art of being tuareg
Transcription
art of being tuareg
IN THIS ISSUE . . . COVER: ART OF BEING TUAREG: SAHARA NOMADS IN A MODERN WORLD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1, 12–13 Around the Nation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Africa Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Around the Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6–7 Capital Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8–9 Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10–11 Health & Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14–15 Community News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Arts & Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17–19 Sports & Recreation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Business News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21, 23 Classified Ads/Bids & Proposals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22–23 VOLUME XVI, NUMBER 42 Imaging the Politics, Culture, and Events of Our Times Carroll County Howard County Baltimore Annapolis Montgomery County Loudoun County Fauquier County Fairfax County Prince William County Anne Arundel County D.C. Arlington County Prince George’s County Alexandria Spotsylvania County Stafford County Fredericksburg Charles County Westmoreland County Richmond October 19, 2007 ART OF BEING TUAREG: SAHARA NOMADS IN A MODERN WORLD Visit us on the web at www.metroherald.com See page 12–13 for more October 19, 2007 THE METRO HERALD NEWSPAPER The Metro Herald, a resource of Davis Communications Group, Inc., is published weekly. The Metro Herald is a member of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, the Virginia Press Association, and the Newspaper Association of America. PUBLISHER/EXECUTIVE EDITOR/ MANAGING EDITOR Paris D. Davis ART DIRECTOR/WEBMASTER Glenda S. King EXECUTIVE MANAGER Gregory Roscoe, Jr. ASSISTANT TO THE EDITOR Daisy E. Cole SENIOR BUSINESS & SECURITY CORRESPONDENT Rodney S. Azama Regular subscription rate: $75/year for home delivery. Single issue price: $.75 For advertising information and rates, call (703) 548-8891, or visit www.MetroHerald.com. 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Circulation: 42,000 copies per week Certified by Dasai Group, CPA To obtain a one-year subscription, please send a check or money order for $75 to: The Metro Herald 901 North Washington Street, Suite 603 Alexandria, VA 22314 Name: _________________________________ Address: _______________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ Phone (optional): ________________________ 2 Editorial T oo often the minister of a church that is filled to capacity with members of his or her congregation preaches to empty pews of fully dressed people. They are there to touch their God through osmosis. It is because, more often than not, people who are so tuned in to today’s social and economic issues are turned off from the banality of spent solutions. They know full well that man solves human problems through greed and human selectivity. During the Middle Ages, the church, in addition to being the personal representative of God, was also the inured of social, economic, and political policies for the state. In other words, the church made policy on just about everything. It also enforced those policies and punished all those who broke or disobeyed those policies—in the name of God. Today, long after America, through its Constitution, separated the church from the state, some religious leaders are now trying to define the pericap of their interpretation of religious biases, not from the Bible, but from images and viewpoints. Churches are the panacea for nothing. They are here on earth to do the bidding for the madras of voices who speak with their hands and not their voices. Churches need to teach pantheism and not the percussions of regional folklore according to the world of reincarnation of the Middle Ages. Churches are responsible for informing refulgence of God’s work, not the regicide of his word. Religion is becoming as confusing as politics. Churches have gotten to be a rhinoceros of dictums, fauceting apocalyptic religious apoplexy, stopping only for a TV commercial or an Amen. People now leave their peace of mind on the sidewalk just prior to ascending the steps to God’s house. Churches are now more diversified and prolific than talk shows. If you flip enough channels on your TV, you are bound to find your religious refuge. God’s emissaries promenade their words more as threats than encouragement to do God’s work. More often than not, after the service, as you descend the last step leading away from the church, the first thing you pick up, creased against the step and sidewalk, is your mind . . . wishing it were possible to exchange your dry mind for dry clothing. In most cases most men have a private reserve in their souls where only they can visit. It is chiseled out with mind-thoughts of a private god and a religious soul that only pass through churches and other religious places on the way to their personal sanctuary. Western women and men are more literate about religion. They understand that the war is good against evil—not religion against religion. There is no emeritus of religion. More wars are being fought today in the name of religion than politics. Just look around us in Europe, South America, Africa, India, and other places—ALL in the name of God. In America the abortion issue is a religious issue. No middle-class white man or others will be allowed to show Saint Peter his or her color photo of being hogtied and carted off to jail as being credentialized for admittance to the other side of the pearly gates. The number of arrests do not constitute a winning entrylevel cribbage game. Religion has become more divisive than it is healing. Religion now, in some cases, desecrates the intent of God in the name of God. People are confused. Cultism is now replacing established religions all over the world as alternatives. Some of these extreme groups seek to redefine society in the name of desultory religious correctness. There is no doubt that for some, their eyes are imaging a perverse kind of religious deus ex machina; God can be realized simply by the on and off switch of living color on your television set. Of course, the solutions to the mixed signals the different religious sects are sending their assemblages must be fixed by the church. One of the correct things about our government is that it does not want nor try to interfere with the church. Churches, like any other element of society, have a right to protest. The church does not have the right, in my opinion, to be God, nor to determine issues that are better resolved by individuals or the state. Churches should be places to prepare souls for God and not minds for war. The churches in America, up until recently, were collectively on the side of right. Perhaps we have reached a world state where religion is too important to be left for the church—and individuals must build churches in their minds and not their communities . . . PDD THE METRO HERALD October 19, 2007 THE METRO HERALD 3 AROUND THE NATION October 19, 2007 HUD AWARDS GRANTS TO FIGHT HOUSING DISCRIMINATION 50 MILLION POUND CHALLENGE Debra R. Collins D r. Ian Smith’s 50 Million Pound Challenge is rallying Oaklanders to take control of their health and give up the pounds to fight the epidemic of excess weight taking so many lives across the community. Backed by African-American leaders and sponsored by State Farm®, The Challenge is in Oakland on the 13th stop of its national kickoff tour, helping people get fit, lose weight and save lives with free tips, tools and now Challenge Teams. One of the most far-reaching initiatives of its kind, The Challenge is an historic campaign by the AfricanAmerican community that has taken on 234,194 participants in its first six months and taken off 848,672 pounds. To encourage Oaklanders to make healthier lifestyle choices, a star-studded cast joins Dr. Ian on Saturday, Oct. 20 for a free afternoon of music, fitness and fun at Oakland’s Lake Merritt. Ap- pearing are Grammy-nominated gospel singer Kelly Price, R&B singer Raheem DeVaughn, rapper Slick Rick and DJ Biz Markie. Golden State Warriors point guard Baron Davis will also be on hand to sign autographs. Along with the live entertainment, attendees can get free health screenings, learn more about The Challenge, sign up for the initiative, start or join one of 2,240 new Challenge Teams, and accompany Dr. Ian on a Challenge walk. They can also take free eshots photos to keep as “before” shots to show their progress “after” reaching their weight-loss goals. Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums is also encouraging city residents to take control of their health. “The health and vitality of our residents is essential to the future of our City’s overall prosperity,” said Mayor Dellums. “By collectively addressing the health disparities stemming from excess weight, we will advance a vital area of our Model City agenda.” Residents are encouraged to visit 50millionpounds.com to join Team Oakland and start tracking their progress together. “Too many people are dying too young, too early from preventable weight-related illnesses,” said Dr. Ian. “We face an epidemic that affects all Americans, especially the AfricanAmerican community where lives are being cut five years shorter than the US average. The good news is people are listening to our vow to ‘give up the pounds, not the fight.’ They’re signing on and teaming up to take control of their health. We gained the weight together; we can lose it together. We can reverse these trends and turn the epi- NRT LLC AND NCRC RENEW PARTNERSHIP TO PROMOTE FAIR HOUSING PRACTICES NATIONWIDE T he National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) and NRT LLC, the nation’s largest residential real estate brokerage, today announced an expansion of their strategic alliance to promote best fair housing practices to real estate sales associates and consumers in more than 35 major metropolitan areas where NRT operates. At the core of the agreement is the belief that championing fair housing best practices not only strengthens communities, it also makes good business sense. The new three-year agreement is an extension of a partnership that began in May 2006. As part of that agreement, NCRC and NRT collaborated to design and roll out fair housing training across NRT’s national family of companies, and reviewed and assessed NRT’s fair housing policies and practices to reinforce equal professional service to all consumers. Building on the educational focus of the initial agreement, the new agreement identifies strategies for furthering its goal of equal housing opportunity, including community outreach plans, public information campaigns as well as continuing to incorporate fair housing principles in the company’s day-today operations. To date, more than 54,000 of NRT’s 59,000 sales associates from approximately 1,000 offices across the country have completed the training, which is now a mandatory component of orientation for newly hired associates. In addition, during the initial agreement, NRT developed a Fair Housing Policies and Practice Manual for sales associates to promote equal and profes- 4 sional service to consumers in all channels of NRT’s real estate brokerage business. “Our new agreement is a partnership in the truest sense of the word,” said Judy Reeves, executive vice president and COO for NRT LLC. “NCRC’s long history as an advocate and expert in the area of fair housing, combined with NRT’s coast to coast presence in major metropolitan areas, gives us the ability to reach into these areas and underscore important messages. No other partnership within the real estate industry can do that.” “NRT’s ongoing commitment to fair housing makes it a best practices leader in the real estate industry,” said John Taylor, President and CEO of NCRC. “NRT’s collaboration with NCRC in our National Fair Housing Best Practice Campaign significantly reinforces our goal that every home seeker who visits an NRT affiliated office can expect equal professional service and work with a real estate professional who celebrates equal housing opportunity so that they may live in the neighborhood of their choice.” The National Community Reinvestment Coalition is an association of nearly 600 community based institutions that promote access to credit to create and sustain affordable housing and viable communities for America’s working families. NCRC established its National Best Practices Campaign to celebrate voluntary compliance initiatives between NCRC and real estate brokerage companies, housing providers, lenders, mortgage insurers, securitizers and appraisers throughout the nation. demic of excess weight into a culture of healthy living. Take the Challenge. It’s free. It’s fun. The reward is worth the weight—it can save your life, and you’ll look and feel great!” A new study in the New England Journal of Medicine finds close friends and family set a powerful example for each other-they gain weight together but can also lose it together. The Challenge aims to reach its 50 million pound goal by making it easier for millions to fight the epidemic of excess weight threatening half all Americans. Today, 135 million Americans and two in three adults are overweight, double the rate a few decades ago. Each week, 10,000 die from heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer and other illnesses tied to inactivity and diet. The African-American community is especially hard hit: 80% of women and 67% of men face higher risk, and life expectancy is five years below the US average. To fight back, The Challenge has enlisted leaders across the community, national civic and health organizations like the American Diabetes Association, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, 100 Black Men of America, National Urban League and American Council on Exercise, and is hosting a 14-city kick-off tour to call attention to the issue. Challenge champion and gospel/ soul star Kelly Price said: “Life is a gift God gave us. We need to guard it well, because it can go away too quickly. The Challenge is a welcome alarm telling us it’s time to take control of our health. Losing weight and getting fit is never easy. It takes determination and faith to climb the mountain. The Challenge gives us a guide to get to our destination. The view from the top makes it all worthwhile.” Signing up for The Challenge is easy. Anyone can join at 50millionpounds.com, an online community and go-to resource that tallies the total pounds lost by everyone taking The Challenge. Free tips and tools make it easier to get fit and reach your healthy weight-there’s even a private personal weight tracker to help measure your progress. Free Challenge kits have a CD and brochure from Dr. Ian, menu and fitness advice and a pedometer to count steps. The Challenge is serious about helping people get healthy and reaching the one million pound milestone by the end of the kick-off tour Nov. 24. As an incentive, it’s giving participants who update their online weight trackers or get others to join a chance to win a free trip to the State Farm Bayou Classic in New Orleans-the tour’s final stop. For more details, go to 50millionpounds.com. BLACK FACT On October 19, 1960, Martin Luther King, Jr., was arrested in Atlanta at a sit-in and was ordered to serve four months in the Georgia State Prison for violating a probated traffic sentence. T he Department of Housing and Urban Development today awarded 88 grants totaling $17.1 million to recipients in 37 states and the District of Columbia to help fight housing discrimination. Additionally, HUD awarded $1 million to New America Media, a division of Pacific News Service, to develop the Department’s first coordinated national media campaign to educate the public about discriminatory lending. New America Media has engaged the creative team of Impact Strategies, LLC, and Equals Three Communications to produce television, radio, and print advertisements. “Last year there were a record 10,328 housing discrimination complaints filed with HUD and its state and local partners,” said Kim Kendrick, HUD’s Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “These grants will allow us to continue with efforts to educate the public and the housing industry about their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act.” “The national media campaign that we will develop is also very important. Without the campaign, we believe that the consequences of discriminatory lending will not only continue, but may escalate.” The grants, funded through HUD’s Fair Housing Initiatives Program, will be used to investigate allegations of housing discrimination, educate the public and the housing industry about their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act, and work to promote equal housing opportunities. For the first time in the history of the Fair Housing Initiatives Program, an organization in the state of West Vir- ginia received a grant. The Northern West Virginia Center for Independent Living will use its grant to conduct fair housing education and outreach activities throughout the state. Thirty-Nine of HUD’s more than 100 FHIP agencies are high performers and will receive multi-year funding. Multi-year funding allows groups that maintain excellent performance ratings to continue their activities without interruption. Groups that are not in this category are required to submit requests for funding each year. One of the first-time recipients of a performance-based grant is Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago. Part of the Department’s national effort to reduce discrimination against persons with disabilities, Access Living will use the grant to conduct a range of fair housing enforcement activities. This year’s grants were awarded under one of two initiatives: • Private Enforcement Initiative grants (PEI)—HUD awarded $14 million to help groups investigate alleged housing discrimination, and enforce the Fair Housing Act and state and local laws that are substantially equivalent to the Act. • Education and Outreach Initiative grants (EOI)—HUD awarded $3.1 million to groups that educate the public and housing providers about their rights and obligations under federal, state, and local fair housing laws. Victims of housing discrimination should contact HUD at 1-800-6699777 (voice), 800-927-9275 (TTY). Additional information is available at www. hud.gov/fairhousing. HONORING OUR TROOPS: TAMPA’S POSTCARDS FROM HOME I n support of the American Troops, PostcardMania announced today that for the second year in a row that they have donated the design and printing of Holiday Greetings postcards for America soldiers deployed overseas in coordination with US 103.5’s “Postcards From Home” Tampa Bay program. “Postcards From Home”, sponsored by US 103.5 and radio personality Skip Mahaffey, has been instrumental in sending out over 150,000 holiday postcards from listeners to troops overseas over the past seven years. This year PostcardMania raised its contribution to 75,000 postcards—25, 000 more than last year. According to About.com there are over 170,000 American Troops in Iraq. Since the majority of them will not be home this holiday season, US103.5 is encouraging Tampa Bay citizens to relay encouragement and gratitude by sending a personal note to these soldiers via a postcard. The 75,000 postcards PostcardMania printed are a series of holiday designs that are blank on the back side for Tampa Bay citizens to write their messages. “Over the years we’ve heard from military personnel all over the world who have told us that these postcards helped them through a very lonely holiday season,” said Skip Mahaffey. “PostcardMania has been the first and only direct mail firm to step up to the plate and offer to help.” Schools, churches, retirement homes, business and other organizations should contact US 103.5 to reserve postcards in the quantities they need by calling 813 832 1444. After crafting holiday messages of thanks and gratitude, the postcards should then be dropped off to any Buddy’s Home Furnishings location no later that mid-November to ensure all the postcards will arrive to the American Troops overseas in time for the Holidays. “This is a great thing that US 103.5 is doing,” said Joy Gendusa, CEO of PostcardMania; “The genuine gratitude shown to the men and women that are far away from home and missing their families means a lot.” Tampa Bay citizens can also tune into US 103.5 or call into PostcardMania at 800-628-1804 for more information about the program and ideas on how they can get involved. For more information, visit www.postcardmania.com . THE METRO HERALD AFRICA UPDATE October 19, 2007 NIGERIANS TRY TO DAMPEN POLIO FEARS CHAD STATE OF EMERGENCY IMPOSED The army has been battling various rebellions for years A state of emergency has been imposed on three regions in Chad after ethnic clashes resulted in at least 20 deaths. Restrictions will be in place for 12 days in the eastern regions of Ouaddai and Wadi Fira and the northern region of Borkou, Ennedi and Tibesti. Earlier, the EU approved the sending of 3,000 peacekeepers to the region. The ethnic violence has been inflamed by a four-year conflict across the border in Darfur. This has seen more than 200,000 Sudanese flee into Chad. The Zaghawa tribe, to which Chad’s President Idriss Deby belongs, accuses the Sudanese government of supporting members of the rival Tama tribe. Tensions between the Zaghawa and the Tama have been high for many years. Hopes of an end to the violence were raised recently when former Tama rebel leader Mahamat Nour joined President Deby’s government as defense minister. But Mr. Nour is now accusing the Zaghawas of starting the fresh round of violence. “Nobody can accept seeing their relatives massacred before their eyes,” Mr. Nour said on national radio. “The Tama problem is a real problem, people are dying in their hundreds. All they had as cattle has been rustled.” The ongoing instability in the region prompted the EU on Monday to authorize the establishment of a 3,000strong, UN-backed peacekeeping force to maintain order. “The Council decided that the EU will conduct a bridging military operation in Eastern Chad and North Eastern Central African Republic (Eufor TCHAD/RCA) in the framework of the European security and defense policy,” said the EU Council. The EU force will be made up predominantly of French troops and is expected to start its deployment in November. The head of the operation will be an Irish general based in Paris, whereas troops on the ground will be headed by a French general. BASHIR HOLDS S SUDAN CRISIS TALKS Southerners are frustrated over delays in implementing the deal S udan’s president has met a delegation from south Sudan’s exrebel movement for the first time since they withdrew their ministers from the government. Omar al-Bashir kept the delegation waiting for two days before hearing their demands for a cabinet reshuffle. A BBC correspondent says some have interpreted the delay as a snub, but south Sudan Vice-President Riak Machar said the meeting had been “cordial”. He said that Mr Bashir agreed to meet south Sudan’s leader on Wednesday. At the same time, Egypt has announced it will mediate between the two sides. Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Abou el-Ghait has said he will visit Sudan on Wednesday for talks in Khartoum and the southern capital, Juba. There have been fears that the withdrawal could jeopardise the 2005 deal that ended the 21-year north-south civil war. The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) wants President Bashir to accept a reshuffle of ministerial posts and also wants the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), signed in 2005, to be fully imple- Visit us on the web at www.metroherald.com THE METRO HERALD mented. Under the deal, the SPLM controls the southern regional government and participates in the national government in Khartoum. The BBC’s Amber Henshaw in the capital, Khartoum, says Mr Machar handed a letter with the SPLM’s requests to Mr Bashir on Sunday. Some have interpreted the two-day delay as a snub, but our correspondent says this is not what the SPLM is saying publicly. Mr Machar said it was agreed that south Sudan President Salva Kiir would meet Mr Bashir later this week. “The two leaders will meet soon to discuss the outstanding issues and resolve the crises between the parties triggered by the non-implementation of the CPA and violation of the spirit and equal partnership between the two parties,” Mr Machar said. “Issues of non-implementation of the CPA we have given a time limit of 9 Jan - this will be the third anniversary of the CPA but I believe this can be resolved in a very short time.” Mr Machar told the BBC the parts of the CPA that had not been implemented included: • The redeployment of northern troops from the south, especially from Unity and Upper Nile states • Issues of oil management and marketing • The final border demarcation which means the division of oil wealth cannot be completed • Issues to pave the way for a census in 2011, when the south could decide to split from the north. A minu Ahmed Tudun-Wada idolizes England football striker Michael Owen. Sitting with friends in Kano, northern Nigeria’s largest city, he says, “With those legs, he can do anything!” Aminu’s own legs lie crossed and shriveled underneath him, all feeling taken by polio. It pains him that children in Nigeria are still catching the disease that crippled him at the age of three. But polio did not stop Aminu from following his football dreams. At 47, he is the coach of the Kano Para-Soccer team, a 14-strong squad made up of polio sufferers. They play by swatting the ball with their hands and scoot around on roller skates fixed to planks. Aminu proudly says, “Our captain Awolo is known as ‘the director’, he models himself on David Beckham!” They have won three trophies, and competed in the Para-African Nation’s cup last year. Aminu, a welder and carpenter who runs a workshop with other poliostruck artisans, accompanies immunization teams organized by a partnership of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Nigerian government, the American Center for Disease Control, children’s charity Unicef and the charity Rotary International. “If the parents refuse,” Aminu says, “I go in and say, ‘Do you want your children to end up like me?’ They usually change their minds.” He is part of a scheme to improve inoculation in northern Nigeria after a year-long boycott of vaccinations saw the numbers of new cases explode. In 1990, health experts said eradicating polio, the paralyzing virus spread by sewage-infected water, was possible within 15 years. But in 2003, the Kano State government backed Is- lamic clerics who said they believed vaccinations were a plot to make Muslim women infertile. Almost immediately cases emerged in neighboring countries thought to be free of polio. The authorities, with the help of people like Aminu, have regained the trust of some of the population. This year, new cases of the wild polio virus dropped considerably. By August only 198 cases were recorded across 21 states. For the same period in 2006, there were 945 cases recorded in 18 states. But now these achievements are under threat. A new strain has emerged: it is a rare, mutated form of the virus, which comes from the vaccine. At least 69 children have been infected between 2006 and 2007, by this vaccine derived polio virus or VDPV. Experts at the WHO say the boycott caused this problem. Not enough people have been vaccinated and are vulnerable to the new mutated strain. At a conference in Washington in September the WHO said people must be informed of the new risks and persuaded to immunize their children. But the Kano State government is trying to prevent the public from finding out about it. The state commissioner for health, Aisha Isyaku Kiru, said many people are illiterate and do not trust medicine. They refused to release any more details about the outbreak other than saying it is thought to come from one source and 39 cases are in Kano city itself. “If it comes out,” she said, “and people believe the vaccine causes the virus and can even infect other people, do you think that they will go and get vaccinated again? They will not. They will not do as they should and go and clean their environment, they will Kano’s Para-Soccer team have won three trophies blame the vaccine.” The vaccine is given to children in a little drop on the tongue. It passes through the gut and can be picked up by people who come into contact with sewage infected water. In countries with successful inoculation programs this is not harmful, but according to the WHO, two years ago the virus mutated in a blocked sewer or pit latrine and regained its virulent nature. The Kano government says it is investigating how and where the outbreak started, but says the investigation will take months. This is the biggest such outbreak the world has yet seen. Dr Ameen Al-Deen Abubakar, a cleric who supported the boycott before being convinced by the WHO the vaccine was safe, said the state government was mostly responsible for the problems it faced. “We should thank our foreign friends for coming to help,” he said. “But we should ask, where is our government in all this? If this came about because of unsanitary conditions, isn’t that the government’s responsibility?” ZIMBABWE DISMISSES BOYCOTT THREAT U K Prime Minister Gordon Brown is “not qualified” to talk about human rights, Zimbabwe’s Information Minister Sikhanyiso Ndlovu has said. Mr. Ndlovu also insisted Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe would attend an EU-Africa summit in December that Mr. Brown has threatened to boycott. In an interview with Portuguese radio, he encouraged EU countries to oppose Mr. Brown’s position. Portugal will host the first EU-Africa summit in seven years. As holder of the rotating EU presidency, it has indicated that it will invite Mr. Mugabe to the summit. In his comments on Monday, Mr. Ndlovu said Mr. Brown had no right to lecture Zimbabwe when he himself was “running away” with power by taking over from Tony Blair without an election. “Other EU countries should tell Gor- don Brown to shut up,” Mr. Ndlovu said in a telephone interview with Portugal’s Renascenca radio station. Gordon Brown is not even qualified to talk to us on human rights and as you can see he failed his own country’s internal democracy in Britain,” he said. Mr. Ndlovu also said Europe had no right to accuse Zimbabwe of human rights abuses. “European countries are not clean, they are not clean at all,” he said. Mr. Ndlovu complained that when Zimbabwe won its independence from Britain, people were imprisoned and land was taken away. “Where were all these countries (then) who are in the EU, who are clamoring for human rights?” he said. He reiterated that Mr. Mugabe plans to attend the summit. “Our president will be at the summit,” Mr. Ndlovu said. “No one can stand between Portugal and inviting heads of state from the African Union and Euro- Mr. Mugabe face an EU travel ban and sanctions pean Union,” he said. Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates told European politicians visiting Lisbon on Monday that the summit would deal with human rights and governance. Critics charge 83-year-old Mr. Mugabe of bringing his country’s economy to the brink of collapse and committing human rights abuses. He faces a travel ban in Europe and his regime is subject to EU sanctions. Some 1.5 million people died in Sudan’s conflict—Africa’s longest civil war—which pitted the mainly Muslim north against the Animist and Christian south before the CPA was agreed. There are currently 10,000 UN peacekeepers in southern Sudan. 5 AROUND THE REGION October 19, 2007 2007 SOLAR DECATHLON The University of Maryland’s house is naturally lit through a translucent polycarbonate ridge skylight that runs the length of the house and the roof of the house features a custom made, flexible aluminum racking system designed to support solar electric and solar thermal arrays Top photo shows outside of house; bottom photo shows inside of house during construction (photo credit: Kaye Evans-Lutterodt/Solar Decathlon) T he Solar Decathlon is a competition in which 20 teams of college and university students compete to design, build, and operate the most attractive, effective, and energy-efficient solar-powered house. The Solar Decathlon is also an event to which the public is invited to observe TOUR DE CHAMPAGNE DC T his fall, Washington DC welcomes the ninth annual Tour de Champagne at La Maison Française on Saturday, November 3. Featuring more than 20 prestigious brands of Champagne along with cuisine from some of the city’s most talented chefs, Tour de Champagne provides yet another reason to celebrate the most delightful fruits of France. Guests will also enjoy live music and will have a chance to win a trip for two to Paris, compliments of Air France—ooh la la! The evening ends with a fin de soirée where guests will continue to mingle, sip more champagne and enjoy a late-night snifter of Cognac. For VIP ticket holders the fin de soirée includes an exclusive Tête de Cuvée and dessert buffet. For the past eight years, Tour de Champagne has been delighting Washington DC oenophiles with its annual celebration of the wines of France’s finest Champagne houses. In 2007 and 2008, the event will tour the United States. During the DC stop, guests will be able to experience various labels paired with cuisine from local renowned chefs. Restaurants participating in Tour de Champagne DC include Café 15, Citronelle, Evening Star Café, Galileo, PS 7’s, Tabaq Bistro, Urbana and Café Bonaparte. Bringing chefs and sommeliers together from these select restaurants promises to be the culinary treat of the year. Tour de Champagne will take place on Saturday, November 3 from 7 to 10p.m. Fin de soirée will be from 9:30pm to midnight. Dress—cocktail attire/black tie optional. The tickets for Limited General Admission are $125 and include tastes of the excellent champagnes, samples from the city’s finest restaurants and a silent auction. The tickets for Extremely Limited VIP entrance are $150. The VIP tickets include admission to the main soirée from 7 to 10p.m. at La Maison Française, and to a special “Fin de soirée” from 9:30pm to midnight at a luxury hotel downtown. All Tour de Champagne attendees must be 21 and older. For more information contact information@tourdechampagne.com or www.tourdechampagne.com/washington.html La Maison Française/Embassy of France is located at 4101 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC; 202-944-6090. Tour de Champagne pairs with a local non-profit organization, hosting a silent auction during the event. The DC Tour de Champagne benefits the French American Cultural Foundation. 6 the powerful combination of solar energy, energy efficiency, and the best in home design. The event takes place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., October 12–20. The team houses are open for touring everyday, except Wednesday, October 17, when they will close for competition purposes. An overall winner is announced on Friday, October 19 at 2p.m. Teams of college students design a solar house, knowing from the outset that it must be powered entirely by the sun. In a quest to stretch every last watt of electricity that’s generated by the solar panels on their roofs, the students absorb the lesson that energy is a precious commodity. They strive to innovate, using high-tech materials and design elements in ingenious ways. Along the way, the students learn how to raise funds and communicate about team activities. They collect supplies and talk to contractors. They build their solar houses, learning as they go. The 20 teams transport their solar houses to the competition site on the National Mall and virtually rebuild them in the solar village. Teams assemble their houses, and then the active phase of the Solar Decathlon begins with an opening ceremony for students, media, and invited guests. The teams compete in contests, and even though this part of the Solar Decathlon gets the most attention, the students really win the competition through the many months of fund raising, planning, designing, analyzing, redesigning, and finally building and improving their homes. The public is invited to tour the solar homes and event exhibits during much of the competition. The Solar Decathletes—tomorrow’s engineers, architects, researchers, and homeowners—are sharing with us a new vision for living under the sun. These solar homes are powerful, comfortable, and stylish. They are relaxed and elegant, wasting neither space nor energy. Today’s solar houses connect with nature to take advantage of heat and light from the sun and cooling breezes and shading. But they crank this natural advantage way up by using the newest products and technologies on the market. The Solar Decathlon solar homes combine the best from the past and the present... and deliver the promise of a brighter future. You can see it all at the solar village. These solar homes, born from the imagination and creativity of 20 collegiate teams, are powered entirely by the sun. Here, nature and technology join together in 20 solar homes unlike any you’ve ever seen. Visit us on the National Mall. Learn simple ways to improve your own home. Home tours are free . . . just like the sun’s energy. The University of Colorado is the two-time, undefeated champion of the Solar Decathlon—they took home the trophy in 2002 and 2005. BLACK FACT On October 19, 1936, Johnetta Betsch Cole was born. OCTOBER IS NATIONAL PEACE MONTH Mayor Adrian Fenty, Ronald Moten, Councilmember; Marion Barry and other distinguished guests (photo courtesy Lateef Mangum) R esidents of the violence stricken community of Highland Dwellings, also known as Condon Terrace, were joined by Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, Councilmember Marion Barry (D-Ward 8), Councilmember Kwame Brown (D-At Large), Councilmember Harry Thomas (D-Ward 5) and a host of other community leaders and clergy assembled recently to recognize October as National Peace Month and announce a full week of activities during the month in an effort to focus the community on peace and reconciliation. Universally “Peace Month” is recognized in honor of Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday, which was October 2. “Celebrating Peace Month is the most important thing we can do as community given the violence that has plagued our City,” said Councilmember Harry Thomas (D-Ward 5). “We must use this time to reflect and improve upon our own personal transgressions and do whatever humanly possible to recommit to improving the lives of people around us.” As part of the collaborative efforts, to commemorate the 12th Anniversary of the Million Man March, which took place October 16, 1995, Ronald Moten, COO, Peaceoholics, also announced the official “DC Atonement Week”—Octber 12–16—which included five days of activities that were open to all District residents. “Each one of us must first take the time to address our own personal inefficiencies so that we can come together and collectively as one unit work together to do what’s best for our children, for our families, and for our communities; atonement is about putting our personal differences aside and doing what’s best for the community” said Moten Peaceoholics is a nonprofit organization provides intensive support services in conflict resolution, HIV/AIDS prevention, substance abuse, gang mediation/prevention, and family wellness through its youth programs as well as working closely with elected official and community leaders to bring positive change and energy to the District of Columbia. “Mr. Moten reminds me of a young Dr. King or Malcolm X; not only because of his dynamic speeches but because of his courage to stand up and fight for his community” said Mayor Adrian Fenty. “In circumstances such as these, it is important to maintain the public’s trust through openness and transparency.” Councilmember Marion Barry (DWard 8) expounded on that point and added, “We’re facing a critical time in our city and our nation. It’s not just about talking anymore, it’s about action. We have to stop talking and start acting.” For more information contact 202906-0488. NEW TELEWORK PROGRAM IN DANVILLE/MARTINSVILLE AREA G overnor Timothy M. Kaine recently announced a new Department of Taxation telework program in the Danville/Martinsville region. The 25 new employees, who will work from home with equipment and Internet connections provided by the Tax Department, recently began 12 weeks of training in Martinsville to prepare for their positions. “The Department of Taxation has been a leader in state government in shifting a large number of its employees to working from home at least one day a week, and this southwest Virginia effort is an extension of that,” said Governor Kaine. The Tax Department hired the 25 new employees after interviewing nearly 400 applicants at a two-day job fair in Danville. They began training on October 1 at Martinsville’s New College Institute, which offered the use of its facility and equipment to support the effort. The new Customer Service Reps will work 30 hours per week and will not receive state benefits. Fifty-four percent of eligible Tax Department employees currently work from home at least one day a week. The Department’s field audit and collection staffs have been home-based for several years. “Teleworking has proven to be a great productivity booster for the Tax Department,” said Governor Kaine. “They have surveyed teleworking employees and their managers and found that both groups are very pleased with the results.” The Tax Department found some very qualified people in the Danville/Martinsville region, according to Tax Commissioner Janie Bowen. “This is really the best of both worlds,” said Bowen. “We get 25 new employees working exclusively from home which decreases pollution and increases productivity. And we are able to do this in an area that has a genuine need for more employment opportunities.” The Department of Taxation will hire an additional 30 home-based employees in the same region after the first of the year to key in information during the busy tax-filing season. THE METRO HERALD AROUND THE REGION October 19, 2007 LEARNING TREE INTERNATIONAL OPENS NEW EDUCATION CENTER Donald F.Berbary, President of the Reston-based Learning Tree Mayor & William D. Euille L earning Tree International received a warm welcome to the Alexandria area recently from Mayor William D. Euille. The mayor said the new Learning Tree Education Center is just the beginning catalyst of growth coming to the Alexandria area. The facility will serve the training needs of technology and management professionals of business and government agencies in Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia area. It has five classrooms, each equipped with stateof-the-art hardware and software, ergonomic furniture and MagnaLearn™, Learning Tree’s patented Instructional Enhancement Technology. The center also offers Internet-access kiosks, courtesy phones and other conveniences to ensure attendees’ comfort. The Alexandria Education Center is located within easy access of Washington, D.C. Metro trains, major roadways and Ronald Reagan National Airport. “By offering courses in the Alexandria area, Learning Tree has made it even easier for technology and man- agement professionals in Washington, D.C. and surrounding vicinities to get the top-quality training they need,” commented Donald F.Berbary, President of the Reston-based Learning Tree. “Now thousands of our customers can receive our proven, effective hands-on technology and management training closer to where they live and work.” The Alexandria facility will augment Learning Tree Education Centers worldwide, including New York, NY; Northern New Jersey; Reston, VA; Annapolis, Baltimore and Rockville, MD; Boston; Chicago; Atlanta; Los Angeles; Ottawa; Toronto; London; Paris and Stockholm. Learning Tree also conducts on-site courses at client facilities around the world. For a schedule of courses being presented in Alexandria, throughout the Washington, D.C. area, or anywhere our Education Centers are located around the world, call Learning Tree at 1-800-843-8733, or visit www.learningtree.com. IMPROVEMENTS PAY OFF FOR METROACCESS M etroAccess — a regional transit service for customers who cannot use Metrobus or Metrorail due to a disability—is attracting more riders than ever before and offering some of the best service passengers have seen in years, according to Metro managers. “Our operating statistics show that MetroAccess service has improved dramatically since we transitioned to a new contractor in January 2006,” said Assistant General Manager of Access Services Christian T. Kent. “The substantial investment in the system made through the support of our Board of Directors and General Manager is paying off.” MV Transportation took over the service early last year. Passengers complained of lengthy waits to be picked up, long trips and not being picked up at all. Rides were arriving as scheduled only 82 percent of the time during the first month of service, but have stayed above 92 percent thereafter. Last month, the on-time performance approached 94 percent. Complaints have been cut by 60 percent from January 2006 to August 2007. Customers have shorter telephone wait times with most calls being answered within two minutes. Managers expect that level of service to improve when passengers are allowed to make reservations online, beginning later this fall. “We expect to see fewer complaints once door-to-door service is implemented next spring,” said Selene Faer Dalton-Kumins, MetroAccess Director. “Door-to-door service will reduce THE METRO HERALD missed trips because drivers will connect with customers more directly by coming to their door. It is our hope that door-to-door service will also improve our on-time performance since our drivers will be empowered to expedite the boarding process.” Drivers currently wait up to 10 minutes at the curb of a pick-up location after a scheduled pick-up time. Under the new service initiative, drivers would wait up to five minutes for passengers at their door and then escort them from a building entrance to a MetroAccess vehicle. Sixty-five new vehicles also will be in service next year and managers will upgrade ride scheduling software. The MetroAccess budget has grown to $62 million, a $10 million increase over last year. The extra money is paying for more staff, vehicles and improved technology to deliver higher quality and more efficient service. The agency also is hiring more staff and partnering with other agencies to encourage people with disabilities to ride buses and trains. If customers show their MetroAccess photo identification card to the rail station manager or bus operator, including most regional buses, they and one companion can ride for free. “The bus or train can offer people with disabilities a more flexible and, in some cases, shorter trip,” said DaltonKumins, who commutes to work by Metrorail in her wheelchair. “But for those who cannot use bus or rail service, we are committed to making MetroAccess the next best alternative.” FIRST HOMEOWNERS MOVE INTO LEGACY AT LINCOLN PARK O n October 11, local community leaders and elected officials welcomed the first homeowners to Legacy at Lincoln Park, a new mixed-income community developed by Mid-City Urban in partnership with the Rockville (MD) Housing Enterprises (RHE) on the site of the former Lincoln Terrace public housing project in Rockville, Maryland. A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place to welcome Legacy’s first homeowners and recognize the public-private partnership that has resulted in a successful mixed-income home ownership community. “Because this was publicly owned land, we were able to create a perfect opportunity for the City of Rockville to offer affordable home ownership opportunities to its municipal workers, so that teachers, firemen, police officers, and other workers can live near where they work,” said Vicki Davis, President of Mid-City Urban, based in Silver Spring, MD. “Legacy at Lincoln Park exceeds my wildest dreams,” said Wilma Bell, a fourth-generation Lincoln Park resident who chairs RHE’s Board of Commissioners. “It is the fulfillment of a vision that started in 1891 with the one of the Nation’s first real estate venture targeted at African Americans, allowing our predecessors to own their land, live their dreams, pass on their values, and build a community that remains intact today.” “Since we always thought of ourselves as owners, we disagreed with the concept of public housing because it does not give people a stake,” Ms. Bell continued. “So ten years ago, we set out to replace the Lincoln Terrace project with a community that would provide home ownership opportunities for people who might not otherwise be able to purchase their own homes. In the process, we transformed the former Rockville Housing Authority into Rockville Housing Enterprises. I cannot express enough gratitude to the developer Mid-City Urban, the builder Bozzuto Homes, the City of Rockville, and many others for making this 116-yearold neighborhood vision a reality.” FLU AND PNUEMONIA SHOTSAVAILABLE AT SAFEWAY S afeway will conduct more than 350 flu clinics throughout the mid-Atlantic region (Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Delaware) through November 13 at its 140 Eastern Division Safeway stores. This year’s clinics will offer customers (ages 11 and above) a choice of flu or pneumonia vaccinations. Vaccinations are offered on a first-come, first-served basis without respect to age. There is no cost for Medicare Part B beneficiaries who simply present their card at the flu clinic and complete a roster billing form. Non-Medicare participants will be charged $30 for flu shots and $45 for the pneumonia vaccine. All shots will be administered either by registered nurses or by Safeway pharmacists. Visit www.safeway.com for a complete list of stores with their corresponding flu clinic dates. Legacy of Lincoln Park is knitted into a historic black neighborhood of Craftsman and Victorian homes. Front-loaded garages were prescribed to keep infrastructure development costs down. “This innovative development can serve as a national model for affordable housing, allowing cities and counties to replace aging and blighted public housing projects with strong, stable, mixed-income communities,” Ms. Davis remarked. “All this can be achieved through private project financing without direct government subsidies.” “Legacy at Lincoln Park is a new community that has restored the historic prominence of the Lincoln Park community,” Ms. Davis concluded. “It reflects the neighborhood’s unique history while integrating seamlessly with the exciting new developments in and around the heart of Rockville, including Rockville Town Center. Whereas the prior public housing project had become obsolete, Legacy at Lincoln Park has raised both pride and property values throughout the surrounding area.” Established over a century ago, Rockville’s Lincoln Park neighborhood has undergone a recent wave of im- provements due to its charming older homes, protected trees and streetscapes, and its proximity to Metrorail and the new Rockville Town Center. The Lincoln Park Civic Association has held numerous meetings with RHE and Mid-City Urban over the past four years to reach community consensus on the mixed-income redevelopment. Legacy at Lincoln Park reflects that community consensus, while the name “Legacy” conveys the developer’s promise to keep the neighborhood’s history alive. Mid-City Urban is one of the MidAtlantic region’s premier developers of multi-family rental and for-sale housing. The firm, headquartered in Silver Spring, MD, has over 4,000 housing units under development with a total value of nearly $1 billion. Two other former public housing projects in Washington, D.C. are being redeveloped by Mid-City Urban as mixed-income communities. BENEFIT CONCERT FOR HUMANITARIAN RELIEF EFFORTS IN DARFUR O n Tuesday, October 23, at 7:30PM the George Washington University’s STAND Chapter in cooperation with the Darfur Interfaith Network, Save Darfur Coalition, the Jewish Community Relations council (JCRC) of Greater Washington, American Jewish Committee, American Islamic Congress, Metropolitan AME Church, Shiloh Baptist Church, Foundry United Methodist Church and Temple Beth Ami, will sponsor “STAND UP for Darfur,” a communitywide interfaith concert to benefit advocacy and humanitarian relief efforts in the Darfur region of Sudan. The concert will take place at The George Washington University Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st Street N.W., Washington, DC. The evening’s program will feature performances by Step Africa! (www.stepafrica.org), the highly acclaimed dance troupe, and Drumtalk39 (www. drumtalk39.com), an energetic percussionist group specializing in world music. Daowd Salih, president of the Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy and a Sudanese refugee whose family members have been killed in Darfur, will give the keynote address. Zainab Al-Suwaij, executive director of the American Islamic Congress will provide a “call to action”. More than 200 Washington area faith based organizations will be represented at the event. Net proceeds from the event will go to selected non-sectarian humanitarian relief organizations providing services in Darfur (Due to security issues in Sudan, the organizations cannot be publicized, but more information is available at amargolin@jcouncil. org). Admission is $25 ($20 for students with valid ID at Lisner box office). For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Ticketmaster at www. ticketmaster.com; call 202-397-7328 or call House of Musical Traditions 301-270-9090. The situation in Darfur region of Sudan is the worst humanitarian crisis facing the world today. Hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians have died and millions are being forced from their homes. As people of faith, it is our duty to speak out against ethnic cleansing and genocide and help those in need. 7 CAPITAL COMMENTS October 19, 2007 MAYOR DIXON CALLS FOR CONGRESS TO OVERRIDE PRESIDENT BUSH’S VETO OF HEALTH INSURANCE FOR CHILDREN M ayor Sheila Dixon joined Congressman Elijah Cummings and Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Josh Sharfstein, along with state health advocates and local working families, to publicly appeal for the U.S. House Insurance Plan (SCHIP). President Bush vetoed the reauthorization and expansion of SCHIP on October 3, 2007, and Mayor Dixon has responded by leading a coalition of mayors from across the country, as well as local leaders, in the fight for children’s health insurance. “This successful and popular pro- CLINTON NOW AHEAD OF OBAMA IN MONEY RACE D emocrat Hillary Rodham Clinton has pulled ahead of rival Barack Obama at the bank as well as in the polls and both continue to crush Republicans in the money race. Clinton holds nearly $35 million three months before the voting starts, to Obama’s $32 million. The Republican money leader, Rudy Giuliani, reported $11.6 million in the bank for the primaries. Clinton, who had trailed Obama in NEW ROMNEY AD APPEALS TO NH VOTERS R epublican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney is appealing to the fiscal conservatism of New Hampshire voters in a new ad that started running Tuesday. In it, the former Massachusetts governor and business executive says existing tax policy is fundamentally unfair and that his plan would reduce the tax burden for all. “It’s not fair that you have to pay taxes when you earn your money, when you save your money and then when you die,” Romney says in the television ad. Romney has made the promise of lower taxes a staple of his campaign. He and his GOP rivals also have argued over who would be the best stew- MCCAIN SAYS CAMPAIGN HAS CASH FOR ADS R epublican John McCain said Tuesday his campaign cash flow is fine though a new finance report shows him in the red. He also cast doubt that he would accept public financing. “Certainly not at this moment. It’s always an option that we are prepared to exercise if we need to,” the Arizona senator said in an interview with Associated Press reporters and editors. He has filed all the necessary paperwork with the Federal Election Commission should he need to tap that vein. “As long as we can see upward movement in the polls, which we are seeing, we really don’t see the necessity of it,” McCain said. “We do have a lot of cash on hand.” He made the remarks in an hourlong interview a day after filing his quarterly FEC finance report that 8 gram created 10 years ago with bipartisan support provides health insurance to more than 6 million children, many of whom live in our cities,” Mayor Dixon said. “SCHIP reauthorization is not about politics or ideology. It’s about giving our children a healthy start in life.” President Bush has offered to fund $5 billion of the $35 billion increase requested by Congress for the program, and has refused to expand the program until 95 percent of those currently eligible are enrolled. Bush’s plan would eliminate coverage for thousands of Maryland children. If Congress votes to override the President’s veto, the proposed expansion of SCHIP is estimated to give health insurance to an additional 4 to 5 million children in this country who are uninsured. For Maryland, an over- ride could mean up to $945 million in additional federal funding over the next five years and the chance to insure some of the 132,000 children who are currently eligi- Mayor Sheila Dixon ble for the program but remain without healthcare because of a lack of funding. “SCHIP provides an integral safety net for those hardworking families who are unable to afford quality health insurance,” said Dr. Sharfstein. “The bottom line is we cannot expect our children to succeed in school and in life without adequate access to basic healthcare.” fundraising and in money in the bank at the end of June, edged past him with an aggressive third quarter of fundraising. The New York senator, who also has been raising money for the general election, had a total of $50.5 million in the bank, her campaign reported. But nearly $16 million of that cannot be used for the primaries. She reported raising $23.7 million for the primary and had operating expenses of $21.3 million. Obama spent a nearly identical amount, but he raised $19.3 million in the quarter. They each reported debts—Clinton owed $2.3 million and Obama owed $1.4 million. Democrat John Edwards reported $12.4 million in the bank after raising nearly $7.2 million and spending almost $8.3 million during the quarter. New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, trying to Hillary Rodham establish himself Clinton among the Democratic leaders, reported $5.8 million in the bank. He raised $5.3 million in the quarter and spent $6.6 million. ard of the nation’s economy and whose proposals would create the most jobs. His new ad appeals to voters where it counts most: their pocketbooks and wallets. “That’s why I’ll kill the death tax once and for all and roll back tax rates across the board,” Romney says in the 30-second ad. “And savings? When I’m president, for middle-class Americans, the new tax rate on your interest, dividends, and capital gains will be absolutely zero.” Romney has proposed eliminating taxes on interest and dividends for families earning less than $200,000 a year. He has said the plan would benefit 95 percent of families - 56 million that earned interest in 2005, 28 million that earned dividends and 23 million with capital gains from real estate, stocks or bonds. The proposal would cost $32 billion, to be paid for through economic growth, and by holding non-defense discretionary spending to inflation minus 1 percentage point. “Want tax cuts Mitt Romney that will grow our economy?” Romney asks before repeating what has become a campaign slogan: “Change begins with us.” Republican rival Rudy Giuliani has made taxes a centerpiece of his radio ads. He routinely touts 23 tax cuts that occurred while he was mayor of New York. Critics note that he did not initiate all of them, and that he opposed some. showed him with more than $1.6 million available for the primaries but more than $1.7 million in debt. “We have a debt that is a long-term debt, but we have cash on hand in order to fund the advertising we need to fund,” McCain said. An aide said many of the bills that need to be paid aren’t due for another few months. McCain’s financial picture is the weakest of all the leading Republicans in the race. Rudy Giuliani reported having $11.6 million in the bank for the primaries. Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts governor and venture capitalist, had $9.2 million cash on hand, and Fred Thompson, the former Tennessee senator, reported $7.12 million available. Long-shot candidate Ron Paul, the lone anti-war Republican in the field, had $5.2 million in the bank. Accepting public financing would provide an infusion of cash but limit how much McCain could spend. “Do I wish we had more money? Do I wish we had not had the budgetary problems that we had? Of course,” McCain said. “But from being declared John McCain dead to doing well is something that I’m very happy about.” McCain, whose campaign spent much of the $25 million it raised in the first half of the year, has scaled back spending over the past three months, and he has enjoyed somewhat of resurgence in polls. He is in his third week of airing a heavy level of television ads in New Hampshire, and he said he’ll probably begin running ads in Iowa and South Carolina soon. He also is spending $100,000 in Iowa on two waves of direct mail. OBAMA REACHES OUT TO RELIGIOUS VOTERS T he invitation appeared one Sunday in Joanna Chase’s church bulletin: Come to a “faith forum” and join a conversation about the intersection of religion and politics. Living in New Hampshire, Chase is accustomed to pitches from presidential hopefuls, especially those focusing on values-voting Republicans. But this one came from the team of a Democrat, Sen. Barack Obama. The candidate himself wasn’t on the bill. But about 50 people showed up to talk about the war, poverty and trying to seize back the moral mantle some in the GOP claim. The night also featured an Obama video and a campaign altar call—an invitation to become a “congregation contact” and rally support for the candidate. “I don’t know if I will vote for Barack Obama,” said Chase, 62, who was inspired enough to organize a similar forum at her United Church of Christ congregation in Northwood, N.H. “There are several candidates I like very much. But I love that he has the character and confidence to allow people to do this. He doesn’t have to own every bit of it.” The leading Democratic contenders BILL TO GRANT FEDERAL RECOGNITION TO VIRGINIA INDIAN TRIBES S enator Jim Webb (D-VA) today endorsed a House-passed bill to grant federal recognition to six Indian tribes in Virginia, a status that would qualify the tribes for certain benefits provided through the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and other federal agencies. In a letter dated October 16th to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Senator Webb urged the Committee to approve the Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2007 (H.R. 1294), which the House of Representatives approved overwhelmingly in May. “I have spent several months examining this issue in great detail, including information about the rich history and culture of Virginia’s extraordinary Indian tribes,” Senator Webb said. “Through this review, I have concluded this legislation is a simple matter of fairness. Four hundred years after the founding of America’s first colony at Jamestown, these six tribes deserve to join our nation’s 562 other federally recognized tribes.” The bill, sponsored in the House by Representative Jim Moran, would extend federal recognition to the Chickahominy Tribe; the Chickahominy Indian Tribe—Eastern Division; the Upper Mattaponi Tribe; the Rappahannock Tribe, Inc.; the Monacan Indian Nation; and the Nansemond Indian Tribe. Proponents of the bill have argued that recognizing Virginia’s Indians through an Act of Congress as opposed to normal administrative channels is necessary because many of the tribes’ land and genealogical records have been destroyed, in some cases through actions of the state. Webb also raised serious concerns about the BIA’s inadequate resources and cumbersome administrative process resulting in a backlog of petitions. “Because of a consistent lack of resources, the BIA process traditionally has resulted in delays of fifteen years for the White House all have made a point of talking about religion this campaign season. They discuss their faith journeys and how their beliefs in- Barack Obama fluence their policies. The campaigns of Obama, Hillary Rodham Clinton and John Edwards all are doing outreach to religious communities. But Obama, the junior senator from Illinois, has made religion a signature part of his campaign through his own public appearances in places where Democrats rarely venture, and a faithbased voter mobilization, topped by forums in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina that could prove key to organizing. “I don’t think a Democratic presidential candidate has come close to doing anything like this before,” said Mark Silk, director of the Leonard E. Greenberg Center for the Study of Religion in Public Life at Trinity College in Hartford, Conn. “If you are going to parse the different dimensions of how a presidential candidate does religion, he’s doing them all. or more. As is the case with our Virginia tribes, some of which began the recognition process in the late 1970’s and still have a long wait in the queue,” said Webb. “All parties agree Jim Webb that the process has proven to be an arduous one for both the tribes and the BIA.” Senator Webb said he is eager to work with interested citizens during the Senate’s review of the bill to determine if improvements can be made to the House legislation. But at the same time, he emphasized the support which federal recognition of the tribes already enjoys in Virginia. “Federal recognition of Virginia’s Indians enjoys strong, bipartisan support in Virginia,” he said. “Governor Kaine and his predecessor Governor Mark Warner have supported recognition, and in 1999 both Houses of the Virginia General Assembly adopted resolutions embracing federal recognition. The measure also has support from various religious and civic organizations.” “The Virginia Indian Tribal Alliance for Life (VITAL) has worked diligently with Senator Webb and his staff in an effort to grant Federal recognition to six of Virginia’s Indian tribes. During that same time, we have been sharing our history at various Jamestown 2007 commemorative events and have received overwhelming support from our fellow citizens. I am delighted that Senator Webb has endorsed a bill in the Senate to grant such recognition,” said Wayne Adkins (Chickahominy), VITAL President. Webb concluded by saying, “I believe this bill’s enactment will go far toward recognizing Virginia’s Indian tribes in this—the 400th year anniversary of the founding of the Commonwealth.” To read the full text of Senator Jim Webb’s letter visit: webb.senate.gov/ pdf/indianaffairsletter2.pdf. THE METRO HERALD CAPITAL COMMENTS October 19, 2007 OVERRIDE PRESIDENT BUSH’S VETO ON SCHIP Dear Editor: T he vote to override President Bush’s veto for the additional funding for SCHIP will be Thursday, October 18. I implore the thousands of families who have children covered by FAMIS (SCHIP) to call Congressmen Virgil Goode (202-225-4711), Bob Goodlatte (202-225-5431), Randy Forbes (202-225-6365), Eric Cantor (202-225-2815) and Congresswoman Thelma Drake (202-2254215) to ask them to change their votes to now support SCHIP. I also ask working families with uninsured children who cannot afford health insurance to call these U.S. Representatives. I have worked tirelessly over the last eight years to improve access to health care for our children. As both a health care advocate and taxpayer, I know the additional funding for SCHIP is a vital investment. Do not believe the false information being circulated. SCHIP will not and has never covered illegal immigrants. SCHIP does not cover families who can afford health insurance. I have looked directly into the eyes of families who are embarrassed to ask for government help but have no other choice when faced with monthly family premiums in excess of $1,000 per month or when private insurance companies tell the families their children are uninsurable due to pre-existing medical conditions. This bill does not create government run health care; it creates cost effective protection for our nation’s children until a new federal administration can come up with something better. The Bush Administration has had seven years, and now Bush has vetoed the only hope of doing something positive for health care in this country. I urge Virginia’s representatives in Congress to please listen to your constituents and vote to override the veto! Rhonda Seltz, M.S. Health Care Advocate (540) 381-8518 BLACK FACT On October 19, 1983, Grenada’s U.S. educated Prime Minister Maurice Bishop was killed in a military coup. THE METRO HERALD CELEBRATION OF FOUR MILE RUN TRAIL GROUNDBREAKING A lexandria Mayor William D. Euille, Vice Mayor Redella S. “Del” Pepper and City Council members Rob Krupicka and Paul C. Smedberg will join Congressman James P. Moran and the Arlington County Board to celebrate the beginning of construction on a multi-use trail linking the popular Washington & Old Dominion Trail and Four Mile Run Trail. The trail will offer a safer, more direct path along the Four Mile Run stream for walkers, runners, and cyclists under the Shirley Highway (I-395) and along scenic Four Mile Run. The project includes landscaping of the stream bank and a sanitary sewer main to increase capacity and prevent back-ups. Celebration will take place on Saturday, October 20, 2007 at the Four Mile Run Trail Construction Office (outdoors) located at 27th Road South and South Four Mile Run Drive in Arlington, VA. The Arlington County Bicycle Advisory Committee will meet at Courthouse Plaza, 2100 Clarendon Blvd., at 9:00a.m. to ride to the event. All are welcome to join the ride. The groundbreaking ceremony will take place at 10:00am. Participants will include: Congressman James P. Moran, U.S. House of Representatives; Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille; Alexandria Vice Mayor Redella S. “Del” Pepper; Alexandria City Councilman Rob Krupicka; Alexandria City Councilman Paul C. Smedberg; Paul Ferguson, Arlington County Chairman; Walter Tejada, Arlington County Vice Chairman; Barbara Favola, Arlington County Board Member; Jay Fisette, Arlington County Board Member; and Christopher Zimmerman, Arlington County Board Member. In Alexandria, Four Mile Run Park (3700 Commonwealth Avenue) stretches from Jefferson Davis Highway to Mount Vernon Avenue, with a bike trail along Four Mile Run that provides a connection to the Mount Vernon Trail. Rep. Jim Moran For more in- (D-VA) formation on bike and pedestrian trails in Alexandria, visit www.alexride.org. SAVE MONEY, HONEY. (Now that dress will fit you and your budget.) Life Comes At You Fast®, and with Nationwide Insurance, so do the savings. Switch today and save up to $523 a year. You get better prices and better coverage with our dedicated network of agents. Call and get a quote today. 1-877-On Your Side® Visit your neighborhood Nationwide agent nationwide.com *Average annual savings information based on Nationwide policyholder data through February 2005. ©2007 Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies, Home Office: Columbus, Ohio. Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review and approval. Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. Nationwide, the Nationwide framemark, On Your Side and Life Comes at You Fast are federally registered federal service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. 1-877-On Your Side is a service mark of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. 9 EDUCATION October 19, 2007 BOARD APPROVES RESOLUTION ON ANNUAL GROWTH POLICY T he Board of Education met recently and, among other items approved was a resolution on the Annual Growth Policy for Montgomery County and discussed an update on demographic and enrollment trends in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). The Board also discussed an update on the secondary learning center transition project and participated in a discussion of budget priorities. The Board voted to approve the Comprehensive Master Plan and approved guidelines for recognition of MCPS and community achievements. The Board approved an administrative appointment and recognized the observance of American Indian Heritage Month and National Bus Safety Week. Winners of the Mark Mann Excellence and Harmony Award also were recognized. The Board also urged employees to participate in the annual Montgomery County Public Schools Charity Campaign. The Board also approved a request for a regulation regarding outside audits. UPDATE ON CIP/ENROLLMENT The Board participated in a presentation on trends and forecasts in student enrollment size and patterns in MCPS and how these factors relate to building and modernizing schools, the use of portable classrooms, and other issues. (See separate news release for more information.) ANNUAL GROWTH POLICY RESOLUTION The Board approved a resolution supporting the 2007 Planning Board recommendations for a County growth policy school test. The test would use MCPS program capacity as the basis for collecting school facilities payment from developers when cluster facility use is over 110 percent and imposing a residential development moratorium on construction when cluster facility use is over 135 percent. If the County Council eliminates the school facility payment from consideration, the Board recommended that the moratorium be imposed when cluster facility use is over 110 percent. The Board also requested the Council to place the school facility payment revenue in the general fund, not in separate funds that apply only to the cluster where the revenue payment is collected. In addition, the Board encouraged the Council to explore all possible revenue enhancements that can provide adequate financing for school and other county capital needs. The resolution will be forwarded to the County Council, the county executive, Planning Board, and mayors and councils of Montgomery County municipalities. UPDATE ON SECONDARY LEARNING CENTER TRANSITION PROJECT The Board discussed the transition of students with disabilities from secondary learning centers to their home schools during this first year of a sixyear plan to phase out the centers. The plan to phase out the centers was included in the FY 2008 operating budget, passed by the Board last February. The plan has several goals: • Improving the academic performance of students with disabilities. • Increasing the number of students with disabilities educated in the least restrictive environment. • Addressing the overrepresentation of African American and Hispanic students in the secondary learning centers. Preliminary findings indicate that there has been a smooth and positive school opening regarding positive peer relations, transportation, schedules and staffing; however, the transition will continue to be monitored. DISCUSSION ON BUDGET PRIORITIES Board President Nancy Navarro, on behalf of the Board of Education, will send a letter to the County Council and the Montgomery County Collaboration Council for Children, Youth and Families, inviting them to participate in a review of the strategic plan supporting the Children’s Agenda and a shared vision to aid families and student learning. FINAL APPROVAL OF THE COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN The Board approved the updated Montgomery County Public Schools Bridge to Excellence in Public Schools Act—Comprehensive Master Plan for 2007, fulfilling the requirement for local school systems to submit annual updates of their five-year comprehensive master plans to the Maryland State Department of Education. The Board also voted to write a letter to the state superintendent requesting that the State accept the Board’s strategic plan in lieu of a separate comprehensive master plan. RECOGNITION OF MCPS AND COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENTS The Board approved guidelines recommended by the Communications and Public Engagement Committee for recognizing achievements of students and staff, as well as education-related accomplishments of community groups. AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE MONTH The Board approved the observance of American Indian Heritage Month in November in recognition of the many contributions made by American Indians to enhance the freedom, prosperity, and greatness of America today. NATIONAL BUS SAFETY WEEK The Board proclaimed October 22–26, 2007, as National Bus Safety Week, in recognition of the importance of a safe and pleasant ride to and from school in fostering a high level of learning and success. The Board expressed its continued support for the MCPS Ride by the Rules safety campaign for school bus riders, pedestrians, and drivers. SUPERINTENDENT’S ANNUAL MARK MANN EXCELLENCE AND HARMONY AWARD The Board recognized the winners of the Mark Mann Excellence and Harmony Award. This year, two outstanding principals won the award—Lance Dempsey, principal of Shady Grove Middle School, and Lee Derby, current principal of Cedar Grove Elementary School. Derby won for his work at Garrett Park Elementary School, where he was principal for five years. The award honors Dr. Mark Mann, former principal of Parkland Junior High School, who died in l988. MONTGOMERY COUNTY EMPLOYEES CHARITY CAMPAIGN The Board encouraged employee participation in the 2007 Montgomery County Public Schools Charity Campaign, scheduled for October 22 through November 16, 2007. In partnership with the three employee representative organizations, this year’s charity campaign gives employees the option of contributing to four charities—the Montgomery County United Way, the Union Community Fund, the Montgomery County Community Foundation, and the Montgomery Alliance. Last year, employees contributed approximately $185,000 through the campaign. BISHOP IRETON OPEN HOUSE OUTSIDE AUDIT PROJECTS ishop Ireton High School will hold an Open House for prospective students and their families on Sunday, October 28, from 1:00–3:00PM. There will be a presentation in the Garwood Whaley Auditorium at 1:00PM. Families will have the opportunity to meet and hear from the school’s principal, Fr. Matt Hillyard, OSFS, as well as two current parents who will talk about their experiences. Bishop Ireton student ambassadors will lead families on tours of the school building, while teachers will be available in their classrooms to answer questions regarding the curriculum. Coaches and moderators from the school’s athletic teams, music program, and drama clubs will also be on hand. Student music groups will be playing in the atrium. The Vice Principal for Academics and the Admissions Director will have a question and answer session during the Open House to provide details about the academic program, application process, and financial aid procedures. All are welcome to attend the Bishop Ireton Open House, 201 Cambridge Road, Alexandria. Reservations are not required. For more information, contact 703-751-7606. The Board approved a resolution directing the superintendent to develop regulations regarding a review process in which the Board is informed about the alignment of outside audit projects with the pertinent requirements of the Education Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Board of Education includes Mrs. Nancy Navarro, president; Ms. Shirley Brandman, vice president. Members include: Mr. Steve Abrams; Mr. Christopher Barclay; Ms. Sharon Cox; Dr. Judy Docca, and Mrs. Patricia B. O’Neill. Student member: Mr. Ben Moskowitz. Superintendent and secretary-treasurer: Dr. Jerry D. Weast,. Office of the Board: 301-279-3617. B 10 CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT TO REDEFINE “SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS”— MARINE CORPS SCHOLARSHIP T he 4th Annual Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Golf Tournament will be held Monday, October 22, 2007 at the ArmyNavy Country Club in Arlington, VA. The event provides much-needed funding for academic college scholarships that benefit the children of U.S. Marines with particular attention given to children whose parent was killed in action. Special guests include General James T. Conway, Commandant of the United States Marine Corps. The event’s main sponsor is BAE Systems. The day’s activities include a “scramble-style” golf tournament, lunch, reception, and awards presentation with the Commandant. For nearly 50 years, the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has helped accomplish what many Marines cannot-enabling their children to pursue dreams of higher education. These academic, needs-based college scholarships, funded by the generosity of patriotic supporters, helps set life-altering, new paths for these young men and women while honoring our nation’s brave Marine heroes. Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed over 21,000 scholarships nationwide and educational bonds valued at more than $34 million. In addition to scholarships available to all Marine families, the Foundation has made special commitments to the children of all American servicemen and women, whose parent is killed in combat. Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the Foundation committed to provide Heroes Tribute Scholarships, totaling $20,000 over four years, to every child of a Marine or Navy Corpsman serving with the Marines, whose parent is killed in combat in the Global War on Terror. This commitment is made regardless of family income in recognition of the ultimate sacrifice made for our Nation. Americans are looking for a concrete way to say “thank you” to our country’s men and women in uniform. The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation offers a unique lasting, meaningful contribution to the futures of Marine children and honors those who have given so much. Individuals, corporations, foundations, and other organizations wishing to honor Marines and their families through an honorary or memorial scholarship, or support the Capital Area event through a direct contribution or sponsorship should contact Tournament Chairmen Mike Beatty at 202-546-4196 or Matt Carroll at 949689-4948 or visit www.mcsf.kintera. org/cag. To learn more about the overall Foundation and its scholarships, contact Charlotte Tomic at 917-882-5243 or David Uy at 202-423-7512. The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is a private, nonprofit scholarship organization and is not affiliated with the U.S. Marine Corps or the U.S. Government. Visit www. mcsf.org. EVENT SCHEDULE • 10:00AM–12:00PM—Registration and Warm Up • 12:00 noon—Rules and Box Lunch • 12:30PM—Shotgun Start (Format: Scramble) • 5:30PM—Reception • 6:30PM—Awards Presentation DC CAMPAIGN YOUTH LEADERSHIP TASK FORCE MEMBER TESTIFIES AT DC COUNCIL HEARING D onnell Kie a member of DC Campaign’s Youth Leadership Task Force and a junior at Ballou Senior High School testified at a hearing before the DC City Council, Committee of the Whole, on Saturday, October 13. The following excerpt is from his testimony: “Good Morning Chairman Gray and other city council members. Thank you for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Donnell Kie, I am 16 years old, a junior at Ballou Senior High School and a third-year member of the Youth Leadership Task Force at DC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. There are many situations at my school that I could tell you about but here is one that is important to me. There are NOT enough counselors to go around. Let me explain: Ballou has many students. I don’t know how many, maybe a couple of thousands. But they only have one counselor for each grade level. I am in the 11th grade and it is about 300 of us. And I plan on going to college when I graduate but I don’t know exactly where I want to go yet. That’s why I need to talk to a guidance counselor who can give me information and help me to decide. But with only one counselor for about 300 11th graders, it is hard for me to get a chance to see her. Sometimes she is busy with other students, or teachers and sometimes parents. You are probably going to ask me, “Why don’t you go to the library?” Well, my neighborhood library is a little kiosk on Alabama Avenue and Stanton Road southeast. It doesn’t have a lot of college catalogs and most of the time, the computers don’t work. So what can I do? If you are a student, you should be able to get what you need. And it Shouldn’t matter what part of the city you live in. All this talk about us being the city’s future leaders won’t come true if we don’t get what we need now. Thank you very much.” THE METRO HERALD EDUCATION October 19, 2007 NIKE/NATIONAL HEAD START ASSOCIATION’S LET ME PLAY HEAD START TO EXPAND TO 115 NEW SITES IN 2008 Ron Herndon, Chairman NHSA Board of Directors L et Me Play Head Start, a joint Nike/National Head Start Association initiative to get kids physically active starting at a young age will expand in 2008 to include 115 new Head Start sites in 15 cities across the United States. Formerly known as Nike GO Head Start the joint program with SPARK (Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids) already has reached 322 Head Start sites in its first three years, training 1,079 staff and parents in 20 cities encompassing an estimated 12,600 Head Start preschoolers. Let Me Play Head Start will expand this year with an additional 15 trainings for parents and teachers. The program currently operates in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, DC, Orlando, Anchorage, Memphis, Salt Lake City, and Portland,among others. The additional 15 training locations are being selected based in large part on the prevalence of childhood obesity and other health problems related to physical inactivity among preschoolers. In addition, Let Me Play Head Start will offer challenge grants to Head Start operators that have been working with the Nike/NHSA program for at least a year. These grants of $5,000 will allow Head Start programs to achieve new inroads in terms of spreading the Let Me Play philosophy. NHSAs Board Chairman Ron Herndon said the initiative builds on an eight-year relationship between Nike and the National Head Start Association. Currently the largest prvate funder of NHSA, Nike is issuing a series of one-year grants, with specific performance requirements, totaling $2.5 million over five years. As childhood health woes continue to rise, we are compelled to continue to provide opportunities like the Let Me Play Head Start partnership to enhance chldrens love for physical activity, especially at an early age, said Chad Boettcher, Director for US Corporate Responsibility, Nike. By increasing the number of cities that offer the Let Me Play Head Start program, we can increase the number of children, parents Visit us on the web at www.metroherald.com THE METRO HERALD and families who make physical activity a regular part of their lives and help prevent sedentary lifestyles before unhealthy practices can take hold. NHSA President and CEO Sarah Greene said: We are excited to continue our partnership with Nike and look forward to continuing to educate parents and teachers in the importance of stressing physical activity from an early age as an important tool in combating childhood obesity, which has been a growing problem in our country over the past few years. Head Start has always focused on the entire family, not just the kids, as an important component of their education and development. The Let Me Play Head Start Initiative teaches parents along with their kids so physical activity becomes a family activity.? Let Me Play Head Start understands how parents can play a critical role in raising healthy children and provides them with the resources to replicate the programs activities in the home. In addition to receiving the Playbook and SPARK training, participating Head Start sites will receive Nike donated equipment necessary to implement the program including parachutes, easy-tocatch balls, beanbags and balance beams. Head Start instructors receive a playbook of activities that are fun, inclusive, developmentally appropriate and aligned with Head Start Child Outcomes. Parents and children learn how ordinary objects like socks and scarves can be used for movement and physical activity. For more information on challenge grants, contact Tiereny Lloyd at 703299-7519 or tlloyd@nhsa.org. NORTH AMERICAN REPTILE BREEDERS CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW 2007 S nakes have been revered throughout the centuries for their hypnotic sway and seductive slithering movements. Don’t miss the opportunity to fall under the spell of these coldblooded creatures at the first annual North American Reptile Breeders Conference and Trade Show at the Dulles Convention Center, October 27 and 28. Located at the Dulles Convention Center, 4368 Chantilly Center, the NARBC is the world’s largest reptile conference bringing together experienced dealers from across the country offering over 10,000 cold-blooded creatures. “The South has emerged as a huge market for reptiles and was lacking a show of this magnitude. We are proud to bring the NARBC to Virginia and look forward to meeting ‘herp’ enthusiasts from the area,” says Brian Potter, NARBC show producer. The cold-blooded creatures at this amazing exhibition and sale of petfriendly “herps” are among the finest in the world. With prices ranging from $5 to $75,000 everything from the common gecko to extraordinarily rare breeds of snakes with unusual morphing of colors will be represented. Open to the public, this high-quality, captivebred-only reptile show produced by ECO Wear and Publishing and Chicago Reptile House, Inc. will feature over 100 dealers from across the country offering over 10,000 geckos, frogs, iguanas, snakes, lizards, and tortoises! The Show is sponsored by TRex, Timberline and Gourmet Rodent. Both the reptile connoisseur and the reptile-curious shouldn’t miss this exciting and educational opportunity to encounter alternative pets along with all of the supplies needed to support a herp hobby. All of the animals at the North American Reptile Breeders Conference & Trade Show are audited to ensure compliance with all federal and state laws as well as the guidelines of the Herpetological Society and the Pet In- Bearded lizard dustry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC). The North American Reptile Breeders Conference & Trade Show will also host several special events and educational lectures throughout the weekend. Details will be announced shortly. On Saturday evening at 6 p.m., the North American Reptile Breeders Conference will host a fundraiser for the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC). PIJAC promotes the interests of the pet industry and develops aids to enhance humane and responsible care within the industry. Open to the public, admission to this event is free and includes a live auction, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Proceeds from the live auction will be donated to this important industry organization. The North American Reptile Breeders Conference and Trade Show is open to the public Saturday, October 27 from 10a.m. to 5p.m. and Sunday, October 28 from 11a.m. to 4p.m. at the Dulles Convention Center, 4368 Chantilly Center, Chantilly, Virginia. Weekend passes to the Show are $15 for adults; children under 13 are $8, while children ages 5 and under are admitted free. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts with proof of membership will be admitted for $5. A special VIP badge, costing $50 allows show-goers entrance to the Show Preview on Friday, October 26, at 5p.m. along with complimentary snacks and beverages (sponsored by Reptile Magazine) The VIP badge also provides advance show entrance at 9a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. For more information on the Conference or to order tickets, email info@narbc.com visit www. narbc.com or www.reptileconference. com, or call 708-932-8044. OFFICE FOR CHILDREN SHOWS HOW TO LAUNCH A CHILD CARE BUSINESS T he Department of Family Services’ Office for Children will reveal the benefits of running a home-based child care business at 1p.m. on Thursday, November 8 at the Franconia Governmental Center, which is located at 6121 Franconia Road in Alexandria. The workshop is free; light refreshments will be served. “Becoming a child care provider allows you to have a home-based business and enjoy a personally rewarding profession,” says Office for Children Director Judith Rosen. Child care providers also have the opportunity to: • Earn an income while spending time with their own children. • Earn tax credits for running a home-based business. • Get reimbursed by the USDA Food Program for meals they serve children in their care. • Reduce the cost of transportation and other items needed to work outside the home. • Offer an essential service to the community. • Work at a job they love. At the November 8 workshop, Office for Children staff will train residents in how to obtain the necessary permit to legally operate a homebased child care business in Fairfax County. Attendees will also learn about ongoing training the Office for Children offers free of charge to child care professionals on how to provide quality educational programs to children. For more information about becoming a child care provider, call 703324-8100 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ofc. Subscribe to The Metro Herald! 11 THE ART OF BEING TUAREG: SAHARA NOMADS IN A MODERN WORLD October 19, 2007 T he first major exhibition in the United States to examine the historic and evolving culture and arts of the semi-nomadic Tuareg peoples of West Africa opened at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art on October 10. “Art of Being Tuareg: Sahara Nomads in a Modern World,” continues through January 27, 2008. Featuring the distinctive jewelry, clothing, leatherwork and other highly decorated items for which the Tuareg are famous, the exhibition considers the complexities of history, desert living and the ever-changing effects of globalization. “This show presents another view of Africa—one unfamiliar, discrete, yet historically and culturally significant,” said Sharon F. Patton, director of the National Museum of African Art. “It represents a confluence of topography, culture and present time, an extraordinary feat for any art exhibition.” Highlights “Art of Being Tuareg” includes more than 200 works from public and private collections around the world, as well as documentary photographs, video footage and music. Highlights include: ★ Photographic portraits and first-person accounts that introduce visitors to what it mans to be a Tuareg today ★ A goatskin hide tent, typical of the Tuareg nomadic lifestyle, displayed with carved tent poles, decorated screens, camel saddles, daggers, swords, leather bags, tools and musical instruments ★ Classical Tuareg silver jewelry including a necklace made of silver crosses of Zinder. Tuareg women once used this type of cross as a form of currency. Drum and beaters; Tuareg; Agadez, Niger; Wood, leather; H: 22 cm; Diam: 52cm; Musee d’ethnographie, Neuchatel; 48.4.108 a-c ★ Video footage from a desert wedding, showing the confluence of Tuareg culture past and present ★ A close look at one well-respected inadan (artist or smith) family in Niger, with a simulation of their workshop. A video shows the family making jewelry and provides insight into their lives. ★ A concluding display on the global marketplace for Tuareg art includes Tuareg-produced and inspired works that are sold at Hermès and other exclusive boutiques in the U.S. and Europe Scarves with Tuareg motifs; Hermes; Paris, France; Silk; Each: 88.9 x 88.9 cm; Private Collection Educational Programs The museum will offer a series of free educational activities: On October 20 at 2p.m. the museum will screen “Africa: Desert Odyssey,” about a nineyear-old Tuareg boy embarking on his first trans-Saharan trek. The film examines the endurance of an age-old Tuareg tradition against the backdrop of the modern world. And, on November 17 at 2p.m., the museum will screen “Middle of the Moment” which documents the nomadic lifestyles of two Tuareg groups and the circus troupe Cirque O. Sponsors and Publication “Art of Being Tuareg: Sahara Nomads in a Modern World” was organized by the Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Center for Visual Arts at Stanford University and the Fowler Museum at UCLA. Major support was provided by C. Diane Christensen and Karen Christensen. Support to the Cantor Arts Center came from the Halperin Director’s Discretionary Fund, the Bill and Jean Lane Fund and the Phyllis C. Wattis Program Fund. Additional generous support to the Fowler Museum was provided by the Shirley and Ralph Shapiro Director’s Discretionary Fund and the Ethnic Arts Council of Los Angeles. The exhibition was curated by Thomas K. Seligman, director, Cantor Arts Center, and independent scholar Kristyne Loughran. “Art of Being Tuareg” premiered at the Fowler Museum in 2006 before traveling to the Cantor Arts Center and the Smithsonian. A companion catalog was edited by Seligman and Loughran and includes essays by many of today’s most accomplished scholars of Tuareg art and society. Anghelen playing an anzad (photo by Francois Borel, In Gall; Niger, 1983) ON THE COVER Top left: Seated astride a prestigious white camel, this Tuareg man and his companions wear the characteristic tagulmust made of shimmering blue aleshu cloth (photo by Thomas K. Seligman; Talak region, Niger; 2001). About the National Museum of African Art Top right: Chemo Saidi (photo by Thomas K. Seligman; Agadez, Niger; 1980) The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art is America’s only museum dedicated to the collection, conservation, study and exhibition of traditional and contemporary African art. The museum is open daily from 10a.m. to 5:30p.m., except December 25. Admission is free. The museum is located at 950 Independence Ave. S.W., near the Smithsonian Metrorail station on the Blue and Orange lines. For more information about this exhibition, call (202) 633-4600 or visit africa.si.edu. For general Smithsonian information, call (202) 633-1000 or TTY (202) 633-5285. Bottom left: Camel saddle; Kaggo Oumba; Tuareg, Kel Ewey; Niamey, Niger; Wood, leather, metal; 80.8 x 73.3 x 36.3; Cantor Arts Center; 2005.102 Bottom right: Ladle; Tuareg; Niger; Aluminum, leather; L: 25 cm; Diam: 12.5 cm; Cantor Arts Center; 2002.51 Camel and rider; Saidi Oumba; Tuareg, Kel Ewey; Agadez, Niger; Nickel silver; 17.2 x 5.1 x 15.2 cm; Private collection 12 THE METRO HERALD Bag; Andi Ouhoulou; Tuareg, kel Ewey; Agadez, Niger; Leather, cloth, pigment; 89 x 86.1 x 1.3cm; Private Collection THE METRO HERALD 13 HEALTH & WELLNESS October 19, 2007 BLACK AMERICA URGED TO CONFRONT ITS SECRET PAIN: DEPRESSION E xperts in mental health, Members of Congress and other prominent African Americans today converged at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 2007 Annual Legislative Conference to shed light on issues surrounding “Black Women Surviving Unmet Mental Health Needs.” Rep. Julia Carson (DIN) together with the Depression Is Real Coalition hosted this special session with keynote speakers Eddie Levert, legendary singer of The O’Jays, and Terrie M. Williams, mental health advocate and acclaimed author. Eddie Levert, for the first time, passionately lent his voice and visibility to the cause of mental health in Black America and demonstrated his commitment to speaking out about the effect of depression as witnessed and experienced in his family. “Black women have always taken care of us—their men, their children, and their community. I have seen firsthand the damaging effects of depression, and it’s past time we support our women and educate the black community to recognize depression for what it is—a medical illness that is nothing to be ashamed of,” said Levert. According to a survey conducted by Mental Health America, 63 percent of people in the African American community believe depression is a personal weakness, while only 31 percent believe it is a medical health problem. “One thing about black women is that they are survivors,” said Rep. Carson. “But we need to do more than survive— we need to solve a growing crisis among black women who remain silent about this disease in an effort to appear strong. “Black women are significantly impacted by mental health problems and yet are reluctant to acknowledge that depression is a serious, biologicallybased disease,” said Altha Stewart, MD, president of the American Psychiatric Foundation, a founding member of the Depression Is Real Coalition. “Depression can be especially devastating because it is linked to other medical conditions experienced by black women in high numbers, including obesity, high blood pressure and heart disease. And, left untreated, depression can be fatal. We need to do all we can to encourage black women to confront their depression and ensure they get the health care they need.” Depression among black women is almost 50% higher than it is among white women. Of black women suffering from depression, only 7% receive treatment compared to 20% of white women. Black women are twice as more likely to suffer from depression than black men. Terrie M. Williams, author of the forthcoming book Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We’re Not Hurting, commented, “My hope is that black women and all of Black America will take a painfully honest look at a silent killer in its own community—depression. The worst part is that we ourselves are often unaware that we suffer from depression, or—if we know it—too ashamed to admit it and seek help. And until we address the reality of this illness, many of us can’t begin to tear down the other obstacles that hold us back.” In addition to Dr. Stewart, experts who joined today’s panel include Rahn Bailey, MD, National Medical Association; Lynne Saunders, National Alliance on Mental Illness; Gina Villani, MD, National Urban League; and Angela M. Burks, JD, Kelley School of Business, Indiana University. Panelists addressed a number of issues surrounding mental health and black women, including health care disparities; depression and its link to breast cancer; workplace depression; the role of families in mental health care; as well as the racism, gender bias, poverty, and social disadvantages women of color experience that can lead to depression and stress. The Depression Is Real Coalition, a group of seven preeminent medical, advocacy and civic groups, has made it its mission to dispel popular misconceptions that trivialize one form of mental illness in particular, depression—as “just the blues” or dismiss it entirely as an “imaginary disease.” The Depression Is Real public education campaign is sponsored by The American Psychiatric Foundation (a philanthropic and educational subsidiary of the American Psychiatric Association), the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, the League of United Latin American Citizens, Mental Health America, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the National Medical Association, the National Urban League and is made possible through the support of Wyeth. For more information visit www.DepressionIsReal.org. The American Society of Clinical Oncology & Women Mean Business Present RED RIBBON WEEK— OCTOBER 23RD–31ST R ed Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation reaching millions of young people every year. Narconon Arrowhead would like to remind you to do your part in taking a stand against drug and alcohol addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, Narconon Arrowhead can help. Narconon offers free addiction counseling, assessments and referrals to rehabilitation centers nationwide by calling 1800-468-6933 or logging on to www. stopaddiction.com. HAA CALLING FOR HIV/AIDS LISTINGS T he Department of Health’s HIV/AIDS Administration (HAA) is currently preparing an updated version of its free ‘’Directory of HIV/AIDS Services in the District of Columbia,’’ first released in May of this year, to include more agencies that provide HIV/AIDS-related services. ‘’We’re going to do a new edition in the beginning of the new year,’’ says Michael Kharfen, one of four people from HAA who prepared the 60-page directory of Department of Health-funded agencies providing HIV/AIDS-related services. ‘’This is the first time we’ve done this,’’ Kharfen says, ‘’but it’s our intention to do this now on an annual basis.’’ Kharfen says the directory provides “as comprehensive as we can, a range of services that are available to people with HIV and or their caregivers, as well as information on where you can get tested for HIV and an assortment of other information resources.’’ Organizations or groups in Washington that are providing such services, as well as preventative efforts, and are not already listed in the directory are asked to contact HAA to be included in the next edition. “We’re happy to send out, or give out, multiple copies to groups that can make this available.’’ For a copy of the ‘’Directory of HIV/AIDS Services in the District of Columbia,’’ call 202-671-4900, or download a PDF version of the directory at http://doh.dc.gov. Help raise funds for early detection & education in Alexandria MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY CLOTHING DRIVE AND RUN/WALK M Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 8:00 a.m. To register, visit www.alexcancerwalk.com or call 703.838.5030 On-site registration and parking at AMC Hoffman Center Theatres 2500 Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria, Virginia 14 ake a Difference Day is a national day of doing good in the community. The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s Department of Parks and Recreation will be participating in this program by sponsoring a clothing drive of new and/ or gently used children’s hats, scarves, mittens and gloves for members of our community, Prince George’s County. Collecting articles of clothing ends October 22, 2007. Forty-five parks and recreation facilities throughout the county will be host sites including all community centers. The culminating event will be a 5K Fun/Run/Walk For The Health Of It, to be held Saturday, October 20, 2007 at Watkins Regional Park, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. The scenic park trail is accessible. Registration begins at 8:30am and the walk/run begins at 9:00AM. The first 300 to register will receive a commemorative gift. The event includes fun demos, skate mobiles, hand dancing and the Positive Pathways Pre-Teens program to help prevent juvenile diabetes. For information contact the Volunteer Services Office at 301454-1484, TTY-301-454-1493 or log onto www.pgparks.com . THE METRO HERALD HEALTH & WELLNESS October 19, 2007 STRESS PREVENTION MONTH— STOP MULTITASKING AND PLAY! P laying isn’t just for kids anymore. Emerging research tells us that play can rewire the brain, help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and memory loss and even decreases chronic pain. When you play and laugh, it can boost your immune system, lower blood pressure and reduce stress hormones. With more than 76% of Americans indicating that they experience “great stress” at least one full day during the week, play needs to be an important part of an established health routine. October is “Stress Prevention Month.” As we approach the most stressful season of the year, it is a great time to learn how to prevent the dangers of stress by creating play in your hectic life. Dr. Kathleen Hall offers the following playful tips to help prevent the stress in your life: • Revive Your Rhythm. Energetic happy music can stimulate physical responses such as increased heart rate and respiration to result in more energy • Comedy Club. Play CD’s, DVD’s, or go online to visit to your favorite comedian or funny website. Laughter can increase your artery diameter by 22% and boost your immune system. Do “internal jogging” often. • Gratitude. Smile at your desk and be grateful for something in your life. It is physiologically impossible to experience stress and gratitude simultaneously. • Share a Meal. Don’t eat alone at your desk. Meet a coworker or friend for lunch and share laughter and stories. • Reach Out and Touch Someone. Email a friend with a playful email when you are stressed. • Toy Chest. Keep a drawer or box at work with playful toys and when you get stressed shoot a basket, bounce a ball or play jacks. • Play an Online Game. Play an online game for a few minutes during your busy day to de-stress and laugh. Dr. Kathleen Hall has partnered with Pogo, Electronic Arts, to kick off “Take 5 to Play” to bring back the power of play into everyday lives. Here, visitors can play stress busting games, interact with one another, and seek advice from the expert herself. (www.pogo.com) Dr. Kathleen Hall, internationally recognized stress/work-life balance expert, founder and C.E.O. of The Stress Institute (www.thestressinstite.com), has been featured on major media including The Today Show, CNN, FOX, ABC News, CBS, Oprah & Friends Radio, Good Morning America Radio, Martha Stewart Radio, Fortune, Forbes, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, Money, Business Week, Parents, Cosmopolitan, Real Simple, and Woman’s Day. She is the author of A Life in Balance, 2007 Nautilus Book Award winner, and Alter Your Life; has a weekly radio show, Live with Dr. Kathleen Hall, in LA on KCAA; and, is a contributing writer for PINK Magazine. OP-ED T he word hope can inspire a range of feelings. But to someone facing cancer, as I have, hope is a lifeline to a better tomorrow, a breakthrough treatment, a cure. As we observe breast cancer awareness month this October, let hope also mean that one day, no woman will have to face this terrible disease with a poor prognosis for recovery. In the African American community, the hope to win the fight against breast cancer is particularly profound. Our community is disproportionately affected by a variety of cancers, including breast cancer. African American women are 28 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than white women, according to the American Cancer Society. There are a variety of complex factors that contribute to this health disparity. One is that African American women are more likely to be diagnosed later with more advanced cancer – which is much more difficult to treat, according to the American Cancer Society. That’s why it’s so critical that women be vigilant about doing monthly self-examinations and getting regular mammograms as directed by their physicians. These steps help detect any irregularities earlier and can make a life or death difference. More than ever before, medicines also have the power to provide hope to cancer patients. Until recently, killing BREAST CANCER/ NEW MEDICINES Larry Lucas Special to The Metro Herald cancer cells without harming healthy cells in the body has proven to be extraordinarily difficult. But that’s changing. Right now, researchers from America’s pharmaceutical companies are creating new “smart” medicines that ignore healthy cells and go straight to the cancer. In addition, companies are working on medicines to improve the quality of life for people undergoing cancer treatment. In fact, a new survey by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) revealed 229 new medicines in development for cancers that disproportionately impact African Americans, including 88 for breast cancer. But, just knowing about the treatments available to you isn’t enough. If you are diagnosed with cancer, it’s very important to follow through with the treatments prescribed by your doctor. Columbia University Medical Center researchers found that African American women with early stage breast cancer are less likely to finish chemotherapy treatment, contributing to lower survivor rates. There are likely a variety of factors for why patients might not take their medicines as prescribed; cost may be one of them. For those who need help affording their prescription medicines, there are programs that can help. The Partnership for Prescription Assistance (1-888-4PPA-NOW or www.pparx. org), a national program sponsored by America’s pharmaceutical research companies, provides a single point of access to 475 patient assistance programs. More than 2,500 brand-name and generic prescription medicines are available through the participating programs. So far, the program has already helped more than 4.3 million people in need nationwide. One of our community’s greatest leaders, Martin Luther King, Jr., once said, “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” This month, as we remember those who have won and lost the battle against breast cancer, may we also preserve that infinite hope for a new treatment that helps save a life, ushering in a cure to cancer forever. • • • Larry Lucas is the vice president for Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). PEDIATRIC NURSING: SCOPE AND STANDARDS OF PRACTICE T he National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) and the Society of Pediatric Nurses (SPN) announced recently that the Pediatric Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice document is available for public comment. The document is available on both NAPNAP’s and SPN’s website (www .napnap.org and www.pedsnurses. org). “This document incorporates the wide array of responsibilities of pediatric nurses in general and advance practice and is the result of a dynamic and collaborative process involving representatives from a variety of practice areas from both NAPNAP and SPN”, said NAPNAP Chair Martha Swartz. “We had the opportunity to bring together the two primary pediatric nursing associations in the United States to develop a comprehensive document to meet the needs of all pediatric nurses in a variety of settings and roles.” said SPN Chair Lynn Mohr. The document, developed in collaboration with representatives from BLACK FACT On October 19, 1944, the US Navy accepted black women. THE METRO HERALD the American Nurses Association (ANA), is in three parts, with a reference list at the end: • Introduction discusses the history of the document and how the two organizations collaborated together to create a unified scope and standards. • Scope of Practice defines the actions and processes within pediatric nursing practice, based on a thorough understanding of education, clinical experience, certification and demonstrated competency. • Standards of Practice delineate standards of practice, including assessment, diagnosis, outcomes management, planning, implementation, and evaluation, and standards of professional performance at all levels of pediatric nursing practice. The document is intended to guide, define, and direct pediatric nursing practice. It is also an essential resource for nursing faculty and students, other health care providers, researchers, and those involved in funding, legal, policy and regulatory activities. Go to www.napnap.org or www. pedsnurses.org to retrieve and review the draft document posted for public comment. Please provide feedback using the online evaluation form. All comments must be received by November 9, 2007. For more information about NAPNAP call 856-857-9700 or visit www.napnap.org. 15 COMMUNITY NEWS October 19, 2007 ALEXANDRIA ALEXANDRIA JAYCEES TO HOLD FINAL COMMUNITY YARD SALE T he Alexandria Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) seek sellers for the “Original” Community Yard Sale on Saturday, October 27 in the parking lot of Anthony Lane Elementary School located at 7137 Beulah Street, Alexandria VA 22315. This is located just south of the intersection of Beluah Street and Manchester Blvd. The cost for sellers is $15 per space. There is no cost to browse. Seller set-up is from 6:00– 7:00AM and the actual event runs from 7:00AM–3:00PM. This is the last yard sale of the season. Sellers may sell anything legal (appliances, clothing, toys, books, etc.) except for food and drink which are sold by the Jaycees. Please go to our website: www.alexjaycees.org for directions, other dates, and seller rules. To get to Lane E.S., go south on Beulah Street from Franconia Rd, pass Manchester Blvd, the school is on the left. From Telegraph Rd, go north on Beulah St, before Manchester Blvd, the school is on the right. The Alexandria Jaycees rely on the proceeds from the Community Yard Sales to fund ongoing activities for the community. The Alexandria Jaycees is part of a worldwide not-for-profit organization for young adults aged 21-40 that has been actively serving the City of Alexandria since 1940. The Jaycees are best known for their Holiday Shopping Tour for underprivileged children, support of local charities, such as the Red Cross and ALIVE, and the playground they funded and built for the Community Interested sellers and buyers can obtain more information about the Community Yard Sales by leaving a message on the Alexandria Jaycees’ 24-hour recorded eventline: 703-8667171. Someone from the Jaycees will return the call or visit www. alexjaycees.org. SUBSTANCE ABUSE AWARENESS WEEK— OCTOBER 22-26, 2007 S “ tomp Out Drugs in the Community” is part of Red Ribbon Week and will take place on Wednesday, October 24, 2007 from 4:30 to 6:00pm at the Walt Whitman Middle School located at 2500 Parker Lane, Alexandria, VA. Presentation will given by: MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers). Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country. It serves as a vehicle for communities and individuals to take a stand for the hopes and dreams of our children through a commitment to drug prevention and education and a personal commitment to live drug free lives with the ultimate goal being the creation of drug free America Fairfax County youth in 5th–8th grades will learn valuable information about drug prevention and earn the chance to win great prizes at the “Stomp Out Drugs” event! There will be food, fun, prizes and priceless information about how they can help in the fight against drugs! For more information, contact: Saundra Perry; Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board Prevention Services, 8350 Richmond Highway, Suite 515, Alexandria, VA; (703) 704-6801 MONTGOMERY COUNTY ALS MEETING O n Saturday November 3 the ALS Caregiver Resource Support Group will meet from 1 to 3pm at The ALS Association, Administrative office, 7507 Standish Place, Rockville. This support group for all caregivers of ALS patients and interested friends is sponsored by the ALS Association. For more information on this free event, call 301-9789855 or visit www.ALSinfo.org. (ALS is also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.) MEDIAN PRICE FOR NEW HOUSE IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY CLIMBS TO $1.1 MILLION, RESEARCHERS SAY A ccording to Montgomery County Planning Department researchers, the median price for a new single-family detached home in Montgomery County reached a startling $1.1 million in the first quarter of 2007. Researchers found average prices for all types of housing increased 8 percent in the first quarter while prices were flat for the rest of the Washington, D.C. area. County prices for existing singlefamily homes and new townhouses decreased slightly but continue to average more than $500,000. Researchers say that developers appear to be responding to the downturn in the housing market by focusing on building high-end houses for the affluent rather than meeting the housing needs of middle- and lower-income families. Read the full report at: www. mc-mncppc.org/research/documents/ HousingBulletin091907_003.pdf Aware of the housing trend, the Planning Board and other officials are working to provide affordable housing options. Current county law requires most residential developers to include a minimum of 12.5 percent moderately priced homes in their proposed plans. When the Planning Board approves 35 or more new housing units near Metro Stations, developers are required to build workforce housing units. With County Council support, the Planning Board has placed even greater emphasis on the importance of affordable housing opportunities in the county, initiating a new housing study that will become a new element of the county’s General Plan. In June, the Planning Board directed its researchers to analyze county’s housing trends and examine where home prices tend to be lower. Researchers also will recommend ways the county’s most affordable neighborhoods can maintain their quality of life without endangering their affordability. Their report is expected to be delivered to the Planning Board in January. Late this month, the board will send a revised set of growth policy recommendations to the County Council that—if adopted—will require developers to pay higher impact fees in order to offset the costs of infrastructure required by brand-new homes in existing communities. The board recommended that developers be required to pay a greater share of the cost to build new roads and schools. Under the board’s proposal, developers of most single-family detached homes would need to pay about $31,000 in impact taxes. According to a variety of economic studies, those fees add costs to developers, not homeowners, and help existing residents receive adequate services. “Developers are not having prob- lems selling high-priced new homes, so we think they can contribute 3 percent of the revenues to help improve the roads and schools serving that new home,” said Planning Board Chairman Royce Hanson. The Planning Board, after reviewing its growth policy recommendations, presented them to the County Council in work sessions which started October 1st. GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY OF NEW THOMAS FARM COMMUNITY CENTER T he Groundbreaking Ceremony is the first of three events scheduled for Saturday, October 20th. All are open to the public. First will be the Thomas Farm Community Center groundbreaking ceremony followed by the Sister City Friendship Bridge ribbon cutting ceremony and then the Rockville Antique and Classic Car Show at Rockville Civic Center Park 10:00a.m.—Groundbreaking Ceremony; Fallsgrove Drive, West of West Montgomery Ave.; (Public may park on Fallsgrove Drive) 11:00a.m.—Ribbon Cutting Ceremony; Watts Branch Parkway, South of Hurley Avenue; (Public may park on Watts Branch Parkway) 11:00a.m.–4:00p.m.—Rockville Antique and Classic Car Show; Glenview Mansion, 603 Edmonston Drive The 18,000-square foot Thomas Farm Community Center will be the City’s first community center west of I270. The facility includes a gymnasium, two multi-purpose rooms, a fitness center, game room, bathrooms, a kitchenette, offices and storage space among other amenities at a total cost of $5.3 million. The budget for the project was supported by a $1.5 million grant from Maryland Program Open Space (POS), a program that supports acquisition and construction of park facilities. Also included in the budget was a $45,000 developer contribution as well as $250,000 from a state bond bill. Following the groundbreaking, spectators can travel a few miles over to Watts Branch Parkway to witness the official ribbon cutting ceremony of the Sister City Friendship Bridge. The bridge marks the most recent connection to the City’s bikeway network. Bicyclists will be able to conveniently and more safely travel from neighborhoods such as Rockshire and Fallsgrove to other destinations in the central and east part of the City. The majority of the funding for this bridge was obtained from the Maryland State Highway’s Transportation Enhancement Program. The name was chosen in recognition of the 50-year relationship between Rockville and Pinneberg, Germany. The grounds of Glenview Mansion will be transformed when more than 400 antique and classic automobiles go on display. Twenty-two car clubs, from Packard to Ferrari, will be represented during this grand event, while auto collectors and enthusiasts share the fond memories of the classic cars of yesteryear. The goals of the Rockville Antique and Classic Car Show Committee are to exhibit motor vehicles of the highest standard of preservation and restoration and to continue to be recognized as the premier non-judged motor vehicle show in the region. For more information visit www. rockvillemd.gov WASHINGTON, DC INTERNATIONAL POLAR YEAR: EXPLORING THE CHANGING POLES F ind out why the polar regions are changing faster than any other part of our planet at a discission with Dr. Robin. Discussion will take place on Thursday, November 29, 2007 from 6:00 to 7:30pm at the Koshland Science Museum located at 6th and E Streets, NW, Washington, DC. Admission is $5. For more information: 202-3341201, ksm@nas.edu, or www. kosland-science.org. 34TH ANNUAL WASHINGTON STUDIES CONFERENCE T he theme of the 2007 Conference is “Empowerment” chosen to link the District efforts to explore and commemorate the events of the year 1968, which altered the face of the city. Conference will run November 1–3, 2007 at The Historical Society of Washington, DC located at The Carnegie, 801 K Street, NW, Washington, DC. Cost is free. You can register at www.historydc. org/2007/Conference/. The Conference will convene on Thursday evening, November 1, with a reception at The Carnegie, followed by the Letitia Woods Brown Memorial Lecture given this year by the Honorable Walter Fauntroy. Very interesting array of plenary and panel presentations are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, conference content and registration are found at www.historydc. org/2007Conference/. BLACK FACTS On October 19, 1870, the first blacks were elected to the House of Representatives. Black Republicans won three of the four congressional seats in South Carolina: Joseph H. Rainey, Robert C. Delarge and Robert B. Elliott. Rainey was elected to an unexpired term in the Forty-First Congress and was the first black seated in the House. On October 19, 1943, Paul Robeson opened in Othello at the Shubert Theater in New York City. The show ran for 296 consecutive performances. 16 THE METRO HERALD ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT October 19, 2007 SILENT WINGS FILM SCREENING PORTRAYS CRITICAL ROLE OF WWII GLIDER PILOTS SMITHSONIAN TO REPATRIATE SITTING BULL’S LOCK OF HAIR AND LEGGINGS A T he National Museum of the U.S. Air Force will feature a screening of Silent Wings—The American Glider Pilots of WWII at 10a.m. on November 10 in the Carney Auditorium. Narrated by Hal Holbrook, Silent Wings reveals the critical role gliders played in World War II offensives. Through rare archival footage and photographs, the film places the audience right at the center of the action in the dangerous world of the American glider pilot. During World War II, 6,000 young Americans volunteered to fly large unarmed cargo gliders into battle. For these glider pilots, every mission was critical. It was their task to repeatedly risk their lives landing the men and tools of war deep within enemy-held territory, often in complete darkness. Thousands of lives were saved and battles won because of their efforts. Distributed by Inecom Entertainment Company, the film includes interviews with former National WWII Glider Pilots Association, Inc. Chairman Michael J. Samek, surviving glider veterans and legendary journalists Andy Rooney and Walter Cronkite, who flew into Holland with the 101st Airborne Division in 1944. New York congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy who sponsored a House Resolution honoring glider pilots said, “For nearly 50 years, our nation knew very little about these courageous men. They are finally receiving the recognition they deserve through the release of Silent Wings and passage of a House THE METRO HERALD Resolution in their name.” No tickets are necessary for this free film screening. Doors to the Carney Auditorium open at 9a.m. More information about the film is available at www.SilentWingsFilm.com. The National Museum of the United States Air Force is located on Springfield Street, six miles northeast of downtown Dayton. It is open 9a.m. to 5p.m. seven days a week (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day). For more information, contact the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at (937) 255-8046, ext. 490. For more information on the film, contact Julie Halapchuk with Inecom Entertainment Company at (412) 9672700, ext. 3029 or jhalapch@inecom.com. lock of hair and wool leggings belonging to Sitting Bull, a Hunkpapa Lakota Sioux leader, are to be repatriated to his closest living relatives by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. After Sitting Bull was killed in 1890 while being arrested by the Native American police, his body was in the temporary custody of Horace Deeble, a U.S. Army doctor at the Fort Yates military post in North Dakota. Deeble obtained a lock of hair and the leggings, a type of traditional pants worn by Native American men during the 19th century, from Sitting Bull’s body and later sent the items to the museum in 1896. “It has been an honor to meet the descendants of Sitting Bull, and to work together toward the return of these important items to the family,” said Bill Billeck, director of the National Museum of Natural History’s Repatriation Office. Billeck worked closely with the family members on this repatriation. Ernie LaPointe, Sitting Bull’s great-grandson, and a representative of the four known living great-grandchildren, requested the return of the lock of hair and leggings. LaPointe said the repatriation “will bring closure to my grandfather and I hope that it will lead to a healing among the lineal and collateral descendants of Sitting Bull and to the Lakota Nation.” The National Museum of Natural History’s Repatriation Office operates under repatriation legislation that requires the return of culturally affiliated remains and certain types of objects to lineal descendants and federally recognized Native American tribes. Since it’s inception in 1991, the office has conducted more repatriations than any other museum in the United States. CHARITY EVENT FOR CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL O n Tuesday October 23rd, The DC Improv is proud to be hosting a Halloween charity benefit for Children’s Hospital. Comedy will be provided by our very own DC Improv Comedy School Cast (THE DICSC)—it’s a true FUN-raising event! The Improv will be collecting costumes, decorations and other Halloween themed items to be distributed to children in the hospital on Halloween. In addition a portion of the ticket price will be donated to help replenish supplies for Children’s Hospital. If you like the hit TV show “Whose Line Is It Anyway”, then you’re going to love The DICSC! Come out and use laughter to show your support for Children’s Hospital. During the week of October 23– 28, The DC Improv will be a collection site to drop off costumes and decorations to help bring the spirit of Halloween to the children in Children’s Hospital. If you are coming to see a comedy show or just around our neighborhood, stop by with Halloween goodies for the kids. Hours of Operation 10:00AM– 10:00PM NO CANDY OR EDIBLE ITEMS. ALL GIFTS MUST BE BRAND NEW FOR DISEASE/INFECTION CONTROL. Tickets: $15.00, www.dcimprov. com or 202-296-7008. The DC Improv Comedy Club & Restaurant is located at 1140 Connecticut Avenue N.W. Washington DC. Doors Open at 7:00PM. ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S EVITA C atholic University’s Benjamin T. Rome School of Music will sponsor and present Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical “Evita” directed by Jane Pesci-Townsend at 8:00PM on October 26, and 27, and 2:00PM, on October 28 at The Catholic University of America, Hartke Theatre, 620 Michigan Ave., N.E., Washington, DC. Webber’s musical offers a window into the infamous life story of Eva “Evita” Duarte de Peron, the wife of Argentine President Juan Peron. Evita rose from poverty to become the most famous Argentine woman in history, one who inspired fear, admiration and hatred. CUA junior Amanda Roberts will star in the title role, with sophomore Andrew Halpin as the story’s narrator, Che. General admission tickets are $20. Tickets for students, staff and seniors are $15. For more information, contact the Benjamin T. Rome School of Music at 202-319-5414 or visit http://music.cua.edu. STARTS TODAY CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATRES AND SHOWTIMES FOR GROUP TICKET SALES INFORMATION CALL: 1-877-PAR-GRP5 SPECIAL ENGAGEMENTS – NO PASSES OR DISCOUNT TICKETS ACCEPTED 17 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT October 19, 2007 ARTEEAST ANNOUNCES 2007 CINEMAEAST FILM FESTIVAL COMPOSER AND CONDUCTOR HK GRUBER BRINGS FRIGHTS AND FUN TO BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA H alloween arrives a little early this year as Austrian composer, conductor and chansonnier HK Gruber brings his beloved work Frankenstein!! to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, October 19 at the Music Center at Strathmore and October 20 at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. These Symphony with a Twist™ concerts will feature Gruber conducting, singing and acting in his own “Pandemonium for Chansonnier and Orchestra,” Frankenstein!!, a collection of humorous songs depicting characters including Dracula, Superman, Frankenstein and others often associated with the spooky holiday (as well as some that are not). Gruber will also lead the BSO in Beethoven’s jesting Symphony No. 8 and Camille Saint-Saëns’ haunting Danse macabre. HK Gruber’s Frankenstein!! is a visual and aural feast, complete with virtuosic orchestral arrangements, an outlandish libretto by H.C. Artmann, kitschy toy instruments and Gruber’s own theatrical rendition of his songs, which The Independent described as “lovable madness.” Gruber will conduct the BSO as he sings and acts out songs including “Miss Dracula,” “Goldfinger and Bond,” “John Wayne,” “The Green-haired Man,” and “Frankenstein,” among others. Gruber’s performances have been praised as “stunning,” “riotous” and “tantalizing.” In addition to standard orchestral instruments, Gruber’s score calls on members of the orchestra to play items including plastic hosepipes, kazoos, a toy trumpet and motor horns. The work, originally written for chansonnier (singer) and chamber ensemble in 1971, was re-orchestrated for full orchestra six years later. The BSO performed the original chamber version of the work with Gruber as soloist in the inaugural concert of the Discovery Series in 1986, but these concerts mark the BSO’s first performance of the full orchestral arrangement. Danse macabre is one of composer Camille Saint-Saëns’ most frequently performed and best known orchestral works. Based on a Henri Cazalis poem rife with macabre images, the piece is often associated with Halloween, and is frequently used in horror movie scores and haunted houses. The programmatic work begins with the Devil tuning up his fiddle, represented by a solo violin with an out of tune E-string. As the work continues, chilling melodies depict Cazalis’ moaning trees and dancing skeletons, and the xylophone plays a prominent role in depicting the skeletons’ rattling bones. As more skeletons arise from their graves and begin to fly, more and more sections of the orchestra join in the madness. Finally, the oboe sounds the rooster’s call, dawn breaks and the skeletons return to their graves as the piece comes to a quiet conclusion. The program will conclude with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8 in F Major, composed in 1812. The work, the shortest of Beethoven’s symphonies, is generally upbeat and lighthearted despite the strife and turmoil in Beethoven’s life at the time of the work’s composition. Beethoven’s hearing was fading quickly and he was involved in a lengthy dispute with his brother. Also in 1812, Beethoven wrote the so-called “Immortal Beloved” letters. These letters, written to an unidentified woman, represent Beethoven’s frustration and despair over not being with her. The Eighth Symphony appears to be totally removed from this unhappiness however. Energetic melodies and bouncing rhythms pervade the work, and the second movement’s steady rhythmic pulse, often perceived as a playful joke, is an homage to Beethoven’s friend Johann Mälzel, inventor of the portable metronome. The concerts at both the Meyerhoff and at Strathmore mark the BSO’s first College Nights of the 2007-2008 season. Voted “Best College Night” by Johns Hopkins University students, the evening features a post-concert party, refreshments, prize giveaways and a chance to mingle with musicians of the BSO. Tickets for College Night are $10 with a university ID. These Symphony with a Twist ™ concerts are part of the BSO’s 20072008 “Year of the Composer,” which features works by 11 contemporary composers, paired with all nine Beethoven symphonies. HK Gruber is among five composers who will also conduct the Orchestra their own works this season. Tickets for these performances range from $15 to $84 and are available through the BSO Ticket Office, www.BSOmusic.org, 877-BSO-1444 or 410-783-8000. SPECIAL EVENING PROGRAM TO BE HELD AT ARLINGTON HOUSE P rogram will be held on Friday, October 26, from 7:30– 10:00p.m. at Arlington House, in The Robert E. Lee Memorial/ Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia. Join the National Park Service for a free Open House with an evening program about the latter part of Robert E. Lee’s life and death, as well as death and mourning in a broader context from 1802–2001. Visitors will explore how a community of wealthy property owners, slaves, military men, government officials, mourners and tourists has shaped how we, as a nation, remember our dead. This event will feature living history demonstrations; ranger- and volunteer-led talks about life, illness, death, and funeral customs; and Civil War period music by the Federal City Brass Band. Reservations are required and will be available for 7:30p.m., 8:00p.m. and 8:30p.m. To make a reservation, call 703235-1530 or visit www.nps.gov/arho. This event is one of several held at Arlington House during 2007 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Robert E. Lee. 18 O rganizers of renowned biennial CinemaEast Film Festival announced recently the program selections for the 2007 season, to take place from November 8-15, 2007 at the IFC Center in Manhattan. Recognized around the world for being a premier venue for bringing cinematic voices from the Middle East, North Africa and their diasporas to international crowds, the 2007 CinemaEast Film Festival selections continue to break new artistic and political ground. Culled from over 250 submissions, the festival program illustrates the diversity and artistic vibrancy of veteran, emerging and independent filmmakers, and showcases 12 features, 22 documentaries (long and short), and 18 shorts representing15 countries. In a time of increased turmoil and misunderstanding about these regions, the 2007 CinemaEast Festival is more timely than ever. Breaking stereotypes and misconceptions, the film selections will provide rare opportunities for dialogue with filmmakers, actors and artists; building bridges through culture and art. Some of the festivals selections include: The TV is Coming by Moncef Dhouib (Tunisia)—A German TVcrew instigates an uproarious “Extreme Makeover” of a lost village in the Tunisian countryside, setting a se- ries of hysterical antics into play. MAINLINE by Rakhshan BaniEtemad and Mohsen Abdolvahab (Iran)—The ninth feature by Iran’s most celebrated female filmmaker, is an unflinching portrayal of the new face of Iranian youth, through the story of a young bride-to-be’s psychological struggle with overcoming heroin addiction. What A Wonderful World by Faouzi Bensaidi (Morocco)—Set in Casablanca, this quirky, post-modern reflection depicts what calculated and unexpected intersections life in an urban metropolis can bring. Documentary selections include an impressive array of some of the most dynamic and talented filmmakers tackling with wit, grace, and originality, pressing social issues, tragic political situations, challenging stereotypes or mixing the subjective voice with collective experience. Films include the meditative journey of a Palestinian immigrant’s return home to Haifa, where past and present seem entrenched, recollections of his imprisonment in an Israeli jail intertwine with the new reality of Palestine (The Roof); a captivating documentary on Arab volunteers in the Iraqi secular resistance that rides the cutting-edge of grass roots political engagement and art making all set to a hipsters sound track (Isti’mariyah); an incisive and master- ful investigation into the political predicament of contemporary Syria (We Will Live to See these Things); the portrait of an Iraqi war combatant, imprisoned in Iran who paints prison walls and transformed the grounds into a museum (POW 57187); and a humorous, witty portrayal of the social transformation of Tehran told by one of Iran’s most promising emerging documentary film talents (Tehran has no more Pomegranates). Short film selection is also illustrative of the diversity of talent emerging in the region and gives rarely screened experimental works. The 2007 Season will also feature Beur is Beautiful, an overdue homage and groundbreaking retrospective and conference on beur cinema: a burgeoning trend in French filmmaking reflecting on the legacy of colonialism and the integration of France’s populations of North African descent. In line with its mission to promote visibility of emerging initiatives in filmmaking in the region, CinemaEast Film Festival will include two special presentations by new film schools in Baghdad and Amman and other special programs. For more information about ArteEast and the CinemaEast 2007 Film Festival visit www.arteeast.org/ or contact Mahdis@mahdis.org 425 591 8781 (cell) VFH HIRES FIRST DIRECTOR OF VIRGINIA INDIAN HERITAGE PROGRAM I n Virginia, where history and tradition reign, there is one area in which public education is lacking: Virginians grow up and live here knowing almost nothing about Virginia Indians. Despite the fact that Indian ancestors were living here for thousands of years, few non-Indian people in Virginia today have ever met a Virginia Indian; they know little about Virginia Indian history, and most assume that Virginia Indians are people of the past. The Virginia Foundation for the Humanities (VFH) in partnership with tribal leaders in Virginia has established a program to address this problem and has hired Karenne Wood as its first director. Wood, a member of the Monacan Indian Nation and a long-time advocate for Virginia’s native communities, previously served as Chair of the Virginia Council on Indians, a gubernatorial appointment. She has studied at George Mason University and the University of Virginia, where she holds a Ford Predoctoral Fellowship. “Our elders have taught us that the history of our people is portrayed inaccurately,” she says. “We have an obligation to those who came before us—our ancestors and elders—to correct the stereotypes and misperceptions of the past.” The Virginia Indian Heritage Program will include research and a resulting database that will be housed on-line at a VFH website; summer institutes for K-12 teachers; higher education summits to promote educational opportunities for American Indians in Virginia; and a grant program to provide funds for tribes, intertribal groups, museums, and other organizations to implement or improve their interpretation of Virginia Indian history. The Virginia Indian Heritage Program is funded in part by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Throughout its thirty-four year history, VFH has been telling the untold stories of Virginia, including the story of its indigenous citizens. “The VFH strives to create the most complete picture of Virginia, and of its complex history,” according to David Bearinger, Director of Grants and Public Programs. “Karenne was the perfect choice to direct the Virginia Indian Heritage Program because she brings to this work a unique blend of passion, intellect, and experience—an understanding of the past, sensitivity to the issues of the present, and a vision for the future.” Chief Kenneth Adams of the Upper Mattaponi Tribe made numerous visits to the Virginia General Assembly with other chiefs to support funding for this program. He notes: “We now have an opportunity to portray the Virginia Indian in a proper light. We cannot continue to be the forgotten people in the Virginia history books or on the landmarks across this Commonwealth. Our Creator placed us here as the gatekeepers of this land, and our magnificent story can not and will not be buried.” Earlier this year, VFH published The Virginia Indian Heritage Trail, a guide to locations which have accurate, culturally sensitive interpretative content on Virginia Indians. The guide provides an interpretive framework or context in which to understand the sites. The Virginia Indian Heritage Trail publication was developed by the Virginia Council on Indians with support from Jamestown 2007, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the Virginia General Assembly, and the VFH. The Virginia Indian Heritage Trail provides an accessible general introduction to Virginia Indian history, heritage, and contemporary life. Copies of the book are available through the VFH website (www. virginiafoundation.org). This summer, VFH offered the first state-wide teachers’ institute to be taught collaboratively by Virginia Indian tribal leaders and academic experts. Public school teachers spent four days learning about indigenous history and cultures, regional ecology, archaeology, and contemporary experiences of tribal members who were denied access to public education until 1963. Similar institutes will be offered next summer in various regions of the state. Future plans for the program include the development of web-based lesson plans for teachers and other educational materials, museum exhibits and public programs, a second edition of The Virginia Indian Heritage Trail, new publications focused on tribal histories and historic images, and other projects. THE METRO HERALD ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT October 19, 2007 STILL PURRRFECTLY MARVELOUS eartha Kitt (photo courtesy of WPAS) E artha Kitt celebrates her 80th birthday on November 10 at Warner Theatre. Eartha Kitt was a sex kitten before Halle Berry and a groundbreaking international style maven before Madonna. She challenged racial stereotypes and embraced her biracial background long before others in the entertainment industry. A proven “triple-threat” performer, Kitt gained fame as a dancer with Katherine Dunham, as Catwoman in TV’s Batman series, and as a singer and performer on Broadway and beyond. Her cabaret-style solo performance at Warner Theatre on Saturday, November 10 at 8pm includes traditional favorites and new classics, all performed with the improvised theatrics and personal flair that have made her a star. Said a Guardian reviewer, describing a recent Kitt performance at the Shaw Theater in London, “It is not just the legs that are intact: Kitt retains a ferocious pair of lungs and her trademark vibrato throaty growl—she remains a staggeringly vivacious performer—all high-kicks, back bends and athletic crouches.” Kitt’s best selling recordings include Love for Sale, Santa Baby, I Want to be Evil, and Folk Tales of the Tribes of Africa, which earned her a Grammy Award nomination. In 1967, when appearing as Catwoman, her face and trademark “purr” became synonymous with the role and part of pop culture. Her roles as the villain Yzma in Disney’s animated feature The Emperor’s New Groove, as Mme. Zeroni in the film Holes, and as the Fairy Godmother in New York City Opera’s Cinderella has introduced her distinctive voice and persona to an entirely new generation of fans. Born Eartha Mae Kitt in rural South Carolina, the artist was sent to live with an aunt in Harlem at age 8. In her late teens, on a friend’s dare, she auditioned for Katherine Dunham Dance Troupe and won a spot as a dancer and vocalist. She traveled around the world with the ensemble and was spotted by a nightclub owner in Paris and booked as a featured singer at his club. International audiences fell in love with her THE METRO HERALD unique look and talent. Singing in ten different languages, Miss Kitt has performed in over 100 countries and has been honored with a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 1966, Miss Kitt was nominated for an Emmy for her role in the television series, I Spy and in 1978 she received her second Tony nomination for her starring role in the musical Timbuktu. Live theater is Miss Kitt’s passion. In 2001, Broadway critics singled her out with both Tony and Drama Desk nominations for her role as Dolores in George Wolfe’s The Wild Party. She has also starred in National Tours of The Wizard of Oz and Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. In 2003, Miss Kitt dazzled Broadway audiences as Liliane Le Fleur in the revival of Nine: The Musical. In 2004, she appeared as The Fairy Godmother in The New York City Opera production (Lincoln Center) of Cinderella. She starred most recently in the off-Broadway production of Mimi Le Duck (2006). Miss Kitt remains devoted to solo performances in front of live audiences. She frequently enthralls New York nightclub audiences during her extended stays at The Café Carlyle. Other recent appearances include such varied venues as Detroit’s Music Hall, Washington, D.C.’s Blues Alley, Seattle’s Jazz Alley and the famed Ravinia Festival. She also brought her onewoman show to the 51st Annual JVC Newport Jazz Festival and the JVC Jazz Festival in Miami Beach. Tickets: $40-80. To purchase tickets call Ticketmaster at 202-397- SEAT (7328) or visit www.ticketmaster. com. SENIOR SPY CITY TOURS L urking behind Washington, DC’s day-to-day world of government workers, political antics, inspiring museums, and soaring monuments, is an underworld of espionage unknown to the casual observer. But now, those who seek to learn the secret history of history can go behind the scenes for an exclusive look at the city’s hidden world of espionage. Launched in 2006, Spy City Tours™ blows the cover off some of the most notorious spy cases ever to unfold in the nation’s capital. Now, due to the incredible success of its first year, the International Spy Museum and Gray Line are offering an additional Tuesday tour including a special Senior rate valid on both Tuesday and Saturday tours. Recruits ages 55 and above are invited to experience this Tuesday tour with a special promotional rate of $54, a savings of over 30% off the high season ticket price. This promotion is only available through February, so don’t miss this opportunity to get a spy’s eye view of Washington, DC. The two hour tour features over 25 of Washington’s most notable espionage sites used by some of the nation’s infamous spies. Everywhere you turn you can find embassies, agencies, restaurants, and hotels in Washington that have been at the center of espionage activity . . . if you know where to look! Famous sites like the French bistro where a seductive agent used her wiles to elicit secret information from her infatuated U.S. State Department target, as well as the pub where deadly traitor Aldrich Ames gave up the names of 25 American spies in the Soviet Union, ten of whom were subsequently executed, shot in the back of the head. The tour includes an interactive mission in which Recruits complete an undercover operation. The mission will take them to a posh local park where they will be asked to decipher a top secret message left by an agent. The most adept recruits will crack the code and deliver the information back to headquarters. Intelligence insiders will share with Recruits the truth about their own experiences in the great game of espionage via video briefings. Former KGB Major General Oleg Kalugin will reveal what it was like to work undercover while stationed in Washington, DC. Former CIA Operations Officer and Founding Executive Director of the International Spy Museum, Peter Earnest, will disclose key spy concepts, lingo, and recruitment strategies. Former CIA Chiefs of Disguise, Tony and Jonna Mendez, will demonstrate the art of the “quick change” and how to move through hostile territory without attracting attention. The FBI’s Historian will provide an exclusive look at some of the Bureau’s most provocative evidence from over 100 years of FBI espionage investigation. Spy City Tours™ is available every Tuesday and Saturday at 10am. The Fall/Winter rate is $59 and High season rate is $75. Senior tickets are $54 and available only through February 2008. All Spy City Tours include same day admission to the International Spy Museum. Tickets can be purchased online at grayline.com or by calling 1-800-GRAYLINE. NOTICE OF VOLUNTEER NEEDS G ive an abused or neglected child the gift of your voice! The Alexandria/Arlington Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program is seeking volunteers. Volunteers conduct interviews with children, families, and professionals, monitor compliance with court orders, write detailed reports, and represent the best interests of the child in court. Volunteers must complete training and background checks. Volunteers commit to one year with the program. Bilingual volunteers (Spanish/ English) are greatly needed. Training begins in late February. To learn more, call (703) 820-9001 or visit www.scanva.org. VSA ARTS AND VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC., DEBUT “DRIVEN” EXHIBITION AT THE S. DILLON RIPLEY CENTER V SA arts and Volkswagen of America, Inc., present “Driven,” an art exhibition by 15 emerging artists with disabilities that debuts at the Smithsonian Institution’s S. Dillon Ripley Center through Dec. 31. The exhibition illustrates the motivational force behind the artists’ personal visions—what moves them to create. “This is the sixth year VSA arts has partnered with Volkswagen to identify talented young artists,” said Soula Antoniou, president of VSA arts. “Volkswagen of America, Inc.’s support helps these emerging artists pursue careers in the arts.” “Volkswagen is proud to partner with VSA arts and reveal the outstanding talents of these young artists,” said David Geanacopoulos, Volkswagen of America, Inc.’s director of industrygovernment relations. “This exhibition highlights the enormous possibilities that exist for their bright futures and what they might pursue.” A total of $60,000 will be awarded to the finalists. Jacolby Satterwhite, 21, a current student at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, Md., and originally from Columbia, S.C., won the $20,000 grand prize for an oil on canvas titled, “Remission & Resilience.” The jury awarded Laurel Ebenal, of Ellensburg, Wash., 1st prize of $10,000 for her digital photograph, “Faun.” E. Brooke Lanier, 23, of Rochester, Minn., received the 2nd prize of $6,000 for “Staring,” an archival inkjet print on photo rag paper. The following artists won an Award of Excellence and $2,000: • • • • • • Sarah Beren, 23, Rochester, N.Y. Isaac Caruso, 19, Phoenix, Ariz. David Castro, 23, Visalia, Calif. Elayna Flodin, 24, Beaverton, Ore. Wes Holloway, 23, Katy, Texas Ryan McDonnell, 21, Northampton, Mass. • Jessica Merrell, 23, Albuquerque, N.M. • Anjali Poddar, 22, Andover, Mass. • Patti Pogodzinski, 17, Jacksonville, Fla. • Holly Schuh, 21, Altura, Minn. • Merlin Strivelli, 16, Asheville, N.C. • Hannah Zurko, 21, Wooster, Ohio The largest awards program for emerging artists with disabilities ages 16-25, the work chosen for the exhibition was selected by a distinguished jury, including William A. Newman, artist and professor at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, John Perreault, art critic for Artopia, and Lisa Wainwright, dean of graduate studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. The S. Dillon Ripley Center is located at 1100 Jefferson Drive S.W. It is open daily from 10a.m. to 5:30p.m., except Dec. 25, and admission is free. For more information about VSA arts visit www.vsarts.org. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com. 19 SPORTS & RECREATION October 19, 2007 WOODS HAS ENDORSEMENT DEAL WITH GATORADE Tiger Woods T iger Woods will have his own brand of sports drink next year under an endorsement deal announced with Gatorade that marks a couple of firsts for the world’s No. 1 golfer—his first U.S. deal with a beverage company and his first licensing agreement. Gatorade said it will introduce “Gatorade Tiger” in March, with more products to follow. Woods even picked out the flavors himself, with the drink available in a cherry blend, citrus blend and grape. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, although Golfweek magazine reported last month it was for five years and could pay Woods as much as $100 million, moving him closer to the $1 billion mark in career endorsements. “There have been some licensing elements to things we’ve done,” said Mark Steinberg, his agent at IMG, who cited video games produced by EA Sports as an example. “But everything he does with Gatorade is going to be creating new products. It’s something Tiger and I and our licensing business has been looking at for some time.” The deal has been in the works since the summer, and Golfweek reported earlier that it came down to Gatorade and Vitamin Water. It became obvious who won out when Woods began drinking from Gatorade bottles during the final month of the PGA Tour season, even when the Gatorade product wasn’t available at certain tournaments. “Gatorade has been part of my game plan for years, whether I’m training or competing, so this is an ideal match,” Woods said in a statement. “I’m eager to launch my first signature product in a few months and look forward to developing additional sports performance beverages with Gatorade in the coming years.” Woods, with 61 victories on the PGA Tour and 13 major championships, joins a stable of star athletes at Gatorade—Michael Jordan, Derek Jeter, Peyton Manning and Mia Hamm. None of those athletes has licensing deals, which also is a first for Gatorade, a division of PepsiCo. “His iconic nature resonates everywhere he goes,” said Jeff Urban, senior vice president of Gatorade. “Bridging that iconic nature with his will to win, those things make this a big deal for us.” Urban said it was too early to say how Gatorade would market Woods and his new product line, especially since the drink will not be available until the spring. The company released video of Woods going through sweat analysis testing with the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, which tested such things as his sweat rate and energy needs during exercise. Woods has endorsed everything from sports equipment and apparel (Nike) to financial services (Accenture) to automobiles (Buick) to shaving products (Gillette). His first beverage deal comes after 11 years as a professional. “We wanted to get away from a straight endorsement deal in the beverage category,” Steinberg said. “We thought this would be the best fit for his first licensing deal. It’s authentic to what Tiger does every day, as hard as he works out every day.” Woods previously had an endorsement deal with Asahi Coffee in Japan. The Gillette endorsement features a television commercial with Roger Federer and French soccer star Thierry Henry. Steinberg said it was not likely that Woods and Jordan, who are close friends, would do a Gatorade commercial together. They have never appeared in television ads for Nike. 2007 STEEPLECHASE AT OAK RIDGE E xcitement is growing for the Fourth Annual Steeplechase at Oak Ridge. The races are being held Sunday, October 28, 2007, and volunteers are busy transforming the historic Oak Ridge Estate into a first-rate steeplechase track. On-site preparations begin next week: setting up the portable safety hurdles, prepping the track for hooves and jockeys, and preparing for the needs of the thousands of spectators expected to attend this year’s edition of the Steeplechase at Oak Ridge. Proceeds from the Steeplechase at Oak Ridge benefit children of the Jubilee Family Development Center and the Hillside Garden Club of Lynchburg. Since its inception, the Steeplechase at Oak Ridge has delivered more than $160,000 for charity. General admission and tailgate tickets are on sale now at retailers throughout Central Virginia. For more information, go to www.jubileefamily.org/steeplechase/index.html. TERRIER RACES One of the many exciting pre-race events is the terrier races. Dogs will be placed in divisions according to height and the Championship will be run off by winners over fences. Anyone may enter the race. Please arrive by 11am at the terrier course. No entry fee. No qualifications. Divisions: PUPPIES (12 months and under) to be run on the flat only; TERRIERS 12-1/2” and under; TERRIERS over 12-1/2”. Heats of 6 to be run on the flat for practice. Heats of 6 to be run over fences. Winners over fences to race for champion and reserve. All terriers must be kept under control at all times—on leashes or in crates. Fighters will be eliminated. No bitches in heat. 20 59-YEAR-OLD LINEBACKER RETURNS TO FIELD M ike Flynt waited 37 years to get back on a college football field. Once he did, he was part of his team’s winning play. Playing left end on kicking plays, the 59-year-old grandfather held his own all night, most importantly during the field goal that gave Sul Ross State a 45-42 victory over Texas Lutheran in three overtimes Saturday night. With his wife, three kids, grandson and a legion of new fans watching, Flynt kept his defender from getting into the backfield when it mattered most, then turned, jumped and pumped his fist. He wound up lost in a teamwide pile celebrating their second straight win in extra periods. “We won this tonight for each other; that’s what matters,” Flynt said. “I’m glad my family was able to be part of this and see this. That’s important to me personally. From a team standpoint, it’s their victory.” His joy was evident during a postgame gathering on the field. As the coach spoke, Flynt couldn’t stop grinning. “I’ve been at a lot of great schools and experienced a lot of this stuff,” said Flynt, who was a strength coach at Nebraska, Oregon and Texas A&M. “These guys, they’re learning every bit of this.” Flynt got in for nine snaps, including one waived off by penalty. He stood up his rusher several times and got in a nice chip block once. Out of respect or admiration, opposing coach Dennis Parker never tried taking advantage of the old man. Yes, Flynt is two years older than Parker and eight years older than his own coach. Afterward, Flynt went to the player he blocked most of the night to shake his hand. “I just told him he played a great game,” Flynt said. “He was always talking, always coming hard. I appreciate that.” Flynt was kicked out of school during two-a-days in 1971. A team captain at the time, he never got over letting down his friends. He mentioned that to the guys during a reunion this summer and one of them basically dared him to come back. Discovering he was eligible, Flynt did, only to miss the first five games because of a groin injury and pinched nerve in his neck. Despite being an AARP member and only six years from Medicare, he’s still in good enough shape to butt heads with kids one-third his age— Sul Ross State linebacker Mike Flynt, center, celebrates after a college football game against Texas Lutheran. Flynt, 59, is playing linebacker, 37 years after he last played for the Lobos. Sul Ross State won 45-42 in triple overtime. (Photo courtesy AP Matt Slocum) about as old as his youngest daughter—because he’s spent his life in the fitness business. In recent years he’s sold a piece of workout equipment he invented, even training the military. CO-DEFENDANT TO TESTIFY VS O.J., OTHERS guns,” Miley said. “I think he wishes he would have never met O.J.” Simpson and his lawyers have denied guns were in the room at the Palace Station hotel-casino. His lawyers did not immediately respond Monday to requests for comment. Alexander and Cashmore waived their preliminary hearings. Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Joe Bonaventure Jr., set both men’s arraignments for Oct. 23. Cashmore faces up to five years in prison. “In District Court, he’ll be pleading NASCAR FLAP RAISES CAUTION FLAG FOR DEMS O.J. Simpson A second co-defendant in the O.J. Simpson armed robbery case said that he will plead guilty to a reduced charge and testify against Simpson and four others in the alleged hotel room theft of sports collectibles from two memorabilia dealers. Walter Alexander, 46, of Mesa, Ariz., told a judge he will plead guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery, a felony. He could face between one and six years in prison. Outside the courtroom, Alexander and his lawyers declined to say what testimony he will provide. Earlier Monday, Charles Cashmore, 40, of Las Vegas, told the same judge that he would plead guilty to a felony and testify for the prosecution. “It’s always a prosecutor’s strategy to go after the little fish to get to the big fish,” Cashmore’s attorney, Edward Miley, said outside court. “In this, it seems to be that O.J. Simpson is the big fish.” The plea agreements up the ante in the prosecution of Simpson. Cashmore can testify that guns were involved in the Sept. 13 confrontation with two sports memorabilia dealers at a Las Vegas casino hotel room, his lawyer said. “He can establish who was in the room, what was said, who had guns, who didn’t have guns, potentially who may have seen guns, who didn’t see guilty to accessory to robbery,” Clark County District Attorney David Roger told Bonaventure. “He’s agreed to provide truthful testimony.” Outside court, Cashmore said he thought he’d done the right thing, but declined additional comment. Cashmore was initially arraigned on nine felonies and a gross misdemeanor, charges that included kidnapping, armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon and conspiracy. A kidnapping conviction alone could have resulted in a sentence of life in prison with parole. I t got the GOP’s engines revving—a Democratic official suggesting staffers get immunized for several diseases before heading south from Washington and into the Red State wilds of NASCAR country to conduct research at a pair of races. The reaction on both sides illustrates just how valuable candidates for elected office consider the votes of NASCAR fans who pack grandstands by the thousands every weekend and the donations of business leaders who spend millions to sponsor the sport. It started last month, when an official with the House Committee on Homeland Security suggested that staff aides get immunizations before visiting health facilities at Alabama’s Talladega Superspeedway and North Carolina’s Lowe’s Motor Speedway, where the Bank of America 500 was run Saturday. In an e-mail, a staffer who works for committee chairman Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., noted an “unusual need for whomever attending to be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B,” as well as “the more normal things— tetanus, diphtheria, and of course, seasonal influenza.” The note didn’t explain why the committee saw such concern. It didn’t mention NASCAR or the races at the tracks at all. But the implication was enough to draw a snarky complaint from Republican Rep. Robin Hayes, whose district includes Lowe’s Motor Speedway. “I have never heard of immunizations for domestic travel, and ... I feel compelled to ask why the heck the committee feels that immunizations are needed to travel to my hometown,” wrote Hayes. Thompson responded to Hayes that such immunizations are “are recommended for public safety professionals working in areas such as hospitals, holding areas and similar locations.” But the staffers were only scheduled to visit a few health care facilities—not work at them. “What do they know about NASCAR that we don’t?” said Dr. David Weber, a professor of medicine and public health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. THE METRO HERALD BUSINESS NEWS/BIDS & PROPOSALS October 19, 2007 10TH ANNUAL ARIEL-SCHWAB BLACK INVESTOR SURVEY A riel Mutual Funds and The Charles Schwab Corporation released today their 10th annual Black Investor Survey at the firstever Ariel-Schwab Black Investor Summit. The two financial services companies convened the summit in New York City at NASDAQ in response to the survey’s findings, which show that African-Americans save far less money than Whites and are no more likely to be investors today than they were a decade ago. Panels featuring government, business, and community leaders covered such topics as financial literacy, the role of employers in promoting saving and investing, and the need for individuals to take greater responsibility for securing their retirement. Traffic Signal proposed at Coverstone Dr. and Miramar Dr./ Sage Street in Prince William Co. Find out about the proposal to install a traffic signal at the intersection of Coverstone Drive (Route 1596) and Miramar Drive/Sage Street (Route 1630). Currently at this intersection, traffic on Miramar Drive and Sage Street are controlled by a stop sign giving the right of way to traffic on Coverstone Drive. Due to the number of traffic accidents at this location a proposal to install a traffic signal has been developed. Review the proposed project plans depicting the major design features and the environmental documentation in the form of a Programmatic Categorical Exclusion, at VDOT’s, Northern Virginia District office located at 14685 Avion Parkway in Chantilly, telephone number (703) 383-2000 or the Manassas Residency office located at 10228 Residency Road in Manassas, telephone (703) 366-1900 or TTY/TDD 711. Please call ahead to assure the appropriate personnel are available to answer your questions. In compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106 and 36 CFR Part 800, information concerning the potential effects of the proposed project on properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places is provided in the environmental documentation. “The truth is that many Americans are not saving enough to ensure a comfortable retirement,” said Schwab Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Charles R. Schwab. “The problem is broad-based; but the 10th anniversary of this research and today’s summit serve as important reminders that the need to better prepare for their financial futures is even more pressing among this underserved segment of our population.” According to this year’s just-released Ariel-Schwab Black Investor Survey of 500 Blacks and 500 Whites earning more than $50,000 annually, the median amount of money saved by Blacks surveyed is less than half of their White counterparts ($48,000 versus $100,000). On a monthly basis, median savings is $182 for Blacks versus $261 for Whites. The survey was first conducted by the two companies in 1998, when 57% of Blacks and 81% of Whites said they owned individual stocks or stock mutual funds. A decade later, still just 57% of Blacks are stock investors, compared to 76% of Whites. During the past ten years, the number of Blacks who own stocks or mutual funds rose as high as 74% (in 2002) only to fall again, while White participation has consistently hovered within a few percentage points of 80%. “The data is troubling because it suggests that barriers to investing are just as formidable as they were a decade ago. Our industry and our community must address this challenge aggressively,” said Ariel President Mellody Hobson, adding, “Government and employers also play a crucial role.” BLACK RETIREES NEED MORE BUT SAVE LESS FOR RETIREMENT This year, Ariel and Schwab also conducted a first-of-its-kind survey of middle and upper income Black and White retirees to assess their investing behavior and how well they prepared for retirement. The survey shows that retired Blacks have median savings of just $73,000 compared to $210,000 for Whites. Blacks, on average, also retired earlier than Whites (59 vs. 61) and are more likely to be relying on a pension or Social Security rather than a defined contribution plan, such as a 401(k) plan. Lisa Toppin, vice president of em- ployee development and inclusion with Charles Schwab, said the retiree survey confirms that retired Blacks may be facing far greater financial challenges than Whites because of their saving and investing behavior during their working years. “Most Americans’ first, and sometimes only, exposure to investing is through their workplace,” said Toppin. “Employers need to find ways to get the message out about how to take charge of our finances, and we need to start building understanding and awareness at an early age.” According to the Ariel-Schwab retiree survey, fewer Blacks than Whites Continued on page 23 CLERICAL Virginia Department of Correctional Education Coffeewood Correctional Center Program Support Technician Position #00501 Seeking a qualified individual to manage routine office functions and provide administrative/clerical support to professional staff. See www.dce.virginia.gov for additional information and to apply for this position by 5 PM on October 23, 2007. Effective January 1, 2007, DCE only accepts online applications. Fingerprint-based criminal history check required/subject to random drug screen. State application required; incomplete applications will not be considered. Tel: 804-225-3310; Fax: 804-786-3308. EOE/AA If your concerns cannot be satisfied, VDOT is willing to hold a public hearing. You may request a public hearing be held by sending a written request on or before November 1, 2007, to: Ms. Maria J. Sinner, P.E. VDOT Manassas Residency 10228 Residency Road Manassas, Virginia 20110 If a request for a public hearing is received, notice of date, time and place of the hearing will be posted. VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all pro-grams and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact VDOT’s Civil Rights Division, at the Northern Virginia District Office, 14685 Avion Parkway in Chantilly at (703) 383-2341 or TTY/TDD 711. State Project: 1596-076-S56, PE-101, RW-201, M-501 UPC: 71471 - Federal Project: STP-5401 (637) THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION (M-NCPPC) hereby invites sealed proposals from interested parties for Proposal No. P28-123, “Preparation of Strategic Plan for Geographic Information Services (GIS) for Montgomery County Planning Department” in accordance with scope of services to be furnished by the Purchasing Division, 6611 Kenilworth Ave., Suite 300, Riverdale, MD 20737. There will be no charge for the proposal. A Pre-Proposal Conference is scheduled for 1:30 PM, Monday, October 29, 2007, at M-NCPPC, Dedrick Annex, 5th Floor Conference Room, 1400 Spring Street, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910. Each proposal must be submitted to the Purchasing Office at the above address. Proposals must be received before 1:00 PM, Wednesday, November 14, 2007. Questions regarding this proposal may be directed to Tina J. Baham at (301) 454-1602, TTY (301) 454-1493. All proposals and associated documents will become the property of the M-NCPPC and will be considered public information. The Commission is an E.O.E. with special procurement rules for Minorities, Females, and the Disabled. THE METRO HERALD 21 CLASSIFIED ADS/BIDS & PROPOSALS October 19, 2007 Only $250 buys a 25-word classified ad in 98 newspapers across Virginia. Call: The Metro Herald at 703-548-8891 OR Virginia Press Services at 804-521-7571 to place your ad in the AD NETWORK CLASSIFIEDS ACREAGE FOR SALE EXCLUSIVE ESTATES! Very rare estates being offered for 1st time: Unique waterfall estate. 15.3 acre gentleman’s farm. View @ www.troutstreamestates. com. APARTMENTS FOR RENT Buy HUD Homes from $199/month! 3 bedroom Home only $200/month! 4 bedroom 2 bath Only $300/month! 5% down, 20 years @ 8% APR! For Listings 800-628-5983 ext. T391. 4 bedroom 2 bath Home only $270/ month! More 1-4 bedroom HUD Homes from $199/month! Financing Referrals Available! For Listings 800-628-5983 ext. T295. Affordable 1-4 bedroom HUD Homes! 4 bedroom 2 bath Home buy for only $389/month! 3 bedroom 2 bath Home only $230/month! For Listings 800-6285983 ext. T294. AUCTIONS 268.75 Riverfront Acres, 3 Tracts, Rockbridge County. Sportsman Paradise. Weekend Retreat, Homesites. Absolute Auction: October 27, 10am. Counts Realty & Auction Group. 800780-2991. www.countsauction.com (VAAF93). PUBLIC AUCTION • COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA • SATURDAY • OCTOBER 20, 2007 • 9:00 AM • VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE & STATE UNIVERSITY, 1411 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BLACKSBURG, VA 24061-0310 • VEHICLES • COMPUTER EQUIPMENT • VARIOUS OFFICE & HOUSEHOLD ITEMS & MUCH MORE. WWW.DGS.STATE.VA.US/DPS. Real Estate Auction—300+/- acres in 10 tracts with 8 selling absolute. Located in Boones Mill area of Franklin County, 15 miles from Roanoke, VA. Land offers timber, pastures, beautiful building sites and a contemporary home. Previews October 21 & 27, 1:00 to 5:00. Auction on November 3. Go to www.woltz.com/590/ or call 800-5513588. Woltz & Associates, Inc; REALTORS & Auctioneers (VA#321). AUTOMOTIVE $500 Police Impounds! Cars from $500! Tax Repos, US Marshal and IRS sales! Cars, Trucks, SUVs, Toyotas, Hondas, Chevys and more! For Listings call 1-800-425-1834 ext. 2846. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY ALL CASH CANDY ROUTE. Do you earn $800 in a day? Your own local candy route. Includes 30 Machines and Candy. All for $9,995. 1-888-745-3354. TURTLE LANE, gifts and collectibles, an established business in historic downtown Staunton, VA, is being offered for sale. Respond by calling 540886-8591. EQUIPMENT FOR SALE HOMES FOR RENT LOTS AND ACREAGE MISCELLANEOUS SAWMILLS from only $2990.00—Convert your LOGS TO VALUABLE LUMBER with your own Norwood portable band sawmill. Log skidders also available. www.norwoodindustries.com— FREE information: 1-800-578-1363— Ext. 500-A. Buy HUD Homes from $199/month! 3 bedroom Home only $200/month! 4 bedroom 2 bath Only $300/month! 5% down, 20 years @ 8% APR! For Listings 800-628-5983 ext. T391. BUILD A NEW HOME WITH 100% FINANCING. Earn THOUSANDS in equity the day you move in! No payments while building! www. iheonline.com. 877-386-3898 x150. ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from home. • Medical • Business • Paralegal • Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer provided. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call 866858-2121, www.onlineTidewaterTech. com. FARM/LIVESTOCK/CATTLE 4 bedroom 2 bath Home only $270/ month! More 1-4 bedroom HUD Homes from $199/month! Financing Referrals Available! For Listings 800-628-5983 ext. T295. Live Fish for Ponds–Lakes. Plants. Lilies. 32 Species Available. Free Catalog. Delivery or Pick-Up. ZETTS FISH HATCHERY, 878 Hatchery Road, Inwood, WV 25428. (304) 229-3654. Affordable 1-4 bedroom HUD Homes! 4 bedroom 2 bath Home buy for only $389/month! 3 bedroom 2 bath Home only $230/month! For Listings 800-6285983 ext. T294. FINANCIAL HOMES FOR SALE FREE CASH GRANTS/PROGRAMS— $700–$800,000++ 2007! Never Repay! Personal/Medical, School, Business/ House. Approximately $49 billion unclaimed 2006! No credit. REQUIRED FEE. Call 1-800-592-0369 x230. Buy HUD Homes from $199/month! 3 bedroom Home only $200/month! 4 bedroom 2 bath Only $300/month! 5% down, 20 years @ 8% APR! For Listings 800-628-5983 ext. T391. CREDIT CARD DEBT? Stop Collection Calls, • Cut finance charges. • Cut payments up to 50%. Debt Consolidation. Fast Approval! No credit check! Avoid Bankruptcy. National Consolidators (800) 270-9894. HELP WANTED Affordable 1-4 bedroom HUD Homes! 4 bedroom 2 bath Home buy for only $389/month! 3 bedroom 2 bath Home only $230/month! For Listings 800-6285983 ext. T294. GENERAL Part-time, home-based Internet business. Earn $941 per month or much more. Flexible hours. Training provided. No selling required. FREE details. www.K738.com. CUSTOMER SERVICE and Product Evaluators Needed To “Secret Shop” Local Stores, Restaurants and Other Businesses Flexible Hours, Training Provided Call Toll Free 1-800-585-9024 ext 6462. TRUCK DRIVERS DRIVER CDL TRAINING—CLASS “A” or CLASS “B.” Local or O-T-R Job Placement Assistance. Guaranteed Financing Available. $38-45K 1st Year. CDS Tractor Trailer Training 1-800-6462374. DRIVERS MORE MONEY! Sign-On Bonus. 36-43cpm/$1.20pm. $0 Lease/ Teams Needed. Class A + 3 months recent OTR required. 800-635-8669. Flatbed Drivers: 2007 Model Freightliners are Here! Per Diem Pay, Weekly Home Time, Excellent Benefits. Class ACDL, 22 Years Old, Good Record. Call Western Express Today!! 866-863-4116. WANT HOME MOST WEEKENDS WITH MORE PAY? Heartland’s GREEN MILES$ program! $.54/mile company drivers and $1.19 for operators! 12 months OTR required. HEARTLAND EXPRESS 1-800-441-4953 www.heartlandexpress.com. Been off the road awhile? Want to get back to driving over-the-road again? We offer a “refresher” program for drivers like you! For details call 1-800-4414953 HEARTLAND EXPRESS www. heartlandexpress.com. Driver—$5K SIGN-ON BONUS for Experienced Teams: Dry Van & Temp Control. Solo jobs also available: Regional & OTR. O/O’s & CDL-A Grads welcome. Call Covenant (866) 6842519. EOE. EMPLOYMENT LISTINGS DRIVER—Are you receiving 5 Star Pay? Roehl drivers are with Practical Mileage and Top 10 Pay. Up to $3,000 Sign-on bonus. Students and O/O Welcome. Class A required. Call today! 877-774-5313. www.GoRoehl.com. EARN UP TO $550 WEEKLY Helping the government. PT No Experience. Excellent Opportunity. Call Today!! 1-800-488-2921. Ask for Department J19 (COST). C&C Trucking Earn More—Be Home More. Great Pay, Medical, Dental, Home Weekends, New Equipment, Family Atmosphere. Class A Drivers Call Today Toll Free 800-476-8269. 22 4 bedroom 2 bath Home only $270/ month! More 1-4 bedroom HUD Homes from $199/month! Financing Referrals Available! For Listings 800-628-5983 ext. T295. LAND FOR SALE Virginia Land Tracts—26-75 acres Amherst County acreage adjoining National Forest; acreage fronting James River. Rockbridge County 32 acres 1 mile frontage Maury River WRE# 434-929-1623. OWN RECREATIONAL LAND NEAR DOLLY SODS, WEST VIRGINIA—2 acres adjoining National Forest $49,990. 2 acres with Nat’l Forest access $39,990. Wooded parcels with all weather roads and utilities. Great hunting for deer, bear & turkey. Financing Available. Call 866-403-8037. PRIVATE MOUNTAIN GETAWAY— Owner has 2 wooded parcels with Private National Forest Access. Perked, buildable, views, all-weather roads. $34,990 each or both for $59,990. One hour from Staunton, VA. Call owner: 866-363-3805. ATTENTION HUNTERS! Owner/seller has 150 acres private wooded land bordering 1000’s of acres of National Forest. Loaded with deer, turkey and bear. New road access, perk and electric. Build cabin or bring camper. In WV just over VA line $259,000. Smaller parcels available. Call 866-910-4486. $115,000 will get you 35 acres of beautifully wooded ridgetop property with spectacular views and all the peace and quiet you can handle. Perk and electric, build when ready. National Forest access in WV close to Virginia Line. Will sell 20 acres for $78,000. Call Owner 866-910-4486. PRIVATE MOUNTAIN GETAWAY— Owner has 2 wooded parcels with Private National Forest Access. Perked, buildable, views, all-weather roads. $34,990 each or both for $59,990. One hour from Staunton, VA. Call owner: 866-363-3805. SAVE 50%+!!! PREFAB LIQUIDATION!!! GOT LAND? BULDING NEW HOME? GREEN-R-PANEL Building Systems Manufacturer Must Sell-off Order Cancellation! 1,260 sq.ft. $29,950.00, Blowout $14,985.00!! Since 1980/BBB. 1-800-871-7089 UNBELIEVABLE PRICES!! Direct Private Access to Jefferson National Forest. One of a kind land offering mix of hardwood forest & pristine pasture. Incredible mountain views. Only $119,000. www. NationalForestLand.com. PERFECT FOR HORSES—900+ FT MOUNTAIN STREAM—Pristine Sunset Views 27 AC- $179,900 Rolling terrain, lush meadows. On mountain stream that is 25-30 ft. wide! Ready to fish, swim or enjoy. Surrounded by National Forest for your privacy & use. Excellent financing. Call 1-877-202-2727. SPORTSMAN’S PARADISE—800’ +/TROUT STREAM—500’ National Forest Front 3BR Retreat—15+ ACRES Once in lifetime chance to own it all w/park-like hardwoods, pristine pastures & breathtaking mountain views. Paved state road frontage. ONE ONLY, ready to use for just $293,777. Call now 1-877777-4837. A RARE LAND OPPORTUNITY—22+ Acres $129,900—NATIONAL FOREST ACCESS WORLD CLASS TROUT STREAM—New to market. Only 1 ever at this price. Large mature forest and great stream through out property. Call immediately, great financing offered for limited time 1-877-777-4837. Nature Lover’s Dream 20+ ACRES— $99,850 Beautiful park setting with massive hardwoods and your own hiking trails. End of road privacy! Perc done, special financing. Call Now 1-800-8881262. Best View Offered Anywhere 23 ACRES—$136,500—This has a REAL 50 mile view over 3 states. Beautifully wooded with easy access. You don’t want to miss this one! Call Now 1-800888-1262. AIRLINES ARE HIRING—Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. Financial Aid if qualified—Job placement assistance. FAA approved— SCHEV certified. CALL (888) 349-5387. www.AviationMaintnenace.edu. MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE ABSOLUTELY NO COST TO YOU!! All Brand New Power Wheelchairs, Hospital Beds and Scooters. Immediate Delivery. Call Toll Free 1-888-998-4111 to Qualify. MOUNTAIN PROPERTY Big Mountain Land Bargains w/panoramic 3 state mountain & valley views! Enjoy canoeing & trophy fishing on private riverfront park. mountainbargains.com. REAL ESTATE Lake Gaston VA/NC—350 miles shoreline, FREE Lake Map/Buyers Guide. Tanglewood Realty, Box 116, Bracey, Virginia 23919. www. TanglewoodRealty.com. 1-800-3388816. WATERFRONT PROPERTIES Grand Opening Sale! DEEP WATERFRONT with direct ocean access. $89,900 includes boat dock! Prime NC Inner Banks location. Saturday, November 3rd Only. Never again prices—Call now 1-800-732-6601, x1926. WORK FROM HOME OPPORTUNITIES WORK FROM HOME—RECEIVE $5 FOR EVERY LEAD STUFFED WITH OUR SALES MATERIAL. GUARANTEED! FREE INFORMATION. CALL TOLL-FREE 1-800-986-6520. ACCOUNT MANAGERS AND SALES REPS WANTED Simply and Sensual Wears Store is looking for part-time Account Managers and Sales Representatives. Job Location: Salary: Age: Experience Required: Required: United Kingdom and Colorado, USA $3,200 plus benefits Start from 20+ 0 or 1 year Must be computer literiate For more information please send e-mail to simplyandsensual@ excite.com or sandscoltd@yahoo.com. BUYER’S MARKET!! 16.3 Acre Mountain Parcel $99,900! Part open, part wooded, trout stream. Perked & surveyed. EZ financing! Buy direct from owner. Call Today: 866-910-8832. 6.2 acres w/old house $79,900. Needs work! Outbuildings, Meadows, Trout Stream. Located in West Virginia. Addition acreage available. Call Owner 866910-8832. VIRGINIA MOUNTAINS—5 acres riverfront on Big Reed Island Creek near New River State Park, fishing, view, private, good access $89,500. 866-7898535. THE METRO HERALD BUSINESS NEWS/BIDS & PROPOSALS October 19, 2007 OP-ED A merica’s beer industry provides more than 1.6 million jobs and more than $144 billion in U.S. economic activity. So, the SABMiller and Molson Coors’ announcement they are bringing their U.S. operations together is big news. The new company will be a joint venture called “MillerCoors”. With projected revenue of nearly $7 billion, the combination brings together Miller Brewing Co., the second-largest U.S. brewer by sales with about 20% market share and Coors Brewing Co., the No. 3 player with about 11% market share. As mass-market beer companies are challenged with slower growth and shifting consumer tastes, makers of Miller, Molson and Coors’ joint venture could threaten the decades-long dominance of Anheuser-Busch as the country’s leading beer company. Anheuser-Busch controls nearly half the U.S. beer market. The transaction is driven by profound changes occurring in the U.S. alcohol beverage industry in which many in the market are turning to wines and spirits. African Americans remain top consumers of beer and malt liquor products and will be a focus of the companies’ sales efforts. Pete Coors, Vice Chairman of Molson Coors, says that the companies expect to save $500 million in annual costs from the deal and estimate net revenue of $6.6 billion. Mr. Coors will serve as chairman of the venture, while Molson Coors Chief Executive Leo Kiely will be CEO. Shares of Molson Coors and SABMiller stock have been up. SABMiller’s brands include Miller genuine BIG NEWS IN BREWING INDUSTRY William Reed Special to The Metro Herald Draft, Milwaukee’s Best and imported drinks like Peroni Nastro Azzurro and Pilsner Urquel. Molson Coors brews Molson Canadian, Carling, Coors and Keystone Light. The venture is seen as substantially improving both Molson Coors and SABMiller’s economic positions. Anheuser enjoys a substantial per-barrel cost advantage over the two, partly because of their higher distribution costs. That’s especially true for Coors, which ships most of its finished product from its Golden, Colo., headquarters brewery. Miller, in contrast, has two major breweries in Wisconsin plus five others around the U.S. The Beer Institute projects total U.S. beer sales, by barrel, will rise 1.5% this year. The brewing industry is a huge global business. More than 35 billion gallons of beer is sold per year - producing total global revenues of $294.5 billion in 2006. In 2006, Americans consumed an average of 27.1 gallons of beer per capita and African Americans accounted for 20 to 25 percent of all domestic beer sales. The benefits of the beer industry extend throughout the whole country. From the farmer in the Midwest to brewery workers in California, Texas, New York, Wisconsin, Missouri, Colorado, Florida, and others such as local distributorships, where the industry has a substantial economic presence. As a part of the nation’s beer distribution network, there are over 2,200 beer distributors. The modern system of beer distribution is an efficient “ole boy” process that provides consumers with immense choice and retailers with YORKSHIRE TERRIERS customized inventories. Historically, beer distributors have been local multimillion dollar businesses controlled by family dynasties. These distributorships are closely held by whites. They provide transportation, refrigerated storage and maintenance for perishable beer and is the conduit from the brewer to retailer outlets. The African American and U.S. Hispanic populations are growing at a faster rate than the general market, making multicultural consumers increasingly important for beer companies. The African American and Hispanic markets together make up nearly one-third of the population in the U.S. and 21 percent of all U.S. males ages 21-34 are Hispanic. Over the years, Anheuser-Busch, Coors and Miller Brewing have connected with multicultural consumers through wide-ranging and reciprocal programs. Advertising in black newspapers, sponsorship of events and programs of organizations such as the NAACP, Urban League, the Congressional Black Caucus and hundreds of local groups and grant programs from these companies overall have been substantive. However, African Americans are missing from distributor networks. Of the 2,200 beer distributors less than five are black-owned and operated. Surely the MillerCoors venture’s mass-marketing mix should set a new level of equity in the industry and increase its black distributorships to enhance market share in urban areas were African Americans comprise a million population. • • FIRST-EVER ARIEL-SCHWAB BLACK INVESTOR SUMMIT— A CALL TO ACTION In response to the survey’s findings, Charles R. Schwab and Ariel Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, John W. Rogers, Jr. invited leaders in business, academia, government and the non-profit sector to discuss measures aimed at spurring wealth building and responsible retirement planning among African-Americans. They were joined by United States Treasurer Anna Escobedo Cabral, who addressed the actions that the federal government is taking to encourage financial literacy for all Americans. For the conference, Ariel and Schwab published “The Ariel-Schwab Black Paper: A Decade of Research on African-American Wealth Building and Retirement Planning.” Interested parties can visit www. arielmutualfunds.com or www. aboutschwab.com to download a copy of the paper. The panelists and invited THE METRO HERALD guests discussed proposals to expand financial literacy programs with schools and community groups and encouraged employers to analyze employee 401(k) participation by race. Two Fortune 500 companies, McDonald’s Corporation and Exelon Corporation, shared how they took the initiative to track investment patterns by ethnicity, which revealed a savings gap between Black and White employees at their respective organizations. Exelon just recently completed the tracking, while McDonald’s, which began this initiative three years ago, has subsequently enhanced its 401(k) program and increased participation and saving rates among all employees. Of note, African-American employee participation increased 21% or double the rate of White employees. John W. Rogers, Jr., commented, “We can no longer afford to simply admire this problem; it calls for action,” Yorkshire Terrier Female 07-17-2007 (13 weeks) Yes No Yes Puppies are registered/registerable (AKC, NKC, etc.), have all current vaccinations, veterinarian examinations, health certificate, and travel crate. I am taking offers on the puppies; I need to move ASAP; so I have to find good homes for them. Please email me with your offer or any questions. Also these babies were raised in my home and they aren’t caged puppies they are very sweet and lovable and very well socialized so I want them to go to a good home like they have here! This dog is tolerant of children, provided that they respect its territory. It can be a bit too brave occasionally when dealing with larger dogs but gets along fine with cats and other household pets. ANIMAL RESCUE FOUNDATION PUPPIES My name is Dr. Leon Gaus, co-manager of the Animal Rescue Foundation,we currently have Yorkie bulldog puppies in our shelter looking to be adopted into forever loving homes. Our mission is to provide temporary care and shelter for stray, abandoned and relinquished animals, and to place as many as possible into responsible and caring homes. The Animal Rescue Foundation also works to create awareness and support for the humane treatment of all animals and to end animal overpopulation through education and the promotion of spaying and neutering. Send me an e-mail if you are interested so that I can send you their pictures and information animalrescueteam59@ gmail.com. For adoption please contact us with the above email address. • William Reed www.BlackPressInternational.com PART-TIME JOB OPPORTUNITY 10TH ANNUAL ARIEL-SCHWAB BLACK INVESTOR SURVEY Continued from page 21 have gone through some of the basic steps of retirement planning, such as calculating the amount of money they need to live comfortably in retirement. However, those who consulted with financial professionals were much more likely to have saved more than $100,000 by the time they retired, and were much less likely to have retired early. “With the right combination of planning, discipline and patience, a retirement goal can go from dream to reality,” said Toppin. Breed: Sex: Birthdate: Champion bloodlines: Champion sired: Show potential: said Rogers. “Today we took steps to change the course of our country’s financial future and to close the savings gap that exists between Black and White Americans. My hope is that a decade from now, both Blacks and Whites will be equally well prepared for retirement and that there will be no need for us to continue this survey.” The random sample survey of 500 Black and 500 White households earning over $50,000 annually is the tenth for Ariel-Schwab. It was administered by telephone between June 23 and July 14, 2007. The margin of error is approximately 4.5%. The retiree research conducted this year surveyed 300 Blacks and 300 Whites within the first ten years of their retirement who earned over $50,000 annually before retiring. The survey was administered by telephone between June 22 and July 11, 2007. Both surveys were conducted by Argosy Research. NEED PART-TIME WORKERS As part of our expansion program, a small company is looking for part-time, work-from-home sales representatives. Pay is $3000 a month, plus benefits, and takes only a little of your time. Please contact us for more details. Requirements—should be computer literate; have 2–3 hours’ access to the internet weekly; must be over 20 years of age; and must be efficient and dedicated. If you are interested and need more information, please send e-mail to Johnnyventures002@yahoo.com. The China National Arts & Crafts Import/Export Corporation is currently looking for people who will assist us in establishing a new distribution network. You can work part time and still keep your regular job. If you are interested email us at china_artgallery02@yahoo.com for more information. We will be looking forward to hearing from you as soon as possible. ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE A company is looking for part-time, work-from-home account managers. It pays $2600 monthly with benefits. Requirements—Computer literate 18 years of age along with CV. If you are interested and need more information, please send e-mail to: fred_wht@yahoo.com JOB EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY A company is looking for part-time, work-from-home account managers and sales representatives. It pays $2900 a month plus. Please contact us for more details. Requirements—Should be a computer literate Must be over 20 years of age Must be efficient and dedicated. If you are interested and need more information, please send e-mail to: chamber_ltd@myway.com Subscribe to The Metro Herald! 23 October 19, 2007 24 THE METRO HERALD