EDITION No. 2 - The Courier Times

Transcription

OLYMPIAN KEEPS
HELPING OTHERS
Pag. #16
TAKE 6
Pag. #15
GORDON
PARKS
Pag. #23
MARCH MADNESS
Pag. #23
The Courier Times
The Metropolitan Area’s Leading African-American Newspaper
EDITION No. 2
USA • APRIL 2006
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
"Man, if you gotta ask
you'll never know."
Louis (Satchmo) Armstrong
(reply when asked what jazz is)
INDEX
Volume 2 Copyright 2006
Politics…………………. . . 2
Government Info…….… . . . 2
Gospel Music Review…. . . . . 3
DVD Review………….. . . . . 3
From the Bookshelf……. . . . 4
Harlem Renaissance…... . . . 5
Dining Out……………. . . . . 6
Coffee House Series….... . . . 6
Community……………. . . . 7
Just the Facts…………... . . 8
Places to Visit…………. . . . 8
Community……………. . . . 9
Education………………. . . 10
Community……………. . . . 11
Earth Day Activities….. . . . . . 12
Earth Day……………… . . . 13
Community……………. . . . 14
Entertainment…………. . . . 15
Love Lines……………... . . . 16
Health & Nutrition…….. . . . . 17
Horoscope……………… . . 18
Video Game Challenge… . . . 18
Sports………..……......19 & 20
Community……………... . . 21
Community……………... . . 22
Gordon Parks Farewell… . . . 23
Jersey City Election……. . . . 24
The Courier Times
is a publication of
THE COURIER TIMES INC.
512 42nd Street
Union City, NJ 07087
JAMES R. ADAMS JR.
Publisher/Editor
AFRICAN-AMERICANS
SAYS DISCRIMINATION
IS IMPROVING
BUT BELIEVE MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE
IN EDUCATION, CRIMINAL JUSTICE, THE
WORKPLACE AND HEALTH CARE
A ROUNDUP OF RECENT
NATIONAL POLLING DATA
Americans of every racial and ethnic background
agree that while discrimination against minorities is
decreasing, African-Americans believe there is still a
great deal more work to do in this area, according to the
findings of several recent national polls.
Almost 6 in 10 Americans polled said AfricanAmericans are now treated with more respect and courtesy, yet 74% of those polled also said that there is at
least “some discrimination” still present against
African-Americans and Hispanics.
Both African-Americans and whites told pollsters
they believe affirmative action has improved conditions
for African-Americans, yet African-Americans are much
more likely to say racism is a “major problem” in societal institutions. 64% of African-Americans told pollsters
that racism still exists in the workplace, while 61% said
it exists in schools and 41% said it exists in health care.
In the workplace, more than half of the white poll
respondents said minorities now have the same job
opportunities as whites. Only 17% of AfricanAmericans, however, agreed with that assessment.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
African-Americans are much more likely than
whites to say they do not trust the police and our criminal justice system, and that there is police brutality in
their community.
Only 34% of African-Americans polled said they
believe they can trust the police and courts to treat
them fairly, and overall 48% of African-Americans said
they have “very little” confidence in the criminal justice
system. On the issue of police brutality, African-
Americans by a
wide margin –
66% - said they
believe there is
police brutality in
their communities.
Overall, 52%
of Americans told
pollsters “there is
no excuse for the
racial profiling of
African-Americans.”
PUBLIC EDUCATION
The vast majority of all Americans believe schools
should teach tolerance, but African-Americans believe
most strongly that more teaching of tolerance is needed.
80% of African-American parents say our
schools should focus more on academic standards
than on achieving diversity or integration, and 77%
of these parents believe our schools should hire the
best teachers possible, regardless of racial or ethnic
background. However, 19% of African-American
parents say special efforts should be made to
recruit African-American teachers – but only if they
are the best qualified and available teachers.
In the area of school integration, 59% of the
poll respondents said more should be done to integrate our schools. However, 90% of AfricanAmerican parents said more integration is necessary.
On the issue of school busing, AfricanAmerican parents are almost equally divided. 48%
said they support keeping their children in neighborhood schools, while 44% said they favor busing as a
means of improving integration. •
EDITION N0. 2 - PAGE/2
USA • APRIL 2006
NEW FACE ON NEWARK RACE
BY: ARNOLD STOVELL
WHEN SHARPE JAMES OPTED OUT OF THE RACE THE COMPLEXITY OF THE MAYORAL ELECTION CHANGED
DRAMATICALLY. OPPONENT COREY BOOKER HAS MAINTAINED A VIGOROUS AND OMNIPRESENT MEDIA BLITZ PROCLAIMING HIS IDEAS FOR A BETTER NEWARK EVERYWHERE AN EAR OR EYE MAY BE CAUGHT. SHARPE JAMES
ENJOYED AN APPROVAL RATING SOME POLLS CALCULATED AS HIGH AS 85% AND AN INCUMBENT REPUTE SUFFICIENT TO CATAPULT HIM INTO A SIXTH TERM ON TOP OF HIS RECORD FIFTH. BUT NOW, ALL THAT HAS CHANGED.
ow, Deputy Mayor, State
Senator Ron Rice has
stepped to the forefront of
this election, though seeming
more challenger than frontrunner.
While a former member of the
James camp, Rice has always
maintained a healthy sense of
independence, a factor that may
prove his undoing in a race so desperately demanding an edge.
Without political or fiscal allies to
help bring his message to the people, Rice seems comparatively
anonymous in this contest,
despite more than two decades of
public service.
N
“Everything good that
has happened in Newark, I have
been a part of,” says the former
police officer and councilman in
an interview.“The people know
me. I have served the city of
Newark for over 24 years. People
understand I am an independent.
I have been removed from the
Democratic Party line twice
because I would not rubber
stamp policy. I was the first black
Councilman in 1982. Corey
Booker won his council seat in a
run-off decided by 15 – 30 votes
and received national media
attention. He was never a product
of Newark. How do you come in
from college with everyone loving
you? How can you secure supporters from Colorado,Arkansas,
New York, and California? What
do they get out of supporting a
candidate in Newark? Who is
Corey Booker really? ”
At this point, it seems
that Corey Booker is the man to
beat, a lawful resident crafting a
clear image of leadership through
the media.As stated in his campaign literature, Corey Booker
asserts,“Now I’m running for
mayor of Newark to make sure
that, in Newark, every person
counts.” The Booker Team is running commercials on TV, being
interviewed on KISS-FM and
local radio programs, and maintaining a steady presence in the
press. Their literature is pointed,
focusing on the issues most
important to the Newark voter:
fighting crime and gang violence,
making schools better and safer,
and creating jobs and affordable
housing. During election time
when memories are shortest, the
Booker Team is at churches, community centers and rallies. Before
the season began, Booker could
be seen at events sponsored
through his non-profit, Newark
Now. Despite his detractors,
Booker is running a campaign
geared toward winning, and his
enthusiasm has citizens considering that perhaps it is time for a
change.
“I have experience, as a
policeman, councilman, deputy
mayor and state senator,” says
Rice. I don’t pop into town; I
don’t walk the streets with five
people. I pay taxes in Newark.
Money doesn’t win elections; people do, and I believe the people in
Newark aren’t sleeping.” Perhaps
they are not. Perhaps the voters
are waking up to the idea that
new energy and new ideas may
have to come from outside the
status quo. •
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EDITION No. 2 - PAGE/3
USA • APRIL 2006
"ON HIGH"
GOSPEL MUSIC NOTES ON: YOLANDA ADAMS
‘D
ay by Day’ with its urban contemporary
tracks and inspirational message combined with that distinguished sound
that is oh so Yolanda Adams.
"DAY BY DAY"
BY: STEPHANIE WALKER
For starters, “Victory” sweet, sweet victory!
an anthem for all seasons in your life, with its
high energy and resounding pulse, will life your
spirit. Then with songs like “Someone Watching
Over You,” “Be Blessed,” and “This Too Shall
Pass,” she speaks to your personal experiences,
like you are sitting at the kitchen table having a
one on one with her…over tea. Things you may
have gone through. It’s like she is saying, “I wrote
a song about it, wanna hear it? Here it
goes…Yolanda can do that, the message is clear,
Lord show me Your face
You made me a promise You d put
me back together
"OUR VIEWPOINT FROM THE COUCH"
DVD REVIEW
featuring: Boris Kodjoe,Yolanda Adams,
Donnie McClurkin, Idris Elba and
Tamyra Gray
This dramatic
and realistic call
back home is a hit.
For anyone of us
who has ever lived in
the church and in
the world this is
your life on screen.
It is the riveting
story of a Pastor’s
son who strays from
the church and becomes an R&B star.
His success is unprecedented and he
climbs to the very top of the industry.
One simple thing is that he forgot where
he came from.
R&B star David Taylor's played by
Boris Kodjoe, whose performance is stimulating life-at-the-top of the entertainment industry screeches to a halt when a
heavy dose of reality hits him hard. His
father, played by Clifton Powell, a hardworking, caring Pastor, becomes gravely
ill.The father and son haven't spoken
since David's mother died, but when he
hears the news, the singing star cancels a
tour and returns to Atlanta to see his dad.
The father passes on and David realizes
his need to become committed to the life
he once knew.There are inspiring performances by many including Tamyra
If you really felt “Open My Heart”
(Mountain High…Valley Low CD), you will also
relate to “Show Me” where Yolanda once again
pours out her fragile heart, exposes her vulnerability like an open book for all to hear… feel…
and if you close your eyes…see.
Not old time religion
On the other hand if you are a “The Battle
Is The Lord’s,” (Save the World CD) kind of person, you won’t find a song on Day By Day that
compares. Not old time religion but let’s face it, if
you are are a true die-hard Yolanda Adams fan,
you know that she can sing just about anything
for you and minister to your very being.
I’d bet she could sing “Old MacDonald had
a Farm,” and you would be E-I- E-I-O all the way
to glory. Oh, yes you would!
D ay By Day, add it to your collection, it will
keep you going Day By Day.
better than I was before
THE GOSPEL-Recommended for
the Entire Family
she is saying “you will get through, trust Him.
He’s watching over you, He wants to bless you so
be blessed, because this too shall pass.”
Gray of American Idol fame, gospel vocalist and performer Yolanda Adams and an
outstanding acting performance from
gospel icon Donnie McClurkin and Fred
Hammond.
HUSTLE & FLO W -Recommended
for Adults
featuring: Terrence DeShon Howard, and
Taraji P. Henson
This is the
heart-wrenching story
of a pimp and his
dream for a different
and better life.The
setting is Memphis
and actor DaShon
Howard performs at
a high level in his
portrayal of DJ.
The concept
is no different from
that of any person
who is at one place in his life and seeks
to change it all. If you have had or have
ambitions and dreams, this is a must-see
movie.
Anthony Anderson also is outstanding in his role of the small time
recording artist turned producer.The
performance of Taryn Manning as a prostitute who turns tricks anywhere and
everywhere is special as well. Basically
this is a feel good story about a dream
and how you can make that a reality. •
USA • APRIL 2006
AFRICAN-AMERICAN OWNED
BUSINESSES ON THE RISE
FROM THE BOOKSHELF
“STARTING WITH A DREAM IT CAN ALL BE A REALITY”
CROWNS
PORTRAITS OF BLACK WOMEN
IN CHURCH HATS
Michael Cunningham
& Craig Marberry
omewhere in the midst
of the mind every
dream that we have can
be brought to life as evident
by the birth of the Tribal
Spears Gallery & Café located at 2167 Frederick
Douglass “Starting with a
Dream – It can All be a
Reality” Boulevard in New
York City.
S
Countless black women would
rather attend church naked
thatn hatless. For these women,
a church hat, flamboyant as it
may be, is no mere fashion
accessory; it’s a cherished
African American custom, one
that is observed with boundless
passion by black women of various religious denominations.
Photographer Michael
Cunningham beautifully captures
the self-expresions of women of
all ages, from young glamorous
women to serene but stylish
grandmothers.
Award-winning Craig Marberry
provides an intimate look at the
women and their lives.
Together they’ve captured a
captivating custom, this wearing
of church hats, a peculiar convergence of faith and fashion
that keeps the Sabbath both
holy and glamorous.
SPIRIT OF HARLEM
A PORTRAIT OF AMERICA’S MOST
EXCITING NEIGHBORHOOD
Craig Marberry & Michael Cunningham
Harlem long known as the epicenter of black cultural life in
America, is undergoing a radical
change. An unprecedented infusion of hundreds of millions of
dollars, in development capital is
revitalizing the community and
transforming a cityscape marred
by decades of poverty, in a striking show of exhuberance. The
economic renewal has lured a
host of new people to the neighbordood: doctors, lawyers,
investment bankers, and even a
former president.
Spirit of Harlem documents this
extraordinary period of transition through the words and faces
of newcomers and longtime residents alike. There are reminiscences of Harlem during the
1920s through the 1960s, stories
of friends and families gathering
at churches, in local shops, and
on the streets, and thoughts on
what the future holds for the
neighborhood.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM is a commercial photographer whose
clients include Coca-Cola and Sara Lee. Two of his photographs are
currently on loan to the Smithsonian's Anacostia Museum, and his
works have been featured in the New York Times and Ebony. He
lives in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
CRAIG MARBERRY, a former TV reporter, holds a master's
degree in journalism from Columbia University and is the owner of
a video production company. He has written articles for the
Washington Post and Essence magazine. Marberry is also the
grandson of the late Louis Henry Ford, former Presiding Bishop of
the Church of God in Christ. He lives in Greensboro, North Carolina
Spring and Keith
Johnson are the curators and
owners of this magnificent Art
Gallery.The décor is from various countries and the
ambiance makes you feel right
call us
for
best
results
201.
223.
6925
at home.This
two-level, spacious, well-decorated space
reminds you of
large galleries
found elsewhere
in the city. You
are immediately
overwhelmed
with a feeling of
“I have been
here before,” as
you view the
magnificent
pieces on display.
For Spring and her
husband of one year, Keith,
this is a dream come true. It
was her dream first and
then together they worked
diligently to bring more culture to this neighborhood
that is undergoing a rebirth.
On the lower level of
the site is the Johnson-Byrd
Galleries, which soon will be
featuring art work by youth
from the community as well
as art by up and coming
artists. Take a trip, visit this
exhilarating art gallery and
experience a “Taste of
Culture.” The Café offers
delightful refreshments and
coffee and beverage selections. Relax on the comfortable couches and view the
large plasma television
while you fill your palette.
For further information on
the gallery call 212-666-6550
or visit their web site at [email protected]. •
USA • APRIL 2006
THE RENNAISSANCE CONTINUES
AT THE GATEWAY TO HARLEM
t all started with a vision. Manhattan
Borough President C.Virginia Fields
had that vision in 1999. She noted that
Frederick Douglass Boulevard is the
"Backbone of Harlem" and its redevelopment would send a powerful message that
the Second Harlem Renaissance has deep
and permanent roots in the community.
I
The Second Harlem Renaissance
began as a private and public partnership
to revitalize a neighborhood that was written off and abandoned.
The City provided incentives to encourage development along Frederick
Douglass Boulevard. In
return, developers would
renovate existing building, and build new mixed
income rentals, co-ops and
condominiums, including
commercial storefronts.
Made In Harlem LLC
was selected to develop
and implement the
Harlem Gateway
Corporation District Management
Association (DMA) strategy. Ms. J. SeldonLoach and Mr. Stanley M. Ellzy, principals
of Made In Harlem LLC, bring over 40
years of progressive business and project
management experience to this venture.
In addition to communicating the strategy to the Harlem community, Made In
Harlem LLC will reach out to the community to make the process inclusive. The
DMA comprised of property and business
owners, elect to make a collective contribution to the maintenance, development, and
promotion of the district. The DMA delivers a range of supplemental services in
coordination with municipal services, and
invest in the long-term economic develop-
E
BETWEEN THE SHEETS
THE ISLEY BROTHERS
This CD is all about love and provides the ever smooth relaxing and
invigorating sounds of the Isley
Brothers. The
Isley's are
natives of
New Jersey.
We suggest
you pour a
glass of
wine for
you and
your soul
mate, sit
back, dim
FINALISTS IN YOUNG
ARTIST AUDITIONS
SUNDAY – APRIL 23
ment of the district.
The DMA is the Advocate for:
• A cleaner, safer and more
attractive business district
• A steady and reliable funding
source for supplemental services
• The ability to respond quickly
to changing needs
• Increasing in property values,
improving sales and reducing
commercial vacancies
Supplemental Services/Improvements
include:
•
Maintenance
•
Public Safety/Hospitality
•
Business Development
•
Marketing
•
Capital Improvement
•
Landscaping
Ms. J. Seldon-Loach and Mr. Stanley M.
Ellzy strongly agree with the Borough
President that the Harlem Gateway Corporation DMA will be a major partner in the
revitalization of Harlem as a vibrant cultural and civic entity in the New York Metropolitan area. For additional information
about the Harlem Gateway Project contact
Ms. Loach or Mr. Ellzy at 212-222-8929. •
OLD SCHOOL RETAKES
VINYL VISITATIONS
ach
month
the
staff of The
Courier Times will
reach back in time
and pull from the
archives some Old School
sounds that we recommend you listen
to one more time. This month we have
chosen to suggest the following.
NJSO ANNOUNCES
the lights and listen. This CD will
remind you of all the reasons that you
love the one you love.
Some classic tracks from this CD are
Choosey Lover and the title song
Between the sheets.
Our second
selection for
this month is:
BEST OF
RANDY
CRAWFORD
RANDY
CRAWFORD
There is
only one
Randy Crawford with that unique style
and voice. This CD will return you to an
era where there was always a message
in the words of the song. Again this will
motivate you to spend time with that
special someone. Randy Crawford takes
you back in time, yet the fantasy and
realty of love echoes in our everyday
thoughts even now. Check out this classic. A must for every collection. •
Four young talented musicians
from New Jersey will compete for
the honor of performing as a
soloist with the New Jersey
Symphony Orchestra and for
awards and prizes totaling $20,000
in the NJS’s 31st annual YOUNG
ARTISTS AUDITIONS COMPETITION CONCERT.
The awards concert will be led
by conductor ALASTAIR WILLIS,
and will be presented at the State
Theatre in New Brunswick.
This year’s finalists include violinist JAE OOK LEE of Harrington
Park, pianist SUN-A PARK, of
Little Ferry, cellist NICHOLAS
BODNAR of Princeton and violinist
BETTY ZHOU of Edison.
The first-place winner will
receive the $10,000 HENRY LEWIS
AWARD, in recognition of the late
NJSO Music Director who founded
the Young Artists Auditions in
1975. It was Lewis’s desire to give
young musicians the kind of
encouragement and support that
had meant so much to him when he
was a boy in Los Angeles.
This award is funded by the
McCrane Foundation. The winner will also get the opportunity
to perform with the NJSO in
November 2007, as a part of
NJSO’s 2006-2007 subscription
season. The second-place winner
will receive the $5,000 JUDY
NACHISON AWARD funded by
Anna Drago, in memory of
Francesco Drago and the
Richard H. Holzer Memorial
Foundation; the third-place winner will receive the $3,000 NJSO
LEAGUE-VOLUNTEER AWARD
sponsored by the Friends of the
New Jersey Symphony
Orchestra; and the fourth-place
winner will receive the $2,000
CONDUCTOR’S AWARD. •
EDITION No.2 - PAGE/6
USA • APRIL 2006
DINING OUT ON
THE JERSEY SIDE
CAFÉ HAVANA
LOCATED AT: 580 UNION AVENUE , MIDDLESEX, NJ 08846
TEL: 732- 302-9920
HOURS: LUNCH 11 A.M. – 3 P.M. MONDAYS-FRIDAYS.
DINNER: 3-9 P.M. MONDAYS-FRIDAYS, 4-10 P.M. SATURDAYS; CLOSED ON SUNDAYS
PAYMENTS ACCEPTED: AMERICAN EXPRESS, MASTER CARD, VISA, CASH
PRICE RANGE: MODERATE
"TOWN MEETING" ADDRESSES
THE OLD BUT CRITICAL PROBLEM
OF UNDERAGE DRINKING.
ON TUESDAY, MARCH 28, PARENTS, EDUCATORS, TEENS, LAW ENFORCEMENT,
MEDICAL PERSONNEL AND COMMUNITY OFFICIALS GATHERED IN NORTH
BERGEN HIGH SCHOOL TO DISCUSS UNDERAGE DRINKING.
"Town Meetings" were convened
in every New Jersey
county, and in counties all across
America in an effort
to overcome public
apathy and the belief
that adults can do little to prevent teenage
drinking.
Teen alcohol
use has long been
associated with violence, risky sexual
behavior, sexual
assault, suicide and
addiction.
The Township of North Bergen is
extremely proactive in the effort to eliminate teen drinking.
xcelent choice for Cuban
food in Middlesex. Chefowners Miguel and Rita
Sanchez serve pollo asado (roast
chicken), masas de puerco (crisp
seasoned pork chunks) and frijoles negros (black bean soup),
based on family recipes.
E
Café Havana is housed in a
refurbished white stucco structure
decorated with painted palm
trees. A lengthy bar (open until 2
a.m.Thursdays-Saturdays) and
two dining rooms comprise the
interior.The main room is brightened by a Caribbean mural and
family photos. Live entertainment with a band and there are
Latin dance lessons on Thursday
nights.The ambience is casual
and congenial.The food is well
prepared home-style Cuban. A
loaf of crusty pressed garlic bread
is served as soon as you seat at the
table. Mojitos are a well known
refreshing balance, but for those
who haven’t tried one before, they
are a great combination of rum,
lime juice, sugar cane juice,
splash of soda and ground mint
leaves, shaken with ice.The appetizers are excellent.
Dinner at Café Havana is
an all-around delight. From the
appetizers to the desserts, like
their famous flan and tres leches cake, to the delicious café
con leche. If you love Cuban
cooking, Café Havana will certainly become one of your
favorite places to dine in. Make
a reservation now. •
NEXT MONTH WE WILL HIGHLIGHT RESTAURANTS IN ESSEX AND MIDDLESEX COUNTIES.
PREPARE YOUR TASTE BUDS, AND DINE OUT ON THE JERSEY SIDE.
Attendees included one of the
Student Assistant Professionals John
Belluardo, DARE Officer Arthur Del,
Police Chief William Gavin,
Freeholder Thomas Liggio, High
School Principal Paschal Tennero
and school social worker Ralph
Marino endorsed the "Town
Meeting" initiative as a welcome
addition to North Bergen's efforts to
combat teen alcohol use.
"In the United States the
average age of first use is 15 ?. In
Hudson County the age of first use
can be as young as 9," said Maria
Rivera Substance Abuse Coordinator
of Partners in Prevention in Jersey
City.
The common belief by parents
that drinking is a rite of passage and
not considered a serious threat to
young people needs to be scrutinized
more closely.
Parents misjudge how much
their opinions matter to their children. This nationwide effort urging
parents to talk early and often to
their kids about the dangers of
alcohol is an attempt to duplicate
the accomplishment of the successful anti-smoking campaigns across
the Country.
Ten North Bergen teens
attended the meeting and the consensus among them was that drinking starts as young as the fourth
grade and that many of them know
of kids who drink. Jennifer Amaya,
Student Council Vice President said
"kids who drink are attracted to and
hang around other kids that drink."
Without close parental supervision and involvement in the
child's everyday activities, including
thorough knowledge of their children's friends, the likelihood of
reducing teen alcohol use is greatly
diminished. Margaret Darias,
Student Council President suggested establishing a mentoring program akin to Big Brothers/ Big
Sisters to provide the middle school
kids with good role models.
In New Jersey it
is against the law to
serve alcohol to anyone under 21, or to
knowingly provide a
place for underage
people to drink. Civil
penalties are imposed
on hosts who serve
alcohol to minors
resulting in accidents
that cause death or
injury. However, if a
minor consumes or
possesses alcohol on
private property or a
private residence it is
not against the law.
Municipalities are
permitted to pass ordinances condemning this practice but of
those who have done so the penalties
vary and enforcement is spotty. •
SECOND CHANCE
PROGRAM PROVIDES
NEW OPPORTUNITIES
ften when our
young people fall
afoul of the law,
is their last chance.
They are stereotyped
and marked for life.
When you have a record
it is difficult to find
employment. If you lie
on a job application and
The Hamilton
Park
get caught,
then you
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Well
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really
here you notice that a great
is a positive alternative
deal of the patrons are from
and it exists in Jersey
City, New Jersey. The
Jersey City Incinerator
Authority, otherwise
known as the JCIA, has a
second chance program
for people who are looking to start over in life.
O
The program was
the brainchild of JCIA
Executive Director Oren
K. Dabney Sr. and the
late Mayor Glenn D.
Cunningham. The program has continued to
operate under current
Jersey City Mayor
Jerramiah Healy.
This program
offers job training and
positive influences for
Jersey City residents
who have had some past
history with the law. The
program shows young
men and women that
there can be alternatives to the streets; that
they can be an integral
part of society and pro-
vide for their families.
Many of the participants have started in
one capacity and
advanced themselves to
better positions at the
JCIA. "If we do not provide alternatives for
these workers, who
the immediate neighborwill?”
asked
Oren
hood or
people
whoK.have
Dabney,
Sr.their home away
made this
from home. We recommend
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USA • APRIL 2006
WILLIE FLOOD SERVING HER
COMMUNITY WITH CLASS
or those of you who have the pleasure of meeting Councilperson at
Large from Jersey City Willie Flood,
you are impressed from the outset with
the class that she carries herself with in
this business that often attracts those who
are not so classy. Willie is serving on the
Jersey City Council for the second time.
She served over a decade ago under the
administration of former Jersey City
Mayor Gerald McCann.
F
Her commitment to church and community is steadfast. Her high moral character and dedication to her family is
unquestioned. Willie is married to P.
Terrell Flood and has two children. When
asked why she has spent so many years
being active in her community, she simply
replied, "It is what I need to do, to better
the place that I live". Mrs. Flood was elected and served on the Jersey City Board of
Education for several terms. Prior to serving on the board as an elected official, she
was employed by the Jersey City Public
Schools for over three decades.
"I am concerned about providing
opportunities and quality activities for our
young people to participate in" said
Councilperson Flood. A strong advocate of
the city's Second Chance Program at the
Jersey City Incinerator Authority, she
believes that larger programs of this type
are needed. "How can we expect people to
do for themselves if society shuts them out
We at The Courier
Times applaud those
who are responsible
for the creation and
continuation of this
program. Keep up the
great work. •
Councilperson Flood
has taken on
the cause of
improving
the quality
of life for all
Jersey City
residents.
She is a
believer in
the family
and the
church and
the the community. She is a spectacular
example of how people who serve in public life should be.
Her goals as an elected official are
to work for more recreational programs, a
greater police presence in the streets, and
more affordable housing and jobs for local
residents. Having served on the board of
the Jersey City Public Schools, she is also
concerned that our children receive a good
solid education.
Keep up the great work and continue to serve with pride, dignity, class and
moralistic character. Willie Flood is a
Living Legend in our community. •
WALKING THE WALK EVERY DAY BY
EXAMPLE: REV. TYRONE CHESS
ON GOD’S MISSION
Chess may be the only minister I know
who receives no salary for serving his congregation.
At a recent meeting of the staff and
Dabney where he
applauded them for their
continued hard work and
efforts to better the
agencies ability to serve
the public, you could
feel the positive energy
in the room.
There is an admiration and caring that
you do not see very much
of anymore in today's
world. Its a mutual caring between the administration at the JCIA and
the staff. Our country
needs more
programs like this one.
after they
make a mistake?”
W
He is in the process of building a
new church and community center that
will be home away from home and a site
for community groups to continue to provide services to the community.
He believes the church should be the vital
focal point of the community. People
should not be judged by where they come
from or what they look like but by their
focus in life. Rev. Chess believes that you
should lead by your purpose, by your
deeds. He truly does that every day. He is a
man of patience who listens intently to the
needs of the people he serves. He is truly
on the mission of doing God’s work.
When you call Rev. Chess you get
just that, help and plenty of it. He is a nononsense, straight-to-the-point man who
God has touched and set out on a mission.
The Rev., as this reporter and many of his
friends refer to him, has gone through his
own trials and tribulations but has never
wavered from his belief in a higher being.
You know sometimes in life you meet people who just go out and do in life. Rev.
Rev. Chess is employed as the
Director of Consumer Affairs for the
County of Hudson. In that role he works to
ensure that the residents of the County
are not being ripped off by businesses and
others in their daily lives. Today in a one
hour period I saw him assist someone in
getting help to pay their rent, another
with their utility bill payments and a business resolve its violation issues with a pet
shop. Prior to this interview we knew that
Rev. Chess worked hard everyday but we
had no idea that he loves every moment of
every day having the opportunity to help
others and serve God.•
henever you are in the presence of
Tyrone Chess you are overwhelmed
by his desire to be helpful to others. You watch him as he works diligently
every day to resolve issues and problems
for others. While interviewing him the
phone never stopped ringing, people just
calling to get some help.
USA • APRIL 2006
JUST THE FACTS
Places to Visit-Things to See
NAISMITH MEMORIAL
BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME
1000 WEST COLUMBUS AVENUE
SPRINGFIELD, MA 01105
PHONE: (413) 781-6500 OR (877) 4HOOPLA
FAX: (413) 781-1939
WWW.HOOPHALL.COM
EACH MONTH THE COURIER TIMES WILL LOOK BACK
IN TIME AND PROVIDE YOU WITH A BIT OF
AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY.
Did You Know?
APRIL 5TH
1870
Two of America's greatest sons share
this birthday. In 1856 Booker T.
Washington was born in Hales Ford,
Virginia. In 1937 Collin Powell was
born, he would later serve as the Head
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and
Secretary of State for the United States.
The ratification of the 15th
Amendment secured voting
rights for all male U.S.
citizens, including AfricanAmericans.
APRIL 15, 1861
President Lincoln called for 75,000
troops to put down the rebellion.
Lincoln’s Administration rejected Black
volunteers. For almost two years straight
Black Americans fought for the right, as
one humorist put it, to be kilt.”
1866
The Basketball Hall of
Fame, located in Springfield,
Massachusetts, is a place
where all levels of the game
are represented under one
roof. The entire game of basketball comes together in
Springfield, the birthplace of
basketball. The game of basketball was invented by Dr.
James Naismith, and has
evolved significantly from its
humble beginnings. Give the
Hall of Fame a call today
and schedule an educational
trip for you and your family,
regardless of whether you
love the game or not. •
THE SCHOMBURG CENTER FOR
RESEARCH IN BLACK CULTURE
515 MALCOLM X BOULEVARD
NEW YORK, NY 10037-1801
(212) 491-2200
HTTP://WWW.NYPL.ORG/RESEARCH/SC/SC.HTML
Civil Rights bill passed over the
President’s veto. The bill conferred
citizenship on blacks and gave them the
same rights as white citizens.
1937
In 1937 William H. Hastie
was confirmed as judge of
Federal District Court in
Virgin Islands and became the
first Black federal judge.
1940
On May 12, Singer Al
Jarreau was born
in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin.•
AFRICAN-AMERICAN
ART EXHIBIT A HIT
The Brennan Court House Rotunda
recently served as the site for an exhibit of art by
African-American artists.The event was coordinated by The County of Hudson, Hudson County
Freeholders, Pro Arts and the Hudson County
Office on Cultural Affairs.The one-month exhibit
featured the works of Darin Defield, Ibou
N’Doye, and Heather Williams. “This exhibit
helps to promote the vast cultural diversity of
our county residents,” said William LaRosa,
Director of Cultural Affairs and Tourism.The
exhibit also featured an opening night reception
sponsored by Eclypse Productions & Promotions
Brooke Business & Office Products, Hamilton
Park Ale House and The Courier Times. •
Temporary Entrance:
103 W. 135th Street
Due to an on-going construction project, all visitors must enter through the
Landmark Building. For
handicapped access and all
deliveries, please enter on
136th Street.
This is the Mecca, the
hub of the learning experience. This dynamic cultural
experience will not be forgotten easily. Get to know
and understand Black
History at a new level. This
place to visit will be an
enriching and enlightening
experience for the entire
family; grandparents, parents….children and children's children. Do not
allow time to pass without
visiting the Schomburg. It
is a must see experience.•
call us
for
best
results
201.
223.
6925
USA • APRIL 2006
TAX TIPS
How to Avoid Making
Estimated
Tax Payments
DCA SETS DATES FOR
MAIN STREET NEW
JERSEY PROGRAM
Main Street New
Jersey, a program of the
New Jersey Department
of Community Affairs,
announces the second of
the quarterly 2006
Downtown Revitalization
Institute series, to be
held April 26 & 27, 2006,
at Thomas Edison State
College, Trenton, NJ.
The 2006 Design
component, "Guiding
Design on Main Street,
Places, Parking & Paying
for It" will explore techniques and practices to
ensure the long-term success of revitalization
efforts when it comes to
physical and visual
issues.
design elements, and
how they individually
and collectively influence form and function
on Main Street. An exciting session on parking
facilitated by Jack
Molenaar, Director,
Rutgers University Parking and
Transportation Services
follows and will include
topics such as management and demand, needs
assessment studies, theories and myths, as well
as the reality of what
parking really costs local
business owners and residents. And finally, a representative from the
NJDOT Local Aid
Funding Program will
f you're still working,
see the advice in the
story on the next page
I
about kicking up your contributions to your company's 401(k) to take advantage of 2006's new, higher
limits. If you're retired and
withdrawing funds from an
IRA, consider asking the
payer to withhold taxes
from each payment. Why let
Uncle Sam dip into your
checks when you don't have
to? It might make sense if
the withholding lets you
avoid making quarterly estimated tax payments.
Such payments are
generally due if you would
otherwise owe more than
$1,000 when you file your
tax return for the year.
Taxpayers are on a pay-asyou-go basis, even when
retired. Fail to pay in
enough during the year,
and you'll face a penalty
when you file. You request
withholding by filing a
form W-4P with the payer.
You can also ask to have
income tax voluntarily
withheld from your Social
Security benefits by filing a
form W-4V with the Social
Security Administration. •
A STORY TO SOOTHE THE SOUL
As we approach the month of May and Mothers
Day we at The Courier Times want to salute the
heart and soul of a young woman who portrays the
emotional and stable meaning of a Mom without
being the paternal parent of four girls.
Crystal Fonesta has
found herself to be in a
very unique position at
a very young age. At 21, she
juggles a full time job, college and raising four young
girls. Crystal is a caregiver to
her grandparent’s three
adopted daughters and her
young cousin every day. The
girls, 14-year old twins, their
younger sister, 13, and an
eight-year-old cousin, anxiously await Crystal’s return
home in the evening to tell
her about their day. A typical
day for Crystal starts at 6:00
am when she makes breakfast and gets the four girls
ready for school before going
to work where she is an
administrative assistant at
the Jersey City Incinerator
Authority. Crystal also was a
student at St. Peter’s College
where she was taking 5-6
classes a day majoring in
political science and social
work before going to her job.
She will graduate St. Peter’s
in May. At the end of the day,
she looks forward to coming
home to tend to the girls,
making sure homework is
done, cooking dinner and
preparing for another day.
C
Scott Day of Urban
Development Services,
San Antonio, Texas, is
the featured Day 1
speaker. Mr. Day's firm
specializes in design
management and retail
economics for commercial revitalization. His
presentation is a comprehensive overview of all
things Design on Main
Street- including maintenance issues, facade
basics, defining public
spaces and some best
practices.
On Day 2, the RBA
Group will present training segments focusing on
review the various programs available to assist
communities in achieving their vision of "Main
Street,” by providing the
how to's regarding State
and Federal funding for
the planning, design and
construction of Main
Street improvements.
For additional
information on the Main
Street New Jersey program and for registration
for the Downtown
Revitalization Institute
in general for 2006
please visit our website:
http://www.nj.gov/dca/dcr
/msnj/msnj_dri.shtml. •
Crystal said she loves
the girls, who have lived with
her and
her grandparents
since they
were toddlers. Her
grandparents were
the girl’s foster parents until
their adoption. “My grandparents always had foster
children, I grew up around
foster children. They were
crazy about the twins. They
adopted the girls because
they didn’t want them to
come and go as can be typical with foster care,” she said
she said her grandparents
adopted the younger sister
right from the hospital when
she was born. “They wanted
to keep the family together.”
Crystal’s role as parent started when her grandmother
passed away from complications of diabetes. Crystal
grew up with her grandparents after her parents separated and her mother moved
to Chicago. She lived on campus until her grandmother
got sick. She returned home
to care for her. Her younger
cousin came to live with the
family when her mother also
moved to Chicago. The girls
have no contact with any
other family members.
Crystal’s grandfather is very
supportive. “My grandfather
is a financial provider who is
preparing to retire soon. He
makes sure the money is
there for food and clothing.”
Crystal does all the shopping
between work and other
chores. She said the girls are
getting older but they are
good kids. “Sometimes is gets
tough because I’m only a few
years older than the twins –
there’s a lot of pressure
there.” She said just like all
teenagers, the girls think
they know everything and
want to dress anyway they
please.
Crystal doesn’t believe
the cross she bears is a hardship. She’s young and energetic and enjoys the many
rewards of caring for the girls.
“The biggest accomplishments are seeing the girls get
good grades in school and to
know that they are getting
the proper attention at
home.” She said she wouldn’t
trade her life for anything. •
USA • APRIL 2006
A Message from Thomas Favia-President JCEA
HIGHER EDUCATION IS A REAL OPTION;
TWO-YEAR SCHOOLS ARE A GREAT
CHOICE FOR NEW JERSEY GRADUATES
s springtime nears,
high school seniors
are turning their
attention to the future.
With graduation just
around the corner, they are
deciding their next step.
Past experience tells us
that most of them will
choose to continue their
education.
New Jersey proudly
boasts the nation's highest
graduation rate. But there
is another statistic that
often gets overlooked, and
it is just as significant.
According to the
most recent figures from
the New Jersey
Department of Education,
84 percent of the state's
high school graduates
intend to continue their
education. That is good
news for New Jersey. Study
after study concludes that
higher education significantly boosts an individual's earning power.
Recent figures from the
federal government show
that college graduates earn
salaries nearly twice as
A
high as those earned by
high school graduates.
Advanced degrees are even
more valuable. And what is
good for individuals is
good for New Jersey. A
highly-educated population
helps ensure that the state
will remain a center of
innovation and a leader in
the current high-tech and
information-based economy. Although higher education is vital, the cost of college can be intimidating.
The average tuition, room
,and board at a four-year
public institution is well
over $10,000 annually.
Private schools average
nearly three times that
amount, and many now
cost well in excess of
$40,000 per year. While
students who attend those
schools typically earn back
their investment many
times over, not everyone
has the economic means to
invest that much in college.
Fortunately, New
Jersey provides a highquality option at a lower
LONG BRANCH
CLASS OF “76” TO
HOLD REUNION
You are cordially
invited to attend
the Long Branch
High School Class
of 1976 - 30 Year
Class Reunion at
McLoones Pier
House in Long
Branch, NJ. The
reunion will take
place on Friday,
June 30, 2006 at
7:00 p.m.
The dress attire
is SEMI-FORMAL.
Old school and new
school music will be
cost that makes higher
education much more
broadly accessible. The
state's system of nineteen
county colleges spread
around the state opens up
a world of opportunity for
New Jersey's diverse population.
I know. I am a graduate of Cumberland County
College. One of five children from a working-class
family. I received a great
public education in Downe
Township and at Bridgeton
High School. But my formal education might have
ended there if it was not
for the county college
option. My parents were
not in a position to pay for
me to go to college, but
with the help of a scholarship from the Cumberland
County Council of
Education Associations
call us
for
best
results
201.
223.
6925
and a series of part-time
and summer jobs, I was
able to earn an associate's
degree in two years before
completing my undergraduate education at Rowan
University.
I don't think my situation is unique. Every year,
thousands of promising
students discover that
higher education is more
accessible than they ever
imagined. And now it is
even more affordable.
Under a program called NJ
STARS, New Jersey students who graduate in the
top 20 percent of their
high school class qualify
for free tuition and
approved fees at New
Jersey's county colleges.
And if they maintain at
least a "B" average and
earn an associate's degree
they are eligible for the
STARS II program, which
provides free tuition to
complete a bachelor's
degree at any participating
New Jersey four-year public school. For students
considering life after high
school, it can be the
opportunity of a lifetime.
Students choose where to
go to college based on
many different factors.
But in New Jersey, at
least, all students have the
opportunity to pursue
higher education. We
encourage all students to
pursue their dreams and
be diligent in their quest
for a higher education. •
New Jersey Two-Year Colleges
NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION
20 West State Street, 7th floor, PO Box 542, Trenton, NJ 08625-0542
http://www.state.nj.us/highereducation
Tel: 609-292-4310 • Fax: 609-292-7225
ATLANTIC COMMUNITY COLLEGE (ACC)
WWW.ATLANTIC.EDU
BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE, PARAMUS
WWW.BERGEN.CC.NJ.US
BERKELEY COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
WWW.BERKELEYCOLLEGE.EDU
BROOKDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE - LINCROFT
WWW.BROOKDALE.CC.NJ.US
BURLINGTON COUNTY COLLEGE, PEMBERTON
WWW.BCC.EDU
CAMDEN COUNTY COLLEGE, BLACKWOOD
WWW.CAMDENCC.EDU
COUNTY COLLEGE OF MORRIS, RANDOLPH
WWW.CCM.EDU
provided and the
reunion is open to
friends and family
members.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY COLLEGE, VINELAND
WWW.CCCNJ.NET
ESSEX COUNTY COLLEGE, NEWARK
WWW.ESSEX.EDU
FAIRLEIGH –DICKINSON UNIVERSITY
WWW.FDU.EDU
GLOUCESTER COUNTY COLLEGE, SEWELL
WWW.HUDSON.CC.NJ.US
McLoone's is
located at 1 Ocean
Avenue, Long
Branch, New
Jersey, 07740,
(732) 923-1006.
For further
information, please
contact Leslie Hill
at (678) 773-2043
or email
[email protected]. •
HUDSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, JERSEY CITY
WWW.HUDSON.CC.NJ.US
KATHARINE GIBBS SCHOOL, MONTCLAIR
KGIBBS.COLLEGE-INFO.ORG
MERCER COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, TRENTON
WWW.MCCC.EDU
MIDDLESEX COUNTY COLLEGE, EDISON
WWW.MIDDLESEXCC.EDU
OCEAN COUNTY COLLEGE, TOMS RIVER
WWW.OCEAN.EDU
PASSAIC COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, PATERSON
WWW.PCCC.CC.NJ.US
RARITAN VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, SOMERVILLE
WWW.RARITANVAL.EDU
SALEM COMMUNITY COLLEGE, CARNEYS POINT
WWW.SALEMCC.ORG
SUSSEX COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, NEWTON
WWW.SUSSEX.EDU
UNION COUNTY COLLEGE, CRANFORD
WWW.UCC.EDU
WARREN COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, WASHINGTON
WWW.WARREN.CC.NJ.US
DEVRY TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, WOODBRIDGE
WWW.NJ.DEVRY.EDU
USA • APRIL 2006
COMPANY CAN HELP
COULD THERE BE OCTOBER
MAGIC FOR YANKEES, METS? YOU GET STARTED
BY JIM HAGUE
he 2006 baseball season began recently and for the first time in over five
years, there is hope and optimism in
both the Bronx and Queens.
That’s because both the Mets and the
Yankees appear to have solid teams, contending teams, one that could actually be
playing for something when the leaves
begin to turn colors in October.
Did anyone say “Subway Series?” It’s not
outside the realm of possibilities.
First, the Yankees, who have a starting lineup that borders on the powerful teams of
the 1920s, 30s and 40s, teams that had the
great nicknames of “Murderer’s Row” and
“Bronx Bombers.”
It’s scary to think how many runs the
Yankees will score this year, with people
like Johnny Damon, Derek Jeter, reigning
American League Most Valuable Player
Alex Rodriguez and Gary Sheffield swinging away. And that’s just the first four in the
lineup. There is Jorge Posada, the extremely
underrated and underappreciated Hideki
Matsui, a rebounding Jason Giambi and rising star Robinson Cano to deal with.
There is talk about the Yankees actually
scoring 1,000 runs as a team, something had
never been accomplished in major league
baseball. With that lineup, it certainly can
happen.
But the Yankees’ fortunes will come
down to a brittle pitching staff, one that is
headed by 42-year-old Randy Johnson and
backed up by a fading Mike Mussina.
Jaret Wright has proven that he is not worthy of the $21 million contract he got last
year and Carl Pavano has already become a
distant memory. Will he ever pitch again or
is he so caught up in dating Hollywood starlets like Alyssa Milano and Winona Ryder?
The Yankees need big seasons from ChienMing Wang and Shawn Chacon in order to
stabilize the staff. Imagine having to rely
upon those two unproven commodities.
But the Yankees will certainly be exciting to
watch all summer and they have to be considered the favorites in the American
League East, with the Red Sox and the Blue
Jays next in line.
Boston made some nice acquisitions
in the off-season, like Josh Beckett and
Mike Lowell from the Marlins and the
immortal breakfast name Coco Crisp to
T
replace Damon in centerfield.
But they also lost a lot in Edgar Renteria
and Kevin Millar and their bullpen is still a
complete joke. The Yankees have Mariano
Rivera, a Hall of Fame, as their closer. The
Red Sox have a broken Kevin Foulke and
Jonathan Papelbon, whatever that is. The
Blue Jays spent $100 million on pitchers
A.J. Burnett and B.J. Ryan, only to have
Burnett end up on the DL.
Now, for New York’s other team. The
Mets also made a big splash in the off-season, getting first baseman Carlos Delgado,
catcher Paul LoDuca and closer Billy
Wagner, upgrading the team in all three
positions.
But the key to the Mets’ success this year
will be the physical health of Pedro
Martinez and the mental health of Carlos
Beltran.
Pedro the Magnifico was bothered all
spring by an achy big toe. We can’t remember a toe getting so much publicity before
since Hall of Fame kicker Lou “The Big
Toe” Groza was kicking footballs for the
Cleveland Browns. If the toe holds up and
Martinez can be simply Pedro, then the
Mets have an ace that can carry them
through the spring.
If he starts to limp, then the Mets’
hopes will gimp along with him.
Beltran, who had a miserable first season,
hopes to live up to the expectations that
come with a $117 million contract and the
microscope that is New York baseball.
Beltran pouted his way through the preseason, then sulked when the crowds at Shea
booed him in the early going this season.
He did hit a homer in the third game of the
season and was about to refuse the fans a
curtain call, before wise old Julio Franco
told Beltran to get his butt up the stairs and
wave to the fans.
If Beltran pouts and moans, it could
be a long year for the Mets. They need him
to be a consistent, productive force. If he
does that, then they can contend for honors
in the National League East.
Although Atlanta has only won the
divisional title for the last 15 years. The
Braves will be there again this year, but
look for the Mets to emerge victorious, followed by the Braves and Phillies.
Now, the other divisions. In the
National League, the Cardinals are a shoo-in
in the Central, but look for a bounce-back
year for the Cubs. Maybe the Cubs will be
the wild card. They’ll be in the mix.
In the NL West, the only legitimate contender
is the Dodgers. The rest of that division is
awful, with Bulked-Up Balco Barry moaning
and groaning the Giants into oblivion.
In the AL Central, the defending World
Champion White Sox appear like the team to
beat once again, followed by the Cleveland
Indians.
In the AL West, look for Oakland to dominate,
with their pitching and revamped lineup.
As for the playoffs, it’s always a crapshoot, but we’re pulling for the Subway
Series. A replay of 2000? Not if this Met fan
has any say in that matter.
Enjoy the season. Should be fun. •
Learn the lingo of the lender
SHOPPING FOR A MORTGAGE FOR
THE FIRST TIME CAN FEEL LIKE
LEARNING A NEW LANGUAGE. THESE
DEFINITIONS FROM A TRAINING
MANUAL OF A MORTGAGE COMPANY,
CAN HELP YOU GET STARTED.
MORTGAGE BANER:
A mortgage banker specializes in originating and servicing mortgage loans. They
generally sell their loans to
investors but might continue
to service them.
MORTGAGE BROKER:
A persona or organization
specializing in finding mortgages for those wishing to
buy property.
INITIAL INTEREST RATE:
Sometimes referred to as a
“teaser rate”, this is a low
initial rate on an ARM
ADJUSTABLE – RATE
MORTGAGES (ARM):
Mortgages with a contract
rate that is reset periodically in accordance with some
appropriately chosen benchmark index, typically one
based on a short-term interest rate.
ANNUAL PERCENTAGE
RATE (APR):
APR represents the percentage relationship of the total
finance charge to the
amount of the loan. It is a
measure of the yearly cost
of credit.
POINT:
A fee paid by the borrower
to the lender to lower the
interest rate. A point equals
1 percent (1000 basis points)
of the loan amount. This is
also known as discount
points or origination fees, as
charged by the mortgage
banker or broker.
DEBT RATIO:
A ratio used in underwriting
that determines what percentage of gross monthly
income is going to pay current monthly recurring debt
plus the proposed housing
expense for the new mortgage.
INDEX:
An index is a non-controllable, widely published and
freely available market
interest-rate indicator that
changes periodically with
fluctuations in the financial
markets. There are several
types of indexes and coupled with the margin, they
are used to determine the
new interest rate at the time
of adjustement.
LOAN TO VALUE RATIO
(LTV): The relationship
of a mortgage loan to the
appraised value of a property.
COMMITMENT FEE:
A fee paid to the lender or
broker upon acceptance of a
firm commitment to lend.
The fee is generally 1 percent of the loan amount. •
USA • APRIL 2006
CELEBRATE AND APPRECIATE
‘OUR HUDSON HOME’
THE HUDSON COUNTY IMPROVEMENT
AUTHORITY’S (HCIA) ANNUAL EARTH DAY
CELEBRATION WILL KICK OFF AT 10 A.M. IN
THE NORTH FIELD IN LIBERTY STATE PARK
ON SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 2006, WITH A 5K
RUN & FITNESS WALK FOLLOWED BY A KIDS
FUN RUN. WITH MAGNIFICENT VIEWS OF
THE NEW YORK CITY SKYLINE, THIS
DAY-LONG EVENT PROVIDES AN EXCELLENT
OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE
ENVIRONMENT AND CREATE A MEMORABLE
EXPERIENCE FOR YOUR FAMILY.
S
ince the first Hudson
County 5K in 1994,
Earth Day has evolved
into a great event for
Hudson County, with
community participation
increasing every year. In
2003, the HCIA added the
Earth Day Fair and Kids’
Kingdom and expanded its
event to a full day of fun and
learning.
For this year’s Earth
Day, the HCIA has partnered
with Liberty State Park, New
Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection’s
(NJDEP) Division of Parks &
Forestry, the County of
Hudson’s Division of Parks,
the Liberty Landing Marina,
the Liberty Yacht Club, the
Hudson River Fisherman’s
Association, the Liberty
Science Center and Friends
of Liberty State Park and
several local agencies to
make this event truly a
public/private partnership.
“The HCIA is thrilled
that so many groups chose to
make meaningful
contributions to the 2006
Earth Day celebration at
Liberty State Park," said
John L. Shinnick, Chairman
of the HCIA.
Adults will be able to
register for the Race/Walk
on Saturday, April 22, 2006,
at Liberty State Park from
7:30 am to 9:30 am. Race
registrants will receive teeshirts, a chance to win
trophies and medals, and
will be entered in a random
prize drawing. The cost of
the race and fitness walk is
$15 per participant. The Fun
Run takes place immediately
following the adult race and
is open to children under 12
years of age – strollers are
welcome! All participants
will receive a gift bag and
there will be age appropriate
winner categories.
After the 5K Run/Walk for
adults, or the Kids Fun Run,
there are plenty of familyfriendly activities to be
found. From 11 a.m. to 4
p.m., a “Kids Kingdom” will
feature environment-themed
displays, information on
services available throughout
‘Our Hudson Home’, tree
seedlings (compliments of
the NJDEP’s Division of
Parks and Forestry), stage
and strolling entertainment,
interactive entertainment
such as inflatable rides,
many arts and crafts
activities and contests.
Awards will be distributed to
the winners of the HCIA’s
3rd Annual Earth Day Art
Contest and the 4th Annual
Crayon Recycling Contest.
The Hudson County
Improvement Authority
(HCIA) will also continue its
Sneaker Recycling Program
as part of the event. Fair
participants are asked to
donate old sneakers for a
chance to win a new pair of
running shoes. Donated
sneakers will be “ground up”
and used to build athletic
surfaces for use on soccer
fields, basketball courts,
running tracks and
playgrounds. The HCIA will
accept all brands of athletic
shoes with the exception of
those containing metal (i.e.
eyelets or cleats).
In addition, the
Liberty State Park
Interpretive Center will be
holding an Earth Day
Challenge from 9 am – Noon.
This beautification project
includes a clean up of the
back beach behind the
Interpretive Center. Preregistration is required. For
more information, call
201-915-3409.
“In keeping with this
year's theme of ‘Celebrate
and Appreciate Our Hudson
Home,’ we are encouraged
that so many home grown
organizations will be on
hand to help us educate
residents about the need to
protect our Hudson County
home,” said County
Executive Thomas A. DeGise.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
ON THE 2006 EARTH DAY
CELEBRATION, CALL OUR
ENVIRONMENTAL HOTLINE:
1-800-540-0987 OR VISIT
WWW.HCIA.ORG.
FAMILY FUN &
FITNESS
5K Race/Fitness Walk
• Begins at 10 AM
(Registration:
7:30 – 9:30 AM)
• $15 on race day
• Along Hudson Waterfront
• Ages 12 & Up
• Trophies & Medals
to winners
• T-shirts for participants
Free Kids’ Fun Run
• Registration at 10 AM
• Open to children under 12
• Strollers welcome
• Prizes for winners
• Gifts for all participants
EARTH DAY FAIR
11 AM TO 4 PM
• FREE earth-friendly
activities
• Health Screenings
• Safety Workshops
• FREE rides
• Arts & Crafts
• Kite Flying
• Strolling & Stage
Entertainment
LOTS OF PRIZES
Donate an old pair of
sneakers and earn a
chance to win a new pair! •
USA • APRIL 2006
EDITION No. 2 PAGE/14
GALILEE WHERE THE FLAME OF
KNOWLEDGE BURNS BRIGHTLY
USA • APRIL 2006
N W S N I
K N E J O H N S O N
C A O I H T E W S K B U R Y J
A A I
H L O Y P K A B B O T T
J T R J L L V I
C B K S R B T
N D S L K H E M O G K O A R H
O I
Y N O A U F C N P S J I
A
S M H S E S B T A N MH D S I
M H G U O R O B E S E E H C M
A C I
N H B G V P R N R F O E
H S E S O M A D X I
R I
O N H
A S J T Z D L P N G U D S N E
Annual tours are currently
focusing on following the
paths of the Underground
Railroad and visiting Historic
African American sites. "The
groups have trod the routes of
For more information
on the scholarship program,
or to make donations, write
to The History and Archives
Center, Galilee United
Methodist Church, 325
Genesee Avenue, Englewood,
NJ 07631 or email
[email protected]
or call 201-567-0009.•
B A B O N
A E C N E R R O T C I S R L W
S H O R T E R U L S MA Y Y Y
WORD SEARCH PUZZLE
1- Cleve Abbott – One of the pioneer coaches of women’s track & field.
2- Jesse Abrahamson - One of the top journalists in the history of track and field,
Jesse Abramson was best known for his
long-time coverage of the sport for the now
defunct New York Herald Tribune.
3- Andy Bakjian - Each year, USATF presents the
Andy Bakjian Award to an outstanding official
4- Willie Banks- He popularized the triple
jump by encouraging the crowd to clap as he
prepared for his run-up.
SOLUTION
PEACOCK
SCHMIDT
SHERIDAN
SHORTER
TEWSKBURY
TORRENCE
WOHLHUTER
European and African
Heritage were explored in
Charleston South Carolina,
notably known as the "The
Ellis Island of African
Americans." Tibbs explained
images of the injustices of
slavery, the Civil War and
reconstruction periods of plantations were relived.
Highlights of the tours also
include videos of prominent
politicians, actors, musicians
and athletes.
"Three groups of students have already graduated
the program and continue to
carry the flame with them into
college," Tibbs said. She noted
the cooperation from hotels
has been outstanding."The
Hyatt and Hilton has always
been very supportive of our
group." Mrs. Tibbs, church historian, has been involved with
the church for many years.
Her family came to New
Jersey from New York during
the depression in the early
1930's. Her father, William
Allen Johnson, was a minister.
He actually pastored at
Galilee.
R G I
B S B C A M P B E L L N U L Q
FOSBURY
GRIFFITH
JENKINS
JOHNSON
LINDGREN
MILBURMOSES
NEHEMIAH
The youth participants
are from the local community
and travel with parents and
teachers. Destinations place
emphasis on Historic African
American sites including
Underground Railroad routes.
"Youth develop self esteem,
pride and a sense of leadership as well as enhancing family life," Tibbs said. The inaugural trip in September 1995
toured Washington DC, visiting the Great Blacks in Wax
Museum, Museum of African
Art the Shenandoah Caverns
and the home of Frederick
Douglass. Other destinations
included Boston, stopping at
the First Church of Christ
Congregational that was once
inhabited by Joseph Cinque
and the African Slaves of the
Amistad. The group also
visited the Basketball Hall of
Fame, and the Black Heritage
Trail in Boston.
The 2005 theme for the
Pathways to African American
Heritage was "Lighting
Freedom's Flame", where the
group of 100 students, parents
and teachers traveled to
Cincinnati Ohio. Students are
required to write a five days
essay on the trip that is shared
with schools, churches and
other businesses. Highlights of
the trip are the National
Underground Railroad
Freedom Center, Wilberforce
University, the first college
owned and operated by
African Americans. Cincinnati
was one of the fastest growing
cities in pre-Civil War
America. It was a free city at
the edge of the slave-holding
south and hotbed of national
morality debates over slavery.
The River Jordan was the
crossroads for escaping slaves
to freedom.
R H T I F F I
CAMPBELL
CARLOS
CHEESEBOROUGH
CONNOLLY
DAVENPORT
ELLIS
F
slaves, martyrs, and abolitionists who bore the pain and
struggles for justice and
emancipation," Tibbs said. She
noted the sacrifices of the
lives and deaths of historic
African American such as
Harriet Tubman, John Brown,
William Still, Reverend Josiah
Henson and Frederick
Douglass are realities of life.
6- Willie Davenport
- He achieved a
unique distinction
in 1980 by becoming one of the few
athletes to ever
compete in both
Summer and
Winter Olympic
Games.
7- Valerie Brisco She became the
first American
woman to break 50
seconds in the 400
meters with her
time of 49.83
8- Milt Campbell Was an Olympic
decathlon champion but track and
field wasn't the
only sport in which
he excelled. He
was also outstanding in football, and
was also national
class in karate.
9- John Carlos At the 1968 Olympic Trials, he
stunned the track world when he beat
Tommie Smith in the 200 meter finals and
surpassed Smith's world record by 0.3 second. Though the record was never ratified
because the spike formation on Carlos' shoes
wasn't accepted at the time, the race reinforced his status as a world-class sprinter.
10- Chandra Cheeseborough - She made
history at the 1984 Games when she became
the first woman to win gold medals in both
relays, held less than an hour apart.
11- Harold Connolly – Won the gold medal in
the hammer throw at the
Melbourne Olympics in 1956.
ABBOTT
ABRAHAMSON
BAKJIAN
BANKS
BELL
BOTTS
BRISCO
or the twelfth consecutive year, the History and
Archives Center of the
Galilee United Methodist
Church in Englewood has
been providing full scholarships for student's ages 7-17 to
participate in the Pathways to
African American Program of
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
The program is designed to
expose the travel group to
notable legacies and sites of
African decent. Warrenita G.
Tibbs, director of the history
an archive center, said, “This
unique national program supplements the education not
taught in most African
History." This year's trip is
scheduled for August 11-15.
5- Earl Bell - One
of the most accomplished U.S. men's
pole vaulters in history
Tom Botts - During
his coaching
tenure, his teams
won four indoor
and four outdoor
conference titles.
12- Larry Ellis - In 1984 he
guided the men's Olympic team
that included Carl Lewis, winner
of four gold medals at the Los
Angeles Games.
13- Dick Fosbury - Revolutionized
the high jump when he developed
a new technique that quickly
became known as "the _ Flop."
14- John Griffith - Collaborated with famed
football coach Amos Alonzo Stagg and
Wisconsin track coach Tom Jones (also in
the Hall of Fame) to help start the first
NCAA outdoor championships
15- Charlie Jenkins – Olympic gold in the 1956
Olympics in the 400 m and in the 1,600m relay
16- Michael Johnson - The current world and
American record holder in the 200 and 400
meters, he became the first man in history to
win both those events at the same Olympics
in 1996 at Atlanta.
17- Gerry Lindgren - The first American ever
to win a distance event at a U.S.-Soviet
Union dual meet
18- Rod Milburn - During the early 1970s, he
dominated the 110m hurdles, setting or tying the
world record five times and winning the event at
the 1971 Pan-American Games and 1972 Olympics
19- Edwin Moses - This long-striding athlete
quickly developed a new technique, taking an
unprecedented 13 steps between hurdles
throughout a race instead of the usual 14.
20- Renaldo Nehemiah - He was the world
record holder, the first athlete to run the high
hurdles in under 13 seconds, and probably would
have been the 1980 Olympic champion if the
U.S. had not boycotted those games
21- Eulace Peacock - One of the world's top
sprinters and long jumpers during a 15-year
span in the 1930s and 1940s.
22- Martin Sheridan - After emigrating to the
U.S. from his native Ireland in 1897, he went on
to become one of the top U.S. Olympic medal
winners in history. His total of nine Olympic
medals is surpassed only by immortals Ray
Ewry, Paavo Nurmi and Carl Lewis.
23- Frank Shorter - A driving force in the distance running boom that started in the U.S. in
the late 1970s. He captured the imagination of
runners throughout the country and worldwide
when he won the 1972 Olympic marathon, finishing more than two minutes ahead of his
closest competitor.
24- Walter Tewskbury One of the world's top
sprinters-hurdlers at the turn of the century,
Dr. John Walter Tewksbury was a star of the
1900 Olympic Games, winning five medals.
25- Gwen Torrence One of America's best
and most versatile women sprinters of all
time, Gwen Torrence won five medals at two
Olympics and earned top U.S. ranking in the
100, 200 and 400 meters.
26- Rick Wohlhuter The top American half
miler of the mid-1970s, Rick Wohlhuter was
a two-time Olympian and the last American
man to qualify for the Games in both the
800 and 1500m events.
NJ STATE ASSEMBLY PASSES BILL PROVIDING
PRENATAL CARE TO HIV-POSITIVE WOMEN
T
he General Assembly recently
approved legislation sponsored by Assembly members
Sheila Y. Oliver, Louis M. Manzo,
and Linda Stender. The significance of the bill is that it can assist
in providing Prenatal Care and
information and counseling could
reduce HIV cases in newborns.
The immediate impact is
that it will help to expand prenatal
care services for pregnant women
who test positive for HIV.
The measure (A-1510) would direct
the Department of Health and
Senior Services (DHSS) to provide
physicians and health care practitioners with prenatal care information and voluntary counseling services for HIV-positive women preparing to give birth.
The department would be
required to consult with public and
private organizations to ensure
informational materials and counseling services are uniform
statewide.
"Access to prenatal information is vital for the more than
6,600 HIV-positive women who
give birth in America each year,”
said Oliver (D-Essex). "Statewide
access to education and counseling promotes an improved quality
of life for pregnant women living
with HIV and increases their chances of
having a healthy baby.”
According to
the Centers for
Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC),
there are over
123,000 women in
America
living with
HIV. In
2003,
AIDS
was the
fifthleading
cause
of
death
among
women
ages 25
to 44,
and the third leadingcause of death
in African-American women.
Women transmitted HIV to their
newborns one out of four times
without treatment, but only one out
of twelve times with treatment.
"State health programs need to
accommodate the special needs of
pregnant women who test positive
for HIV", said Manzo (D-Hudson).
"Education and counseling have
proven to be important tools in sig-
nificantly reducing the transmission
of HIV from mothers to newborn
babies.
Expectant mothers deserve
every opportunity to provide a safe
and healthy future for their unborn
children." Since mothers can infect
their children before birth and during labor and delivery, early detection is essential. Mother -to-child
transmission also can occur after
birth through breast feeding.
"Health care treatments for pregnant women infected with HIV can
dramatically reduce the odds of
passing on for HIV,” to their newborn infants,” said Stender (DUnion). "A pregnant woman infected with HIV faces critical choices
such as deciding what medicines to
use, whether or not to be breastfeed, and what method to employ
for delivery. Informed choices can
mean an improved life for the
mother and a healthier future
forher unborn baby.”
Currently, the Department
of Health and Senior Services
funds grants for HIV testing and
counseling. This measure would
expand HIV services to address
the unique health concerns of
expectant mothers and their newborns. The measure was passed 76
to 0. It now heads to the Senate
for further consideration. •
ENTERTAINMENT
COMING
EVENTS
APRIL
If you would like to be listed here please send us an email at
Calendar of events for the month of April
457 SHIRLEY ROAD, ELMER, NJ 08318,
856-358-2472
Fri. 7 - René Marie; Naked Blue
Fri. 21 – Greg Brown
BBKing Blues
Club & Grill
237 WEST 42ND STREET, NEW YORK,
212-997-4144
Sat. 1- A Tribute to James Brown, P-Funk & Sly
Stone, Blackalicious, Beatles Brunch – featuring
Strawberry Fields
Sun. 2 – Shaggy 2 Dope of Insane Clown Posse,
Sunday Gospel Brunch
Mon. 3 – Burt Bacharach
Tue. 4 – Burt Bacharach
Wed. 5 – Charlie Hunter * Hunter Christian
McBride* DJ Logic
Thur. 6 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Fri. 7- WGJAM – Grateful Dead. Tribute
*Post-RATDOG Show, The Wailers
Sat. 8- 42nd Street Puppets: Erick The Amazing
& Shallaballah, Yolanda Adams
Sun. 9 – Morbid Angel w/ Sp. Guests Behemoth
& Krisiun
Mon. 10 – Angeles del Infierno
Tue. 11 – Kings X
Wed. 12 – Gino Vannelli
Thur. 13 – Blue Dream Joe Satriani – Eric
Johnson, After Show, Phil Vassar
Fri. 14 – Steve Howe of Yes – Solo
Black Dog – The Definitive Led Zeppelin Tribute
Sat. 15 – Jerry Lee Lewis, Talib Kweli
Beatles Brunch featuring Strawberry Fields
Sun. 16 – Lil’ Flip + Chamillionaire
Easter Sunday Gospel Brunch
Mon. 17 – B.B.King
Tue. 18 – B.B.King
Wed. 19 – B.B.King
Thur. 20 – The 4:20 Party w/ Cannabis Cup
Reggae Band
Fri. 21 – Bela Fleck & The Flecktones
Sat. 22 – Little Feat, The Mutaytor
Beatles Brunch featuring Strawberry Fields
Sun. 23 – Charlie Wilson of The Gap Band
Mon. 24 – Jamaica’s Piano Legend Monty
Alexander + Luciano
Tue. 25 – Andy Garcia + CineSon All Stars
Featuring Cachao
Wed. 26 – Rupee + Alison Hinds
“The Queen of Soca”
Thur. 27 – Akon
Fri. 28 – Nils Lofgren
Sat. 29 – The Russian American Kids Circus
Sun. 30 – Exodus * Cryptopsy*
Suffocation* Immolation*
BERGEN PERFORMING
ARTS CENTER
30 NORTH VAN BRUNT STREET,
ENGLEWOOD, NJ 07631. 201-227-1030
Sat. 1 -- The Four Tops
Sun. 2 The Kennedy Center IMAGINATION CELEBRATION® on Tour presents “Alexander,
Who’s Not, Not, Not, Not, Not, Not Going to Move!”
Thu. 6 - Marijuana Logues
Wed. 19 -- Russian National Ballet in
“Sleeping Beauty”
Thu. 20 -- Jackie Mason
Fri. 21 - If You Ever Leave Me... I'm Going With You!
Sat. 22 -- 1964 "The Tribute" Beatles
Sun. 23 – Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia
presents “The Very Hungry Caterpillar and
Other Favorites”
Fri. 28 -- Supreme Concerts Presents Lily Tomlin
Sat. 29 -- Marvin Hamlisch
BLUE NOTE
131 WEST 3RD STREET, NEW YORK, 10012
212-475-8592
Sat. 1- Larry Carlton, Caté
Sun. 2 - NYU Faculty Jazz Quartet, Larry
Carlton
Meadowlands
TAKE SIX
201-935-8500
Wed. 19 – New Jersey Nets vs. New York Knicks (CAA)
Sat. 22- Metrostars vs. D.C.United (GS)
Sat. 29 – Campions on Ice 2006 Tour – (CAA
New Jersey
State Theatre
ON TRACK WITH NEW CD
15 LIVINGSTON AVENUE, NEW BRUNSWICK,
NEW JERSEY, BOX OFFICE: 732-246-7469
TCT-ENTERTAINMENT - APRIL
APPEL FARM ARTS
AND MUSIC CENTER
USA • APRIL 2006
Mon. 3 - Lisala Beatty
Tue. 4, Wed. 5, Thu. 6, Fri. 7, Sat. 8 - David
Murray Qt. + Odean Pope Sax Choir
Fri. 7 – Robin Eubanks EB3
Sat. 8 – Mike Clark with Skerik
Sun. 9 - Don Friedman with Yoshiro Okazaki
Mon. 10 – Charnett Moffett
Tue. 11, Wed. 12, Thu.13, Fri.14,
Sat. 15- Chick Corea, Airto Moreira
& Eddie Gomez – Forever Returns
Fri. 14 - Jason Lindner Project
Sat. 15 - The Citizens
Sun. 16 - Darren Barrett / Myron Walden Quintet
Mon. 17 - Berklee Scholarship Jazz Ensemble
Tue. 18, Wed. 19, Thu.20, Fri.21, Sat.22, Sun.23 Ron Carter Quartet + Karrin Allyson
Sat. 22 - Kimock / Perkins
Sun. 23 - Mamiko Watanabe Trio with Special
Guest, Joel Frahm
Mon. 24 - Lonnie Plaxico
Tue. 25, Wed. 26, Thur.27, Fri.28, Sat.29, Sun.30
- Michel Camilo Trio
Sat. 29 – Lafayette Gilchrist
Sun. 30 - Noriko Ueda Trio
2006 Brennan
Coffee House
Burt Bacharach - Sat. 1
Alexander String Quartet – Sun. 2
National Symphony Orchestra – Tue. 4
The Strange Case of Dr.Jeckyll and
Mr.Hyde- Wed. 5
Nrityamrit (Premrus) – Sat. 8
New Jersey Symphony Orchestra – Sun. 9
Lynne Truss- Mon.10
Sesame Street Live- Wed. 12
The Pirates of Penzance- Thu. 20
Russian Cossack State Dance
Company-Fri. 21 to Sat. 22
New Jersey Symphony Orchestra-Sun. 23
Yolanda Adams-Thu. 27
Peter, Paul & Mary-Fri. 28
Liza Minelli-Sat. 29
La Casa de Bernarda Alba-Sun. 30
NJPAC
ONE CENTER STREET, NEWARK, NJ 07102
BOX OFFICE: 888-466-5722
Chicago – Sat. 1
Andy Bey – Sat. 1
Chicago – Sun. 2
NJSO- Tue. 4; Fri. 7; Sat. 8; Sat. 29;
Toshi Reagon-Sat. 8
Soweto Gospel Choir-Sun. 9
R.Kelly-Wed. 12
The King of Punjabi Music-Sat. 15
San Francisco Symphony-Fri. 21
HMS Pinafore-Sun.23
Lang Lang-Fri. 28
Nai Ni Chen-Sat. 29
Tour of Light-Sun. 30
583 NEWARK AVENUE, JERSEY CITY
Fri. 21 - Modern Man
Count Basie Theatre
99 MONMOUTH ST. RED BANK, NJ 07701
732-842-9000
Sat. 1 - LUMA Theatre of Light; Four Pianos and
a Wedding
Sun. 2 - Ailey II
Sun. 9 - The Marijuana Logues with
Tommy Chong
Sat. 22, Sun. 23, Fri. 28, Sat. 29,
Sun. 30 - Cats!
Tue. 25 - The Artie Shaw Orchestra –
An Afternoon of Swing
Wed. 26- Carolyn Kepcher- Smart Talk Women’s
Lecture Series
Mc Carter Theatre
91 UNIVERSITY PLACE, PRINCETON, NJ 08540,
609-258-2787
Sat. 1, Sun. 2, Wed. 5, Thu. 6, Fri. 7, Sat. 8,
Sun. 9 – A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Mon. 3 – David Sedaris
Tue.4- Soweto Gospel Choir
Tue. 11- Mark Morris Dance Group
Fri. 14 – Cowboy Junkies
Sat. 15 – Jackie Mason
Mon. 17, Tue. 18 – Thom Pain
Fri. 21- The Mikado
Sat. 22- The Next Generation of Jazz!
Sun.23 – Hiromi
Mon. 24 – Lang Lang
Tue. 25 – Marc Salem
Sat. 29 – Dave Brubeck
Meadowlands
201-935-8500
Sun. 2- New Jersey Nets vs. Miami Heat (CAA)
Tue.4- New Jersey Nets vs. Atlanta Hawks (CAA)
Wed.5- New Jersey Devils vs. Pittsburgh
Penguins (CAA)
Thu.6 – New Jersey Nets vs. Charlotte
Bobcats (CAA)
Sat. 8 – New Jersey Nets vs. Cleveland
Cavs (CAA)
Sat. 8 – Metrostars vs. New England
Revolution (GS)
Sun. 9 – New Jersey Devils vs. New York
Rangers (CAA)
Wed. 12- New Jersey Nets vs. Philadelphia
Sixers (CAA)
Thu. 13 – New Jersey Devils vs. Philadelphia
Flyers (CAA)
Sat. 15 – Heat 2006 Live in Concert (CAA)
Sun. 16 – New Jersey Devils vs. Philadelphia
Flyers (CAA)
Sun. 16 – New Jersey Nets vs. Boston
Celtics (CAA)
NJSO- New Jersey
Symphony Orchestra
2 CENTRAL AVENUE, NEWARK, NJ
TEL: 973-624-3713
Sun. 2 – Neeme Jarvi, Conductor
Tue. 4 - Neeme Jarvi, Conductor
Fri. 7, Sat. 8, Sun. 9 – Maestro and the Masters,
Neeme Jarvi, Conductor and Julian Rachlin, violin.
Sun. 23 – Young Artists Competition Concert
Sat. 29 – NJSO Family; Mozart’s Magnificent Voyage.
NJSO Pops – Linda Eder
Paper Mill Playhouse
BROOKSIDE DRIVE, MILLBURN, NJ 07041, BOX
OFFICE: 973-376-4343
Carnival! Audio-Described Performances:
Thu. 6 at 2pm • Sat. 8 at 2pm • Sun. 9 at 7:30pm
Sign-Interpreted & Open-Captioned Performances:
Sun. 9 at 7:30pm
Cast Talkback Series Directly following the
Saturday Matinee in the Theatre on April 8
You can ask the questions! Learn all you want to
know about how our casts prepare for their roles,
their rehearsal process, and more.
Patriots Theatre
at War Memorial
MEMORIAL DRIVE, TRENTON, NJ 08601,
800-984-8400
Sun. 2 - The Greater Trenton Symphony
Orchestra
Tchaikovsky's Greatest Hits
Sat. 15 – Renee Taylor & Joe Bologna in “If you
ever leave me…I’m going with you!”
Thu.20- Laurie Altman
Fri. 28, Sun. 30 – Boheme Opera NJ presents
Carisle Floyd’s SUSANNAH
Radio City Music Hall
6TH AVENUE, BETWEEN 50TH & 51ST STREETS,
NEW YORK, TEL: 212-247-4777
Sat. 01 – Dream Theater
April Fool’s Day Comedy Show
Tue. 04, Wed. 05 – David Gilmour
Wed. 12- Sun. 16 – Dora’s Pirate Adventure
Mon. 17 – The Greatest Show on Earth – Ringling
Bros.and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Tue. 18 – R Kelly
Wed. 19, Mon. 24 – Billy Joel
Thu. 20 – Freestyle Extravaganza; 6th Annual
Jammy Awards
Fri. 21 – Black Eyed Peas
Sat. 22 – Kirk Franklin & Mary Mary
Sat. 22- Jordan All-American Classic
he Blue Note in New
York City was the
venue for the group
Take Six to present its new
CD and perform for the
emotionally charged audience. The atmosphere was
filled with electricity and
Take Six did not disappoint anyone.
T
Let’s put it this way:
there is a spirit that always
rises to the top when you
have God in the house. The
unique style and quality of
performance was without
comparison question one of
the best shows this reporter
has ever witnessed. Check
out the new CD it is hot.
The crowd was diversified and everyone was into
the performance clapping,
stomping and a whole lot of
Amens. The group performed some old standards
and hit home with their rendition of “Wade in the
Water.” Yet nothing stimulated the crowd like their rendition of the Bill Withers hit
“Grandma’s Hands.” Just for
a moment I closed my eyes
and thought I was back in
church and Grandma was
really clapping her hands
again on Sunday morning. I
know you can relate.” We
are on a mission to control
our own destiny.”
Take Six has embarked on its new CD tour with
stops in Los Angeles,
Chicago and New York City.
The members now live in
two parts of the country
Nashville, Tennessee and
Los Angeles, California.
Their latest CD “Feels
Good” makes you feel just
that when you listen to it.
The CD is a natural progres-
sion from where it came
from and their previous
release. Their style is
unique, a little R&B, Gospel
and now some hip hop all
combined into an a Cappela
fantasy. “We are moved and
motivated by performing for
the public,” said the group.
This group, which has won
10 Grammy awards and 10
Dove awards, has over the
last two decades set the
standard for working hard
and making its mark in the
industry.
Not only is their new
CD available, they are now
recording on their own label
– named appropriately, Take
6. The group is faithful to
the moralistic character of
its music. Never recording
anything that will question
its faith. The group consists
of Claude McKnight, Alvin
Chea, Cedric Dent, David
Thomas, Joel Kibble, and
Mark Kibble. The group is
also under new management and is striving to
reach new heights in its
recording and performing
careers.
Its upcoming performances will include a tour
outside the country, specifically, the first stop in
Ecuador. It will also be
interviewed by CNN later
this month for a program
that will air in the near
future. Take Six will be
going to Atlanta and Dallas
soon to also perform. The
group will return to perform in New York in mid
June. Check out Take 6
when it returns to the metropolitan area and pick up
its new CD today. While
you are at the store, pick
up its older CDs, as well. •
LOVE LINES
THE POETS CORNER
EACH MONTH THE COURIER TIMES WILL PUBLISH A POEM
WRITTEN BY AN AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTIST. THIS MONTH’S
POEM IS SUBMITTED BY JAMES ADAMS, SR.
HAVE YOU EVER
Have you ever felt a morning breeze
Blow softly on your face
Or ever seen a snow white dove
Land gently into place
If you could walk upon a cloud
And not disturb it much
Then you begin to realize
The meaning or your touch
Have you ever, noticed the evening tide
Nestled close to the shore
Then you begin to understand
That I miss you more and more
Have you ever felt a summer rain
Fall warmly on your face
Even that does not compare
To the warmth of your embrace
Take all those things and ponder them
And you begin to see
That all these things, wrapped in one
Are what you mean to me.
USA • APRIL 2006
A GOLD MEDAL
HERO IN OUR
OWN BACKYARD
BY JIM HAGUE
tainly came to make
Hudson County his
home in later years
and is now a prominent member of the
Hudson County
sports community as
a coach, mentor and
role model.
What makes Otis
Davis’ rise to stardom
even more remarkable is that Davis didn’t even begin to run
competitively until
he was a student at
the University of
Oregon, when he was
26 years old.
RUTGERS COOPERATIVE
RESEARCH AND EXTENSION’S
FREE ASTHMA EDUCATION
WORKSHOP
Asthma is a long
term disease in which lung
tissues are sensitive to various things, which set off
attacks. Asthma can not be
“Caught” from someone
else. Asthma attacks (also
called episodes) narrow
the breathing tubes, making it difficult to breathe
during an attack. In severe
cases, this can be lifethreatening and calls for
immediate medical treatment. The things that start
asthma attacks are called
triggers.” These are different for different people,
and most asthma patients
are sensitive to several
triggers. Most triggers are
irritants or allergens.
Other triggers, like cold
weather or strong emotions, are not.
While asthma cannot be cured, it can be controlled. Most asthma
patients can lead normal
lives.
Rutgers Cooperative Research and
Extension of Essex County
will be conducting free
workshops on
“Asthma….Living a
Normal Life.” The purpose
of the workshop is to talk
about asthma and how to
manage or control it.
Control of asthma consists
of two parts: Learning
your personal triggers and
how to avoid or control
them; and working with
your doctor to find (and
take!) the medicines that
work best for you. It is also
important to learn how to
recognize an attack, and
what to do for it.
To register for a
free workshop please
contact LeeAnn Mandrillo
at (973) 353-5959. •
Most sprinters are
finished by age 26,
washed up hasbeens. But Davis’
career was just starting at that time.
he first meeting between Otis Davis
and a local sportswriter occurred
about 15 years ago, when someone
mentioned that an Olympic gold medal-winning sprinter was residing in Jersey City.
T
Immediately, the thoughts went to
some of the local track legends that everyone read and heard about while growing
up, names like Charlie Mays and Leon
Bailey, athletes who were readily known
for their immense talent and Olympic aspirations.
How could anyone have forgotten
someone like Otis Davis, who not only won
one gold medal in track in the 1960
Olympics in Rome, but actually captured
two gold medals? How did that name not
appear in the memory bank?
The answer to that was simple. Otis
Davis wasn’t born and raised in Jersey City
like the other local athletes. But he cer-
Davis was born in
Tuscaloosa, Alabama nearly 74 years ago
and was always involved in athletics, but
never really gave much thought to track
and field. In fact, in his early days, Davis
was a fine basketball player and actually
dreamed of becoming a pro basketball
player.
However, for a young AfricanAmerican growing up in the deep south,
those were lofty goals that weren’t usually
attained.
“I was never one to let anything
stand in my way,” Davis once said in an
interview a few years ago. “I never let anyone tell me that I couldn’t do something or
I shouldn’t do something. I always dared to
be different. I always had dreams to
achieve, to make something out of my life.
I wanted to have a chance at doing something great.”
CONTINUES ON PAGE 22
USA • APRIL 2006
ASTHMA & NUTRITION
BY LEE ANN MANDRILLO
•
Increase the amount of
calories consumed while
decreasing the amount of
Carbon Dioxide that the body
must deal with.The objective is
to decrease the amount of work
already stressing the respiratory system.
•
Eat small frequent
meals which are energy efficient, large meals can place
excess pressure on the
diaphragm, which increases
shortness of breath.
•
Avoid gas-producing
foods, such as beans, broccoli,
cauliflower and cabbage.
These foods also place excess
pressure on the diaphragm,
which also increases shortness
of breath.
•
Avoid ice cream and
extremely cold liquids, consumption of these foods
may cause the bronchial
tubes to spasm.
•
Increase the consumption of foods containing
flavonoids. Flavonoids are an
example of a phytochemical.
Phytochemicals are biologically
active, naturally occurring
chemical components in plant
foods. Quercitin, a flavonoid,
inhibits histamine release from
mast cells and neutralizes
unstable oxygen molecules that
cause bronchial inflammation.
Querecitin can be found in
cucumbers, berries, carrots, cit-
rus fruits, onions and apples.
•
Increase consumption of
foods that have anti-oxidant
properties. Anti-oxidants
quench free radicals and other
negative agents that stimulate
bronchial constriction. BetaCarotene,Vitamin C,Vitamin E
and Vitamin A all have beneficial anti-oxidant properties.
•
Vitamin C: This vitamin
is a major antioxidant in the
lining of the lungs.Vitamin C
also exerts numerous effects
against the allergic response,
as well as preventing white
blood cells from creating and
excreting histamine.Vitamin
C can be found in any citrus
product, sweet potatoes,
guava, papaya, cantaloupe and
sweet yellow peppers.
•
Vitamin E: This vitamin acts as an inhibitor of
leukotriene. Vitamin E can be
found in polyunsaturated oils
(sunflower, safflower, canola
and corn) Sunflower seeds,
peaches and oatbran.
•
Vitamin A: This vitamin
is the precursor to BetaCarotene. Both Beta-Carotene
and Vitamin A have numerous
beneficial effects in the lining
if the lungs and Bronchial trees.
Vitamin A and Beta-Carotene
can be found in bright colored
fruits and vegetables, such as
carrots, sweet potatoes, mango
and cantaloupes.
•
Consumption of foods
that contain Selenium is
another important dietary
aspect in Asthma management. Reduced selenium levels have been found in asthma
patients. Selenium is part of
Glutothione Peroxidase, a powerful antioxidant enzyme.
Glutithione Peroxidase plays
an important role in protecting
blood cells of the lungs.
Selenium can be found in
nuts, grains brown rice, chicken, garlic, onions and tuna.
•
Eating foods high in
Magnesium can also help control asthmatic conditions.
Magnesium controls bronchial
smooth muscles and is given
intravenously to halt an acute
asthma attack, Magnesium can
be found in dairy products, fish,
meat, seafood, apples, apricots,
brown rice, cantaloupe, lima
beans and black eyed peas.
•
Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids
have been shown to increase
the function of the immune system by increasing the activity
of phagocytes. Phagocytes are
white blood cells that engulf
harmful bacteria. Good sources
of Omega Fatty acids are cold
water fish, such as salmon,
mackerel, cod, hearing, and
tuna. Flaxseed oil is also another excellent source of these
important Fatty Acids. •
FROM GRANDMA’S KITCHEN
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
FRIED CHICKEN
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
2-3 LBS. CHICKEN PIECES
VEGETABLE OIL
2 CUPS FLOUR
2 TSP SALT
1 TSP CURRY POWDER
1 TSP BLACK PEPPER
1 EGG
1 CUP BUTTERMILK OR MILK
1 TSP POULTRY SEASONINL
BROWN PAPER BAG
Thoroughly rinse and clean
chicken. Soak chicken in a mixture
of 1 quart of cold water and a 1/ 2
cup of vinegar for about 1/2 hour.
Mix flour and seasonings
together in paper bag.
Mix the egg and buttermilk or
milk together in a bowl.
Dip chicken, one piece at a
time into the egg mixture then
into flour bag. Coat evenly and allow
to sit for about 15 minutes.
In a heavy cast iron frying pan
put enough vegetable oil so that
chicken will be covered.
Place chicken into pan when oil
is hot. Fry till golden brown, covering the last 10 minutes. Enjoy!! •
call us
for
best
results
201.
223.
6925
Nutrition Is More
Than The
Food You Eat
BY CAROL CRYSTAL, MASSAGE THERAPIST,
CERTIFIED HOLISTIC HEALTH COUNSELOR
“You are what you
eat” How many
times have we
heard that?
Logically there must be
some truth to the saying. But
we all know people who eat
really well yet still fall ill to
disease.
And other people who
eat OK some of the time,
support the junk food
industry the rest of the time
yet they seem very healthy.
What can we make of this?
“You are How you eat”, I
think, is a more accurate look
at nutrition.
Digestion begins in the
mouth. Saliva in the mouth
contains specific enzymes to
break down particular
nutrients in the foods. If the
food moves too quickly from
lips to stomach the nutrients
designed to be extracted from
food in the mouth can never
be used by your body and just
get flushed. Over time, the
organs of your body which
needed those nutrients will
begin to break down giving
disease a chance to set in. In
other words, you must chew
your food, well. If you swallow
before the food is “mushy”
you have swallowed too soon.
Here’s an experiment. Chew
your food for 30 seconds. How
does it feel? Is it mushy?
How long do you need
to chew to be sure you are
getting the most nutrition
from your food?
Using beverages to
“wash” your food down
discourages you from chewing
enough and interferes with
the action of the enzymes in
your digestive tract. Try
drinking a minimal amount
during your meal, and never
drink before you chew
thoroughly and swallow.
Food that is swallowed before
it is well chewed puts a strain
on the rest of the digestive
system. The stomach, small
and large intestines were
designed to continue
digesting the well chewed
food. For some, indigestion is
just your stomach saying
“Hey, chew better, I am
working too hard”. Try
chewing well at every meal
for a few days and see how
you feel. Any chance to avoid
indigestion and medication is
a point scored for you.
Develop the habit of
getting the most from the
food you eat and you will
improve and preserve your
health.
Feel powerful.
Take control of your health.
Next time “You Are Where
You Eat”
Holistic Health considers the whole person,
including physical, mental,
emotional and spiritual
aspects. Massage Therapy
includes manipulation of
muscle and tissue to reduce
chronic and acute pain and
improve overall health.
Carol Crystal practices in
Hoboken, NJ and can be
reached at 201-913-2864 or
by e-mail at
[email protected]
EDITION No. 2 PAGE/18
USA • APRIL 2006
Midway’s answer to Electronic Arts’ NBA
Street series is alive and well in the form of NBA Ballers.
The first thing you’ll notice when getting to
the character selection, is the stunning digital recreation
of the player faces. Once starting up a game, it becomes
obvious that the superb graphics extend to the courts.
Another fine example of the graphics at work would be
all the various court animations. From complicated dribbling moves to the highest of dunks, everything is
smooth and impressive to watch!
Perhaps what makes
this game most
unique is that games
are played on a oneon-one affair. You play
on one
half-court and one
basket. Also, games
NBA BALLERS
Another key feature is
the create-a-character mode.
A lot of options are
given such as shoes,
jerseys, shorts—
nothing really that
out-of-the-ordinary.
Once created, your
player can take
part in the “TV
Tournament” story
mode, where you work
your way up the ranks of the NBA. The other
main story mode is “Rags to Riches” where you undergo
a tournament against NBA stars. Throughout the story
mode, your created player gets better stats depending
and other accessories that can be edited in the create-acharacter mode. Overall, NBA Ballers is an amazing
game to those interested in the street ball aspect of NBA
gaming. There are many unlockables to be revealed
throughout the game, such as custom accessories to
NBA legends. This title is definitely a solid choice. •
work like that of a
fighting game; first to
win two out of three
rounds is crowned the
winner. Fouls are loosely enforced as well, but
on a player’s fifth foul,
your opponent is issued
a foul shot good for
TAURUS
Your reputation
may be at stake
if you partake in
gossip. You'll
regret every word for some time to
come. Spend time getting into
physical activities with your lover.
Relatives may play an important
role in your social activities.
VIRGO
Your intellectual charm
will entice new love
interests. Make sure to
organize fun events for
the whole family.
Caustic language may cause you to
want to get out of the house. A
long, quiet walk alone may help
you sort out your thoughts and
calm down your soul.
AQUARIUS
Your personal secrets may be revealed if
you let coworkers in on your family
dilemmas. Don't let your family put
demands on you. Involvement in financial schemes will be followed by losses.
You will find that social activities will
lead you into passionate meetings
three points. First person to 11 points wins,
but you must win by
two points.
SAGITTARIUS
Accommodate
others but not
before you do
your own thing.
Go out with friends and avoid the
situation on the home front. Do the
proper safety checks before you go
out. You can make excellent career
moves if you are open to the
opportunities that exist. You will easily blow situations out of proportion.
LIBRA
Be sure to dedicate time for
old friends or
relatives you
don't get to see very often.
Renovating or redecorating
definetly beautify everybody’s surroundings.If you can get away
for a vacation, do so. Losses are
likely if you get involved with
uncertain individuals
CANCER
Do not let
others
exhaust you
financially.
Changes to your self image will be
to your benefit as long as you
don't over pay. You can make
some money if you get involved in
a conservative financial prospect
that is presented to you. Changes
in your residence may be financially favorable.
GEMINI
Your personal
secrets may be
revealed if you
let coworkers
in on your family dilemmas. You'll
be prone to tears if your mate is
harsh with you this month. You will
have to make changes in order to
eliminate the tension. Your emotions are fluctuating, so be careful
not to say things you'll regret
SCORPIO
IDon't let your boss
get the better of you.
Don't get so wrapped
up in being rich that
you overlook the fact
that your plan may
not be as solid as you thought. You
may want to try your hand at a little
creative writing. You may find that
your boss is not delighted with your
work lately. You will be subject to
pushy individuals if you get involved
in uncertain organizations.
ARIES
You can make
favorable
changes in
your home
environment.
Hobbies will be good for your
emotional well being. Take a second look; another person's philosophy may be extremely different
from yours. You could come into
extra cash.
LEO
You need to
keep everyone
on your
domestic
scene too busy to complain. Help
them more than they can help
you. Someone you work with
may be trying to make you look
bad. You need to do your own
thing and work on making yourself the best you can be
CAPRICORN
Take your time;
do not make any
decisions in
haste. You can't
do everything on your own time.
Don't spend too much in order to
impress others. Take work home but
be sure to spend some time with
your mate
PISCES
You should concentrate on your
professional
endeavors.
When somebody is really interested, they wait. Do things for them
but don't allow them to make
unreasonable requests. Sentimental
feelings may make it difficult to get
much done at work.
USA • APRIL 2006
"THE FINAL TURN"
Every couple of months we at The Courier Times will provide you with columns that reflect the state of Track & Field
in the United States. We will feature articles by guest columnists and encourage those of you who love the sportto
write us with pertinent information. You can write us at The Courier Times - 512 42nd Street-Union Ci
ty, NJ 07087
ON THE STATE OF TRACK & FIELD
don't know about the rest
of you out there, but I for
one am tired of always
hearing about the sorry state
of American Track & Field.
The popularity of our sport, or
lack thereof, has been an issue
ever since I can remember,
and I started to closely follow
track in the early 1980's.
Though the USA did very well
at the recent World
Championships this past
August, the success on the
track cannot serve to mask the
seeming lack of popularity of
the sport in the United States.
So, what's the deal? Do we
need to be worried, or is everything okay?
I
CRISIS? WHAT CRISIS?
Speaking strictly on the level
of participation, the sport of
Track & Field in America
seems as healthy as it ever
has. In USATF and AAU agegroup track, the meets still last
all weekend long with hundreds and sometimes thousands of kids competing on a
regular basis. Getting kids to
come out for track at the high
school level doesn't seem to
me to be any more of a problem than it has ever been.
Sure, we lose kids to other
sports, but there are also plenty of kids who have significant
athletic skills who choose
track over baseball, lacrosse,
and tennis, “the spring sports”
which with Track traditionally
competes for athletes. In most
large public high schools,
there is more of a problem
with having too many athletes
come out for track than there
is with having too few.
Athletes travel from all over
the country to compete at
meets like the Golden West in
California, the Golden South
in Florida, and the Nike
Outdoor Championships in
North Carolina. Such meets
are well-publicized, wellattended, and filled with exciting race after exciting race.
And anyone who has
attended or participated in the
annual relay meets that take
place every April, such as the
Penn Relays Carnival in
Philadelphia, The Texas Relays
in Austin, the Drake Relays in
Des Moines, or the Mt. Sac
Relays in California, and witnessed the enormous amount
of quality athletes who compete at the high school, colle-
giate, and professional levels,
would have to wonder how
there could be any viewpoint
other than that Track & Field
is alive and well in the United
States. At all levels, the competition every year seems to
get a bit stiffer, the qualifying
standards for major competitions are being raised, and the
number of athletes able to
meet those standards continues to increase.
On the international
level, the U.S. is still winning
many medals despite the fact
that so many other countries
have made advancements in
their training methods and
programs, and despite the fact
that a fairly large amount of
foreign athletes are trained by
American coaches. In the
men's 400 meters, for example,
may experts assumed that,
once Michael Johnson retired,
US dominance would come to
an end. But the US swept the
medals in the 2004 Olympic
Games in Athens, and they
nearly did so again at the
World Championships in
Helsinki in 2005. On the
women's side, once Marion
Jones fell off, Lauryn Williams
(in the 100 meter dash) and
Allyson Felix (in the 200 meter
dash) picked up right where
Jones had left off. So, what's
the problem?
DID HE JUST SAY "TRACK
BITCHY"?
Oh yes he did. To quote
a term from a coaching friend
of mine, one of the reasons
that Track & Field isn't more
popular is simply because
many Americans are "track
dumb," and they are blissful
in their ignorance. This point
came home loud and clear to
me during the 2003 World
Championships, in the aftermath of Jon Drummond's infamous moment of histrionic
protest against being disqualified for a called false start
that he fervently felt was
called in error.
For those of you who
don't remember, Drummond
lay prostrate on the track and
refused to get up for a good
long while, holding up the
start of the race, unwilling to
let an opportunity that he had
trained all year for, and
assumedly all his life for, fall
by the wayside because of an
official's decision. Whether or
not you agree with
Drummond's choice to refuse
to exit the track gracefully is
not the point here. I would
aver that anyone who understands the sport of Track &
Field would understand why
he acted as he did, regardless
of whether or not his extreme
reaction was justified. In other
sports, athletes get penalties
or technical fouls for rules
infractions; in track, you don't
even get the chance to compete. That can be a hard pill to
swallow, especially when
you're amped up and ready to
shine, and you've traveled halfway across the world just to
run this one race.
The next day, I was
watching Pardon the
Interruption on ESPN, which
has been one of my favorite
shows because I like the backand-forth banter between
Hosts Tony Kornheiser and
Michael Wilbon. Well, after
showing a clip of Drummond's
antics, Wilbon went on to
describe Drummond's display
as being typically "track
bitchy." What did he mean?
Exactly what it sounds like he
meant: track athletes are soft,
they're whiners, they can't
deal with adversity, etc. I
assume that Wilbon would
have preferred that
Drummond act more like a
"man" by cursing out the officials like a football or basketball player would instead of
crying and lying down on the
track. Wilbon's attitude,
though, is typical of most
Americans who don’t even
acknowledge track's existence
during non-Olympic years. The
only reason Drummond's performance appeared on sports
television news shows at all
was because it provided good
entertainment, it was amusing
the way a bearded lady at the
circus sideshow is amusing.
Wilbon's flippant remark
awoke me to the fact that, on
many levels, the average
American sports fan doesn't
understand the first thing
about track. Most Americans
don't follow any sports closely
except for football, basketball,
and, in some cases, baseball.
They don't understand how
meets are scored, they don't
understand the team aspects
of track, and the most glaring
aspect of the average sports
fan's ignorance regarding
track is that they don't under-
stand the nature of injuries in
our sport.
American sports fans
place a high premium on an
athlete's willingness to "play
hurt." Many of America's
greatest heroic athletic
moments have arisen from the
efforts of injured players.
Moments come to mind such
as Willis Reed dragging his
cortisone-injected knee out of
the tunnel and onto the court
in the New York Knicks' 1970
NBA Finals series against the
Los Angeles Lakers, Kirk
Gibson sliding his leg along
the base paths after hitting
the game-winning home run in
1988 World Series game,
Donovan McNabb throwing
four touchdown passes on a
broken ankle in 2003, Michael
Jordan dropping 35 on the
Utah Jazz in Game Six of the
1998 NBA Finals despite suffering from multiple flu-like
symptoms and needing help
just to make it to the bench
during timeouts. So, why, the
average sports fan wants to
know, do track athletes pull
out of competitions because
they feel "a twinge in their
hamstring" or suffer from
some other sort of relatively
minor ailment? What these
fans don't understand is that
the little twinge could become
a strain, and the strain could
become a pull, thereby ruining
months and years worth of
training, effectively flushing a
dream down the toilet. In
track, if you can't compete at
your best, then you basically
can't compete. All you would
do is aggravate your injury
and get beaten badly by the
competition in the process. In
track, you can't "help the
team" by playing hurt; particularly in relays, you can only
hurt the team by playing hurt.
In track, when it comes to
injuries, you pretty much
always have to err on the side
of caution. The situation of
Jamaica's Asafa Powell would
serve as a good example to
prove my point. He broke the
world record in the 100 meters
in the early part of this past
summer, but was too injured to
compete at the World
Championships later in the
summer. Sprinting so fast in
June prevented him from
sprinting at all in August, so
now he's left with nothing to
do but play the "If I had been
there" game regarding the
World Championships.
WHEN'S THE TRACK
MEET ON?
That's a good question.
Usually it's on at 1:30 in the
morning or some other ridiculous hour. In 2005, track coverage hit an all-time low in my
opinion, as the World championships were not shown on
any of the major television
networks, nor even on any of
the major sports networks.
Nor even on any of the minor
sports networks. The world
championships, featuring such
American greats as Justin
Gatlin, Allen Johnson, Jeremy
Wariner, Allyson Felix, and
Lauryn Williams, were shown
on the PAX channel, a channel
that shows nothing but
infomercials all day long. To
add insult to injury, the weeklong meet aired at 4:00 in the
afternoon on most days, when
most people were still at work,
and only the highlights were
shown on these
CONTINUED ON PG. 20
USA • APRIL 2006
America, the general public
would have more opportunity
to attend track meets, to get to
know the athletes, and gain a
basic familiarity with the sport.
CONTINUATION FROM PAGE 19……
PERFORMANCEENHANCING DRUGS
tape-delayed telecasts. Much of
the excitement that took place
in the early rounds of many
events wasn't shown at all. To
add more insult to more injury,
track fanatics were given the
option to view a live webcast
on some internet channel for
$4.95. Now you tell me, who
wants to watch a track meet on
a computer screen? Do NBA
fans have to watch basketball
games on a computer? Do NFL
fans have to watch football
games on a computer? You get
my point here. Telling fans to
watch the sport they love on a
computer is insulting.
These days, track
appears on TV less often than
all the major team sports, but
also less than such filler sports
as auto racing, golf, figure skating, poker (yes, poker), bowling, and, your favorite and
mine, beach volleyball. I personally don't think that Track
& Field will ever be a popular,
mainstream sport in the USA
for the simple fact that it isn't
TV-friendly, and there is really
no way to make it so. There is
too much down-time in a track
meet for the modern viewer
whose attention span decreases with every new technologi-
cal gadget that comes out on
the market. We live in the age
of reality television now; our
collective intellect is dwindling
at a rapid pace, and our desire
for instant gratification is soaring at an equally rapid pace.
Ours isn't the only sport suffering from this cultural malady
that has infested our society,
but it is definitely one of them.
Track is a sport of nuance and
subtlety; there are no jarring
hits, end zone dances, nor any
slam dunks to show on highlight reels. The various
attempts that have been made
over the years to make track
more TV-friendly have all
failed to one extent or another,
but I think that's more a reflection of the culture than it is of
the sport. Soccer, for example,
is another sport that has a
large number of participants
but has difficulty garnering television exposure. What I do
think needs to happen,
whether it creates more television interest or not, is that
there has to be more major
meets featuring track's brightest stars held in America. As it
stands now, all the "big" nonchampionship meets take
place in Europe. If more international meets took place in
DAVIS CAPTURES
TWO MEDALS
AT WINTER
OLYMPICS
The feat was twice as good as Shani
Davis became the first Black athlete
ever to win an individual gold medal
in the Winter Olympics, Davis, a
Chicago-native, won gold in the
1,000-meter race in 1:08:89. Davis
captured his second medal
this one a silver in the
1,500meters.
The 23-year-old Davis came in second place, crossing
the line in 1:46:13 boasting a silver medal to complement
his gold feat. "I'm just going to relax now and enjoy my
Olympic experience with two medals in my pocket", Davis
said after the competition in Turin, Italy.
I don't think there can be any
doubt that the biggest threat to
the future of Track & Field is
the use of performanceenhancing drugs by its star athletes. Just like with Pete Rose
betting on baseball, nothing
damages a sport more than
activity that compromises its
integrity. The public must feel
confident that the records
being set and the medals being
won are being won by athletes
who play by the rules of the
game. Otherwise, a situation
develops where every record is
looked upon as proof of cheating instead of being regarded
as a remarkable accomplishment that resulted from hard
work. It is very disappointing.
And disheartening that a modern-day track fan can't know
for sure which athletes are
clean and which are not, since,
as it stands now, there are athletes, such as Kelly White, who
have never even failed a drug
test who are admitting, due to
overwhelming circumstantial
evidence, to having taken performance-enhancing drugs.
There's no need to conjecture
as to what percentage of elite
athletes are using illegal
means to run faster, jump higher, or throw farther, but we can
all agree that enough of them
are doing it to cause what is
becoming potentially irreparable damage to the sport.
While the avid track fan
knows better than to believe
that track is merely a "steroid
sport," the general public,
which only hears about track
when there's another BALCO
report on the news, or when
another busted athlete comes
clean, has no logical reason to
take track seriously. USADA
(United States Anti-Doping
Association) is being very
aggressive “over-aggressive,
perhaps" in their attempts to
clean up the sport, but I really
don't see what choice they
have. Unfortunately, in this day
and age of designer steroids
and comprehensive performance-enhancement drug programs, assuming that everyone
is guilty until proven innocent
may be the only way to save
the credibility of the sport. I
just feel badly for the majority
of athletes out there who are
clean, who are doing the best
they can to make the most of
their ability, and have to be
dragged into the pit of suspicion with the actual cheaters.
My hope is that once we come
out on the other side of this
mess, the integrity of the sport
will still be intact.
SHOW ME THE MONEY
A wise man once said that love
of money is the root of evil,
and time has proven that he
indeed made a good point. In
the sport of Track & Field,
money from corporate sponsorships, appearance bonuses,
Grand Prix events and other
similar reward-based programs
has enabled many athletes to
extend their careers well into
their thirties. On the flipside,
however, it has also increased
the temptation to cheat, since
the money only goes to the
select few who end up on
Olympic victory stands. In a
sport where hundredths or
even thousandths of a second
can mean the difference
between cashing checks and
bouncing checks, the temptation to gain an unfair edge is
quite obvious. The sad fact of
the matter is that too many of
our best athletes are struggling to make ends meet,
working part-time or even fulltime jobs in an attempt to
support their own athletic
careers. Again, if more major
track meets were held in the
U.S., and there was therefore
more incentive for corporations to link themselves with
athletes who could bring name
recognition to their companies,
there might be more money to
go around for everybody.
AFTER ALL IS SAID
AND DONE . . .
As track fans, athletes,
and coaches, we can't look at
the problems of our sport without viewing them in the larger
context of the societal ills that
plague this country. Modern
American culture is defined by
greed, consumption, and impatience. The notion that hard
work is its own reward is fading quickly as we become
more and more results-oriented. Though we claim to admire
hard work, it is concrete success that we worship. We
praised the Boston Red Sox in
2004, for example, because
they finally defeated the New
York Yankees, not because of
the effort they put forth in
doing so. That same year, we
criticized Shaq and Kobe
when they lost to the less talented Detroit Pistons, not
because they played selfishly
in doing so. We all have to look
ourselves in the mirror and
come face to face with our
own hypocrisy; otherwise, we
will get so caught up in coming in first, making a lot of
money, and proving our superiority over our fellow competitors, that we will lose sight of
the real treasures athletics
have to offer the opportunity
to overcome one's own fears
and self-doubts, the chance to
develop lasting, meaningful
relationships, and the basic joy
that comes with being able to
say "I did the best I could."
I strongly feel that
Track & Field will survive the
entirety of its dark days, and
that even these dark days are
not as dark as they may seem
to be. There will always be, as
there has always been, coaches who are willing to sacrifice
their personal time in order
to work with athletes who
need their guidance.
Similarly, there will always be
athletes who are willing to
sacrifice time that could be
spent socializing with friends
in order to maintain their
training regimen. There will
always be those who are willing to give themselves to the
good of the sport, and, for
that reason, the sport can
never die. Visit Steve McGill's
website at http://www.hurdlesfirst.com/me.html. •
USA • APRIL 2006
JERSEY CITY ROTARY DINNER
he Rotary Club of
Jersey City – Daybreak
second annual community service awards dinner
honored eleven dignitaries,
Provident Bank and local
youth of the community at
Puccini’s restaurant in early
March. The evening was the
biggest event of the year for
the 15-member organization
with over 200 guests in attendance,” said president of the
club Joseph M. Napolitano.
Honoree Father Edward
Heavey gave the invocation
and the benediction. “The
Rotary Club members, fellow
honorees and guests exemplify quality of service to God
and each other and to give of
themselves unselflessly to a
city in need,” Father Heavey
said.
Honoree Tom Favia,
president of the JCEA, was
recognized for his many
years of educational service
to the youth of Jersey City.
“Tom has an uncanny ability
to provide top notch service
to the students,” said presenter Andrea Pastore. Favia
modestly accepted the award
and extended appreciation to
the teaching and coaching
staff. “The people around me
do a great job. Teaching is a
difficult job. There is no
more important job in the
country than being a school
teacher.”
Hudson County
Executive Tom DeGise presented his right-hand man,
Councilman William A.
Gaughan, with the prestigious award. “Bill is the kind
of guy that would take the
T
bullet for a friend,” DeGise
said. Gaughan accepted the
award and congratulated all
the honorees.
Joseph Sasone accepted the award for Hudson
County Community College
president, Glen Gabert. Dr.
Alec Calianese presented the
award to long time friend
Anthony L. Grazioso is
retired from NJ Transit after
shepherding the development of the Hudson Bergen
Light Rail.
Rolando Ramos
Lavarro, Jr emotionally
accepted the award presented by Councilman Steve
Lipski….Councilwoman Mary
Donnelly…..Councilman
Robert Gordon for being
extraordinary role models for
me.” He served as aide for
Councilwoman Donnelly and
director of constituent services for councilman Gordon.
Lavarro is a co-founder of
Sumisibol, a non-profit organization for Filipino-American
teenagers.
Assemblyman Lou
Manzo and Catherine
Dobbins of the Jersey City
Police Department presented
the award to Anthony “Tony”
Artificio, of Teamsters Local
641. “This family has over
forty years of giving of self to
community service,” Manzo
said. Tony graciously accepted the award and congratulated all the honorees.
“Karen Tanaka Rajsteter has
gone above and beyond at
the Boys and Girls Club. She
is the first in and the last to
leave,” said Gary Greenberg,
MSW executive director of
Boys and Girls Club as he
presented her award. Karen,
director of administration,
said, “I enjoy the Club and
am very honored by this
award.”
Lenora Gaskins,
Rotary Sergeant at Arms,
soon to be president elect
presented the award to
Benjamin Lopez, director of
the department of Family
Services. “Ben serves selflessly, and with truth and fairness through
sharing goodwill,” she said. In
accepting the
award, the honoree said, “There
are a great bunch
of people here
and I humbly
accept this
award.”
Attorney
Joe Boccia presented the community service
award to Hector
Lopez, member
of the Pershing
Field Babe Ruth
Hall of Fame.
“Hector is a family man, dedicated employee
with ten years in
the successful
recreation
league,” Boccia
said.
Jersey City
mayor Jeremiah
congratulated all
the honorees and
commended the
Rotary Club for
their community
service.
Six students of
Create Charter
High School were
also recipients of
the “Service
above Self”
award. They are
Erika Cherry,
Shrimattie Wheeler, Julie
Ortiz, John Perez, Aaron
Gaine and Jeorge Galvez.
Jersey City Rotary
Club, chartered in 1991,
offers support to the community as well as international
and vocational programs and
projects. Some of the Rotary
Daybreak accomplishments
are contributions to Polio
Plus, Hudson Cradle, and
Cancer Walks. The club
also provides Thanksgiving
dinners for seniors, offers
scholarships, and sponsors
a give a book program in
grammar schools. The club
also contributed to the
victims of 911, Tsunami,
and Florida disaster relief.
The club recruits, trains
and retains quality members and leaders through
fellowship events. •
USA • APRIL 2006
FROM PAGE 16
Bowerman encouraged
Davis to give track a try. He
had never run competitively
in a race anywhere.
track team.
At the Olympics, Davis was
to face off against the
thought-to-be invincible Carl
Kaufmann of Germany, who
was the world record holder
in the 400-meter dash. No
one expected Davis to do
well in the race, especially
facing the magnificent
Kaufmann.
But the underdog
Davis shocked the world, not
only beating Kaufmann, but
winning in world record time
in the process. Davis’ time of
44.9 seconds was the first
time that anyone had broken
the impenetrable 45-second
barrier.
Within a year, Davis
was competing on a national
level for the Ducks. He was
on the way to becoming an
NCAA champion in the 440yard run.
Davis was essentially
the Roger Bannister of
sprinters, breaking a mark
that never was thought to be
possible, much like
Bannister shattered the fourminute mile.
A year later, in 1960,
at the age of 28 years old,
Davis made the United
States Olympic team, heading to Rome as one of the
oldest members of the U.S.
Two days later at the
Olympics, Davis was at it
again, facing Kaufmann
again, this time head-to-head
in the finals of the 4-x-400
mile relay. When Davis got
the baton in the relay, he
never looked back and
defeated Kaufmann again,
helping the U.S. relay team
to a gold medal and another
world record time of 3:02.2.
Two events, two gold
medals. Not bad for someone
who only had been running
for two years.
Davis said that winning the gold medals were a
fine moment, but that his
legacy was created long
after the events were over.
of Oregon Hall of Fame, the
New Jersey Sportswriters’
Association Hall of Fame
and is currently the president of the Tri-States
Olympic Alumni Association,
which he helped to start several years ago.
He was also one of the
torch bearers for the 1996
Olympic Games in Atlanta.
It’s truly a remarkable
career.
Even at the age of 74,
Davis remains active as a
“I will
always be forever remembered
as an Olympic
gold medal winner,” Davis said.
“That’s something that I will
always carry
with me. People
will always
remember me
for that. I can
never be forgotten.”
Sure
enough, Davis is
a member of
the University
PRODUCTS
CALL US FOR BEST RESULTS 201.223.6925
Davis never let racial
inequality get to him. He
never used it as a crutch or
as a barrier. He kept an even
head, a steady pace and
dreamed of achieving.
In 1958, famed track coach
Bill Bowerman, who eventually became the founding
father to the Nike athletic
conglomerate, actually making running shoes out of his
own waffle iron, spotted
Davis running on a track at
the University of Oregon,
where Davis was attending
on a basketball scholarship.
truant officer for the Union
City Board of Education. He
doesn’t wear the gold
medals around his neck to
serve as a reminder, but his
efforts in teaching and
coaching kids in track and
field on his own is even
more extraordinary than
what he achieved as an athlete.
He’s truly someone to
admire and respect, regardless of the two gold medals
that he achieved almost 50
years ago. •
USA • APRIL 2006
FINAL FOUR: FINAL
FLOP, FLORIDA FOLLY
THE TRANSITION OF GORDON PARKS
BY JIM HAGUE
ple that this year’s Final Four.
Now, for the event itself. It
really is a time that galvanizes the
entire nation. It’s a weekend that
as the “Transition of Gordon
n Tuesday March 14th,
brings people from all over the
Parks.” She said that a great
2006 the ivory marble
nation together for a smorgasbord
American, a great man, a great
sanctuary of Riverside
of excitement. It’s a time that
enables college students to paint
artist and a great friend has
Church resounded with a
their faces in school colors and wear
proven that life can be lived on
requiem for Gordon Parks, the
funny wigs and for middle-aged
the upper rungs of the ladder
quintessential Renaissance man,
men and women to fantasize about
and that death can be met with
foremost photographer and raconBY: M. NETTLES
being college students again.
equanimity and dignity. “Thank
teur from American heartlands
It’s a weekend of finger pointing
you Gordon Parks for your lessons and yor
who left an indelible impression on our hearts as
and name dropping.
love.” The acclaimed actor Avery Brooks was
a man for all seasons.
“Hey, wasn’t that Bill
introduced as his first speaker by Reverend
He
was
born
into
a
life
of
poverty
in
Russell?” you say, as a big loping
Forbes. Mr. Brooks spoke eloquently and rapKansas, the last of fifteen children of Sarah and
seven-foot imposing figure walks by
tured the audience with his great resonant voice
Jack Parks.Though he was poor, he was
unannounced, simply wearing a
as he spoke with great veneration for his
enriched by his parents’ wisdom, faith and spiriwindbreaker and golf cap.
“adopted earthly father, teacher and friend.” He
tuality which enabled him like cream to rise to
“I think that’s Charles
spoke of how Gordon had given his and others
the top. Everything he set out to accomplish he
Barkley,” someone else says, as a
laughing man who was just named
“so much to last for many lifetimes.”
did superlatively, whether it was photography,
as a Basketball Hall of Famer gets
Many others also spoke of their fond
writing or directing. His photographs were not
his shoes shined in a hotel lobby.
remembrances. Former Mayor David Dinkins,
just two dimensional studies of light and shadThe litany of college coaches
with his voice choked, spoke of how he’ll miss
ows, but unspoken visual narratives.
parade by, because at the same
his grandfather and the times they spent
Within the sanctuary decorated with fratime that the Final Four is taking
together. Joel Freeman, Peter Kunhardt and
grant lilies and rose, the Rev. Dr. James Forbes
place, the National Association of
Gloria Vanderbilt glowingly spoke of their
Jr. gave the opening words. He spoke of how
Basketball Coaches is conducting is
veneration for the formidable Gordon Parks
Gordon Parks’s artistic works whether photoannual convention. So the coaches
and how they will miss his presence.
graphs,
plays
or
novels,
were
part
of
his
lifelong
convene and hobnob. Some even
The Postlude was the “Symphonic
campaign for dignity and equality. Furthermore
talk about possible job openings.
Set for Piano and Orchestra” by Gordon
Reverend Forbes spoke how Gordon Parks gave
“Get me in to get an interParks. “I saw that the camera could be
us the pictures which made sure that we know
view at Seton Hall,” one prominent
a weapon against poverty, against
the meaning of the words “Endurance,
New Jersey coach asked a reporter
racism, against all sorts of social
Versatility and Honor.” Poet Maya Angelou
while greeting fellow coaches in the
lobby of the convention. “Drop my
wrongs” – Gordon Parks. •
sent her greetings and described the memorial
name. I’d be interested in that job.
You can get me some interest by
putting my name in a column.”
Sure thing,Tom Green of FDU. Consider your
name dropped.
However, less than two minutes later,
Pete Gillen, the former Providence and Virginia
coach is spotted. Gillen is asked if he has any
interest in the Seton Hall job.
“Nope,” Gillen says. “But I know the guy
who is going to get that job and he’ll do a fine
job there.They made a good choice.”
Which leads the inquiring reporter to think only
one thing: The new coach at Seton Hall will
most certainly be Bobby Gonzalez, the
Manhattan coach who is good friends with
Gillen and served as Gillen’s assistant at
Providence several years ago. Don’t need to be
Sherlock Holmes to put those clues together,
Watson.
The Final Four provides one with the
opportunity to enjoy moments such as those.
Another great moment was running into former
New Jersey high school All-American Rodrick
Rhodes, who is now coaching at St. Edward’s
College, an NCAA Division II school in Austin,
Texas.
Rhodes, the former St. Anthony High
School standout who went on to college stardom
at the University of Kentucky, then USC before
a five-year career in the NBA, is now 32 years
old, matured, grounded and well spoken and
sounds like a man who is ready to make coaching a profession.
He is also a man who would love to come
home and coach in New Jersey in some capacity,
either high school or college.
How great of a role model would a talented
African-American who played at the highest levels be for inner-city kids of New Jersey? Rhodes
could be a shining example of how you can make
it in life through basketball out of the streets of a
place like Bergen-Lafayette in Jersey City.
Rhodes would be a good hire for some
school. Consider that name dropped as well.
All in all, it’s a great event, one that should
be enjoyed and treasured. It’s only a shame
that the basketball couldn’t live up to the
event itself. •
O
ere are some observations that one
sportswriter made while attending the
NCAA Final Four in Indianapolis.
First, there is no better sporting event to attend,
to cover, to witness, to savor than the Final Four.
You have four different schools from four different areas of the country all getting together for
one grand showdown.You have hopes and aspirations, dreams and glories of grandeur. Even
your biggest of Cinderella stories in recent
years, George Mason of Fairfax,Virginia, came
to America’s Heartland with the image of cutting down the nets as national champion.You
can be rest assured of that.
However, from a basketball purist’s
standpoint, this year’s Final Four was a gigantic
mess. It set the game of basketball back on its
rears for at least 40 years, going back to the
awful days when the dunk was prohibited and
the shot clock wasn’t even a fleeting thought.
Plain and simple, these games were awful.
There were more missed shots over the two days
of Hoop Heaven than NBA All-Stars have illegitimate kids.There were dribbles off the leg, misfired passes that ended up in the third row of
the stands or at least perfectly hitting the tuba
player in the band in stride.There were more
turnovers than at a German bakery. If anyone
tries to sell you an idea that good basketball
was played in Indiana _ a place that prides itself
on basketball like it invented the sport _ then
you can tell them to do some self examination,
because this was not good basketball.
Now, could it be that the University of Florida
was just that dominant and forced its opposition, namely fairytale George Mason and title
game opponent UCLA, into playing that poorly?
Highly unlikely.
Not taking anything away from Florida,
who is a deserved national champion and
played defense like the Gators’ collective lives
depended upon every single possession. But neither team forced the Gators to do anything differently except pound the ball inside offensively, make the shots when needed and block shots
in record-setting fashion.
It wasn’t so much that a dominant
Florida squad won the national championship,
like say the Georgetown team of Patrick Ewing,
circa 1984, or even last year’s North Carolina
squad.Those were devastatingly dominant
teams.
The Gators were very fortunate to catch George
Mason when the slipper was about to fall off
and the clock was striking way past midnight.
The Gators were also lucky enough to find a
UCLA team that fell behind early in the title
game and did absolutely nothing to try to make a
comeback.
So Florida wins its first national championship ever and Joakim Noah becomes a household name, practically overnight, and everyone
praises the coaching job of Billy Donovan.
But this was certainly not a Final Four to
remember from a basketball standpoint.There
was no superstar like a Magic Johnson, Larry
Bird or Michael Jordan to hold on to.There really wasn’t even one shining moment, like CBS
likes to promote. It was just blowout basketball
games, contests dominated by Florida’s swarming defense.
As youngsters growing up playing sports,
we were informed by our coaches that defense
wins championships.There was no bigger exam-
H
USA • APRIL 2006
PAID BY FOR JCEA PAC

EDITION No. 2 - The Courier Times

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