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THURSDAY, May 12, 2011
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a people’s publication
Resilience and Memories Run Strong in Louisiana Flood Zone
Calling it Cajun engineering, Gerald Gaudat builds a makeshift levee around his home in Stephenville, Louisiana
Resilience got Louisianans through what’s known as the Flood of 1973, and it will again, says everyone from the governor to local residents once again facing the threat of floods. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint, but we’re working together,” Gov. Bobby Jindal said this week. “And I know it feels like Louisiana’s been through a lot, but we’re going to get through this. We’re going to
fight hard. We’re got tough, resilient people.” Jindal spoke as residents along the Atchafalaya River braced for possible flooding as the Army Corps of Engineers considered opening the 4,800-foot-long Morganza Spillway above Baton Rouge. Opening the spillway could help spare Baton Rouge and New Orleans from some damage, but it would flood populated
and rural areas in the swampy Atchafalaya Basin. Floodwater pours toward “last place on Earth that needs” it Memories of the 1973 flood run strong in the basin, which is home not only to the river but to myriad tributaries as well. Neighbors along the river were farther and fewer in between back then, but “there was a lot of flooding areawide,” said
Mark Rogers of Gibson. “Folks had flooded houses and rural property” all along the Atchafalaya. At the house of his wifeto-be in Gibson, in Terrebonne Parish, “there was 2 feet of water in their yard for two months,” Rogers said. “That’s just a typical example. Some people might have had more.” See flood zone, on page 2
Peterson New River Raising On The Bluff Vice Chairman
Sen. Karen Cater Peterson
Sen. Karen Cater Peterson, D-New Orleans, a leading critic of the administration, is the new vice chairman of the Senate committee that handles confirmation of top gubernatoSee peterson, on page 2
A veiw of the Mississippi River from Scotts Bluff at Southern University in Baton Rouge. The President’s house sits on the river, in a week the river may be in the president’s house. The historical Mississippi River is predicted to crest in Baton Rouge is about a week away. Photos by James Terry III, Photojournalist
NFL Vets Encourage LA. Guard’s YCP Cadets
State & local News
Business News
Vol. 36 • No. 02
Barbara Thomas to Run for Legislature
Baton Rouge - May 11, 2011 Barbara Thomas, the founder of North Baton Rouge Women’s Help Center, will announce her candidacy for Louisiana State Representative for District 63 this Friday, May 13, 2011. The announcement will take place at an 11:30 a.m. press conference followed by a campaign kick-off reception at Collections & Payment Services, 1364 Swan Avenue in Baton Rouge. Thomas and her husband Charles R. Thomas, II founded North Baton Women’s Help Center in 1991. The organization has been recognized and benchmarked by other women’s centers across the country for its work in offering intervention counseling, medical, and support services to women and their families. The organization has been a leader in providing support services for expecting mothers, as well as, G.E.D. tutoring. In addition to Thomas’ work as a non-profit leader, she holds a number of leadership positions such as a national board member with L.E.A.R.N. and she is an elected member of the Louisiana State Republican Central Committee. “While my work in the non-profit sector has served my passion for empowering
Barbara Thomas
and strengthening families, I feel that now is the time to take my experience to the state capitol to help create policies to ensure that Louisiana puts Families First!!!” As a candidate for District 63, Thomas will focus on creating policies to strengthen Louisiana in the areas of education, public safety, economic development, and transportation. Barbara and Charles have 3 children and 4 grandchildren. For more information on the Citizens to Elect Barbara Thomas and the campaign for the District 63 representative seat in the Louisiana House of Representatives, please contact Sable International at 225.408.9323 or visit www. barbarathomas.net.
$2 Million in New Grants for Homeless Programs in Louisiana Announced NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today awarded $1,978,594 in new grants to eight homeless programs in Louisiana. The grants announced today are an investment in local projects that have never received HUD homeless funds in the past, providing critically needed housing and support services to homeless individuals and families. Today’s grants are in addition to the $26 million HUD awarded this past January to renew funding to 153 existing Louisiana homeless housing and service programs. “Today, we build on this Administration’s goal to prevent and end homelessness in America,” said Donovan. “This funding will make a significant impact in the lives of thousands of people and provide resources to put them on the road of independence.” HUD’s Continuum of Care grants fund a wide range
Health NEWS
of transitional and permanent housing programs as well as supportive services such as job training, case management, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment and child care. Street outreach and assessment programs to transitional and permanent housing for homeless persons and families are also funded through these grants. There are three categories of CoC grants: Supportive Housing Program, Shelter + Care and Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Program. The new grants for Louisiana are all under HUD’s Supportive Housing Program (SHP), which offers housing and supportive services to allow homeless persons to live as independently as possible. Last year, 19 federal agencies in the Obama Administration announced a plan to end all homelessness through See grant, on page 2
other News
Soldiers of the Louisiana National Guard’s 769th Engineer Battalion are constructing sand-filled basket barriers as a precautionary measure to the rising Mississippi River...See Page 8
INDEX
Saints Announce Kick-off times In a special visit to Camp Beauregard in Pineville, National Football League veterans from YourFootballNetwork.com met with youth from the Louisiana National Guard’s Youth ChalleNGe Program to talk about never giving up and believing in yourself, April 27...See Page 2
The Saints have announced the dates and kickoff times for their entire 2011 preseason.In Week 1 of the NFL preseason slate, the Saints will host the San Francisco 49ers at the Louisiana Superdome on August 12 at 7 p.m. CT.....See Page 3
Cvb Employee Certification
Fatima Gautier, Assistant to the Executive Vice-President at the Baton Rouge Area Convention and Visitors Bureau earned Certification as an Administrative Assistant in April 2011....See Page 5
Hutchinson Receives Award
Dr. Sharon Hutchinson, Associate Professor and Chair of the Graduate Nursing Program in Southern University’s School of Nursing has been awarded the 2011 Legacy of Caring Nurses Award...See Page 7
Local & State............................2 Commentary.............................4 Business....................................5 Religion....................................6 Health.......................................7 Other News..............................8
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Weekly Press • Thursday, May 12, 2011
Local&State
Flood Zone
NFL Vets Encourage Louisiana Guard’s YCP Cadets
Craig Nall, originally from Alexandria and one of nine Former National Football League veterans, speaks to cadets from the Louisiana National Guard’s Youth ChalleNGe Program at Camp Beauregard in Pineville, La., April 27, 2011. The veterans work with YourFootballNetwork.com, a full-service coaching and mentoring program specifically designed to help youth and high school football players achieve success in sports and in life. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Rebekah Malone, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office/Released)
By Sgt. Rebekah Malone Louisiana National Guard, Public Affairs Office PINEVILLE, LA – In a special visit to Camp Beauregard in Pineville, National Football League veterans from YourFootballNetwork.com met with youth from the Louisiana National Guard’s Youth ChalleNGe Program to talk about never giving up and believing in yourself, April 27. Nine NFL vets drove motivating themes home to eager ears as the cadets near graduation in
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Noal Scarlett, veteran defensive lineman for the National Football League’s Minnesota Vikings, jokes with cadets of the Louisiana National Guard’s Youth ChalleNGe Program at Camp Beauregard in Pineville, La., April 27, 2011. Scarlett is a member of YourFootballNetwork.com, a full-service coaching and mentoring program specifically designed to help youth and high school football players achieve success in sports and in life. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Rebekah Malone, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office/Released)
six weeks from YCP, a program that offers at-risk adolescents an opportunity to change their future in many ways, including the opportunity to earn a high school equivalency diploma. Former Green Bay Packer, Craig Nall, initially reached out to the program to speak to the youth. The former Alexandria Senior High and Northwestern State University quarterback also met with youth at the Camp Minden location as part of YourFootballNetwork.com, a full-service coaching and mentoring program specifically designed to help youth and high school football players achieve success in sports and in life. “[We] got into town today and made it a point to come over here and talk to the kids at the
YCP program,” said Nall. “… Just to talk about some adversity and things that we’ve had to go through in our careers and our lives and inspire some kids to keep pushing.” Many of the successful athletes shared stories that mirrored many of the youth at the program – stories of drug affiliation, violence, jail stints and lack of family support. Drafted in the seventh round, NFL veteran Noel Scarlett, a defensive lineman that played for several teams including the Minnesota Vikings, told the kids his life was on the wrong track with stints in jail at a young age; but he never stopped believing in himself. “That’s life,” he said. “You are either going to sit down and
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do nothing, or stand up and do something.” Capt. Jackie Manton, director of YCP’s Camp Beauregard location, explained that for the youth to see successful people from all walks of life is an important lesson. “It’s good for the youth to hear that some of these NFL players have been at rock bottom, but they fought their way back to the top,” said Manton, a Pineville resident. “Every person has their ups and downs, but we help teach the youth to make a plan that can help change their lives.” With graduation around the corner, 17-year-old cadets, Skioushia Glaude from Opelousas, and Katie Battaglia from Monroe, glowed with confidence in the lessons they have learned about themselves and the motivation to attack life to achieve their goals. Battaglia credits her happiness with all she has learned about herself since arriving at YCP. She said the message the NFL players brought was inspirational. “Don’t let [negative] people tell you what to do,” said Battaglia, about her take-away from the guest speakers. “Always follow your dreams.” “You don’t often meet people that do bad things and See nfl, on page 3
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Said Leroy Breaux of Amelia: “I was living right where I’m living now. We didn’t have a levee system like we do now. “People sandbagged and purchased pumps, but they took on water in the lower areas.” The water reached his steakhouse, flooding part of the building. The same building still bore a watermark from flooding in 1927, which Breaux’s grandmother had shown him. It’s not likely that all 125 gates of the Morganza spillway would be opened this time. In 1973, the last time the Morganza was opened, only 42 were opened. If the gates are opened now, officials expect water to take one day to fully reach Morgan City near the coast, said Russell Beauvais, operations manager of the complex that includes the spillway. Are you there? Share your photos and videos from the scene, but please stay safe Allan Von Werder, managing editor of the Daily Review newspaper in St. Mary’s Parish, remembers the 1973 flood. He was 19 or 20 years old at the time. “It was tense. The seawall was a lot lower then” -- 7 to 8 feet high, compared with 20 now. “A lot of people didn’t know what to expect, because the Morganza had never been opened before. People were terrified about a wall of water coming in.” “It was almost like the city was under siege,” he added. The Army Corps of Engineers and the National Guard were all over town, helping with preparations. Many of the area’s residents have extended family nearby, so those who evacuated stayed with family members. “Most people stayed put, but they were paying close attention to the news,” Von Werder said. “Businesses on the river side of town took on a lot of water.” Schools closed five weeks early, he recalls. Morgan City Mayor Tim Matte remembers likewise. “School let out early in April,” Matte said. “I was a junior in high school. We were encouraged and recruited by (the mayor) to come out and fill sandbags. And most of the guys, you know, they didn’t ask the ladies, the girls, to fill
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egy. To date, HPRP has allocated $1.5 billion to prevent more than 875,000 people from falling into homelessness or to rapidly rehouse them if they do. HUD’s homelessness grants are reducing long-term or chronic homelessness in America. Based on the Department’s latest Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR), chronic homelessness has declined by 30 percent since 2006. This decline is directly attributed to HUD’s homeless grants helping to create significantly more permanent housing for those who might otherwise be living on the streets. It was also reported in the AHAR that the number of homeless families increased for the second consecutive year, almost certainly due to the ongoing effects of the recession. For additional information, please contact Patricia Campbell at 817-978-5974/817-681 9741 or e-mail to http://www.hud.gov/ news/index.cfm.
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sandbags on the weekends. ... I saw some pictures the other day of not just the men, but the ladies that worked at City Hall coming out and filling sandbags. Of course, the National Guard and the Army Corps of Engineers were here in great numbers.” The worst of the area’s damage came from rain rather than the opening of the spillways, Von Werder said. It poured, and many residents had to deal with a foot of rain at home. This time, “I would say people are concerned, a little apprehensive,” Von Werder said. “People are taking defensive measures, but it looks like we’ll be OK.” A piece of the seawall is now in downtown Morgan City, marking the 1973 flood level. “People here are resilient,” said Alvin Cockerham of the city’s fire department. Fire Chief Morris Price was 10 years old at the time and lived in Morgan City. He remembers going to fill sandbags at a sand lot created by state emergency officials. “We were kids. We thought we were having fun” filling the bags, Morris said. He and his two teenage brothers filled sandbags that were offered to worried residents in Morgan City, a town of about 13,500 people. “The river came up on the docks and the seawall held back the water,” said Gen Price, the chief’s mother. “I feel like we’ll be fortunate again (this time), because the seawall is 20 feet high now.” Cockerham said preparations being made this time are reminiscent of 1973. “It was like it is today -- a beehive of activity,” he said. Dump trucks were everywhere in 1973, and the Army Corps of Engineers was busy building temporary extensions atop the levy to handle the crest, he said. The Corps rebuilt the levy in 1984-1985, raising it to 20 feet. Back in 1973, the flooding brought trouble as well as good fishing. “Tell you what, it was a good crawfish season,” Cockerham said. We were fishing in water 12, 13, 14 feet deep. That’s my rough recollection, of course.” Typical crawfishing in those parts happens at 3 to 4 feet, he said.
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rial appointments. She replaces on the Senate & Governmental Affairs Committee Sen. David Heitmeier, D-Algiers, who has gone back to the Health & Welfare Committee. Among the confirmations to be heard later this session are the governor’s appointments to the Board of Regents, whose earlier all-white racial composition prompted a lawsuit challenging the board’s constitutional authority. The governor later made one African-American appointment.
Thursday, May 12, 2011 • The Weekly Press • Page 3
TOPS Funding Bill Passes
BATON ROUGE - A measure to enhance the TOPS program came out of a House committee Tuesday morning at the Capitol. With the help from Governor Jindal, House Bill 390 flew out of the House Education Committee. The bill commits tobacco settlement dollars to fund the program. TOPS’ spending last year was over $130 million. This bill would continue to dedicate funds to the
college tuition program. “People understand the severe financial pressures on the state. They want to make sure TOPS continues to be there for future generations of kids. Make no mistake about this this is all about TOPS it’s about securing the future of TOPS,” said Jindal. The measure passed 15-3. It goes to the House Civil Law Committee for their consideration now.
New Orleans Saints Announce Pre-Season Dates and Times
NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans Saints have announced the dates and kickoff times for their entire 2011 preseason. In Week 1 of the NFL preseason slate, the Saints will host the San Francisco 49ers at the Louisiana Superdome on Friday, August 12 at 7 p.m. CT. Former NFC West rivals from 1970-2001, New Orleans and San Francisco have played 71 times in the regular season, but this will be only their third preseason matchup. The contest will be the debut of 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh, who was hired shortly after the conclusion of the 2010 regular season. The game will serve as a re-match of the Saints’ lastsecond 25-22 win against the 49ers in Week 2 of the 2010 regular season when Saints kicker Garrett Hartley converted a 37yard field goal with no time left on the clock to help the Saints improve to 2-0. New Orleans will travel to face the Houston Texans on Saturday, August 20 at 7 p.m. CT. The Saints and Texans have played each other every preseason since 2008, with the Saints owning a 2-1 record in those contests. New Orleans is also scheduled to host Houston in the regular season on September 25 in the Louisiana Superdome.
NFL
In Week 3, the Saints will travel to the West Coast where they will face the Oakland Raiders, led by first-year Head Coach Hue Jackson, on Sunday, August 28 at 7 p.m. CT in a contest televised nationally by NBC. When the Saints defeated the Raiders 45-7 in their last preseason meeting on August 29, 2009, they set franchise records for most points and largest margin of victory in a preseason game. The Saints will close out the preseason at the Superdome against the Tennessee Titans on Thursday, September 1 at 7 p.m. CT. With 27 previous meetings, the Houston Oilers/Titans franchise are New Orleans’ most common preseason opponent. Mike Munchak will be the third first-year head coach the Saints will face in the preseason. The two teams met last season in Nashville, which also marked the final week of the NFL preseason, with the Titans capturing the finale, 27-24. In the regular season, the Saints are also scheduled to travel to LP Field in Nashville on December 11. The finale will be the final tune-up before the Saints open the NFL’s regular season a week later on Thursday, September 8 against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
Science in the School Day with Mayor Holden Team up along with Dupont and U.S. Conference of Mayors to Bring Engineers to EBR Schools BATON ROUGE - More than 500 fourth graders at eight East Baton Rouge Parish public schools will participate in Science in the School Day on Wednesday, May 4. MayorPresident Melvin “Kip” Holden invited Cities United for Science Progress (CUSP), a partnership between Dupont and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, to bring the popular math and science education program to Baton Rouge. The program will feature Dupont field engineers who will lead the children in fun-filled projects that illustrate engineering principles. Mayor Holden will participate in programs at three of the eight elementary schools. “We are indeed honored that the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Dupont selected Baton Rouge for this important Science in the School Day program,” Mayor Holden said. “Our Baton Rouge-area schools value science and math education, and we’re hoping to plant the seeds of inquiry and discovery with 567 elementary students across the city.
Mayor-President Melvin “Kip” Holden
“We hope this experience will encourage our students to consider a career in math or science, and perhaps one day aspire to become engineers,” the Mayor added. This will be the third time that CUSP has held a Science in the School Day in East Baton Rouge Parish at Mayor Holden’s request. Both previ-
Correction Correction for Wrong Picture : BATON ROUGE, LA – Dr. James L. Llorens was selected as the next chancellor of the Southern University at Baton Rouge Campus; however, the picture in the May 5, 2011 edition had Charles F. Bolden, Jr., who was the commencement speaker for Southern University Spring graduation.
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ous events occurred in 2008 and included schools from all four schools districts in the parish. In all, the three local events will have reached more than 2,000 elementary school students, including the programs scheduled for Wednesday. The program features hands-on projects designed to teach engineering principles, like the construction of a dome using gumballs and toothpicks. Another project, borrowed from the popular children’s television show “Zoom,” involves the construction of wind-powered “puff
mobiles” cars, using everyday materials like straws, lifesavers, paper, tape and paper clips. To move the puff mobiles, students must simulate wind by blowing on them. Students will then race their inventions to determine the fastest puff mobile in the school. The schedule for the East Baton Rouge Science in the School Day programs for Wednesday, May 4, is listed below. The asterisks indicate the three schools where Mayor Holden will participate in the program: Progress Elementary, 855 Progress Road (70 students), Westdale Heights Academic Magnet, 2000 College Drive (70 students), Audubon Elementary, 10730 Goodwood Blvd. (79 students), Polk Elementary, 408 East Polk Street (30 students), Scotlandville Elementary, 9147 Elm Garden Drive (73 students), Villa Del Rey Elementary, 9765 Cuyhanga Parkway (100 students), Baton Rouge Center for Visual Arts, 2040 South Acadian (70 students) and University Terrace Elementary, 575 West Roosevelt Street (75 students). To date, the Science in the School Day program has visited more than 50 cities across the nation, and has reached more than 14,000 kids. For more information, visit the CUSP website at http://cusponline.org/scienceintheschool.html.
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continue on to do great things,” Glaude said. Glaude said she was surprised to discover all of the opportunities YCP had to offer once she started the program and wants to join the LANG one day. “I know I made a good decision to come here,” she said. At the ceremony commemorating 100,000 graduates nationwide held at Camp Minden in Minden earlier this year, U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu said YCP was created to help meet the needs of our society’s youth. The National Guard took that need and turned it into opportunity. “There was a gap in filling the needs of our young people, and the National Guard stepped in to help,” said Landrieu. “That’s what the National Guard does; they see a need and they stand in the gap when no one else will.” For more information regarding Youth ChalleNGe Program, please call (800) 226-7543 or visit www.ngycp.org.
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Commentary Thursday, May 12, 2011 • The Weekly Press • Page 4
The Way I See It
Christian Bible College 9th Annual Conference
to 9:50 p.m. and from 9:00 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. Last week Chrison Saturday. Anyone tian Bible College held interested in contacting its 9th Annual Christian the college in person Conference. The theme can do so by coming by of the conference was on Tuesdays or Satur“Building Tomorrow’s day at 720 South Blvd., Leaders Today.” The Baton Rouge 70802. conference included Instructors insinging, preaching, clude the following William and classes all about well known preachJones uplifting the word of ers, teachers and lecGod. turers here in the Baton Christian Bible College is a Rouge area are: Dr. Henry L. college that teaches directly from Goines, Dr. Bill Rogers, Dr. A. W. the Holy Bible. It teaches sound Azoney, Dr. Larry Hood, Apostle doctrine. The college is designed Leroy Banks, Dr. Thomas Bessix, to teach all Protestant religious Dr. Ronald Sutton, Evangelist denominations. It teaches gen- Emma Wells doctoral student, Dr. eral educational Bible studies MacHenry Wallace, Rev. Alvin including theology degree, as- Johnson, doctoral student, and sociate degree, bachelor degree, Dr. Jasper Roper who serves as master degree and doctorate President of the college. degree program. Classes are If you desire to enhance held every Tuesday and Satur- your faith knowledge in the day except holidays or as oth- Lord and Savior Jesus Christ erwise specified. Class hours pay it a visit. are Tuesday’s from 6:00 p.m. That Is The Way I See It. By William Jones
Mathis’ Mind
Ex-Offender Discrimination By Judge Greg Mathis NNPA Columnist When pundits discuss America’s still too high unemployment rate, they usually tell stories of individuals with impressive work histories and college degrees who are having a hard time finding a job after being downsized. Or, they relate tales of former manufacturing employees lost in our new, more tech-driven economy. Rarely does anyone share the plight of the more than 65 million Americans with some sort of criminal past who have a hard time finding work. We need to talk about this population more often and come up with solutions to help them secure employment. The reality is that more and more people with criminal histories are trying to enter the work force but failed background checks keep thousands of people from getting hired, some for offenses that are decades old and as minor as disorderly conduct, drinking and having too much fun in the street with friends. Some of those being denied work have never been convicted of a crime, only arrested. Every year, more than 700,000 people are released from state and federal prisons: they all need to find work so that
they may support themselves and their families, contribute to their communities and to ensure poverty, frustration and desperation don’t force them to return to a life of crime. There are no federal laws that protect individuals with a criminal past from being discriminated against by employers. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, however, does suggest that employers take into account the severity of the offense, the amount of time that has passed since the crime was committed and how the crime relates to the position being applied. We need more than EEOC guidelines. There has to be a conscious effort by the business community to weed out practices that discriminate against ex-offenders. Most accept that some with a criminal past will not be able to work in certain sectors; for example, a child predator cannot work with children. But there are countless other positions this individual can hold that won’t present a danger to society. Employers also need to understand that, just because someone committed a crime once does not mean they’ll do it again. In fact, research shows that the farther back the crime occurred, See ex-offender, on page 7
To Be Equal
Housing Counseling Budget Cut An Assault on the Middle Class By Marc H. Morial NNPA Columnist “Every American lives in safe, decent, affordable, and energy efficient housing on fair terms.” National Urban League I AM EMPOWERED pledge If there was any doubt that middle and working class Americans are paying more than their fair share in the deficit reduction battles, the budget cuts recently enacted to prevent a government shutdown make it absolutely clear. Everything from Pell grants for college tuition to heating assistance for low income citizens suffered serious cuts. One of the most egregious and unconscionable cuts was the elimination of total 2011 funding -- $88 million – for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) housing counseling initiative. This cut comes in the midst of a housing foreclosure crisis that
has hit communities of color especially hard. The current foreclosure crisis will likely result in the greatest loss of wealth for African Americans since Reconstruction. According to the nonpartisan Center for Responsible Lending, close to 20 percent of African Americans and Latinos may lose their homes by the time this crisis bottoms out. For the past several years, the National Urban League and others on the front lines of this crisis have offered free counseling assistance that has helped countless first time buyers negotiate fair terms, and thousands of others, modify their loans, avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes. Housing counselors have also helped hundreds of thousands of seniors, many of whom are required to receive counseling before taking out a reverse-mortgage. Without See budget, on page 7
Donald Trump is a Celebrity Racist
By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist
There is one area in which Donald Trump is no celebrity apprentice – racism. After being exposed as a publicity-loving idiot after he questioned the authenticity of President Obama’s birth records, Trump quickly shifted away from the discredited birther attack and began raising wild and unsubstantiated charges about Obama’s academic achievement, a record that includes the future president finishing in the top 10 percent of his class at Harvard Law School and being elected president of the prestigious Harvard Law Review. Although journalistic lapdogs are willing to parrot Trump’s ridiculous and increasingly outlandish charges about President Obama, few have chronicled his racist behavior and comments. Trump may have escaped scrutiny partly because he donated free office space to Jesse Jackson once upon a time and frequently makes the rounds with Snoop Dogg and P. Diddy. In one of the few times he has been confronted about his racism, Trump told TMZ.com, “I am the last person that such a thing should be said about.” No, Donald, you should be one of the first. And, I will tell you why. One would never know that Trump ever hung out with African-Americans, judging by his language. In a radio interview with Fred Dicker on Talk 1300 in New York, Trump complained about the difficulty Hillary Clinton had winning over Black voters. “You’ll hear a political reporter go on and say it had
nothing to do with his defeat as a victory race. But how come and bragged that he she had such a tiny was not required to “acpiece of the vote? And cept persons on welfare you know, it’s a very as tenants unless they sad thing,” Trump qualified as any other said. “I have a great tenant.” relationship with the Three years later, Blacks. I’ve always the Justice Department had a great relationhauled Trump back into George ship with the Blacks. court for violating the But unfortunately, it settlement by telling E. Curry seems that, you know, the Blacks they had the numbers you cite no vacancies when, in are very, very frightening num- fact, there were openings. bers.” After a group of four AfriThe Blacks? Who uses that can-Americans and one Latino, kind of language? And Trump aged 14 to 16 years old, were didn’t just say it once – he said arrested in 1989 for allegedly it twice. raping a White female jogger Well, let’s see how Trump in Central Park, Trump took treated the Blacks that he claims out a full-page ad in the New to have such a great relationship York Times calling for the death with. penalty. That would have been a In 1973, the United States terrible mistake – all five teenagJustice Department sued Trump ers were later exonerated. Management Corp. for violating John R. O’Donnell, forthe Fair Housing Act by refusing mer president of Trump Plaza to rent to some potential tenants Hotel & Casino, cited racist and because of their “race or color.” anti-Semitic remarks made by Trump, who had taken over as his former boss. In his book, president of the family busi- Trumped, the former company ness by then, reacted in typical official said Trump disparaged Donald Trump fashion – he sued a Black accountant at Trump the government for $100 million, Plaza by asserting “laziness is claiming the family business had a trait in blacks.” According to been defamed. The judge dis- O’Donnell’s book, Trump also missed the suit, saying Trump said, “Black guys counting my and his lawyer, Roy Cohn, for- money! I hate it. The only kind mer chief counsel to Senator Jo- of people I want counting my seph McCarthy, were “wasting money are short guys that wear time and paper.” yarmulkes every day.” Trump signed a settlement In an interview with Playrequiring that vacancies in the boy magazine in 1999, Trump 15,000 apartment complex, tried to dismiss O’Donnell as a which was approximately 95 loser, but acknowledged, “The percent White, must first be stuff O’Donnell wrote about me offered to people of color. He is probably true.” agreed not to engage in further Evidently not content steracial discrimination. In a pre- reotyping of Blacks and Jews cursor of what was to come after who worked for him, Trump was Obama released his long-form inclined to reduce the president birth certificate, Trump described to being a Black athlete.
“If you look at what he’s doing in Libya, which is a total disaster, nobody even knows what’s going on in Libya,” Trump asserted. “If you look at what’s happening with gasoline prices where he said he has no control over prices, which he does. If he gets on the phone or gets off his basketball court or whatever he is doing at the time.” It turns out that while Trump was attacking Obama on Libya, for playing basketball, and raising false charges about Obama’s birth certificate, the president was thoroughly engaged in planning a top-secret operation that would lead to the killing of Osama bin Laden. It was Trump who didn’t know what was going on. In view of Trump’s record, it is difficult to believe him when he says if he could do it all over, he would come back as an African-American. He told Bryant Gumble as part of a two-hour television special on race: “If I was starting off today, I would love to be a well-educated Black because I really do believe they have the actual advantage today.” Not as much of the advantage enjoyed by a run-of-the-mill White male who inherited his wealth from his father. By the way, Donald, there is a welleducated African-American in the White House. And, look how you and those of your ilk are treating him. George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine and the NNPA News Service, is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach. He can be reached through his Web site, www.georgecurry.com You can also follow him atwww. twitter.com/currygeorge.
Black American Economic Progress
By Dr. Benjamin.Chavis, Jr. NNPA Columnist
If there was ever the best contemporary time to advance the economic status and condition of the African American community it is now. As of May 2011, the American economy continues to steadily recover and rebound. The stock market in the United States is up and the largest U.S. corporations are reporting record profits. But, the disproportionately high unemployment for Black Americans is still twice the unemployment of White Americans. Black unemployment remains more than 16 percent across America. But, President Barack Obama just announced that during the month of April 2011, there were another 258,000 jobs added by the private sector. In fact, during the last 14 months more than 2 million new jobs have been provided
by the “private sector” and for the establishto the U.S. economy. ment of new and inThe private sector novative businesses is that part of national within our commueconomy made up of nities throughout the private enterprises. It United States. includes the personal Many of our sector (households) national leaders and and corporate seccommentators contor (companies), and tinue to rightly focus Benjamin is responsible for alon the devastating F. Chavis locating most of the impact of Black unresources within an employment even economy according to the Busi- amidst the current economic ness Dictionary definition of recovery in the United States. key economic terms. What is Unemployment further sushappening, therefore, with the tains poverty, hopelessness, Black American private sector high rates of imprisonment, in terms of producing and pro- and self-destruction. But we viding new job opportunities must do more than describe for Black Americans? Too often these problems and social ills we have been too dependent that are derived from both the on economic forces outside our history of racial and economic community to provide economic discrimination against Black upward mobility. There is no Americans. Yet today, we better time than now for the have to be more discerning of expansion of currently African what are the solutions to Black American owned businesses economic progress in America
and throughout the world. I believe, more than ever before, with our brother in the White House, Black Americans should be focused with laser intensity on the steps, plans, tactics and strategies to secure a long-lasting sustainable economic development of the Black American community. We cannot afford just to complain about high unemployment. We have to get busy ourselves and make a difference concerning this issue. All of our national organizations, not just a few but all, should be making the economic development of our communities, in addition to education, one of the top priorities for African Americans in 2011. From the NAACP to the National Urban League, from the National Action Network to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, from the National See progress, on page 7
The views expressed in the editiorial columns are not necessarily the veiws of The Weekly Press or its staff. Address all opinions and comments to: Letters to the Editior, P.O. Box 74485 Baton Rouge, La. 70874 or E-mail them to: theweeklypress@yahoo.com
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BATON ROUGE, LA - May 3, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and Whitney National Bank (Whitney Bank) are pleased to announce they have awarded a $325,804 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant to the Urban Restoration Enhancement Corporation (UREC) to assist with rehabilitation and construction costs for a low- to moderate-income apartment complex. The Urban Meadows apartment community is a 68-unit, multifamily property in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The community consists of 17 buildings on a 3.5-acre campus. The AHP funds will be used toward rehabilitating the exteriors of 12 buildings, as well as the interiors of several of the buildings. Some of the interior rehabilitation includes updating the flooring, installing new light fixtures, replacing outdated cabinetry, and applying fresh coats of paint. “The buildings are in need of some exterior and interior repairs. It has been nearly 15 years since the last updates occurred,” said Emel Alexander, executive director of UREC, which owns the buildings. “Having the AHP grant allows us to keep the rents affordable while making the upgrades.” The majority of the households at Urban Meadows are low-income, single-parent families, as well as some seniors, according to Mr. Alexander. UREC is a nonprofit community development organization that provides affordable housing, small business training, and youth development opportunities across Baton Rouge. UREC worked with Whitney Bank to obtain the AHP grant. “We have an outstanding partnership with Whitney Bank. Sunada Pool Brookins, at Whitney Bank, is very knowledgeable about the FHLB Dallas program. She offered assistance throughout the application process and made the experience very user friendly,” Mr. Alexander said. “We have been impressed with Whitney Bank’s overall commitment to community development
in East Baton Rouge Parish, and value the overall investment Whitney Bank and FHLB Dallas are making in our community.” All of the renovations to the campus are expected DALLAS – Red Mang to , the be complete by fall 2011.of allfastest-growing retailer “The renovations and natural, nonfat frozen yogurt enhancements provide is and fresh fruitwill smoothies, a better quality of life Baton for expanding throughout the families who live at Rouge. The company recently UrbanaMeadows,” said Ms.for signed franchise agreement Brookins, vice president and one new location in the area. community affairs officer for Ngoc Loan Le and Vincent Whitney Bank.Rouge, “FHLB DalChan, of Baton La., have las hasabeen a great funding signed development agreement resource andlocation UREC’sincomto open one Baton mitment to decent and afRouge. fordable “Wehousing are verymakes excitedthis to ina very rewarding for troduce Red Mangoproject to the Baton everyone involved.” Rouge area,” says Vincent Chan. AHP used “Red Mangofunds is an are experience to purchase, and so muchconstruct, more thanand/ frozen or rehabilitate single-family, yogurt. It’s the perfect nutritious transitional, multifamtreat for our and health conscious ily projects for very low- to community.” moderate-income families. Red Mango offers 30 flaEachofyear, FHLB nonfat Dallasfrozen revors all-natural, turns 10 percent of its profits yogurt, including the company’s to theflavors communities servedPomeby core – Original, its member in the granate by institutions POM Wonderful®, form of AHP Vanilla grants. and the Madagascar In 2010, FHLB Dalseasonal flavor Pumpkin Spice las awarded $18.5 – all at around 100million caloriesinper AHP grants through memserving, as well as 20 varieties ber institutions, like Whitney of fresh fruit smoothies, madeto-order fruit parfaits and allSee award, on page 7 natural probiotic iced teas. Since opening its first store in 2007, the company has reached more than 80 stores in 25 states. Red Mango credits the achievement to consumers who want healthier food options as well as business owners who want sucLACAP cessful investment opportunities, coupled with the popularity of Louisiana Association of Community the brand’s signature tart frozen Action Partnerships,YOuR Inc. nEws yogurt and the innovations and Low-Income Assisting ARTICLEs TO support of a seasoned manage-Residents with Louisiana ment team. thewpres@bellsouth.net Home Energy Solutions Red Mango is currently awarding franchise opportuniLIHEAP ties in select markets across the Home Energy Low Income country, and the company is on Assistance Program track to reach as many as 550 Energy Bill Assistance Energy Conservation Education locations across the country•in Helps Seniors, Low Income Families and the Disabled five years. (225) 343-5070 More information is availVisit lacapinc.org and discover how a able at LACAP redmangofranchising. partner agency can help you or your family. CAkE SQuARES com <http://www.redmang96 pcs ............................. $33.99 ofranchising.com/> . For more 48 pcs ............................. $23.99 on Red Mango’s all-natural fro32 pcs ............................. $15.99 zen yogurt treats and meal op-
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — our free-enterprise system. This and provides after-market col- nomic Development to chair its The National Federation of In- award honors those members lision parts, as well as remanu- newly-created Small Business dependent Business, America’s who are truly the ‘best of the factured bumpers. Advisory Council. leading small business associa- best’ advocates for NFIB and “Pat is a dream activist “She’s always willing to tion, has named Pat Felder of our members.” that any state director would like reach out to lawmakers about Baton Rouge as one of the or“The regional Small Busi- to have,” said Renee Baker, state the bills that affect small busiganization’s four regional win- ness Champions have committed director of NFIB/Louisiana, the ness, even if they don’t want to ners of the Solveras Payment their time and energy to make state’s leading small business hear it. She doesn’t give up,” Solutions/NFIB Small Business our country a better place to do association. “She’ll do anything Baker said. Champion Award. Felder is the business,” said Brian Bates, chief she can to make it easier for “Pat is the kind of memSouth Region winner. executive officer of Solveras Pay- small businesses in Louisiana ber we know we can depend “The only reason ment Solutions. “We’re proud to grow and create jobs. on,” Baker said. “NFIB is the BATON ROUGE, LA - we’re Fasuccessful Washington Felder chairs the NFIB/ voice of small business in Baton tima Gautier,inAssistant toand theall to do our part to recognize and 50 state capitals is because Louisiana Leadership Council, Rouge , but its members like Executive Vice-President at of thethe honor their contributions.” support ofArea our member activPat Felder, an NFIB mem- which advises the association Pat who make sure our voice Baton Rouge Convention saidBureau Dan Danner, ber since 2007, co-owns Felder’s on issues affecting small busi- is heard.” andists,” Visitors earnedNFIB’s Cerpresident CEO. “We’re Collision Parts in Baton Rouge nesses throughout the state. This Every year, NFIB singles tification as anand Administrative indebted to them for their ef- with her husband, Wayne. The spring, Felder was selected by out a small business owner in Assistant in April 2011. forts to helpfulfilled protect all and promote company was founded in 1987 Louisiana Department of Eco- all 50 states for special recogniGautier requirements for the Louisiana State Certification Program as established by the Advisory Council of the Louisiana Institute for Administrative Assistants. She has worked at the Baton Rouge CVB for more than 20 years. “Fatima is an example of why Visit Baton Rouge has seen success...she is passionate about what we do and the fulfillment ROUGE—Baton West Baton Rouge ranked 5.73 highest-ranking areas “can of our BATON mission,” Paul Arrigo, Rouge ranks as one of the best on the scale. expect to live, on average, President & CEO of the Baton and worst places to live in LouiThe results are somewhat nearly half a decade longer” Rouge CVB said. siana, according a recent unsurprising, according to Jor- and earn twice as much, acTheresa Overby, to Director of BATON ROUGE – Remingstudy by the American dan Johnson, broker at local real cording to the study. Communications with theHuman Baton ton College-Baton Rouge Campus Development Project. estate agency Beau Box Inc. Louisiana’s total score Rouge Convention and Visitor is offering complimentary salon ranked areas “Driving down the street, was 4.07. Only West Virginia, Center The can study be reached at Theservices – either a hair cut, maniof southern East Baton Rouge you can tell where the good Arkansas and Mississippi resa@visitbatonrouge.com or by cure or pedicure - to people who parish and West Baton Rouge places to live are,” Johnson ranked below Louisiana. calling 225-382-3578. bring in a can of food during the parish as the best area and north said. Connecticut earned the month of November. Gautier poses at the highest Spring 2011 Council members, The food collected will Dr. be Baton Rouge and parts of the FatimaBut while(center) there are many stateConference ranking onwith the two LIAA Advisory White,(left) of Success Images and Yvonne Lewis Day, Communication Consultant. given to the Greater Baton Rouge downtown area as the worst. Shirley developing areasPresident in West Baton index at 6.30. Food Bank. The study was based the Rouge parish, the required The American Human “There are so many families findings on the American commute could be a deterrent Development Index is destruggling to make ends meet in Human Development Index, to living in the area, Johnson scribed as a “composite our community,” said Mike Smith, which studies the “health, said. measure of well being and Weekly Press Remington College-Baton Rouge knowledge and standard of livNorth Baton Rouge and the opportunity,” according to Online @ Campus President. “We want to ing,” according to the American downtown area ranked 2.51 on the AHDP website. www.theweeklypress.com help as many families as we can Human Development Project the index. Developers studied life during the holidays and are ofwebsite. The downtown area could expectancy at birth, educafering some of our salon services The index rates areas using rank low because there are still tional degree attainment, in return for any canned food doa scale from one to 10 based few places to live, Johnson said, school enrollment and menation.” on these factors. The southern though they are increasing. dian earnings of all areas Students in the Remington area of East Baton Rouge and A person living in the surveyed. College-Baton Rouge Campus Has been obese cosmetology school will provide See study, on page 7
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Weekly Press • Thursday, November May 12, 2011 18, 2010
Homogoing Lee Freeman Williams ChildrenofofInaDivorce Require
Religion
Ina Lee Freeman was the child of Rev. Ephraim Freeman, Sr and Evelyn Harrison Freeman of Baker, Louisiana. Ina NASHVILLE, – Oneof found that children can and will became an active TN member million children year will Wesley Unitedeach Church at an learn about prayer and how to experience divorce. Many of pray if they have significant early age until her passing. theseShe will noteducated receivinginthe was the adults in their lives who are spiritual guidance necessary public school system attended willing to teach them. Children to help overcome the related who have consistency, support Leland in Baker and and spiritual guidance in their familialElementary challenges reports McKinley High School graduatthe current issue of Recon- lives will be more likely to overing in a1940. Ina did her higher come the challenges related to sider, LifeWay publication education at Leland for the leaders of today’sCollege Black divorce. with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Churches. “We at LifeWay believe This issue,Education Ministering Early Childhood and Church ministries can improve to Children of Divorce, reveals efforts to reach children received a Master of Arts degree their Ina Lee Freeman Williams theGuidance importance that children’s in Counseling from struggling with family issues ministries play ininproviding Xavier University 1959. Ina’s and support them through these comfort, consistency and spiri- difficult circumstances,” said commitment to education led Women in the Mainstream, Inc; tual development for children Elgia “Jay” Wells, LifeWay’s her to complete stud- director Leagueofof Women Voters; going through aadditional difficult time Black Church Out-the ies in Education and Counseling State Film and Video Commisat home. Thirty percent of par- reach, who also serves as pasat Louisiana State University, sion Louisiana; East Baton ents indicate that their family’s tor at aofNashville, Tenn.-area Southern University and the Rouge Bingo Control Board; spiritual life is either fair or church. “Our hope is that every University of Maryland. National Associapoor. Additionally, 83 percent child will beEducation given the opporof individuals parentsin tunity experience the power Ina taughtbelieve as a teacher tion to (NEA), Louisiana Associshould be most responsible for spiritual development and the Livingston, Beauregard and ofation of Educators (LEA); a child’s spiritual development, through their church in East Baton Rouge parishes. prayer Capital Area Women’s Council, yet their She only went35 onpercent to servesay as the first ministries.” and the Baton Rouge Chapter religious faith is one of the most For a copy of Reconsider, female Title I Parental Involve- of the National Coalition of important influences on their or to learn more about the findment Supervisor with the East ings, 100visit Black Women. She was a http://www.lifeway. parenting. Baton Rouge school system until member of Gamma Eta Omega LifeWay’s study also com/blackchurchlife. her retirement as Supervisor of Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpa Child Welfare and Attendance Sorority, Inc. in 1980. a business owner, Ina Lee Freeman Williams LetAsthe cOmmunity KnOW WhatS Ina started Turnalex, Inc., entered into eternal rest on April yOuR pLace in happing 1983 and wasat a co-owner; 10, 2011.Of SheWORShip was preceded in along with Fred Williams, her death by her parents, five of email yourM. Freehusband, of the Ann, Dalton, her siblings, Edward Lincoln and Temple theaters man, Julius Overton Freeman, church event which were among the first few Ephraim Freeman, Jr., James or religious African-American owners of Calvin Freeman, and Dr. Evmovies theaters in the United elyn L. Freeman Edwards. She organization States. leaves to cherish her memory news to Ina Williams was involved her sisters Willie Mae Alexis and Weekly in various civic and social orga- Anna E.the Turner (Willie J), aunt nizations: president and found- Harriet Carter, godchild Tanya press @ ing member of the Community Alexis and a host of nephews Association for the Welfare of and nieces, loved ones and close School Children (CAWSC); friends
the Support of the Church
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SUWhatever Interdenominational Gospel Choir set for of “Finale” You Stand in Need is ‘inConcert the
BATON ROUGE - Southern State University Interfaith Gos- 650 Blount Road. Workshop parUniversity’s Interdenominational pel Choir. ticipates will sing in the choir Gospel Choir will celebrate its Local choirs will include during the concert. ‘Finale,’ in appreciation of the the Living Faith Mass Choir, The concert will also feachoirs’ founder and director, Greater King David Mass Choir, ture performances by the Voices Reginald Collins, Nov. 19 - 21 Elm Grove Baptist Church, Bea- of Joy from Bogalusa; Psalm 150 Bya D onald Lee including coninLight the Lord,’ and she’s said. “Maybe he or with host of events of Baton Rouge, New Gospel Choir from Beaumont, a musical featuring Baton Rouge Gideon Baptist Church, talking about her sonRose Hill Texas; Living sheTestimony wasn’t theGospel one for area choirs“While and music workshops Church, Texas Southern you’re up, would Baptist (Jesus) and herGreater salva- Mount Choir fromyou. And maybeUniyou leading up towith a Finale Concert. Baptist Church and Glo- versity; UnMeasurable Praise you turn me to the book Olive tion,” Dr. Furtch said. learned your lesson.” kick-off a ryland from the University of New OrofFestivities 1st Samuel?” sayswith Dr. E.E. “AndBaptist we’re Church. looking Dr. Furtch added, “Local Choir Night” at 7 p.m., Doors will open at 6 p.m. leans; Higher Level Gospel Choir Furtch, who pastors The here in the second “But you know that we Nov. 19, at Living Faith ChrisA “College Day Finale and from McNeese State University; Anointed Church, 3210 Mary chapter of the book have of theLouisiana same typeatof tian Center, 6375 Winbourne Workshop” will be held from 9 the University Ann Drive, in Fort Worth with of 1st Samuel and we individuals in those Ave. Gospel recording artist a.m. - 4 p.m., on Nov. 20, in the Monroe Interdenominational his wife, Prophetess Rosetta see that Hannah has relationships. It’s the Wess Morgan will be the spe- auditorium of W.W. Stewart Hall Ensemble; New Beginnings Donald Davis-Furtch. a ‘Song.’ same spirit, but just cial guest. Morgan is the writer on the SU campus. The event Multicultural Gospel Choir of the song, “I Choose toChurch’s Wor- will feature an array of music Lee from Texas A&M University; As The Anointed “I need to tell a different (person’s) ship.” Other guests willguests include and‘It’s choir rehearsals Strong Tower Gospel Chorale members, along with from seminars somebody, in the name. In other words, the Kingdom Showers Family from Hamforathe “College Grambling UniverLiving Christian Cen- in preparation Lord.’ There are lot of folk who from (some people) getState the same type mond, theDallas, Gospel Soulfor Children Finale Concert,” at 7 p.m., Southeastern Louisiana ter in stood the read- Day have some things going on in sity of and individual. (They’re) just of New Orleans andonthe New Light Church, Choir. ing of scripture theJackson beautiful at their lives,”Baptist Dr. Furtch said. University’s attracted toGospel the same type of morning of Sunday, April 3, 2011, “Do you know anybody who person. It’s a spirit. It (such a Dr. Furtch said: “We’re going to has some friends (with) things relationship) never worked; it look at the second chapter and going on in their lives? never will work.” the first verse. “There is trouble in their “Somebody say, ‘It’s in “Can somebody say, ‘The way; there is trouble in their the Lord,’ ” Dr. Furtch said. glory of God’ ” (“The glory of lives,” Dr. Furtch said. “You ever “It’s in the Lord,” the church God,” the people of God re- see folk and they’re trying very responded. sponded) “is in this place,” Dr. hard to fix the problem that they Taking the church back to Furtch said as those at the pews have? But they’re trying to fix the scriptures, Dr. Furtch said: responded, “is in this place.” it in their own strength. Have “Y’all know Hannah. Hannah “And itFORD reads,”PA: Dr. Furtch you ever tried to fix problem was Samuel’s mother. Y’all reCHADDS Ed- platinum records his acredit as live concerts, Donald Lawrence mondson Communications, executive working with the Tri-City said, “ ‘And Hannah prayed, aand a music yourself, and the harder you and member: SheSingers’ went to“Finale” Shiloh, full-service Quincy Jones, Ray concert, thedidn’t gold-selling said, Myentertainment heart rejoicethproin the artists triedsuch the as worse it got? and she haveShekinah any chilmotions company, will launch and Gladys Knight. Ministry’s concerts, Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Charles,“Some of us have tried to Glory dren. Hannahmajestic had a problem; a new division, Adonai the opportunity even theproblem legendary Lord.’ I want to use for aVideo subject, “We fixoffer somethem relationships, haven’t and Hannah’s wasMighty that she Ministries, a global pay-per- to watch a concert or a special Clouds of Joy in concert. There ‘It’s In the Lord.’ ” we?” Dr. Furtch said as people couldn’t bear any children.” view video-on-demand service, feature on their PC or TV at their are also dynamic sermons such don’t know what you own sitting in the uttered “She to Shiloh November“I15, 2010. leisure for pews only $9.99. Onre- as “Money Is went My Friend” andand “I need, but (whatever it is): ‘It’s in sponses of agreement. “In the she began to call on the name The new firm will offer the other hand, many music ex- Love You But I Don’t Understandof Lord,’ ” Dr. Furtch said. “This ecutives first place, was the wrong the by Lord,” Dr.David Furtch Topthe Christian and gospel conhaveitbeen looking forre- You” Bishop G.recalled Evans, is Hannah’s ‘Song.’ And in Luke, lationship. But you said, ‘This from the scriptures. “She began certs, sermons/church services ways to increase their revenue who pastors a 27,000-member verses 46and through work.’ Andrecord you put church to seek God’s of face. began by chapter dynamicone, preachers, a as thing’s a resultgotta of dwindling outside the She Philadelwide-ranging of Chrislabel caninnow increase its phia area.toThe atalog will She expand 55 is Mary’svariety ‘Song.’ That’s Jesus’ sales. 150Apercent it and the other to talk God herself. was tian-oriented programming. “The sales byput offering other monthly as more mother. It’s called a magnificat one zero videos percentand in it. in Shiloh. She companies was in themake place economic downturn has made throughyou’re this their products available. (pronounced magnifcot), but she visual entertainment “And I’m hoping where the Ark of the Covenant it taxing people to afford to service.” topthat Christian engot it for from 1st Samuel, chapter getting today that maybe you was.Today’s So she felt God’s prestreat their families to a night out Some of the initial titles tertainment companies such as two, verses one through 10. shouldn’t have gotten in it ence was there. on the town,” says founder Al that viewers can watch include Abundant Harvest Entertain“She understood that ‘it’s in the first place,” Furtch ment, Rosyl “You’ve got to know that Edmonson, who has 27 gold and Grammy-winner SmokieDr. Norful’s Productions, Emtro
The workshop is free and open to all college students and the public. The “Finale Concert” will be held at 4 p.m., Nov. 21, at New Gideon Baptist Church, 2542 whenDrive. you getThe in aconcert place where Balis will feature the melodious voices God’s glory is, that’s the time of to former Interdenominational cry outSU to Him,” Dr. Furtch said Gospel Choir from as “Amen!” wasmembers heard from the 1987-2010 and musicians many churchgoers. “WhenGreg you Jones, Cecil Houston, Michael get to the place where the glory Temple, Alfonso Waters, George of God, the Willie presence of God, is Chesterfield, Richard, Reuthere, you’re in the perfect posiben Griffin, Shantran Hawkins tion,Ricky the perfect timing for you and Draper. to begin to pray and callSU on Dithe Lawrence Jackson, rector will also make name of of Bands, the Lord. a special musicalhas tribute during “Nobody to come and the layconcert. hands on you, nobody has to are free and prayAll forevents you, nobody evenopen has totothe public. recognize that you are there,” Dr. Furtch, filled with and led by the Spirit of God, said. “But if you would just say, ‘I came in this place and I’m going to call on the name of the Lord. I just want to get in Him.’ ” Dr. Furtch, explaining what happened with Hannah, said: “She began to cry to Him and it looked kind of weird to Eli, the priest, because he could see Gospel, David G. Evans Ministries, EMImoving Gospelbut andheKingdom her lips couldn’t Records have all signed onforth. with hear any words coming more to follow. Finding a video And so he thought that she was todrunk. view is easy. Customers will browse through the catalog to find “But she was saying, a selection. A 30 second preview ‘My spirit I’m choose. talking is available is tovexed; help them to God,’ ” Dr. Furtch shared. The cost for any single video pre“You see,isthere areOnce times when sentation $9.99. they’ve you’ve got something going on made their selection, they have in your you forget about up to 48 life, hours tojust view the video as many times they like. everybody elseas around you.Visit And www.AdonaiVideoMinistries. you begin to worship God and com more information. youfor begin to praise God. Please contact Billwhat Carpen“In order to get you ter at (202) 506-5051 or carpenterbill@me.com for additional See people, on page 7 information.
Lord,’ Dr. E.E. Furtch tells God’s People
Edmondson Communications Launch Adonai Video Ministries New Firm Will Bring Church To The Living Room With Christian/ Gospel Concerts, And Sermons 24 Hours A Day!
Church Directory
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. - Hebrews 10:25 Open Door Fellowship World Wide Ministry, Inc. 2138 Wooddale Blvd., Suite 1-C Baton Rouge, LA 70806 E-mail: iamthatiam4ever@yahoo.com Pastor Geneva S. Roberson End Time Ministry Bible Study Tues. at 7:00 p.m. Prayer Meeting Thurs. 7:30 -8:30p.m. Sunday Worship Service Sun. 11:00 a.m.
Reverend H. Martin PRAYeR SeRViCe
WeDNeSDAY 12:00 5013 WiNDFALL COURT BATON ROUGe, LA. 70812 FOR DiReCTiON CALL 225-358-8100 We are seeking Prayer Warriors and Singers Remember Acts: 16,25-26
CaMPHoR MeMoRial UniTeD MeTHoDisT CHURCH 8742 scenic Highway • Baton Rouge, louisiana 70807 Telephone: (225) 775-4106 • Fax: (225) 615-8359 Pastor Daralen A. Moore Pastor Darlene A. Moore
sunday school ..........................................................................9:30 a.m. Worship service......................................................................10:55 a.m. Bible study.............................................................Wednesday 5:00 p.m. Prayer Meeting ......................................................... Tuesday 6:00 p.m.
247 CHURCH oF THe living goD BUlWaRk oF TRUTH PRAISERADIO 1042 Rosenwald Road • Baton Rouge, louisiana 70807 .com Telephone: (225) 775-8252
Pastor HarrietOffer scott Special Weekly eveRy Press Advertisers oTHeR Week seRviCe
When you Advertise In The Church Directory You Receive 15 minute Mondays & Fridays ...................................................................7:30 p.m. Broadcast on 247praiseradio.com internet radio station. saturdays .........................................................10.00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. For Details Call 225-775-2002
St. Mary Baptist Church “The Church that Love Built”
1252 N. Acadian Thruway East • Baton Rouge, LA. 70802 Telephone (225) 387-2926 Rev. Conway L Knighton, Pastor
Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Service - 11:00 a.m. Lord’s Supper - 1st Sunday 11:00 a.m. Prayer Meeting - Wednesday 6:00 p.m. Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m. Thursday 10:00 a.m.
Good Shepherd Full Gospel B.C. The People’s Church 2865 Mission Drive • Baton Rouge, 70805 • Telephone (225)356-5873 Bishop H. Hayes, Pastor Hour of Power 12 NooN eacH wedNesday Sunday School 8:00 AM Church Service 9:00 AM Lord’s Supper 2nd Sunday 6:00 PM Bible Study Wednesday 7:00 PM Sister/ Brotherhood 6:00 PM you will Be Blessed uNder THe aNoiNTed MaN of God
“A New Church” “A Church” “A New New Church” Living Word
LIVING WORD Christian Center INT’L
Christian Ctr. int’L Rev. Donald Britton, MA,LPC, LAC, CCC
1640 North 48th Street • Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70805 Telephone: (225) 235-6955 • Fax: (225) 775-0213
E-mail address: donaldbritt44@yahoo.com
sUndaY WorshiP ..........................................................9:00 A.M. BIBLE STUDY ..................................................Thursday 7:00 P.M. COUNSELING BY APPOINTMENT Matthews 6:24-34
Rev. Rev.Donald DonaldBritton, Britton, MA,LPC, MA,LPC,LAC, LAC,CCC CCC SUNDAY SUNDAYWORSHIP WORSHIP 9:00 9:00A.M. A.M. BIBLE BIBLESTUDY STUDYThursday Thursday7:00 7:00P.M. P.M. COUNSELING COUNSELINGBY BYAPPOINTMENT APPOINTMENT 1640 1640North North48th 48thStreet Street••Baton BatonRouge, Rouge,Louisiana Louisiana70805 70805 Telephone: Telephone:(225) (225)235-6955 235-6955••Fax: Fax:(225) (225)775-0213 775-0213 E-mail E-mailaddress: address:donaldbritt44@yahoo.com donaldbritt44@yahoo.com
New Birth
Full Gospel MiNistries 1283 Rosenwald Road • Baton Rouge, La. 70807 Phone: (225) 775-6713 • Fax: (225) 775-4216
ivory J. payNe, pastor
order oF service
Sunday Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11:00 A.M. Holy Communion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3rd Sunday1:00 P.M. Sunday School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:00 A.M. Bible Study. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thursday 7:00 P.M.
“THe NeW LiFe”Therefore if any man be in christ he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all thing are become new. —I Corinthians 5:17
Radio Broadcast 1st & 3rd Sunday WXOK at 8:00 am
NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH 5856 Greenwell Springs Road • Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806
Telephone: (225) 926-0246 • Facsimile: (225) 927-8500 • Toll Free # 1-888-700-6174 E- Mail Address # nhbc@nhbc.brcoxmail.com Sunday Morning Worship - 10:45 AM Leo D. Cyrus Lord’s SupperPastor -3rd Sundays
Sunday School - 9:30 AM
Sr., Prayer Pastor Service - Wed. @ 6:00 PM
Bible StudySCHeduLe - Wed- @ 7:00 PM CHurCH
Sunday Morning Worship ................................................................10:45 AM Mission Statement: New Hope Baptist Church is a family of baptized believers Lord’ s Supper ...............................................................................3rd Sundays who worship the Lord our God in spirit and in truth, teach the saved to reach the Sunday ..................................................................................9:30 lost andSchool minister to the needs of others, while encouraging one anotherAMthrough acts of love and living in obedience to Gods Word Prayer Service ...................................................................... Wed. @ 6:00 PM Bible Study...........................................................................Wed- @ 7:00 PM
Mission Statement: New Hope Baptist Church is a family of baptized believers who worship the Lord our God in spirit and in truth, teach the saved to reach the lost and minister to the needs of others, while encouraging one another through acts of love and living in obedience to Gods Word
Thursday, March 6, 2008 • The Weekly Press • Page 7 Thursday, May 12, 2011 • The Weekly Press • Page 7
HEALTH health
tantRum from page 6 Award from page 5
apart. You must continue to hold therefore, humble yourselves Bank, including than affordable housing projects in on to your faith andmore stay before under the mighty hands of God, $2.2 million to Louisiana In the Lord. But,initLouisiana, may be that the that he mayand exaltMississippi. you in due time, support units FHLB Dallas is upon offering time has 284 comehousing when you may 2011 “casting all your cares him, within AHP grants need tothe takestate. some More qualitythan time $10.5 for hemillion cares forinyou,”(1st Peter $1.9 millionand in spend AHP grants for yourself some of through 5:6-7). its member instituwas awarded through Whittions. Grant recipients willyour be that time with God. After you finished having neyGet Bank in 2010 support on your kneestobefore God announced tantrum. Youthis maysummer. have a stopped and tell him of how you are feel- up nose and swollen eyes and ing inside. And maybe the words mucus running down your lip x ffender from page 4 wont come out exactly as you and dried tears on your face, but wish but you can have a good you’ll feel better after emptying the individuals in question, the less likely the offender will hurts weeping, wailing crying falling, yourself of those things which damages America’s long-term be repeat that outtotantrum and mistake. give all those ithad been heavy on your heart. economic health.We’re problems to him. Sometimes we go for losing weeks of trying workers to Current practices you are millions While youhiring are praying, or months to and take need matters keephands our and country moving locking millions outof of the the things work help might forget some into our try to solve our force. This discrimination only forward. that vexed you but Godnot knows own problems. We are not super what you are going through. he humans; we can’t handle everycan udget read the pain, which flows4 thing alone. We need God’s help. from page through your tears. even though We have to let go of those situhe knows what’s troubling you, ations and let God handle them. funding support from themwe – they he still wants to tell himHUD, about who thereexperience are some things can’t many these housing counlead todoblighted it and of bring your problems and can humanly anythingcommuniabout. seling programs burdens to him. will be forced ties, an increase in crime, famto close up shop, cut back ser- ily instability; and a weaker vices or charge for previously housing market means fewer free services. And, without jobs in construction and many the support of HUD-certified other housing-related areas. housing counselors, many In a recent Chicago TrihildRen from page 4 more Americans will find bune article, Geoff Smith, sethemselves at the mercy of nior vice president of Woodering all children. the citizens of thea nation must complex mortgage schemes, stock Institute, Chicagothe CDF Action Council,negobuild- based demand that our and leaders free our unscrupulous mortgage research advocacy ing on or thefraudulent best practices in states firm children from the ideological tiators mortgage is quoted asfalse saying, “One and lessons learned about children of and political of war among loan scam artists. the thingstugs that’s come out falling through thebybureaucratic those put excesscrisis profitsisahead A new study the Mort- of thiswho (housing) the cracksBankers of Medicaid and SChiP, importance of children’s lives. gage Association of counselors, stronglythat urgedpotential Congress tohomenact thehow well did Congress protect shows importance of working the All healthy Children Act, children in 2007? Not enough: eowners who participate in with someone to well help you S. 1564/h.r. 1688, introduced 276 Membersthe of Congress pre-purchase education and understand true costhad of by representative Bobby Scott good CDF Action Council Concounseling programs may be homeownership.” (D-VA) in thetohouse and Senator Scorecard scores of 80 more likely pay their mort- gressional It is clear: the loss of housBernieon Sanders in thewho Sen- ing percent or higher, and 198lead of those gages time; (i-Vt) and those counseling will to ate. the measure would provide more had stellar scores of 100 participate in default counselforeclosures andpercent. fewer comprehensive including But 231 members scored 60 percent ing are more benefits likely to have jobs. It is unconscionable that dentalloans and mental health, simplior lower—a failing grade from our their modified. Ac- funds for housing counseling fied bureaucracy, and aCollins, national would school days. cording to J. Michael be eliminated in the eligibility forresearchers, families up to midst Whether Members Congress one of theplan study of the currentofhousing 300 the percent of theeducation federal poverty are liberal, conservative or mod“To extent or crisis. We urge the Congress counseling supports stable reverse this republican assault on level. We thank the 62 house co- to erate; Democrat, or homeownership, the public middle class andneed restore sponsors for their support. how- the independent, children all of has expanding housing ever,an weinterest regret thatinneither a single HUD’s them to vote, lobby,counseling speak for and these to nor prevent the funds theAdults 2012 budget. houseprograms republican any other protectin them. need to listen negative impacts of unsuccessSenator joined them to push for carefully to what candidates say ful homeownership.” Morial is the coverage for all children. theyMarc will doH.for children andPresifamiForeclosures are not just dent and once CEOthey of the the CDF Action Council strongly lies and, areNational in office, asupports financial forhealth families longcrisis overdue cov- Urban we needLeague. to hold them accountable. erage for everyone in America as Please thank your Members of Consoon as possible—because children gress with scores of 80 percent or rogress fromuppageabove 4 and let those with scores of cannot wait. As SChiP comes again for reauthorization in early 60 percent or below know you are 2009, we League hope every dissatisfied withAmericans. their performance. Business to Member Nationalof lions of Black Congress will insist covering please convey that same mesBar Association, andonfrom the AndWhen President Obama every child and pregnant mother recently sage to each presidential candidate. Congressional Black Caucus visited Indianapolis, enactingCaucus and adequately We mustto demand our leaders tonow theby Hip-Hop to the Indiana a localthat manufacturfunding the provisions of the All commit to children as a condition Hip-Hop Summit Action Net- ing plant that builds transmishealthy of our work, weChildren all haveAct. work to do. sion forvote. hybrid buses, he used Specious claims that we could that event to emphasize the And, we all should be working not find the money—$70 billion importance Marian Wright Edelman is Presitogether for the economic uplift of increasing and over five years—to cover all dent of the Children’s Defense Fund of 50 million Black Americans. expanding America’s manuchildren belied by that amount facturing and its Action Council whoseinnoLeave The 2010isU.S. Census counted base through spent in eleven months for tax cuts No Child Behind® mission to 45 million Black Americans, vation and new business is defor the top one percent of richest ensure every child a Healthy Start, but you and I know that we are velopment. We should not be Americans and in seven months a Head Start, Fair Start,to a Safe always undercounted. Plus, bystanders oraspectators the theadd iraqthe War.millions We do not Start and arecovery Moral Start in taking life and iffor you of have our economic now a money problem in America: We place successful adulthood brothers and sisters who are in thepassage nation.toThere are have a priorities and political will with the help of caring families Black Latinos, we are more many scientific and engineerdeficit. is time in forthe all adults andgeniuses communities. than 50 itmillion Unitedto ing in Black America protect the health States. Yet, this of is our notchildren. about and we need to encourage our how we just count ourselves best minds and talent to take numerically. This from is about alk adio page 4leadership in the develophow we should be empower- ment of new “clean energy” ing ourselves economically. technologies and businesses. all funny remotely “private appropri- President we forget o’reilly’s The Blackor American Obama is less-thanright on ate about usestrengthened of a lynching target informed comments regarding sector” hasthe to be when he asserts thata reference about Michelle dinnernew he shared last year will with substantially. In everyobama,’’ state, these technologies he said. ‘’it’sbe- i’m speechless.’’ Sharpton the at Sylvia’s in harlem? we should building new produce new jobs in the As President Bush pointed out America o’reilly of expressed surprise over businesses and financing those the future. Now is so eloquently during theofBlack howtime similarSylvia’s was other businesses with more the the that we must betoready history Month event, the noose to restaurants New York restauone trillion consumer dollars meet bothinthe challenges and represents ‘’more than a tool rants. that we spend annually. Weof the opportunities to make more murder but a tool ofpoor intimidation’’ ‘’there progress. wasn’t one person in are the “richest” people economic generations of African-Ameriintothe world. Black American Sylvia’s who was screaming, cans. Nooses not only robbedtosome i want more iced tea,’’’ spending power needs be ‘M-Fer, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. of their lives of their isheSenior said. Advisor to the Black translated into but realmany Black Amerpeace of mind. power through Alliance As the Washington Post’s robican economic for Educational Op‘’As a civiland society, we must tions inson(BAEO) sadly observed on MSNBC new business community and President of understand that noose projects displays Education in February, ‘’All Services you can go by economic development Online Corthat train and employ mil- poration. andwill lynching jokes are deeply is his words and his actions. And offensive. they are wrong. And he keeps saying these things that they have no place in America sound pretty darn racist to me.’’ today,’’ he said. has talk radio learned anything Neither o’reilly nor ingraham from imus’ decline and fall? of has been reprimanded by their re- course not, because it didn’t take spective employers even though imus too terribly long to get a the Fox News personality did offer new gig. a half-hearted apology. our nation’s media outlets At least ingraham didn’t drop should not provide a platform for the l-word but her suggestion that racialhostility and hateful speech Sharpton, a former presidential now or in the future. What kind of candidate and respected member of messageare we sending to our chilthe African-American community dren, ourfor nation our world? Serving the Baton Rouge community over and 30 years and beyond, is a petty thief reeks in such an historic election year, of race-baiting negative stecannot•stand aside and allow 6920 Plankand Road • Baton Rougewe70811 (225)-356-0253 reotyping of African-Americans individuals to use the airwaves Bordelon’s Pharmacy Hours: and black men in particular. as an outlet for insensitive and to 8:00p.m. • But it’s hardlyMonday-Friday: the first time ei-8:30a.m. misguidedcommentary. if you Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. • Sunday 9:00 a.m. 1”00 p.m. ther has ventured into questionable hear something thattooffends you, and offensive territory. how can speak up.
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SU’ s Sharon of Caring What’s GoodHutchinson For YourReceives Heart Is Legacy Good For Your Award Brain
BATON ROUGE - Dr. Sharon(NAPSM)-A Hutchinson, Associate Prosurvey commissioned fessor Chair of the Graduate by twoand leading health organizations Nursing in out Southern found thatProgram although two of three University’s School Nursing African Americans (61of percent) exhas beenconcern awarded thedeveloping 2011 Legpressed about acy Caring Nurses by heartofdisease and two outAward of five (40 the Association of Nurses percent) expressed concernWorkabout ing for OurAlzheimer’s, Patients. only about developing Hutchinson received the one in 20 are aware that heart health award the recent annual is linkedduring to brain health. ANWP Banquet and Walking the Alzheimer’s Association is Wounded Retreat held at the joining forces with the American Bishop Robert Tracy Catholic heart Association to educate African Life Centerthat in Baton Rouge.their Americans by managing According the may ANWP, cardiovascular risk,tothey also the recipient ofcognitive the award must strengthen their health. demonstrate a “commitment “What’s good for your heartto is agood person’s to says choose; be for yourright brain,” Jennifer an advocate personalAssociahealth Manly, Ph.D.,for Alzheimer’s through protecting a person’s tion spokesperson. “every healthy right to self-dignity, heartbeat pumps aboutchoice, one-fifthauof tonomy and control; of your blood to your brainrespect to carry on individualism; and evolvingprobthe the daily processes of thinking, human race and through the forward lem solving remembering.” progression healthcare.” “By the yearof2030, the number of am humbled African“IAmericans age 65toorreceive older is this award,” said expected to more thanHutchinson. double to 6.9 “For mesaid theemil award represents million,” Matarese, M.D., recognition byAssociation my colleagues American heart spokesas having been a Alzheimer’s caring advoperson. “Although is cate forofnursing students not part normal aging, age isand the patients.” greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s Theit award symbolizes disease.“ So is important that Afmy that individuals have ricanbelief Americans take steps now to adecrease right totheir makerisk informed of heart choices disease, to improve theirhas healthcare and which research shown could that must work to also nurses decrease the always risk of cognitive decline.”
Did You Know? • Compared to the general public, African Americans have a higher risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and vascular dementia. • More than 40 percent of African Americans have high blood pressure (hBP) and are at risk for stroke, which can lead to greater risk for developing Alzheimer’s or other vascular cognitive dementias. • every year, more than 100,000 African Americans have a stroke. • having high cholesterol increases the risk for stroke and may increase the risk for Alzheimer’s. Manage Your Risks • Watch the numbers. remember that desirable blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmhg. Keep your body weight in the recommended range and make sure that the total cholesterol is less than 200mg/dL. • healthy lifestyle choices include staying mentally and physically active, staying socially involved, reducing your intake of fat and cholesterol Dr. Sharon Hutchinson, Associate Professor and Chair of the Graduate Nursing Program in Southern University’s and not smoking. School of Nursing. Visit www.alz.org/heartbrain or call the American Stroke Associarespect the cultural individualism Nursing from the LSU Medical tion, Nurse Educator. a division of the American heart of those for whom we provide Center (now known as the LSU Association, For at more (888)information, 478-7653 or care,” she said. Health Sciences Center) and her the please contact Edwardat Pratt Alzheimer’s Association (800) Hutchinson earned her Ph.D from the University of New 272-3900 or LaKeeshia Giddens and you’llD. receive a broBachelor ’s and in andOrleans. Shewhich is also a Certified 225.771.4545. with heart and brain health Research shows a linkMaster between’sheart brain health, means impaired chure information and a free pedometer, heart function could lead to impaired brain function. while supplies last.
VA to Take Applications for New Caregiver Program Could You Be At Risk? New program enhances VA services for Family Caregivers
(NAPSi)-here’s an alert worth paying attention to: According to NEW ORLEANS Tuesday, the American Diabetes — Association staff at the Department of (ADA), learning your risk forVetertype 2 ans Affairs published the interim diabetes could save your life. final rule for the Diabetes is aimplementing serious disease that Caregivers and21 Veterans strikes nearly millionOmnibus children Health Services and adults in theAct U.S.2010. it is named Thiskiller” new rule will one-third provide the “silent because additional support to eligiblethan post-6 of those with the disease--more million--do notwho know theytohave it. 9/11 Veterans elect receive Forcare many, may come their in adiagnosis home setting from to 10Family years after the onset of aseven primary Caregiver. type 2This diabetes. earlystep diagnosis is is a great in procritical for treatment and viding forsuccessful the well-being of our can delayand or prevent some every of the Veterans I encourage complications such as heart diseases, Family Caregiver to apply for blindness, kidney disease, stroke and this service,” said Jimmy Muramputation. phy, acting director for Southeast that’s one reason the ADA holds Louisiana Veterans the American DiabetesHealth Alert®Care Day, System. a one-day wake-up call to inform the Thepublic new program builds American about the seriouson the foundation of Caregiver support now provided at VA and
ness of diabetes, particularly when it is left undiagnosed and untreated. reflects families and clinithe day iswhat held on the fourth tuesday cians have long known; Family of every March. Caregivers in people a homeareenvironon that day, encourment can enhance the health and aged to take the Diabetes risk test, well-being of Veterans VA either with paper and pencilunder or online. care. the risk test requires users to answer Additional services for seven simple questions about age, primary Family of weight, lifestyle andCaregivers family history-all potential risk factors for diabetes. eligible post-9/11 Veterans and People scoring 10include points oramore are servicemembers stipend, at a highhealth risk forservices, type 2 diabetes and mental and access arehealth encouraged talk with aifhealth to care to insurance, they carenot professional. are already entitled to care estimated 54 million Amerior An services under a health care cans have pre-diabetes. those with plan. Comprehensive Caregiver pre-diabetes have blood glucose levtraining and medical support are els higher than normal but not high other key components of this proenough to be diagnosed with type gram. 2 diabetes. Veterans and their Family early intervention via lifestyle Caregivers canasapply for loss the new changes such weight and services starting May 9 at HYPERLINK “http://www.caregiver.
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want, you’ve got to do more than message “It’s In the Lord,” please you’ve ever done,” Dr. Furtch call The Anointed Church at (817) said. “So, I need tell somebody 551-6499 or visit its Web site at Land Line (225)to356-0703 that the 235-6955 right place to HYPERLINK “http://www. Cellyou’re Phonein (225) call on the name of the Lord. Han- anointedmin.com” http://www. GSRASAC E-mail: Goodshepherdbapt@bellsouth. nah prayed ‘in the Lord.’ Nine anointedmin.com. Church sernet Hours: Mon-Thurs 8am – 8 pm months later, after that prayer, she vices are 10:59 a.m. Sundays. had a bouncing baby boy (who The Anointed Church’s televiGood Shepherd Substance Abuse Center went) by the name of Samuel.” sion broadcast can be seen at 8:30 Intensive Outpatient / Inpatient Therapy Hannah rejoiced in the a.m. Sundays on the Genesis TeleFor Drugs, Alcohol, Anger Management Lord because He answered her vision Network, Channel 31 in prayer. Dr. FurtchDrive said rejoicingRev.Dallas-Fort Worth and 2873 Mission Donald Britton, MA,Channel LAC “in the Lord” produces answers 10 in Houston. Pastor Donald Lee, Baton Rouge, LA 70805 Clinical Director co-author of “Married to Committo(225) prayers. 315-0740 Bishop Harris Hayes, Overseer To obtain a DVD of the ment,” is at (225) 773-2248.
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increased physical activity can help delay or prevent the onset of type 2 va.gov”www.caregiver.va.gov. diabetes. Wendy Rachel, Southeast Among the primary risk Louisifactors ana Veterans Health Care System’s for type 2 diabetes are being overcaregiver supportover coordinator is weight, sedentary, the age of alsoand available assisthistory with the 45 having atofamily of application process and direct Vetdiabetes. African Americans, Latinos, erans Americans, and their Family CaregivNative Asians and Pacific ers to more dozenrisk, other islanders arethan at antwo increased as are women who programs thathave VAbabies offersweighing Family more than 9 pounds at birth. Caregivers for support. the“Caregivers Diabetes risk test isaavailprovide valuable service for Veterans and are partners with VA in providing excellent health care. My goal
able in english and Spanish by calling the ADA at 1-800-DiABeteS is to expand Caregiver (1-800-342-2383) or online support at www. locally and to provide informadiabetes.org/alert. tion to Veterans and though the Alert is caregivers a one-day on VA and community services,” call to action, awareness about type 2Rachel diabetessaid. is important anytime of the year, soAssistance free Diabetesand riskinformatests are tion on additional are available online and byresources calling ADA also available all year long. to family caregivers A free Diabetes risk test is availthrough VA’s National Caregiver able all yearLine, long to1-877-222-VETS determine the risk Support for developing typeand 2 diabetes. (8387). Veterans caregivers with questions about the new program can contact Wendy Rachel at 985-690-6906.
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Page 8 • The
Weekly Press • Thursday, May 12, 2011
other news Louisiana Guard Rushes to Protect City from Flood Waters
Members of the Louisiana National Guard’s 927th and 928th Sapper Engineer Companies are constructing sand-filled HESCO basket barriers on top of a levee along Lake Palourde in Morgan City, La., May 10, 2011. The Guardsmen are adding three feet of protection to the levee as a precautionary measure due to possible flooding caused by the rising Mississippi River. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Michael L. Owens, 241st Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/Released)
By Sgt. Michael L. Owens 241st Mobile Public Affairs Detachment NEW ORLEANS – Soldiers of the Louisiana National Guard’s 769th Engineer Battalion are constructing sand-filled basket barriers in Morgan City, beginning May 9, as a precautionary measure to
the rising Mississippi River. Approximately 15 Guardsmen, assigned to the 927th and 928th Sapper Engineer Companies, are conducting the mission of adding three feet of protection to a levee using HESCO baskets to help protect residential areas near Lake Palourde from flooding that could occur if the Mor-
ganza Spillway is opened later this week. “Flood waters may top the levee, so we are adding three more feet to the top of the levee in an attempt to keep water out of this residential neighborhood,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher R. Samson, the non-commissioned officer in charge of the mission.
Shown in photos are the winners of the 2011 Alumni game between the Scotlandville High School Hornets and the Southern Laboratory High School Kittens. The game was held at Scotlandville High. Photo by James Terry III photojournalist
Girl Scouts Partner with Experts on Bullying to Educate Parents, Professionals at June 4 Seminar Trust Fund, the Girl Bullying – Awareness to Action seminar is being held Saturday, June 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the New Orleans Marriott Convention Center, 859 Convention Center Boulevard. “By partnering with leading experts on relational aggression (female bullying) and cyberbullying, we are using our voice to raise public awareness about the dangers of bullying and its effect on our children, particularly girls,” said Yvette Hairston, vice president of membership for Girl Scouts Louisiana East. “We are encouraging all adults, including our Girl Scout parents, to learn more about how to recognize the warning signs of a child being bullied, as well as, the tools and resources available to address this issue.”
with HESCO baskets due to miles of constructed barriers in Grand Isle and Cameron Parish in support of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill response last year. “These guys are moving fast,” said Samson. “This is a lot of work for a 15-man team, but they are working hard and the experiences they have are show-
ing in their progress.” Spc. Thomas J. Mahfouz, a combat engineer with the 928th, is from the Morgan City area and was upbeat about this mission. “This is what being a CitizenSoldier all is about,” said Mahfouz. “This is where I am from, and this mission gives me a chance to help save my hometown.”
Paul Pastorek Announces Departure from Role as State Superintendent
Alumni Basketball Game
NEW ORLEANS — News stories of teenagers committing suicide because of unrelenting episodes of bullying are becoming all too frequent as parents struggle with the fear their child could be a victim of this growing problem. While face-to-face confrontation used to be the norm, bullies now hide behind technology posting vicious attacks on social media sites and through texting. Children frequently live in silent fear, afraid of retaliation by their tormentors if they seek help from adults. Girl Scouts Louisiana East is partnering with experts on bullying to present a one-day seminar for parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals to learn more about this devastating epidemic among today’s youth. Funded in part by the Louisiana Children’s
As of Tuesday afternoon, these Guardsmen had constructed approximately 650 yards of HESCO and approximately 60 percent of them are filled with sand. The mission is to construct a total of 10,000 feet in this location. Most of these Guardsmen have much-earned experience
Breakout sessions throughout the seminar are facilitated by experts in family therapy, psychology, law enforcement, and other areas in the field of bully prevention. Keynote speaker, Dr. Allan L. Beane, internationally recognized expert, speaker, and author of The Bully Free Program, will focus on the nature of bullying, the rationale for preventing it, and the warning signs. Registration is required with a pre-registration fee of $25 per person or $35 for onsite registration. Visit the Girl Scout website at www.gsle. org to register for the seminar and for a schedule of activities. For more information, contact Yvette Hairston at 504-733-8220, ext. 2238 or gsconference@gsle. org.
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BATON ROUGE, LA - Paul Pastorek announced he will be stepping down as State Superintendent of Education later this week. After more than four years, Pastorek will be leaving the appointed post to become Chief Counsel and Corporate Secretary for EADS North America, the North American subsidiary of the world’s second largest aerospace and defense company. While the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) has not made an appointment, BESE President Penny Dastugue stated the intention of the Board is to select a replacement promptly - an individual who can ensure Louisiana remains focused on implementing critical and proven reforms. Dastugue’s commitment to reform was echoed by Governor Bobby Jindal. Governor Bobby Jindal said, “Paul has been a bold reformer who has never wavered in his support for doing what’s best for Louisiana’s kids. Because of Paul’s passion and vision for improving education in Louisiana, we’ve made historic gains in academic achievement, increasing the graduation rate and reducing the dropout rate. But as Paul is quick to point out, our work won’t be complete until every school in Louisiana is a high-performing school, every student in our state is at grade-level or better, and every high school student graduates with the ability to thrive in their college and career pursuits. We wish Paul well, and because of his leadership, we are well-positioned to build upon his success to provide our kids with the world-class education they deserve.” In Louisiana, the position of state superintendent is appointed by a two-thirds vote of BESE. State law allows BESE to extend the employment contract of the state superintendent through the term of its elected and appointed members, which will end January 9, 2012 for the current Board. In fact, Pastorek’s initial appointment was for a ten-month period, following the death of Cecil Picard. However, Pastorek, who served as a member of BESE from 1996-2004, including three years as President
of the Board, was re-appointed State Superintendent in January 2008 when a new BESE took office. In her remarks, Dastugue expressed gratitude for Pastorek’s service to children. “Pastorek’s tenure as State Superintendent was marked with urgency from the beginning, as federal, state, and local officials worked aggressively to rebuild the infrastructure of communities destroyed by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in August 2005. His aggressive approach, experience as a litigator, and ability to get things done became a hallmark in our fight to secure funding and manpower for the restoration and rebuilding of more than 200 schools across the state that were severely damaged or completely destroyed by the storms. His appointment also came on the heels of legislation and subsequent BESE decisions that resulted in the transfer of 100 New Orleans schools to the jurisdiction of the Recovery School District in 2004 and 2005,” Dastugue said. “When I was called on by Governor Blanco, Senator Landrieu, and BESE, I was an unlikely candidate,” Pastorek said. “But, we were in the midst of transforming K-12 public education. Louisiana needed a reform-minded leader, the City of New Orleans was in desperate circumstances, and the fledgling Recovery School District was teetering on the edge. We were warned it couldn’t be done, but committed to try. With Governor Blanco and Senator Landrieu’s support, Paul Vallas was hired to come to New Orleans. Paul Vallas stemmed the confusion and lack of coherence and immediately began to increase academic achievement growth at an unparalleled pace. In 2007, I never intended to stay beyond the initial ten-month time frame. Now, four years later, I can’t imagine any other path. But for everyone there is a time and place when it comes to an end, and this is my time and place. While it’s very difficult for me to leave, it’s the right thing for me and my family. I will miss working daily for the children of Louisiana. But now it is someone else’s turn to take it to the next level.”
During Pastorek’s tenure and Bobby Jindal’s term as Governor, Louisiana has passed some of the nation’s most aggressive legislative policies, including: • Act 54, which became law in 2010. The new statute, which will be fully implemented in the 2012-2013 school year, requires educators to be formally evaluated every year and evaluations for all educators to be based in part (50 percent) on the growth students make during the school year; • The removal of the state’s cap on the number of charter schools that can operate in Louisiana. Currently, there are 90 charter schools operating statewide, and 11 more are scheduled to open next school year. This represents a significant increase from 2008, when 65 charter schools were operating statewide; • The Red Tape Reduction Act, which allows school districts to waive policies, statutes and other regulations, allowing for a more productive classroom environment and increased academic achievement; • A law that required BESE to establish a letter grade policy for schools. The statute and companion policy adopted by BESE will take effect in October 2011 and for the first time attribute a letter grade to the performance of each school, in much the same way that students get a letter grade. This new grading system will replace the current star rating system. Likewise, Pastorek, who has consistently called for data-driven decision-making, has garnered an impressive report card of his own. “I want to encourage every adult who is associated with this work on behalf of school age children - to keep up the effort. In the inimitable and immortal words of Winston Churchill during those dark days when Britain was being bombed, ‘Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never - in nothing, great or small, large or petty - never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.’”