course, prayer. 71 Cherry St., Cambridge, 617-547-4680 Legal Aid: 2:30 p.m. -- 4 p.m. Hope Cafe Food pantry: Wed. 5 p.m. -- 7 p.m.; Thurs. 9 a.m. -- 12 p.m. Lawyers Clearinghouse, 617-723-0885 Monday: Lunch at Sproat Hall (St. Paulís Cathedral) 11:30 a.m. --1 Every last Saturday of the month (usually) & 6 p.m. -- 7:30 p.m.; Fri & Sat 9 a.m. -- 12 p.m. Shelter Legal Services (Newton), 617-965-0449 p.m. Upcoming dates: July 30th, August 20th, and September Pentecostal Tabernacle Church ï 617-661-0222 -Eucharist & Healing (St. Paulís Cathedral) 1 p.m. 24th Food pantry by appointment only; no deliveries or walk- The Homeless Eyecare Network of Boston (HEN-Boston) - Common Fellowship in Sproat Hall (St. Paulís Cathedral) Hope Fellowship Church ins; referrals to other food pantries is a nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining a con- 2 p.m. --3 p.m. 12pm to 1:30pm Salvation Army stantly undated network of affordable and free eyecare ser- Wednesday: Common Art at the Emmanuel Church, 15 Providing a free community meal and clothing center 402 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-547-3400 vices for the homeless. If you need an eye exam or glasses, Newbury Street, 10 a.m. -- 3 p.m. Weekly Sunday Service Cambridge and Somerville residents only. please visit our website, www.hen-boston.org. Friday: Common Cinema in Sproat Hall (St. Paulís Times: 9am, 11am, 6pm Food pantry: 9 a.m. -- 3 p.m. & by appointment Cathedral) 2:30 p.m. -- 5 p.m. We strive to be a welcoming community, providing Gospel St. Francis House Horizons for Homeless Children centered teaching, praise and worship. 39 Boylston St., Boston, 617-542-4211 617-445-1480; www.horizonsforhomelesschildren.org Salvation Army 402 Mass. Ave., Cambridge Food pantry: Mon. ñ Fri. 10 a.m. -- 11 a.m. Horizons for Homeless Children is seeking volunteers to 617-547-3400 5 p.m. ñ 6 p.m. Sign up at the Counseling Desk in the St. Francis House interact and play with children living in family, teen parent, Thursday: Day Center and domestic violence shelters in Greater Boston. We offer Christ Church Zero Garden St. Cambridge St. James Church daytime and evening shifts, so there is likely to be one that 617-876-0200 6 p.m. 1191 Mass. Ave, Cambridge fits your schedule. A commitment of 2 hours a week for 6 St. James Church Food Pantry: Temporarily relocated at Fresh Pond months is required. The next training session will be Sat., 1991 Mass. Ave, Cambridge Apartments, off of Rindge, Cambridge Sept. 27, 9:30 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m. The Women’s Meal: Temporarily relocated at Hope Tues. 6 p.m.- 8 p.m.; Thurs. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Medical Walk-in Unit at Mass General Hospital Fellowship Church at the corner of Beech and Orchard St. 16 Spare Change News November 4 - November 17, 2011 Artist’s Paintings Find a Home PHOTO / NICK PARKAS/BUNKER HILL CC A/V DEPARTMENT A/V CC HILL PARKAS/BUNKER NICK / PHOTO

Alexander Moore Marc’s work at the gallery because she felt it Spare Change News was a topic that desperately needed atten- tion, especially from the students. When we last saw Marc Clamage, Spare “The students are the main constituents Change News’ Adam Sennott found him when it comes to determining what is dis- painting portraits of the homeless in Harvard played,” she stated. This is clearly evident in Square. With eight paintings under his belt, the information available at the event and the Marc sought out a gallery to house his cre- general set-up of the exhibition. Students can ations. At the Bunker Hill Community get educated on the increasingly prevalent College (BHCC) Art Gallery, Marc Clamage and extremely significant issues of poverty found the ideal place to display his series, and homelessness as they browse the infor- “The Panhandlers of Harvard Square”. mational table about social service agencies Through Laura Montgomery, the director for community service and volunteer work. of the Art Gallery and adjunct professor at According to Laura, the paintings bring to BHCC, Marc was able to display his paint- light not only those people who were paint- ings to the world. Free and open to the pub- ed. She says, “For every obvious homeless lic, the exhibit “Can You Spare A Dime?” had person, like the ones in the portraits of pan- a reception on Wednesday, October 20, 2011 handlers, there are hundreds of homeless that from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. which Clamage himself are invisible.” attended. It came complete with shopping “Considering our current economic carts, milk crates and even live music by Yani times,” Professor Montgomery continued, Batteau & the Styles. “the great amount of people now turned out Marc Clamage seemed excited when he into the streets due to joblessness, evictions, spoke. He complimented Laura Montgomery and foreclosures, and the lack of resources to highly, hinting that without her this exhibit address the needs of our growing population may not have happened. He placed an adver- of poor and homeless, bringing artwork like tisement on Criagslist.com, hoping to get this to the BHCC gallery and our students is a bite. This is where he had his first contact timely.” with Laura. Laura connected him with Adam A light has been shone on the subjects Sennott and that became what was the previ- of the paintings and on homelessness as a ous article about the artist, Marc Clamage. As whole, through the work of Marc Clamage, we spoke at the reception, he described how Laura Montgomery, the staff at the Art each subject had his or her own story. He told Gallery, Bunker Hill Community College and stories of how he, when painting one model, everyone else involved. The city of Boston can baked in the sun for at least an hour. Then now see a different side to this ever-prevalent another model had the police called on him problem—and perhaps solve it. As you walk by a man, only to have the same man give through the exhibit you can feel the energy him money afterward. After telling me these radiating from the canvases; these people are riveting tales, he agreed with the idea that immortalized in the paintings, and, for now, you couldn’t help become connected with the they have a home. homeless after a project like this. The Bunker Hill Community College Art “They were very generous to each other Gallery is holding the exhibit until November and everyone was very generous to them,” he 13, 2011 at the Charlestown Campus in the A said. He seemed pleased with his paintings at Building. the gallery; moreover, his overall tone during Live link: our conversation seemed to come from a man www.bhcc.mass.edu/inside/493 who knew that he had succeeded. Professor Montgomery said she discov- ALEXANDER MOORE is a writer and English ered Clamage while “trawling” Craigslist. major at Bunker Hill Community College. com during the summer. She decided to show