recalling orange county
Transcription
recalling orange county
IN THIS ISSUE . . . Carroll County COVER/CENTER: WETA MARKS HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH WITH “RECALLING ORANGE COUNTY” . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1, 12 Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Around the Nation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Africa Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6–7 Capital Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Health & Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10–11 Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14–15 Community News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Arts & Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17–19 Sports & Recreation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Business News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Classifieds/Bids & Proposals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22–23 VOLUME XV, NUMBER 35 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 Imaging the Politics, Culture, and Events of Our Times September 1, 2006 WETA MARKS HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH WITH A DOCUMENTARY ON “RECALLING ORANGE COUNTY” Mural in Santa Ana (photo by Jim Bunoan) A documentary presents a modern travelogue in the increasingly diverse Southern California County, exploring themes of immigration and cultural accommodation within the context of education policy and politics. From the Cinema Guild catalog: “Recalling Orange County” is a personal and incisive look at the immigration debate through the contentious recall of an immigrant rights activist in California and the fierce conflict it sparked within the Latino community. Once regarded as a wealthy, white, conservative enclave, Orange County has become less predictable, less tidy, more diverse, more interesting. In a word: Mexican. Filmmaker Mylene Moreno, whose family moved there in the seventies, returned to reflect on her youth as a daughter of immigrants and to see how much things have changed. She discovered Orange County was in the midst of a furious battle, a divisive campaign to recall school district trustee Nativo Lopez from the Santa Ana Unified Board of Education. A longtime advocate for undocumented immigrants, Lopez angered many residents with his staunch support of bilingual education and his decision to build a school for children of recent Mexican immigrants in an upscale neighborhood. The effort to remove Lopez from office, however, replete with charges of corruption (eventually dropped) and anti-Americanism, was started by a group of second and third generation Mexican-American mothers, Visit us on the web at www.metroherald.com and though bankrolled by a multi-millionaire and onetime Republican candidate for Governor, drew much of its support from the county’s more assimilated Latino population. Incorporating interviews with current residents, including Nativo Lopez and his adversaries, “Recalling Orange County” is a fascinating chronicle of a political campaign that divided a community. The film attempts to understand the sources and repercussions of an at-times vitriolic battle, playing out in cities and towns across the United States, over what it means to be an American. The Documentary airs on WETA TV 26, Sunday, September 3 at 1:30PM. See page 12 for more on Hispanic Heritage Month September 1, 2006 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. Copyright ©2005 by Davis Communications Group, Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior written consent from the publisher. All unsolicited manuscripts should be accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. The Metro Herald is certified by the Maryland Department of Transportation. Its corporate headquarters is located at 901 North Washington Street, Suite 603, Alexandria, VA 22314. Davis Communications Group, Inc., is certified as a small and minority business. For additional information, call (703) 548-8891. 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 W ednesday, the twenty-third of April, was a perfect spring day. If you had a chance to drive into the countryside around the Washington metropolitan area, you could see for miles the wind moving through the tall green grass like a comb through wet hair. A sweater was in order, just in case you had to move through areas where the sun was not. Most Americans in these times of uncertainty aren’t so much concerned about what is politically correct as they are with what is morally conscionable. America’s views are as varied as the religions that are practiced in this country. Regardless of how one might feel or align oneself with the Bush administration, there should be no doubt that every American supports our troops who are not only fighting in Iraq but also in Afghanistan, the Philippines, and in countries of South and Central America. And fighting does not mean only guns and bullets, but also the war against AIDS and other diseases. The world is in transition . . . The downturn in the world economies always gives rise to anxieties both nationally and internationally. The rates of business defaults and bankruptcies move one way or another on the hinges of the economy. To this writer it is important to remember as the breeze combs the fruited grains of the green wheat field now that there is a decided need to comb our minds of what America means to us. The yellow ribbons that are so pronounced across America in support of not only American troops, one would hope, but also we hug (in our minds at least) all the coalition troops that are fighting alongside our military. Every day the world is experiencing life on the faces of the dead . . . And if there is a God in your heart and in the lives of those barely living both civilian and military who are living more on hope than life . . . it is the total responsibility of the people who care . . . the ones who tie the yellow ribbons on trees and street lamps on front porches and back doors and the ones who also wear yellow ribbons on the left sides of their minds. It’s their—no, its our— responsibility to pull the cart by the handle across a collective America that moves and sometimes stands on stilled fruited plains, waiting for the breeze of persuasion to either move or push us off of our silence of immobility: Is war the end of the beginning? We should remember that our concerns are not closeted in ant houses but in governments at all levels that provide health and welfare for all in this American life. The race for the next presidential election has begun, and we as Americans need to be ever vigilant that political parties don’t package us like meat in packing plants. Courage is not the sole domain of the military . . . Our soldiers fight for this country and our freedoms mostly overseas, and the rest of us are responsible for others’ freedoms here at home through our United States Constitution, Bill of Rights, and amendments. Politics are inlaid in the American psyche the way marble is on the surface of a table. We need to make noises about our country. Every face has a voice be it audible or sign language but a voice . . . We need to use it or count on losing it . . . It’s important to delineate between the breezes of spring, which comb our fields of grain, and the hot air that often lingers like stagnant cigar smoke in sunlit rooms . . . —PDD THE METRO HERALD September 1, 2006 THE METRO HERALD 3 AROUND THE NATION September 1, 2006 OP-ED I t is fitting that the most productive nation on earth should have a holiday to honor its work. The high standard of living that Americans enjoy is hard-earned and well-deserved. But the term “Labor Day” is a misnomer. What we should celebrate is not sweat and toil, but the power of man’s mind to reason, invent and create. Several centuries ago, providing the basic necessities for one’s survival was a matter of daily drudgery for most people. But Americans today enjoy conveniences undreamed of by medieval kings. Every day brings some new useful household gadget, or a new software system to increase our productivity, or a breakthrough in biotechnology. So, it is worth asking: Why do Americans have no unique holiday to celebrate the creators, inventors, and entrepreneurs who have made all of this wealth possible—the men of the mind? The answer lies in the dominant in- TIME TO CELEBRATE MAN’S MIND Fredric Hamber Special to The Metro Herald tellectual view of the nature of work. Most of today’s intellectuals, influenced by several generations of Marxist political philosophy, still believe that wealth is created by sheer physical toil. But the high standard of living we enjoy today is not due to our musculature and physical stamina. Many animals have been much stronger. We owe our relative affluence not to muscle power, but to brain power. Brain power is given a left-handed acknowledgement in today’s fashionable aphorism that we are living in an “information age” in which education and knowledge are the keys to economic success. The implication of this idea, however, is that prior to the invention of the silicon chip, humans were able to flourish as brainless automatons. The importance of knowledge to progress is not some recent trend, but a metaphysical fact of human nature. Man’s mind is his tool of survival and the source of every advance in material well-being throughout history, from the harnessing of fire, to the invention of the plough, to the discovery of electricity, to the invention of the latest anti-cancer drug. Contrary to the Marxist premise that wealth is created by laborers and “exploited” by those at the top of the pyramid of ability, it is those at the top, the best and the brightest, who increase the value of the labor of those at the bottom. Under capitalism, even a man who has nothing to trade but physical labor gains a huge advantage by leveraging the fruits of minds more creative than his. The labor of a construction worker, for example, is made more productive and valuable by the inventors of the jackhammer and the steam shovel, and by the farsighted entrepreneurs who market and sell such tools to his employer. The work of an office clerk, as another example, is made more efficient by the men who invented copiers and fax machines. By applying human ingenuity to serve men’s needs, the result is that physical labor is made less laborious and more productive. An apt symbol of the theory that sweat and muscle are the creators of economic value can be seen in those So- viet-era propaganda posters depicting man as a mindless muscular robot with an expressionless, cookie-cutter face. In practice, that theory led to chronic famines in a society unable to produce even the most basic necessities. A culture thrives to the extent that it is governed by reason and science, and stagnates to the extent that it is governed by brute force. But the importance of the mind in human progress has been evaded by most of this century’s intellectuals. Observe, for example, George Orwell’s novel 1984, which depicts a totalitarian state that still, somehow, is a fully advanced technological society. Orwell projects the impossible: technology without the minds to produce it. The best and brightest minds are always the first to either flee a dictatorship in a “brain drain” or to cease their creative efforts. A totalitarian regime can force some men to perform muscular labor; it cannot force a genius to create, nor force a businessman to make rational decisions. A slave owner can force a man to pick peanuts; only under freedom would a George Washington Carver discover ways to increase crop yields. What Americans should celebrate is the spark of genius in the scientist who first identifies a law of physics, in the inventor who uses that knowledge to create a new engine or telephonic device, and in the businessmen who daily translate their ideas into tangible wealth. On Labor Day, let us honor the true root of production and wealth: the human mind. On Labor Day, we should honor man’s mind, not men’s muscles, as the real source of wealth and progress. • • • Fredric Hamber is a writer for the Ayn Rand Institute in Irvine, Calif. The Institute promotes Objectivism, the philosophy of Ayn Rand—author of “Atlas Shrugged” and “The Fountainhead.” Contact the writer at media@ aynrand.org. ONE YEAR AFTER KATRINA NEW IWPR REPORT FINDS WOMEN EVEN FURTHER BEHIND By Erica Williams I n honor of the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the Institute for Women’s Policy Research announces the release of The Women of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast: Multiple Disadvantages and Key Assets for Recovery, Part II: Gender, Race, and Class in the Labor Market. The report provides a detailed analysis of women’s economic well-being both before and after the devastation brought by last year’s catastrophic storms. It finds that while women in the area were struggling long before Katrina came to shore, their situations only worsened in the storm’s wake. The report details changes in women’s labor force participation, earnings, and presence in the region following the storms. It uncovers a marked drop in women’s employment over the last year, low earnings, and substantial wage gaps and high levels of occupational segregation across both race and gender. The study provides detailed recommendations to address the region’s long- standing inequities as well as the new challenges faced by women now struggling valiantly to rebuild their lives. Leading up to the anniversary, IWPR released this report in dual press conferences held simultaneously in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Gulfport, Mississippi. The press conferences highlighted organizations actively working to address the continuing needs of women in the area, as well as notable dignitaries, including Dr. Shanta Harrison Proctor, Executive Director of the Louisiana Governor’s Office on Women’s Policy, Louisiana State Representative Karen Carter, New Orleans City Councilwoman Shelly Midura, and Donna Yowell of the Mississippi Commission on the Status of Women. The report has been featured widely in the media including articles published by the Associated Press, the Sun Herald, and the Pulitzer-Prize-winning Times Picayune and in news reports on New Orleans’ WDSU Channel 6 News and WWL Channel 4 Eyewitness News. This report is the second in a twopart series published by IWPR that examines the effect of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on the region’s women. Part I, Poverty, Race, Gender, and Class, analyzed poverty among women and people of color in the Gulf Coast more generally. It was released in October 2005. REV. DR. DAVID EMMANUEL GOATLEY JOINS NAACP NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS T he Rev. Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley, Executive SecretaryTreasurer, Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention, has been named a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People National Board of Directors. Goatley was unanimously elected to the Board during the 97th Annual NAACP Convention held last month in Washington, D.C. Goatley, an ordained Baptist minister, oversees the administration and development efforts of Lott Carey, an international Christian relief and development agency that has missions in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, Oceania, North America and South America. Julian Bond, Chairman, NAACP Board of Directors, said: “We are proud to have Dr. Goatley on the NAACP Board; he brings the same compassion and respect for others to our work that he does to his own.” “It is a privilege and an honor to serve on the board and be a part of an 4 organization with such a rich and distinguished history,” said Goatley. “I work in international settings and have partnerships in 25 countries. I believe I can make a contribution by participating in policy level discussions. The NAACP is an inspirational organization to people of color around the world.” Goatley, 45, said he brings with him an international network of contacts that will benefit the NAACP. The Lott Carey organization was founded in 1897 by black Baptists committed to foreign missions, especially in Africa. The Rev. Lott Carey, born a slave in Charles City County, Va. in 1780, purchased his freedom and became one of the first American and Baptist missionaries to Africa. Later, he was named acting governor of Liberia. The organization recently held its 109th convention in Richmond, Va., where $450,000 was raised in one evening to help launch new programs in Rwanda, South Africa, Ethiopia and Turkey. THE METRO HERALD September 1, 2006 THE METRO HERALD 5 AFRICA UPDATE September 1, 2006 NO LIFE IN AFRICA WITHOUT . . . bike to go home and change. I did not tell anyone about it until after some time because I knew they would laugh at me. My father makes sure that there is always at least one bike at home; he prefers it to a car because it does not consume much fuel and is efficient. I left Africa last September for greener pastures, but when I return this year my motorcycle is waiting to The boda boda is a popular mode of transport in Uganda make rounds in and out of the jammed, potn the new BBC competition for holed city roads. Africa, listeners and readers deKENYATTA scribe what they could not live ROBERTS-KROMAH without out on the continent. Here entrants cannot imagine life I cannot live without watching without Nollywood movies, zippy Nigerian films, or Nollywood movies boda bodas or a safe home. as they are known I like them so much because they portray exactly what hapSHIFAH NYIRANGOMA pens in our African society; and not just I cannot imagine life in Uganda what happens in the Western world. without a boda boda - a motorcycle. In Here are three examples: the early 1990s, my father was an • No 1: How a mother-in-law will agent for a motorcycle company in our hate her daughter-in-law just bevillage. That was the time when coffee cause she has not borne any chilwas at its highest boom. dren; and how this will then lead to Most of the roads in this area are inthe break-up of the unlucky couple. accessible, so the only means of trans• No 2: How blood relations will port is a motorcycle. My dad even hate—and envy—each other bebought one for my mother and all my cause of greed. brothers. I did not have the chance to ride • No 3: How children are left to fight among themselves for their parents’ one since I was in a boarding school, wealth after they die but I could not wait for holidays to ride one of my brother’s bikes. They also include many more inciMy love for bikes was encouraged dents that are common only in Africa. during college life in Bangalore in India. I admire the African dresses in Everybody there owns a bike. People these movies and they also make me park their cars in garages and only use laugh my worries away. I thank God them over the weekends or for long trips. for the Nigerian film industry, and I After I graduated and got a job in hope my country Liberia will improve the city, jumping on a bike was the ob- at film-making too some day. vious thing to do. My friends were not RUTE ALEBACHEW ADEM amused at first - a lady on a bike? But Having fled from my violent huswith time they realized that it was one of the most efficient ways of traveling band and cruel family in a rural village in north-western Ethiopia, I experiin and out of the jammed city. One day while heading to work on enced rape, harassment and forced sexmy usual bike, I fell off and soiled all ual intercourse with different people— my clothes. I had to jump on the same young and old, rich and poor as well as I SOMALI RIVALS HEADING FOR TALKS S enior officials from Somalia’s interim government and its main rival, the Union of Islamic Courts, have left for peace talks in Khartoum. The UIC has controlled Mogadishu, the capital, since June, and has taken control of much of south-east Somalia. The transitional government is confined to the town of Baidoa. The long-delayed second round of peace talks is seen as the best chance to break a deadlock in a country that has had no central government since 1991. From the government side, a 16-member team led by interim government speaker, Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden, flew out of Baidoa on Monday on a special plane, the BBC’s Mohammed Olad Hassan reports from the town. Before leaving for Khartoum, the speaker said that he was very optimistic about the talks, which he said would lead to a “bright and better future for the Somali people”. He added that, as neither the transitional administration nor the Union of Islamic Courts, had “a hard-line attitude towards pacifying Somalia”, he was confident that the two sides would resolve their differences. A delegation from the Islamic courts is already in Khartoum, headed by the executive leader, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. East African diplomats have been trying for several months to bring the Islamists and the government together for talks. The issue of Ethiopian troops in Somalia is likely to prove a thorny one, especially because the Islamic courts union has just reiterated its demand that they withdraw from the country, our correspondent says. Ethiopia supports the Somali government, though it has denied sending troops to the country. The Islamic courts are opposed to the presence of an African Union force in Somalia. It was rumored that an advance party of Ugandan troops had arrived in Baidoa over the weekend, but the interim government spokesmen said they were not AU soldiers but a small group of trainers, who had come to help improve Somalia’s fledgling police force. 6 from police officers. Then I worked as a child prostitute waiting for my customers in the streets of the capital, Addis Ababa. In 1993 I was fortunate to meet people who work in a Norwegian charity and who were ready to listen to my life story and were ready to help me. I am now living in Norway in a two-roomed house rented from the local municipality and I am getting a college education. I have experienced the difference between homelessness and having a home; the difference between darkness and heaven; the difference between life and death. In a time when Ethiopia and other African countries are being ravaged by the HIV/Aids pandemic, I believe that life without a house in Africa is like having sexual intercourse without a condom or travelling without a compass. My house is now my husband, and I could not live without it. Nigeria movies make me laugh my worries away WAR CRIME CHARGE FOR CONGO REBEL T he leader of a Democratic Republic of Congo militia has become the first war crimes suspect to be charged at the International Criminal Court. Thomas Lubanga, who led the Union of Congolese Patriots (UPC) militia group based in eastern DR Congo, is accused of recruiting child soldiers. International human rights groups argue that charges of murder, torture and rape should be brought against him. The ICC was set up in 2002 to deal with war crimes and genocide worldwide. Human Rights Watch (HRW) and other international watchdog bodies welcomed the charges, but said they did not go far enough. “Enlisting, conscripting and using children as soldiers in armed conflict are serious crimes that should be condemned and appropriately punished. However, much more is needed,” HRW said in a statement addressed to the International Criminal Court last month. “We believe that you, as the prosecutor, must send a clear signal to the victims in Ituri and the people of the DRC that those who perpetrate crimes such as rape, torture and summary ex- ecutions will be held to account,” the statement said. MORE CHARGES? ICC deputy prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said the court had begun with the charges related to child soldiers because evidence was available. “This doesn’t mean the door is shut to other crimes,” she told the BBC’s Focus on Africa program. “The office of the prosecutor is in no way saying other offences were not committed. But the quality of the evidence we have is also important.” The Ituri region of eastern Congo saw 66,000 deaths in six years of fighting between the UPC, based among the Hema ethnic group, and rivals from the Lendu ethnic group, partly for control of Ituri’s large deposits of gold. Mr. Lubanga was arrested in 2005 after nine Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers were killed in the volatile Ituri area. He emerged as one of the most notorious warlords in the civil war of the late 1990s. Soldiers under his command are accused not just of murder, torture and rape, but also of mutilating their victims. In one massacre, human rights groups say, Mr. Lubanga’s militiamen Thomas Lubanga’s UPC has been battling for control of Ituri’s gold killed civilians using a sledgehammer. At different times, the UPC was backed by both Uganda and Rwanda DR Congo’s neighbors, which were closely involved in its conflict. The ICC has also issued its first arrest warrants for the leaders of Uganda’s rebel Lord’s Resistance Army, who are currently in talks with the Ugandan government, which has offered them amnesty. It is also investigating alleged war crimes in Sudan’s Darfur region. The existence of the court is strongly opposed by the United States, which fears its troops could face political prosecutions. LIBYA AIMS TO BECOME A TOURISM PIONEER L ibya is aiming to position itself at the forefront of African tourism. This objective has become more evident with the country’s participation at the upcoming TourismAfrica conference to be held this September 19–21 in Geneva, Switzerland. To establish its commitment to this objective, Libya is promising to showcase its tourism offerings at the upcoming Geneva conference. At the helm to help Libya accomplish its goal and make strong presence at the TourismAfrica conference is eTurbo Communications (eTC). eTC, in cooperation with Expoforce, is organizing a new 150 square meter stand for Libya, highlighting a new era of tourism and image for Libya. In addition, eTC will serve as the liaison between Libya and the attendees, including the media. As part of this role, eTC will be organizing Libya’s press briefings as well as other events during the conference. Emerging as prominent player in Libya’s tourism industry is Suleiman Abbout, owner of Sari Travel (in Tripoli), who has steadfastly worked to connect the vision of Libyan tourism officials with the private industry. That dedication from the beginning is now facilitating the country’s entry to the global travel and tourism marketplace. Libya’s tourism industry in recent years has been at the verge of becoming a major tourism player in the global arena. In March this year when Libya was the site of a total solar eclipse, the country facilitated its largest tourist-drawing event ever. For the event, the Libyan government said it has issued as many as 7000 visas for spectators from 53 countries. The event has helped generate interest in the Libya government to move forward and expand the visibility of its tourism industry. Libya offers a vast array of tourist lures. Its rich heritage dates back to the beginning of humanity and boasting proof of old world civilizations such as prehistoric artwork and engravings in rock shelter of Tadrart Acacus. Evidence was also left by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ot- tomans in Libya. The country’s magnificent attractions include Sabratha, Leptis Magna and Cyrene. Tourists looking to enjoy Libya’s beaches can take comfort in the fact that the country has 1700 kilometers of unspoiled beaches. In addition, natureloving tourists will find one of the world’s most popular deserts in Libya—the Sahara, where mountains, oases surrounded by palm trees are found. Libya has also become a stop for cruises. Currently, Oceania Cruises, Travel Dynamics and Clipper Cruise Line have added Tripoli in their itineraries. Libya wants to boost its current 300,000 per year visitors to ten. THE METRO HERALD AFRICA UPDATE September 1, 2006 COFFEE ‘KEY TO RECONCILING RWANDANS’ ECSTATIC KENYAN WELCOME FOR US SENATOR T-SHIRTS Sarah Hussein Obama gave her grandson a tearful welcome By Muliro Telewa BBC News, Nyangoma Kogalo U S Senator Barack Obama was received in his father’s rural village of Nyangoma Kogalo, in western Kenya near the shores of Lake Victoria, like a long-lost king who has returned home to claim his crown. As the Illinois Democratic senator entered his family’s compound surrounded by both Kenyan and US security - his grandmother Sarah Hussein Obama could not hold back tears of joy as she hugged him. It was Mr. Obama’s first visit to Nyangoma Kogalo in Nyanza province, where his father was born, since his 2004 election to the US Senate. Local women, dressed in their colorful clothes, sang and ululated as he used his left hand to wave at them and held onto his grandmother tightly with his right. The security teams struggled to keep uninvited members of the press out of the compound, as Senator Obama, followed closely by his wife Michelle, two daughters and a niece, walked towards his uncle’s house to greet the family elders. But an old lady in her 70s weaved her way through the guards, grabbed hold of the politician’s hand and only released him after he had danced with her to the cheers and applause of several hundred people who had made their way into the compound. Thousands of other onlookers were kept out of what the Obamas had said was a private function. Before Mr. Obama’s arrival on Saturday afternoon, his grandmother admitted to me that she usually had trouble communicating with him. “My grandson does not understand Luo or Kiswahili and I cannot speak English, so I need a translator to talk to him,” she said. But as he moved around the compound, he kept nodding to his grandmother saying, “Ero kamano” (meaning in Luo: “thank you very much”). The Luo tribe of his late father, who are the majority in Nyanza province, were celebrating in style. They had printed T-shirts, mainly in bright yellow, and one would have been forgiven for thinking that Senator Obama was conducting a presidential campaign in Kenya. In fact, although most of T-shirts were emblazoned with the slogan: “Welcome home Senator Obama”, there were a few that read: “Obama for President.” I asked those wearing them if they wanted Mr. Obama, who is the son of a Kenyan father and an American mother, to be president of Kenya or the United States. “It does not matter. If he becomes the president of Kenya, fine! If on the other hand he wins the American presidency, it is all right too,” one of the young men quipped. BEER CHEER Earlier, addressing a public rally attended by thousands of people, Senator Obama stated that he was a US citizen and senator to the American people. However, he said that he wanted to assist some young people from his father’s homeland to attain their goals. “It is people of Nyangoma Kogalo who assisted my father to achieve his academic goals,” he explained. During his busy one-day tour of Nyanza province, Mr. Obama publicly went into a Voluntary Counseling and Testing Kiosk, accompanied by his wife, for an HIV test. After taking their NIGERIA SETS APRIL ELECTION DATES N igeria has announced that elections to choose a successor to President Olusegun Obasanjo and a new national asPresident Obasanjo’s term in office ends next year sembly will be held on 21 April 2007. Voting for state governors and regional assemblies will take place on 14 April. The Independent Electoral Commission chairman said preparations for the elections were progressing well. This could mark the first successful democratic transfer of power from one civilian president to another since Nigerian independence in 1960. President Obasanjo will have served two terms, the maximum allowed under the constitution, since being elected in 1999. It is not clear who will be in line to succeed Mr. Obasanjo, who has denied favoring any particular successor to the presidency. Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who opposed moves to change the constitution so as to allow Mr. Obasanjo a third term, is believed to be seeking the nomination of the governing People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida - also a PDP member, and seen as close to Mr. Obasanjo - has announced his intention to stand for the presidency, though not necessarily on a party ticket. THE METRO HERALD Senator Obama’s HIV test results will be sent to the US embassy The coffee industry is improving community relations C Hundreds of people crowded into the family compound to greet the senator blood, the medical officers promised to send the results of their HIV status through to the US embassy in Nairobi. Nyanza has one of the highest HIV infection rates in Kenya, but most people are unwilling to go to the test centers to find out their status. Mr. Obama also visited two schools next to his grandmother’s compound, both of which have changed their names in his honor to Senator Barack Obama Nyangoma Primary School and Senator Barack Obama Nyangoma Secondary. And although Mr. Obama’s Kenyan tour has come to an end, the makers of a local beer called Senator are still reaping in the rewards of all the free publicity. When people go into a bar here, they simply ask for an “Obama”, and the waiter knows what to bring. offee is being used in Rwanda to relaunch the economy as well as heal old wounds following the genocide. The Rwandan government is encouraging the creation of coffee plantations where people from both sides of the ethnic divide work together. This daily contact is seen as a means of speeding up reconciliation by fostering relationships and building communities. Hutu militias killed some 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus during the 1994 genocide. Aimee Umuhoza and Beatrice Karigirwa are two of 100 women working at a coffee plantation in the capital Kigali, picking and cleaning beans. UNDERSTANDING Aimee, who lost both her parents in the conflict, said she needs to work to support her younger brother and sister. While the pay is low, she says the coffee plantation is playing an important role in uniting people. “I have been here for two years,” she told the World Service’s Outlook program. “I can’t hate. Even those who killed my parents later died so why should I create more enmity by sowing hatred. Here, we are friends because we have the same problems. ZIMBABWE DEFENDS LACK OF HOUSING A Zimbabwe government minister says there is no truth in a report by Church leaders that heavily criticized the state’s housing demolitions last year. Church leaders said in a report that almost nothing Thousands of dwellings were destroyed had been done to house 700,000 peo- last year ple who lost their homes and livelihoods in the demolitions. Operation Murambatsvina, which the government said was a drive to clean up cities, was also condemned by the UN. Minister Didymus Mutasa said the church report was “absolutely not true”. Asked how many new houses had been built, Mr. Mutasa replied: “I can’t tell you the number immediately, I will have to check. But everyone in the country whether affected by Murambatsvina or not is being considered for decent housing.” He also denied claims made in the report by the church-based Solidarity Peace Trust that most of those people expelled from the cities had since returned. “People cannot have been living in thin air. They must be living somewhere,” he said. The report claimed that people in the cities had been crowded into those houses that had not been demolished. “In some houses, people now co-exist in around one square meter per person of floor space,” the report states. Catholic Archbishop Pius Ncube, chairman of the Solidarity Peace Trust, told the BBC that the government had failed to live up to its promises. “They themselves said that they would construct 300,000 houses,” he said. “They’ve constructed a few hundred houses and none of them have been occupied.” The report said that out of more than 100,000 displaced people in the west of the country, not one person has been officially housed by the government. The informal economy, which was targeted by Operation Murambatsvina, is still in disarray a year after the operation, according to the report. Coffee production fell sharply following the civil war “Even the women whose husbands have been in prison as genocide suspects or children like me whose father are genocide suspects—we understand each other, we don’t have any quarrels.” Fellow worker Beatrice Karigirwa’s husband and most of her relatives were killed in the genocide. She has one surviving brother who is in the army. “My job has given me hope for a better future and enables me to live peacefully with other women,” she said. “After the war, I didn’t want to live with anyone because of what was done to me. But as time went on and as I lived with people here, I gradually healed.” She said hearing the stories of fellow workers, some of whom have no family left, has helped the healing process. “I know my problems are not the worst,” she said. “Coffee has played a big role in the progress of this country. We live in harmony with Rwandans from different areas. “If we all stayed at home we would all be thinking in the same way as before but coming to work in the coffee industry has taught us a lot.” HIGH-GRADE COFFEE Rwanda has decided to concentrate on specialty coffees—which became popular in the US and Europe in the 1990s—and to sell them through fair trade deals. In 1990, Rwanda exported 45,000 tonnes of coffee a year, but that plummeted following the conflict. With competition growing from newcomers such as Vietnam, the government has decided to focus on high-grade coffee with the aim of returning to 1990 production levels by 2010. Fatuma Ngangiza, of Rwanda’s Unity and Reconciliation Commission set up in the wake of the genocide, underlined coffee’s importance to the country. “You don’t reconcile in a vacuum,” she said. “There must be a practical program, there must be something that brings people together. As they work together, cleaning the coffee, they talk together so they start talking business but later they start talking family affairs. It fosters relationships and reconciliation.” 7 CAPITAL COMMENTS September 1, 2006 WEBB SURGES AHEAD OF ALLEN IN LATEST WALL STREET JOURNAL/ ZOGBY POLL A ccording to an independent Wall Street Journal/ Zogby poll released over the weekend, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Jim Webb has pulled ahead of Senator George Allen. The poll puts Jim Webb Webb at 47.9% and the incumbent Allen at only 46.6%. The Zogby poll is the third poll released in the last week that shows Webb within the margin of error and the first to show him ahead of Allen. The Journal called this most recent survey a “sharp swing” in favor of Jim Webb. The poll, conducted from August 15 -21, has a margin of error of +/- 3.2 percent. “We have always maintained that the more Virginians learned about the real George Allen the more they would know he isn’t right for Virginia,” said Webb spokesperson Kristian Denny Todd. “George Allen has shown his true colors and now more than ever Virginians are saying his values don’t match up with theirs and he should go.” In contrast, Webb’s message on foreign and domestic issues has caught on across the Commonwealth. In the past two weeks, Webb has delivered a major address laying out a clear vision for our nation’s national security, was honored by the 1st Marine Division Association as “one of the great leaders of the Vietnam generation,” and was endorsed by the Virginia AFL-CIO, the Commonwealth’s largest labor organization. “Jim Webb is the natural choice,” said Denny Todd. “Jim’s message of economic fairness, accountability and national pride has resonated with many Virginians who want to see this Commonwealth and our country head in a new, positive direction.” Jim Webb is a decorated Marine, former Secretary of the Navy and Assistant Secretary of Defense, best-selling author and award-winning journalist. 8 HOYER ON COURT OF APPEALS EARLY VOTING DECISION C ongressman Steny H. Hoyer (DMD) recently released the following statement in response to the Maryland Court of Appeals ruling that early voting in Maryland is unconstitutional. “While I respect the Court of Appeals’ ruling with regard to early voting, I disagree with it. “We should be doing everything in our power to facilitate voting in our state and nation. Instead, this makes exercising the franchise more difficult. “Nearly half of all states use some form of early voting, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, including the state of Texas, among the most Republican-leaning states in the union. It has proven to be a secure and convenient option for eligible voters who for whatever reason cannot vote on Election Day. “Unfortunately, Maryland voters will be deprived of this option in November.” HOYER STATEMENT ON ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF HURRICANE KATRINA C ongressman Steny H. Hoyer (DMD), who is on a trip through the Gulf Coast this week, released the following statement in observance of the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina: “Today is a somber day for our nation. It is a time to grieve for those who died in Hurricane Katrina and in the flood waters that followed. It is a time to recommit ourselves to those who lost all that they possessed. It is also a time to assess our progress in rebuilding. “Democrats are visiting the Gulf Coast this week to demonstrate once again our commitment to aiding the survivors of Hurricane Katrina. I am disappointed by the slow delivery of the help that was promised, but heartened by the optimism and determi- nation of those who have been forced to rebuild their lives. “One year ago, our nation was shocked by images of Americans stranded in flood waters and left without food and water for days. The government’s incompetence infuriated Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) the country, and it fundamentally altered Americans’ views of their leaders. “Despite their frustration, Americans rallied to the side of their fellow citizens. But the job is far from finished. As the young people at Chalmette High School sang today, 525,600 minutes ago disaster struck the Gulf Coast, and it has not yet been made whole. We must marshal all the resources of this wealthy nation to rebuild the lives and dreams of our fellow Americans.” SAMPLE BALLOTS BEING MAILED TO ALL REGISTERED VOTERS O • • • • n September 2, the Montgomery County Board of Elections will begin mailing sample ballots for the September 12 Gubernatorial Primary Election to all registered voters in Montgomery County. Voters should review sample ballots carefully for the following information: The polling place name and address; Instructions on how to use the Touchscreen voting machines; Directions on how to use the review screen on the Touchscreen voting machines prior to casting ballots; and Screen shots of the ballot that will appear on Touchscreen voting machines. Voters may experience lines at their polling places, particularly during peak hours immediately before work, 7:00–9:00AM, during the lunch hour 11:00AM–2:00PM, and immediately following work, 5:00–7:00PM. To facilitate the voting process, the Board of Elections encourages all voters to mark their sample ballot in advance of arriving at their polling place. For further information on the voting process, call 240-777-VOTE. THE METRO HERALD September 1, 2006 COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA’S UPDATE ON SMALL, WOMEN, AND MINORITY BUSINESS PARTICIPATION IN STATE PROCUREMENT he Commonwealth of Virginia is pleased to provide you with an update on the utilization of Small, Women- and Minority-owned (“SWAM”) businesses participating in State procurement activities. The graphs below show the progress of the Commonwealth’s SWAM procurement initiative, which includes data from the 4th quarter of the 2005-2006 fiscal year.* By way of background, the 2004 Commonwealth Procurement Disparity Study, which examined the procurement practices of the Commonwealth from 1998-2002, uncovered a significant disparity between SWAM businesses and non-SWAM businesses being awarded state contracts. During the Study period, women and minorities obtained approximately 1.27% of the Commonwealth’s business, while less than _ of 1% (0.44) of state contract dollars were awarded to people of color. Today, progress has been made. Overall, there were increases in spending with women- T owned and small businesses through the 4th quarter of the last fiscal year. Commonwealth spending during the 4th quarter with women-owned businesses increased by 0.2% (from 1.83% in 2005 to 2.03% in 2006), and spending with small businesses (non-women or non-minority) also increased by almost 1% (from 9.25% in 2005 to 10.20% in 2006). Commonwealth spending with minority-owned businesses also increased by 0.27% (from 2.02% in 2005 to 2.29% in 2006). A comparison of year-to-date expenditures for 2005 and 2006 shows an increase in minority and women participation in State contracting. In 2005, minority-owned businesses received 1.79% ($83,961.00) of state business compared to 2.24% ($99,069.00) in 2006. Women-owned businesses received 1.69% ($78,927.00) in 2005 compared to 2.29% ($100,990.00) in 2006. Small businesses received 10.59% ($495,621.00) in 2005 compared to 9.41% ($415,275.00) in 2006. Governor Tim Kaine recognizes the importance of maximizing the participation of small, women, and minorities in the vast array of commercial opportunities available in state procurement. Executive Order Number 33 (2006) was recently signed into effect by Governor Kaine to ensure that all businesses and owners have an equal opportunity to share in state procurement. Some examples of the Executive Order’s requirements include: small business set aside program (which include businesses owned by women and minorities meeting the small business definition), small business development program, implementing small business enhancement tools such as the unbundling of selected State contracts, increasing SWAM participation on small procurements under $5,000, and the early posting of potential contract opportunities. The Commonwealth’s SWAM participation numbers, however, are a reflection of several factors: (1) the ability of the Commonwealth of Virginia to craft policies and procedures that remove the impediments and barriers to SWAM participation (especially as it relates to people of color and women); (2) the willingness of purchasing officers to adhere to those policies and procedures and the willingness of the Commonwealth to penalize those that do not; and (3) the readiness of businesses owned by people of color and women to become SWAM certified and eVA registered. SWAM certification and eVA registration are particularly important because it makes businesses more attractive to agency purchasing officers who are now being graded on their SWAM participation numbers. Becoming SWAM certified and eVA registered allows SWAM businesses to be featured on a source list from which state procurement officials select vendors. It is a very important step for Virginia’s Small, Women- and Minority-Owned businesses: BECOME SWAM-CERTIFIED AND eVA REGISTERED TODAY! For more information on becoming SWAM certified or to be registered on eVA, please visit the Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise’s website at www.DMBE.Virginia.gov or call 804-786-5560. The DMBE website has a wealth of information as well as the online applications for certification as a SWAM vendor. THE METRO HERALD *Data does not include subcontracting dollar amounts. 9 HEALTH & WELLNESS September 1, 2006 25 YEARS LATER: AIDS AND THE FORGOTTEN VICTIMS Young, vulnerable children in Lesotho, Africa, receive food, learning opportunities and support. S cience has taken important steps toward treating the condition in the 25 years since the first cases of a nameless, deadly disease now known as the human immunodeficiency virus were recorded in the U.S. The problems of one group affected by the disease, however, need addressing in a different way. Over the last quarter century, the tragic story of HIV/AIDS has often been told-but the story of children orphaned by this disease is often forgotten. Without mothers, fathers, doctors and community leaders, millions of children are left unprotected and deprived of a normal childhood. Children are suffering because the world has not recognized that the disease is wreaking havoc on childhood. The AIDS pandemic is unraveling decades of progress for children. School enrollment, immunization rates and child survival around the world are suffering significant reversals because of the impact of AIDS. To date, an estimated 15 million children worldwide have been orphaned by HIV and AIDS. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the world’s hardest-hit region, eight out of 10 orphans lost their parents to AIDS. Meanwhile, in Latin America and the Caribbean, it is estimated that 752,000 children have lost one or both parents to the disease. Through its Unite for Children, Unite Against AIDS campaign, UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) hopes to record significant global progress in addressing HIV/AIDS by 2010. UNICEF’s goal is to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the disease by offering services to 80 percent of women in need; increase pediatric treatments to 80 percent of children in need; reduce the percentage of young people living with HIV by 25 percent; and reach 80 percent of the world’s children most in need with support services. In 2001, UNICEF and the Kimberly-Clark Corporation partnered to support children orphaned and made vulnerable by AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. The $5.2 million pledged by Kimberly-Clark has helped UNICEF to ensure orphans are fed, protected and educated. The evidence of the effects of these pro- grams can be measured one child at a time, such as Werner, a bubbly 3-yearold who was brought to San Jose Hospice in Guatemala by his mother, who later died from HIV/AIDS. Through UNICEF-supported programs at the facility, Werner is receiving food, medicine and other supplies, which are helping him to grow up strong and healthy. Soon he will be going to school. “The fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic is not an easy one. Through successful partnerships like our relationship with Kimberly-Clark, we can bring hope to children affected and infected by HIV/AIDS and offer them a brighter future,” said Charles J. Lyons, president of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. Although Sub-Saharan Africa receives the most attention regarding HIV/AIDS, there are many other areas of the world that are at a crucial juncture in their response to the disease. For example, now is a pivotal time to address HIV/AIDS in China. The country has seen unprecedented economic growth, but the social stigma of HIV and AIDS is still very negative. Given that 20 percent of the world’s 10-to-24year-olds live in China, ensuring the health and well-being of the world’s children cannot be accomplished without considering this country. The estimated 530,000 children in China who have lost one or both parents to AIDS, or who are living with parents who are currently ill, are often outcast from their schools and ostracized by their communities-and they fall victim to inadequate social services. Recognizing this, UNICEF and Kimberly-Clark have expanded their partnership to China to ensure that children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS have the opportunity to lead normal lives. The goal is to keep orphans in loving, caring families and communities, and to provide them with access to education, health services, medicines and psychological support in the face of negative social stigma. Together with the Chinese government, UNICEF has launched a campaign to help to reduce the shame and discrimination of the disease through awareness efforts and to protect those children who have been orphaned and made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS. Kimberly-Clark support of this campaign will help to provide subsidies for school fees, summer camps and a youth ambassador program. The company will also help to fund UNICEFestablished Red Ribbon Centers in local communities, where vulnerable children and families receive care and support through education, training and income-generation activities. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org. THE AUSTIN-WESTON CENTER FOR COSMETIC SURGERY HOSTS BLOOD DRIVE T he Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery is hosting their third annual community blood drive with the American Red Cross on Saturday, September 9 from 9:00AM– 1:30PM at the Austin-Weston Center in Reston, Virginia. Please join their staff in this yearly tradition of donating blood to help honor the victims of September 11. Please call their office at 703/893-6168 to schedule your life-saving donation or visit www.austin-weston.com to register. 10 MEDELA, ZUTANO AND MOTHER OF 7 CONNECT WITH WORLDWIT TO SUPPORT NURSING MOMS IN THE WORKPLACE W orldWIT™ (www.worldwit. org), the world’s largest community for professional women, announced today its partnership with three industry leaders in women’s and babies healthcare products, education and fashion in honor of National Breast Feeding at Work Week, September 4-8, 2006. The annual week-long holiday was introduced by WorldWIT in 2005. The relationship will unite Medela (www.medela.com), the most trusted breast pump manufacturer in the world, Zutano (www.zutano.com), a leader in children’s innovative fashion and Mother of 7 (www.motherof7.com), one of the foremost breast feeding advocates in the U.S. with WorldWIT, an award-winning opinion leader for women in business. These sponsorships offer exclusive access to first rate content, teleseminars, a complete guide for companies who seek resources and ideas on how to support nursing moms, a pledge for those who seek continued support, and the Rumina Award for the top companies who support nursing moms. As a longtime champion of breast feeding, Medela works with the world’s leading lactation researchers to develop the most advanced and effective products to support nursing mothers and breast feeding babies. Most recently, Medela introduced 2-Phase Expression®, the only research-based breastpump technology that mimics a baby’s nursing rhythm, resulting in faster let-down and milk flow. The company’s Corporate Lactation Program was the first workplace program to meet the needs of working mothers who breast feed their babies. “Medela’s breast feeding group exists to enhance mother and baby health through the life-giving benefits of breast milk, which is why we are TAKING MEDICINE IS NOW EASIER FOR KIDS WITH SWALLOWING DIFFICULTIES pleased to be a sponsor of this year’s event,” says Susan S. Sperling, Director Marketing Communication & Services for Medela. “Our broad range of programs for nursing mothers closely parallel the objectives of WorldWIT’s National Breast Feeding at Work Week, which is why this program is a natural fit for our company,” she continued. Zutano’s mission is to celebrate and cultivate child individuality in all aspects of their business practices and development. They are committed to support, nurture and cultivate programs that give back, including: educational enrichment programs for children, reproductive rights to women, end childhood hunger, regional scholarship fund, clothing drives and breast feeding educational programs such as WorldWIT’s National Breast Feeding at Work Week. “Our Zutano ‘bring your baby to work’ program has been so successful I would like to see other companies who can support their employees to breast feed or pump in the workplace create effective systems,” remarks Michael Belenky, President of Zutano children’s clothing. He continues, “We have found at Zutano when the health and well being of our children and parents are taken care of, everyone wins.” Mother of 7, Inc. equips expectant and new mothers, educators, advocates, individuals, organizations, businesses, employers, and employees with the most comprehensive, up-to-date, and highest quality breast feeding video series on the market, designed with various choices for time and budget. “As a fulltime working mother of seven breastfed children, including twins and a child with special needs, I want to share my wealth of professional and personal knowledge about the innumerable benefits of exclusive, long term breast feeding for the baby, mother, family and society,” says Stephanie Scholz Neurohr, founder and CEO of Mother of 7, Inc. “World authorities and experienced mothers, fathers, and fami- W hen children are sick, they often have to take medicine in order to get better. But when a child has difficulty swallowing a pill, the cure may be worse than the symptoms, leaving both the child and parents upset and frustrated. This difficulty in swallowing, called dysphagia, is found in about 40 percent of children with developmental problems, such as prematurity, mental retardation, ADHD, autism and cerebral palsy. Designed for those with dysphagia, the Oralflo Pill Swallowing Cup(TM) is a breakthrough medical device that can make the difference in getting a child to take his or her medicine or vitamins. Designed by Heilos, a former medical products engineer for Johnson & Johnson, the Pill Swallowing Cup alleviates the discomfort and anxiety associated with pill-taking and proves itself a vital accessory for doctor’s offices, hospitals, group homes, daycare centers and concerned parents. The unique design of the Oralflo Pill Swallowing Cup also eliminates the need to cut and crush pills so they can be swallowed whole, which is required for time-released and coated pills. The cup is a professional healthcare product that is patent pending, trademarked and registered with the FDA as a Class III medical device. It is available at www.oralflo.com for $11.95. lies from around the globe add further insight, bringing cutting-edge breast feeding education and instruction to not only the WorldWIT members but to their families and friends, all at the click of a button,” she continued. WorldWIT intends National Breast Feeding at Work Week to become an event widely recognized by businesswomen, as well as companies small and large around the nation. The objectives of National Breast Feeding at Work Week are: • To promote full participation and equality for nursing women in the workplace; • To educate women who are deciding whether to breast feed or pump milk upon returning to work after giving birth; • To describe the major factors involved in making the choice to breast feed upon heading back to work; • To publicize the achievements of businesses that have made breast feeding accommodations and offer their nursing mom employees a private space, reasonable breaks, access to a lactation consultant, etc. To learn more about our Rumina award, visit our site: www.worldwit. org/RuminaNominations. aspx. • To offer businesses the opportunity to become a Milk Works Employer that pledges to do more in the support of nursing-mom employees (http://www.worldwit.org/BreastfeedingPledge.aspx). WorldWIT founder, former Fortune 500 VP of Human Resources, mother of five and award-winning entrepreneur, Liz Ryan openly discusses tips for working moms and employers on her Business Mom blog—www. worldwit.org/Blogs.aspx: For more information on National Breast Feeding at Work Week visit www.worldwit.org or contact Kristi Hughes at 215/816-2954 (or email kristih@corp.worldwit.org). PAINFUL TEETH CAN HAVE EFFECT IN CLASSROOM D “ o your teeth hurt?” It’s not a question one expects to hear from a teacher trying to troubleshoot poor academic performance, but perhaps it ought to be. Each year more than 50 million school hours are lost by students whose dental-related illnesses cause them to stay home or seek professional care. In cases where pain is not intense enough to keep children out of school, it might still distract them in the classroom. “Poor oral health is a very real distraction and can cause some children to have a difficult time participating or concentrating in the classroom,” said George Levicki, DDS, President and CEO of Delta Dental of Virginia. With a new school year approaching, Levicki urges parents and other caregivers to help children maintain good oral health. Along with promoting the basics of dental hygiene such as brushing after every meal and flossing daily, he also suggests parents think about scheduling that next regular dental checkup for their kids. In between visits to the dentist, caregivers also should monitor children’s oral health or changes in behavior that might signify pain or discomfort. “Parents should regularly check children’s mouths for any signs of concern,” Levicki said. “They should look to see whether gums are bleeding, swollen or bright red. Persistent bad breath or gums that have receded from the teeth could also be signs of oral infection.” Such signs warrant a discussion or appointment with a dentist. Packing healthy lunches and limiting the consumption of sugary beverages can also help parents prevent problems associated with childhood tooth decay. “Untreated dental diseases can cause chewing problems, which in turn could restrict a child’s ability to get all the necessary nutrients from food,” Levicki said. “Left untreated, cavities, gum disease or other oral infections might not only distract students in class, but could eventually impair speech development and even hinder social development.” For more information visit www.deltadentalva.com. THE METRO HERALD HEALTH & WELLNESS September 1, 2006 FACING UP TO A TROUBLING HABIT: THUMB-SUCKING DISPELLING MIGRAINE MYTHS FROM FACT A lthough there are 29.5 million migraine sufferers in the US, many people who are not affected by this legitimate health condition continue to believe commonlyheld myths about migraine. According to the National Headache Foundation (NHF), some of the more common myths are as follows: MYTH: CAFFEINE CANNOT HELP RELIEVE A MIGRAINE These photos show improvement in a thumb-sucker’s bite after a short course of interceptive orthodontic treatment. Later comprehensive treatment will fully align the teeth. T hese commonly asked questions about how thumb- and finger-sucking can affect a child’s teeth will let parents know that such problems may be corrected with orthodontic treatment. Q. At what age should a child be seen by an orthodontist? A. All children should have a checkup with an orthodontist no later than age 7. An orthodontist can detect orthodontic problems due to oral habits at this checkup. Treatment to correct an oral habit such as thumb- or fingersucking may intercept the development of a problem and may make treatment at a later age shorter or less complicated. Q. How is the problem usually corrected? A. Problems caused by an active thumb-sucking habit can be corrected through appliances such as a tongue crib or a palate expander. Consult your orthodontist for information about a particular child’s correction. Q. How long does the correction take? A. It can take as little as a few months. The patient will wear a retainer for a time following this correction. Q. Will the patient require further orthodontic treatment? A. After the permanent teeth come in, full braces may need to be placed to fully align teeth. Parents interested in additional information on orthodontic treatment may obtain a free video, “A Smile That’s Good for Life,” by calling the American Association of Orthodontists’ (AAO) toll-free information line 1-800STRAIGHT (1-800-787-2444). The video may also be viewed online at www.braces.org in the “Want a Beautiful Smile” section. Orthodontists are dental specialists concerned with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists graduate from dental school, then further their education with two to three years of university-based training in an orthodontic residency program. Only those who have completed this education may call themselves “orthodontists,” and only orthodontists may be members of the AAO. For more information about orthodontic treatment for children and adults, visit www.braces.org. CAREFIRST BLUECROSS BLUESHIELD NAMES LISA KRAUS VICE PRESIDENT OF MEDICAL AFFAIRS C areFirst has named Lisa Kraus, R.N., to the position of Vice President of Medical Affairs. In her new role, Kraus’ responsibilities will include oversight of CareFirst’s care management programs for members, case management, medical appeals and regulatory compliance. Kraus joined CareFirst in 1988. In her 18 years with the organization, Kraus has served as Manager of Utilization Management and most recently as Director of Care Management. “CareFirst has a strong commitment to providing its members with the highest quality care,” said David D. Wolf, CareFirst Executive Vice President for Medical Systems and Corporate Development. “Lisa has played a strong role in strengthening our ability to meet the health care needs of our members and we expect great contributions from her in her new position.” Kraus has a nursing degree from Towson University and is certified as a case manager by the Case Management Society of America. She is a resident of Churchville in Harford County, MD. In its 71st year of service, CareFirst, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit health care company which, through its affiliates and subsidiaries, offers a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products and administrative services to nearly 3.4 million individuals and groups in Northern Virginia, the District of Columbia, Maryland and Delaware. Through its CareFirst Commitment initiative and other public mission activities, CareFirst supports efforts to increase the accessibility, affordability, safety and quality of health care throughout its market areas. To learn more about CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, visit www.carefirst.com. THE METRO HERALD Fact: For certain migraine sufferers, caffeine is a migraine inhibitor, for others it is a trigger. Keeping a headache diary can help determine whether caffeine helps or hurts your migraine. Caffeine is found naturally and as an additive in coffee, tea, chocolate, cola, certain soft drinks, and some pain relieving and acute migraine medications. MYTH: MIGRAINES ARE NOT TRIGGED BY STRESS Fact: Stress is a commonly recognized trigger of migraines. Stress can be physical or emotional. It can be good or bad. It is an unavoidable part of modern life. Events causing emotional stress can trigger a migraine headache. Migraine sufferers are thought to have highly sensitized brains. In times of emotional stress, certain chemicals are released that provoke the vascular changes that can cause a migraine headache. Factors related to stress include anxiety, worry, shock, depression, excitement, and mental fatigue. After a stressful period there may be a letdown which can, in itself, trigger a migraine headache. MYTH: REGULAR EXERCISE MAY NOT HELP REDUCE MIGRAINE FREQUENCY Fact: For those who suffer from chronic, recurring migraines, exercise can either provoke an attack or lessen the frequency and severity of these headaches. If exercise or physical strain induce a headache, it is important to see a healthcare provider. Maintaining a regular exercise program can reduce the number of headaches and contribute to overall good health. MYTH: DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS CANNOT BE HELPFUL IN MIGRAINE TREATMENT Fact: Those suffering from frequent migraines may have a low magnesium level. Magnesium has a relaxant effect on smooth muscle, such as in blood vessels. Daily supplementation of 500 - 750 mg increases the body’s magnesium level. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) assists nerve cells in the production of ATP, an energy producing substance, which is essential for many chemical reactions to occur in the body. High doses of riboflavin (400 mg. is recommended) may reverse cells’ “energy crisis” during migraine attacks. MYTH: MIGRAINES ARE NOT TRIGGERED BY A LACK OF SLEEP Fact: Migraine can be triggered by lack of sleep. Go to sleep at the same time every night and wake up the same time each morning, including on weekends. This maintains the body’s natural circadian rhythm. MYTH: MIGRAINES CANNOT BE TRIGGED BY EXPOSURE TO SMOKE, ODORS OR PERFUME Fact: Certain fumes and vapors can initiate a migraine headache. Perfumes are also often a culprit. Being in public places which are smoke-filled or poorly ventilated can result in the onset of a migraine. MYTH: MIGRAINES DO NOT RUN IN FAMILIES Fact: Migraines can be hereditary. If one parent has migraine, the child has a 50 percent chance of having them. If both parents have them, there is a 75 percent chance the child will develop migraine and if even a distant relative has migraines, there is a 20 percent chance the child will also experience them. “Because migraine is an often misunderstood disease, it is important to dispel myths that may contribute to the confusion,” said National Headache Foundation Executive Director Suzanne E. Simons. “It is our hope that this effort will further the understanding that migraine is neuro-biologic disease.” For more information on headache causes and treatments, visit www. headaches.org or call 1-888-NHF5552 (M-F. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST). WOMEN WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS LESS LIKELY TO GO INTO REMISSION R heumatoid arthritis, one of the most common forms of arthritis, is an autoimmune disease that affects more than two million Americans. The overwhelming majority of patients are women, according to the Arthritis Foundation. New research presented at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology reveals further gaps between the sexes in this often debilitating disease. Swedish researchers report that women are less likely to go into remission, or experience an absence or decrease in symptoms, after being treated for the disease. The reason for the sex differences is not entirely understood. Although disease activity was similar between men and women in the study at the start of treatment, “women had a much lower remission rate than men,” the researchers noted, while also calling for more research to investigate the gender discrepancy. Rheumatoid arthritis involves the immune system, which attacks joint tissue and causes inflammation and permanent joint damage. The most common physical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include stiffness, predominantly in the morning or when sitting for a long time, fatigue, difficulty moving, joint swelling and pain. Patients often experience pain and swelling of joints in corresponding points on both sides of the body. In some cases, people with rheumatoid arthritis have nodules or bumps under the skin. The disease affects everyone differently and can be mild or severe. Like other autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis predominates in women. “Women are affected with autoimmune diseases collectively more than men,” says Virginia Ladd, president and executive director of the American Autoimmune Related Disease Association. “More research is needed to look into why women are afflicted more than men.” Because many more women are affected by the disease, hormonal influences are likely to be involved. Most studies agree that the development of rheumatoid arthritis depends on the interplay of several factors. “The sex ratios probably do not reflect hormones only,” explains Michael Lockshin, M.D., professor of rheumatology at the Hospital for Special Surgery at Cornell Medical Center in New York City. “There is a real possibility that exposure difference to some unknown stimulus accounts for at least some of the sex ratios.” In other words, maybe some biological or environmental trigger affects men and women differently. Genetic risk factors make some individuals more susceptible to the disease, but genetics does not tell the entire story. Research published this month in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases indicates that smoking nearly doubles the chance that a woman who does not have a genetic risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis will develop the disease. There is currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis and treatment varies from person to person. One of the main objectives of treatment is to control a person’s symptoms and if possible, bring about remission. Treatment can involve medication, physical and occupational therapy, counseling and in some cases, surgery. There are new treatments on the horizon, “these are mostly biological interventions,” says Lockshin, or drugs that modify the immune system’s response. Because women are less likely to go into remission, patients need to be followed carefully so that their symptoms are controlled. The researchers call for “reinforced vigilance in the frequency and quality of follow-up in order to achieve optimal suppression of the inflammatory process in all patients, regardless of gender.” Other studies have shown that early diagnosis and proper management can slow the progression and damage of the disease. Source: Society for Women’s Health Research 11 HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH 2006 September 1, 2006 WETA TV 26 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS—HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH 2006 September 2 90 MILES, A WETA INDEPENDENT CUT (11:15PM)—A personal memoir of a man who came to America from Cuba in the 1980 Mariel boatlift spotlights the historical forces at work in his life. MAID IN AMERICA, A WETA INDEPENDENT CUT (12:15AM)— A film follows three of the thousands of Latina immigrants working as nannies and housekeepers in Los Angeles, revealing the challenges they face as they pursue the American Dream. CHAVEZ RAVINE: A LOS ANGELES STORY, A WETA INDEPENDENT CUT (1:15AM)—Narrated by Cheech Marin, a film spotlights a lost downtown Los Angeles Mexican-American community, razed in the 1950s to build Dodger Stadium. September 3 RECALLING ORANGE COUNTY, A WETA INDEPENDENT CUT (1:30PM)—A documentary presents a modern travelogue in the increasingly diverse Southern California County, exploring themes of immigration and cultural accommodation within the context of education policy and politics. (WETA TV 26 PREMIERE) NOCHE DE MARIACHIS, A WETA INDEPENDENT CUT (2:30PM)—A concert filmed live in Las Vegas at the Aladdin Theater for the Performing Arts celebrates Mexico’s independence day with Mariachi music. (WETA TV 26 PREMIERE) September 5 VISIONES: LATINO ART AND CULTURE Episode 1 of 6. (1:30AM)—A series of journeys throughout the country illuminate the world of Latino artistic expression. Spotlighted are the Latino Mural Movement of the 1960s, Nuyorican spoken word and editorial cartoonist Lalo Lopez. his run-in with the law and his path to redemption—impeded by immigration policy. (WETA TV 26 PREMIERE) SANTO DOMINGO BLUES: LOS TÍGUERES DE LA BACHATA, A WETA INDEPENDENT CUT (2:30PM)—A documentary tells the story of singer-songwriter Luis Vargas and bachata, the Dominican guitar blues that rivals Merengue and Salsa in popularity in the Latin American world. (WETA TV 26 PREMIERE) THE REPUBLIC OF BASEBALL: THE DOMINICAN GIANTS OF THE AMERICAN GAME, A WETA INDEPENDENT CUT (10:30PM—Ten percent of Major League Baseball players, and many of its superstars, hail from the Caribbean island nation of the Dominican Republic. A film explores the story of members of the first generation of Dominican baseball stars. (WETA TV 26 PREMIERE) PANCHO GONZALES: WARRIOR OF THE COURT, A WETA INDEPENDENT CUT (11:30PM)— A film profiles world-class tennis player Ricardo Alonzo “Pancho” Gonzalez, from his early successes to his retirement at age 47. (WETA TV 26 PREMIERE) September 12 VISIONES: LATINO ART AND CULTURE Episodes 2 & 3 of 6. (1:00AM)—Spotlighted are the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater Company (PRTT) of New York, Tejana musical artist Selena and the Santero art tradition of New Mexico; the Texas Day of the Dead Celebration and the image of the Virgen de Guadalupe as a Latina icon. September 19 VISIONES: LATINO ART AND CULTURE Episodes 4 & 5 of 6. (1:00AM)—Spotlighted are New York’s Latino hip hop dance and culture, Miami’s Afro-Cuban sound and Taco Shop Poets of Southern California. September 22 THE BRONZE SCREEN, 100 YEARS OF THE LATINO IMAGE IN HOLLYWOOD CINEMA, A WETA INDEPENDENT CUT Episodes 1 & 2 of 2. (10:00PM)—Images of Latinos on the silver screen evolved from one stereotype to another, but by the 1960s, the Latino acting community evidenced powerhouse talent, including Academy Award-winners Rita Moreno and Anthony Quinn. (WETA TV 26 PREMIERE) Moreno, a 66-year-old Mexican man who has traveled to the U.S. since the 1960s to work in farm fields. (WETA TV 26 PREMIERE) September 26 VISIONES: LATINO ART AND CULTURE Episode 6 of 6. (1:30AM)— Spotlighted are the history of salsa music and dance in Philadelphia, the first Mexican-American Prima Ballerina Evelyn Cisneros, Tejana music pioneer Lydia Mendoza and Chicano music artist Lalo Guerrero. September 23 THE LIFE AND TIMES OF FRIDA KAHLO (10:45PM)—An Emmy-nominated documentary coproduced by filmmaker Amy Stechler’s Daylight Films and WETA frames the life of the Mexican artist in relation to the historical and cultural influences that created her, exploring her art and her radical politics. Rita Moreno narrates and Mexican singer Lila Downs provides the voice of Kahlo. (WETA TV 26 ENCORE PRESENTATION) FARMINGVILLE, A WETA INDEPENDENT CUT (12:15AM)—A documentary examines the attempted murders of two Mexican day laborers in a Long Island town, exploring the debate over illegal immigration and the pursuit of the American Dream. September 24 YANK TANKS, A WETA INDEPENDENT CUT (10:30PM)—A film examines the enduring popularity of classic 1950s American cars in Cuba and the way they serve as beacons of individuality for their owners. (WETA TV 26 PREMIERE) THE GUEST WORKER, A WETA INDEPENDENT CUT (11:30PM)—A film spotlights the United States’ little-known H2A Guestworker program, relating the story of Don Candelario Gonzalez September 27 NUESTRA FAMILIA/OUR FAMILY, A WETA INDEPENDENT CUT (10:30PM)—A documentary examines the struggles faced by Latino families in overcoming the influence of California’s violent Norteño street gang and its prison-based counterpart, Nuestra Familia. (WETA TV 26 PREMIERE) Moreno siblings (photo courtesy of Mylène Moren) September 30 MAQUILAPOLIS (CITY OF FACTORIES), A WETA INDEPENDENT CUT (11:04PM)—A film follows two women’s experience at work in the massive sweatshops known as maquiladoras along the U.S.-Mexican border as they contend with labor violations, environmental devastation and urban chaos. (WETA TV 26 PREMIERE) LOS ANGELES NOW, A WETA INDEPENDENT CUT (12:04AM)— A film explores America’s secondlargest city, a megalopolis that is the most multicultural city in the world. LA SIERRA, A WETA INDEPENDENT CUT (1:00AM)—A film follows the lives of three young people living in a Medellín, Colombia, neighborhood ruled by violence and a group of teenage paramilitants. Frida Kahlo at Casa Azul, her blue house (photo by Nickolas Muray) September 9 DEVIL’S MINER, A WETA INDEPENDENT CUT (11:15PM)—A film follows two young brothers in Bolivia who work long shifts in the Cerro Rico silver mines, braving deadly conditions to earn enough money to attend school. (WETA TV 26 PREMIERE) LOS TRABAJADORES, A WETA INDEPENDENT CUT (12:15AM)— A film follows two day laborers in Austin and a battle over the city’s controversial local day-labor program, exploring the contradictions that haunt America’s dependence on and discrimination against immigrant labor. September 10 SPLIT DECISION, A WETA INDEPENDENT CUT (1:30PM)—A film follows the story of talented Chicano boxer Jesus Chavez, relating his life as a youth in Chicago’s inner city, 12 September 20 LALO GUERRERO: THE ORIGINAL CHICANO, A WETA INDEPENDENT CUT (10:30PM)—A film-appreciation profiles the father of Chicano music, Lalo Guerrero, who has inspired three generations with music that combines pop with the Mexican-American and Chicano experience. (WETA TV 26 PREMIERE) September 21 FROM MAMBO TO HIP HOP: A SOUTH BRONX TALE, A WETA INDEPENDENT CUT (10:30PM)— A music-filled film documents how one New York City borough produced some of the most influential music styles in America. (WETA TV 26 PREMIERE) Mural in Santa Ana (photo by Jim Bunoan) THE METRO HERALD September 1, 2006 THE METRO HERALD 13 EDUCATION September 1, 2006 CAT IN THE HAT STATUE TO BE UNVEILED FOR FIRST TIME TO BENEFIT READING IS FUNDAMENTAL FCPS ADULT AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION FALL AND WINTER COURSE REGISTRATION UNDER WAY R egistration is now under way for fall and winter classes— from September to December—offered by Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Office of Adult and Community Education (ACE). The ACE course catalog, ACE Classes, Etc., is available at ACE registration centers and at all Fairfax County public libraries and is in the mail to Fairfax County residents. Class information may be viewed online at www. fcps.edu/aceclasses. ACE will introduce four new career certification programs this fall: • court reporting using the stenomask and voice reporter software. • fitness specialist for older adults. • health unit care coordinator. • professional personal chef. T bring the magic of books and the joy of reading to the children who need them most. Each collector purchasing the Oh, The Stuff You Will Learn print will receive a certificate of literacy commemorating their contribution to RIF. Presenters at the September 9, reception will be: Bill Dreyer, Curator for the art of Dr. Seuss and Patricia A. Cornell, Vice President for Marketing and External Relations, Reading Is Fundamental. The connection between generations of young (and not so young!) Seuss lovers is well established and grows stronger with each passing year. This exhibition new works from the Seuss collection that have never before been shown in the Washington, DC area. The lovable, mischievous Cat in the Hat reappears in Seuss’s book I Can Read with My Eyes Shut. This time he takes a Young Cat in tow to show the fun that can be had from reading. The Oh, the Stuff You Will Learn print that generates a donation for RIF is taken from an image in the book I Can Read With My Eyes Shut. The P&C Art Gallery may be reached at 888/299-6783. Visit www. pcart.com for more information. SCHOOL BOARD SOLICITING NAMES FOR NEW CENTRAL OFFICE T he Fairfax County School Board is in the process of naming the new central office facility located at 8115 Gatehouse Road in Falls Church, Virginia. The Board invites employees, both active and retired, as well as any resident of Fairfax County to participate in the naming of the facility. For details and to submit a name suggestion, visit www. fcps.edu/news/name.htm The deadline for name suggestions is September, 15. 14 • how to improve one’s cash flow. • small businesses tax considerations and compliances. • technical writing. • writing for profit. • Linux+. • Security+. • software development. • Spanish for healthcare providers. • video production. • how to become a real estate settlement agent. Other new courses include the appreciation of Chinese art, black-andwhite darkroom printing, flower and garden photography, dietary considerations for celiac disease, writing screen adaptations from novels, and selecting a contractor for home renovations and projects. Several new culinary classes also join the lineup: cooking instruction for the extremely clueless, Indian lentils and curries, fondues, and how to give dinner parties. New online offerings include courses in preparing for college-level writing (learning proper spelling and syntax and writing essays and research papers). ACE, now in its 52nd year of operation, provides high quality, convenient, and affordable education to the community. ACE classes help individuals meet educational, career, and life enrichment goals and are held in a variety of settings—traditional classroom, computer lab, art studio, online, and in the field. ACE also customizes instruction to meet the needs of organizations on site. HIGHLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SOARS ON MSA SCORES Dr. Seuss “Oh, the Stuff You Will Learn” he first large scale statue of the beloved childhood book character The Cat in The Hat will be unveiled for the first time on September 9, here in Georgetown. The event at the P&C Gallery on M Street will mark a new relationship between The Art of Dr. Seuss and Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the nation’s largest and oldest nonprofit children’s and family literacy organization, to benefit young readers. The 50th anniversary of the 1957 publication of Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in The Hat will be celebrated in 2007. The P&C Gallery event will take place from 6:30-9:00PM on Saturday, September 9, with a reception for a new gallery exhibition of Dr. Seuss art, including the first tribute sculpture from a collection paying homage to Seuss’ beloved books and characters. During the reception, a large scale, four-foot-tall bronze sculpture of the Cat in the Hat will be unveiled for the first time at the gallery. Only 60 of the statues will be produced and sold. Portions of the proceeds from the sale of the Dr. Seuss sculpture and other Dr. Seuss art (including a limited edition print of Oh, the Stuff You Will Learn) will be donated to RIF to help New career-oriented courses coming this fall include: S tudents at Highland Elementary School posted tremendous gains on the Maryland School Assessment (MSA) this year, enabling the school to leave Maryland’s list of schools in need of improvement. The progress at this school with high poverty levels has been possible through the concentrated efforts of a dedicated staff that has helped student scores rise by more than 40 percentage points over the last three years in some areas. Last week, the Maryland State Department of Education announced that Highland made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for the second consecutive year, which means that the school has been removed from the state’s corrective action list under the provisions of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. As of this year, no MCPS schools with high poverty (Title I) are on NCLB school improvement or corrective action lists. In five years, MCPS has moved from 10 to zero Title I schools identified for improvement. This is particularly noteworthy, given the large size of the school district and the high poverty rates, mobility rates, and percentage of English language learners enrolled in MCPS Title I schools. MCPS is the only large school system in the nation without a single one of its high poverty schools on a state’s “needs improvement” list. In 2006 at Highland, nearly 78 percent of third graders were proficient in reading, compared with only 46 percent in 2005. Students in all grades showed marked improvement over the 2005 test scores. “This is a significant achievement for students, staff, and families at Highland,” said Dr. Jerry D. Weast, superintendent of schools. “A range of effective strategies was used by the administration and staff at the school, with support from the central office administration, to provide students with the focused instruction and support that helped each student achieve at a higher level.” Seventy-four percent of Highland’s students are Hispanic, and nearly 57 percent qualify for the subsidized meal program. Highland Elementary School— Strategies to Improve MSA Scores: • Increased use of small group instruction at all grades, especially in upper elementary grades • Targeted staff development in literacy areas to improve reading instruction. • Greater flexibility in use of reading materials. • Full Inclusion of Special Education and ESOL • Access to mainstream curricula in math and reading. • Daily meetings with ESOL specialists for instruction for English learners correlating with mainstream objectives. • Appropriate accommodations for eligible students • Monthly test-taking with designated accommodators to help students develop a relationship with the accommodators. • More accommodations, including dictation, offered to English learners than in previous years. • Increased time accommodations for some English learners. • Frequent data reviews with all staff • Increased informal and formal observations by administration. • Weekly team planning for all grades. • Formative and summative testing with data monitoring and analysis in reading and math, with re-teaching. • Monthly Steering Committee oversight from Office of School Performance, Office of Curriculum and Instructional Programs, and Office of Organizational Development • Revised discipline policy to improve student behavior and attendance • Before- and after-school MSA clubs For more info: 301/279-3391, or www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org STAY ALERT: 800 SCHOOL BUSES ROLL ON SEPTEMBER 5 O n Tuesday, September 5, eight hundred Prince William County school buses will roll, some as early as 6:00AM, to pick up children and take them to the county’s 85 schools. About 51,000 of an estimated 70,000 students will be transported by bus. The safety of students on buses depends on the willingness of motorists to follow laws concerning school buses. By law, motorists must stop when a school bus is stopped with its red lights blinking and stop sign extended, except when the bus is on the opposite side of a median strip. Motorists must also stop if the bus is loading or unloading children and the signal devices are not functioning properly. Passing a stopped school bus is considered reckless driving and carries a fine of $250. “School buses are the safest form of ground transportation on this planet, and we want to keep it that way,” said Edward Bishop, Director of Transportation Services for Prince William County Public Schools. Most fatalities and major injuries associated with pupil transportation occur when students are struck by motorists who are attempting to pass school buses while students are being loaded or discharged. These traffic violations usually occur either unintentionally, because motorists do not understand traffic laws regarding school buses, or intentionally because they become impatient. “I encourage all motorists to review and obey the laws concerning school bus safety. To those thousands of citizens who know and obey these laws, I ask for your continued support in the coming school year,” Bishop said. Motorists should be particularly alert during the early morning and midafternoon hours when school buses are on the road. Prince William County high schools open at approximately 7:30AM and close at approximately 2:00PM The hours for middle schools are approximately 8:20AM to 2:50PM and elementary schools open between 8:45 and 9:20AM and close between 3:15 and 3:40PM Opening and closing times vary according to school to better utilize the School Division’s school buses and drivers. THE METRO HERALD EDUCATION September 1, 2006 TOUR THE WHITE HOUSE WITH JOHN PHILIP SOUSA YOUNG LEADERS LEARN LESSONS OF LEADERSHIP AT 2ND ANNUAL NISSAN STUDENT GOVERNMENT LEADERSHIP PROGRAM F Y oung visitors to the Marine Band’s website, www. marineband.usmc.mil, will discover the newly-designed Kid’s Corner, a behind-the-scenes musical adventure through the White House. The site features colorful artwork, historic photographs, informal interviews with members of “The President’s Own,” and a guided virtual tour conducted by an animated John Philip Sousa, Marine Band Director from 1880-1892. The band was a fledgling ensemble of instruments when President John Adams moved into the unfinished White House and asked the Marine Band to perform at his New Year’s reception on Jan. 1, 1801. “The President’s Own” has been a permanent fixture at the White House ever since, performing there more than 300 times annually. Through its performances, the Marine Band has had front row seats as history unfolded at the most famous address in America. Sousa’s tour points out those pivotal moments and explains the unique relationship between “The President’s Own” and the President’s home. Designed as a fun educational tool for students and teachers, Sousa’s tour begins in the Grand Foyer, where visitors may click on the marble floor to learn about famous guests who danced to Marine Band ensembles or on the Christmas tree to read about holiday music performed at the White House. Visitors to the East Room may click on Alice Roosevelt’s dancing shoes, First Lady Abigail Adams’ clothesline, or President John F. Kennedy’s folded flag to learn more about the Marine Band’s participation in large White House gatherings such as dances, afterdinner entertainment, concerts, weddings, funerals, award presentations, press conferences, and bill-signing ceremonies. The State Dining Room contains hidden facts and treasures about the Marine Band’s close association with President Abraham Lincoln, information about the Strolling Strings, and YOUNG READERS IN VIRGINIA INVITED TO ENTER “LETTERS ABOUT LITERATURE” WRITING CONTEST T he Virginia Foundation Center for the Book announces the 2006-07 Letters About Literature writing competition. Students in grades 4 through 12 are invited to write a letter to the author of a favorite book. State winners will be invited to appear at the Opening Ceremony of the 2007 Virginia Festival of the Book in Charlottesville and will be eligible for the national competition. To enter, students in grades 4–12 write a personal letter to an author, explaining how the author’s work changed the student’s view of the world or themselves. Young readers can select authors from any genre—fiction or nonfiction, contemporary or classic. Letters About Literature is sponsored nationally by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress and Target Stores. Letters About Literature supports national and state standards for teaching language arts and reading. The Virginia Foundation Center for the Book will select the top letter writers in the state on each of the three competition levels: Level I for children in grades 4 through 6; Level II for grades 7 and 8, and Level III, grades 9–12. Teachers and parents can access related lesson plans and curriculum uses in the Teacher Resource Guide by going to www.loc.gov/letters. Deadline for en- THE METRO HERALD photos of the White House gingerbread house, complete with sugar cookies in the shape of Marine Band percussionists and sousaphone players. Sousa’s tour continues to the musicians’ holding room, where students may learn more about the instruments that members of “The President’s Own” play. The tour ends on the South Lawn, the scene of the Marine Band’s bicentennial celebration, the Easter Egg Roll, Tee-ball games, and State Arrival ceremonies. After the tour, visitors are invited to flip through the Marine Band’s scrapbook and to see photos of “The President’s Own” in performance at popular Washington, D.C., landmarks, on tour across the country, and at its home, Marine Barracks Washington. The Kid’s Corner is located at www.marineband.usmc.mil/kids_ corner/index.htm. tries is December 8, 2006. The required entry coupons are available now by calling the Virginia Foundation Center for the Book at 434-924-3296, by e-mailing spcoleman@virginia.edu or by visiting w w w. v i r g i n i a f o u n d a t i o n . o r g / bookcenter. Virginia winners will receive a cash prize and a $50 gift card from Target, the presenting sponsor of Letters About Literature. In addition, they will be invited to read their letters at the Opening Ceremony of the 13th annual Virginia Festival of the Book, March 21-25, 2007 in Charlottesville. The Virginia winners will then become eligible for the national competition where six winners will each receive an expenses-paid trip to the nation’s capitol to read their letters during the National Book Festival in the fall of 2007. In addition, they will receive a $500 Target gift card redeemable at any Target Store or target.com. Target Stores, along with its parent company Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT), gives back more than $2 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs. Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs. ifty-five student government presidents from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) from across the country participated in an innovative leadership program July 30-Aug. 3 on the historic campus of Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, Mississippi. The second Annual Nissan Student Government Leadership Program featured four days of leadership training sessions rendered by a cadre of nationally recognized speakers. Jim Morton, Vice Chairman for Nissan North America states, “We hope that the learning and networking the students participated in will positively affect the rest of their lives. Each student left the program poised to lead their schools toward new heights and prepared to assume future leadership roles in whatever endeavors they choose.” The Nissan Student Government Leadership Program provided student participants intensive leadership development and training at a level generally reserved for Fortune 500 company executives. The leadership sessions, conducted by three of the nation’s premier leadership training specialists, enhanced the students’ self-awareness, self-management, socio-political awareness and interpersonal relationships. Nissan executives and managers, including Morton, were on-hand as “mentors” throughout the program. Students began the day with leadership sessions and ended it with nationally-recognized speakers. Session topics included: “The Call Leadership,” “Practice in Team Development” and “Taking Charge: Understanding Your Leadership Challenges.” Participants also received a “Leadership Toolkit” which included books and resources to aid in their success during their upcoming tenure as SGA presidents. According to Tougaloo College SGA President Chase L. Gayden, a Special Education major, the lessons learned during the program will not only affect his term as president, but the entire campus as a whole. “I now know that it is very important that student leaders learn how to think critically and be able to analyze beyond the norm,” he said According to Morton, Nissan developed the program to provide valuable tools to upcoming student government leaders. “When we created and launched the inaugural program last year, we intended to equip these leaders with the training and tools to effectively lead their respective campuses,” added Morton. “As we continue to hold the leadership program annually, we will continue to influence positive change in these leaders, not only on their college campuses, but in the business world as well.” A number of internationally acclaimed leaders visited the program to offer the participants advice on building a strong foundation for success on their respective campuses, in their communities, in government and in global corporations. The guests included Hill Harper, Actor of CBS’s “CSI: NY” and Author of Letters To A Young Brother: MANifest Your Destiny; Dr. Beverly Hogan, President—Tougaloo College; Farrah Gray—Entrepreneur and Philanthropist who became a millionaire at the age of 14; Kevin Powell—Writer, Commentator and Community Activist from the first cast of MTV’s “The Real World;” La Shawn Samuel, Diversity Plans and Programs—Central Intelli- John Smith, Sr., publisher of the Atlanta Inquirer and Chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, greets Nissan Student Government Leadership Program participant Frederick Howard, SGA President at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, NY. Smith was a featured speaker during the 3-day leadership development event. gence Agency; John B. Smith, Chairman—National Newspaper Publishers Association; Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole – President, Bennett College for Women and Chairman of the United Way of America and Rickey L. Jasper, Diversity Plans and Programs—Central Intelligence Agency. For more information on the Nissan Student Government Leadership Program visit www.NissanSGLP.com or 615-725-3460, 615-725-1451 336558-8063 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS INVITED TO SERVE AS MENTORS FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN Y oung people who would like to make a difference in the lives of a homeless child are invited to join the County’s Youth Advisory Committee’s “Big Buddy, Little Buddy” program. Mentors must attend Montgomery County public or private high schools, provide their own transportation and commit to three hours a week for six months. Two sessions are planned—October through March and January through June—and will be held at the Greentree Shelter in Bethesda. Mentors will assist their “buddies” with homework and arts and crafts projects, plus play games and participate in sports activities with them. Group activities are planned once a month off the premises. Students will qualify for student service learning credits. Applications must be received by September 22. The mentoring program is sponsored by the Montgomery County Youth Advisory Committee, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Recreation. For more information or to request an application, call David Branick at 240/777-6985. 15 COMMUNITY NEWS September 1, 2006 FAIRFAX COUNTY FREE EXPO GEARED TO 50+ AUDIENCE A ctor John Astin (best known from “The Addams Family” television show) and Washington Post columnist Abigail Trafford are featured speakers at the InfoExpo—the metro area’s annual event for people over 50 and their families. The free expo, at Springfield Mall on September 7 and at White Flint on September 10, combines informative lectures with health screenings, exhibits, computer training and entertainment. Free screenings for osteoporosis, glaucoma and blood pressure will be offered, and valuable door prizes will be presented throughout the day, including travel to New York City aboard Amtrak’s Acela train. Information and giveaways will be provided by dozens of governmental and non-profit organizations, as well as businesses that provide services and products to older adults. Exhibitors include healthcare providers, homebuilders and retirement communities, legal and financial advisors, travel services and many others. Computer classes will teach about Internet health research, using Photoshop, and more. Entertainment will include Klezmer and jazz music, as well as singers, dancers and a barbershop quartet. The InfoExpo will take place from 11:00AM–3:00PM on Thursday, September 7 at Springfield Mall in Springfield, Va., and from 12:00 noon to 4:00PM on Sunday, September 10 at White Flint Mall in N. Bethesda, MD. Admission to both events is free and open to all. The InfoExpo is presented by The Beacon newspaper as a community service, with the support of CVS/pharmacy, Comcast Cable and other corporate, government and non-profit sponsors. D rug abuse and addiction affects school aged children in many ways. Some kids grow up with an addicted family member while others have started using drugs and alcohol themselves due to peer pressure at school. Learn to recognize the signs of drug and alcohol addiction and help save a life. If you or someone you know is struggling with an addition, call NARCONON® Arrowhead. Narconon Arrowhead offers free addiction counseling, assessments, and referrals to rehabilitation centers nationwide and to your community by calling 800468-6933 or logging onto www.stopaddiction.com. 16 For more information, call 301949-9766. LABOR DAY HOLIDAY SCHEDULE FOR FAIRFAX COUNTY L isted below are schedules for Fairfax County government offices and services for the Labor Day holiday on Monday, September 4. County Government—Closed Courts—Closed Public Schools and School Offices— Closed Libraries—Closed Fairfax Connector—Sunday schedule (www.fairfaxconnector.com) FASTRAN—Not in Service Park Authority RECenters—Regular opening time until 6:00PM RECenters open at different times. Note the following RECenters will be closed for scheduled repairs: Lee, Providence and Cub Run. For additional information, including lakefront parks, historic/nature sites and golf courses, visit www. fairfaxcounty.gov/parks Community, Teen and Senior Centers—Closed County Trash Collection—Regular schedule. Call private contractors about their schedules. Recycling and Disposal Facilities at I-66 and I-95—Open For more news and information, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news. RESIDENTS CAN RAKE IN BIG SAVINGS AT MCC’S FALL FLEA MARKET A rea residents can purchase second-hand (and some new) treasures at incredibly low prices at McLean Community Center’s (MCC) Fall Community Flea Market on Saturday, September 9. The sale will be held from 9:00AM–1:00PM at the Business Bank parking garage, located at 1451 Dolly Madison Blvd., on Route 123 across from J. Gilbert’s Restaurant. Professional flea market dealers and individuals selling household items both participate in this sale, offering shoppers a wider selection of goods. The yearly sale has become one of the Center’s largest because of the diversity of offerings, according to Community Events Assistant Diane Cruz. “The items for sale range from the finest furniture, jewelry and rugs to mixing bowls, flower vases and mugs,” said Cruz. “People actually line up outside the garage to make sure they get in first.” A limited number of selling spaces are available on a first-come, firstserved basis for $50 each. The deadline to register is Thursday, September 7. Registration forms can be downloaded from MCC’s Web site: www. mcleancenter.org (click on Community Events). For more information, call 703/790-0123/TTY: 703/8278255. RCC CLOSED LABOR DAY, BUILDING RENOVATIONS AND NEW FALL POOL SCHEDULE T he Reston Community Center will be closed for Labor Day on Monday September 4, 2006 at all locations. Beginning August 28, there will be limited access to some areas of RCC Hunters Woods while the facility undergoes annual renovations, including the pool and Community Room. Following annual renovations, community room will re-open Sunday, September 3 and the pool will re-open Monday, September 11. During the fall, the pool will operate on a revised schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:00 a.m.7:00 p.m. Lap Swim: 6:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m.7:00 p.m. Open Swim: 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00 a.m.7:00 p.m. Lap Swim: 6:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.7:00 p.m. Open Swim: 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. CLOSED FRIDAYS Saturday, 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Lap Swim: 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Open Swim: 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Sunday, 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Lap Swim: 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Open Swim: 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. For further information, contact the Reston Community Center at (703) 476-4500, Virginia Relay (800) 8281120 (TTY) or visit www. restoncommunitycenter.com. The Reston Community Center is located at 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston, VA 20191. MONTGOMERY COUNTY GLEN ECHO PARK OPEN HOUSE SHOWCASES FALL CLASSES A September 10 Open House at Glen Echo Park will introduce adults and youth to the wide range of visual arts, dance and performance classes being offered at Glen Echo Park this fall. The Open House will take place at the Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo, Maryland, from 12:00 noon to 4:00PM. Other activities will continue until 6:00PM. The Open House will feature free classes and demonstrations. For instance, visitors can try belly dancing, explore “Music Together,” a music and movement program for children, or participate in demonstrations of polymer clay crafts, silk painting, beading and kite-making. The Park’s newest classes will also be highlighted, including movement classes in Nia technique and hoola-hooping. Visitors will also be able to view artists at work in their studios. A number of studios are planning exhibitions. Photoworks will host an opening reception for its faculty/student exhibition from 2:00–4:00PM. Yellow Barn Gallery will feature the work of Joel Rudick from noon to 5:00PM. An ongoing student art exhibition will be on view in the Popcorn Gallery and Glen Echo Park Partnership office from 12:00 noon–6:00PM. Lindy, swing, and waltz dance demonstrations and participatory classes will be held in the Spanish Ballroom and Bumper Car Pavilion. Other programs include a family dance from 3:00–5:00PM p.m. and a Ballroom Tea Dance from 3:00–6:00PM. with the LaSalle Dance Orchestra. In addition, the Open House will feature Adventure Theatre performances of “Miss Nelson is Missing” at 11:00AM and 1:30PM. Ticket information is available from 301/3205331. Registration for fall classes begins Aug. 5. Participants are encouraged to register online at www.glenechopark. org or during the Sept. 10 Open House. Most classes begin in late September. Glen Echo Park offers classes for adults and youth in ceramics, drawing and paintings, kiln-formed and blown glass, photography, music, metals, writing, arts and media, contemporary movement, social dance, puppetry, environmental education and theater. Glen Echo Park is located six miles northwest of Georgetown along the scenic Potomac River palisades. It began in 1891 as a National Chautauqua Assembly “to promote liberal and practical education.” By 1900, Glen Echo was on its way to becoming the premier amusement park in the Washington area until 1968. Since 1971, the National Park Service at Glen Echo Park has been offering yearround activities in dance, theater and the arts. Today, the Glen Echo Park Partnership is committed to managing a rich fabric of vibrant educational, artistic, historical, cultural, environmental and recreational programs at the Park in a manner that is attractive and accessible to diverse audiences. For further information or a digital image, call (301) 634-2228. COUNTY HOLDS SEPTEMBER TRAINING CLASSES FOR CITIZENS INTERESTED IN BECOMING COMMUNITY SAFETY ADVOCATES M ontgomery County is opening up a new training class in September for residents who are interested in serving as frontline emergency response assistants during large emergencies. The training program will certify participants— who attend all seven classes—to be community emergency response team (CERT) members. The classes will be held on September 6 from 7:00–8:30PM; September 12, 14, 19, and 21 from 7:00–9:30PM; and September 16 and 23 from 9:00AM–5:00PM at the Montgomery County Public Service Training Academy, located at 9710 Great Seneca Highway in Rockville. CERT participants will learn to: • Prepare for the hazards that threaten their communities. • Apply safety principles. • Locate and turn off utilities. • Extinguish small fires. • Identify hazardous materials situations. • Triage and treat victims. • Set up a medical treatment area. • Understand the psychological impact of a disaster on themselves and others. • Apply response skills in a disaster simulation. • Serve as Community Safety Advocates for the department in the area of emergency preparedness. Space is limited and participants must be at least 18 years old. The class is free and participants will be provided with protective equipment such as a hard hat, vest, goggles/eye protection; work gloves, and a flashlight. For more information, call Battalion Chief Brian S. Geraci at the County’s Homeland Security Department at 240/777-2202, or brian. geraci@montgomerycountymd.gov. WWASHINGTON, DC UPCOMING WORK AT VAN NESS STREET, NW B e advised that District Department of Transportation (DDOT) crews will be working at Van Ness Street between International Drive West and Reno Road, NW through Wednesday, September 13, weather permitting. Crews will be removing an existing median strip, performing road repair and re-striping lanes. Construction hours will run from 7:00AM–7:00PM. Two-way traffic will be maintained throughout the duration of project. Minor delays should be expected. INTERNATIONAL SPY MUSEUM PRESENTS UNCONQUERABLE NATION: KNOWING OUR ENEMY, STRENGTHENING OURSELVES A s the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks approaches, Brian Michael Jenkins, the dean of American terrorism research, has written a clear-sighted and sober analysis of where we are today in the struggle against terrorism. Jenkins, a former captain in the Army’s elite Special Forces, was decorated for his combat service in the Dominican Republic and Vietnam, and currently serves as senior advisor to the President of RAND Corporation. With the benefit of his nearly forty years of terrorism research, his new book Unconquerable Nation: Knowing Our Enemy, Strengthening Ourselves provides a fresh perspective on jihadists and how they can be defeated without the sacrifice of civil liberties. This event will take place on Thursday, 7 September, 12:00 noon–1:00PM on the 2nd Floor Museum Complex of the Spy Museum, 800 F Street, NW, Washington, DC, Gallery Place/Chinatown Metrorail Station. No registration required for this free event. MEMORIAL MARCH FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION J oin the Suicide Prevention Action Network USA for a Memorial March on their 11th Annual National Awareness Event on the Mall on Saturday, September 9, 10:00AM–12:00 noon at The World War II Memorial (17th Street, between Constitution and Independence Avenue) to raise awareness and advance public policies that prevent suicide. Following the march is a speaking program featuring ABC7/WJLA-TV’s Rebecca Cooper and author Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison. There will also be a musical performance by Afro Blue, Howard University’s premier vocal jazz ensemble, a display of Lifekeeper Memorial Quilts, which put a face on those lost to suicide, and a free T-shirt for participants. This event is free and open to the public. Participants will have the opportunity to remember those lost to suicide and call for increased attention to problem of suicide in our nation. Each year, more than 30,000 lives are lost to suicide, making it the 11th leading cause of death in our nation, and the thirdleading cause of death for young persons between the ages of 10 and 24. In addition, there are an estimated 650,000 suicide attempts annually. Partners include Active Minds, THE METRO HERALD ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT September 1, 2006 AN EVENING OF STARS(R) TRIBUTE TO ARETHA FRANKLIN TO REMEMBER UNCF SPOKESMAN LOU RAWLS Aretha Franklin Lou Rawls T he September 8 and 9 taping of An Evening of Stars(R) Tribute to Aretha Franklin benefiting the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) will be the first time in 28 years that the UNCF’s annual TV special will be produced without legendary performer Lou Rawls, who died in January at the age of 72. But Rawls, who is credited with originating the idea for the TV event in 1979 and helping the UNCF to raise over $200 million for minority higher education, will be remembered on the 28th anniversary of the program with a special award bearing his name. The Lou Rawls-UNCF Award will be given to an artist whose career exemplifies Rawls’ passion for ensuring that minority youth receive a quality college education. The first recipient of the accolade will be announced Friday, September 8 during the taping at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. As part of its partnership with UNCF and commitment to education, Target will be the corporate sponsor of the Lou Rawls-UNCF Award. “When Lou Rawls passed, UNCF felt it was important that his esteemed legacy not fade away, but shine brighter than ever on the television event in which he invested so much of his time and talent,” said UNCF President and CEO Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D. “Each year, this award will go to a worthy in- dividual whose service to our mission of education and supporting member colleges lives up to the name of the man for whom it was created.” “What an amazing way to continue the legacy of such an extraordinary man. Although Lou himself was not able to attend college, he created this telethon 28 years ago with selfless sacrifice and a vision to help those who would strive for higher education fulfill their dream,” said Nina Rawls, widow of the Grammy Award-winning vocalist. “It is truly an honor to keep his name and vision alive for future generations.” From 1979 to 1997, the UNCF’s annual television special was known as The Lou Rawls Parade of Stars(R). The program was re-formatted and renamed An Evening of Stars(R) in 1998. At its 25th anniversary in 2004, the program adopted a tribute format to recognize an outstanding artist each year with the UNCF’s prestigious Award of Excellence. Rawls was the first recipient of the award, followed by Quincy Jones in 2005 and Stevie Wonder in 2006. Aretha Franklin will become the fourth recipient and first female artist to receive the annual tribute and UNCF’s Award of Excellence. The live taping at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood will feature celebrity presenters and well-known performers from a variety of eras and genres of music and acting. As one of the longest running and most successful televised events in U.S. history, An Evening of Stars(R) has featured a Who’s Who of recognizable talent, including Frank Sinatra, Bill Cosby, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dick Clark, Nancy Wilson, Reba McIntyre, Richard Pryor, Beyonce Knowles, Jill Scott, Luther Vandross, Whoopi Goldberg, Patti LaBelle, Ed McMahon, Vanessa Williams, Michael Bolton, Toni Braxton, Hall and Oates, Ziggy Marley and scores of others. An Evening of Stars(R) (AEOS), formerly the Lou Rawls Parade of Stars(R), first aired in 1979, and since that time has become one of the longest running and most successful televised events in U.S. history. AEOS 2007 will be the first without its founder Lou Rawls, who died in January 2006. Rawls, a spokesperson for UNCF and champion for AEOS for more than 25 years, is credited with helping raise more than $200 million for the UNCF to supplement the cost of higher education for scholarship recipients and member institutions. This year’s show, now in its 28th season, is sponsored by American Airlines, McDonald’s, Prudential, Target, Toyota and Wachovia. Learn more about UNCF at www.uncf.org NAJEE SHARES HIS POINT OF VIEW AT BLUES ALLEY T he DC Blues Society (DCBS) will host its free 18th Annual DC Blues Festival on Saturday, September 2nd at the Carter Barron Amphitheatre, 16th St. & Colorado Ave., N.W. from 1:00–9:30PM. This year’s festival is a tribute to the music of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, and features a lineup of outstanding local and national acts. The festival will be simultaneously broadcast live by WPFW-89.3 FM radio. This family-friendly event will be a great Mardi Gras-type celebration, including beads and a mask-decorating table, while supplies last. Come early to get your beads and decorate your mask for the second line at 3pm! THE LINEUP (ALL TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE): 1:00PM— THE WESTCOTT BROTHERS This local band won the DCBS Battle of the Bands last year and competed in The Blues Foundation’s annual International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. 18 year-old guitarist and leader of the band, Andrew Westcott inherited his love of the Fender Stratocaster guitar from his late Grandfather Jimmy Moore, who played music in the Washington, DC area during the 70’s and 80’s. He is joined by his younger brother Philip on bass, their friend and keyboardist Jeff Conlin, who is considered one of the areas best (and busiest) keyboard players, and drummer Billy Herrington (Uncle Billy), a native Marylander who began his music studies at seven years of age when he took drum lessons at Charlie Byrd’s in Bethesda, MD. Their latest CD is entitled Bottom of the Hole. 2:00PM— TERENCE MCARDLE & JUMPIN’ TONIGHT Terence McArdle and Jumpin’ Tonight delights swing dancers, roots music fans, and blues lovers alike with a combination of swinging guitar, rough hewn vocalizing, swinging shuffle grooves, and pulsing horns. Sounding both retro and modern at the same time, Terence McArdle & Jumpin’ Tonight keep the party moving. Started in 1992 as an alternative to the area bands that were performing standard cover songs, Jumpin’ Tonight’s members have shared the stage with some of the greats in blues music today such as James Cotton, Little Jimmy King, Smokey Wilson, and Robert Lockwood, Jr. You Better Believe It! is Terence McArdle’s latest CD. 3:00PM– JOIN A NEW ORLEANSSTYLE SECOND LINE WITH MEMBERS OF THE JUNKYARD SAINTS! Celebrate the New Orleans spirit and join in the fun as the Junkyard Saints lead a second line through the Amphitheatre. 3:45:00PM— ROBERT LIGHTHOUSE M ulti-platinum recording artist Najee, pioneer of the “rhythm and jazz” movement of the Eighties that helped define the contemporary jazz scene brings his sultry saxophone stylings to Blues Alley–Thursday, September 7–10. Najee takes the stage at 8:00PM and 10:00PM. Blues Alley is located at 1073 Wisconsin Avenue NW in Washington, DC. For more information or tickets call 202/337-4141 or go online to www.bluesalley.com. Najee THE METRO HERALD “CELEBRATE NEW ORLEANS MUSIC” AT THE DC BLUES SOCIETY’S 18TH ANNUAL DC BLUES FESTIVAL Robert Lighthouse, a native of Sweden, first came to the United States at the age of 18 determined to learn more about the music he loves — Mississippi Delta Blues. For eight years he traveled around the country visiting blues Meccas like Chicago’s famed Maxwell Street and New Orleans, the cradle of the blues. He settled in Washington, DC in 1988 and established a cult following as a street musician. As the winner of the DC Blues Society’s 2006 Solo/Duo competition, Robert will be heading to Memphis in 2007 to represent the DC area at the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge. Robert has been called “A supremely talented bluesman/mercurial talents” by Blues & Rhythm Magazine. Robert’s latest CD is Drive-Thru Love on the Right on Rhythm label. 5:00PM—JUNKYARD SAINTS Junkyard Saints are a DC/Baltimore-based seven-piece band performing their own brand of New Orleansstyle party music—blending funk, swing, Latin, R&B, with some oldschool Zydeco to round out the mix. They regularly receive college and independent radio airplay, and have played at some of the most notable venues and festivals in the country including the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and Pier Six, Ft. Lauderdale Cajun Crawfish Festival, and at private events for corporate and entertainment clients such as HBO, John Waters, Crayola, and Northrop-Grumman. Junkyard Saints’ latest CD is House of Jam. 6:15PM—MEMPHIS GOLD Chester Chandler, aka Memphis Gold was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He was the thirteenth child of fourteen, born to John and Reada Chandler. His father John played bass fiddle and piano in the Church of God in Christ, where at the tender age of 4, Chester was first introduced to the guitar. Chester was quickly recognized as a promising musician, and by the age of 8, he was a regular on Beale Street in Memphis, where he played the guitar for pocket change. “He [Memphis Gold] is the genuine article, perhaps a throwback to the bluesmen of yore who learned their licks at the knee of legendary patriarchs like Charlie Patton,” said Larry Benicewicz of the Music Monthly. “And having done so, serves as one of the last links to the days when cotton was king on the Mississippi Delta.” Not only is Memphis Gold a great performer, he is also a local hero. In February 1996, Chester Chandler “Memphis Gold” rescued nine children from a train crash in Silver Spring, Md. Ironically, he had performed a blues seminar for these same children several months earlier. Memphis Gold’s latest CD is Prodigal Son. 8:00PM—MARVA WRIGHT Marva Wright was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. She started performing professionally in 1987, and has electrified audiences all over the world with her finger-snapping, toetapping, get-up-and-dance style. Marva has played the White House, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, North Sea Festival in Holland, Umbria Festival in Italy, as well as Jazz and Blues Festivals in France, Switzerland, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Brazil, and Russia. Harry Connick Jr., Bobby McFerrin, Aaron Neville, Fats Domino, Lou Rawls, and Marcia Ball are but a few of the artists with whom Marva has performed. Known as “The Blues Queen of New Orleans”, her powerful voice was a staple of the New Orleans music scene. After Hurricane Katrina struck, Marva relocated to the Baltimore area. Blues Queen of New Orleans, released in 2004 on the Mardi Gras Records label is her latest CD. The DC Blues Festival will also feature FREE workshops throughout the day. Each of the workshops will have a New Orleans/Gulf Coast feel. There will be children’s harmonica workshops, an acoustic guitar workshop conducted by members of the Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Foundation, a Zydeco-Cajun workshop and a children’s petting zoo, where children can come and play instruments! Following the Festival, the AfterParty will be held at Chick Hall’s Surf Club from 9:00PM-1 am. Dr. S.O. Feelgood Band and Show will be performing. The Surf Club is located at 4711 Kenilworth Avenue, Bladensburg, MD 20781, (301) 927-6310. Advance tickets to the After-Party are $10 members, $12 nonmembers. Tickets at the door will be $15. For advance tickets, send a check or moneyorder made payable to the D.C. Blues Society to: DCBS Festival AfterParty, P.O. Box 77315, Washington, D.C. 20013-7315. For more information on the free Festival, the After-Party, or DC Blues Society, please visit www.dcblues.org or call 202/962-0112. ISRAEL’S #1 HIP HOP GROUP: HADAG NAHASH H adag Nahash, Israel’s number one hip-hop band that has recorded four chart-selling albums, will headline the next 6th in the City event at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, co-sponsored with Taglit-birthright Israel’s DC Area Alumni Association. While receiving extensive media coverage from The New York Times to Rolling Stone magazine, Hadag Nahash has toured all over the world to sell-out crowds. The band’s unique style blends hip-hop, funk, jazz, electro and rock, all with a touch of Middle Eastern influence. Most of the lyrics deal with life in Israel and include a critique of social, political, racial and gender-oriented issues. 6th in the City, the programming arm of the Sixth & I geared toward young professionals, is committed to providing cutting-edge, dynamic and diverse events in the heart of Washington, D.C. Other past events have included a Town Hall Meeting with Senator John Kerry and the sold-out show, A Hip Hasid: Matisyahu in Concert. Hadag Nahash will perform on Thursday, September 14th at 8:00PM. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door and an additional $10 to attend a private reception with the band before the show at 7:00PM, only available through advance sale tickets. Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster or by calling 202/397-SEAT. 6th in the City: Hot New Events in a Cool Historic Space, 600 I Street, NW, Washington, DC 2001. Set in an incredibly beautiful, recently restored synagogue, Sixth & I is located right in the center of the bustling Penn Quarter of DC and around the corner from the Verizon Center. For more info: www. 6thInTheCity.org 17 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT September 1, 2006 MILLENNIUM STAGE SEPTEMBER 2006 F ree Daily Performances at 6:00PM on the Millennium Stage in the Grand Foyer. No tickets required. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1; SOUTH PLAZA 6:00PM: D.C.’s own The Pietasters, dubbed the grandfathers of Ska-Rockand-Soul, stir up a frenzy at their shows with a smattering of ska with shades of Spencer Davis, Otis Redding, Alton Ellis, and Bob Marley in their repertoire, as well as cool covers. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 6:00PM: Page-to-Stage: MetroStage presents Words AND Music: The Stephen Schwartz Project, a new revue of songs by the creator of Wicked, Godspell, Pippin and The Baker’s Wife; and selections from The Bingo Long Traveling All Stars and Motor Kings a new musical about a black barnstorming ball club in 1939. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 6:00PM: Page-to-Stage: The Taffety Punk Theatre Company rocks one of Shakespeare’s lesser known poems, The Phoenix and Turtle, with live music and dance. Guest artists include musicians Katy Otto, Erin McCarley, & choreographer Jeffrey Bailey. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 6:00PM: Page-to-Stage: Musical Voices at Signature-One of the region’s theaters for new musical theatre showcases songs from projects in development, including such musicals as The Underground Railroad, SSA: Ass Backwards, The Next Big Thing, and Saving Aimee. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 6:00PM: Red Stick Ramblers play a mixture of Cajun fiddle tunes, Western Swing, and traditional jazz of the 1920s and 1930s, delighting audiences with danceable rhythms and strong, elegant melodies. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 6:00PM: *Don Bruce Big Band, led by vocalist Bruce, delights audiences with their big band spin on swing standards and pop favorites. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 6:00PM: D.C’s own Lisa Moscatiello and the Space Dots, featuring vocalist Moscatiello, Erik Wenberg on guitar, Robbie Magruder on drums, Harry Appelman on keyboards, and Jon Nazdin on upright bass, blends jazz and folk as heard on Trouble from the Start. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8; FAMILY THEATER 6:00PM: The Night Kitchen Radio Theater presents Bread and Roses by Katherine Paterson. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 6:00PM: The Amadeus Orchestra, a professional chamber orchestra, has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Smith- sonian Institution, and worldwide via radio broadcast. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 fresh exuberance by mixing elements of funk, soul, and modern jazz to the delight of all listeners. 6:00PM: WNO Insight Lecture Series presents Bartók’s Bluebeard’s Castle, a dark tale about a woman on the verge of discovering her husband’s terrifying secret, and Puccini’s only comic opera, Gianni Schicchi, with farce, fraud, and a deathbed scene played for laughs. 6:00PM: Blues pianist and vocalist Henry Gray, a Louisiana native, has performed at virtually every New Orleans Jazz & Heritage festival, and was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1998 for A Tribute to Howlin’ Wolf, for whom he played piano 1956-1968. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11; CONCERT HALL 6:00PM: Organist Stephen Kalnoske gives a concert on the Center’s Filene organ. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 6:00PM: Emerging from his punk rock roots in bands Sleepytime Trio and Milemarker, guitarist and vocalist Ben Davis has developed into a musician with diverse interests and influences, having played with such artists as Engine Down, Denali, Pinback, Ted Leo, The Rosebuds, and Rainer Maria. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 6:00PM: Vocalist and guitarist Carrie Newcomer, the Indiana-based songwriter who has been criss-crossing the country telling stories and blending diverse musical styles for nearly two decades, has shared the stage with a variety other performers, including Alison Krauss and Union Station, Bonnie Raitt, Rosanne Cash and Mary Chapin Carpenter. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 6:00PM: Local Dance Commissioning Project: Asha Vattikuti, who specializes in Kathak—a classical dance style of Northern India-presents Gul-E-Bakawali, the story of Prince Taj-Ul-Muluk and the fairy Princess Bakawali. Collaborator Laurel Victoria Gray and Silk Road Dance Company perform the Middle Eastern dances. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 6:00PM: Local Dance Commissioning Project: Asha Vattikuti, who specializes in Kathak-a classical dance style of Northern India-presents GulE-Bakawali, the story of Prince Taj-UlMuluk and the fairy Princess Bakawali. Collaborator Laurel Victoria Gray and Silk Road Dance Company perform the Middle Eastern dances. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16; SOUTH PLAZA 6:00PM: 2006 Open House Arts Festival: Nanci Griffith, one of the most admired and acclaimed of singer-songwriters, brings together folk and country in her own brand of “folkabilly.” SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 6:00PM: Tremè Brass Band, named for the neighborhood that has nurtured many of New Orleans’s greatest musicians, plays music steeped in the deep roots of New Orleans jazz, bringing a SPIRIT OF WASHINGTON HOSTS TWO GOSPEL LUNCH CRUISES IN SEPTEMBER S pirit of Washington hosts September Gospel Cruises on Saturday, September 9th and Saturday, September 23rd. Gather at the river for fellowship and fun! Enjoy an inspired afternoon Gospel cruise featuring a bountiful buffet, fascinating sightseeing along the Potomac River and gospel music performed live or spun by a DJ. Spirit of Washington is docked at Pier 4 at 6th and Water Streets SW, Washington, just three blocks from the Waterfront/Greenline Metro. Boarding time: 11:30AM Cruising time: Noon–2:00PM. Cruise pricing is $40.00 per person For more information or reservations, call toll-free 866-211-3811 or reserve online at www.spiritofwashington.com 18 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 6:00PM: Finnish-Swedish band Gjallarhorn (pronounced ‘Yallarhorn’), consisting of singer and fiddler Jenny Wilhelms; Christopher Öhman on viola, fiddle, mandola and backing vocals; percussionist David Lillkvist; and Tommi Mansikka-Aho on didgeridoo, create strong melodies in their rootsbased Nordic folk rock. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 6:00PM: Classika Theater presents The Magical Balloon which tells the story of a traveling actor and his magical trunk of tricks and toys, as expressed through masks, pantomime, unique choreography, and audience participation. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 6:00PM: Local Dance Commissioning Project: Helanius J. Wilkins and EDGEWORKS Dance Theater present Cold Case, a multi-media piece exploring the issues of race and representation through the eyes of black men in dance. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 6:00PM: Local Dance Commissioning Project: Helanius J. Wilkins and EDGEWORKS Dance Theater present Cold Case, a multi-media piece exploring the issues of race and representation through the eyes of black men in dance. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 6:00PM: Old School Freight Train, from Charlottesville, Virginia, combines thought-provoking lyrics with captivating melodies, soulful vocals, and imaginative arrangement, blending bluegrass, jazz, Latin, and Celtic music. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 6:00PM: Brazilian singer Cibelle, singing in Portuguese or English, takes audiences on a sonic journey through bossa nova, electronic music, soul, and jazz. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 6:00PM: WNO Insight Lecture Series presents Sophie’s Choice, by Nicholas Maw and based on William Styron’s heart-wrenching novel about Sophie, a Polish immigrant who was a prisoner in Auschwitz and living in Brooklyn post World War II, and her two lovers, Nathan and Stingo. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 6:00PM: The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington presents Icon 06 in which local youth display their talents on stage, in addition to receiving awards and scholarships for school. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 6:00PM: Son de la Frontera brings a rediscovery of flamenco’s deep Gypsy roots in ancient North Indian and Afghani music, infusing melodies and rhythms from Cuban, Mexican, Colombian, Moroccan, Egyptian, and Lebanese folk styles. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 6:00PM: Czechomor explores the wedding dances and folk songs of their native Czech Republic, combining violin, cello, and guitar with accordion and occasionally Czech bagpipe. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 6:00PM: Dance DC Festival 2006 features an evening highlighting the passion of the tango to the percussive rhythms innate in tap, South African Gumboot Dance, and West African drumming. Co-presented with the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 presents Asia in Legends which uses dance to convey the many heritages, traditions, and histories of the different countries that make up Asia. All concerts are free and open to the public and are subject to change without notice. 6:00PM: Dance DC Festival 2006 MONTGOMERY PARKS TO HOST WEEKEND RETREAT FOR WOMEN AT ROCKWOOD MANOR PARK M ontgomery County Parks is hosting an outdoor Weekend Retreat for Women, Friday, September 8 through Sunday, September 10 at Rockwood Manor Park located at 11001 MacArthur Boulevard, near Great Falls in Potomac. Retreat participants will enjoy catered meals, overnight accommodations, and a variety of seminars and outdoor activities. During the weekend, women can select from the following activities: kayaking on the C&O Canal, bird watching, nature photography, nature journaling, meditation, yoga, fishing, introduction to archeology, nature hikes, and a potted plant workshop. For instruction, program materials, meals, lodging, and evening campfires featuring guest speakers, the all-inclusive retreat fee is $200 per person for shared cabins or $250 for semi-private guest rooms. Advance registration and payment are required, and space is limited. Registration forms, activity descriptions, and more information on Rockwood Manor are available online at www.WeHaveTheWhere.com or by calling Helen Aument at 301-299-5026. “We’re inviting women to join park staff and guest speakers for a restorative weekend focused on nature, mild exercise, relaxation and new experiences,” said Montgomery County Parks Director Mary Bradford. “They’ll get back to nature and enjoy a weekend away from the cares of their daily lives.” Built in the 1920s, Rockwood was the country estate of socialite and businesswoman Carolyn Gangwer Caughey and her husband John. Carolyn was as a true model for women’s achievement long before such traits were fashionable. They had no children, however, she was extremely interested in character building for young women and wanted her country estate to be used for that purpose. Her admiration for the fledging Girl Scout movement during the early 1930s led her to select the organization to become the beneficiary of her beloved Rockwood. Later, approximately 60 acres were sold to developers and the remaining 30 acres and ownership of the Manor House, Carolyn Cottage and several other buildings were transferred to The MarylandNational Capital Park and Planning Commission for use as a public park. ENJOY LABOR DAY WEEKEND IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY PARKS F rom fishing and boating at Black Hill Regional Park, to camping at Little Bennett, to strolling and picnicking along Sligo Creek Trail and ice skating at Cabin John, in Montgomery County Parks this Labor Day weekend “It’s all right here!” “You don’t have to go away to have a great time on Labor Day weekend,” explained Montgomery Parks Director Mary Bradford. “With the high price of gasoline, we’re expecting tens of thousands of area residents to take advantage of their 395 fantastic parks close to home in Montgomery County.” Endless free recreational opportunities within the 33,000-acre park system include: hikes along 200 miles of wooded trails (download maps at www.montgomerytrails.org), picnics beside stream valley parks or around three lakes, strolls through scenic Brookside Gardens, workouts at 13 outdoor exercise courses, basketball games on 208 courts, climbing and sliding on 274 popular playgrounds, fishing along the shores of three lakes, four nature centers (days and hours vary) and more. For soccer fans, the MSI tournament at the SoccerPlex in South Germantown Recreational Park will be in full swing all weekend, www.mdsoccerplex.org. Although the premier lighted and unlighted baseball and softball fields at regional parks are taking a rest during the Labor Day weekend, residents may find some games to watch at local park fields. Additional information is available online at www.montgomeryparks.com. For a small fee, visitors may con- sider: Pontoon boat cruises on Little Seneca Lake at Black Hill Regional Park, Boyds; Saturdays and Sundays through September 24; 10:30AM, 1:00PM and 2:30PM, Cost is $4; Canoe, rowboat and kayak rentals available; www.blackhillboats.com Launch your own kayak, rowboat or canoe at Lake Needwood, Derwood; Sunrise to sunset daily, $5 in the honor box; www.lakeneedwoodboats.com Rides on the antique carousel and miniature train at Wheaton Regional Park; Daily through Labor Day, 10AM to 5:30PM, weekends through the end of September. Cost $1.50 (kids under 2 ride free on carousel); www. wheatontrainandcarousel.com Miniature train rides through the woods at Cabin John Regional Park, Rockville; Daily through Labor Day, 11:00AM to 4:30PM, weekends through the end of September; Cost is $1.50; www.cabinjohntrain.com Splash playground and mini-golf at South Germantown Recreational Park; Daily through September 5, weekends through the end of September; Cost is $4 for the splash playground and $5 for our 18-hole miniature golf course and $4 for children 11 years and younger; www.sgermantownsplashandgolf.com Wings of Fancy live butterfly exhibit at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton Regional Park; Daily through September 17; Cost is $4.50; www. brooksidegardens.org Horseback riding at Wheaton Stables and Meadowbrook Riding Stables; Call concessionaire for details at 301/622-2424 and 301/589-9026. THE METRO HERALD ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT September 1, 2006 BROOKSIDE GARDENS CALENDAR EVENTS FRIENDS OF BROOKSIDE GARDENS ANNUAL PLANT SALE Unique plants offered only once a year at Brookside Gardens, and other perennials, shrubs and trees will be available for sale. Saturday, September 9, 10:00AM-3:00PM. Brookside Gardens 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902, Outside the Visitors Center. For more information, call 301/962-1400 or visit www. brooksidegardens.org CHILDREN’S DAY— “NATIVE AMERICAN FUN” Enjoy a day filled with Native American culture, food, and children’s crafts. Listen to performances by the Native Nations Dance Theater. Learn about and see different Native American costumes and dances. Have fun participating in a traditional Native American “Round” dance, plus children can make a Dream Catcher, Medicine Wheel, Beading or Moccasin craft project. Native Nations Dance Theater will perform at 1:00PM and 3:00PM. Crafts are ongoing from 11:00AM–4:00PM. Free admission. Saturday, September 16, 11:00AM4:00PM, Brookside Gardens 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902, for more Information, call 301962-1400 or visit www. brooksidegardens.org “WINGS OF FANCY” LIVE BUTTERFLY EXHIBIT Be surrounded by butterflies flying freely amidst a colorful garden of tropical flowering nectar plants. Learn about the butterfly life cycle. Observe exotic tropical butterflies from Costa Rica in addition to species native to North America. The exhibit runs though Sunday, September 17, 10:00AM to 4:00PM daily. Fees: $4.50 adults; $3.50 ages 3-12; Brookside Gardens South Conservatory 1500 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902. For more information, call 301/962-1453 or visit www. brooksidegardens.org Groups of 12 or more by appointment only, call 301/962-1467 for reservations. We regret that we are not able to accommodate strollers in the Butterfly Exhibit. To volunteer at the exhibit, call 301/962-1429. DAHLIA SHOW & SALE Sponsored by the National Capital Dahlia Society Dahlias of all sizes and colors will be on display. Advice on growing dahlias will be available along with the video. Saturday, September 23, 2:00PM-5:00PM, Sunday, September 24, 9:00AM-3:00PM, Cut blooms for sale at the close of the show from 3:00PM-4:00PM, Visitors Center. Brookside Gardens 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902, for more information, call 301/962-1400 or visit us online at www. brooksidegardens.org BONSAI SHOW Sponsored by the Brookside Bonsai Society Exhibit of bonsai trees and shrubs will be on display. Saturday, September 30, 9:00AM-5:00PM, Rose Garden. Brookside Gardens 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902, for more information, call 301/962-1400 or visit www.brooksidegardens.org AZALEA AUCTION Sponsored by the Brookside Gardens Chapter of the Azalea Society You’ll have more fun outbidding the person next to you at this popular annual auction of beautiful spring and fall blooming azaleas and other woodland and companion plants. THE METRO HERALD Saturday, September 30, viewing of plants begins at 10:30AM; Auction begins at 11:00AM Outside the Visitors Center. Brookside Gardens 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902, for more information, call 301/962-1400 or visit www.brooksidegardens.org CELEBRATING THE AMERICAN LANDSCAPE Claire Sawyers, Director, The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College In this slide-illustrated lecture, Claire will discuss some design principles to help garden makers create regionally appropriate and evocative gardens - evocative of their time and place and culture. She will draw on the opportunities she has had to extensively travel and see gardens across the country and around the world. Friday, September 8, 10:00-11:30AM, Fee: Free; registration required, Visitors Center Auditorium. Brookside Gardens 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902, for more information, call 301/962-1400 or visit www. brooksidegardens.org EVERGREENS FOR WINTER INTEREST Diane Lewis, Brookside Gardens Staff Throughout the garden, Brookside features a wide selection of evergreen trees and shrubs. Enjoy a walk and discover both broadleaved and needleleaved species that enhance a winter setting. Learn how to assess your garden to add evergreens for a more complete landscape. Wednesday, September 13, 1:00PM, Fee: $5; registration required Meet at Visitors Center entrance. Brookside Gardens 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902, for more information, call 301/962-1400 or visit www.brooksidegardens.org DECORATED SEED BOX LaVerne Sokolowski, Plantscape Designs As summer ends and autumn begins, so many seeds can be gathered from your garden. Be ready with your own personalized seed collection box, made beautiful with decoupage and/or paint. Not only is collecting seeds a fantastic way to make sure you have gorgeous blooms in your garden next year, but you can give away and swap seeds with your friend. Fee includes all materials to make one seed box. Thursday, September 21, 10:00AM12:00PM, Fee: $35; registration required, Visitors Center Adult Workshop Brookside Gardens 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902, For more information, call 301/962-1400 or visit www. brooksidegardens.org HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GUDE GARDEN Phil Normandy, Brookside Gardens Staff The sensual hills and valleys of the Gude Garden display many glorious trees and shrubs that merit discussion. Follow the rockways to the Tea House and interesting Gude Island. Learn a bit of early Brookside history about the Gude nursery and family, as well as the special importance of the new Reflection Terrace. Wednesday, September 27, 1:00PM Fee: $5; registration required, Meet at Visitors Center entrance. Brookside Gardens 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902, for more information, call 301/962-1400 or visit www.brooksidegardens.org NATIVE AMERICAN FRUITS Lee Reich, Author & Columnist Although most supermarket fruits reflect our European heritage, a number of native fruits - including pawpaw, persimmon, lowbush blueberry, juneberry, elderberry, and more - were enjoyed by Native Americans and early settlers. They also received a flurry of interest in the latter half of the 19th century, when new and better varieties of wildings were sought out. Through a slide-illustrated lecture, Lee will re-introduce many of these natives, describe their histories, appearances, and flavors, as well as how to plant and grow them today. Because they are native, these fruits generally look naturally at home in our landscapes, and are pest-free and easy to grow. Samples of fruit will be available, so you can taste before you decide to plant. Lee’s book, Uncommon Fruits for Every Garden, will be on sale and he will be available to sign books after the lecture. Lee spent more than a decade in agricultural research with the USDA and Cornell University. He is the author of multiple books, writes a gardening column for Associated Press, and is a regular contributor to Horticulture Magazine. Friday, September 29, 10-11:30AM Fee: Free; registration required, Visitors Center Auditorium. Brookside Gardens 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902, for more information, call 301/962-1400 or visit www.brooksidegardens.org WATER COLORS, WATER GARDENS— THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23 Watercolors by Dave Daniels A journey of beauty, light and imagination in large-format works featuring land and water flora and fauna in their native habitats. Daniels’ work is in the permanent collections of NIH and the Quadrangle Corporation, among others. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT BROOKSIDE GARDENS Help others discover the fascinating world of plants by volunteering at Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton MD 20902. Contact Ellen Hartranft, Volunteer Coordinator at 301/962-1429 or ellen.hartranft@ mncppc-mc.org to request a volunteer application or for more information. RHYTHM N’RHYMES, a poetry event hosted by Sir Charles Cary, poet and author of Poetic Xpressions, introduces featured poets and authors to the stage at— Cranberries Restaurant 5740 Silver Hill Road Forestville, Maryland 20747 Linda Parks, owner of Cranberries, also greets guests while sharing the many activities offered at Cranberries—just one block from Pennsylvania Avenue in Forestville, Maryland. During the evening, dinner guests may enjoy a modestly priced yet tasty dinner while poets share their original renderings! For more information, call Reba Barnes, Publicist, REBAssociates, on (301) 420-0000 FLOWER BUDS This once-a-month series will meet the second Monday of every month. We will feature gardening activities, stories, crafts, and garden walks for children ages 3-5 with a parent. Monday, September 11, 10:3011:30AM. Fee: $2 per child; registration is required. Brookside Gardens Visitors Center, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902. For more information, call 301/962-1400 or visit www.brooksidegardens.org PHIL AND RHODA DENDRON’S “EASTERN WOODLAND INDIAN GARDEN” Visit this enchanting and delightful children’s garden honoring early Native Americans who once occupied our eastern forests of North America. Imagination is sparked while experiencing the daily activities of Native American children hunting, gathering or farming plants for food. Discover how Indians traveled, farmed and used plants for food, medicine and utilitarian purposes. Brookside Gardens 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902, for more information, call 301/962-1400 or visit www. brooksidegardens.org ART EXHIBITS The Brookside Gardens Visitors Center exhibitions showcase affordable original works on horticultural themes by area artists. All art exhibitions are free-of-charge and most of the works are available for purchase. If you are interested in exhibiting, contact Linda Williams at ArtShows@ toward.com or 301/962-1454. NATURE ON THE WIN— THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23 Watercolors by Kandy Vermeer Phillips Closely observed studies of birds and butterflies in the fields, meadows, trees, plants and blossoms that nurture and protect them. 19 SPORTS & RECREATION September 1, 2006 COCHRAN FIRM’S BYRON PERKINS TO HELP BOOST NUMBER OF BLACK COACHES IN THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE Byron Perkins, The Cochran Firm B yron Perkins, Managing Partner of The Cochran Firm in Birmingham, has been named CoCounsel to the Fritz Pollard Alliance (FPA), an influential group of minority sports professionals leading the charge of promoting diversity, equality and opportunity in the coaching, front office and scouting staffs of the National Football League (NFL). The FPA was created in the wake of a groundbreaking 2002 report authored by The Cochran Firm’s founder, the late legendary trial attorney Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr., and coauthored by noted civil rights attorney Cyrus Mehri. The report illustrated that despite being more successful than their white counterparts, black coaches were not considered for the vast majority of head coaching positions. The report has been a catalyst for change and directly contributed to the creation of the Rooney Rule, which requires NFL teams to interview at least one minority candidate for open head coaching positions. It is unique in major league sports according to Perkins. Perkins is nationally recognized in his representation of clients in landmark racial and gender discrimination cases as well as personal injury litigation. In 2001, he served as co-counsel in one of the nation’s most significant racial discrimination class actions that resulted in a $192 million settlement against The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO). This case continues to serve as the gold standard for the need to implement and manage proactive di- versity programs in corporate America. Perkins also obtained a major settlement on behalf of client Kenney Edwards against the John Deere Company (NYSE: DE) in 2004. Edwards claimed he was denied approval to become a John Deere dealer based upon his race. Perkins also represented FOX Television’s American Idol winner Ruben Studdard in his lawsuit against 205Flava for misappropriation of his image in 2003. Perkins focuses his legal practice in the areas of personal injury, wrongful death, truck and automobile accidents, products liability, sexual harassment and racially hostile work environment litigation. In October, 2005, The Cochran Firm was named to The National Law Journal’s Plaintiffs’ Hot List, a compendium of the country’s top plaintiffs’ law firms doing the most to shape the law in America. Also in 2005, The Cochran Firm was named to The NLJ 250 list, The National Law Journal’s survey of the largest law firms in America. Notably, The Cochran Firm held the exclusive position of appearing on both of these celebrated lists. INTERNATIONAL INSPECTORS TO VISIT FAIRFAX COUNTY NEXT WEEKEND DURING SITE SELECTION TOUR FOR 2013 WORLD POLICE & FIRE GAMES A team of international venue inspectors will visit Fairfax County, Virginia next weekend as part of their global tour to select an appropriate host for the 2013 World Police and Fire Games, the second largest participant-oriented sporting event in the world behind the Summer Olympic games. The bi-annual competition will feature between 55 and 65 different athletic competitions, 45 of which will come from a list of mandatory team and individual sports with as many as 20 others selected from a list of optional events. The competition will include everything from basketball, bowling, boxing and bodybuilding to swimming, soccer, table tennis, volleyball, rowing, shooting sports and ice hockey. Participants in the games are both full-time and retired law enforcement officers, firefighters and public safety officials. The games will be contested over a 10-day period in the summer, attracting upwards of 10,000 participants and 15,000 visitors, creating considerable economic impact for the host venue. The 2007 games take place in Adelaide, Australia next March (www.2007wpfg.com.au), with future competitions set for Burnaby, BC (2009) and New York City (2011). Fairfax County/Washington, D.C. is one of five destinations in the running for the 2013 games along with Calgary, Denver, Belfast (Northern Ireland) and Innsbruck (Austria). From Friday, September 8 through Tuesday, September 12, the World Police & Fire Games Federation international selection committee will visit the region as part of a tour of all five potential host cities. This committee will visit as many competition venues as possible, while also observing the region’s infrastructure, amenities and benefits. “We’re making every effort to put BASKETBALL FANS TO SELECT ONE AMATEUR PLAYER AS THE CROSSOVER MVP I n conjunction with the September 1st nationwide release of CROSSOVER, TriStar Pictures has sponsored a reality-show online contest in which basketball fans will select one amateur player for a slot on the AND 1 international tour. At each stop during AND 1’s 30-city U.S. Tour, amateur players were invited to participate in the “Open Run” preceding every game. At each Open Run, up to 4 players were selected to play against AND 1 in front of their hometown crowd. After the game, coaches and AND 1 players voted one amateur player to follow the tour. No more than 3 amateur players were allowed on the tour bus at one time. In each city as one new player joined the bus, one player was voted off. AND 1’s final tour game was held in Madison Square Garden on Friday, August 25th. Over 175,000 fans have logged onto www. crossovermvp.com to select their favorite amateur player. The player with the highest number of votes will join AND 1 as a member of their international tour. Finalists include Jamal Nelson of Detroit, Michigan, Jerome Holman of Brooklyn, New York and Ryan Williams of Queens, New York. Voting will close on Monday, September 3rd, and the winner will be announced on September 6th during the final episode of Streetball on ESPN2. 20 our best foot forward next weekend,” said Sgt. Bruce Blechl, a Fairfax County police officer and Executive Director of Team Fairfax 2013, the local organizing body behind the bid. “We’re enlisting the involvement of Visit Fairfax, the official tourism promotion agency for Fairfax County, as well as local athletes, media personalities and politicians in an effort to show the inspectors just how serious our region truly is about hosting the games.” According to Blechl, the inspection team will visit 30 different venues throughout the region in four days, as well as attend a special ceremony in remembrance of the events of September 11, 2001. For additional information, please contact Bruce Blechl at bruce. blechl@fairfaxcounty.gov. or at 703/449-7222, TTY 711. NEW PARKS & RECREATION COURSES T his Fall The City of Fairfax Parks and Recreation Department will be offering a new series especially designed to compliment studies for Pre-school, School or Homeschool children in the Community. The courses in Dance and Nutrition will be led by a former professional dancer and Master of Dance from the Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts. The classes will introduce children and teens to the appreciation of music and the co-ordination of rhythm and movement. • Boys only—Dance & Tumbling Class • Boys & Girls Dance Combo • Kiddie Combo • Teen Dance • Creative Dance • Nutritional Eating for Weight Loss & Healthy Habits • Survival Party Dance These are just a part of the courses and classes on offer in the City of Fairfax Parks & Recreation Department this Fall. “The Benefits are Endless!” Please contact our office at 703/385-6090 for more information and a brochure on all our programs and services. For more information visit www. fairfaxva.gov. FINDING SOLUTIONS TO SOCCER’S BIGGEST PROBLEM author. He provides numerous facts, ideas, suggestions, tips and general information, including: • The role of soccer governing bodies, coaches, players, promoters and broadcasters; • How to increase visibility of the sport in the United States; • How to score more goals with ease—when and how to shoot, and direction; • How to use body movement to play the game more effectively; • What changes FIFA (the world soccer governing body) should consider to improve the game; and • What soccer can teach those who play other sports. A lthough its popularity has been slow to take off in the United States, the sport of soccer now seems to be coming into its own on American soil. For those who already play, those who want to learn how and for anyone in whose life sports play a large supporting role, author Gabriel Akuya offers his new book, Soccer Solutions: Scoring More Goals and Winning the Big Games (now available through AuthorHouse). “Soccer Solutions is dedicated to all soccer moms who are the pillars of soccer growth in the U.S.A.,” writes Akuya. The book is also intended to educate and enlighten those who are not very familiar with soccer and to help those that are currently playing, teaching and managing the sport. It is also a concise guide to give those with interests in broadcasting and promoting soccer games an opportunity to learn new tricks and techniques that will make them more efficient in their respective areas of expertise, says the “The book places emphasis on the fact that you cannot score goals if you do not shoot the ball and, most important, you cannot win games if you cannot score goals,” says Akuya. “Its presentations are different from any other books you have read about soccer. It serves as a reference tool and a teaching tool for perfection.” The author is a student of soccer and played the game from elementary through secondary school. He holds associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in computer science from The City University of New York and a master’s degree in management information systems from American University in Washington D.C. He likes to dissect soccer games and express his opinions about how the game should be played and promoted, he says. The publication of this book is the cumulative result of those observations, views, insights and, above all, his effort to find a solution for what he sees as soccer’s biggest and most common problem: little or no goal scoring. WALT DISNEY WORLD FLORIDA CLASSIC TO RENEW TITLE SPONSORSHIP DEAL T wo thousand and six marks the ninth year Walt Disney World (WDW) will serve as the title sponsor of the Florida Classic, the historic football showdown between the Bethune-Cookman College (B-CC) Wildcats and the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Rattlers. Thousands of devoted fans will rekindle the longstanding Sunshine State rivalry during the Walt Disney World Florida Classic at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 18 at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando, Fla. This year’s game will bring WDW’s total financial investment to $2.3 million in scholarships to both educational institutions. “We’re delighted to be the title sponsor of the Walt Disney World Florida Classic again, and look forward to providing $400,000 in scholarships to students during this hallmark event,” explained WDW Director of Minority Business Development Eugene Campbell. The Walt Disney World Florida Classic is expected to draw a sell-out crowd of more than 72,000 fans and will be televised before a national audience on ESPN U. This game is considered the largest Historic Black Colleges & University (HBCU) football classic in the country. Festivities kick off on Friday, November 17 with the Walt Disney World Florida Classic “Fan Day” at Disney’s-MGM Studios, where the high-stepping college marching bands will be guests of honor at Disney’s 3 p.m. parade during the annual Steppin’ in the Park event. The soulful performances make this particular event a fan favorite, showcasing the top two award-winning bands. Priority seats for the Walt Disney World Florida Classic are available through season ticket packages from both schools. For more information call the athletic ticket offices at B-CC 368/481-2202 and FAMU 850/599-3141 . General admission tickets may be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, at the TD Waterhouse Center, by phone 407/839-3900 or on-line at Ticketmaster.com. Handicap accessible seating and groups of 20 or more can be purchased from the Florida Citrus Sports box office at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium. Fans should purchase their tickets at one of these approved locations. Buying from any other source increases the risk of receiving a counterfeit ticket. For info: 407/423-2476 or mrepchak@fcsports.com. THE METRO HERALD BUSINESS NEWS September 1, 2006 AFRICAN AMERICANS AND HISPANICS DISPROPORTIONATELY WITHOUT BANK ACCOUNTS By Mark Hall, Freelance Journalist A ccording to a recent Survey of Consumer Finances, 30% of African American households in America are unbanked. For Hispanics the statistics are worse—34% of Hispanic households are unbanked. Unbanked households do not have access to a traditional banking relationship. Many are forced to cash their paychecks at check cashing establishments, and pay bills using cash and money orders. The cost of these services, particularly to families with lower incomes, can be exorbitant. Basic things like the ability to direct deposit your paycheck, withdraw cash at ATMs, and purchase goods and services via the Internet, are services unbanked families don’t have access to. That only 7% of Caucasian households are unbanked, has led many to point to a disconcerting disparity in America today. Hip-Hop entrepreneur Russell Simmons, Chairman of Rush Communications, believes education and access to services play a key role. “Financial Empowerment is the final leg of the Civil Rights movement,” said Simmons. “Many young people haven’t been taught how to manage their finances. They don’t know that if you don’t pay your phone bill or your credit card bill that it can affect your credit, and even hurt you when you go to get a loan, or even open a bank account as you get older.” To address the lack of education and resources in urban communities, Simmons has been hosting Hip-Hop Summits on Financial Empowerment in major cities in America for the past two years, which bring together HipHop stars and provide information and awareness on how to manage your finances, budget, and understand your credit. He also introduced the Prepaid Visa Rush Card, the first general purpose reloadable prepaid card product on the market developed specifically for unbanked and underbanked consumers, and offered as a low-cost alternative to check cashers. Unlike a credit card, prepaid cards allow access to funds loaded in advance. Reloadable card programs allow money to be added to the card balance by the consumer or through direct deposit, depending upon the program. Today there are a number of general purpose prepaid card products on the market that require no credit check, or bank account. Along with Russell Simmons’ Prepaid Visa RushCard, and BabyPhat Prepaid Visa RushCard (see www.RushCard.com), products like the Wired Plastic Prepaid Visa Card (see www.WiredPlastic.com), and the Vaya Prepaid MasterCard Card (see www.VayaCard.com) enable individuals to get back on track financially, and ideally transition to a more traditional banking relationship. Features and services of reloadable prepaid cards differ from provider to provider, but the core functionality is similar, including the ability to: direct deposit your paycheck; pay bills online and via the Visa or MasterCard payments network; load cash directly to the card in thousands of retail locations nationally; withdraw funds at ATMs; and check your balance and payment history online. While some unbanked consumers enjoy the convenience of no longer having to cash their paychecks at check cashers, or stand in line to pay their bills every month, many find that once they start using a prepaid card product, it literally helps change their lives and the way they manage money. Lisa Snell-Smith has been a BabyPhat Prepaid Visa RushCard user since the card was first introduced. She admits, “I don’t think I ever learned to manage money correctly. I used to write checks to people, which would bounce. It’s embarrassing, and it costs money.” Since she started using the BabyPhat Rushcard, SnellSmith deposits her paychecks directly to the card each month, and uses the card to pay her bills. “I’ve learned to only spend money that I have. I’m able to track everything I spend in my account using the Internet. [The RushCard] has really helped me manage my finances better.” UNWTO SIGNS NEW AGREEMENT TO HELP AFRICAN TOURISM T he World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has signed an agreement to be the overall partner of the upcoming TourismAfrica, as part of its ambitious and ongoing efforts to promote and aid tourism development in Africa as a major tool to help eradicate poverty on the continent. The Forum will be held 10-15 September 2006 in Geneva (Switzerland). “We want to continue to be on the frontline in creating jobs and fighting poverty in Africa which has so much potential as a tourism destination,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Francesco Frangialli. “We have seen in other regions of the world just how much tourism can help in economic development and certainly Africa has everything visitors want to experience—natural beauty, fascinating cultures, incredible wildlife, adventure travel, etc”. Within a broader framework of achieving the Millennium Development Goals, one of the UNWTO’s main tasks is to assist Least Developed Countries, such as those in Africa, in promoting their tourism product as an instrument of development through training, education and support service programs, like the STEP (Sustainable Tourism Eliminating Poverty).program. Tourism industry professionals from around the world will gather 1015 September in Geneva to participate in the first TourismAfrica 2006, an event aimed at boosting leisure travel and sector investment. In the accord signed with Strategic Business Meeting S.A., the UNWTO recognized the important role tourism plays in African development and agreed to be the overall Strategic Part- ner of the event. Last month, the Madrid-headquartered organization agreed a long-term e-tourism partnership with Microsoft to expand information communications technology in the tourism sector with a special focus on Africa. At TourismAfrica2006, the UNWTO will continue its emphasis on e-tourism when Geoffrey Lipman, Special Advisor to the UNWTO Secretary-General, hosts an interactive panel discussion on new technologies and their role in development, as well as business opportunities in Africa. The UNWTO is co-organizing a day-long conference titled “International Tourism: A Wealth of Opportunities for the Least Developed Countries”. Speakers will include the ministers from seven African nations. UNWTO Secretary-General Francesco Frangialli will also preside the TourismAfrica´s inauguration. African governments view tourism as a major potential foreign exchange earner and job creator but they need help in getting the word out on the continent’s myriad attractions to boost arrivals. According to current assessment by the UNWTO, the number of visitors to the continent is expected to rise to 47 million a year in 2010 and to 77 million in 2020. Organizers said TourismAfrica’s main goals are fostering financing and investment of tourism projects, promoting tourism destinations and activities in Africa and preserving the region’s unique heritage. Additional information about TourismAfrica 2006 and online registration on: www.tourismafrica.com. URBAN INVESTMENT PARTNERS ACQUIRES APARTMENT COMPLEX IN RIVERDALE, MD U rban Investment Partners of Arlington, VA has acquired a 179-unit apartment building in Prince George’s County, MD for $11,390,000. UIP provided $3.3 million in equity and Meridian Capital provided a mortgage loan. Since 1999, UIP has acquired over 1,600 rental apartment units in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area on behalf of its investors, and plans to acquire about 600 more units by the end of the year. The total value of UIP’s existing holdings is approximately $130 million. Park Tanglewood, located in the Washington, D.C. suburb of Riverdale, MD, consists of a single seven-story building with a 270space parking lot, swimming pool, picnic area and playground. Built in 1965, it has undergone numerous renovations and upgrades. The new ownership plans to invest several hundred thousand dollars for the implementation of modern heating systems and water-saving measures. “Park Tanglewood is part of the quality multifamily property portfolio that we have assembled,” said Wout Coster, one of three principals of UIP. “With today’s cap rates, it is difficult to find quality investments that provide attractive returns, but we identified this and other acquisitions through our extensive knowledge of the Washington area market.” DISB APPROVES WASHINGTONFIRST BANK’S ACQUISITION OF FIRST LIBERTY NATIONAL BANK T he District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) approved August 16, the application of WashingtonFirst Bank, Washington D.C., to acquire First Liberty National Bank, Washington D.C. As of June 2006, WashingtonFirst, a District-chartered commercial bank, had about $127 million in assets, while First Liberty, a national bank, had approximately $80 million. “This acquisition would enhance WashingtonFirst’s ability to provide better deposit and lending services to the residents and businesses of the District of Columbia, and the surrounding area,” said DISB Commissioner Thomas E. Hampton. “This is an exciting prospect for the city.” DISB reviewed the proposed merger transaction for conformity with the District of Columbia banking code, and applicable regulations and policies. “DISB considered WashingtonFirst’s financial and managerial resources, future prospects, community development programs, as well as the public interest,” said DISB Associate Commissioner for Banking Howard Amer. “All of these factors were found to be consistent with approval.” WashingtonFirst was chartered in the District in 2004. It operates its head office and one branch in the District, as well as two branches in northern Virginia. First Liberty has its head office in the District and three branches in Maryland. First Liberty will be merged into WashingtonFirst as the surviving bank, and its four offices will become branches of WashingtonFirst. WashingtonFirst has six months to consummate the transaction. THE METRO HERALD 21 CLASSIFIED ADS/BIDS & PROPOSALS September 1, 2006 Co. Drivers & Students. Lease Purchase, Training. Colonial Freight Systems 800-826-1402. www.cfsi.com. 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 AUCTIONS AUCTION—Land and Antiques, 90 acre farm Pipestem Summers County WV 25979 offered in parcels, beautiful property, great antiques, September 16th. Information www.riverbendauction. com 1-800-726-2897. Randy Burdette, #927, Mary Felosa, Broker. AUCTIONS (REAL ESTATE) RESORT PROPERTIES AUCTION— 4+/- 10 acre Home Sites on gated Ashe Island. On Intercoastal Waterway with beach access. September 9 @ 11:00 AM. Sneads Ferry, NC. North Shore Country Club. Call 919-805-1711 for showing. Visit www.johnsonproperties. com—NCAL 2522, 7340. NCRBL8835. Farm Auction—Franklin County, VA. 475+/- acres offered in multiple tracts on Friday, October 6. Historic home—open and wooded land—convenient to Roanoke. Auction details with photos available at www.woltz.com. Call 800551-3588 for a brochure. Woltz & Associates, Inc. (VA#321), Brokers and Auctioneers. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 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. JOIN A LOG HOME LEADER. Nationally Recognized Original Old Timer Log Homes Seeks Representatives. Great Earning Potential, Quality Products. Contact Mr. Vester today! 1-800-4673006. www.oldtimerloghomes.com. Business opportunity and lifetime travel benefits. Startup cost ONLY $1,995! Call 1-800-378-1169 to find out WHAT and HOW. Mention ID#1262LM. Serious inquires ONLY. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY—Online, Automated The Secret Is In The System! NO SELLING, NO Meetings, NO Pressure. FREE TOUR Inside System. $69.00 TO START www.c3. myopportunitypro.com. OTR drivers deserve more pay and more hometime! $.47/mile—1 year experience. More experience makes more! Home most weekends! Run close to home! Heartland Express 1-800-4414953. www.heartlandexpress.com. FINANCIAL SERVICES/ MONEY TO LEND ANY CREDIT RATING! 1st & 2nd Mortgages Fast! Low Rates! Easy Payment Plans! No Upfront Fees! Apply Free/Call Charles Toney (804) 364-3666 or toll-free (800) 401-1011. Aggressive Mortgage. • • • $5,000-$100,000++ • • • FREE CASH GRANTS—2006! Personal bills, School, Business/Housing. Approximately $49 billion unclaimed 2005! Almost Everyone Qualifies! Live Operators Listings 1-800-274-5086 Ext. 230. • • GOT A BUSINESS? • • Dramatically increase sales by accepting all major Credit and Debit cards. 0% Discount rates! Free start up! Free equipment upgrades! 1-800-568-9115. HELP WANTED GENERAL Watkins Associates Needed. Flexible hours. Earn $500–$1000+/month PartTime. Start while keeping your current job. No investment required. Free details www.K738.com. SECRET SHOPPERS NEEDED—Pose as customers for store evaluations. Local stores, restaurants & theaters. Training provided. Flexible hours. Email Required. Call Now! 1-800-585-9024 ext 6462. Part-time with Full-time Opportunities. Join today’s Homeland Defense Force. Call today to learn about your new and improved NATIONAL GUARD: 1-800-GO-GUARD or 1-800-464-8273. SALES National company looking for licensed health agents to sell Guaranteed Acceptance Health Benefits. No underwriting, level commissions & no cold calling. Training & online leads provided. If you’re not making at least $1,000 per week call Vickie 866-2248450 ext. 1109. TRUCK DRIVERS DRIVER TRAINING—GET YOUR CDL! TRAIN FOR CLASS “A” OR CLASS “B”. Local and O-T-R jobs available for CDS Grads! CDS Tractor Trailer Training 1-800-646-2374. 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. COMPANY DRIVERS AND OWNER OPERATORS WITH MINIMUM 1 YEAR OTR EXPERIENCE, EAST COAST OPERATION, NEW PAY SCALE. WILLIAM EDWARDS, INC. 1-800-8763436. Drivers—$55,000+ to start. Short Haul Premium Pay, Benefits + Increases every 6 months. CDL-A & T/T experience required. Call NFI: 800-546-0405 or 800-444-1272 x3005. DRIVERS/OTR “We Have it All”— 9 paid Holidays-Vacation, Personal & Sick Pay. Health Benefits, 401K. Average $1250 plus weekly. We need 3 years Experience, CDL-A Hazmat, Clean MVR. P&P Transport 800-4990464. DRIVER—Are you getting a pay increase? Roehl drivers have! Practical Route 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. HOMES FOR SALE BANK FORECLOSURES! Homes from $10,000! 1-3 bedroom available! Repos, REOs, HUD, FHA, etc. These homes must sell! For Listings Call 1-800-2985309 x4672. RUSTIC CABIN FOR SALE—Just off Blue Ridge Parkway near Smart View. Price $89,000.00. Contact Walker Commercial Services, Inc. (540) 3446160. www.walker-inc.com. Just $59,990. Just 2 hours, 15 minutes from Pittsburgh. Ready for that log cabin. Only one! Call Owner 866-3861508. ATTENTION HUNTERS! 27 Ac. $89,000. Private National Forest Access. Secluded, wooded acreage west of Lexington, VA. Access to a million acres of George Washington National Forest. Loaded with game. Ready for your dream cabin! Owner 866-3632697. WEST VIRGINIA FARMHOUSE ON 7 ACRES with private fishing pond. Woods and fields. House has wraparound deck for great views. Country setting—close to town. 1 hour 45 minutes west on Route 50. $189,500. Call now: 866-347-1096. LAWN AND GARDEN PRIVACY HEDGE—Leyland Cypress Summer Blow out sale. Fast Grower 3’3-1/2’ trees regularly $39.95 now only $14.00 each. Free installation. Free delivery trees guaranteed.432-222-8837. LOTS AND ACREAGE LAND FOR SALE 20+ Acres with Private River Access. Perfect for a vacation getaway and retirement. Very usable with long range mountain views. www.landneardc. com. 5 MINUTES TO LEXINGTON, VA—2 to 6 acre mountain parcels from $69,990. Incredible views! All Sites perked, with underground utilities. Ready for your second home or retirement Retreat! Owner 866-363-2697. ACREAGE IN THE WV MOUNTAINS— 2 acres with Trout Stream Frontage. PERCHED ON THE MOUNTAINTOP— This 15-acre tract has a beautiful homesite in the woods. Located in Amherst County. Enjoy the mountain views this fall & winter. $149,900. 540-294-0818. 2.25 ACRE HOMESITE—Open homesite at the foot of the mountain. Located in Amherst County. Owner will finance with low down payment. $33,900. 540294-0818. 2 ACRE BUILDING SITE—Beautiful mountain views, on state road. Just minutes from I-81 Exit 205 in Northern Rockbridge County. $85,900. 540-2942020. Driver: AMERICA’S PREMIER TRAINING COMPANY! Company Sponsored CDL training in 3 ? weeks. Must be 21. Have CDL? Tuition reimbursement! CRST. 800-553-2778. Driver—$1000 Sign on Bonus for Experienced Flatbed Drivers. Home Weekends—$950+/Week. Great Benefits & Equipment. Students w/CDL-A Welcome. Call PGT: 800-837-7748. Driver—Start a Career! Owner Ops: 100% of .38cents Avg. FSC, Regional Lanes, Great Pay/Benefits. Also Hiring BUSINESS PROPERTY FOR SALE BUSINESS AND PROPERTY FOR SALE—Pet Grooming and Boarding Kennel Facility Operational And Fully Equipped. Price: $179,500.00. Contact Walker Commercial Services, Inc. 540344-6160. www.walker-inc.com. EMPLOYMENT LISTINGS Hiring 2006 Postal Jobs. $17.50$59.00 hour. Full Federal Benefits paid training/vacation. No experience necessary. Green Card ok. Fee. 866-9075285 x 776. EQUIPMENT FOR SALE SAWMILLS from only $2,990.00— Convert your LOGS TO VALUABLE LUMBER with your own Norwood portable band sawmill. Log skidders also available. www.norwoodindustries.com—FREE information: 1-800578-1363 Ext:300-N. 22 THE METRO HERALD CLASSIFIED ADS/BIDS & PROPOSALS September 1, 2006 THE PREMIER HOMESITE—Stunning 360 degree views of the Blue Ridge from this 14.7-acre site in northern Rockbridge County. This spot must be experienced in person. Call 540-2942020. $239,900. AIRLINES ARE HIRING—Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified—Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (888) 349-5387. PEACEFUL WATERFRONT—This 3.6acre site is perfect for watching wildlife, fishing, swimming and canoeing at a 22acre lake near Farmville. $149,900. 540-294-0818. WOLFF TANNING BEDS—Buy Direct and Save! Full Body units from $22 a month! FREE Color Catalog CALL TODAY! 1-800-842-1305. www.np. etstan.com. 5 ACRES—hardwoods and small clearing on state-maintained road. Septic approved; 20 minutes from Bedford. Covenant, restrictions. Owner-financing, low down payment. $49,900. 540-2942020. 2 ACRES FOR LOW DOWN PAYMENT—Wooded home site in Buckingham County (suitable for mobile homes). Owner-financing available. $22,900. 540-294-0818. MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE Attend College Online from Home. • Medical • Business • Paralegal • Computers • Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer provided. Financial Aid if qualified. Call 866-858-2121. www.OnlineTidewaterTech.com. 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. HOMEOWNERS WANTED! Kayak Pools looking for Demo homesites to display new maintenance free Kayak pools. Save thousands of $$. Unique opportunity! 100% financing available. 1-877-377-7665. REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Lake Gaston VA/NC—350 miles shoreline, FREE Lake Map/Buyers Guide. Tanglewood Realty, Box 116, Bracey, Virginia 23919. www.TanglewoodRealty.com 1-800-338-8816. sunsetproperties.biz or call 888-3379214. WATERFRONT PROPERTIES NC Gated Lakefront Community. Pleasantly mild climate 1.5 acres, 90 miles of shoreline. Never offered before with 20% pre-development discounts, 90% financing. Call 800-709-5253. Spectacular Virginia Waterfront— CORBIN HALL—Gated, private community on Atlantic side of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. 3+ acre lots available from $130K to $650K with immediate, deepwater access to Chincoteague Bay. Amenities include community pier, boat launch & beautiful community center w/guest suites, pool, spa & fitness room. PORT SCARBURGH Gated, private community on Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay. 1 to 12 acre waterfront lots available with pier access. Priced from $370K to $599K. Location ideal for boating & fishing. Privacy close to quaint villages, shopping & water activities. Both properties feature spectacular views, mild climate, low taxes, abundant wildlife. 757-709-9525 or visit www. corbinhall.com. WORK AT HOME WORK FROM ANYWHERE—Looking for a change? Want to earn what you’re really worth? Call Kelley 888-421-4838 for info. FIRE YOUR BOSS! Work from home. Seeking motivated people with a desire to earn a $100K+ first year income. NOT MLM. Serious inquiries. 1-800-6088523. Archive issues are available at www.metroherald.com! LAKEFRONT PRE-DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY! www.grandeharbor. info All water-access homesites direct from the developer. Most amenities already in. Far below market value, from $79,900. Possible 18 months NO PAYMENTS! Call Now! 888-BY-LAKES. Waterfront Wilmington, NC—Historic Port City Coastal Development The Bluffs on the Cape Fear. Fastest Growing County in NC. Grand Opening Fall 2006. Direct Ocean Access. Preconstruction incentives to call now. www.thebluffsnc.com 866-725-8337 Cape Fear Bluffs, LLC Broker. VACATION RENTALS Beach Rentals—enjoy a family vacation now with reduced rates at Sunset Beach, NC. Over 430 cottages to choose from. Visit: www. AGENCY DIRECTOR VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF FORENSIC SCIENCE RICHMOND, VA The Virginia Department of Forensic Science, a nationally accredited forensic laboratory system, seeks a highly motivated and experienced individual to serve as the director of the agency. The Department provides scientific analysis of evidentiary material, as well as technical assistance and training to Virginia’s criminal justice system. It employs approximately 300 staff in four regional laboratories located in Richmond, Norfolk, Roanoke, and Fairfax, serving the Commonwealth of Virginia. The agency director will be responsible for the overall direction of the four regional laboratories as well as operational, strategic, and budgetary planning and oversight of the agency. The central laboratory in Richmond houses the agency’s administrative offices including the office of the agency director. Competitive candidates should possess an advanced degree in natural science, forensic science, or a closely related field with a minimum of ten years experience in the field of forensic science, including a minimum of five years management experience in an accredited forensic science laboratory. Salary range is $92,900 to $146,900; actual salary will be commensurate with experience and salary history. This position is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of, the Governor. For more information, visit the Department of Forensic Science website at www.dfs.virginia.gov. The selected candidate will be required to submit to a comprehensive background investigation to include DNA testing via buccal (cheek) swab. Interested persons should submit a resume, writing sample and cover letter by 5:00 pm, October 16, 2006, to: Clyde Cristman Deputy Secretary of Public Safety Office of the Governor P.O. Box 1475 Richmond, VA 23218 Or email to: clyde.cristman@governor.virginia.gov AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER THE METRO HERALD 23 September 1, 2006 24 THE METRO HERALD