District Chronicles V15 Issue 18 by District Chronicles

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OMAR TYREE RELEASES NEW BOOK, WORKS ON 2016 MOVIE TITLE 8

US Chambers, Black entrepreneurs partner with Industrial Bank Page 3 December 31 - January 6, 2016

Anacostia rings in Kwanzaa with musical play Page 12 www.districtchronicles.com

Volume 15 Issue 18

Editorial

RushCard empowers, helps people manage money By Dr. Benjamin F Chavis Jr.

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Valerie Goodloe/NNPA News Wire

Medicare covers remarkable new device that can give seniors relief from lower back pain

he financial services industry is a vast matrix of banks, credit and debit card products, venture capitals and mortgage companies, investment firms, and many other financial institutions that compete to provide services to more than 320 million people in the United States and millions more around the world. There is a very old saying that posits: “How you manage your money will determine how well your heart will beat.” For more than 100 million African Americans and Latino Americans, that spend $2.4 trillion annually as consumers in the U.S. marketplace, the daily and hourly financial management of money is an important issue. The RushCard, developed by entertainment mogul Russell Simmons, is an effective and efficient money management tool for millions of “unbanked” and “underbanked” people throughout the United States. According to a 2014 FDIC report, 22 percent of unbanked households used a prepaid card, compared with 13 percent of underbanked households. Simmons is a global entrepreneur. He continues to have the highest possible integrity and commitment to help people improve their quality of life. His entrance into the financial services industry was timely and providential. For over the past 10 years the RushCard has steadily emerged as an invaluable money management prepaid debit card for hundreds of thousands of card users across the nation. RushCard is owned by Simmons’ company, UniRush, LLC. Notwithstanding recent computer software glitches that have now been resolved concerning the use of the RushCard, it is my opinion that the RushCard today will be a productive and very useful prepaid debit card to use for each member of your family. Why? First, the RushCard meets the Visa Clear Prepaid standards for clearly communicated fees and consumer protections. Secondly, if you go to www. RushCard.com, you will find that there is a user-friendly online pro-

Simmons developed the RushCard to help millions of unbanked, underbankded Americans.

cess that explains how you can apply for the prepaid debit card. The mission of the RushCard is publicly affirmed to “Empower our members by providing products and services that enable them to achieve control and realize their personal hopes and financial goals.” Thirdly, the RushCard has been around longer than most prepaid cards and has achieved a number of “innovative firsts” in the industry to better serve its card users including but not limited to the following: One of the first prepaid cards to offer direct deposit; One of the first prepaid cards to offer check-writing capabilities to its members; One of the first prepaid cards to offer cash loading at more than 35,000 MoneyGram® locations, nationwide; and One of the first prepaid cards to offer comprehensive money management tools that make it easier to track balances, create monthly budgets, and analyze spending. My family members use the RushCard because it is user friendly, but importantly, we use

the RushCard because of Simmons’ trustworthy leadership in the financial services industry. The Consumer Report recently named the RushCard the 4th highest rated prepaid card used as a substitute for a bank account. Simmons recently stated, “As a thank you for sticking with us and to support your cash needs during the upcoming holiday season, we’ve declared a Fee Holiday Season, meaning from November 1, 2015 to February 29, 2016, you can use your RushCard without incurring any fees from our Fee Schedule. You don’t need to take any extra steps to participate in this special offer. Just pull out your RushCard and use it for all of your holiday needs.” The no-fees for use of the RushCard applies to both current and new RushCard holders. Again, we all should strive to get better control over how we manage our money. I have found that using the RushCard does in fact help to manage savings, investments and spending. Financial empowerment will be the result of proper financial management. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is the President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA).

Black businessmen stand up for using Black-owned banks

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Ashlei Sutton

It’s all smiles after these Black entrepreneurs opened accounts at Black-owned Industrial Bank.

By Hazel Trice Edney (TriceEdneyWire.com) – In a strategic effort to continue circulating dollars in the Black community to every extent possible, a group of Black male entrepreneurs led by the U.S. Black Chambers Inc. (USBC) has opened accounts with the D.C.-based, Black-owned Industrial Bank. “In order for there to be a strong Black America, you must have strong Black businesses. In order for there to be strong Black businesses, we must have strong Black banks,” said USBC CEO Ron Busby Sr. “So, from my standpoint, this is just a reciprocation for what Industrial Bank has done for our communities for the last 80 years. There’s a trillion dollars of spending power in our community and we want to make sure that dollar stays within our community.” The 15 young men who gathered in Industrial Bank’s lobby are members of the Black Male Entrepreneurship Institute (BMEI),

which is in partnership with the USBC. The meeting took on a celebratory mode as Industrial President/CEO Doyle Mitchell congratulated Busby for his influence. “I’m just humbled at the presence of mind that you have displayed since you first came to town and started taking a leadership role with the Chamber of Commerce and came to Industrial Bank and made a $5,000 deposit. You put your money where your mouth is,” said Mitchell. “Our only solution for us to get out of the situation that we are in as Black people is Black on Black economics.” Busby recalled that when he made that $5,000 deposit five years ago, he was intentionally choosing Black businesses in every area of his life. Buying a house at the time, he said he made sure he had a Black mortgage company, title company, home inspector, pest control company, and moving company Since then, Busby

has become a leading advocate for support of Black banks and Black-owned businesses. In that regard, USBC has now launched an ongoing fundraising effort for the BMEI, co-founded by Randall Keith Benjamin, Jr. and Howard R. Jean, who accompanied the young entrepreneurs to the bank. “This is bigger than just a moment or taking pictures. It’s about how can we go out of our way to make sure that our communities are as strong as possible,” said Benjamin. According to Jean, a BMEI reception and launch will take place Jan. 15, 2016 “We know that our community banks are the strongest funder of small businesses, particularly Black businesses in the community,” said Jean. “So this is our campaign, starting here at the Industrial Bank in Washington, DC as we launch nationally with BME to encourage and inspire other entrepreneurs – male and female – of all ages to start banking Black.”

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he District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) is starting the year 2016 by funding another development in Southeast, Washington, D.C. The Agency finalized the issuance of $3.4 million long term and $3.2 million short-term DCHFA tax-exempt bonds for the construction of Bowen Flats in Ward 8. The investment in this new apartment complex also includes $5.1 million in low income housing tax credit equity. The financing of Bowen Flats furthers the DCHFA investment in affordable housing in Ward 8. There are currently eight projects in development in Southeast, representing an additional $173 million in DCHFA bond debt and $344 million in total development activity. So far 222 units in three projects have been delivered, representing $80.1 million in total development activity completed in the last four months. “Historically, Ward 8 has been a hub for affordable housing,” said Maria K. Day-Marshall, interim ex-

The 41 unit Bowen Flats development off Bowen road (top) is one of several affordable housing initiatives the DCHFA is committed to in 2016.

ecutive director of DCHFA. “This agency is committed to ensuring that not only affordable housing continues to be available in Ward 8 but that quality housing is accessible for all residents at affordable rates.” The Neighborhood Development Company is the principal developer of Bowen Flats, which will consist of 41 units of housing in a three story, newly constructed apartment building at 2620 Bowen Road. The building will consist of one, two and three bedroom units. Twenty parking spaces will be provided to residents at no cost. The project is located less than a mile from the Anacostia Metro station and near the Barry Farm neighborhood. Barry Farm is being redeveloped as part of the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development’s New

Communities Initiative, which was designed to revitalize severely distressed subsidized housing and redevelop neighborhoods into vibrant mixed-income communities. Through its Public Finance division, DCHFA issues tax-exempt housing mortgage revenue bonds to lower the developers’ costs of acquiring, constructing and rehabilitating rental housing. The agency offers private for-profit and non-profit developers low cost construction and permanent financing that supports the new construction, acquisition and rehabilitation of affordable rental housing in the District. The District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency was established in 1979 to stimulate and expand homeownership and rental housing opportunities in Washington, D.C.

Divine Intervention

Bible’s values take a beating in latest GOP debate By David Gushee Religion News Service

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In the last GOP presidential debate in Las Vegas, Gov. Chris Christie was given a chance to answer a recorded question from a young lady who wanted to know how biblical teaching about caring for orphans aligned with GOP talk about banning all Syrian refugees. It was a fascinating test for the American political party that so often makes explicit references to Christian faith and values – especially in a debate in which much of the conversation centered on religion, in this case radicalized versions of Islam. The question applied equally well to the subject of the entire debate: national security and counterterrorism strategy. Would Christian values in any form be considered in the development of such policies? Would it be appropriate for them to be considered by a president of the United States? The answer appeared to be a flat “no.” Christie simply said that the first responsibility of the president is to protect Americans. Until security officials can develop a vetting process for refugees that is 100 percent foolproof in preventing even a single terrorist from slipping in under that cover, we cannot welcome them. And as if to demonstrate his biblical chops, he said that the Bible calls for looking after widows, too, but that we saw in San Bernardino that women can be terrorists. So national security trumps biblical demands for compassion to widows and orphans. Sen. Rand Paul later took up the issue with a different, more Libertarian answer. He said that compassion is perfectly appropriate in private and charitable affairs; e.g., giving money to church programs that help people. But the government is not a charitable organization. It is inappropriate to tax people in order to offer charity. These answers point to an underlying theory about the role of government, the role of faith in public life and the integration of faith in the particular life of a Christian government official. To wit: the role of government is

All Cases Considered

Latest GOP debate shows Christian values taking the backseat dealing with refugees.

to secure the people from serious threat or harm. The role of faith in public life does not include shaping government policy. The moral demands of Christian faith, such as charity and compassion, do not apply to government officials in their public responsibilities, but only in their private lives. This means that the Christian politician must be a religious and ethical dualist, a bifurcated soul. In public life, the Christian politician sets aside biblical teachings. In private life, however, she or he tries to practice them. They apply only to the inner, spiritual, charitable or religious dimension of life. They do not apply to what the government official does all day, which is to make and execute policy. There are at least three reasons why no Christian GOP candidate would have answered the faith question in a way that outlined the actual theory underlying the approach most of them were articulating. First, they might not have known that’s the theory they were operating from.

Second, they would not have wanted to admit to themselves or their voters that their belief in Jesus does not extend to applying most of his teachings in public life. Third, they would not have wanted to explain why their bracketing off of biblical teachings from a government’s public responsibility does not apply to other policy matters, such as abortion, marriage and family law. My own view is that any airtight ethical dualism is ruled out by a robust belief in the sovereignty of God over all of life. For Christians, it is also ruled out by our belief in Christ as Lord over every aspect of our lives. This means that a Christian government official who takes her faith seriously will constantly be struggling with the tensions between the demands of Jesus and the demands of office. Dr. David Gushee is Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics and Director of the Center for Theology and Public Life at Mercer University. He is also the author or editor of 20 books in his field.

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District Chronicles | Dec. 31 - Jan. 6, 2016 | 5

Cover

Family improves lives of youth with special needs

Special to the Trice Edney News Wire from the Richmond Free Press

tual disabilities sang, danced, displayed art, played the piano and guitar and even preached. Pam said she and her family pour their hearts and souls into the effort “because we want to celebrate an often overlooked community. We don’t think it’s a punishment, an accident or a curse to be affected or have a loved one affected by special needs. We consider it a true appointment by God and we take it seriously. The bottom line is I’m so glad God chose me to be inspired by a child with autism.” She said the faith-based service is designed to be welcoming to all performers and includes a wide array of acts for the audience to enjoy. Jordan Ohree, an 18-year-old autistic youth who graduated last year from Varina High School, served as master of ceremonies at the service. He also earned intern of the week honors this month through Project Search at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital in Henrico County. Perry called the showcase event “an awesome thing that allows people with special needs to perform and feel good at the same

time.” “It’s important to them for the community to show their support and to let the people that care for them to know that they can be a part of something special like this,” he added. J.P. brought down the house last year when he concluded the show by performing “Is This the End” by New Edition. He plans to sing “Got to Be There” by Michael Jackson during the event.

“I like performing,” said Sydnee who sang “Glory” by John Legend and Common. “It’s nice to do it because I’m looking at family. If I mess up, it’s going to be OK because kids won’t make fun of me.” In order to cover the cost of the venue and the food after the service, JP JumPers Foundation has a GoFundMe campaign to raise $3,500. To donate, go to www.gofundme.com/2015JPJFgivingTree.

nals of Gerontology: Series B. To study whether the program affects loneliness, Thomas analyzed data from a randomized, controlled trial. More than 600 study participants in eight cities who were on Meals on Wheels waiting lists were either given access to daily fresh meal delivery, weekly frozen meal delivery, or simply remained on the waiting list as a control group. The study staff interviewed seniors in all three groups (daily delivery, weekly delivery, or continued waiting) at the beginning of the 15-week study and again at the end so they could measure how the seniors’ responses changed. The researchers assessed feelings of loneliness at both times with two measures: a standard three-question scale and a separate single question: “Do services received from the homedelivered meals program help you feel less lonely?” No one to call

At the beginning of the study there were no statistically significant differences among the three study groups in their degree of loneliness by either measure. On the loneliness scale from zero to nine with higher scores indicating greater loneliness, members of each group on average scored between three and four. But other study data revealed that many of the participants were socially isolated. More than half lived alone, 14 percent reported having no one to call on for help, 25 percent reported participating group activities, and 20 percent had contact with friends and family less than once or twice a month. “The number of people who reported they had no one to call on for help is a cause for concern,” said Thomas, a former Meals on Wheels delivery volunteer. How loneliness makes us sick The study results vary by the loneliness measure, but both methods showed that meal deliv-

ery reduced self-reported feelings of loneliness to a statistically significant degree, compared to not receiving delivery. The measures of significance persisted even after the researchers statistically adjusted for possibly confounding factors such as race, income, age, education, living alone, participation in group activities, and contact with friends or family. After 15 weeks, for example, the average loneliness score of people who did not receive meals was 4.17 but for those who received either weekly or daily delivery it was 3.44. The singlequestion measure, meanwhile, revealed a difference among people who received daily vs. weekly delivery. Daily recipients were three times more likely than weekly recipients to indicate that home-delivered meal service helped them feel less lonely. Budget for services The study is one of few to rigorously examine the long-

presumed psychological benefits of home-delivered meal service, Thomas said. She believes it is the first randomized, controlled trial to assess the effect on loneliness, which has been linked by many studies to a greater risk for medical problems, emergency department visits, and nursing home placement. Expanded Meals on Wheels could save $109 million Thomas said she hopes the study results will be useful as policymakers continue to evaluate the budget and structure of public and private programs that serve the elderly in their homes. “In a time when resources are being further constrained and demand is increasing, it is important that we have evidence that guides decision-making in terms of what services to provide and how best to provide them,” Thomas said.

Sandra Sellars

(TriceEdneyWire.com) – Helping those in the special needs community is a way of life for the Mines family of Chesterfield County, Virginia. Through advocacy efforts and by organizing programs designed to showcase the talents of those in the special needs community, the Mines family seeks to improve the quality of life for people with mental and physical disabilities and other special challenges. It’s a labor of love for the tight-knit family of five that has two children with special needs. The mother, Pam, is founder and executive director of the nonprofit JP JumPers Foundation that she named after her 11-year-old son, J.P. who is autistic and has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The Chesterfieldbased organization seeks to “positively impact families affected by autism, special needs and unique circumstances,” according to its website. Pam was honored for her advocacy for the disabled and for her work to get a bill passed by the

General Assembly two years ago known as “J.P.’s Law,” after her son, that would allow the Virginia DMV to add a code to driver’s licenses and other IDs to help law enforcement officers be aware of an individual’s diagnosis. She and her husband, Perry, also care for their adopted 13-yearold god-niece, Sydnee, who has neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder of the nervous system, as well as ADHD and is blind in her left eye. They adopted the honor roll student in 2010, after her mother died from complications related to neurofibromatosis. The Mines’ 13-year-old daughter, Michelle, is typically developed with no special needs. Perry fuels his desire to help others by mentoring at-risk youth through his company, Luv’em Like Mines Youth Services in Chesterfield County. The Third Annual Christmas Special Needs Worship Service was held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20 at a local high school. There, in an array of performances that evoked tears and cheers from audience members, children and adults with special needs ranging from autism and cerebral palsy to Down’s Syndrome and intellec-

United by love and wearing their JP JumPers Foundation Santa hats, the Mines family gets into the holiday spirit at their Chesterfield County home.

Meals on Wheels brings food, cuts loneliness

By David Orenstein

(TriceEdneyWire.com) – When Congress passed the Older Americans Act in 1965 to support elderly people who were struggling – often alone – to continue to live at home, a major plank of the legislation provided for home delivery of meals. A newly published study confirms another benefit of visitors regularly knocking on the doors of seniors in need: a significant reduction in their feelings of loneliness. “This continues to build the body of evidence that home-delivered meals provide more than nutrition and food security,” said study lead author Kali Thomas, assistant professor (research) of health services, policy and practice in the Brown University School of Public Health and a researcher at the Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The results appear online in the Jour-

6 | Dec. 31 - Jan. 6, 2016 | District Chronicles

David Orenstein is a science news officer at Brown University.

NBCI president says Trump ‘needs to drop out’

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The National Black Church Initiative (NBCI), a faith-based coalition of 34,000 churches, cannot sit by and allow GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump to verbally assault every ethnic group that makes up the fabric of our country, said the Rev. Anthony Evans. “He has assaulted Blacks, Mexicana, Latino, Muslims and anyone who he believed is not contributing to America or not American,” said Rev. Evans, president of the NBCI. “For whatever reason, he has assaulted everyone except for poor Whites. Donald Trump is clearly dividing us by giving one group of American a false sense of superiority thus indicating the rest of us are un-American. “Furthermore, Donald Trump calls himself a Christian, but his behavior toward fellow Americans has been un-Christian and uncharitable and, in some cases, downright evil. The Black Church will not stand for this type of derogatory behavior and remains unafraid of Donald Trump and his hatefilled rhetoric. Our history shows the Black Church has collectively fought to overcome racism and racist ideology and people. Through the compelling use of moral goodness, prayers, and votes, we the Black Church have paralyzed and immobilized racist and immoral giants. We will do the same with regards to Donald Trump,” he continued. “Thus, for the sake of the collective good of the American society, we believe Donald Trump should drop out the race for the 2016 Republican Party Presidential Primaries. He is not good for America. While freedom of speech allows him some leverage in affording him some rights to be able to say anything he wants, we also have the right to oppose him. … He is the biggest racist since Bull Conner and we believe Donald Trump should drop out the race. He added: “As you might recall, Bull Conner was determined to kill or lock up every Black that spoke against his racist concept of America. Similarly, Donald Trump believes that he can rid America of everyone who does not agree with his fascist ideology,” he said. Here is Trump in his own

Politics

NBCI president has had enough of the hateful rhetoric coming from Donald Trump.

words: On illegal immigrants (June): “When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending the best. They’re not sending you, they’re sending people that have lots of problems and they’re bringing those problems. They’re bringing drugs, they’re bringing crime. They’re rapists and some, I assume, are good people, but I speak to border guards and they’re telling us what we’re getting.” On John McCain’s war record (July): “He’s not a war hero ... He’s a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured.” On Megyn Kelly as a debate moderator (August): “You could see there was blood coming out of her eyes. Blood coming out of her wherever.” On blaming George W. Bush for 911 (October): “When you talk about George Bush, I mean, say what you want, the World Trade Center came down during his time.” On falsely recalling “thousands” of people celebrating on 911 (November): “I watched when the

World Trade Center came tumbling down, and I watched in Jersey City, New Jersey, where thousands and thousands of people were cheering as that building was coming down.” “Donald Trump is a cancer on our democracy and the pervasiveness of this cancer must be cut out using the fervent tools of prayer, votes, and moral authority. The Black Church has to exercise its moral authority by speaking against this ugliness of the rhetoric expressed by Trump. We must be to not let him destroy this great America experiment for humanity,” said Rev. Evans. “The Black Church prays for the responsiveness and attentiveness of congregants and to utilize the power of the vote to remove Donald Trump from those contenders vying for highest office in our great land. We can all disagree with everyone without undermining the humanity of anyone. Donald Trump does not meet the basic litmus test.” The National Black Church Initiative (NBCI) is a coalition of 34,000 African-American and Latino churches working to eradicate racial disparities in healthcare, technology, education, housing, and the environment. Visit our website at www.naltblackchurch. com.

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Arts and Entertainment

Omar Tyree: Shooting from the hip, pen and soon, the screen

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Omar Tyree is riding high on the sweet smell of success. With 28 titles written and published since penning his first novel, “The Diary of a Freshman” at age 23, we are not surprised that he is one of the most recognizable names in modern African-American literature. Tyree’s latest book, “All Access,” is about the intrusive world of having too much access to our individual lives. Tyree explained, “With the technology of social media: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, we witness people doing similar things when you are allowed into their world – inside their house, inside their dorm rooms, inside their bathrooms. It’s become the new norm. So, I asked the question, ‘How much of your private life are you willing to expose for fame?’ That is what they’re seeking. They want to become famous from their exposure. That’s the book that I wanted to write,” said Tyree. “I created a broadcast journalist, who is given an all-access-pass into the life of a guy who is always getting in trouble.” The book is centered around the two fictional characters, Judy

Pierce an Atlanta broadcast news anchor and Shawn Blake, a temperamental superstar who constantly finds himself in precarious situations which bring drama into his personal life. Tyree poses the questions, how much exposure is too much exposure? “When you see that lifestyle mixed with a ‘normal’ lifestyle, you can see how quickly it can escalate,” he said. “The reality is that most people on reality shows are viewed as crazy anyway and those who have been in the industry are known as such within their family. However, if you’re a normal person and your family calls up to ask ‘What is this X, Y and Z, I heard that you were doing?’ that’s not normal. So, I wanted to give people a taste of that and flip it on its head and take it to the extreme.” Over 300 of Tyree’s articles have appeared in Black publications over the years as a columnist. His books have generated 2.5 million copies, sold worldwide bringing close to $30 million over his career span. Tyree likes to describe his approach as an inside look at realism with a touch of street swagger and truth. Tyree enthusiastically breaks down his books. “Every single book that I’ve published, I can sum up in one subjective word. ‘Fly Girl’ is about ma-

terialism. ‘Do Right Man’ is about integrity. ‘Single Mom’ is about family. ‘Sweet St. Louis’ is about love. ‘For the Love of Money’ is about art. ‘Just Say No’ is about indulgence. ‘Leslie’ is about poverty. ‘Diary of a Groupie’ is about being opportunistic and ‘What They Want’ is about sexuality,” said Tyree. Just like independent music artists, writers find themselves doing a great deal of the heavy lifting. However, writers like Tyree see this movement as an asset and not a liability. Both Code Black Productions and Lions Gate Films have picked up the film production of Tyree’s classic “Fly Girl” trilogy starring notable actress, Sanaa Lathan which is slated for a late 2016 release. “This whole thing now is about my execution. Just knowing that I have a film coming out next year is like riding a tidal wave with my new book as my back up. I want to get out in front of the wave so that I can control it then I can roll out a new OTI book,” he smiles confidently. “I got this old brick truck coming behind me, it’s like when you’re picking a fight because you know you have 50 cousins coming – that’s what I’m doing right now and I’m feeling great.”

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Miscellaneous Protect your family with term life insurance – free quote – Rates are at all time lows. Shop your current plan and save $$$. $250,000 Or more in coverage available. Smokers rates too. Call 866 519 8376 Join the gold and silver rush. Invest in gold and silver coins. Free investors kit and dvd. 800 978 3903 Do you need advice? Got a relationship problem? Talk to a Psychic advisor. 10 Minutes of talk time is only $10. Call 24/7. 800 568 8299 Buried in debt? Now you can get out of high credit card debt And save thousands. Free consultation. 800 617 5145 Got water problems in your basement? Make it dry and a great Place to live in. Get your free dry basement science book now. Call for details. 800 515 4035

Wanted to Buy CASH PAID- up to $25/Box for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. 1-DAYPAYMENT.1-800-371-1136 Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201

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Buying classifeds just got easier. Log on to districtchronicles.com and click “Classifieds.” Earn FREE print classifieds when you purchase online. Call (202) 806-9401 Buy classifieds at districtchronicles.com Are your student loan payments too high? You can lower your Payments and save money. Call now for a free student loan Reduction review. 800 291 2865 Make a Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call NOW: 1-888909-9905 18+. New Year, New Career - AVIATION Grads work with American, Boeing, Southwest and others- Get hands on maintenance training. Financial aid if qualified. Call AIM 866-453-6204 ADVERTISE to 10 Million Homes across the USA! Place your ad in over 140 community newspapers, with circulation totaling over 10 million homes. Contact Independent Free Papers of America IFPA at danielleburnett-ifpa@live.com or visit our website cadnetads.com for more information.

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District Chronicles | Dec. 31 - Jan. 6, 2016 | 9

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In the Neighborhood

Metro Briefs: Notable news in and around Washington

marylnad.gov

Gov. Larry Hogan will provide funds that will create jobs in local communities by revitalizing old neighborhoods.

Prince George’s Neighborhood revitalization, job creation to get $11 million boost

ore than $11 million will be awarded to local jurisdictions through three of the state’s most effective job creation and neighborhood revitalization programs, Gov. Larry Hogan announced this week. “My administration is committed to revitalizing Maryland’s older communities,” said Hogan, who will provide funds to Community Legacy, the Strategic Demolition fund and the Baltimore Regional Neighborhoods Initiative. “These grants will help local communities make necessary improvements while paving the way for additional public and private investments in their neighborhoods and along their streets.” Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

Secretary Kenneth C. Holt added, “The Hogan administration is committed to providing restoration and operational capital to those older communities across Maryland whose infrastructure requires immediate attention and repair. We will rely on community leaders and organizations to indicate their most pressing needs and we will respond with quick and effective support.” The Community Legacy program provides local governments and community development organizations with resources for essential projects aimed at strengthening communities through activities such as business retention and attraction, encouraging homeownership and commercial revitalization. Fifty-five projects in 19 counties and Baltimore City received a total of $6 million in Community Legacy grants in fiscal year 2016. The Strategic Demolition fund is aimed at providing a catalyst to projects that accelerate economic development and job production in Maryland’s sustainable communities. Funding provides assistance for critical pre-development activi-

ties such as demolition and land assembly in order to attract needed public and private investment to revitalization projects. The administration is awarding $2.075 million to nine projects. The Baltimore Regional Neighborhoods Initiative is aimed at bringing back the vitality and increasing the ability of older neighborhoods to attract new homeowners and businesses. The awards will advance the comprehensive revitalization plans and strategic partnerships put in place by local neighborhood leaders and stakeholders. The awards of over $3 million for fiscal year 2016 will leverage an estimated $49 million in public, private and philanthropic investments. Of the $11 million, $1.28 million will go toward Prince George’s County projects. To find out more details about awardees, visit: https://news. maryland.gov/dhcd/2015/12/29/ hogan-administration-to-investmore-than-11-million-to-help-revitalize-downtowns-strengthencommunities/.

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In the Neighborhood Kwanzaa kicks off with Bone Soup musical at Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum

Robert Eubanks/District Chronicles

Robert Eubanks/DistrictChronicles

Robert Eubanks/District Chronicles

Robert Eubanks/DistrictChronicles

Robert Eubanks/District Chronicles

Medicare covers remarkable new device that can give seniors relief from lower back pain

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Results not typical and may vary. Not all patients qualify. Product covered in full with payment by primary and secondary insurance. Warranty and restrictions apply.

12 | Dec. 31 - Jan. 6, 2016 | District Chronicles